Chapter 1 - A New Dawn
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Blitzguard Rising

Chapter 1 - A New Dawn

The sun was just beginning to set, the dimming light shone through the opening of the large cave. An array of yellows, pinks and oranges hit the rocky walls of the cave. A male and female dragon sat next to an egg that was placed on a bed of soft hay. His purple and gold scales merged with her Purple and pink ones. My father then said, "Look at the egg honey.” He smiled warmly at my mother as she replied, "I know, he is going to grow big and strong just like you.” Abruptly, my egg started hatching, the two dragons grew excited, for the first time in many moon they were witnessing the hatching of their new child.

"Our child is hatching!" my father cried out excitedly.

"Go ahead sweetie, you can do it." my mother urged. Then all of a sudden a tall dark blue pelted mare came out of nowhere and struck down my mother with a bright blue sword made out of her magic. The swift movement was so quick, my father couldn’t believe what he had just saw.

"Nooo!" My father yelled in anger, he rushed in front of the mare as if you protect his wife from anymore of her damage.

“Stop Nightmare Moon!” He pleaded then in response he began to blow his own breath back at Nightmare Moon, the whole cave lite up as he shot fire toward her. Nightmare Moon scowled and ignored what the dragon said. Soon enough he crumpled to the ground next to his dead wife. Nightmare Moon then swung her sword at my egg, with badly cracked under the force. Inside of my shell I had heard everything, I waited until I couldn’t hear the mare and broke the remains of my egg using my little hoof. I struggled out to quickly gain my bearings of the situation. I glanced at my dying parents who were lying very still on the cold hard ground.

A twitch from my mother gave me a sign that she was barely holding onto a thread of her life. I trotted over, my last chance of seeing my mother alive. Tears rolled down my face as my mother said weakly, “My dear son, come here." I sat down in front of her.

“I shall name you Aladar Blitzguard, we love you so very much, do not be afraid, we will always be with you." she said with her dying breath.

I sat there, trembling and unable to move to turn away from the somber scene. Confused on what to do next I left my new home and my dead parents behind. The night was dark and cold but I managed to find my way to a small river far away from the cave. I was thirsty and tired from my trek through the woods. Happy to have found some water I bent my head down to drink some, the icy cold liquid felt good on my dry throat. I then wandered a little farther and found interesting purple berries, I gave them a sniff. I popped one into my mouth, and waited for a bit to see for any side effects, once it was clear I picked as many as my hooves could carry. My snack didn’t last long until I can across another cave, it was much bigger compared to my original home, my curiosity got the best of me as I searched in the cave. It wasn’t long until I had made my way to the other side which stepped out onto a rocky cliff. A big gorge separated me from the ground. I was tempted to turn back and come out the way I had come in but instead I opened my wings, this would be the first time using them since I hatched. I flapped them, to my surprise I lifted off the ground for just a few seconds. After a bit more practicing I knew it was time for the real test. With my wings spread wide and eyes closed, I jumped. The wind was loud in my ears which startled me. But I knew what to do, within a moment the wind stopped and I opened my eyes to find out I was gliding slowly to the ground far below. As the ground got closer I started to panic, I realized that I didn't know how to land. I flipped and tumbled onto the hard rocky ground beneath me, my heart was racing from the fear and excitement. I realized that it must have gotten very late when I made my way out of the gorge because my eyes grew heavy. I was able to climb into the nearest tree and nestle myself into a curved branch that was the perfect size for me. I began to remember the many hours ahead, and the sound of my parents dying. Tears slipped out of my eyes and blurred my vision, everything had gone so quickly, I cried myself to sleep wishing my mother was holding me tight.

I opened my eyes, the bright sun blinded me as I made my way out of the tree. I managed to find more berries to settle my grumbling stomach. I continued on my way in random directions in hope to get out of the thick woods. The sun was beating down and the temperature was getting warmer, I heard the rushing of water and ran through the thicket toward the sound. My eyes glistened at the sight of it, I drank a great deal from the river and got the sense to follow it. The river had also attracted many other animals that were unfamiliar to me. A large wolf that looked to be made out of wood stood in my path, his beady green eyes flashed in resentment, he howled and four others just like him came from out of the bushes to join him. I had the instinct to run, the other creatures around me had the same idea. I ran as fast as my little legs could carry me but they chased after me with more powerful strides. I soon grew weary from exhaustion. Before I knew it, the four wooden timber wolves had me cornered in a rocky crevice. My only escape was blocked by these creatures. I closed my eyes and hoped for a saviour, as one of them sprung at me.

I screamed, ready for my life to be slaughtered. I felt something stir inside of me, something energizing. I opened my eyes to see one of the creatures lying in front of me not moving. It had been burned to ashes. I realized that I had done it, with this hope I surged up the power to do it again, now aware I kept my eyes locked on the next timber wolf that got ready to pounce on me. I could see its anger in its eyes, how mad he was to see his friend stuck down. I concentrated hard and allowed myself to inflict my power on the creature. I felt the surge again, rumbling up my throat, I opened my mouth to let it escape. The creatures fled after I burned the second creature down with my fiery breath attack. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, I was excited at my new discovery.

After sometime I came across a golden carriage, the sun's reflection made it hard to look at. Outside two creatures with wings wearing golden armour stood as if guarding the golden treasure. They both noticed me and one of them said. "Hey kid you shouldn’t be out here, it's a dangerous place".

I ran away, scared of what they might do to me if they caught me. Blinded by fear I ran in desperate circles until I felt something hit hard against my head. I looked up and saw another creature, like the others before only this one had a horn and wore purple armour with gold lining and a star insignia on the front. He looked down at me with sympathetic eyes and said “Hello little one, my name is Shining Armor." I stood cautiously, the two creatures from before had caught up to me and was now beside Shining Armor. A thought occurred to me, that I wasn’t as hopeless as I thought I was. I used my fire breath on them, hopping that it would at least scare them away. But alas it did not work, Shining Armor deflected the fire with a blue shield created by his horn.

“Do not be afraid little one, we will not harm you.” A gentle voice said from behind me, I quickly turned around startled. A giant creature towered over me as I tried to look up at her. Great big wings settled by her side and a horn lay at the top of her head. Her mane was a variety of colors that seemed to wave when there was no wind. I cowered at the sight of her.

"My name is Celestia." she said “We are from the land of Equestria.” She said as she pointed to the other creatures behind me.

I finally gained the courage to ask, “What are you?”

“I am an alicorn and these are pegasus and unicorn stallions, they are part of the royal guard.” She said gently as she pointed each in turn. She looked at me with a curious expression, she looked at me from top to bottom.

"Hmmm I have not seen a dragon, for centuries.” Celestia muttered.

Shining Armor seems to hear her as he said "We were given word that dragons were seen in this part of the forest, his species are rare then princess?"

"Very rare infact.” She said in agreement. “I believe he is of the species ‘Dracorn’ but I will have to look more into it.”

I turned my head sideways in confusion, she giggled and shifted.

"Follow me." She said walking over to the large carriage. “We will be taking you to Canterlot where you will be safe.”

The two pegasus stallions fastened themselves into the front of the carriage and got ready to flap their wings. Within moments the carriage took off from the ground, I felt the change and panicked, I leaned in a little closer to Celestia.

"First time flying kiddo?" Shining Armor said to me. I nodded then smiled, I looked over the edge and watched the trees blur together and become a sea of green.

Canterlot was huge, building of all sizes made up the great city. The carriage finally came to a stop, Shining Armor stepped out first and helped Celestia out. "Come on out little one.” When I stepped out excited but nervous at the same time, my claws were not yet used to the ground after flying for so long in the carriage. Through all of the commotion, my stomach growled loudly.

In response Celestia smiled and said "Let's see if we can get you something to eat." She began walking towards the castle. I had to run to catch up to her, and to match her large strides. The big double doors towered over me. Two guards were stationed by the doors. Once they saw the princess they used their magic to open the doors for them. She smiled as they bowed in respect. After twists and turns through long hallways, she led me to a large room. “Welcome to the dining hall.” Celestia said as I looked around. A big square table sat in the center of the room with drawn red velvet curtains. She used her magic to place me at a chair at the head of the table. A Stallion wearing a white apron and tall white hat came up to where I was sitting. “Good day sir, what can I get you?” The stallion said in an accent that was unfamiliar to me.

"I don’t know." I said. The only thing I was used to eating where the berries that I had found in the forest.

“He will have some soup, thank you chef.” Celestia replied for me. I looked at her with a grateful expression.

“Of course your majesty.” The chef said and then disappeared behind some big swinging doors.

“May I ask you a few questions?” Celestia asked.

I nodded. She continued.

“I never asked what your name was.”

“It’s Aladar Blitzguard.” I said proudly.

Celestia smiled, “Well it is very nice to meet you Aladar Blitzguard.”

“You too, er Celestia.” A big grin fell upon my face as she nodded that I had gotten her name right.

“One other question, why were you all alone in the forest? Do you have a family?”

“No... my parents died.” My eyes grew heavy at the thought of it.

“I’m so sorry.” Celestia must have suspected it was a tough topic, so that ended her questions. The chef soon came back with a seeping hot bowl of soup. It’s contents looked too good to eat, the color was a pumpkin pie orange marbled with white. Eagerly I brought the bowl to my mouth but reared back when it burned my tongue.

“Careful there.” Celestia said as she watched me blow on the bowl. Within moments the bowl was empty. I smiled with satisfaction.

Celestia then got up from the table and said "I would like you to see, somepony special".

My ears perked up and followed her out of the dining hall. We made our way to a big light pink door with a gold trim and door knob. My heart began to race, who was behind that door?