Rising Hope: Birth Of The Transcendents

Sandgen Airspace, 15:20 P.M.

Jamir's Pov.

A vibrant air was about us as we made our way to the village. Spike's letter informed me of how every day: the training was rigorous, the ideals real, and most of all: the immense history behind the entire ritual. Landing Twi's balloon down with care, the entrance to the village emanated the very definition of holiness.

''Whoa, this place is really shiny!'' Amethyst giggled. ''Spike's been staying here?''

''Yes, honey: he's had training to get better and stronger,'' Twilight hopped out. ''I know for a fact he'll be elated to see us after so long.''

Agreeing with her on the matter, the whole point of this was to get Spike's emotional state in check so he wouldn't prove a threat to others, as well acquire his wings, a defining mark of a true dragon's worth. A few things I noticed (completely interested in.) from this was the concept of Exceeds, P.U.R.E beacons, and more importantly: the Ryuu. Passing over the golden tori gate, the flawless stone path seemed to glimmer with the correct positioning of the sun. Wind chimes were strewn about, tinkling and clinking a symphony of sound. Disciples trained with fluidity, dancing to the sounds of the temple's bell ringing. Heading over to the purification trough and cleansing ourselves of the outside filth, the main hall called to us.

''Intriguing,'' Chrysalis admired the grace of the students. ''it certainly seems young Spike is involved with a colorful band of warriors.''

''Makes sense,'' Frank agreed. ''they've obviously been isolated to strengthen their resolve, basic tactics.''

Sliding the door open, the main hall bore a tatami floor, various religious items about: incense, mortar and pedestals, banners, and a golden statue of a dragon with six wings made of light peering over 12 other dragons of different color with 4 wings that bowed to the titan. Taking off my shoes and setting them on the genkan, we put on the provided slippers and walked in. In the front of the statue sat a dragons, dressed in garbs that would make him to be the Master of this shrine.  Black and forest green were the dominant colors of his robes. A long, grey beard grew down to the middle of his chest, specks of uncombed strands present. The horns on his head arched upward, like a Ram's, shining with a dim glow. His green scaled body portrayed a old, but wise take on the world. Pure white hair flowed down his back, only adding to the question of how old I thought him to be. Slowly opening his eyes, he spoke.

''Ah...so the wayward master has come to retrieve his student...tell me something,'' he stood up, picking up a metal staff adorned with two snake heads, expertly twirling it out of boredom. ''why is it I sense a slight doubt in your heart, young one?''

Knowing that he was talking to me, I chocked on my words.

''Master Dai, I-

''Rooooaaaaaarrrrrr!'' a massive earthquake began to shake the place. Turning around, a shadow plagued the temple, the shape looking anything but friendly.

''Twilight, Amethyst, stay here,'' I commanded. ''Frank, Chrysalis: with me.''

''Uh, son: I would urge you to-

Ignoring the dragon's words, the light from the sun was blocked out: limiting my sight. Heading outside, a flight of stairs looked to lead where the majority of the shadow lay. Running down with concern, Frank and Chrysalis flanking me, we came to a large clearing with a water basin. Seeing the figure swoop overhead, it landed with a slam, displacing water everywhere. Snarling at us, fangs shown and wings flapping crazily, our assailant stared at us with obvious killing intent.

Opening my left palm, Excalibolg came into existence, the vicious 2 inch spikes strewn about bringing a smile to my face. Holding it with one hand, the other formed into a fist, my magic covering it.

''Well let's rumble.'' I crouched low to the ground, preparing for whatever may come.

''Oh, no you don't,'' Frank thrust his hands forward, Shock-Charge (gun gauntlets) coming to life, covering both his forearms with a green/red base, but with a slight design change gave him the option to slice n' dice with a bladed knuckle portion.

''What is our plan of action should we undertake sir?'' Chrysalis brought a verdant light to her horn, seemingly ready to charge at a moment's notice.

''I'll draw his attention, Frank you cover me while Chrysalis: you prepare a stun spell.''

''Roger!''

Pushing off with a powerful charge, the dragon roared in response. Swinging my bludgeon in a horizontal arc, steel met something else in the middle.

''What the-Whoa!'' a gust of air pushed me back, almost knocking off my feet. Looking to see the intruder, Master Dai stood in front of the dragon, his staff pulsing with an invisible mist. Staring back at me, that attack looked to barely faze him.

''Hey, you got a problem: that dragon's looking to hurt somebody!'' Frank growled.

''Calm yourself, child.'' Master Dai replied. ''no harm is present.''

''Your thoughts, my lord?'' Chrysalis held a steady stance.

''...Stand down.'' I decided, withdrawing my weapons. ''If he holds confidence that no threat is here, then we should listen. Apologies, Master Dai,'' I bowed respectfully, Frank and Chrysalis doing the same.

''No worry for that: you merely did what years of your honed instincts told you, but if you had heeded my words, you would know that you almost struck down your student,''

Wait, that's Spike?

Staring into the eyes, they held a familiar air about them. But I needed to know if this is true. Walking over, I cast a curious look to the beast.

''Spike...if that is really you, then tell me: who am I?''

A snort of what seemed to be curiosity came from its mouth before it spoke.

''You're my teacher,'' the voice took on the deepest baritone, a slight rumble reverberating past my eardrums. ''who else would it be?

''Gee, I don't know: what do you think genius? A random dragon looking to kill-THE FUCK YOU THINK WE WERE SUPPOSED TO DO?! PLAY 20 QUESTIONS WITH CHARLIE BROWN?'' Frank complained.

''Hey! Don't take that tone of voice with me! I'm still getting used to this!''

''I do not give a damn!'' he persisted. ''why in Christ's name did you soar around a like a freakin' predator missile: I thought we were fucked by the size of that shadow you made, and let's not forget the snarling...like you wanted to fight!''

''I was clearing my throat, you jerk: dragons can do that, ya know!''

''Like I care! And who da hell you think you think you talkin' to? Better back the hell up outta my face before you catch a case!''

''OF?!''

''My fist in your face!''

''Try it, guido: I dare you! I will burn you so much that Celestia will be sneezing soot!''

''Try it!''

''Ladies first!''

POOF!

''Quieeeeeeetttttttt!'' Twilight teleported, her shouting putting a end to that argument.

''Well,'' Master Dai slightly scratched his ears, me and Chrysalis doing the same. ''I can certainly say you two have a powerful chemistry.''

''You have no idea,'' I whispered in his ear. What seemed to surprise him was seeing the pair laugh and shake off what happened like nothing.

Looking over, Twi widened her eyes, Amethyst running over to me after seeing Spike.

''Hey, hey, it's okay: that's big brother Spike.''

''Big brother?'' she asked incredulously.

''Yea.Just a little size increase is all.''

''Is it reversible?'' Twi prodded him with a hoof.

''Completely: just one of the many benefits of becoming a Ryuu that comes is size manipulation,'' Master Dai commented.

A bright green light engulfed Spike's body, his shape sizing down to his more lanky form back when he was in the early stages of his growth spurt. Observing his stature, his wings shimmered in the sunlight, going over all colors of the rainbow, the most prominent being green, as well his entire body. Flexing his wings a few times, shrouds of magical essence gently trickled with the wind. Smiling at us, the slew of emotions of his face in that one moment alone told a thousand words.

''So Spike, how have you been?'' Twilight brought him into a hug. ''I can't imagine all you had to go through to get to this point,''

''A whole lot, Twi: the training, while rough has helped. The history behind my race has went even farther to tell me my place in this world...I know that I was in a different place at the time, but I appreciate everything you've done for me Master Dai, and you guys too: you never gave up on trying to help and for that i'm eternally grateful,''

Pondering his words, the situation was not all that dire: we just aided a friend in need, but I can see where he comes from with this. His mind, body, and very life: were kinda screwed at one point, that I will not sugarcoat that in the slightest. A more important question on my, and possibly Spike's mind is: where's Zoe?

''Hey, what's going on here?'' a voice laced with curiosity spoke from behind. ''wait, what are you guys doing here?''

Looking to my left, a small dragon with a shimmering white set of scales, accompanied by a pair of light blue eyes, a long furred tail, light horns, a pair of tassels surrounding the cheeks with a small smile brought a confused look to my face.

''And you are?''

''It's me: Zoe!'' the dragoness went over to Spike whom she nuzzled with.

''Wait, but why are you still in your chibi form then? And why the color change?'' Frank asked.

''Size manipulation, remember?'' I refreshed his memory.

''And.'' Master Dai chipped in. ''when those who fully pledges themselves to the ritual and conditions, they are essentially reborn in the sense of the exterior which is why young Spike here will often be changing colors. However, the females scale colors will merely fade in or out to another depending on the color of the life in their hearts,''

''Well, I would love to stay and chat, but we have used up enough of your time as is Master Dai, so I would humbly ask that we be excused from your presence as to better get back into the groove of how things once were.'' I bowed respectfully.

''Of course,'' Master Dai nodded in understanding. ''but I would have you know that you and your family are welcome here, at any time and reason...I sense great things to come into all of your lives, but as well the same amount of hardships that are needed to be overcome. And whenever they may come to you, know that the time will shine upon you all to come together like never before, but.'' he paused, casting a lone look into mine and Twilight's eyes. ''you two will be the ones leading the charge in that and must not lose faith in those around you as they will to you...until next time, I bid you good luck on your travels,'' he turned away, walking deeper into the water before his form contorted with the liquid, his shape fading.

''Well, now what?'' Chrysalis wondered.

lifting my daughter up and putting her in my arms, I only looked ahead, wondering what that actually mean.

''We go home. I'm sure you're itching to be back home Spike, and don't worry Zoe: we have plenty of room for you too,''

The pair looked at one another before speaking.

''Actually, we won't be coming with you guys...me and Zoe had some time to think about it and we want to go and explore Equestria to better give us a chance to expand our options.''

''Spike, are you sure you want to do that? You'd be away from us,'' Twilight reasoned. ''d-do we not matter to you anymore?''

''Of course not,'' Spike patted Twilight on the head. ''you guys mean the entire world to me, I just wish for a change of pace. Everything I have ever went through, I felt it could be more than what I expected it to be. I won't be gone forever, but i'm more than certain some time will do us some good,''

''Big Brother?'' Amethyst went over to Spike, poking him in the leg. ''when will you come back?''

Huffing, the dragon ran a claw over his chin in thought.

''I can't really give you an exact date, little sis, but I can assure you is i'll always be near...right here.'' he poked a claw to her heart.

''I'm gonna miss you.'' Amethyst came into a hug.

''We all will.'' I chipped in. ''it's kinda surreal to see you leaving us, especially since we just came to pick you up, but whatever makes you happy, we'll all support it,'' I smiled.

''Well, Spike: I guess this is it, until next time..,just promise me you two will be careful wherever you go,'' Twilight gave the pair her blessing.

''Thanks, guys: I appreciate it. Zoe, shall we?''

''Yea, let's.''

Grasping her form and putting her on her back, the same bright light from before filled our vision before a huge weight was lifted off the ground, a distant roar of approval sounding from the high skies. His wings shimmering in the sunlight, refracting the spectrum of the rainbow,  a slight small creeping across his face, a cerulean portal opening up, Spike closed in.

Fwooosh!

A longing silence echoed above us, for the longest time, contemplating what happened in that short period of time left a longing hurt in our hearts.

''Well,'' Frank said, in the calmest voice possible. ''that happened.''