Chapters Tears of the Indifferent.
Ch. 1: Idol adoption
PonyVille Square 9:50 P.M,
Sweet Apple Acres 9:52 P.M.
"Thanks for the offer but you've already fed me AJ.." She flexed her wings and flapped them enough to reach a low hover. "Besides I would only keep you awake with my loud snoring."
This caused the earth pony to frown. "Now ya know that was a joke I meant no harm." the pony responded sadly.
Rainbow smiled "I know but still I need to go have a nice night ,and thanks again." she flew off before Applejack could respond.
Applejack watched Dash fly mouth slightly open she bit her lip and walked back inside "Tomorrow I gotta get this over with tomorrow." she whispered and trotted back inside.
PonyVille Square 10:02 P.M.
Scootaloo hid in her bush shivering from the cold water looking out at Rainbow Dash "Please don't find me not like this.." she whispered.
Rainbow slowly lowered her altitude as she followed a small glimmering trail of wet tile. she landed and tilted her head slowly
The little Pegasus slowly stepped out into the moonlight shivering, wet, and looking malnourished.
Dash frowned and looked her over "Scoots why are you out so late shouldn't you be home with your parents?"
"Yeah i'll get home i'll go right now. I just need to get something." she edged towards the bush and grabbed her blanket turning to smile at dash causing the blanket to slip open and the currency spilled out.
Dash frowned and shook her head confused. "Squirt what's going on?" she pushed the bits towards Scootaloo. "Explain kid I want answers now." her tone strict and coach like.
The filly suddenly burst into tears and buried her face in the older mares rainbow mane. "I-I-I have no one I have no home, no parents, nothing!" she sobbed abandoning all attempts of concealment. "Please don't tell anyone please they'll take me away please!" she pleaded.
Rainbow Dash gaped at the usually cheerful filly now reduced to a quivering wreck. "Calm down kid it's alright no one is going to take you away now first things first i'm taking you somewhere to clean up." she lifted Scootaloo onto her back and grabbed the blanket folding it with the bits inside. Her wings beat slowly but powerfully as she lifted up towards a mass of industrialized clouds that made up Dash's cloud mansion.
"Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" Scootaloo squealed softly at the honor of being anywhere near her heroes home. "I can't believe i'm on the cloud that you sleep on Rainbow Dash!" The filly sqealed.
The cyan Pegasus tried to hide her smile at the egotistical pampering. "Yeah I made it myself it's pretty awesome right?" gloated as she opened the front doors. The inside was somewhat clean, but the furniture was greatly outdated. The living room consisted of an old couch and mix dated chairs. A short hallway split into two directions one way revealed a kitchen filled with dirty plates stacked on a dirty sink. The rest of the kitchen was structurally clean and organized to a short extent.
The filly looked at the floor and mumbled under her breath. Rainbow sighed "Speak clearier." Rainbow scolded
Scootaloo bit her lip "I haven't eaten since this morning.." she said softly. Rainbows eyes widened and she shook her head walking towards a cloud cabinet.
"You're still a growing filly you need to eat how else are you gonna grow big wings and show off your moves?"
Scoots looked at Rainbow Dash with puppy dog eyes. The older older Pegasus gaped at the mess looking around wildly. Scootaloo tapped the cyan Pegasus's shoulder softly. "Rainbow?" she whispered.
Rainbow glared daggers at her. "Bath now." she growled pointing a hoof towards the correct door. The orange filly slithered away with a whimper. Rainbow Dash rubbed her temples slowly "Oh what in the name of Celestia have I gotten myself into?" She groaned softly.
Tears of the Indifferent.
PonyVille Library 9:55 A.M.
The dragon shot up screaming only to get a hoof shoved in his mouth. Twilight pulled away when he stopped hyperventilating. "I'm okay I'm okay." he panted looking around frantically.
Twilight smiled "Have you been eating late night snacks again?" her eyebrow raised to emphasize the question.
The little dragon snarled in response. "My nightmares have nothing to do with my snacks stop ragging on me!" he growled in an uncharacteristically harsh tone.
The unicorn gaped, taken by surprise suddenly she felt angry. Angry that after all she did for this little runt he would talk back like this. Angry that he would return her good intentions with rude responses. Her body trembled with unchecked rage. Twilight stormed out before she did anything Spike would regret.
Spike glared at the door as it slammed shut. Suddenly his feelings of anger and frustration melted away replaced by pure exhaustion. "Twilight oh what did I just do?" He whimpered. He walked into the darkest area of the library and began cleaning. "Why do I always come here lately." He thought to himself. Suddenly a tower of books began swaying and they tumbled onto the floor. The little dragon sighed explosively and moved to clean up the books when the scent of gemstones hit his nostrils. This scent having a dramatic effect on dragons caught his attention immediately.
The scent was drifting from underneath the pile of literature. Spike dug with the hunger only a gem seeking dragon could. Suddenly he found himself staring at the cover of a golden book. A black dragon head adorned the cover.
"You thirst for answers little drake?" a deep rumbling voice asked. Spike yelped and scanned his surroundings frantically. A frightening idea crept into his imaginative mind. Spike looked down at the book and his heart skipped a beat, the dragon head on the cover was watching him.
"W-w-what?" He mumbled dropped the book and backed away. "A talking book t-t-that's crazy I'm hallucinating ." The little purple dragon stammered nervously.
"I am not a hallucination you have been linked to draconian literature. I am a magical aura designated to enlighten the future of Kaizer's squads under Luna's orders." The voice rumbled.
Spike shook his head "Luna, Kaizer, squads? I don't understand-" he was cut off by a blinding flash of light.
Unknown Location
"Madam the reports are ready debriefing can commence." The body attached to the claw spoke in a surprisingly honey filled female voice. As the owner stepped into the light Spike realized the owner of the talon was a purple scaled blue spiked female dragon.
"Thank you Eclipse... How are you doing with the egg?" Celestia replied in a whispering tone. slowly turning to face to face the female dragon.
"Scythe is preparing the chambers you gave us madam and I am not feeling any pregnancy effects yet." Eclipse reported.
Celestia turned sighed heavily and turned towards Spike she opened her mouth. "Spike Spike oh my god wake up wake up oh god!" Twilight's voice cried out.
Spike's head suddenly rang, and his back spines felt like hot nails driving into him. "You have finished step one kid your next mission will come when you hear the song of a mother not named." The Black dragon book whispered, and with that the flash of light returned.
PonyVille Library 10:50 P.M.
Twilight walked up next to him "Spike you've been rambling and going in and out of consciousness what happened to you?"
"I'm sorry for snapping at you Twilight I didn't-" The dragon suddenly turned to the door as thunder rumbled and lightning flashed across the sky striking just outside the library. "There's no storm scheduled for today." He whispered.
"What? Your worried about a storm? I need to run tests see what happened to you. Was it a magical transformation, or do dragons just grow that fast or-" The rambling unicorn was cut off by a loud knock at her door. She walked over to the door and opened it to reveal a very wet, very tired looking Rainbow Dash. "Rainbow Dash come in come in the weather is much too hostile for you to be outside!"
"Thanks Twilight.." Rainbow whispered hoarsely. She slowly edged inside her wings were extended in an awkward position covering her right flank. A small shadow moved along with Dashes movements.
"So you brought a little friend?" Twilight asked tilting her head and arching an eyebrow. The shadows movements stopped and Dash went stiff. Scootaloo pulled a hood off her head and stepped into the light. Thunder boomed and she made a small whimper and slid against Dash. The older pegasus instinctively nuzzled the little filly and whispered comforting words.
Scootaloo whispered some words to Dash who smiled slightly and nuzzled her. "It's alright Twi won't take you away we can trust her with this." She looked up at a slightly confused looking Twilight. Rainbow let out an exhausted sigh and told Twilight about the events that lead to Scootaloo be under her care. To the cyan mares surprise her friend smiled and chuckled happily. "You find this funny, is there something funny about Scoots situation?!" Dash growled.
Twilight shook her head. "No no It's just I believe I can help you." She walked towards her podium and scanned some pages. She used her magic to scribble a list then levitated it to Spike who had been observing from the shadows. "Spike get these books for me please." He grunted and slithered deeper into the library.
"That was Spike? He got big, again hes not going to tear PonyVille apart again is he?" Rainbow Dash teased returning slightly to her cheerful attitude. Thunder cracked and lightning flashed causing Scootaloo to leap and cry into Rainbow Dash's chest. Rainbow looked up to see Twilight scribbling busily. Dash stroked the orange pegasus' mane softly and hummed softly rocking her gently. She didn't know why she was doing it, but these actions felt necessary. Rainbow closed her eyes and held Scootaloo close. "I'm here it's alright I'm here."
Twilight finished her note rolled it up and levitated it to Spike who had a saddle bag of books. "Thank you Spike i'll handle everything else. Oh and send that letter to Celestia as soon as you can." Spike grunted and burnt the letter on the spot he then curled up in a dark corner and drifted off to sleep.
The purple unicorn smiled and took the saddle bag back to Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. The pegasi were sleeping Rainbow's head protectively covering scootaloo's. Twilight smiled and placed the bag next to them. She turned and walked upstairs. "Rainbows a good mom and she doesn't even know it." She thought to herself happily.
What Twilight didn't notice was that a certain golden book had been placed in the saddle bag. The Black Dragon head seemed to smile at it's mission being completed. "You've done well initiate." It's voice whispered in Spikes dreams causing him to yawn and fall deeper into slumber. The book was quite pleased, quite pleased indeed.
Tears of the Indifferent.
PonyVille Square 9:30 A.M. "I look like I was at one of Pinkies all night parties." She thought as she reached in to splash water onto her baggy eyed, sleep deprived face. A light clopping noise followed by the creak of wooden wheels caught the pegusus' attention.
"There ya are sugar cube." Applejack called out cheerfully as she pulled her cart into the town square. The orange earth pony unlatched herself and trotted next to her friend. "I brought the cart what did ya all salvage?" She inquired.
Dash shook her head and sighed explosively. "Nothing, without the protective layer that storm tore my cloud apart." The cyan pegasus grumbled sadly. The unscheduled storm had upset every pegasi in the town, but only Dashes home was effected. "Thanks Aj, but there's nothing for you to help me wi- Rainbow!" Dash was cut off by Spike as he glided towards them landing a few feet away.
The teenage dragon smiled at Applejacks shocked expression. He reached into his bag and pulled out a scroll. "Just got this from Celestia. Twilight wanted me to deliver it to you immediately." Spike informed the mares. "Oh and you will need these books you left them at the library. " Dash caught the bag that he threw at her.
Applejack and Rainbow dash spread the scroll out ,and looked it over. "Dear Rainbow Dash, Twilight has informed me of your great kindness in aiding the young Scootaloo. I understand you have questions, fears, doubts, etc about your current position. I would be happy to establish you as Scootaloo's legal guardian. I will send my Sister as I am afraid I cannot meet you in person, your loving ruler Princess Celestia." Rainbow read with a smile.
"Yippee! Rainbow you didn't tell me ya all was adoptin' that little filly." Applejack chimed cheerfully rolling up the scroll, and smiling at her friend.
Dash nodded and turned to Spike "So when does this chariot get here?" She inquired feeling slightly impatient. Spike pointed upward, and a pair of armor clad pegasi flew smoothly towards them. Together they led a golden chariot marked by the royal seal, and riding in it was Princess Luna. Dash suddenly felt very self conscious, her mane was in a level of disrepair that even she was normally above. "Oh buck Aj a little help I can't talk to Luna looking like this." She hissed softly.
The orange pony chewed her lip thoughtfully. "Well I surpose covering most of yer hair would do ya nicely." She flipped her hat off, and put it over Dashes head. This caused the pegasus to gasp. "There ya all look right dandy." Applejack smiled tilting her head as she looked over her friend. This movement caused her hair to fall over her eyes. "Gosh darn it!" She grumbled trying to flip it back into place.
Dash just stood stock still observing her friend. "Wow Aj looks cute with her hair down. Wait what am I thinking this is my best friend, besides I need to focus on Scoots." Dash pushed her thought of attraction towards her friend away, and closed her mouth. "Uh heh thanks Applejack your the best." This caused a blushed response in her friend. "Oh no she looks even cuter when she's embarrassed buck my life why can't I stop?
The chariot landed and Luna descended towards the group. "Hello Applejack, Rainbow Dash." She greeted them with a warm smile, that is until she spotted Spike. She gaped slightly then returned to her calm cheerful manner. "I am here on behalf of my sister who is unfortunately preoccupied. Now If we could please go to a place of privacy we can move this along."
Rainbow sighed "Yeah my house is trashed, and Twilight's in full experiment mode so I'm not sure wher- Ya all could do this up at the farm house. Big Mac, and Granny Smith are out visiting Braeburn. So you all shouldn't be disturbed." Applejack interjected. Rainbow Dash smiled warmly at her best friend.
Luna nodded her head thoughtfully "So be , but where is the young Scootaloo?" She asked.
Spike huffed and bowed "I will retrieve her from the Library my Princess." And with that he took off flapping towards the Library tree. Luna motioned towards the guards who bowed and took off.
Sweet Apple Acre 10:05 A.M.
Luna shook her head slowly "Scootaloo is too young for that she needs a dedicated mother. Also that would be fine if her parent were alive, but all records show that they disappeared right after her birth. You are the only option or I will be forced to remove her to an orphanage. Do you not wish to care for her is that not why you contacted my sister?" Luna whispered.
Rainbow shook her head "Y-yes I well.. I care about Scoots, but how would I be able to be her mother full time with my salary I can feed her, but all the other expenses.." She bit her lip "I want her to be happy and I'm not sure that I can provide for her fully. How do I even know if she'll accept me as her mother?" She asked herself.
Luna nodded then she caught sight of movement in the room. Applejack who had been sitting next to Rainbow was looking down at Rainbow with pity in her eyes. "No not pity what is that? Love affection does she have feelings for her friend?"
The Earth pony jumped, but nodded "Rainbow you are mah best friend, and I can't stand to see ya like this. Now you all can stay with me, and you can work in the orchards with me. Stay here Rainbow at least until you can rebuild your home." She sounded as if she was pleading for Rainbow to stay. The cyan pegasus just stared at her eyes teary, but filled with hope.
"Applejack oh thank you thank you.. Luna lets get Scoots so we can get this finished." Rainbows eyes were lit with fires born of hope, and determination. "Lets go get my daughter."
Spike walked Scootaloo into the Apple family dining room, and leaned against a wall to wait for his next order.
Luna smiled brokenheartedly "Don't be afraid come, and take a seat next to Rainbow Dash." The little pegasus obeyed and sat as close to Rainbow as she could. Luna cleared her throat. "Now Scootaloo do you enjoy the company of Rainbow Dash?" Scootaloo nodded rapidly. "Good, now how would you feel if she became your guardian?"
Scoot's eyes widened to the size of dinner plate. "You mean like her being my mom? Rainbow can be my mom? Oh my god that would be so amazing oh god oh god!" She squealed turning to Dash. The older pegasus had a shocked expression on her face. Scootaloo bit her lip. "Dash did I say something wrong?" Rainbow had started crying.
Dash shook her head "No Scoots, you just made me the happiest mother in all of Equestria." Dash embraced her new daughter. Luna smiled and got and walked towards the door.
"I'm glad that went so well." she thought. Her wing brushed spikes shoulder causing the dragon to open his eyes.
Spike watched Luna leave, he had been napping. The spot on his shoulder suddenly burnt, and his head hurt. "Not again.." he groaned and stumbled outside towards the Apple family barn as the white light filled his vision.
"Well done kid you've just brought us a step closer. The books voice rumbled in his head.
Tears of the Indifferent.
Ch.4 : Flash point: Scythe
Unknown Location "What in the name of Celestia is going on?" He hissed.
"Welcome to your next flash point kid. Hang on for the ride." The books voice rumbled.
Spike shook his head "Wait flash point I don't understand wait?!" The teenage dragon called. "I don't understand.. Why am I here?.." He whispered softly. The sound of distant voices caught Spikes attention, and he turned to see two massive male dragons walking towards him. "I guess I'm here to observe these guys?" Spike pondered.
"Lt. keep the squad running smoothly." The larger of the two adults said. He was a dark blue dragon with green spines.
"Yes sir captain Scythe I'm glad that I can be of service to you, and may you and your mate be blessed with egg." With that the smaller dragon took off and flew towards a distant mountain range.
Scythe walked past Spike towards the front gate of the castle. Spike felt his body move on its own drawing him behind the Captain. The gate opened and the female dragon he had seen in his previous vision walked out and embraced Scythe. "Welcome back Strike Captain, I didn't expect you to return so soon." She whispered in her honeyed voice.
Scythe smiled and nuzzled the female. "You know I can't stand be away from you Eclipse." He whispered. Eclipse returned his show of affection, and slid next to him. The two adult dragons walk side by side into the castle.
"Uh great I have to observe these love birds?" Spike thought feeling disgusted. He dragged his feet as he slowly followed.
"Kaizer gave me leave for a couple of days to help you with our egg. I know with Discord and nightmare's armies closing Celestia has kept you busy." The Captain said.
"Wait Discord, Nightmare? Twilight said they only existed together over two thousands years age. When in the name of Luna am I? Spike thought starting to get very nervous.
"You've answered your own question kid. Now get moving and no more whining." The book hissed in Spikes thoughts. The purple dragon sighed and continued to slowly follow the adults.
Celestia's Castle: Dragon Wing "Wow this place is perfect for dragons!" Spike thought an astonished smile on his face.
Several adult dragons looked up from their sunning positions and saluted the pair. A pink scaled white spiked female dragon slithered out of an artificial cave entrance. She started hopping from paw to paw beaming at the approaching dragons. "Scythe your baaaaack oh goody I was taking care of your egg, and it's nice and warm! Now I didn't keep it warm, you know with me being a frost dragon that would be silly. No I had Aura help, because she's all shiny and warm, and -" The dragon tilted her head and began twitching her eyelid flickered a little.
"My word darling you simply must calm down." Called a soft voice from inside cave. "Kaizer didn't give the captain here time off to get his ears talked off." The voices owner a very regal looking white scaled and purple spiked dragon slowly walked to stand beside her twitching companion. "Ahem yes well, It is quite good to have you back captain. Now I'll just take shiver to the medical cave to calm her down. If you'll excuse us."
Scythe who had been smiling silently the entire time nodded. "Thank you Aura, I know egg sitting isn't how you would normally like to spend your day off." The Solar dragon just smiled and pushed the still twitching Shiver further down the castle wing.
Spike gaped his eyes on the dragon named Shivers smile. "Sweet Celestia it looks just like Pinkies." He whispered nervously. He always got freaked out by Pinkies smile and to see it duplicated with sharp fangs didn't help. Spike heard a solid thud and turned to see Scythe rubbing his chin. Apparently Eclipse had tail whipped him.
"What you do that for?" He whined and put on a hurt expression. Eclipse gave him a glare that could have pierced diamond.
"Those two are members of Kaizers elite squad, and you have them egg sit while we're away? They fight for all of dragon and Pony kind. Our son won't have a future if Maw takes over! You could have asked one of the actual guards to just patrol this spot." She hissed.
Scythe lowered his head to a submissive position and gently stroked his muzzle against his mates neck. "They said they would I promise they agreed to it. You know with you always being with Celestia, and me off on my patrols." He slowly worked his way up to her snout and their noses touched. Eclipse snorted then her eyes softened.
"Fine I'll let you off the hook for this one, you're lucky that I'm tired." And with that she slithered into the cave. Leaving a smiling Scythe behind to stand guard as Male dragons often do at the cave entrance.
Curiosity got the best of Spike and he walked through Scythe to pear into the cave. A tingling feeling crept through his scales as he passed through the adult dragon. The cave wasn't very deep but the room inside was wide. Eclipse lay stretched out her tail curled under her stomach. Within the coils was a small purple and green egg. Spike stopped and went stock still. "Those colors... No, no it can't be." He looked at his scales and spines, then back to the egg. "There the same? No dragon egg is suppose to have the same color." He gaped at the egg, and it began to glow. The light grew until it was blinding and painful to Spikes eyes. He tried to look away, but couldn't all he could do was stare.
"How about that, gets you thinking doesn't it? Don't think to long or time will pass you by." The booked whispered with dark humor.
Celestia's Castle 4 days later
"How many survivors?" A nearby voice asked. Spike looked up to see Scythe standing next to a teal colored Alicorn. "How many of my men made it back alive?" Scythe asked through gritted teeth.
The Alicorn shook her head slowly "None not even the Royal guards survived. I'm sorry, but Lieutenant Scimitar made it to outpost 12 then bled out. I am truly sorry for your loss Captain." She whispered.
Scythe nodded "Thank you Sahara, that means a lot to me." Scythe sniffed then his eyes widened. "I smell blood magic." He hissed.
Sahara's horn glowed and she nodded. "Correct it's a message, I'll leave you to read it." The teal Alicorn walked over towards another dragon body this one torn in half, and along side it pony skeletons.
Scythe inhaled deeply, and spoke in a language Spike somehow understood. In Pony terms his words would have been
Scimitar was flying behind two other dragons across a burning expanse of land. "What happened here Lt.?"
"I'm not sure Sergeant, the patrol schedule said this area was farm land." Scimitar replied. Four Pegasi wearing royal guard armor flew into sight.
"Lt. this isn't right this fire isn't from burn cropping, it's not natural either this place had rainfall yesterday." One of them reported. "We should land in a place not set aflame, and sco-" The was cut off by a loud screech as one of the lead dragons fell on top of him set aflame by a fireball.
"Contacts, contacts!" The sergeant roared "Evasive maneuvers everyone, we need to get the hell out of her-" A flash of black scales passed by slamming into the sergeant ripping him in half. Blood flew out of his mouth into Scimitars eyes. The Lt. gasped and rubbed it away and glanced around at the two guards that hovered next to him.
"Report what in the hell is going on?" Scimitar bellowed. One of the guards landed next to the sergeants upper torso and placed a stick into the burnt ground.
"Distress signal sent sir back up shou-" Another life was extinguisher mid sentence as the guard was crushed by a massive dragon foot. An enormous Black dragon over six times the size of a regular full grown looked down at scimitar. Blood dripping from his claws, and spines as he blotted out the sun.
"Kaizer Maw.." Scimitar whispered fear growing in his voice. The final guard hovered next to Scimitar.
"Retreat? Oh I think not their is no retreating from a God mortal." Maw hissed his very voice shaking the earth.
The corporal gritted his teeth "Sir outpost 12 is nearby you can make it if I buy you sometime." He whispered.
"No I have a better chance of holding him off..." The little Pegasus gave him a look of grim defiance. "Very well good luck Sergeant." The guard smiled at his promotion and charged the black monstrosity gripping a lance with his teeth, and sending it hurtling towards Maw. The weapon shattered and vanished before it got even close to its mark. "I'll see you in the afterlife sir." The guard said in the mental link each squad kept up for long distance communication.
Scimitar heard the crunch and scream. He knew the guard was dead. He knew it had been painful. He knew it was to give him time. Scimitar spotted a small fort in the distance. As a long dark shadow blotted out the sun, and a single massive wing beat shook the earth. "See you in the afterlife... I'm sorry Captain." And with that he inhaled flipped around and shot flames at the oncoming Maw. He saw the teeth larger than his head, and he knew it was for nothing.
The image vanished and Scythe began to shake. His eyes had gone dead. "My squad the dragons I had been flying with for years had been killed. Killed by the King they once flew under."
Spike could hear his thoughts, Spike could feel his pain, and somewhere Spike knew his mother was watching. Watching as Captain Scythe his father died inside, and nothing anyone did would make the pain go away. Spike closed his eyes "I'm ready to wake up now." The book didn't respond it only did as it was asked.
As soon as Spike left the blood magic behind and returned to his world the book began to think. Thinking wasn't something it liked to do it brought out memories , things it wished hadn't been recorded.
"I hate my job."
Tears of the Indifferent.
Sweet Apple Acres Barn
"Sweetie belle? What the hay is going on?" He gasped. He took a look at his surroundings. He was in the Apple family barn. Someone had moved him inside, and put a blanket over him.
The small white unicorn shook herself, and looked up at Spike with a smile. "Your awake hooray, Scootaloo and Applebloom went to get you some food for when you wake up. I told them to get you a lot since you're all big now." She informed him with a big smile.She bit her lip, and looked up at him shyly "Um Spike this might sound stupid, but.. How does it feel to be, tall?" Spike couldn't help, but the hurt look on Sweetie Belle's face shut him up. "I knew it was a stupid question.." She sniffled.
Spike bit his lip "Uh no no its just that I didn't expect it. Well being tall it's well strange. I don't really know how to describe it." A loud crash sounded outside, and a black object flew through the barn window. The object slammed into the hay bale next to Spike. Then it made a groaning noise. "What is tha- Scootaloo ya all alright?" Applebloom interrupted as she stormed into the barn.
Scootaloo rolled onto the floor she was coated in soot "That was awesome I told you the flavor would be explosive!" She went back into the hay and brought out a plate. "Spike we already tried to get our cooking cutie marks, and we failed! So we tried again, aaaaand I think it's actually edible this time! Well at least that's what mom said." She smiled widely.
Spike looked down at the plate, a small black substance rested in the center. He suddenly felt his stomach claw at him. Spike lunged forwards snapping his jaws shut on plate causing Scootaloo to yelp, and fall backwards. "Thissh is delushas." Spike mumbled as he chomped on the hard burnt substance.
The three fillies gaped in three different ways. Scootaloo in a wide smile feeling appreciated, and proud. Applebloom in disgust she having known exactly what it was Spike was eating. And finally Sweetie Belle in awe at how Spike's jaws crushed the seemingly coal like substance.
Spike then learned the hardest lesson a hungry dragon could. You can chomp down, and swallow anything you want. Keeping it down however can be problematic at best. Spike suddenly felt like razor blades were being juggled in his stomach. He held his gut, and tried to hold it down. "Spike you alright?" Sweetie belle whispered.
"He looks like he's gonna puke sweet maybe it'll be projecti- Scootaloo!" Applebloom shoved her hoof into scoot's mouth.
"That there is gross, why would ya all want him to puke?" She scolded the smiling pegasus. A gurgling noise caught her attention she saw Spike fall to his knees then he belched. A flaming glob flew past Sweetie Belle, and hit barn wall. "You all best put that out!" Applebloom cried.
Spike looked around for something he turned to the crusaders, but only three gapes responded to him. Scootaloo's smile at the joy of flaming vomit. Applebloom's disgust at the sight of flaming vomit. Sweetie belles confusion, at flaming vomit. Spike found no way to put it then an idea hit him. "Celestia forgive me." Spike sighed, then began urinating on the flames.
Spike instinctively sighed at the release of his bladder fluids. His male member then slid back under the crotch scale that protects dragon genitalia. He then remembered where he was, and whom he was with. He turned to see the three filly's wide eyed, and mouths slightly agape. Sweetie belle recovered first "Um Spike, wh-what was that thing?"
The worst part of being a male teenage dragon in a world of female ponies was the lack of male knowledge. "Uh well I well.. I'm not really sure.."
"Oh I think I know what can help, I'll be back." And with that Scootaloo darted out through the barn window.
Scootaloo flew back into the barn and dropped Dashes saddle bag down in front of the group. She pulled out a book, one with a dragon head on it. Spike gritted his teeth. "This book has a dragon on it sooo maybe it has something about your thingy Spike." She opened the book then slammed it shut, Scootaloo turned wide eyed towards Spike. "You, you've been dreaming like me." She whispered. "You've seen him haven't you, you've seen the monster. The big one the one that kills and kills and kills." She began shaking. "This book is the thing that told you the story? Is this book the thing that makes them happen?" She trotted up to Spike and tilted her head peering up at him.
Spike shook his head and backed away "Scootaloo I-I had no idea the book was affecting anyone else, I swear I don't even understand why these visions occur."
"I don't want it to happen I don't want mother to die, I just got her I don't want to lose her! Burn it burn the book help me protect my mother!" The orange pegasus screamed. Applebloom ran over to her and hugged her.
"Calm down sugar cube Rainbow dash is fine she's not in danger she's fine." She cooed.
Spike gaped and backed away, only to bump into Sweetie belle. "Spike I can feel magic, not evil but not good neutral, It's coming from you, and the book. Scoots, there's magic is coming from her as well. It's different feels like an alteration of the one surrounding you."
Spike shook his head "What do you want from me?" He whimpered. Sweetie Belle put a hoof on his leg.
"Spike we need to get to the bottom of this, I'm no Twilight but I believe I can help. Spike I need your help to help Scootaloo." The small white unicorn looked at him with pleading eyes.
Spike opened his mouth then shook his head slowly. "Alright, what do we need to do?"
Sweetie Belles eyes lit up "Thank you. Now we need to take a look at that book." She turned to Scootaloo. Applebloom had succeeded in calming her down. "Scoots what prompted this outburst?" She inquired.
Scootaloo shook her head and bit her lip "I'm sorry, but ever since that lightning storm I've been having nightmares. At first I thought that was all they were, but when I would wake... I would hear voices whispering in my head. When I opened the book I-I well I felt a link to Spike.... I don't know how or why." Sweetie Belle picked up the book, and put a hoof to her chin in thought.
Her horn glowed "Alright, I'm going to try and access the magic in the boo-" A giant flash of light engulfed her, then spread out to swallow the other crusader's and finally Spike as well.
Apple Family House
"Did ya feel that?" She asked fear filling the earth ponies voice. "Where are the girls?"
"They were going to the barn, Scoots said she was bringing food for Spike." She threw the blanket off her torso, and jumped out of the bed. "Come on Aj lets go check out the barn." The two mares galloped out of the house towards the barn.
Unknown Location
"Spike do you enjoy crushing me?" Sweetie Belle groaned as Spike pushed himself off of her.
"Um Sweetie Belle how do you feel?" Spike asked scanning over the unicorn.
"Feel what do you mean feel?" She replied slightly irritated. "I feel like a teenage dragon just laid on top of me, again."
"Uh what happened? Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, Spike?" Scootaloo grumbled as she got to her hoofs nearby. She shook her head to clear it and yelped. "Sweetie Belle y-you got bigger!" The little unicorn had grown into a young mare.
"She ain't the only one, Scoots ya all got taller, so did I!" Applebloom exclaimed.
Spike scanned the now teenage Crusaders with new found curiosity. They had a strange scent about them that confused him. "Spike?" He couldn't put his claw on it. "Spike?" He was brought back to reality by Sweetie Belle. "Spike we need to find out where we are."
He nodded still in a haze from the new scent. He looked around they were in a open field. He could see a small rock formation nearby, a cave entrance could be seen from their location. "I don't know where we are, why you girls are suddenly mares, and my head is pounding." He grumbled
Suddenly a great shadow blotted out the sun, followed by a billowing wind and the sound of wing beats. A large black mass landed next to them. A massive black dragon turned to face them. He wasn't the one Spike had seen slaughter his fathers squad. This dragon was 2/3 the size of that monster, and had silver markings running along his eye ridge down his flanks and twisting into a root like pattern on his chest.
"Ah a young drake, and his harem. Quite an interesting find, quite interesting indeed."
Tears of the Indifferent.
Unknown Location
Spike didn't understand what was going on, but the more this adult sniffed his companions the more protective he began to feel. The crusaders just stood stock still, he wasn't sure if it was from outrage or fear. Sweetie Belle yelped as the large male prodded her flank with his snout. Spike growled and slid between him and the unicorn "I don't know who you are, but back away!" He hissed.
The dragon just laughed at this "Heh defensive, good were you not so small you may actually pose a threat." The larger dragon taunted. He circled them again then snapped his jaws shut just short of Spike. The teenager instinctively leaped back and let loose a jet of flame.
The adult dragon raised his head above the fire, a shocked expression on his face. "How is that possible?" He hissed. He slid his snout along the edge of the small flame, inhaling deeply. "It smells of true flame, that must mean.." The dragon's eyes narrowed to dark red slits.
Sweetie Belle edged next to Spike "I don't like this we're around 5 feet away from a full grown dragon, and your little fire show is starting to wear off." As she finished the large black and grey dragon returned his gaze to them. "Spike now would be a good time to think of something." She whispered through the side of her mouth.
"I know what you are! You're of their blood, the blood that sent me to this place with no flame. Yes, that is why your fire burns, because you have that little bitch!" He hissed looking between Spike and Sweetie Belle. "How could I have not seen it, have I really lost touch with what makes me who I am? No it's her she's doing this! Hahahaha, yes and now you're here in my prison! Hahahahaha!" He began to cackle like an Asylum resident.
"Hey Mr, you talk a lot, and you don't make much sense." Scootaloo interjected as she flapped up to hover in front the large male. "Now I want answers, Now wah-" Applebloom pulled her tail bringing her back to the ground.
"Sugar cube ya all are talkin' down to a full gosh darn grown dragon!" She hissed into her ear "Do ya have a death wish?" She breathed.
The dragon's cackling only increased in volume. Spike's thoughts turned from protective anger, to protective fear. "He's obviously unstable, adding that he's a full grown adult dragon this will probably go south. We need to get out of dodge. He scanned his surroundings, the distant rock formation caught his attention. "Sweetie Belle, get the others to those rocks." He whispered.
The crusaders nodded, and they began galloping towards the far off out crop. Spike then noticed something that frightened him, the laughter had stopped. The teenage dragon turned to find himself snout to snout with the massive adult. The dragons black scaled lips parted as he smiled a wicked grin. Saliva dripped from the enormous fangs as they parted. "So, you die first." The larger hissed barely audible. His eyes glimmered with what could only be described as blood lust. Spike inhaled rapidly, and released a stream of green fire.
The black head reared back, an the dragon screeched in pain lashing out wildly with his tail. The appendage slammed next to Spike sending the small purple dragon sprawling. "Damn your blood! Damn your flame!" The adult screeched. He lunged forward jaws spread wide, suddenly a silver projectile slammed against the black scaled behemoths neck.
Spike got up slowly holding his side peering up at the stunned monstrosity. The black dragon held the side of his neck in what looked to be confusion. "Spike, Spike please we have to go!" Sweetie Belle screamed as she nudged Spike's shoulder.
"Sweetie Belle, but I thought you had- No time Spike, please hurry!" The teenage unicorn yelled pushing him towards the rock formation.
Spike shook himself then nodded "Alright, I'll make sure to chew you out about risking your life later." He growled under his breath. Fire born of fear surged through Spike's veins as he looked back at the adult. The monster was scraping a long black claw along the spot Sweetie Belle's magic projectile had made contact.
The wild feral expression was gone, and he gazed down at the pair with cold calculating eyes. 'Your magic little one has mixed with his flame, but not in a way that is beneficial to you. Now you have allowed me to break free from my blood lust long enough to tell you my name, a name your forgotten blood feared. I am Carnage, may my sane flame devour you before I fall yet again.' The adults voice boomed in their heads. The mental touch caused Scootaloo to crash land inside a cave in the distance. Applebloom stumbled in as well, Sweetie Belle however was completely paralyzed by the draconic presence. Carnage pulled back his head and grey fire licked his fangs as he inhaled.
The world suddenly went in slow motion, Spike leapt onto Sweetie Belle grabbing her around her waist. He unfurled his wings, and beat them once mightily. The force was just enough to get them air born, just as the ground they had been on erupted in flame. "Hahahahahaha! Fly away little Drake fly away with your whore, and hide with your harem! Carnage will catch you, even as the glorious flames abandon him, he will devour you!" The insane glow, and cackle returned in earnest.
Spike pumped his wings as fast as he could, only one thing mattered right now getting Sweetie Belle to safety. He heard the great thump of massive wings, and knew he didn't have much time. His wings burnt at being used for only the second time since he gained them. "Spike... Spike drop me you can make it if you drop me." sweetie Belle whispered.
Spike's lips curled into a snarl "Buck that If it comes to one of us dying it will be me!" He hissed. looking down at the white unicorn. "We're almost there we can make it don't wor- Ack!" Spike felt his grip on Sweetie Belle loosen completely, Sweetie Belle had launched a small spark of magic into his soft belly scales.
Carnage lunged forward mouth agape to intercept the plummeting unicorn. "Yes meat young virgin blood, come allow Carnage a taste!"
Spike turned a complete 180 degrees "No, you will not take her from me!" He roared, a roar of an adult dragon. He shot forward grabbing onto Sweetie Belle pulling her away at blinding speed. It wasn't enough though Carnage's fangs closed the tip tearing a horrid wound into Sweetie Belle's stomach. Carnage tasting the blood stopped mid-flight, and closed his eyes. He didn't see the young pair soar into the cave, he also didn't see the glimmer of teal colored magic shimmer outside the cave. He was lost in the glory of blood, now he could make his brother's pay. Apocalypse, Cataclysm, and Armageddon would pay for not heeding fathers call. He felt the magic infused blood seep down his tongue, and his fire began returning, this time as strong as before he was imprisoned. "If Kaizer's dogs still breath I will kill them as well, Buckshot, Spectrum your precious Commander won't protect you this time." He smiled with malice.
Tears of the Indifferent.
Sweet Apple Acres Barn
The Alicorn peered up from her skimming, and smiled. "Well hi there this is a nice barn you have here." Then she returned her gaze to the pages below. "Hmm that old scale bag is still trying his hardest? Lucky her she wouldn't have survived if she was Still that small." She clucked her tongue and put a hoof to Sweetie Belles neck. "That's not good at all."
Rainbow Dash charged forward "Who are you, and what did you do to my daughter?!" She went muzzle to muzzle with the strange Alicorn.
"I am Sahara the awesome, the mighty, the hungry. Do you have any food?" She asked, and gently pushed Dash away from her.
"Food what? No, what did you do to them?" Rainbow hissed getting back in Sahara's face. "I want answers now!"
"Rainbow simmer down, now miss Sahara was it? Would you be kind enough to answer our questions?" Applejack inquired pulling Rainbow away from the Alicorn.
Sahara smiled "Oh you two do remind me of Those silly lizards, alright since you amuse me I'll answer some questions. However you have to promise you will bring me food." The orange farm pony nodded, and Sahara flipped the book closed. "Alright now to answer your questions we need to go on a little trip." The Alicorns horn glowed blue and the room began to spin.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash teetered thrown into a dizzy haze. Their heads collided causing them to fall in a heap. Sahara looked down at them and inhaled sharply "Whoops, note to self distribute helmets before transporting."
Apple Family Barn: Sahara's World
"Oh this is an alternate plane of existence, do you like it?"Sahara asked as she pushed a bale of hay against a wall revealing a stone tiled floor. "I made small checkpoints like this one so I can travel to certain areas of Equestria accurately." She began wiping hay away from the stone.
"What the hay are you talking about?" Rainbow grumbled as she maneuvered into a sitting position. "What does this have to do with Spike, and the girls?" Applejack repeated the question with less hostile intent.
Sahara looked up from her chore and smiled "Meh I'll tell you later. Now if you two would help me clear this area so we can get them back. I have a long story to tell once we're done."
Rainbow Dash slid off Applejacks back and shrugged at her. Applejack returned the gesture and they quickly began to clean the hay off the strange tile.
Carnage's Asylum
"Stop gawking and help me she's going to die if we don't do anything." Spike snarled. "Sweetie Belle, Sweetie Belle talk to me please." He whispered.
Sweetie Belles eyes opened slightly and she smiled "You idiot.. Should have left.." She coughed and blood trickled from her lips.
"No no no we have to stop the bleeding! Scoots Applebloom we need to do something about the bleeding!" The two teenage mares shook there heads and looked around helplessly.
"Spike there's nothin' in here but bare rock and dust. Oh pony feathers so much blood.." Stomach bile poured from her mouth dampening the floor.
Scootaloo looked between her two friends and slammed her hoof down "That big stupid dragon messed with the wrong crusaders I'm going to go out and kick his- Shut it!" Spike roared.
"Nothing you do will make this any better he'll just burn you to a crisp with his fire..." A thought slid into his head, a thought he didn't care for at all. He sighed and put pressure on the slit in Sweetie Belles stomach. "This is going to hurt, but know I do it because I care." Twilight always told him that when she cleaned his scrapes with alcohol. He took a deep breath and flames licked his lips. "I do it because I care."
Carnage hovered above the cave mouth and licked his fangs. "Oh you young ones are the best things to come my way. First you give me a show, then you give me my flame back. Next thing I know you'll be pleasing me with your virgin flesh." He shivered and opened his eyes. A small teal colored light shined at the mouth of the cave, the scent of Alicorn wafted up from it. "You! Yet again you seek to disrupt my fun. No not this time, this time the sweet nectar of death will be mine to savor."
Sahara's World
"Well this tile is going to show us where exactly we need to go." The strange symbols shifted into the shape of a dragon head. "Oh I see how it is you think you can block me out?"
"What are you talking say something that actually makes sense! You said you could help me get Scoots back where is she!" Dash hissed.
"I have to agree with Rainbow you're not making a lick of sense we need answers now." Applejack added firmly. "Please we just want our family and friends back."
Sahara sighed heavily "Alright we'll do this quick and fast. Lance, Javelin I need you!" The Alicorn called towards the distant ceiling. The sound of stone grinding against stone echoed through the room. "Alright I don't know exactly what's going down on their half, but those teenagers of yours are in danger. They stumbled into a magic bubble which is inhabited by a very large, very angry, very unstable black dragon. His name is Carnage and if left to his own devices he's well it won't be pretty."
Applejack and Rainbow Dash stared eyes as wide as Luna's moon. "Sooo how exactly do ya reckon we take on a fully grown dragon... Without Fluttershy."
"I don't care Scootaloo just became a part of my life, and I'm not going to let some over grown lizard take her away from me. Now get us there so Applejack and me can kick this Carage's tail, and get our family back." Applejack smiled and stood next her friend nodding agreement.
"Well you girls won't have to worry 'bout the tail kicking I got that covered." A large black dragon with golden spikes and claws hovered on silent wings accompanied by a smaller white as fresh snow female dragon. "Names Lance ladies nice to meet you. My associate here goes by the name of Javelin. The pale scaled she-dragon nodded her head in greeting.
The two mares gaped at the dragons giving Sahara a look of fear mixed with confusion. "Oh oops wow I need to work on my pony skills. As he's told you this is Lance he is my personal guard, and Lady Javelin she's one of the few white dragons. We'll have a nice little chat about dragons and food later, but for now we need to move. Alright I'm going to transport us, Javelin I need you pony sized for the extraction Oh this is going to be fun."
The white dragon's scales glowed and she stepped next to Sahara now just slightly larger than a common pegasus. "Let's get your loved ones back." And with that Sahara's horn glowed a sickly evil red the crimson light burst out consuming the group.
Carnage's Asylum
Applebloom and Scootaloo had tried to pull him away when they first realized what Spike was doing. However when the blood flow stopped they had to agree that it was for the best. Still their friends tortured screams still left them shaken. "S-s-spike is she going to be alright." Aplebloom whimpered as she eyed the black line of burnt flesh.
"Of course she will Spike knows what he's doing we'll be alright as long as we don't take any risks with that monster." Scootaloo spat the last word and glared in the direction of the cave entrance.
Carnage was still shivering from Sweetie Belles screams agony. Not because they disturbed him quite the opposite. "It's been so long since my ears have been blessed with such a delicious sound. Oh how I cannot wait to carve their sweet virgin meat so they will make that lovely music." He licked his lips and shivered again.
"Oh sweet little morsels here comes Carnage." He let out a roar and to his surprise it was answered. Not by that little purple one no it was an adults roar. He looked up to see another black dragon with golden markings land in front of the cave mouth. A sick smile formed on carnages lips as he recognized the dragon.
"Well well if it isn't the commander of the Dragoons Lance how is your unit fairing without Pike and Harpoon?"
Lance touched a pair of scale necklaces one green one blue. "I never got to pay you back for that you sniveling wrym." He pulled out a black gemstone from a metal container attached to his hip. The gem glowed and extended into a massive Black diamond great lance.
"So that is your dragoon weapon are you compensating for something?" Carnage scoffed.
Lance slammed his weapon into the ground and stepped forward. The weapon glowed and a black colored barrier surrounded the cave. "No I don't need a weapon to kick your sorry tail."
The two black scaled titans bellowed and grappled Carnage kicked Lamce in his soft underbelly only to get a fist slammed into his snout. They both tumbled onto the ground scraping, biting, and tails lashing in a jumble of muscle, scale, and on occasion a point blank fire ball.
In all the commotion Carnage never saw the small white dragon circling the rock formation causing a silver cylinder of magic to engulf it. He also didn't see the three ponies that entered the cave as it dissapeared along with the white cylinder.
Javelin circled one last time to see her Lance and Carnage's heads collide. "Good luck teacher we'll bring you back as soon as we can." And with that a teal sphere surrounded her drawing her back into Sahara's realm.
Lance didn't see them leave all he knew is that they were gone he knew he hadn't been the only one, and he knew Carnage would go berserk when he realized his prey had escaped. What he didn't know was if he could defeat Carnage in his Berserk form, and frankly he didn't give a damn.
Tears of the Indifferent.
Sahara's portal opened up depositing the group into her world. Spike leapt up and circled all the Ponies on defensive instinct. "Where are we?" He asked after a few moments of surveying the stone walls.
"In my world of course.. This Specifically is called the hall of echoes." She let out a wide grin.
"Mom I knew you'd save us!" Scootaloo cried rushing over and hugging Rainbow Dash.
"Oh Scoots I thought I'd lost you, what kind of mother am I to lose her daughter in a few hours?" Dash gasped holding her close.
Applejack nuzzled Applebloom and looked sadly at her friend. "Ain't your fault 'twas ours for messing' with that book." Applebloom said giving Dash a small hug.
"She's right mom we had no idea a dragon lived in that book we were trying to find out about Spike." She turned to look at the young drake carrying Sweetie Belle towards them. "And Sweetie Belle paid for our curiosity..."
"Wait you mean to tell me you entered Canrage's Prison in search of knowledge on dragons?" Javelin interjected now back to her fairly large size.
"Yes... We wanted to find out about Spikes..l anatomy.." Sweetie Belle whispered.
Spike's gave her a worried look and she patted his snout reassuringly. "You're feeling alright?" He asked softly. Sweetie Belle just nodded slightly and leaned against his chest scales.
Sahara flapped her wings to get everyponys attention, and once all heads turned to her the Alicorns smile grew. "Well now that we're not in any present danger I believe the hall of echoes can show you a good view of dragon history. I failed anatomy so you'll have to ask Lance when he comes back." She gestured for them to follow and she walked down the large hallway.
Applejack pulled Rainbow aside and making sure nopony was in earshot moved closer. "That there Sahara is making me nervous she seems like a nice gal, but why is she helpin' us?"
Rainbow nodded slowly "Yeah I didn't know that there was more Alicorns other than the princesses. We should defiantly keep an eye on her."
The two nodded to each other and followed the group of teenagers.
While nopony had heard the conversation Javelin was no pony. She smiled to herself "Those two are quite amusing it's been far too long since I've associated myself with any blessed other than Sahara. Perhaps they really are the ones who inherited the Elements."
"Now my new associates behold." Sahara gestured towards the now cloth covered walls. A picture frame with a picture of two black dragons roaring at each other.
"What's happening in this picture?" Scootaloo asked looking at the draconic art. "Wait the one on the left looks like that big one... Carnage was it?" She turned to Sahara who nodded.
"Indeed this is a memory frame it contains a piece of history, an echo or Flash Point as the military called them."
"Military, you mean like the royal guards?" Dash asked walking up next to Scootaloo.
"We'll the royal guard is fairly new back then their was a large combat force made up of several species." Javelin informed them. "It would actually be best if we let the echo tell it's tale." Her scales glowed silver and the world around them went black.
"Now sit back relax and please hold all questions until the end of the Flash Point thank you." Sahara cheered as the darkness began to give way to another picture.
Equestria: Ancient times.
A cyan dragon walked out onto a rocky ledge and looked down at the valley far below. A flash of orange caught his attention as another drake crossed the valley towards him. He unfurled his wings spreading the bright rainbow colored wing scales and pumped them a few times. "Buckshot!" He called as he leaped diving straight down at the other dragon.
Buckshot turned and let out a sigh as the cyan bolt hurtled towards them."This is going to end exactly like last time..." Spectrum slammed into Buckshot and the two. drakes tumbled snout over tail into a small grove of trees.
"What in the name of Draco were you thinking Spectrum? Oh wait I forgot you never think!" Buckshot growled shaking himself loose of the vegitaation.
"Lighten up Buckshot with the war going on we barely get any leave. We should spend this time having fun and doing exciting things."
"Or we can be productive and useful while waiting for our next deployment." The orange dragon grumbled.
"Bah Kaizer told us to spend our leave the best way we can soon lets do some flying!" Spectrum cheered as he flapped his wings buffing his companions face with wind.
"You know I hate flying why note a ground race?" Buckshot replied giving up on a quiet walk.
"No way you know I hate running and you'll make me tie my wings down." Spectrum stroked his wings frowning.
"Escuse me." A deep quiet voice whispered causing both dragons to flip around in surprise. A large yellow colored drake smiled at them timidly.
"Hurricane good to see you what is it you need?" Buckshot chimed at his squad mate.
Hurricane pulled a letter out of his pink medical bag and flipped it to face them. Spectrum shot forward and scanned it quickly let out a sigh. "So much for a few days of leave." He grumbled plopping back onto the ground.
Buckshot scanned the parchment and nodded. "We'll she did phrase it as 'Request' meaning Kaizer needs us their soon."
"What kind of op would require all three of us to show up on a leave day?" Spectrum grumbled flexing his wings.
"We shouldn't keep them waiting." Hurricane said quietly and unfurled his wings. The other drakes did the same and the trio lifted up towards a distant mountain castle.
Draconic Outpost 17
"What's the report?" Buckshot said as soon as he landed. The dragon squad formed a circle and Eclipse put a small purple gem on the ground. A map of Equestria appeared before them cut into several sections with different colors.
Eclipse pointed towards a white colored section labeled Canterlot territory, and the map zoomed in. Eclipse tapped a section below Canterlot castle and a small village rose from the territory.
"PonyVille?" Spectrum read and tilted his head slightly "Why is this place important?"
"It's important because it's the staging place for project harmony." Aura informed him with a sigh. "Honestly do you ever pay attention to Kaizer's briefing?"
"No he doesn't now what does project harmony need us for?" Buckshot asked.
"As we all know project Harmony is developing a way to defeat Discord, and Nightmare's forces."
"Yeah yeah Luna's pet project what about it?" Spectrum yawned.
"I was getting to that before you interrupted me. Now it was moved to this town ever since Maw attacked Canterlot so Carnage and the other loyalists have returned to active offensive even without Maw leading them. They recently targeted several towns in the nearby area. We must defend PonyVille and Project Harmony at all costs. This is a high risk, high profile mission. Keep it low casualty, now lets fly the elite guard is already on sight." And with that the Draconic squad took to the sky heading towards PonyVille.
Tears of the Indifferent.
Flash Point: PonyVille
"If this is Carnage we're not ready for him." She thought to herself as she continued to survey the small forces she had. The sound of wagon wheels rose as a pair of cannons were carried past. "Those won't be enough I've seen that monster take more than a cannon ball and come up unscathed."
"Ma'am the units in Cloudsdale fortress wish to know if we are going to require their air cannons." A royal guard lieutenant asked her.
"Of course we're going to need everything we can get if the enemy force is Draconian based. Now are the thunder traps ready?"
One of her squad members an orange coated Pegasus Stallion with a red claw scar along his snout, and a fiery mane stepped forward. "They are prepared and ready when you need them."
"Thank you Cloud Scorcher we'll need them. Any news on support Star Light?"
A white coated Unicorn nodded and she turned towards them. "Furnace and Nova are on their way and Kaizer's squad has been notified."
"Kaizer? If we can get at least one of his squad members here we stand a chance." One of the guards whispered.
"And with Wyverns we'll have an easier time charging up more thunder traps." Another added.
Silver Bolt nodded slowly and walked towards a group of Earth ponies standing around an old apple cart. One of them a Stallion with a metallic apple cutie mark turned to face her. "How fairs your militia Steel Core?"
Steel Core smiled and nodded his massive grey head in greeting. "We're gonna give them there Loyalists somethin' to chew on. How are you and your 'WonderBolts' handlin' things?"
"We're ready and willing to give them all we bucking got. Hopefully that'll be enough until Kaizer squad get's here."
Steel Core's eyes widened. "Ya mean Buckshot and Spectrum might be joinin' the party? Hooey we might give them more than hell honey." A roar sounded in the distance. "Looks like we're gonna have to welcome them on our own see ya when the smoke clears."
Silver Bolt nodded and took off joining her sister above the town hall, Quick Silver smiled at her and waved. "Ready sis?" She chirped.
Silver Bolt nodded and her lips curled slightly. "This situation is hopeless we have almost no chance of fending off the entire army." She thought to herself. She turned and looked back at Steel Core as he put on his cowpony hat and slid a sledge hammer into his saddle bag. Silver Bolt's smile widened slightly. "Still the company is friendly and I would rather die alongside everypony here than be filing their funeral papers in an office."
"Uh sis your rainbow is showing." Quick Silver giggled. Silver Bolt had a strange condition that when ever she was under high emotional pressure usually of the hormonal related kind her mane would shift colors to a rainbow pattern.
Silver Bolt looked down and indeed her silver main had begone to shift towards a rainbow color. "Buck, thanks Quick." She did her best to hide the colorful strands underneath her silver ones. Oh in the name of Luna's moon I hope he didn't see that."
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pqUpuCik15c
Several Miles away from PonyVille "I will tear apart those traitors who imprisoned my father. Even if I have to demolish every defenseless little settlement to gain their attention. Then after I kill your precious Ponys, I will kill you my dear Brother." "Take heart my warriors we shall slaughters these lost lambs. Rape and pillage all you want but keep your appetite as we are saving up for the main course!" Carnage grinned widely and shot forward letting out a roar that was answered by his minions. "I will have your blood Kaizer."
Note: End playing.
Canterlot Airspace: Several miles from PonyVille
His companion a golden scaled She-Wyvern nodded in agreement. "Still we must aid them in anyway we can Furnace."
"Yes Princess Nova but what of our kin who side with Carnage?" Furnace inquired.
Nova sighed deeply and shook her head. "My Father has decreed them traitors of the neutrality act and therefore hostile action may be taken against them. In the name of great Draco I pray they see the error of their ways before my father takes it upon hi self to end this conflict."
The sound of cannons firing and Draconic shrieks filled the air and the two Wyverns spiraled down towards the conflict.
PonyVille Square: During attack
The mortally wounded dragon let out a shriek and plummitted to the ground crushing several Wyrms that had slithered into the town. One darted out of the way and coiled itself to launch at her. Only to get a hoof in it's eye from Steel Core. It let out a howl and turned towards its assailant only to get a sledge hammer slammed into its the other eye.
Steel Core spit out the hammer as the Wyrms volatile blood began corroding it. He looked up and smiled at Silver Bolt. "You owe me a drink for that one darlin' and some dinner if you'd find that in your fancy. By the way your mane is lookin' mighty fine."
Silver Bolt flung a lance and skewered a wyrm in the throat causing it to drop dead several yards from Steel Core. The Pegasus landed next to her companion in arms and her face flooded with red as she realized her mane was a glistening spectrum. "Well the payment for getting to see my good looks is dinner, and I figure that wyrm gets me some cold apple cider." She said and flicked her mane in his face.
"Well played little lady but ya all best be gettin ready for round two." He pointed behind her and Silver Bolts jaw dropped. Five massive Acid dragons were barreling towards them poison gas trailing from their gaping maws. The lead dragon was a sickly red in contrast to his light green brethren. He was General Smog head of leader of the Acid Drake faction that had been attacking the town.
The sound of thunder pervaded the battle field and the flight of the dragons were suddenly consumed by dark storm clouds. The sound of lightning striking scale clanked repeatedly. Star Light galloped up to Silver Bolt and smiled. "We finally got the Thunder traps big enough to take on Smog. We got lucky with the timing a few more seconds an- Do you truly feel lucky?" A deep voice hissed. The thunder traps dispersed and the green dragons fell to the ground with loud cracks and thuds.
Smog hovered above them his cracked and torn lips twitched upward as he grinned down at the group of ponies. "Did you think that some thunder and lightning would halt the mighty Smog? Lesser dragons may fall to your petty methods but not I for I am above you. I am superior to you weak little balls of fur and flesh. I am- A rotten scale bag that talks to much." Furnace interjected and dove between the ponies and Smog.
"Ah so the baby sitter of the Wyverns Princess comes to challenge me? Do you truly believe you can secure aerial dominance little one?" Smog let out a harsh and cracked laugh then lunged forward. Furnace spun to avoid the larger dragon and shot a stream of lightning from his jaws. Smog let out a hiss as the Wyverns breath hit it's mark on his wing joint.
"What's the matter has the Draco-blessed general Smog gotten old-ack." Smog slugged Furnace under his snout and slammed him into the ground with his tail crushing several buildings in the process. Silver Bolt flung a lance at the red brute only to have it shatter against his magically enhanced scales.
Furnace tail whipped Smogs leg and he toppled with a screech. The two draconics began snapping at each others throats Smog having an advantage with his forelegs coming into play as he clawed at the smaller Wyverns stomach. A high pitched wail sounded above and Nove dove and landed on Smog digging her talons into his back and biting onto his neck plates. Smog panicked and separated from Furnace and began flailing his tail. Blasts of Acidic clouds flew from his mouth as he attempted to dislodge the golden Wyvern.
Furnace and Nova launched upward leaving Smog to continue flailing. Nova nodded at her companion who smiled and whipped back his head. Both Wyverns let loose a stream of electricity. Furnace's reddish beam mixing with the pure silver of Nova's. It hit home right on top of Smogs crest spikes and his body stopped moving for a moment. He let out a low growl and roared only be struck by the twin lightning breath two more times. He let out one last growl and swiped weakly at the pair then losses he balance, and began slowly toppling to the ground.
Below the monster Steel Core and Silver Bolt had engaged in combat with dragon colt members. A faction of Ponys who believed Maw was the rightful god of the land. The silver pegasus rapidly jabbed a stallion marked in dragon tattoos causing him to crumple next to a mare with her neck snapped by Steel Core. The two fighters noted too late the fact that Smog's unconscious mass was falling towards them. Nova and Furnace let out shrieks of disdain and dove towards their allies. A cyan blur Shot passed them and the two equines dissapeared just before Smog struck the ground.
[youtube=http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=b7RVSbhffl0]
Note: I do not own any of theses songs and I am using the. As an option for a non profit fiction. They are an option and are not necessary nor are they mine in anyway shape or form. All credit goes to the creator/author/designer of any products used in this Fic.
Spectrum swooped back around and landed uncurling his clawed hand and smiling down at the pair of equines in his palm. "Did you two miss us? I know how boring it can get when I'm not around." He chuckled as Buckshot landed next to him.
Silver Bolt tossed her grey mane out of her face and rolled her eyes. "Yeah it's kinda hard to get bored when everything is trying to kill you... Sir." She added the last word with a small smile.
"The important thing is your alright." Buckshot said with a grin and looked down at Smog. "Old bag of bone must have fallen asleep this your handy work?"
Nova and Furnace landed on a nearby building and tipped their wings in greeting. "No it was them that put that big fella down." Steel Core said gesturing at the Wyverns.
The dragons exchanged head butts with Furnace and bowed to Nova. Spectrum let out a whoop and flipped towards the approaching army. "Bring on the next batch it's game time!"
Silver Bolt smiled and loud flapping caught her attention. She turned to see the rest of Kaizer's squad land nearby and split themselves among the small groups of defenders. "We actually stand a chance now." She said with a sigh of relief turning towards Spectrum. "Sir the WonderBolts are ready for your orders." Several Members of the group crept from their defensive positions and saluted the cyan dragon.
"Like wise with the Apple militia Sir." Steel said saluting Buckshot the other milita members giving a loud whoop.
The two drakes smiled at each other these ponies had been the first to agree to train under dragons. They were the best of the best at dragon slaying and they had done their Draconic commanders proud in several battles. "I think a counter offensive is in order don't you?" Buckshot asked of Spectrum grinning widely.
"Most defiantly let's hit Carnage where it hurts. Star Light restrain Smog he may be a grump but he's not one of Carnage's blind followers." Spectrum ordered.
"I agree Kaizer will certainly want to get as much information out of him as possible." Buckshot said with a nod. "Steel Core gather your troops we shall meet Carnage head on while Spectrum's forces attack from above.
The grey stallion nodded and soon a large group of ponies had converged into the square. Shiver and Aura had noticed this and left their groups making their way towards their squad members. "Whatcha doing fellas?" Shiver called.
"Shiver, Aura tell Eclipse we're going to smack Carnage on his tail." Spectrum said flexing his wings anxiously.
"I do advise caution as this small force was sent well ahead of the main army. Carnage could fly into berserker mode at any moment when he hears of Smogs failure to demolish this town." Aura warned.
Nova cleard her throat the dragons turned their attention to the Wyvern Princess. "A direct attack is unlikely to be be successful as they have excessive numbers. I have another plan which might provide a solution to this conflict."
Buckshot nodded and turned to Star Light. "Link the Princess to the M.C.N. we need to make sure we get this right." The M.C.N., Magic Communication network was a method used by Celestia's black op forces. A unicorn in each squad would allow the teams to communicate through thought instead of words. This allowed silent plans to be made, but in this instance it would allow all the defenders to hear Nova's counseling.
"Got it boosting the signal. Draconic frequencies as well?" Star asked. Every Draconic had some form of magic labeled blood magic by Sahara who explained it's existence to Celestia and Luna. This allowed them to use their unique breath weapons, and could effectively be used with the M.C.N.
Buckshot nodded and the unicorns horn glowed blue. "Your live ma'am."
Nova cleared her throat and gave Furnace a nervous glance. He just nodded and returned to watching the approaching horde. "Attention all defending members of Project Harmony I am Nova of the Canterlot Wyverns. The enitial force we have just defeated was lead by General Smog, not Carnage. As such we are to expect the army marching towards us will be made of the younger dragons directly serving Carnage himself. Smog only serves Maw and weave managed to persuade the General to cease operations." The WonderBolts and Militia members who had seen Smog go down looked around in puzzlement at this false statement.
Star Light leaned in near Spectrum and tapped his scales. "Sir but Smog hasn't agreed to anything he's out cold." She whispered.
Spectrum nodded and scratched his scales. "These men need every little bit of hope they can get. Smog is aggressive and brutal, but he's far more honorable than Carnage. He will at least dictate a cease fire after his defeat." The WonderBolts and Militia members all nodded and looked at returned their attention to Nova.
"Now that we have a formidable force capable of putting up heavy resistance they will be more strategic. however they are hot blooded and even the Equines among them will not back down from a challenge. Our main goal is to protect The town hall until Primcess Luna has finished project Harmony. Their goal is to simply destroy this town and spill more blood. We shall challenge them their best skilled warriors against ours." The ponies all nodded and began mumbling excitedly amongst themselves.
"That is a good idea it will limit casualties and buy us more time for reinforcements to arrive. I have just received word that Princess Celestia has returned to Canterlot Castle and that her elite guards are going to join Luna's in aiding us Eclipse added over the M.C.N. Several cheers filled the air and the other dragons all smiled to each other knowing very well that if the reinforcements they need arrived they would easily beat back Carnage.
"Hopin' that Sovereign arrives with them haven't seen him a while." Buckshot whispered to Spectrum who nodded in agreement.
"In conclusion I shall fly to meet Carnage a put forth my offer. Furnace whipped around and let out a hiss.
"You will do no such thing Princess as your guard I will not allow you to under take such a dangerous feat. I will go in your place."
Nova fixed him with an icy glare her golden eyes piercing his. "As your future leader I will do what I see is best for our people." Her gaze softened a bit and she added in a whisper. "As my lover you should understand I must." Furnace just nodded and lowered himself onto the building with a sigh.
A sudden surge of powerful magic filled the air and a soft voice whispered."Good luck Nova Princess of Wyverns may the Moon and Sun shine upon your wings as you make this journey. May they shine upon all of you my loyal people." Everypony stopped moving and turned towards the town hall. Everypony knew who had spoken nopony was prepared to be addressed by her however. Princess Luna hadn't communicated with anypony other than her elite guards and that was just to have food brought to her in order to avoid fainting from lack of said food.
"Thank you Luna may Draco's fire guide your studies." Nova and Furnace took off and soared towards the hostile wave of the approaching army.
Somewhere inside the town hall Luna let her lips form a small smile.
Note: End song
PonyVille Outskirts: Loyalist Army location.
Nova sighed and shook her head. "Carnage your patients and understanding isn't spoken well of. The very fact that you actually listened to my challenge tells me volumes about your decision. You will accept because your warrior honor demands it no matter how corrupt that honor may be."
Carnage let out a snort "Ha careful Princess flattery will get you places you won't want to be." He slowly circled the two Wyverns looking Nova over. "Now I want to speak terms." He said this in almost a whisper.
Furnace's scales rippled and he crept between the two leaders. Carnage smiled at him and looked Nova over again. "Your features have matured quite well Princess and your flattery has me in a certain mood. If my warriors win you will have to help me with this."
Furnace let out a bellow and stood up electricity sparkling along his jaw. "Furnace calm yourself." Nova ordered softly. Furnace instantly lowered himself and backed up beside her. "If that is your term so be it. However if we win you will leave this land and cease your slaughtering of the Equestrian Ponys."
"Ha I accept now Princess I warn you it will be rough I want to see your tail in my castle right after my victory. Oh and by the way you can keep Smog that old bag of scales is useless to me." He turned to face the group of draconics he had brought with him. "To the sky's we are returning to the border." And with that the group took off leaving the two Wyverns
Furnace growled and scraped at the ground his scales rattling. "Princess how could you agree to those standards you know he'll kill you and continue his slaughter right aft- ow!" Nova had whipped his jaw with her tail cutting him off.
"Do you have so little faith in our allys Furnace? Do you not believe we can win this challenge, our own challenge?" She hissed snapping her jaws in irritation.
Furnace lowered his head in submission. "I apologize Princess it's just I hate the idea of you endangering yourself under my watch. Do you really have to fight in this match?"
Nova let out a soft sigh. "The rules we set up did say the leaders of each group would have to participate, and I'm the one who challenged him." She turned towards Canterlot castle and smiled. "Oh look Furnace The sun is setting, Celestia must have returned from the the battle with Discord."
The sun slowly dipped behind the mountain castle, but that wasn't what Furnace was looking at. He was staring at the large black shadow gliding in the stars wake. Nova inhaled shallowly when she spotted it and they looked at each other smiling widely. "Your in luck Captain I will not be endangering my life under your watch. In fact I think our chances of coming out of this intact just skyrocketed."
PonyVille Outskirts: Early morning
Carnage sneered at the group of ponies In front of him. "So the mighty leaders of the WonderBolts, and the Apple Family Militia are present? Perhaps there is an excuse for Smogs failure. Still losing to equines is still unacceptable."
Silver Bolt charged forward and flew right up to Carnage's snout. "At least he had the balls to fight us and not just hide behind an army!" She hissed.
"Hey now Silver Bolt simmer down don't be waistin' your energy on words." Steel Core said as he stepped towards them.
"Yes listen to your colt-friend little foal you'll live longer." Called a loud powerful voice. Suddenly the area around them was covered in dark purple mist.
"Oh buck that voice ma'am this is bad." One of the WonderBolts whispered.
A dark blue Alicorn stepped out next to Carnage smiling widely her snout filled with razor sharp fangs. "Yes little fillies and colts, Nightmare Moon is amongst you."
All the dragons hissed and Eclipse stepped forward. "Carnage what is she doing here this wasn't the deal?"
"Oh don't be so closed minded why wouldn't we come to see our companions of conflict duke it out?!" Chuckled a voice inside the mist. A pink cloud slowly drifted down, and the mist faded back into Nightmares mane. Discord stepped of the cotton candy cloud and smiled up at the purple she-dragon. "Good morning my reptilian, and equine associates quite a chaotic sunrise isn't it?"
"No you imbecile it isn't, at least not until these foals get stomped by Carnage's new elite warriors." Nighmare said with a wicked smile.
Carnage's lips mirrored hers and he snapped his jaws twice causing a loud crunch, crunch. SilverBolt looked at Steel Core who's ears were twitching. "What do you hear." She whispered.
"Galloping hoofs and wing beats, listen their directly in front of us." He whispered back.
She tilted her ears and the other Ponies backed up behind their commanding officers. Cloud Scorcher edged next to her and frowned deeply. "Ma'am those are Pegasus wing beats sound like scout class maybe even force recon."
Silver Bolts eyes widened at the thought of one of the elite force recon flights joining the enemy. Then she saw them, a mass of Ponies equal in size to their own. "We got about two dozen bad guys headin' our way." One of the Apple soldiers commented.
The mass stopped beside the three dark generals all of them wore dark black cloaks. Two of them stepped forward one a Earth Pony Stallion his companion a Pegasus mare. Silver Bolt and Steel Core glanced at each other a stepped forward as well. The cloaked ponies lifted their hoods and Steel Core swore under his breath.
Silver Bolt's main flashed a sickly dim rainbow color as she stared at a picture perfect copy of herself. "What the buck are you!" She hissed backing away.
Her duplicate tilted her head and smiled revealing serrated Draconic fangs. "Me? Why I'm Silver Bolt captain of the ShadowBolts. My friend here is Steel Core leader of the Apple Family Mercenaries." Steel Core's double ganger snorted, and smiled at the original revealing more razor sharp fangs.
"Now that the troops are ready it is time for you to bring forth your general." Carnage said stepping upbehind his corrupt soldiers. "Who will it be? Dear Princess Nova, the tactician Eclipse, or will you get Celestia to fight her own battles for once? who shall I have the pleasure of dealing away with?"
The sound of wing beats filled the air and a massive black figure slammed into the ground between the two factions. It was a dragon larger than the royals and slightly bigger than Carnage. He was ebony scaled with red spikes he stretched out his wings and let put a roar that shook the mountains of Canterlot.
Kaizer The Lord of the Equestrian Dragons, Maw's son as well as Carnage's brother had arrived. "You will have to deal with me." He whispered plasma licking his fangs.
