Of Fairies and Felines

by Fallen_Stargazer

Rating: mature
Tags: Crossover, Gore, Princess Celestia, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Human, Anthro, Main 6, Princess Luna, Original Character, Comedy, Adventure
Length: 51274

Something about that crystal amulet bugged me. Why was it under such strict lock and key? Why was it stashed away in such a secretive spot? and why do I hear a voice coming from it?

Long ago the dragons formed a peaceful alliance with the two sister thanks to the aid of a man who carried the spirit and magic of a dragon. But alas, a fateful day arrived where that man was lost to the world, and the kingdom of dragons slowly began to tear itself apart from within, those who felt ponies should be prey, and those who desired peace warring for decades. With help from the sisters the royal line was able to keep their civilization from total collapse. But time is a cruel mistress.

Fifteen hundred years have passed, the kingdom now a shadow of its former glory. Can an old ally of dragon and pony raise the empire back to its glory days, or will the land of the dragons fall to ashes like the phoenix.

(rated mature for swearing, sexual language/innuendos, and potentially gory/graphic fight scenes to occur later on)

Published 2015-10-31 05:00:02 UTC
Last updated 2016-08-30 03:29:18 UTC

Of Crystals and Consciousness(Edited)

Author's Note

Right then, first re-released chapter. Opinions are welcome and all negative ones will be met with bloody steel. I mean open arms....yeah...open arms. Anyways, ended up foregoing the third person shift, as i got about a third of the way through this chapter before decided it was WAAAAY too much work to change it and there was too much little bits I kept missing. So yeah, first person still, but with better grammar and a few tweaks here and there

Of Crystals and Consciousness(Edited)

I gave a groan, as for the umpteenth time since I was sealed as an iron statue, my nose decided it would be the perfect time to start itching again. GAH!!!! When is this damned God Iron spell gonna wear off!!! I thought, wishing that the final defense spell I had used back then would just wear off and let me out already. It's bad enough that I was stuck in this hunched pose I said, my body leaned forward as if I were about to lean in and protect someone or something. Ugh, this is gonna leave me with a serious case of back pain when we get out.

For the love of Celestia's fat flanks we know your nose itches. We hear each other's thoughts remember? The voice came from the small bipedal feline currently perched atop my shoulder. It could honestly be worse. We could be stuck as a lawn ornament rather than a indoor art piece. At least the maids keep us polished and clean. I gave a mental nod, agreeing with the feline before sighing internally as I tried to tune out the itching. My mind drifted as the two of us waited out our impromptu imprisonment, wandering back to the events leading up to me becoming an iron statue in a world full of anthropomorphic creatures of myth.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK DING-DONG

I gave a low groan, slowly climbing out of bed to the sound of incessant knocking on the front door. I gave a yawn as my slightly pale hand, laced wity small cut scars running across my fingers, reached up, ruffling my short almost brown-blonde hair. "One sec!" I shouted, hoping whoever at the door was patient enough to give me a chance to change into some decent clothe.....

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK DING-DONG

Or apparently they were in such a god damned hurry they felt the need to nearly knock the door down and ram the doorbell hard enough to crack the button. I ighed and threw on a pair of shorts and a clean t-shirt, walking over to the door. "I'm coming cool your jets!" He grumbled, leaving the bedroom and walking down the hall to the front door of the one story house. He opened the door, a slightly irritated look held on his face before it was replaced with a look of confusion. At his doorstep was a man in his mid to late forties, slightly thinning black hair that faded to gray along the sides. He was dressed in what looked like a standard business suit, white shirt, black tie and jacket, pants and shoes to match. What Connor focused on however was the large brown briefcase in one hand, and a rather thick manila envelope in the other.

The businessman, who he simply dubbed 'Suits', looked up from the folder. "Mr. Connor Fortino?" The young man blinked, looking at Suits, before giving a single nod. The businessman opened his briefcase, pulling out a clipboard before handing the surprised guy the envelope. "You've been summoned." Connor blinked, taking the envelope. "Sign here please." He shook his head a bit before looking at the clipboard. It was a standard notice of delivery and receipt. "Everything is in that envelope. We'll see you soon." He said, turning and leaving before Connor could really say anything, before getting in a simple black car and driving off. The only thing running through the young man's mind at the moment before even looking at the letter was Did I just get served by the men in black?

He gave a sigh and walked inside, shutting the door and heading to the kitchen. While he was a heavy sleeper, once he was awake, he was awake until at least late at night. He walked over to the Keurig, popping in a cup and placing a mug underneath, closing the latch and hitting start. He lifted up the slightly hefty envelope. It was a typical manila envelope with a label for the recipient's name and address. However it was what was in the upper corner that caught his attention. In the corner was the logo for an Italian law firm, along with the address based out of Florence, Italy. "Oh great, first thing in the morning and the mafia is coming for me."He said with a groan, shaking his head. "I need caffeine before I can process this." He said, grabbing the finished cup of coffee and knocking back a quarter of the hot nectar of the gods. He set the cup back down and opened the letter, looking over the papers before finding the initial letter. Thankfully whoever had sent it had the wherewithal to make sure it was in English. "Thank god because my Italian sucks." He said before taking another sip of coffee.

After a few minutes of reading over the letter, his eyes widened and his confusion grew. According to the letter, his paternal great grandfather had passed away, and in the will left him the inheritor of his estate. "Great grandpa George? Huh. Well I can say I didn't see this coming." He thought aloud, thoughts wandering to his now deceased relative. His great grandfather was the founder and former CEO of Redfox Pharmaceutical, one of the largest companies in the world. Now while he was never that close with the, as a few family members put it 'drug lord', even though all his dealings were with actual medicines and not illegal narcotics, he still remembered some times playing with the old man in a countryside home in the states. "Wonder if that's what he left me. Though why an Italian law firm?" He muttered to himself. Looking through the papers more, it was revealed that it was in fact a home out in the Italian countryside that was being left to him, along with the land it resided on.

To hear that his great-grandpa had a home in Italy didn't surprise him too much. It was that despite only having met him a few times at family get togethers he was brought *cough*dragged*cough* to, he named the young man the sole inheritor of his estate there. He shook his head to clear away the errant thoughts, returning to reading the letter. Looking at the law firm's second letter, it stated that he actually needed to come to the law firm in Italy as it was a legal process in their country and technically out of jurisdiction in the US. Included in the letter were a plane ticket to Italy, a temporary international driver's permit, and a car rental pass. Someone would pick him up at the airport to bring him to the office and then after that drop him off at the car rental location. Well.....looks like I'm going on vacation. Better let work know i'll be gone for a while. He thought before finishing off his coffee and grabbing his cell phone.

One Week and Three Days Later

With the wake and funeral done, with me meeting a few of the Redfox family members as well as some of my cousins and uncles I hadn't seen in a few years,all that left was meeting the lawyers concerning all the legalities about me taking over the property. I met with a few layers, discussing the house and property. Turns out my great-grandpa completely owned the land and house, no mortgage left to be paid, and apparently in his will he set up an account with the water, gas, and electric companies to have the bills paid for as long as the house was kept in his family. After some hemming and hawwing, it came to the decision I would live there for a few weeks to check the place out, clean it up, and take care of any of the items left behind. After the meeting I walked to a cafe and grabbed a quick bite to go before hopping in my rental car, switching the GPS to english before driving out to the house.

Much to my surprise, figuring for a retired CEO it would be some massive manor, it was a surprisingly average 3 story, four if you counted the basement. I drove up the pathway, parking in the drive before getting out and going up, unlocking the door. I half expected there to be a light layer of dust but the place was pretty well kept. After setting my luggage down in the master bedroom, taking a quick shower, and finishing off the food I grabbed, I began going through the house, making a list of everything of major interest. I went through cataloguing several paintings, sculptures, knick-knacks, along with several chests full of clothing. One chest had me laughing a bit, as there was a black jacket with some iron studding and banding, heavy black boots, some wristbands, and somewhat baggy khaki style pants. Apparently great grandpa had an insterest in gothic fashion.

I shook my head and went to lift the chest full of clothing, giving a groan as I stumbled back a bit, bumping against the wall. "Gah damn chest is heavier than it loo....wait, what was that?"I say, having heard a small thud behind me as I look at the wall. "Sounded like something fell loose." I set the chest back down, going around into what I discovered was an old study. I looked around for what could have made the sound, seeing what looked like a wooden panel on the floor just behind the desk. I look and see a decent sized portrait of great grandpa George and great grandma Leanna back when they were younger. I smiled at the picture, noticing how happy they looked in it. Returning my focus back to the wooden panel, I picked it up, looking back at the painting. "I wonder....nah couldn't be....could it?" I set the panel down on the desk, carefully lifting the portrait off it's fastenings. As I move it, I start to see a hole in the wall, shaking my head. "Seriously, secret compartment behind the painting? Come on." I say, setting down the portrait carefully. Inside was a glass case, and inside that was a strange looking amulet, carved out of some kind of opaque lime green crystal. The central design bore a rough shaped dragon's head with an almost metallic and block like pattern surrounding it.

The box itself was just a basic square cube of what I assume plexiglass, with at least four different kinds of padlocks on the lid. "Why would great grandpa have such a thing hidden and locked up like this?"I say out loud. Over the next few hours I spent time looking through drawers and boxes for the keys that might go to the locks, but turn out no results. I scratch my head and give a shrug. "Eh, maybe I'll find em later." I say, returning to cataloguing more clothes and art.

It's been about three days since I moved into my great grandpa's old house. Really the only thing of interest was that amulet I found tucked away behind the painting. Granted there was still some actually valuable art that I had offered to a museum, along with a lot of old clothes split between charity donations and one of the local historical societies. Oh, and I still couldn't find the blasted keys anywhere for the case. For now I had take to placing on the mantle over the fireplace, figuring it would make for a good decoration at least.

I had just began putting some of my own clothes I had shipped over from home away in the wardrobe in the master bedroom when something strange caught my eye. The back of the wardrobe looked fine, except for a slight change in the way the knots from the wood seemed to line up. Normally this wouldn't bother me, but after finding that secret behind the painting, I had gotten a little investigative whenever I found something off like that. Turns out great grandpa George loved his secret hiding spots. Over the time I had found three more spots, one with a few pieces of jewelry(most likely great grandma Leanna's), a few folders containing bank statements that I turned over to the family attorneys to settle out, and one containing what appeared to be a rather large sheathed dagger. I left that where it was, not knowing what to make of it.

Back to my current investigation, looked back at the back of the wardrobe, then back at the inside, making a judgement there was at least a 1 to 1 1/2 inch gap between where the back was and where it should be. Thankful that I hadn't trimmed my nails just yet, I began trying to dig them into where the wood seemed off. After several moments of wriggling my nails into the wood and one small sliver later, I had pried the small panel off, revealing a shallow indent with a hook inside, and on the hook was a ring of five polished brass keys. I blinked and looked at them, taking the keys and looking them over. Immediately my mind went to the locked amulet case, and I hurried out to the living room to check. After carefully pulling it down from the mantle I set it on the table before stopping. There was only four locks on the case, but five keys, so what did the fifth one go to? My mind raced for a moment before stopping on the blade I had found. on the hilt connecting it to the sheath there had been a small padlock, one that looked like the smallest key on the ring would go to. I immediately ran to the panel I had found it behind, in the master bathroom no less, and grabbed it, bringing it back to the living room.

After a few moments of testing which key went to what, all five keys currently rested in their respective locks, waiting to be turned. I slowly turned the one on the dagger, hearing the lock click as I removed it, setting it aside. I pulled the blade out, admiring the craftsmanship on it. Despite being hidden for possibly years, the blade showed almost no wear, as evident by the now prominent scratch in the table i had my just by dragging the tip of the blade across it. I set the blade back in it's sheath and began turning the locks on the case one by one, hearing each lock click open and drop to the table. I carefully removed the lid, looking in at the crystaline amulet

hello can anyone hear me?

I blinked and looked around, having thought I heard someone. "Hello? Is someone there?" I say, looking around the room before getting up and checking the front door. Looking outside I didnt see a single soul, and the only car was mine, so I went back inside to the living room, only the hear the voice again.

Hello! Is someone there?

I look around, stopping as I realize that the voice is coming from the amulet. I look down at it, seeing that the crystal seems to be glowing a soft lime green. "Hello?" I say, reaching into the case to grab the amulet. Now, first off my brain should have immediately responded with 'holy crap glowing amulet don't touch, might be radioactive.' But it was like my hand was on auto-pilot, picking up the amulet and holding it up. The crystal felt cool to the touch, but the glow almost made it feel alive. That was my last thought before it brightened almost to the intensity of the sun, a voice booming out

THE HEIR OF IRON HAS CLAIMED HIS BIRTHRIGHT!

Those were the last words I heard before the light suddenly went out, and my mind and vision went dark as the ground seemed to fall out from under me.

Of Princesses and Powers(Edited)

The looks on the faces of all the ponies present was pretty much one single emotion. Confusion. I blinked and looked around, eyes meeting those of the princesses. "Um....hello?" I say, waving a bit. The white princess, who i assumed was Celestia, since the other princess looked like Luna, what with her starry sky mane, spoke up.

"Pardon us. We were momentarily...how do the lower class say...thrown off? by your request. Not to mention that thou art a being the likes of which neither our sister nor us have seen before." She said, an almost motherly smile present on her face, but with her body in a position shown she was ready to reach for her weapons should the situation turn hostile.

"Indeed sister, tis a most strange creature the guard dost bring to our court. Tell us...Connor...thou did say?" Luna asked, to which I nodded. "Connor then. Tell us, what exactly art thou?" The princess of the night questioned. "And also thine feline companion on thine shoulder."

I smiled and bowed my head. "Connor Fortino, Human being, scientific name Homo Sapiens. A species of mammal that over thousands of eons evolved from apes and chimpanzees." I then smirk at Scratch, who during our mental lessons had told me the name that originally went with the form he had was Pantherlily, Grandpa Gajeel's old Exceed companion, but he had accepted the name Scratch as he liked it. "And as for my companion, I believe he can answer that better." I said, holding my arm out, palm raised. Scratch nodded and hopped off my shoulder, sprouting his wings and floating over into my outstretched hand. He gave a curt bow, his arms at his side.

"A pleasure to make your acquaintances your majesties. My name is Scratch. I am known as an Exceed. A type of magical feline capable of flight and, once I learn to fully utilize my magic, transformation into a more humanoid form." At this, the jaws of everyone in the room hit the floor, the Princesses and the guards in the room over the fact that he was talking and admitted to being able to use magic, myself and the guards that had been with us over the fact he had said he could also eventually use a spell to become more humanoid. I looked at him and thought.

Wait seriously? You can do that too? Scratch smiled and nodded at me, responding in turn.

Indeed. Though Aera, the flight magic, is intrinsic to almost all exceed, the transformation magic takes practice and time. he said, sending me a mental image of how he would look upon mastering his transformation, the bulky almost human feline appearance gave me a slight shock.

Princess Celestia brought everyone's attention back by politely clearing her throat. "Yes, well, while that was a surprise to us all, let us return to the issue at hand." She then turned her gaze on me. "Unfortunately, as our sister and we have stated, thou art a foreign species to us. To find thine home would require research our subjects are not capable of at this time." She said, Luna nodding. "Twere it any other time, our scholars would be overjoyed at the prospect of a new world and new species, but unfortunately our ponies are quite busy dealing with the recent threat of the dragons." I blinked, noticing I've been blinking in surprise a lot, but then again I was in a new world surrounded by everything my world told me never existed, remembering how the guards reacted before.

Scratch then spoke up. "If I may Princesses, Connor here would be a valuable asset to your cause." I froze and nearly gave myself whiplash as I looked over at the floating cat.

"Say what?!" I practically shouted, my voice echoing in the spacious throne room.

Several others seemed to share my sentiment, Princess Luna speaking up. "We share the same thought as young Connor. Pray tell Sir Scratch, how wouldst he be of assistance in driving back the dragons?" I nodded and looked at him, confused as all hell as well.

Scratch smiled and thought to me quick. remember the dragon? "Connor here possess a special type of magic. One he inherited from his Great Grandfather. It is a special ancient type of magic specifically made for fighting against dragons." I blink, surprised as I remembered the dragon flying into me, though my thoughts derailed a split second later. "It's name is Tetsu no Metsuryū Mahō. Translated to the language we are speaking now, is Iron Dragon Slayer Magic." I stand there in shock, my eyes widening as my jaw practically dropped. What he basically told me was I have magic capable of slaying giant, fire breathing, scaly behemoths.

And you couldn't have told me this during our little trek here? Would have been nice to know I got more than just sensing magic! I thought to him with an almost rapidfire pace.

He turned and glanced at me. I was planning to explain it when we were in private, but now seemed as good a time as any. Besides, you've sensed their magical power. If this helps us get in on their good side, then we've got a link to potentially powerful friends/allies. Also if we can help them with whatever problem they are facing with the dragons, then it might speed up them researching how to send you home. I grumbled, begrudgingly accepting his logic.

The princesses stared in shock as well at this news, looking me over with a mix of curiosity, intrigue, and...was that respect? Luna looked at the two of us before speaking up. "If young Connor truly possesses the magic thou dost say, perhaps he would care to demonstrate?" She said, Celestia nodding in agreement. Scratch looked up at me, sending his thoughts.

Scratch then turned to me and thought spoke That dragon was the embodiment of the Iron Dragon Slayer magic. Dragon Slayer magic changes the constitution of it's wielder to that of a dragon's. With it, you can change your body into iron, steel if you can withstand absorbing carbon, fire projectiles from your hands, a massive breath attack, and you can also eat iron to regain energy.

Hearing all this in my mind made my eyes widen as he sent me images associated with grandpa Gajeel using these techniques, but what shocked me the most was the last bit. "I can EAT iron?!" I thought aloud, drawing the attention of everyone, save Scratch. He simply nodded and flew over, grabbing a guard's spear and brought it over to me.

"Here, bite." I blinked, taking the spear in my hands, grunting a bit as it was actually quite heavy. I looked at him with some hesitation, the exceed simply nodding. I sighted and carefully placed the head of the spear in my mouth, closing my eyes as I shut my jaw harder than I should have, waiting for the inevitable clang of my teeth meeting the metal. However, it never came. Rather than that sound, what was heard was a crunching sound, as if someone were tearing through the metal. I opened my eyes in shock as I felt my teeth meet, showing I had in fact bitten clean through the head of the spear, much to the shock of nearly everyone in the room. I slowly began to chew, the metal breaking apart in my jaws, the sensation being that of cold toast, the metal not even cutting my mouth as I swallowed, blinking as I almost felt energized, my eyes widening as I began eating the rest of the spear head, a few seconds later only the shaft of wood left. I gave a soft burp before wiping my lips, realizing the looks of everyone around. "Uh....excuse me?" I said with an embarrassed chuckle.

Scratch smiled and turned to the princesses. "Dragon slayer magic pertains to various elements, the magic changing the wielder's constitution to that of a dragon, allowing them to withstand the great strength and powers of the creatures, leveling the playing field as it were." He turned to me with a smile. Now focus on the energy within you, and imagine your skin becoming like Iron, almost as if you were putting on armor.

I blink and close my eyes, slowly focusing on the new energy eating that spear head gave me. Moments later I open my eyes, a flash of bright green light appearing under me. I look down, seeing the same circle as the amulet and what the dragon flew into. My own eyes, and I'm sure everyone else's, widening in surprise as the skin along my arms and part of my upper chest slowly turned a steel gray, gaining the appearance of scales, my nails lengthening into pointed claw tips. "Huh, I was going for full body look."

Scratch smiled and flew over, landing on my head. More than likely because you lack full training. Though it is an impressive start. He then looked at the princesses. "This your majesties, is Tetsuryū no Uroko, or Iron Dragon's Scales. It changes the user's skin to scales similar to that of an Iron Dragon's, boosting the user's physical offensive abilities, but also their physical defense as well."

I blinked and looked over at Scratch. "So literally like a skintight suit of armor?" I ask him, to which he nods I turn to one of the earth pony guards. "Could one of you hit me? I want to test this?" I say, the guards looking at each other before Commander Steel walked over, his look questioning if I was sure or not. I smiled and nodded. "Scratch says I have scales of iron, so I wanted to test it." I say, tapping my chest. "Not your strongest hit, just one you know would knock an opponent down." I say, bracing myself, placing my arms together and against my chest. Steel nodded and took a stance before launching a punch straight at my chest. A resounding clang echoed throughout the throne room for several seconds. Afterwards there was a brief silence as the ponies and exceed stared at us, myself having only moved back an inch and honestly it felt like he tapped me. However the result of the defense could be seen, as it almost seemed like a vibration went along the earth pony's arm before vibrating his whole body, pulling slowly away before standing straight and nodded.

"Most Impressive." He said before bowing to the princesses and walking out of the throne room to return to duties. Just before the doors closed however, they could all hear the commander swear quite loudly. "MOTHER BUCKE-" His swear was cut off as the throne room doors closed.

I then turned to the princesses and chuckled. "Whoops." I said, the magic deactivating as I saw my skin return to normal.

The ponies all stared at me before the two princesses stood to their full height, Celestia appearing a good head or so taller than me, while Luna was just half a head taller. "Well young Connor, twould seem that thine magic is indeed impressive, and quite unlike any Equestria, or perhaps the world itself, has ever seen." Princess Celestia spoke before turning to the guardsponies. "Guards, if thou would please leave the court, our sister and we have something we wish to ask Sir Connor." She said, the guards looking at each other hesitantly, Luna merely tapping her hoof to gain their attention.

"Our sister is correct. We shall be fine noble guards, but what shall be requested is of utmost importance, and only for the ears of ourselves, our sister, and Sirs Connor and Scratch." The guards nodded, all leaving the throne room, the last one out closing the door behind them all. I turned and looked, jumping back a bit as the two sisters had suddenly gotten much closer. "Sir Connor. With knowledge of thine magic, we would ask of thee a boon." I blinked, thinking back to my english classes and shakespeare.

"Oh a favor." I smiled and nodded. "Of course your highnesses. After all, I'm but a stranger in your lands. Who am I to reject the request of it's rulers." I say with a soft bow. Scratch was right. Now that they were right next to me I had to all but shut out my magical sense, as the pressure of the two of them right there was like someone had my heart and lungs in a choke hold.

The two of them smiled softly before Luna spoke. "In a week's time, the king of Thaczil Darastrixi shall be venturing to our palace in order to establish diplomatic relations with Equestria. We would be most appreciative if though wouldst attend with us and be on our guard detail." She said, earning a slightly stunned reaction from me. The two rulers of the country were asking me to be intimidating muscle at a diplomatic meeting.

"Well, I can't exactly say no , considering that i have no place of my own in this world. Plus, it gives me time to learn more about my magic." I said with a smile. "In short. I'd be honored." I said with a curt bow. We then talked briefly about what sort of etiquette I needed to learn when dealing with the king and ambassadors from Thaczil Darastrixi, which I learned the next day meant Kingdom of Dragons. Now me being intimidation made more sense.

Over the next couple days, I was taught the proper etiquette from a few Equestrian scholars, along with some basic history of the country of Equestria itself. Scratch had also been teaching me more about Iron Dragon Slayer magic, as well as a few basic healing magics that would help for anything that could get through my defenses. Needless to say there were a few accidents here and there.

I simply stared at my arm which was now an iron pole from the elbow down. The Tetsuryūkon, or Iron Dragon's Club, as Scratch had called it, had been the next magic I had tried to learn. Needless to say it was cool as I could extend it a good fifteen feet in front of me before bringing it back to it's normal two and a half feet length. The only problem however, was that no matter how much I willed or tried, my arm wouldn't go back to normal. 'well, this is gonna make going to the bathroom awkward. Good thing it was my left arm and not my right though. Finally by the end of the day it had returned to normal after draining my magical reserves to the point of exhaustion.

I simply stared at the massive hole in the ground, the Princesses, several guards, and the castle groundskeeper all staring at me with a look of slight irritation. I sheepishly rubbed the back of my head. 'How was I supposed to know that the Iron Dragon's Breath would make that big of a hole with just a little magic poured into it.' I say with a soft laugh and blush. The groundskeeper simply walked over, handed me a shovel, and pointed at the scattered dirt and stone. I sighed and relented, getting to work on repairing the ground.

He also had me train to test my magical reserves, getting a feel for how much magic I had, how much each technique cost, and how to slowly strengthen my pool. I had also been spending time at the forge in the castle, both helping the smiths, and also getting myself an occasional snack of metal that could no longer be re-worked into anything. What? I've learned to enjoy a snack of metal. Plus it helps replenish my magical pool just a little bit. The purer and more refined the iron, the better the taste and the more energy I get back.

A week had finally gone by, and I found myself out in the grounds doing some strength training, using a tree branch for pull ups when I heard a loud roar off in the distance. I dropped down, threw on my jacket, and ran back inside, getting ready for the meeting that could potentially change this kingdom's future for the better, or doom it forever.

Author's Note

Removed the question about which path to take, as I've decided to go with the ally path storyline.

Again, edited briefly so there's only one person talking per paragraph/section. Let me know if there's anything else to fix.

Of Dragons and Diplomacy

Celestia, Luna, a few guards, and myself and Scratch stood in a large clearing of the courtyard, awaiting the dragon emmisaries. I recognized Commander Steel, but didn't know the Unicorn stallion or Pegasus mare. I glanced at Scratch who had taken his preferred perch on my shoulder, thinking to him. Five bits says they assume I'm a shaved earth pony.

At this Scratch gave a mental chuckle, nodding. Ten says a balding minotaur. I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought before a third voice sounded off inside our heads.

We wager fifteen the emmisaries doth think thou art an ape born without hair. The voice of Princess Luna rang out softly in our minds. We both glanced over at her, the princess of the night having discovered me and scratch used the occasional telepathic conversation on our fourth day here. She took it quite well and now she can occasionally hear in on conversations. I looked at the exceed before we both nodded, telling her she had a deal.

After a few more moments of waiting, a large shadow cast itself over the courtyard, a loud roar echoing through the forest. I blinked and looked up, itching at my ear from the volume. My eyes widened and my jaws dropped as I looked up and saw quite possibly the biggest fucking dragon of all time being flanked by two slightly smaller dragons. I was half tempted to book it out of muscle memory from when I first was brought to Equestria, but stood firm. One of the first things I had been taught about dragons, royal ambassadors or not, was that they respected courage and not running in fear. Internally I was half screaming, half awed.

Within moments the dragons landed with a resounding thud, the wingbeats of the drakes kicking up a massive cloud of dust and debris. This would normally bother some but at the last moment, Celestia had summoned up a quick barrier around the group until the wind died down. Once the air had calmed and the dust settled, she lowered the barrier, Looking up at the largest of the trio. "King Edar Harroc, tis an honor. We were not expecting thyself to come to this meeting." I looked over at her then up at the large dragon, giving a mental whistle at how far back I had to crane my neck to get a good look at him.

The dragon gave a low chuckle, the very air and ground vibrating as he spoke, his voice like an avalanche. "Princesses Celestia and Luna. It is good to see you as well. " The giant forest green dragon said as he looked over the small squad of ponies, my body trembling slightly as I felt his gaze pass over me. I almost looked down if not for remembering the lessons that the two princesses had told me about meeting with dragons.

Celestia lightly thumped me on the head, which coming from the armored princess felt more like a quick smack with a frying pan that was still semi warm. "Wrong. Now try again. When meeting with a greater drake, should your eyes meet, you are to..." She said, waiting for me to respond.

I gave a grumble, rubbing the top of my head. "When meeting the eyes of a greater drake, you should hold gaze for no less than....thirty seconds? before bowing your head?" At this she gave a smile and nodded, moving onto the next lesson.

I made sure to mentally count the seconds, holding the dragon king's gaze. 28.....29....30 I thought out, lowering my head enough to take his head out of my field of vision. I then heard a rumbling chuckle from the dragon king, counting the extra 10 seconds I was to keep my head bowed. As I looked up however, I almost fell back, as the large eye of the ruler of dragons was now just a few feet from me. I managed to catch myself, merely stepping my foot back a bit in surprise. I blinked and looked at the large reptilian eye.

"Interesting unit you have with you Celestia. One of each race, but I do not recognize this one." He said, raising his head back up before looking down at the princesses. "Did one of your guards lose a bet and have to be shaved clean?" he said with a laugh, the other two dragons laughing as well. "And here I pegged you two as the utmost formal of delegates." He gave a toothy grin. "You ponies always seem to surprise us with every chance you get."

I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding as the dragon king seemed to be a more relaxed kind of royalty. I smirked softly, extending a hand up by Luna and Scratch. "Pay up you two." I said with a soft laugh, Scratch grumbling and Luna merely frowning slightly as both deposited a ten bit and a five bit coins in my open hand. I then put my hands back in my pocket, turning only to see the dragon king and his attendees looking at us in somewhat of a confused yet amused look.

"And what pray tell was the wager we have born witness to hairless one?" The sky blue dragon to the left of the king spoke, the softer tone denoting it was a female dragon.

I bowed my head once again, placing a fist against my chest before standing up straight. "An honor to speak King Harroc. My name is Connor Fortino, and I am no pony." I gave a chuckle. "I am what's known as a human. A species not originally from Terras" I smiled. "Pertaining to the bet, myself, Princess Luna, and my companion here Scratch made a wager about what your excellency would guess I was based upon sight. I guessed shaved pony, Scratch had guessed balding minotaur, and her highness assumed hairless monkey....which actually isn't that far off for what my species technically is, scientifically speaking anyways." I explained, garnering a few strange looks from the Silver dragon on the king's right, as well as Princess Celestia before the king started laughing loudly. With a flash of green, blue, and silver fire, the three dragons seemed to vanish, only to be replaced with what could only be described as anthro dragons.

"Well then, now that we have the ice breaker out of the way, shall we head inside to get to the true reason we are here?" The tallest of the group, who I assumed was King Harroc. In their new forms the king was roughly two heads taller than me, his face like a dragon's muzzle only somewhat shorter, his shoulders broad and his muscles easily those of a trained warrior. His armor consisted of light plate mail along the chest, stomach, and legs, with what looked like armor plating along his wings, covering the bone but leaving the webbing still exposed. the two others wore similar armor, though I made sure to avert my eyes when going over the dragoness' armor. The Princesses and King led the way, Luna nodding her head for me to follow alongside the king's escorts, while the three commanders took up the rear.

I followed alongside the two dragons, looking over at their humanoid forms. The silver dragon had taken on an appearance similar to a mage or scholar, wearing flowing robes of a midnight blue, almost black material. He stood a head taller than me, his ear fins a little less pronounced than they were in his, I'm gonna call it feral form until I find out exactly what they call it. One of the more prominent features of his change was the fact that he now carried several pouches and a satchel along his back. The dragoness of the group was equipped similar to the king, wearing armor that seemed to fit and protect more of the vital areas, though I tried to keep my eyes from lingering too long on the chestplate before looking at the silver dragon. "Since you two know my name thanks to the introduction, might I know yours as well?"

The two looked at each other before looking back at me, the silver dragon speaking first. "My name is Orn Svanti. Scribe and Chief Alchemist to the king." He said, nodding his head. "And this is Qumado Daron. Second in command of the king's aquatic armed forces." The dragoness nodded, gesturing to her left pauldron, a crest of a dragon merged with a design of ocean waves prominent. I look at the symbol and nod my head, turning my gaze forward again as we entered the castle.

As the entourage moved through the halls, I talked with Orn more, curious about the alchemy he used, as it was just a myth back home. The silver drake was more than happy, seeming to go into full lecture mode about various chemical mixtures, along with using special transmutation circles and the caster's will to change or mold objects. He also explained the rule of equivalent exchange, how certain materials seemed to hold an intrinsic value, some items being higher than others. Offhand I asked about iron into gold, and he told me it only took roughly twenty pounds of iron to make a solid 2 pound lump of gold. "Ten to one ratio huh? that doesn't seem that expensive really." I said, looking over at Qumado, the dragoness having been silent the whole walk. "So, does she just take her job seriously, or is she mute?" I asked Orn.

The drake smiled and chuckled. "One would think that upon meeting an aquatic dragon, but while she does take a measure of seriousness to her task of guarding the king, she is not mute. Aquatic dragons are more at home under lakebeds, rivers, and oceans. Thus their vocal systems developed differently than most naturally land or sky born dragons. In order to properly speak, they must have at least their head submerged under water, as their voices would simply come out as shrieks, squeaks, and clicks, similar to those of dolphins." To drive the point home, he nodded at the blue dragoness, who opened her mouth and proceeded to give off a quick whistle, squeak and several quick clicks before closing her mouth again. "However, it is possible to learn to translate their sounds to proper speech."

I blinked and looked over. "But she spoke before when we were all outside and you two and the king were in your larger forms." I said, thinking back to how she had asked about the bet.

Qumado gave a slow squeak and a couple whistles, Orn nodding and translating. "She said that while in their true form, aquatic dragons have a sort of pouch within their esophagus that can hold a good amount of water, allowing their voice to be translated, but that biological feature does not apply to their bipedal forms." I nodded, stopping as I realized the group had arrived at the room that normally served as a small dining hall, but was now arranged as a meeting room for the emissaries and the princesses to begin their discussions.

Several plates were set out for the princesses, the dragon king and his companions, along with two plates for the princesses. The plates for the dragons were stacked with various meats, along with a few gemstones and metals, whereas the princesses had plates of various roasted vegetables and what looked like flowers. The dragons took their seats on one side of the table, but soon gained a look of confusion as a plate identical to theirs, minus the gemstones, was brought out and placed on the princesses side. "Is there someone else joining us your majesties?" King Harroc asked.

Princess Celestia gave a smile. "No, my other guards need to return to their duties, but Connor here will be joining us as well. Seeing as how he and Scratch are neither dragon nor pony, we felt it would be good to have a neutral third party involved in the discussions." She said, gesturing to the chair that had been placed between the two parties as well as the plate. I walked over and bowed my head, sitting down as Scratch remained on my shoulder.

Orn looked at the plate then at me. "Fascinating, so the human diet consists of foods similar to that of dragons then?" Orn said, a scroll and quill in his hand as he took some notes.

I shook my head, handing scratch a piece of meat before eating some as well. "No, the normal human diet is an omnivorous one. We can eat meats, as well as various vegetables and some plants. However unlike ponies, our bodies can't digest certain grains or flowers. The metals is actually something that occurred when I recieved my magic." I said, watching the dragon take more notes. I then looked at the princesses, the two alicorns nodding at me to proceed. "Now before I say the name of my magic, I wish to let it be known I have no intention of using it for it's original purpose, that the name was merely given to this style because that was it's original intention where it came from." The dragons looked at me with curiosity as I gave a sigh. "The name of my magic," I said as I used Iron Dragon's Scales, shifting my face and upper body into it's scaled form. "is Iron Dragon Slayer magic."

At the mention of the name, Orn's quill snapped, Qumado reaching for the blades on her sides, and I was thankful that looks could not kill, or the glare from King Harroc would have turned me to ash on the spot. If it weren't for Celestia casting a quick flash of light and Luna a soft bang of sound, I felt the dragons would have torn into me. "Your highness, we ask that thou calm thy soldier." Luna spoke, giving a nod at me. I smiled and nodded back, looking at the dragons.

"I get that the name of my magic causes some distrust, but if I may your majesty." I closed my eyes and thought back to the lesson with Luna the previous day.

"Should the king become wary upon learning of they magic, there is a final measure to prove you mean no harm to him or his entourage." The princess of the night said. "However, this oath, should you use it, swears your loyalty to him and allows him to ask of thee any task to prove thy honor." She then spent the next hour and a half teaching me the proper oath.

I raised my left hand, claws extended and then brought the tips to my chest over my heart. "mrith sia zi sepa, si majak sia tiichi ekess wer daar di darastrixi. mrith sia vers, si vow ekess nurti raise vi gix seanf nomenes deemed sia latali. mrith sia tiichi sva stake, si oupil sio ghoros wux vur oupil sia sepa nif ihk dout ivah"* As I spoke I could see their eyes widen, clearly not having expected anyone to use, or even know the vow of loyalty to the king. I kept my hand over my heart as I looked at the king, waiting for his final word of judgement.

Harroc looked at me, his eyes scanning over my body to try and detect some form of deceit or falsehood in my statement. He closed his eyes for several moments before speaking. "Onelkator." Forgiven. At this I let out a sigh, the princesses as well. I nodded my head and smiled. "You will have to forgive us princesses. Unknown to much of the world, dragon slayer magic is an art taught to very few warriors among my court. It is taught as a final resort should there ever be rogue dragons that cannot be brought down by simpler means. Discovering there was an unknown being that wielded one of our most secret techniques was quite the shock."He said, looking at me for a few moments before turning back to the princesses. "Now then, with that out of the way, shall we get on to the matter we have all gathered for?" He said, resting his hands on the table before using his tail to pop a sapphire into his mouth. At this we all nodded, eating a bit before getting to the diplomatic discussion.

It was several moments before Harroc nodded at Orn. The silver dragon nodded back and pulled out a scroll. "The reason the dragon king has come today, is to proclaim a peace treaty with the Princesses of Equestria. It is his hope that our two races can work together to bring peace and understanding throughout the regions, and to aid one another in times of emergency." At this, the Princesses both stopped, slightly shocked. I could understand their surprise.

From what I had gathered during my week here, the dragons and Equestrians had always been at sort of a standstill, where the dragons could lay waste to much of Equestria within the span of a few days thanks to their numbers, flames, and alchemy, but the Equestrians could also cause equal damage with their magic, pegasi squads and earth pony brigades. Not to mention Celestia and Luna being able to bring the literal wrath of the heavens down on them. The princesses had assumed the meeting today was to either ask for a surrender, or at the very least, a mutual ceasefire where either kingdom avoids any interference in the other. To know that Thaczil Darastrixi sought peace was quite the surprise.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other for several moments, their minds connecting and going through a whirlwind of what if's, possibilities, and other political probabilities that could come from a peace treaty with the dragon empire. They then turned back to the group, their mental conversation over. "It is with honor that we accept Thaczil Darastrixi's proposal for peace and cooperation." Celestia said with a smile, Luna nodding her head as well. Me and Scratch smiled, looking at the two groups as we had just witnessed peace between two nations coming to fruition. Celestia then smiled and looked at me. "Connor, if thou could, please go out and ask the nearest servant to find Gilded Scroll. She is the royal scribe and quite frankly I think she would be thrilled to help draft the treaty." I smiled and nodded, heading out into the halls to find a servant, hoping this would all go well for the kingdoms.

Within just few hours, the dragon emissaries, the princesses, and myself and scratch, had drafted up a baseline treaty with Gilded Scrolls help. The grey coated beige maned unicorn mare being quite the asset when it came to all the proper legal terms for some parts. Originally I thought that me and Scratch would be nothing more than some intimidation/muscle, but we actually helped out a lot. There were a few times when the dragons suggested some parts regarding trade and possible migration, but me and Scratch had actually pointed out that the route would lead them over several settlements that could very well mistake the dragons as invaders, thus leading to misunderstandings.

The Princesses as well had suggested to send several Equestrian ambassadors and mages over to lesser principalities in the dragon kingdom in order to aid with weather and crop growth, but it was Orn who backed me up, stating that the dragons actually preferred to leave the weather in their country as is, as with several volcanoes, as well as thunder and sky dragons flying about, scheduled and precision weather patterns like in Equestria had a higher chance of being disrupted. The crop issue was pretty much nil, as almost all dragons fed on either their natural element, meat of the wild creatures roaming the air, land, or waters, or metals/gemstones the Earth dragons would dig up.

As we were all working and looking through another section of the treaty, it was Qumado who interrupted us, giving a quick shrill squeak and whistle. "Come again Qumado?" Orn said as he and Gilded looked at her, the aquatic dragon giving a few clicks and whistles before nodding her head at the window. The sun had gone quite low though not just yet over the horizon. This caused Celestia and Luna to perk up.

"Oh dear, it seems that we lost track of the time while working on the treaty." Celestia said with a soft laugh. "Come sister, we must raise the moon and lower the sun." She then turned to the rest of us. "Perhaps we should all get some rest. I'm sure the emissaries are tired from their flight and the work on the treaty. Connor, Scratch, could you two please show them where their rooms are should they choose to use them?"

I nodded. "Sure thing Princess." I stood up, wincing as I cracked my back, grabbing a spare piece of iron from one of the small pouches I kept on me, popping it and chewing it like a piece of candy. how funny would it be if I could blow bubbles from iron almost like gum. I thought to myself, giving a chuckle as I lead the group down one of the hallways and up the stairs. I led the trio to a set of three doors at the end of a hallway. "The king's room is the center, Orn's is the left, and for Qumado we had some men set up a tank in the room as well as a bed, in case she preferred to sleep in water."

At this the aquatic dragon practically rushed to the room, looking in and seeing a large tank almost as tall as the wall, and took up about a third of the room. She practically leapt into the water, almost seeming to breath it in like air. "Thank you Connor. This is a welcome treat rather than having to wait for Orn to translate all day." She said, her voice somewhat muffled by the glass.

I nodded and walked over to Orn's room. "The princesses had me tell some guards to set up a good size writing desk in here in case you decided to work on the treaty or your own notes." He nodded and went into the room, looking over the desk before smiling, unloading his writing supplies. I closed the door behind us and smiled. "And of course your highness, your room. We weren't exactly sure how to furnish it so the princesses gave it a royal feel." I said, opening the door, revealing a large four poster bed, a chest, a desk, a window, and a side room with private latrine. "My room is just down the hall before the stairs if there are any questions." I said, turning and just about to close the door before the king spoke up.

"I have a few questions, but they can wait until the morning before we resume work on the treaty. Thank you Connor, and I apologize for the way me and my subjects acted upon hearing about your magic." He said, bowing his head a bit, both in apology and to avoid scraping against the ceiling.

I shook my head. "It's fine King Harroc. I understand. Finding out some wild card apparently knows one of my race's secrets would put me on edge too." I said with a soft chuckle, bowing my head before closing the door.

Author's Note

*used the Twilightrealm draconic translator. Just basic jargon of honor, vowing not to harm them, etc etc. feel free to look it up yourself if you really want to know what it says.

First things first, thanks so much for all the likes, favorites, and comments. They show me that people are genuinely interested and enjoy what I write.

Second, There will be approximately two more chapters after this in the past(look forward to the final past chapter as I plan for it to be a doozy). After that we will be returning to the present and really getting this story on the road.

And thirdly, thank you so much to the wonderful people from the Displaced group for accepting my story and for all the advice they've given so far. I hope to do this group proud.

Update: some of you might be wondering why I re-uploaded this chapter. Basically I started chapter five, but felt the bit I started would go better at the end of this chapter. Apologies for any issues or getting anyone's hopes up for a new chapter

Of Kingdoms and Knighthood

I groaned as the sun rose, the angle it came in through the window landing right on my eyes. I rolled over, forgetting how close to the edge I was as I ended up face first on the floor. "Owwwwww." I groaned, getting up and heading to change clothes. Thankfully the princesses had a few royal seamstresses make a few spares of my new outfit, as well as some casual clothes, albeit from this time period.

After dealing with the mess I now called hair, I left the room, heading to see if the dragons were awake. I decided to knock on Orn's door first. "Orn, you awake?" I said, the answer being a loud boom that shook the hall. I blinked and opened the door quick, being greeted by a heavy cloud of black smoke.

While coughing my lungs out I heard the silver drake's voice. "Well it seems that atempting a fusion of twenty percent galladium, forty percent iron oxide, and forty percent potassium nitrate equals unstable reaction." I shook my head, informing the Alchemist breakfast would be served soon. I then went over to the other doors, informing the king and Qumado that breakfast would be served soon. It was no surprise they were both awake. Before I could leave however the king asked me to come in.

"If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to ask those questions now." I blinked, remembering last night before we all went to bed. I nodded and sat down on the chest. "First things first, how exactly did you come to be in possession of the Iron Dragon Slayer magic?"

I thought for a bit, hesitant to fully reveal my family's new history, but relented. "Well as you know, I'm not originally from this world. The original possessor of the magic, my great grandfather, was actually from yet another world different from my own. I don't know too much of his own past, but know he was raised and trained by an iron dragon named Metallicana." At this name the king stiffened up. "Something the matter?"

Harroc blinked and shook his head. "Something for me to look into later, but please continue."

I looked at him for a few moments, a slight scrupulous look on my face, but I nodded. "Well, he was part of a guild of magic users, and one day during a special test to gain higher rank, he, along with about a dozen other members of the guild were attacked by a dark dragon known as Acnologia." It was at this name the king's scale seemed to pale. I noticed but figured it was the same as mentioning metallicana. "They gathered their strength and used a defense magic that basically protected against anything, even time, however the magic was so powerful it essentially protected them from their reality. They got shunted over into my world, where they made lives for themselves, eventually sealing their magic away. I found the amulet that contained my grandfather's dragon slayer magic and it went into me, and I ended up here." I said, concluding how I got the magic.

The king sat there, stock still as his scales slowly regained their colors. "Right, that was my main question. The others can wait until after we work on the treaty. They mostly deal with your oath to me." I nodded and got up, leaving the room and heading to the dining/meeting room.

After breakfast and a few more hours of working on the treaty, we finally had a document that we all agreed was good to go. Celestia smiled and had Gilded Scroll write up a notice to be sent around the kingdom to the various villages to let them know of the peace treaty. It only took a few moments and a quick copy spell before the notices were sent out by royal messenger pegasi. We all stood, Celestia and Harroc shaking hands. Orn and I shook hands, while Luna and Qumado shook as well. Celestia then turned to me. "Connor, we would like to ask you to meet us in the throne room in about a half hour. There is something we wish to discuss with King Harroc in private."

The dragon king turned to the other drakes. "And I ask this of you as well. While I am unsure of what the princesses have to ask, there is something I wish to ask of them as well." The two members of his envoy turned to each other, a bit unsure about leaving their leader's side, but relented when he gave them a stern nod.

The three of us left the conference room, soon ending up in the main hall. Scratch flew down, having brought the scrolls to a few carrier birds for the longer distance flights to farther outposts. "So what should we do to kill a half hour?" I said to the rest of our little group.

We all looked thoughtful for a moment before Orn spoke up. "Well I for one would like to learn more about your species." Qumado made a few clicks and gave a fake snoring sound. Scratch and I couldn't help but stifle a laugh. He rolled his eyes. "Well then, enlighten me Miss Opinionated. What would you rather do?" Qumado thought for a moment before giving a few clicks and squeaks, followed by a quick trill. Orn thought for a moment. "Well that's only if he'd be up for it."

I lean over. "To reiterate a question I asked earlier....translation?" I said with a deadpan look, Scratch mirroring my face.

Orn nodded. "She suggested a sparring match between the two of you. Both to see how well you fight, as well as to see how well you fare against someone who is properly trained in dragon slaying magic." He said with a soft smirk.

My eyes widened and I looked at Scratch who had a similar look of surprise. I looked at the two dragons. "Qumado can use dragon slayer magic? But I thought the king said it was a secret art for only a reserved few?" I looked at the dragoness.

Qumado gave a quick squeak before Orn stopped her. "Perhaps it would be easier if we went to your room and you got in the tank so I won't have to keep translating." The dragoness stopped, thinking and nodding before the three of us went upstairs, the aquatic warrior hopping into the tank, clearing her throat.

"As I was about to say," She started. "Yes the king said the art was reserved for a select few, however it also is taught to the admiral and vice admiral, or corresponding titles for air and land respectively, of each group of the king's armies. I was taught by the current admiral, who in turn was taught by the previous admiral when they were second in command." She explained while lazily floating in the tank.

I took in the info and thought. "Interesting, and let me guess, water dragon slayer magic?" I said with a chuckle, going for the obvious.

She gave a chuckle and shook her head. "Nope, lightning actually. Each force is taught the element that would be strongest against them to provide resistance, and also to make for quicker altercations." She said, a few arcs of blue electricity arcing around her claws. "Since we are the aquatic army, we tend to fight more water based or underwater enemies."

Scratch then raised a paw. "If that's the case, then how do you avoid shocking your own troops in the water?" I blinked, imagining her firing off a lightning attack, electrifying all her own troops.

Orn stepped over. "That's where I come in. The aquatic troops are all outfitted with special armor both chemically insulated against electricity and enchanted to absorb the energy and feed it into their weapons. However it can only hold a certain amount of charge before overloading the runes, and they have no natural way to charge them up."

so like a rechargeable battery. Interesting....wait, sparring was the topic here, and she's a lightning user.... I blinked and looked at the two. "Well beside that, while learning how well I would fare against a trained fighter, she's lightning and I'm iron, I'd just be a big lightning rod and end up taking all her attacks."I said, shifting my arm into an iron club, the lightning on her claws arcing towards my arm but dispersing when they hit the glass.

Qumado then gave a smile. "Yes, but lightning rods have a ground. So you can work on figuring out the best way to ground yourself from electric attacks." She said, poking her head out of the water.

"Why do I get the feeling you are just getting antsy from sitting in the treaty room for so long?" I said, eyeing the dragoness, who in turn responded with a slight blush that showed up a lavender hue against her cerulean scales. I gave a sigh. "Fine, and if anything you can help Scratch practice aerial dodging. Though nothing too destructive, try to stick with physical attacks if you can. The groundskeeper still gives me the stink eye whenever we are in the same room." The two dragons laughed at that.

Moments later the quartet arrived in the courtyard. Orn and Scratch moved off to the side while Qumado and I stood a good distance apart. "Remember, close range stuff only. No breath attacks."Qumado nodded, getting into a fighting stance as I braced myself and took as slow breath.

POV CHANGE: THIRD PERSON

Scratch raised a paw, holding it in the air for a few moments, looking between the two. “Round one. Ready...Fight!” he said, quickly lowering his paw in a swiping motion.

Connor nearly stumbled at the mental reference but managed to regain his balance as the water dragon rushed towards him, her arm cloaked in crackling blue lightning. He took a few moments to get his iron scales up, crossing his arms and planting his feet to try and ground the attack like she had said. Her arm landed in the cross of his, the electricity arcing cross his scales, the human gritting his teeth before he was launched backwards several feet.

He gave a groan, his body feeling like it had fallen asleep, the numbing electricity flowing across his scales. If he hadn't had that defense up, he would have been charred, or at least medium rare. He stood up, coughing out a bit of smoke, lunging forward at the dragoness, turning his leg into an iron pole and using it to vault over the dragoness, thrusting an arm club at her from behind. With a loud thud, the pole connected with the dragoness, almost launching her across the clearing. He gave a smile, having gotten a clean hit on the warrior. Though his pride was fleeting as he tried to retract his arm, only to have it locked into place. He blinked and looked over, his eyes widening as he saw Qumado holding his arm in a locked grip with her arms and tail. 'Shit shit shit gotta get free before she... His thought process was cut short as he felt the full force of an electric shock flow through his arm into him.

The Dragoness gave a smirk as she released his arm, the now twitching and barely conscious human returning to normal as his arm retracted and the scales on his skin faded. He gave a groan, his body almost completely numb save for a few twitches here and there. She laughed and clicked a bit as she walked over, reaching down to help lift the human up. She gave a few squeaks at Orn, telling the silver drake to get his butt over and help. "Oh right, coming." He said, walking over to help lift Connor back up.

Connor gave a groan, slowly regaining the use of his basic motor skills. "Ugh, now I know what an unlucky electrician feels like." He said, rubbing his head slowly. "Orn, remind me to comission some of that electric proof armor. Something tells me I'll need it at some point." The alchemist nodded with a chukle.

Scratch flew over and landed on Connor's shoulder. "Well that was an impressive spar. You managed to last a good fifteen minutes. Granted most of it was dodging." He said with a soft chuckle.

Connor gave a slight glare then smirked. "Laugh it up whiskers, I seem to recall part of the conversation being aerial dodging practice." At this, Scratch's eyes widened with a slightly fearful look.

POV Connor

Ten minutes later, the quartet were returning back to the castle, Connor, Scratch, and Qumado all looking a bit disheveled. What had started as dodging practice for Scratch quickly devolved into another sparring brawl after a few shots hit too close to one another.

I turned to Orn. "Once again, electric absorbing armor. Please make me a set at your earliest convenience." I said with at groan, my left eye twitching as some electricity was still in my system. The silver drake chuckled and nodded. The group soon arrived at the throne room, the trio of royals standing by the thrones, discussing something. That conversation died out upon seeing the three disheveled fighters.

"What in the name of Kur's scales happened to you three?" Harroc said in surprise.

I blinked at the mention of that name. kur? Ancient sumerian mythology? Huh, wonder if there's any other mythos in this world. Hello stood up, wincing a bit. "Friendly sparring match got a little out of hand." I said with a chuckle.

Celestia shook her head, Luna suppressing a laugh while the king simply smirked. "How did getting your ass handed to you feel?" He said with a laugh.

I gave a groan. "Like I did a swan dive into a thunder head wearing a full body suit of armor." I said, shaking off the last bit of numbness. The three royals simply laughed at the image.

"Funny as the mental picture may be, the time has come for us to tell you of what we had to discuss." Luna said, her tone shifting to one of business. The four of us straightened up, waiting for the news.

Celestia smiled. "First and foremost is what Luna and ourself have discussed. Connor, please step forward." I blinked and walked forward as she commanded. Weird, my body seemed to be running on a bit of autopilot. That spar must have taken more out of me than I thought. "If you would please kneel." I did so as she drew her sword.

Luna then stepped forward, drawing her own blade. With Luna on my right and Celestia on my left, they both pressed the flats of their blades against my respective shoulders. "Connor Fortino," the lunar princess began. "Twas just over a week ago thou arrived in this world with naught but thine clothes. Thou held thy own in a land unfamiliar to thee, persevering in the face of adversity." She said, turning to her sister and giving a nod.

Celestia gave a nod, continuing. "When thou arrived, thou showed no hostility, and a willingness to aid not only one but two kingdoms not of thine own. Such generosity, kindness, and loyalty is far and few between. It is with a great honor we not only call you our ally, but our friend as well. As Diarchs of Equestria, we hereby bestow upon the the tile and rank of Knight of Equestria." She said, the sisters both removing their blades.

I went to stand, only for Luna to stop me. "Please remain kneeling." I stopped, nodding as I was curious what else there was. Almost as if in response to my thoughts, King Harroc stepped over.

The king of dragons gave a smile, drawing his large broadsword, placing the tip at my chest. "Upon first sight we thought you just a child, as most species are compared to the age of a dragon. During these days however you have shown us that humans are far more mature than their initial appearances let on. Cunning, quick witted, and with a compassion for others to match even the brightest flames. And if the roughed up state of one of my second in commands is any indicators, feisty little things when in a pinch." He chuckled. "It is with honor I grant you the title of Knight of Thaczil Darastrixi. As well as your name in our language. Stand tall Usk Arytiss. Wear your name and knighthood with pride." He said, removing his blade.

I looked at the royals in case there was anything else. Seeing nothing more was to be said, I said told up, looking all three of them in the eyes before giving a smile, bowing my head. "Thank you all. I will cherish these honors you've given me." I smiled at the princesses. "After all, they were gifts from friends."

The group smiled before Luna shouted out. "Huzzah for the knight! Let there be a celebratory feast!" She turned towards a soldier. "Stalwart Aegis, inform the kitchens to prepare a feast for all members of the castle staff. Tis truly a day to celebrate." I chuckled softly at her excitement.

After much preparation, the feast was underway, many of the castle staff eating and enjoying themselves. Some guards were conversing with the dragons, while a few maids were fawning over Scratch. I laughed softly at this before feeling a large hand on my shoulder. I turned and saw it was King Harroc. He pointed a thumb towards a door, a somewhat serious look on his face. I nodded and grabbed a drink, following him out.

Once we were out of earshot of the rest of the party, I looked at the ruler of dragons. "Something bothering you your highness?" I said, taking a sip of my drink.

He gave a nod. "Something else I discussed with the princesses was the terms of the oath of honor you swore to me." At this I tensed a bit. "In my country, there are still those who cling to ancient ways, treating other species as slaves and livestock merely because we are older, larger, and sometimes vastly more powerful. It is my wish to see these people brought to justice by either my kingdom or the lands they have taken people from. This is my order and my wish of you. Should I discover any information or locations, you and a select team will head their to intercept, and take down any rogue elements."

I blinked, going to take a drink before realizing I had finished my glass while he was speaking. I thought over it before nodding. "I accept." The king gave a smile.

"Good, now while Scratch has informed me that he is the one occasionally training you in your arts, I believe it would be better to have a true dragon be your teacher to help you perfect your techniques." I stopped at this. "In my kingdom there is a hidden temple of adepts who train in the various slayer arts. The grand master of the temple is an old friend of mine. When I return I shall send word to him about you."

I stared at the king for a moment before bowing my head. He gave a chuckle. "Enough talking about such serious matters. We have a feast to enjoy." The two of us walked back to the festivities. Things were about to get a lot more interesting in the coming months. If only I knew how much it would change my life at the time.

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay folks, went back home for thanksgiving, and also got sucked into the wonderful world that is Undertale. Here's the next installment. Just a heads up, next chapter is the last chapter of what has essentially been a giant flashback.* So get ready for a wild ride in the next chapter.

*six chapter/over 15k+ word long flashback Tite Kubo approved

Also, word count for the chapter....heh....double giggity.

Of Sight, Scales, Summons, and Seals

Author's Note

Well ladies and gents here we are. The final chapter of the past. This long chapter was done as a crossover with FrostTheWolf's story Bound By Scales. He was a pleasure to work with. Hope you all enjoy, next chapter the real adventure begins. All comments appreciated but please keep trolling to a minimum

Of Sight, Scales, Summons, and Seals

You know, flying on the back of a dragon is an amazing thing. The wind in your hair, the smell of high altitude and low oxygen barely filling your lungs, the breathtaking view….no wait, scratch that last one considering they felt it necessary to freakin BLINDFOLD ME! “Remind me again why in the name of Kur’s claw clippings do I have to be blindfolded?!” I shouted to the aquatic dragoness.

Qumado gave a laugh. “Because the temple is sacred to dragons, and only those deemed able to learn the arts and the royal family know it’s location and can even get to it.” She said.

Scratch held on tightly to my shoulder, him having been blindfolded as well. “While we can understand that much, why was it necessary to blindfold US? Considering what the king has asked of Connor, we’ll be leaving and returning every now and then, so shouldn’t we know where we are going and how to get there and back in the first place?!” He shouted over the roaring wind and loud wingbeats.

The dragoness seemed to almost stop in midair as Scratch said that. “hmm, while that is true, just play along. The king just wants to make sure nobody is watching through your eyes.”

“Wasn't I checked for any spells or enchantments before we left the castle?” I said with a hint of irritation.

The cyan dragoness rolled her eyes. “Yes yes, just play along with the king's paranoia for now okay? Only an hour or so before we get there.”

I gave a sigh, unsure of exactly what awaited me at this temple of dragon slayers.

Time Skip 9 months

Fuck Fuck FUCK! I mentally shouted, dodging yet another burst of flames. I leapt from my spot on the ground, quickly activating my iron scales, using my claws to dig into the wall before launching myself towards the emerald dragoness assaulting me.

She gave a smirk, opening her mouth and launching another volley of flames at me. I gave a grin, my scales protecting me from the flames, though I still felt like I was in an oven. I pushed through the flames, turning my left hand into a sword. “Tetsuryūken!” I shouted, the small blades along the edge of the sword revving like a chainsaw. She countered quick, grabbing the great sword at her side, our blades meeting in a shower of sparks. I gave a grin, my teeth sharpened like fangs as the Iron Dragon Blade cut through hers with a grinding sheer of metal.

The momentum of my lunge forced her to fall back, the dragoness landing on a knee, my blade inches from her neck. “My win.” I said with a smirk, about to laugh before feeling a prickling sensation along my neck. I glanced back, seeing a spike of iron pressing against the back of my neck, the sharp piece of metal connected to her tail. I look back at the dragoness with a chuckle. “Clever.” I said, pulling the blade away, shifting it back to my hand, reaching out to help her up.

She smirked and took my hand, hoisting herself up, her tail shifting to normal. “Like Master said, always keep your guard up even when you think you've won.” her tail slipped back, changing back to normal.

I chuckled. “Yeah yeah I know. He's drilled that into my head the entire time I've been here.” I shook my head for a minute, looking back at her. “And I thought we agreed no breath attacks, Kepesk.”

The dragoness smirked softly. “You said no iron breath, you never said anything about a dragon’s natural fire breath Z’ar ir.” She reached over and ruffled my head, the dragoness a few inches taller than me.

I gave a growl. “Come on, our record is 13-13-14, can you stop calling me new one.” I knocked her hand away.

She chuckled. “I've been around for seven hundred and eighty three years. Many are new ones to me.” I rolled my eyes.

“Didn't stop me from kicking your scaly butt thirteen times.” I said with a smirk. The dragoness rolled her eyes as she lashed her tail quick, tripping me and sending me face first into the dirt. I gave a groan, reaching to use myself up when I winced, feeling a stone nick my hand. “Agh son of a…” I looked at the offending stone, only to stop when I saw it was in fact a scale. “Huh, weird. The only onyx dragon in the temple is Master Thurkear, and he has been in the capital for a week.” I picked up the scale, wincing as something managed to slip past my mental barrier.

“I am Ken Ahkrin, The Scalebound. Call upon me if you need some help, advice or want to tip the scales in your favor.”

I blinked and looked at the scale before looking at Kepesk. “Oi, grumpy.” I said, standing up and walking over to the dragoness. “I think we have something interesting.” I said, telling her the message that popped into my head.

“Interesting. Well try it.” She said, grabbing a sword from from a nearby weapon rack. I blinked and looked at her, shaking my head before giving a sigh.

“If this thing ends up being some interdimensional warlord or eldritch abomination, I'm blaming you.” I turned and held up the scale. “Scalebound, the slayer of iron calls you.” I said, ignoring Kepesk’s snort of laughter. After a few moments of nothing, I was about to turn around before I watched the space in front of me tear open, a bipedal figure walked out.

A few things surprised me, one being the Scalebound, as it said in the message, was actually a human...well mostly. His left arm looked like he got a transplant from a dragon. Other than that, he looked like any other guy I'd have seen back on Earth. “Well, welcome I guess.” I said, unsure of how to properly greet someone who just walked out of a tear in reality.

Point of View: Ken

Shortly after being called upon, I landed on both of my feet as I looked up at the figure that called me here. The title of this person was one thing. Slayer of Iron. Maybe it was another Displaced like Gray. Unfamiliar with how the Displaced worked. As soon as I got up and straightened my bag, I had a glimpse of the one who called me. His hair was slicked backwards and was pitch black in color and his clothes were almost the same in color except for his lightish brown pants.

Speak of the devil, this guy was like Gajeel from Fairy Tail. Just without the piercings… I guess that explains the Fairy Tail emblem on his shoulder.

“Well, welcome I guess.” He said, confirming my thoughts of him being new to the Displaced. I just looked back at him while taking in the scenery… and the stunned look on the face of the dragon that was behind him. Judging from the fact that it was holding a sword, I’d say they were either sparring or taking necessary precautions.

Looking at the human, I sighed. “I’m going to assume you’re the slayer of iron?”

The human gave a nod. “Just a title I came up with considering that's what my magic is made for.” he said, holding up an arm, his skin shifting into iron scales, his fingertips into claw points. He then looked at the dragoness. “And you quit your laughing back there.”

The dragoness gave a smirk. “When your win count gets past twenty we'll see.” She walked over, her blade at the ready just in case. “So this is the Scalebound?” She looked at his arm. “Interesting.” She said, tapping the flat of the blade against the scales.

“Could I ask who you two are?” I said briefly, watching the scales on my arm reflecting against the dragoness’ blade. The blade was soon held back upon me asking the question to them, where I was tempted to draw my own blades, but refused. I did not want myself to be seen as a threat. I soon saw other weapons along a rack and then thought that this looked a lot like the sparring grounds back at the temple. Just not as big in space. The dragon then just briefly looked at the human, who sighed a bit before he began to speak.

“My name’s Connor. Connor Fortino.” he then pointed an iron claw at the dragoness behind him. “And this is Caesin Kepesk. One of the trainers here at the Temple of Zirconik.” He then held out his un-scaled hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Connor. Kepesk. I’m Ken. But I have a feeling you two already know that.” I told them, just as I notice my token in Connor’s hand, pointing at it with one of the fingers of my dragon hand.

The two looked at the scale, Kepesk speaking up. “Well Connor was the one who picked it up. Though I'm curious as to what exactly a Scalebound is.” She said, walking to return the blade to its stand. Connor gave a nod, curious as well.

“Well, basically, my soul is bound to the soul of my partner. An Onyx Dragon named Revaan. My arm is a symbol of our bond and with that, I have some new abilities.”

Connor looked at the arm. “So basically your arm is the same as a dragon’s? Neat.” He said. “Though as far as I’m aware, soul binding magic is completely unheard of among dragons, which leads me to my next question. Where in the name of Kur’s scaly hide did you even come from?”

“My Equestria in Obsidian Hollow, where the Onyx dragon temple is...” I replied, noticing the shocked expressions on both of their faces. “I’m guessing you’re unfamiliar with the Displaced?”

Connor thought for a moment. “Displaced? Well if you mean I’ve been moved from where I’m originally from then yes. Though something tells me that isn’t the definition you are talking about.” The dragon slayer said, crossing his arms.

The flapping of feather wings was heard a few moments later, a small black and white bipedal feline soaring down and landing on Connor’s shoulder. “Connor, I have a message from Grand Master Caex. He said to come and ……” The cat then noticed me, a look of surprise on it’s face. “When did another human get here?” The Iron Slayer then briefly explained how he summoned me with using my Token.

“And as I was to explain to Connor, he isn’t the only one that is stuck in the same position as mine.” I then added on. “Connor, are you somewhat familiar with the Multiverse?”

“I remember the theory. Every action creates branching timelines and universes, where the exact opposite happened, leading to infinite possibilities right?” He said, looking at the scale. “Already knew at least part of it was true, since my great grandparents and their friends came from another world where magic was abundant.”

“Okay, now think that… but a little further.” I told him. “Displaced is short for Dimensionally Misplaced, where one is sent to one of the many multiverses that exist. In mine, Revaan is the last Onyx dragon of his kind and is trying to rebuild his kin to when it once was.” For a moment, I was considering bringing Revaan here. But I saw some problems. I had just arrived after all and bringing him here now might alarm the guards and the owner of the temple. So, I held off on the notion for now.

Connor thought for a bit. “Ah, not just timelines, but ideas and realities. Like games and books are universes as well. Okay that makes sense.” He then did a double take. “Wait, last of the Onyx dragons? Man that sucks.” He then looked at the scale. “So how did this thing let you come from your Equestria to mine?”

“You mean my Scale?” Smirking a little, I began to explain. “Well, that’s my summoning token. It’s a token that a Displaced like myself casts out into the Multiverse, allowing for other Displaced to find it and allowing them to summon you to them or for them to be summoned to you. If you’ve played Final Fantasy, think of how summons works.”

He looked at the scale, slipping it into a pocket. “Interesting, so then since I’m a Displaced, does that mean I have a token, or do I need to make one?” He asked me, folding his arms briefly.

“You would need to make one. But right now, I think your little friend here said something about a message?” I reminded him, pointing to the flying feline that was having it’s tail get into Connor’s face to distract him.

Connor sputtered at the tail in his face. “Ugh, Scratch, fur in the mouth.” he said, sputtering. “But Ken’s right. What was the message?”

Scratch rolled his eyes. “Grand Master Caex wanted you to come see him as soon as possible. He received a message from King Harroc. There’s another group of dragons near Acidava that are believed to be enslaving several members of the other races and keeping them as prisoners.”

Connor blinked and before another word could be said, began running off down the hall, Scratch barely holding onto his shoulders. I just looked back at Kepesk, before soon running after him. Whatever was going on, this needed to be handled immediately. He may have gotten a head start, but using the energy in my Dragon Arm allowed me to slingshot myself forward to catch up with Connor.

Connor blinked at me suddenly catching up, nodding as he turned a few corners, soon arriving in a large chamber, a single dragon sitting in the center. The dragon was not an anthro one like Kepesk had been, but was instead a large dragon the size of a mansion. Connor ran forward and knelt down. “You wished to see me Grand Master?”

The dragon looked down, however as soon as it did I could see it’s eyes were a milky white. “Yes Connor. The king has sent word he needs your help. He has called for you to join Qumado, Ternesj, and Kaden in their assault on the slavers.” He then turned his head, looking at me. “Interesting, your presence is much like Connor’s, but I can sense the power of a true dragon as well.” He gave a low chuckle, his voice shaking the room slightly. “You have made yet another interesting friend young slayer. Now hurry, the others are waiting just outside the temple gates.”

Connor gave a nod, looking at me. “Feel free to come along if you want. Gods above know we could always use an extra hand.” He then blinked, facepalming himself, realizing the pun he had just made.

“I can join you. Hell, if you need major help, I can bring Revaan here too.” I told him, stretching the knuckles in my right hand as some of my energy began to take form in my hand Almost emerald like in appearance. “You up for meeting him?”

Connor blinked and looked at my hand. “Maybe wait until we get outside if anything. That way we can explain to the others so they don’t go all gung ho on a suddenly appearing Onyx dragon.” He said, leading the way outside. I followed him out to where the other dragons were, holding my bag close to me as we soon approached the small group after a few minutes of walking.

Once we arrived outside, I was greeted with a view of three more dragons, each a bit smaller than the Grand Master. The one on the left was a cerulean blue dragoness, a scar running down her neck from her jaw to her wings, light colored fins running along the side of her head as well as what looked like webbing between her claws. The middle dragon was a bulkier wingless dragon with grey scales and a lighter grey underbelly, spines of yet a third shade of grey running along his back and on his head. The third dragon was a bright white with streaks of yellow, similar to lightning from a storm cloud running along his scales, his wings a lot sleeker and more streamlined than the blue dragoness.

Connor walked over with a chuckle. “Qumado, Ternesj, Kaden.” He bowed his head. “Good to see you three again.” He then turned to me. “They may look intimidating, but these three are friends of mine.” He said with a chuckle, three colored bursts of flame erupting, matching the scales of the dragons before they had all assumed anthro forms, the middle dragon being a head taller than the other two, all their armors looking similar but bearing a few stylistic differences.

Qumado gave a laugh, a strange apparatus around her neck seeming to flow water around it constantly. “So who is the one behind you, Connor?” She asked, pointing at me.

Connor gave a nod. “That’s Ken Ahkrin. He’s like me, someone who was brought to Equestria from his home world. Though he’s got the abilities of something known as a Scalebound. His soul is bound to a dragon partner. Speaking of which, go ahead and summon him Ken. I’ll make sure these three don’t immediately attack on sight.”

I nodded my head as I let my powers surge through the course of my arm. “Revaan, a fellow Displaced named Connor needs our help. I’m summoning you to where I am now.” Shortly after doing so, A tear in the void opened behind me and Revaan landed right next to where I was standing. Looking at me, he then turned to the three dragons next to Connor, eyes glaring a little.

“So… Let me guess…” He said, pointing at Kaden and the other dragons one by one. “Pretty one, stupid one, one with weird powers…”

“Revaan, seriously?” I shot back.

Connor, Scratch, and the three dragons all looked at each other, struggling to hold back their laughter before they couldn’t any longer, their laughs echoing across the courtyard. Connor then gave a smirk. “Seconds in command. Let's light em up.” He said, his skin shifting into iron scales.

“Guess we follow you?” I asked, using my arm to pull myself on top of Revaan’s back as he stretched out his massive wings.

Connor chuckled. “Considering I doubt you know where Acidava is in this universe.” He said, Ternesj slipping into the ground and digging off like a mole while the other two flew off. His legs extended into iron poles, catapulting him off through the forest. This, in turn, had Revaan take off in pursuit. Barely even giving me a warning before he pushed off at breakneck speeds. Soon, we could see Connor right beneath us as we flew over him and the two other dragons.

“Says the one who doubts.” Revaan grinned, soon going a little farther before heading towards the ground in a nosedive. Soon, The two of us landed on a cliffside overlooking an almost wasteland like peninsula as the others soon arrived seconds later. However, what exactly we saw… was something else.

The port city of Acidava was a stark contrast to the wasteland surrounding it. Intermixed around the city were small groves of trees, the buildings ranging in size from average sized two story houses to almost large warehouse sized buildings. Several ships and large dragons with what appeared to be cargo strapped to their backs were seen coming and going from the large, multi-tiered dock system.

“Well, son of a bitch.” I swore, a little sickened by how the dragons were being used. If what we're seeing now is only the tip of the iceberg, who knows what we’ll find when we get closer.

Connor landed next to Revaan and I, noticing the look of disgust on my face. “What crawled down your pants and died? It’s just a port.”

“Sorry… I just have a bad feeling of what we may find.” I replied, shaking my head a little.

He gave a chuckle. “Let me guess, thought the ones at the port were used like pack animals?” He smiled, Qumado and Kaden landing next to them, Ternesj popping up halfway out of the ground.

“Yeah. But sometimes, things aren’t always what they seem to be.” I replied, turning around to Connor. “So, what’s the gameplan?”

Connor thought for a bit before turning to Qumado. “Qu, I want you to search the seaside cliffs, see if there’s any alcoves or cliffside passages under the water. Kaden, I want you and Revaan to search the skies, make sure there’s no unwanted parties watching us, as well as keep an eye out for us.” He said before looking at the Earth dragon. “Ternesj, you were given a map before getting here right?” The stone grey drake nodded. “Check the city’s tunnel system for any unmarked offshoots that could be big enough to transport cargo through. And remember, try not to get caught.” He said with a laugh before turning to me. “The two of us are gonna go through the city and see if we can gather some information from the authorities and maybe some workers at the port.”

“Are the authorities expecting you?” I asked, raising an eyebrow as I folded my arms for a brief moment.

He shook his head. “No, thing is, the king has us do this. Show up unexpected, since if they knew we were coming, and were paid off or corrupted in any way, they could cover their tracks before we got here.”

“Good point.” I acknowledged him. “How about I look around the port and you check with the authorities. We can cover more ground like that.”

Connor nodded, Scratch flying over and floating next to me. “I’ll tag along with you, that way we can keep in contact.” He said, pointing to a rune that glowed on the hilt of his blade. “Communication runes.”

“Neat.” I acknowledged. “Alright, I guess we all know the plan?” I saw Revaan nod his head in agreement while everyone else also followed suit. “Seems like we’re all ready Connor.”

He nodded. “Alright then. Move out.” He said, the dragons all flying off while Tern dove back into the ground. “Try not to get messed up. And when we get back I want to have a sparring match. See how well I hold up against someone from another dimension." He said with a laugh before diving off the cliff, using his iron claws to drag along the rock, slowing his descent. I smiled, running off of the cliff into a free fall while using my dragon arm to pull myself to a nearby tree in the distance, gaining almost ten yards distance wise. We both soon took different directions as I walked along the docks. Scratch following alongside me.

POV Qumado

I flew off, following orders and making sure to keep hidden as I got to the shore. Hmm, better to stay bipedal. Don't need any of the other dragons spotting me easier when in true form. I thought, diving down into the waters. After several minutes of swimming I came across a few underwater caves. Using some electricity I sent a small arc into each cave to light them up. Each cave however filled me with dread at what I saw. Bones littered across the floor of each cave. Minotaur, dragon, gryphon, no species was spared it seemed.

’Seems the slavers are using these caves as dumping grounds for those who couldn’t work any more.’ I froze up upon lighting up the last cave, it wasn’t as filled as the other caves, no. What caused me to freeze was the single skeleton lying in the dirt. It’s bones too small to be an adult. ’Even working children to their deaths, have they no souls left at all. I thought to myself, swimming off before I felt my communications rune activate.

POV Ternesj

I delved through the ground, thankful there were no diamond dogs digging around in the ground at the moment. I carefully poked my head out of the ground into a marked maintenance tunnel, using the light to check the map. “That’s another one down.” I said, using a claw to poke a small hole through the tunnel on the map. My thoughts were interrupted however as I saw a tunnel further down that branched off to the side and seemed to go down. “Hmm, that one doesn’t look to be on the map.” I said before delving back under the earth, heading over to inspect it.

Upon getting close to the tunnel however, I suddenly felt a charge of magic along my scales. ’What the… I closed my eyes and focused for a moment, sensing the ores around me. ’By Kur...How in Tartarus is there a vein of pure Adamantine this large and no one knew?

My thoughts were disrupted as I sensed several vibrations through the ground, focusing on them only to find them being the strikes of pickaxes. I moved through the ground, coming out near the edge of the tunnel before peeking out. ’So that’s why no one reported it. In the tunnel mining the Adamantine were dozens of people of all races chained together by the ankles.
’They are having the slaves dig it up. But why would they need this much magical ore in the first place? I was about to investigate further but felt my communication rune go active.

POV Kaden and Revaan
Third Person

Kaden looked over the edge of the clouds, keeping an eye on the dock workers as well as the location of several officers throughout the city. “So far nothing too bad.” He turned towards Revaan. “Just a couple of gryphon bullies picking on a pegasus kid, but sadly that’s not a job for us to fix.” He looked at the Onyx dragon. “So you can shrink your True form down, but can you assume a bipedal form like we can?”

“Different worlds provide different circumstances. Mine doesn’t allow such a form.” Revaan replied. “Is it a different case for one such as you?”

Kaden blinked. “Seems like it. We can't really alter our true forms too much, but we can manipulate our bipedal forms if we put in some effort.” the sky dragon said before glancing and seeing the bite mark along Revaan’s neck. “Oh ho, got yourself a lady friend back home huh? Way to go.”

The duo resumed watch over the city, Revaan keeping a link with Ken just in case. He paused and looked towards where Ken and Scratch were, an eerie feeling washing over his scales. He was just about to say something before Kaden’s communication rune lit up.

POV Ken

Looking at the ships, I noticed that the workers consisted of multiple different species. Equines, Griffons, Dragons, Minotaurs. You name it… one way or another it was there. One thing I noticed was that at some ships, the captains of them were shouting at their workers and forcing to carry packages that were two times it’s own weight. However, shortly after I noticed one ship unload all of their cargo, I noticed another thing.

Almost all of the workers had severe bruises around their back legs. like if they were held down by chains. I can see the markings imprinted into their fur, feathers and hides. It stood out like a sore thumb and it was hideous. I couldn’t look too long though or some of the people that were there would suspect me of eavesdropping. Then again, they would automatically see me as an eavesdropper because in this place, I stood out as a sore thumb.

Hell, you don’t see anyone walking around with a dragon arm everyday now, do you? Or a flying cat for that matter.

Scratch hovered alongside me, glancing at some of the workers as well. “Seems there’s evidence pretty much all around us.” He said in a somewhat somber tone. He then flew over and landed on my shoulder. “Our best bet would be to act as potential customers of the shipping yard. Maybe use the idea that the items we need moved out need to avoid being seen by certain people.” He said, gaining a somewhat sad look as he watched a minotaur walk by, the evidence of shackles visible as the fur around his ankles and wrists had all but fallen out,

“Maybe,” I replied. “But I don’t think I would be that convincing of a customer because of my appearance. It’s like there’s a sigh on my back that says “rob me” or some sh*t like that.” I then took a deep breath as I turned around a corner to look at another ship docked in the shipyard as a thought entered my mind the moment we passed by what appeared to be the local inn. “Where do you think the crewmates of these ships would be right about now?”

Scratch rubbed his chin. “Yeah, it does seem like a bit too cliched of an option, but honestly, Connor and I have noticed this place tends to practically run on them at times.” He said, looking at the inn. “Like I said, cliches. Either they are working below deck on their ships, or about to break into a number about sailing the seas while getting hammered.” He said, looking at me.

“Where do you think they would normally drop off cargo?” I then asked in a low tone. “If they’re trying to hide something from the authorities, they need to find a way to get it under their noses or out of town. They might hide slaves inside huge shipments and pokes holes in the boxes to allow them to breath-”

About then was when I stopped talking. Around now, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and the scales on my arm made my body feel on edge. Like if you were walking into a graveyard in the middle of the night. Something about this place wasn’t right. Not right at all. It felt… haunting in a way as I was looking at a cave with an eerie glow. “Scratch… stay here and contact Connor. I need to see what’s going on inside.”

Scratch nodded, flying down to the ground as he drew his blade, tapping the pommel and activating the communication rune. “Connor, we may have found something. Tell the others to come where I've activated the locator rune.” He slid slide paw across the rune, it flashing green for a moment before returning to a solid white.

He turned to me, resheathing his blade. “While I would recommend we wait a few minutes for the others to get here, I agree that we need to at least see what this is.” he said, seeming alright, but I could see the fur on his tail bristling, showing he felt the eerie energy.

“I should go in and look. You should stay here for when Connor comes.” I told him. “That way, one of us can inform him on what’s going on. Plus, he might trust it more when the news is heard from you instead of me.” It was a valid point. I’ve only known Connor for the length of ten to fifteen minutes. He knew Scratch for possibly way longer than that, so it was more likely for Connor to believe the feline than him. Slowly, I walked inside, sticking along the wall as I entered whatever the hell this place was supposed to be. But… there was a very… off putting smell in the air.

The smell of rotting meat and dead corpses.

Using my dragon arm, I gathered a small bit of energy to use as a light for me to see where I was going. However, once I went deeper inside, what I found sent a chill down my spine. Was this home to some kind of cult? If so, I might want to see what’s going on so Connor and the others don’t become sacrifices.I should just at least tell Revaan so that way he could tell the others. We still have that mental link going on inside our heads if I’m right.

Point of View: Connor

I stood over the bruised form of a minotaur officer, giving a sigh as I dropped him onto the pile of other unconscious officers. “Should have seen that coming honestly.” I said, picking up my badge. “On my way Scratch. Picked up a bit of information here from our ‘friendly’ officers.” I said, turning to leave the station before a particular folder caught my attention. The symbol on a piece of paper sticking out made my eyes widen. I dashed over to it, looking over the papers, several sections being written in old draconic. “No….no no no. Oh man this is so much worse than I thought.” I ran out of the station, following the badge to the locator Scratch had set up. “Scratch! You there?!”

“Agh! Yeah I’m here. Why the shouting and why couldn’t you just use your badge?” The feline responded back.

“Not enough time. Tell the others double time to your location and tell Ken to wait with the group. If what he found is what I think it is, then this just got a whole lot more difficult than just a slave ring.” I said before leaping over several buildings towards the shipyard. A few moments later I heard Scratch’s voice again.

“Alright. Qu, Tern, Kaden, and Revaan are on their way, about a few minutes out. Though we may have a problem. Ken already went into the cave to try and scope things out.” Damnit, I just hope I can get there before shit hits the fan.

“Uh… Connor. Revaan just got word on the situation from Ken… We got a big problem.” I heard Scratch speak a few moments later. “He’s finding corpses with their hearts torn out and runic markings all over them… Do you think we’re dealing with some unknown cult?”

“If only it were that. From what you’ve told me of Fiore and my great-grandparents, this cult is far from unknown.” I said, soon landing next to the feline with a loud thud of iron hitting the ground. “Acnologia. That’s what some of the files I found at the police station said.”

The feline looked visibly disturbed at the mention of that name. “Then you mean to say they are trying to summon the dragon king from that world to this?” I gave a solemn nod, looking to the sky as I saw three dragons approaching from the air, Ternesj soon arriving by hopping out of the ground next to us.

“We got here as quick as possible. What’s the situation?” Ternesj asked, several small stones and patches of dirt falling off his scales.

I gave a sigh. “From what I found out from the authorities, they’ve been handing over prisoners and turning blind eyes to kidnappings. The slavers are part of a cult that worships Acnologia, an ancient evil from the world my great-grandparents came from.” At the name of the ancient dragon, the trio of lieutenants stiffened before immediately getting into battle stances, their respective slaying elements starting to form around them.

But that was when Revaan abruptly realized something. “Oh no… You three need to hurry… NOW.”

“Revaan what’s happening in there?” I say with urgency, my own iron scales forming around my skin as the trio of slayers run into the caves without hesitation, Scratch shifting to his humanoid form and following after them.

“The ritual has begun… Ken’s in trouble. But that’s not why I’m worried… The ritual is growing extremely unstable. If this keeps on going… Many people will die.”

My eyes widen at this information. “Orn’s basic alchemical rituals made a bang large enough to char a whole room when he was just fusing materials the size of a softball. If what you say is true, then a ritual this size could level the whole peninsula.”

Revaan nodded briefly, before twitching a little in pain and grabbing his right forearm. Something wasn’t right about this. Not right at all. Why would Revaan be hurt right now? I then remembered what Ken said about him and Revaan being linked through their soul, meaning what one felt, the other did as well. Which meant… ”Ken!” I said, rushing off into the cave.

Point of View: Ken

“Urgh… Damned bastard.” I cursed, looking back at the assailant that tried to attack me from behind while I was trying to get a grip on what was going on. If I didn’t react in time, I would’ve been cleaved in half. Thankfully though, I only got hit in the right shoulder.

That was until I realized what my attacker was, forcing me to grab my swords. “Oh son of a-!” The attacker then slammed it’s oversized weapon into the ground, causing it to shake violently as I tried to move out of the way. Only to feel that more people were coming.

The hulking behemoth looked almost like a patchwork mix match between a minotaur, a dragon, and a demon. It stood to it’s full height, horns scraping the top of the tunnel as it began to swing again, aiming for me. This guy was seriously reminding me of Berserker from Fate Stay/Night because of his hulking size and the amount of power it was putting into it’s attacks. Further down the tunnel the light of torches and spells could be seen, indicating the cultists were getting closer.

That was until I felt someone familiar near by. Turning around, I was beginning to see a humanoid like figure run towards me. Wait a second… Is that-? “C-Connor!!?”

A large iron pole launched forward, pushing the frankenstein berserker back, the iron dragon slayer landing next to me. “If we weren’t dealing with a catastrophic situation, I’d deck ya for running in here alone.”

“Get back!! We got a bigger problem-!” I began to say, before having to push him out of the way as this behemoths attack lands right in between us. “This guy is blocking the way to the damn ritual!”

He turned and glared at the beast. “That so?” He then turned to me. “You may want to step back and cover your ears, this can be a bit loud and messy.” He turned back towards the creature, taking a deep breath, his body seeming to swell a bit as his magic gathered in his lungs. I rushed to place my hands over my ears to prepare for what came next, taking Connor’s advice and ducking for cover. “Tetsuryū no... Hōkō!!” His voice seemed to echo before he curled his hands in front of his mouth like one would when blowing through a pipe. As he did, the magic released, a vortex of wind and metal shrapnel slicing through the cave, tearing through everything in it’s path. When the wind stopped and the dust cleared, there were several pieces of the berserker torn up and littered around the passage.

“Well, that’s one way of doing it.” I said, looking back at Connor as I got up and pointed in the direction where the ritual was taking place. “Come on, we need to hurry if we’re going to stop this thing!” He nodded, heading off down the passage, giving one of the berserker’s pieces a kick for good measure.

“You never know with those undead abominations.”

“I hear ya. But right now, the clock's ticking. We need to get over there and put a stop to this!” I reminded him, running ahead as he followed behind. We both soon made it to the site of the ritual, but what we found wasn’t good. Not by a long shot. Magic was tearing everything apart around us and looked like it was going to bring the entire cave down on our heads.

“C-connor, what do we do now?!” I asked him. Only to see his expression change. “Connor? Connor, talk to me.”

Connor shook himself from what felt like a trance. “S-Sorry. All this magic kinda zoned me out for a sec.” He said, looking around the chamber to see the cultists locked into the ritual, and what looked like a large, pitch black egg in the center of the large circle. “Seems that rather than try and have Acnologia possess a grown person, they are trying to give him a true body of his own.”

“I don’t think this means that this is any less dangerous now, is it!? If this goes on any longer, we and a lot of other people are going to die!” I told him, wondering if he had some sort of plan in his head in order to stop this.

Connor gave a low growl. “First things first. We need to take out the cultists guarding the casters. Once those are out of the way I have an idea that will take care of the ritual and keep this place safe.” He said, both arms changing into swords, the jagged teeth on the edge starting to rev like chainsaw blades. I nodded my head, preparing my dragon arm while holding a sword in my other hand.

“You first.” I told him, waiting for him to act.

He gave a chuckle. “Normally I’d say age before beauty, but let’s just bust some skulls.” It was at this point he sent word to Scratch, the feline and three dragons bursting through a wall, attacking the cultists and other berserker demons in the room. He leapt from the edge of the tunnel, hacking his way, dodging a few strikes here and there. I used my dragon arm’s grapple ability to yank two of the cultists away while swinging my sword to cut the claws off of the third one to prevent them from casting any spells.

“You okay over there!?” I asked.

Connor gave a grunt, using his swords to block an absolutely massive broadsword swung by a berserker. “N-Never b-better!” He shouted, pushing forward and taking a bite out of the sword, spitting several shards into the beast’s eyes to disorient it before cleaving it down the center. I looked at the ritual before looking at Connor again. The size of it was growing by the second and accelerating fast.

“Connor!!” I yelled, trying to warn him. But the noise was getting louder and I wasn’t sure if he could hear me. “W-WHATEVER YOU WERE GOING TO DO, DO IT NOW!!” I shouted as loud as I could, hoping that he was able to hear that.

He gave a grunt, kicking the final berserker into a stone spike Ternesj had set up. “Qumado!” He shouted, the aquatic dragoness running over. “I need you to build up the biggest electrical charge you can.” He said before running towards the circle of cultists, his arms turning into iron poles that wrapped around the circle, connecting each cultist. He detached himself from it at the last second. “NOW!” He shouted, the dragoness practically glowing with energy as she launched an arc at the ring, the cultists all frying as they chanted one last word, the waves of magic all arcing inward and flooding the black egg.

The egg began pulsing with a dark light, magic filling the air once again. Scratch ran over to me. “The egg absorbed all that magic but it can't hold it all. Before it would have just been a wave of energy destroying a few buildings, but like this….it’s like a nuke about to go off.”

Connor gave a growl. “Qu, Tern, Kaden, activate your escape runes and get out of here. Get as many people out of the city as you can.” The trio nodded, runes lighting up on their armor before they vanished.

“W-what about you!!?” I asked, yelling towards him.

He gave a chuckle. “I’ve got an idea to keep this thing from leveling the peninsula, only downside is, I can’t completely dampen it, only focus it in a single area. Namely the size of this chamber.” He then looked at Scratch. “I need your help buddy. We need to use that technique.

Scratch’s eyes widened “You are serious aren’t you? He gave a mental sigh “What about Ken?” He glanced over at the Scalebound. Connor glanced down at his badge, relaying his plan to the feline. Scratch gave a nod, flying over towards Connor.

“What are you doing?!” I shouted, running over towards the two.

Connor tossed Scratch his rune badge, the feline grabbing it and flying back over to me. “We need you to hold onto this.” He said, placing it in my left hand. I looked up at him about to say something before it hit me. The other dragons had teleported out using runes. I looked down at the rune only to see it flash red. I tried to drop it and run to Connor, only for the ground to give out under my feet, my vision going black for a second before I found myself back on the cliff face just outside the city. “CONNOR!!” I shouted out, just as a large pillar of light tore through a chunk of Acidava.

Point of View: Connor
Moments after Ken was teleported

I gave a sigh, looking back at the blinding egg. “Sorry about this Ken, but it was either send you back or get you stuck with me.” I walked over, Scratch landing at my side.

“Once you do this, there’s no telling when you’ll come back you know.” Scratch said, landing on my shoulder as I knelt down in front of the egg. I nodded and activated my iron scales, only this time, my hair and clothing shifted to iron as well. Heaven’s Wrought Iron. An ultimate defense spell capable of containing massive amounts of power, but at a cost. The user was turned into an iron statue, frozen in time until the magic ran it’s course.

I remember when Grand Master Caex told me about it.

The large dragon gave a solemn look at me. “Connor, you have learned well in just a few short months. Able to fight on par with a few other high level students and even a few masters.” He said with a chuckle. “However, there is a danger coming. One that Terra as a whole must be kept safe from.”

I looked at the dragon. “And I’m able to help?” Scratch looked up at the blind elder dragon. He gave a nod.

“In order to prepare you for this event, I am giving you knowledge of one of the Iron Dragon’s most powerful spells.” He said, his tail snaking around, tapping on my forehead. After a bright flash of light, the knowledge of the spell was carefully stored in my mind.

“Thank you Grand Master. But, how will I know when the time is right to use such a risky magic?” I said, kneeling and bowing my head.

Caex gave a smile and rested his head on his front claws. “You will know when the time comes young human.”

I felt a low growl rumbling in my throat as I delved into the deepest reaches of my magical well, pulling every last bit of energy I could into this spell. The egg began to glow brightly, signaling it was about to go off. Scratch poured his magic into me as well, his fur and body joining the metallic transformation. We both opened our eyes, our voices synchronized as we unleashed the spell. HEAVENS WROUGHT IRON!The magic poured out from us, flooding along the floor of the cave and it’s walls, turning a large portion of it to a glowing white metal, some of the magic circling around the egg as it detonated, the pillar of light decimating the cave and the ground above us. Thankfully the magic kept it contained to a large pillar. I closed my eyes as I felt the magic taking it’s toll, sealing my movements and rendering me an immobile statue. Before my mind faded, a few words were all that crossed it. “Ken…..sorry buddy. Looks like we won’t be having that spar after all.”

Point of View: Ken (After the teleportation)

I just stood there, shocked to my core. Falling to me knees, I could not believe what just happened. It felt like a part of me just… died. I don’t know how I was to cope with this when I felt like I could’ve done something.

I felt Revaan fly down next to me, trying to get my attention. But the only thing I had on my mind was Connor. I could’ve done something. Anything! It didn’t have to happen like this. Now I just felt helpless. How was I supposed to protect Applejack and the egg back home if I couldn’t even save a friend?

Qumado and the others flew down. “We managed to evacuate the part of the city over the cavern. Where are Connor and Scratch?” She asked, looking around. Kaden blinked and looked at my hand, seeing the rune badge absently clenched. His eyes widened.

“No….he didn’t….” The other two followed his gaze, seeing the emblem held in my hand. He grabbed my by my jacket and practically roared in my face. “Tell me you didn’t just leave him behind!!”

“N-no… H-he told me to go. I wanted to go back for him… But the badge took me away.” I tried to say to him.

Kaden was about to shout more but a firm hand on his shoulder stopped him. He turned back to see Ternesj. The earth dragon shook his head. “You’ve known Connor for months. Can you honestly say you are surprised he pulled such an idiotically heroic stunt?” He said with a soft, yet sad smile. I though, still felt helpless… mixed with anger. Taking my dragon hand, I slammed it into the ground next to me, causing a small crater as I looked towards the others. “What… the hell… are you talking about?”

Qumado gave a sigh. “Connor. He was serious when he needed to be, but when he was just hanging out with the friends he had made, he would always put their happiness above his own,” She shook her head sadly. “Even with something as simple as cleaning the temple, he would always help out the new initiates.”

I thought of it… but then wondered something. “What exactly did he do?”

The three looked at each other, Kaden nodding. “With each class of dragon slayer, there are certain techniques that are considered perfect techniques. Whether it be attack or defense. It seems Elder Caex entrusted him with the Iron Dragon’s ultimate defense.”

Ternesj then looked out at the hole in the city. “But such power only comes at a price.” He said, looking out, the light reflecting off of something, a small glimmer catching his eye. I looked towards it, seeing what exactly was causing it.

It was Connor and Scratch. Encased in Iron from head to toe. Standing still in position like they were turned into a statue. “Oh god… Connor…”

Qumado walked over to the statue, gently placing a hand on it, her eyes flashing for a moment. “Oh my…..They...They’re still alive…” She said in a bit of shock.

Ternesj nodded. “Heaven’s Wrought Iron. An iron cage designed for creatures the gods themselves fought. The price however imprisons the caster in iron as well. There’s no knowing when the spell on them will come undone though. It could be days, it could be hundreds if not thousands of years.”

“It just depends on when the caster’s magic runs out?” Revaan then spoke, almost like he knew the answer, even though it sounded like he was asking.

Ternesj nodded. “Though because the two of them pooled their magic together, it could be quite a long time before the magic of the seal runs out.”

I looked back at them, shaking my head. “Time between worlds is different. What could be days or years for one person can be just hours for someone else. It just depends… Still… we need to tell Caex. He would want to know about what happened.” I turned towards Revaan, however, he was looking elsewhere. To the remains of a burned down home.

And the unicorn colt that was just outside it, looking at the destruction that happened and crying a little. “Oh my god… It’s a survivor.”

Qumado walked over, gently kneeling down next to the colt. “Are you okay little one?” She said in a gentle tone, draping a wing softly over the child’s back. When I walked closer, I began to realize something. The colt had injuries around his hooves and he looked to be starving. Oh my god, this one used to be a slave.

The colt just shook its head, almost scared by the dragon that was trying to comfort him. I went down on my knees, trying to help him. “Easy… we’re not going to hurt you.”

“N-no chains?” It muttered the question, looking at Qumado and I.

The dragoness gave a soft smile, reaching out to gently ruffle his mane. “No chains little one. They won’t hurt you anymore.” She said, gently lifting the colt in her arms.

“What’s your name?” It asked, still a bit timid as it looked at the other dragons. The dragoness gave a soft smile at the colt.

“My name is Qumado, and these are my friends. Ternesj, Kaden, Ken, and Revaan.” She said, pointing at each one when she said their names.

“Can you tell me my name?” It then asked, shocking me personally. Qumado blinked, looking sadly at the colt.

“You were there since you were just a hatchling weren’t you?” She said, gently stroking his mane. “What happened to your parents little one?”

“What’s a parent?”

The trio of dragons looked saddened at this. “Your mother and father. The ones who helped bring you into this world.” Kaden said softly. “You never got to know them at all either?” He turned and gave a low growl. “Not just enslaving races, but taking infants and making them slaves from birth? This is just disgusting.”

“He needs someone to raise them.” I said, looking at the others. “We need to give him a new life. One that isn’t of fear.”I turned to notice that this little one actually had a cutie mark on it’s flank. A star with some cosmic swirl right behind it. Hmm… “I think I thought of a name.”

The young colt looked at me before looking at everyone else. “Y-you have?” I nodded my head, pointing to his cutie mark so he would notice it.

“Starswirl. You cutie mark has a star and a cosmic swirl on it. So, you get Starswirl.” I explained, looking at the others. “What do you guys think?”

The others thought to themselves for a bit before nodding. Qu gave a nod. “Sounds good.” She said with a smile.

“Okay. First things first though, we need to get Starswirl back to the temple and tell the Grand Master what happened… He would want to know about what happened to Connor.” I sighed, looking back at Starswirl as Revaan landed next to me. “Hold on tight, little one. We’re going to get you someplace safe.” The colt nodded, hopping behind me and wrapping his forelegs around my waist as I looked at Ternesj. “After you.”

Ternesj nodded, delving back under the ground as Qu and Kaden took off into the sky, leading the way back to the temple. “Oh wait.” Kaden said suddenly before turning back and flying towards the crater. Moments later he came back carrying the petrified Connor and Scratch. “It wouldn’t feel right just leaving them behind.”

I nodded in agreement. If anything, Connor should be in the place he called home when he woke up. That’s the least we could do right?

Soon, we made our way back to the temple and went into the room where the Grand Master was waiting for us. Alongside a few… guests. Alongside the elder dragon were King Harroc, as well as the Princesses. The four were having a discussion but stopped upon hearing the doors open, the three that could see turning while the grandmaster lowered his head solemnly, well aware of what had happened already.

The two princesses and the king were surprised to see Revaan and I. But they were even more shocked at seeing Connor and Scratch. Encased in Iron. The king’s eyes widened in shock, turning towards the grand master, the princesses running over towards the group, staring slightly slack jawed at the statue of their friends.

Harroc looked at the elder. “He used that technique didn’t he.” The elder merely gave a slow nod, closing his eyes for a moment.

Celestia turned at the king’s words. “What technique do you mean?”

“Heaven’s Wrought Iron.” I said, remembering the name that Ternesj previously said, looking towards the dragon since he knew more about it than me.

Ternesj then told the princesses the description he had told the others and myself, explaining the situation that had occurred at the port city up until the explosion. “The two sacrificed themselves to contain the blast. Otherwise the entire city of Acidava and the peninsula for miles back would have been erased off the map.”

“By the stars…” I heard Luna say, looking back at her sister. But what surprised me was when she turned to look at me. “Young one… who are you? I have not seen one such as yourself before-.” The Alicorn stopped speaking the second that she saw my arm.

Harroc nodded and stood next to the Alicorn sisters as well. “Indeed. In my nine hundred and seventy seven years of life, I have not seen one like you either.”

I looked back up, turning to Revaan for a second before looking back at him. “Indeed… However… explaining about myself might be… complicated.”

Harroc gave a nod. “I see, well I need the four of you to come and discuss what exactly you discovered in Acidava.” He then looked behind Qu, seeing the horn of the small colt hiding behind her. “And it seems you’ve brought someone with you.”

“He’s the only survivor of the city that we found. This colt was forced to be a slave since birth and did not have a name or parents. He needed a place to stay and cope.” I said, trying to sound professional with my speech. “I will make sure to explain the circumstances of how Revaan and I came here at your earliest convenience.”

The king gave a nod, Celestia and Luna walking over, both kneeling down and smiling at the colt. “Hello little one.” Luna said softly, reaching out to gently tousle the colt’s mane. The colt whimpered shyly, hiding behind Qumado.

The dragoness gave a soft laugh, gently nudging him with her tail. “It’s alright young one. These are the Princesses. They keep the land of Equestria safe and happy.” She then turned to the sisters. “We took the liberty of giving him a name before we came here. We chose the name Starswirl.” At this name the two princesses looked surprised, glancing down at the colt’s cutie mark.

“These two… safe?” The colt asked in a quiet whimper, looking at them with a pair of fearful eyes.

Qumado gave a smile and nodded. “Safe as can be.” She said, gently nudging the colt forward, the two princesses gently hugging the colt.

Harroc smiled at the scene before turning to the four. “We should let them have their moment.” he said with a soft laugh, heading to a private side room where they could discuss what happened. Leaving me with Revaan, the two princesses, and Caex. I did say that I was going to explain to them about myself. But with Harroc talking with the others on the side and the Princesses occupied right now, I wasn’t sure if I was going to get the chance to talk to them at all.

“Ken,” I heard Revaan say from behind me. “I’m going back to the temple. Take as much time as you need.” With that, the Princesses soon noticed him as he disappeared through a small tear in the void. Returning to Obsidian Hollow. However, it was then I realized that Harroc had also seen his departure as well.

The group all stared in shock at seeing the large Onyx dragon simply tear a hole through reality and leave through it. “What in the world..” Harroc simply said with wide eyes and a slightly slacked jaw, the princesses mirroring his look.

“Well, that got their attention.” I mentally said sarcastically. “Revaan just went back to my world. To the Temple where we call home.” By then, my arm was glowing slighty because of the brief surge of magic that came with traveling between Rifts. “You wanted to know about me? I guess now might be the right time to ask.” I was slightly still bothered by what happened to Connor, but I wasn’t going to let that affect me now. Not with a dragon king, two princesses and a grand master who seemed eager to find the answers to the questions they had.

Harroc gave a nod. “Indeed. What exactly are you? Your arm is like that Onyx dragon’s yet your body is human like Connor. And if that was a tear in the void, then how did you come by our world?”

“I am what exactly Connor is. A Displaced. Someone who is dimensionally misplaced into one of the multiple different dimensions of Equestria. For me, I am a Scalebound. The dragon that you just saw leave was my partner Revaan. We have a bond that is represented through my arm and the abilities that I have. Also, our souls are linked. Any pain I feels is reflected on me as well. And if he dies… I die too.”

Luna walked over towards me. “Different Equestrias thou say? Tell us, from when in your Equestria art thou from?” She got a somewhat surprised look from her sister. “What? We were bored one day and listened to our scholars when they were researching the multiverse theory after Connor had arrived. Time can be different in each world.”

“That is actually the case. In my Equestria… Revaan is the last remaining Onyx dragon alive. We’re trying to do our best to restore the civilization it once was. That’s why he made a pact with me.” I sighed a little. “Which really bothers me when I think about what happened today. I could’ve done something to help Connor, but instead, he used his badge to send me out of the area before he casted that spell on himself. How am I suppose to help Revaan when I was unable to help him?”

It was then that Elder Caex spoke up. “Princesses, perhaps you should show the young colt the gardens. They are quite beautiful this time of year. Harroc, attend to your men. I wish to speak with the young Scalebound in private.” He said softly. The Princesses nodded, gently leading the colt out of the room while Harroc and the trio went off to debrief about the mission. Once they were alone, Caex motioned for me to come closer. “Now speak young one, the concern for your partner is not all that eats at you is it?”

I looked back at the dragon before sighing. “There’s more to it though… I was unsure about saying it in Luna’s presence.”

Caex gave a slow nod. “Tis not just your own friend’s future that has you worried, but events of our future as well isn’t it?” I gave a soft look of surprise. He gave a low chuckle. “You don’t get to be a Grand Elder just by being old you know. Though my eyes no longer see the world around me, I can still see the ways the world will change.”

“Well… It’s a mix of both. Tell me… do you see any changes with Luna?” I asked. “Because the disappearance of the Onyx… was based on that change.”

The elder gave a sigh. “You speak of the nightmare do you not?”

I nodded my head. “Yes. Or more specifically… Nightmare Moon. Her magic led to corrupting the Onyx dragons and now, just as we're starting to make progress, there’s signs that she might not be gone for good like we were to believe.” I sighed again, looking back.

He gave a soft nod. “And you worry not only for your friend, but your hatchling as well.” He said, lowering his head.

“Wait… How-?”

Caex chuckled softly. “The scent of an egg clings to you, and it is so mixed with your own it makes sense to reason the egg is yours.”

“Well, you got me on that one.” I sighed. “I want to be able to help them and be able to protect the newborn once it hatches, but with what happened today… I’m unsure if I can be able to protect them.”

Caex’s tail moved around, gently bopping me on the head. “Tell me young one, would the friend who gave himself to save thousands of lives today want you to be moping about like a child who lost it’s toy?”

“No…” I said before thinking about it a little. “No he wouldn’t… There are just a lot of things I don’t know. Things that could make a difference… Hell, I’m still trying to understand being able to see the souls of fallen dragons.”

The elder dragon lifted his head a bit and looked at me with one large eye. “The sight of those who have passed on? Interesting. But your problems are not as bad as you think. You are worried for the future of your family, and are scared of making bad choices. Every species on Terra has a single, unanimous word for that.” He gave a soft chuckle. “A word I'm sure you've heard before.”

“What’s that?”

He chuckled softly. “Fatherhood.” He said with a slight smirk.

“Oh… I see. You mean like the instinct of protecting family?” I asked him. “I think I see what you mean.”

He gave a soft nod. “Just remember not to go crazy with worry. Kur knows how many couples I've seen split because one or both were so paranoid.” He laughed softly. “Have faith in your family and friends young Scalebound.”

“Thank you.” I replied briefly “Should we let the princesses and Harroc come back in?”

He gave a nod, the side room opening as the four dragons walked back in. Celestia, Luna, and little Starswirl came back in through the other door, the young colt asleep against Luna's shoulder. Harroc walked over, gently placing a hand on my shoulder, giving me a soft smile.

“Welcome back everyone.” I greeted them as they returned.

The group smiled. “So Ken, you explained where you are from, but not exactly how you got here.” Celestia said with a smile. I remembered that, pulling out the scale that was my token.

“How I got here was that Connor found this. It’s my summoning token and many Displaced cast theres out into the void with the hope of it being found by another Displaced. Fortunately for Connor, he found mine.” I set it down on a small table that was next to the princesses. “That also brings me to what I need to ask next. When he does wake… can you make sure that he can reach me? Time may pass differently between worlds, but Connor is more than a friend to me. He and Scratch were like family.”

The Alicorns looked at each other before smiling and nodding. “Any friend or family of Connor's is friend to us as well.” Luna said, taking the token and tucking it away.

“We’ll make sure he gets the message.” Celestia said with a smile.

“Thank you. I really appreciate it. May you all stay safe in the days to come.” I told them, looking back towards Harroc. “Are there anymore questions you need to ask me, your highness?”

Harroc thought for a bit. “Hmmm, as far as I can tell there is nothing more I need.” He turned to the grand master. “Anything you would ask Caex?”

The dragon scratched his chin for a moment, his eyes seeming to gain a glow for a second. “Should you return, bring aspirin.” He said with a soft chuckle. “You're gonna need it.”

I nodded my head, acknowledging the comment. “Thanks. I believe I should return back home. May the stars watch over you in the days to come.” I said, using my arm to open up the way home as I stepped inside, disappearing from the grand hall. And from the home of a friend.

POV Third Person

The group all watched Ken leave, still staring in wonder at the tear between realities. Harroc then walked over to the statue of Connor and Scratch, giving a sigh. “Figures he would pull this kind of stunt.” He said, shaking his head.

Celestia then walked over. “What shall we do? I feel it would be in poor taste to simply store him away, or keep him out in a garden.” The solar princess said with a sad look at her imprisoned friend.

Luna walked over, gently carrying Starswirl on her shoulder. “Twould not be fair of either of us to try and claim guardianship. Connor and Scratch loved both Equestria and Thaczil Darastrixi.” She said calmly so as not to wake the colt.

The group thought for a moment before Kaden spoke up. “Why not take turns?” They all looked at him. “Well, both the king and the princesses are long lived, if not immortal. So why not take turns every century or so? That way he gets to be in both his homes.” The three royals all looked at each other, giving a smile before nodding.

Of Armies and Awakening

"Have a nice nap there sleeping beauty?" Scratch's voice came, startling me out of my mental stupor.

"Huh? What? I spaced out?" I thought, mentally shaking myself as I tried to look around me, briefly forgetting I was still a statue. "Oh right, still solid iron. Man, it's been what, little over fifteen hundred years? You'd think I'd remember I'm still a statue whenever I come out of those little trances."

Scratch's laughter echoed in our shared mindspace. "You'd think, but then again, it's really only been what, a little over three hundred years since the seal weakened enough that our minds were awake?"

I sighed "Yeah, but I wish this spell would wear off and I could get free. Since we woke there was that period of two hundred something years where there was neither hide nor hair of Luna, then one day she just showed up looking almost like a teen again. Then there was that nutter Discord getting loose."

"Oh what, didn't enjoy our chats over the years? I'm hurt Iron." A rather snide voice said, cutting into our thoughts.

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear" Scratch said with a groan.

"While our chats were sometimes fun Discord, I could have done without having to listen to your plots for plunging Terra into eternal chaos. Though I will admit, your taste in music is quite good. Even a few I remember from back home. Said God of chaos was currently back out in the statue garden of the castle. Somehow, figuring it was chaos magic or something, the draconequis had managed to hack into mine and Scratch's mental connection. Every now and then they guy was fun to talk to, reminded me of Q, but looking up bipolar in the dictionary would reward you with an image of his mug. Half the time he was fun to chat with, the other half he'd be either spouting of murderous fantasies, or plotting to simply turn all dirt roads into soap and make clouds rain chocolate milk. "I'm just glad whoever it was that locked you back up did what they did."

I focused and managed to block the nosy chaos lord out, giving a sigh. "So Scratch, what's on the agenda today? Think Philomena will use you as a perch again?" I said with a chuckle, watching a few guards go by.

"Ha ha." He said with heavy sarcasm. "Shouldn't you be worried about that dragon trying to sneak a nibble at your leg again?"

"Touché." I said softly. "Granted him and Twilight are all the way in...where did they say again? Ponyville? Ugh, why in the world did they end up using pun names for their cities." I sighed, watching another platoon of guards go by. "Hey, Scratch."

"Hmm?"

"That's like what, the third platoon of guards to go by in less than an hour?" I said, about to ask a question before seeing a wall of magenta magic pushing through the hallway, over us, then further along the hall. "Uhh....what?"

"Looks like it's not just here, but covering all of Canterlot." Scratch said, able to see out the nearest window. Fun fact about being a mental aspect inside a statue. You can actually view a full three hundred and sixty degrees on all three dimensions. Guess the body acts as one big eye.

I looked out the window, seeing a large bubble surrounding the city. ”Hey,that's the captain’s magic color isn't it? What could warrant a shield that big?”

Scratch mentally shrugged. ”Honestly I can't think of a reason. Last we could tell, the only issue was Discord and that was like what? Half a year ago?”

I sighed. ”Wish the seal would just give out already so I could find out what's going on." I then chuckled softly. ”Hey, when we get out, how mad do you think Ken will be that we did that to him?”

Scratch laughed softly. ”Fifty bits says he whacks you over the head or punches you in the gut."

I laughed. ”I say he uses that dragon arm to pull me into a bro hug, then punches me across the face.” I laugh softly. ”Though that will have to wait until I can find his token again. From what I've been able to sense, it must have fallen out of my pocket or gotten absorbed into the magic of heaven's wrought iron because it's not on me anymore." I said watching more guards and maids go around the entry hall.

A few moments later however I saw a semi familiar face enter the main hall. ”Hey is that Twilight? Seems she brought some friends with her.” I said to Scratch, watching the purple unicorn and her five friends enter the castle.

“I'm telling you girls, something seemed really off about Cadence. It was like she didn't even remember me.” Twilight said with a hint of worry.

“Don't y’all worry none Twilight, ah bet she's just got a lot on her mind what with the weddin comin up in a few days.” The orange earth pony mare said next to her. I think I remember her name was Apple….Apple something. Eh, I'll go with Applejack. Loved that cereal back home.

“Indeed Darling, why she must be stressed out of her mind. It is a mares greatest day after all.” Said a marble white unicorn on Twilight's other side. This one I remember, with that voice and flare for drama, Rarity was kinda hard to forget.

“Besides Twilight, I'm sure you're still just upset your brother was busy with that threat to tell you in person he was getting married.” The rainbow maned pegasus above the group said. Rainbow dash. An ego like hers, I doubt even heaven's wrought iron would be enough to contain it.

Someone else seemed to speak up since Twilight turned. “Thanks Fluttershy, though Rainbow Dash is a little right, I'm still a bit upset Shining Armor didn't say anything until a few days before the wedding. He could have at least told me when he proposed.” Seems that someone in the group was named Fluttershy. I tried to see and spotted an almost creamy yellow colored pegasus mare with a soft pink mane.

“It's obvious he wanted to keep it a super special surprise Twilight!” And speaking of pink, the hyperactive earth mare next to her was bouncing around like a kid on a sugar rush. I couldn't help but laugh at Pinkie Pie’s antics. Said mare looked around suddenly, her ear twitching, tail swishing twice and left leg doing what almost looked like a quick tap dance. “hmm twitchy ear, two tail swishes, and left solo tap dance….” She locked eyes with my statue giving a wave at me. I blinked and gave a wave back. Well I didn't really, more like a phantom wave, I felt myself going through the motions but knew my arms were still locked in position.

The pink savant turned back to her friends, talking about how she'd plan an awesome reception. “Who did you wave at just now Pinkie? And what Pinkie sense did that combo mean?” Twilight asked, curious of her friend’s antics.

“Oh nobody, and it just means that someone who is gonna be a great friend will show up in the future.” She said with a smile, skipping off down the hall. I blinked at that and gave a smile.

”Gotta love that mare sometimes.” I said to Scratch with a laugh.

Another day had gone by, and more and more ponies were showing up for the wedding. Turns out it was Twilight's brother Shining Armor and some other princess named MI Amore Cadenza getting married. Though something seemed off about the whole thing.

Every now and then I'd see a few ponies come, and as they were heading back out into the city they would almost seem like a mix between zombies and robots. Sluggish and a bit slow to react, but holding an almost neutral glare more often than not. ”Something’s not right Scratch. I'm getting a bad feeling."

”You're not the only one. I feel it too. Something big is coming.” He said, turning to look out the window. ”Uhhh….Connor…. "

I followed his gaze, soon looking out the window. ”Oh….”

From what we could see outside the window, there was a massive amount of pitch black colored somethings trying to bash against the barrier surrounding Canterlot. If my face were free my jaw would surely have been on the floor. ”Oh….Shit…” I turned back, my eyes widening as I saw a slightly roughed up Twilight and an almost ragged looking Cadenza running through the main hall. ”What in Kur’s name is going on?!”

”From what I can tell, it’s looking like whatever those are out there, they are trying to invade Canterlot" Scratch said with a hint of worry.

I gave a groan. ”Just our luck. The one time something tries to invade and we could be of help, we are still stuck in irons.” I growled and practically shouted inside our mind. ”Wear off damn magic!” I said, trying to somehow force the iron around us to break, but to no avail.

I watched the two ponies run off down a hall. Several minutes later a loud explosion echoed throughout the hallway, shaking the castle’s foundation. I looked outside in shock as I watched the barrier shatter like a window, the invading creatures cloaking themselves in green fire before plummeting down upon the city. I could only watch in horror as more and more flooded the city, capturing ponies and practically stampeding over the royal guards. ”No...no no no NO!" I said, trying to struggle against the bonds of the magic more.

A few moments later I could see Twilight and her friends all running through the hall out into the courtyard to try and get to another part of the castle. I watched them become surrounded by the invaders, the girls putting up an incredibly good fight against the shapeshifting beings. Though when they went into the next hall, I could see them stop, becoming overwhelmed by a swarm of the beings.

I gave a growl, feeling my magic well up inside me. ”Scratch?"

The feline blinked and looked over at me. "Hmm?" He said in a strained tone. I could tell this was eating at him too, not being able to do anything.

”Back when I was first learning my magic, you told me that a lot of it depended on my will and focus right?" I said, my voice going strangely calm for a moment.

”Yes that’s true. Why bring that up now though?" He asked.

I tensed up, my magical energy slowly swirling from a ripple on a pond, to the waves of a lake crashing against the shore, to a roaring ocean wave during a storm. ”Because I don’t care if this magic is the so called cage of the gods anymore. I’m not going to stand by and let myself stay sealed away while those things hurt my friends and the ponies they care for!" I practically shouted, my magic flaring.

The magic of the iron around me slowly began to materialize, the runes and symbols of magical energy forming along our shell. I gave a growl, forcing more and more of our magic against the shell, small cracks appearing along the runes. "Break already damn you. BREAK!!" I shouted, the small cracks fracturing rapidly along the shell, the iron soon warping as the statue itself seemed to burst, iron shards littering the entrance hall. For the first time in just over fifteen hundred years, I let fresh air fill my lungs, cracking my neck. A few of the insectoid beings had entered the hall, looking at me with a strange look before transforming into copies of me. Scratch hopped down from my shoulder, shifting into his humanoid form, pulling his blade from it's sheath as it grew to the size of a large great sword. I gave a growl and cracked my knuckles, iron scales coating my skin. "Let's go Scratch. We've got some bugs to stomp."

Author's Note

Bit on the shorter side, but honestly I feel it's a good spot to leave off the chapter. Thanks for tuning in, and let's get this show on the road.

Of Royalty and Reunions

I glared at the bug creatures that had taken on my appearance. I gave a chuckle and got into a low crouch. “Oh come on, haven’t you ever read comics or seen the movies?” I said before lunging, pushing off the ground hard enough to crack the marble floor as I grabbed one of the imposters, slamming his head into the ground. “Copies are almost never as good as the originals.” My claws dug into the shapeshifter, digging through the fake skin and drawing a green ichor like substance. “So you bleed green huh? Good to know.” I said before standing up and quickly throwing the body at the other two.

The shapeshifters dodged out of the way of their fallen comrade, about to lunge at me. Though the one on the left was too slow as Scratch leapt down from above, his Musica Sword enlarging a bit more before slashing down through the false Connor. With the death of it’s caster, the illusion around the being dropped, both halves reverting back to their original chitin covered form.

Scratch looked down at the creature and gave a wince. “Ugh, I do not envy the cleaning staff of the castle.” He said, shaking some of the ichor off his blade before we turned to the remaining duplicate. It looked between the two of us before it changed back to normal then shifted into a rat and ran off under a crack in the wall.

I rolled my eyes at it and looked at Scratch. “Come on, we need to go to where they took Twilight and the others.” He nodded and we both ran down the hallway. “If memory serves, they are in the same place as that explosion before.”

Moments later we turned a corner, encountering several dozen of the shape-shifters. “Oh good. I needed to get more of a workout. Fifteen hundred years of just standing around is murder on the muscles.” I growled, slamming my fist hard into one of the being’s head. “Tetsuryū no Gō Ken” I shouted, a magic circle appearing as I literally knocked his block off, the being’s head flying off out a window as it’s body slumped, oozing more green ichor onto the floor.

Scratch growled as he grew his sword longer, slashing it sideways through the first row of enemies, bisecting them all and splattering the walls. “Reminds me of the dune beetle swarm back in the deserts of Thaczil.” He said, noticing a few were still moving even after being cleaved in half, launching over and stomping their heads, resulting in a loud crunch and squish sound. He gave a smirk before grimacing, sticking his tongue out. “Ugh, that’s gonna take forever to get out of my fur.” He said, slashing at another one.

Several minutes and and a couple scratches later, the duo stood over a slaughtered platoon of body parts. “Well that takes care of these ones.” I said before we walked over to the sealed door. “This should be it.”

Scratch nodded, about to bust the door open with his blade before I stopped him. He looked at me with confusion. “What are you doing?”

“Come on man, fifteen hundred years gone by. If I know Celestia she's in there as well. We gotta do something to surprise her even more than just bursting through.” He blinked before giving a chuckle and nodded. “Excellent, now then, what to do….hmm oh I know. How about a classic.”

POV:Twilight and the others

Twilight could only watch in horror as the changelings laid waste to several sections of Canterlot, while their ruler almost seemed to dance around the wedding hall.

Chrysalis laughed as she moved about the hall, overlooking the mayhem, singing about how the day had been just perfect. Twilight saw this as a chance to try and sneak over to free Cadance, but before she got more than a few feet away, a shot of green slime had cemented her hooves to the floor.

“Ah ah ah. Can't have you ruining my perfect day by trying anything heroic.” The queen of changelings said with a malicious chuckle. “Hmm, perhaps I should simply get rid of you all now.” She turned to a drone near the doors
“Commander Delta, bring your platoon in here. I'm feeling generous and will allow your squad the honor of slaying these foolish mares.”

The changeling officer nodded, connecting to his troops before blinking. “My queen, I am unable to connect to my men.” He said before turning to the door. “I can't find them among the hive at all.” He said.

Chrysalis blinked at this and gave a groan. “Never send a commander to do a Queen’s job.” She said, attempting to connect the soldiers outside the door, only to see the last fleeting images of something metallic cleaving and tearing through them. “What?! This cannot be.” She flew over to the cocooned Celestia, uncovering her head but leaving her horn neutralized. “I thought I told you to tell all your troops to stand down.”

Celestia blinked. “I did.” The imprisoned princess said. “Believe me Chrysalis, I don't like this, but I'd rather surrender after a defeat than see any more of my ponies hurt.” She said in a defiant tone.

“Then what in Tartarus had just slain a platoon of changeling soldiers?” She said, about to blast the princess before a loud knock echoed off the door. She blinked and looked at the door where Delta was stationed.

Delta looked at the door as more knocking came.

Knock knock knock knock-knock

Pinkie pie immediately bounced up. “Ooh ooh, now knock back twice!” She said excitedly. Upon hearing this knock Celestia's eyes widened.

Knock knock knock knock-knock

Delta looked to his queen who gave a simple shrug and nodded. Delta turned to the door and gave two solid knocks.

Knock Knock

As soon as the second knock hit, the doors were blown inwards, launching the changeling commander against the wall, the heavy oaken doors slamming against him resulting in a rather unsavory crunch and squish sound.

All ponies and changelings present looked at the now open doorway, the dust clearing to reveal two beings. The one on the left appeared to be a large humanoid feline carrying a massive sword, while the other one was a bit shorter, but their skin gleamed like polished iron. The slightly shorter one gave a grin as he called out. “Luuuucyyyy I'm hooome”

POV:CONNOR

I looked at all their practically stupefied reactions, chuckling. “See Scratch, I told you it would make em speechless.” I smirked, shifting my arm into it’s iron sword form.

He chuckled. “That you did Connor, that you did.” He said, hefting his blade up.

Chrysalis stared at us before shaking her head. “You!”

I smiled. “Me! Man I’ve always wanted to do that little bit.” I said with a laugh. I looked around and spotted Celestia strung up in a cocoon. “Well that’s one way to keep the princess from frying you with solar fire.”

Chrysalis gave a growl. “You are the things that killed my troops out there.”

Scratch raised a hand. “Guilty.” he smirked at the changeling queen. “We’ll send you the bill for our dry cleaning.”

She gave a growl and glared. “Whatever, drones. Kill them.”

I gave a glare before turning to the trapped ponies. “Those of you with a weak stomach, i recommend closing your eyes and covering your ears.” i said before lunging, slashing at an incoming drone soldier, taking his arms off. He stared at his stumps before the edges of my blade revved up, cleaving through his chest with ease.

A few of the ponies could only stare in shock as the two beings tore through the changeling drones like hot knives through butter. Twilight couldn't help but go a bit green seeing the changelings being sliced and diced. “So...Awesome..” She blinked and turned, seeing Rainbow watching the fighters with rapt attention.

I gave a grin, my left arm turning into a solid iron pole. “Tetsuryūkon!” I lunged my arm forward, slamming through several more changelings and smashing them into the window, launching them off the balcony.

Several more changelings flew towards us attempting to end us, only to get swatted aside by Scratch's sword that had grown massive, resulting in the small cluster of troops getting knocked to the side in a crumpled heap. We smiled and looked at Chrysalis. “So, shall we dance? Or do you want to just surrender now?” I say with a sharp toothed grin.

Chrysalis gave a growl and opened her mouth. “Rushers!” She said, her voice echoing.

Applejack blinked as she tilted her head. “Rush what now?” Her question was answered as two holes were made in the ceiling, two hulking shadows crashing down into the room.

The dust cleared, revealing two changelings vastly different from the other soldiers. These more resembled large hulking beasts the size of a tractor trailer, three large segmented legs on each side ending in three four inch long claws that dug into the marble floor. Their wings were a mix of insectoid and dragon, the membrane between the wings more translucent and fibrous like a dragonfly’s. Though by far the most disturbing feature was their heads, the insect like mandibles clicking in front of a mouth whose lower jaw split into three as the behemoths roared loud enough to shake the room.

Chrysalis smirked at her beasts before turning back to us, only to stop upon seeing our faces. Across mine and Scratch's faces were not looks of terror like she had probably hoped, but more akin to a foal at Hearths Warming.

“You got me a present?!” We both shouted, Scratch’s sword enlarging a bit more as my other arm shifted into an iron sword, both blades revving.

I kicked off the ground, launching myself using an iron pole to land on the left behemoth’s back, digging my blades into it’s back,sending green ichor splattering across the wall behind it. The beast gave a roar, trying to buck hard and launch me off it’s back, but my blades held me on tight. “Yippie ki-yay mother fucker!” I shouted with a laugh as I held onto the behemoth as it ran around the room, trying to launch me, the blades revving more, splattering before it finally began to slow. I smirked and pulled my blades out, launching myself off it into the air. “Tetsuryūkon!” I shouted, both legs turning into iron poles before slamming down into the rusher’s head, splattering it on the ground.

“Well, that’s one down. Now how is Scratch…” I looked over, barely able to restrain my laughter. Scratch literally had the behemoth in the air, using his hands and feet to bat it and spin it like a giant ball of yarn. After a few moments he pushed hard, launching it up before swinging his blade, the weapon increasing in size before cleaving down the center of the beast. I watched him smirk and stand, before a giant glob of ichor splattered down on him, covering him from head to toe. I could see his eye twitch a bit before we both looked at the stunned Chrysalis.

“Ready to give up NOW?” Scratch asked as he shook off the ichor.

Chrysalis only stared. “They never said there’d be a dragon slayer, and whatever the hell that cat is here.” She said aloud. “To hell with this plan. I’m out.” She said before a bright glow encompassed her, what looked like the silhouette of a pony appearing before it shot into a changeling drone just outside the window, the drone flying off. The changeling queen then collapsed to the ground, all the other drones simply freezing where they stood and hovered, awaiting their orders from the queen.

I blinked and looked at Scratch. “Uhhh….did we win?” I said, going over and poking the now unconscious changeling with an iron pole.

“I would think so, though it seems she was under the control of someone using subjugation magic.” Scratch said, his body glowing before he shrunk back down from his battle form. “It would seem she was just a puppet for someone’s goal.”

Before I could say anything we were interrupted by a sudden shout. “Wait just a second here. What is going on? First we find out my old foalsitter was replaced by a shapeshifter, then she used her army to invade the city, and then just before she’s about to finish us off you two bust in like something out of a movie. Who are you? What are you? What was that magic you were using? How did he shrink from a full stallion’s height down to the size of a cat?” Twilight practically ranted out.

Scratch and I both looked at each other, me about to speak before I remembered something. “Scratch, think you can go up and cut Celestia’s cocoon down?” He nodded, his wings sprouting into existence before he flew up, using his blade to cut the princess’ cocoon open. I stood below and caught her, giving a cheeky grin. “Hello Tia, miss me?”

Celestia only stared in shock at me. “C….Connor?” She said, reaching a hand to my face to see if I was real.

“In the flesh. Though apologies if I seem a bit manic. While I only woke up technically a few hundred years ago, aside from Scratch the only real conversation partner was Discord, so some of his madness may have slipped through.” I said with a chuckle, slowly setting her down to her hooves.

The solar princess simply stared at me before grabbing me in a practically bone crushing hug. “Ai ai ai, Tia! Bones not made of iron at the moment!” I said, wincing at her strength.

She then let me go and gave me a quick smack across the head. “That’s for pulling that stunt with sealing yourself away. Your friends were heartbroken for a while.”

I gave a soft smile, rubbing the back of my head.

“Princess Celestia! What is going on? Do you know him? How do you know him? Who is he? Again just what is going….” Twilight’s questions were interrupted by a groan from the changeling queen on the floor.

“Ohhh…..my aching carapace.” She said, her voice now lacking that strange double echo it had before. “What is going on? This isn’t the hive chamber.” She said, slowly looking around, her eyes settling on Celestia. “Princess Celestia of Equestria?” Her slitted pupils dilated as she seemed to realize where she was. “Oh no no no, please tell me that was all just a dream! I didn’t really try to conquer Canterlot right?”

Scratch floated next to her. “You remember what happened?” He asked her.

The changeling queen jumped a bit at the sudden voice next to her, looking at the floating exceed. “Bits and pieces….I remember going to check the hive’s entrance for any misconstructions for the maintenance drones to repair, then everything goes hazy. I remember a train, the princess of love, seeing the purple unicorn over there, then the wedding. Then I….I fought with Celestia and won….but then you two showed up…..What happened?”

Scratch looked over and flew onto my shoulder. “As I was saying to Connor, it seems you are the victim of subjugation magic. A type of magic that allows someone to control others, whether it be summoning them, gathering them into a sort of pocket dimension, or in the extremest cases, full possession. Most likely someone took control of you to gain control of your hive.”

Her pupils shrank back down to slits as she realized what happened. She shook her head. “No no, my hive would never have done this.” She tried to say more but Celestia raised a hand to stop her.

“Before we go any further, perhaps you should tell your remaining troops to cease all attacks, and then we can discuss what will become of the changelings after the events.” Celestia said with a calm tone. “And you can start by releasing my student, her friends, my niece, and her husband/my captain of the guard.”

Chrysalis nodded, snapping her fingers as a few drones moved over and released the captive ponies, Cadence immediately running over and snapping her husband out of his trance like state. Shining Armor blinked and looked around hazily. “Huh? What? I-Is the wedding over?”

I chuckled. “Not exactly.”

A few days later, repairs to Canterlot were almost completed. Despite the damage to the city, there were no casualties on the pony side. Which considering they were needed to produce love as the changelings needed, made sense. What good is your food source if it's dead. Anyways, a public apology and statement was made, telling the public about how Chrysalis was being controlled by dark magic, forcing her and her hive to attack.

While some nobles were stuck with their noses in the air about someone who wasn't a pony being accepted, many ponies openly accepted their apology. Scratch and I also apologized to Chrysalis for taking down so many of her soldiers, but she understood. Given the situation, had ponies invaded her hive they would have done similar.

Work repairing the city went surprisingly fast with all the drones helping. Granted there were a few hiccups with Twilight constantly trying to question us about who we were, and we had to keep telling her that we would explain once Luna was back from her diplomatic duties.

Once everything was repaired, the wedding was held once again. The ceremony went off without a hitch, mine and Scratch’s jaws dropping at the sight of the sonic rainboom.

A few hours later during the night me and Scratch stood off to the side in the shadows, Celestia having told us Luna would be back that night for the reception. We watched Cadence and Shining dancing slowly to the music with a smile before looking up, seeing the princess of the night flying down. “Hello everyone, did we miss anything?”

I took this as the perfect cue to walk over next to her while she was looking the other way. “Not much your highness. Just a little hiccup in the ceremony.”

Luna blinked and nodded. “Thank you Connor.” She said before turning back to her sister to continue chatting. I mentally counted down, waiting for it to sink in. A few seconds later she froze and turned to look at me. “Tia, while we miss him too, tis a bit odd to make an illusion of Connor here.”

I smirked and reached over, booping the lunar princess on the nose. Her face scrunched up a bit before her eyes widened. “Missed you too Lulu.” I said with a laugh, immediately hardening my skin as I could see her lunging at me to give me a hug. A few ponies cleared out of the way as she tackled me several feet. I chuckled and gave her a tight hug as well, making sure to dodge an incoming smack. “Your sister already hit me, I don't need a reminder.” I laughed as Scratch flew over, landing on Luna's shoulder.

Luna looked over and smiled, pulling the feline into a hug, petting him. Scratch was trying to struggle but soon succumbed to the petting, purring slightly. I chuckled and looked over as Pinkie zipped over to the dj station, shaking my head as she seemed to pull a white mare with an electric blue two toned mane out from underneath. ”Was she waiting under there for that?”

The dj pony, who I learned later was ironically called DJ PON-3, started up the music, Pinkie tossing a mic to Twilight who caught it and began to sing, all of us bobbing our heads and soon getting into the dance.

Once the song ended, we watched the happy couple head off on their honeymoon. Spike then gave a chuckle. “Just wait til they see what I have planned for the bachelor party!”

The girls simply laughed as Scratch and I gave him a slightly dumbfounded look. “Dude, the bachelor party is supposed to be before the wedding. You know, when the groom is still a bachelor?” Spike simply blinked and looked at me like a deer in headlights before slowly facepalming. At this point we couldn't help but laugh at the young drake’s naivety.

Author's Note

Let there be blood!!! -coughs- so yeah, violence and fun. Also, yes I decided on use of subjugation magic for a reformed chrysalis. I felt it fit, as a true queen of infiltrators would never do a full bum rush tactic, even if desperate. So yeah. The royals and Connor are reunited, next chapter the mane six take a more involved role as they learn about Connor and Scratch, and we learn what happened during their 1500 year nap. Til then folks. PEACE OUT!

Of Reveals and Revelations

The next morning I gave a groan, stretching my back and wincing upon hearing a loud crack and pop. “Agh, there it was.” I said as the miniscule moment of pain was traded for muscular relief. “That kink has been bothering me for the last two hundred years.” I smiled, standing up and heading to the bathroom to shower up and get ready for breakfast.

After last night's events, Celestia, Luna, and myself had managed to convince Twilight to hold off on the Q&A session until after everyone got a good night's sleep. She reluctantly agreed, after some extra convincing from her own tired yawns.

I got out of the shower and gave my spare clothes a look. Even after all this time, the princesses had held onto a few spare outfits of mine for the day I might come back. “Surprised the moths didn't go to town on these.” I said, patting down shirt and pants.

“Preservation spells are fairly easy when it comes to clothing.” A voice said, causing me to jump a good foot in the air. I looked over and saw Twilight standing in the doorway. “For someone who fought a bunch of invaders and a giant beast, you sure are jumpy.” She said with a laugh.

I rolled my eyes. “hah hah, very funny. Now let's get to breakfast so I can get some coffee or else you'll see how grumpy this dragon slayer can really be.” I said with a slight groan.

At this however Twilight's eyes widened in shock and a bit of fear
“A what?! I knew you had to be hiding something! You aren't going to kill Spike. If you want to you'll have to do it over my dead body!” She said, taking a defensive stance, her horn charging.

I gave a groan. “Relax Sparkle, it's just what my magic is called. I have no intention of taking Spike out.” I then thought to myself. ”Though I may give him a scare for trying to nibble me when I was a statue. I shook my head a bit. “Like I said, I'll explain a lot at breakfast. But first things first. Coffee.” I said, walking past her. I could feel the unicorns glare on me as we walked to the dining hall.

When we got there, we could see that everyone was there except for Celestia and Luna. I sat down and slouched forward, giving a tired groan. After a few moments I heard hoof steps behind me. I looked as a steaming mug was placed in front of me, held in a dark blue aura. “Thanks Luna.” I said, taking the cup and sipping at it, the hot nectar of the gods flowing down my gullet. I gave a shiver and smiled. “Ahhh, sweet life blood.” I said with a chuckle. I looked around at all the mares and the young drake, seeing the princesses and Chrysalis were now around the long table.

“Tis good to have you and Scratch back Connor.” The lunar princess stated, said feline flying off her shoulder to sit on the table next to me. “Now then, let us break our nightly fast.”

I blinked and chuckled as I sipped my coffee. “Breakfast Luna.”

She blinked and waved her hand dismissively. “Semantics.”

I rolled my eyes and shook my head as breakfast was brought out by several servants. The mares had plates with vegetables and eggs, while chrysalis had an empty spot. I gave her a curious look. “Changelings feed off of love, and there's enough ambient love in the air to keep me satiated.”

I nodded and smiled as a plate of eggs, vegetables, and….oh yess. “Oh sweet Kur above. Is that….bacon?” I said, staring at the crispy brown ambrosia on my plate.

Celestia gave a laugh. “Indeed, we have a small store of meats for visiting gryphon dignitaries.” I smiled, staring at it before recognizing a plate with several shards of metal and gemstones placed next to it.

“Wait, so your species eats meat? And metals and gems?” Twilight said, a notepad and quill floating next to her.

“Well my kind are omnivores, so we require a balanced diet of meats and produce. Though rest assured, I've never eaten pony, and since coming here I've only eaten animals that haven't shown any sentience.” I took a bite of bacon, shivering in joy. “Ohhh man...fifteen hundred years away makes it all the sweeter.” I noticed a few stares and cleared my throat. “Anyways, as for the gems and metals, humans don't eat them normally, but my digestive system changed thanks to my magic.”

Twilight then tensed. “And your magic is..?”

Celestia noticed the tense and smiled softly. “Connor’s magic is what is known as Dragon Slaying magic. But worry not my faithful student. He has no intention of ever hurting Spike.”

“I tried to tell her that, but she kept giving me a death glare all the way down the hall.” I said, munching on a piece of metal. “Mmm oh man, forging techniques have gotten a lot better. This has a lot more taste than the old days.”

Rainbow then leaned over. “That's another thing. How did you know Twilight and all our names even though we had never seen you before the wedding. Were you spying on us?” She said accusingly.

Scratch then gave a laugh. “Connor was never one for spying. Though we did watch everything that came in through the main castle hall.” He then flew onto my shoulder as I stood up tall, positioning my arms in front of me. “Ring any bells?” He said, glancing over at a pink hand waving excitedly. “Pinkie you're not able to guess.” He said, the bubbly mare lowering her hand.

The mares all thought a bit as to what the two of us meant. Fluttershy was the first to speak. “Umm...they look like the statue that was in the main hall.”

The others looked at her. “Why darling I think you're right. They are the spitting image of the Iron warrior statue that’s in the entrance hall.”

Scratch and I both smirked at the girls. “Wait you're telling us that you don't just look like the statue…” Rainbow began, her magenta eyes widening in realization

“....You WERE the statue?!” Twilight exclaimed, the quill snapping in half.

“Bingo.” The two of us said, sitting back down.

“But if y’all were a statue, doesn't that mean you two were criminals who got locked away by the elements of harmony?” Applejack said after taking a bite from a green apple.

I blinked. “Elements of who what now?”

Twilight gasped. “How could you have not hear of the elements of harmony?”

“Technically Twilight you hadn't heard about them until the whole Nightmare Moon episode.” Pinkie said, shoving a whole cupcake in her mouth….no seriously. She practically unhinged her jaw and shoved hand and cupcake into her mouth.

Scratch and I stared at her for a moment. “Pinkie’s physics defying body aside, who or what was Nightmare Moon?”

Luna gave a cough. “Tis a most unfortunate event that occurred in our past. We will explain to thee later.” She said, finding her plate suddenly very interesting.

“Uh huh...anyways, never heard of the elements of harmony, but me being sealed away was technically my own doing.” He then blinked and looked at the princesses before continuing. “See, back then, Scratch and I were Knights of the crown. We basically took care of any jobs that needed either immediate response, or of a….darker nature. The final mission I was on was to originally track down and put an end to a slave ring operating out of Acidava.”

Twilight then blinked. “Out of where?”

Me and Scratch looked at each other before turning back to her. “Acidava. You know. Large port city on the South Eastern peninsula of Thaczil Darastrixi?” At this Spike seemed to straighten up, his eyes widening at the language of dragons. “I figured since the treaty dragon cities would be well known after fifteen hundred years.”

Twilight then looked over at Spike before turning back to us. “Dragons had cities back then? Fascinating. Dragons nowadays are nomadic and migratory creatures.” She said, causing Scratch and I to blink before turning to the princesses.

“Celestia, what is she talking about? I know time is a fickle thing, but I figured Harroc and the kingdom would still be going strong. I mean, fifteen hundred years is like a cup in the bucket for dragons.”

The two princesses looked at each other before giving a soft sigh. “We will explain after breakfast. For now, let us enjoy our meals.” Celestia spoke with a somewhat sad tone.

We both looked at her before nodding. I then noticed something odd at the table. “Hey, Spike, why don't you have any meat on your plate?”

The young drake blinked and looked at his plate of gems and metal. “Huh? Dragons eat gems and metals dude.” He said with a tilt of his head.

My eye twitched slightly as I looked over at Celestia. “You never told him dragons are omnivorous as well?”

Twilight then gave a cough. “Spike was raised in a pony society, and eggs are a perfect protein, so I didn't see the need to have him eat...meat.” She gave a slight shudder. “Besides. He eats plenty of fruit and vegetables as well.”

I blinked and looked at Spike, standing up and walking over. “Hey Spike, mind standing up for a minute?” He blinked and did as asked, standing up. I took his left arm, giving it as squeeze, turning my hand to iron and tapping it across his scales. The hard materials easily held and didn't leave a mark. “Hmm, muscles are a little under, most likely from lack of full protein source. Scales are nice and durable though, considering the excess of gems and metals.” I then looked at him. “How old are you again Spike?”

He blinked and looked at me. “Seventeen why?”

I nearly fell over when he said this. “Woah Woah woah, seventeen?!” I said with shock, Scratch’s eyes mirroring my own surprise

Spike then looked up. “Yeah, why? Is there some sort of problem?”

I then crossed my arms, looking at the drake who was easily a head and a half shorter than me. “I'll say. A seventeen year old dragon’s biped form should be just a few inches shorter than me, if not as tall as me.”

The group blinked at that before Spike shook his head. “Wait, what do you mean biped form?” He said with a confused tone.

At this my jaw dropped as I looked over at Celestia and Luna. “You never even told him?” I said with a disappointed look.

Celestia looked down. “We never felt the need for it to come up as his smaller form allowed him to live with Twilight and her friends that much easier.”

I pinched the bridge of my nose as I walked back to my seat, finishing up my breakfast. “Once everyone is done with breakfast, find me. Then we’ll finish this discussion.” I said before standing up and walking out of the room.

Scratch flew after me, landing on top of my head. “That could have been handled a bit better.”

I gave a groan. “I know, but still, you can't say you aren't a little miffed they didn't tell him about half the things he needs or can do.” I said, soon finding myself in the guard barracks. “Oh goody. Things to hit.” I say, heading over to the training field.

The group watched Connor leave the room, Celestia giving a sigh as Twilight looked over to her mentor. “Princess Celestia, what exactly DID Connor mean by biped form?”

Spike looked to the princesses with attention. “I'm sure all of you remember the incident with Spike’s growth spurt during his seventeenth birthday?” She said with a gentle smile.

Spike blushed a bit, rubbing the back of his head. “Y-Yeah, not my proudest moment.” he said, looking down at the table.

“Well, all dragons have two forms. One known as the bipedal form, and the other which is known as their true form.” Celestia looked at the young drake. “From what Connor told us of dragons when he would train in their country, young hatchlings are born into their bipedal form until they reach of age to take their true form.” She began before Twilight raised a hand.

“Wait, train there, as in Connor was part of dragon society in ancient times?” The lavender librarian questioned.

Luna gave a nod. “Twas in fact Connor and Scratch who originally aided us in forging a treaty with the dragon kingdom. They were given honorary knight status in both kingdoms.” She said, giving a smile at the memory.

“Woah Woah woah, a royal knight? That's a rank on par with the wonderbolts.” Rainbow said in surprise.

Celestia nodded. “Now then, since we are all done with breakfast, shall we go find Connor and Scratch?”

As they nodded and stood up, a loud boom rocked the castle foundation. All but two of the mares looked around panicky, but Celestia simply gave a sigh. “Looks like Connor found the training grounds.”

POV:CONNOR

I gave a sharp toothed grin at the large crater in front of me where a training dummy had just been. “Ahh feels good to let loose a bit of frustration through destruction.” I gave a chuckle, watching some of the guards scramble to get back to their training.

Scratch flew over to my shoulder and shook his head. “You could have gone with something less destructive than that. I think they felt that on the other side of the castle.” I gave him a deadpan look and pointed to a pile of shredded training dummies. He gave a sheepish smile and laughed.

I smiled and chuckled before hearing hoofsteps behind me. “Seems you plan to make the royal groundskeepers your enemy in this time as well Connor.” Celestia said.

I gave a soft chuckle. “Ol’ Thorny Vine never did forgive me for accidentally wrecking his posies.” I laughed softly. “Ah well, the past is the past. Though I'll miss the old stallion.” I smiled and looked at the group. “Right, I've blown off some steam now, so let's get to that Q&A I promised.”

At this a multitude of quills and parchment appeared around Twilight. “You started to tell us about how you ended up in Iron before we got off on tangents. What exactly happened?”

I looked to Scratch for a bit. “Well I figure it's easily cold case so I guess it's okay to tell you. At the time Scratch and I were part of the King’s secret unit. Like I said, we took care of some of the more unsavory actions that would have resulted in a lot of trouble for Terra. One such mission was to take down a slave ring. Though it turned out to be something far worse than that.” a few of the mares gulped at the idea of something worse than slavery. “The slavers were part of a cult that planned to summon an ancient dragon capable of laying waste to the world. Me and my team found out and went in to try and stop them, but we were almost too late. They had gathered the magical energy to summon him and transferred it into a dragon's egg. Though the ritual was partially interrupted right at the end, basically turning the egg into a magical warhead.” At this a few mares tilted their head.

“A what now?” Rainbow said.

“Big boom capable of destroying an entire peninsula.” a couple ohhs sounded off. “Anyways, the egg bomb would have taken out the peninsula city had I not used a final technique to contain it to a small area. The technique basically can contain pretty much gods, but the backlash turns the caster to iron as well. That's how I ended up a statue.”

Twilight looked over at me after writing it all down. “So you gave your life essentially to save all those people and your team?” She said, wide eyed.

I nodded. “Granted they didn't know I was about to do that, and I had them get out to get civilians to safety. I still feel bad for making one of them leave by tricking them….” My eyes then widened before turning to the princesses. “Wait, Celestia, Luna. You two were coming by the kingdom later to visit….did you happen to meet Ken?”

The princesses looked to each other, thinking for a bit before their eyes widened simultaneously. In a flash Luna had vanished and then reappeared, holding out an obsidian scale towards me. “Your friend told us to give this to you on the day of your release. We had all but forgotten about it.” The night princess said with a smile.

I took the scale and smiled, feeling the familiar energy. Pinkie then leaned over. “A scale? What's so special about it?” She said, poking it.

I gave a chuckle. “Something else I should answer first. Originally I'm not from Equestria, the dragon kingdom, or even Terra. I was dimensionally displaced from my world to here.”

At this Rainbow's eyes widened. “So you're an alien? That's so cool!”

I laughed at that. “Ironically the first thing the guard did when they found me was take me to their leaders.” At this a few mares laughed at the cliche. Seems some tropes are universal...err...multiversal. “But to answer Pinkie’s question, there are others like me. Humans taken from their homeworlds, and sent throughout the multiverse to different Equestrias. They contact each other via use of items they call Tokens. This scale is the token belonging to a friend of mine. The one I tricked out of the cavern so he wouldn't get caught up in the spell.” I then thought a bit. “Huh, speaking of which, I never made mine.”

Scratch then landed on Pinkie’s mane. “Any plans on what it could be?”

I thought a bit before my arm became covered in iron. “Let's see if I can get this right.” I focused on my palm. I gave a grunt as the metal slowly began coalescing into a ball in my hand. Several more minutes of focusing and the shape soon solidified into the shape of a dragon’s claw. I then gave a panting sigh before an idea hit. “Hey Pinkie, do you have a cat's eye marble?”

“I think so, but I may have lost them a while back.” The party mare said, digging around in her mane. Pinkie losing her marbles...heh...too late. A moment later she pulled out a black, grey and cloudy white cats eye. I thanked her and took it, setting it into the dragon's claw.

Scratch looked at it. “Why the marble?”

I smiled. “You're my partner Scratch. Figured we'd be in this together.” He chuckled and smiled. “ready?” He nodded and placed a paw on the marble. We both focused and spoke aloud.

”I am Connor Fortino.”

“And I am Scratch the Exceed.”

“Should you ever find yourselves in need of an ally on the field of battle,”

“Or a friend to aid you in times of necessity.”

“Simply wear this pendant and tap the eye twice. We shall be there to give you the strength of iron.” We both said aloud, finishing the message.

As we finished, an iron chain looped around the top of the pendant. Me and Scratch then focused on the Etherion energy inside us, a small pillar of light appearing in front of us. I then tossed the pendant into the light, it splitting into several thousand copies as it got sent into the multiverse. I made sure to grab one before the light vanished.

Rarity looked at the pendant. “Pray tell darling, why did you save one?”

I smiled. “So I can give it to Ken when I eventually call him up.”

I then turned to the group. “Light show over. Now I have a question for you Celestia. What happened to Thaczil Darastrixi?”

The solar princess gave a soft sigh. “It happened approximately two hundred and fifty years after you sealed yourself away. A civil war erupted within Thaczil Darastrixi between those who preferred our peace, and those that felt dragons should rule over those they believed inferior species. The revolutionaries cut off trade routes between our kingdoms so we were unable to send supplies.” The alabaster alicorn hung her head, Luna continuing.

“Fifteen long years the war was waged between the two sides. It was then that we finally managed to bypass the blockade and aid our friends in battle. But alas, by then it was too late.” She closed her eyes, fighting back tears that threatened to overflow at the memory. “Both sides lay utterly decimated, the leaders of the Revolution scorched to the bone. Thousands of dragons lost to the world. King Harroc was unfortunately among them.” The tears overtook her, the lunar princess opening her eyes to look at Scratch and me. “He fought to the bitter end alongside his men. When we arrived he was on his last breaths. We tried to heal him but he told us to save our magic for those with less grievous injuries. As he lay dying he entrusted my sister and I with a task. His mate was one of the first unfortunate casualties of the war, but before she had passed, she laid a single egg. He asked us to find the egg and watch over the drake that hatched from it.”

I fought back tears, both Scratch and I failing, the mares all hanging their heads and crying at the sad history of the dragon kingdom. I then gasped and stared at the sisters as a realization dawned on me. “Celestia...Luna….what color was the queen.”

The solar princess gave a somber smile. “The queen had the most beautiful violet scales one would see for quite a long time.”

Scratch and I stared at each other wide eyed for a few moments before both of us turned and looked at the lone drake among the group. The other mares followed my gaze, their eyes widening in realization as they caught my thought.

Spike looked at all of us with a confused look, tilting his head. “What? Why is everyone looking at me? Do I still have some Sapphire in my teeth?”

I stared at him, my voice shaking a bit. “Spike, a dragon's scale and spine colors are based on their parents. King Harroc had emerald green spines. And the Queen had violet scales. Spike...you are the prince and heir apparent to the ancient kingdom of Thaczil Darastrixi.”

Author's Note

Happy holidays everyone. So yeah, big reveal. Ive always wanted Spike to have a bigger role in the series than comic relief/magic mail box.

Originally in my recent blog post I said this might not be up til new year, but work has been slow so there was a lot of down time between rushes. So thanks to that you all get another chapter before the year ends.

Well that's all for now. See ya next time folks.

Of Hives and Hidden Homes

Author's Note

So yeah, real life, work, health, blah blah etc etc, you don't care about my stuff. You're all here for the story. So let's get on with it.

Also, I had a little stockpile of chapters kinda half finished, as well as a couple crossover chapters on backorder. so within the next few weeks expect a couple more updates.

Of Hives and Hidden Homes

The lot of us all continued to stare at Spike, the drake looking at all of us a bit unsure. “W-wait a minute. How can I be a royal heir? This kingdom and war were over a thousand years ago, wouldn’t the egg have hatched by then?”

Scratch and I both shook our heads. “Dragon eggs can take anywhere from three years to centuries to hatch. From what we know it's all dependant on the dragon and when the time is right. It's part of why dragons are so long lived that they are practically immortal.” Scratch said.

“It tends to tie into fate and events that may unfold in the future. For all we know, you were meant to hatch at Twilight's test all those years ago.” Said mare looked at me. “What? Just because I was a statue doesn't mean I couldn't see the giant t dragon crash through the roof. You were the talk of the castle for a good few weeks.” Twilight gave a slight blush at that.

Spike then shook his head. “This is a lot to take in.” He leaned back against the rubble pile of training dummies. “On one hand, it's awesome to know where I came from and who my parents were. But on the other it's heart wrenching to know i'll never be able to see them.” I walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. The drake looked at me with a somber expression.

“If it's any consolation, I know how you feel man. I was here for several months before getting sealed away. That was over fifteen hundred years ago. I may not know exactly how different time can be between Earth and here, but if it flows the same, that means that both my parents, my friends, anyone I knew from my old life are gone.” I said with a soft smile. “Does that make me sad? Of course. I loved my family and it hurts that I won't be able to see them again. Do I miss the friends I made in my starting time here? Of course. The dragons I knew may be around if they survived the war, but the ponies and those that were lost will always be around in my memories. The sadness will be there Spike. But you don't have to let it weigh you down.” I said. I then explained the story of how my great grandfather and his guild mates ended up on Earth. “And despite being heartbroken they would never see their friends and family again, the carried on, because they knew it's what their friends would want. Not to sit around and mope.” I said with a chuckle.

Spike sat for a bit and thought with a smile. “Thanks Connor.” He smiled and stood up. “You're right.” He then looked down and thought of something. “I'm gonna go for a walk. I need to think about something.”

Twilight gave a smile and placed a hand on her surrogate brother's shoulder. “Take your time Spike. Just try to be back by one. We need to pack for the train ride back to Ponyville.”

We all watched the drake wall off, a little bit more kick to his step. It was then that Chrysalis walked over to the group. “Apologies. There were a few drones who required my attention. Did I miss anything?” We all looked at each other before laughing. “What?” The changeling queen said, tilting her head.

After filling Chrysalis in on what she had missed she looked at where Spike had walked off. “A dragon prince. Interesting.” She then turned to the princesses. “Anyways, there is something I need to discuss with you two if you have time.” She said, a tone of concern in her voice.

At this Celestia and Luna looked to each other before looking back. “What is the problem Chrysalis?”

The changeling queen gave a sigh. “From what my drones have told me, all able bodied changelings took part in the assault. Meaning there were none left behind to defend the hive. All structures and rooms were completely destroyed, and all materials ransacked.”At this all our eyes widened. “Whoever did this either intended for us to take over victorious, or not survive at all.” She then looked at the princesses, clenching her fists as she seemed to steel her nerves. “It is the reason I now ask for your permission to set up a new hive within Equestria's borders.” She said, bracing herself for their probable rejection.

All those present looked at the queen with a shocked expression. “Chrysalis…” Celestia started before giving a smile. “You don't need to ask. After aiding us in the repairs, you and your changelings are welcome in our kingdom.”

Luna nodded. “And should any of our ponies give thee trouble. Let us know.” She said with a smile.

Chrysalis could only stare in shock at the two princesses. Here she was a foreign species who failed an invasion, and they were offering her sanctuary. The queen could only smile, tears threatening her eyes as she nodded. “Thank you. Thank you both.”

It was then that Applejack spoke. “Beg pardon your highnesses, but a lot of Equestria has been mapped and settled already. Where are y’all gonna find enough land for a changeling hive?”

The group all thought a bit before I looked to Celestia. “Hey Tia, whatever happened to your old castle?”

Celestia thought for a bit. “Unfortunately our old castle fell to ruins a thousand years ago due to some...troubles.” She said, Luna hanging her head softly.

I gave a sigh. “Alright out with it. Every time I ask you two about while I was gone Luna gets all mopey. Does it have to do with that Nightmare Moon thing?”

Luna nodded. “Twas just a year passed an eon ago. I had fallen into a depression that all our subjects played and revered our sister's day, while simply sleeping and ignoring our nights. In a fit of rage and sorrow, we unfortunately lost ourselves in the corruption, becoming the terror known as Nightmare Moon, plunging Equestria into eternal night.”

Celestia then continued. “With a heavy heart I had to use the elements of harmony, six gemstones with incredible power to banish my sister to the moon for a thousand years. It was only recently she was freed and cleansed by the same elements wielded by Twilight and her friends.”

Scratch and I could only stare in a bit of shock. I walked over to Luna, looking at her. The midnight alicorn seemed to almost shrink under my gaze, but gave a sudden eep as she found my arms suddenly wrapped around her. Scratch hopped off and hugged her head softly as well. “We are so sorry you had to go through that Luna. I wish we could have been there. We might have been able to help.” Scratch said nothing, simply hugging his friend.

Luna could only gape like a fish for a few moments. I chuckled at her reaction, guessing this was a pretty big issue for her and I just brushed it aside while giving her a hug. “B-But...Y-You...I tried to plunge Terra into eternal night and you hug me?” She stumbled out.

I rolled my eyes. “Yes. Like I said, if I had been free at the time I maybe could have helped convince you to come to your senses.” I then blinked and shrugged. “Or I could have been blasted to bits, who knows.”

At this I swear I almost saw a sweatdrop form on everyone's head like in an anime. I chuckled and smiled. “So then, now that the past is out of the way, I was gonna say if you two aren't using it, what about your old castle and the forest around it? Seemed despite the occasional monster, it was a pretty good spot.”

Twilight then spoke up. “Wait, you mean the ancient castle of the royal sisters? But that's in the Everfree forest. I can understand changelings being adaptable and battle ready, but the beasts there are just horrors and nightmares.” I blinked at her.

Fluttershy then spoke up, although it was still just a loud whisper. “Um actually, a lot of the creatures are just territorial. The only real bad creature is the hydra in Froggy Bottom Bog.”

I then scratched my head. “Really? The only thing that ever gave me trouble was a cockatrice but a good death glare makes em undo the petrif- ...wait did you say hydra?” I looked at Scratch then at Tia and Luna. “You sly mares, why didn't you tell me you kept Vita, Mortis, Tempus, and Locus.” I smiled brightly.

The princesses blinked and thought for a moment, thinking back through their memories before looking at each other in realization. “Ah yes, we recall now.” Luna said. “Thine pet. My sister and I had them relocated to a large bog within the forest after your sealing.”

At this the six mares all burst out with the same question. “THAT HYDRA IS YOUR PET?!?”

I blinked and chuckled. “yeah. The little guys were so cute when they were smaller, and always affectionate with trying to nip at me. Iron scales came in handy when his adult fangs started coming in and he was teething.” I smiled.

Scratch chuckled. “And having four serpentine heads chasing me was good aerial practice and play time for them.”

At this the girls blinked and looked at me in shock. “What?” They simply groaned and i turned back to the princesses. “So, since the castle is abandoned and no ponies really plan to settle the forest, why not give that area to the changelings?”

I watched the two seem to debate for a bit before nodding. “Very well. The changelings have the permission of the Equestrian diarchy to settle and develop the Everfree forest.”

Chrysalis then gave a smile. “The majority of changeling structures are built either underground or in cliff sides. There won't be much damage done to the forest itself.” She said. “Aside from the occasional sentry hill or aboveground structure. My children are used to hiding, but hopefully we can get them to live in the light with future generations.”

I smile and nod. “Well, with that out of the way, what's there to do in modern Canterlot?” At this Rarity’s eyes seemed to sparkle and widen farther than honestly possible.

Approximately three and a half hours later.

“Scratch?” I said, groaning as I was carrying several large shopping bags.

“Hmm?” The exceed said while floating next to me.

I groaned and looked at the group of mares in front of me. “If I ever ask what is there to do in a city while Rarity is around, please knock me unconscious.” I said, shifting my weight as another bag was added.

He gave a chuckle before glancing to the side. “Can’t make any promises. But try to hold off. I’m going to investigate something.” He said, taking a chance to slip off into a small crowd.

I almost wanted to give a dramatic ‘don’t leave me’ shout, but I was muzzled by the handles of a large bag being forcibly put in between my teeth. I gave a growl and dropped the bags. “Ladies!” I said, getting the attention of the mares in front of me. They stopped and looked. “While I appreciate the tour of the city’s shopping district, I meant something that would be interesting for me to enjoy, not be a packmule.” I then turned the side. “No offense sir.”

“None taken.” A rather burly mule said while pulling a cart loaded with several crates.

A few of them looked a bit sheepish at the realization that they had just been using me to lug bags around. “Not to mention half of you have magic. Couldn't you just use levitation to carry some?” I said, crossing my arms. Several bags then lifted up in an array of magenta, indigo, and light gold auras. I noticed a rather small bag being lifted in a shimmering baby blue aura, rolling my eyes a bit at Rarity’s actions. “You ladies enjoy your shopping trip. I’m going to go find out where Scratch ducked off to.”

The girls nodded and headed off to continue their shopping spree. I saw a few faces as I wandered the streets of Canterlot, a few nobles who were at the wedding, along with a few changelings. Granted I could practically smell the disgust coming from a few of those more uppity nobles whenever a changeling went by.

‘No good stuck up little….’ I thought to myself before shaking my head. I walked over to a changeling and tapped them on the shoulder. “Excuse me, have you seen a flying cat around?” I mentally chuckled, as a question like that would get me locked up in a nice padded room back home.

The changeling looked at me before blinking. “Ah, Liberator. You speak of your feline companion yes? I believe I saw him head down the third alleyway on the left two blocks back.” I blinked, still not used to changelings calling me that. When I asked Chrysalis about it, she said that because if Scratch and I hadn’t shown up, the changelings more than likely would have taken over and still been under the control of whoever was possessing her. I nodded in thanks before heading off in the direction the changeling described.

Once I got to the alley I blinked, the side path seeming a lot more shaded than the main street despite it being only eleven thirty. “Ordinarily, I’d be suspicious, but Scratch did head this way.” I said to myself, heading down the alleyway. As I walked the air seemed to get a bit chillier, the atmosphere taking a more gothic tone. Once I walked through the opposite side I stood there somewhat slack jawed.

On the opposite end of the alley, the world had taken a drastic shift. Instead of the bright sun, the moon hung overhead, lanterns were lit along the street sides as ponies walked the streets in attire that seemed a lot more modern and casual than the stuck up, aristocratic outfits of the Canterlot nobles I had passed on the way. Instead of dresses, suits, and what were no doubt designer brand and high cost blazers and vests, the ponies walking around me wore t-shirts, jackets, and jeans. For a moment my brain only ran it’s basic functions. ‘Heart beating? Check. Breathing? Check. Eyes?’ As my brain ran that one I rubbed my eyes, making sure I wasn’t seeing things. ‘Check strangely enough.’

It was then that I noticed something else different about the ponies walking the streets. Rather than normal feather wings, the pegasi had large leathery bat wings, tufted ears, and fangs visible poking over their lower lips. The unicorns were somewhat less noticeably different, their horns somewhat more pointed and sharper than the normally slightly blunted and softened horns of normal unicorns. They also had the tufted ears and fangs like the pegasi. The Earth ponies were almost indistinguishable if not for the tufted ears and fangs, but from what I could tell, their coats were a bit more shaggy and their muscles a bit more pronounced. “Just what in the heck is going on here?” I said aloud, causing a few ponies that were close to me to look towards me.

Several of the ponies just went on their way while a male unicorn and female pegasus walked over to me. “Let me guess, first time in the dark world?” The male said.

I blinked and looked at him. “Dark world?” I said, looking around. “Kinda fitting, but seriously, It was just day out what the heck happened? And why do you all look different?”

The female laughed softly. “You stepped through one of the doors. See, much like the royal sisters are day and night, so are ponies. Those of us with wings are known as Thestrals.”

The male nodded. “Those of us that are similar to normal unicorns are known as Kestrels, and the earth pony counterparts are Dires.” She said, gesturing at one of the earth ponies in the crowd.

I could only stare in shock. “And this world has just been a secret from most ponies over the years?” I said before spotting something in the crowd.

“Actually we aren’t a secret. Most ponies just don’t really know about us because think about it. In order to set up a door to this side, there has to be a spot of absolute darkness, and that’s what a lot of ponies and day creatures fear.”

I nodded. “Excuse me just a moment.” I said, slipping off to see if what I saw was what I actually saw. Once I made my way through part of the crowd I smirked. I then reached out and tugged hard, pulling on the tail sticking up from the barrel. Hanging from my hand upside down with a fish in his mouth was Scratch. I gave him a blank stare while he gave a slightly sheepish grin. I rolled my eyes and let him right himself in the air. “Alright, how long have you known about this place?”

He chuckled as he pulled the fish out of his mouth. “Just a little before our sealing away with heaven’s wrought iron. Though it wasn’t as developed as it is now, only a handful of each race was around.”

I looked at him. “And just how did you find out about this place and keep it from me?” I said with a bit of curiosity as I headed back over to the couple from before.

“Well I’m a cat. We like to explore places at night. Plus, who do you think taught you how to block your mind back when you were first Displaced?”

“Fair point.” We got back to the couple before I gave a facepalm. “And I completely forgot to introduce myself and ask for your names.” I held out my hand. “Connor. Connor Fortino.”

The kestral male smiled and shook my hand. “Dark Heart.” He smiled,

I then shook the thestral mare’s hand. “Moonstone.” She said.

I gave a smile. “And this is my buddy Scratch.” I said, gesturing to the exceed who had just finished off his fish.

Moonstone gave a soft laugh. “We know him. He comes through now and again, and is actually mentioned in some of the town’s old history books as a friend of Princess Luna’s.”

I gave a nod at her explanation. “I see. Well I guess it makes sense. Ponies from the day side would probably panic and lose their cool if you guys were out and about. Probably shout about a curse or something.” I said with a chuckle.

The others gave a laugh as well, Dark Heart smiling. “Well those of us that assist in the day side are part of Princess Luna’s guard detail. Most ponies just think it's a cosmetic enchantment on the armor so they don't freak out as much.”

“So is this like a mirror world where each location is like where it connects to? Or do the gateways simply connect to somewhere else on the planet?” I asked, noting how the city looked nothing like Canterlot.

Moonstone shook her head as we walked. “Closer to the second one. When we say Darkworld, we mean it more in the sense that our world is like the opposite of dayside. here a majority of plants, creatures, as well as most ponies are not good with the harsh daylight.” She began explaining. “Plants are relatively the same, but mostly they store extra energy from when the sun is out. Ponies and many of the creatures that exist here have stronger eyesight as well as heavier fur and, if no fur, sensitive skin. The sun beating down and causing health problems isn't very comfortable so over time our society adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle. And to properly answer your question, our country is on the opposite side of the planet where it is night time now.” She then blinked. “Well I say country but really we are like a second half of Equestria.” She said before stopping.

I looked and noticed the alleyway I had come out of. “I see. Thanks for all the information you two. it was great to learn about the world a bit more and how it's changed. However, Scratch and I have a train to catch soon if my judgement of time difference is correct.” I say with a smile, grabbing the Exceed. “We'll be sure to visit if there's any gates in Ponyville.” I said before heading back down the passage with Scratch in tow.

After a few minutes we re-emerged back out in Canterlot. I shielded my eyes a bit while getting used to the sun. “let's see...clock tower.” I turned and saw it was 12:30 pm. “Alright, guess we should head to the station then.” I then looked around. “Now where the heck is it?” I muttered before Scratch flew up.

The feline looked around before zipping back down. “Down this road and take a left, then head straight.” He said, sitting on my shoulder. “Shouldn't take us more than ten minutes to walk.” He said.

I then gave him a blank look. “And the reason you can't fly us there in two minutes is…?”

He gave a surprised look before sprouting his wings, lifting me up and gliding us through the air towards the station. “I honestly don't know. the thought hadn't even crossed my mind.”

I gave a chuckle. “Magic or no, seems cats are still lazy when they want to be.”

POV:Twilight Sparkle

I tapped my hoof as I looked at my friends. “Where are they? We told everyone to be at the station at twelve forty sharp to give us time to load onto the train as well as give the changelings time to get in disguise as well.” I said, gesturing to the crowd of ponies boarding the double decker train the princesses had requested for us.

Rainbow gave a chuckle. “Chill out Twilight, I'm sure they're just checking out the city still. I mean heck, even I'd want to explore a city like Canterlot after being locked in iron for fifteen hundred years.”

Rarity gave a nod. “Indeed dear. why it's only a wonder what fashions have changed since he was last free. His wardrobe, while it does have a rather dashing and wild charm, could use an update. Not to mention acclimatizing himself to how society is now as well.”

Pinkie Pie bounced around with a smile. “Besides, he's got kitty man to help guide him around and get him.” She stopped bouncing as her tail began jittering. “Twitchy tail!”

Those from Ponyville and who knew pinkie immediately moved for cover. An aquamarine mare with a lime green mane blinked curiously. “Twitchy what now?” The disguised Chrysalis said. Moments later there was a loud crash, a comedically human shaped hole in the roof and a small crater in the floor the result of the impact. I looked out with the others as the dust cleared, revealing none other than Connor. We all moved over. “Is he alright?” Chrysalis said, poking the human.

A few moments later he got up, giving a groan. He then raised a fist at the ceiling and shouted. “It was a joke you demented furball!” A moment later the winged feline flew down through the hole. “plus you made me damage the train station.” He then paused and looked around. “Wonder if our old PD coffers are still intact.”

“PD coffers?” I asked as I used my magic to help repair the floor.

“Property damage. Scratch and I occasionally completed bounties for local governments, and a chunk of the reward money would be set aside for any damage we may have caused in past or future missions.” He said, yanking the tail of said feline as they headed for the train. “Well then ladies, shall we be off? The start of our new adventure and Spikes training awaits.” He said, leading us all towards our car. Like it or not, I got the feeling things were about to get a lot more hectic for Ponyville.

Of Old Memories and Old Allies

Author's Note

Update numero dos. be ready for slight feels at the beginning as well as the long awaited reunion between Connor and Ken.

Of Old Memories and Old Allies

Dawn broke over the Everfree forest. Over the course of the last several weeks, Chrysalis and her changelings had gotten the castle repaired and back up to livable standards, along with a few ideas from Scratch and I. Thank Kur we got the process of indoor plumbing through to them. After taking a nice shower, water heated thanks to a little bit of perpetual fire courtesy of Celestia, I walked out of my room and through the halls to the front entrance.

Some of the lower levels had their walls converted to a similar black chitin like that of the changelings bodies. One of the higher level sentients told me it was a process that fused the green slime they were able to produce, shed scraps of molted carapace, and a little magic to fuse the two. the green goop slowly turned black over time to match the shed shells. Kinda cool and kinda gross at the same time.

As I got outside I gave a smile, heading for Ponyville. At first a lot of the residents had been somewhat fearful of the changelings, Scratch, and I. Though thankfully a few weeks of just going around, shopping, and helping send a few monsters back into the Everfree forest helped to raise their image of me.

Scratch was currently up in Canterlot since about two and a half weeks ago, or rather the technical cover was Canterlot. In reality he was in Cerberos, the capital city of Darkworld, helping Luna bring some old fighting tactics back from our mission days to her troops. The lasting peace in Equestria had made their troops somewhat soft, and while there were a fair amount from the lunar ranks that were still up to par fighters, there were still several that needed a good whipping into shape. I'd be spending a few weeks up in Canterlot helping the day troops get their act together.

But for now it was a trip to the market to help cease my rumbling stomach. “Hmm, apples or a bucket of strawberries?” I said, looking at the stalls that were being set up. I decided to see what kinds of apples were in stock today. Strangely enough while there was a variation of apples, the stock almost seemed to change on a weekly basis. “Morning AJ.” I said, waving to the orange farm pony.

Applejack looked up at me before waving with a smile. “Well howdy Connor. Out’n about for yer mornin’ walk through Ponyville?” She said, tossing me a bright green apple. In return I tossed over four bits, in contrast to the two the apple actually cost. The cowgirl tilted down her stetson, catching the coins on the brim before flipping her head back, depositing them in a cash register. I swear it made a cartoonish ‘cha-ching’ when the coins fell in.

I gave a nod and took a bite. “Yep, after all, oversleeping leads to weakened muscles.” I said with a chuckle. “Imagine me heavy as a buffalo then going iron scales. I'd look less like a dragon and more like a wrecking ball.” The two of us laughed before I waved goodbye and continued through town.

Upon reaching the square, I blinked and nearly dropped the apple I was holding, my jaw dropped. I had to wipe my eyes to see if what I saw was just my mind playing tricks on me. There in the center of town was Celestia, Luna, Scratch, Twilight and Spike but what my eyes were drawn to was a large crystalline obelisk with numerous draconic runes and glyphs carved onto it, as well as a massive crystal dragon curled around base as if sleeping.

When I got closer, I could make out the words. No, not words. Names.

Edar Harroc
Itovir Sargt
Quartz Spear
Stalwart Shield
Ofdio Caex
Ternesj Dos
Kaden Jikmada
Qumado Daron
Morning Sparkle
Midnight Blossom
Orn Svanti

Along with what had to be hundreds of names along each side, dragon names alongside pony names, but the ones that stood out were those I called my closest friends from the dragon army, the king and queen, and the grandmaster. I placed a hand gently on the crystal, the apple falling to the ground completely forgotten.

There was no threat of tears forming, as upon seeing the names they flowed forth with no restraint. Memories played within my mind as I stared into the reflection on the obelisk. The first meeting with the king, my first mission with the trio, meeting the grandmaster, all the times I trained and helped those around me along with Equestria and Thaczil.

Silence reigned over the square as ponies, dragon, and exceed all watched me. I turned to the princesses. “What is..When did you…..How?”

Celestia gave a smile. “While you and the changelings worked to restore our old castle, Luna and I felt it was proper time that all those who lost their lives in the great War of Thaczil Darstrixi be given a proper memorial.”

Luna nodded. “Twas with a smile that my sister and I, along with the help from young Spike and Twilight Sparkle, as well as our best historians around Equestria and greatest crystal sculptors worked night and day for five days to create this.”

Spike smiled. “While I may never meet my parents, knowing that they were such amazing dragons and that they'll be remembered makes me happy. and it also cements that I'm ready to start my training and learning about the kingdom my parents once led.” He said with a smile.

I looked between the four, before turning to Scratch. “Normally I'd be passed such a secret was kept from me. But this time….this time I'll let it go ya little furball. Come ‘ere.” I said as I grabbed the Exceed, giving him a good noogie before hugging him. “Thanks Scratch.” I looked at the others. “And thank you as well princesses. Though if you don't mind? I'd like to have it here in the town square for others to see and learn from.”

Celestia gave a smile and nod. “The memorial will be for wherever you decide to have it.” She said, then gave a soft smirk. “There's just one last thing to add to it. A message. We wanted you to be the one to carve it in.” She said, gesturing to a large blank spot on the sleeping dragon.

I looked at the statue, thinking of what to put. after a few minutes, I gave a smile, my right arm turning to iron as I began to claw in the inscription

origato nomenes svaust tepoha moved shafaer hysvear wer svanti, ehtah lapir persvek wer edar, vur wihsirm persvek wer qumadoi. persvek jilinth di wer darastrixi vur ponies svaust majaka asta waphic.

I gave a smile, looking at the message. Spike gave a proud smile, the princesses nodding, while Twilight simply looked confused before casting a translation spell and gaining a smile of her own. “Thank you all again. I intend to make their memory proud and bring Thaczil back from the ashes.” I smile as Scratch landed on my shoulder.

“Ah yes, before we forget sister.” Luna said, stepping forward. “We received word from a trio of scouts about a large, older dragon within the Griffonstone mountains that is claimed to be over a thousand years old. we believe that any dragon that lived that long has to remember the kingdom.” She said, brushing a small crystal fragment onto the ground off her dress. “We. believe any dragon as old reported would remember the kingdom and perhaps aid you.”

Scratch and I looked at each other before turning to Spike. “Guess who gets to get thrown in the deep end of adventuring.” Said dragon gave a slight gulp before we all left to make our plans, the lavender unicorn still a little upset her number one assistant was leaving her but knew it for the best because of the situation.

Scratch, Spike, and I climbed over the mountain ridge, the three of us looking over the large expanse of mountains and valleys that marked the border between Griffonstone and Equestria. “Alright guys, we’ve climbed and hiked for a while. How about a break?” I said, earning a groan of agreement from the drake and a nod from Scratch. I chuckled at Spike. “Hey, you made the choice to come with us and help get this nation back together.”

Spike gave a sigh. “Yeah I know. I just figured it would be a lot...I don’t know….less mountain-y” He said, gesturing to the mountain range.

I gave a laugh. “Dude, there’s a saying in my world. Rome wasn’t built in a day.” At his quizzical look I relented. “Rome was this massive city of amazing architecture and systematic genius. Basically, the greatest things take time, planning, and a lot of effort before they are finished. And brother, we are trying to bring an ancient kingdom back into power. It’s gonna be a while.” I smiled, sitting on an outcropping of rock.

Scratch nodded. “Indeed. Though knowing that there is a potential contact that may be willing to help us in the Griffonian mountains is a big help. Someone who remembers the empire is bound to be a respected dragon.”

Spike gave a smile, nodding. “Yeah, you guys are right. Plus, if I’m gonna be the king one day, I gotta learn to deal with a little headache and muscle ache now and then.” He said with a laugh.

I nodded, the mention of the king and the past bringing back some memories. I thought for a bit before giving a smile. “Hey Spike. How’d you like to meet a friend of mine from back then.” I said.

Spike blinked. “But didn’t you say that there was the chance that all the dragons you knew back then gave their lives in the war?”

I nodded. “True, but I’m not exactly talking about a dragon here.” I said, pulling out Ken’s token. “Oi Scaley, guess who’s back. and no it ain’t slim shady.” I said, pouring some magic into the token. Part of me wondered if he would even be around to answer, or if his world was even still there. But the token was still intact so I figured that meant Ken and Revaan were still alive and kicking.

Point of View: Ken

Shortly after landing on my feet, I looked around to notice that Applejack and I had landed in some kind of mountain range. Not one that I was familiar with, but it did remind me of the badlands back home. The earth pony herself was still on her hooves, but I noticed that her attention was focused on something that was behind me.

Turning around though, my eyes widened. Holy Sh*t, it was Connor. And he was still alive!

Connor gave a chuckle and waved. “What's on your mind, monkey butt?” He then blinked and shook his head. “Sorry about that. Quarter of an eon with Discord as a mental roommate tends to leave ya a bit.” He whistled and twirled a finger next to his head. He then turned and looked at Applejack next to me. “Huh, didn't know your world was quadrupedal.”

Looking at him. I did the first thing that came naturally. Punching him dead center in the face with my dragon arm as it launched him into a wall. “THAT was for making me worried sick about you!!”

“Ken? Seriously?” Applejack just face hooved.

“If you were in my shoes, you would do the same thing.”

Connor coughed as he hit the side of the cliff, leaving a decent imprint of his body. Spike got up, ready to fight back but was stopped by Scratch. “It's fine Spike. They just had a bit of an abrupt goodbye last time they met.”

Connor chuckled, pulling himself out of the cliff side, cracking his jaw a bit. “Speaking of which.” He turned to Scratch. “I'll take 25 bits.” He chuckled, the exceed looking at him.

“Why?” Scratch said.

“Because the bet was fifty, and while he didn't bro hug me, he still slammed me square in the face.” Connor chuckled. The exceed rolled his eyes before tossing Connor a coin worth 25 bits. “Gambling and punches to the face aside, I really am sorry I had to trick you like that Ken. I knew what I was doing was risky and couldn't risk you getting sealed with me.”

“I know that,” I told him, lending him a hand and helping him up. It was then that I held onto him like he was a long lost relative for a while before releasing him. “Still, it’s good to have you back broski.”

“So am ah to assume that this here is Connor?” Applejack asked, now deciding to shift into her dragon form instead of staying as a earth pony. “He looks a bit… different from how ah tried to picture him.” At this, Connor and the others jumped a bit.

“Now that I did not see coming.” Connor said as he looked at the now draconic Applejack. “But yeah. I’m Connor. And don’t let the little bit of craziness or slightly relaxed attitude fool you. When it comes to a pinch or my friends being in trouble, there ain’t a force on Terra that can stop me.” He said with a fanged smirk.

“Ah’ll believe ya when ah see it for myself.” She smirked in response, standing next to me as I sighed for a moment.

“Yeah. Believe it or not Connor, you’re talking to my marefriend.” I explained to him. “She’s been helping me get situated with all the ponies back in my world and one thing lead to another. AJ’s helping me out with trying to help Revaan find out what happened to the Onyx dragons.” That in return, got a surprised look from Scratch. I personally thought that he was trying to understand how she was suppose to be “helping” me bring back a once thought dead breed of dragons.

Connor’s reaction though… was not what I expected.

The dragon slayer simply nodded. “Cool. Well glad you two are happy with each other and working towards a noble goal.” He smiled and was about to say something else, then blinked and tackled me to the ground.

I grunted as he did so. “Dude what the he…” I was silenced by his hand over my mouth.

“Shush.” He said, looking over a ridge. For several moments there was silence before a deafening roar was heard echoing throughout the mountain range. Several peaks over a large burst of emerald flame was seen, a large green claw throwing what looked like several gryphons out of the cave, the flyers haphazardly taking off.

He climbed off me and helped me up. “What the heck was that for?” I said, brushing some dirt off my pants.

Connor kept his gaze locked on the peak where the gryphons had come from. “Sometimes older dragons will not hesitate to clear an entire mountain range if they feel their territory is being invaded enough. Had we kept talking they might have tried to come and attack us.”

Now that was beginning to make sense. “Alright, Now what exactly are you three doing all the way out here?”

Connor then blinked and looked at us, giving a sigh. “You might want to sit down. I've got a bit of a story to tell.” he then proceeded to tell Applejack and I about how he got free during the wedding, then of what happened to Thaczil Darstrixi while he had been sealed away, leading up to Spike being revealed as the long lost prince and how they were looking for a dragon who would be able to help them.

“So let me get this straight… Spike is Harroc’s son? Damn, that I did not expect.”

Spike chuckled. “Believe me, I was the last dragon expecting to be the son of a long lost empire.” He then blinked. “Wait, does this mean that the Crystal empire owes allegiance or something once we get the dragon kingdom back up again? I mean, I did help save the crystal heart after all.” He said with a curious tone.

Connor and Scratch both blinked. “Hmm, not sure, but they’d at least probably agree to being allies.” Connor then blinked and looked at Spike. “Did you guys tell Cadence and Shining Armor about you being a prince while you were there?”

Spike then blinked and slowly facepalmed. “No. No we didn’t. With the whole Sombra mess then the crystal fair, it completely slipped our minds.”

“Plus, they were never mentioned back when Connor first summoned us.” I told him, then realizing something. “Oh yeah, that reminds me. Should I bring Revaan to meet Spike later? He actually met your father back then before we had to go home.”

Spike blinked and looked at me. “That would be awesome. Plus I get to meet another dragon who doesn’t want to torch me for trespassing in their cave.” He chuckled.

“Alright. Maybe later though when we aren’t having to sneak into another dragon’s territory. Hell, maybe you guys can come see the Temple where AJ and I live too.” I said before looking back at Connor. “What do we do now though?”

Connor then turned to me with a smile that sent shivers down my spine quick. “Now? Now we knock on that dragon’s door.” He chuckled, turning and jumping down the side of the cliff towards where we had just seen the gryphons get ejected from.

“I believe AJ might have a trick for that… Just stand your ground though, things might get a little bit… shaky.” I sighed, looking back at Applejack as she nodded her head. When we caught up to him, Applejack slammed her two front hooves down on the ground, causing the earth below us to quake. Loud enough and brutal enough to disturb a dragon.

Connor smirked and held up a hand, counting down on his fingers. When the last finger went down, a loud roar came from the cave on the peak. Moments later a large jet of green fire blasted out before a massive green dragoness poked her head out. Connor and Scratch’s eyes widened. “No f*cking way.” I heard him mutter.

Scratch shook his head. “Of course it’d be her.” The exceed said before landing on Connor’s shoulder.

Spike simply shook. “Aww man, not this dragon.” He said, causing Connor and Scratch to look at him.

However, my response was different. “Wait, you three know this dragon?”

Spike gave a nervous chuckle. “Well, during a little confidence crisis, I ended up stumbling across their hoard and tried to claim it as my own. They chased me out of there really quick.” he said, poking his fingers together.

Connor and Scratch simply chuckled. “You know her too, Ken.” Connor said before launching himself up, his body shifting to iron scales as he launched a pole kick. “Tetsuryūkon!” He shouted, the pole slamming into the dragoness’ head. “OI KEPESK! DID SLEEPING TOO LONG MAKE YA GROGGY!” He shouted, landing on the cave outcropping.

The dragoness gave a growl at the strike, preparing to attack him, but stopped when she heard his shout. “What in the….Z’ar ir?” At this Connor literally face planted into the ground.

“Oh for the love of. Stop calling me that. I’m not a trainee anymore for crying out loud you old sack of scales!” He practically groaned

“Connor, I don’t think insults are going to help anyone at this rate!” I heard Applejack shot back, eager to spring at him if it weren’t for my raised hand telling her to stay where she was.

The dragoness looked at me and the others, chuckling. “Seems you’ve brought some friends.” She then noticed Spike. “And the trespasser. Did you come to try and take my hoard again?” She said, emerald flames coating her as she shifted to her bipedal form. The dragoness now took an anthro form, standing an easy 9 feet tall and clad in ancient but still sturdy armor, though several scratches and dents were visible in the metal.

Connor stretched an arm out to prevent the dragoness from attacking. “Easy Kepesk. Don’t need you hurting the future king.”

At this the dragoness looked at him. “What are you talking about?” Connor then explained about Harroc’s last request to Celestia and Luna. The emerald dragoness then looked at Spike, her eyes widened. “You mean this whelp is the son of King Harroc and Queen Sargt?”

Scratch chuckled. “Indeed, though growing up in pony society has stifled his growth a bit.” He then flew back down to me and Applejack. “It’s fine Applejack, she’s an old friend of mine and Connor’s.”

“Alright, if ya say so.” She replied. Also, for me, things were finally beginning to sink on who the dragoness was. And when she looked at me, I couldn’t help but be a little embarrassed.

“Well… this is quite… surprising.” I said, looking back at the dragoness.

Kepesk looked down, her eyes catching my arms. “Ah I remember you now. That human Connor summoned from another world.”

“Right. You’re… a lot different from when I last remembered.” I told her, feeling a little bit uncomfortable. After all, she hasn’t seen me in 1500 years and I haven’t seen her in a month. How was I suppose to start up a conversation with a dragoness that I met only once?

Kepesk simply shrugged. “Even dragons can grow in 1500 years. Now then, back to the reason for you all knocking so loudly.” She said, looking at Connor.

“If you consider knocking being a magnitude 5 earthquake.” Applejack said to herself, surprising Scratch.

Scratch blinked at Applejack. “Magnitude 5? Impressive. We knew some strong earth dragons that could barely reach magnitude 4.” He said, looking at the earth pony turned dragon.

“That’s only one thing I can do. Revaan’s been teaching me.” She replied. “I can show you all later. But maybe we should head inside first?”

Scratch nodded, flying back up to Connor and Kepesk, Spike following up the side of the rock wall as well. When we all got up there we saw the two in question had already gone into the cave and then slowly began to follow them as they made their way inside.

Inside the cave, they found a massive chamber that held almost a literal mountain of gold, gems, armors, weapons, etc. Along one wall was a small pile of bones anyone could tell belonged to a few gryphons most likely foolish enough to try and steal some of the treasure. Off to another side was a small offshoot that led to an almost lounge like room, several couches and chairs along with a fire pit carved into the wall. It was there that Connor and Kepesk were, each telling the story of what happened after he had gotten sealed away.

“Huh, so for the first few hundred years before the war I was traded back and forth between kingdoms? Interesting.” He said, though growled a bit, as by doing the math that meant his statue was in Thaczil during the war if the dragons had his statue for the first hundred years. Meanwhile, I was looking around with Applejack. Making sure that she and I both did not TOUCH ANYTHING while we were here. I did not want Kepesk getting mad at us for if we knocked something over or if something fell out of place.

Connor looked over at us and chuckled. “Jeez, you two are more skittish than a cockatrice in a mirror shop. Relax.” He smiled.

Kepesk nodded. “Don’t worry about breaking anything, a lot of it’s enchanted anyways. How else would dragons keep hoards for thousands of years without any of it rusting or decaying?” She said with a smirk.

Spike walked over and bowed his head. “Sorry for trying to take your hoard when I found it in the Everfree.” He said.

Kepesk chuckled. “Well well, the whelp knows some humility. We’ll make a king of you yet kid.” She laughed. “Now then, why exactly were you all looking for me?”

Connor nodded. “Like I explained a bit earlier, we want to see the old kingdom brought back into power and made new again.” He smiled. “Celestia and Luna told us there were rumors of a dragon that lived out here that was old enough to remember the empire. So we figured we’d come ask them for help trying to convince some dragons to join the cause before we headed off to where the old capital was.”

At this Kepesk tensed up. “While I admire your resolve, you’d best stay away from the capital city for now. One of the more powerful dragons has made it into his central hoard, and I’ll tell you this. His father was the one who started the rebellion, so to get your plan even remotely started, you’ll need to essentially dethrone him. It won’t be easy.”

“Hence the more reason to do so,” I said. “He wouldn’t expect Connor or Spike to be showing up at his doorstep… Though there is one thing that concerns me… Spike, do you have any combat experience whatsoever?” I looked at him, who in turn just cringed nervously. Sighing, I looked back “That’s what I thought.”

“What’s the matter Sugarcube?” Applejack asked me as I drew one of my own swords from my bag.

“Spike would need to learn how to fight first before he can take on any opponents. I know that Connor is trying to convince some dragons to get allies, but the fact is that some dragons would want to test him as a way to prove that he is who he say he is.” I explained, swinging my sword a bit before sheathing it. “Is that right Connor?”

Connor nodded solemnly. “That was part of my plan. To find the dragon that knew of the empire in this mountain range and ask them to help me train Spike to be able to hold his own in a fight.” He said, his posture straight as his tone became serious. “Though more than anything, we needed a dragon to teach him to be able to wield his True form.”

At this Spike tensed up, memories of his birthday when he lost control to his greed flowing through him. “N-No. We don’t need to do that. You just can train me to fight really well. I’m sure if it’s you and Kepesk, you two can train me to be an awesome fighter.” He said, a bead of sweat on his forehead as he seemed to blurt out his response.

At this Scratch, Connor, and Kepesk looked at him. “Spike,” Connor started. “Is there something you aren’t telling us?”

The young drake looked quickly from side to side before sighing. He then explained the greed induced growth spurt he went through on his birthday just under a year ago. That in turn, caused me to sigh.

“I feared that. Revaan told me that gems for dragons are more than just sweet treats,” I said, looking at Spike. “He told me that they wait until their young are two years of age before feeding them gems. Mostly because it gives enough time for a dragon's mind and body to mature so they aren’t consumed by greed… Speaking of which, should I call him in now? Maybe he might have an idea to help with the process.”

Connor thought for a bit. “That might be a good idea. It would definitely help to have another dragon to help teach him.” He said with a nod. “We should probably go outside of into the main chamber to have enough room for him.” I smiled, stepping outside and opening the gateway to the temple. From there, Revaan himself soon stepped through, looking down to see Connor standing there.

“And just when I thought you were a goner. Good to see you again, Connor.” The Onyx dragon smirked, looking a little lower to see Spike just looking at him, awestruck. He chuckled a little, waving a paw in front of him to see if the little dragon would blink at all. Looking towards Kepesk though, he seemed very… surprised to see her. “Well, I’ll be… the young drake has now grown up.”

“You know Kepesk Revaan?” Applejack asked.

“Indeed. Yet, when Ken and I last saw her, she was merely Connor’s size

Kepesk gave a laugh. “Well when you're one of the survivors, you tend to age.” She smirked, shifting to her true form, giving a challenging puff of flame at Revaan.

Spike simply stared in awe at Revaan before shaking his head. “Dude, you look awesome. I mean, I saw maybe a few younger Onyx dragons during the migration, but none looked cool as you.”

“Really now?” Revaan chuckled. “I’m surprised to hear that. For more than one reason.” Spike looked confused for a minute, so taking a minute, I stepped in.

“Back in our world, Revaan is one of the last of his kind. Not to mention that in our world, you’re his son.” I said, looking at the young dragon.

Spike blinked and looked between me and Revaan. “Seriously? Man, I luck out across the multiverse it seems. I have a king as a father here….well...had a king as a father.” He said somberly.

“Oh… I’m sorry for your loss,” He spoke again. “Who was your father?”

Sighing a bit, I then turned to Revaan, speaking again. “Remember Harroc from last time?”

“Why yes I-” He paused a little, looking back at both me and then Spike. “Well, no wonder I was getting a sense of Deja` Vu. You look just like your father.”

Spike chuckled, rubbing the back of his head spines with a smile. “T-Thanks.” He smiled and looked at Connor. “So, since we found the dragon that has volunteered to train me, you think we should head back?”

Connor and Kepesk looked at each other before grinning and looking at the young drake. “Spike. You might want to brace yourself.”

At this he looked confused before Kepesk’s tail shifted into a large iron club, swinging and catching him in the midsection, launching him off the rocky ledge and onto the large outcropping below. I chuckled a little, looking back at the dragoness.

“Someone’s a little eager to start training.”

“As your kind says ‘sometimes to learn to swim you gotta throw em in the deep end’.” She laughed and shifted back to her bipedal form before diving down towards spike, her Scales gaining an iron sheen.

Connor gave a laugh. “There’s a reason she was one of the best Iron Dragons at the temple.” He smirked before looking at Revaan. “And good to see you again too big guy. Though try to avoid the ‘smart one, ugly one, and one with weird powers.’ bit for a while.” He laughed before he dove down to make sure Spike didn't get roughed up too much. Revaan just rolled his eyes.

“It was suppose to be a joke for ancestor’s sake!”

“Try telling that to them once they see you again.” I groaned, facepalming myself.

Scratch rolled his eyes and gave a chuckle. “He knows, he was just being a smartass. Not to mention that there are some characters we aren’t sure how they’ll react.” He chuckled and patted me on the shoulder. “He's just excited to not only be helping bring the kingdom he knew back, but also that he was able to meet three old friends in one day.” The feline said with a smile.

Point of View: Connor

I give a smirk, seeing Kepesk launching a barrage of iron tail spikes at Spike, the young drake scrambling to dodge the assault. “You guys are absolutely crazy!” He shouted as I launched an iron pole at him.

“First rule of combat Spike, your opponents aren’t going to come up and tell you they are going to attack you. Be ready at all times for a potential assault.” I say, landing on the other side of the dragon, an iron pole ready. “Tetsuryūkon!” I say, launching it at him. His reflexes were pretty good as he brought up his arms to block the attack, his scales stopping most of the damage but a few small chipped ones were sent flying.

I smirked as the young drake blocked my strike, jumping back to avoid a claw swipe from him. I gave a chuckle before glancing up at the audience. I saw Ken, Applejack, and Revaan all watching. A thought then dawned on me. Ken and I never got to have that sparring match and I never really got to see him fight all that much in the cavern. Time to change all that.

I leapt back to avoid a puff of emerald flames from Spike, turning the prince around before shoving him towards a swing from Kepesk. I then turned and yelled up to Ken. “Oi Scaley! Get your butt down here. You owe me a sparring match still!”

He looked at Revaan and Applejack for a minute, before the onyx dragon nodded. With that, I saw the Scalebound grin as he landed in the fray. As his arm glowed and he readjusted his bag, he said to me. “I honestly didn’t think you would remember that promise. I hope you’re ready.”

I gave a smirk as iron scales coated my skin. “Oh I'm more than ready. Bring it ya scaley playboy.” I said, hinting the fact I could smell multiple female scents on you. I grin and lunged forward, my left arm shifting into its trademark chain edged blade.However, there was one thing that I did not expect when I got closer.

For him to pull out a revolver and shoot a energy bullet at me, point blank. “I’m not a playboy. Unlike me, I’m the head of a branch in a hoard. But that doesn’t mean I lack in skill.” With it, he holstered the gun, pulling out a sword now as he charged head on, his powers glowing with his blades.

I blinked and just barely dodged the energy bullet, losing a few hairs in the process as well as noticing a good scratch along my iron scales, the dark tint of blood slowly forming along the scratch. “Damn, nice weapon.” I smirk and then jump back. “Though you better hope I haven’t gotten rusty in the time I’ve been sealed.” I say, charging before blinking and doing a faceplant at my own metal based pun, sliding to a stop in front of Ken.

“If that’s suppose to be a strategy, then you are definitely over thinking this.” He said. I glanced up, only to see his dragon arm glow as it’s energy picked me up and hurled me towards Kepesk and Spike. “Catch!”

I give a yell as I get launched towards the two, only to get catapulted back like a tennis ball via one of Kepesk’s tail mace swings. “I AM NOT A GOD DAMNED SHUTTLECOCK!!” I shout as I swing a leg at Ken. “Tetsuryūkon!” I shout, said leg turning into an iron pole, attempting to side swipe the Scalebound. He gave a grunt, bringing up his blade and scaled arm to try and dampen the strength of the blow, only to get launched several dozen feet back against the rock wall. As he got closer though, he flipped in midair, his feet landing on the wall as he accelerated towards me. Changing weapons again as he switched from his swords to his polearm as it clashed with my leg. To my surprise, his weapons weren’t cracking or anything. In fact, they were holding up quite well.

I gave a smirk as his weapons held strong against the magical iron of my leg. “Magical weapon or special enchantment?” I asked, making idle conversation during our spar. Scratch watched from above, sitting on Revaan’s head, chuckling at the two of us.

“Nah, it’s just my weapons are made of the strongest materials on Equestria in my world. Forged by dragons nonetheless.” It was then though that I watched one of his other legs swoop around to my other leg, knocking me over and causing me to lose balance as he used an energy burst from his dragon arm to send me back a few feet. “However, that’s only the tip of the iceberg of what I am capable of. Try one of your more… stronger attacks and I can show you what I mean.”

I grunted as I was forced back by his dragon arm. “Oh really now? I might have to swing by and learn some of their techniques.” I said with a chuckle, my eyes glowing as magical energy gathered within me. “Stronger attacks huh? Alright.” I say, my arm turning into a large lance. “While I’m normally a slash and bash type kind of guy, I do have some range.” I lunge back, thrusting my arm forward. “Tetsuryūsō.. Kishin!” I shouted, the lance glowing brightly before numerous iron lances fired off towards him like a machine gun.

Smoke and dust began to cough up everywhere as I continued to fire off more lances. For a moment, I paused to catch my breath. But it was then that I was seeing his arm glow much brighter now as the scales from it expanded all across his body. Forming a protective armor all around him as my eyes widened. Scratch and Kepesk were just as equally surprised as I was along with Spike. But for Ken, he seemed unphased.

“Now then, while I still have this form… let’s see how long you can last.” With it, he sprinted forward as his weapon collided with my arm. However, the shockwave from his slash was much larger than it was previously. As I was about to notice when I heard Kepesk flinch a little in pain.

I turned and saw the two dragons knocked back a bit by the shockwave, smirking as I looked over the armored Displaced. “Very nice. Now I don't have to worry about accidentally hurting you.” I grin, scales coating my body, my fingernails turning into full claws as my teeth became sharpened razors. I pulled back, inhaling before firing off a breath attack. “Tetsuryū no... Hōkō!!” I internally called out, the attack launching out towards Ken, a huge gale of magical wind and shrapnel slashing out across the plateau. He sprinted forward, launching himself forward before using his dragon arm to pull himself towards the ground below, causing the ground to quake as the dust cloud that coughed up blinded my vision.

Around the same time that happened was when I felt the wind knocked out of me by the resulting punch in the chest that sent me flying. Midflight though, I used my claws to slow myself down as I dashed towards the armored Scalebound. My arms forming chainsaws as I clashed with his sword. The plan I had in my mind was simple. Use my own arms to disarm him of his weapon. That form of his could only last for so long that he would have to run out of power eventually. And I was only getting started on my own strength.

I gave a smirk, growling as I pressed hard, his blade blocking the teeth on my swords from revving up. I pushed hard, forcing us back from each other. I revved my swords up and lunged again, attempting to snag his sword in the vibrating edges to pull it away.

He gave and grunt, trying to force my blades back, but one particular rev of my swords caused his sword to tilt just slightly, resulting in an awkward angle on his end, the teeth catching his blade and launching it into the stone wall several meters away. I gave a grin and charged, my blades revving up as I watched his dragon armor crumble away. Just as I was about to lunge and strike though, I felt something in the air. A silver colored light formed in his hands, molding itself into a blade that resembled one of his own. Judging from his facial expression, I could tell he was confused too, but thankful for the sudden equipment. As he swung, I had that feeling again. I suddenly recalled what that feeling was….impending death. The temple masters had made sure to give me that little bit of dragon nature, able to sense when something was about to kill so I’d have time to get away. And that was just what I did.

As the blade came down, it cut through the air,sending a massive shockwave that barely managed to dodge. I could only stare in shock as the blade of energy slashed clean into the ground, as well as into the neighboring mountain, nearly cleaving the pillar of stone in two. My jaw dropped as I looked over at him, seeing the look of shock on his face as well. “Dude….THAT WAS AWESOME!” I said, my arms reverting back before I gave a grin.

“Uhh… Thanks?” He replied. “How that happened though was… strange… Like really strange.” He said, the blade vanishing almost as soon as it was formed.

I gave a chuckle. “Well either it was triggered like some kind of self defense mechanism, or you had that power already and just needed a situation where you were about to get wrecked to use it.” I laugh softly and look at the damage to the ground. “I think we should call it there for the spar.” I say, looking over to see where Kepesk and Spike ended up.

Said dragons were currently knocked for a loop behind a small pile of rubble. Spike gave a groan as he slowly stood up. “Ugh...man, that was a crazy attack.” He said, turning to see Kepesk standing as well.

“Indeed. With a technique like that hidden up your sleeve, you should have no problem with many future foes.” She said, cracking her joints a bit as she looked at the devastation.

“Yeah… but you won’t believe what I heard before that happened.” He said, looking back at me. “I heard Caex.”

Kepesk and I could only look at Ken in shock as he said that. Kepesk spoke up for both of us. “But...Grandmaster Caex fell during the traitors revolution. How is that possible you heard him?”

“I… don’t know… He just told me to stay strong… and to repeat the words he told me.” Ken said, holding his hand out. “I am the bone of my sword.” With it, the blade he had once before soon spawned back to life again. Only this time, I noticed what appeared to be circuits of magic flowing across his face and body as the weapon took shape. “It was part of an oath that I had to repeat.”

Scratch, Revaan and Applejack soon joined us. “Interesting,” Scratch said, examining the lines that appeared across his face and body. “Seems to be a form of magic that takes one’s own energy and integrates it with magical energy, bringing forth a new technique.” The exceed said, his eyes looking over the various intricacies of the patterns.

“Thanks.” Ken replied. “Oh and with what Kepesk said before… it may have to do with the fact that I can hear the souls of dead dragons.”

Scratch, Spike, Kepesk, and myself all looked at Ken, practically slack jawed. I spoke up first. “So is this a Sixth Sense kinda deal where you died technically and can communicate with them, or just another Scalebound power?” I said, Kepesk looking at him.

“You truly spoke with the Grandmaster?” She said, still in a bit of shock.

Spike then looked at him, a thought forming before he spoke up. “Um...is that power just random, or can you communicate with specific souls?”

“I’m not sure. It first happened when I was talking with Coryena. Revaan’s partner who died a long time ago.” He said, looking back at Revaan before returning his attention to me. “Since then, she’s been a bit of a teacher and helper. Maybe Caex would do the same thing. He actually gave me advice on fatherhood.”

That…had me a bit surprised. “Really? Fatherhood advice?” Though the grandmaster always did call us like his children while overseeing our training.

“Well excuuuuse me metalhead, when I was talking to him, I felt that I personally failed the ones you call your friends and that I wouldn’t be strong enough to protect Applejack or anypony else. He told me to have faith in my family and friends. Something I’m doing to this very day… which is important because we have a hatchling on the way.”

I gave a chuckle. “Alright alright. And I could tell. You and Applejack have the scent of an egg all over you.” I then gave a smirk. “I'm just sad our spar ended a bit too soon. If we were gonna go with OP sword attacks I had one to bust out in return.” I laughed and looked at Spike and Kepesk. “So Kepesk, aside from the getting blown back by Ken, how did he do?”

The dragoness looked Spike over. “His form is sloppy, his strikes weak, an his resolve to hit an opponent is clearly minimal at best.” At this Spike looked a bit disheartened. “But,” He then perked up a bit. “his defenses and scales are quite strong, and his flame is quite strong for its small bursts.” His chest puffed up a bit.

I chuckled and gave him a quick flick to his head. “Don't get too cocky there kid. Though from what I can gather, if trained right, you can be a hell of a tank.” At this Spike looked confused. “Basically, a fighter who has strong defenses but can also deal out an occasional strong as all hell hit. A defender essentially.”

Spike then thought for a bit and smiled. “So I can always protect my friends and family, and give a good wallop to anyone who tries to hurt them.” I chuckle and nod.

Ken spoke up. “So, now that the crazy spar is over, what should we do now? Is Spike staying here with Kepesk to train more?”

“Well it's been a good month and a half since we left, so I don't see why we can't take a break. Check in with Twilight, and I can even show you the hive.” I said with a grin.

He looked back at AJ, who then looked back at him before they looked at Revaan. “I’m going to return to the temple. You two are free to do as you please.” With that, Ken nodded and opened up a rift in the void for the dragon to return safely. Before redirecting his attention to me. “You sure about Twilight? I would think the moment we see her and she’s with your AJ, she’s going to flip out over the sight of it.”

“Twilight knows about the whole multiverse thing, so she won't exactly flip out over a second Applejack. Now the fact that she’s both a quadrupedal pony as well as can change into a dragon, that she might flip about.” I say as I wave goodbye to Revaan.

Scratch nodded. “She's more likely to pester you with a couple dozen questions about your universe.”

Ken chuckled, rolling his eyes for a minute. “Thanks for the heads up. That’ll be helpful for when we meet her… Are we also going to see Celestia and Luna by chance? They haven’t seen me for… well, as long as you were a statue so yeah… a long time.”

I looked at Scratch. “Hmm, they might be there. Who knows really. They could be busy with royal duties in Canterlot.” The feline shrugged and landed atop my shoulder.

Spike then spoke up. “Uh, Connor?” I looked at him. “It took us about a month to get out here with hiking and training. How are we gonna get back quickly?”

I think for a bit, before looking at Kepesk. “Cashing in on that favor you owe me. Mind giving these guys a lift back for me?” I say, causing the dragoness to sigh.

“Why am I not surprised you remember an owed favor from over an eon ago.” Kepesk said before shifting to her true form.

Scratch simply chuckled. “Because what was over an eon ago for you was technically only year and half for us. Not counting the years where our minds were awake while a statue.”

I smiled at Ken, Applejack, and Spike. “All aboard the Kepesk express.” I chuckled as Scratch grew his wings and floated behind me. He then grabbed my jacket and lifted me up into the air as if I were weightless. Applejack soon hopped up to where we were and Ken pulled himself upward with his dragon arm, using his open one to pull Spike up. Once everyone was onboard, Kepesk readied herself before she took flight a few minutes later.

“And now, we have lift off!”

Point of View: Ken

It took almost half an hour or more to reach Connor’s Ponyville, but once we started flying overhead, the locals that lived down there started running to their homes, hiding their kids and locking themselves inside. If there was such thing as a rude awakening, then us landing on the outside of town was that. To be fair, if I were in their position, I would’ve done the same thing myself. But honestly, I knew that Connor had some sort of plan up his non-existent sleeves for having to calm everypony down so I just thought I would let him do the talking.

By the time Kepesk set down and we hopped off, six others soon ran over to where we were. I looked to see that these ponies were the Twilight Sparkle and her friends that Connor knew. So when my AJ landed on her hooves next to me, that caught their attention rather quickly. Not just that, but my arm also played a part in that initial scare. Hopefully, Connor could possibly ease their tensions right now…

During the end of the flight, Connor and Scratch had flown off in a different direction, having said something about an air strike team. We watched the six mares gather, their gazes immediately locking onto the purple drake.

“Spike you're back!” Twilight said with a smile. One major difference between my world's Twilight and this one was the lack of wings. She did mention something about an ascension so I was probably before that.

Spike gave a smile and nod, accepting the hug from his surrogate sister. “Yeah, just for a bit. We found the dragon that Princess Celestia told us about. Turns out she's an old friend of Connor's.”

“Speaking of the metalhead, where is he?” Rainbow asked, looking around.

Before any of us could answer, Pinkie Pie gave a gasp, her tail spasming. “Twitch-a-twitch!”

The girls, Spike, and my Applejack all immediately dove out of the way and looked towards the sky. Soon a black speck was visible, a faint voice heard.

“.....ming”

“What'd he say?” Connor's Applejack said.

After a few moments his voice shouted. “INCOMIIIIIINNNNNGGG!!!” Connor exclaimed, landing several yards away, creating a small crater.

Once the dust had settled, I just sighed deeply as I looked back at him. “Was that really necessary?”

“Hey, what would you have done in that scenario?” He then asked me, brushing himself off as he walked out of the crater.

“...... Good point.” I sighed, looking at Spike as he walked over to where Connor’s Twi was. For the time being, she was focused on the small dragon, but it wasn’t until Connor’s Applejack looked in my direction that got her attention. More specifically… at my AJ.

“What in tarnation-?”

“Uhh… Connor? A little help here please-?” I asked, before his Applejack quickly raced over to where I was, trying to inspect me from head to toe like she was checking to see if I was hiding anything.

Connor rolled his eyes, walking over and placing a hand on his Applejack’s shoulder. “Ease up Applejack. Girls, this is Ken. The friend of mine from before I was sealed away. And his marefriend Applejack, or Applejack from his Equestria.”

Scratch chuckled and flew over, landing on my shoulder. “In his world, the ponies are all quadrupeds, hence the difference in form. But other than that there’s not really any difference between you two...well aside from one thing.” He gave a nod at my AJ, who looked at both Connor and I before grinning to herself. Taking the opportunity to transform back into her dragoness form and having a few stones from the ground float next to her. Leaving Connor’s Twilight and the rest of her friends in shock.

“H-how-?”

“My Applejack can switch between her Earth Pony form and Earth Dragon form at will.” I simply explained to them. “As for me, I’m a Scalebound. One who forms a pact with a dragon and gains newfound strength in return. My right arm is a symbol of that bond.”

“Pact?” Connor’s Twilight then asked.

“My soul is bound to my Dragon back home named Revaan.” I told her. “Which means that any pain I feel, he feels too. Our souls are linked to one another.”

“That… sounds… AWESOME!” Connor’s Rainbow blurted out from her idle flying position in the air. “What kind of powers do you have?”

And now she’s fangirling over me… wonderful. “Quite a few, but I just spent some of my energy in a training session with Connor, Spike and Kepesk. Maybe next time when I’m not so tired out I can give you a demonstration.”

“Aww man!” She whined, looking back at Connor. “Come on, metalhead! Please let me see what he can do!! PLEASE!!!!”

Connor gave a chuckle. “No can do skittles. Like he said, we just got done with a spar he owed me. Not to mention he ended up getting some crazy new technique that nearly leveled a mountain so we are all pretty drained.” He said, cracking his back. Rainbow gave a huff, crossing her arms in disappointment.

“Fine, but I still want to see some of his moves before he goes back to wherever he came from.” She said.

Kepesk gave a nod, emerald flames cloaking her as she shifted to her biped form. At the sight of the flames, the mares jumped back a bit, but then stared in shock at the dragoness. “Wait..That’s what you mean when you said dragons have two forms?” Twilight asked, her curiosity outweighing her surprise as she moved over, examining the taller dragoness, the unicorn only coming up to about her chest in height.

Scratch nodded. “We heard from Spike about his little growth spurt incident a while back. Kepesk here will mostly be training him on how to harness and control that form while Connor and I teach him proper combat.”

Kepesk nodded. “Along with his true form, I’ll also be teaching him the history of our kingdom so he knows his roots.”

Pinkie Pie gave a gasp. “Wait a second! Since this is our first time meeting Ken, his marefriend, and the super cool dragoness….that means….” She paused and looked around for dramatic effect. “I GET TO THROW A TRIPLE PARTY!” She said before shooting off. Before I could stop her, the pink party planning pony was gone in a puff of smoke.

Kepesk blinked and looked in the direction. “Interesting mare that one.”

The five mares, Connor, Scratch, AJ, and myself all spoke at the same time. “You have no idea.” With that, I felt some energy return to me now that I had my body relax a bit. I had a feeling that I might need to go back to Revaan soon. But first, I needed to make sure that I gave Rainbow a… demonstration.

“Hey Skittles… I have a bit of energy right now to demonstrate my powers if you want me to show you before I go back. I have a feeling that if I’m gone too long, Revaan might worry.” I said, making Connor raise an eyebrow.

“Really? Sweet, what are y-” Before she could finish her sentence, I used my dragon arm to yank her out of the air, causing some of her feathers to fall out as I set her on the ground after catching her.

“Totally worth it.” I replied, chuckling a small bit.

Rainbow just shot me a quick glare before laughing. “I like this guy Connor. Feel free to bring him back any time.” She said before flying back up.

Connor gave a chuckle then sighed for a moment, looking back at me. “Let me guess, you gotta head back?”

“Unfortunately, yes.” I told him. “I got some ponies staying at my temple that might be causing some trouble if I’m gone for too long… Take care now alright?”

“We will,” Scratch snickered. “I’ll be making sure he doesn’t do anything wild and reckless.” I chuckled a little, seeing as Scratch was acting like a fatherly figure around Connor. Taking my scale, I waved goodbye to them as I opened the fissure in the void that we used in order for ourselves to go home. I smiled and tossed the scale back to Scratch and waved goodbye, though not before Connor gave me his token of course. Kind of funny and ironic that he gave me a dragon’s claw holding a cat’s eye marble because of him and Scratch. With one last wave Applejack and I dove through the fissure back to the temple.

Connor's POV

I smiled and chuckled as Ken leapt through the portal before facepalming. “Aww man, forgot to show him the hive before he left. Ah well, maybe some other time.” I said, looking over to see Twilight floating several notepads around herself while asking Kepesk about dragon history and their true form vs bipedal form. I shook my head and laughed.

I walked over to the group and helped fill in some gaps from what I had learned, as well as some info about Equestria all those years ago.

By the end of the impromptu history lesson, it was well into the afternoon. I had to explain to a somewhat distraught Pinkie that Ken and his Applejack had to head home, so the party would just be for Kepesk.

Of Ponies and Pussycats(Edited)

I opened my eyes slowly, blinking as I could only see darkness around me. My initial thought was 'Holy fuck I've gone blind. Whatever that radioactive amulet did blinded me.' But that thought was put to rest when i looked down and could see my hands. Only they didn't exactly look entirely like my hands anymore. They still had the slender digits I was used to, but now seemed a bit more rough, almost as if I had been working out. I looked over my arms to find they had bulked out just a little bit as well. The heck? Did someone pump me with some steroids while I was out cold? I think to myself. Before I could think of anything else, a bright green light flashed in front of me, temporarily making me see spots. After my vision cleared, I noticed that floating in front of me was the amulet from before. "YOU! You're the cause of this you stupid rock." I say, trying to reach and grab it, only for it to float away a bit. Just as I was about to try and lunge again, it flashed brightly, the circle seaming to grow larger and from the opposite side of it, something came out that made my jaw drop.

Flying in the dark void I was somehow floating in was now a giant metallic dragon. If I weren't scared shitless I would be ranting about how both awesome and impossible it was. The dragon flew around a bit before taking off higher. I thought it was leaving and got a bit sad, as a dragon was kinda awesome unless you were it's prey. I looked up at it, blinking as I saw it dive bombing.....right towards ME!!! NOT AWESOME ANYMORE!! I tried to turn and run, only to find i had no actual traction in whatever this void was. I could only watch in pants-crapping terror as the beast flew at me, only for the amulet to spark again, a second circle appearing in front of my chest. Moments before what i thought would be impact of a dragons jaw colliding with my head, the dragon actually began to fly into the circle, vanishing foot by foot into the design in front of me. As the dragon flew into the circle in front of me however, my eyes widened, my jaw opening in a silent scream as an intense burning began coursing through me, it feeling like someone had flooded my veins with molten iron. As the last of the dragon's tail disappeared into the circle, the pain became too much and I blacked out once again, the last thing I saw being the amulet flashing and another smaller circle dropping out....the dagger?

I slowly opened my eyes, only to regret it a moment later, as the pure, unfiltered light of the sun blasted it's way into my optic nerves with all the grace of a drunk T-rex. "Ugh somebody turn down the sun."I said, holding my hand over my eyes as I slowly sat up. Instead of my couch, mattress, or at least the wooden floorboards of the house underneath me, upon sitting up I felt soft grass under my hand. I slowly opened my eyes again, this time looking down, only to blink and rub my eyes in surprise. Instead of the jeans and sneakers I was wearing before, I was now wearing....hang on..."These look like the same clothes from Great Grandpa George's trunk."I say, standing up slowly, hearing something thud against the ground as I do so. I turn and look, seeing the blade from before. I slowly picked up the dagger, unsheathing it slowly, wincing as a light came from the pommel, another circle similar to the one I had seen when passed out forming on the ground, only this one had a cat's head in the center along with more flowing feathery designs. After the circle staying there for a moment, something began coming out. My initial reaction was to jump back, remembering what came out of the last one, only to fall flat on my ass as my legs were still numb. After several moments however, what came out of the circle was a small black and white....cat? Was all I could think of, to describe the bipedal creature. It had a scar over its left eye and wore baggy green pants that reminded me of MC Hammer.

After a couple seconds it opened its eyes and spoke in a deep voice that confirmed it was a male. "Well, glad to see you are awake now." The cat spoke.....THE CAT SPOKE!?!

"HOLY SHIT TALKING CAT!" I shouted in shock.

The cat gave a sigh and slight groan. "Yes I talk. And while I am technically a cat that's not the proper term. I'm what's known as an Exceed. A race of magical bipedal felines. I'm also a mystical construct based on part of your subconscious." I blinked and stare, slack jawed as the cat explained itself, my brain sparking for a second before I shook my head.

"Hold on, magic? That's what brought me here?" I said with a hint of doubt. Yeah magic had always been an interesting topic back home, and I used it in some stories I wrote, but that's all they were. Stories. "But magic isn't real, unless you count that slight of hand stuff."

The cat smirked and with a quick burst of light, a pair of white angelic wings sprouted from its back, the cat flying up into the air to look me eye to eye. "Magic is very real. Your great grandparents were quite the powerful mages themselves." I blinked, hearing this information.

"Hang on, great grandpa George and great grandma Leanna were wizards?" I stop. The cat, who until I learn if he has a name or not I'm referring to as Scratch, nodded as he floacted in front of me.

"Indeed, but those were just names they used to keep their real identities secret. Their true names were Gajeel Redfox and Levi McGarden. They, along with several other members of their guild ended up in your world after an ancient dragon of darkness tried to destroy them." He said, his tail swishing back and forth as he floated.

Upon hearing this information, I had several reactions, the first being, "Hah! I knew the multiverse theory was true." I chuckled, before stopping and looking. "So wait, you said others, meaning there was more mages in the world?"

At this, Scratch nodded his head. "A few of them became affluent members of the world, one being a name many would recognize. Ignatius Draco. Also known as Natsu Dragneel." I stopped in shock, barely registering the rustling in the brush. Ignatius Draco was a household name in the heating and electric business.

I looked at him. "So my great grandparents, one of the greatest businessmen in America, and who knows how many other people from the last century or so, were these great mages?" I sat there in shock. "You said they ended up in my world after a dragon attack. What exactly happened?"

Scratch gave a smile and nodded, crossing his arms. "Your great-grandparents along with the others, were all members of a mage guild known as Fairy Tail. They each bore the crest of their guild with pride. That same crest that is now on your left shoulder." I looked, surpringly finding a crest of what looked similar to a phoenix with flames, but I could also kinda see how it could be a fairy. "Mages are ranked by ability, and the highest is S-rank. The day of Fairy Tail's S-rank exam on Tenrou Island, they came under attack by an evil guild. They managed to defeat their enemies, but unfortunately, a dark dragon by the name of Acnologia had found it's way to the island. Thankfully, with the aid of the first guild master's spirit, the island was protected by a powerful magic known as Fairy Sphere."

Scratch then shook his head. "But Fairy Sphere was an absolute defense magic, capable of defending even against time itself. When the magic activated, it took the mages on the island at the time, and displaced them from time and space, shifting them from their world into yours. The magic destabilized and left them stranded there, with no way home. Once that was discovered, the guild master that was with them at the time decreed them to follow rule three of leaving the guild. To live their lives the strongest they can and to forge on through the path ahead without regretting the past." He said with a soft smile before looking up, taking a defensive stance.

While in my stupor from the story, I had failed to notice Scratch taking a slightly guarded stance. I felt a slight pressure behind me, turning slowly to hear the sound of a metal blade being pulled from it's sheath. I turned the final few degrees, only to find a sword blade mere inches from my face. This fact alone was terrifying, but what surprised me was the person holding the blade. It almost looked like an anthro horse, but the muzzle was much shorter, it's eyes bigger, and the fact that it's fur color was a bright orange, along with what looked like a neon green mane and tail, it's body just about a half head shorter than me. "Umm. Hi?" I say, trying not to focus on the sharp metal in front of me.

"State thine business creature. Thou art trespassing on the grounds of the royal sisters." The horse person said, pointing the blade a bit closer.

I blinked and leaned my head back. "Um, I answer better without having to worry for my nose." I say slowly, the others, brandishing spears and swords, keeping me surrounded. "As for business, I woke up in this clearing after this bright light and giant metal dragon knocked me out." At the mention of dragon, the pony people began looking around in slight panic, as if they were frightened and ready for an assault.

"Thou said metal dragon correct?" the lead pony asked me, to which I nodded. He gave a sigh. "Very well. Stand creature and we shall bring thee to the Princesses. If a dragon is truly on the loose, they must be informed with haste." I decided to leave out the part about how the dragon went inside of me. If they were that scared of a dragon normally, who knows how they'd react. I followed the ponies, figuring that since they looked kinda like smaller horses that was what was appropriate, my eyes wandering as I noticed some of them had slightly softer features.

"Pardon my asking, but I've never seen beings like you all before. What exactly are you all?" This time a pony with dark blue fur and a two toned mane of goldenrod and emerald spoke up. "We are ponies. Those of us that thou seeth with wings are pegasi, Noble flyers and masters of the sky. Those with horns are Unicorns, arcane adepts and magicians of all kinds. And finally the ones like ourself and commander Steel ahead are known as earth ponies, strong and sturdy, defenders and tenders of the land." The pony spoke, her softer and higher pitch showing it was a female pony. I then blinked as the words they've been speaking finally registered.

"And if I may ask, why do you all speak in an old english dialect?" At this the mare, since that's what female horses are called so figured it applied here as well, raised an eyebrow and spoke.

"Twould be the language that thou dost speaketh that seems strange to us. Perhaps where thou dost hail from they speak a different tongue, but this would be the way most if not all Equestrians doth speak." I blinked and nodded, mentally shrugging. 'Feels like I ended up in the past almost.' I thought to myself, only to jump as I heard a second voice.

'That it does. Then again, with how you ended up here, it's quite possible it's not just a question of where, but also when we may have ended up. Transdimensional location magic is quite unstable, and the kind that was woven around your magic had faded from years of 'gathering dust' I suppose would be the most apt description.' Upon hearing this voice I looked around before looking down at Scratch, who was looking up at me with a slight smirk. Almost as if knowing what I was about to ask next his voice immediately responded in my head once again. 'Yes I am in your thoughts. I told you I was partially a construct from your mind, so we are linked together via thought. Whatever you think I hear, and whatever I think, you hear. I can teach you later on ways to block your thoughts to the point I won't be able to hear anything unless they are thoughts specifically addressed for me to hear.' His voice said inside my head once again.

Man this was weird. Like Jiminy Cricket was real but could also pop inside your head whenever he wanted. I turned my attention back to the group of ponies who were leading me towards what I now saw was a large stone castle, reminiscent of those back in medieval England. "So, you said you were taking me to the Princesses. Why not the King or Queen? or are they busy with more important national efforts?"

At this a few of the ponies looked at me. "Tis only the Princesses in charge of the diarchy. Twas a king and queen once, but they exist only in legend." Said the mare that had been my source of information on this journey. I nodded and simply waited in silence, mulling over my thoughts and talking with Scratch more on how to block out my thoughts from not just him, but other possible telepathic magic/entities. I had also asked what that strange tingling pressure I had felt before when the ponies had found us.

'That would be your new ability to sense magic and people. In martial arts movies I believe they called it something similar to killing intent, but for mages, it almost acts like an early radar if anyone with magical abilities is about to be near you.' At this I blinked, trying to kind of focus on the feeling before giving a gasp, almost as if gravity had increased upon me. If what Scratch said was true, then either the world itself was so intrinsically magical that it felt like someone strapped lead to me, or somewhere nearby there was someone really, REALLY powerful.

After what had to be at least a good half hour of walking, we finally made it into the castle, and up to what I assumed was the throne room based on the large double doors. Whatever had been creating that intense pressure was behind these doors, the feeling having almost crushed me until Scratch helped me block out most of the sensation, leaving me with that heavy feeling in your stomach you get when you know something is about to happen. Several moments passed, during which I slowly made sure my mental barriers were up just in case, before the doors opened. What my eyes first went to were the large tapestries adorning the walls, one half representing the sun, along with images of a white winged unicorn with a mane of a few pastel colors, while the other half showed images of the moon in various phases, the stars, and a midnight blue winged unicorn with what looked like a mane of the night sky. Once done admiring the cloth artwork, my eyes moved to ahead of us where I saw said winged unicorns sitting on thrones that seemed custom made for them. For the day one, the throne seemed carved from a golden stone, maybe pyrite, or possible real gold depending on how it was valued here, inlaid with several orange and white veins to look like the sun itself, whereas the moon sister's throne was an opposite. A throne of polished marble with obsidian etchings and silver marks here and there to simulate the moon and night sky. Now that they were in sight, I could definitely tell the magical presence was coming from the two princesses on the thrones. Such raw magical strength that it would more than likely cause my heart to fail should I not be suppressing the magical sense was almost terrifying. Better to keep on their good side. "Quite the artistic talent if I do say so myself." I thought aloud, catching the attention of what I assumed was the two princesses. Their initial appearances were like that of the tapestries, but those arts only depicted them in ceremonial dress, or a basic robe. The two ponies on the thrones however were ready for war.

The day princess wore armor almost fit for rushing headlong into battle, the chest, arms, and legs made of an almost glowing bronze, her body fortified almost like a tank, with a large warhammer on her left side and a kite shield resting against the right. The other sister again was almost an inverse, wearing lighter plate mail armor that seemed almost tailored to her figure, the deep blue of the armor and the cloak around her made it seem like she was built more for quick, silent strikes. If anything, the lack of weapons on her sides probably hinted to several concealed weapons underneath. I stood and waited, Scratch having flown up and sat on my shoulder during the walk, scaring several of the guards during that moment before we both simply explained it was just a simple spell that allowed him to glide and hover a few feet in the air. He explained to me that in actuality, it was a type of gravity magic that allowed him full flight, and even enough strength to carry a full grown passenger as long as he had magic to spare.

A guard from their side stepped forward and spoke aloud. "State thy name, occupation, and grievance for the Princesses Celestia and Luna!" He practically shouted.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward, hopefully not about to make an ass of myself....heh....ass....donkeys. I wonder if donkeys are anthro in this world too. I shook the thought clear of my head as I strode forward. "Connor Fortino, as of today currently unemployed. Grievance....well.....Would you by any chance know how to send me home?"

Author's Note

Given a brief edit and that word wall I had in the author notes will be worked into the story.