Achieving Divinity: A New Worldby The JoekerChaptersChapter 1: Who am I?Chapter 2: Last Meal.Chapter 3, Pt 1: A New ChallengeCh 3, Pt 2: Wedding Rings: The World's Smallest HandcuffsChapter 4: Back to Reality?Chapter 5, Pt 1: The Dragon-Knight of EquestriaChapter 5, Pt 2: Kali & The Black CrystalChapter 7: Maxos' Tower/Meet the Nobles!Chapter 8: Date Night, Draconic Urges & Meddling GoblinsSequel released!Prologue: The Story - What you need to knowChapter 6: The Hero... or The Villain?You want a sequel?! You can't handle a sequel! OK, we'll do a sequel.Chapter 1: Who am I?Author's Note The first & second chapter are mostly filler and set-up for the story as a whole, the third chapter is where the action is so stick around for that. I promise it's better. A look at the battle tower interior to give you an idea of what it looks like: '...' =normal, private thought speech 'italics' =thought speech when being mindread Chapter 1: Who am I? When did it all go so tits up? By the Divine! A year ago I was saving the world from the Damned One! Now here I am, in my Battle Tower trying to kill time. Rather harder to kill than Damien & the Black Ring wouldn't you say? Let me explain. Whilst I was off saving the world I never had time to figure out who I was. Since I was born I was trained in magic, melee and ranged combat every day for hours on end. I never had time for me, to figure out about myself or about emotions or basic social etiquette. My 'downtime' was spent studying, training my mind to focus, to be mentally strong. Now, here I am, 1 year later, 20 years old and I have no idea who I am. Sure I interacted with people but conversations mainly consisted of: "Please go here I ;insert menial problem here; So I need help!" Then my line: "Never fear citizen! I am here to help!" I was a bit of a comedian so maybe that factors in? Anyway, you didn't come here to listen to me complain about my life. You came for action, you came for romance(...maybe?) you came for my good looks.(Don't lie.) but above all, you came for adventure, the thrill and excitement my story will bring. Well my friends I shan't disappoint, so fret not. But! My state of mind at that point is extremely relevant to the story as a whole. Well, we should begin at the beginning, the day it all changed... "No, no, no, stop." I said with a sigh, little emotion in my voice as I shook my head I had my helmet off. "My Lord?" Asked my dancer, Salome, stopping in her tracks. "Is there something wrong mi'lord?" Asked Kirill, my bard, strumming an off chord by accident in surprise. "Yes!" I exclaimed, standing up from my throne, sighing in exasperation, also feeling confused, I walked forward a little, my two entertainers stepping back to either side of my throne. "What is it, Lord?" Asked Salome. "Don't you both have families to go to?" I asked with confusion, they had been with me at my Tower for a year since the previous owner Laiken kept them prisoner here. If you wish to meet him you may have to scrape what's left of him from the left armrest of my throne where I grabbed him and smashed his head into the stone armrest repeatedly until he stopped squirming. And twitching. Anyway, they both looked at each other... almost worriedly. As if they'd offend me by what they would say. "Well..." "Err..." They both spoke at the same time but stopped when I raised my hand. "One at a time. Ladies first Salome." I nodded to her. "Well thank you, My Lord Dragon. I do have family, but..." She trailed off. "But..." I said, rolling my hand in gesture for her to continue. "Well yes I do, but I like it here. Plus I've got everything here." She smiled, I sighed. "Does no one have a mind of their own in this damned place!" I exclaimed in frustration, my voice shaking the earth and causing both bard and dancer to become absolutely terrified. "I- I'm sorry milord-" She started, almost crying. "No, no I'm sorry for my outburst... What about you, Kirill?" I asked. "No My Lord, they all died in Broken Valley." He said. "I'm sorry Kirill." I said, looking at the floor. "No, no My Lord, it wasn't your fault, there was nothing you could do to curb Damien's wrath at that time." He said. "Thank you Kirill." I said, I always did feel guilty for what happened to Broken Valley... ... -1 year ago- 'So, when I go back to Broken Valley I need to find a way into the Mines?' I thought. 'Yes Dragon-Knight, but beware! Ba'al has taken the Mines to find the sigil to open the Hall of Echoes for Damien!' Warned Talana. 'Hah, Ba'al. Oh please, he's just a Demon with an ego boost because he's Damien's favorite pet.' I thought as I flew into the Broken Valley passage from the Orobas Fjords. 'Hahaha your bravado is great, but so is the power of Ba'al.' Informed Talana. 'Yes but so is the power of my ddddd- What the fuck...?!' I trailed off in my own mind as I saw Broken Valley, gassed by Damien and destroyed with his flying fortresses everywhere. 'Damien was here... And now this unfortunate valley is dripping with fog as black as Acheron.' She said. "All those people..." I said, looking down at the gas below, saddened by the loss. I looked up as one of Damien's Dragon Commanders rushed toward me and Damien's flying fortress defenses started to lock onto me and I prepared for a fight... ... -Present day, nightfall- I was in my quarters in the Battle Tower sitting by the fire with a glass of brandy. I was thinking, when my steward, Sassan approached me, I looked up slightly from the fire so she could address me. "I think I shall retire for the night mi'lord. If there is anything you need..." She said and started to leave. "Wait, Sassan..." I said, she turned to me with a look of question. "Yes My Lord?" She asked. "... Am I a bad person?" I asked. "My Lord?" She asked again in confusion. "Today I took a break from the usual routine on Hermosa's suggestion. Said I was becoming too good and she needed time to practise so she at least presents a challenge." "So? My Lord, You spent months stopping Damien's plans and saving the world and yet you still train everyday to make sure you're ready when he returns. You deserve a break My Lord." She said. "Mayhaps. But I should've spent the time practising magic or sharpening my blades or exercising. I snapped at poor Salome for no reason." I said. "Well you do get mood swings unlike you used to, you used to be smartass, making light of any situation. You still do but you seem like a different person everyday. It doesn't mean you are a bad person, it just means you need to work on yourself a little." She said. "No! I mean, I don't have time, I've got training, magic practise... Theres just no time." I said quickly and turned back to the fire. "Very well My Lord." She said and walked out. I stayed staring at the fire for what felt like hours. Eventually I headed to my bed and curled up, a bit of a draconic trait, we feel more comfortable either on our stomach or curled up. I also was curled around a pile of coins because of my Draconic obsession with gold or anything of value. My Dragon Chest was overflowing so I had to store them in piles of coins around my room because of the wealth I accumulated over the year I was adventuring. ... I had a dream of one of my adventures from a year ago, when I was completing the Maxos Temple Trails to become a true Dragon-Knight, every now and then I dreamt of the trials to remind me of why I became a Dragon. My oath to protect the innocent. The next day, like clockwork, I awoke at 7am sharp. By sharp I mean as I woke up I rolled out of bed onto a sword on the floor and almost gave myself a second asshole. "I need to clean my fucking room." I said, rubbing my sore ass. I had my breakfast, who knew gems tasted so good if you were a Dragon? The best by far has to be Malachite Gems though, and by best I mean they taste AMAZING. I only have Malachite on VERY special occasions. Today I was having a bowl of Amethyst in milk to start my day because it wakes you up, it's like an energy drink. It also sobers you up if you're plastered. I also have a glass of raw egg each day to fill up on protein and a glass of milkshake. The day went by very routinely. Breakfast. Make sure my equipment is in top condition with Wesson and Gina(which can take an hour or two with all my stuff). Training with Hermosa. Dinner. Make sure Creature is OK on the Necromancer Platform with Jonelath and Grimm. Oh yeah, I should mention my Creature achieved sentience when we started using prime human parts from my strongest human enemies, we just call him Creature because that’s what he prefers even though we gave him free reign to choose a name. Then I go to my alchemy lessons, I read my alchemist, Barbatos' mind for the theory part but I have to properly apply myself for the practical part. I've been told I'm doing quite good. Despite the fact i've had to use magic more than a few times to get my hair back to it's natural colour again. After that is tea. Then for the rest of the day I retreat to my study on the second floor to practise magic for hours on end in privacy... Pretty much... I've got a Goblin down there called Erlking who has a sworn allegiance to the Lord of the Tower. He is responsible for picking out spells for me to practise and doesn't let me move on until I have perfected the spell he has picked out. Over time I have expanded the library immensely with magic and brought the books from the Maxos Temple to fill the spaces. I now have the biggest collection of books on draconic lore in Rivellon and the biggest library of powerful magic as well. I also perfected my Dragon Form after I killed Ygerna so I don't need to use the Dragon Stone anymore, now its use is to get to the tower from anywhere in the world... All I took was the books... What? Oh ok I also brought all the gold from the Maxos Temple as well. What? I'm a Dragon! "Erlking, buddy, whats on today?" I asked, I had to read his mind to communicate with him because Laiken cut his tongue out to stop him from revealing the name of the demon he was soul bound with. 'Today Dragon we are trying something exceptionally challenging, I have noticed lately that you have been a little down. So I have found a special spell for you to try, it will take you all of our session to simply chant. This was Maxos' last spell before he disappeared.' He thought. "Ok, I'm ready, give it to me." I said, Erlking presented a book and I flicked through it, my Dragon mind taking in the information pretty much instantly. 'Ok Dragon, it's time!' He exclaimed. I started chanting the words in the old language and began. I finished the spell 4 hours later and... Chapter 2: Last Meal.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Chapter 3, Pt 1: A New ChallengeI woke up almost in a panic, I thought I was dead, was I in the Hall of Echoes? No... I was in an... Alleyway?! Where was I? It didn't seem like Aleroth, it wasn't the usual dirty alleyway, it seemed... Nice. It was almost spotless. Rubbish all in bins, none on the floor, almost no dirt whatsoever. I groaned and went to get up but my limbs felt weird, I couldn't fully curl my legs or anything, I couldn't get up! I took a deep breath to stay calm and got ready to try something. "Never thought that fucking mirror summoning spell could be of any use me but..." I said and thought the spell in my head, closing my eyes. The mirror came up in front of me and I looked at myself... "SHIT!!!" I yelled and dropped the mirror, causing it to smash. I was a grey... Horse... Thing, with an orange scarf around my neck... What in Tartarus was going on?! (Spoiler alert if you don't like the change: Character turning to a Pony is temporary.) I used my experience as a Dragon to use this new form. I felt much better than last night. FELT. But since I saw myself in the mirror I'm not sure. That damn spell must have changed me! I had wings, a horn, the fuck?! I tried to use my magic to lift the mirror but my magic came from my horn... Fuck that sounds weird... I had blue draconic eyes as well, it seems some of my other form dripped into this one. Where was my armor? Nevermind, my sword wasn't too far away, I at least had my offense. I managed to get to my feet- Err hooves. "What the fuck is this shit?" I asked, inside I was almost jumping for joy! Another adventure to go on! I used my magic to pick up my sword after 5 minutes of trying to pick up the sword with hooves like a fucking idiot. I found a sheath and strapped it to my back so the blade was facing behind me and I was ready to go. I peeked my head from the alleyway, thinking the locals might find a sword wielding Pony a little strange. I knew I was a pony because of how I looked but I was about my height as a human, I was about 6.5 feet tall which is tall for a Pony but I could tell. Nobody. Absolutely empty street. Nobody, not a soul in sight. I stepped out tentatively and fell over, I tried for about 5 minutes before I got the hang of it. I looked up to see... A shield, similar to Zandalor's shield except purple. But there was nothing attacking... "The fuck?" I asked, looking around. I saw a castle coming up and decided to introduce myself, I'm a Dragon-Knight, shouldn't be too hard. I approached and heard bridal music playing and talking... Were they doing a fucking wedding rehearsal?! "Shit..." I mumbled and stood to the side. I didn’t want to intrude. After a few minutes I heard raised voices and decided it was time to step up and help out. I headed toward the door when the door swung outward and smashed me against the wall, pinning me behind the door. I heard voices but that's it, because the fucking door was in my way. And I was seeing stars. "In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all." A guy, quite strong voice, must be a warrior of sorts. "C'mon, y'all. Let's go check on the Princess." Country girl. "I was–" Not enough info to make a judgement... "You have a lot to think about." Voice sounded clear, authoritative, yet feminine, if I'm being honest she sounded quite attractive. The doors slammed shut and I was seeing stars and I collapsed for a second, I couldn't even see those that left the castle. "Maybe I was being overprotective. I could've gained a sister. But instead... I just lost a brother." I heard from the other side of the door as I was on the ground trying to regain my sight and get rid of a headache. I got up and opened the door quietly. Looking in. "No... The fuck...?" I mumbled, I heard this fucking purple Pony singing and I almost fainted. "So everybody else is a fucking Pony as well? Well I suppose that makes... Sense." I told myself, mainly to calm myself down. She only had a horn and was much shorter than me, was I some kind of freak around here? I looked back over and a pink, taller Pony with the same appendages as me thank The Divine! But her wings were much smaller, while mine were large to support my weight I guess... she herself was also smaller than me. Suddenly the purple Pony was absorbed into the ground by the pink one, I ran in to help but was too late. "The hell did you just do?" I asked and took a defensive stance. I felt her leeching from something, some kind of energy source, I searched around for it myself but I couldn't find it, I searched for power crystals, nothing, any kind of conventional power source was out of it, so I went for the next best thing. I ran through all of the usual emotions for fueling magic. Passion, hate, anger, jealousy, envy, shame. Nothing... "AH! A male Alicorn... I didn't think there were any left..." She said and walked up to me seductively. "Err... The fuck..." I said, backing up, but the bitch got the drop on me and I didn't realise I was melting into the ground until it was too late. "You'll make a suitable mate." She chuckled. "NO! NO! NO!" I yelled, struggling with my entire body, but it was too late, I felt myself falling into the darkness, again, I thought I was dead. Suddenly I landed in some kind of caves, crystals everywhere. I looked around but couldn't see the purple Pony anywhere. "Lovely accommodation... 5 stars, staff service deserves an award." I mumbled as I got up. I remembered how strong I really was, i'd spent so long holding back for Hermosa so I didn’t just flatten her that I forgot my own strength. 'Your muscular strength is almost unbelievable! Rumours abound in your home village about how your mother must have slept with an incarnate God... Or demon.' is what an old friend of mine once told me. I charged at the wall of crystal, steeling myself and I smashed right through, crystal shattering everywhere, at the same time the crystals a few feet down the tunnel blasted apart with magic, I also saw the purple Pony emerge from the cell next to mine and the pink Pony responsible for our imprisonment. I was PISSED! I stormed the few feet to her and as the purple Pony tackled her I used my magic and threw her against the wall. Pinning her. I narrowed my eyes at her even more than they already were. My magic was actually a fiery orange colour, interesting... I was also later told by the purple Pony that my eyes turned yellow, like an actual dragon when they narrowed. "The fuck are you playing at?! Huh? You have got a lot of explaining to do! Now start talking..." I threatened dangerously, putting my face close to hers, she lifted her head up with a terrified expression, I could tell it was my eyes, they were draconic and the other two had more 'normal' eyes for ponies. "I'm not her! She's an imposter! No! Wait! Ugh! Please! Don't hurt me! Twilight, it's me! Please, you have to believe me. I've been imprisoned like you both. The Cadance who brought you down here was an imposter." She implored as she struggled against my vice magic grip. "Likely story!" Exclaimed the purple Pony. "Agreed." I said, she had tears in her eyes, looked away from me and closed her eyes as if expecting the end. I started to believe her because of her genuinely pleading tone but I read her mind to be sure. 'Please believe me, please believe me, please believe me... I must save my Shiny!' She thought. I let her down from my grip. "I think she is telling the truth." I said. "I can prove it! Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves..." She said as Twilight joined in. "...and do a little shake." They both said the last part and did some weird dance moves. "You remember me!" Exclaimed the purple Pony. "Of course I do. How could I forget the filly I love to sit for the most?" Said Cadance. "We have to get out of here. We have to stop her!" Implored the Purple one. "First, introductions." I said. I was happy! Time to save the day again! "Oh right, my name is Twilight Sparkle." She said. "My name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. But please call me Cadance." She said. I noticed the fruity names so... I had to think of one... That was it! I had it! My alias that I planned to use in times I had to go into hiding because I am a Dragon-Knight, but now Lucian has cleared our name I don't need it! "Your name is I Love Cadence in Italian? Ahem, Ego, Ego Draconis, Your Majesty." I bowed before the Princess. "Please don't do that, rise." She said. "I, of the Dragons, In the old Equine tongue." Said Twilight. "Yes, correct." I said, surprised she knew Ancient Rivellonian... "Wait, you're an Alicorn as well, doesn't that mean you're royalty?" Asked Twilight. "Err... Yes! But I was just showing respect to a fellow Alicorn." I smiled nervously. "Right... Come on then we need to hurry!" She said. We pelted it through the cave system, I almost tripped a few times getting used to this form but I managed in the end. I was mapping the tunnels in my mind, steering us away from going in circles. The Princess was singing but I was ignoring it. We were running and Princess Cadance stopped and looked at the crystals. "We have to keep moving Your Highness." I said, she nodded and got ready to run again. We kept going and running into dead ends. "Fuck fuck fuck..." I mumbled through the singing, did I mention she was singing? Yeah... We saw a minecart and I gestured them to get in, they did and I pushed them over, they dragged me in with their teeth by my fur and we sped downwards. Suddenly I saw a dead end where the cart was bound to fly off the rails, they looked at me and I threw them out of the cart, and they flew up. Then I went flying out of the cart and I flew as well, my wingspan was rather impressive and the force that my wings put out was a little tough to get used to. Although I managed to adjust to get the right balance to maximize my speed. As we got going again Princess Cadance practically collapsed. "Get up or I swear I will drag you out of here!" I said and picked her up, she looked at me with resolve and nodded and we kept going... "Got it..." She mumbled. "You're not giving up on me you hear?!" I yelled as we ran, she nodded and we kept going. "Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor." We all got nervous as we heard the ceremony starting in the castle above. "Oh, we're never going to save him." "Hey! I told you we're not giving up! There's an exit here somewhere... She had to have found these caves somehow!" I exclaimed. "He's right. We just have to find... There!" Agreed Twilight and pointed as she spotted the exit. We all teleported over and were about to leave. "You're not going anywhere." Said three mares with a dangerous charmed look about them... ;2 minutes later; "Well, good idea, now we just-" I cut off as I saw a stallion outside the entrance who had a smug look as he blasted the exit, making rocks begin to fall in front of it, I saw the look from his face change as he spotted me, it turned to, fear, as if he recognised me, and I felt the feeling of recognition was mutual. "NO!" Yelled Cadance and ran to the blocked exit, she slumped against the rocks and and hit her hoof against it in a half hearted attempt to move them as she cried. "I can't left these..." Strained Twilight as she tried to use her magic to lift all the rocks and was about to give. "Ladies, stand behind me." I said. "What’s the point?" Sobbed Cadance. "I said... GET BEHIND ME! UNLESS YOU FANCY BEING CRUSHED BY 200 TONNES OF ROCK!!!" I bellowed, almost bringing the entire cave down on us, she rushed to her hooves and stood behind me. I charged the rock, putting my shoulder first and we burst through the wall with little effort. As the dust settled I cracked my neck and shoulders. "Let's gatecrash a wedding." I smiled as we walked to the castle. "Agreed." Nodded Cadance. We approached the castle and gazed at the massive doors, I turned to the two girls with a smile. "Shall I get the door?" I asked, my face turning serious as they nodded. ;Meanwhile; "Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you–" They all stopped and as the door was bucked in and was almost knocked off its hinges as the door was slammed open with an excessive amount of force. Everyone turned in surprise to the doors. "Stop!" Yelled Twilight, with me next to her, the ponies started chattering. "Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?" We all stared at her as she realised her mistake and she started sobbing. "And who is that and why do they have to ruin my special day?" She cried. "One extremely good reason." I answered and stepped aside. "Because it's not your special day! It's mine!" Exclaimed the real Princess, jumping forward as the Ponies gasped. "What? But how did you escape my bridesmaids?" Asked Chrysalis. "Quite genius actually, yet so simple." I said as the Princess showed a vision of her throwing the boutique. "I want it!" All three bridesmaids exclaimed. "And the entrance?! We had it sealed!" She exclaimed as I showed a vision of me moving a wall of rock as if it were nothing. "Hmph impressive and clever. But you're still too late." "I-I don't understand. How can there be two of 'em?" Asked an orange pony, must be the country girl I heard before. "She's a Changeling. She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them." Explained Cadence. Suddenly the fake Cadance burst into green flame and revealed her true form and we all gasped. Yep, even me, i'd never seen THAT before. "I always thought marriage was a bad idea. This reinforces that opinion." I said. "Indeed my stallion friend. And right you are, Princess. And as Queen of the Changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than any place I've ever encountered. My fellow Changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!" "Of course you feed from love... I tried the negative emotions, never thought about the positives." I mumbled whilst... Facehoofing? Yeah lets go with that. "They'll never get the chance! Shining Armor's protection spell will keep them from ever even reaching us!" Exclaimed Cadance. The Queen chuckled. "Oh, I doubt that. Isn't that right, dear?" "Mm-hmm." He nodded, his eyes were fucked. "You charmed him..." I said, I was a master at charming enemies and I knew charmed eyes when I saw them and reading their mind made t a dead giveaway as all their thoughts consisted of was the words 'I will obey' but his eyes were just insanely obvious. Like the three mares in the cave. We started to charge but she charged her horn in return. "Ah, ah, ah. Don't want to go back to the caves, now do you?" She asked, she couldn't do anything to me because I was now completely focused so my Indomitable Will would be in full kick so she wouldn’t be able to even poke me with magic. But I was thinking of the two girls by my side. "Shit." I mumbled as I stood down. "Ever since I took your place, I've been feeding off Shining Armor's love for you. Every moment he grows weaker and so does his spell. Even now, my minions are chipping away at it." She said, I looked up and saw a cloud of black above the shield bashing on it, cracking it bit by bit. "Oh shit, we're going to need a LOT of pesticide." I mumbled. "He may not be my husband, but he is under my total control now. And I'm sorry to say, unable to perform his duties as Captain of the Royal Guard." She said and the ponies gasped. "Oh shit, can you just demote him like that?" I asked. "Not my Shining Armor!" Exclaimed Cadance. "Soon, my Changeling army will break through. First, we take Canterlot. And then, all of Equestria!" Exclaimed Chrysalis. "I... don't think so love." I said with a groan in my words and stepped up. "And who is going to stop me?" She challenged. "I, Ego Draconis, last of the Dragon-Knights will stop you from conquering this great realm, and I kinda need to fight someone before I start twitching." I growled and stepped up. "No. You won't Changeling... Please Sir Draconis, let me defend my realm." Said another Alicorn, she seemed to be the Queen. When I looked at her I almost fainted... Err, because she was white and the light was reflecting off her fur! Ahem... "Very well Your Highness. Kick her arse." I whispered and she smiled at me slightly but quickly straightened her face and she looked angry... She actually scared even me! I'd hate to be on the end of her wrath... "You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell, but now that you have so foolishly revealed your true self, I can protect my subjects from you!" Exclaimed the Queen. They crossed horns and glared at each other. They then shot beams of magic at each other, fighting, the white Queen looked like she was winning. "Come on..." I said quietly, cheering the Queen. Suddenly, I felt the Changeling's power increase. "NO!" I yelled and absorbed the blast into my side just before it hit the Queen. It hit me like a boiling hot spear had just pierced my side. I was crouched down from the force, which was nothing to me. I took a deep breath and focused, managing to subside the magic damage. I stood back up straight and chuckled. "Impossible, that blast would've taken down anypony!" She exclaimed. "Come on then if you think you can take me." I said and locked horns with her, I was about a head taller. Her horn reached my muzzle, so I had to crane my neck to lock horns. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a blue blast of energy knocked me to the side and the Changeling managed to catch the Princess off guard, she had a shield up at full strength before the blast hit, but it didn't do shit for her as the blast ended up hitting her and she went flying. "No!" I exclaimed and ran over to her as the ponies gasped. "Princess Celestia!" Exclaimed Twilight. Oh... She's a Princess as well? Oops... At least I know her name. I crouched beside her and checked her wounds. "Ah! Shining Armor's love for you is even stronger than I thought! Consuming it has made me even more powerful than Celestia!" Said the Changeling Queen. "Quite a burn on your horn, it seems your spell and horn took the brunt of the blast, you should be OK." I said and breathed a sigh of relief. I went to get up to get the Changeling Queen but the Princess pulled me close with her magic. "No! Protect the girls. The Elements of Harmony. You must get to them and use their power to defeat the Queen." Said the Princess, I had no idea what to do, but the six mares standing with me seemed to so I decided to just follow them. "Rarity!" Exclaimed 5 of the girls as one of them picked up the dresses they threw off before dropping them and following. "You can run, but you can't hide!" Yelled the Queen. In response, I sent a weak bolt of magic back at her, she just managed to duck under it and the pillar it hit above her almost crumbled. Yep, even my 'weak' bolts are powerful, it took long months of practise to get like this plus the year of fighting Damien, so it wasn't a cakewalk. At all. I've had treat more than one burn wound on myself and the others who trained with me. The barrier also crumbled under the weight of the thousands of Changelings. "Get behind me!" I exclaimed, 5 of the girls looked apprehensive. "Just listen to him!" Exclaimed Twilight and they all went behind me, a Changeling landed In front of me and I butted it out the way, sending it flying. "Wow pardner, you sure can charge." Said the orange country mare. "Go, go!" Yelled Twilight as I cleared the way, one Changeling after the other was forcibly moved out of our path. I saw the girls about to turn off, so I joined them. Suddenly about 80 Changelings were in front of us. "Looks like we're gonna have to do this the hard way." Said the cyan blue, rainbow maned Pony... I liked her, she wasn't afraid of getting her hand- Err hooves dirty. "Agreed." I said, suddenly a few Changelings turned into her. "How did you...?" Asked the cyan Pony before they pushed her away. "They're Changelings, remember?" Reminded Twilight. "They're Changelings, remember?" The Changelings copied everything about her. "Don't let them distract you. We have to get to the Elements of Harmony. They're our only hope." Said Twilight with resolve. I drew my sword and prepared for a fight. I could tell which were which because of the slight dilation of the eyes that occurred. Attention to detail has saved my life more than once. Those that turned into me never had a sword and realised there was little point in becoming me if they couldn't pull it off completely. I started swinging in front of me with my sword, knowing my allies were behind me, but when it became confused I resorted to using my hooves just in case. "OK, this is just gettin' weird." Commented the country Pony, I turned to her and prepared to strike because I thought she was a Changeling. "Real me! Real me!" She said and I hit a Changeling about to hit her instead. "Do me! Do me!" Said a pink Pony who seemed a little wacky. The Changeling did her. "Meh, I've seen better." We managed to beat the crap out of the Changelings. I took a breath and the girls pointed to a building ahead, we opened the door and it was a single corridor with a door at the end and there were about 40 Changelings in between us and these 'Elements'. "Damn Changelings don't know how to give up." I said and started to charge. Suddenly a voice... “Stop!” I did and turned to see the girls surrounded by the Changelings. “Put the weapon away.” Said the lead Changeling. They used my one weakness... Innocents. One thing I never do is put innocents in harm's way so I sheathed my sword... ;5 minutes later; “You won't get away with this! Twilight and her friends will–“ started Cadence before the door burst open and the 6 mares were there, and I was being carried by two Changelings, my arms draped limply over their backs and my hind legs dragging on the floor. “This one put up a fight your majesty.” Said one of the Changelings carrying me and threw me down. "He did did he?" She asked. "You better believe it..." I mumbled as I slowly got to my knees. Replaying the memory in my head. ;5 minutes earlier; As I sheathed my sword about 5 Changelings jumped on my back and I bucked them off, more and more piled on me until I was smothered by about 100 Changelings, even then I was smashing through them, getting them off me until one of them landed a lucky hit on a nerve that knocked me out. ;Present time; “You were saying? You do realize the reception's been cancelled, don't you?” Asked the Queen to us. “Got the message…” I mumbled as I got to my hooves from my knees. “Go! Feed!” Exclaimed the Queen to her subjects and they flew out. “It's funny, really, Twilight here was suspicious of my behaviour all along, too bad the rest of you were too caught up in your wedding planning to realize those suspicions were correct!” laughed the Queen. “Sorry, Twi, we should've listened to you.” Said the orange horse. "That's always the way... They never listen." I said as they tied my hooves to chains hanging from the ceiling so I was dangling by my arms- Err forelegs, just above the ground. “It's not your fault, she fooled everypony.” Said Twilight, everypony? Huh, better get used to that. "Hmm, I did, didn't I?" Said the Queen smugly. Then she sang. "This day has been just perfect. The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small. Everypony I'll soon control. Every stallion, mare, and foal. Who says a girl can't really have it all?" She said and laughed evilly, going outside... "What the fuck is it with Ponies and singing...?" I asked to myself as I began to lockpick my way out of the chains. ;Queen Chrysalis' POV; As I finished my victory song my new ally decided to chip in. 'Don't leave your prisoners unsupervised!' he scolded, I agreed, so I went back inside and stopped that meddling Twilight Sparkle from freeing Princess Cadance. "What do you think you're doing?" I asked as I picked her up in my magic, dangling her upside down in front of me. "Haha... Nothing?" She chuckled nervously, I gooed her to the pillar next to 'Ego'. ;Ego Draconis' POV; I managed to pick the chains and get them off my hooves. Really... None of these ponies know how to keep a prisoner tied up... I crept up behind the Queen and bucked her hard away from the 'alter' or whatever. She smashed into a pillar on the other side of the room and I freed the groom from the spell and Cadance from her gooey bonds. "Go to him." I said. "Thank you!" She exclaimed. "That's OK." I smiled. "Wha– where... huh? Is...is the wedding over?" Asked Shining as Cadance went to him. "Not quite yet." I said and helped him up with my wing because he collapsed to his 'knees'. "Who are you?" He asked. "Ego, Ego Draconis." I said, he shrugged me off and backed up a little. "For all I know you're working with her! It could've been you who hypnotized me! I don't trust you!" He said. "Suit yourself." I shrugged. Chrysalis slowly made her way to her hooves. "It's all over!" She exclaimed, wiping a bit of blood from her lip. "Your spell! Perform your spell!" Exclaimed Twilight. "What good would that do? My Changelings already roam free." Informed Chrysalis as Shining Armor tried anyway. "No! My power is useless now. I don't have the strength to repel them." He said. "My love will give you strength." Said Cadance. "What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment." Said Chrysalis. "DO NOT underestimate their power!" Came a voice as magic bolt flew toward Cadance. I stood in front of her with a magic shield and it dispelled the magic as it passed through the shield. Making Cadance jump and distracting her. It was the same coloured bolt that moved me out of the way before, except this one was intent on killing rather than knocking somebody out of the way. Or is it somepony? "I DON'T need your help!" Argued Chrysalis. "Yes you do, they were about to stop you." Said the voice as a dark gray pony leapt down from the rafters of the castle. He actually had two swords on his sides in sheaths. "Fine." She concluded unhappily. "Hello again Dragon-Knight." Greeted the stallion in question. I looked him up and down. "I'm sorry, I don't believe I- Wait a second... Stone?!" I exclaimed. "Yes Dragon, it is I, who you killed so long ago." "You mean THOUGHT I killed, apparently?" I asked. "Indeed, accursed beast. Once you killed me, I awaited in the Hall of Echoes for the end to come, but instead, Damien brought me here. I wasn't sure why at first but i've come to realise. It was also me who knocked you out before, you think any of these ponies can pinpoint and hit a nerve?" He asked. "No, but I seem to remember, when we faced off last time you ran away like a chicken with it's head cut off. And that's Mr. Accursed Beast to you!" I chided. "I DID NOT RUN AWAY!" He argued. "And then you tried to set a Troll, a Demon, a Goblin Beholder, and several Ghosts on me and it still didn't work." I laughed. "You're a coward?!" Asked Chrysalis, blocking Cadance from Shining Armor, raising her head in question as she did to ask Stone. "NO! I am not a coward!" He shouted. "You ran away! You ran away! You ran away! You ran away!" I chanted, doing a little dance as well. "Arrghhh!" He yelled and shot magic at me, I simply shrugged it off. "So, I lost my power but you retained your power?!" Exclaimed Stone. "Nope, wrong. Since I met you, my power has amplified! Tenfold! It’s over 9000!" I exclaimed. "Impossible! You were breezing through my men like a knife through butter! And then you defeated my beasts with no issue and you got even more powerful?!" Said Stone. "Oh just strike him down and get on with it!" Yelled Chrysalis to Stone. As she did I read his mind. 'Of all the people in Rivellon that could be sent against me the damn Universe had to send the one being who killed me! What chance do I have?!' "V-v-v very well." Stuttered Stone and drew his two swords with magic, he only had a horn. He took a combat stance. "Good luck mate." I winked with a smile. I drew my two handed sword and just stood there. "Ahhhh!" Stone ran at me with a scared expression and I just moved out of the way and he ran past me. He skidded on the floor and used the slide to turn around and charged again. But what he didn't see was that I'd slipped my sword beneath him. Just before he reached me, I pointed my sword up at his stomach and shoved it upwards, impaling him, bringing his face close to mine. His legs still moving in a running motion. "No..." He coughed blood and started to breath heavily as my sword suspended him in the air. His swords dropped limply from his magic. "And once again, I have a point." I chuckled and pulled my sword out of him. He fell to the ground in a pool of blood, dead. "NO!" Yelled Chrysalis. I don't think anyone-err pony noticed me kill him except her, they were too busy watching Princess Cadance and Chrysalis. I turned to Queen Chrysalis and started to approach her menacingly and she backed up. "No... Stay away from me!" She said and backed into a wall. "What's the matter? Scared?" I asked, when suddenly I felt a powerful surge of magic from behind, I turned and saw Cadance and Shining Armor kissing and floating, shrouded in magic. I shielded my eyes as their magic surged outwards and blasting the Changelings away. "Noooooo!" Yelled Chrysalis as she was kicked out of the country. "Bon Voyage...!! As they say across the water." I smiled and waved them away, I noticed Stone's corpse was gone as well... I saw the Princess at the side of the throne room, suspended in some kind of membrane, I summoned a bow and shot at the sack without even looking, hitting just below her head and freeing her, whilst I was at freeing people I also freed Twilight. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you my friend. You saved me- Us..." Smiled Celestia and wrapped a hoof around my neck and her wings around mine to... Hug me I guess? As she did I froze up because I had no idea how to reciprocate, so I just stood there wide eyed. The 5 mares from before and Twilight ran over to the Princess and she let go of me and I managed to recover from my stupor. "No problem." I bowed when she let go. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. You have a real wedding to put together." She said to Twilight. As they spoke I started to leave. "Wait, where are you going?" Asked Twilight, I turned around slightly after realising she was talking to me. "Away? Wherever the wind takes me? I don't really care." I said. "But... aren't you going to at least stay for the wedding?" Asked Cadance. "Sweetie, I'm not sure-" Started Shining Armor. "Are you sure I'd be a welcome guest?" I asked. "Of course! You saved us! What else could you do to warrant an invitation?!" Exclaimed Princess Cadance with a laugh. "I would like to thank you materially for saving us." Said Princess Celestia. "Oh please it was nothing." I said. "No, without you, we would now be under the control of Queen Chrysalis. You do deserve a reward for your services. I would like to offer you a coffer full of gold, a medal of honor and a position in the guard for your services. Our Captain has recently... Retired." Said the Princess, looking at Armor when she said 'retired'. "No thank you, although I thank you for the offer, but I did not do it for a reward. A *ahem* 'friend' of mine once told me: 'The dying fellow was right, in your kindness you rival The Divine! In exchange for your sacrifices, the greatest of rewards shall soon be thine!' so I require no reward for my service, your gratitude... And hug, is enough." I bowed to her. I may be a Dragon but the first time saving is always free it's when it becomes an event that I start to charge. As we spoke, Cadance noticed Armor's expression of almost disdain. "Honey, what's wrong?" Asked Cadance to Armor. "Huh? Oh nothing, never mind dear." Said Armor, raising his brow at me as his wife shrugged. "And I would at least like to know more about you Mr. Draconis." Said Princess Celestia. "Please. It's Ego." I said. As I said that, Shining Armor scoffed. I read his mind to satisfy my curiosity. 'If he thinks he can get into the Princess and my Candy's head, he's got another think coming!' so he thought I was trying to manipulate the Princesses? Ha! As if I have nothing better to do... Ch 3, Pt 2: Wedding Rings: The World's Smallest Handcuffs"Very well, we should... Wait, you're hurt!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia, I looked at my side and lifted my wing to reveal Chrysalis' magic blast that I took in stead of the Princess had burnt my side and my blackened fur was now falling out, which must be how she noticed. "No problem..." I said and used one of Stone's fallen swords to cut my hoof, I used my magic to smother my blood over the wound and it began to heal and my fur began to grow back it's 'normal color' as I lowered my wing. "Oh wow! Neat! Princesses, can your blood do that?" Asked Twilight. "No, Twilight... It... Can't..." Said Cadance, staring at my wing, where my wound was. "Amazing! Do you know magic?" Asked Twilight. "Of course! I mastered fire, wind and electricity when I was quite young." I nodded. "So... What's your Cutie Mark?" Asked Twilight she was jotting all this down.... "Err... What?" I asked. "Twilight! That was a little personal..." Said Cadance. "No, I'm curious as well. I'll share with the group. Mine represents my duty to my sister Twily, and to always protect her. Her Cutie Mark is enclosed within a shield on mine and this shield also represents the sense of duty I uphold to defending Canterlot." He proclaimed proudly. "Mine represents my special talent with Magic! Especially with the Magic of Friendship!" Exclaimed Twilight. "...Ha... Ha... HAHAHA!" I burst out laughing. "What?" Asked Twilight. "The 'Magic' of Friendship?! HAHA!" I said, rolling on the floor while laughing. "I know, I had the same reaction when the theory first came up, but it exists, believe me." Said Princess Celestia. "Really? Oh wow... That’s new..." I said and wiped a tear away. Before realising this was an entire new school of magic to learn! "SO? What does your Cutie Mark represent?" Asked Twilight, I was about to ask what one was until I remembered Shining said his was Twilight's encased in a shield... I saw it! On his flank! And Twilights! I looked at my flank and saw it. Suddenly it dawned on me, it felt as if the idea had been told to me, I just instantly knew what it was... Luckily this was explained later... or I'd still be wondering how I knew... "It represents what I am, a warrior, a Dragon-Knight, a defender. Of what? It doesn't matter. Good, maybe?" I asked seemingly myself. It was true. I not human, a Dragon. I think of myself as a Dragon-Knight, not a human. "Cool!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Your special talent is defending? Like mine?" Asked Shining accusingly. "Not really, what I am is a warrior, I'm an absolute god at fighting, but it has to be for something, not just aimlessly." "I understand, you are a defender of good. Your special talent is protecting others from harm. You are a fighter for peace." Said Princess Celestia. "Yes, I suppose." I agreed. I couldn't resist helping people in need. That is why I stayed in my Battle Tower for a year, if I didn't i'd never get any work done for every John and Jane Doe asking for my help and my customary response of agreeing, reward or no. "Well, let me introduce my friends to you." Said Twilight, I nodded. "Go ahead." I said. "This is Applejack." Said Twilight, introducing me to the orange country Pony I heard earlier. "Howdy pardner! Wow you got a strong shake! Well, you know mah name, I run Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville." Said Applejack as she rubbed her hoof when we finished shaking. "Good to meet you Applejack." I said, bowing my head a little in respect. "This 'ere 's Rarity." Said Applejack and stepped aside to reveal a white pony with purple hair and a very nice style. "How do you do darling? Rarity, fashion designer, I run Carousel Boutique in Ponyville." Introduced Rarity. "I can tell you have good fashion sense, and you have lovely hair." I smiled and bowed to her in respect. "Oh thank you darling... Ahem, this is Rainbow Dash." She said as she blushed. "Sup?" Asked the cyan mare with a rainbow coloured mane, she was flying with her forelegs crossed and shades on. "Rainbow dear, please greet our new friend." Requested Rarity. "I just did!" Countered Rainbow, lifting her glasses up to her forehead. "I mean properly, like a civilised Pony!" "...Fine ..." She relented, rolling her eyes.. "Hey, Ego Draconis." I greeted as she looked me up and down carefully, inspecting me. "K, you seem cool. This is Pinkie Pie." She said and we hoof-bumped. She revealed the pink Pony from before. She was blowing up balloons that I somehow didn't notice before. They were letters that said: 'Thank you for saving us!' "HeymynameisPInkiePieandIwouldtotallythrowyoua;thanksforsavingourlivesparty;ifIdidn'thaveaweddingtoplanfor. ThisisFluttershy. BYE!!" She blurted out and... Err... Zoomed away is the only way to describe it I suppose. "That there was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie." Explained Applejack. "Rrriiiggghhhttttt." I said shaking my head. "Hey, I'm Fluttershy." She said, cowering behind her hair. "A pleasure to meet you Fluttershy." I said as calmly as I could and shook her hoof lightly. "Thank you. This is Spike." She said louder this time but still quiet. I saw a baby Dragon approach. "Hey! I'm Twilight's Number 1 assistant! And the ring carrier!" He said. "How did you get here young one?" I asked, crouching down as best as I could in this form. I felt quite protective over him when I saw him, my Draconic nature again I suppose. "I live with Twilight in Ponyville, she hatched me when she was young during a magic exam and we've been inseparable ever since." He said. "Wow... A baby Dragon, never thought I'd see it." I said in wonder. "Really?" Asked Spike. "Yeah. Say, do you know Patriarch by any chance?" I asked. "No... Who's that?" He asked. "Never mind. Lot wah grind hi." I greeted in Dragon. "Err... What?" Asked Spike. "You don't know Simplified Draconic?!" I asked. "No... We have a language?" Asked Spike. "Yeah..." I said, a little confused. "Anyway, great to meet you!" Exclaimed Spike and walked away "Well that’s everypony!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Awesome! So, you all have a wedding to plan, don't let me interrupt you." I said. I followed Twilight around the rest of the day to ensure the threat was completely vanquished. We visited Applejack on catering, Fluttershy on music, Pinkie Pie on party planning and Rarity on dresses to collect it for the bride. Nearing the end Twilight asked me to check on the bride. I headed to her tower and knocked on the door. ;Canterlot Towers - Third Pony POV; Cadance was waiting for her dress nervously, this was it! She then heard a knock, she wanted to throw open the door but stopped, too much? Too much. She simply shouted: "Coming!" and opened it, she saw the Alicorn who saved her standing there with her dress. "One wedding dress for the bride-to-be?" He asked, she nodded eagerly and he walked in, she shut the door behind him and took the dress, he went to look away and she rolled her eyes. "You don't have to worry, it's just you and me, there is no need to stand on ceremony, it's not as if you'll see anything anyway. It's all covered by magic." Said Cadance. "Huh?" He asked. "We don't know how. But unless we are about to... Well, you know, go the toilet or mate, our, ahem, parts don't show." She said. "Well in that case, do you need... assistance?" He asked, worried she'd say yes... He didn't know how put a fucking dress on! "Normally my servants would insist on dressing me even though I can do it myself." Said Cadance. "Treated like a child even though you're an adult?" He asked as she slipped into the dress. "Unfortunately. Aunty Celestia chose the best to provide for my wedding, Twilight and her friends seem to be more than capable of handling events." Said Cadance as she pulled it up her body with magic. "They do, the Princess is your aunt? Who's the Queen?" Asked Ego. "There has been no Queen for over 1000 years, my Aunt Celestia and Luna rule, Celestia by day, Luna by night." Explained Cadance, straightening the dress out. "Really? There are two rulers who are both Princesses?" Asked Ego. "Oh, they're sisters, probably should've mentioned that." Chuckled Cadance. "So what happened with that crazy bug anyway?" Asked Ego. "I was in here, waiting for Twilight to arrive, suddenly there was a knock on the door, and there was me standing there. Before I knew it, I woke up in the caves." She said. "Wow, eventful day." He laughed. "Indeed." She chuckled as finished with her dress, she didn't dare look at the mirror. "Quick, I need a second opinion!" She said. "You look... Nice. I would go further, but it would be weird since it's your wedding day. If it wasn't, I would say stunning." He said. "Thank you!" She said and turned to the mirror, he was right, she looked amazing, Rarity did a fantastic job! "Well, I will leave you to it your highness." He said, bowing and turning to leave. "Wait! we still have a while before the wedding, could I ask you some questions?" asked Cadance. "You just did." Smiled Ego. "Actually I best wait for my aunties first, they'll want to know as well." Realised Cadance. He bowed and left her, shutting the door to the tower. -10 minutes later- As Princess Celestia was still recovering from Chrysalis’ attack, she tried to use her magic to lift a cup but cried out in pain... her horn was damaged… it may take weeks to fully heal, she could cover the burn marks but not the pain... She started sobbing lightly because of the pain and the fact she couldn't defend her own kingdom. She felt helpless. “Your Majesty?” came a voice, she gasped slightly and looked up to see the Alicorn that freed her, she stopped sobbing instantly. "Yes, is there something you need?" She asked, looking away so he couldn't see. Pretending to be looking at something. “Don’t stop, please. Let it out, you’re not invincible. You don't need to be a mindreader to see you feel sad.” He said, and she cried, she cried harder than she ever had, hearing those words. He knew what it was like to be helpless and understood her pain. Of course he didn't ever cry either as a matter of pride, but in this case he saw she needed to release her sadness. Or else keep it bottled up, and that can destroy you from the inside out. "I- I just..." She trailed off. “Relax Princess.” He said, she looked at him and he was leaning toward her with a glowing horn, she recoiled but he kept going, he started rubbing her horn lightly with his and she shivered and she felt it heal. “What are you doing?” she asked shakily, still crying a little. “Healing you.” He said. “What was your name?” She asked, feeling a little bad for forgetting his name. “Ego, Ego Draconis.” He replied and took his hand away. “I am Princess Celestia. Thank you I feel, much better, refreshed, and… relaxed.” She said. “My own little spell, a powerful mix for healing.” He smiled and got up. “Thank you…” she called after him, he turned and smiled, she blinked and he had disappeared with a rush of wind. ;Ego Draconis' POV - 15 minutes later; I was about to head to the castle hall after running a few errands for Twilight and the others, when I saw Princess Cadance outside the castle. "Shit! I'm late..." I muttered and began to leave for the nearest tavern. "Wait! No, actually, this is good." She said, calling me back. "How's that?" I asked. "Look... I have no parents, Aunt Luna is sleeping... So I haven't got anypony to take me to the altar, and I don't want to go alone..." She said. Admittedly, at the time I had no idea what she was getting at as I had never witnessed a wedding before but I knew the stuff involved from general conversation and books. "Err..." I shrugged. "I want you to give me away." She said bluntly. "What?! You've just met me!" I said. "No, it's Ok. Stupid thing to ask, you're right." She said. "No! That’s not what I'm saying... Are you sure you want me to do this?" I asked. Approaching her with a questioning look... These ponies are far too trusting in my opinion. Then again, I am a trustworthy person, or right now, Pony. "Yes, you SAVED our lives! Plus you're an Alicorn, so we're kinda related." She said sheepishly. I don't think that’s how it world, but those damned eyes are cute... No! Think Tyrath! You're a Dragon-Knight... But ponies are so cute... Damn it. "Ok, fine. I'll do it for you." I said, rolling my eyes, giving in. We headed in to the castle and I saw three little ones waiting. "We’re ready Princess!" They exclaimed, obviously happy to be servicing a Princess as flower girls during her wedding. Cadance gulped as we were waiting. "No need to be nervous, a beautiful mare like you is marrying a... Nice... Stallion. You'll be fine." I smiled as she hooked her hoof around mine, how it worked I'm not sure but oh well... Then she started squeezing... I think my hoof turned purple... The doors opened as the bridal chorus started and the little ones skipped in, laying flowers as I walked Cadance in, she was shivering. "Oh sun..." She cursed. "It'll be fine." I whispered. "Thanks. You've been a really good friend." She said, I almost froze hearing that. The last 'friends' I had, they tried to kill me. I feel as though I betrayed them, that I didn't have to kill them, that I could've stopped them. "Yeah..." I answered. "I can't believe my big day is here!" She whispered to me. "Relax and take a deep breath, or you'll shake yourself out of your dress." I told her, she chuckled at that. "Thanks." I managed to tune my hearing to Twilight and the groom as we walked. "Seriously, though. I get why the Queen of the Changelings wanted to be with you, but how did you get someone as amazing as Cadance to marry you?" Asked Twilight. "I told her she wouldn't just be gaining a husband. She'd be getting a pretty great sister, too." He said, he seemed sweet, but was hostile toward me for some reason. Which was reinforced as he saw me walking her up and his expression turned from happy, to angry, but he quickly changed that when he remembered everyone in the room could see him. I brought Cadance up and 'gave her away' even though she was never mine to begin with, I bowed to the Princess who nodded at me a smile of... Approval? I stood next to Twilight and Spike, both of whom smiled at me. "Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza–" She started. "Princess Cadance is fine." She interrupted, Princess Celestia gave a smile and a hum of approval. "Hm. The union of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable. May we have the rings please?" She asked, Twilight and Spike presented the rings. I took a breath and started to quietly chant a blessing. "Scarziy Sellabulgy crizel frugur..." I continued my blessing as the ceremony also continued. "I now pronounce you mare and colt!" She announced, I noticed how they used certain words in place of others here. As I finished my blessing my horn flashed and I cheered with everyon- pony else. As they walked to the balcony, I sighed, a tear fell from my eye... Damn ninjas cutting onions in here... I realised that would never be me. I'd never have a significant other. Never be as happy as them. Never have the fun task of planning a wedding. I'm too much of an anomaly. Dragon-Knights are practically immortal, the market isn't that wide for immortals. I live a dangerous life, always on the edge. Danger at every turn. If I did ever have a lover, they'd be faced with the knowledge that one day I might leave and never return. I couldn't do that to them. Ahem, changing subject. I heard the Princess talking to Twilight. "This is your victory as much as theirs. You persisted in the face of doubt, and your actions led to your being able to bring the real Princess Cadance back to us. Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn." She said. "Agreed. My instincts used to be waved off but I always trusted them. Admittedly they have got me into trouble as well, but it's mostly good to trust them." I said as I walked up. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance kissed and I smiled. "Rainbow Dash, that's your cue." Whispered the Princess. I saw Rainbow Dash fly up and a... rainsplosion I suppose it was... Anyway, whatever it was, it started. "I agree, but it's an important lesson to learn nonetheless." Agreed the Princess. "Indeed. How's your horn?" I asked. "It's much better because of you... Thank you." She smiled. "It's nothing. Really." I shrugged. I was in the habit of saving lives, during my year of adventure in Rivellon I saved countless lives multiple times, sometimes without thought of reward. "You could give Fluttershy a run for her bits with your kindness. Saving lives, healing ponies, helping out, giving a bride away! All without thought of reward. Really, I NEED to reward you for your kindness, there must be something you want!" She exclaimed. "No. It's fine. Seeing this, seeing everypony here, seeing you all happy... It brought warmth to the cockles of this Alicorn's heart. That was reward enough." I bowed. "What was it that you were chanting?" Asked Twilight. "An ancient blessing for marriage, wishing them to have a long and prosperous life together." I explained. "I should've thought of that!" Exclaimed Twilight. "You were busy planning. Besides, I doubt you know any blessings in Old Elvish." I shrugged. "Really?! A new language!? How old is that language?" Asked Twilight, I took a breath to think. "About... 1000-2000 years old." I guessed. "And you know it?!" She exclaimed. "Yep... Hang on..." I said and summoned the book I used to learn the language. "What is this?" She asked. "The Elven Alphabet. The book I used to learn it." I said. "Thank you! I love learning new languages!" She exclaimed. "No problem. I have no need for it anymore, I know the Elven Alphabet now." I shrugged. "How long did it take you?" She asked, flicking through the book as she asked and peering over it when she finished asking. "About... 5 minutes." At that, Twilight slammed the book and jumped in surprise. "5... 5... Huh?" She started before passing out. "I'll explain later." I said to the staring ponies. "Twi? Twi? Time ta git up." Said Applejack, helping Twilight up. "Why are you helping her? She's perfectly capable of getting up on her own..." I said. "Err, it's called a helping a friend..." Said Applejack, confused. "I just don't see the point of helping someone who doesn't really need it." I shrugged. "Well... PARTY TIME!!!" Yelled Pinkie. They all went outside to the courtyard to start the afterparty. I stayed in the throne room, on the side balcony, overlooking the party. Keeping a vigil over the Ponies below. I saw the moon pretty much instantly replace the sun, it wasn't extremely slow going like back home. It was slow enough, but once you have spent countless hours staring at the sunrise and sunset you can tell when something's different. As I said, attention to detail has saved my life more than once. "...Home..." I thought, shedding a tear for Rivellon, it really was home. It was full of things always trying to kill you all the bloody time, but dammit, it was home! I was watching the party, making sure nothing went wrong. I was worried. But excited for the future. "Hey, what are you doing up here?" Came a voice, I turned to see Princess Celestia. "Your Majesty!" I said and bowed. "There is no need for that. Please. You saved us, bowing is not needed." She said, she had a hoof raised almost at all times, to make her seem more regal I suppose. She did look... err nice... I think? Especially in the moonlight... No idiot! Concentrate! "Thank you." I said. "What are you the Prince of? It's not every day a pureblood Alicorn appears out of nowhere." She asked. "Huh?" I asked. "Well, I am the Princess of the Sun for example, you know how it goes." She said. "I am the Prince of... Magic!" I said. Again, like my Cutie Mark, it felt as if the explanation appeared out of nowhere... But I do know some extremely powerful magic, I also know Draconic Magic which is impossibly powerful. I don't know the more complex/powerful spells yet, I have been building up to them. Although it is slow going. "Really? A very prestigious position I imagine." She said. I was even more powerful than Zandalor at this point. Because he wasn't a Dragon he couldn't utilise Draconic Magic. I remember when I first beat him at the magic game. I think he almost actually killed me... "I suppose so, many people where I'm from treat me like royalty." I said, referring to the time during and after the invasion of Aleroth by Damien when people found out I was a Dragon-Knight. "It's because you are. All Alicorns should be royalty, it represents the unity of the races. Are you telling me you didn't know that?" Asked Princess Celestia. "No." I admitted. "So, back to my original question. Why are you up here and not down there with us?" She asked. "I'm keeping watch, I'm worried. That guy back there. I killed him about a year ago, but there he was. Right there in front of me. And I killed him. Again!" I said. "Maybe he got healed?" Asked the Princess. "Hard to do when you're head is mounted on a pike as a warning to others." I said. Smiling at the memory. "Oh... Oh! I see..." She said, getting nervous. "Don't worry. I don't go around murdering innocents, only Black Ring scum." I spat. "Oh, OK. But you see, Equestria doesn't really see any violence anymore." Said the Princess. "There's no other way to deal with Black Ring, although once I did spare two who surrendered to me. I'm not merciless." I said. "Ok, at least you do not harm those who surrender." She said. "I do follow the ethical codes of war you know? My main concern is that all the Black Ring I've killed will come back." "So?" Asked the Princess. "Do you want over 500 Black Ring like Stone running around? He wasn't even the strongest!" I exclaimed. "If they indeed have returned it is a matter of some concern, yes. But we will deal with it, we have you on our side after all. But for now, have a good time." She said. "I've never had fun." I admitted. "What?!" Came the voice of Princess Cadance. "Huh?" I asked, turned and saw all 6 mares, Princess Cadance and Spike. Shining Armor was hanging back. "You've never had fun?!" Asked Pinkie, blowing a kazoo in my face. "The only fun I've ever had is when I was saving the world, defeating Black Ring... Good memories." I said. "Please, come down, we want you there." Implored Princess Cadance. "Fine." I relented, I knew they'd never give up. Plus I didn't want any of them to pull the cute eyes trick on me. As we went down, another damned song started up. But I forgave this one because it was a wedding. "Hello, everypony. Did I miss anything?" Came a voice, like Princess Celestia's it was clear and authoritative. I then saw another Princess glide down. "Luna! Good to see you!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia, hugging her... Sister, I think? Princess Cadance did say the two rulers were Alicorn sisters. "So, what happened then?" Chuckled blue Princess. I will explain fully later. Oh, this is Ego Draconis. He saved our lives earlier." Introduced Princess Celestia. "Your Highness." I bowed. "Ah, I thank you." She held her hoof out. "Luna, you know nopony knows what that means anymore-" Princess Celestia stopped as I kissed Princess Luna's hoof. "Ah, it seems there is still somepony who remembers the old ways, rise good sir, and you may refer to me as Luna." She smiled. "I'm afraid not Princess, I respect you all to much, I would like to recognise your position." I said. "But you are also a Prince." Said Princess Celestia. "Yes, but you are both the rulers here, I hold little to no authority here. I bow to your superiority." I said. "I don't think you hold 'little' authority... You have a clear air of authority about you, but you don't assert it. But everypony can feel it..." Observed Princess Celestia. "I do?" I asked when suddenly the mare known as Pinkie Pie got excited... More than usual? "*squee* Let's get this party started!" Exclaimed Pinkie. I'm not repeating Twilight's song, I'm just not. Anyway, end of the song I was standing by the carriage that was taking the bride and groom away. "Twilight! None of this would've been possible without you, little sis. Love ya, Twily." Said Shining Armor. "Love you too, B.B.B.F.F." Said Twilight and they hugged. I helped Princess Cadance up onto the carriage. "Congratulations Your Majesty." I bowed with a smile. "Thank you." She smiled back. "Ready to go?" Asked Shining to Princess Cadance. "Oh! Almost forgot." Said Princess Cadance and threw a bundle of flowers. "IT'S MINE!" Said Rarity, but I thought it flew toward me and on instinct I kicked it away. As it flew away from Rarity, it landed in Princess Celestia's mouth, she widened her eyes and dropped it and we all laughed. "Now this was a great wedding." Commented Twilight. "Oh, yeah? Just wait until you see what I have planned for the bachelor party!" Exclaimed Spike and we all laughed as fireworks went off. I decided to hit the bar and ordered their strongest beer. Your old enemies resurrecting from the dead tends to wreck your mind a little. But I figure, why not go all the way? "Sure, just got this imported." Said the bartender and put the glass in front of me, I took it in my magic and drank it in one. "You call this strong? Huh." I shook my head, I've brewed stronger potions than this! The ones that didn't melt the beaker that is... "You don't think this is strong?" Asked Princess Luna, taking a seat next to me and ordering the same, wincing after drinking it. I bowed to her as I got another pint. "No, Your Majesty." I answered, sitting back down. "I think this is too strong!" Coughed the Princess as she finished her pint. "Hahaha! Lightweight." I said. Princess Luna turned to me with a glaring face. "Problem sister?" Asked Princess Celestia, I got up and bowed again. "Yes, this stallion here thinks I'm a lightweight!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. "Well Luna, I'm not saying you are but I could outdrink you." Said Princess Celestia as I sat back down. Again. "As could I. In fact I could outdrink you both." I shrugged. "You think so?" They both asked putting their muzzles close to mine. "Mmm hmm." I answered, not answering the challenge. "I bet 200 bits you can't outdrink me and I can outdrink both of you!" Challenged Princess Luna. "I bet 500 bits I can do the same." Also challenged Princess Celestia. "I bet 5000 bits I can smash you both out the park and still take down another 5 pints." I smirked. "I'll take that bet." Said Princess Luna and ordered 50 pints. "As will I." Princess Celestia narrowed her eyes at her sister and ordered the same. "Very well, as long as you don't mind your kingdom going bankrupt." I shrugged. "Hey, I'm in as well as long as I can bet 20 bits." Said Applejack and also ordered 50. "Sure. I'll take 20 bits from you." I said with a smile and ordered mine. "Oh yeah?" Asked Applejack. "Me too! 50 bits." Said Rainbow. "Sure." I smiled knowingly. -2 hours later- Only me and the Princesses were left after Applejack and Rainbow Dash passed out after their 43rd pint. We were on our 72nd pint and I think Luna was about to pass out. "Looch, I'm nit soying I hate... Err... I forget what I were schaying." Slurred Luna before passing out. "Just me and you." I said, only tipsy. I love being a Dragon-Knight. Plus I read the label, this alcohol was only 23% proof. Score! "Yeahhh... It tis weren't it?" Slurred Princess Celestia. "Indeed. Another?" I asked with a smirk still on my face. "Al*hic*ways." She said and we clashed cups, in the middle of her drink, she passed out. "Hehehe, they always lose." I said, drinking the remaining 5 pints. I knew they would lose because I once had a bet with the entire Battle Tower, for every half pint one of them drank, I would drink a full one. I was still drinking by the time they all passed out. Of course I blacked out and in the morning I had a splitting headache and had to find a spell to get rid of it. Casting it was a bitch since I was still a bit drunk... Ok, a lot drunk. "Wow, you just won 10070 bits!" Exclaimed Twilight, in a state of disbelief. "Nope, I just wanted to prove I could outdrink them. This was a matter of pride." I said and got up, swaying a little. "I'm a little drunker that I thought..." I slurred a little. Almost falling over. "What am I supposed to do with these 4?" Asked Twilight. "Take the Princesses to bed and take your friends to wherever they're staying." I said and swayed away, with a nice buzz. Suddenly I remembered my Dragon Stone. I got out out of sight and saw it was flashing. "What the...?" I asked. I used it and... Author's Note Thanks for the likes everypony! You guys are awesome! But we can get more likes, I know it! Are there any groups you can put this story in that I haven't already?! Tell your friends! Come on! I feel as though I have more favorites than likes, that doesn't make any sense! Please like the story if you do like it, it means a hell of a lot! Or leave a dislike if you don't and tell me why you don't like it so I can improve! Come on, have a heart! My co-writer Marl is crying! And now he's telling me to F off! You've hurt his feelings! Chapter 4: Back to Reality?(Because this is a short chapter I'm releasing it early. Other, longer chapters will be about a week apart each.) As I used the Dragon Stone everything went white again... When I opened my eyes I was in my quarters at the Battle Tower! Exactly as it was when I left. Except I was a Pony this time. Well, shit... "Hello? Sassan?" I asked, looking around. "Yes My Lord?" Came a voice from behind me as I damn near leapt out of my fur. See? I'm getting the hang of it! "BY THE DIVINE!!!" I yelled. "Sassan!? Don't... Fucking... Do that." I said, seeing... Wait, is that Sassan? It must be. She was a black unicorn with her usual sword on her back. She used a one handed blade but was best with magic, so it made sense. She was actually taller than the average Pony. About Princess Cadance's height. Maybe a little shorter. "I'm sorry My Lord." She said, bowing. "Yeah, it's fine... Look, do you know what happened to me? Why are we Ponies?" I asked. "Because we are in a new place My Lord, and I assume everyone here is a Pony." She answered. "As for what happened to you... I have no answers." She admitted. "Right..." I nodded with a roll of the eyes at her serious attitude. "No one else in the Tower seems to remember they were ever human. They remember Damien and everything that happened, but they all seem to be convinced it happened here, in this world. Not in Rivellon." She told me as we were on the way to the lift up to the throne room. As we walked I saw Hermaphroditus sitting at the dining table, he was an orchid purple Unicorn with male and female gender symbols as his Cutie Mark. Although 'he' is quite subjective. 'He' is an illusionist, which means he can change someone's gender, hairstyle, eye colour or anything, including his own. Was he male? Female? I don't think even he knows anymore. But he has the appearance of a male right now, so let's refer to 'him' as such. "Really?" I asked. "Yes My Lord, they are the same people, or ponies now, but forgot Rivellon exists. it is rather strange." She said. "You can say that again. So... Did ya miss me?" I asked her as we ascended. "Yes. But I knew you'd be back." She answered seriously. Backup... Hold the communication magic a second... "Wait a second... Why can YOU remember? And how did you know I'd be back?" I asked. "I'm not the only one, Erlking is still a Goblin. Both he and Creature still remember Rivellon if that’s any consolation. Although Creature is also a Pony." She informed. "Really. Huh." I shook my head. "And to answer your questions. I think I remember because of my otherworldly powers, what with being dead. I think that’s also why I knew you'd be back. Like with the imprisonment after freeing Ygerna." She reminded me. "Oh yeah, you get premonitions sometimes and stuff." I said, knocking myself on the head a little for forgetting. "Yes. And stuff." She said, glancing at me, annoyed at my dismissive attitude. You see, Sassan was killed by Laiken in a ritual to open Maxos' protection spells cast over the Battle Tower. She was his concubine (Ew... have you seen that ugly fuck? Looks like fucking birdman without his beak...) Part of the ritual was to kill a loved one. So, to get access back to the Tower I resurrected her ghost and he opened the barrier for his soldiers to kill us. Idiot. (I would post a picture of Laiken, but it might be considered NSFW, that's how fuck ugly he is.) I sat in my throne. Fucking Tartarus, it was awkward in this form... No wonder Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have a cushion instead of a seat... Sassan stood before me. "Well, I need to look for a way to get my human form back. I can't keep fighting like this. Hell, I don't want to keep fighting like this..." I said, fidgeting uncomfortably in my throne. "I may know of a way, Lord Dragon." Sassan told me. "Really?" I asked. "Yes, I have found a sort of 'Reverse Polymorph' spell, if you will. It serves to undo permanent Polymorphs from the most complex spells or even if you have changed forms permanently." She informed. "Really?" I asked. "Yes, similar to your Dragon Stone back when you used it to turn to and from a Dragon. A very complex spell used, but a simple stone could turn you into one of the most powerful creatures in existence and then back again." She said. "True. I always wondered..." I said. "Well, I believe this is the same. We can use your Dragon Stone to turn you into two forms once again, Human and Pony. Since you do not need the Dragon Stone to turn into a Dragon anymore, we can replace the Dragon to Human Morph spell with a Pony to Human one instead." She explained. I cast my gaze over my Throne Room as I tried to get comfortable again... My three Runners/Gatherers were beige coloured ponies in steel armor with swords by their sides. Dick, my gem gatherer with a gem with wings as his Cutie Mark. Tom, my ore gatherer with two pieces of rock with wings as his. Harry, my herb gatherer had a leaf as his. Salome was to my left as a sky blue normal pony with no horn or wings, she was a 'normal' Pony, like Applejack. Her Cutie Mark was a music note with a heart at the bottom instead of a circle and a dark gray line going through it. On my right was Kirill as an... Alicorn? I guess he was the Prince of Music. He had an actual musical note as his Cutie Mark with a microphone and a diamond in the background. (The real life Kirill Pokrovsky died last year and was an amazing composer for the Divinity series. This is my mark of respect for him.) I don't know how else to describe the butt marks, damn it! Honestly, you ponies expecting humongous amounts of detail, there's pictures of all aforementioned Cutie Marks in the damned Author's Notes! Go look there! I'll wait! I'm not going to pull your good time out of my arse! Get on board! ... ... ... There! Happy!? Yes? Good. No? Too bad. ... ;15 minutes later, after a trip around the Tower to make sure everything was in order; "Ok, so what do we need?" I asked as we were in my quarters. "Nothing. I have the spell from when I went down to the study while you inspected the Tower. And you have the Dragon Stone. That’s it." She said. "Couldn't be more simple." I smiled with a nod. "Yes, but if you mess up the spell you could be blasted to pieces by the Dragon Stone." She informed me. "Oh right. No pressure then?" I said with a fake smile and chuckle. "Do not worry." She soothed. "No, not at all." I said. "Of course, you could also be stretched between here and the Plane of Hypnerotomachia but you will live if that occurs. Although I think you would rather wish you didn't... But you are perfectly capable of casting this spell." She reassured. "Yeah... Not helping." I answered with a few nods and the fake smile still on my face with worried eyes. "Sorry My Lord. Here is the book." She said. Putting the book down. I lay the Dragon Stone on the table in front me and my smile turned to a frown. "Ok... Here I go." I said, rolling my eyes, praying to my buddy Lucien The Divine that I get this right... ;5 minutes later; As I finished the spell I shut my eyes tight. "My Lord..." Said Sassan. "No." I said in monotone voice, eyes still shut. "My Lord?" She asked this time. "No!" I yelled. Wanting to keep my eyes shut for more than a minute to make sure. "Ok..." She said, waiting... ... "Ok!" I exclaimed as I opened my eyes, all pieces of me still in place. Pony pieces anyway. "You're not dead." She said as if trying to comfort me. "I know." I said with a breath of relief. "Good. If you didn't I'd be worried." Said Sassan. "Sure... So, did it work?" I asked. Like I said, I was still a Pony so... "Only one way to find out." She said and gestured with her head to the Dragon Stone. "Ok..." I said, preparing for the second time I'm putting my life on the line... I touched the Stone and another white light... And voila! I was Human again! Sassan wasn't though... I had a set of Armor on too! Awesome! (His Dragon-Knight Armor. He wears Amdusias’ helmet with it instead of the helmet in the image. His golden armor is the Dragon Wizard Armor. It's Ulthring's Set if anyone who played the game is wondering.) "My Lord, it worked!" Exclaimed Sassan. "I know! Woohoo!" I said and jumped up, pumping my fist in the air! No, not my hoof, my fist! "I take it you're happy?" She asked. "Ya think? But I think we should rest for a while." I said. "I agree My Lord." She said. "Night." I nodded as Sassan left to her chambers. I curled up on my again and did my best to get some sleep. This time without switching worlds. And I did. I did the same exercise routine again for a few weeks. I just assumed there was nothing out there. Then, while waking up one day, I thought on... We were in a land of Ponies! The Black Ring were back! They must be! If Stone was back, the others must be as well! And that means I have some hunting to do! (MLP timeline is sketchy at best. So, I'm assuming there's a few weeks between the wedding and the Crystal Empire's reemergence. If you have evidence to the contrary, please let me know.) "...SASSAN!!!" I bellowed from my quarters, echoing throughout the Battle Tower... Author's Note Click on the link for the image: Hermaphroditus' Cutie Mark: Here Dick's Cutie Mark: Here Tom's Cutie Mark: Harry's Cutie Mark: Salome's Cutie Mark: Here Kirill's Cutie Mark: Here Chapter 5, Pt 1: The Dragon-Knight of EquestriaAuthor's Note ~~No changes. Just read the comments. A vote is happening.~~ Chapter 5, Pt 1: The Dragon-Knight of Equestria "What now that the Dragon Stone has been altered and you are Human again My Lord?" Asked Sassan as we met on the balcony again after I called her. "Now we find adventure! First things first! Where are we...?" I asked and went to my balcony, looking out. I saw it was blizzarding outside of the island, on the island it was only snowing lightly. We looked to be deep in the arctic... "I suppose the Island is keeping the extreme weather out." Observed Sassan. "Indeed I am." Came the echoey female-esque voice of Sentinel Island. I turned and saw her in all her nature-y shape "Island?! Hly fuckbuckets! It's been a year since I met you." I said, she remained humanoid in shape luckily. "Yes Dragon-Knight. You have not changed." She chuckled. "And I told you that you had a great destiny before you." She said. "Yes." I replied. She told me I was to become Lord of the Tower and defeat Damien. Only one of those has come true so far... "You have not yet met your destiny. I thought it was to kill Damien and that was it, but no. Something, even to me and my knowledge, was hidden." She said. "You're not explaining yourself very well..." I said. "I know. That is because even I do not fully understand. Your destiny is to defeat Damien, but that is not the end of it. Your destiny is to become more than you are, in more ways than one. To learn and to be taught. Your true destiny is tied to this place. And more..." She said. "I get what you're saying... Mostly... But I do not get how I am to accomplish this task..." I said, standing on the balcony, leaning against the stone railing with my ass, crossing my arms. "You will find a way Dragon-Knight, as you always do. The answer is right before you." She smiled and turned to leave. "Before you go, may I share in your knowledge?" I asked, coming inside. "But of course." She said and I mindread her. Just to be clear, mindreading is not always to know what people are thinking in words but I can also explore their knowledge and gain power from it as well, that is how I know so many spells both forbidden, ancient and lost. Mindread a few Black Magic practitioners and you pick up a few things... Island is an ancient being with almost infinite knowledge, I tried to mindread her before I was a Dragon and she had to spoon-feed me her knowledge because it would've destroyed my - in comparison, petty Human mind. Now I could access a small portion of her knowledge without penalty. I strengthened my mind with her knowledge, increasing my Spirit, used for casting spells. "Thank you." I said. "Of course." She said and vanished as fast as she appeared. "So, what did that mean?" Asked Sassan, I had to look down to talk to her face to face... Or face to muzzle. "I'm not sure... Right in front of me?" I asked and looked around, I was on my balcony when she said that... So, maybe... I looked out into the blizzard and narrowed my eyes, using my superior Dragon eyes to see through... There it was! A blue shield in the distance... "You see it?" I asked, I saw Sassan with her eyes closed, casting a vision spell as she couldn't see through the blizzard as I could. "I see it." She nodded. "Wait..." I said, concentrating more, squinting my eyes... Oh bollocks... "Dragon, do you..." "Yes." I answered worriedly... (Imagine snow surrounding the floating islands) Flying Fortress "My Lord..." She started. "Damien..." I growled in response. ;5 minutes later; I was moving quickly through the Throne Room back to my room, I had packed some food, drink and books in two large satchels from the kitchen and study, saying 'hi' to Erlking as we went. He was oddly quiet when he saw me... Almost surprised? Maybe that I was still alive after I disappeared? That Goblin should know better than to doubt me. "So My Lord what now?" She asked, struggling to keep up with me. I was quite a bit taller than her so I took longer strides. "Is my gear ready?" I asked, power walking, making sure my gauntlets were on properly. "Yes My Lord, I had it prepared as soon as you vanished. It is in your teleportation chest." She said. "How did- Oh yeah, your premonitions." I said, rolling my eyes. My teleportation chest is where I store my large gear such as weapons for instant access when I'm in the field. I have a Dragon Chest which is larger but I have to come back to the Tower to access it. "How long will you be My Lord?" She asked as we approached the balcony. "However long it takes to save the frickin' world." I shrugged, power walking to the balcony stone railing. I sat on it facing inwards. "Good luck..." Said Sassan. "We make our own luck." I saluted her and as I did I took a backwards dive from my balcony (like a scuba diver gets off the boat) and morphed into my Dragon Form, flying into the blizzard. I managed to stay in control of my flight through the blizzard, luckily I trained myself to fly in extreme conditions, otherwise I'd be fucked right now... I also saw the Flying Fortress had a red shield around it... Red shield means an Anti-Dragon Zone... Well, that makes shit complicated. I could only access it on foot but they were too high for me to climb and I doubt they were going to drop a rope for me... I could fly over the shield and drop down... No, the blizzard is too thick up there, even for me. ;10 minutes of flying later; I flew towards the blue shield and was approaching it before remembering it would probably kill me if I tried to pass through it as a Dragon. I gave myself a burst of speed and reverted back to Human, curling up and rolling in the air as I did. I dropped in the snow outside some kind of cabin. It just looked like a shelter with benches in it though... Strange house. I walked forward and tripped on something... It was some kind of metal rebar attached to the ground... I used my Crystal Skull to summon Creature. "Hey Creature, you OK?" I asked, he looked like just an Unicorn with its limbs stitched on... He was gray with mottled fur dotted around, he had a patchy mane as if it had fallen out in clumps. His eyes looked like a normal Pony's eye was dark red, except the other which was faded, meaning it would need replacing soon. "I'm... Fine... But Master... It's cold..." He shivered, I cast a heat spell on him to keep him warm. (I imagine he sounds like Genie from Aladdin when he tells Aladdin he can't bring people back from the dead. Start at 30 seconds if you don't know the voice.) Suddenly I heard some kind of loud noise. Like a... Foghorn? "What manner of beast approaches?" I asked and drew my blade. I took cover behind the house with Creature. Holding my blade horizontally in front of me. "It looks like a massive beast Master!" He said. He had taken his eyes out and left them on a bench in the 'house'. Looking out so he could see whatever approached. I leaned out from around the corner of the structure we were hiding behind and saw a massive contraption! It looked to be on rails... Similar to a minecart except much bigger! And it was moving much faster! "That is no beast..." I said. Sheathing my blade... Suddenly it screeched to a halt before the house... It looked more like some kind of waiting area actually... The machine itself seemed to act as a means of transportation, running on coal and magic equally... Strange. We have floating islands, but not this? And these Ponies have this but not Flying Fortresses? Of course, you do have to be Black Ring to get a Flying Fortress as they are made in the forests of Yuthul Gor by Orc slaves. But still... "Well, what is it Master? Because I don't know, and I can see it perfectly." Asked Creature, he had his brow raised but it looked weird with just two holes instead of eyes... "I'm not sure, but as soon as the coast is clear, fetch your eyes back." I said, shaking my head as I turned from him. "Yes Master." He said, waiting for me to give the all clear. As the huge thing came to a halt and the doors opened I peered out again and was pleasantly surprised to see the 6 mares from the wedding. Ok, names... Come on Dragon Mind, don't fail me... There was Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and... Twilight? YES! Nailed it! I was about to greet them before I stopped for two reasons. 1: I was in a different form and I didn't feel like I should change forms. 2: We were strangers, I didn't really know them that well... "You know them?" Asked Creature, noticing my expression soften, it only did that when I was with people I know. "Yes. When I vanished I met them." I nodded. "Ah..." He said. "Ha! And you all made fun of me for packing so many scarves." Said... Twilight? Nope, Rarity. I remember now. It's all coming back. "I didn't say a word." Grunted Spike with all the luggage on his back. "Trying to impress the ladies... Good lad." I chuckled quietly. "A baby Dragon, Master?!" Whisper-shouted Creature. "Whoa! Hey! C'mere..." Said Spike, dropping it all and trying to grab some scarves. "Yep, I know. Except he's not a usual Dragon. As you can see." I said. "Well... What are you thinking?" Asked Creature... I peered around the wooden structure again and saw another figure approaching them, I prepared to spring into action... "Twilight!" Ah shit! "Shining Armor?" Asked Twilight and they hugged. "Twily! You made it! We'd better get moving. There are things out here we really don't want to run into after dark." Said Shining. "Boy is that Cliché of the Year..." I said to myself, sitting down as I kept to the wall of the shack, preparing some supplies for the journey through the snow. "What kind of things?" Asked... Fluttershy! Yes! Got it! "Let's just say the Empire... Isn't the only thing that's returned." Said Armor. ;13 minutes later(what felt like 40 minutes in the damn blizzard); I decided to follow them but I sent Creature back to the Tower with the Crystal Skull first. Otherwise his limbs would freeze. I followed them in the blizzard, finding little trouble with the extreme weather. My body was extremely well conditioned so the blizzard was hardly a challenge, but if I stay in it for too long it may become an issue... You know, pneumonia and stuff. Not really a big deal... The only foreseeable problem was the deep snow, I had to plough through it in my armor which slowed me down, I was keeping a reasonable distance from the girls, using my enhanced vision to see them whereas they couldn't see me. And the wind was blowing toward me, meaning their voices carried so I could hear them. "What are those rocks floating above us?" Asked Twilight. "Those? We don't know, they just floated in and keep trying to penetrate the shield with some kind of weapon. And something keeps trying to get in down here! We think it's the unicorn king who originally cursed the place. We think the floating islands and the king are connected somehow." Said Armor. They must be firing ballistas at the shield... "But Princess Celestia said I was being sent here to find a way to protect the Empire! If King Sombra can't get in, then it must already be protected." Said Twilight. The Princess asked her here? To defend this place? They don't stand a chance against the Black Ring! Then again, it's likely she didn't know they'd show up... And If that shield fails... Well, I've seen first hand what the wrath of the Black Ring can do to those unprepared... Or even those prepared! I looked up to the islands... Ice. Only one person uses ice on their Flying Fortresses... "Keara..." I said with a scowl. It wasn't Damien... I suppose that's a good thing. It it were him, he'd be through this shield in minutes... And I don't know if I'm strong enough to fight him yet. Suddenly a howl echoed through the blizzard... That's not good... "Th-That's one of the things, isn't it?" Asked Fluttershy, seemingly looking at me... Wait... Oh fuck... This is one of those 'it's right behind me, isn't it?' moments... I looked behind me to see a black mist, and Black Ring soldiers were in it! "Guh. We have to get to the Crystal Empire! Now!" Exclaimed Armor, suddenly the mist shot upwards and toward me. I leapt backwards with a somersault and landed in front of Spike to protect him from the mist. "Ahh!" He exclaimed in surprise. "Hehe, sorry." I said as Shining rescued him, making Spike drop the luggage as he grabbed him in his magic. I stayed for a second... One of the Ring shot an arrow at me but I caught it mid air just in time. "The Dragon?! Come! We have to tell Kali!" Said one of the Ring and they all disappeared behind the mist... Kali? Looks like she's borrowed Keara's Fortresses. Good, I didn't feel like having to deal with Keara, that crazy bitch... "Cowards..." I mumbled as the mist was about to attack. "Ohhhhh shit... RUUUUUNNNNNN!" I yelled and cast a simple light spell at him, causing him to back up. Then I also started to run. I didn't fancy fighting the air, thanks. I have enough to fight. "Go, go!" Said Twilight as we saw the shield in the distance. "Almost there." Said Armor but skidded to a halt to attack Sombra. "The fuck are you doing!? Are you fucking suicidal?! Keep motherfucking moving!" I yelled as I ran past him, grabbing his tail as I did and swinging him around. He yelped in pain but at least he actually did what I said. "We'll never outrun him!" Argued Shining. "Fine!" I yelled and stopped, turning to the mist. "What-" Started Armor before... "FUCK OFF!!!" I yelled, using magic to amplify my voice, the shockwave sending the mist a good few feet the other way. I continued running. "There we go." I said, but the thing in the mist growled and caught up to us again. "Hahaha!" It laughed. "Oh bugger off!" I shouted to the mist as I caught up with the Armor. Who then stopped as I got a little ahead of him. 'The fuck is he doing...?' I thought as I stopped as well. He fired a magic bolt at the mist who simply parted to let it through, it started toward Shining who charged another spell... One of the Black Ring punched his muzzle, knocking him out... Fuck, now I have to rescue him.. Another Black Ring was about to kill him before I jumped at the mist with a Light-Magic Imbued Greatsword. "Ahhhh!" I yelled as I jumped at the mist with two hands on my greatsword and prepared to slam into it, it backed off but got nicked by the blade and howled in pain, backing up further... so did the Black Ring... Were they part of the mist? I put my Light-Magic sword in my teleportation chest. I then grabbed Armor bridal style, who's horn was riddled with black crystals. "Wha-" He asked, slightly dazed as we practically took flight toward the shield. I never even knew I could run that fast, never mind in full armor also carrying Shining Armor... "Don't question it." I whispered to him as we bolted to the shield faster than a Dragon in a treasury... I saw the mist about to get us so I took a dive through the shield. "Ahh!" Yelled Shining as we practically flew through... "Ow!" I exclaimed as we landed, me on my still sore ass and Shining on his hooves, lucky git. "That was close! Whooo!" I laughed, sitting up for a second as I cheered. I fell back down, still on the ground. But I saw the 6 mares surrounding me with 'not amused' expressions. "Oh right... Haha..." I said, rubbing the back of my head. "And who are you?" Asked Armor. "Me? I was your college experiment, whom you now consider your shameful past." I answered with a smirk. "What?!" Asked Armor, seemingly genuinely worried...? "No! I was joking." I said with a laugh as I got up. "So? Who are ya?" Asked Rainbow Dash. "My name is Tyrath, Tyrath Kyelinth." I said. "There's... something familiar about you... The least of which the way you announce your name..." Said Twilight. "We have met before... Twilight." I said, they all widened their eyes when I said her name. "How do you know my... Wait, your voice is familiar... Assertive, yet you try not to show it..." She said thoughtfully. "You know me as Ego Draconis." I said. "Wait... Ego?!" Asked Spike. "That’s... It can't... No way!" Argued Rainbow. "Would... This be better?" I asked as I magically communicated with the Dragon Stone to turn me back into a Pony. "Oh wow! Ego?! You're not really a Pony?" Asked Twilight. "Nope. I am a Human." I answered as I turned Human again. "Oh, no! Shining Armor, your horn!" Said Twilight to Shining Armor. Suddenly I slapped him in the face. Not hard, but it left a mark. "Ow!" He exclaimed in surprise. "NEVER, do something that fucking stupid again or next time it won't be a slap!" I warned. "Wha-" He asked, holding a hoof to his cheek that had a red hand print on it. "Putting yourself in danger?! I don't care if you hate me or not, you have a duty to your wife and your little sister. To NOT get yourfuckingself killed! Do not do that again. Understand?!" I asked. "Yes... And I don't hate you, I just don't trust you." He said. He seemed truthful. So I took him at his word. What? Oh Ok! Yes, I read his damn mind! Happy now?! 'He could be gaining our trust only to turn against us at the last minute!' Pondered Armor. Ok, so he's telling half truths... He tried to use magic only for his horn to spark out because of the black crystals. We continued our way. "Sparkleriffic!" Exclaimed Pinkie in wonder at the city before us, I admit, I was impressed... ;5 minutes later, in the city center; "It's gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous! There are no words!" Said Rarity, mumbling trying to find the right ones. "Nice." I nodded. "Focus, Rarity. We're here to help Twilight, not admire the scenery." Reminded Applejack. "You're right. Come on." I said with resolve. "Eh, I don't see what the big deal is. Just looks like another old castle to me." Said Rainbow. "You clearly don't appreciate the fine arts. Oh well. It's not everyone's slice of cake." I shrugged. "Err what?" Asked Rainbow. "Everypony's." I corrected. "That may be but... Did you say- Another old...! Have you lost your mind? Look at the magni–" Started Rarity before Applejack and Rainbow burst out laughing and... Hoofbumped? Sounds legit. "Very funny." Said Rarity. "I don't get it..." I said. "They were winding her up." Said Twilight as we entered the castle. "Oh, right." I nodded. It’s been so long since I've had real friends that don't treat me like I would kill them at any given moment that I've forgot some social mannerisms. We entered the Throne Room and saw Princess Cadance on the throne. She looked run-down... "Cadance!" Exclaimed Twilight. Seeing Twilight seemed to reinvigorate her and they ran up to each other. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" They said together and did the familiar moves. I smiled at the sight. It warmed my heart. Suddenly her horn fizzed and the shield flickered, I looked out the window and gulped, seeing the islands above us. "One of these days we need to get together when the fate of Equestria isn't hanging in the balance." She said, sighing. "Agreed Your Majesty." I bowed with a smile. "Err..." She started, a confused expression on her weary face. "Oh, you wouldn't recognise me. Unless I pinned you to a wall with magic." I smiled, Shining Armor's mouth dropped at that. "Not like that." I whispered to him. "Ego?" She asked with wide eyes. "Aye." I answered with a nod. "Ego!" She exclaimed and hugged me. Again, not sure how to respond so I froze up. But seeing me also seemed to cheer her up... "What is with Princesses and giving out free hugs?" I asked as she let go. "Who said they were free? 20 bits please." Laughed Princess Cadance. "I'm a bit short at the moment." I said, patting myself down and we laughed. "Are you okay?" Asked Twilight as the Princesses horn and the shield fizzed again. "Princess..." I said, noticing her fatigue... I was concerned for her, she didn't look too good... "Hey! My wife doesn't need your help!" Exclaimed Shining Armor. I held up my hands and backed off. "Shining." Said Princess Cadance angrily. "Sorry dear. Now then, Cadance has been able to use her magic to spread love and light. That seems to be what is protecting it. But she hasn't slept, barely eats. I want to help her, but my protection spell has been countered by King Sombra. And those islands make it worse, Cadance can't expand her shield because of them." Explained Armor. "It's not just this 'Sombra' out there." I said gravely. "What do you mean?" Asked Princess Cadance. I sighed, walking over to the balcony. I put my hands behind my back and looked out at the Empire. "A year ago I was on a quest. To stop Damien, The Damned One, from conquering my home, called Rivellon. I succeeded, but just barely. And Damien escaped. Now it seems he's set his sights here, on these kingdoms. Yours and this one." I explained. "What?" Asked Twilight. "Why? I don't know. But during my quest I fought, and killed Damien's best Generals. And his worst. Weakening his army's armada, morale and military strength. But It seems they are back... Despite what I did." I said. "You killed 'em?" Asked Applejack, the girls all backing up. "See? I knew we couldn't trust him! Oh ouch!" He exclaimed, trying to charge a spell but failing. I turned around. "No, you misunderstand. In Rivellon, not everything is solved with the 'Magic of Friendship' and 'forgiveness'. We have to fight to survive. Damien would have it no other way. Make no mistake, I am ruthless on the battlefield when me and my enemies are facing off and the blood is flowing. But I do not harm innocent people." I explained to them. "So, you kill because it's kill or be killed?" Asked Rainbow. "Exactly!" I exclaimed. "I suppose that's fine, it is self defense after all." Said the Princess. "What? Cad-! Fine." Said Armor, not wanting to argue with his wife. "This particular General is called Kali, sister to my Personal Trainer, Captain Hermosa." I said. "You're killing your Trainers sister?!" Asked Twilight, horrified. "Hermosa asked me to kill her last time. Now Kali's back and I will do it again. You need further reason? Ok, how about this? Kali killed her own father for a sword he forged." I said. "She... What?" Asked Twilight, almost in tears. The rest of the girls were as well. "How could she?" Asked the Princess. "The Black Ring are despicable. Kali is an exceptionally ruthless General who stops at nothing to achieve her goal." I said, looking back out to the outline of the Fortresses dominating the skyline beyond the shield. "There will be hundreds of Black Ring on those islands hell bent on conquering this Empire as a staging ground for their invasion of both Equestria and Rivellon." "What do we do? We can't fight all of them!" Exclaimed Armor. "No! I can! I must! It is my test to save the Crystal Empire." Countered Twilight. "No. Not in this form. Princess Celestia didn't foresee the Black Ring appearing." I said. "He's right Twi. There ain't no way ya can take down those Black Ring on yer own. Even with our help." Said Applejack. "She's right. But you can save it from Sombra. Hell, you could do that without my help! But the Black Ring will annihilate you, or worse... Capture you, torture you and use you as leverage to take over the land. You might be able to drive them all off without me if you find a way, yes. But if they do get through, I must defend you all. Otherwise this kingdom, Equestria, and you, will fall. And I will not allow that." I resolved. Fluttershy was in tears, but the others steeled themselves for what was possibly to come. "Fluttershy, it's OK, I promise. While I live they will not touch you." I promised. Suddenly the Princess's horn fizzed again and she almost collapsed. I started toward her to help but Armor got in front of me, reaching for his wife. "It's alright Shining Armor, I'm fine." She waved him off. "She's not fine. She can't go on like this forever, and if her magic were to fade... Well, you saw what's out there waiting for that to happen." Said Armor. "And I've told you." I said, still with my hands joined behind my back. "That's why we're here." Said Twilight. "Why we're all here." Said Applejack with resolve. "Well, with Cadance putting all her strength into keeping her spell going, and me trying to keep an eye on signs of trouble in the arctic, we haven't been able to gather much information from the Crystal Ponies." Explained Armor. "Crystal Ponies?! Hahaha, there are Crystal Ponies?! Um, ahem. Please continue." Said Rarity, growing hysterical. "...But we have to believe one of them knows how we can protect the Empire without having to use Cadance's magic." Continued Armor. "I hope it's that easy..." I mumbled. Who am I fucking kidding? It's NEVER that easy. "A research paper!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Huh?" Said me and Armor in synch. "That must be part of my test – to gather information from the Crystal Ponies and deliver it to you! This is gonna be great! I love research papers!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Yeah, who doesn't?" Said Rainbow sarcastically. "Oh-oh-oh! Lemme guess! Is it Spike? Nono, Fluttershy! Rarity?" Asked Pinkie Pie picking each one up as she mentioned them. I got the impression we should ignore her during these moments. "Don't worry, big brother. I am really good at this sort of thing." Reassured Twilight. "I hope so. I don't fancy having to face a hundred Black Ring." I said in monotone. "We will!" Exclaimed Twilight. She turned to leave but bumped into somepony... Or should I say someone... "Hmmhmmhmm." Came a chuckle. "Well well well Dragon, here we are." Came a voice, I turned and saw none other than The Damned One... Surprisingly not a pony. Twilight backed off to her friends in terror. "Damien." I greeted casually. Showing no hint of malice toward him. "Greetings Tyrath. Long time no see. So, you have chosen your friends then?" He asked, walking up to me and going behind me, I turned my head to look at him. He was an astral projection that only looked real. Of course he could touch you, but the most he could do is give you a weak punch. He gave me a kick to the head once back when I first became a Dragon-Knight... "Why, Damien! Are you are assuming I'd work against you?! Perish the thought!" I exclaimed, putting the back of my hand on my head dramatically. "Indeed. You may have stopped me before, but not this time." He said, walking to the Mane 6 and crouching down by Fluttershy. She squealed and cowered behind her mane. "What is wrong little pony? Scared?" He asked with a smile, running an armored finger along her cheek, causing her to shed some tears and whimper. Her friends were too terrified to do anything... "Y-y- You stay away from 'er!" Quivered Applejack. "As you wish." Chuckled Damien. "Someday little ponies, if you're lucky and survive this day, you will witness a fight between two Gods." Said Damien, looking at them, standing before. "Keep away from my sister and her friends!" Threatened Princess Cadance. Taking a stand. Even though she was in no condition to even give Damien a struggle. "Princess, don't..." I said. "Now, now. No need to get violent." He said, holding his hands up to her in mock surrender... "Damien! Your quarrel is with me. Keep the ponies out of it." I said, pointing to me with a thumb and then the ponies with my finger. He walked over to me and encircled me like vulture would its prey. "Oh, I do not think so." He chuckled. "And why not?" I asked. "You see Dragon, I will see this kingdom fall by Kali's hoof. And if you refuse this offer to join me, you along with it." He said, stopping encircling me once he was in front of me. "Huh. I am of the opposite opinion." I said. "I thought as much. You see, I need these kingdoms to act as a Realm of my own to house my troops. An unreachable place we can fortify. We would be unstoppable!" He exclaimed. "Solid plan. But you forget one massive obstacle in your way." I shrugged. "That is?" He asked. "Me." I answered. "It doesn't have to be that way." He said, holding out his hand. "I would hate to see such potential, such godlike power, go to waste. We could accomplish so much together." He smiled. "You know, I appreciate the offer. Really, I do." I said, going up to his face... "But I do not think Ygerna would." I whispered. "Insolent cur! I will have your head Dragon!" He exclaimed, raising his fist at me, causing all in the room to recoil, except me. I just crossed my arms with a smug smile. He stopped and took a breath. "But... my offer stands. Let me know if you change your mind. I need a new General." He growled, going behind a pillar, vanishing. "Who... What was that? He felt so empty... So hateful, not a shred of love in him..." Shivered the Princess. "That. Was Damien. You just met my archenemy face to muzzle. Be thankful you're all alive." I said to the group. Uncrossing my arms and turning to face them. Fluttershy burst into tears. "His touch was so cold... Like ice... It was-" She started before continuing crying. "Shh... It's OK, he will not harm you. I promised, remember?" I asked, I looked into her eyes and cast a subtle calm spell. She stopped crying and nodded, sniffing a few times. "Well, with our resolve reinforced... Let's get going!" Exclaimed Twilight, luckily they had all recovered... "Oh, before we go... Here Princess, drink this." I said and gave her a Potion of Revitalising, helping her drink it because she couldn't use her magic to lift it. "Thank you, I feel better. It's quite nice as well... Blueberry." she smiled, licking her lips. "Good, that’s the first time someone other than me has tried one of my potions. At least your hair is still the same color." I said with a sigh of relief. "Wait, what...?" Started the Princess. "Sorry gotta go!" I exclaimed, running out with the girls... ... We split up and started interrogating ponies. After 10 minutes of no luck and holding back from mindreading, I finally decided to try it. "So, do you perchance know anything about a way to stop King Sombra?" I asked. "No, no... I don't." Said the stallion. "Hmm..." I said and tried to read his mind... There was some kind of block, an endless darkness that I tried to sift through. To no avail. "Ok, cheers." I said and walked away. "Anything?" Asked Dash, flying above me. "No, and their minds are almost blank except from when they recently reemerged... It's strange." I pondered. Stroking my beard in thought... "Huh?" Asked Rainbow. "Oh nothing." I waved her off. "Sure... I'm goin' over here." Said Rainbow and... Dashed off I suppose, no pun intended. I headed over to our de facto leader, Twilight, after having no luck on my own. "Are you sure? Absolutely sure?" She asked. "I'm sorry. I wish I could help you. But I... can't seem to remember anything before King Sombra came to power. And I don't want to remember anything about the time he ruled over us." She said and shuddered. "King Sombra's spell must be why their coats aren't... Crystally." Observed Twilight. Whispering to Spike and myself. "Agreed, he seems to have sucked the joy, love and light out of them, like what happens when I walk into a room full of Black Ring." I smiled. "Have we really been gone a thousand years?" Asked the Pony. Twilight and I looked at each other, wondering what to say... Eventually she settled on: "Yes." "It feels like it was just yesterday." Said the mare. "I know how that feels..." I said to myself. "If you think of anything, even the smallest thing..." Said Twilight. "Of course." Nodded the Pony. "Well, that was a total bust." Concluded Spike. "Really? I thought it went rather well." I said with a sideways smirk to him. "Haha." He fake laughed. "Well, maybe the others are having better luck." "One can hope." I said and leapt onto a building roof to observe the others. "A way to protect the Empire! You know anything about it or what?" Asked Rainbow to the South. "I wish I could help you. Really." Said the Pony, turning to leave. "Hold on! You gotta know something!" Exclaimed Rainbow, blocking her. "But... I don't have any information." Insisted the Pony. "Looks she's playing bad cop." I said, turning to the west. "Oh, um. Excuse me! Oh! Hello! Umm, I was just wondering. Oh, oh, that's okay, um, you all look really busy." Said Fluttershy, laughing nervously. "Shy cop." I rolled my eyes. I turned to the east. "Time to gather some intel!" Said Pinkie and put some weird things on... They look like those goggles that help you see in the dark in the detective novels I've been reading, but in our land they were nothing more than a pipe dream... She also had a black skin/fur tight suit on and roped down a building. I listened to the conversation she was listening to. "It just feels like something is missing." "I know. It looks the same, but it doesn't feel the same." "Because it isn't!" Interrupted Pinkie. "A spy!" Gasped one of them, and they ran. Resulting in Pinkie screaming as she fell from the rope. "A spy? How did they know? Ah! Must have noticed my night vision goggles. Ooh! Night vision-y!" She said. I turned north. Rarity. "Hm-hm-hmmm. And when you flip your mane, it simply must create a rainbow of color. Oh! Wouldn't I look just magnificent? So sparkly!" Tittered Rarity. They all met in the square. "I got nothing so far." Sighed Rainbow. "Oh, me neither." Said Rarity, not admitting she hadn't even tried. Fluttershy with an unusually serious expression approached Twilight before a disguise was pulled away to reveal Pinkie Pie... "My cover has been blown. I repeat, my cover has been blown!" Said Pinkie in a hushed voice before running away. "Ooookay." Said Twilight. I leapt down from the roof, startling everypony with the noise I made and how I shook the earth with my landing. I went over to the 6 mares. "Nada, their minds turned out no results." I informed as I approached. "Their minds?" Asked Twilight. "Yeah, I can read minds, a good remnant of a bad past." I said, shaking my head. "You haven't read my mind yet... Right?" Asked Rainbow. "No, I only read the minds of those I trust when searching for knowledge. If I do that, consider it a compliment, it means I think you know something I don't." I said. "Cool." She said with a smile. "But I haven't read your mind yet..." I said. "Oh, right." She said with a disappointed expression. "First being I've met that wants me to read their mind." I muttered. "DRAGON!" Came a loud, booming female voice from above us. "Huh? Me? What''d I do?!" Asked Spike. "Not you. Me." I said. "Oh." He said with a sigh of relief. "KALI! HOW NICE OF YOU TO SHOW UP!" I yelled. "WHY ARE YOU COWERING BEHIND THESE PONIES?! COME OUT AND FIGHT ME!" She yelled. "Something's wrong... She wouldn't challenge me unless she had a trick up her sleeve... She knows how powerful I am, yet she wants me to fight her?" I shook my head. "WELL?!" She asked. "TELL YOU WHAT! GET THROUGH THE SHIELD FIRST AND I'LL SEE WHAT I CAN DO!" I yelled. At that they used lightning towers against the shield, with no effect. "We need to find a way!" Exclaimed Twilight. "And quickly..." I mumbled. "Sorry, Twilight. These crystal ponies seem to have some kinda collective amnesia or somethin'. Only thing I was able to get out of 'em was somethin' 'bout a library." Informed Applejack. "A library? Well, why didn't you say so?!" Gasped Twilight. "Uh... thought I just did." Chucked Applejack and gave us the directions and we all set off. "Yep..." I said worriedly and followed them. ;5 minutes of walking(and another 5 of getting lost) later; We pushed open the doors to the library. "I just... I don't even know what to... There are no words." Said Twilight as we saw the library. "Impressive book collection." I whistled. "Ahem. May I help you?" Asked the librarian. "Yes. We're looking for a book." Informed Twilight. "I think you need to be a little more specific." I whispered. "We have plenty of those." Said the librarian as if to reinforce my point. "You do. You really do." Said Twilight in awe, I waved a hand in front of her face, to no avail. "We're lookin' for a history book. Somethin' that might tell us how the Empire might've protected itself from danger back in the day." Explained Applejack in the stead of Twilight. "Yeah, this is kind of important." I added. "Right then! Important... Yes. Of course. History, history... Ah, yes." Said the librarian. The girls all smiled but noticed her pause. "Which is where, exactly?" Asked Twilight. "I... I can't seem to remember. I'm not sure I actually work here." Said the Pony. "Fucking fuck!" I yelled tensing up and punching the wall, cracking it. "Are you OK?" Asked Twilight. "I'm fine, I just... I'm fine." I concluded. Taking a breath. "We'll just take a look around. I'm sure we can find it on our own." Twilight tried to comfort me. Putting a hoof on my back, I turned quickly, causing her to recoil. I sighed and calmed down, relaxing my muscles. "Let me know if you find anything." Said the librarian as we looked around. "I like her!" Exclaimed Pinkie. "Yeah..." I said, sighing again and running my hands down my face as I started to search. I was flicking through the books, taking the information in instantly from each book. Rainbow and Applejack devised a genius method of Applejack bucking the ladder on wheels and Rainbow throwing all the books in the row on a pile. I pinched the bridge of my nose after my... 37th book I think. "Giving up Dragon?" Asked Damien, stepping out from a pile of books. There were piles of books all around me so the others couldn't see him. "Not quite yet." I replied, reading through a few books at once rather than looking at Damien. "Come. You must realise this is a lost cause. These ponies are already dead. They just hold false hope." He said. "I'm not joining you." I said with disinterest. "No?" He asked. "No. And you will not harm these Ponies. I'll see to that personally." I said, still disinterested. "... We'll see." He said, leaving as I went back to looking. "Yes we will." I replied to the empty air. "Anything?" Asked Twilight, stepping around my pile of books. "No, sorry." I said. "Who were you talking to?" Asked Twilight. "Oh no one, Damien just dropped by for a visit. Told him to take a look at the 'bugger off' section." I said. "Good." She smiled. "Other than that, sorry, I've had no luck." I informed her. "It's OK. Keep looking everypony!" Called Twilight. ;3 minutes later; "No, no, no, no, no." I repeated. Sifting through books thrown on the pile. Pinkie was leaping high, grabbing books from shelves. Rarity was growing tired and Spike was trying to impress her still... ;After about another 10 minutes of searching; "Uh, anypony else startin' to think this is a lost cause?" Asked Applejack. "It's never a lost cause!" I exclaimed, throwing a fist in the air as I was on a ladder with wheels and kicked off the wall, wheeling along a few shelves. I then slid down the ladder and continued my search on the ground. "No, no, no, no, no..." Said Twilight also. I put my hand on a book at the same time Twilight grabbed it with her magic. It looked like the one we're looking for... "Ladies first." I said. Handing her the book. "Yes! 'History of the Crystal Empire'. I just hope it has the answers we need." She said. I took it and read it in seconds. We headed to the Palace and I skimmed through the book again, trying to find a solution... "This page seems promising." I said, passing her the book with the page open. "How d'ya know? Ya didn't even read it!" Exclaimed Applejack. "Yes I did. The Dragon's mind is a helluva a lot sharper than the average persons, or Pony's as it were. We can absorb information from a book in a matter of seconds." I said. Suddenly Twilght's face lit up. "Yes! That's it!" She exclaimed as went in. "Hmm, looks like I was on to something." I chuckled as we approached the Prince and Princess. "A 'Crystal Fair'! According to this book, it was established by their first queen and became their most important tradition. The Fair was held every year to 'renew the spirit of love and unity in the Empire so they could protect it from harm!' My friends and I could put it together. Everything we need to know is in the book! Thanks to Ego we know about it!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Looks like you're in the habit of saving our lives." Smiled Cadance to me. I shrugged. "I got into the habit of saving lives about a year and a half ago." I chuckled. "That sounds pretty promising. But how do we know he isn't setting us up?" Asked Shining. "Because I hate the Black Ring. And the Black Ring is working with Sombra. Our goal is mutual. Even if we were at odds, which we're not, I would side with you over them." I said. "Fine." He relented. "Great! We'll get started right away. C'mon, you two, we've got a Crystal Fair to put together!" Exclaimed Twilight to me and Spike. We headed to a meeting with the girls and... They sang. Again. No, really. As we set things up they used my ungodly strength to their advantage by having me put up stands and pull(for them) heavy objects. After about 20 minutes we had it all set up. "Whew!" I exclaimed and wiped a bead of sweat from my brow. "It looks amazing! I don't know how I could've done it without you!" Exclaimed Twilight to us. "Ehh, it's nothing." I waved her off. "Let's make sure everything is in place then the festivities can begin!" Exclaimed Twilight again. "Err, what's this thing for?" Asked Applejack, poking some kind of heart. "The last page of the book mentioned a Crystal Heart as the Fair's centerpiece, so I used my magic to cut one out of a crystal block." Said Twilight and showed us the heart. "Nice work, Twi. Think we're ready to get this fair up and runnin'." Said Applejack. "Agreed." I nodded. We went inside and told Shining Armor and the Princess we were ready, the Princess went to move but swayed a little and I put my hand on her back to keep her steady. "Woah! Careful Princess! Want me to-" I started. "I've got her." Announced Shining, pulling his wife toward him forcefully to lean on him. "Fair enough." I shrugged as we went outside to the balcony. "Flugelhorn!" Pinkie blew on the horn, leading the word to come out. "Hear ye, hear–" Started Twilight before Pinkie blew the horn again. "Flugelhorn...!" She exclaimed with it and we stared at her... "My bad." She said. "Ahem. Hear ye, hear ye! Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor do cordially invite you to attend the Crystal Fair!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Full of traditional Crystal Empire treats, gifts and games!" I added. At that the ponies brightened up and turned normal, but not quite their crystalline selves. Rainbow, Applejack Twilight and I hoof/fistbumped in celebration. "Thanks fer all yer help pardner." Thanked Applejack, tipping her stetson to me. "Nah, you're good." I said. I leapt down from the balcony to keep an eye on the festivities. "Come on in, y'all. Got food and drinks thataway, games and crafts are thataway, Crystal Heart to the back near the Princess." Explained Applejack to the Ponies. "Did she say... Crystal Heart?" Asked a Pony. "We totally nailed it, right? Must be feeling a lot of love and unity about now! Gonna have some grub, huh? What are you thinking? Crystal Empire berry pie? Maybe some crystal corn-on-the-cob!" She said, getting no response. "What is with these ponies?!" She asked as she chased a pony around the Fair. I began to read their minds because I felt their minds opening... but I eventually decided to leave their minds alone. I sat down on a stool and started sharpening my sword. "Getting a little blunt aren't we?" I asked it. As I did, the markings on it flashed. "Don't you take attitude with me." I said to it. I looked up from my whetstone to listen to some ponies talking. "Seeing all of this, I feel like I'm starting to remember. Remember things from before the King." Said a Pony. "Me too." Said another. "Good." I nodded to myself. "The Crystal Heart!" Gasped a few ponies and turned 'normal'. "Do you think they really have it?" Asked one. "Of course we have it! Can't have a Crystal Fair without the Crystal Heart, right?" Asked Rainbow. "Yeah, I mean duh!" I said, sheathing my sword. "Of course you can't. The whole purpose of the Crystal Fair is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies, so the light within them can power the Crystal Heart, so that the Empire can be protected! I do work at the library!" Gasped the librarian in realisation, becoming normal. Suddenly I went from happy to confused... "W-what's that about 'powering the heart'?" Asked Rainbow as Applejack jumped over. "Yeah, what say?" I asked with a chuckle, getting up quickly from my stool. "I just can't believe you found it. King Sombra said he'd hidden it away where we would never see it again! I only hope it will still be as powerful after all these years...! Mm, funnel cake!" She said. Me and Rainbow looked at each other worriedly and both rushed to Twilight, covering the 'Heart' and making sure nopony went near... "Why did you–" Asked Twilight. "I think we may have a problem..." Said Rainbow. "Yeah, a big fucking problem, let me look at the book..." I said and i skimmed through it. "Oh shit!" I exclaimed. "What?" Asked Twilight. "Fuck me. I'm a fucking idiot... There's a page missing!" I exclaimed, facepalming, handing the book to Twilight... "What?!" Asked Twilight and also skimmed through the book. "He's right!" She said. "We're fucked. Fucked. Fucked!" I exclaimed hitting myself on the head each time with my palm as I said it. We ran to the balcony to inform the Prince and Princess... "I didn't know it was an actual relic! The book didn't mention anything about the Crystal Ponies powering the Heart! There was a page missing... How did I not notice?!" Exclaimed Twilight. "No, it's my fucking fault, I should've noticed. Shit." I said, putting my hand on her back. "You could've tore the page out before Twily had the book!" Accused Shining. "Oh! And bring the fucking Black Ring armada down on our heads at the same time?! Yeah that seems fucking accurate! You know what? I'm sick of your shit! I am not your enemy, no matter how much you want to believe it!! You want to know who the enemy is? Fucking Damien and that fucking armada outside is! Don't believe me? Go outside and meet them! I'm sure they'd love the entertainment!" I yelled. "Please stop fighting!" Cried Twilight. "Tell this damn prick to fuck off with his bullshit accusations! I'll prove my loyalty! The moment they get through the shield I'll tear them apart! And how about this? I'll bring you Kali's head personally!" I said. "It's alright, Twilight." The Princess comforted Twilight because she was crying. Princess Cadance collapsed and I caught her in my arms. "Shit!" I exclaimed. Worried for her health... "Twily..." Started Shining, reaching for her but she recoiled before they both noticed Cadance and looked over. "Princess!?" I said, shaking her as the shield dissipated. "Fuckfuckfuckfuck. Come on! Please wake up! Princess Cadance! Come on! Please be Ok!" I exclaimed, brushing her hair out of her face so I could look her in the eyes to see if she was OK... "I can't... Hold it..." She said. Ok, she was alive, that's something... "Oh thank fuck... No, don't move... Shhh, It's OK. Just rest... I'll take care of it!" I exclaimed about to put the shield back up myself as I held her. Suddenly Shining butted me to the side while I was distracted and I hit the railing of the balcony with my back. Almost breaking the railing. Applejack and Rainbow's mouth dropped at that. I was distracted as I held Princess Cadance so he had little trouble hitting me, but if he did it again he'd find that hitting a brick wall would be more pleasureable... I've had Black Ring punch me and shatter the bones in their hands. "Ah! The fuck!!?" I asked him, getting up, rubbing my sore back. "Keep your traitorous claws off my wife! What did you do to her?!" Asked Armor, preparing to charge me again. "Shining!" Exclaimed Twilight in horror. "He did something to Cadance! Look at her!" He yelled. "I did fuck all! She passed out!" I exclaimed, pointing my finger. Suddenly he came at me again and I moved him to the side, causing him to butt the railing. "Ah!" He exclaimed in pain, shaking his head. He snorted and scraped the ground with his hoof, preparing another charge. "Let do it then. Bring it." I said, he ran at me and I kicked his jaw lightly, sending him flying backwards. I only hit him lightly but I was getting worked up, I wouldn't be able to hold back much longer. "No! Stop fighting!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Stay out of this Twily! He tricked you! He's been playing us all along! He probably joined this 'Damien' from the beginning, or he probably joined him earlier when you weren't paying attention!" Argued Shining. Rubbing his jaw and preparing another attack. "No, he- Shining!" She started. But he ran at me anyway, ignoring her. He ran at me again, yelling as he did. I slipped my hands beneath him and picked him up, I walked him over to the railing and prepared to throw him off. "You like heights?" I asked him. "Ahhh!" He yelled. Looking over the edge. "Say hi to Stone for me!" I yelled and reared back... "No, wait!" Said Twilight, I remembered where I was, what I was doing... I turned and threw him at the wall instead, he hit it and left a dent. "He's joined Sombra and Damien! He's on their side!" Shouted Shining, wiping blood from his mouth. "No he hasn't! You started this at the wedding! He has done nothing to deserve it!" Twilight shouted at him. "Yeah, whats yer deal pardner? He's been helpin' us from the start. We got no reason not ta trust 'I'm." Said Applejack, her and Twilight stepping between me and Armor. "What the hay, man? Ego's been nothing but nice. Sure he lost his temper before, but I don't blame him! You may be Twilight's big brother, but right now you're acting like her little sister." Said Rainbow and flew over, landing next to Applejack. "Bu-" Started Shining, realising he was outnumbered. "No! Stop this right now Shining! He saved our lives and that wasn't enough for you. He even saved your life out there. What more do you want from him?! You just attacked him for nothing. I don't know if I want to be with a stallion who does that." Said Cadance, jumping to my defense, well not literally as she was worn out and was getting shakily to her hooves next to Shining before moving next to the girls in my defense. "No! Candy..." He started. "No. Save it. He just tried to help me and you just plain assaulted him." She said, I could see she was angry. "If weren't my husband I would have you arrested." She warned... "I just don't trust him. And that isn't changing." Armor stomped his hoof. Putting his, well hoof down. In an attempt to get his wife to help him. "Why?" Asked Twilight. "Didn't you hear him and that 'Damien' talking? They were talking like old friends!" He accused. "It's called 'civility'. Yes, we talk like old friends, because it's like we are. Except we're always trying to kill each other. It's very simple really. I can't hurt him in that form, he can't hurt me in that form. So why fight? If I meet him face to face then yes, we will fight to the death. But otherwise we talk circles around each other." "I think you're lying." Growled Shining. "Fine, just don't take attitude with me or your wife. And if you ever try for me again, wife or no wife, sister or no sister, I'll have you eating through a fucking tube for the rest of your life. What little would be left of it." I warned, going up to him. "Is that a threat?" He asked., narrowing his eyes at me as I did the same and our faces drew closer. . "Shining! Stop... Now..." She mumbled. I turned away from Armor, and caught the Princess again as she collapsed "Your Majesty..." I said, worried more about her than Shining attacking me. "Cadance?!" Asked Twilight. Suddenly a howl rang out in the arctic and the black mist approached. "Oh shit..." I said, looking up from her, seeing the Fortresses starting to get into positions to block anyone leaving the Empire lowering. They were hovering just above the ground, creating a blockade around the Empire and they moved closer with the mist... Further in the arctic, Black Ring were rappelling down the far end of the Fortresses into the snow, landing about half a mile from the city... "They're huge..." Said Twilight. I saw their defenses powering up... If I tried to fly ponies out of here, we'd be shot down within seconds. "We might be in trouble." I concluded... To be continued... Chapter 5, Pt 2: Kali & The Black CrystalWe heard King Sombra's laughter echo through the land "The Empire is under attack." Said Armor. "I'll get down there." I said, putting Princess Cadance down gently. Not even glancing at Armor. I leaned my sword on the wall. Gearing up in my Dragon Wizard Armor. I was hopping along, getting my Dragon Wizard boots on. When the last one was on, I grabbed my blade The Claw of Abraxas by the center of it's blade and the blade was facing forward as I walked toward the staircase. In my other hand I had my helmet. I wasn't going to put it on yet. "Wait!" Exclaimed Twilight, I jogged back to the balcony. I saw Princess Cadance manage to put up an even smaller shield. I heard Sombra scream in pain as the shield went up, he must have got caught in it. The Princess's horn almost went off again, a power down sound happening. "I have to find the Crystal Heart!" Said Armor. "No." I said, looking even more impressive with my Dragon Wizard Armor on. "What?" He asked threateningly. "The Princess needs you here, keep an eye on her. If that shield fails again the Black Ring will get in, even if you put it back up." I said, we could hear the yells of the Black Ring as they pounded on the shield with sword, arrow and magic. "Twilly?" Asked Armor, looking to her for direction. I saw Cadance collapsing and I caught her again. "We need to stop meeting like this Your Highness. Ponies will talk." I chuckled to her, she let out a weak laugh. "Shut up." She said with a tired smile. "He is right, you stay here with Cadance. She needs you, Shining Armor. I'll retrieve the Heart." Said Twilight. "I'm in." I nodded. I carefully handed Princess Cadance to Armor. "Let's do this!" Said Rainbow and we hoof/fistbumped. While Armor wasn't looking I crouched down and lifted the Princess's head to meet my gaze by her cheek. "Princess Cadance, I promise you I WILL NOT let anything happen to Twilight, you, this Empire, the girls, your subjects or even Shining Armor." I said. "Be careful." She mumbled, I smiled and nodded to her, letting her head hang limply, putting my helmet on. "I'll defend her with my life." I swore. "Thank... You..." She mumbled. "Look after her." I said to Armor. "I've doing that for longer than you've known her." He scowled at me. "Whatever. Twilight, let's do this." I said to Twilight and we started to run in a mad search for the Crystal Heart. "I've been trying to figure out how I'm meant to pass Celestia's test. Retrieving the Crystal Heart must be it. But there is something else you can do Rainbow." Said Twilight. "Name it." She said. "You and the rest of our friends have to keep the Fair going." Ordered Twilight. "Agreed." I nodded. "What? With that thing and those guys moving into the Empire?" Asked Rainbow. "The whole purpose of the Crystal Fair is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies, so they can activate the Crystal Heart." Explained Twilight. "Yeah, and...?" Asked Rainbow. "... And if they know whats coming they'll get scared and depressed. Death by horrible torture tends to do that." I said. "Ok! Geez, you don't hafta paint a picture." She said. "Again, he's right. It won't matter if I find the Crystal Heart. They won't be able to make it work. You have to keep them happy here at the Fair." Pleaded Twilight. "Keep the Fair going and the Crystal Ponies' spirits high. Done and done!" She said. "Rainbow..." I said. "What?" She asked. "I just want to tell you and Applejack... Good luck, we're all counting on you." I said in a deep voice. "Ok, thanks..." She said. "Airplane!" Yelled Pinkie outta nowhere. "Oh, by the way, here." I said and used my Crystal Skull, summoning Creature. "You called Master?" He asked. "Yes, get down there and help these ponies with whatever they need and if any Black Ring come through... You know what to do." I said. "Yes My Lord." He bowed and ran down to the Fair. As we continued our search outside. "Twily, be careful." Said Armor from the balcony. "I will." She said. "I'll make sure of it." I said quietly. ;Meanwhile at the Fair, Creature's POV; "So what are you?" Asked Blue One. "I am Creature. No more. No less." "And Ego is your Master?" Asked Rainbow. "No, Lord Tyrath is my Master." I said, snarling not out of hate but because of my ragged breathing due to my throat having slight rot. "Right yeah whatever, but what is a Creature?" Asked Blue One as they headed toward the fake Crystal Heart. "Now you are asking the right questions Blue One. A Creature is dead tissue made animate by a Necromancer, this one is brought back by Jonelath, Master's Necromancer. Through my Master's powerful Draconic Magic he made me sentient, before I was but moving flesh and bone with no voice or thoughts of my own. I now do, but I believe in my Master's cause." I explained. "So you're made of dead Ponies!?" Asked the Blue One worriedly. "Only of the strongest Black Ring scum." I spat, a few of my teeth going with the saliva. "Oh phew... What is Ego like?" Asked Blue One. "Master is very kind. He gave me the choice to leave but I chose to stay in Master's service. He is kind to his servants, especially me, he makes sure I am not rotting. But there is little he can do to stop the passage of time on some of my organs. Most them will keep forever, but my throat and brain will rot and will need replacing." I explained. "Gross. TMI." Said Rainbow as we approached the Fair. "Oh what is that?!." Asked a White Pony. "It is pleasure to meet you as well White One." I said, sarcastically bowing. "This is 'Creature'. He is Ego's servant and at our service. Creature, this is Rarity." Explained Blue One. "Hmm." I said, she squirmed under my gaze. "Yeah yeah... Okay, here's..." Started Rainbow and told us the situation. "Huuuuh...?" Rarity said in surprise. "I... just found out they're offering face painting for the little ones." She laughed nervously, covering what she was surprised about. She whispered something to the baby Dragon. "Uh-huh. We can do that. Twilight and Ego are doing what?!" Asked the small Dragon and ran off. "He... really... loves getting his face painted. Haha." She covered his actions for him. She seemed to be a quick thinker. I saw Master walking with the Purple One through the Fair, thinking. ;Tyrath's POV; "Who wants a flugelhorn?" Asked Rainbow. "I want a flugelhorn!" Cried Pinkie like a child. "Who else wants a flugelhorn?" Implored Rainbow. "I. Want a flugelhorn!!" Screamed Pinkie. 'Come on Ty! You've found a crypt in a city before, finding a magical heart in an Empire shouldn't be too hard...' I thought. Suddenly an idea struck me and both me and Twilight looked at the Palace. "Twilight, Ego! Wait! I'm coming with you!" Shouted Spike. "You can't. I have to retrieve the Crystal Heart by myself. Ego's only here in case the Black Ring show up." Explained Twilight. "I know. I promise I won't lift a claw to help you." Pleaded Spike. She looked at me and I pulled a 'go on then' expression. "Not a claw, Spike." She sighed and put him on her back. I was about to tell Twilight my idea before I noticed her expression and I clamped up. We just both started toward where we thought the Heart was. "Where are we going exactly?" Asked Spike. "I think I might know where King Sombra hid the Crystal Heart." "The Castle?" Asked Spike as we approached it at breakneck speed. "It’s the most obvious place is it not? Plus I doubt anypony would want to go in there with a guy like Sombra knocking around." I said. "Yes. The King would've been counting on the fact that nopony would dare come looking for it here. They'd have been too afraid to even try." She said. "I hope you're right." Said Spike. "You and me both." Agreed Twilight. "What happened to the 'can do' attitude?" I asked as we ran. ;Creature's POV; The Orange One got the Tartarus scared out of her as I peered from behind the Crystal Heart, looking as menacing as possible. Which is not too hard for me. "What are you lookin' at?! That's what I thought!" Said Rainbow, forcing the Ponies to move along. One tried to sneak a peek and I jumped at him making zombie noises, scaring him away. "Uh, Rainbow Dash? Creature...? We're supposed to be actin' like nothing's wrong." Said Applejack. Rainbow Dash introduced us earlier, because she and Rainbow were nice to me despite my appearance, I call them by their names, the White One can apologise first! "Exactly." Growled Rainbow as another pony moved along. "Yes Mrs. Applejack!" I said, saluting. Then I started whistling casually, walking in a circle around the 'Heart'. "What I mean is, maybe you should let me keep the Crystal Ponies away from the fake Heart, while you show off your joustin' skills." She said to Rainbow before turning to me. "And Creature... Actually they might think this is you bein' normal so you can stay, keep scarin'." She said. "Yes Mistress!" I saluted. "Huh. Seeing my awesomeness does have a way of putting ponies into a pretty good mood." Pondered Rainbow. "Knock 'em dead." I chuckled. "Joustin' here ain't about a kill... it's about the skill." Rhymed Applejack, Bellegar would be ashamed... "It is back in Rivellon as well, you show off your skill by hitting your opponent in their armors weak point, showing you know how to kill a fully armored enemy." Explained Creature. "Ok, don't let you joust, got it." Nodded Rainbow. "You can watch if you want, I'll be fine." Said Applejack, noticing my interest in the jousting. "Oh thank you! Mistress is too kind." I bowed. "I ain't yer Mistress. Go 'ave fun. I got things handled here." Said Applejack. "Come on, Knight Fluttershy." Said Rainbow, getting Fluttershy suited up. I didn’t mind her being scared of me, Rainbow told me she's even scared my meeting new normal ponies. "Huh?" She asked. "It's showtime." Said Rainbow. "Looking forward to it." I smiled. "How are y'all feelin'? Havin' a good time?" Asked Applejack as I waited for the two 'Knights' to ready up. "The best I've had in over a thousand years!" She exclaimed. "Well, that's good! Gotta renew that spirit of love and unity if you're gonna power up that Crystal Heart, right?" Asked Applejack nervously. "I sure would like to see it before the ceremony. It's been such a long time." Said the Pony and was about to take the cover off. "Oh, I hear ya, but, uh... phew! Gettin' a little toasty out here. Bet you'd like to cool off with a little Crystal Empire nectar!" Exclaimed Applejack blocking her at every angle until she left it alone... 'Well, she's got things handled.' I thought. But then there was another pony getting antsy. "Uh, you tried the Crystal Empire fritters yet? Made from a traditional Crystal Empire recipe! You're gonna love 'em!" She said, tossing the fritters so he ran after them. There were more looking until she proclaimed about the jousting. "Uh, I hear there's a joustin' match about to start! You don't wanna miss that!" She said, the ponies all walked away. "Close one." I commented. "Yeah... Come on, Twilight... These Crystal Ponies are more curious than a cat!" She said to me and herself. I agreed. "Master, you need to hurry." I said as we both looked up at the palace. ;Tyrath's POV; We panted as we ran, Twilight turning every object over. I was pointing at things for her to search because she didn't want me or Spike actually looking. "It's gotta be here somewhere. It's just gotta be! Not a claw, Spike." She said as Spike lifted the carpet. "Uh..." He laughed nervously. "Celestia's orders!" She exclaimed. "Something tells me something the Princess said will help you find it." I said. Knowing how wise the Princess was. If she sent Twilight here she would have prepared her. "Of course! You're right! But I thought of it first!" Warned Twilight after looking at the throne for a second as she remembered something the Princess said. "Yes boss!" I exclaimed, mock saluting as Spike ran into Twilight. "Argh! What? Did you find it?" Asked Spike as I helped him up. "No. Because this isn't King Sombra's castle." Informed Twilight. "I gathered that. It's not black." I pointed out. "Well, isn't this where he lived when he was in power?" Asked Spike. "It is. But Ego is right. It didn't look like this." She said and blasted a crystal on the throne with dark magic... Not the type to be trifled with. But Princess Celestia trusted Twilight enough that she taught her it, so I didn't mind. "Whoa. When did you learn to do that?" Asked Spike. "That was a little trick Celestia taught me." She said. "Told you she'd given you the answer." I smirked. Thinking about the Princess made me happy, I remembered her laugh... How she made me feel good just by being near her... A churning in my gut... It was a very odd feeling... Ahem. Suddenly the floor opened up to reveal a massive downward spiral staircase and Spike gulped. "You stay here." Said Twilight to us. "Huh, if you insist." Said Spike. "Not a chance." I said and leapt down... "He never listens..." Twilight said during my descent. The floor shook as I landed. "Can you see what's down there yet?" Asked Spike, his voice echoing down to me. "Not yet. I can't even tell how far down this goes! Ego?!" Asked Twilight as she dropped a stone. I ignored her on purpose because it hit me on the head. I wasn't about to forgive that. "Spike?" Asked Twilight. "Yeah?" He replied. "Can you see outside?" She asked. ... "It's not good! Cadance's magic must be fading faster than before!" He yelled. That's worrying... I hope the girls and Creature are OK... "Ugh! Ow!" Exclaimed Twilight, falling down the stairs. She managed to make herself float before she whacked her head at the bottom. "Twilight? Ego? Are you okay?" Asked Spike. "BOO!!!" I jumped out at Twilight and she screamed. "Yes... No thanks to Ego." She said shooting a glare at me as I laughed. There's payback for the stone. "I live to serve." I said. We looked around... "A door!" She said. "After you." I said as she used her magic on the handle, but the door shot away. "What in the..." She said after the second time trying. "This door really doesn't want to let us through." I said. "Stop... Moving!" She exclaimed. And blasted the crystal above it with dark magic. We looked through and white light was behind the door. "Spike, I think it's here! Huh?" She asked as we both entered the door... ... A white light blinded me for a second and when I looked, Twilight was nowhere to be seen. I looked around... I was in Canterlot, at the Castle, in the gardens. Weird. I looked behind me and saw a terrible sight. Damien, one of his masked Generals and Sombra approaching the castle... I backed off, reaching for my sword... Nothing. I tried my magic. Nothing. I then decided to take an extreme course of action... I ran at Damien attempting to tackle him only to be stopped by some sort of invisible shield, they didn't even acknowledge me! Was I in a vision of sorts? "Now then my new friend, show King Sombra here what you can do." Smiled Damien to his General. I noticed he had hooks on rope over his shoulder "Yes, Chaos Lord." He said... He sounded familiar... He took his mask off and... No... Me?! Suddenly I was absorbed into his point of view, except I had no control... Maybe it was a Black Ring disguised as me... But then, why was I seeing through his eyes? 'I' then walked up to the statue of Princess Celestia and got the roped hook out and swung it at the statue, hooking it in, 'I' then grabbed the rope over 'my' shoulder and walked, pulling the statue down. "Wow! All on his own? He'll be a valuable addition..." Smiled Sombra. "Looks like that didn't get their attention." Smirked Damien. 'I' nodded and got the Claw of Abraxas out and pointed it at another statue. Then a purple beam of magic shot out from it and destroyed Princess Luna's statue! Suddenly Princess Celestia teleported to the Castle entrance. "What is the meaning of this-" She started before noticing the three men... "Sombra?! Impossible! I sent Twilight t-" She stopped as Sombra held up a hoof. "You want your precious Twilight?" He asked. "Yes!" She demanded. "Do be a chum and show the Princess what she wants." Said Damien, looking back at 'me'. "At once." 'I' clicked my fingers and the girls appeared in chains. "Twilight..." She started. "Here they are. In one piece. Most of them." 'I' chuckled. "Yes, my General here got a bit... Overzealous with them." Chuckled Damien. The Princess started toward them. "Ah ah ah." 'I' waved my finger, sending them away again and she stopped. "Who are you?!" She asked. "I am Damien. You already know Sombra. And I believe you are familiar with my new General, yes?" Smiled Damien, gesturing to 'me'. 'I' turned into a pony again before switching back. "Ego?!" Asked the Princess in surprise. "No, not any longer. Meet Drace Reynfaire, my new General." He said. "It's good to see you again Princess." 'I' smiled wickedly. "Now then, show her we mean business. We have other things to deal with in Saddle Arabia, we'll be back post haste." Smiled Damien wickedly... I wasn't charmed... Did I join him... On purpose?! And Drace?! Impossible... It can't be... No... Not again... 'It... It can't be...' I thought. 'I didn’t take his offer... Did I?' I approached her as Damien and Sombra teleported away. "Wait, you saved us! You're good! Please tell me this is a trick to stop him!" Said the Princess. 'I' leaned close to her... Her expression turned to relief... And then 'I' grabbed her by the throat. She began to struggle in my grip before 'I' threw her through the castle doors, smashing them open and announcing 'my' arrival... "Sister!" Exclaimed Princess Luna, running over to her as she landed on the far side of the throne room. "Luna! It's Ego! He joined them!" Warned the Princess as 'I' quickly approached, Princess Luna stood up to cast a spell but was too slow, 'I' backpunched her which means 'I' did the motion of a backhand but with a curled fist. She slammed into a pillar on the left, injured. "Oof!" She grunted in pain. "No, not Ego. Drace, Drace Reynfaire." 'I' stated. "Sister!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia. She stood up and blasted me with magic... When she stopped and the blinding light subsided I was standing there as if nothing... Even to me now, that blast would've sent me back a few feet and injured me. Probably even killed me... Unless I cast a powerful shield spell, but I can't do those without chanting a 10 second long spell as of yet... Unless... Did I... Did I join Damien for power!? That’s the only way I could master so many complex spells in so little time... And the Claw of Abraxas... I wasn't influenced by it but it's power was unlocked? Was it possible I killed Abraxas...? I looked through 'my' mind and found it had been days since the Crystal Empire. "Not happening." 'I' chuckled darkly, 'I' grabbed her muzzle and she yelped. The guards moved to stop 'me' but 'I' cast another spell I can't do without chanting yet! The spell sent the guards flying into walls and pillars, knocking them out. "Stop!" Said Princess Luna, 'I' looked over and saw her quivering. Despite her bravado she was terrified. "Oh Luna... Such care for your sister who abandoned you for a thousand years." 'I' said in a childlike voice. "How... How did you know that!?" She asked. "Oh, I managed to pull it out of Twilight while she regaled her entire life story to me over some tea and torture. I found out some very interesting things. Even your own subjects hate you." 'I' said. "No...!" She said, starting to cry a little both for what 'I' said about her and about Twilight. "Don't listen Luna." Said Princess Celestia like she had something in her mouth because 'I' had her mouth in my hand. "Shut up." 'I' said, letting her go and backhanding her mouth, she fell over, rubbing her cheek with tears in her eyes. "I won't listen!" Said Princess Luna, holding her head high, looking away from 'me'. "Oh Luna... So bold." 'I' said and cupped her cheek, moving her head so she was looking at 'me', 'I' leaned in close. "You should've heard Cadance scream..." 'I' whispered and moved back, seeing her expression drop. It broke my heart, I was fighting for control but it felt like I was pounding on a prison cell door, I was crying out in anger, banging on the cell doors. "No...! No! You're lying!" She exclaimed and charged a spell. "If you cast a single spell I'll cut off your horn." 'I' threatened, pleasure in my voice. She stood down and then broke down, crying her eyes out. "Hahaha." 'I' chuckled. "Why?" Asked Princess Celestia. "Why? Power my dear. Power. Damien gave me the power to master my Draconic Magic. He also promised me the Kingdom of Equestria." "Bu-" Started Princess Celestia. "When Sombra has outlived his usefulness, we're going to dispose of him. After all, he cannot be around if I am to rule." 'I' answered and picked her up by her throat. "But for me to rule, you two can't be in the picture either, can you?" I asked with a chuckle. "Please..." She choked as I applied pressure. "Stop!" Pleaded Princess Luna. "Ok." 'I' said, shrugging with a smile and 'I' threw the Princess to the ground. She still had tears in her eyes as she coughed, holding a hoof to her neck, Princess Luna moved over to her and made sure she was OK. I got a glimpse into what 'I' had planned for them... No! That’s not me... I don't... Do that! Not against their will! As 'I' watched them hug, crying at their possible last few moments with each other... I felt a slight opening in 'my' heart as 'I' watched them, I took the opening and good job because 'I' closed it a second later. "Well... I will let you both and Twilight live... If you do something for me..." 'I' said, malice in my words. "Yes! Anything!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia. "I want to rule. You want to live and save your subjects... We can come to an arrangement." I smiled. "Sister..." Started Princess Luna in realisation. "Quiet Luna, I can get us out of this! What do you want?" She asked. 'I' approached her and stroked her cheek and leaned in close. "You." 'I' whispered but loud enough so Princess Luna could hear as well. "What? What do you... You mean..." She said, starting to click on. "Yes..." 'I' said, biting her ear lightly, still stroking her cheek. "I..." She started, "I can rule, with you by my side..." 'I' said. "We could accomplish so much together..." 'I' whispered. It sounds a lot like the drivel Damien was selling me with his offer... "Wha..." She was lost for words I bit her ear she failed to suppress a moan. "I will put in you the best symbol of unity between our worlds." 'I' whispered. "Very well...." She relented, realizing there was no other choice. "Good girl." 'I' whispered, kissing a tear away, I was fighting for control, I had to sift through and watch my memories all the torture I put the girls through... It was horrible. Suddenly Princess Celestia pulled away. "What about the other girls?" She asked, noticing 'I' only mentioned the two Princesses and Twilight. "Hmm... Well then... I'd want you as well Luna." 'I' smiled, stroking Princess Luna's chin as I kissed Princess Celestia's neck. "Two symbols of unity is better than one." 'I' chuckled. "No!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia. "If it means the safe return of Twilight Sparkle and her friends..." Said Princess Luna. "Well?" 'I' asked. Stroking Princess Celestia's mane. She let out a shuddery breath. "Yes..." She concluded. Approaching 'me' and kissing 'my' cheek while crying... "Excellent... Maybe we should adjourn to your rooms... We should waste no time." 'I' said. Suddenly I managed to take over 'my' body. "Ahh!" 'I' yelled as I took over, moving backwards. The two Princesses looked at me in surprise. "It’s me! Ego! I'm back!" I said, slapping myself for a second to make sure I had control. "Bu... Why did you... Oh Cadance!" Said Princess Luna, crying. "Lulu, what's wrong?" Asked Princess Celestia, using Princess Luna's childhood name... Luckily ignoring me as I ran some tests on myself... "He... He tortured and killed Cadance and Shining Armor!" Cried Princess Luna. I searched my memories... Oh no... "I... I... Oh Divine, I... made her suffer..." I said and moved backwards in shock and sank against the pillar. I... Did something unspeakable, listening to her scream before she died... I.... No... "You WHAT?!" Yelled Princess Celestia, about to kill me... And I didn't blame her. Hell, I wanted her to. "Wait sister... That isn't 'Drace' that threw you through that door and tried to..." Observed Princess Luna. Cutting off before she mentioned what I was about to do. "No... I looked into the door at the Crystal Palace..." I said, looking into the distance in horror at what I did. "Then... This isn't real!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. "You're right! That wasn't the real you!" Realised Princess Celestia. Picking me up with magic so I was standing. "You just have to wake up!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. "Or is this just my worst fear?" I asked. "...Not exactly. This is what should happen if Twilight fails. If you give in the Sombra and accept this 'Damien's' offer. This is a glimpse of the future. Sombra used the door to corrupt his servants so they served him loyally. But it depends what is more depressing to the one looking. If it is the possible future, the door shows them that. If it is their worst fear, it shows them that." Explained Princess Celestia. "Yes, and if they didn't wake up, they trapped themselves inside their minds forever because of the despair and became his mindless slaves. Walking corpses doing his bidding." Explained Princess Luna. "Do not end up like them. You are better than that." She added. "Ok... I'll wake up..." I said and began to fade out. "Before you go..." Said Princess Celestia, she leaned close to me and kissed me on the cheek. "For luck." She smiled... "And from me." Said Princess Luna, doing the same. They both smiled... They wished me luck and kissed my cheek... Despite what I was about to do... ... I blurrily saw my father... Calling me... "Ego!" Father... "Ego!" A voice... Calling me... Not my father's... A woman. "Ego!" Again... Mother? "Ego!" No... It was... two voices? "EGO!" Screamed Spike and Twilight at the same time as I woke up in a flash of light. I saw I was holding my knife to my stomach where my armor was weak! "Ahhhhh!" I yelled, pulling the knife away and stumbling backwards. Falling on my ass. "Ego! What happened to you?" Asked Twilight, walking over to me. "No... No... I... Can't..." I said, backing away. "It's OK... It was just a vision of your worst fear." Comforted Twilight, reaching out to me. "No! It was worse." I said, pulling away, backing into a wall. "I failed my test... Celestia sent me away... And then you appeared and told me you had joined Sombra and Damien, you raised your sword to me, I looked away and then I woke up." She said. "I'm sorry..." I mumbled. "Huh?" She asked. "Nothing. Come on." I said, determined to finish this. I saw Spike look into the crystal... After this is over I'll leave and lock myself away in my Battle Tower. I couldn't be trusted around them. "It was King Sombra's dark magic. A doorway that leads to your worst fear." Explained Twilight as she woke Spike up... "We were home. You told me you didn't need me anymore. You were sending me away..." Said Spike. "A fear that will never come to pass. I'm never gonna send you away. And I'm not gonna fail my test!" Said Twilight, hugging Spike, seeing them so happy... It made me feel worse for what I did... She then blasted the crystal above the door, opening it. Twilight and I stepped through. "What's in there?" Asked Spike worriedly, poking his head out. Me and Twilight both frowned... "Stairs.... Lots and lots of stairs." She sighed after looking up at the amount of stairs and we began to climb. "Maybe you should come with me this time Spike." Said Twilight. "I hate stairs, they always lead up to something." I smiled slightly, trying to lighten my mood... And failing. ;Crystal Fair - Creature's POV; All the Ponies cheered as we watched the jousting. Rainbow Dash put her helmet on and waved to the crowd but poor Fluttershy looked and sounded terrified! She couldn't even use the javelin properly! I saw Pinkie doing tricks to entertain everypony before the match. Suddenly the shield flickered again and the Flying Fortresses and Black Ring were visible for a second. We heard Sombra's laughter reverberate through the Empire... "Do it." I nodded. "Mmm hmm." She agreed quickly and worriedly. She then blew the flugelhorn to signal the start to keep the Ponies occupied. "Fluttershy!" I cheered her on as she shrieked and screamed. Trying to boost her confidence. Suddenly she came to a halt and cowered away, Rainbow Dash hit her and she went flying into a pile of hay. I rushed over to make sure she was ok. "Bravo, Knight Rainbow Dash!" Yelled a Pony. "Are you OK Mistress Fluttershy?" I asked, helping her up. "Oh, thank you Creature." She smiled. "No problem Mistress." I bowed. "Isn't there... somepony else who could... take over the jousting demonstration with you? How about Creature?" She asked Rainbow Dash who flew over. "Creature would probably kill me! The fate of an entire Empire rests on us showing these ponies a good time... But, y'know, if that isn't important to you..." She said, making Fluttershy cry. "Okay, okay, I'll take it easy on you next time. But not too easy. I've got a reputation to maintain!" She concluded. Fluttershy was looking still scared. I looked behind her and saw the crystals turning black! Sombra must be corrupting the land somehow... "Hurry up Master..." I said nervously and went to watch the jousting again. ;Tyrath's POV; Twilight, Spike and I ran up the stairs. I admit, even with my training, it was becoming hard going. I had put Spike on my shoulders so he didn't lag behind. "I think this is a metaphor for life! 'There is no elevator to success! You have to take the stairs!'" I said. "You aren't helping! Although I think it could be true!" Called Twilight. "What if this is just more of his magic? He makes a door that leads to your worst nightmare. Why not a staircase that goes on forever?" Said Spike. "Please, Divine, no!" I cried at Spike's suggestion. "Both of you, hold on to me." Said Twilight, I put Spike down and we did. "Uh..." Started Spike as Twilight cast a spell... Suddenly the staircase turned into a slide! "Whoa. Whoaaa! Yaaaah!" Called Twilight, her and Spike were in my lap as we slid down. "Yeehaaa!" I yelled, taking my helmet off so I didn't knock my head on the stone... At least my mood was improved. ;Crystal Fair - Creature's POV; The ponies had started to panic, noticing the black crystals... Rarity (she apologised to me) was busy making... Stuff. Out of whatever she had on hoof. The Ponies were crowding around the 'heart' but I was jumping around it, growling at them, warning them away. Rarity ran over to us, weaving through the crowd. "Jog on!" I growled to a Pony getting too close for comfort. "Excuse me, pardon me..." She apologised, running over to us. "I am running out of weaving materials for the traditional crafts booth! I just made a hat out of three pieces of hay and a drinking straw! I made it work. But still!" She informed us. We looked over and stifled a laugh at the silly hat... "This can't go on much longer." I stated. "I agree, but we gotta do everything we can to keep this thing goin'. The Princess isn't lookin' so good. I can't imagine her magic is gonna last much longer. It's gonna be fine. These ponies are gonna power up that Crystal Heart when the time comes, and we won't be needin' her magic anyway." Whispered Applejack. "I wouldn't worry. Master and the Purple One will make it! Even if they don't, Master will have a backup plan!" I assured them. Now, I wasn't one to doubt Master, as I know his power better than anyone, as I have actually seen it and lived to tell the tale. But even I was starting to get nervous... "I sure hope so, but I hope it's soon! Even I can't keep this party going forever!" Said Pinkie, slipping from a ball she was balancing on while juggling, the ball shot up and knocked over the fake heart! "This isn't the Crystal Heart." Said one of the Ponies. "Oh, of course it isn't. The real one is–" Started Rarity, laughing nervously before Applejack interrupted... "-On its way!" She finished. "I was going to say 'being polished' to buy us some more time?" Said Rarity. "Oops..." Said Applejack. One pony began to panic. "It's... It's him!" Said a Pony.. "Crystal Heart..." He laughed... "The charade is over!" I said and ran out to the fields, taking a defensive stance, getting my swords out and preparing for the onslaught of the Black Ring. "Foolish mortals, it takes more than that to kill a Creature! Actually, come to think of it, I quite fancy the gas chamber..." I said thoughtfully. 'I will make you proud Master...' I thought... ;Crystal Palace (No, not the football team...) - Tyrath's POV; We were sliding down, or rather up the stairs. "Awesome! Anti-Gravity spell! Good thinking!" I whooped. "Whoooooahahaha! Yep, I actually studied gravity spells, thinking it might be on my test! Turns out I was prepared for this! Wooo-hooo! Hahah!" She yelled. As we reached the top she corrected our gravity. I landed(again) on my sore ass, making matters worse, Twilight and Spike both landed on my groin. "Owww!" I yelled as they rolled off me, I gripped my privates in pain. "Haha, sorry." She said, rubbing the back of her head as I got up groggily. "It's fine." I strained, waddling over to them still holding my sore area. We were on top of the Palace! "Hey I can see my house from here!" I said, pointing to the Battle Tower, because the Fortresses had lowered to the round to disembark their troops I could see the Tower! The wind was blowing hard up here... We saw the Heart floating in the center of the room! Suddenly a slow clapping was heard. "So Dragons... Pony. You found it. Well done." Said Damien. "I couldn't have done it without them." I said. "Yes, you could have. Just as they could have done it without you. It works both ways." He said. "Sure..." I said. "You see Dragon, this is an Alternate Reality. Every reality is. There is a reality where humans do not ever come into contact with ponies. Where you and I never even meet them. There is a reality where they defeat Chrysalis and Sombra without your help. Where the Black Ring are not here, and neither are you. They are left to their own devices from both you and I. But in this Reality they need you to survive just as you need them." He explained. "Why are you telling me this?" I asked. "Just trying to kill time while my Ring overtake the Empire." He said. "Not going to happen." I growled. "So? What are you waiting for? Claim your prize! You've earned it." He smiled evilly, jumping from the ledge... His astral form presumably disappearing as it went out of sight... Twilight went for it as I thought on Damien's words... I cast my gaze over the room... Oh bollocks! "No wait! Twilight, it's too easy-" Before I could finish, she stood on a pressure plate, alerting Sombra to her presence. She grabbed the Heart but dropped it and was trapped in a black crystal prison... "The Heart... Where's the Crystal–" Started Twilight, looking around. Spike spotted it. "Here! It rolled over to us when you dropped it!" Said Spike. Crystals surrounding us. "Stay close Spike..." I said. He started shuffling over to me. "Don't move!" Countered Twilight. "Nevermind." I said to him. He stopped moving. "You can move, just not toward me!" She said and tried to teleport out but was just teleported back in again. "It's a deflection field! Whatever spell you cast it backfires!" I told her as Spike clutched my leg we were backing further toward the edge... "You're right! Oh, how could I have been so foolish!? I was just so eager to get it! You tried to warn me! Then when I saw Damien again and what was going on outside, I..." She started. "You have to get out of there, Twilight! You have to be the one who brings the Heart to Princess Cadance! If you don't, you'll fail Celestia's test!" Exclaimed Spike. "We haven’t got long!" I said, looking behind me, seeing the shield beginning to fail. "King Sombra and the Black Ring are already attacking the Empire. They could reach the Crystal Ponies at any moment... reach Princess Cadance, my brother, my friends. There may not be enough time for me to find a way to escape." She admitted. "Well, what then?" I asked. Spike and I were backed into a corner by sharp crystals, he was on my back now. "You both have to be the ones to bring the Crystal Heart to the Fair." Concluded Twilight. "Spike, can you handle that? I need to be out there fighting with Creature." I said. "Me? But guys–" He started. Getting down from my back. "Go!" She said. "But–" He started to argue. "Goooo!" Yelled Twilight. Spike grabbed the Crystal Heart and jumped onto my back again. "Come on! Tell them to hold my mail!" I yelled as I leapt from the window, going into freefall. As we fell, I saw the shield dissipate completely... "Woaahhhh! We'reeeee gonnnnaaaa dieeeee!" Yelled Spike, I was about to switch into my Dragon Form but an arrow shot the Crystal Heart from Spike's claw. While I was surprised another then pierced my armor in my shoulder, throwing me off my freefall. I looked and saw Kali as a Unicorn in the tower, holding a bow in her magic, she smiled evilly and waved at me, teleporting away. I curled around Spike and we slammed into the ground. Spike was fine and got up, but I was injured. I used my greatsword to get up and had to use it to stay upright. "What happened?!" Asked Applejack, running over. "Kali! She shot me! Ahh!" I said, yanking the arrow from my shoulder the arrow wound wasn't too bad, my regenerative blood would take care of that, but my broken leg was another story... "Master!" Said Creature, running over from the field. There were about 12 dead Black Ring where he came from. The taster wave I'm guessing. "Where's the Heart?!" Asked Applejack, I saw it landed in a far field... The Black Ring were pouring in toward it... "Creature, come on we've a fight to get to." I said, limping toward the Heart. "Woah pardner! You're hurt!" Exclaimed Applejack, moving in front of me and stopping me with her hooves on my shoulders. "This? Tis but a scratch." I said, keeping walking/limping. She got back on all fours, watching us go worriedly. "Shall we Master?" Asked Creature. "Let's do it." I said, putting my helmet back on and I began to run forward to the best of my ability, pointing my greatsword at the ground and using my other hand with a curled fist to gain momentum(you know how running works). "Ahhh!" I yelled as we ran toward the Black Ring... Looks like only the Generals were ponified though... Strange... (Soundtrack to this part, it's optional, but you know... For those who like that sort of thing. Music composed by Kirill Pokrovsky.) As a Black Ring soldier was about to swing downwards at me, raising his sword above his head, I beat him to it and cleaved him in two from the waist down. Another came at me with his sword lowered. He quit while he was ahead! You know... Cause I cut his head off... Keep up! A few archers were firing at me but I just ducked, dodged and weaved through the arrows, the Black Ring Archers are terrible shots! Only Kali is a dead-eye apparently. I clotheslined a Captain as he tried to run past me, breaking his neck on impact with my arm. A group of 5 soldiers then came at me but I raised my hand and sent them flying, they all hit the ground, dead. I can kill groups of enemies huddled, but when they surround me is different, I have the Firewall spell I can cast without chanting but that's it. I sliced and diced my way through countless Black Ring with Creature at my back. Suddenly a Sergeant flanked us, getting behind me and kicking my injured leg, sending me down on one knee. He kicked my back, sending me to the ground on my stomach, I turned on my back quickly but he put up a personal deflection shield so I couldn't cast a spell to stop him. Creature was fighting his own battles... "Time to die Dragon!" He laughed and raised his sword, I put my hand in front of my face and looked away, closing my eyes, waiting for the end to come... Suddenly I heard... "Yeehawww!" And Applejack bucked him with all her might, sending him about 5 foot away and breaking his spine in half. It was then I realised something... Human and Pony anatomy are so different that Ponies have an inbuilt resistance to their own magic, Unicorn or no. Which is why most spells that should kill them, don't. And they are built to take a kick from their own species while Human skeletons are weaker and can't even take a moderate kick from a Pony! "Applejack...?" I asked, dazed as I got up. "I'm 'ere for ya pardner!" She said. "Thanks..." I said and ran for the Heart as I reached it I crouched down using my greatsword to keep me from falling over. I picked up the Heart. "Got it!" I said, getting up. "Ahhh!" Cried Kali, running at me and stabbing my in the chest with something... "Fuck!" I yelled in pain as I held the Crystal Heart high in the air. I pushed Kali away and she fell to the floor but the Crystal flew out of my hand as another archer hit it... A group of 12 Black Ring started toward the girls and I stepped in front of them. "I don't think so." I said, yanking the black crystal shard from my chest, I felt something move inside me... Not good... They started toward me and I took a huge breath, my eyes narrowed, went yellow and draconic again and I let out my breath, fire poured from my mouth, scorching the Black Ring into ashes. As I stopped spewing fire, my eyes returned to normality. I saw Kali run at me with her sword. I blocked her blow with one arm and kicked her away, stabbing a Black Ring in the side as he tried to run past me. i kicked my left leg out to the side, breaking another Black Ring's hip as she tried to get past me. Kali was back up and I kicked her back down. I looked down at my chest and saw black crystal all over me! It was running from the middle of my chest up to the left side of my throat down to my left knee... "It's working!" Exclaimed Kali in glee as she got up again. "Ahh!" I yelled and swung for her, she just jumped out of the way. I saw... No! Impossible... I think I saw the two other Princesses land at the square... ;Crystal Square - Princess Celestia's POV; "Cadance! What's happening?" I asked. "Ego is back... He's out there fighting the Black Ring, the group that Stone was part of." She explained. "Ego!? What happened?" Asked Luna. "Something either of you didn't predict. His enemies, the Black Ring teamed up with Sombra! We're lucky he was here!" Exclaimed Cadance. "Is he OK?" I asked. "He jumped from the tower and landed rough, he was injured but ran out to fight anyway, Applejack leant him a hoof. What? I tried to stop him." Lied Shining Armor, I know he lied because of the way he said it. "But is he in trouble?!" I asked. "I don't know." He shrugged. "I think so." Nodded Cadance, glancing at Armor angrily, Luna and I were angry at him as well, but now was not the time... ;Tyrath's POV; As I was surrounded by Black Ring I wasn't going without a fight, I sliced three heads off and shoved my blade backwards, impaling one. One ran at me and I bit his throat out, spitting it out to the floor, blood gushing from my mouth from the throat... I was going to kick, hit, bite and claw my way out of this if I had to. Suddenly the other Ring surrounding me were blasted to bits by powerful magic... "Wha..." I asked, I saw the two Princesses approach... It made me feel happy, seeing them. "Where is Ego?!" Asked Princess Celestia, pointing her horn at me. "You found him." I grunted in pain and held my chest as the crystal expanded again. "What?" She asked, looking closely. "I killed Stone and you and Princess Luna are lightweights." I answered with a smile of pain. "It IS you...! Is that blood?" Asked Princess Celestia. "Not mine." I answered and wiped my mouth. "Maybe not, but you are hurt." She said as I coughed black liquid. "I'm fine..." I said, was I crying? I rubbed my eye and black liquid was on my fingertip... "No, you're not." She said. "I'm fine!" I yelled. They backed off, their eyes flattening. "I'll... Just... I'll deal with this!" I insisted. They walked back to the square hesitantly. I didn't want them in danger... Wait, why was I so goddamn concerned and protective around them? Around innocents, yes. But these two could no doubt handle themselves as I've seen, but I felt as if I wanted them to be safe... I looked down and my entire left half was encased in crystal... I fell to my left knee, then I realised I couldn't get up! "You're going to die Dragon." Said Kali, coming close because my greatsword was in my other hand which was encased in crystal so I couldn't move it... I was about to give up... "Come on! Get up! We got your back!" Said Rainbow Dash, kicking ass. The Princesses also rejoined the fray despite my objections... "Yeah! We're 'ere pardner!" Exclaimed Applejack as everything became quiet and I could hear my own breaths... The sounds of battle became dull... Kali was laughing in my face. "We are not leaving you to die!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. "I don't need your help! I can do this myself!" I yelled. "No chance! We all need help sometimes!" Said Rainbow, punching the Black Ring, they were barely fighting the remnants back... They needed my help. "Yeah! It's what friends are for!" Said Applejack. "Friends?" I asked... "Yeah... Woah!" Exclaimed Applejack, she jumped toward Kali who grabbed her with magic and threw her a few feet away, hurting her but not killing her. I became enraged. "Soon my experimental Mist Warriors will reach us, then we'll be unstoppable!" She exclaimed. They must be the warriors I saved Shining Armor from earlier... "Ahhh! No! You. Won't . Hurt. Them!" I yelled and used my left side as a battering ram, Kali was barely dodging my attacks. I headbutted her and she went down, knocked out. I turned to the Crystal Heart but saw Black Ring. "Try it Dragon." Growled one. In response I used a mind attack, causing their heads to explode. Fuck, that wore me out... I limped forward, panting. Two Black Ring ran at me I clenched my fist by my side, using a forbidden spell that crushed both of their spines. One kicked me and I fell down, my greatsword getting kicked away. I raised my hand and clenched my fist again, crushing his throat in a single swift move. I saw the Crystal Heart was in range as I was down and I used my free hand to grab it... I used my crystallized elbow to prop myself up... "Spike! Go long!" I yelled and threw him the Heart like a frisbee. He jumped and caught it but a black crystal appeared beneath him and raised him high. He jumped down crystal by crystal... I was about to get back to battle when suddenly a sword pierced my back... "No!" Yelled Princess Celestia, before Black Ring got in the way of her and her sister's view... "You will not succeed!" Yelled Kali, and ran at Spike. I grabbed my knife from my right shin and threw it at her, hitting her leg, she fell down. I yanked the sword she stabbed me with from my back. As I did I saw Sombra about to get the Crystal, I couldn't stop him, that was up to the others. But I could ensure Kali couldn't hurt anyone or pony else... I slowly crawled over to her and wrapped my free, non-crystallised hand around Kali's throat and applied pressure... ;Creature's POV; As baby Dragon jumped from a high crystal, I saw him and Sombra both reaching for the Crystal Heart... "Come on kid..." I said as I impaled a Black Ring behind me on my sword with my magic. Which was a light gray aura. Princess Cadance was then thrown by Shining Armor from the balcony, she flew and caught the Heart (and baby Dragon) right out of Sombra's hooves. "Behold! The Crystal Princess!" Said a Pony. "The Crystal Heart has returned. Use the light and love within you to ensure that King Sombra does not." She said, putting the Heart in it's place. It started whirring to life as the ponies rallied around their Princess, bowing to her. I saw the other two Princesses as well, fighting the remaining Black Ring. I ran over to the White Princess. "Your Majesty? Where is Master?" I asked, fighting back to back with her. "Huh?" She asked. "He means Ego." Said Applejack, jumping to our side, bucking the Black Ring away. "I don't know, I lost sight of him." She said as the heart took effect. "Last we saw him, he was stabbed in the back!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. Extending both her wings quickly, effectively 'punching' two Black Ring away from her left and right. "Master will be fine!" I yelled as I was severing limbs. "Well, we need to find him! Woah!" Said Rainbow, flying over to us and dodging a few arrows. "These guys can't even aim!" Laughed Rainbow. Honestly? They only had a chance because Master and I killed the best and most of the Black Ring in the first and second wave. Otherwise they'd be dead by now... "What? No... No! Stop!" Said Sombra as the Magic of Love and Light spread. Causing the Black Ring and Sombra to burst... We all became crystalline as the Heart took back the Empire, turning it truly into the Crystal Empire. The Fortresses were still there but the Black Ring manning them weren't! "Wooohooo!" I cheered. "Yeah! Awesome!" Exclaimed Rainbow. "Where's Master?" I asked with a smile, the girls all shrugged and my smile slowly disappeared. The two sisters crossed horns in happiness as the Empire was freed of Sombra's control. I noticed the Crystal Ponies beginning to look sad as they surrounded something. "What's going on over there?" Asked Purple One as she levitated herself from the tower. (I didn’t know her or the baby Dragon's names...) The girls and Princesses all joined her, looking in confusion to whatever the thing was the Crystal Ponies were blocking the view of... We all pushed past... "No!" I exclaimed and ran over, the girls came out of the crowd, looking confused before seeing what I saw... Lord Tyrath, encased in black crystal... "Master!" I said shaking the statue... (He looks like Wolverine from the cover of X-Men origins except unlike Wolverine he has black crystal covering his body, no claws and not as handsome, oh and he had a decapitated pony head held by the mane in his left hand.) "Is he..." Asked Cadance. "I..." I cut off... Unable to answer, or comprehend what could be my Master's demise... "Well?! Happy now, Shining?!" Asked Cadance, in tears. "I..." He started mumbling trying to respond. "You never trusted him! I asked you what it took! Well? How's this?!" She exclaimed. Gesturing to the black, frozen crystalline figure that used to be my Master. He looked down in shame. Maybe even a hint of sadness? "Come on Master, you always had a backup plan! Always!" I said hopefully. The statue remained still. "M- Master?!" I sobbed. Realising that he was probably truly gone... I saw the Princesses and the 6 mares also crying. Something tells me the two Princesses didn't cry often... But they cried over my Master? "He died protecting us..." Cried the Purple One putting a hoof on my back in comfort. "He swore not to let anything happen to or hurt you all, even if it meant his life. He was always as good as his word..." I cried. "There was never a better man or Dragon." I cried at the statue's feet. I couldn't bring myself to blame the Ponies... Master would have saved them no matter what... The 6 mares from before and the three Princess all hugged the statue along with me... "Wait, listen!" Said Blue Princess, sniffing a little from her tears. We all quietened down before hearing a crack... We backed away from the statue... And then another crack... Then another! Then several! Suddenly the crystal began visibly cracking and blue light was revealing beneath... "Master?!" I asked in awe, wiping my tears... Surely it was impossible! Suddenly the crystal statue burst and my Master was on his hands and knees coughing out black liquid that also dripped from his body... "W- What?" He coughed in answer to me as if nothing happened. "Oh! Master... You're alive! " I exclaimed happily in relief. I ran over to his side when the black liquidised crystal had completely gone from his body and had melted as it hit the ground. He was also crystalline like us! He looked absolutely majestic! His hair flowed upwards in a fiery orange color! His eyes were their yellow draconic type... I helped him up and he draped an arm over my back. The White Princess also ran over and helped him. "Thank the sun you're OK!" She exclaimed and rubbed her cheek on his. "I agree! Surely this is impossible!" I exclaimed. He knelt up on one knee and saw the Crystal Ponies all looking at him. "Of course I am alive, and don't call me Shirley... Oh, wow... What did I miss?" He asked in genuine confusion, looking out at the Crystal Ponies staring. "The usual." I chuckled. "I knew better than to doubt you!" I laughed. "You should...! Err, why are they staring...?" He asked. He stood up to his full height and the Crystal Ponies began cheering. "Now... Why are they cheering?" He asked. "You saved them Master, you and the baby Dragon got them the Heart." I smiled. "Indeed. You are a true hero." Smiled White Princess, stepping away from him. "There is a few last things." He announced, he stood on his own. "Master?" I asked. "I said I'd give you this." He said and placed Kali's ponified head in Shining Armor's hooves... "I... Wha..." He stuttered, looking at it with an open mouth and eyes. "Well, at least you can practise your kissing on something other than the mirror now." Said Master and we all burst out laughing. He then got some hooked rope and marched to the Flying Islands. He threw the hooks into them and when he was sure he had a good grip, he walked back toward us and in an incredible display of his ungodly strength he pulled the islands the rest of the way down. Smashing them into the ground outside the Empire, allowing the sun to be seen again as the dust settled. They all cheered even louder at seeing the sun shine on their kingdom for the first time in 1000 years. I saw White Princess staring and smiling at Master... Quite intensely... so was Blue Princess. I'd even call their smiles... Endearing? Suddenly White Princess shook her head, pulling herself out of her stupor. "Ahem. I'll see you in Canterlot." Said White Princess, speaking to Purple One.e seemed annoyed at Purple One for some reason... She wiped away a tear as she and her sister flew away. ;Ego's POV; I saw the two Princesses as they were crystalline... They looked... Ahem, nice... Sparkly, I suppose... Ahem. I couldn't take my eyes off them as they flew away... "Oh brother... I failed..." Mumbled Purple One. Spike and I sighed in relief at seeing the Empire saved. "In any case, good job, Spike. You too Ego." Smiled Twilight. I did a two finger salute to her (not the rude way). ;10 minutes later; I was on the balcony in the Palace overlooking the Empire, looking out at the happiness and joy... and feeling like the worst person alive... I couldn't get that vision out of my mind... "Master?" Asked Creature, coming up behind me. "Yes?" I asked, looking back at him. "Are you ok?" He asked, leaning on the balcony railing next to me. "No... They deserve their happiness, their victory. I deserve nothing." I said. "Why, My Lord?" Asked Creature "Nothing. It's nothing." I waved him off. I went inside as he waited on the balcony. I saw Princess Cadance standing there, smiling at me. "That's the second time you've saved my life." She chuckled. "I know. I may have to start charging soon." I smiled. "Yeah..." She said, we both looked away. "Look, back there, you showed more concern for me than my husband really, ever has! I mean, he didn't even notice me not being myself at our wedding! And I admit, when you held me, and you looked into my eyes... I was captivated... I feel as though there is something between us... Do you?" She asked. "I... Princess..." I said as we got close, and then closer. "If you want me, kiss me now. Tell me you love me." She whispered, she surged forward but I backed off. "I... I can't. You're married Princess! We just can't..." I shook my head. "Is that the only reason?" She asked. "Yes." I said. Truthfully, i was lying. It was the vision as well. If it wasn't for the vision would I have kissed her? Maybe. I also felt as though I was betrayed someone else... Or was it somepony else? Fuck that! These were animals! Intelligent, talking animals, but still! It was wrong! Taboo! Disgusting! I shouldn't be thinking these thoughts! "I need to know. Do you think there is something there? Anything? Or is it just me?" She asked. "I... I do. But we can't. We just... Can't." I shook my head. I had to admit it. "No, you're right. Come, we should see the girls off." She said and walked out. She smiled at me slightly. Was she sad? Oh man, I might be in the shit... I went back to Creature. "Shall we?" He asked as we jumped from the balcony. We jogged and caught up to the girls as they were leaving, I was planning on ignoring Armor. "I do so wish it was permanent. Did you see how my mane just absolutely sparkled?" Asked Rarity, I noticed mine and Creature's crystalline properties vanished as we left. "But... good things are better when they're a rarity." Said Applejack. "Hey, jokes are my thing." I chuckled. I had to act normal for now... "Aww. He's right though, quit while you're ahead." Laughed Rarity. "Everything's gonna be okay. You've gotta stop saving my rump like this. It's starting to get embarrassing." Said Armor to Twilight. "Wasn't me who saved you in the end. It was Spike and Ego." Said Twilight, looking downtrodden. "Yep." Said Cadance, nudging her husband with an angry expression. Pretty much ignoring the fact she just tried to kiss me... He took a breath to speak. "Just leave it." I said, still not forgiving him, he stopped for a second before running to catch up. "It's just a test. Maybe she'll let you retake it." Said Shining as Twilight also looked sad. "You saw her back there, I don't think she's gonna give me a new test." Said Twilight, boarding the train. "Well... Good luck." I nodded. "Yer not comin'?" Asked Applejack. "I've got duties to attend at my Tower..." I lied. "Ok, see you soon pardner!" Applejack tipped her hat and I bowed slightly as the doors shut. "How are you getting back?" Asked Princess Cadance. "Easy. Battle Tower. Ready to teleport back with Creature." I said to my Dragon Stone. "Yes My Lord." Said Sassan. "Before I go, stop fainting. I may start to think you just do it so I'll worry myself to death." I said to Princess Cadance... She looked into my eyes for a second before replying... "Ha ha." She said with a roll of her eyes. "We are ready, My Lord." Said Sassan and teleported us back... Chapter 7: Maxos' Tower/Meet the Nobles!;Third Pony POV; Princess Celestia was sitting on her throne... Thinking... She wasn't listening to the noble droning on before her. She and Luna loved their little ponies but some of the nobles of Canterlot were so stuck up and pompous and they... Never. Shut. Up. Very few of them were like this but the ones that were annoyed them to no end... Speaking of love... Her thoughts drifted to Ego... She did love him, or at least she thought she did... She at least liked him. And that seemed an understatement. After all, ponies know better than any other species when they're in love... But how was she going to ask him out? Was she going to ask him...? No! She had to! This was a shot at happiness! But then... It seemed a little selfish, only going out with him to be happy... No, she liked him, maybe even loved him. But maybe she can try for happiness... At least once... But what would the nobles think...? Nevermind them, what would all of her little ponies think?! They'd think she was a freak for falling for an alien! But... he did have a pony form... "And also, if we wish to-" Started the noble, suddenly the Princess sighed and smiled as she thought of Ego. "Princess? Is there something-" The noble cut off as somepony burst into the Throne Room. "My Princess, there is something at the gates!" Exclaimed Captain Lone Starr, Princess Celestia's new Captain of the Guard. "What is it?" She asked. "I don't know Your Majesty." He said. "Very well, I will investigate." She said, looking for any excuse to get away from the snobby nobles of Canterlot. She exited her Castle and her escort of guards lead her to the gate. "How long has it been there?" She asked. "For about 20 minutes Your Highness." Said Starr. "Thank you Captain." She said. They approached the gate and as the Princess went to open it her guards did it for her, she held in a sigh of annoyance at being treated like a child. "It’s waiting outside Your Majesty." Said Starr, bowing as she walked out of the gate, he stayed by her side as they walked a few feet. She looked around to see nothing. "Where-" She started before Starr turned into Ego in his pony form and he leapt at her. "BOO!" He yelled, she pretty much punched him in the face with a forehoof. Hard. "Oh my! Ego! I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed, running over to him as he looked to be in pain. When she leaned down to see if he was OK, he grabbed her in his magic and pulled her down. They rolled over a few times, laughing their asses off. They stopped with him on top of her, they stopped laughing slowly as they gazed into each others eyes... ;Tyrath's POV; She has magenta eyes... I never knew that. They're... Enchanting. Lovely... Her eyes like amethysts: sharp, don’t miss a thing, wise, kindly... Beautiful. But they looked drained. Like she was carrying a weight... Such a lovely smile... Why didn't she smile more often...? No! Damnit! Ponies! It's fucking morally wrong! Beastialiy! It's disgusting! "Did it work?!" Came a voice. The real Captain Lone Starr approached the group of guards as the Princess and I stood up, averting our gaze from each other. "It worked, thanks Captain." I chuckled, hoofbumping him. "No problem, far be it from me to keep somepony from cheering the Princess up." He said with a smile. "Ahem, indeed. Anyway, why are you in your Pony Form?" She asked. "Well... Because I should be. Only you, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, the Crystal Ponies and the girls know my true form." I shrugged. "You do suit it." She smiled. "Thanks." I smiled back. "Ahem. Why are you here anyway?" Asked Princess Celestia. "I'm here to check out Maxos' Tower." I told her. "Princess! Ego!" Exclaimed Twilight, running over and hugging me. "Hey!" I chuckled. "What's with Ponies and hugging!?" I asked. "It's just the way we show care." Shrugged Twilight with a smile. "Huh." I said, shaking my head with a breath. "Twilight! My most faithful student! Why are you here?" Asked Princess Celestia, also hugging her student. "I'm here to visit the library!" She exclaimed. "So, Ego. You're here to see Star Swirl's Tower?" Asked Princess Celestia. "10 points to the Princess! Correctomundo!" I exclaimed. "Really?! Awesome! Can I see it as well?!" Asked Twilight. "Why not? But I have to enter first." I said. "Of course." Nodded Twilight. "May I also join you?" Asked Princess Celestia. "Sure Your Majesty." I smiled. "Just one thing. I need to ask you something." Said Princess Celestia. "Shoot." I shrugged. "I've been wondering... You said you were a Dragon-Knight... What does that mean?" Asked Princess Celestia. "Oh yeah... Right. Ok, you want to know?" I asked. "Yes!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Very well. Hold onto your flanks." I said with a (what sounded like an evil) chuckle. I released my Dragon Form with the spell "AHH!" I cried as my bones started cracking, my form broke apart and the Dragon was released. Sometimes if I don't release my Dragon Form often, it can cause some discomfort whilst transforming. "Holy sun..." Gasped Princess Celestia as I stood before them as a Dragon. I shifted my wings a few times to re-accommodate, my deep breathing reverberating. So deep it sounded like growling. I wasn't particularly big as a Dragon, at least not compared to true Dragons. But because even as a Human I towered over them, I did even more so in my Dragon Form. "You're a... Dragon?!" Exclaimed Twilight. Both mares were staring open mouthed and the guards were shivering. "Yes." I replied, my voice was extremely deep and echoey as a Dragon. "I am. I used to be a biped known as a Human. Now I am a Dragon-Knight." I told them. "We know you call yourself a Dragon-Knight... Not that you were an actual Dragon!" Exclaimed Twilight. I saw Princess Celestia staring at me... Very unsettling... Seems endearing...? I have no idea. "You really suit the Dragon Form as well..." She said, she was looking me over with quite a piercing stare... "Thanks..." I said. "Yeah, you really look nice..." Smiled Twilight... This was strange. "You look incredibly majestic..." She said. This was getting weird... "Yeah... So they say." I chuckled and switched back to my Alicorn Form with a slight grunt. "Please." Smiled Princess Celestia, gesturing with a hoof for me to enter the city. We headed inside the gates and for the first time I saw all of Canterlot in it's glory without Changelings attacking. It was amazing. I just stood at the gate, staring. "You and Princess Luna have built an amazing society here." I smiled. They were so much more civilized than Humans that it made me embarrassed I used to be one. "Well... I... Thank you." Blushed Princess Celestia...?! I swear I saw her blush, but when I blinked she wasn't... Maybe my mind's playing tricks on me... "No problem." I smiled at her as we entered the city proper, Ponies were everywhere, it seemed impossible to get past... "Sun! I hoped we could beat rush hour." Mumbled Princess Celestia. "Hmm... Remember when you told me that I had an air of authority about me that I didn't show?" I asked. "Yes." Said Princess Celestia. "Well here is why I don't show it, in case I accidentally do this." I said, I let my 'Authority' ability activate. It basically made me fearless, which isn't a good thing because it means if I'm fighting, I'm not as self-aware as I could be. So I'm not good at defense because I believe I'm invincible. But it was perfect for this. I was a nice guy, not rude, I usually wouldn't just push past ponies in the street. But with this ability I would. I took a breath and marched forwards, I bumped snobby noble after snobby noble out of the way, they took a look at me in disdain before realising I was an Alicorn, quite a few of them cowered. Twilight and the Princess were right behind me. Eventually we got to the Castle drawbridge and I deactivated the ability I call 'Authority' with a deep breath. "That was funny." Chuckled Princess Celestia. "It was?" Asked Twilight. "Yes, he just pushed those nobles out of the way like they're nothing." She laughed with glee as we walked over the drawbridge. "Yep. Is this it?" I asked pointing to the highest room of the tallest tower. Well, at the tallest tower anyway. "Yes. How did you know?" Asked Princess Celestia. "Dragons have thing for Towers. But he had a thing for very tall towers, compensating for something I guess." I shrugged, leading Princess Celestia to laugh. She even had a wonderful laugh... So lighthearted, quiet... Chaste, if you will... but it sounded... Amazing. Lovely... As a friend. Ahem. "Huh?" Asked Twilight, leading us both to laughter. Twilight seemed to ponder it for a second before realising and also laughing. "Ok, come on." I laughed, walking up the stairs to the door of the tower. The lock was as jagged as the key the Princesses gave me, the key was shaped like a Dragon, the bow(round thing on the end) Was a Dragon's head and the actual key was the tail. I put the key in the lock and turned it. I heard tumblers turn and the door became ajar... "Shall we?" Asked Princess Celestia. I pushed the door completely open and saw a laboratory with potions still brewing and notes on each of the different flasks with liquids. There were books scattered everywhere. I saw many traps around the room that couldn't be seen if you weren't a Dragon-Knight... Ok I lied, I can only see them because I've fell into some traps before... Ok, a lot of traps before... "Stop." I put my hand up and the two ponies stopped dead in their tracks behind me. "Kaazir." I spoke, deactivating the traps, I knew this because Maxos mentioned the password in his diary. "What was that?" Asked Twilight. "A password." I answered. "The Tower was booby trapped." Said Princess Celestia with a nod, realising how we Dragons protect our treasure. I read some of the potion labels... 'Potion of Life Line' 'Potion of Mana' 'Potion of Flight' 'Potion of Magic' they were all experimental powerful potions. But what caught my eye was the book on the table. Another diary! This time Star Swirl's, not Maxos'! . "His second diary!" I exclaimed, Princess Celestia and Twilight walked over and looked over my shoulders as I blew the cover of the diary, clearing the dust off of it. I opened it with magic and Star Swirl himself appeared out of it... "Dragon-Knight..." He said. "Fucking shit!" I yelled and jumped about 2 feet in the air in fright. "Maxos...!" I said in awe as I recovered gracefully. "What? Who are you talking to?" Asked Twilight. "Oh yes, Twilight can't see him." Said Princess Celestia. She had the sight to see ghosts? She must have been given it... "How about now?" Asked Maxos, giving her the sight. "Ah!" She yelled and hid behind Princess Celestia as she saw him. The Princess chuckled as her student cowered. "Yes Dragon-Knight. It is I. I have been waiting for you here for a long time, I couldn't rest in peace until you were here." He said. I bowed down to him. "So. You're a ghost?" I asked. Stupid fucking question, of course he is! "Yes Dragon-Knight. The Hall of Echoes awaits me a second time. This time for good. But for now, listen. You have a great destiny ahead of you as I'm sure Island told you." He said. "Yes, but she wasn't sure what it is..." I said. "Neither am I to be truthful. But I do know this. You are the perfect student. You left behind your Human sins and accepted the life of the Dragon with little struggle, you let go of the Human's vices as best you could but kept the best parts of your humanity. Earning what you have. Not taking from the innocent to get it." He explained. "I would never do that." I nodded. "But, you are only the perfect student because you are here. If you were still sulking in your Tower, I would consider you a failure. But you have exhibited the 5 things which my trials, and Bellegar's cave taught you. And one more which what you are the rightful Prince of." He said. "What traits?" I asked. "You have been generous, kind, honest, loyal and have given and received laughter. You have shown you are all of these in small part." He explained. "I have?" I asked. "Yes. You showed your generosity multiple times. You gave gold and items away with no thought of receiving anything back. You have shown your kindness by saving their lives and not wanting a reward, despite the fact you are a Dragon. That is the perfect balance of Human and Dragon. You have shown you are honest when you admitted to everypony what the vision showed you. You showed you are loyal when you made sure that vision didn't come true. You give and receive laughter constantly with jokes." He explained. "So the vision was a test?" I asked. "No. The vision was real. It could have happened. But you made sure it didn't." He said. "Good." I smiled in relief. "Your destiny is to defeat Damien. You need to be balanced to do that. You have proven you are balanced." He smiled. "So I need these traits?" I asked. "Yes! you have another destiny, but that is clouded. All of these are the traits of the perfect Dragon-Knight, that your six new friends also represent. You still have major flaws, yes. But I don't expect you to be perfect in every aspect. Just the aspects that matter to those around you, and your health in general. You are a perfect Dragon-Knight, not a perfect being." He said. "Can say that again..." I mumbled. "I wasn't the one supposed to defeat Damien. I was impartial until I saw what he had planned for these Ponies, it made me take action. But I was too late. I was not an Alicorn like you, I was not as skilled in the Martial Arts as you, my strength is only in magic. Which, in the bigger picture, makes me weaker than you." He said. "Weaker?" I asked. "Yes! You are the Prince of Magic. It wasn't you that thought you were that. It was I who planted the idea in your head that day. Because I believe that is part of your destiny. To become the Prince of Magic to defend Equestria against Damien. To do that you will need the support of the ponies, and a Prince can get that." He explained. "How can I be a Prince?" "You are an Alicorn. There is something else, but... I can't see it." "I'm following... Mostly." I said. "Now, you have not earned that Cutie Mark as a Pony yet. That comes with the next stage." He said. "Next stage?" I asked. "It is now time to move on to the second stage of your Dragon-Knight training. Now you, thanks to the 9 mares that brought you peace, are balanced. Unlike Lovis and Amdusias who were still torn between their Human sins and Dragon virtues. Because of that I couldn't teach them even a smidgen of what I know." He explained. "What is the second stage?" I asked. "My book: 'Magic: A Dossier' in this tower will detail the study which completes and comes with the second part of your training, which will put you on level with even me. The 3rd and up levels of training are reserved for the one to defeat Damien. How you access this training is unknown, but I was told you will receive it when you need it." He explained. "I... Ok, I'm ready." I nodded. "Good luck Dragon-Knight... My friend." He said. That last part confused me, but I knew more than when I walked in. I picked out the book and read it, flicking through it. "What?" Asked Twilight as my face went confused. "It says here, the key to becoming more powerful than Maxos and becoming powerful enough to defeat Damien, is... Friendship. The Magic of Friendship." I said with a short laugh of disbelief. "Really?!" Asked Twilight, her eyes beginning to glimmer. "It makes sense. Star Swirl was never a social pony, Luna and I only saw him when we needed him, we talked every now and then... Other than that he was locked in his tower." She said. "Yay! I get to teach a new being about friendship!" Exclaimed Twilight, bounding around with glee. "Yippee..." I said in monotone with a fake smile, looking up from the book. "Haha. Looks like you've got quite the task ahead of you." Chuckled Princess Celestia. "Indeed." I sighed. "This is going to be fun!" Hollered Twilight. "Yay." I said. Can you tell how enthusiastic I was? "Feel free to stay in the Castle for the time being. The next train to Ponyville is in an hours time." Smiled the Princess. "Ponyville? How original..." I observed. "I'm rather proud of it." Announced the Princess. "The name or the place?" I asked with a grin. Earning a glare from the Princess, playful maybe? I hope... Divine knows what she could do to me if I pissed her off... "Anyway, we should head to the Castle, the Court will be wondering where you went." Said Twilight, breaking the tension. "Oh sun! The Court!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia and teleported out. "Ahem, we should follow her." Chuckled Twilight. "Yep." I nodded, we exited the tower and I locked it up, pocketing the key. We headed to the Castle and entered the Courtyard. We walked up the steps to the Throne Room and opened the door, I saw the grand room for the first time properly. It was, as I said, grand. I saw the Princess sitting on the throne apologising to the noble who was waiting. "Beautiful... Just like the Ponies who rule in it..." I found myself saying without thinking, I shook my head to recover from my stupor and saw Twilight next to me. "What was that?" She asked. "Nothing, just saying how nice this is." I coughed. What the fuck was wrong with me?! "I'll show you the guest rooms." Smiled Twilight and led me through the Castle, it was amazing, unlike anything I've ever seen... Only my Battle Tower could compare in its vastness and décor... We walked for what felt like hours as I soaked in my surroundings. Even though it was a few minutes. We passed a dining room and I looked inside, seeing Princess Luna grabbing a late morning snack. "Twilight, hold up." I said, I crept inside as she opened a high cupboard to get something. "Muhahaha!" I laughed loudly and evilly, causing the Princess's eyes to widen, her pupils to shrink and her magic to flare, all the cupboards opened and out shot everything at me, I got a few glass bottles and jars to the face... "What in the moon- Oh, Ego! Oh are you OK?" Asked Princess Luna, going over to me. "Yep... It's all good." I said, rolling onto my back and groaning. Picking the glass out of my face. "It seems Tia and I have found a prank buddy." She whispered and winked at me, lifting a glass of water over Twilight's head. "Twilight, what's that by your hoof?" I asked, she looked down and Princess Luna dumped the glass on her. Princess Luna and I burst out laughing as I got up. "Hardy ha ha." Said Twilight, unamused as the Princess and I hoof/fistbumped. Looks like both Princesses really are fun loving. Which poses a dilemma for me... Before I came here, I bet Sassan, if they were fun loving as she thought, I had to ask one of them out on a date, if they were as serious as I thought, I didn't have to... Bollocks... I'm going on a date with a fucking horse... This was so wrong... "It's good to see you Ego." Smiled Princess Luna, yawning. She looked tired as hell. "It's good to see you as well Princess." I bowed. "Well, I need my sleep, busy night ahead." She said and we followed her to her room. "Your room is next to mine and Tia's. I guess she wants you close." Smirked Princess Luna, nudging me with her flank. Causing me to blush, which is unlike me. "Whatever, good morning Princess." I said, waving to her as she entered her room. "This is your room." Said Twilight, gesturing to it with a hoof. "Cheers." I smiled at her. I turned back into a Human and entered the room, she walked away to the library to study I guess. The room itself was spartan in furniture but the décor was amazing, on the left side were yellow banners with a white pony that seemed to be Princess Celestia. And on the right it was blue like Princess Luna, with navy blue banners and a blue pony. These two obviously represented the two Princesses. in the middle of the room was a bed, split in two colours, the left side was white and the right was blue as if splitting the room down the middle, on the left were golden dressers and light furniture, on the right were black wooden storage cupboards. Facing the door and in the middle of the room was a desk, the left side made from, again, bright wood but the right was black wood, yet again seemingly splitting the room down the middle, the fact the room was mirrored suggested this room represented the differences and similarities of the two sisters. I was curious, what did they have to do to secure peace here? The fact the two sisters were a symbol of peace, hope and love... It made me admire them. And I'll admit, It made me slightly jealous... I decided to throw caution to the wind, to just go for it what Sassan was screaming for... I was going to ask Princess Celestia out on a date. I, of course, had no idea how to flirt, or even how to attract the attention of the opposite sex as regards to a relationship... I headed down back to the Throne Room, on the way there I was thinking about how I was going to ask her out... I began practising lines to myself. "Hey Princess! No..." I pondered... "Hey! Celestia! No, too informal..." I realised. "Say, Princess, would you like to... Maybe, sorta, go out with me tonight...? Huh, none too shabby Ty... Yep, lets go with that." I agreed with myself. I entered the Throne Room and stopped as I saw the Princess talking to a Pony. "I happen to think, we noble ponies should not be subjected to the lower city scum coming up to our districts!" Exclaimed the Pony in question. "And I happen to think the city is free for anypony to roam. And since I have the final say... There will be no restrictions enforced." She concluded. How the Princesses are over 1000 years old, deal with these nobles and still keep going, keeping fake smiles... And still look absolutely beautiful is a mystery... What the actual fuck am I saying? "Who in Tartarus do you think you are?!" He asked, I didn't listen to what else he said. The fact they brought peace also pissed me off... These two Ponies were the saviors and bringers of peace to Equestria. Yet these noble fucks treated them like shit. How fucking dare they?! Time to teach them a lesson in manners. "Please, Well-To-Do..." She started. "And furthermore I do not think you, or that whorse of a sister of yours should be sitting your fat asses on the throne!" He exclaimed, I could tell that deeply hurt the Princess. Although she didn't show it, but I saw the guards flinch, waiting for her command to throw this prick out, which would never come because she is too kind hearted... Which just made me hate this noble more. That’s it. My turn. "To whom... The fuck. Do you think you're speaking to?" I asked, approaching the throne from the side, the Princess looked at me in surprise. "I think I'm speaking to a complacent lame mare who is fit for nothing but being a figurehead along with her traitorous sister. And who does her pet think he's speaking to?!" Spat the Pony. "Do you think it is OK to insult the Princesses? What has either of them done to deserve your malice?" I asked. I was going to try this the civil way. "This fat bitch has done nothing for us noble ponies! But I wouldn't expect her pet to understand..." That was it, I was seeing red... Not only had he insulted me, he'd insulted the two Ponies that had allowed them this life... The two ponies I will admit, I have a crush on... I walked right up to him with a benign expression on my face. "Insult Her Majesty Princess Celestia or Princess Luna... One more fucking time." I said changing expression to: 'I dare you.' I saw the guards looking with interest, even Princess Celestia was watching to see what would unfold. The noble looked past me and at the Princess, smiling wickedly. If he thought I wasn’t going to hurt him, he was sorely mistaken. "I think 'Her Majesty' is just a lame whorse with too much power for her own big, fat as-" He stopped as I twatted him in the muzzle. Hard. But not hard enough to kill him. Unfortunately. He went flying across the throne room, I saw the guards with open mouths watch him as he flew, almost comically. He went sliding across the floor. He got up groggily and I saw him spit blood and a few teeth out he used magic to crack his jaw back into place because I broke it. "Well, I did warn you." I shrugged, walking over to him slowly. "What the hay do you thi-" He stopped as I backhanded him. "If you speak again, I'm going to seriously hurt you." I warned him. "Hey, whorse of a Princess, control your p-" He stopped as I grabbed him by the throat. "If you ever insult or even look at the Princess again I will fucking chop you up alive and give your limbs to my fucking Necromancer!! UNDERSTOOD?!" I yelled as I throttled him harder and harder. "Yes..." He choked. "Sorry, can't hear you." I growled, increasing the pressure on his throat. "Ego!" Exclaimed Twilight in horror as she walked into the room, causing me to drop him in shock. He was taking heavy breaths. "Unfortunately I'm not so quick to forgiveness for what you did." I said and kicked him down and punched him in the face, almost beating him to a pulp. "You ungrateful, spiteful, fucking piece of worthless shit! These two Princesses have done more for you than your own parents! Yet you insult them? Fucking disgraceful!" I yelled. I got up and lined up the kick... I took a running start and kicked his stomach, sending him out the door and down the courtyard steps. Bleeding and unrecognizable. "What the..." Asked the outer guard. Backing off as he saw me. "If any of you EVER insult the Princesses. EVER... I will not be so lenient next time! Insult them and the only way you will be leaving the Castle is in a fucking box!" I yelled to the nobles and slammed the doors. "Ego..." Started the Princess. "Not now." I said and went to my room, guards moving out of way in both fear and... Gratefulness? I got in and slammed the doors, almost breaking them. Clenching my fists in rage and taking heavy breaths, calming down instantly. Sometimes I wonder if I have some kind of anger management problem. I'm angry one moment and calm the other. "Ego..." Said Princess Celestia, opening my door. "Yeah?" I asked, summoning a whiskey and downing it to calm me down completely. "I just wanted to say..." She started. "I know... I'm sorry, people and ponies like that annoy the absolute Tartarus out of me... Humans are just naturally terrible. Dragon-Knights are supposed to be better than that. I guess I'm not... I thought I could fit in here. I'm sorry." I said. "No, you-" She started. "But apparently not. I'll just go." I sighed and was about to teleport to my Battle Tower. Well, I fucking blew it... Well done Tyrath. "No! I just wanted to say... Thank you, that was the sweetest thing anypony, or indeed, anyhuman has ever done for me or Luna... What you did was a bit extreme, but so was what he was saying... You really did me a favour there, the other nobles will know not to insult Luna or I now, thanks to you..." She said, smiling at me, her smile was so beautiful it was unreal... Maybe I really was attracted to her... Fuck! You can't! This is a Pony! You are a Dragon-Knight! But... The fact she and her sister were beautiful was undeniable... ... ... Fuck it. "Princess, I just... *sigh* Here we go... Would you like err... to go out with me... Maybe... Sometime?" I asked, flinching away in anticipation of being shot down the first time I've ever asked a girl out... "I would like that." She said, I opened my eyes and saw her still smiling. So beautiful... "Really?" I asked. "I know you are not a Pony... But... It's ok as long as nopony else finds out that you aren't... At least for now." She told me. "Great! I mean, ahem, I need to sort some things out first, maybe when I get back from Ponyville? Tonight about 8:00?" I asked. "I'll be waiting." She whispered, kissing me on the cheek, causing me to blush and my heart to beat quicker. "Ok..." I said and watched her leave... I have to admit, watching her leave wasn't too bad... I could swear her flanks were swaying more than usual... Divine she had lovely flanks... No! You're only dating! What the fuck is wrong with you Ty!? Twilight walked in as she left, looking back at the Princess. "I just saw the biggest smile on her face ever... What was that about?" Asked Twilight. "I've got a date!" I exclaimed in happiness and laughed, falling backwards on the bed. I felt so damn happy... The only time comparable is my year of adventuring... "What?!" Asked Twilight. "Yep! We should go." I said, realising it had been 50 minutes since the Princess had said 1 hour until the train... "Agreed! Come on!" Exclaimed Twilight and we ran to the train station. Just about boarding it. (I read up on Equestria's transport in my spare time, so I now know everything about trains!) The train journey was boring, luckily we caught the express which runs every 5 hours, unfortunately only 3 run a day, the last one was at about 7:30. It takes 30 minutes to get to Ponyville and back. I just counted my gems during the journey, Twilight was reading, of course. Just so you know I have: 87 Amber, 107 Aquamarine, 65 Crystal, 309 Diamond, 136 Emerald, 84 Malachite Gems, 287 Malachite Ore, 265 Moonstone, 185 Obsidian, 76 Opals, 231 Pearls, 154 Pyrite, 386 Quartz, 217 Rubies, 186 Sapphires, 132 Spinel, 86 Tiger's Eyes and 203 Topaz. Oh, and I counted three times so it's accurate. When we arrived at 'Ponyville' we disembarked from the train and went into the station. "So... You asked the Princess out?" Asked Twilight. "Yes." I said. "Just so you know, not everypony will be as understanding as us. I would recommend you stay in Pony Form. Not that you look ugly as a Human! The opposite! Err I mean... Ok, come on, if you've got a date with Princess Celestia tonight, we need to get you ready!" Exclaimed Twilight. "You want to help me? What do you need?" I asked, preparing to give her something. "Ah! This one's on the house." She said. "They say the worst things in life are free..." I pointed out. "Fine. 1 bit." She said, I agreed and gave her a single gold coin. "Ok, there. Where do we start?" I asked. "Well, Rarity's a surefire." Smiled Twilight. I looked around and smiled, this was my kind of place. Quiet, out of the way. The ponies here just trying to survive and being content with what they have. Reminds me of Broken Valley village. I made a silent oath while we walked that I would not let the same fate befall this town... The ponies walking around looked me with confused expressions, unlike the nobles of Canterlot who just looked down their noses at me. These ponies were merely curious. We headed to a building that looked strange... I'd never seen anything like it... "This is Carousel Boutique. Rarity's workplace." Explained Twilight. We entered and it was amazing... "I thought Rarity seemed familiar, she reminds me of Chanel." I said to myself. We saw Rarity hard at work, sewing. "Hey Rarity!" Greeted Twilight. "Ah Twilight! How good to see you!" Exclaimed Rarity and they hugged. "You too!" Smiled Twilight. "And Ego! How are you dear?" Asked Rarity. "I'm fine, better than fine actually, how about you?" I asked. "I am doing extraordinarily well!" She exclaimed and... Yep, you guessed it. Hugged me. "Rarity, we have something to ask." Said Twilight. "But of course!" She exclaimed. "Ego has a date tonight-" Started Twilight. "A date?! Well my dear, you certainly waste no time! So, who's the lucky mare?" Asked Rarity, taking a drink of water. "Well... That’s kind of what we wanted to talk to you about... It's Princess Celestia." she said, causing Rarity to spit out her drink all over Twilight. "Oh, I'm so sorry dear, but the Princess?! My, that is a very important date!" Exclaimed Rarity as Twilight shook her fur out. "I know, I want to make an impression, but a few problems..." I said. "What is that dear?" Asked Rarity. "Well, for one I've never dated or even hit on a girl before... So I have literally zero idea of what to say or do..." I admitted. "What?! Are you serious dear? Do forgive me, but you are quite attractive, as both a Human and Pony. I find it hard to believe you have never had a marefriend before!" Exclaimed Rarity. "Well, I've never dated either." Admitted Twilight. "What, really?" I asked. "Yeah..." She said. "Well, I don't believe that..." I stated. "Darling, you just need to be yourself. There is nothing a mare likes more." Smiled Rarity. "Moving on... I'm a Human... I would damage her reputation." "Nonsense dear! Simply be in Pony Form in public, but when in, ahem... Private, be Human. And eventually, tell everypony the truth" She smiled. "Makes sense, oh and I don't have anything to wear." I said. "Why, no problem at all dear! You have come to the right place! I shall make you something to wear!" She exclaimed. "Thank you Rarity, how much-" I started. "Ah ah! This one is free!" She exclaimed. "Just ask for one bit." Grumbled Twilight as she dried herself with a towel. "Ok dear..." She said and I gave her one bit. "There!" Exclaimed Twilight as she was now dry. "Well, I've got a spa appointment with Fluttershy. But my dear, you are more in need of it than I, so you go." Smiled Rarity. "Are you sure?" I asked. "Of course dear! I need as much time as I can get to make your clothes!" Exclaimed Rarity. "Very well." I said. "I'll help you Rarity! Whadda ya need?" Asked Twilight. I turned back into a Pony. "Well... Oh before you go, it's a left as you leave the Boutique! The spa is straight ahead!" She exclaimed, I waved as I walked out. I managed to find the spa after following Rarity's directions. I entered and saw Fluttershy reading a magazine, waiting. "Hi Fluttershy." I smiled, she looked up from her magazine with an 'eep!' but her expression relaxed when she saw me. "Hi Ego, it's good to see you, why are you here? Where's Rarity?" Asked Fluttershy, raising from her seat and hugging me. "She said to take her place in the spa today because she is making me something for my date tonight." I explained. "Oh my! You have a date? Who with? If you don't mind me asking..." She said. "Princess Celestia." I stated. "Wow! Lucky mare." She blushed... Did she just make a pass at me? "Err... Sure." I chuckled as we walked to the counter. "Lotus? Aloe?" Exclaimed Fluttershy as she rang the bell. "Coming! Now-" The mare behind the counter cut off as she saw me. "Hello, we're here for the spa treatment?" Said Fluttershy. "Of course, Mrs... Fluttershy! And Mrs... Rarity?" She asked, looking at me with a raised brow. "No, Rarity asked me to take her place because I have a date tonight." I told her. "No wonder! Love is a wondrous thing... Ahem, in that case would you like to upgrade to the platinum treatment? Only 50 bits a head." Asked the mare. "Oh, I'm afraid I left the bits you gave me at home..." Said Fluttershy, looking down in shame. "Yes please, for both of us." I nodded, giving the mare 200 'bits'. Actually it was pure gold coin, which is worth more I imagine. But oh well. "And the same for both Fluttershy and Rarity the next time they come here." I said. "O... Of course! Step right through." Said the mare. "Are you sure?" Asked Fluttershy, squeaking as she saw the amount of 'bits' on the counter. "Of course." I smiled. ;30 minutes later; Both Fluttershy and myself exited the spa feeling refreshed and relaxed, we both got a massage, a jacuzzi bath, our nails trimmed, our hair done and put back to their normal styles, some acupuncture, although Fluttershy was frightened at first, and a nice relaxing hot bath, I of course looked away when Fluttershy got in and out like a gentleman... Or gentlecolt? Fuck it was confusing here... "Thank for the treatment and for paying for it the next time, it will be a nice surprise for Rarity." She smiled. "No problem, I'll see you later Fluttershy." I said, waving to her as she presumably went home. Chapter 8: Date Night, Draconic Urges & Meddling GoblinsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.Sequel released!Prologue: The Story - What you need to knowAuthor's Note A late bit of info for those of you who don't know about Divinity II: FOV and some info on our main character! In celebration of this story's one year anniversary! Update: Oops! Missed out Raze! err... Also Talana aannnnddd Drace. Wow, I'm dumb Prologue: The Story - What you need to know Background: Previously known as Drace Reynfaire, Tyrath Kyelinth used to have a clear face with a little stubble and shoulder length blonde hair. Drace Reynfaire used to be a callous, ruthless Dragon Slayer, with no care for anyone but the Slayers. And even that was limited. Robbing, blackmailing and extorting his way to a payday while in Broken Valley village, he eventually came upon the last Dragon-Knight after ignoring Commander Rhode's orders to remain behind. Talana then gave him the powers of a Dragon-Knight, and began guiding him. He then completely changed personality and began a crusade against Damian on his 19th birthday. How he was changed is not exactly known. While on his quest to defeat Damian, Drace came into possession of the Battle Tower. He then changed his name to Tyrath Kyelinth, allegedly 'killing' Drace and cut his hair, updating his appearance to what it is today, spiky blonde hair, three scars on his right brow/eye and a bit more than a Five O'Clock Shadow. Eventually he lost his silver eyes that are the trademark of Dragon Slayers, reverting back to his arctic blue eyes. Every now and then, usually when angry, his eyes revert to a yellow, more Draconic appearance. Bio: Tyrath Kyelinth is the last known surviving Dragon-Knight in Rivellon. A very rare honour, but with what he went through, you wouldn't know that. When he was first turned into a Dragon-Knight from a Dragon Slayer, he was the last survivor of his new species, due to them being hunted to extinction. But luckily, Tyrath retained his silver eyes that identified him as a Slayer so no one could tell the difference. A Wizard known as Zandalor also became a guide for the Dragon-Knight when he was turned into a Knight as well as the voice of Talana, the last Dragon-Knight that had given her powers to Tyrath - then Drace. Her voice became a guide for him and a constant companion. He helped everyone he met on his adventures from that point on, he completed every quest, sometimes without reward. He became a nice, caring person after he became a Dragon-Knight. After helping everyone in a place known as Broken Valley, he headed to a place called Maxos' Temple to complete the trails to become a true Dragon-Knight. When he arrived, he met his fellow Slayers, the leader of which recognised he was a Dragon-Knight. Although he pleaded with her, she left to go to Aleroth, the Healer City. The three others then attacked, and Tyrath was forced to kill them. After that he completed the Trials and claimed his Battle Tower, being forced to choose between two people for each station in the Tower, the other would be killed. This was to show him the responsibilities of the Dragon-Knight. He then continued on his quest to defeat The Damned One, Damian and his army, the Black Ring. He was told he had to stop Ygerna's(Damian's lover's) Recurring execution in the afterlife to kill Damian, to break a Soul Forge, which means if one dies, the other does. Damian cast the Soul Forge the moment Ygerna was killed in real life, meaning he could never die. Bringing her back would kill Damian, working in an opposite way of sorts. Tyrath also created a Creature with help from a Necromancer. It was a thing stitched together using parts of Tyrath's defeated enemies, with no sentience of its own, only to protect the holder of the Crystal Skull, the device with ensured the Creature would remain loyal to the holder, which also allowed the holder to summon the Creature at any given time. Tyrath then set to work gathering the ingredients needed to enter and survive in the Hall of Echoes, the land of the dead, where souls go to be purged of their memories and move on to the afterlife. He went to Aleroth, seeing Commander Rhode, his old Commander. She threatened to kill him, but General Augustus had her arrested due to him not currently doing anything against the law. Tyrath then took meeting with Zandalor and Deodatus, Deodatus was the Grand Healer of Aleroth, and with the Mayor dead from Demons due to Demon attacks coming from within the Ministry, also the stand-in Mayor. Tyrath helped Zandalor and Deodatus seal the portals by protecting them from the Demons. He was given another ingredient and carried on searching for the others. But when he went back to Broken Valley, it was destroyed by Damian in response to Tyrath antagonising him. After defeating all of Damian's Black Ring Generals, the minions at their command and their Flying Fortresses(giant floating islands) and helping everyone he could along the way, Tyrath entered the Hall of Echoes, defeating multiple enemies that wanted one last shot at revenge. He defeated them and moved on, finally stopping Ygerna's execution, killing Zandalor and Lucian The Divine in a memory to free her. When she was freed, she revealed that she was the voice of Talana in his head all along, and she had tricked him and Zandalor into freeing her, bringing her back to life and breaking the Soul Forge between her and Damian. She then trapped Tyrath in The Plane of Hypnerotomachia. A plane of magical beasts and magic itself. Tyrath was imprisoned next to Lucian The Divine himself! Who was not dead, but imprisoned by his son, Damian, told he would watch as Rivellon burned and would not be able to do anything but watch. Being trapped for what felt like days but in the real world had only been hours, Lucian and Tyrath told each other of their exploits and they became close friends, confiding in the other. In fact, Lucian was about to tell Tyrath of his sexual exploits with an Elf when a spirit interrupted them. It offered Tyrath a deal: free him, the spirit, and he in turn would grant Tyrath an object of great power and free The Divine also. Tyrath agreed, with Lucian cautioning him to be weary. Tyrath then woke up in an alley in Aleroth. Stumbling out, he came across General Augustus again, who was the leader of the Champions of Aleroth, an organisation that were the protectors of Aleroth and all of Rivellon. Zandalor had erected a shield around Aleroth to protect it from Damian's armadas, and was not to be disturbed until the Dragon-Knight had acquired the Eye of the Patriarch. This was the item the spirit in The Plane of Hypnerotomachia had promised to give him when he was freed. The spirit revealed he was called Behrlihn, one of Damian's best Necromancers and wanted to rejoin Damian's armies and was still willing to free The Divine and give Tyrath The Eye of the Patriarch as it wouldn't make any difference anyway. Tyrath then went about finding clues to unravel the mystery of Behrlihn's tomb, and how to unlock it. It was located under the Champion's Headquarters but the undead had risen in Crow's Nest, where the entrance was. One soldier tried to run in to start the fight but a tree suddenly appeared, blasting him with lightning, killing him... Tyrath then tried to converse with the tree, as it could speak, but it spoke Elven, which was a lost language... Tyrath eventually found a book on it and learned the language, he then convinced the tree to let him pass, but it would let only him pass... Tyrath then cleared out Crow's Nest, and not only that but helped everyone who needed it in Aleroth before killing the person responsible for summoning the undead and entering the Champion's Headquarters. He then headed below, and found Commander Rhode, who had volunteered to try and find Behrlihn's tomb but was turned to stone... It was then Tyrath met someone he had met thorughout his adventure... Bellegar. A, old Wizard who spoke only in rhyme but was an incredibly powerful summoner. After Tyrath defeated his minions, he found the Tomb. Bellegar tried to convince Tyrath to not open the Tomb, but to accept Bellegar's powerful item instead, which would not be as destructive as Behrlihn's, but would get the job done. Tyrath refused, apologising to Bellegar, who teleported out angrily. Tyrath opened the tomb and Behrlihn gave him the item, but double crossed him by not freeing Lucian. He then rejoined Damian. Tyrath then returned to the surface, finding Zandalor, telling him he had the item. Zandalor was concentrating on the shield but was tiring. Tyrath told him to launch an offensive so they could drop the Eye on Damian's Citadel. He agreed and the Champion's boarded their Zeppelin's and began an assault. Tyrath took his Dragon Form and protected the Zeppelin carrying the Eye. Which was Captained by Captain Titus of the Champions. Tyrath could order a Zeppelin bombardment on enemy structures and could use the Wrath of The Patriarch to lay waste to multiple enemy structures. As the Zeppelin neared it's goal, it became damaged and had to fly straight into the Citadel. Rather than let the crew die, Tyrath ripped a hole in the Zeppelin and quickly flew the crew to another Zeppelin to take them back to Aleroth. Tyrath pushed the Zeppelin a little and it fell, crashing into the Citadel. Tyrath was drawn back to the Plane of Hypnertomachia where Ygerna's spirit with a horribly charred face was, along with Behrlihn, who was back where he began. Lucian pleaded to Ygerna to yield and if she renounced the Black Ring, she may be spared. She declined and her and Behrlihn attacked Tyrath, but they were no match for the strength of the Dragon-Knight, who easily beat them. Lucian was then freed and returned to Rivellon, greeted by a cheering crowd, and the roar of a Dragon - Tyrath. And about a few months, near a year later, is where this story begins. More info: Tyrath Kyelinth: Tyrath Kyelinth is the last known surviving Dragon-Knight. He owns the Battle Tower, which has always been owned by a Dragon-Knight, as it's previous owner was Maxos, an extremely powerful wizard who was the first Human to be given the power by real Dragons to give Humans with the Dragon Spirit the power to become Dragon-Knights. Laiken then took over the tower, a Necromaner who Tyrath killed. Born from the nasty, mean, cruel, rude and ruthless Dragon Slayer, Drace Reynfaire, Tyrath is a nice, caring, charming, gentle, gracious and downright courteous person. He is always willing to give a hand to help those in need, even if they don't pay him, which is rare for a Dragon seeing as they're known for being greedy gold-hoarders. Tyrath loves a good joke and is laid-back, always trying to see the light in a dark situation, although he doesn't always succeed. He has never really known love, nor has ever had a lover. He enjoys the finer things in life but is not really bothered if he can't get them. When provoked, Tyrath is an incredibly dangerous opponent. His strength rivals that of a God so they say, and he is a very powerful Wizard, although preferring to get up close and personal with his Greatsword, he is not to be messed with at a distance either. He is a very good Archer as well and can hit a fly at 220 yards, his improved Dragon Sight also assists him but he was a very good archer before he was a Dragon-Knight after being trained by the Dragon Slayers since he was 3 months old in every discipline. Tyrath has a unique ability in that is blood acts as a regenerative substance, meaning he can heal any wound, sometimes without scarring, although he does have multiple scars littered throughout his body, the most prominent over his right eye. He has a small birthmark shaped like a crescent moon on his right upper shoulder and a sun on his left lower, that's actually on his back. Shapes like this are common in Rivellon, having two is not unheard of, but is uncommon. He has no family, not anymore. Drace Reynfaire: Drace Reynfaire is Tyrath's evil counterpart, and who he used to be before he became a Dragon-Knight. Something within him when he was turned made him realise that Drace should die, and Tyrath should live in his place. The twin personality, and polar opposite of Tyrath, Drace is smug, arrogant, evil and a person you don't really want to be around, let alone know. A Dragon Slayer to the core, Drace can be counted among the Elite Warriors, and has the skills and abilities to back it up. Self proclaimed as Tyrath's better half, he is immensely powerful as he taps into the power within him without reserve, caring not for its corrupting qualities. With the added abilities of Tyrath and his Dragon-Knight powers at his side, Drace is a near immortal being of power, and even wants to join Damian and his armies in exchange for power and prestige. Drace cares not for anyone but himself and other great warriors like him, and anyone else is nobody and just a liability to him and his cause, whatever it may be. Whenever he can, Drace tries to take the reigns from Tyrath for control of their shared body and mind. Drace has Tyrath's power and abilities, and a few of his own, but all without Tyrath's reserve or morals, leading to a dangerous combination that will surely see any in his way slaughtered. Drace is a very shrewd tactician and prefers to leave the battlefield strewn with enemy corpses than to sneak around. Drace is also very selfish, often taking from others to get whatever he wants from them, extorting and bullying his way to get what he wants from those who deny him it. Drace was very much in love with Commander Rhode and admired her as a great warrior and a kindred spirit. Tyrath proclaims Drace is dead, and that he killed him, but many aren't so sure... Talana: Talana was the last Dragon Knight before rousing the slumbering dragon blood in Drace. After her encounter with Commander Rhode, she meets Drace, while dying from her wounds. She imparts her power to Drace in a dream, thus revealing the true threat and turning Drace into a Dragon Knight. Talana then died from her wounds. Commander Rhode: Commander Rhode was the leading Commander of the Dragon Slayers. She personally supervised Drace Reynfaire's Slayer training and saw him graduate Slayer Academy. During his initiation, the last Dragon-Knight was spotted and without completing the Trials, so he was still at a disadvantage if facing a Dragon. They went to Broken Valley where she conversed with Lieutenant Louis of the New Order, a group of Holy Knights, dedicated to protecting all of Rivellon. After Drace found where the Dragon was hiding, Rhode sent him into a tomb beneath the Chapel in the Villiage, which turned out to be the Tomb of Lord Arben, a once famous Dragon Slayer, who gave Drace his sword. When Drace emerged, he informed Rhode, who told him to remain behind while she, Marius, Gene and Gunther hunted the last Dragon. When Drace protested, she told him to wait as he would have his chance. When she left, Drace drank for a while in the tavern before running after them. She was then outside the Maxos Temple, and Tyrath then ran into her, at first she didn't recognise he had changed, but once she did, she gave him Lord Arben's sword back and told him to die with dignity. She left Marius, Gene and Gunther to kill Tyrath, telling them to douse the blade in Tyrath's blood when they were done. When Tyrath survived, he later made his way to Aleroth, meeting Commander Rhode, who was angry at his survival. Tyrath calmly tried to explain to her the situation, still wisecracking but she refused to listen, threatening violent action. General Augustus of the Champions broke it up and had Commander Rhode locked in chains for her threats against Tyrath, who had done nothing but exist. When Tyrath was imprisoned with Lucian, Rhode was sent to find Behrlihn but was turned to stone by Bellegar at the Antediluvian Vault under the Champion Academy. If her petrification is undone by Bellegar afterwards, or if she is even alive, is unknown. Lucian The Divine: Lucian was a simple man in the beginning, however he was eventually blessed with incredible powers and status as a Demigod. A fallen Angel was sacrificed at an Altar, and her power then fractured and spread to a few people, Lucian was one of them, however, the others were all killed before their powers could be realised. Lucian fought against the Black Ring and their attempts at Summoning the Chaos demon. His most Prominent victory was against the Leader of the Black Ring, the Demon of Lies. However, after he beat the Demon he noticed the summoning had been successful and the Demon of Chaos had infected the young baby that was placed upon the Altar. Lucian knew he had to kill the child to save the world, but he could not bring himself to harm the small newborn so he adopted the child and named him Damian. After his Victory against the Black Ring and the Demon of Lies he became the exalted leader of Humanity and was praised as a God. Damian grew up at his father's side showing no signs of Chaos infection or evil thoughts. The Black Ring, however, found out about Damian and sent Ygerna to Damian to teach him about his powers. Lucian discovered Ygerna and her teachings and ordered her execution. It was Lucian himself who stood before Ygerna as the executor, he tried to make Ygerna forsake the Black Ring and see what she did to Damian was wrong, but Ygerna would not listen; in the end Lucian struck, but unfortunately Damian walked in and cast a Soul Forge just as Ygerna's life ended. Outraged, Damian attacked his Father, but was forced to flee. Years later, Damian returned as the leader of the Black Ring and once again attacked his Father, but Lucian proved too much for the young man and he was rendered unconscious. Zandalor told that Damian was too far to be turned, but Lucian could not kill him. In the end he and Zandalor, with a heavy heart, sent Damian into another dimension and hoped he would never return. Damian, however, did return with the help of one of his Father's own Paladins and began his War against Rivellon. Lucian in the end stood as the victor and Damian was forced to retreat again, but in the hour of his victory a Dragon-Knight, charmed by Damian's power, stabbed The Divine in the back and he fell over dead. This however, was an illusion by Damian who had somehow managed to trap his Father in a Crystal prison and promised him he would see Rivellon burn and not be able to do anything to save it but watch. Lucian remained imprisoned for years as the world mourned the loss of their God. It was not long until he had new company however, as Tyrath was imprisoned in a crystal next to him and he explained everything to the Dragon-Knight about Ygerna and Damian and they developed a bond. The Dragon-Knight managed to flee the crystal prison with help from the spectre of Behrlihn and promised if the Dragon helped him he would free Lucian as well. Lucian saw the Dragon-Knight and Behrlihn return quite a few times, teleported in by Bellegar who tried to trap the latter once again. In the end the Dragon Knight returned, but not by Bellegar's hand but Ygerna, now burned by the Destruction of the Black Ring's Citadel; he pleaded with her to surrender but once again she ignored him and attacked the Dragon Knight. The Dragon was victorious and with Ygerna's second death, Lucian was freed. Zandalor: He was the last of his kind, the Keeper of The Source; Keeper of its memory. He threw his lifetime to preserve Rivellon, but he feared that his private affairs did more to harm it. Zandalor was the Sorcerer who trained the White Witch Icara and her sister, the Conduit Leandra. He was in a relationship with both of them, but finally chose Icara. This is the reason why Leandra cut the Soul Forge between Icara and fled, and was corrupted by the Void. He tried to keep Leandra from entering the First Garden to open the Godbox and free the Void Dragon. But Leandra and her Death Knights ambushed him and he was about to die. A brother and sister team of Source Hunters met Zandalor in the Source Temple of the Dark Forest. His amulet was made of the last Star Stone that enabled them to enter the last zone in the End of Time; The First Garden. The Hunters confronted the Void Dragon in this place. Also, by the power of the activated Star Stone, Zandalor recovered his health. Not much else is known about after that time until later. The next mention of him was when he played the role of a guide and mentor to the main protagonist which was Lucian the Divine. After Lucian arose to Demigodhood Zandalor became Lucian's main advisor. It was he who first felt the dark teachings of Ygerna taking place and warned Lucian, leading to her capture and execution. When the war with the Black Ring started, Zandalor pleaded with Lucian that Damian had gone too far and had to be put down, Lucian however, like before, couldn't bring himself to kill Damian and left Damian behind in Nemesis, much to Zandalor's dismay. When Damian returned and started a new war, Zandalor fought alongside the armies of Rivellon. However, when news of Lucian's death reached his ears, Zandalor was greatly saddened, nonetheless, many years later when a Dragon-Knight was cornered by Slayers, Zandalor teleported in and defended the Knight allowing it to escape. This made the Slayers declare Zandalor as a traitor and Dragon sympathizer, causing him to fall into dishonour and hiding. He first appeared to Tyrath in Broken Valley after he met the last Dragon-Knight, Talana. Who transfered her powers to Drace, making him a Dragon-Knight. He spoke of the powers and responsibility given to him by Talana. Later, he appeared a few times at Sentinel Island to explain a few things about the Tower. He was met once again in Aleroth, where he needed Tyrath's help closing rifts and aided him to obtain the shield needed to journey into the Hall of Echoes to free Ygerna to kill Damian. Deodatus: Deodatus is the Grand Healer of Aleroth, a powerful wizard and a good friend of Zandalor and Augustus. He is also known as the town eccentric. Deodatus was first encountered by Tyrath within the Aleroth Ministry in the Great Market district during the assault on Aleroth. He, along with Zandalor, then aided Tyrath to seal the Demonic Portals within the Ministry. After Tyrath's imprisonment, he and the rest of Aleroth's mages aid Zandalor in creating and maintaining the barrier which holds the Black Ring forces at bay. After the invasion, Tyrath and Deosatus became good friends and Tyrath sent him funds to repair Crow's Nest after the undead attack because the Aristocrats wouldn't give a single gold coin to help. Damian The Damned One: Damian was a baby that was taken by the Demon of Lies to be the vessel of the Chaos Demon. When Lucian The Divine stopped the Demon of Lies and was about to kill the baby, in order to stop the Chaos Demon, but couldn't bring himself to strike the helpless babe. He took Damian under his wing and raised him as his son. The Black Ring sent the Dark Sorceress Ygerna to teach Damian about the powers hidden away in his soul and she started to tutor him to awake his dormant Demon and the two fell in love. Alas, Lucian found out about Ygerna and was about to execute her. Damian walked in as the blade fell and cast a Soul Forging spell on Ygerna, just as the blade hit, reversing the nature of the spell. Damian, in a fury took control of the Black Ring and attacked Rivellon and met Lucian in the Temple of The Divine and attacked. Lucian, however, had prepared a trap for his son, a rift gate. Damian stormed the Temple, springing the trap, with Lucian stepping into the rift as well to ensure only when he or one of his Paladin's willed it, then it would open again. Lucian and Damian battled across the Dimension of Nemesis only to see Lucian as the victor, however once again he could not bring himself to hurt Damian and therefore left. Damian spend the next many years in Nemesis trying to find a way back to Rivellon, with the help of the native species there, who like Lucian, had adopted him and were teaching him their ways. Damian with his lust for power, however used an imp to steal a stone protecting Nemesis from Demons and therefore brought forth the race's doom. Damian met a Paladin who had been trapped in the dimension and tricked them into believing that he was a Death Knight. Using the helmet of a Death Knight to hide his true identity, he tricked the Demon Overlord Samuel to Soul Forge him to the Paladin, forcing them to help him. They fought their way though Nemesis and in the end the Paladin freed Damian from the Nemesis. In return, Damian spared the Paladin's life and broke the Soul Forge between the pair. Damian returned to Rivellon and took control of the Black Ring once again, thus starting a new war against Rivellon. In the war, a Dragon-Knight stabbed Lucian the Divine and rumours of his death spread across the Earthrealm. This however, was an illusion created by Damian and instead of killing his Father he had him trapped in a crystal prison to observe while Damian's Black Ring was ready once again to scorch everything Lucian held dear and leave only ash. Damian once again begun his invasion of Rivellon, where he is first seen at the fore of his Armada. The last time he was seen is where greeted the now-revived Ygerna and assaulted the Orobas Fjord port. Ygerna revealed to Tyrath and Lucian that Damian was not in his Palace when it was destroyed, but elsewhere, working to unlock his full Demonic powers. Ygerna: Ygerna was a Dark Sorceress of the Black Ring and a Follower of Chaos, she was the main reason for Damian’s Corruption and the object of his love. She was killed by Tyrath outside of Aleroth, blown up along with Damian's Citadel. She was then killed a final time The Plane of Hypnertomachia. Young and beautiful, it would have required a keen mind to spot the looming darkness in her cat-like eyes. Like a twilight messenger, she came to a young Damian to herald the conception of the Demon that grew within his soul. She awakened his wrath and his greed; his lust and his love, but their rapture was not to endure. Unmasked as a Black Ring envoy, Ygerna was arrested and executed by Damian's father, Lucian. It was then that Damian cast the Soul Forge, as he beheld for the last time the face that would launch a thousand Demons and burn the cities of Rivellon. Ygerna was executed when Damian fell to Chaos and took control of the Black Ring. Damian's main goal was to resurrect her so she could be by his side when he launched his invasion of Rivellon. Tyrath was tricked by Ygerna who took Talana's guise to resurrect her and thus gave Damian immortality. Lord Lovis: Lord Lovis was the occupant of Broken Valley's Citadel Tower, as it's his tower. He was a former Dragon Knight and when he died Maxos ripped his soul from his body storing it in a bottle in Maxos' Temple. Even after 1000 years he still roamed the halls of his Tower hoping to find someone who could get his soul back so that he could pass away to The Halls of Echoes. He was punished by Maxos because he was too distracted by women and wine to protect the Valley he was stationed in. Tyrath found out from Ghosts that he was very cruel and tortured many people. At first the students admired him because of his noble goals but later he became very feared amongst them when they found out his true personality. Tyrath freed him as he felt pity on the poor soul and let him go to the Hall of Echoes. He also used magic to free the Ghosts of the students that still roamed the halls of Maxos' Temple. Amdusias: Amdusias was a Dragon that resided in the Maxos Temple, in the Blood Altar room. Lord Lovis stated that he is his archrival, and asked Tyrath to obtain his Soul Stone in a quest. In his Dragon Form, he was invulnerable to all damage. He was fierce rival of Lovis because only one of them could become a Dragon-Knight. Lovis proved to be the best so he won the competition. Then he was a ghost bound to the Citadel in Broken Valley and his Soul was found in the possession of Amdusias. It is interesting to note that Amdusias loathed his master, Maxos and was infuriated when the Tyrath found out this silly yet wicked jibe directed towards the failed whelp of a Dragon-Knight. The idea of Tyrath succeeding the Maxos Temple trials and his ears being constantly besieged by the name of his Master he despised to the very end was intolerable. Tyrath constantly taunted Amdusias by mentioning Maxos, even when he went to the Hall of Echoes and faced off against him one last time, he taunted. When he met a dying man in Aleroth and he gave him a potion to ease his passing, Tyrath told the man to seek out Amdusias and tell him 'Maxos!'. The man agreed. Maxos: Maxos was the greatest wizard that lived in Rivellon. He once ruled the Battle Tower on Sentinel Island, then he disappeared without a trace. The Tower later was conquered by Laiken, a powerful Necromancer whose dark reign brought only bad to Sentinel Island. There was a coffin near the Battle Tower. Near it a letter was found by Tyrath that says: "Bury me in the shadow of the tower. Let me lie forever among the bones of the ancient ones that preceded me." The document is simply singed M. It might have been Maxos... But is it...? When the Maxos Temple was under his control it was used as a test for the Initiates of the Dragon Knights. It had multiple rooms filled with traps, tricks and challenging puzzles. The Temple was ruled by Amdusias, Lord Lovis' rival. Maxos made a spell that revealed the Hall of Echoes, which was found in his chamber by Tyrath. There was a shrine dedicated to Maxos in Aleroth, hidden beneath Lanilor Lane, which the Dragon-Knight visited. He paid his respects to the Wizard, his forebear. Bellegar: Although you wouldn't tell from looking at him, Bellegar is probably one of the finest mages and best minds in Rivellon. However, being a psychotic prankster with rhyming prowess, he has a reputation of being dubious and much feared. His antics, while sometimes humorous, are also cruel. Here are a list of his (known) pranks: He Soul Forged a man named Casper with a White Chicken. He cursed three people, Furley, Nightwinkle and Namdar to have a never-ending nightmare. He sent Tyrath, and many others, high into the air with a far drop below them. Only Tyrath survived. He placed the minds of two people, Jackal and Clyde in a man called Eugene. He was responsible for sending Jimmy Dean, Jack Bolton, Laura and Arthur Gremory on a fake but dangerous treasure hunt. He resurrected Brave Sir Robin's brother-in-law fifty-six times. Bellegar was aware of Tyrath searching for clues to how to release the infamous Chaos Mage, Behrlihn from his captivity. He laid a considerable amount of tricks and ploys in Aleroth to confuse and delay Tyrath. Each time the Dragon Knight managed to solve one of his schemes. Bellegar frantically tried to bind the Draconic rebel, each time in futile, much to Behrlihn's amusement. When the Tyrath finally broke open the seal to the Chaos Mage's prison vault. Bellegar fought and lost again. Tyrath was later presented a choice either to deceive Behrlihn and side with Bellegar instead, or to further ridicule the prankster and reward the eager Chaos Mage his long-awaited freedom. Tyrath freed Behrlihn but later killed him anyway, telling Bellegar it was his plan all along. Bellegar and Tyrath became friends after this. Sassan: Sassan was Laiken's lover, and was killed during a ritual he performed that required "the blood of a loved one." An abomination was made of her body when it was reanimated by Necromancy. Sassan helped Tyrath break into the Battle Tower and take it over. With the help of Tyrath, her soul became her mortal body again and she thanked him for it, feeling as though she owed him her life. When it was taken over, she stayed to serve Tyrath, whom she refers to as 'Lord Dragon'. Afterwards she was located on the balcony of Tyrath's bedroom at the Battle Tower. She helped him by giving him information about his Tower and the people in it. She also served as a merchant, and is the person Tyrath needed to speak after completing the Tower's Platform requests to have them upgraded. He named her Stewardess of the Tower. Jonelath: Jonelath is a Necromancer who serves Tyrath in his Battle Tower. He finds pleasure in torture, and making creatures out of body parts. A skilled necromancer, Jonelath specialises in physical resistance to make his creatures more impervious to blades and axes. Jonelath is arrogant and bloodthirsty, with many slices on his face marking his experience. He is a member of the Black Ring and serves Damian. He doesn't have any trace of mercy inside him, hoping for the return of Ba'al and the destruction of the world in the name of the Black Ring. His attitude has been improving lately, the more time he spends around Tyrath. After Tyrath beat the Black Ring forces at Aleroth, Jonelath renounced the Black Ring, seeing that Tyraht was more powerful, and grateful for his services, than Damian. Captain Hermosa: Hermosa is Tyrath's Skill Trainer at his Battle Tower. Her speciality is physical training and she works Tyrath hard, although he could easily beat her in a fight he always holds back, practising his balance, dexterity and agility rather than his strength. Hermosa's father was a great weaponsmith who forged Myrthos, The Sword of Power. Her sister was a Black Ring General named Kali. Wesson & Ginny: Wesson is Tyrath's Enchanter, his speciality is Armour, which Tyrath decided was more important than weapons, even though the other Enchanter, Radcliffe won in a smithing contest, it was to forge a sword, not armour. Tyrath already had powerful swords and really needed armour enchanted more than anything. His wife, Ginny, or Gina as Tyrath calls her, helps Sassan around the Battle Tower with her stewarding duties. Grimm: Grimm is a mortician who sells limbs to Tyrath for his Creature and helps Jonelath to maintain Creature as much as possible. Tyrath amusingly referred to him, for lack of a better term, a 'Limb-Peddler'. Barbatos: Barbatos is a highly skilled Alchemist who was temperamental when Tyrath met him on Sentinel Island, being rude and finding that talking to Tyrath was a waste of time. However, when Tyrath picked him as his Alchemist Barbatos' attitude changed, referring to him as Master and being happy to speak to Tyrath though he remained quite disinterested towards others, such as calling the Runners amateurs if they become injured. His attitude toward others began changing the longer he spent around Tyrath. Tom, Dick and Harry(left to right): Tom, Dick and Harry are Tyrath's Runners. They go to find materials for him, but they can find other things if asked. Tom finds ores, Dick finds gems and Harry finds herbs. Hermaphroditus: Hermaphroditus is Tyrath's Illusionist and can be used to magically alter his appearance in any way. Tyrath has only used him twice, never to be mentioned again... Hermaphroditus also decorates the Battle Tower in banners and other things sometimes. Kirill & Salome: Kirill is Tyrath's musician and possibly the best musician in Rivellon, maybe the entire world. Salome is Tyrath's dancer, and although flirty, Tyrath tends not to respond to flirts, he just smiles and makes a joke. Erlking: Erlking is a goblin who was present for Laiken and Razakel's Soul Forge. Laiken cut out his vocal cords so that Erlking could not tell anyone the name of the Demon he was forged with. Erlking now serves Tyrath as his Magical Adviser, picking out spells for him to try out. Island: Island, for lack of a better name, is the spirit and body of Sentinel Island. She appeared as soon as Tyrath entered Sentinel Island and gave Tyrath the objective to choose four people out of eight to serve him, the other four will be killed. She lived in perfect symbiosis with Maxos's magic until he left and Laiken took over the place. She has such great powers that only the Dragons that came later could understand and use it so the Island became a synonym to the Dragons. She now lives in perfect symbiosis with Tyrath's ever growing magic instead. Ba'al: Ba'al was a Demon Overlord in the Black Ring and one of the Damned One's mightiest minions. It was he who lead the Invasion of the Valley of Shrines that led to Lord Lovis' downfall and the Valley's renaming to Broken Valley. Ba'al was sent in search of the Hall of Echoes Sigil at the Broken Valley Mine, and was met by Tyrath. Tyrath dismembered the Demon's mighty claws before climbing on his back, stabbing Ba'al down his spine and then lopping his head off. He then took the Sigil he needed to enter the Hall of Echoes. General Stone: A General of the Black Ring, Stone was said to be a very deadly opponent. He was found in the Orobas Fjords, with a portal to his Fortress. After dealing with Xanlosch and his Creature, Isabelle, Tyrath used the nearby teleporter to enter the Fortress' headquarters and confront Stone. Tyrath and Stone had a skirmish. When Tyrath got the upper hand, Stone ran and entered another teleporter, which lead to the Fortress arena. Tyrath had to contend with several creatures, including a Troll, Demon, Goblin Beholder, Ghosts, and Imps, before he killed Stone, ripping his head off and mounting it on a spike in the centre of the Arena as a warning to the other Generals. Research notes written by Stone were found in the Fortress's Greenery, discussing his use of a magical fountain to create items of out of plant ingridients. Xanlosch: Xanlosch was a powerful Necromancer with a creature named Isabelle. Xanlosch was located at the centre of Stone's Flying Fortress in the Orobas Fjords. He was creepily fascinaitoned with his Creature and dead bodies, limbs and the like. Tyrath summoned a powerful fireball which destroyed Xanlosch and Isabelle in a single hit. A book dictated by Xanlosch, Creature Training Notes, was found on the ground near a chest in the fortress's inner passage by Tyrath. Commander/General Rayhun: Rayhun was a Black Ring Commander and disciple of Damian. He resided in Broken Valley after it had been attacked, where the Broken Valley Village used to be. Rayhun's Headquarters were a botanical hideout where he mistook Tyrath for a strange and new plant and wanted to distill fluids from him. A true lover of plants, his perverse interest in Botany and Necromancy was explained in a Plant-juice-stained Correspondence, which Tyrath found. Ironically, Tyrath used Creation Magic to make vines grow inside Rayhun, eventually the vines burst from every orifice in his body, eventually becoming one with the rest of the greenery in the Fortress. Damian promoted him just before he died to General. General Geshniz: Geshniz was the Black Ring General and disciple of Damian that ruled the Fortress near Maxos' Temple in Broken Valley after the region is attacked by the Damned One. She can was found in her Headquarters, and was in possession of the Potion of Wisdom. Tyrath looted the Fortress and killed Geshniz, using a spell to explode her heart. She was in contact with Rayhun, as they were both Botany enthusiasts. General Keara & Commander Velanir: Keara was a Black Ring General and servant of Damian who resided at her Flying Fortress' Headquarters in the Orobas Fjords. When her husband Velanir was killed by a Demon, she attempted to resurrect him and failed. Eventually she went mad and reanimated his skeleton, who she continued to have a relationship with. In the words of Velanir's ghost: "She has persuaded herself I really am that mute heap of bones: she talks to it, caresses it and I don't want to know what else." Tyrath reunited her with Velanir, but Velanir left her and she attacked Tyrath, who broke her neck in a single swift move before she could even swing her sword. General Raze: Raze is a General in the Black Ring and in charge of his Flying Fortress in the Orobas Fjords. The entrance is on an outcropping on a cliff facing Champion Harbour. His fortress is surrounded by lava, but when Tyrath met him, he complained that it was much too cold for him. Raze was working on machinery that could bring somebody back to life from the brink of death. It seemed to work for the most part, as he used it multiple times during Tyrath's fight, or so Creature claims. Tyrath used the Skill, Battle Rage when storming there Fortress, but lost control during the fight and entered a blackout. He awoke to the dead bodies of Black Ring, dismembered. General Kali: Kali was the sister of Captain Hermosa, Tyrath's personal trainer. She was a Black Ring General who was in charge of her own Flying Fortress that took the place of the Rivertown Gorge south of the Orobas Fjords. A ruthless leader, she killed her own father to obtain Myrthos, The Sword of Power. A letter from Damian congratulates her for acquiring it. Tyrath tore her head off and gave it to Hermosa as proof of her death. Hermosa had Jonelath preserve her sisters head and she mounted it in the Trainer Arena where she trains every day. Chapter 6: The Hero... or The Villain?;Third Pony POV - 2 weeks later; "Where is he?" Asked Twilight, outside the Battle Tower at the front entrance with her friends. They teleported there using Twilight's spell because the trip through the arctic was extremely dangerous. If was further than even Yakyakistan! "He is inside." Said his stewardess Sassan. The mane 6 walked quickly to keep up with Sassan after shaking their fur out to get rid of the snow. "What's wrong with 'im?" Asked Applejack. They had sent a letter to him via dragonfire asking how he was, apparently his stewardess received it, and seeing that they cared, sent a letter back requesting their help. Saying something was wrong with Ego. "I... I don't know, when he got back from 'savin the fricken' world' he just curled up on his bed and stared outside. He hasn't moved since. He hardly sleeps and when he does he has constant nightmares, waking up screaming in the middle of the night. Although he denies it." She said, she took a worried breath. They went through some kind of dungeon and then into some caves, approaching a lift. "I wonder what could've happened...?" Asked Twilight. "I do not know. I was hoping you did." She said. "He seemed normal last time we saw him." Said Rainbow. "Hmm..." Sassan took another breath. "How is he?" Asked Twilight. "Well... If he wasn't a Dragon he'd have starved to death by now." She said worriedly as they got in the elevator and Sassan pressed the top floor button. "He didn't say anything when he returned?" Asked Twilight. "No." She answered. "I hope we can help." Said Fluttershy timidly as usual. "I hope so too." Said Sassan. "It's OK, we'll help." Said Twilight, putting her hoof on Sassan's back. "Thank you." She smiled as the elevator reached the top. "This way." She said. The girls saw three stallions in armor standing to the side of the room just waiting. There were also two musical Ponies standing by the throne. The Throne Room was grand, it was breathtaking. "He has a throne?" Asked Twilight. "Yes. After all, he is Lord of the Tower." Explained Sassan. "Why are these ponies just standing there, not moving?" Asked Pinkie. Waving a hoof in front of their muzzles in vain. "They are waiting for the Lord of the Tower to return." Said Sassan. "Return?" Asked Rainbow Dash. "They always become like this when he leaves the Tower. I know he is still here but it's like he's not..." Explained Sassan as she led them to the lift at the back of the Throne Room, behind the throne itself and she pulled a lever, sending them down. "Is he... All there?" Asked Applejack, tapping her head as this time they descended. "As far as I know. But he doesn't acknowledge anything." Said Sassan. They saw an orchid purple coloured Pony sitting at a massive dining table. Just staying still like the 5 ponies in the other room. "He's in here." She said and stood to the side of the left side of a double entryway with a wall with a fireplace separating the entrances, gesturing them to enter. He had curtains installed on the balcony so he could sleep, so it was dark inside. "Ego-? Woah...!" Asked Twilight. Seeing the piles of gold glittering around his room. There was also a fireplace inside his room, facing the balcony. "Holy Horseapples!" Exclaimed Rainbow, also seeing the wealth he had. "Oh my..." Said Rarity and fainted. "Holy hay!" Exclaimed Pinkie. "With all this money I could do anythin' with tha farm!" Said Applejack in awe. "Oh my!" Gasped Fluttershy. "Ahem, girls, remember why we're here?" Asked Twilight and girls nodded and smiled in agreement. "Hey Ego? Where's that tough guy I saw?" Asked Rainbow, going up to him. "No..." He mumbled. "He spoke!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Are you-" She put her hoof on him and he shot up. "NO! DON'T TOUCH ME! I'M A MONSTER!" He yelled and returned to his position. Twilight was scared out her mind and backed up. "What's up with him?" Asked Applejack. "The Dragon is not all here! He is in pain! All of your efforts are in vain..." Came a jeering voice. "What the-?" Asked Rainbow Dash. Suddenly a cream coloured unicorn with red hooded robes on appeared next to her "I followed him far! I followed him wide! Until he led me here to where I now abide!" He sang. "Wha-? Who-?" Asked Twilight. "Brave pony souls have come hither to a Dragon's Tower most bizarre. Now that you're here, you're all in a pickle. My name is Bellegar!" He said and teleported out. "Ok... Weird..." Said Applejack. "Come on girls, we'll try again later." Said Twilight sadly. "Any luck?" Asked Sassan as she led them out. "No, sadly not." Said Twilight, the girls hanging their heads. "Ah well, I thank you for trying..." Said Sassan. "Oh, who was that rhyming stallion?" Asked Twilight. "Bellegar." Answered Sassan, sighing tiredly as she spoke his name ;4 days later; Sassan was eating her lunch. Alone. Again. The others only moved to eat and drink and even then they just grabbed their food and stood at their positions, eating it and drinking water. She was thinking about just ending it... Just leaping from the tower... Suddenly, she heard a knock at the door of the Battle Tower (it echoes) and went down to answer it... Which took about 5 minutes to get down there... When she opened the door she smiled. "Miss Twilight! And your friends! And..." She looked up from the smaller ponies to see three new additions, all of them Alicorns. Two of them with flowing manes. They all looked incredibly worried... Were they worried for the Lord of the Tower? They must be, but Sassan saw more than friendly concern in their eyes... "May we see him?" Asked Celestia, stepping forward with her forehoof raised as usual. But what was unusual was her expression seriously worried. 'My Master must be good friends with her.' Thought Sassan. The only time concern like that is felt is for best friends... Or significant others... Did she have a crush on the Lord Dragon? The blue one as well? Sassan's heart was tingling, with her connection to the other world she felt certain emotions, love was one of them... Not that she told the Dragon... But these three Alicorns felt more for him than friendship... "I'm afraid the Master isn't doing too well, dehydration and malnourishment are starting to take effect..." She said sadly. "...What?" Asked Twilight, the 6 friends were completely shocked. Celestia gasped. "...How long has he got?" Asked Celestia, taking a breath. Her heart pounding. Would the one she had feelings for die before she could admit it? He couldn't... She couldn't lose him... She loved him... Even if he was another species! "..." Sassan took a second to think but thought about lying to them. "We must know..." Said Cadance. He saved her. She was going to save him! She would get that kiss! "Ok... Maybe a week..." Answered Sassan with a heavy heart. "Then we must see him urgently!" Exclaimed Luna. The only pony other than her sister she felt close to for a long time and he was dying? How cruel are you fate? To take away the one she loved...? To Tartarus he was not a pony! She knew her feelings and she couldn't deny them any longer! "Agreed. We want to help. We need to help. We owe him so much." Nodded Cadance. "I brought Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance to see if they can help." Said Twilight with determination. "Not every problem has a solution young one." Said Sassan with a weak smile. "But ain't it worth a try?" Asked Applejack. "Please..." Said Celestia. Something told Sassan these Alicorns would force their way in of they had to... Not that they needed to. "...Very well." She took a breath and answered. And they went back to his room. Silent through the journey there until they entered the Throne Room. "This is amazing..." Said Cadance. "Oh my sun..." Gasped Celestia. "He has a Throne Room? Is he really a Prince?" Asked Luna, looking around in amazement... Excited that she could date this stallion for real. That he cared for her, not her and her sister's crown... "He is the Dragon. The Lord Dragon of the Tower. The last Dragon-Knight. He deserves much more than just a Tower and an Island with no inhabitants to rule over. But no, he is not royalty. At least... Not in the conventional sense. He has the Ancient Dragon Blood in him, which means he most likely could inherit a kingdom or two if he could trace his bloodline. Alas he cannot." Answered Sassan. "I see." Nodded Princess Celestia. They reached his room and stopped outside. "Go in." Said Sassan. The other girls waited outside to give the Princesses space to work. The three Princesses entered the room and saw Ego still curled up. He wasn't like Twilight described, not lying there silently. Now he was sweating, shaking and panting, eyes shut tight and he was pale white. He truly looked a pathetic sight. "Sister... Look at him." She said, not looking at his shivering pale body, but at his body. His lean figure. His entire body looked like a well-oiled machine... If it wasn't for his three scars on his left eye he might be considered extremely handsome... That is if you are into scars. Unluckily for him, most mares aren't. He had three names inscribed in ink on his arm. Marius, Gene and Gunther. "He is..." Started Cadance, shaking her head in disbelief. He must weigh a good few tonnes! At the least! "Aunty Luna... How much do you think he weighs in muscle alone?" Asked Cadance. Luna was usually the best judge of such things as she was excellent at guessing. "I... have no idea niece." Said Luna. "Most of his weight must be muscle... If not as much as is possible." She said, there wasn't an ounce of fat on him... Good job as well, because if there was, then the fact he trained everyday would mean nothing. He had to keep in shape if he was to defeat Damien. "How strong must he be?" Asked Cadance... "I do not know... But I would not like to take a punch from him." Said Celestia. "If I even survived it..." She said. It was true, a punch from him seemed like a death sentence... "Well, as long as you do not try to kill him, we should be fine." Chimed Luna. "Luna!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia, hurt by her sister's words... "Apologies sister, I did not mean to imply..." She started, looking down in shame. "It's fine Lulu, I know you didn't mean it. We have been exposed to more violence these past few weeks than we have almost our entire lives. With a few exceptions of course." Smiled Celestia, using Luna's childhood nickname for comfort, draping a wing over her. "Thank you Tia." Replied Luna, nuzzling her and repaying the favour of using Celestia's childhood nickname. "Twilight Sparkle and her friends have been also. Killing this 'Black Ring' does not seem to mean as much as killing another pony..." Pondered Luna. "It feels like they have become less than Human, less than Pony. It feels like they have forfeited their life and we are doing them a favour by ending them..." Observed Celestia. "Indeed. This 'Damien' you told us about niece, seems to drain every virtue from them." Wondered Luna. "Discussing this isn't getting us anywhere, that's not why we're here." Said Celestia. "Agreed sister." Nodded Luna and they looked over him closely... To see if the affliction was physical. Scars covered his body, showing he was battle hardened. They also showed how tough he was, because some of his scars looked like they were horrifying when he received them, and some were stitched together without professional care. It was obvious he’d homemade his own suture kits to deal with his injuries in the field when his regenerative blood wouldn't do it fast enough. His regenerative blood didn't render him invincible, it needed time to heal injuries. The more serious they were, the more time his body needed. He put on like he was invincible and the scare tactic worked. The Black Ring were terrified of him, they thought he was an invincible monster sent by the Gods themselves to torment and punish them for joining the Black Ring. Some of the scars looked more healed and faded than others and a slight magic aura surrounded them, making it known that he used magic to heal some of his wounds. But not all of them... Some of the scars healed prettier than others, some with magic, some with his regenerative blood and some he'd dealt with himself with stitches. "Oh, I have just realised..." Said Cadance with wide eyes. "What is that niece?" Asked Luna, seeing Cadance's growing grin. "We have so been perving on him!" She exclaimed, giggling. "Oh my... Niece, I do believe you are telling the truth." Also giggled Luna. Albeit nervously, as if her niece had discovered a secret. "Indeed..." Celestia started to chuckle nervously as well. "Oh my... Look..." Started Celestia, changing the subject hastily after seeing the gold littering the room. It was not 'bits' like their currency, made with bronze and copper. No, this was pure gold in coin form... Possibly each coin worth 50 bits... Probably more... "He must be the richest being in the world..." Observed Luna as she looked up from him at the riches he had acquired. "He has more gold than Equestria and the Crystal Empire combined..." Gasped Cadance. "Do not touch one piece, don't touch one bit! For you see all of this gold, he has booby trapped it!" Warned Bellegar in an echoey, disembodied voice as Luna was about to touch a piece of gold in a pile to confirm it was real. "Luna!" Scolded Celestia with a raised brow. Luna 'eep' 'd as she heard Bellegar and as she saw her sister's expression. "What!? I wasn't going to take any..." She mumbled. "Uh huh." Said Celestia, shooting a sideways glance at her sister who stuck her tongue out. "Can we concentrate please?" Asked Cadance, smiling knowingly at both her Aunts' antics. He only had greaves on. They looked like the bottom half of his armor he had on before he donned his Dragon Wizard armor... "Oh, yes. Ahem." Said Celestia. "Shall we start at the source?" Asked Luna. "The mind." Agreed Celestia and tried to use ancient magic to read Ego's mind... She jumped back a bit. "Sister?" Asked Luna, putting her wing on Celestia's back in worry as she shook her head. "He has some sort of block... It's very powerful... We cannot penetrate it. Even all of us. The most we can do is unlock his mind... He seems to have locked himself inside for some reason." Said Celestia. "Very well. Sister, niece. Shall we?" Asked Luna. The three Princesses put their horns on his head and poured benevolent magic into him, suddenly he sat up screaming bloody murder. "AHHHH!" He yelled. The Tower shook violently as he screamed and the Princesses had to clamp their hooves over their ears. He quietened down before collapsing backwards as the girls ran in with Sassan. "What happened?!" Exclaimed Sassan. "He's up!" Said Luna, pinning him down by the arms with her hooves because he was violently twitching, spasming and writhing around. "He must be delirious from not eating or drinking for so long!" Exclaimed Cadance. "I'll get some food and water!" Exclaimed Sassan and ran off. "Shh, it's OK. Shh." Said Celestia in a calm voice. Stroking his forehead with a hoof. She used to do the same with Twilight when she slept in the castle and had bad dreams. He started to calm. But not fully. "This isn't working..." Said Cadance. "What then?" Asked Luna. "He needs a shock." Said Cadance, tapping her chin in thought. "Wel-" Celestia stopped as Cadance suddenly kissed him, his eyes widened and he calmed as she pulled away... His eyes opened, they were yellow and draconic... He seemed to scowl at Celestia and Luna who both took their hooves off him. They then both glared at Cadance as if she had just stole the crown jewels... When they let go of him, his eyes returned to their arctic blue, more normal hue. They weren't draconic either. Both sisters couldn’t help but think his eyes were enchanting... Wonderous, if tortured. "You're here? Why are you here? You need to leave." He said and stood up, wrapping a blanket around himself rather than putting a cuirass on as he stood up and pulled the curtains back. He didn't seem to notice the kiss he received... He stood on the balcony, leaning on the railing with crossed arms. Looking out. "What is wrong?" Asked Celestia, approaching him. "Don't come near me." He said, holding an arm out. Causing the Princess to stop in her tracks. "Why not?" Asked Twilight. "Because I'm a monster." He answered. "You saved our lives more than once. How can you be a monster?" Asked Cadance. She touched her lips with a smile. She didn't notice, but if looks could kill, Celestia and Luna would have made Cadance spontaneously combust. "I just am." He said, avoiding the question. As he spoke Sassan entered the room. "My Lord? Dinner." She said and he walked into the dining room, there was food for all the guests as well. He had meat, not that they knew. As they ate, Hermaphroditus was studying some sort of shrine... "Leave us." He said and Sassan bowed, taking the elevator up. "What is that?" Asked Luna, pointing with a hoof at the shrine Hermaphroditus was looking at. "That is a Waypoint Shrine. I used to use it to travel throughout Rivellon to other similar shrines." He explained. Celestia was glaring at Cadance again... Cadance noticed this time and shifted uncomfortably. "Cadance... May we talk?" Asked Celestia with a wide smile. "Of course." She replied. "I will join you." Said Luna. They went back into his room. There were hushed voices, a gasp and a squeal of... Happiness? ;5 minutes earlier - Third Pony POV; "Niece... When you... You kissed him... Why?" Asked Celestia, not even asking a proper question. "I tried to kiss him in the Crystal Empire, but he didn't kiss me. I wanted to both find out why he didn't, and wake him up." She said. "And?" Asked Celestia. "Nothing, he was too conflicted." She said. "When you kissed him... What was it like?" Asked Luna. Taking a step forward. "Yes, what was it like?" Asked Celestia. "Why so curious?" Asked Cadance. Celesia went next her ear. "I... think I... I, you know? Like him?" She whispered. Luna looked confused as to why she was whispering. Not hearing their hushed conversation. "Really?" Cadance squealed in delight and wrapped her hooves around her Aunt. Excited and proud that she may have found her special somepony. Luna shook her head in surprise. She had no idea what was happening. "Yes." She answered, clearly glad to get it off her chest, returning the hug. "I first noticed my feelings in the Crystal Empire. When he almost died for us. When he was alive, I felt as I never have... I think the Crystal Heart helped me realise my true feelings..." She explained. "I am sorry, me kissing him must have felt as if I was taking the opportunity from you. I assure you that is not the case... Cause I'd share." She giggled and her Aunt joined in. "What about Shining?" Asked Celestia as they let go. But so Luna could hear. "If you saw Ego out here... How he held me, was worried about me, more so than Shining. He made me feel special... Loved. I... I don't know." She shrugged. "Ok..." Said her Aunt and resumed whispering. "Do not tell anypony... Especially Ego!" She pleaded quietly. "Of course." She nodded. "Niece, may I?" Asked Luna. Celestia went back to the dining room to let them talk. "Yes. Of course. What is it?" She asked. "I... Well... I like Ego... A lot." She admitted, going red. Cadance's eyes widened as she realised both her Aunts wanted to try to date this stallion to the other sister's ignorance... Neither knew the other had a crush on him... Not since she's known them have they ever even looked at a stallion or mare like they could be a possible friend, let alone a lover. And now both of them are interested in the same one? The same one she was, as well? Coincidence? Then again, he was kinder than any stallion they knew... Not many stallions were like him. If any stallion other than him saved the Princesses and they offered a reward, they would have demanded one of the Princesses hooves in marriage. But him? He asked for nothing. He wanted nothing. And he was handsome to boot! Even the scars... It seemed to Cadance that Alicorns liked scars, which was something she needed to look into... "Indeed?" Asked Cadance cryptically. Luna didn't seem to notice. "Yes... Please... Please do not tell anypony." She begged. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Smiled Cadance. In response, her other Aunt hugged her. "Thank you! Come, we should return." They exited the room and sat back down... They ate in silence after that. Ego wasn't as pale as before, he had gained some colour. ;10 minutes later; As they finished their meals, they went back into Ego's bedroom, he sat on the bed and ran his hands over his face. "You need to tell us why you're like this." Said Celestia. "You don't want to know, trust me." He replied. "The Dragon speaks the truth! To tell you what happened would be uncouth!" Said Bellegar. "Bellegar, if you speak one more time I will have your tongue removed!" He yelled. Nothing. Good. "Really, we wanna know." Said Applejack. "Yes, darling. You need to be open with us." Agreed Rarity. "I can't. You'd think less of me. Plus, you're just strangers. Why would I trust you?" He asked, looking away. The Princesses all looked taken aback at that, like it upset them... "Strangers? Pardner, we didn't say we were yer friends at that battle just 'cause we like sayin' it! Yer our friend! Right girls?" Asked Applejack, even the Princesses nodded. "I agree. We're your friends! We want to help." Insisted Twilight. "You... You can't be my friends." He concluded. Little did he know the three Alicorns in the room wanted to be more than friends... "Why not?" Asked Pinkie, blowing a balloon up to the point it burst in her face. "All the friends I've ever had have been bad experiences. You seem like good people- Err ponies, and I don't want to poison you with my bad luck." He said. "You won't! You're like, the only stallion, or whatever you are that can keep up with my awesomeness! That’s sayin' somethin'." Said Rainbow as he stood on the balcony, flying in front of him as he looked out blankly. "Maybe you can tell us what happened to your other friends." Suggested Twilight. "That would be a good place to start." Nodded Celestia. "You need to tell us what is wrong. Starting with your past is good." Concurred Luna. "Good idea Princesses! Get 'im comfertable!" Said Applejack. "Fine. If you insist. Sit down, this is quite a tale." He said, they all sat around him on the bed. ... ;This is him talking, telling a story, you'll know when any of the Ponies talk; It was a year ago. I had just completed my training, I was 19- As a Dragon-Knight or whatever?! No, as a Dragon Slayer. Woahhh! Plot twist! Pinkie! Don't interrupt! No, it's ok. Anyway, I completed my trials and was about to finalise my initiation... When they spotted the last Dragon-Knight. They then postponed my final trial and we went hunting. To cut a loooooong story short, I defeated a ghost in a crypt to improvise my trial. Turns out this crypt was the secret crypt of Lord Arben, one of the greatest Dragon Slayers, if any Slayer can indeed be called 'great'... Sounds like you don't like 'em! You think? Anyway, he gave me his sword and I met my Commander, Commander Rhode outside the crypt. I admit, i was quite enamoured with her for a while... What? Err, I fancied her for a while. Fell for her. Quite hard as well. Ah. I see... Yeah. Out of interest... Was there... Anything between you? Not that I know of. I never made the move. But she never showed interest either way. Please, continue. OK. There were three other veteran Slayers with us as well. Marius, Gene and Gunther... So anyway, I was told I wouldn't be participating in the hunt for the last Dragon-Knight. But you were a Dragon Slayer! your entire existence meant you were supposed to hunt Dragons! Or all your training was for nothing! I know, that's what I said. Rhode told me that I would fight Rivellon's enemies but apparently not the Dragons. She took Arben's blade from me and left to hunt. I was enraged. I sat in the tavern drinking. The barmaid, Elsa, asked me what was wrong. I told her to buzz off. Well, that weren't very nice! I know, that wasn't really 'me'. It was Drace, Drace Reynfaire. Huh? More on that later. Anyway, I finished my drink and had enough waiting, I ran out to where the beast had been spotted. On the way there I went through the pass that led to the second part of Broken Valley. On my way down I passed a shrine. Ohhh! To what? I don't know, it was one of Bellegar's things. Anyway, at the shrine I ran into her. The last Dragon-Knight. Talana. Dunn dunn duhhh! Indeed. I approached her and immediately I felt something in me change. I felt great pity on her. I told her I understood why she was angry and she laughed at me. She then did something to me. What did she do to you darling? Well... You see, I never completed my trials to their fullest extent, therefore I was susceptible to her mind attacks. She gave me a vision. A vision of Damien and what he would do. After that, she died from her wounds. Skip ahead a good few hours. I was outside Maxos' Temple. There they were, Rhode and the others. I ran up to them and heard them discussing Talana and how she must be dead by now. And she was! *gasp* But you were a Dragon! I was. They didn't notice at first. Rhode asked why I was out there. I told her I was Dragon-Knight on my way to defeat Damien. Wait, let me get this straight... You were a Dragon? They were Dragon Slayers? Yet you told them?! Yep. I saw no point in hiding it. Rhode would've noticed one way or another. They didn't believe me anyway. Marius laughed at me. Rhode scolded him, and then me. But then she noticed I was telling the truth... I told her this shouldn't change our relationship. That I needed her help... Well yes, you were friends, she should've been understanding and tried to help you through your time of confusion and strife! Maybe... One way or another she said no. I'm paraphrasing of course. She gave me back the blade Lord Arben gave me and told me to die with dignity... She then ordered Marius and the others to kill me and douse the sword in my blood. This is where it gets gory. Your friends tried to kill you? Yes. That's horrible! They should have remained loyal to you! Stuck by your side! Maybe they should've. Pardner, you were honest with 'em. You needed their help. But they tried to kill ya instead. That ain't how friends act. Carry on. OK. Marius ran at me, I blocked his blows, i was trying to convince them to stop, but they didn't. Eventually I gave up... It's OK, you can tell us. What did you do? Marius swung left at me, I blocked his blade and kicked him away. Gunther came at me from the right and I blocked his blow with my own blade and put my foot on his chest, slowly taking him to the floor. I grabbed his emergency mace from his side and as Gene ran at me I threw the mace at him, braining him... Hold on, I need to think... Take your time darling. We know this isn't easy for you. Thanks. I then put my foot on Gunther's neck and pressed hard. His neck broke instantly. Marius tried for me but I tackled him to the floor. Both our blades were knocked away and I wrapped my hands around his throat and applied pressure. It took... What? 30 seconds? 1 minute? An hour? It felt like forever as I choked him. When he was dead, I got up and walked to Gene, he was on the ground, mumbling. Blood everywhere, from his mouth, his eyes, his nose. His head was caved in. I took out my bow and gave him a swift death. I donned my Wild Dweller Mask and vowed not to take it off until I became a Dragon-Knight. They should've tried to help you! To understand! But they just attacked? Yes. That's not the last of it. Talana lived on inside my mind and was giving me guidance through my year of adventuring. Turns out it wasn't her. It was Ygerna, Damien's lover who was tricking me all along. Turns out someone I thought was my closest friend was just using me. I vowed never to let that happen again... ... ;Back to normal dialogue- Tyrath's POV; "I'm so sorry... All your friends betrayed you. They were horrible to you." Said Twilight. "No I betrayed the Slayers, I could've avoided that conflict..." I said. "No, you didn't betray them." Said Princess Celestia, putting a hoof on my shoulder. "I think I did." "We do not. Anyway, can you tell us why you think you're a monster now?" Asked Princess Luna. Putting a hoof on my other shoulder. "I... Ok." I relented. "Good." She smiled. They removed their hooves, they were so soft... When the Princesses touched me I felt nervous... Like their hooves burned my skin, even through my armor when I wore it. it felt strange... My heart began beating faster... "Are you...? It's not a nice story. At all. It's horrible." I warned. "I see what you're doing Princess! Genius! We need to know what you did so we can forgive you for it!" Realised Twilight. "I don't know if you will. I haven't." I looked down in shame. "We will. Don't you worry none." Said Applejack. "Ok... Back in the Crystal Empire, I looked into the mirror. It granted me a vision of the possible future..." I explained. "Really?! That's rare!" Exclaimed Princess Cadance. "I know. Princess Luna told me." I said. "When did- Oh, in the future." Nodded Princess Luna. "Yes. I was there... On Damien's side. I... I'd just come from a torture session." "They tortured you until you joined them?! Monsters!" Said Princess Celestia. "No. I joined them on purpose. I took his offer. I pulled your statue down." I said to Princess Celestia. "Oh." She said, her ears flattening. It seemed like I hurt her feelings... Fuck this was going to be Tartarus... "I then blasted your statue to pieces Princess Luna." I said. "Good. You're giving us details. That is good." She said to me. Her breath hitched when I said it but she kept a stone face. "What then?" Asked Princess Cadance. "I had to sift through my memories to regain control of my body. I was seeing through my eyes with no control. What I did was... Unforgivable." I said. "We'll be tha judge o' that, pardner." Said Applejack. "I'd come from torturing all of you..." I admitted. "Ok, this is good. Like before, we need details." Said Princess Luna. "Err Princess? Are you sure-" Started Twilight, growing uncertain. "You said it yourself Twilight Sparkle. We all need to know what he did. We need to know what we are forgiving him for." She said. "Agreed sister. Please continue." Smiled Princess Celestia almost nervously. "Ok... We were inside my Flying Fortress that Damien gifted me. You were all hanging by chains in the ceiling. First was Fluttershy because... You're the kindest. I... I... I tied you opposite the others and cut off your eyelids so you had to watch what I did." I said. She just cried her eyes out. "It's OK..." Said Rainbow, rubbing her friend's back. "Twilight I did the same to you." I said. "You what...?" She asked, her eyes welling up. "Third was you Princess Cadance. You yelled at me that you trusted me. I told you that you were foolish to do so. After that I asked if you wanted to see the source of love. Before you could reply..." I cut off. "Go on..." She said. Obviously worried by what I'd say. "I ripped your heart out and showed it to you all. You screamed for about 5 seconds before you died." I said, holding back my tears. I wasn't going to cry! Warriors do not shed tears! "Oh..." She said, I could tell this upset her. But she was staying strong for the others. "Next was Shining Armor, he yelled at me and I smiled, shoving your heart in his mouth. Telling him it was the last meal he'd ever have. After that I cut off his horn and he screamed. I told him 'I should've done that to your wife.' he mumbled something in pain. I told him he'd have to swallow first. He managed to spit your heart in my face. I told him that wasn't very nice. Then I cut his... Well, organ off. I let him bleed out." I said, still looking down. "So... We... It..." Started Princess Cadance. Looking away. Not saying anything afterwards. Taking deep breaths. "Next was you Applejack. You were trying to calm the girls down, so I tore your throat out and replaced it with an apple, using my blood to heal you but you couldn't speak." I said. "You... Did..." She said, looking away from me with tears in her eyes. "Next, Rainbow, I cut your wings off." I said. "My- My wings!?" She said, turning to look at them. "I'm... Next was Pinkie, I shoved cake down your throat." "I love cake!" She exclaimed. "I did it until you puked blood." I said. "Ah..." She said... "Rarity... I shaved your hair and cut your tail off." I admitted. "No..." She said, fainting on the bed. I wasn't about to tell Rainbow, Applejack and Rarity what I did to their little sisters... How I killed them slowly in front of their sisters who couldn't help them... I just couldn't bring myself to tell them. I knew Drace was evil... But... Fuck me... "Yes. Last was you and Fluttershy, Twilight. I cut off your horn." I replied. "My... Horn?!" She said, looking up at her horn in worry. "Yes. I'd already done what I could to Fluttershy." I said, hanging my head. "What about us?" Asked Princess Celestia. "I... I... Can't." I shook my head. "You can." Said Princess Luna, her and Princess Celestia putting their hooves on my shoulders again. it sent shivers down my spine, both good... And because of about what I was going to say. I got up and sat by the fire, pouring a brandy shakily. "Want some?" I asked, holding up the bottle. "Please. But we'll continue after we've got our drinks." Nodded Princess Celestia. "Yes, thank you." Agreed Princess Luna. "I will as well please." Smiled Princess Cadance. "Got any cider?" Asked Applejack, still in tears. In fact all of them apart from the Princesses were. "No... I've got ale." I shrugged. Trying not to think about the story I was about to tell. "Sounds good." She sniffed. "I'll take one." Said Rainbow, wiping a tear. "Wine... Dear." Said Rarity, taking short breaths. "Got it." "...Juice?" Wept Fluttershy, barely audible. "Of course." "I'll get an ale." Cried Pinkie. "Sure. Twilight?" I asked. "I'll have a brandy." She said, she seemed to have calmed faster than her other friends. The Princesses looked at each other worriedly. "Are you sure Twilight?" Asked Princess Celestia with a slight smile. "Yeah! I drink it all the time." She obviously lied. "Right..." I said and was about to call Sassan. "I heard My Lord!" Called Sassan from the dining room and went to get the drinks. And the glasses for the Princesses and Twilight... We waited for five minutes and she arrived with a tray of drinks, giving them out and passing empty glasses to the Princesses and Twilight. "Here we are." I said and poured the three Alicorns and Twilight their brandy. Twilight took a sip and her face scrunched up and she swallowed it, coughing. "That's good! A good brand!" She wheezed, obviously she had the brandy to try and impress the Princesses... "Cheers, made it myself. Peach and plum." I said. "Now we have our drinks, continue." Said Princess Celestia. "I... I... Fine..." I said finishing my drink. "This is nice, thank you. You do know how to make a lovely brandy." Smiled Princess Luna, sipping her liquid. The others all thanked me as well. "I agree... You must give me the recipe." Smiled Princess Celestia. "Ok, here we go... I walked up and Princess Celestia asked me if I was putting on an act, I leaned in close, she seemed to become relieved, but then I grabbed her by the throat and threw her through the castle doors." I started. "Go on..." Said Princess Celestia. "Princess Luna, then you ran over, she tried to warn you that it was me and I had joined the enemy. You went to stop me, but I backpunched you into a pillar. Princess Celestia then blasted me with magic. A powerful blast. With the power gained from joining Damien, I ignored it and grabbed her muzzle. The guards tried to stop me but I cast a spell and blasted them all over the room, knocking them out." I said. "Do not stop. We need to hear it all." Said Princess Celestia. Visibly upset but wishing me to continue. "I told Princess Luna what I did to Princess Cadance, she then stood up to stop me, but was terrified. I tried to turn you against your sister, Princess. You didn't bite." I told them. The two Princesses hugged. "I knew you wouldn't Lulu." Smiled Princess Celestia. "Princess Celestia tried to tell you not to listen and I backhanded her muzzle. You went to shoot a spell at me but I warned you to not or I'd cut your horn off. You went over to Princess Celestia and nuzzled her. Princess Celestia asked me 'why?' and I said 'Power...' that I would rule Equestria. That once Sombra was no longer useful he would also die so I could rule unopposed. Then I choked you. I picked you up by the throat. Telling you both you couldn't be in the picture either if I was to rule. Princess Luna told me to stop and I did. But I had another agenda." I said, taking a break, pouring myself some more brandy and drinking it. I also refilled the Princesses' and Twilight's glasses. "Which was?" Asked Princess Celestia hesitantly as I drank my brandy. "I asked you if you wanted Twilight back and the two of you to survive. You said yes. I told you I'd want something first. You said anything. At this point Princess Luna clicked on and tried to tell you. But you waved her off telling her you could get you all out of this, asking what I wanted. I said you. That you could rule the kingdom by my side. As my queen. I was stroking your cheek. You said 'very well' I kissed a tear from your cheek but you pulled away. You asked me about the other 5. I said I wanted you as well Princess Luna. You said no Princess Celestia but Princess Luna agreed... After that I took back control and woke up. But first you..." I started to say, but shook my head and downed my new glass of brandy I didn't even notice i'd poured myself. I wasn't about to tell them about the part about them having my children... "We... What?" She quizzed. "Nothing. Just wished me good luck because you both realised it was a vision." I said, lying. I was still holding back tears. "And that’s it." I said. Standing up and taking a breath. Omitting the part where they kissed my cheeks. "Well pardner..." Said Applejack, finishing her ale. "I forgive ya." She said and... Hugged me. By my waist because I was standing and i was taller than her. "Uh!" I grunted as she did. Freezing up. "So do I." Smiled Twilight and also hugged me. "Me too! Torture by cake isn't so bad!" Said Pinkie and joined in. "Hair grows back dear." Said Rarity and hugged me. "That wasn't you. I forgive you." Smiled Fluttershy and hovered over to me, joining the pile. "Yeah! You'd never do any of that! That like, totally ain't you!" Said Rainbow and joined up in my hug brigade. "I forgive you. She is right. That wasn't you." Said Princess Cadance and stood on her hind legs to hug me, reaching my height. She hugged my left side. "I agree, you can't dwell on what never happened." Smiled Princess Luna, hugging my right side. "It was a vision. One that will never come to pass." Said Princess Celestia and hugged me from the front. "... Why?" I asked them. "Cause we're yer friends dummy. I meant what I said. We didn't just say it just cause we like sayin' it!" Exclaimed Applejack. I... I'll admit. I burst into tears. Don't judge me! I actually reciprocated the hug, wrapping them all in a vice grip. "Shh, let it all out pardner." Wheezed Applejack as I squeezed. At the time I didn't realise I was squeezing hard. After about 5 minutes I let them go, causing the 6 girls to catch their breaths loudly. The three Princesses seemed fine. "Feel better?" Asked Princess Luna. "Yes, thank you Princess. How can I repay you? All of you?" I asked. "No, we did for a friend as a favor." Said Applejack. "No, I need to repay you. Here." I said and went over to a pile of gold. "Bellegar's bollocks." I said and the gold's booby trap was deactivated. "What a password! How rude! Must your password be so lewd and crude?!" Asked Bellegar. "Hey! I didn't have my 'Book of Passwords' handy did I?! Now shut up." I said and separated the pile of coins into 9 even piles. "Take whichever pile. They're all even." I said. "We can't." Said Twilight. "I insist, I recognise this isn't why you helped, but I owe you. And I don't like being in debt. In each of these piles is 55,555 gold coins. It's yours." I said. The Princesses went to say something. "Ah! Personal spending money, I know you royals, this isn't a donation to your kingdoms, it's a donation to you. If the rest of you want to spend it on your families, that's fine." I said. "You can also spend it on each other." I added. "Thank you!" Exclaimed everypony and they all hugged me again, this time causing me to grunt from being crushed. "It's OK..." I said as they let go. "Pardner, yer kindness... Is almost unmatched." Said Applejack, looking to Fluttershy and starting to cry from happiness. "It's nothing. You think this is a lot of gold? I have a vault downstairs." I said. "You have even more money?!" Exclaimed Rainbow. "Yep, I'm not hurtin' for certain." I chuckled. "The Dragon tries his hand, it's a mighty crime! Because unfortunately he can not master the art of rhyme." Came Bellegar's voice. "I wasn't trying to master rhyme! Because even if I tried, I simply wouldn't have the time!" I replied. That shut him up. "You both sound like Zecora." Said Twilight with a laugh. "Who's Zecora?" I asked. "A Zebra from Zebrica." Said Twilight. "A Zebra?! They're rare in Rivellon." I said, at first my eyes flashed with gold... Zebras are worth a lot in Rivellon... But I shook my head, realising that this was an intelligent, sentient, sapient being. Not just a mindless animal. I wasn't about to buy into slavery. "Well we have one living in the Everfree Forest. We should introduce you." Smiled Twilight. "That might be nice." I nodded. "See! We managed to bring friendship to a being from a different universe, who, despite having bad experiences before, has accepted friendship!" Cheered Twilight. "Yay! Party!" Exclaimed Pinkie, blowing a kazoo again, from wherever she gets them... "Indeed, but alas, we should be- What is THIS?" Asked Princess Luna, tripping over something and picking it up in her magic, seeing it was a sword and looking at it in fascination. "Yours now Princess." I shrugged. "Really?!" She asked, looking from me to the sword a few times with a grin growing on her face. "All yours, Your Highness." I bowed. "Luna! You can't just- Oh my... these are beautiful..." Said Princess Celestia, picking up a pair of gold and diamond earrings in her magic. They were enchanted with Spirit, Indomitable Will, Conditioned Body and increased melee, magic and ranged protection. The first three traits really did represent her... Ahem... Because had a lot of Spirit! Indomitable Will comes with being a ruler and Conditioned Body because she was an Alicorn! Yeah... That’s all. Really. Seriously. Leave it out. "Have 'em." I shrugged. "Really?! Thank you!" She said. I saw her looking at me from the corner of her eye, thankful... I think? Cadance nudged her as if to tell her to say something. "Ahem. Yes. These are nice." She thanked me. Cadance huffed and rolled her eyes as if she was expecting her to say something else... All the girls found something they liked. Rarity found some Dragon Scales that I shedded a while ago, she said she'd love to have them to incorporate them into her fashion line. I told her to go right ahead. Rainbow Dash found a set of Champion armor(that somehow got ponified.) that she liked and I told her to have it. Twilight found some books that I gave to her. Princess Cadance found a heart that I carved out of topaz, it was actually inspired by her Cutie Mark the first time I met her. What? I needed a hobby! Carving is a nice relaxing activity! I gave Applejack and Princess Celestia my brandy method. But told them how to dilute it as it was a little strong for ponies. Pinkie I gave my cake recipe to which had brandy in it (What? I made a lot of brandy! I have a lot of food stored away!) And finally Fluttershy found interest in a bestiary on Rivellionian animals and monsters written by yours truly. "Are you sure we can have all this?" Asked Rarity. "Yes, I'm sure." I rolled my eyes. "You could give MY generosity a run for my bits!" She exclaimed. "What are you on about?" I asked. "Remember those 'Elements' we were talking about at the wedding?" Asked Twilight, "Yes." I replied. "Well, each of us 6 represent an 'Element of Harmony' I represent the Element of Magic. Applejack is the Element of Honesty. Rarity is the Element of Generosity. Fluttershy is the Element of Kindness. Pinkie Pie is the Element of Laughter and last but not least, Rainbow Dash is the Element of Loyalty." Said Twilight, they all pulled a pose. "I see. Wait a second... I remember Maxos mentioned something in his journal about this..." I said and summoned the very book I was talking about, flicking through it. "He mentions the very virtues you represent... But nothing about them being 'Elements...' but he mentions they are important somehow..." I said. "Maxos?" Asked Twilight. "A great wizard in my world..." I said as I put the book down. "Like Star Swirl the Bearded?" Asked Twilight. "What did you just say?" I asked. "Star Swirl the Bearded? He was the greatest unicorn in Equestria. Here, this is a painting of him." Said Twilight and teleported in a painting of him. I also pictured Zandalor in my mind suddenly... And then compared the two... "No... Zandalor...!? No wait, hold on..." I said flicked through Maxos' diary again... "Holy Thundercunt!" I exclaimed. "What?" Asked Twilight. "Oh my chucklefuck... Listen to this... Maxos and Zandalor, two wizards from my world, had a bet." I started. "Who could go longer without using a spell? And the punishment for losing was rather strange... If the loser ever got sent to a strange realm, he had dress like the victor and call himself a fruity name, Zandalor got the name 'Lezar the Ancient' and Maxos got the name 'Star Swirl the Bearded'! Maxos lost of course and therefore Zandalor got to keep his name and looks... Looks like Maxos kept his word..." I said. "So Star Swirl was one of you as well?" Asked Twilight. "Yes, he was one of the greatest wizards in Rivellon's history. Look like he continued that history here." I said. "He did! He's one of my idols!" Exclaimed Twilight. "So this is where he disappeared to... We always wondered." I said. "He just appeared out of nowhere one day, just like you did!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. "Makes sense... For some reason his Battle Tower didn't come with him, whereas it did with me." I said. "He did request a tower for his experiments. Said it made him more comfortable." Said Princess Celestia, tapping her chin with her hoof. "You both met him?!" I asked. "Yes, we did. He died a few thousand years ago unfortunately." Said Princess Luna. "I thought so... Where was he buried?" I asked. "He wasn't. He was burned in Dragonfire as per his request. Nopony was present, but he told us not to let anypony except a fellow 'knight' ever enter his tower. I think he meant you." Said Princess Celestia and gave me a key. "Thanks. I'll check it out in a few days." I said. "It would be nice to have you in Canterlot again." Smiled Princess Luna. "Indeed." I smiled. "That is not all." Said Princess Celestia. "Hmm?" I asked. "There are few last orders of business. Ego Draconis. For your services to the kingdom, I now proclaim you... Saviour of Equestria." Said Princess Celestia. "For your endeavor in saving our lives and the lives of everypony from the Changelings, I proclaim you Saviour of Canterlot." Smiled Princess Luna. "And for your near selfless sacrifice in the Empire, I proclaim you Saviour of the Crystal Empire." Nodded Princess Cadance. "It has been a long time since anypony had held those titles. And we will not take no for an answer." Said Princess Celestia. She teleported in three medals and placed the Saviour of Equestria one on my on my left breast. Princess Luna placed the Saviour of Canterlot medal there and Princess Cadance placed the Saviour of the Crystal Empire medal there as well. "I..." I started. "I wanted to give two of these to you after the wedding. But... Well, you know what happened. We got distracted." Smiled Princess Celestia. "I also wanted to give the last one to you after the Crystal Empire, but well, we were too elated seeing you alive to remember." She smiled. "You deserve these." She concluded. "I concur sister. We will not take no for an answer." Agreed Princess Luna. "I will also point out that this is the first time in the history of our kingdom somepony has held all three medals." She informed. "This is the least we can do. For... Everything you've done for us. And they are right. None of us will take no for an answer." Smiled Princess Cadance. "I... Thank you. All of you." I said. When they say they won't take no for an answer, I have a feeling they aren't kidding around. "We should be going. Thank you for receiving us. Saviour of Equestria." Bowed Princess Celestia and the others followed. "I am not worthy of being bowed to. You are, Princesses. You all are." I said and bowed deeply to all of them. "Thank you. Saviour of Canterlot." Said Princess Luna. They all walked out aside from Princess Cadance. "Your Majesty?" I asked. "Back in the Crystal Empire, when I tried to kiss you... I just... I'm sorry. It was foolish of me. Foolish of me to fall for another stallion when I am already married..." She said. I read her mind... 'Does he love me? As I love him? As they love him?' She thought. She was still in love with ne? But with who? Her and who else love me? This is wrong... They are a different species! That shit don't fly in Rivellon! "But I do have a question." She said. "Go ahead." I nodded. "If you didn't have that vision... Would you have kissed me?" She whispered, walking up to me... "I... Most likely." I nodded. Well, I had to admit it. Despite what I felt about them being another species... "Well, I want to know something. Just... Please. A kiss can tell me a lot..." She said and went in for a kiss... I backed off a little before just letting her kiss me. She was clearly experienced, I just stood there, frozen, not moving a muscle... The kiss wasn't exactly chaste... She backed off a little, looking at me, her eyes had something in them... Some kind of flash danced through them... "Thank you... I hope to see you soon. Saviour of the Crystal Empire." Said Princess Cadance... Was that sultry? Wait, did she just wink at me? Oh shit, I might have opened the gates to Tartarus... What did my kiss tell her? "No problem." I bowed as she left. Sassan escorting them out. She came back later with a smile. "My Lord, it's good to have you back." Smiled Sassan. "Thank you." I smiled. "Nice medals." She said. "Thanks." I rolled my eyes. "So, do you like Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?" Asked Sassan. "Yes. I'd like to think we're friends." I nodded. "I meant more than that My Lord..." She said. "No! They're animals! They may be intelligent, but there's still a species barrier! It's... Wrong, morally abhorrent! Besides, they're not my type. Too serious." I said, shaking my head. "That's not what I heard while you were unconscious My Lord." She countered. "Huh?" I asked. "All I'm saying My Lord is get to know them first." She said, "I have. They're not my type. And they are fucking ponies. I am not. Nonetheless, as I said, too serious." I said. "Is that so My Lord?" Bowed Sassan, walking out... "Yeah- Wait, hold the communication magic..." I said and I followed her out... You want a sequel?! You can't handle a sequel! OK, we'll do a sequel.We are in the midst of creating a sequel... But to get it, this story must have a number of likes equal to that of its followers... Just kidding, but we would like some more likes. Please...?
Chapter 1: Who am I?Author's Note The first & second chapter are mostly filler and set-up for the story as a whole, the third chapter is where the action is so stick around for that. I promise it's better. A look at the battle tower interior to give you an idea of what it looks like: '...' =normal, private thought speech 'italics' =thought speech when being mindread Chapter 1: Who am I? When did it all go so tits up? By the Divine! A year ago I was saving the world from the Damned One! Now here I am, in my Battle Tower trying to kill time. Rather harder to kill than Damien & the Black Ring wouldn't you say? Let me explain. Whilst I was off saving the world I never had time to figure out who I was. Since I was born I was trained in magic, melee and ranged combat every day for hours on end. I never had time for me, to figure out about myself or about emotions or basic social etiquette. My 'downtime' was spent studying, training my mind to focus, to be mentally strong. Now, here I am, 1 year later, 20 years old and I have no idea who I am. Sure I interacted with people but conversations mainly consisted of: "Please go here I ;insert menial problem here; So I need help!" Then my line: "Never fear citizen! I am here to help!" I was a bit of a comedian so maybe that factors in? Anyway, you didn't come here to listen to me complain about my life. You came for action, you came for romance(...maybe?) you came for my good looks.(Don't lie.) but above all, you came for adventure, the thrill and excitement my story will bring. Well my friends I shan't disappoint, so fret not. But! My state of mind at that point is extremely relevant to the story as a whole. Well, we should begin at the beginning, the day it all changed... "No, no, no, stop." I said with a sigh, little emotion in my voice as I shook my head I had my helmet off. "My Lord?" Asked my dancer, Salome, stopping in her tracks. "Is there something wrong mi'lord?" Asked Kirill, my bard, strumming an off chord by accident in surprise. "Yes!" I exclaimed, standing up from my throne, sighing in exasperation, also feeling confused, I walked forward a little, my two entertainers stepping back to either side of my throne. "What is it, Lord?" Asked Salome. "Don't you both have families to go to?" I asked with confusion, they had been with me at my Tower for a year since the previous owner Laiken kept them prisoner here. If you wish to meet him you may have to scrape what's left of him from the left armrest of my throne where I grabbed him and smashed his head into the stone armrest repeatedly until he stopped squirming. And twitching. Anyway, they both looked at each other... almost worriedly. As if they'd offend me by what they would say. "Well..." "Err..." They both spoke at the same time but stopped when I raised my hand. "One at a time. Ladies first Salome." I nodded to her. "Well thank you, My Lord Dragon. I do have family, but..." She trailed off. "But..." I said, rolling my hand in gesture for her to continue. "Well yes I do, but I like it here. Plus I've got everything here." She smiled, I sighed. "Does no one have a mind of their own in this damned place!" I exclaimed in frustration, my voice shaking the earth and causing both bard and dancer to become absolutely terrified. "I- I'm sorry milord-" She started, almost crying. "No, no I'm sorry for my outburst... What about you, Kirill?" I asked. "No My Lord, they all died in Broken Valley." He said. "I'm sorry Kirill." I said, looking at the floor. "No, no My Lord, it wasn't your fault, there was nothing you could do to curb Damien's wrath at that time." He said. "Thank you Kirill." I said, I always did feel guilty for what happened to Broken Valley... ... -1 year ago- 'So, when I go back to Broken Valley I need to find a way into the Mines?' I thought. 'Yes Dragon-Knight, but beware! Ba'al has taken the Mines to find the sigil to open the Hall of Echoes for Damien!' Warned Talana. 'Hah, Ba'al. Oh please, he's just a Demon with an ego boost because he's Damien's favorite pet.' I thought as I flew into the Broken Valley passage from the Orobas Fjords. 'Hahaha your bravado is great, but so is the power of Ba'al.' Informed Talana. 'Yes but so is the power of my ddddd- What the fuck...?!' I trailed off in my own mind as I saw Broken Valley, gassed by Damien and destroyed with his flying fortresses everywhere. 'Damien was here... And now this unfortunate valley is dripping with fog as black as Acheron.' She said. "All those people..." I said, looking down at the gas below, saddened by the loss. I looked up as one of Damien's Dragon Commanders rushed toward me and Damien's flying fortress defenses started to lock onto me and I prepared for a fight... ... -Present day, nightfall- I was in my quarters in the Battle Tower sitting by the fire with a glass of brandy. I was thinking, when my steward, Sassan approached me, I looked up slightly from the fire so she could address me. "I think I shall retire for the night mi'lord. If there is anything you need..." She said and started to leave. "Wait, Sassan..." I said, she turned to me with a look of question. "Yes My Lord?" She asked. "... Am I a bad person?" I asked. "My Lord?" She asked again in confusion. "Today I took a break from the usual routine on Hermosa's suggestion. Said I was becoming too good and she needed time to practise so she at least presents a challenge." "So? My Lord, You spent months stopping Damien's plans and saving the world and yet you still train everyday to make sure you're ready when he returns. You deserve a break My Lord." She said. "Mayhaps. But I should've spent the time practising magic or sharpening my blades or exercising. I snapped at poor Salome for no reason." I said. "Well you do get mood swings unlike you used to, you used to be smartass, making light of any situation. You still do but you seem like a different person everyday. It doesn't mean you are a bad person, it just means you need to work on yourself a little." She said. "No! I mean, I don't have time, I've got training, magic practise... Theres just no time." I said quickly and turned back to the fire. "Very well My Lord." She said and walked out. I stayed staring at the fire for what felt like hours. Eventually I headed to my bed and curled up, a bit of a draconic trait, we feel more comfortable either on our stomach or curled up. I also was curled around a pile of coins because of my Draconic obsession with gold or anything of value. My Dragon Chest was overflowing so I had to store them in piles of coins around my room because of the wealth I accumulated over the year I was adventuring. ... I had a dream of one of my adventures from a year ago, when I was completing the Maxos Temple Trails to become a true Dragon-Knight, every now and then I dreamt of the trials to remind me of why I became a Dragon. My oath to protect the innocent. The next day, like clockwork, I awoke at 7am sharp. By sharp I mean as I woke up I rolled out of bed onto a sword on the floor and almost gave myself a second asshole. "I need to clean my fucking room." I said, rubbing my sore ass. I had my breakfast, who knew gems tasted so good if you were a Dragon? The best by far has to be Malachite Gems though, and by best I mean they taste AMAZING. I only have Malachite on VERY special occasions. Today I was having a bowl of Amethyst in milk to start my day because it wakes you up, it's like an energy drink. It also sobers you up if you're plastered. I also have a glass of raw egg each day to fill up on protein and a glass of milkshake. The day went by very routinely. Breakfast. Make sure my equipment is in top condition with Wesson and Gina(which can take an hour or two with all my stuff). Training with Hermosa. Dinner. Make sure Creature is OK on the Necromancer Platform with Jonelath and Grimm. Oh yeah, I should mention my Creature achieved sentience when we started using prime human parts from my strongest human enemies, we just call him Creature because that’s what he prefers even though we gave him free reign to choose a name. Then I go to my alchemy lessons, I read my alchemist, Barbatos' mind for the theory part but I have to properly apply myself for the practical part. I've been told I'm doing quite good. Despite the fact i've had to use magic more than a few times to get my hair back to it's natural colour again. After that is tea. Then for the rest of the day I retreat to my study on the second floor to practise magic for hours on end in privacy... Pretty much... I've got a Goblin down there called Erlking who has a sworn allegiance to the Lord of the Tower. He is responsible for picking out spells for me to practise and doesn't let me move on until I have perfected the spell he has picked out. Over time I have expanded the library immensely with magic and brought the books from the Maxos Temple to fill the spaces. I now have the biggest collection of books on draconic lore in Rivellon and the biggest library of powerful magic as well. I also perfected my Dragon Form after I killed Ygerna so I don't need to use the Dragon Stone anymore, now its use is to get to the tower from anywhere in the world... All I took was the books... What? Oh ok I also brought all the gold from the Maxos Temple as well. What? I'm a Dragon! "Erlking, buddy, whats on today?" I asked, I had to read his mind to communicate with him because Laiken cut his tongue out to stop him from revealing the name of the demon he was soul bound with. 'Today Dragon we are trying something exceptionally challenging, I have noticed lately that you have been a little down. So I have found a special spell for you to try, it will take you all of our session to simply chant. This was Maxos' last spell before he disappeared.' He thought. "Ok, I'm ready, give it to me." I said, Erlking presented a book and I flicked through it, my Dragon mind taking in the information pretty much instantly. 'Ok Dragon, it's time!' He exclaimed. I started chanting the words in the old language and began. I finished the spell 4 hours later and...
Chapter 2: Last Meal.Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Chapter 3, Pt 1: A New ChallengeI woke up almost in a panic, I thought I was dead, was I in the Hall of Echoes? No... I was in an... Alleyway?! Where was I? It didn't seem like Aleroth, it wasn't the usual dirty alleyway, it seemed... Nice. It was almost spotless. Rubbish all in bins, none on the floor, almost no dirt whatsoever. I groaned and went to get up but my limbs felt weird, I couldn't fully curl my legs or anything, I couldn't get up! I took a deep breath to stay calm and got ready to try something. "Never thought that fucking mirror summoning spell could be of any use me but..." I said and thought the spell in my head, closing my eyes. The mirror came up in front of me and I looked at myself... "SHIT!!!" I yelled and dropped the mirror, causing it to smash. I was a grey... Horse... Thing, with an orange scarf around my neck... What in Tartarus was going on?! (Spoiler alert if you don't like the change: Character turning to a Pony is temporary.) I used my experience as a Dragon to use this new form. I felt much better than last night. FELT. But since I saw myself in the mirror I'm not sure. That damn spell must have changed me! I had wings, a horn, the fuck?! I tried to use my magic to lift the mirror but my magic came from my horn... Fuck that sounds weird... I had blue draconic eyes as well, it seems some of my other form dripped into this one. Where was my armor? Nevermind, my sword wasn't too far away, I at least had my offense. I managed to get to my feet- Err hooves. "What the fuck is this shit?" I asked, inside I was almost jumping for joy! Another adventure to go on! I used my magic to pick up my sword after 5 minutes of trying to pick up the sword with hooves like a fucking idiot. I found a sheath and strapped it to my back so the blade was facing behind me and I was ready to go. I peeked my head from the alleyway, thinking the locals might find a sword wielding Pony a little strange. I knew I was a pony because of how I looked but I was about my height as a human, I was about 6.5 feet tall which is tall for a Pony but I could tell. Nobody. Absolutely empty street. Nobody, not a soul in sight. I stepped out tentatively and fell over, I tried for about 5 minutes before I got the hang of it. I looked up to see... A shield, similar to Zandalor's shield except purple. But there was nothing attacking... "The fuck?" I asked, looking around. I saw a castle coming up and decided to introduce myself, I'm a Dragon-Knight, shouldn't be too hard. I approached and heard bridal music playing and talking... Were they doing a fucking wedding rehearsal?! "Shit..." I mumbled and stood to the side. I didn’t want to intrude. After a few minutes I heard raised voices and decided it was time to step up and help out. I headed toward the door when the door swung outward and smashed me against the wall, pinning me behind the door. I heard voices but that's it, because the fucking door was in my way. And I was seeing stars. "In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't show up to the wedding at all." A guy, quite strong voice, must be a warrior of sorts. "C'mon, y'all. Let's go check on the Princess." Country girl. "I was–" Not enough info to make a judgement... "You have a lot to think about." Voice sounded clear, authoritative, yet feminine, if I'm being honest she sounded quite attractive. The doors slammed shut and I was seeing stars and I collapsed for a second, I couldn't even see those that left the castle. "Maybe I was being overprotective. I could've gained a sister. But instead... I just lost a brother." I heard from the other side of the door as I was on the ground trying to regain my sight and get rid of a headache. I got up and opened the door quietly. Looking in. "No... The fuck...?" I mumbled, I heard this fucking purple Pony singing and I almost fainted. "So everybody else is a fucking Pony as well? Well I suppose that makes... Sense." I told myself, mainly to calm myself down. She only had a horn and was much shorter than me, was I some kind of freak around here? I looked back over and a pink, taller Pony with the same appendages as me thank The Divine! But her wings were much smaller, while mine were large to support my weight I guess... she herself was also smaller than me. Suddenly the purple Pony was absorbed into the ground by the pink one, I ran in to help but was too late. "The hell did you just do?" I asked and took a defensive stance. I felt her leeching from something, some kind of energy source, I searched around for it myself but I couldn't find it, I searched for power crystals, nothing, any kind of conventional power source was out of it, so I went for the next best thing. I ran through all of the usual emotions for fueling magic. Passion, hate, anger, jealousy, envy, shame. Nothing... "AH! A male Alicorn... I didn't think there were any left..." She said and walked up to me seductively. "Err... The fuck..." I said, backing up, but the bitch got the drop on me and I didn't realise I was melting into the ground until it was too late. "You'll make a suitable mate." She chuckled. "NO! NO! NO!" I yelled, struggling with my entire body, but it was too late, I felt myself falling into the darkness, again, I thought I was dead. Suddenly I landed in some kind of caves, crystals everywhere. I looked around but couldn't see the purple Pony anywhere. "Lovely accommodation... 5 stars, staff service deserves an award." I mumbled as I got up. I remembered how strong I really was, i'd spent so long holding back for Hermosa so I didn’t just flatten her that I forgot my own strength. 'Your muscular strength is almost unbelievable! Rumours abound in your home village about how your mother must have slept with an incarnate God... Or demon.' is what an old friend of mine once told me. I charged at the wall of crystal, steeling myself and I smashed right through, crystal shattering everywhere, at the same time the crystals a few feet down the tunnel blasted apart with magic, I also saw the purple Pony emerge from the cell next to mine and the pink Pony responsible for our imprisonment. I was PISSED! I stormed the few feet to her and as the purple Pony tackled her I used my magic and threw her against the wall. Pinning her. I narrowed my eyes at her even more than they already were. My magic was actually a fiery orange colour, interesting... I was also later told by the purple Pony that my eyes turned yellow, like an actual dragon when they narrowed. "The fuck are you playing at?! Huh? You have got a lot of explaining to do! Now start talking..." I threatened dangerously, putting my face close to hers, she lifted her head up with a terrified expression, I could tell it was my eyes, they were draconic and the other two had more 'normal' eyes for ponies. "I'm not her! She's an imposter! No! Wait! Ugh! Please! Don't hurt me! Twilight, it's me! Please, you have to believe me. I've been imprisoned like you both. The Cadance who brought you down here was an imposter." She implored as she struggled against my vice magic grip. "Likely story!" Exclaimed the purple Pony. "Agreed." I said, she had tears in her eyes, looked away from me and closed her eyes as if expecting the end. I started to believe her because of her genuinely pleading tone but I read her mind to be sure. 'Please believe me, please believe me, please believe me... I must save my Shiny!' She thought. I let her down from my grip. "I think she is telling the truth." I said. "I can prove it! Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves..." She said as Twilight joined in. "...and do a little shake." They both said the last part and did some weird dance moves. "You remember me!" Exclaimed the purple Pony. "Of course I do. How could I forget the filly I love to sit for the most?" Said Cadance. "We have to get out of here. We have to stop her!" Implored the Purple one. "First, introductions." I said. I was happy! Time to save the day again! "Oh right, my name is Twilight Sparkle." She said. "My name is Princess Mi Amore Cadenza. But please call me Cadance." She said. I noticed the fruity names so... I had to think of one... That was it! I had it! My alias that I planned to use in times I had to go into hiding because I am a Dragon-Knight, but now Lucian has cleared our name I don't need it! "Your name is I Love Cadence in Italian? Ahem, Ego, Ego Draconis, Your Majesty." I bowed before the Princess. "Please don't do that, rise." She said. "I, of the Dragons, In the old Equine tongue." Said Twilight. "Yes, correct." I said, surprised she knew Ancient Rivellonian... "Wait, you're an Alicorn as well, doesn't that mean you're royalty?" Asked Twilight. "Err... Yes! But I was just showing respect to a fellow Alicorn." I smiled nervously. "Right... Come on then we need to hurry!" She said. We pelted it through the cave system, I almost tripped a few times getting used to this form but I managed in the end. I was mapping the tunnels in my mind, steering us away from going in circles. The Princess was singing but I was ignoring it. We were running and Princess Cadance stopped and looked at the crystals. "We have to keep moving Your Highness." I said, she nodded and got ready to run again. We kept going and running into dead ends. "Fuck fuck fuck..." I mumbled through the singing, did I mention she was singing? Yeah... We saw a minecart and I gestured them to get in, they did and I pushed them over, they dragged me in with their teeth by my fur and we sped downwards. Suddenly I saw a dead end where the cart was bound to fly off the rails, they looked at me and I threw them out of the cart, and they flew up. Then I went flying out of the cart and I flew as well, my wingspan was rather impressive and the force that my wings put out was a little tough to get used to. Although I managed to adjust to get the right balance to maximize my speed. As we got going again Princess Cadance practically collapsed. "Get up or I swear I will drag you out of here!" I said and picked her up, she looked at me with resolve and nodded and we kept going... "Got it..." She mumbled. "You're not giving up on me you hear?!" I yelled as we ran, she nodded and we kept going. "Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor." We all got nervous as we heard the ceremony starting in the castle above. "Oh, we're never going to save him." "Hey! I told you we're not giving up! There's an exit here somewhere... She had to have found these caves somehow!" I exclaimed. "He's right. We just have to find... There!" Agreed Twilight and pointed as she spotted the exit. We all teleported over and were about to leave. "You're not going anywhere." Said three mares with a dangerous charmed look about them... ;2 minutes later; "Well, good idea, now we just-" I cut off as I saw a stallion outside the entrance who had a smug look as he blasted the exit, making rocks begin to fall in front of it, I saw the look from his face change as he spotted me, it turned to, fear, as if he recognised me, and I felt the feeling of recognition was mutual. "NO!" Yelled Cadance and ran to the blocked exit, she slumped against the rocks and and hit her hoof against it in a half hearted attempt to move them as she cried. "I can't left these..." Strained Twilight as she tried to use her magic to lift all the rocks and was about to give. "Ladies, stand behind me." I said. "What’s the point?" Sobbed Cadance. "I said... GET BEHIND ME! UNLESS YOU FANCY BEING CRUSHED BY 200 TONNES OF ROCK!!!" I bellowed, almost bringing the entire cave down on us, she rushed to her hooves and stood behind me. I charged the rock, putting my shoulder first and we burst through the wall with little effort. As the dust settled I cracked my neck and shoulders. "Let's gatecrash a wedding." I smiled as we walked to the castle. "Agreed." Nodded Cadance. We approached the castle and gazed at the massive doors, I turned to the two girls with a smile. "Shall I get the door?" I asked, my face turning serious as they nodded. ;Meanwhile; "Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, it is my great pleasure to pronounce you–" They all stopped and as the door was bucked in and was almost knocked off its hinges as the door was slammed open with an excessive amount of force. Everyone turned in surprise to the doors. "Stop!" Yelled Twilight, with me next to her, the ponies started chattering. "Ugh! Why does she have to be so possessive of her brother?" We all stared at her as she realised her mistake and she started sobbing. "And who is that and why do they have to ruin my special day?" She cried. "One extremely good reason." I answered and stepped aside. "Because it's not your special day! It's mine!" Exclaimed the real Princess, jumping forward as the Ponies gasped. "What? But how did you escape my bridesmaids?" Asked Chrysalis. "Quite genius actually, yet so simple." I said as the Princess showed a vision of her throwing the boutique. "I want it!" All three bridesmaids exclaimed. "And the entrance?! We had it sealed!" She exclaimed as I showed a vision of me moving a wall of rock as if it were nothing. "Hmph impressive and clever. But you're still too late." "I-I don't understand. How can there be two of 'em?" Asked an orange pony, must be the country girl I heard before. "She's a Changeling. She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them." Explained Cadence. Suddenly the fake Cadance burst into green flame and revealed her true form and we all gasped. Yep, even me, i'd never seen THAT before. "I always thought marriage was a bad idea. This reinforces that opinion." I said. "Indeed my stallion friend. And right you are, Princess. And as Queen of the Changelings, it is up to me to find food for my subjects. Equestria has more love than any place I've ever encountered. My fellow Changelings will be able to devour so much of it that we will gain more power than we have ever dreamed of!" "Of course you feed from love... I tried the negative emotions, never thought about the positives." I mumbled whilst... Facehoofing? Yeah lets go with that. "They'll never get the chance! Shining Armor's protection spell will keep them from ever even reaching us!" Exclaimed Cadance. The Queen chuckled. "Oh, I doubt that. Isn't that right, dear?" "Mm-hmm." He nodded, his eyes were fucked. "You charmed him..." I said, I was a master at charming enemies and I knew charmed eyes when I saw them and reading their mind made t a dead giveaway as all their thoughts consisted of was the words 'I will obey' but his eyes were just insanely obvious. Like the three mares in the cave. We started to charge but she charged her horn in return. "Ah, ah, ah. Don't want to go back to the caves, now do you?" She asked, she couldn't do anything to me because I was now completely focused so my Indomitable Will would be in full kick so she wouldn’t be able to even poke me with magic. But I was thinking of the two girls by my side. "Shit." I mumbled as I stood down. "Ever since I took your place, I've been feeding off Shining Armor's love for you. Every moment he grows weaker and so does his spell. Even now, my minions are chipping away at it." She said, I looked up and saw a cloud of black above the shield bashing on it, cracking it bit by bit. "Oh shit, we're going to need a LOT of pesticide." I mumbled. "He may not be my husband, but he is under my total control now. And I'm sorry to say, unable to perform his duties as Captain of the Royal Guard." She said and the ponies gasped. "Oh shit, can you just demote him like that?" I asked. "Not my Shining Armor!" Exclaimed Cadance. "Soon, my Changeling army will break through. First, we take Canterlot. And then, all of Equestria!" Exclaimed Chrysalis. "I... don't think so love." I said with a groan in my words and stepped up. "And who is going to stop me?" She challenged. "I, Ego Draconis, last of the Dragon-Knights will stop you from conquering this great realm, and I kinda need to fight someone before I start twitching." I growled and stepped up. "No. You won't Changeling... Please Sir Draconis, let me defend my realm." Said another Alicorn, she seemed to be the Queen. When I looked at her I almost fainted... Err, because she was white and the light was reflecting off her fur! Ahem... "Very well Your Highness. Kick her arse." I whispered and she smiled at me slightly but quickly straightened her face and she looked angry... She actually scared even me! I'd hate to be on the end of her wrath... "You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell, but now that you have so foolishly revealed your true self, I can protect my subjects from you!" Exclaimed the Queen. They crossed horns and glared at each other. They then shot beams of magic at each other, fighting, the white Queen looked like she was winning. "Come on..." I said quietly, cheering the Queen. Suddenly, I felt the Changeling's power increase. "NO!" I yelled and absorbed the blast into my side just before it hit the Queen. It hit me like a boiling hot spear had just pierced my side. I was crouched down from the force, which was nothing to me. I took a deep breath and focused, managing to subside the magic damage. I stood back up straight and chuckled. "Impossible, that blast would've taken down anypony!" She exclaimed. "Come on then if you think you can take me." I said and locked horns with her, I was about a head taller. Her horn reached my muzzle, so I had to crane my neck to lock horns. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a blue blast of energy knocked me to the side and the Changeling managed to catch the Princess off guard, she had a shield up at full strength before the blast hit, but it didn't do shit for her as the blast ended up hitting her and she went flying. "No!" I exclaimed and ran over to her as the ponies gasped. "Princess Celestia!" Exclaimed Twilight. Oh... She's a Princess as well? Oops... At least I know her name. I crouched beside her and checked her wounds. "Ah! Shining Armor's love for you is even stronger than I thought! Consuming it has made me even more powerful than Celestia!" Said the Changeling Queen. "Quite a burn on your horn, it seems your spell and horn took the brunt of the blast, you should be OK." I said and breathed a sigh of relief. I went to get up to get the Changeling Queen but the Princess pulled me close with her magic. "No! Protect the girls. The Elements of Harmony. You must get to them and use their power to defeat the Queen." Said the Princess, I had no idea what to do, but the six mares standing with me seemed to so I decided to just follow them. "Rarity!" Exclaimed 5 of the girls as one of them picked up the dresses they threw off before dropping them and following. "You can run, but you can't hide!" Yelled the Queen. In response, I sent a weak bolt of magic back at her, she just managed to duck under it and the pillar it hit above her almost crumbled. Yep, even my 'weak' bolts are powerful, it took long months of practise to get like this plus the year of fighting Damien, so it wasn't a cakewalk. At all. I've had treat more than one burn wound on myself and the others who trained with me. The barrier also crumbled under the weight of the thousands of Changelings. "Get behind me!" I exclaimed, 5 of the girls looked apprehensive. "Just listen to him!" Exclaimed Twilight and they all went behind me, a Changeling landed In front of me and I butted it out the way, sending it flying. "Wow pardner, you sure can charge." Said the orange country mare. "Go, go!" Yelled Twilight as I cleared the way, one Changeling after the other was forcibly moved out of our path. I saw the girls about to turn off, so I joined them. Suddenly about 80 Changelings were in front of us. "Looks like we're gonna have to do this the hard way." Said the cyan blue, rainbow maned Pony... I liked her, she wasn't afraid of getting her hand- Err hooves dirty. "Agreed." I said, suddenly a few Changelings turned into her. "How did you...?" Asked the cyan Pony before they pushed her away. "They're Changelings, remember?" Reminded Twilight. "They're Changelings, remember?" The Changelings copied everything about her. "Don't let them distract you. We have to get to the Elements of Harmony. They're our only hope." Said Twilight with resolve. I drew my sword and prepared for a fight. I could tell which were which because of the slight dilation of the eyes that occurred. Attention to detail has saved my life more than once. Those that turned into me never had a sword and realised there was little point in becoming me if they couldn't pull it off completely. I started swinging in front of me with my sword, knowing my allies were behind me, but when it became confused I resorted to using my hooves just in case. "OK, this is just gettin' weird." Commented the country Pony, I turned to her and prepared to strike because I thought she was a Changeling. "Real me! Real me!" She said and I hit a Changeling about to hit her instead. "Do me! Do me!" Said a pink Pony who seemed a little wacky. The Changeling did her. "Meh, I've seen better." We managed to beat the crap out of the Changelings. I took a breath and the girls pointed to a building ahead, we opened the door and it was a single corridor with a door at the end and there were about 40 Changelings in between us and these 'Elements'. "Damn Changelings don't know how to give up." I said and started to charge. Suddenly a voice... “Stop!” I did and turned to see the girls surrounded by the Changelings. “Put the weapon away.” Said the lead Changeling. They used my one weakness... Innocents. One thing I never do is put innocents in harm's way so I sheathed my sword... ;5 minutes later; “You won't get away with this! Twilight and her friends will–“ started Cadence before the door burst open and the 6 mares were there, and I was being carried by two Changelings, my arms draped limply over their backs and my hind legs dragging on the floor. “This one put up a fight your majesty.” Said one of the Changelings carrying me and threw me down. "He did did he?" She asked. "You better believe it..." I mumbled as I slowly got to my knees. Replaying the memory in my head. ;5 minutes earlier; As I sheathed my sword about 5 Changelings jumped on my back and I bucked them off, more and more piled on me until I was smothered by about 100 Changelings, even then I was smashing through them, getting them off me until one of them landed a lucky hit on a nerve that knocked me out. ;Present time; “You were saying? You do realize the reception's been cancelled, don't you?” Asked the Queen to us. “Got the message…” I mumbled as I got to my hooves from my knees. “Go! Feed!” Exclaimed the Queen to her subjects and they flew out. “It's funny, really, Twilight here was suspicious of my behaviour all along, too bad the rest of you were too caught up in your wedding planning to realize those suspicions were correct!” laughed the Queen. “Sorry, Twi, we should've listened to you.” Said the orange horse. "That's always the way... They never listen." I said as they tied my hooves to chains hanging from the ceiling so I was dangling by my arms- Err forelegs, just above the ground. “It's not your fault, she fooled everypony.” Said Twilight, everypony? Huh, better get used to that. "Hmm, I did, didn't I?" Said the Queen smugly. Then she sang. "This day has been just perfect. The kind of day of which I've dreamed since I was small. Everypony I'll soon control. Every stallion, mare, and foal. Who says a girl can't really have it all?" She said and laughed evilly, going outside... "What the fuck is it with Ponies and singing...?" I asked to myself as I began to lockpick my way out of the chains. ;Queen Chrysalis' POV; As I finished my victory song my new ally decided to chip in. 'Don't leave your prisoners unsupervised!' he scolded, I agreed, so I went back inside and stopped that meddling Twilight Sparkle from freeing Princess Cadance. "What do you think you're doing?" I asked as I picked her up in my magic, dangling her upside down in front of me. "Haha... Nothing?" She chuckled nervously, I gooed her to the pillar next to 'Ego'. ;Ego Draconis' POV; I managed to pick the chains and get them off my hooves. Really... None of these ponies know how to keep a prisoner tied up... I crept up behind the Queen and bucked her hard away from the 'alter' or whatever. She smashed into a pillar on the other side of the room and I freed the groom from the spell and Cadance from her gooey bonds. "Go to him." I said. "Thank you!" She exclaimed. "That's OK." I smiled. "Wha– where... huh? Is...is the wedding over?" Asked Shining as Cadance went to him. "Not quite yet." I said and helped him up with my wing because he collapsed to his 'knees'. "Who are you?" He asked. "Ego, Ego Draconis." I said, he shrugged me off and backed up a little. "For all I know you're working with her! It could've been you who hypnotized me! I don't trust you!" He said. "Suit yourself." I shrugged. Chrysalis slowly made her way to her hooves. "It's all over!" She exclaimed, wiping a bit of blood from her lip. "Your spell! Perform your spell!" Exclaimed Twilight. "What good would that do? My Changelings already roam free." Informed Chrysalis as Shining Armor tried anyway. "No! My power is useless now. I don't have the strength to repel them." He said. "My love will give you strength." Said Cadance. "What a lovely but absolutely ridiculous sentiment." Said Chrysalis. "DO NOT underestimate their power!" Came a voice as magic bolt flew toward Cadance. I stood in front of her with a magic shield and it dispelled the magic as it passed through the shield. Making Cadance jump and distracting her. It was the same coloured bolt that moved me out of the way before, except this one was intent on killing rather than knocking somebody out of the way. Or is it somepony? "I DON'T need your help!" Argued Chrysalis. "Yes you do, they were about to stop you." Said the voice as a dark gray pony leapt down from the rafters of the castle. He actually had two swords on his sides in sheaths. "Fine." She concluded unhappily. "Hello again Dragon-Knight." Greeted the stallion in question. I looked him up and down. "I'm sorry, I don't believe I- Wait a second... Stone?!" I exclaimed. "Yes Dragon, it is I, who you killed so long ago." "You mean THOUGHT I killed, apparently?" I asked. "Indeed, accursed beast. Once you killed me, I awaited in the Hall of Echoes for the end to come, but instead, Damien brought me here. I wasn't sure why at first but i've come to realise. It was also me who knocked you out before, you think any of these ponies can pinpoint and hit a nerve?" He asked. "No, but I seem to remember, when we faced off last time you ran away like a chicken with it's head cut off. And that's Mr. Accursed Beast to you!" I chided. "I DID NOT RUN AWAY!" He argued. "And then you tried to set a Troll, a Demon, a Goblin Beholder, and several Ghosts on me and it still didn't work." I laughed. "You're a coward?!" Asked Chrysalis, blocking Cadance from Shining Armor, raising her head in question as she did to ask Stone. "NO! I am not a coward!" He shouted. "You ran away! You ran away! You ran away! You ran away!" I chanted, doing a little dance as well. "Arrghhh!" He yelled and shot magic at me, I simply shrugged it off. "So, I lost my power but you retained your power?!" Exclaimed Stone. "Nope, wrong. Since I met you, my power has amplified! Tenfold! It’s over 9000!" I exclaimed. "Impossible! You were breezing through my men like a knife through butter! And then you defeated my beasts with no issue and you got even more powerful?!" Said Stone. "Oh just strike him down and get on with it!" Yelled Chrysalis to Stone. As she did I read his mind. 'Of all the people in Rivellon that could be sent against me the damn Universe had to send the one being who killed me! What chance do I have?!' "V-v-v very well." Stuttered Stone and drew his two swords with magic, he only had a horn. He took a combat stance. "Good luck mate." I winked with a smile. I drew my two handed sword and just stood there. "Ahhhh!" Stone ran at me with a scared expression and I just moved out of the way and he ran past me. He skidded on the floor and used the slide to turn around and charged again. But what he didn't see was that I'd slipped my sword beneath him. Just before he reached me, I pointed my sword up at his stomach and shoved it upwards, impaling him, bringing his face close to mine. His legs still moving in a running motion. "No..." He coughed blood and started to breath heavily as my sword suspended him in the air. His swords dropped limply from his magic. "And once again, I have a point." I chuckled and pulled my sword out of him. He fell to the ground in a pool of blood, dead. "NO!" Yelled Chrysalis. I don't think anyone-err pony noticed me kill him except her, they were too busy watching Princess Cadance and Chrysalis. I turned to Queen Chrysalis and started to approach her menacingly and she backed up. "No... Stay away from me!" She said and backed into a wall. "What's the matter? Scared?" I asked, when suddenly I felt a powerful surge of magic from behind, I turned and saw Cadance and Shining Armor kissing and floating, shrouded in magic. I shielded my eyes as their magic surged outwards and blasting the Changelings away. "Noooooo!" Yelled Chrysalis as she was kicked out of the country. "Bon Voyage...!! As they say across the water." I smiled and waved them away, I noticed Stone's corpse was gone as well... I saw the Princess at the side of the throne room, suspended in some kind of membrane, I summoned a bow and shot at the sack without even looking, hitting just below her head and freeing her, whilst I was at freeing people I also freed Twilight. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you my friend. You saved me- Us..." Smiled Celestia and wrapped a hoof around my neck and her wings around mine to... Hug me I guess? As she did I froze up because I had no idea how to reciprocate, so I just stood there wide eyed. The 5 mares from before and Twilight ran over to the Princess and she let go of me and I managed to recover from my stupor. "No problem." I bowed when she let go. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. You have a real wedding to put together." She said to Twilight. As they spoke I started to leave. "Wait, where are you going?" Asked Twilight, I turned around slightly after realising she was talking to me. "Away? Wherever the wind takes me? I don't really care." I said. "But... aren't you going to at least stay for the wedding?" Asked Cadance. "Sweetie, I'm not sure-" Started Shining Armor. "Are you sure I'd be a welcome guest?" I asked. "Of course! You saved us! What else could you do to warrant an invitation?!" Exclaimed Princess Cadance with a laugh. "I would like to thank you materially for saving us." Said Princess Celestia. "Oh please it was nothing." I said. "No, without you, we would now be under the control of Queen Chrysalis. You do deserve a reward for your services. I would like to offer you a coffer full of gold, a medal of honor and a position in the guard for your services. Our Captain has recently... Retired." Said the Princess, looking at Armor when she said 'retired'. "No thank you, although I thank you for the offer, but I did not do it for a reward. A *ahem* 'friend' of mine once told me: 'The dying fellow was right, in your kindness you rival The Divine! In exchange for your sacrifices, the greatest of rewards shall soon be thine!' so I require no reward for my service, your gratitude... And hug, is enough." I bowed to her. I may be a Dragon but the first time saving is always free it's when it becomes an event that I start to charge. As we spoke, Cadance noticed Armor's expression of almost disdain. "Honey, what's wrong?" Asked Cadance to Armor. "Huh? Oh nothing, never mind dear." Said Armor, raising his brow at me as his wife shrugged. "And I would at least like to know more about you Mr. Draconis." Said Princess Celestia. "Please. It's Ego." I said. As I said that, Shining Armor scoffed. I read his mind to satisfy my curiosity. 'If he thinks he can get into the Princess and my Candy's head, he's got another think coming!' so he thought I was trying to manipulate the Princesses? Ha! As if I have nothing better to do...
Ch 3, Pt 2: Wedding Rings: The World's Smallest Handcuffs"Very well, we should... Wait, you're hurt!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia, I looked at my side and lifted my wing to reveal Chrysalis' magic blast that I took in stead of the Princess had burnt my side and my blackened fur was now falling out, which must be how she noticed. "No problem..." I said and used one of Stone's fallen swords to cut my hoof, I used my magic to smother my blood over the wound and it began to heal and my fur began to grow back it's 'normal color' as I lowered my wing. "Oh wow! Neat! Princesses, can your blood do that?" Asked Twilight. "No, Twilight... It... Can't..." Said Cadance, staring at my wing, where my wound was. "Amazing! Do you know magic?" Asked Twilight. "Of course! I mastered fire, wind and electricity when I was quite young." I nodded. "So... What's your Cutie Mark?" Asked Twilight she was jotting all this down.... "Err... What?" I asked. "Twilight! That was a little personal..." Said Cadance. "No, I'm curious as well. I'll share with the group. Mine represents my duty to my sister Twily, and to always protect her. Her Cutie Mark is enclosed within a shield on mine and this shield also represents the sense of duty I uphold to defending Canterlot." He proclaimed proudly. "Mine represents my special talent with Magic! Especially with the Magic of Friendship!" Exclaimed Twilight. "...Ha... Ha... HAHAHA!" I burst out laughing. "What?" Asked Twilight. "The 'Magic' of Friendship?! HAHA!" I said, rolling on the floor while laughing. "I know, I had the same reaction when the theory first came up, but it exists, believe me." Said Princess Celestia. "Really? Oh wow... That’s new..." I said and wiped a tear away. Before realising this was an entire new school of magic to learn! "SO? What does your Cutie Mark represent?" Asked Twilight, I was about to ask what one was until I remembered Shining said his was Twilight's encased in a shield... I saw it! On his flank! And Twilights! I looked at my flank and saw it. Suddenly it dawned on me, it felt as if the idea had been told to me, I just instantly knew what it was... Luckily this was explained later... or I'd still be wondering how I knew... "It represents what I am, a warrior, a Dragon-Knight, a defender. Of what? It doesn't matter. Good, maybe?" I asked seemingly myself. It was true. I not human, a Dragon. I think of myself as a Dragon-Knight, not a human. "Cool!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Your special talent is defending? Like mine?" Asked Shining accusingly. "Not really, what I am is a warrior, I'm an absolute god at fighting, but it has to be for something, not just aimlessly." "I understand, you are a defender of good. Your special talent is protecting others from harm. You are a fighter for peace." Said Princess Celestia. "Yes, I suppose." I agreed. I couldn't resist helping people in need. That is why I stayed in my Battle Tower for a year, if I didn't i'd never get any work done for every John and Jane Doe asking for my help and my customary response of agreeing, reward or no. "Well, let me introduce my friends to you." Said Twilight, I nodded. "Go ahead." I said. "This is Applejack." Said Twilight, introducing me to the orange country Pony I heard earlier. "Howdy pardner! Wow you got a strong shake! Well, you know mah name, I run Sweet Apple Acres in Ponyville." Said Applejack as she rubbed her hoof when we finished shaking. "Good to meet you Applejack." I said, bowing my head a little in respect. "This 'ere 's Rarity." Said Applejack and stepped aside to reveal a white pony with purple hair and a very nice style. "How do you do darling? Rarity, fashion designer, I run Carousel Boutique in Ponyville." Introduced Rarity. "I can tell you have good fashion sense, and you have lovely hair." I smiled and bowed to her in respect. "Oh thank you darling... Ahem, this is Rainbow Dash." She said as she blushed. "Sup?" Asked the cyan mare with a rainbow coloured mane, she was flying with her forelegs crossed and shades on. "Rainbow dear, please greet our new friend." Requested Rarity. "I just did!" Countered Rainbow, lifting her glasses up to her forehead. "I mean properly, like a civilised Pony!" "...Fine ..." She relented, rolling her eyes.. "Hey, Ego Draconis." I greeted as she looked me up and down carefully, inspecting me. "K, you seem cool. This is Pinkie Pie." She said and we hoof-bumped. She revealed the pink Pony from before. She was blowing up balloons that I somehow didn't notice before. They were letters that said: 'Thank you for saving us!' "HeymynameisPInkiePieandIwouldtotallythrowyoua;thanksforsavingourlivesparty;ifIdidn'thaveaweddingtoplanfor. ThisisFluttershy. BYE!!" She blurted out and... Err... Zoomed away is the only way to describe it I suppose. "That there was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie." Explained Applejack. "Rrriiiggghhhttttt." I said shaking my head. "Hey, I'm Fluttershy." She said, cowering behind her hair. "A pleasure to meet you Fluttershy." I said as calmly as I could and shook her hoof lightly. "Thank you. This is Spike." She said louder this time but still quiet. I saw a baby Dragon approach. "Hey! I'm Twilight's Number 1 assistant! And the ring carrier!" He said. "How did you get here young one?" I asked, crouching down as best as I could in this form. I felt quite protective over him when I saw him, my Draconic nature again I suppose. "I live with Twilight in Ponyville, she hatched me when she was young during a magic exam and we've been inseparable ever since." He said. "Wow... A baby Dragon, never thought I'd see it." I said in wonder. "Really?" Asked Spike. "Yeah. Say, do you know Patriarch by any chance?" I asked. "No... Who's that?" He asked. "Never mind. Lot wah grind hi." I greeted in Dragon. "Err... What?" Asked Spike. "You don't know Simplified Draconic?!" I asked. "No... We have a language?" Asked Spike. "Yeah..." I said, a little confused. "Anyway, great to meet you!" Exclaimed Spike and walked away "Well that’s everypony!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Awesome! So, you all have a wedding to plan, don't let me interrupt you." I said. I followed Twilight around the rest of the day to ensure the threat was completely vanquished. We visited Applejack on catering, Fluttershy on music, Pinkie Pie on party planning and Rarity on dresses to collect it for the bride. Nearing the end Twilight asked me to check on the bride. I headed to her tower and knocked on the door. ;Canterlot Towers - Third Pony POV; Cadance was waiting for her dress nervously, this was it! She then heard a knock, she wanted to throw open the door but stopped, too much? Too much. She simply shouted: "Coming!" and opened it, she saw the Alicorn who saved her standing there with her dress. "One wedding dress for the bride-to-be?" He asked, she nodded eagerly and he walked in, she shut the door behind him and took the dress, he went to look away and she rolled her eyes. "You don't have to worry, it's just you and me, there is no need to stand on ceremony, it's not as if you'll see anything anyway. It's all covered by magic." Said Cadance. "Huh?" He asked. "We don't know how. But unless we are about to... Well, you know, go the toilet or mate, our, ahem, parts don't show." She said. "Well in that case, do you need... assistance?" He asked, worried she'd say yes... He didn't know how put a fucking dress on! "Normally my servants would insist on dressing me even though I can do it myself." Said Cadance. "Treated like a child even though you're an adult?" He asked as she slipped into the dress. "Unfortunately. Aunty Celestia chose the best to provide for my wedding, Twilight and her friends seem to be more than capable of handling events." Said Cadance as she pulled it up her body with magic. "They do, the Princess is your aunt? Who's the Queen?" Asked Ego. "There has been no Queen for over 1000 years, my Aunt Celestia and Luna rule, Celestia by day, Luna by night." Explained Cadance, straightening the dress out. "Really? There are two rulers who are both Princesses?" Asked Ego. "Oh, they're sisters, probably should've mentioned that." Chuckled Cadance. "So what happened with that crazy bug anyway?" Asked Ego. "I was in here, waiting for Twilight to arrive, suddenly there was a knock on the door, and there was me standing there. Before I knew it, I woke up in the caves." She said. "Wow, eventful day." He laughed. "Indeed." She chuckled as finished with her dress, she didn't dare look at the mirror. "Quick, I need a second opinion!" She said. "You look... Nice. I would go further, but it would be weird since it's your wedding day. If it wasn't, I would say stunning." He said. "Thank you!" She said and turned to the mirror, he was right, she looked amazing, Rarity did a fantastic job! "Well, I will leave you to it your highness." He said, bowing and turning to leave. "Wait! we still have a while before the wedding, could I ask you some questions?" asked Cadance. "You just did." Smiled Ego. "Actually I best wait for my aunties first, they'll want to know as well." Realised Cadance. He bowed and left her, shutting the door to the tower. -10 minutes later- As Princess Celestia was still recovering from Chrysalis’ attack, she tried to use her magic to lift a cup but cried out in pain... her horn was damaged… it may take weeks to fully heal, she could cover the burn marks but not the pain... She started sobbing lightly because of the pain and the fact she couldn't defend her own kingdom. She felt helpless. “Your Majesty?” came a voice, she gasped slightly and looked up to see the Alicorn that freed her, she stopped sobbing instantly. "Yes, is there something you need?" She asked, looking away so he couldn't see. Pretending to be looking at something. “Don’t stop, please. Let it out, you’re not invincible. You don't need to be a mindreader to see you feel sad.” He said, and she cried, she cried harder than she ever had, hearing those words. He knew what it was like to be helpless and understood her pain. Of course he didn't ever cry either as a matter of pride, but in this case he saw she needed to release her sadness. Or else keep it bottled up, and that can destroy you from the inside out. "I- I just..." She trailed off. “Relax Princess.” He said, she looked at him and he was leaning toward her with a glowing horn, she recoiled but he kept going, he started rubbing her horn lightly with his and she shivered and she felt it heal. “What are you doing?” she asked shakily, still crying a little. “Healing you.” He said. “What was your name?” She asked, feeling a little bad for forgetting his name. “Ego, Ego Draconis.” He replied and took his hand away. “I am Princess Celestia. Thank you I feel, much better, refreshed, and… relaxed.” She said. “My own little spell, a powerful mix for healing.” He smiled and got up. “Thank you…” she called after him, he turned and smiled, she blinked and he had disappeared with a rush of wind. ;Ego Draconis' POV - 15 minutes later; I was about to head to the castle hall after running a few errands for Twilight and the others, when I saw Princess Cadance outside the castle. "Shit! I'm late..." I muttered and began to leave for the nearest tavern. "Wait! No, actually, this is good." She said, calling me back. "How's that?" I asked. "Look... I have no parents, Aunt Luna is sleeping... So I haven't got anypony to take me to the altar, and I don't want to go alone..." She said. Admittedly, at the time I had no idea what she was getting at as I had never witnessed a wedding before but I knew the stuff involved from general conversation and books. "Err..." I shrugged. "I want you to give me away." She said bluntly. "What?! You've just met me!" I said. "No, it's Ok. Stupid thing to ask, you're right." She said. "No! That’s not what I'm saying... Are you sure you want me to do this?" I asked. Approaching her with a questioning look... These ponies are far too trusting in my opinion. Then again, I am a trustworthy person, or right now, Pony. "Yes, you SAVED our lives! Plus you're an Alicorn, so we're kinda related." She said sheepishly. I don't think that’s how it world, but those damned eyes are cute... No! Think Tyrath! You're a Dragon-Knight... But ponies are so cute... Damn it. "Ok, fine. I'll do it for you." I said, rolling my eyes, giving in. We headed in to the castle and I saw three little ones waiting. "We’re ready Princess!" They exclaimed, obviously happy to be servicing a Princess as flower girls during her wedding. Cadance gulped as we were waiting. "No need to be nervous, a beautiful mare like you is marrying a... Nice... Stallion. You'll be fine." I smiled as she hooked her hoof around mine, how it worked I'm not sure but oh well... Then she started squeezing... I think my hoof turned purple... The doors opened as the bridal chorus started and the little ones skipped in, laying flowers as I walked Cadance in, she was shivering. "Oh sun..." She cursed. "It'll be fine." I whispered. "Thanks. You've been a really good friend." She said, I almost froze hearing that. The last 'friends' I had, they tried to kill me. I feel as though I betrayed them, that I didn't have to kill them, that I could've stopped them. "Yeah..." I answered. "I can't believe my big day is here!" She whispered to me. "Relax and take a deep breath, or you'll shake yourself out of your dress." I told her, she chuckled at that. "Thanks." I managed to tune my hearing to Twilight and the groom as we walked. "Seriously, though. I get why the Queen of the Changelings wanted to be with you, but how did you get someone as amazing as Cadance to marry you?" Asked Twilight. "I told her she wouldn't just be gaining a husband. She'd be getting a pretty great sister, too." He said, he seemed sweet, but was hostile toward me for some reason. Which was reinforced as he saw me walking her up and his expression turned from happy, to angry, but he quickly changed that when he remembered everyone in the room could see him. I brought Cadance up and 'gave her away' even though she was never mine to begin with, I bowed to the Princess who nodded at me a smile of... Approval? I stood next to Twilight and Spike, both of whom smiled at me. "Mares and gentlecolts, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of the real Princess Mi Amore Cadenza–" She started. "Princess Cadance is fine." She interrupted, Princess Celestia gave a smile and a hum of approval. "Hm. The union of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor. The strength of their commitment is clear. The power of their love, undeniable. May we have the rings please?" She asked, Twilight and Spike presented the rings. I took a breath and started to quietly chant a blessing. "Scarziy Sellabulgy crizel frugur..." I continued my blessing as the ceremony also continued. "I now pronounce you mare and colt!" She announced, I noticed how they used certain words in place of others here. As I finished my blessing my horn flashed and I cheered with everyon- pony else. As they walked to the balcony, I sighed, a tear fell from my eye... Damn ninjas cutting onions in here... I realised that would never be me. I'd never have a significant other. Never be as happy as them. Never have the fun task of planning a wedding. I'm too much of an anomaly. Dragon-Knights are practically immortal, the market isn't that wide for immortals. I live a dangerous life, always on the edge. Danger at every turn. If I did ever have a lover, they'd be faced with the knowledge that one day I might leave and never return. I couldn't do that to them. Ahem, changing subject. I heard the Princess talking to Twilight. "This is your victory as much as theirs. You persisted in the face of doubt, and your actions led to your being able to bring the real Princess Cadance back to us. Learning to trust your instincts is a valuable lesson to learn." She said. "Agreed. My instincts used to be waved off but I always trusted them. Admittedly they have got me into trouble as well, but it's mostly good to trust them." I said as I walked up. Shining Armor and Princess Cadance kissed and I smiled. "Rainbow Dash, that's your cue." Whispered the Princess. I saw Rainbow Dash fly up and a... rainsplosion I suppose it was... Anyway, whatever it was, it started. "I agree, but it's an important lesson to learn nonetheless." Agreed the Princess. "Indeed. How's your horn?" I asked. "It's much better because of you... Thank you." She smiled. "It's nothing. Really." I shrugged. I was in the habit of saving lives, during my year of adventure in Rivellon I saved countless lives multiple times, sometimes without thought of reward. "You could give Fluttershy a run for her bits with your kindness. Saving lives, healing ponies, helping out, giving a bride away! All without thought of reward. Really, I NEED to reward you for your kindness, there must be something you want!" She exclaimed. "No. It's fine. Seeing this, seeing everypony here, seeing you all happy... It brought warmth to the cockles of this Alicorn's heart. That was reward enough." I bowed. "What was it that you were chanting?" Asked Twilight. "An ancient blessing for marriage, wishing them to have a long and prosperous life together." I explained. "I should've thought of that!" Exclaimed Twilight. "You were busy planning. Besides, I doubt you know any blessings in Old Elvish." I shrugged. "Really?! A new language!? How old is that language?" Asked Twilight, I took a breath to think. "About... 1000-2000 years old." I guessed. "And you know it?!" She exclaimed. "Yep... Hang on..." I said and summoned the book I used to learn the language. "What is this?" She asked. "The Elven Alphabet. The book I used to learn it." I said. "Thank you! I love learning new languages!" She exclaimed. "No problem. I have no need for it anymore, I know the Elven Alphabet now." I shrugged. "How long did it take you?" She asked, flicking through the book as she asked and peering over it when she finished asking. "About... 5 minutes." At that, Twilight slammed the book and jumped in surprise. "5... 5... Huh?" She started before passing out. "I'll explain later." I said to the staring ponies. "Twi? Twi? Time ta git up." Said Applejack, helping Twilight up. "Why are you helping her? She's perfectly capable of getting up on her own..." I said. "Err, it's called a helping a friend..." Said Applejack, confused. "I just don't see the point of helping someone who doesn't really need it." I shrugged. "Well... PARTY TIME!!!" Yelled Pinkie. They all went outside to the courtyard to start the afterparty. I stayed in the throne room, on the side balcony, overlooking the party. Keeping a vigil over the Ponies below. I saw the moon pretty much instantly replace the sun, it wasn't extremely slow going like back home. It was slow enough, but once you have spent countless hours staring at the sunrise and sunset you can tell when something's different. As I said, attention to detail has saved my life more than once. "...Home..." I thought, shedding a tear for Rivellon, it really was home. It was full of things always trying to kill you all the bloody time, but dammit, it was home! I was watching the party, making sure nothing went wrong. I was worried. But excited for the future. "Hey, what are you doing up here?" Came a voice, I turned to see Princess Celestia. "Your Majesty!" I said and bowed. "There is no need for that. Please. You saved us, bowing is not needed." She said, she had a hoof raised almost at all times, to make her seem more regal I suppose. She did look... err nice... I think? Especially in the moonlight... No idiot! Concentrate! "Thank you." I said. "What are you the Prince of? It's not every day a pureblood Alicorn appears out of nowhere." She asked. "Huh?" I asked. "Well, I am the Princess of the Sun for example, you know how it goes." She said. "I am the Prince of... Magic!" I said. Again, like my Cutie Mark, it felt as if the explanation appeared out of nowhere... But I do know some extremely powerful magic, I also know Draconic Magic which is impossibly powerful. I don't know the more complex/powerful spells yet, I have been building up to them. Although it is slow going. "Really? A very prestigious position I imagine." She said. I was even more powerful than Zandalor at this point. Because he wasn't a Dragon he couldn't utilise Draconic Magic. I remember when I first beat him at the magic game. I think he almost actually killed me... "I suppose so, many people where I'm from treat me like royalty." I said, referring to the time during and after the invasion of Aleroth by Damien when people found out I was a Dragon-Knight. "It's because you are. All Alicorns should be royalty, it represents the unity of the races. Are you telling me you didn't know that?" Asked Princess Celestia. "No." I admitted. "So, back to my original question. Why are you up here and not down there with us?" She asked. "I'm keeping watch, I'm worried. That guy back there. I killed him about a year ago, but there he was. Right there in front of me. And I killed him. Again!" I said. "Maybe he got healed?" Asked the Princess. "Hard to do when you're head is mounted on a pike as a warning to others." I said. Smiling at the memory. "Oh... Oh! I see..." She said, getting nervous. "Don't worry. I don't go around murdering innocents, only Black Ring scum." I spat. "Oh, OK. But you see, Equestria doesn't really see any violence anymore." Said the Princess. "There's no other way to deal with Black Ring, although once I did spare two who surrendered to me. I'm not merciless." I said. "Ok, at least you do not harm those who surrender." She said. "I do follow the ethical codes of war you know? My main concern is that all the Black Ring I've killed will come back." "So?" Asked the Princess. "Do you want over 500 Black Ring like Stone running around? He wasn't even the strongest!" I exclaimed. "If they indeed have returned it is a matter of some concern, yes. But we will deal with it, we have you on our side after all. But for now, have a good time." She said. "I've never had fun." I admitted. "What?!" Came the voice of Princess Cadance. "Huh?" I asked, turned and saw all 6 mares, Princess Cadance and Spike. Shining Armor was hanging back. "You've never had fun?!" Asked Pinkie, blowing a kazoo in my face. "The only fun I've ever had is when I was saving the world, defeating Black Ring... Good memories." I said. "Please, come down, we want you there." Implored Princess Cadance. "Fine." I relented, I knew they'd never give up. Plus I didn't want any of them to pull the cute eyes trick on me. As we went down, another damned song started up. But I forgave this one because it was a wedding. "Hello, everypony. Did I miss anything?" Came a voice, like Princess Celestia's it was clear and authoritative. I then saw another Princess glide down. "Luna! Good to see you!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia, hugging her... Sister, I think? Princess Cadance did say the two rulers were Alicorn sisters. "So, what happened then?" Chuckled blue Princess. I will explain fully later. Oh, this is Ego Draconis. He saved our lives earlier." Introduced Princess Celestia. "Your Highness." I bowed. "Ah, I thank you." She held her hoof out. "Luna, you know nopony knows what that means anymore-" Princess Celestia stopped as I kissed Princess Luna's hoof. "Ah, it seems there is still somepony who remembers the old ways, rise good sir, and you may refer to me as Luna." She smiled. "I'm afraid not Princess, I respect you all to much, I would like to recognise your position." I said. "But you are also a Prince." Said Princess Celestia. "Yes, but you are both the rulers here, I hold little to no authority here. I bow to your superiority." I said. "I don't think you hold 'little' authority... You have a clear air of authority about you, but you don't assert it. But everypony can feel it..." Observed Princess Celestia. "I do?" I asked when suddenly the mare known as Pinkie Pie got excited... More than usual? "*squee* Let's get this party started!" Exclaimed Pinkie. I'm not repeating Twilight's song, I'm just not. Anyway, end of the song I was standing by the carriage that was taking the bride and groom away. "Twilight! None of this would've been possible without you, little sis. Love ya, Twily." Said Shining Armor. "Love you too, B.B.B.F.F." Said Twilight and they hugged. I helped Princess Cadance up onto the carriage. "Congratulations Your Majesty." I bowed with a smile. "Thank you." She smiled back. "Ready to go?" Asked Shining to Princess Cadance. "Oh! Almost forgot." Said Princess Cadance and threw a bundle of flowers. "IT'S MINE!" Said Rarity, but I thought it flew toward me and on instinct I kicked it away. As it flew away from Rarity, it landed in Princess Celestia's mouth, she widened her eyes and dropped it and we all laughed. "Now this was a great wedding." Commented Twilight. "Oh, yeah? Just wait until you see what I have planned for the bachelor party!" Exclaimed Spike and we all laughed as fireworks went off. I decided to hit the bar and ordered their strongest beer. Your old enemies resurrecting from the dead tends to wreck your mind a little. But I figure, why not go all the way? "Sure, just got this imported." Said the bartender and put the glass in front of me, I took it in my magic and drank it in one. "You call this strong? Huh." I shook my head, I've brewed stronger potions than this! The ones that didn't melt the beaker that is... "You don't think this is strong?" Asked Princess Luna, taking a seat next to me and ordering the same, wincing after drinking it. I bowed to her as I got another pint. "No, Your Majesty." I answered, sitting back down. "I think this is too strong!" Coughed the Princess as she finished her pint. "Hahaha! Lightweight." I said. Princess Luna turned to me with a glaring face. "Problem sister?" Asked Princess Celestia, I got up and bowed again. "Yes, this stallion here thinks I'm a lightweight!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. "Well Luna, I'm not saying you are but I could outdrink you." Said Princess Celestia as I sat back down. Again. "As could I. In fact I could outdrink you both." I shrugged. "You think so?" They both asked putting their muzzles close to mine. "Mmm hmm." I answered, not answering the challenge. "I bet 200 bits you can't outdrink me and I can outdrink both of you!" Challenged Princess Luna. "I bet 500 bits I can do the same." Also challenged Princess Celestia. "I bet 5000 bits I can smash you both out the park and still take down another 5 pints." I smirked. "I'll take that bet." Said Princess Luna and ordered 50 pints. "As will I." Princess Celestia narrowed her eyes at her sister and ordered the same. "Very well, as long as you don't mind your kingdom going bankrupt." I shrugged. "Hey, I'm in as well as long as I can bet 20 bits." Said Applejack and also ordered 50. "Sure. I'll take 20 bits from you." I said with a smile and ordered mine. "Oh yeah?" Asked Applejack. "Me too! 50 bits." Said Rainbow. "Sure." I smiled knowingly. -2 hours later- Only me and the Princesses were left after Applejack and Rainbow Dash passed out after their 43rd pint. We were on our 72nd pint and I think Luna was about to pass out. "Looch, I'm nit soying I hate... Err... I forget what I were schaying." Slurred Luna before passing out. "Just me and you." I said, only tipsy. I love being a Dragon-Knight. Plus I read the label, this alcohol was only 23% proof. Score! "Yeahhh... It tis weren't it?" Slurred Princess Celestia. "Indeed. Another?" I asked with a smirk still on my face. "Al*hic*ways." She said and we clashed cups, in the middle of her drink, she passed out. "Hehehe, they always lose." I said, drinking the remaining 5 pints. I knew they would lose because I once had a bet with the entire Battle Tower, for every half pint one of them drank, I would drink a full one. I was still drinking by the time they all passed out. Of course I blacked out and in the morning I had a splitting headache and had to find a spell to get rid of it. Casting it was a bitch since I was still a bit drunk... Ok, a lot drunk. "Wow, you just won 10070 bits!" Exclaimed Twilight, in a state of disbelief. "Nope, I just wanted to prove I could outdrink them. This was a matter of pride." I said and got up, swaying a little. "I'm a little drunker that I thought..." I slurred a little. Almost falling over. "What am I supposed to do with these 4?" Asked Twilight. "Take the Princesses to bed and take your friends to wherever they're staying." I said and swayed away, with a nice buzz. Suddenly I remembered my Dragon Stone. I got out out of sight and saw it was flashing. "What the...?" I asked. I used it and... Author's Note Thanks for the likes everypony! You guys are awesome! But we can get more likes, I know it! Are there any groups you can put this story in that I haven't already?! Tell your friends! Come on! I feel as though I have more favorites than likes, that doesn't make any sense! Please like the story if you do like it, it means a hell of a lot! Or leave a dislike if you don't and tell me why you don't like it so I can improve! Come on, have a heart! My co-writer Marl is crying! And now he's telling me to F off! You've hurt his feelings!
Chapter 4: Back to Reality?(Because this is a short chapter I'm releasing it early. Other, longer chapters will be about a week apart each.) As I used the Dragon Stone everything went white again... When I opened my eyes I was in my quarters at the Battle Tower! Exactly as it was when I left. Except I was a Pony this time. Well, shit... "Hello? Sassan?" I asked, looking around. "Yes My Lord?" Came a voice from behind me as I damn near leapt out of my fur. See? I'm getting the hang of it! "BY THE DIVINE!!!" I yelled. "Sassan!? Don't... Fucking... Do that." I said, seeing... Wait, is that Sassan? It must be. She was a black unicorn with her usual sword on her back. She used a one handed blade but was best with magic, so it made sense. She was actually taller than the average Pony. About Princess Cadance's height. Maybe a little shorter. "I'm sorry My Lord." She said, bowing. "Yeah, it's fine... Look, do you know what happened to me? Why are we Ponies?" I asked. "Because we are in a new place My Lord, and I assume everyone here is a Pony." She answered. "As for what happened to you... I have no answers." She admitted. "Right..." I nodded with a roll of the eyes at her serious attitude. "No one else in the Tower seems to remember they were ever human. They remember Damien and everything that happened, but they all seem to be convinced it happened here, in this world. Not in Rivellon." She told me as we were on the way to the lift up to the throne room. As we walked I saw Hermaphroditus sitting at the dining table, he was an orchid purple Unicorn with male and female gender symbols as his Cutie Mark. Although 'he' is quite subjective. 'He' is an illusionist, which means he can change someone's gender, hairstyle, eye colour or anything, including his own. Was he male? Female? I don't think even he knows anymore. But he has the appearance of a male right now, so let's refer to 'him' as such. "Really?" I asked. "Yes My Lord, they are the same people, or ponies now, but forgot Rivellon exists. it is rather strange." She said. "You can say that again. So... Did ya miss me?" I asked her as we ascended. "Yes. But I knew you'd be back." She answered seriously. Backup... Hold the communication magic a second... "Wait a second... Why can YOU remember? And how did you know I'd be back?" I asked. "I'm not the only one, Erlking is still a Goblin. Both he and Creature still remember Rivellon if that’s any consolation. Although Creature is also a Pony." She informed. "Really. Huh." I shook my head. "And to answer your questions. I think I remember because of my otherworldly powers, what with being dead. I think that’s also why I knew you'd be back. Like with the imprisonment after freeing Ygerna." She reminded me. "Oh yeah, you get premonitions sometimes and stuff." I said, knocking myself on the head a little for forgetting. "Yes. And stuff." She said, glancing at me, annoyed at my dismissive attitude. You see, Sassan was killed by Laiken in a ritual to open Maxos' protection spells cast over the Battle Tower. She was his concubine (Ew... have you seen that ugly fuck? Looks like fucking birdman without his beak...) Part of the ritual was to kill a loved one. So, to get access back to the Tower I resurrected her ghost and he opened the barrier for his soldiers to kill us. Idiot. (I would post a picture of Laiken, but it might be considered NSFW, that's how fuck ugly he is.) I sat in my throne. Fucking Tartarus, it was awkward in this form... No wonder Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have a cushion instead of a seat... Sassan stood before me. "Well, I need to look for a way to get my human form back. I can't keep fighting like this. Hell, I don't want to keep fighting like this..." I said, fidgeting uncomfortably in my throne. "I may know of a way, Lord Dragon." Sassan told me. "Really?" I asked. "Yes, I have found a sort of 'Reverse Polymorph' spell, if you will. It serves to undo permanent Polymorphs from the most complex spells or even if you have changed forms permanently." She informed. "Really?" I asked. "Yes, similar to your Dragon Stone back when you used it to turn to and from a Dragon. A very complex spell used, but a simple stone could turn you into one of the most powerful creatures in existence and then back again." She said. "True. I always wondered..." I said. "Well, I believe this is the same. We can use your Dragon Stone to turn you into two forms once again, Human and Pony. Since you do not need the Dragon Stone to turn into a Dragon anymore, we can replace the Dragon to Human Morph spell with a Pony to Human one instead." She explained. I cast my gaze over my Throne Room as I tried to get comfortable again... My three Runners/Gatherers were beige coloured ponies in steel armor with swords by their sides. Dick, my gem gatherer with a gem with wings as his Cutie Mark. Tom, my ore gatherer with two pieces of rock with wings as his. Harry, my herb gatherer had a leaf as his. Salome was to my left as a sky blue normal pony with no horn or wings, she was a 'normal' Pony, like Applejack. Her Cutie Mark was a music note with a heart at the bottom instead of a circle and a dark gray line going through it. On my right was Kirill as an... Alicorn? I guess he was the Prince of Music. He had an actual musical note as his Cutie Mark with a microphone and a diamond in the background. (The real life Kirill Pokrovsky died last year and was an amazing composer for the Divinity series. This is my mark of respect for him.) I don't know how else to describe the butt marks, damn it! Honestly, you ponies expecting humongous amounts of detail, there's pictures of all aforementioned Cutie Marks in the damned Author's Notes! Go look there! I'll wait! I'm not going to pull your good time out of my arse! Get on board! ... ... ... There! Happy!? Yes? Good. No? Too bad. ... ;15 minutes later, after a trip around the Tower to make sure everything was in order; "Ok, so what do we need?" I asked as we were in my quarters. "Nothing. I have the spell from when I went down to the study while you inspected the Tower. And you have the Dragon Stone. That’s it." She said. "Couldn't be more simple." I smiled with a nod. "Yes, but if you mess up the spell you could be blasted to pieces by the Dragon Stone." She informed me. "Oh right. No pressure then?" I said with a fake smile and chuckle. "Do not worry." She soothed. "No, not at all." I said. "Of course, you could also be stretched between here and the Plane of Hypnerotomachia but you will live if that occurs. Although I think you would rather wish you didn't... But you are perfectly capable of casting this spell." She reassured. "Yeah... Not helping." I answered with a few nods and the fake smile still on my face with worried eyes. "Sorry My Lord. Here is the book." She said. Putting the book down. I lay the Dragon Stone on the table in front me and my smile turned to a frown. "Ok... Here I go." I said, rolling my eyes, praying to my buddy Lucien The Divine that I get this right... ;5 minutes later; As I finished the spell I shut my eyes tight. "My Lord..." Said Sassan. "No." I said in monotone voice, eyes still shut. "My Lord?" She asked this time. "No!" I yelled. Wanting to keep my eyes shut for more than a minute to make sure. "Ok..." She said, waiting... ... "Ok!" I exclaimed as I opened my eyes, all pieces of me still in place. Pony pieces anyway. "You're not dead." She said as if trying to comfort me. "I know." I said with a breath of relief. "Good. If you didn't I'd be worried." Said Sassan. "Sure... So, did it work?" I asked. Like I said, I was still a Pony so... "Only one way to find out." She said and gestured with her head to the Dragon Stone. "Ok..." I said, preparing for the second time I'm putting my life on the line... I touched the Stone and another white light... And voila! I was Human again! Sassan wasn't though... I had a set of Armor on too! Awesome! (His Dragon-Knight Armor. He wears Amdusias’ helmet with it instead of the helmet in the image. His golden armor is the Dragon Wizard Armor. It's Ulthring's Set if anyone who played the game is wondering.) "My Lord, it worked!" Exclaimed Sassan. "I know! Woohoo!" I said and jumped up, pumping my fist in the air! No, not my hoof, my fist! "I take it you're happy?" She asked. "Ya think? But I think we should rest for a while." I said. "I agree My Lord." She said. "Night." I nodded as Sassan left to her chambers. I curled up on my again and did my best to get some sleep. This time without switching worlds. And I did. I did the same exercise routine again for a few weeks. I just assumed there was nothing out there. Then, while waking up one day, I thought on... We were in a land of Ponies! The Black Ring were back! They must be! If Stone was back, the others must be as well! And that means I have some hunting to do! (MLP timeline is sketchy at best. So, I'm assuming there's a few weeks between the wedding and the Crystal Empire's reemergence. If you have evidence to the contrary, please let me know.) "...SASSAN!!!" I bellowed from my quarters, echoing throughout the Battle Tower... Author's Note Click on the link for the image: Hermaphroditus' Cutie Mark: Here Dick's Cutie Mark: Here Tom's Cutie Mark: Harry's Cutie Mark: Salome's Cutie Mark: Here Kirill's Cutie Mark: Here
Chapter 5, Pt 1: The Dragon-Knight of EquestriaAuthor's Note ~~No changes. Just read the comments. A vote is happening.~~ Chapter 5, Pt 1: The Dragon-Knight of Equestria "What now that the Dragon Stone has been altered and you are Human again My Lord?" Asked Sassan as we met on the balcony again after I called her. "Now we find adventure! First things first! Where are we...?" I asked and went to my balcony, looking out. I saw it was blizzarding outside of the island, on the island it was only snowing lightly. We looked to be deep in the arctic... "I suppose the Island is keeping the extreme weather out." Observed Sassan. "Indeed I am." Came the echoey female-esque voice of Sentinel Island. I turned and saw her in all her nature-y shape "Island?! Hly fuckbuckets! It's been a year since I met you." I said, she remained humanoid in shape luckily. "Yes Dragon-Knight. You have not changed." She chuckled. "And I told you that you had a great destiny before you." She said. "Yes." I replied. She told me I was to become Lord of the Tower and defeat Damien. Only one of those has come true so far... "You have not yet met your destiny. I thought it was to kill Damien and that was it, but no. Something, even to me and my knowledge, was hidden." She said. "You're not explaining yourself very well..." I said. "I know. That is because even I do not fully understand. Your destiny is to defeat Damien, but that is not the end of it. Your destiny is to become more than you are, in more ways than one. To learn and to be taught. Your true destiny is tied to this place. And more..." She said. "I get what you're saying... Mostly... But I do not get how I am to accomplish this task..." I said, standing on the balcony, leaning against the stone railing with my ass, crossing my arms. "You will find a way Dragon-Knight, as you always do. The answer is right before you." She smiled and turned to leave. "Before you go, may I share in your knowledge?" I asked, coming inside. "But of course." She said and I mindread her. Just to be clear, mindreading is not always to know what people are thinking in words but I can also explore their knowledge and gain power from it as well, that is how I know so many spells both forbidden, ancient and lost. Mindread a few Black Magic practitioners and you pick up a few things... Island is an ancient being with almost infinite knowledge, I tried to mindread her before I was a Dragon and she had to spoon-feed me her knowledge because it would've destroyed my - in comparison, petty Human mind. Now I could access a small portion of her knowledge without penalty. I strengthened my mind with her knowledge, increasing my Spirit, used for casting spells. "Thank you." I said. "Of course." She said and vanished as fast as she appeared. "So, what did that mean?" Asked Sassan, I had to look down to talk to her face to face... Or face to muzzle. "I'm not sure... Right in front of me?" I asked and looked around, I was on my balcony when she said that... So, maybe... I looked out into the blizzard and narrowed my eyes, using my superior Dragon eyes to see through... There it was! A blue shield in the distance... "You see it?" I asked, I saw Sassan with her eyes closed, casting a vision spell as she couldn't see through the blizzard as I could. "I see it." She nodded. "Wait..." I said, concentrating more, squinting my eyes... Oh bollocks... "Dragon, do you..." "Yes." I answered worriedly... (Imagine snow surrounding the floating islands) Flying Fortress "My Lord..." She started. "Damien..." I growled in response. ;5 minutes later; I was moving quickly through the Throne Room back to my room, I had packed some food, drink and books in two large satchels from the kitchen and study, saying 'hi' to Erlking as we went. He was oddly quiet when he saw me... Almost surprised? Maybe that I was still alive after I disappeared? That Goblin should know better than to doubt me. "So My Lord what now?" She asked, struggling to keep up with me. I was quite a bit taller than her so I took longer strides. "Is my gear ready?" I asked, power walking, making sure my gauntlets were on properly. "Yes My Lord, I had it prepared as soon as you vanished. It is in your teleportation chest." She said. "How did- Oh yeah, your premonitions." I said, rolling my eyes. My teleportation chest is where I store my large gear such as weapons for instant access when I'm in the field. I have a Dragon Chest which is larger but I have to come back to the Tower to access it. "How long will you be My Lord?" She asked as we approached the balcony. "However long it takes to save the frickin' world." I shrugged, power walking to the balcony stone railing. I sat on it facing inwards. "Good luck..." Said Sassan. "We make our own luck." I saluted her and as I did I took a backwards dive from my balcony (like a scuba diver gets off the boat) and morphed into my Dragon Form, flying into the blizzard. I managed to stay in control of my flight through the blizzard, luckily I trained myself to fly in extreme conditions, otherwise I'd be fucked right now... I also saw the Flying Fortress had a red shield around it... Red shield means an Anti-Dragon Zone... Well, that makes shit complicated. I could only access it on foot but they were too high for me to climb and I doubt they were going to drop a rope for me... I could fly over the shield and drop down... No, the blizzard is too thick up there, even for me. ;10 minutes of flying later; I flew towards the blue shield and was approaching it before remembering it would probably kill me if I tried to pass through it as a Dragon. I gave myself a burst of speed and reverted back to Human, curling up and rolling in the air as I did. I dropped in the snow outside some kind of cabin. It just looked like a shelter with benches in it though... Strange house. I walked forward and tripped on something... It was some kind of metal rebar attached to the ground... I used my Crystal Skull to summon Creature. "Hey Creature, you OK?" I asked, he looked like just an Unicorn with its limbs stitched on... He was gray with mottled fur dotted around, he had a patchy mane as if it had fallen out in clumps. His eyes looked like a normal Pony's eye was dark red, except the other which was faded, meaning it would need replacing soon. "I'm... Fine... But Master... It's cold..." He shivered, I cast a heat spell on him to keep him warm. (I imagine he sounds like Genie from Aladdin when he tells Aladdin he can't bring people back from the dead. Start at 30 seconds if you don't know the voice.) Suddenly I heard some kind of loud noise. Like a... Foghorn? "What manner of beast approaches?" I asked and drew my blade. I took cover behind the house with Creature. Holding my blade horizontally in front of me. "It looks like a massive beast Master!" He said. He had taken his eyes out and left them on a bench in the 'house'. Looking out so he could see whatever approached. I leaned out from around the corner of the structure we were hiding behind and saw a massive contraption! It looked to be on rails... Similar to a minecart except much bigger! And it was moving much faster! "That is no beast..." I said. Sheathing my blade... Suddenly it screeched to a halt before the house... It looked more like some kind of waiting area actually... The machine itself seemed to act as a means of transportation, running on coal and magic equally... Strange. We have floating islands, but not this? And these Ponies have this but not Flying Fortresses? Of course, you do have to be Black Ring to get a Flying Fortress as they are made in the forests of Yuthul Gor by Orc slaves. But still... "Well, what is it Master? Because I don't know, and I can see it perfectly." Asked Creature, he had his brow raised but it looked weird with just two holes instead of eyes... "I'm not sure, but as soon as the coast is clear, fetch your eyes back." I said, shaking my head as I turned from him. "Yes Master." He said, waiting for me to give the all clear. As the huge thing came to a halt and the doors opened I peered out again and was pleasantly surprised to see the 6 mares from the wedding. Ok, names... Come on Dragon Mind, don't fail me... There was Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and... Twilight? YES! Nailed it! I was about to greet them before I stopped for two reasons. 1: I was in a different form and I didn't feel like I should change forms. 2: We were strangers, I didn't really know them that well... "You know them?" Asked Creature, noticing my expression soften, it only did that when I was with people I know. "Yes. When I vanished I met them." I nodded. "Ah..." He said. "Ha! And you all made fun of me for packing so many scarves." Said... Twilight? Nope, Rarity. I remember now. It's all coming back. "I didn't say a word." Grunted Spike with all the luggage on his back. "Trying to impress the ladies... Good lad." I chuckled quietly. "A baby Dragon, Master?!" Whisper-shouted Creature. "Whoa! Hey! C'mere..." Said Spike, dropping it all and trying to grab some scarves. "Yep, I know. Except he's not a usual Dragon. As you can see." I said. "Well... What are you thinking?" Asked Creature... I peered around the wooden structure again and saw another figure approaching them, I prepared to spring into action... "Twilight!" Ah shit! "Shining Armor?" Asked Twilight and they hugged. "Twily! You made it! We'd better get moving. There are things out here we really don't want to run into after dark." Said Shining. "Boy is that Cliché of the Year..." I said to myself, sitting down as I kept to the wall of the shack, preparing some supplies for the journey through the snow. "What kind of things?" Asked... Fluttershy! Yes! Got it! "Let's just say the Empire... Isn't the only thing that's returned." Said Armor. ;13 minutes later(what felt like 40 minutes in the damn blizzard); I decided to follow them but I sent Creature back to the Tower with the Crystal Skull first. Otherwise his limbs would freeze. I followed them in the blizzard, finding little trouble with the extreme weather. My body was extremely well conditioned so the blizzard was hardly a challenge, but if I stay in it for too long it may become an issue... You know, pneumonia and stuff. Not really a big deal... The only foreseeable problem was the deep snow, I had to plough through it in my armor which slowed me down, I was keeping a reasonable distance from the girls, using my enhanced vision to see them whereas they couldn't see me. And the wind was blowing toward me, meaning their voices carried so I could hear them. "What are those rocks floating above us?" Asked Twilight. "Those? We don't know, they just floated in and keep trying to penetrate the shield with some kind of weapon. And something keeps trying to get in down here! We think it's the unicorn king who originally cursed the place. We think the floating islands and the king are connected somehow." Said Armor. They must be firing ballistas at the shield... "But Princess Celestia said I was being sent here to find a way to protect the Empire! If King Sombra can't get in, then it must already be protected." Said Twilight. The Princess asked her here? To defend this place? They don't stand a chance against the Black Ring! Then again, it's likely she didn't know they'd show up... And If that shield fails... Well, I've seen first hand what the wrath of the Black Ring can do to those unprepared... Or even those prepared! I looked up to the islands... Ice. Only one person uses ice on their Flying Fortresses... "Keara..." I said with a scowl. It wasn't Damien... I suppose that's a good thing. It it were him, he'd be through this shield in minutes... And I don't know if I'm strong enough to fight him yet. Suddenly a howl echoed through the blizzard... That's not good... "Th-That's one of the things, isn't it?" Asked Fluttershy, seemingly looking at me... Wait... Oh fuck... This is one of those 'it's right behind me, isn't it?' moments... I looked behind me to see a black mist, and Black Ring soldiers were in it! "Guh. We have to get to the Crystal Empire! Now!" Exclaimed Armor, suddenly the mist shot upwards and toward me. I leapt backwards with a somersault and landed in front of Spike to protect him from the mist. "Ahh!" He exclaimed in surprise. "Hehe, sorry." I said as Shining rescued him, making Spike drop the luggage as he grabbed him in his magic. I stayed for a second... One of the Ring shot an arrow at me but I caught it mid air just in time. "The Dragon?! Come! We have to tell Kali!" Said one of the Ring and they all disappeared behind the mist... Kali? Looks like she's borrowed Keara's Fortresses. Good, I didn't feel like having to deal with Keara, that crazy bitch... "Cowards..." I mumbled as the mist was about to attack. "Ohhhhh shit... RUUUUUNNNNNN!" I yelled and cast a simple light spell at him, causing him to back up. Then I also started to run. I didn't fancy fighting the air, thanks. I have enough to fight. "Go, go!" Said Twilight as we saw the shield in the distance. "Almost there." Said Armor but skidded to a halt to attack Sombra. "The fuck are you doing!? Are you fucking suicidal?! Keep motherfucking moving!" I yelled as I ran past him, grabbing his tail as I did and swinging him around. He yelped in pain but at least he actually did what I said. "We'll never outrun him!" Argued Shining. "Fine!" I yelled and stopped, turning to the mist. "What-" Started Armor before... "FUCK OFF!!!" I yelled, using magic to amplify my voice, the shockwave sending the mist a good few feet the other way. I continued running. "There we go." I said, but the thing in the mist growled and caught up to us again. "Hahaha!" It laughed. "Oh bugger off!" I shouted to the mist as I caught up with the Armor. Who then stopped as I got a little ahead of him. 'The fuck is he doing...?' I thought as I stopped as well. He fired a magic bolt at the mist who simply parted to let it through, it started toward Shining who charged another spell... One of the Black Ring punched his muzzle, knocking him out... Fuck, now I have to rescue him.. Another Black Ring was about to kill him before I jumped at the mist with a Light-Magic Imbued Greatsword. "Ahhhh!" I yelled as I jumped at the mist with two hands on my greatsword and prepared to slam into it, it backed off but got nicked by the blade and howled in pain, backing up further... so did the Black Ring... Were they part of the mist? I put my Light-Magic sword in my teleportation chest. I then grabbed Armor bridal style, who's horn was riddled with black crystals. "Wha-" He asked, slightly dazed as we practically took flight toward the shield. I never even knew I could run that fast, never mind in full armor also carrying Shining Armor... "Don't question it." I whispered to him as we bolted to the shield faster than a Dragon in a treasury... I saw the mist about to get us so I took a dive through the shield. "Ahh!" Yelled Shining as we practically flew through... "Ow!" I exclaimed as we landed, me on my still sore ass and Shining on his hooves, lucky git. "That was close! Whooo!" I laughed, sitting up for a second as I cheered. I fell back down, still on the ground. But I saw the 6 mares surrounding me with 'not amused' expressions. "Oh right... Haha..." I said, rubbing the back of my head. "And who are you?" Asked Armor. "Me? I was your college experiment, whom you now consider your shameful past." I answered with a smirk. "What?!" Asked Armor, seemingly genuinely worried...? "No! I was joking." I said with a laugh as I got up. "So? Who are ya?" Asked Rainbow Dash. "My name is Tyrath, Tyrath Kyelinth." I said. "There's... something familiar about you... The least of which the way you announce your name..." Said Twilight. "We have met before... Twilight." I said, they all widened their eyes when I said her name. "How do you know my... Wait, your voice is familiar... Assertive, yet you try not to show it..." She said thoughtfully. "You know me as Ego Draconis." I said. "Wait... Ego?!" Asked Spike. "That’s... It can't... No way!" Argued Rainbow. "Would... This be better?" I asked as I magically communicated with the Dragon Stone to turn me back into a Pony. "Oh wow! Ego?! You're not really a Pony?" Asked Twilight. "Nope. I am a Human." I answered as I turned Human again. "Oh, no! Shining Armor, your horn!" Said Twilight to Shining Armor. Suddenly I slapped him in the face. Not hard, but it left a mark. "Ow!" He exclaimed in surprise. "NEVER, do something that fucking stupid again or next time it won't be a slap!" I warned. "Wha-" He asked, holding a hoof to his cheek that had a red hand print on it. "Putting yourself in danger?! I don't care if you hate me or not, you have a duty to your wife and your little sister. To NOT get yourfuckingself killed! Do not do that again. Understand?!" I asked. "Yes... And I don't hate you, I just don't trust you." He said. He seemed truthful. So I took him at his word. What? Oh Ok! Yes, I read his damn mind! Happy now?! 'He could be gaining our trust only to turn against us at the last minute!' Pondered Armor. Ok, so he's telling half truths... He tried to use magic only for his horn to spark out because of the black crystals. We continued our way. "Sparkleriffic!" Exclaimed Pinkie in wonder at the city before us, I admit, I was impressed... ;5 minutes later, in the city center; "It's gorgeous! Absolutely gorgeous! There are no words!" Said Rarity, mumbling trying to find the right ones. "Nice." I nodded. "Focus, Rarity. We're here to help Twilight, not admire the scenery." Reminded Applejack. "You're right. Come on." I said with resolve. "Eh, I don't see what the big deal is. Just looks like another old castle to me." Said Rainbow. "You clearly don't appreciate the fine arts. Oh well. It's not everyone's slice of cake." I shrugged. "Err what?" Asked Rainbow. "Everypony's." I corrected. "That may be but... Did you say- Another old...! Have you lost your mind? Look at the magni–" Started Rarity before Applejack and Rainbow burst out laughing and... Hoofbumped? Sounds legit. "Very funny." Said Rarity. "I don't get it..." I said. "They were winding her up." Said Twilight as we entered the castle. "Oh, right." I nodded. It’s been so long since I've had real friends that don't treat me like I would kill them at any given moment that I've forgot some social mannerisms. We entered the Throne Room and saw Princess Cadance on the throne. She looked run-down... "Cadance!" Exclaimed Twilight. Seeing Twilight seemed to reinvigorate her and they ran up to each other. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves and do a little shake!" They said together and did the familiar moves. I smiled at the sight. It warmed my heart. Suddenly her horn fizzed and the shield flickered, I looked out the window and gulped, seeing the islands above us. "One of these days we need to get together when the fate of Equestria isn't hanging in the balance." She said, sighing. "Agreed Your Majesty." I bowed with a smile. "Err..." She started, a confused expression on her weary face. "Oh, you wouldn't recognise me. Unless I pinned you to a wall with magic." I smiled, Shining Armor's mouth dropped at that. "Not like that." I whispered to him. "Ego?" She asked with wide eyes. "Aye." I answered with a nod. "Ego!" She exclaimed and hugged me. Again, not sure how to respond so I froze up. But seeing me also seemed to cheer her up... "What is with Princesses and giving out free hugs?" I asked as she let go. "Who said they were free? 20 bits please." Laughed Princess Cadance. "I'm a bit short at the moment." I said, patting myself down and we laughed. "Are you okay?" Asked Twilight as the Princesses horn and the shield fizzed again. "Princess..." I said, noticing her fatigue... I was concerned for her, she didn't look too good... "Hey! My wife doesn't need your help!" Exclaimed Shining Armor. I held up my hands and backed off. "Shining." Said Princess Cadance angrily. "Sorry dear. Now then, Cadance has been able to use her magic to spread love and light. That seems to be what is protecting it. But she hasn't slept, barely eats. I want to help her, but my protection spell has been countered by King Sombra. And those islands make it worse, Cadance can't expand her shield because of them." Explained Armor. "It's not just this 'Sombra' out there." I said gravely. "What do you mean?" Asked Princess Cadance. I sighed, walking over to the balcony. I put my hands behind my back and looked out at the Empire. "A year ago I was on a quest. To stop Damien, The Damned One, from conquering my home, called Rivellon. I succeeded, but just barely. And Damien escaped. Now it seems he's set his sights here, on these kingdoms. Yours and this one." I explained. "What?" Asked Twilight. "Why? I don't know. But during my quest I fought, and killed Damien's best Generals. And his worst. Weakening his army's armada, morale and military strength. But It seems they are back... Despite what I did." I said. "You killed 'em?" Asked Applejack, the girls all backing up. "See? I knew we couldn't trust him! Oh ouch!" He exclaimed, trying to charge a spell but failing. I turned around. "No, you misunderstand. In Rivellon, not everything is solved with the 'Magic of Friendship' and 'forgiveness'. We have to fight to survive. Damien would have it no other way. Make no mistake, I am ruthless on the battlefield when me and my enemies are facing off and the blood is flowing. But I do not harm innocent people." I explained to them. "So, you kill because it's kill or be killed?" Asked Rainbow. "Exactly!" I exclaimed. "I suppose that's fine, it is self defense after all." Said the Princess. "What? Cad-! Fine." Said Armor, not wanting to argue with his wife. "This particular General is called Kali, sister to my Personal Trainer, Captain Hermosa." I said. "You're killing your Trainers sister?!" Asked Twilight, horrified. "Hermosa asked me to kill her last time. Now Kali's back and I will do it again. You need further reason? Ok, how about this? Kali killed her own father for a sword he forged." I said. "She... What?" Asked Twilight, almost in tears. The rest of the girls were as well. "How could she?" Asked the Princess. "The Black Ring are despicable. Kali is an exceptionally ruthless General who stops at nothing to achieve her goal." I said, looking back out to the outline of the Fortresses dominating the skyline beyond the shield. "There will be hundreds of Black Ring on those islands hell bent on conquering this Empire as a staging ground for their invasion of both Equestria and Rivellon." "What do we do? We can't fight all of them!" Exclaimed Armor. "No! I can! I must! It is my test to save the Crystal Empire." Countered Twilight. "No. Not in this form. Princess Celestia didn't foresee the Black Ring appearing." I said. "He's right Twi. There ain't no way ya can take down those Black Ring on yer own. Even with our help." Said Applejack. "She's right. But you can save it from Sombra. Hell, you could do that without my help! But the Black Ring will annihilate you, or worse... Capture you, torture you and use you as leverage to take over the land. You might be able to drive them all off without me if you find a way, yes. But if they do get through, I must defend you all. Otherwise this kingdom, Equestria, and you, will fall. And I will not allow that." I resolved. Fluttershy was in tears, but the others steeled themselves for what was possibly to come. "Fluttershy, it's OK, I promise. While I live they will not touch you." I promised. Suddenly the Princess's horn fizzed again and she almost collapsed. I started toward her to help but Armor got in front of me, reaching for his wife. "It's alright Shining Armor, I'm fine." She waved him off. "She's not fine. She can't go on like this forever, and if her magic were to fade... Well, you saw what's out there waiting for that to happen." Said Armor. "And I've told you." I said, still with my hands joined behind my back. "That's why we're here." Said Twilight. "Why we're all here." Said Applejack with resolve. "Well, with Cadance putting all her strength into keeping her spell going, and me trying to keep an eye on signs of trouble in the arctic, we haven't been able to gather much information from the Crystal Ponies." Explained Armor. "Crystal Ponies?! Hahaha, there are Crystal Ponies?! Um, ahem. Please continue." Said Rarity, growing hysterical. "...But we have to believe one of them knows how we can protect the Empire without having to use Cadance's magic." Continued Armor. "I hope it's that easy..." I mumbled. Who am I fucking kidding? It's NEVER that easy. "A research paper!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Huh?" Said me and Armor in synch. "That must be part of my test – to gather information from the Crystal Ponies and deliver it to you! This is gonna be great! I love research papers!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Yeah, who doesn't?" Said Rainbow sarcastically. "Oh-oh-oh! Lemme guess! Is it Spike? Nono, Fluttershy! Rarity?" Asked Pinkie Pie picking each one up as she mentioned them. I got the impression we should ignore her during these moments. "Don't worry, big brother. I am really good at this sort of thing." Reassured Twilight. "I hope so. I don't fancy having to face a hundred Black Ring." I said in monotone. "We will!" Exclaimed Twilight. She turned to leave but bumped into somepony... Or should I say someone... "Hmmhmmhmm." Came a chuckle. "Well well well Dragon, here we are." Came a voice, I turned and saw none other than The Damned One... Surprisingly not a pony. Twilight backed off to her friends in terror. "Damien." I greeted casually. Showing no hint of malice toward him. "Greetings Tyrath. Long time no see. So, you have chosen your friends then?" He asked, walking up to me and going behind me, I turned my head to look at him. He was an astral projection that only looked real. Of course he could touch you, but the most he could do is give you a weak punch. He gave me a kick to the head once back when I first became a Dragon-Knight... "Why, Damien! Are you are assuming I'd work against you?! Perish the thought!" I exclaimed, putting the back of my hand on my head dramatically. "Indeed. You may have stopped me before, but not this time." He said, walking to the Mane 6 and crouching down by Fluttershy. She squealed and cowered behind her mane. "What is wrong little pony? Scared?" He asked with a smile, running an armored finger along her cheek, causing her to shed some tears and whimper. Her friends were too terrified to do anything... "Y-y- You stay away from 'er!" Quivered Applejack. "As you wish." Chuckled Damien. "Someday little ponies, if you're lucky and survive this day, you will witness a fight between two Gods." Said Damien, looking at them, standing before. "Keep away from my sister and her friends!" Threatened Princess Cadance. Taking a stand. Even though she was in no condition to even give Damien a struggle. "Princess, don't..." I said. "Now, now. No need to get violent." He said, holding his hands up to her in mock surrender... "Damien! Your quarrel is with me. Keep the ponies out of it." I said, pointing to me with a thumb and then the ponies with my finger. He walked over to me and encircled me like vulture would its prey. "Oh, I do not think so." He chuckled. "And why not?" I asked. "You see Dragon, I will see this kingdom fall by Kali's hoof. And if you refuse this offer to join me, you along with it." He said, stopping encircling me once he was in front of me. "Huh. I am of the opposite opinion." I said. "I thought as much. You see, I need these kingdoms to act as a Realm of my own to house my troops. An unreachable place we can fortify. We would be unstoppable!" He exclaimed. "Solid plan. But you forget one massive obstacle in your way." I shrugged. "That is?" He asked. "Me." I answered. "It doesn't have to be that way." He said, holding out his hand. "I would hate to see such potential, such godlike power, go to waste. We could accomplish so much together." He smiled. "You know, I appreciate the offer. Really, I do." I said, going up to his face... "But I do not think Ygerna would." I whispered. "Insolent cur! I will have your head Dragon!" He exclaimed, raising his fist at me, causing all in the room to recoil, except me. I just crossed my arms with a smug smile. He stopped and took a breath. "But... my offer stands. Let me know if you change your mind. I need a new General." He growled, going behind a pillar, vanishing. "Who... What was that? He felt so empty... So hateful, not a shred of love in him..." Shivered the Princess. "That. Was Damien. You just met my archenemy face to muzzle. Be thankful you're all alive." I said to the group. Uncrossing my arms and turning to face them. Fluttershy burst into tears. "His touch was so cold... Like ice... It was-" She started before continuing crying. "Shh... It's OK, he will not harm you. I promised, remember?" I asked, I looked into her eyes and cast a subtle calm spell. She stopped crying and nodded, sniffing a few times. "Well, with our resolve reinforced... Let's get going!" Exclaimed Twilight, luckily they had all recovered... "Oh, before we go... Here Princess, drink this." I said and gave her a Potion of Revitalising, helping her drink it because she couldn't use her magic to lift it. "Thank you, I feel better. It's quite nice as well... Blueberry." she smiled, licking her lips. "Good, that’s the first time someone other than me has tried one of my potions. At least your hair is still the same color." I said with a sigh of relief. "Wait, what...?" Started the Princess. "Sorry gotta go!" I exclaimed, running out with the girls... ... We split up and started interrogating ponies. After 10 minutes of no luck and holding back from mindreading, I finally decided to try it. "So, do you perchance know anything about a way to stop King Sombra?" I asked. "No, no... I don't." Said the stallion. "Hmm..." I said and tried to read his mind... There was some kind of block, an endless darkness that I tried to sift through. To no avail. "Ok, cheers." I said and walked away. "Anything?" Asked Dash, flying above me. "No, and their minds are almost blank except from when they recently reemerged... It's strange." I pondered. Stroking my beard in thought... "Huh?" Asked Rainbow. "Oh nothing." I waved her off. "Sure... I'm goin' over here." Said Rainbow and... Dashed off I suppose, no pun intended. I headed over to our de facto leader, Twilight, after having no luck on my own. "Are you sure? Absolutely sure?" She asked. "I'm sorry. I wish I could help you. But I... can't seem to remember anything before King Sombra came to power. And I don't want to remember anything about the time he ruled over us." She said and shuddered. "King Sombra's spell must be why their coats aren't... Crystally." Observed Twilight. Whispering to Spike and myself. "Agreed, he seems to have sucked the joy, love and light out of them, like what happens when I walk into a room full of Black Ring." I smiled. "Have we really been gone a thousand years?" Asked the Pony. Twilight and I looked at each other, wondering what to say... Eventually she settled on: "Yes." "It feels like it was just yesterday." Said the mare. "I know how that feels..." I said to myself. "If you think of anything, even the smallest thing..." Said Twilight. "Of course." Nodded the Pony. "Well, that was a total bust." Concluded Spike. "Really? I thought it went rather well." I said with a sideways smirk to him. "Haha." He fake laughed. "Well, maybe the others are having better luck." "One can hope." I said and leapt onto a building roof to observe the others. "A way to protect the Empire! You know anything about it or what?" Asked Rainbow to the South. "I wish I could help you. Really." Said the Pony, turning to leave. "Hold on! You gotta know something!" Exclaimed Rainbow, blocking her. "But... I don't have any information." Insisted the Pony. "Looks she's playing bad cop." I said, turning to the west. "Oh, um. Excuse me! Oh! Hello! Umm, I was just wondering. Oh, oh, that's okay, um, you all look really busy." Said Fluttershy, laughing nervously. "Shy cop." I rolled my eyes. I turned to the east. "Time to gather some intel!" Said Pinkie and put some weird things on... They look like those goggles that help you see in the dark in the detective novels I've been reading, but in our land they were nothing more than a pipe dream... She also had a black skin/fur tight suit on and roped down a building. I listened to the conversation she was listening to. "It just feels like something is missing." "I know. It looks the same, but it doesn't feel the same." "Because it isn't!" Interrupted Pinkie. "A spy!" Gasped one of them, and they ran. Resulting in Pinkie screaming as she fell from the rope. "A spy? How did they know? Ah! Must have noticed my night vision goggles. Ooh! Night vision-y!" She said. I turned north. Rarity. "Hm-hm-hmmm. And when you flip your mane, it simply must create a rainbow of color. Oh! Wouldn't I look just magnificent? So sparkly!" Tittered Rarity. They all met in the square. "I got nothing so far." Sighed Rainbow. "Oh, me neither." Said Rarity, not admitting she hadn't even tried. Fluttershy with an unusually serious expression approached Twilight before a disguise was pulled away to reveal Pinkie Pie... "My cover has been blown. I repeat, my cover has been blown!" Said Pinkie in a hushed voice before running away. "Ooookay." Said Twilight. I leapt down from the roof, startling everypony with the noise I made and how I shook the earth with my landing. I went over to the 6 mares. "Nada, their minds turned out no results." I informed as I approached. "Their minds?" Asked Twilight. "Yeah, I can read minds, a good remnant of a bad past." I said, shaking my head. "You haven't read my mind yet... Right?" Asked Rainbow. "No, I only read the minds of those I trust when searching for knowledge. If I do that, consider it a compliment, it means I think you know something I don't." I said. "Cool." She said with a smile. "But I haven't read your mind yet..." I said. "Oh, right." She said with a disappointed expression. "First being I've met that wants me to read their mind." I muttered. "DRAGON!" Came a loud, booming female voice from above us. "Huh? Me? What''d I do?!" Asked Spike. "Not you. Me." I said. "Oh." He said with a sigh of relief. "KALI! HOW NICE OF YOU TO SHOW UP!" I yelled. "WHY ARE YOU COWERING BEHIND THESE PONIES?! COME OUT AND FIGHT ME!" She yelled. "Something's wrong... She wouldn't challenge me unless she had a trick up her sleeve... She knows how powerful I am, yet she wants me to fight her?" I shook my head. "WELL?!" She asked. "TELL YOU WHAT! GET THROUGH THE SHIELD FIRST AND I'LL SEE WHAT I CAN DO!" I yelled. At that they used lightning towers against the shield, with no effect. "We need to find a way!" Exclaimed Twilight. "And quickly..." I mumbled. "Sorry, Twilight. These crystal ponies seem to have some kinda collective amnesia or somethin'. Only thing I was able to get out of 'em was somethin' 'bout a library." Informed Applejack. "A library? Well, why didn't you say so?!" Gasped Twilight. "Uh... thought I just did." Chucked Applejack and gave us the directions and we all set off. "Yep..." I said worriedly and followed them. ;5 minutes of walking(and another 5 of getting lost) later; We pushed open the doors to the library. "I just... I don't even know what to... There are no words." Said Twilight as we saw the library. "Impressive book collection." I whistled. "Ahem. May I help you?" Asked the librarian. "Yes. We're looking for a book." Informed Twilight. "I think you need to be a little more specific." I whispered. "We have plenty of those." Said the librarian as if to reinforce my point. "You do. You really do." Said Twilight in awe, I waved a hand in front of her face, to no avail. "We're lookin' for a history book. Somethin' that might tell us how the Empire might've protected itself from danger back in the day." Explained Applejack in the stead of Twilight. "Yeah, this is kind of important." I added. "Right then! Important... Yes. Of course. History, history... Ah, yes." Said the librarian. The girls all smiled but noticed her pause. "Which is where, exactly?" Asked Twilight. "I... I can't seem to remember. I'm not sure I actually work here." Said the Pony. "Fucking fuck!" I yelled tensing up and punching the wall, cracking it. "Are you OK?" Asked Twilight. "I'm fine, I just... I'm fine." I concluded. Taking a breath. "We'll just take a look around. I'm sure we can find it on our own." Twilight tried to comfort me. Putting a hoof on my back, I turned quickly, causing her to recoil. I sighed and calmed down, relaxing my muscles. "Let me know if you find anything." Said the librarian as we looked around. "I like her!" Exclaimed Pinkie. "Yeah..." I said, sighing again and running my hands down my face as I started to search. I was flicking through the books, taking the information in instantly from each book. Rainbow and Applejack devised a genius method of Applejack bucking the ladder on wheels and Rainbow throwing all the books in the row on a pile. I pinched the bridge of my nose after my... 37th book I think. "Giving up Dragon?" Asked Damien, stepping out from a pile of books. There were piles of books all around me so the others couldn't see him. "Not quite yet." I replied, reading through a few books at once rather than looking at Damien. "Come. You must realise this is a lost cause. These ponies are already dead. They just hold false hope." He said. "I'm not joining you." I said with disinterest. "No?" He asked. "No. And you will not harm these Ponies. I'll see to that personally." I said, still disinterested. "... We'll see." He said, leaving as I went back to looking. "Yes we will." I replied to the empty air. "Anything?" Asked Twilight, stepping around my pile of books. "No, sorry." I said. "Who were you talking to?" Asked Twilight. "Oh no one, Damien just dropped by for a visit. Told him to take a look at the 'bugger off' section." I said. "Good." She smiled. "Other than that, sorry, I've had no luck." I informed her. "It's OK. Keep looking everypony!" Called Twilight. ;3 minutes later; "No, no, no, no, no." I repeated. Sifting through books thrown on the pile. Pinkie was leaping high, grabbing books from shelves. Rarity was growing tired and Spike was trying to impress her still... ;After about another 10 minutes of searching; "Uh, anypony else startin' to think this is a lost cause?" Asked Applejack. "It's never a lost cause!" I exclaimed, throwing a fist in the air as I was on a ladder with wheels and kicked off the wall, wheeling along a few shelves. I then slid down the ladder and continued my search on the ground. "No, no, no, no, no..." Said Twilight also. I put my hand on a book at the same time Twilight grabbed it with her magic. It looked like the one we're looking for... "Ladies first." I said. Handing her the book. "Yes! 'History of the Crystal Empire'. I just hope it has the answers we need." She said. I took it and read it in seconds. We headed to the Palace and I skimmed through the book again, trying to find a solution... "This page seems promising." I said, passing her the book with the page open. "How d'ya know? Ya didn't even read it!" Exclaimed Applejack. "Yes I did. The Dragon's mind is a helluva a lot sharper than the average persons, or Pony's as it were. We can absorb information from a book in a matter of seconds." I said. Suddenly Twilght's face lit up. "Yes! That's it!" She exclaimed as went in. "Hmm, looks like I was on to something." I chuckled as we approached the Prince and Princess. "A 'Crystal Fair'! According to this book, it was established by their first queen and became their most important tradition. The Fair was held every year to 'renew the spirit of love and unity in the Empire so they could protect it from harm!' My friends and I could put it together. Everything we need to know is in the book! Thanks to Ego we know about it!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Looks like you're in the habit of saving our lives." Smiled Cadance to me. I shrugged. "I got into the habit of saving lives about a year and a half ago." I chuckled. "That sounds pretty promising. But how do we know he isn't setting us up?" Asked Shining. "Because I hate the Black Ring. And the Black Ring is working with Sombra. Our goal is mutual. Even if we were at odds, which we're not, I would side with you over them." I said. "Fine." He relented. "Great! We'll get started right away. C'mon, you two, we've got a Crystal Fair to put together!" Exclaimed Twilight to me and Spike. We headed to a meeting with the girls and... They sang. Again. No, really. As we set things up they used my ungodly strength to their advantage by having me put up stands and pull(for them) heavy objects. After about 20 minutes we had it all set up. "Whew!" I exclaimed and wiped a bead of sweat from my brow. "It looks amazing! I don't know how I could've done it without you!" Exclaimed Twilight to us. "Ehh, it's nothing." I waved her off. "Let's make sure everything is in place then the festivities can begin!" Exclaimed Twilight again. "Err, what's this thing for?" Asked Applejack, poking some kind of heart. "The last page of the book mentioned a Crystal Heart as the Fair's centerpiece, so I used my magic to cut one out of a crystal block." Said Twilight and showed us the heart. "Nice work, Twi. Think we're ready to get this fair up and runnin'." Said Applejack. "Agreed." I nodded. We went inside and told Shining Armor and the Princess we were ready, the Princess went to move but swayed a little and I put my hand on her back to keep her steady. "Woah! Careful Princess! Want me to-" I started. "I've got her." Announced Shining, pulling his wife toward him forcefully to lean on him. "Fair enough." I shrugged as we went outside to the balcony. "Flugelhorn!" Pinkie blew on the horn, leading the word to come out. "Hear ye, hear–" Started Twilight before Pinkie blew the horn again. "Flugelhorn...!" She exclaimed with it and we stared at her... "My bad." She said. "Ahem. Hear ye, hear ye! Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor do cordially invite you to attend the Crystal Fair!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Full of traditional Crystal Empire treats, gifts and games!" I added. At that the ponies brightened up and turned normal, but not quite their crystalline selves. Rainbow, Applejack Twilight and I hoof/fistbumped in celebration. "Thanks fer all yer help pardner." Thanked Applejack, tipping her stetson to me. "Nah, you're good." I said. I leapt down from the balcony to keep an eye on the festivities. "Come on in, y'all. Got food and drinks thataway, games and crafts are thataway, Crystal Heart to the back near the Princess." Explained Applejack to the Ponies. "Did she say... Crystal Heart?" Asked a Pony. "We totally nailed it, right? Must be feeling a lot of love and unity about now! Gonna have some grub, huh? What are you thinking? Crystal Empire berry pie? Maybe some crystal corn-on-the-cob!" She said, getting no response. "What is with these ponies?!" She asked as she chased a pony around the Fair. I began to read their minds because I felt their minds opening... but I eventually decided to leave their minds alone. I sat down on a stool and started sharpening my sword. "Getting a little blunt aren't we?" I asked it. As I did, the markings on it flashed. "Don't you take attitude with me." I said to it. I looked up from my whetstone to listen to some ponies talking. "Seeing all of this, I feel like I'm starting to remember. Remember things from before the King." Said a Pony. "Me too." Said another. "Good." I nodded to myself. "The Crystal Heart!" Gasped a few ponies and turned 'normal'. "Do you think they really have it?" Asked one. "Of course we have it! Can't have a Crystal Fair without the Crystal Heart, right?" Asked Rainbow. "Yeah, I mean duh!" I said, sheathing my sword. "Of course you can't. The whole purpose of the Crystal Fair is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies, so the light within them can power the Crystal Heart, so that the Empire can be protected! I do work at the library!" Gasped the librarian in realisation, becoming normal. Suddenly I went from happy to confused... "W-what's that about 'powering the heart'?" Asked Rainbow as Applejack jumped over. "Yeah, what say?" I asked with a chuckle, getting up quickly from my stool. "I just can't believe you found it. King Sombra said he'd hidden it away where we would never see it again! I only hope it will still be as powerful after all these years...! Mm, funnel cake!" She said. Me and Rainbow looked at each other worriedly and both rushed to Twilight, covering the 'Heart' and making sure nopony went near... "Why did you–" Asked Twilight. "I think we may have a problem..." Said Rainbow. "Yeah, a big fucking problem, let me look at the book..." I said and i skimmed through it. "Oh shit!" I exclaimed. "What?" Asked Twilight. "Fuck me. I'm a fucking idiot... There's a page missing!" I exclaimed, facepalming, handing the book to Twilight... "What?!" Asked Twilight and also skimmed through the book. "He's right!" She said. "We're fucked. Fucked. Fucked!" I exclaimed hitting myself on the head each time with my palm as I said it. We ran to the balcony to inform the Prince and Princess... "I didn't know it was an actual relic! The book didn't mention anything about the Crystal Ponies powering the Heart! There was a page missing... How did I not notice?!" Exclaimed Twilight. "No, it's my fucking fault, I should've noticed. Shit." I said, putting my hand on her back. "You could've tore the page out before Twily had the book!" Accused Shining. "Oh! And bring the fucking Black Ring armada down on our heads at the same time?! Yeah that seems fucking accurate! You know what? I'm sick of your shit! I am not your enemy, no matter how much you want to believe it!! You want to know who the enemy is? Fucking Damien and that fucking armada outside is! Don't believe me? Go outside and meet them! I'm sure they'd love the entertainment!" I yelled. "Please stop fighting!" Cried Twilight. "Tell this damn prick to fuck off with his bullshit accusations! I'll prove my loyalty! The moment they get through the shield I'll tear them apart! And how about this? I'll bring you Kali's head personally!" I said. "It's alright, Twilight." The Princess comforted Twilight because she was crying. Princess Cadance collapsed and I caught her in my arms. "Shit!" I exclaimed. Worried for her health... "Twily..." Started Shining, reaching for her but she recoiled before they both noticed Cadance and looked over. "Princess!?" I said, shaking her as the shield dissipated. "Fuckfuckfuckfuck. Come on! Please wake up! Princess Cadance! Come on! Please be Ok!" I exclaimed, brushing her hair out of her face so I could look her in the eyes to see if she was OK... "I can't... Hold it..." She said. Ok, she was alive, that's something... "Oh thank fuck... No, don't move... Shhh, It's OK. Just rest... I'll take care of it!" I exclaimed about to put the shield back up myself as I held her. Suddenly Shining butted me to the side while I was distracted and I hit the railing of the balcony with my back. Almost breaking the railing. Applejack and Rainbow's mouth dropped at that. I was distracted as I held Princess Cadance so he had little trouble hitting me, but if he did it again he'd find that hitting a brick wall would be more pleasureable... I've had Black Ring punch me and shatter the bones in their hands. "Ah! The fuck!!?" I asked him, getting up, rubbing my sore back. "Keep your traitorous claws off my wife! What did you do to her?!" Asked Armor, preparing to charge me again. "Shining!" Exclaimed Twilight in horror. "He did something to Cadance! Look at her!" He yelled. "I did fuck all! She passed out!" I exclaimed, pointing my finger. Suddenly he came at me again and I moved him to the side, causing him to butt the railing. "Ah!" He exclaimed in pain, shaking his head. He snorted and scraped the ground with his hoof, preparing another charge. "Let do it then. Bring it." I said, he ran at me and I kicked his jaw lightly, sending him flying backwards. I only hit him lightly but I was getting worked up, I wouldn't be able to hold back much longer. "No! Stop fighting!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Stay out of this Twily! He tricked you! He's been playing us all along! He probably joined this 'Damien' from the beginning, or he probably joined him earlier when you weren't paying attention!" Argued Shining. Rubbing his jaw and preparing another attack. "No, he- Shining!" She started. But he ran at me anyway, ignoring her. He ran at me again, yelling as he did. I slipped my hands beneath him and picked him up, I walked him over to the railing and prepared to throw him off. "You like heights?" I asked him. "Ahhh!" He yelled. Looking over the edge. "Say hi to Stone for me!" I yelled and reared back... "No, wait!" Said Twilight, I remembered where I was, what I was doing... I turned and threw him at the wall instead, he hit it and left a dent. "He's joined Sombra and Damien! He's on their side!" Shouted Shining, wiping blood from his mouth. "No he hasn't! You started this at the wedding! He has done nothing to deserve it!" Twilight shouted at him. "Yeah, whats yer deal pardner? He's been helpin' us from the start. We got no reason not ta trust 'I'm." Said Applejack, her and Twilight stepping between me and Armor. "What the hay, man? Ego's been nothing but nice. Sure he lost his temper before, but I don't blame him! You may be Twilight's big brother, but right now you're acting like her little sister." Said Rainbow and flew over, landing next to Applejack. "Bu-" Started Shining, realising he was outnumbered. "No! Stop this right now Shining! He saved our lives and that wasn't enough for you. He even saved your life out there. What more do you want from him?! You just attacked him for nothing. I don't know if I want to be with a stallion who does that." Said Cadance, jumping to my defense, well not literally as she was worn out and was getting shakily to her hooves next to Shining before moving next to the girls in my defense. "No! Candy..." He started. "No. Save it. He just tried to help me and you just plain assaulted him." She said, I could see she was angry. "If weren't my husband I would have you arrested." She warned... "I just don't trust him. And that isn't changing." Armor stomped his hoof. Putting his, well hoof down. In an attempt to get his wife to help him. "Why?" Asked Twilight. "Didn't you hear him and that 'Damien' talking? They were talking like old friends!" He accused. "It's called 'civility'. Yes, we talk like old friends, because it's like we are. Except we're always trying to kill each other. It's very simple really. I can't hurt him in that form, he can't hurt me in that form. So why fight? If I meet him face to face then yes, we will fight to the death. But otherwise we talk circles around each other." "I think you're lying." Growled Shining. "Fine, just don't take attitude with me or your wife. And if you ever try for me again, wife or no wife, sister or no sister, I'll have you eating through a fucking tube for the rest of your life. What little would be left of it." I warned, going up to him. "Is that a threat?" He asked., narrowing his eyes at me as I did the same and our faces drew closer. . "Shining! Stop... Now..." She mumbled. I turned away from Armor, and caught the Princess again as she collapsed "Your Majesty..." I said, worried more about her than Shining attacking me. "Cadance?!" Asked Twilight. Suddenly a howl rang out in the arctic and the black mist approached. "Oh shit..." I said, looking up from her, seeing the Fortresses starting to get into positions to block anyone leaving the Empire lowering. They were hovering just above the ground, creating a blockade around the Empire and they moved closer with the mist... Further in the arctic, Black Ring were rappelling down the far end of the Fortresses into the snow, landing about half a mile from the city... "They're huge..." Said Twilight. I saw their defenses powering up... If I tried to fly ponies out of here, we'd be shot down within seconds. "We might be in trouble." I concluded... To be continued...
Chapter 5, Pt 2: Kali & The Black CrystalWe heard King Sombra's laughter echo through the land "The Empire is under attack." Said Armor. "I'll get down there." I said, putting Princess Cadance down gently. Not even glancing at Armor. I leaned my sword on the wall. Gearing up in my Dragon Wizard Armor. I was hopping along, getting my Dragon Wizard boots on. When the last one was on, I grabbed my blade The Claw of Abraxas by the center of it's blade and the blade was facing forward as I walked toward the staircase. In my other hand I had my helmet. I wasn't going to put it on yet. "Wait!" Exclaimed Twilight, I jogged back to the balcony. I saw Princess Cadance manage to put up an even smaller shield. I heard Sombra scream in pain as the shield went up, he must have got caught in it. The Princess's horn almost went off again, a power down sound happening. "I have to find the Crystal Heart!" Said Armor. "No." I said, looking even more impressive with my Dragon Wizard Armor on. "What?" He asked threateningly. "The Princess needs you here, keep an eye on her. If that shield fails again the Black Ring will get in, even if you put it back up." I said, we could hear the yells of the Black Ring as they pounded on the shield with sword, arrow and magic. "Twilly?" Asked Armor, looking to her for direction. I saw Cadance collapsing and I caught her again. "We need to stop meeting like this Your Highness. Ponies will talk." I chuckled to her, she let out a weak laugh. "Shut up." She said with a tired smile. "He is right, you stay here with Cadance. She needs you, Shining Armor. I'll retrieve the Heart." Said Twilight. "I'm in." I nodded. I carefully handed Princess Cadance to Armor. "Let's do this!" Said Rainbow and we hoof/fistbumped. While Armor wasn't looking I crouched down and lifted the Princess's head to meet my gaze by her cheek. "Princess Cadance, I promise you I WILL NOT let anything happen to Twilight, you, this Empire, the girls, your subjects or even Shining Armor." I said. "Be careful." She mumbled, I smiled and nodded to her, letting her head hang limply, putting my helmet on. "I'll defend her with my life." I swore. "Thank... You..." She mumbled. "Look after her." I said to Armor. "I've doing that for longer than you've known her." He scowled at me. "Whatever. Twilight, let's do this." I said to Twilight and we started to run in a mad search for the Crystal Heart. "I've been trying to figure out how I'm meant to pass Celestia's test. Retrieving the Crystal Heart must be it. But there is something else you can do Rainbow." Said Twilight. "Name it." She said. "You and the rest of our friends have to keep the Fair going." Ordered Twilight. "Agreed." I nodded. "What? With that thing and those guys moving into the Empire?" Asked Rainbow. "The whole purpose of the Crystal Fair is to lift the spirits of the Crystal Ponies, so they can activate the Crystal Heart." Explained Twilight. "Yeah, and...?" Asked Rainbow. "... And if they know whats coming they'll get scared and depressed. Death by horrible torture tends to do that." I said. "Ok! Geez, you don't hafta paint a picture." She said. "Again, he's right. It won't matter if I find the Crystal Heart. They won't be able to make it work. You have to keep them happy here at the Fair." Pleaded Twilight. "Keep the Fair going and the Crystal Ponies' spirits high. Done and done!" She said. "Rainbow..." I said. "What?" She asked. "I just want to tell you and Applejack... Good luck, we're all counting on you." I said in a deep voice. "Ok, thanks..." She said. "Airplane!" Yelled Pinkie outta nowhere. "Oh, by the way, here." I said and used my Crystal Skull, summoning Creature. "You called Master?" He asked. "Yes, get down there and help these ponies with whatever they need and if any Black Ring come through... You know what to do." I said. "Yes My Lord." He bowed and ran down to the Fair. As we continued our search outside. "Twily, be careful." Said Armor from the balcony. "I will." She said. "I'll make sure of it." I said quietly. ;Meanwhile at the Fair, Creature's POV; "So what are you?" Asked Blue One. "I am Creature. No more. No less." "And Ego is your Master?" Asked Rainbow. "No, Lord Tyrath is my Master." I said, snarling not out of hate but because of my ragged breathing due to my throat having slight rot. "Right yeah whatever, but what is a Creature?" Asked Blue One as they headed toward the fake Crystal Heart. "Now you are asking the right questions Blue One. A Creature is dead tissue made animate by a Necromancer, this one is brought back by Jonelath, Master's Necromancer. Through my Master's powerful Draconic Magic he made me sentient, before I was but moving flesh and bone with no voice or thoughts of my own. I now do, but I believe in my Master's cause." I explained. "So you're made of dead Ponies!?" Asked the Blue One worriedly. "Only of the strongest Black Ring scum." I spat, a few of my teeth going with the saliva. "Oh phew... What is Ego like?" Asked Blue One. "Master is very kind. He gave me the choice to leave but I chose to stay in Master's service. He is kind to his servants, especially me, he makes sure I am not rotting. But there is little he can do to stop the passage of time on some of my organs. Most them will keep forever, but my throat and brain will rot and will need replacing." I explained. "Gross. TMI." Said Rainbow as we approached the Fair. "Oh what is that?!." Asked a White Pony. "It is pleasure to meet you as well White One." I said, sarcastically bowing. "This is 'Creature'. He is Ego's servant and at our service. Creature, this is Rarity." Explained Blue One. "Hmm." I said, she squirmed under my gaze. "Yeah yeah... Okay, here's..." Started Rainbow and told us the situation. "Huuuuh...?" Rarity said in surprise. "I... just found out they're offering face painting for the little ones." She laughed nervously, covering what she was surprised about. She whispered something to the baby Dragon. "Uh-huh. We can do that. Twilight and Ego are doing what?!" Asked the small Dragon and ran off. "He... really... loves getting his face painted. Haha." She covered his actions for him. She seemed to be a quick thinker. I saw Master walking with the Purple One through the Fair, thinking. ;Tyrath's POV; "Who wants a flugelhorn?" Asked Rainbow. "I want a flugelhorn!" Cried Pinkie like a child. "Who else wants a flugelhorn?" Implored Rainbow. "I. Want a flugelhorn!!" Screamed Pinkie. 'Come on Ty! You've found a crypt in a city before, finding a magical heart in an Empire shouldn't be too hard...' I thought. Suddenly an idea struck me and both me and Twilight looked at the Palace. "Twilight, Ego! Wait! I'm coming with you!" Shouted Spike. "You can't. I have to retrieve the Crystal Heart by myself. Ego's only here in case the Black Ring show up." Explained Twilight. "I know. I promise I won't lift a claw to help you." Pleaded Spike. She looked at me and I pulled a 'go on then' expression. "Not a claw, Spike." She sighed and put him on her back. I was about to tell Twilight my idea before I noticed her expression and I clamped up. We just both started toward where we thought the Heart was. "Where are we going exactly?" Asked Spike. "I think I might know where King Sombra hid the Crystal Heart." "The Castle?" Asked Spike as we approached it at breakneck speed. "It’s the most obvious place is it not? Plus I doubt anypony would want to go in there with a guy like Sombra knocking around." I said. "Yes. The King would've been counting on the fact that nopony would dare come looking for it here. They'd have been too afraid to even try." She said. "I hope you're right." Said Spike. "You and me both." Agreed Twilight. "What happened to the 'can do' attitude?" I asked as we ran. ;Creature's POV; The Orange One got the Tartarus scared out of her as I peered from behind the Crystal Heart, looking as menacing as possible. Which is not too hard for me. "What are you lookin' at?! That's what I thought!" Said Rainbow, forcing the Ponies to move along. One tried to sneak a peek and I jumped at him making zombie noises, scaring him away. "Uh, Rainbow Dash? Creature...? We're supposed to be actin' like nothing's wrong." Said Applejack. Rainbow Dash introduced us earlier, because she and Rainbow were nice to me despite my appearance, I call them by their names, the White One can apologise first! "Exactly." Growled Rainbow as another pony moved along. "Yes Mrs. Applejack!" I said, saluting. Then I started whistling casually, walking in a circle around the 'Heart'. "What I mean is, maybe you should let me keep the Crystal Ponies away from the fake Heart, while you show off your joustin' skills." She said to Rainbow before turning to me. "And Creature... Actually they might think this is you bein' normal so you can stay, keep scarin'." She said. "Yes Mistress!" I saluted. "Huh. Seeing my awesomeness does have a way of putting ponies into a pretty good mood." Pondered Rainbow. "Knock 'em dead." I chuckled. "Joustin' here ain't about a kill... it's about the skill." Rhymed Applejack, Bellegar would be ashamed... "It is back in Rivellon as well, you show off your skill by hitting your opponent in their armors weak point, showing you know how to kill a fully armored enemy." Explained Creature. "Ok, don't let you joust, got it." Nodded Rainbow. "You can watch if you want, I'll be fine." Said Applejack, noticing my interest in the jousting. "Oh thank you! Mistress is too kind." I bowed. "I ain't yer Mistress. Go 'ave fun. I got things handled here." Said Applejack. "Come on, Knight Fluttershy." Said Rainbow, getting Fluttershy suited up. I didn’t mind her being scared of me, Rainbow told me she's even scared my meeting new normal ponies. "Huh?" She asked. "It's showtime." Said Rainbow. "Looking forward to it." I smiled. "How are y'all feelin'? Havin' a good time?" Asked Applejack as I waited for the two 'Knights' to ready up. "The best I've had in over a thousand years!" She exclaimed. "Well, that's good! Gotta renew that spirit of love and unity if you're gonna power up that Crystal Heart, right?" Asked Applejack nervously. "I sure would like to see it before the ceremony. It's been such a long time." Said the Pony and was about to take the cover off. "Oh, I hear ya, but, uh... phew! Gettin' a little toasty out here. Bet you'd like to cool off with a little Crystal Empire nectar!" Exclaimed Applejack blocking her at every angle until she left it alone... 'Well, she's got things handled.' I thought. But then there was another pony getting antsy. "Uh, you tried the Crystal Empire fritters yet? Made from a traditional Crystal Empire recipe! You're gonna love 'em!" She said, tossing the fritters so he ran after them. There were more looking until she proclaimed about the jousting. "Uh, I hear there's a joustin' match about to start! You don't wanna miss that!" She said, the ponies all walked away. "Close one." I commented. "Yeah... Come on, Twilight... These Crystal Ponies are more curious than a cat!" She said to me and herself. I agreed. "Master, you need to hurry." I said as we both looked up at the palace. ;Tyrath's POV; We panted as we ran, Twilight turning every object over. I was pointing at things for her to search because she didn't want me or Spike actually looking. "It's gotta be here somewhere. It's just gotta be! Not a claw, Spike." She said as Spike lifted the carpet. "Uh..." He laughed nervously. "Celestia's orders!" She exclaimed. "Something tells me something the Princess said will help you find it." I said. Knowing how wise the Princess was. If she sent Twilight here she would have prepared her. "Of course! You're right! But I thought of it first!" Warned Twilight after looking at the throne for a second as she remembered something the Princess said. "Yes boss!" I exclaimed, mock saluting as Spike ran into Twilight. "Argh! What? Did you find it?" Asked Spike as I helped him up. "No. Because this isn't King Sombra's castle." Informed Twilight. "I gathered that. It's not black." I pointed out. "Well, isn't this where he lived when he was in power?" Asked Spike. "It is. But Ego is right. It didn't look like this." She said and blasted a crystal on the throne with dark magic... Not the type to be trifled with. But Princess Celestia trusted Twilight enough that she taught her it, so I didn't mind. "Whoa. When did you learn to do that?" Asked Spike. "That was a little trick Celestia taught me." She said. "Told you she'd given you the answer." I smirked. Thinking about the Princess made me happy, I remembered her laugh... How she made me feel good just by being near her... A churning in my gut... It was a very odd feeling... Ahem. Suddenly the floor opened up to reveal a massive downward spiral staircase and Spike gulped. "You stay here." Said Twilight to us. "Huh, if you insist." Said Spike. "Not a chance." I said and leapt down... "He never listens..." Twilight said during my descent. The floor shook as I landed. "Can you see what's down there yet?" Asked Spike, his voice echoing down to me. "Not yet. I can't even tell how far down this goes! Ego?!" Asked Twilight as she dropped a stone. I ignored her on purpose because it hit me on the head. I wasn't about to forgive that. "Spike?" Asked Twilight. "Yeah?" He replied. "Can you see outside?" She asked. ... "It's not good! Cadance's magic must be fading faster than before!" He yelled. That's worrying... I hope the girls and Creature are OK... "Ugh! Ow!" Exclaimed Twilight, falling down the stairs. She managed to make herself float before she whacked her head at the bottom. "Twilight? Ego? Are you okay?" Asked Spike. "BOO!!!" I jumped out at Twilight and she screamed. "Yes... No thanks to Ego." She said shooting a glare at me as I laughed. There's payback for the stone. "I live to serve." I said. We looked around... "A door!" She said. "After you." I said as she used her magic on the handle, but the door shot away. "What in the..." She said after the second time trying. "This door really doesn't want to let us through." I said. "Stop... Moving!" She exclaimed. And blasted the crystal above it with dark magic. We looked through and white light was behind the door. "Spike, I think it's here! Huh?" She asked as we both entered the door... ... A white light blinded me for a second and when I looked, Twilight was nowhere to be seen. I looked around... I was in Canterlot, at the Castle, in the gardens. Weird. I looked behind me and saw a terrible sight. Damien, one of his masked Generals and Sombra approaching the castle... I backed off, reaching for my sword... Nothing. I tried my magic. Nothing. I then decided to take an extreme course of action... I ran at Damien attempting to tackle him only to be stopped by some sort of invisible shield, they didn't even acknowledge me! Was I in a vision of sorts? "Now then my new friend, show King Sombra here what you can do." Smiled Damien to his General. I noticed he had hooks on rope over his shoulder "Yes, Chaos Lord." He said... He sounded familiar... He took his mask off and... No... Me?! Suddenly I was absorbed into his point of view, except I had no control... Maybe it was a Black Ring disguised as me... But then, why was I seeing through his eyes? 'I' then walked up to the statue of Princess Celestia and got the roped hook out and swung it at the statue, hooking it in, 'I' then grabbed the rope over 'my' shoulder and walked, pulling the statue down. "Wow! All on his own? He'll be a valuable addition..." Smiled Sombra. "Looks like that didn't get their attention." Smirked Damien. 'I' nodded and got the Claw of Abraxas out and pointed it at another statue. Then a purple beam of magic shot out from it and destroyed Princess Luna's statue! Suddenly Princess Celestia teleported to the Castle entrance. "What is the meaning of this-" She started before noticing the three men... "Sombra?! Impossible! I sent Twilight t-" She stopped as Sombra held up a hoof. "You want your precious Twilight?" He asked. "Yes!" She demanded. "Do be a chum and show the Princess what she wants." Said Damien, looking back at 'me'. "At once." 'I' clicked my fingers and the girls appeared in chains. "Twilight..." She started. "Here they are. In one piece. Most of them." 'I' chuckled. "Yes, my General here got a bit... Overzealous with them." Chuckled Damien. The Princess started toward them. "Ah ah ah." 'I' waved my finger, sending them away again and she stopped. "Who are you?!" She asked. "I am Damien. You already know Sombra. And I believe you are familiar with my new General, yes?" Smiled Damien, gesturing to 'me'. 'I' turned into a pony again before switching back. "Ego?!" Asked the Princess in surprise. "No, not any longer. Meet Drace Reynfaire, my new General." He said. "It's good to see you again Princess." 'I' smiled wickedly. "Now then, show her we mean business. We have other things to deal with in Saddle Arabia, we'll be back post haste." Smiled Damien wickedly... I wasn't charmed... Did I join him... On purpose?! And Drace?! Impossible... It can't be... No... Not again... 'It... It can't be...' I thought. 'I didn’t take his offer... Did I?' I approached her as Damien and Sombra teleported away. "Wait, you saved us! You're good! Please tell me this is a trick to stop him!" Said the Princess. 'I' leaned close to her... Her expression turned to relief... And then 'I' grabbed her by the throat. She began to struggle in my grip before 'I' threw her through the castle doors, smashing them open and announcing 'my' arrival... "Sister!" Exclaimed Princess Luna, running over to her as she landed on the far side of the throne room. "Luna! It's Ego! He joined them!" Warned the Princess as 'I' quickly approached, Princess Luna stood up to cast a spell but was too slow, 'I' backpunched her which means 'I' did the motion of a backhand but with a curled fist. She slammed into a pillar on the left, injured. "Oof!" She grunted in pain. "No, not Ego. Drace, Drace Reynfaire." 'I' stated. "Sister!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia. She stood up and blasted me with magic... When she stopped and the blinding light subsided I was standing there as if nothing... Even to me now, that blast would've sent me back a few feet and injured me. Probably even killed me... Unless I cast a powerful shield spell, but I can't do those without chanting a 10 second long spell as of yet... Unless... Did I... Did I join Damien for power!? That’s the only way I could master so many complex spells in so little time... And the Claw of Abraxas... I wasn't influenced by it but it's power was unlocked? Was it possible I killed Abraxas...? I looked through 'my' mind and found it had been days since the Crystal Empire. "Not happening." 'I' chuckled darkly, 'I' grabbed her muzzle and she yelped. The guards moved to stop 'me' but 'I' cast another spell I can't do without chanting yet! The spell sent the guards flying into walls and pillars, knocking them out. "Stop!" Said Princess Luna, 'I' looked over and saw her quivering. Despite her bravado she was terrified. "Oh Luna... Such care for your sister who abandoned you for a thousand years." 'I' said in a childlike voice. "How... How did you know that!?" She asked. "Oh, I managed to pull it out of Twilight while she regaled her entire life story to me over some tea and torture. I found out some very interesting things. Even your own subjects hate you." 'I' said. "No...!" She said, starting to cry a little both for what 'I' said about her and about Twilight. "Don't listen Luna." Said Princess Celestia like she had something in her mouth because 'I' had her mouth in my hand. "Shut up." 'I' said, letting her go and backhanding her mouth, she fell over, rubbing her cheek with tears in her eyes. "I won't listen!" Said Princess Luna, holding her head high, looking away from 'me'. "Oh Luna... So bold." 'I' said and cupped her cheek, moving her head so she was looking at 'me', 'I' leaned in close. "You should've heard Cadance scream..." 'I' whispered and moved back, seeing her expression drop. It broke my heart, I was fighting for control but it felt like I was pounding on a prison cell door, I was crying out in anger, banging on the cell doors. "No...! No! You're lying!" She exclaimed and charged a spell. "If you cast a single spell I'll cut off your horn." 'I' threatened, pleasure in my voice. She stood down and then broke down, crying her eyes out. "Hahaha." 'I' chuckled. "Why?" Asked Princess Celestia. "Why? Power my dear. Power. Damien gave me the power to master my Draconic Magic. He also promised me the Kingdom of Equestria." "Bu-" Started Princess Celestia. "When Sombra has outlived his usefulness, we're going to dispose of him. After all, he cannot be around if I am to rule." 'I' answered and picked her up by her throat. "But for me to rule, you two can't be in the picture either, can you?" I asked with a chuckle. "Please..." She choked as I applied pressure. "Stop!" Pleaded Princess Luna. "Ok." 'I' said, shrugging with a smile and 'I' threw the Princess to the ground. She still had tears in her eyes as she coughed, holding a hoof to her neck, Princess Luna moved over to her and made sure she was OK. I got a glimpse into what 'I' had planned for them... No! That’s not me... I don't... Do that! Not against their will! As 'I' watched them hug, crying at their possible last few moments with each other... I felt a slight opening in 'my' heart as 'I' watched them, I took the opening and good job because 'I' closed it a second later. "Well... I will let you both and Twilight live... If you do something for me..." 'I' said, malice in my words. "Yes! Anything!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia. "I want to rule. You want to live and save your subjects... We can come to an arrangement." I smiled. "Sister..." Started Princess Luna in realisation. "Quiet Luna, I can get us out of this! What do you want?" She asked. 'I' approached her and stroked her cheek and leaned in close. "You." 'I' whispered but loud enough so Princess Luna could hear as well. "What? What do you... You mean..." She said, starting to click on. "Yes..." 'I' said, biting her ear lightly, still stroking her cheek. "I..." She started, "I can rule, with you by my side..." 'I' said. "We could accomplish so much together..." 'I' whispered. It sounds a lot like the drivel Damien was selling me with his offer... "Wha..." She was lost for words I bit her ear she failed to suppress a moan. "I will put in you the best symbol of unity between our worlds." 'I' whispered. "Very well...." She relented, realizing there was no other choice. "Good girl." 'I' whispered, kissing a tear away, I was fighting for control, I had to sift through and watch my memories all the torture I put the girls through... It was horrible. Suddenly Princess Celestia pulled away. "What about the other girls?" She asked, noticing 'I' only mentioned the two Princesses and Twilight. "Hmm... Well then... I'd want you as well Luna." 'I' smiled, stroking Princess Luna's chin as I kissed Princess Celestia's neck. "Two symbols of unity is better than one." 'I' chuckled. "No!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia. "If it means the safe return of Twilight Sparkle and her friends..." Said Princess Luna. "Well?" 'I' asked. Stroking Princess Celestia's mane. She let out a shuddery breath. "Yes..." She concluded. Approaching 'me' and kissing 'my' cheek while crying... "Excellent... Maybe we should adjourn to your rooms... We should waste no time." 'I' said. Suddenly I managed to take over 'my' body. "Ahh!" 'I' yelled as I took over, moving backwards. The two Princesses looked at me in surprise. "It’s me! Ego! I'm back!" I said, slapping myself for a second to make sure I had control. "Bu... Why did you... Oh Cadance!" Said Princess Luna, crying. "Lulu, what's wrong?" Asked Princess Celestia, using Princess Luna's childhood name... Luckily ignoring me as I ran some tests on myself... "He... He tortured and killed Cadance and Shining Armor!" Cried Princess Luna. I searched my memories... Oh no... "I... I... Oh Divine, I... made her suffer..." I said and moved backwards in shock and sank against the pillar. I... Did something unspeakable, listening to her scream before she died... I.... No... "You WHAT?!" Yelled Princess Celestia, about to kill me... And I didn't blame her. Hell, I wanted her to. "Wait sister... That isn't 'Drace' that threw you through that door and tried to..." Observed Princess Luna. Cutting off before she mentioned what I was about to do. "No... I looked into the door at the Crystal Palace..." I said, looking into the distance in horror at what I did. "Then... This isn't real!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. "You're right! That wasn't the real you!" Realised Princess Celestia. Picking me up with magic so I was standing. "You just have to wake up!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. "Or is this just my worst fear?" I asked. "...Not exactly. This is what should happen if Twilight fails. If you give in the Sombra and accept this 'Damien's' offer. This is a glimpse of the future. Sombra used the door to corrupt his servants so they served him loyally. But it depends what is more depressing to the one looking. If it is the possible future, the door shows them that. If it is their worst fear, it shows them that." Explained Princess Celestia. "Yes, and if they didn't wake up, they trapped themselves inside their minds forever because of the despair and became his mindless slaves. Walking corpses doing his bidding." Explained Princess Luna. "Do not end up like them. You are better than that." She added. "Ok... I'll wake up..." I said and began to fade out. "Before you go..." Said Princess Celestia, she leaned close to me and kissed me on the cheek. "For luck." She smiled... "And from me." Said Princess Luna, doing the same. They both smiled... They wished me luck and kissed my cheek... Despite what I was about to do... ... I blurrily saw my father... Calling me... "Ego!" Father... "Ego!" A voice... Calling me... Not my father's... A woman. "Ego!" Again... Mother? "Ego!" No... It was... two voices? "EGO!" Screamed Spike and Twilight at the same time as I woke up in a flash of light. I saw I was holding my knife to my stomach where my armor was weak! "Ahhhhh!" I yelled, pulling the knife away and stumbling backwards. Falling on my ass. "Ego! What happened to you?" Asked Twilight, walking over to me. "No... No... I... Can't..." I said, backing away. "It's OK... It was just a vision of your worst fear." Comforted Twilight, reaching out to me. "No! It was worse." I said, pulling away, backing into a wall. "I failed my test... Celestia sent me away... And then you appeared and told me you had joined Sombra and Damien, you raised your sword to me, I looked away and then I woke up." She said. "I'm sorry..." I mumbled. "Huh?" She asked. "Nothing. Come on." I said, determined to finish this. I saw Spike look into the crystal... After this is over I'll leave and lock myself away in my Battle Tower. I couldn't be trusted around them. "It was King Sombra's dark magic. A doorway that leads to your worst fear." Explained Twilight as she woke Spike up... "We were home. You told me you didn't need me anymore. You were sending me away..." Said Spike. "A fear that will never come to pass. I'm never gonna send you away. And I'm not gonna fail my test!" Said Twilight, hugging Spike, seeing them so happy... It made me feel worse for what I did... She then blasted the crystal above the door, opening it. Twilight and I stepped through. "What's in there?" Asked Spike worriedly, poking his head out. Me and Twilight both frowned... "Stairs.... Lots and lots of stairs." She sighed after looking up at the amount of stairs and we began to climb. "Maybe you should come with me this time Spike." Said Twilight. "I hate stairs, they always lead up to something." I smiled slightly, trying to lighten my mood... And failing. ;Crystal Fair - Creature's POV; All the Ponies cheered as we watched the jousting. Rainbow Dash put her helmet on and waved to the crowd but poor Fluttershy looked and sounded terrified! She couldn't even use the javelin properly! I saw Pinkie doing tricks to entertain everypony before the match. Suddenly the shield flickered again and the Flying Fortresses and Black Ring were visible for a second. We heard Sombra's laughter reverberate through the Empire... "Do it." I nodded. "Mmm hmm." She agreed quickly and worriedly. She then blew the flugelhorn to signal the start to keep the Ponies occupied. "Fluttershy!" I cheered her on as she shrieked and screamed. Trying to boost her confidence. Suddenly she came to a halt and cowered away, Rainbow Dash hit her and she went flying into a pile of hay. I rushed over to make sure she was ok. "Bravo, Knight Rainbow Dash!" Yelled a Pony. "Are you OK Mistress Fluttershy?" I asked, helping her up. "Oh, thank you Creature." She smiled. "No problem Mistress." I bowed. "Isn't there... somepony else who could... take over the jousting demonstration with you? How about Creature?" She asked Rainbow Dash who flew over. "Creature would probably kill me! The fate of an entire Empire rests on us showing these ponies a good time... But, y'know, if that isn't important to you..." She said, making Fluttershy cry. "Okay, okay, I'll take it easy on you next time. But not too easy. I've got a reputation to maintain!" She concluded. Fluttershy was looking still scared. I looked behind her and saw the crystals turning black! Sombra must be corrupting the land somehow... "Hurry up Master..." I said nervously and went to watch the jousting again. ;Tyrath's POV; Twilight, Spike and I ran up the stairs. I admit, even with my training, it was becoming hard going. I had put Spike on my shoulders so he didn't lag behind. "I think this is a metaphor for life! 'There is no elevator to success! You have to take the stairs!'" I said. "You aren't helping! Although I think it could be true!" Called Twilight. "What if this is just more of his magic? He makes a door that leads to your worst nightmare. Why not a staircase that goes on forever?" Said Spike. "Please, Divine, no!" I cried at Spike's suggestion. "Both of you, hold on to me." Said Twilight, I put Spike down and we did. "Uh..." Started Spike as Twilight cast a spell... Suddenly the staircase turned into a slide! "Whoa. Whoaaa! Yaaaah!" Called Twilight, her and Spike were in my lap as we slid down. "Yeehaaa!" I yelled, taking my helmet off so I didn't knock my head on the stone... At least my mood was improved. ;Crystal Fair - Creature's POV; The ponies had started to panic, noticing the black crystals... Rarity (she apologised to me) was busy making... Stuff. Out of whatever she had on hoof. The Ponies were crowding around the 'heart' but I was jumping around it, growling at them, warning them away. Rarity ran over to us, weaving through the crowd. "Jog on!" I growled to a Pony getting too close for comfort. "Excuse me, pardon me..." She apologised, running over to us. "I am running out of weaving materials for the traditional crafts booth! I just made a hat out of three pieces of hay and a drinking straw! I made it work. But still!" She informed us. We looked over and stifled a laugh at the silly hat... "This can't go on much longer." I stated. "I agree, but we gotta do everything we can to keep this thing goin'. The Princess isn't lookin' so good. I can't imagine her magic is gonna last much longer. It's gonna be fine. These ponies are gonna power up that Crystal Heart when the time comes, and we won't be needin' her magic anyway." Whispered Applejack. "I wouldn't worry. Master and the Purple One will make it! Even if they don't, Master will have a backup plan!" I assured them. Now, I wasn't one to doubt Master, as I know his power better than anyone, as I have actually seen it and lived to tell the tale. But even I was starting to get nervous... "I sure hope so, but I hope it's soon! Even I can't keep this party going forever!" Said Pinkie, slipping from a ball she was balancing on while juggling, the ball shot up and knocked over the fake heart! "This isn't the Crystal Heart." Said one of the Ponies. "Oh, of course it isn't. The real one is–" Started Rarity, laughing nervously before Applejack interrupted... "-On its way!" She finished. "I was going to say 'being polished' to buy us some more time?" Said Rarity. "Oops..." Said Applejack. One pony began to panic. "It's... It's him!" Said a Pony.. "Crystal Heart..." He laughed... "The charade is over!" I said and ran out to the fields, taking a defensive stance, getting my swords out and preparing for the onslaught of the Black Ring. "Foolish mortals, it takes more than that to kill a Creature! Actually, come to think of it, I quite fancy the gas chamber..." I said thoughtfully. 'I will make you proud Master...' I thought... ;Crystal Palace (No, not the football team...) - Tyrath's POV; We were sliding down, or rather up the stairs. "Awesome! Anti-Gravity spell! Good thinking!" I whooped. "Whoooooahahaha! Yep, I actually studied gravity spells, thinking it might be on my test! Turns out I was prepared for this! Wooo-hooo! Hahah!" She yelled. As we reached the top she corrected our gravity. I landed(again) on my sore ass, making matters worse, Twilight and Spike both landed on my groin. "Owww!" I yelled as they rolled off me, I gripped my privates in pain. "Haha, sorry." She said, rubbing the back of her head as I got up groggily. "It's fine." I strained, waddling over to them still holding my sore area. We were on top of the Palace! "Hey I can see my house from here!" I said, pointing to the Battle Tower, because the Fortresses had lowered to the round to disembark their troops I could see the Tower! The wind was blowing hard up here... We saw the Heart floating in the center of the room! Suddenly a slow clapping was heard. "So Dragons... Pony. You found it. Well done." Said Damien. "I couldn't have done it without them." I said. "Yes, you could have. Just as they could have done it without you. It works both ways." He said. "Sure..." I said. "You see Dragon, this is an Alternate Reality. Every reality is. There is a reality where humans do not ever come into contact with ponies. Where you and I never even meet them. There is a reality where they defeat Chrysalis and Sombra without your help. Where the Black Ring are not here, and neither are you. They are left to their own devices from both you and I. But in this Reality they need you to survive just as you need them." He explained. "Why are you telling me this?" I asked. "Just trying to kill time while my Ring overtake the Empire." He said. "Not going to happen." I growled. "So? What are you waiting for? Claim your prize! You've earned it." He smiled evilly, jumping from the ledge... His astral form presumably disappearing as it went out of sight... Twilight went for it as I thought on Damien's words... I cast my gaze over the room... Oh bollocks! "No wait! Twilight, it's too easy-" Before I could finish, she stood on a pressure plate, alerting Sombra to her presence. She grabbed the Heart but dropped it and was trapped in a black crystal prison... "The Heart... Where's the Crystal–" Started Twilight, looking around. Spike spotted it. "Here! It rolled over to us when you dropped it!" Said Spike. Crystals surrounding us. "Stay close Spike..." I said. He started shuffling over to me. "Don't move!" Countered Twilight. "Nevermind." I said to him. He stopped moving. "You can move, just not toward me!" She said and tried to teleport out but was just teleported back in again. "It's a deflection field! Whatever spell you cast it backfires!" I told her as Spike clutched my leg we were backing further toward the edge... "You're right! Oh, how could I have been so foolish!? I was just so eager to get it! You tried to warn me! Then when I saw Damien again and what was going on outside, I..." She started. "You have to get out of there, Twilight! You have to be the one who brings the Heart to Princess Cadance! If you don't, you'll fail Celestia's test!" Exclaimed Spike. "We haven’t got long!" I said, looking behind me, seeing the shield beginning to fail. "King Sombra and the Black Ring are already attacking the Empire. They could reach the Crystal Ponies at any moment... reach Princess Cadance, my brother, my friends. There may not be enough time for me to find a way to escape." She admitted. "Well, what then?" I asked. Spike and I were backed into a corner by sharp crystals, he was on my back now. "You both have to be the ones to bring the Crystal Heart to the Fair." Concluded Twilight. "Spike, can you handle that? I need to be out there fighting with Creature." I said. "Me? But guys–" He started. Getting down from my back. "Go!" She said. "But–" He started to argue. "Goooo!" Yelled Twilight. Spike grabbed the Crystal Heart and jumped onto my back again. "Come on! Tell them to hold my mail!" I yelled as I leapt from the window, going into freefall. As we fell, I saw the shield dissipate completely... "Woaahhhh! We'reeeee gonnnnaaaa dieeeee!" Yelled Spike, I was about to switch into my Dragon Form but an arrow shot the Crystal Heart from Spike's claw. While I was surprised another then pierced my armor in my shoulder, throwing me off my freefall. I looked and saw Kali as a Unicorn in the tower, holding a bow in her magic, she smiled evilly and waved at me, teleporting away. I curled around Spike and we slammed into the ground. Spike was fine and got up, but I was injured. I used my greatsword to get up and had to use it to stay upright. "What happened?!" Asked Applejack, running over. "Kali! She shot me! Ahh!" I said, yanking the arrow from my shoulder the arrow wound wasn't too bad, my regenerative blood would take care of that, but my broken leg was another story... "Master!" Said Creature, running over from the field. There were about 12 dead Black Ring where he came from. The taster wave I'm guessing. "Where's the Heart?!" Asked Applejack, I saw it landed in a far field... The Black Ring were pouring in toward it... "Creature, come on we've a fight to get to." I said, limping toward the Heart. "Woah pardner! You're hurt!" Exclaimed Applejack, moving in front of me and stopping me with her hooves on my shoulders. "This? Tis but a scratch." I said, keeping walking/limping. She got back on all fours, watching us go worriedly. "Shall we Master?" Asked Creature. "Let's do it." I said, putting my helmet back on and I began to run forward to the best of my ability, pointing my greatsword at the ground and using my other hand with a curled fist to gain momentum(you know how running works). "Ahhh!" I yelled as we ran toward the Black Ring... Looks like only the Generals were ponified though... Strange... (Soundtrack to this part, it's optional, but you know... For those who like that sort of thing. Music composed by Kirill Pokrovsky.) As a Black Ring soldier was about to swing downwards at me, raising his sword above his head, I beat him to it and cleaved him in two from the waist down. Another came at me with his sword lowered. He quit while he was ahead! You know... Cause I cut his head off... Keep up! A few archers were firing at me but I just ducked, dodged and weaved through the arrows, the Black Ring Archers are terrible shots! Only Kali is a dead-eye apparently. I clotheslined a Captain as he tried to run past me, breaking his neck on impact with my arm. A group of 5 soldiers then came at me but I raised my hand and sent them flying, they all hit the ground, dead. I can kill groups of enemies huddled, but when they surround me is different, I have the Firewall spell I can cast without chanting but that's it. I sliced and diced my way through countless Black Ring with Creature at my back. Suddenly a Sergeant flanked us, getting behind me and kicking my injured leg, sending me down on one knee. He kicked my back, sending me to the ground on my stomach, I turned on my back quickly but he put up a personal deflection shield so I couldn't cast a spell to stop him. Creature was fighting his own battles... "Time to die Dragon!" He laughed and raised his sword, I put my hand in front of my face and looked away, closing my eyes, waiting for the end to come... Suddenly I heard... "Yeehawww!" And Applejack bucked him with all her might, sending him about 5 foot away and breaking his spine in half. It was then I realised something... Human and Pony anatomy are so different that Ponies have an inbuilt resistance to their own magic, Unicorn or no. Which is why most spells that should kill them, don't. And they are built to take a kick from their own species while Human skeletons are weaker and can't even take a moderate kick from a Pony! "Applejack...?" I asked, dazed as I got up. "I'm 'ere for ya pardner!" She said. "Thanks..." I said and ran for the Heart as I reached it I crouched down using my greatsword to keep me from falling over. I picked up the Heart. "Got it!" I said, getting up. "Ahhh!" Cried Kali, running at me and stabbing my in the chest with something... "Fuck!" I yelled in pain as I held the Crystal Heart high in the air. I pushed Kali away and she fell to the floor but the Crystal flew out of my hand as another archer hit it... A group of 12 Black Ring started toward the girls and I stepped in front of them. "I don't think so." I said, yanking the black crystal shard from my chest, I felt something move inside me... Not good... They started toward me and I took a huge breath, my eyes narrowed, went yellow and draconic again and I let out my breath, fire poured from my mouth, scorching the Black Ring into ashes. As I stopped spewing fire, my eyes returned to normality. I saw Kali run at me with her sword. I blocked her blow with one arm and kicked her away, stabbing a Black Ring in the side as he tried to run past me. i kicked my left leg out to the side, breaking another Black Ring's hip as she tried to get past me. Kali was back up and I kicked her back down. I looked down at my chest and saw black crystal all over me! It was running from the middle of my chest up to the left side of my throat down to my left knee... "It's working!" Exclaimed Kali in glee as she got up again. "Ahh!" I yelled and swung for her, she just jumped out of the way. I saw... No! Impossible... I think I saw the two other Princesses land at the square... ;Crystal Square - Princess Celestia's POV; "Cadance! What's happening?" I asked. "Ego is back... He's out there fighting the Black Ring, the group that Stone was part of." She explained. "Ego!? What happened?" Asked Luna. "Something either of you didn't predict. His enemies, the Black Ring teamed up with Sombra! We're lucky he was here!" Exclaimed Cadance. "Is he OK?" I asked. "He jumped from the tower and landed rough, he was injured but ran out to fight anyway, Applejack leant him a hoof. What? I tried to stop him." Lied Shining Armor, I know he lied because of the way he said it. "But is he in trouble?!" I asked. "I don't know." He shrugged. "I think so." Nodded Cadance, glancing at Armor angrily, Luna and I were angry at him as well, but now was not the time... ;Tyrath's POV; As I was surrounded by Black Ring I wasn't going without a fight, I sliced three heads off and shoved my blade backwards, impaling one. One ran at me and I bit his throat out, spitting it out to the floor, blood gushing from my mouth from the throat... I was going to kick, hit, bite and claw my way out of this if I had to. Suddenly the other Ring surrounding me were blasted to bits by powerful magic... "Wha..." I asked, I saw the two Princesses approach... It made me feel happy, seeing them. "Where is Ego?!" Asked Princess Celestia, pointing her horn at me. "You found him." I grunted in pain and held my chest as the crystal expanded again. "What?" She asked, looking closely. "I killed Stone and you and Princess Luna are lightweights." I answered with a smile of pain. "It IS you...! Is that blood?" Asked Princess Celestia. "Not mine." I answered and wiped my mouth. "Maybe not, but you are hurt." She said as I coughed black liquid. "I'm fine..." I said, was I crying? I rubbed my eye and black liquid was on my fingertip... "No, you're not." She said. "I'm fine!" I yelled. They backed off, their eyes flattening. "I'll... Just... I'll deal with this!" I insisted. They walked back to the square hesitantly. I didn't want them in danger... Wait, why was I so goddamn concerned and protective around them? Around innocents, yes. But these two could no doubt handle themselves as I've seen, but I felt as if I wanted them to be safe... I looked down and my entire left half was encased in crystal... I fell to my left knee, then I realised I couldn't get up! "You're going to die Dragon." Said Kali, coming close because my greatsword was in my other hand which was encased in crystal so I couldn't move it... I was about to give up... "Come on! Get up! We got your back!" Said Rainbow Dash, kicking ass. The Princesses also rejoined the fray despite my objections... "Yeah! We're 'ere pardner!" Exclaimed Applejack as everything became quiet and I could hear my own breaths... The sounds of battle became dull... Kali was laughing in my face. "We are not leaving you to die!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. "I don't need your help! I can do this myself!" I yelled. "No chance! We all need help sometimes!" Said Rainbow, punching the Black Ring, they were barely fighting the remnants back... They needed my help. "Yeah! It's what friends are for!" Said Applejack. "Friends?" I asked... "Yeah... Woah!" Exclaimed Applejack, she jumped toward Kali who grabbed her with magic and threw her a few feet away, hurting her but not killing her. I became enraged. "Soon my experimental Mist Warriors will reach us, then we'll be unstoppable!" She exclaimed. They must be the warriors I saved Shining Armor from earlier... "Ahhh! No! You. Won't . Hurt. Them!" I yelled and used my left side as a battering ram, Kali was barely dodging my attacks. I headbutted her and she went down, knocked out. I turned to the Crystal Heart but saw Black Ring. "Try it Dragon." Growled one. In response I used a mind attack, causing their heads to explode. Fuck, that wore me out... I limped forward, panting. Two Black Ring ran at me I clenched my fist by my side, using a forbidden spell that crushed both of their spines. One kicked me and I fell down, my greatsword getting kicked away. I raised my hand and clenched my fist again, crushing his throat in a single swift move. I saw the Crystal Heart was in range as I was down and I used my free hand to grab it... I used my crystallized elbow to prop myself up... "Spike! Go long!" I yelled and threw him the Heart like a frisbee. He jumped and caught it but a black crystal appeared beneath him and raised him high. He jumped down crystal by crystal... I was about to get back to battle when suddenly a sword pierced my back... "No!" Yelled Princess Celestia, before Black Ring got in the way of her and her sister's view... "You will not succeed!" Yelled Kali, and ran at Spike. I grabbed my knife from my right shin and threw it at her, hitting her leg, she fell down. I yanked the sword she stabbed me with from my back. As I did I saw Sombra about to get the Crystal, I couldn't stop him, that was up to the others. But I could ensure Kali couldn't hurt anyone or pony else... I slowly crawled over to her and wrapped my free, non-crystallised hand around Kali's throat and applied pressure... ;Creature's POV; As baby Dragon jumped from a high crystal, I saw him and Sombra both reaching for the Crystal Heart... "Come on kid..." I said as I impaled a Black Ring behind me on my sword with my magic. Which was a light gray aura. Princess Cadance was then thrown by Shining Armor from the balcony, she flew and caught the Heart (and baby Dragon) right out of Sombra's hooves. "Behold! The Crystal Princess!" Said a Pony. "The Crystal Heart has returned. Use the light and love within you to ensure that King Sombra does not." She said, putting the Heart in it's place. It started whirring to life as the ponies rallied around their Princess, bowing to her. I saw the other two Princesses as well, fighting the remaining Black Ring. I ran over to the White Princess. "Your Majesty? Where is Master?" I asked, fighting back to back with her. "Huh?" She asked. "He means Ego." Said Applejack, jumping to our side, bucking the Black Ring away. "I don't know, I lost sight of him." She said as the heart took effect. "Last we saw him, he was stabbed in the back!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. Extending both her wings quickly, effectively 'punching' two Black Ring away from her left and right. "Master will be fine!" I yelled as I was severing limbs. "Well, we need to find him! Woah!" Said Rainbow, flying over to us and dodging a few arrows. "These guys can't even aim!" Laughed Rainbow. Honestly? They only had a chance because Master and I killed the best and most of the Black Ring in the first and second wave. Otherwise they'd be dead by now... "What? No... No! Stop!" Said Sombra as the Magic of Love and Light spread. Causing the Black Ring and Sombra to burst... We all became crystalline as the Heart took back the Empire, turning it truly into the Crystal Empire. The Fortresses were still there but the Black Ring manning them weren't! "Wooohooo!" I cheered. "Yeah! Awesome!" Exclaimed Rainbow. "Where's Master?" I asked with a smile, the girls all shrugged and my smile slowly disappeared. The two sisters crossed horns in happiness as the Empire was freed of Sombra's control. I noticed the Crystal Ponies beginning to look sad as they surrounded something. "What's going on over there?" Asked Purple One as she levitated herself from the tower. (I didn’t know her or the baby Dragon's names...) The girls and Princesses all joined her, looking in confusion to whatever the thing was the Crystal Ponies were blocking the view of... We all pushed past... "No!" I exclaimed and ran over, the girls came out of the crowd, looking confused before seeing what I saw... Lord Tyrath, encased in black crystal... "Master!" I said shaking the statue... (He looks like Wolverine from the cover of X-Men origins except unlike Wolverine he has black crystal covering his body, no claws and not as handsome, oh and he had a decapitated pony head held by the mane in his left hand.) "Is he..." Asked Cadance. "I..." I cut off... Unable to answer, or comprehend what could be my Master's demise... "Well?! Happy now, Shining?!" Asked Cadance, in tears. "I..." He started mumbling trying to respond. "You never trusted him! I asked you what it took! Well? How's this?!" She exclaimed. Gesturing to the black, frozen crystalline figure that used to be my Master. He looked down in shame. Maybe even a hint of sadness? "Come on Master, you always had a backup plan! Always!" I said hopefully. The statue remained still. "M- Master?!" I sobbed. Realising that he was probably truly gone... I saw the Princesses and the 6 mares also crying. Something tells me the two Princesses didn't cry often... But they cried over my Master? "He died protecting us..." Cried the Purple One putting a hoof on my back in comfort. "He swore not to let anything happen to or hurt you all, even if it meant his life. He was always as good as his word..." I cried. "There was never a better man or Dragon." I cried at the statue's feet. I couldn't bring myself to blame the Ponies... Master would have saved them no matter what... The 6 mares from before and the three Princess all hugged the statue along with me... "Wait, listen!" Said Blue Princess, sniffing a little from her tears. We all quietened down before hearing a crack... We backed away from the statue... And then another crack... Then another! Then several! Suddenly the crystal began visibly cracking and blue light was revealing beneath... "Master?!" I asked in awe, wiping my tears... Surely it was impossible! Suddenly the crystal statue burst and my Master was on his hands and knees coughing out black liquid that also dripped from his body... "W- What?" He coughed in answer to me as if nothing happened. "Oh! Master... You're alive! " I exclaimed happily in relief. I ran over to his side when the black liquidised crystal had completely gone from his body and had melted as it hit the ground. He was also crystalline like us! He looked absolutely majestic! His hair flowed upwards in a fiery orange color! His eyes were their yellow draconic type... I helped him up and he draped an arm over my back. The White Princess also ran over and helped him. "Thank the sun you're OK!" She exclaimed and rubbed her cheek on his. "I agree! Surely this is impossible!" I exclaimed. He knelt up on one knee and saw the Crystal Ponies all looking at him. "Of course I am alive, and don't call me Shirley... Oh, wow... What did I miss?" He asked in genuine confusion, looking out at the Crystal Ponies staring. "The usual." I chuckled. "I knew better than to doubt you!" I laughed. "You should...! Err, why are they staring...?" He asked. He stood up to his full height and the Crystal Ponies began cheering. "Now... Why are they cheering?" He asked. "You saved them Master, you and the baby Dragon got them the Heart." I smiled. "Indeed. You are a true hero." Smiled White Princess, stepping away from him. "There is a few last things." He announced, he stood on his own. "Master?" I asked. "I said I'd give you this." He said and placed Kali's ponified head in Shining Armor's hooves... "I... Wha..." He stuttered, looking at it with an open mouth and eyes. "Well, at least you can practise your kissing on something other than the mirror now." Said Master and we all burst out laughing. He then got some hooked rope and marched to the Flying Islands. He threw the hooks into them and when he was sure he had a good grip, he walked back toward us and in an incredible display of his ungodly strength he pulled the islands the rest of the way down. Smashing them into the ground outside the Empire, allowing the sun to be seen again as the dust settled. They all cheered even louder at seeing the sun shine on their kingdom for the first time in 1000 years. I saw White Princess staring and smiling at Master... Quite intensely... so was Blue Princess. I'd even call their smiles... Endearing? Suddenly White Princess shook her head, pulling herself out of her stupor. "Ahem. I'll see you in Canterlot." Said White Princess, speaking to Purple One.e seemed annoyed at Purple One for some reason... She wiped away a tear as she and her sister flew away. ;Ego's POV; I saw the two Princesses as they were crystalline... They looked... Ahem, nice... Sparkly, I suppose... Ahem. I couldn't take my eyes off them as they flew away... "Oh brother... I failed..." Mumbled Purple One. Spike and I sighed in relief at seeing the Empire saved. "In any case, good job, Spike. You too Ego." Smiled Twilight. I did a two finger salute to her (not the rude way). ;10 minutes later; I was on the balcony in the Palace overlooking the Empire, looking out at the happiness and joy... and feeling like the worst person alive... I couldn't get that vision out of my mind... "Master?" Asked Creature, coming up behind me. "Yes?" I asked, looking back at him. "Are you ok?" He asked, leaning on the balcony railing next to me. "No... They deserve their happiness, their victory. I deserve nothing." I said. "Why, My Lord?" Asked Creature "Nothing. It's nothing." I waved him off. I went inside as he waited on the balcony. I saw Princess Cadance standing there, smiling at me. "That's the second time you've saved my life." She chuckled. "I know. I may have to start charging soon." I smiled. "Yeah..." She said, we both looked away. "Look, back there, you showed more concern for me than my husband really, ever has! I mean, he didn't even notice me not being myself at our wedding! And I admit, when you held me, and you looked into my eyes... I was captivated... I feel as though there is something between us... Do you?" She asked. "I... Princess..." I said as we got close, and then closer. "If you want me, kiss me now. Tell me you love me." She whispered, she surged forward but I backed off. "I... I can't. You're married Princess! We just can't..." I shook my head. "Is that the only reason?" She asked. "Yes." I said. Truthfully, i was lying. It was the vision as well. If it wasn't for the vision would I have kissed her? Maybe. I also felt as though I was betrayed someone else... Or was it somepony else? Fuck that! These were animals! Intelligent, talking animals, but still! It was wrong! Taboo! Disgusting! I shouldn't be thinking these thoughts! "I need to know. Do you think there is something there? Anything? Or is it just me?" She asked. "I... I do. But we can't. We just... Can't." I shook my head. I had to admit it. "No, you're right. Come, we should see the girls off." She said and walked out. She smiled at me slightly. Was she sad? Oh man, I might be in the shit... I went back to Creature. "Shall we?" He asked as we jumped from the balcony. We jogged and caught up to the girls as they were leaving, I was planning on ignoring Armor. "I do so wish it was permanent. Did you see how my mane just absolutely sparkled?" Asked Rarity, I noticed mine and Creature's crystalline properties vanished as we left. "But... good things are better when they're a rarity." Said Applejack. "Hey, jokes are my thing." I chuckled. I had to act normal for now... "Aww. He's right though, quit while you're ahead." Laughed Rarity. "Everything's gonna be okay. You've gotta stop saving my rump like this. It's starting to get embarrassing." Said Armor to Twilight. "Wasn't me who saved you in the end. It was Spike and Ego." Said Twilight, looking downtrodden. "Yep." Said Cadance, nudging her husband with an angry expression. Pretty much ignoring the fact she just tried to kiss me... He took a breath to speak. "Just leave it." I said, still not forgiving him, he stopped for a second before running to catch up. "It's just a test. Maybe she'll let you retake it." Said Shining as Twilight also looked sad. "You saw her back there, I don't think she's gonna give me a new test." Said Twilight, boarding the train. "Well... Good luck." I nodded. "Yer not comin'?" Asked Applejack. "I've got duties to attend at my Tower..." I lied. "Ok, see you soon pardner!" Applejack tipped her hat and I bowed slightly as the doors shut. "How are you getting back?" Asked Princess Cadance. "Easy. Battle Tower. Ready to teleport back with Creature." I said to my Dragon Stone. "Yes My Lord." Said Sassan. "Before I go, stop fainting. I may start to think you just do it so I'll worry myself to death." I said to Princess Cadance... She looked into my eyes for a second before replying... "Ha ha." She said with a roll of her eyes. "We are ready, My Lord." Said Sassan and teleported us back...
Chapter 7: Maxos' Tower/Meet the Nobles!;Third Pony POV; Princess Celestia was sitting on her throne... Thinking... She wasn't listening to the noble droning on before her. She and Luna loved their little ponies but some of the nobles of Canterlot were so stuck up and pompous and they... Never. Shut. Up. Very few of them were like this but the ones that were annoyed them to no end... Speaking of love... Her thoughts drifted to Ego... She did love him, or at least she thought she did... She at least liked him. And that seemed an understatement. After all, ponies know better than any other species when they're in love... But how was she going to ask him out? Was she going to ask him...? No! She had to! This was a shot at happiness! But then... It seemed a little selfish, only going out with him to be happy... No, she liked him, maybe even loved him. But maybe she can try for happiness... At least once... But what would the nobles think...? Nevermind them, what would all of her little ponies think?! They'd think she was a freak for falling for an alien! But... he did have a pony form... "And also, if we wish to-" Started the noble, suddenly the Princess sighed and smiled as she thought of Ego. "Princess? Is there something-" The noble cut off as somepony burst into the Throne Room. "My Princess, there is something at the gates!" Exclaimed Captain Lone Starr, Princess Celestia's new Captain of the Guard. "What is it?" She asked. "I don't know Your Majesty." He said. "Very well, I will investigate." She said, looking for any excuse to get away from the snobby nobles of Canterlot. She exited her Castle and her escort of guards lead her to the gate. "How long has it been there?" She asked. "For about 20 minutes Your Highness." Said Starr. "Thank you Captain." She said. They approached the gate and as the Princess went to open it her guards did it for her, she held in a sigh of annoyance at being treated like a child. "It’s waiting outside Your Majesty." Said Starr, bowing as she walked out of the gate, he stayed by her side as they walked a few feet. She looked around to see nothing. "Where-" She started before Starr turned into Ego in his pony form and he leapt at her. "BOO!" He yelled, she pretty much punched him in the face with a forehoof. Hard. "Oh my! Ego! I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed, running over to him as he looked to be in pain. When she leaned down to see if he was OK, he grabbed her in his magic and pulled her down. They rolled over a few times, laughing their asses off. They stopped with him on top of her, they stopped laughing slowly as they gazed into each others eyes... ;Tyrath's POV; She has magenta eyes... I never knew that. They're... Enchanting. Lovely... Her eyes like amethysts: sharp, don’t miss a thing, wise, kindly... Beautiful. But they looked drained. Like she was carrying a weight... Such a lovely smile... Why didn't she smile more often...? No! Damnit! Ponies! It's fucking morally wrong! Beastialiy! It's disgusting! "Did it work?!" Came a voice. The real Captain Lone Starr approached the group of guards as the Princess and I stood up, averting our gaze from each other. "It worked, thanks Captain." I chuckled, hoofbumping him. "No problem, far be it from me to keep somepony from cheering the Princess up." He said with a smile. "Ahem, indeed. Anyway, why are you in your Pony Form?" She asked. "Well... Because I should be. Only you, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, the Crystal Ponies and the girls know my true form." I shrugged. "You do suit it." She smiled. "Thanks." I smiled back. "Ahem. Why are you here anyway?" Asked Princess Celestia. "I'm here to check out Maxos' Tower." I told her. "Princess! Ego!" Exclaimed Twilight, running over and hugging me. "Hey!" I chuckled. "What's with Ponies and hugging!?" I asked. "It's just the way we show care." Shrugged Twilight with a smile. "Huh." I said, shaking my head with a breath. "Twilight! My most faithful student! Why are you here?" Asked Princess Celestia, also hugging her student. "I'm here to visit the library!" She exclaimed. "So, Ego. You're here to see Star Swirl's Tower?" Asked Princess Celestia. "10 points to the Princess! Correctomundo!" I exclaimed. "Really?! Awesome! Can I see it as well?!" Asked Twilight. "Why not? But I have to enter first." I said. "Of course." Nodded Twilight. "May I also join you?" Asked Princess Celestia. "Sure Your Majesty." I smiled. "Just one thing. I need to ask you something." Said Princess Celestia. "Shoot." I shrugged. "I've been wondering... You said you were a Dragon-Knight... What does that mean?" Asked Princess Celestia. "Oh yeah... Right. Ok, you want to know?" I asked. "Yes!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Very well. Hold onto your flanks." I said with a (what sounded like an evil) chuckle. I released my Dragon Form with the spell "AHH!" I cried as my bones started cracking, my form broke apart and the Dragon was released. Sometimes if I don't release my Dragon Form often, it can cause some discomfort whilst transforming. "Holy sun..." Gasped Princess Celestia as I stood before them as a Dragon. I shifted my wings a few times to re-accommodate, my deep breathing reverberating. So deep it sounded like growling. I wasn't particularly big as a Dragon, at least not compared to true Dragons. But because even as a Human I towered over them, I did even more so in my Dragon Form. "You're a... Dragon?!" Exclaimed Twilight. Both mares were staring open mouthed and the guards were shivering. "Yes." I replied, my voice was extremely deep and echoey as a Dragon. "I am. I used to be a biped known as a Human. Now I am a Dragon-Knight." I told them. "We know you call yourself a Dragon-Knight... Not that you were an actual Dragon!" Exclaimed Twilight. I saw Princess Celestia staring at me... Very unsettling... Seems endearing...? I have no idea. "You really suit the Dragon Form as well..." She said, she was looking me over with quite a piercing stare... "Thanks..." I said. "Yeah, you really look nice..." Smiled Twilight... This was strange. "You look incredibly majestic..." She said. This was getting weird... "Yeah... So they say." I chuckled and switched back to my Alicorn Form with a slight grunt. "Please." Smiled Princess Celestia, gesturing with a hoof for me to enter the city. We headed inside the gates and for the first time I saw all of Canterlot in it's glory without Changelings attacking. It was amazing. I just stood at the gate, staring. "You and Princess Luna have built an amazing society here." I smiled. They were so much more civilized than Humans that it made me embarrassed I used to be one. "Well... I... Thank you." Blushed Princess Celestia...?! I swear I saw her blush, but when I blinked she wasn't... Maybe my mind's playing tricks on me... "No problem." I smiled at her as we entered the city proper, Ponies were everywhere, it seemed impossible to get past... "Sun! I hoped we could beat rush hour." Mumbled Princess Celestia. "Hmm... Remember when you told me that I had an air of authority about me that I didn't show?" I asked. "Yes." Said Princess Celestia. "Well here is why I don't show it, in case I accidentally do this." I said, I let my 'Authority' ability activate. It basically made me fearless, which isn't a good thing because it means if I'm fighting, I'm not as self-aware as I could be. So I'm not good at defense because I believe I'm invincible. But it was perfect for this. I was a nice guy, not rude, I usually wouldn't just push past ponies in the street. But with this ability I would. I took a breath and marched forwards, I bumped snobby noble after snobby noble out of the way, they took a look at me in disdain before realising I was an Alicorn, quite a few of them cowered. Twilight and the Princess were right behind me. Eventually we got to the Castle drawbridge and I deactivated the ability I call 'Authority' with a deep breath. "That was funny." Chuckled Princess Celestia. "It was?" Asked Twilight. "Yes, he just pushed those nobles out of the way like they're nothing." She laughed with glee as we walked over the drawbridge. "Yep. Is this it?" I asked pointing to the highest room of the tallest tower. Well, at the tallest tower anyway. "Yes. How did you know?" Asked Princess Celestia. "Dragons have thing for Towers. But he had a thing for very tall towers, compensating for something I guess." I shrugged, leading Princess Celestia to laugh. She even had a wonderful laugh... So lighthearted, quiet... Chaste, if you will... but it sounded... Amazing. Lovely... As a friend. Ahem. "Huh?" Asked Twilight, leading us both to laughter. Twilight seemed to ponder it for a second before realising and also laughing. "Ok, come on." I laughed, walking up the stairs to the door of the tower. The lock was as jagged as the key the Princesses gave me, the key was shaped like a Dragon, the bow(round thing on the end) Was a Dragon's head and the actual key was the tail. I put the key in the lock and turned it. I heard tumblers turn and the door became ajar... "Shall we?" Asked Princess Celestia. I pushed the door completely open and saw a laboratory with potions still brewing and notes on each of the different flasks with liquids. There were books scattered everywhere. I saw many traps around the room that couldn't be seen if you weren't a Dragon-Knight... Ok I lied, I can only see them because I've fell into some traps before... Ok, a lot of traps before... "Stop." I put my hand up and the two ponies stopped dead in their tracks behind me. "Kaazir." I spoke, deactivating the traps, I knew this because Maxos mentioned the password in his diary. "What was that?" Asked Twilight. "A password." I answered. "The Tower was booby trapped." Said Princess Celestia with a nod, realising how we Dragons protect our treasure. I read some of the potion labels... 'Potion of Life Line' 'Potion of Mana' 'Potion of Flight' 'Potion of Magic' they were all experimental powerful potions. But what caught my eye was the book on the table. Another diary! This time Star Swirl's, not Maxos'! . "His second diary!" I exclaimed, Princess Celestia and Twilight walked over and looked over my shoulders as I blew the cover of the diary, clearing the dust off of it. I opened it with magic and Star Swirl himself appeared out of it... "Dragon-Knight..." He said. "Fucking shit!" I yelled and jumped about 2 feet in the air in fright. "Maxos...!" I said in awe as I recovered gracefully. "What? Who are you talking to?" Asked Twilight. "Oh yes, Twilight can't see him." Said Princess Celestia. She had the sight to see ghosts? She must have been given it... "How about now?" Asked Maxos, giving her the sight. "Ah!" She yelled and hid behind Princess Celestia as she saw him. The Princess chuckled as her student cowered. "Yes Dragon-Knight. It is I. I have been waiting for you here for a long time, I couldn't rest in peace until you were here." He said. I bowed down to him. "So. You're a ghost?" I asked. Stupid fucking question, of course he is! "Yes Dragon-Knight. The Hall of Echoes awaits me a second time. This time for good. But for now, listen. You have a great destiny ahead of you as I'm sure Island told you." He said. "Yes, but she wasn't sure what it is..." I said. "Neither am I to be truthful. But I do know this. You are the perfect student. You left behind your Human sins and accepted the life of the Dragon with little struggle, you let go of the Human's vices as best you could but kept the best parts of your humanity. Earning what you have. Not taking from the innocent to get it." He explained. "I would never do that." I nodded. "But, you are only the perfect student because you are here. If you were still sulking in your Tower, I would consider you a failure. But you have exhibited the 5 things which my trials, and Bellegar's cave taught you. And one more which what you are the rightful Prince of." He said. "What traits?" I asked. "You have been generous, kind, honest, loyal and have given and received laughter. You have shown you are all of these in small part." He explained. "I have?" I asked. "Yes. You showed your generosity multiple times. You gave gold and items away with no thought of receiving anything back. You have shown your kindness by saving their lives and not wanting a reward, despite the fact you are a Dragon. That is the perfect balance of Human and Dragon. You have shown you are honest when you admitted to everypony what the vision showed you. You showed you are loyal when you made sure that vision didn't come true. You give and receive laughter constantly with jokes." He explained. "So the vision was a test?" I asked. "No. The vision was real. It could have happened. But you made sure it didn't." He said. "Good." I smiled in relief. "Your destiny is to defeat Damien. You need to be balanced to do that. You have proven you are balanced." He smiled. "So I need these traits?" I asked. "Yes! you have another destiny, but that is clouded. All of these are the traits of the perfect Dragon-Knight, that your six new friends also represent. You still have major flaws, yes. But I don't expect you to be perfect in every aspect. Just the aspects that matter to those around you, and your health in general. You are a perfect Dragon-Knight, not a perfect being." He said. "Can say that again..." I mumbled. "I wasn't the one supposed to defeat Damien. I was impartial until I saw what he had planned for these Ponies, it made me take action. But I was too late. I was not an Alicorn like you, I was not as skilled in the Martial Arts as you, my strength is only in magic. Which, in the bigger picture, makes me weaker than you." He said. "Weaker?" I asked. "Yes! You are the Prince of Magic. It wasn't you that thought you were that. It was I who planted the idea in your head that day. Because I believe that is part of your destiny. To become the Prince of Magic to defend Equestria against Damien. To do that you will need the support of the ponies, and a Prince can get that." He explained. "How can I be a Prince?" "You are an Alicorn. There is something else, but... I can't see it." "I'm following... Mostly." I said. "Now, you have not earned that Cutie Mark as a Pony yet. That comes with the next stage." He said. "Next stage?" I asked. "It is now time to move on to the second stage of your Dragon-Knight training. Now you, thanks to the 9 mares that brought you peace, are balanced. Unlike Lovis and Amdusias who were still torn between their Human sins and Dragon virtues. Because of that I couldn't teach them even a smidgen of what I know." He explained. "What is the second stage?" I asked. "My book: 'Magic: A Dossier' in this tower will detail the study which completes and comes with the second part of your training, which will put you on level with even me. The 3rd and up levels of training are reserved for the one to defeat Damien. How you access this training is unknown, but I was told you will receive it when you need it." He explained. "I... Ok, I'm ready." I nodded. "Good luck Dragon-Knight... My friend." He said. That last part confused me, but I knew more than when I walked in. I picked out the book and read it, flicking through it. "What?" Asked Twilight as my face went confused. "It says here, the key to becoming more powerful than Maxos and becoming powerful enough to defeat Damien, is... Friendship. The Magic of Friendship." I said with a short laugh of disbelief. "Really?!" Asked Twilight, her eyes beginning to glimmer. "It makes sense. Star Swirl was never a social pony, Luna and I only saw him when we needed him, we talked every now and then... Other than that he was locked in his tower." She said. "Yay! I get to teach a new being about friendship!" Exclaimed Twilight, bounding around with glee. "Yippee..." I said in monotone with a fake smile, looking up from the book. "Haha. Looks like you've got quite the task ahead of you." Chuckled Princess Celestia. "Indeed." I sighed. "This is going to be fun!" Hollered Twilight. "Yay." I said. Can you tell how enthusiastic I was? "Feel free to stay in the Castle for the time being. The next train to Ponyville is in an hours time." Smiled the Princess. "Ponyville? How original..." I observed. "I'm rather proud of it." Announced the Princess. "The name or the place?" I asked with a grin. Earning a glare from the Princess, playful maybe? I hope... Divine knows what she could do to me if I pissed her off... "Anyway, we should head to the Castle, the Court will be wondering where you went." Said Twilight, breaking the tension. "Oh sun! The Court!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia and teleported out. "Ahem, we should follow her." Chuckled Twilight. "Yep." I nodded, we exited the tower and I locked it up, pocketing the key. We headed to the Castle and entered the Courtyard. We walked up the steps to the Throne Room and opened the door, I saw the grand room for the first time properly. It was, as I said, grand. I saw the Princess sitting on the throne apologising to the noble who was waiting. "Beautiful... Just like the Ponies who rule in it..." I found myself saying without thinking, I shook my head to recover from my stupor and saw Twilight next to me. "What was that?" She asked. "Nothing, just saying how nice this is." I coughed. What the fuck was wrong with me?! "I'll show you the guest rooms." Smiled Twilight and led me through the Castle, it was amazing, unlike anything I've ever seen... Only my Battle Tower could compare in its vastness and décor... We walked for what felt like hours as I soaked in my surroundings. Even though it was a few minutes. We passed a dining room and I looked inside, seeing Princess Luna grabbing a late morning snack. "Twilight, hold up." I said, I crept inside as she opened a high cupboard to get something. "Muhahaha!" I laughed loudly and evilly, causing the Princess's eyes to widen, her pupils to shrink and her magic to flare, all the cupboards opened and out shot everything at me, I got a few glass bottles and jars to the face... "What in the moon- Oh, Ego! Oh are you OK?" Asked Princess Luna, going over to me. "Yep... It's all good." I said, rolling onto my back and groaning. Picking the glass out of my face. "It seems Tia and I have found a prank buddy." She whispered and winked at me, lifting a glass of water over Twilight's head. "Twilight, what's that by your hoof?" I asked, she looked down and Princess Luna dumped the glass on her. Princess Luna and I burst out laughing as I got up. "Hardy ha ha." Said Twilight, unamused as the Princess and I hoof/fistbumped. Looks like both Princesses really are fun loving. Which poses a dilemma for me... Before I came here, I bet Sassan, if they were fun loving as she thought, I had to ask one of them out on a date, if they were as serious as I thought, I didn't have to... Bollocks... I'm going on a date with a fucking horse... This was so wrong... "It's good to see you Ego." Smiled Princess Luna, yawning. She looked tired as hell. "It's good to see you as well Princess." I bowed. "Well, I need my sleep, busy night ahead." She said and we followed her to her room. "Your room is next to mine and Tia's. I guess she wants you close." Smirked Princess Luna, nudging me with her flank. Causing me to blush, which is unlike me. "Whatever, good morning Princess." I said, waving to her as she entered her room. "This is your room." Said Twilight, gesturing to it with a hoof. "Cheers." I smiled at her. I turned back into a Human and entered the room, she walked away to the library to study I guess. The room itself was spartan in furniture but the décor was amazing, on the left side were yellow banners with a white pony that seemed to be Princess Celestia. And on the right it was blue like Princess Luna, with navy blue banners and a blue pony. These two obviously represented the two Princesses. in the middle of the room was a bed, split in two colours, the left side was white and the right was blue as if splitting the room down the middle, on the left were golden dressers and light furniture, on the right were black wooden storage cupboards. Facing the door and in the middle of the room was a desk, the left side made from, again, bright wood but the right was black wood, yet again seemingly splitting the room down the middle, the fact the room was mirrored suggested this room represented the differences and similarities of the two sisters. I was curious, what did they have to do to secure peace here? The fact the two sisters were a symbol of peace, hope and love... It made me admire them. And I'll admit, It made me slightly jealous... I decided to throw caution to the wind, to just go for it what Sassan was screaming for... I was going to ask Princess Celestia out on a date. I, of course, had no idea how to flirt, or even how to attract the attention of the opposite sex as regards to a relationship... I headed down back to the Throne Room, on the way there I was thinking about how I was going to ask her out... I began practising lines to myself. "Hey Princess! No..." I pondered... "Hey! Celestia! No, too informal..." I realised. "Say, Princess, would you like to... Maybe, sorta, go out with me tonight...? Huh, none too shabby Ty... Yep, lets go with that." I agreed with myself. I entered the Throne Room and stopped as I saw the Princess talking to a Pony. "I happen to think, we noble ponies should not be subjected to the lower city scum coming up to our districts!" Exclaimed the Pony in question. "And I happen to think the city is free for anypony to roam. And since I have the final say... There will be no restrictions enforced." She concluded. How the Princesses are over 1000 years old, deal with these nobles and still keep going, keeping fake smiles... And still look absolutely beautiful is a mystery... What the actual fuck am I saying? "Who in Tartarus do you think you are?!" He asked, I didn't listen to what else he said. The fact they brought peace also pissed me off... These two Ponies were the saviors and bringers of peace to Equestria. Yet these noble fucks treated them like shit. How fucking dare they?! Time to teach them a lesson in manners. "Please, Well-To-Do..." She started. "And furthermore I do not think you, or that whorse of a sister of yours should be sitting your fat asses on the throne!" He exclaimed, I could tell that deeply hurt the Princess. Although she didn't show it, but I saw the guards flinch, waiting for her command to throw this prick out, which would never come because she is too kind hearted... Which just made me hate this noble more. That’s it. My turn. "To whom... The fuck. Do you think you're speaking to?" I asked, approaching the throne from the side, the Princess looked at me in surprise. "I think I'm speaking to a complacent lame mare who is fit for nothing but being a figurehead along with her traitorous sister. And who does her pet think he's speaking to?!" Spat the Pony. "Do you think it is OK to insult the Princesses? What has either of them done to deserve your malice?" I asked. I was going to try this the civil way. "This fat bitch has done nothing for us noble ponies! But I wouldn't expect her pet to understand..." That was it, I was seeing red... Not only had he insulted me, he'd insulted the two Ponies that had allowed them this life... The two ponies I will admit, I have a crush on... I walked right up to him with a benign expression on my face. "Insult Her Majesty Princess Celestia or Princess Luna... One more fucking time." I said changing expression to: 'I dare you.' I saw the guards looking with interest, even Princess Celestia was watching to see what would unfold. The noble looked past me and at the Princess, smiling wickedly. If he thought I wasn’t going to hurt him, he was sorely mistaken. "I think 'Her Majesty' is just a lame whorse with too much power for her own big, fat as-" He stopped as I twatted him in the muzzle. Hard. But not hard enough to kill him. Unfortunately. He went flying across the throne room, I saw the guards with open mouths watch him as he flew, almost comically. He went sliding across the floor. He got up groggily and I saw him spit blood and a few teeth out he used magic to crack his jaw back into place because I broke it. "Well, I did warn you." I shrugged, walking over to him slowly. "What the hay do you thi-" He stopped as I backhanded him. "If you speak again, I'm going to seriously hurt you." I warned him. "Hey, whorse of a Princess, control your p-" He stopped as I grabbed him by the throat. "If you ever insult or even look at the Princess again I will fucking chop you up alive and give your limbs to my fucking Necromancer!! UNDERSTOOD?!" I yelled as I throttled him harder and harder. "Yes..." He choked. "Sorry, can't hear you." I growled, increasing the pressure on his throat. "Ego!" Exclaimed Twilight in horror as she walked into the room, causing me to drop him in shock. He was taking heavy breaths. "Unfortunately I'm not so quick to forgiveness for what you did." I said and kicked him down and punched him in the face, almost beating him to a pulp. "You ungrateful, spiteful, fucking piece of worthless shit! These two Princesses have done more for you than your own parents! Yet you insult them? Fucking disgraceful!" I yelled. I got up and lined up the kick... I took a running start and kicked his stomach, sending him out the door and down the courtyard steps. Bleeding and unrecognizable. "What the..." Asked the outer guard. Backing off as he saw me. "If any of you EVER insult the Princesses. EVER... I will not be so lenient next time! Insult them and the only way you will be leaving the Castle is in a fucking box!" I yelled to the nobles and slammed the doors. "Ego..." Started the Princess. "Not now." I said and went to my room, guards moving out of way in both fear and... Gratefulness? I got in and slammed the doors, almost breaking them. Clenching my fists in rage and taking heavy breaths, calming down instantly. Sometimes I wonder if I have some kind of anger management problem. I'm angry one moment and calm the other. "Ego..." Said Princess Celestia, opening my door. "Yeah?" I asked, summoning a whiskey and downing it to calm me down completely. "I just wanted to say..." She started. "I know... I'm sorry, people and ponies like that annoy the absolute Tartarus out of me... Humans are just naturally terrible. Dragon-Knights are supposed to be better than that. I guess I'm not... I thought I could fit in here. I'm sorry." I said. "No, you-" She started. "But apparently not. I'll just go." I sighed and was about to teleport to my Battle Tower. Well, I fucking blew it... Well done Tyrath. "No! I just wanted to say... Thank you, that was the sweetest thing anypony, or indeed, anyhuman has ever done for me or Luna... What you did was a bit extreme, but so was what he was saying... You really did me a favour there, the other nobles will know not to insult Luna or I now, thanks to you..." She said, smiling at me, her smile was so beautiful it was unreal... Maybe I really was attracted to her... Fuck! You can't! This is a Pony! You are a Dragon-Knight! But... The fact she and her sister were beautiful was undeniable... ... ... Fuck it. "Princess, I just... *sigh* Here we go... Would you like err... to go out with me... Maybe... Sometime?" I asked, flinching away in anticipation of being shot down the first time I've ever asked a girl out... "I would like that." She said, I opened my eyes and saw her still smiling. So beautiful... "Really?" I asked. "I know you are not a Pony... But... It's ok as long as nopony else finds out that you aren't... At least for now." She told me. "Great! I mean, ahem, I need to sort some things out first, maybe when I get back from Ponyville? Tonight about 8:00?" I asked. "I'll be waiting." She whispered, kissing me on the cheek, causing me to blush and my heart to beat quicker. "Ok..." I said and watched her leave... I have to admit, watching her leave wasn't too bad... I could swear her flanks were swaying more than usual... Divine she had lovely flanks... No! You're only dating! What the fuck is wrong with you Ty!? Twilight walked in as she left, looking back at the Princess. "I just saw the biggest smile on her face ever... What was that about?" Asked Twilight. "I've got a date!" I exclaimed in happiness and laughed, falling backwards on the bed. I felt so damn happy... The only time comparable is my year of adventuring... "What?!" Asked Twilight. "Yep! We should go." I said, realising it had been 50 minutes since the Princess had said 1 hour until the train... "Agreed! Come on!" Exclaimed Twilight and we ran to the train station. Just about boarding it. (I read up on Equestria's transport in my spare time, so I now know everything about trains!) The train journey was boring, luckily we caught the express which runs every 5 hours, unfortunately only 3 run a day, the last one was at about 7:30. It takes 30 minutes to get to Ponyville and back. I just counted my gems during the journey, Twilight was reading, of course. Just so you know I have: 87 Amber, 107 Aquamarine, 65 Crystal, 309 Diamond, 136 Emerald, 84 Malachite Gems, 287 Malachite Ore, 265 Moonstone, 185 Obsidian, 76 Opals, 231 Pearls, 154 Pyrite, 386 Quartz, 217 Rubies, 186 Sapphires, 132 Spinel, 86 Tiger's Eyes and 203 Topaz. Oh, and I counted three times so it's accurate. When we arrived at 'Ponyville' we disembarked from the train and went into the station. "So... You asked the Princess out?" Asked Twilight. "Yes." I said. "Just so you know, not everypony will be as understanding as us. I would recommend you stay in Pony Form. Not that you look ugly as a Human! The opposite! Err I mean... Ok, come on, if you've got a date with Princess Celestia tonight, we need to get you ready!" Exclaimed Twilight. "You want to help me? What do you need?" I asked, preparing to give her something. "Ah! This one's on the house." She said. "They say the worst things in life are free..." I pointed out. "Fine. 1 bit." She said, I agreed and gave her a single gold coin. "Ok, there. Where do we start?" I asked. "Well, Rarity's a surefire." Smiled Twilight. I looked around and smiled, this was my kind of place. Quiet, out of the way. The ponies here just trying to survive and being content with what they have. Reminds me of Broken Valley village. I made a silent oath while we walked that I would not let the same fate befall this town... The ponies walking around looked me with confused expressions, unlike the nobles of Canterlot who just looked down their noses at me. These ponies were merely curious. We headed to a building that looked strange... I'd never seen anything like it... "This is Carousel Boutique. Rarity's workplace." Explained Twilight. We entered and it was amazing... "I thought Rarity seemed familiar, she reminds me of Chanel." I said to myself. We saw Rarity hard at work, sewing. "Hey Rarity!" Greeted Twilight. "Ah Twilight! How good to see you!" Exclaimed Rarity and they hugged. "You too!" Smiled Twilight. "And Ego! How are you dear?" Asked Rarity. "I'm fine, better than fine actually, how about you?" I asked. "I am doing extraordinarily well!" She exclaimed and... Yep, you guessed it. Hugged me. "Rarity, we have something to ask." Said Twilight. "But of course!" She exclaimed. "Ego has a date tonight-" Started Twilight. "A date?! Well my dear, you certainly waste no time! So, who's the lucky mare?" Asked Rarity, taking a drink of water. "Well... That’s kind of what we wanted to talk to you about... It's Princess Celestia." she said, causing Rarity to spit out her drink all over Twilight. "Oh, I'm so sorry dear, but the Princess?! My, that is a very important date!" Exclaimed Rarity as Twilight shook her fur out. "I know, I want to make an impression, but a few problems..." I said. "What is that dear?" Asked Rarity. "Well, for one I've never dated or even hit on a girl before... So I have literally zero idea of what to say or do..." I admitted. "What?! Are you serious dear? Do forgive me, but you are quite attractive, as both a Human and Pony. I find it hard to believe you have never had a marefriend before!" Exclaimed Rarity. "Well, I've never dated either." Admitted Twilight. "What, really?" I asked. "Yeah..." She said. "Well, I don't believe that..." I stated. "Darling, you just need to be yourself. There is nothing a mare likes more." Smiled Rarity. "Moving on... I'm a Human... I would damage her reputation." "Nonsense dear! Simply be in Pony Form in public, but when in, ahem... Private, be Human. And eventually, tell everypony the truth" She smiled. "Makes sense, oh and I don't have anything to wear." I said. "Why, no problem at all dear! You have come to the right place! I shall make you something to wear!" She exclaimed. "Thank you Rarity, how much-" I started. "Ah ah! This one is free!" She exclaimed. "Just ask for one bit." Grumbled Twilight as she dried herself with a towel. "Ok dear..." She said and I gave her one bit. "There!" Exclaimed Twilight as she was now dry. "Well, I've got a spa appointment with Fluttershy. But my dear, you are more in need of it than I, so you go." Smiled Rarity. "Are you sure?" I asked. "Of course dear! I need as much time as I can get to make your clothes!" Exclaimed Rarity. "Very well." I said. "I'll help you Rarity! Whadda ya need?" Asked Twilight. I turned back into a Pony. "Well... Oh before you go, it's a left as you leave the Boutique! The spa is straight ahead!" She exclaimed, I waved as I walked out. I managed to find the spa after following Rarity's directions. I entered and saw Fluttershy reading a magazine, waiting. "Hi Fluttershy." I smiled, she looked up from her magazine with an 'eep!' but her expression relaxed when she saw me. "Hi Ego, it's good to see you, why are you here? Where's Rarity?" Asked Fluttershy, raising from her seat and hugging me. "She said to take her place in the spa today because she is making me something for my date tonight." I explained. "Oh my! You have a date? Who with? If you don't mind me asking..." She said. "Princess Celestia." I stated. "Wow! Lucky mare." She blushed... Did she just make a pass at me? "Err... Sure." I chuckled as we walked to the counter. "Lotus? Aloe?" Exclaimed Fluttershy as she rang the bell. "Coming! Now-" The mare behind the counter cut off as she saw me. "Hello, we're here for the spa treatment?" Said Fluttershy. "Of course, Mrs... Fluttershy! And Mrs... Rarity?" She asked, looking at me with a raised brow. "No, Rarity asked me to take her place because I have a date tonight." I told her. "No wonder! Love is a wondrous thing... Ahem, in that case would you like to upgrade to the platinum treatment? Only 50 bits a head." Asked the mare. "Oh, I'm afraid I left the bits you gave me at home..." Said Fluttershy, looking down in shame. "Yes please, for both of us." I nodded, giving the mare 200 'bits'. Actually it was pure gold coin, which is worth more I imagine. But oh well. "And the same for both Fluttershy and Rarity the next time they come here." I said. "O... Of course! Step right through." Said the mare. "Are you sure?" Asked Fluttershy, squeaking as she saw the amount of 'bits' on the counter. "Of course." I smiled. ;30 minutes later; Both Fluttershy and myself exited the spa feeling refreshed and relaxed, we both got a massage, a jacuzzi bath, our nails trimmed, our hair done and put back to their normal styles, some acupuncture, although Fluttershy was frightened at first, and a nice relaxing hot bath, I of course looked away when Fluttershy got in and out like a gentleman... Or gentlecolt? Fuck it was confusing here... "Thank for the treatment and for paying for it the next time, it will be a nice surprise for Rarity." She smiled. "No problem, I'll see you later Fluttershy." I said, waving to her as she presumably went home.
Chapter 8: Date Night, Draconic Urges & Meddling GoblinsSomething has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.
Prologue: The Story - What you need to knowAuthor's Note A late bit of info for those of you who don't know about Divinity II: FOV and some info on our main character! In celebration of this story's one year anniversary! Update: Oops! Missed out Raze! err... Also Talana aannnnddd Drace. Wow, I'm dumb Prologue: The Story - What you need to know Background: Previously known as Drace Reynfaire, Tyrath Kyelinth used to have a clear face with a little stubble and shoulder length blonde hair. Drace Reynfaire used to be a callous, ruthless Dragon Slayer, with no care for anyone but the Slayers. And even that was limited. Robbing, blackmailing and extorting his way to a payday while in Broken Valley village, he eventually came upon the last Dragon-Knight after ignoring Commander Rhode's orders to remain behind. Talana then gave him the powers of a Dragon-Knight, and began guiding him. He then completely changed personality and began a crusade against Damian on his 19th birthday. How he was changed is not exactly known. While on his quest to defeat Damian, Drace came into possession of the Battle Tower. He then changed his name to Tyrath Kyelinth, allegedly 'killing' Drace and cut his hair, updating his appearance to what it is today, spiky blonde hair, three scars on his right brow/eye and a bit more than a Five O'Clock Shadow. Eventually he lost his silver eyes that are the trademark of Dragon Slayers, reverting back to his arctic blue eyes. Every now and then, usually when angry, his eyes revert to a yellow, more Draconic appearance. Bio: Tyrath Kyelinth is the last known surviving Dragon-Knight in Rivellon. A very rare honour, but with what he went through, you wouldn't know that. When he was first turned into a Dragon-Knight from a Dragon Slayer, he was the last survivor of his new species, due to them being hunted to extinction. But luckily, Tyrath retained his silver eyes that identified him as a Slayer so no one could tell the difference. A Wizard known as Zandalor also became a guide for the Dragon-Knight when he was turned into a Knight as well as the voice of Talana, the last Dragon-Knight that had given her powers to Tyrath - then Drace. Her voice became a guide for him and a constant companion. He helped everyone he met on his adventures from that point on, he completed every quest, sometimes without reward. He became a nice, caring person after he became a Dragon-Knight. After helping everyone in a place known as Broken Valley, he headed to a place called Maxos' Temple to complete the trails to become a true Dragon-Knight. When he arrived, he met his fellow Slayers, the leader of which recognised he was a Dragon-Knight. Although he pleaded with her, she left to go to Aleroth, the Healer City. The three others then attacked, and Tyrath was forced to kill them. After that he completed the Trials and claimed his Battle Tower, being forced to choose between two people for each station in the Tower, the other would be killed. This was to show him the responsibilities of the Dragon-Knight. He then continued on his quest to defeat The Damned One, Damian and his army, the Black Ring. He was told he had to stop Ygerna's(Damian's lover's) Recurring execution in the afterlife to kill Damian, to break a Soul Forge, which means if one dies, the other does. Damian cast the Soul Forge the moment Ygerna was killed in real life, meaning he could never die. Bringing her back would kill Damian, working in an opposite way of sorts. Tyrath also created a Creature with help from a Necromancer. It was a thing stitched together using parts of Tyrath's defeated enemies, with no sentience of its own, only to protect the holder of the Crystal Skull, the device with ensured the Creature would remain loyal to the holder, which also allowed the holder to summon the Creature at any given time. Tyrath then set to work gathering the ingredients needed to enter and survive in the Hall of Echoes, the land of the dead, where souls go to be purged of their memories and move on to the afterlife. He went to Aleroth, seeing Commander Rhode, his old Commander. She threatened to kill him, but General Augustus had her arrested due to him not currently doing anything against the law. Tyrath then took meeting with Zandalor and Deodatus, Deodatus was the Grand Healer of Aleroth, and with the Mayor dead from Demons due to Demon attacks coming from within the Ministry, also the stand-in Mayor. Tyrath helped Zandalor and Deodatus seal the portals by protecting them from the Demons. He was given another ingredient and carried on searching for the others. But when he went back to Broken Valley, it was destroyed by Damian in response to Tyrath antagonising him. After defeating all of Damian's Black Ring Generals, the minions at their command and their Flying Fortresses(giant floating islands) and helping everyone he could along the way, Tyrath entered the Hall of Echoes, defeating multiple enemies that wanted one last shot at revenge. He defeated them and moved on, finally stopping Ygerna's execution, killing Zandalor and Lucian The Divine in a memory to free her. When she was freed, she revealed that she was the voice of Talana in his head all along, and she had tricked him and Zandalor into freeing her, bringing her back to life and breaking the Soul Forge between her and Damian. She then trapped Tyrath in The Plane of Hypnerotomachia. A plane of magical beasts and magic itself. Tyrath was imprisoned next to Lucian The Divine himself! Who was not dead, but imprisoned by his son, Damian, told he would watch as Rivellon burned and would not be able to do anything but watch. Being trapped for what felt like days but in the real world had only been hours, Lucian and Tyrath told each other of their exploits and they became close friends, confiding in the other. In fact, Lucian was about to tell Tyrath of his sexual exploits with an Elf when a spirit interrupted them. It offered Tyrath a deal: free him, the spirit, and he in turn would grant Tyrath an object of great power and free The Divine also. Tyrath agreed, with Lucian cautioning him to be weary. Tyrath then woke up in an alley in Aleroth. Stumbling out, he came across General Augustus again, who was the leader of the Champions of Aleroth, an organisation that were the protectors of Aleroth and all of Rivellon. Zandalor had erected a shield around Aleroth to protect it from Damian's armadas, and was not to be disturbed until the Dragon-Knight had acquired the Eye of the Patriarch. This was the item the spirit in The Plane of Hypnerotomachia had promised to give him when he was freed. The spirit revealed he was called Behrlihn, one of Damian's best Necromancers and wanted to rejoin Damian's armies and was still willing to free The Divine and give Tyrath The Eye of the Patriarch as it wouldn't make any difference anyway. Tyrath then went about finding clues to unravel the mystery of Behrlihn's tomb, and how to unlock it. It was located under the Champion's Headquarters but the undead had risen in Crow's Nest, where the entrance was. One soldier tried to run in to start the fight but a tree suddenly appeared, blasting him with lightning, killing him... Tyrath then tried to converse with the tree, as it could speak, but it spoke Elven, which was a lost language... Tyrath eventually found a book on it and learned the language, he then convinced the tree to let him pass, but it would let only him pass... Tyrath then cleared out Crow's Nest, and not only that but helped everyone who needed it in Aleroth before killing the person responsible for summoning the undead and entering the Champion's Headquarters. He then headed below, and found Commander Rhode, who had volunteered to try and find Behrlihn's tomb but was turned to stone... It was then Tyrath met someone he had met thorughout his adventure... Bellegar. A, old Wizard who spoke only in rhyme but was an incredibly powerful summoner. After Tyrath defeated his minions, he found the Tomb. Bellegar tried to convince Tyrath to not open the Tomb, but to accept Bellegar's powerful item instead, which would not be as destructive as Behrlihn's, but would get the job done. Tyrath refused, apologising to Bellegar, who teleported out angrily. Tyrath opened the tomb and Behrlihn gave him the item, but double crossed him by not freeing Lucian. He then rejoined Damian. Tyrath then returned to the surface, finding Zandalor, telling him he had the item. Zandalor was concentrating on the shield but was tiring. Tyrath told him to launch an offensive so they could drop the Eye on Damian's Citadel. He agreed and the Champion's boarded their Zeppelin's and began an assault. Tyrath took his Dragon Form and protected the Zeppelin carrying the Eye. Which was Captained by Captain Titus of the Champions. Tyrath could order a Zeppelin bombardment on enemy structures and could use the Wrath of The Patriarch to lay waste to multiple enemy structures. As the Zeppelin neared it's goal, it became damaged and had to fly straight into the Citadel. Rather than let the crew die, Tyrath ripped a hole in the Zeppelin and quickly flew the crew to another Zeppelin to take them back to Aleroth. Tyrath pushed the Zeppelin a little and it fell, crashing into the Citadel. Tyrath was drawn back to the Plane of Hypnertomachia where Ygerna's spirit with a horribly charred face was, along with Behrlihn, who was back where he began. Lucian pleaded to Ygerna to yield and if she renounced the Black Ring, she may be spared. She declined and her and Behrlihn attacked Tyrath, but they were no match for the strength of the Dragon-Knight, who easily beat them. Lucian was then freed and returned to Rivellon, greeted by a cheering crowd, and the roar of a Dragon - Tyrath. And about a few months, near a year later, is where this story begins. More info: Tyrath Kyelinth: Tyrath Kyelinth is the last known surviving Dragon-Knight. He owns the Battle Tower, which has always been owned by a Dragon-Knight, as it's previous owner was Maxos, an extremely powerful wizard who was the first Human to be given the power by real Dragons to give Humans with the Dragon Spirit the power to become Dragon-Knights. Laiken then took over the tower, a Necromaner who Tyrath killed. Born from the nasty, mean, cruel, rude and ruthless Dragon Slayer, Drace Reynfaire, Tyrath is a nice, caring, charming, gentle, gracious and downright courteous person. He is always willing to give a hand to help those in need, even if they don't pay him, which is rare for a Dragon seeing as they're known for being greedy gold-hoarders. Tyrath loves a good joke and is laid-back, always trying to see the light in a dark situation, although he doesn't always succeed. He has never really known love, nor has ever had a lover. He enjoys the finer things in life but is not really bothered if he can't get them. When provoked, Tyrath is an incredibly dangerous opponent. His strength rivals that of a God so they say, and he is a very powerful Wizard, although preferring to get up close and personal with his Greatsword, he is not to be messed with at a distance either. He is a very good Archer as well and can hit a fly at 220 yards, his improved Dragon Sight also assists him but he was a very good archer before he was a Dragon-Knight after being trained by the Dragon Slayers since he was 3 months old in every discipline. Tyrath has a unique ability in that is blood acts as a regenerative substance, meaning he can heal any wound, sometimes without scarring, although he does have multiple scars littered throughout his body, the most prominent over his right eye. He has a small birthmark shaped like a crescent moon on his right upper shoulder and a sun on his left lower, that's actually on his back. Shapes like this are common in Rivellon, having two is not unheard of, but is uncommon. He has no family, not anymore. Drace Reynfaire: Drace Reynfaire is Tyrath's evil counterpart, and who he used to be before he became a Dragon-Knight. Something within him when he was turned made him realise that Drace should die, and Tyrath should live in his place. The twin personality, and polar opposite of Tyrath, Drace is smug, arrogant, evil and a person you don't really want to be around, let alone know. A Dragon Slayer to the core, Drace can be counted among the Elite Warriors, and has the skills and abilities to back it up. Self proclaimed as Tyrath's better half, he is immensely powerful as he taps into the power within him without reserve, caring not for its corrupting qualities. With the added abilities of Tyrath and his Dragon-Knight powers at his side, Drace is a near immortal being of power, and even wants to join Damian and his armies in exchange for power and prestige. Drace cares not for anyone but himself and other great warriors like him, and anyone else is nobody and just a liability to him and his cause, whatever it may be. Whenever he can, Drace tries to take the reigns from Tyrath for control of their shared body and mind. Drace has Tyrath's power and abilities, and a few of his own, but all without Tyrath's reserve or morals, leading to a dangerous combination that will surely see any in his way slaughtered. Drace is a very shrewd tactician and prefers to leave the battlefield strewn with enemy corpses than to sneak around. Drace is also very selfish, often taking from others to get whatever he wants from them, extorting and bullying his way to get what he wants from those who deny him it. Drace was very much in love with Commander Rhode and admired her as a great warrior and a kindred spirit. Tyrath proclaims Drace is dead, and that he killed him, but many aren't so sure... Talana: Talana was the last Dragon Knight before rousing the slumbering dragon blood in Drace. After her encounter with Commander Rhode, she meets Drace, while dying from her wounds. She imparts her power to Drace in a dream, thus revealing the true threat and turning Drace into a Dragon Knight. Talana then died from her wounds. Commander Rhode: Commander Rhode was the leading Commander of the Dragon Slayers. She personally supervised Drace Reynfaire's Slayer training and saw him graduate Slayer Academy. During his initiation, the last Dragon-Knight was spotted and without completing the Trials, so he was still at a disadvantage if facing a Dragon. They went to Broken Valley where she conversed with Lieutenant Louis of the New Order, a group of Holy Knights, dedicated to protecting all of Rivellon. After Drace found where the Dragon was hiding, Rhode sent him into a tomb beneath the Chapel in the Villiage, which turned out to be the Tomb of Lord Arben, a once famous Dragon Slayer, who gave Drace his sword. When Drace emerged, he informed Rhode, who told him to remain behind while she, Marius, Gene and Gunther hunted the last Dragon. When Drace protested, she told him to wait as he would have his chance. When she left, Drace drank for a while in the tavern before running after them. She was then outside the Maxos Temple, and Tyrath then ran into her, at first she didn't recognise he had changed, but once she did, she gave him Lord Arben's sword back and told him to die with dignity. She left Marius, Gene and Gunther to kill Tyrath, telling them to douse the blade in Tyrath's blood when they were done. When Tyrath survived, he later made his way to Aleroth, meeting Commander Rhode, who was angry at his survival. Tyrath calmly tried to explain to her the situation, still wisecracking but she refused to listen, threatening violent action. General Augustus of the Champions broke it up and had Commander Rhode locked in chains for her threats against Tyrath, who had done nothing but exist. When Tyrath was imprisoned with Lucian, Rhode was sent to find Behrlihn but was turned to stone by Bellegar at the Antediluvian Vault under the Champion Academy. If her petrification is undone by Bellegar afterwards, or if she is even alive, is unknown. Lucian The Divine: Lucian was a simple man in the beginning, however he was eventually blessed with incredible powers and status as a Demigod. A fallen Angel was sacrificed at an Altar, and her power then fractured and spread to a few people, Lucian was one of them, however, the others were all killed before their powers could be realised. Lucian fought against the Black Ring and their attempts at Summoning the Chaos demon. His most Prominent victory was against the Leader of the Black Ring, the Demon of Lies. However, after he beat the Demon he noticed the summoning had been successful and the Demon of Chaos had infected the young baby that was placed upon the Altar. Lucian knew he had to kill the child to save the world, but he could not bring himself to harm the small newborn so he adopted the child and named him Damian. After his Victory against the Black Ring and the Demon of Lies he became the exalted leader of Humanity and was praised as a God. Damian grew up at his father's side showing no signs of Chaos infection or evil thoughts. The Black Ring, however, found out about Damian and sent Ygerna to Damian to teach him about his powers. Lucian discovered Ygerna and her teachings and ordered her execution. It was Lucian himself who stood before Ygerna as the executor, he tried to make Ygerna forsake the Black Ring and see what she did to Damian was wrong, but Ygerna would not listen; in the end Lucian struck, but unfortunately Damian walked in and cast a Soul Forge just as Ygerna's life ended. Outraged, Damian attacked his Father, but was forced to flee. Years later, Damian returned as the leader of the Black Ring and once again attacked his Father, but Lucian proved too much for the young man and he was rendered unconscious. Zandalor told that Damian was too far to be turned, but Lucian could not kill him. In the end he and Zandalor, with a heavy heart, sent Damian into another dimension and hoped he would never return. Damian, however, did return with the help of one of his Father's own Paladins and began his War against Rivellon. Lucian in the end stood as the victor and Damian was forced to retreat again, but in the hour of his victory a Dragon-Knight, charmed by Damian's power, stabbed The Divine in the back and he fell over dead. This however, was an illusion by Damian who had somehow managed to trap his Father in a Crystal prison and promised him he would see Rivellon burn and not be able to do anything to save it but watch. Lucian remained imprisoned for years as the world mourned the loss of their God. It was not long until he had new company however, as Tyrath was imprisoned in a crystal next to him and he explained everything to the Dragon-Knight about Ygerna and Damian and they developed a bond. The Dragon-Knight managed to flee the crystal prison with help from the spectre of Behrlihn and promised if the Dragon helped him he would free Lucian as well. Lucian saw the Dragon-Knight and Behrlihn return quite a few times, teleported in by Bellegar who tried to trap the latter once again. In the end the Dragon Knight returned, but not by Bellegar's hand but Ygerna, now burned by the Destruction of the Black Ring's Citadel; he pleaded with her to surrender but once again she ignored him and attacked the Dragon Knight. The Dragon was victorious and with Ygerna's second death, Lucian was freed. Zandalor: He was the last of his kind, the Keeper of The Source; Keeper of its memory. He threw his lifetime to preserve Rivellon, but he feared that his private affairs did more to harm it. Zandalor was the Sorcerer who trained the White Witch Icara and her sister, the Conduit Leandra. He was in a relationship with both of them, but finally chose Icara. This is the reason why Leandra cut the Soul Forge between Icara and fled, and was corrupted by the Void. He tried to keep Leandra from entering the First Garden to open the Godbox and free the Void Dragon. But Leandra and her Death Knights ambushed him and he was about to die. A brother and sister team of Source Hunters met Zandalor in the Source Temple of the Dark Forest. His amulet was made of the last Star Stone that enabled them to enter the last zone in the End of Time; The First Garden. The Hunters confronted the Void Dragon in this place. Also, by the power of the activated Star Stone, Zandalor recovered his health. Not much else is known about after that time until later. The next mention of him was when he played the role of a guide and mentor to the main protagonist which was Lucian the Divine. After Lucian arose to Demigodhood Zandalor became Lucian's main advisor. It was he who first felt the dark teachings of Ygerna taking place and warned Lucian, leading to her capture and execution. When the war with the Black Ring started, Zandalor pleaded with Lucian that Damian had gone too far and had to be put down, Lucian however, like before, couldn't bring himself to kill Damian and left Damian behind in Nemesis, much to Zandalor's dismay. When Damian returned and started a new war, Zandalor fought alongside the armies of Rivellon. However, when news of Lucian's death reached his ears, Zandalor was greatly saddened, nonetheless, many years later when a Dragon-Knight was cornered by Slayers, Zandalor teleported in and defended the Knight allowing it to escape. This made the Slayers declare Zandalor as a traitor and Dragon sympathizer, causing him to fall into dishonour and hiding. He first appeared to Tyrath in Broken Valley after he met the last Dragon-Knight, Talana. Who transfered her powers to Drace, making him a Dragon-Knight. He spoke of the powers and responsibility given to him by Talana. Later, he appeared a few times at Sentinel Island to explain a few things about the Tower. He was met once again in Aleroth, where he needed Tyrath's help closing rifts and aided him to obtain the shield needed to journey into the Hall of Echoes to free Ygerna to kill Damian. Deodatus: Deodatus is the Grand Healer of Aleroth, a powerful wizard and a good friend of Zandalor and Augustus. He is also known as the town eccentric. Deodatus was first encountered by Tyrath within the Aleroth Ministry in the Great Market district during the assault on Aleroth. He, along with Zandalor, then aided Tyrath to seal the Demonic Portals within the Ministry. After Tyrath's imprisonment, he and the rest of Aleroth's mages aid Zandalor in creating and maintaining the barrier which holds the Black Ring forces at bay. After the invasion, Tyrath and Deosatus became good friends and Tyrath sent him funds to repair Crow's Nest after the undead attack because the Aristocrats wouldn't give a single gold coin to help. Damian The Damned One: Damian was a baby that was taken by the Demon of Lies to be the vessel of the Chaos Demon. When Lucian The Divine stopped the Demon of Lies and was about to kill the baby, in order to stop the Chaos Demon, but couldn't bring himself to strike the helpless babe. He took Damian under his wing and raised him as his son. The Black Ring sent the Dark Sorceress Ygerna to teach Damian about the powers hidden away in his soul and she started to tutor him to awake his dormant Demon and the two fell in love. Alas, Lucian found out about Ygerna and was about to execute her. Damian walked in as the blade fell and cast a Soul Forging spell on Ygerna, just as the blade hit, reversing the nature of the spell. Damian, in a fury took control of the Black Ring and attacked Rivellon and met Lucian in the Temple of The Divine and attacked. Lucian, however, had prepared a trap for his son, a rift gate. Damian stormed the Temple, springing the trap, with Lucian stepping into the rift as well to ensure only when he or one of his Paladin's willed it, then it would open again. Lucian and Damian battled across the Dimension of Nemesis only to see Lucian as the victor, however once again he could not bring himself to hurt Damian and therefore left. Damian spend the next many years in Nemesis trying to find a way back to Rivellon, with the help of the native species there, who like Lucian, had adopted him and were teaching him their ways. Damian with his lust for power, however used an imp to steal a stone protecting Nemesis from Demons and therefore brought forth the race's doom. Damian met a Paladin who had been trapped in the dimension and tricked them into believing that he was a Death Knight. Using the helmet of a Death Knight to hide his true identity, he tricked the Demon Overlord Samuel to Soul Forge him to the Paladin, forcing them to help him. They fought their way though Nemesis and in the end the Paladin freed Damian from the Nemesis. In return, Damian spared the Paladin's life and broke the Soul Forge between the pair. Damian returned to Rivellon and took control of the Black Ring once again, thus starting a new war against Rivellon. In the war, a Dragon-Knight stabbed Lucian the Divine and rumours of his death spread across the Earthrealm. This however, was an illusion created by Damian and instead of killing his Father he had him trapped in a crystal prison to observe while Damian's Black Ring was ready once again to scorch everything Lucian held dear and leave only ash. Damian once again begun his invasion of Rivellon, where he is first seen at the fore of his Armada. The last time he was seen is where greeted the now-revived Ygerna and assaulted the Orobas Fjord port. Ygerna revealed to Tyrath and Lucian that Damian was not in his Palace when it was destroyed, but elsewhere, working to unlock his full Demonic powers. Ygerna: Ygerna was a Dark Sorceress of the Black Ring and a Follower of Chaos, she was the main reason for Damian’s Corruption and the object of his love. She was killed by Tyrath outside of Aleroth, blown up along with Damian's Citadel. She was then killed a final time The Plane of Hypnertomachia. Young and beautiful, it would have required a keen mind to spot the looming darkness in her cat-like eyes. Like a twilight messenger, she came to a young Damian to herald the conception of the Demon that grew within his soul. She awakened his wrath and his greed; his lust and his love, but their rapture was not to endure. Unmasked as a Black Ring envoy, Ygerna was arrested and executed by Damian's father, Lucian. It was then that Damian cast the Soul Forge, as he beheld for the last time the face that would launch a thousand Demons and burn the cities of Rivellon. Ygerna was executed when Damian fell to Chaos and took control of the Black Ring. Damian's main goal was to resurrect her so she could be by his side when he launched his invasion of Rivellon. Tyrath was tricked by Ygerna who took Talana's guise to resurrect her and thus gave Damian immortality. Lord Lovis: Lord Lovis was the occupant of Broken Valley's Citadel Tower, as it's his tower. He was a former Dragon Knight and when he died Maxos ripped his soul from his body storing it in a bottle in Maxos' Temple. Even after 1000 years he still roamed the halls of his Tower hoping to find someone who could get his soul back so that he could pass away to The Halls of Echoes. He was punished by Maxos because he was too distracted by women and wine to protect the Valley he was stationed in. Tyrath found out from Ghosts that he was very cruel and tortured many people. At first the students admired him because of his noble goals but later he became very feared amongst them when they found out his true personality. Tyrath freed him as he felt pity on the poor soul and let him go to the Hall of Echoes. He also used magic to free the Ghosts of the students that still roamed the halls of Maxos' Temple. Amdusias: Amdusias was a Dragon that resided in the Maxos Temple, in the Blood Altar room. Lord Lovis stated that he is his archrival, and asked Tyrath to obtain his Soul Stone in a quest. In his Dragon Form, he was invulnerable to all damage. He was fierce rival of Lovis because only one of them could become a Dragon-Knight. Lovis proved to be the best so he won the competition. Then he was a ghost bound to the Citadel in Broken Valley and his Soul was found in the possession of Amdusias. It is interesting to note that Amdusias loathed his master, Maxos and was infuriated when the Tyrath found out this silly yet wicked jibe directed towards the failed whelp of a Dragon-Knight. The idea of Tyrath succeeding the Maxos Temple trials and his ears being constantly besieged by the name of his Master he despised to the very end was intolerable. Tyrath constantly taunted Amdusias by mentioning Maxos, even when he went to the Hall of Echoes and faced off against him one last time, he taunted. When he met a dying man in Aleroth and he gave him a potion to ease his passing, Tyrath told the man to seek out Amdusias and tell him 'Maxos!'. The man agreed. Maxos: Maxos was the greatest wizard that lived in Rivellon. He once ruled the Battle Tower on Sentinel Island, then he disappeared without a trace. The Tower later was conquered by Laiken, a powerful Necromancer whose dark reign brought only bad to Sentinel Island. There was a coffin near the Battle Tower. Near it a letter was found by Tyrath that says: "Bury me in the shadow of the tower. Let me lie forever among the bones of the ancient ones that preceded me." The document is simply singed M. It might have been Maxos... But is it...? When the Maxos Temple was under his control it was used as a test for the Initiates of the Dragon Knights. It had multiple rooms filled with traps, tricks and challenging puzzles. The Temple was ruled by Amdusias, Lord Lovis' rival. Maxos made a spell that revealed the Hall of Echoes, which was found in his chamber by Tyrath. There was a shrine dedicated to Maxos in Aleroth, hidden beneath Lanilor Lane, which the Dragon-Knight visited. He paid his respects to the Wizard, his forebear. Bellegar: Although you wouldn't tell from looking at him, Bellegar is probably one of the finest mages and best minds in Rivellon. However, being a psychotic prankster with rhyming prowess, he has a reputation of being dubious and much feared. His antics, while sometimes humorous, are also cruel. Here are a list of his (known) pranks: He Soul Forged a man named Casper with a White Chicken. He cursed three people, Furley, Nightwinkle and Namdar to have a never-ending nightmare. He sent Tyrath, and many others, high into the air with a far drop below them. Only Tyrath survived. He placed the minds of two people, Jackal and Clyde in a man called Eugene. He was responsible for sending Jimmy Dean, Jack Bolton, Laura and Arthur Gremory on a fake but dangerous treasure hunt. He resurrected Brave Sir Robin's brother-in-law fifty-six times. Bellegar was aware of Tyrath searching for clues to how to release the infamous Chaos Mage, Behrlihn from his captivity. He laid a considerable amount of tricks and ploys in Aleroth to confuse and delay Tyrath. Each time the Dragon Knight managed to solve one of his schemes. Bellegar frantically tried to bind the Draconic rebel, each time in futile, much to Behrlihn's amusement. When the Tyrath finally broke open the seal to the Chaos Mage's prison vault. Bellegar fought and lost again. Tyrath was later presented a choice either to deceive Behrlihn and side with Bellegar instead, or to further ridicule the prankster and reward the eager Chaos Mage his long-awaited freedom. Tyrath freed Behrlihn but later killed him anyway, telling Bellegar it was his plan all along. Bellegar and Tyrath became friends after this. Sassan: Sassan was Laiken's lover, and was killed during a ritual he performed that required "the blood of a loved one." An abomination was made of her body when it was reanimated by Necromancy. Sassan helped Tyrath break into the Battle Tower and take it over. With the help of Tyrath, her soul became her mortal body again and she thanked him for it, feeling as though she owed him her life. When it was taken over, she stayed to serve Tyrath, whom she refers to as 'Lord Dragon'. Afterwards she was located on the balcony of Tyrath's bedroom at the Battle Tower. She helped him by giving him information about his Tower and the people in it. She also served as a merchant, and is the person Tyrath needed to speak after completing the Tower's Platform requests to have them upgraded. He named her Stewardess of the Tower. Jonelath: Jonelath is a Necromancer who serves Tyrath in his Battle Tower. He finds pleasure in torture, and making creatures out of body parts. A skilled necromancer, Jonelath specialises in physical resistance to make his creatures more impervious to blades and axes. Jonelath is arrogant and bloodthirsty, with many slices on his face marking his experience. He is a member of the Black Ring and serves Damian. He doesn't have any trace of mercy inside him, hoping for the return of Ba'al and the destruction of the world in the name of the Black Ring. His attitude has been improving lately, the more time he spends around Tyrath. After Tyrath beat the Black Ring forces at Aleroth, Jonelath renounced the Black Ring, seeing that Tyraht was more powerful, and grateful for his services, than Damian. Captain Hermosa: Hermosa is Tyrath's Skill Trainer at his Battle Tower. Her speciality is physical training and she works Tyrath hard, although he could easily beat her in a fight he always holds back, practising his balance, dexterity and agility rather than his strength. Hermosa's father was a great weaponsmith who forged Myrthos, The Sword of Power. Her sister was a Black Ring General named Kali. Wesson & Ginny: Wesson is Tyrath's Enchanter, his speciality is Armour, which Tyrath decided was more important than weapons, even though the other Enchanter, Radcliffe won in a smithing contest, it was to forge a sword, not armour. Tyrath already had powerful swords and really needed armour enchanted more than anything. His wife, Ginny, or Gina as Tyrath calls her, helps Sassan around the Battle Tower with her stewarding duties. Grimm: Grimm is a mortician who sells limbs to Tyrath for his Creature and helps Jonelath to maintain Creature as much as possible. Tyrath amusingly referred to him, for lack of a better term, a 'Limb-Peddler'. Barbatos: Barbatos is a highly skilled Alchemist who was temperamental when Tyrath met him on Sentinel Island, being rude and finding that talking to Tyrath was a waste of time. However, when Tyrath picked him as his Alchemist Barbatos' attitude changed, referring to him as Master and being happy to speak to Tyrath though he remained quite disinterested towards others, such as calling the Runners amateurs if they become injured. His attitude toward others began changing the longer he spent around Tyrath. Tom, Dick and Harry(left to right): Tom, Dick and Harry are Tyrath's Runners. They go to find materials for him, but they can find other things if asked. Tom finds ores, Dick finds gems and Harry finds herbs. Hermaphroditus: Hermaphroditus is Tyrath's Illusionist and can be used to magically alter his appearance in any way. Tyrath has only used him twice, never to be mentioned again... Hermaphroditus also decorates the Battle Tower in banners and other things sometimes. Kirill & Salome: Kirill is Tyrath's musician and possibly the best musician in Rivellon, maybe the entire world. Salome is Tyrath's dancer, and although flirty, Tyrath tends not to respond to flirts, he just smiles and makes a joke. Erlking: Erlking is a goblin who was present for Laiken and Razakel's Soul Forge. Laiken cut out his vocal cords so that Erlking could not tell anyone the name of the Demon he was forged with. Erlking now serves Tyrath as his Magical Adviser, picking out spells for him to try out. Island: Island, for lack of a better name, is the spirit and body of Sentinel Island. She appeared as soon as Tyrath entered Sentinel Island and gave Tyrath the objective to choose four people out of eight to serve him, the other four will be killed. She lived in perfect symbiosis with Maxos's magic until he left and Laiken took over the place. She has such great powers that only the Dragons that came later could understand and use it so the Island became a synonym to the Dragons. She now lives in perfect symbiosis with Tyrath's ever growing magic instead. Ba'al: Ba'al was a Demon Overlord in the Black Ring and one of the Damned One's mightiest minions. It was he who lead the Invasion of the Valley of Shrines that led to Lord Lovis' downfall and the Valley's renaming to Broken Valley. Ba'al was sent in search of the Hall of Echoes Sigil at the Broken Valley Mine, and was met by Tyrath. Tyrath dismembered the Demon's mighty claws before climbing on his back, stabbing Ba'al down his spine and then lopping his head off. He then took the Sigil he needed to enter the Hall of Echoes. General Stone: A General of the Black Ring, Stone was said to be a very deadly opponent. He was found in the Orobas Fjords, with a portal to his Fortress. After dealing with Xanlosch and his Creature, Isabelle, Tyrath used the nearby teleporter to enter the Fortress' headquarters and confront Stone. Tyrath and Stone had a skirmish. When Tyrath got the upper hand, Stone ran and entered another teleporter, which lead to the Fortress arena. Tyrath had to contend with several creatures, including a Troll, Demon, Goblin Beholder, Ghosts, and Imps, before he killed Stone, ripping his head off and mounting it on a spike in the centre of the Arena as a warning to the other Generals. Research notes written by Stone were found in the Fortress's Greenery, discussing his use of a magical fountain to create items of out of plant ingridients. Xanlosch: Xanlosch was a powerful Necromancer with a creature named Isabelle. Xanlosch was located at the centre of Stone's Flying Fortress in the Orobas Fjords. He was creepily fascinaitoned with his Creature and dead bodies, limbs and the like. Tyrath summoned a powerful fireball which destroyed Xanlosch and Isabelle in a single hit. A book dictated by Xanlosch, Creature Training Notes, was found on the ground near a chest in the fortress's inner passage by Tyrath. Commander/General Rayhun: Rayhun was a Black Ring Commander and disciple of Damian. He resided in Broken Valley after it had been attacked, where the Broken Valley Village used to be. Rayhun's Headquarters were a botanical hideout where he mistook Tyrath for a strange and new plant and wanted to distill fluids from him. A true lover of plants, his perverse interest in Botany and Necromancy was explained in a Plant-juice-stained Correspondence, which Tyrath found. Ironically, Tyrath used Creation Magic to make vines grow inside Rayhun, eventually the vines burst from every orifice in his body, eventually becoming one with the rest of the greenery in the Fortress. Damian promoted him just before he died to General. General Geshniz: Geshniz was the Black Ring General and disciple of Damian that ruled the Fortress near Maxos' Temple in Broken Valley after the region is attacked by the Damned One. She can was found in her Headquarters, and was in possession of the Potion of Wisdom. Tyrath looted the Fortress and killed Geshniz, using a spell to explode her heart. She was in contact with Rayhun, as they were both Botany enthusiasts. General Keara & Commander Velanir: Keara was a Black Ring General and servant of Damian who resided at her Flying Fortress' Headquarters in the Orobas Fjords. When her husband Velanir was killed by a Demon, she attempted to resurrect him and failed. Eventually she went mad and reanimated his skeleton, who she continued to have a relationship with. In the words of Velanir's ghost: "She has persuaded herself I really am that mute heap of bones: she talks to it, caresses it and I don't want to know what else." Tyrath reunited her with Velanir, but Velanir left her and she attacked Tyrath, who broke her neck in a single swift move before she could even swing her sword. General Raze: Raze is a General in the Black Ring and in charge of his Flying Fortress in the Orobas Fjords. The entrance is on an outcropping on a cliff facing Champion Harbour. His fortress is surrounded by lava, but when Tyrath met him, he complained that it was much too cold for him. Raze was working on machinery that could bring somebody back to life from the brink of death. It seemed to work for the most part, as he used it multiple times during Tyrath's fight, or so Creature claims. Tyrath used the Skill, Battle Rage when storming there Fortress, but lost control during the fight and entered a blackout. He awoke to the dead bodies of Black Ring, dismembered. General Kali: Kali was the sister of Captain Hermosa, Tyrath's personal trainer. She was a Black Ring General who was in charge of her own Flying Fortress that took the place of the Rivertown Gorge south of the Orobas Fjords. A ruthless leader, she killed her own father to obtain Myrthos, The Sword of Power. A letter from Damian congratulates her for acquiring it. Tyrath tore her head off and gave it to Hermosa as proof of her death. Hermosa had Jonelath preserve her sisters head and she mounted it in the Trainer Arena where she trains every day.
Chapter 6: The Hero... or The Villain?;Third Pony POV - 2 weeks later; "Where is he?" Asked Twilight, outside the Battle Tower at the front entrance with her friends. They teleported there using Twilight's spell because the trip through the arctic was extremely dangerous. If was further than even Yakyakistan! "He is inside." Said his stewardess Sassan. The mane 6 walked quickly to keep up with Sassan after shaking their fur out to get rid of the snow. "What's wrong with 'im?" Asked Applejack. They had sent a letter to him via dragonfire asking how he was, apparently his stewardess received it, and seeing that they cared, sent a letter back requesting their help. Saying something was wrong with Ego. "I... I don't know, when he got back from 'savin the fricken' world' he just curled up on his bed and stared outside. He hasn't moved since. He hardly sleeps and when he does he has constant nightmares, waking up screaming in the middle of the night. Although he denies it." She said, she took a worried breath. They went through some kind of dungeon and then into some caves, approaching a lift. "I wonder what could've happened...?" Asked Twilight. "I do not know. I was hoping you did." She said. "He seemed normal last time we saw him." Said Rainbow. "Hmm..." Sassan took another breath. "How is he?" Asked Twilight. "Well... If he wasn't a Dragon he'd have starved to death by now." She said worriedly as they got in the elevator and Sassan pressed the top floor button. "He didn't say anything when he returned?" Asked Twilight. "No." She answered. "I hope we can help." Said Fluttershy timidly as usual. "I hope so too." Said Sassan. "It's OK, we'll help." Said Twilight, putting her hoof on Sassan's back. "Thank you." She smiled as the elevator reached the top. "This way." She said. The girls saw three stallions in armor standing to the side of the room just waiting. There were also two musical Ponies standing by the throne. The Throne Room was grand, it was breathtaking. "He has a throne?" Asked Twilight. "Yes. After all, he is Lord of the Tower." Explained Sassan. "Why are these ponies just standing there, not moving?" Asked Pinkie. Waving a hoof in front of their muzzles in vain. "They are waiting for the Lord of the Tower to return." Said Sassan. "Return?" Asked Rainbow Dash. "They always become like this when he leaves the Tower. I know he is still here but it's like he's not..." Explained Sassan as she led them to the lift at the back of the Throne Room, behind the throne itself and she pulled a lever, sending them down. "Is he... All there?" Asked Applejack, tapping her head as this time they descended. "As far as I know. But he doesn't acknowledge anything." Said Sassan. They saw an orchid purple coloured Pony sitting at a massive dining table. Just staying still like the 5 ponies in the other room. "He's in here." She said and stood to the side of the left side of a double entryway with a wall with a fireplace separating the entrances, gesturing them to enter. He had curtains installed on the balcony so he could sleep, so it was dark inside. "Ego-? Woah...!" Asked Twilight. Seeing the piles of gold glittering around his room. There was also a fireplace inside his room, facing the balcony. "Holy Horseapples!" Exclaimed Rainbow, also seeing the wealth he had. "Oh my..." Said Rarity and fainted. "Holy hay!" Exclaimed Pinkie. "With all this money I could do anythin' with tha farm!" Said Applejack in awe. "Oh my!" Gasped Fluttershy. "Ahem, girls, remember why we're here?" Asked Twilight and girls nodded and smiled in agreement. "Hey Ego? Where's that tough guy I saw?" Asked Rainbow, going up to him. "No..." He mumbled. "He spoke!" Exclaimed Twilight. "Are you-" She put her hoof on him and he shot up. "NO! DON'T TOUCH ME! I'M A MONSTER!" He yelled and returned to his position. Twilight was scared out her mind and backed up. "What's up with him?" Asked Applejack. "The Dragon is not all here! He is in pain! All of your efforts are in vain..." Came a jeering voice. "What the-?" Asked Rainbow Dash. Suddenly a cream coloured unicorn with red hooded robes on appeared next to her "I followed him far! I followed him wide! Until he led me here to where I now abide!" He sang. "Wha-? Who-?" Asked Twilight. "Brave pony souls have come hither to a Dragon's Tower most bizarre. Now that you're here, you're all in a pickle. My name is Bellegar!" He said and teleported out. "Ok... Weird..." Said Applejack. "Come on girls, we'll try again later." Said Twilight sadly. "Any luck?" Asked Sassan as she led them out. "No, sadly not." Said Twilight, the girls hanging their heads. "Ah well, I thank you for trying..." Said Sassan. "Oh, who was that rhyming stallion?" Asked Twilight. "Bellegar." Answered Sassan, sighing tiredly as she spoke his name ;4 days later; Sassan was eating her lunch. Alone. Again. The others only moved to eat and drink and even then they just grabbed their food and stood at their positions, eating it and drinking water. She was thinking about just ending it... Just leaping from the tower... Suddenly, she heard a knock at the door of the Battle Tower (it echoes) and went down to answer it... Which took about 5 minutes to get down there... When she opened the door she smiled. "Miss Twilight! And your friends! And..." She looked up from the smaller ponies to see three new additions, all of them Alicorns. Two of them with flowing manes. They all looked incredibly worried... Were they worried for the Lord of the Tower? They must be, but Sassan saw more than friendly concern in their eyes... "May we see him?" Asked Celestia, stepping forward with her forehoof raised as usual. But what was unusual was her expression seriously worried. 'My Master must be good friends with her.' Thought Sassan. The only time concern like that is felt is for best friends... Or significant others... Did she have a crush on the Lord Dragon? The blue one as well? Sassan's heart was tingling, with her connection to the other world she felt certain emotions, love was one of them... Not that she told the Dragon... But these three Alicorns felt more for him than friendship... "I'm afraid the Master isn't doing too well, dehydration and malnourishment are starting to take effect..." She said sadly. "...What?" Asked Twilight, the 6 friends were completely shocked. Celestia gasped. "...How long has he got?" Asked Celestia, taking a breath. Her heart pounding. Would the one she had feelings for die before she could admit it? He couldn't... She couldn't lose him... She loved him... Even if he was another species! "..." Sassan took a second to think but thought about lying to them. "We must know..." Said Cadance. He saved her. She was going to save him! She would get that kiss! "Ok... Maybe a week..." Answered Sassan with a heavy heart. "Then we must see him urgently!" Exclaimed Luna. The only pony other than her sister she felt close to for a long time and he was dying? How cruel are you fate? To take away the one she loved...? To Tartarus he was not a pony! She knew her feelings and she couldn't deny them any longer! "Agreed. We want to help. We need to help. We owe him so much." Nodded Cadance. "I brought Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance to see if they can help." Said Twilight with determination. "Not every problem has a solution young one." Said Sassan with a weak smile. "But ain't it worth a try?" Asked Applejack. "Please..." Said Celestia. Something told Sassan these Alicorns would force their way in of they had to... Not that they needed to. "...Very well." She took a breath and answered. And they went back to his room. Silent through the journey there until they entered the Throne Room. "This is amazing..." Said Cadance. "Oh my sun..." Gasped Celestia. "He has a Throne Room? Is he really a Prince?" Asked Luna, looking around in amazement... Excited that she could date this stallion for real. That he cared for her, not her and her sister's crown... "He is the Dragon. The Lord Dragon of the Tower. The last Dragon-Knight. He deserves much more than just a Tower and an Island with no inhabitants to rule over. But no, he is not royalty. At least... Not in the conventional sense. He has the Ancient Dragon Blood in him, which means he most likely could inherit a kingdom or two if he could trace his bloodline. Alas he cannot." Answered Sassan. "I see." Nodded Princess Celestia. They reached his room and stopped outside. "Go in." Said Sassan. The other girls waited outside to give the Princesses space to work. The three Princesses entered the room and saw Ego still curled up. He wasn't like Twilight described, not lying there silently. Now he was sweating, shaking and panting, eyes shut tight and he was pale white. He truly looked a pathetic sight. "Sister... Look at him." She said, not looking at his shivering pale body, but at his body. His lean figure. His entire body looked like a well-oiled machine... If it wasn't for his three scars on his left eye he might be considered extremely handsome... That is if you are into scars. Unluckily for him, most mares aren't. He had three names inscribed in ink on his arm. Marius, Gene and Gunther. "He is..." Started Cadance, shaking her head in disbelief. He must weigh a good few tonnes! At the least! "Aunty Luna... How much do you think he weighs in muscle alone?" Asked Cadance. Luna was usually the best judge of such things as she was excellent at guessing. "I... have no idea niece." Said Luna. "Most of his weight must be muscle... If not as much as is possible." She said, there wasn't an ounce of fat on him... Good job as well, because if there was, then the fact he trained everyday would mean nothing. He had to keep in shape if he was to defeat Damien. "How strong must he be?" Asked Cadance... "I do not know... But I would not like to take a punch from him." Said Celestia. "If I even survived it..." She said. It was true, a punch from him seemed like a death sentence... "Well, as long as you do not try to kill him, we should be fine." Chimed Luna. "Luna!" Exclaimed Princess Celestia, hurt by her sister's words... "Apologies sister, I did not mean to imply..." She started, looking down in shame. "It's fine Lulu, I know you didn't mean it. We have been exposed to more violence these past few weeks than we have almost our entire lives. With a few exceptions of course." Smiled Celestia, using Luna's childhood nickname for comfort, draping a wing over her. "Thank you Tia." Replied Luna, nuzzling her and repaying the favour of using Celestia's childhood nickname. "Twilight Sparkle and her friends have been also. Killing this 'Black Ring' does not seem to mean as much as killing another pony..." Pondered Luna. "It feels like they have become less than Human, less than Pony. It feels like they have forfeited their life and we are doing them a favour by ending them..." Observed Celestia. "Indeed. This 'Damien' you told us about niece, seems to drain every virtue from them." Wondered Luna. "Discussing this isn't getting us anywhere, that's not why we're here." Said Celestia. "Agreed sister." Nodded Luna and they looked over him closely... To see if the affliction was physical. Scars covered his body, showing he was battle hardened. They also showed how tough he was, because some of his scars looked like they were horrifying when he received them, and some were stitched together without professional care. It was obvious he’d homemade his own suture kits to deal with his injuries in the field when his regenerative blood wouldn't do it fast enough. His regenerative blood didn't render him invincible, it needed time to heal injuries. The more serious they were, the more time his body needed. He put on like he was invincible and the scare tactic worked. The Black Ring were terrified of him, they thought he was an invincible monster sent by the Gods themselves to torment and punish them for joining the Black Ring. Some of the scars looked more healed and faded than others and a slight magic aura surrounded them, making it known that he used magic to heal some of his wounds. But not all of them... Some of the scars healed prettier than others, some with magic, some with his regenerative blood and some he'd dealt with himself with stitches. "Oh, I have just realised..." Said Cadance with wide eyes. "What is that niece?" Asked Luna, seeing Cadance's growing grin. "We have so been perving on him!" She exclaimed, giggling. "Oh my... Niece, I do believe you are telling the truth." Also giggled Luna. Albeit nervously, as if her niece had discovered a secret. "Indeed..." Celestia started to chuckle nervously as well. "Oh my... Look..." Started Celestia, changing the subject hastily after seeing the gold littering the room. It was not 'bits' like their currency, made with bronze and copper. No, this was pure gold in coin form... Possibly each coin worth 50 bits... Probably more... "He must be the richest being in the world..." Observed Luna as she looked up from him at the riches he had acquired. "He has more gold than Equestria and the Crystal Empire combined..." Gasped Cadance. "Do not touch one piece, don't touch one bit! For you see all of this gold, he has booby trapped it!" Warned Bellegar in an echoey, disembodied voice as Luna was about to touch a piece of gold in a pile to confirm it was real. "Luna!" Scolded Celestia with a raised brow. Luna 'eep' 'd as she heard Bellegar and as she saw her sister's expression. "What!? I wasn't going to take any..." She mumbled. "Uh huh." Said Celestia, shooting a sideways glance at her sister who stuck her tongue out. "Can we concentrate please?" Asked Cadance, smiling knowingly at both her Aunts' antics. He only had greaves on. They looked like the bottom half of his armor he had on before he donned his Dragon Wizard armor... "Oh, yes. Ahem." Said Celestia. "Shall we start at the source?" Asked Luna. "The mind." Agreed Celestia and tried to use ancient magic to read Ego's mind... She jumped back a bit. "Sister?" Asked Luna, putting her wing on Celestia's back in worry as she shook her head. "He has some sort of block... It's very powerful... We cannot penetrate it. Even all of us. The most we can do is unlock his mind... He seems to have locked himself inside for some reason." Said Celestia. "Very well. Sister, niece. Shall we?" Asked Luna. The three Princesses put their horns on his head and poured benevolent magic into him, suddenly he sat up screaming bloody murder. "AHHHH!" He yelled. The Tower shook violently as he screamed and the Princesses had to clamp their hooves over their ears. He quietened down before collapsing backwards as the girls ran in with Sassan. "What happened?!" Exclaimed Sassan. "He's up!" Said Luna, pinning him down by the arms with her hooves because he was violently twitching, spasming and writhing around. "He must be delirious from not eating or drinking for so long!" Exclaimed Cadance. "I'll get some food and water!" Exclaimed Sassan and ran off. "Shh, it's OK. Shh." Said Celestia in a calm voice. Stroking his forehead with a hoof. She used to do the same with Twilight when she slept in the castle and had bad dreams. He started to calm. But not fully. "This isn't working..." Said Cadance. "What then?" Asked Luna. "He needs a shock." Said Cadance, tapping her chin in thought. "Wel-" Celestia stopped as Cadance suddenly kissed him, his eyes widened and he calmed as she pulled away... His eyes opened, they were yellow and draconic... He seemed to scowl at Celestia and Luna who both took their hooves off him. They then both glared at Cadance as if she had just stole the crown jewels... When they let go of him, his eyes returned to their arctic blue, more normal hue. They weren't draconic either. Both sisters couldn’t help but think his eyes were enchanting... Wonderous, if tortured. "You're here? Why are you here? You need to leave." He said and stood up, wrapping a blanket around himself rather than putting a cuirass on as he stood up and pulled the curtains back. He didn't seem to notice the kiss he received... He stood on the balcony, leaning on the railing with crossed arms. Looking out. "What is wrong?" Asked Celestia, approaching him. "Don't come near me." He said, holding an arm out. Causing the Princess to stop in her tracks. "Why not?" Asked Twilight. "Because I'm a monster." He answered. "You saved our lives more than once. How can you be a monster?" Asked Cadance. She touched her lips with a smile. She didn't notice, but if looks could kill, Celestia and Luna would have made Cadance spontaneously combust. "I just am." He said, avoiding the question. As he spoke Sassan entered the room. "My Lord? Dinner." She said and he walked into the dining room, there was food for all the guests as well. He had meat, not that they knew. As they ate, Hermaphroditus was studying some sort of shrine... "Leave us." He said and Sassan bowed, taking the elevator up. "What is that?" Asked Luna, pointing with a hoof at the shrine Hermaphroditus was looking at. "That is a Waypoint Shrine. I used to use it to travel throughout Rivellon to other similar shrines." He explained. Celestia was glaring at Cadance again... Cadance noticed this time and shifted uncomfortably. "Cadance... May we talk?" Asked Celestia with a wide smile. "Of course." She replied. "I will join you." Said Luna. They went back into his room. There were hushed voices, a gasp and a squeal of... Happiness? ;5 minutes earlier - Third Pony POV; "Niece... When you... You kissed him... Why?" Asked Celestia, not even asking a proper question. "I tried to kiss him in the Crystal Empire, but he didn't kiss me. I wanted to both find out why he didn't, and wake him up." She said. "And?" Asked Celestia. "Nothing, he was too conflicted." She said. "When you kissed him... What was it like?" Asked Luna. Taking a step forward. "Yes, what was it like?" Asked Celestia. "Why so curious?" Asked Cadance. Celesia went next her ear. "I... think I... I, you know? Like him?" She whispered. Luna looked confused as to why she was whispering. Not hearing their hushed conversation. "Really?" Cadance squealed in delight and wrapped her hooves around her Aunt. Excited and proud that she may have found her special somepony. Luna shook her head in surprise. She had no idea what was happening. "Yes." She answered, clearly glad to get it off her chest, returning the hug. "I first noticed my feelings in the Crystal Empire. When he almost died for us. When he was alive, I felt as I never have... I think the Crystal Heart helped me realise my true feelings..." She explained. "I am sorry, me kissing him must have felt as if I was taking the opportunity from you. I assure you that is not the case... Cause I'd share." She giggled and her Aunt joined in. "What about Shining?" Asked Celestia as they let go. But so Luna could hear. "If you saw Ego out here... How he held me, was worried about me, more so than Shining. He made me feel special... Loved. I... I don't know." She shrugged. "Ok..." Said her Aunt and resumed whispering. "Do not tell anypony... Especially Ego!" She pleaded quietly. "Of course." She nodded. "Niece, may I?" Asked Luna. Celestia went back to the dining room to let them talk. "Yes. Of course. What is it?" She asked. "I... Well... I like Ego... A lot." She admitted, going red. Cadance's eyes widened as she realised both her Aunts wanted to try to date this stallion to the other sister's ignorance... Neither knew the other had a crush on him... Not since she's known them have they ever even looked at a stallion or mare like they could be a possible friend, let alone a lover. And now both of them are interested in the same one? The same one she was, as well? Coincidence? Then again, he was kinder than any stallion they knew... Not many stallions were like him. If any stallion other than him saved the Princesses and they offered a reward, they would have demanded one of the Princesses hooves in marriage. But him? He asked for nothing. He wanted nothing. And he was handsome to boot! Even the scars... It seemed to Cadance that Alicorns liked scars, which was something she needed to look into... "Indeed?" Asked Cadance cryptically. Luna didn't seem to notice. "Yes... Please... Please do not tell anypony." She begged. "Don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Smiled Cadance. In response, her other Aunt hugged her. "Thank you! Come, we should return." They exited the room and sat back down... They ate in silence after that. Ego wasn't as pale as before, he had gained some colour. ;10 minutes later; As they finished their meals, they went back into Ego's bedroom, he sat on the bed and ran his hands over his face. "You need to tell us why you're like this." Said Celestia. "You don't want to know, trust me." He replied. "The Dragon speaks the truth! To tell you what happened would be uncouth!" Said Bellegar. "Bellegar, if you speak one more time I will have your tongue removed!" He yelled. Nothing. Good. "Really, we wanna know." Said Applejack. "Yes, darling. You need to be open with us." Agreed Rarity. "I can't. You'd think less of me. Plus, you're just strangers. Why would I trust you?" He asked, looking away. The Princesses all looked taken aback at that, like it upset them... "Strangers? Pardner, we didn't say we were yer friends at that battle just 'cause we like sayin' it! Yer our friend! Right girls?" Asked Applejack, even the Princesses nodded. "I agree. We're your friends! We want to help." Insisted Twilight. "You... You can't be my friends." He concluded. Little did he know the three Alicorns in the room wanted to be more than friends... "Why not?" Asked Pinkie, blowing a balloon up to the point it burst in her face. "All the friends I've ever had have been bad experiences. You seem like good people- Err ponies, and I don't want to poison you with my bad luck." He said. "You won't! You're like, the only stallion, or whatever you are that can keep up with my awesomeness! That’s sayin' somethin'." Said Rainbow as he stood on the balcony, flying in front of him as he looked out blankly. "Maybe you can tell us what happened to your other friends." Suggested Twilight. "That would be a good place to start." Nodded Celestia. "You need to tell us what is wrong. Starting with your past is good." Concurred Luna. "Good idea Princesses! Get 'im comfertable!" Said Applejack. "Fine. If you insist. Sit down, this is quite a tale." He said, they all sat around him on the bed. ... ;This is him talking, telling a story, you'll know when any of the Ponies talk; It was a year ago. I had just completed my training, I was 19- As a Dragon-Knight or whatever?! No, as a Dragon Slayer. Woahhh! Plot twist! Pinkie! Don't interrupt! No, it's ok. Anyway, I completed my trials and was about to finalise my initiation... When they spotted the last Dragon-Knight. They then postponed my final trial and we went hunting. To cut a loooooong story short, I defeated a ghost in a crypt to improvise my trial. Turns out this crypt was the secret crypt of Lord Arben, one of the greatest Dragon Slayers, if any Slayer can indeed be called 'great'... Sounds like you don't like 'em! You think? Anyway, he gave me his sword and I met my Commander, Commander Rhode outside the crypt. I admit, i was quite enamoured with her for a while... What? Err, I fancied her for a while. Fell for her. Quite hard as well. Ah. I see... Yeah. Out of interest... Was there... Anything between you? Not that I know of. I never made the move. But she never showed interest either way. Please, continue. OK. There were three other veteran Slayers with us as well. Marius, Gene and Gunther... So anyway, I was told I wouldn't be participating in the hunt for the last Dragon-Knight. But you were a Dragon Slayer! your entire existence meant you were supposed to hunt Dragons! Or all your training was for nothing! I know, that's what I said. Rhode told me that I would fight Rivellon's enemies but apparently not the Dragons. She took Arben's blade from me and left to hunt. I was enraged. I sat in the tavern drinking. The barmaid, Elsa, asked me what was wrong. I told her to buzz off. Well, that weren't very nice! I know, that wasn't really 'me'. It was Drace, Drace Reynfaire. Huh? More on that later. Anyway, I finished my drink and had enough waiting, I ran out to where the beast had been spotted. On the way there I went through the pass that led to the second part of Broken Valley. On my way down I passed a shrine. Ohhh! To what? I don't know, it was one of Bellegar's things. Anyway, at the shrine I ran into her. The last Dragon-Knight. Talana. Dunn dunn duhhh! Indeed. I approached her and immediately I felt something in me change. I felt great pity on her. I told her I understood why she was angry and she laughed at me. She then did something to me. What did she do to you darling? Well... You see, I never completed my trials to their fullest extent, therefore I was susceptible to her mind attacks. She gave me a vision. A vision of Damien and what he would do. After that, she died from her wounds. Skip ahead a good few hours. I was outside Maxos' Temple. There they were, Rhode and the others. I ran up to them and heard them discussing Talana and how she must be dead by now. And she was! *gasp* But you were a Dragon! I was. They didn't notice at first. Rhode asked why I was out there. I told her I was Dragon-Knight on my way to defeat Damien. Wait, let me get this straight... You were a Dragon? They were Dragon Slayers? Yet you told them?! Yep. I saw no point in hiding it. Rhode would've noticed one way or another. They didn't believe me anyway. Marius laughed at me. Rhode scolded him, and then me. But then she noticed I was telling the truth... I told her this shouldn't change our relationship. That I needed her help... Well yes, you were friends, she should've been understanding and tried to help you through your time of confusion and strife! Maybe... One way or another she said no. I'm paraphrasing of course. She gave me back the blade Lord Arben gave me and told me to die with dignity... She then ordered Marius and the others to kill me and douse the sword in my blood. This is where it gets gory. Your friends tried to kill you? Yes. That's horrible! They should have remained loyal to you! Stuck by your side! Maybe they should've. Pardner, you were honest with 'em. You needed their help. But they tried to kill ya instead. That ain't how friends act. Carry on. OK. Marius ran at me, I blocked his blows, i was trying to convince them to stop, but they didn't. Eventually I gave up... It's OK, you can tell us. What did you do? Marius swung left at me, I blocked his blade and kicked him away. Gunther came at me from the right and I blocked his blow with my own blade and put my foot on his chest, slowly taking him to the floor. I grabbed his emergency mace from his side and as Gene ran at me I threw the mace at him, braining him... Hold on, I need to think... Take your time darling. We know this isn't easy for you. Thanks. I then put my foot on Gunther's neck and pressed hard. His neck broke instantly. Marius tried for me but I tackled him to the floor. Both our blades were knocked away and I wrapped my hands around his throat and applied pressure. It took... What? 30 seconds? 1 minute? An hour? It felt like forever as I choked him. When he was dead, I got up and walked to Gene, he was on the ground, mumbling. Blood everywhere, from his mouth, his eyes, his nose. His head was caved in. I took out my bow and gave him a swift death. I donned my Wild Dweller Mask and vowed not to take it off until I became a Dragon-Knight. They should've tried to help you! To understand! But they just attacked? Yes. That's not the last of it. Talana lived on inside my mind and was giving me guidance through my year of adventuring. Turns out it wasn't her. It was Ygerna, Damien's lover who was tricking me all along. Turns out someone I thought was my closest friend was just using me. I vowed never to let that happen again... ... ;Back to normal dialogue- Tyrath's POV; "I'm so sorry... All your friends betrayed you. They were horrible to you." Said Twilight. "No I betrayed the Slayers, I could've avoided that conflict..." I said. "No, you didn't betray them." Said Princess Celestia, putting a hoof on my shoulder. "I think I did." "We do not. Anyway, can you tell us why you think you're a monster now?" Asked Princess Luna. Putting a hoof on my other shoulder. "I... Ok." I relented. "Good." She smiled. They removed their hooves, they were so soft... When the Princesses touched me I felt nervous... Like their hooves burned my skin, even through my armor when I wore it. it felt strange... My heart began beating faster... "Are you...? It's not a nice story. At all. It's horrible." I warned. "I see what you're doing Princess! Genius! We need to know what you did so we can forgive you for it!" Realised Twilight. "I don't know if you will. I haven't." I looked down in shame. "We will. Don't you worry none." Said Applejack. "Ok... Back in the Crystal Empire, I looked into the mirror. It granted me a vision of the possible future..." I explained. "Really?! That's rare!" Exclaimed Princess Cadance. "I know. Princess Luna told me." I said. "When did- Oh, in the future." Nodded Princess Luna. "Yes. I was there... On Damien's side. I... I'd just come from a torture session." "They tortured you until you joined them?! Monsters!" Said Princess Celestia. "No. I joined them on purpose. I took his offer. I pulled your statue down." I said to Princess Celestia. "Oh." She said, her ears flattening. It seemed like I hurt her feelings... Fuck this was going to be Tartarus... "I then blasted your statue to pieces Princess Luna." I said. "Good. You're giving us details. That is good." She said to me. Her breath hitched when I said it but she kept a stone face. "What then?" Asked Princess Cadance. "I had to sift through my memories to regain control of my body. I was seeing through my eyes with no control. What I did was... Unforgivable." I said. "We'll be tha judge o' that, pardner." Said Applejack. "I'd come from torturing all of you..." I admitted. "Ok, this is good. Like before, we need details." Said Princess Luna. "Err Princess? Are you sure-" Started Twilight, growing uncertain. "You said it yourself Twilight Sparkle. We all need to know what he did. We need to know what we are forgiving him for." She said. "Agreed sister. Please continue." Smiled Princess Celestia almost nervously. "Ok... We were inside my Flying Fortress that Damien gifted me. You were all hanging by chains in the ceiling. First was Fluttershy because... You're the kindest. I... I... I tied you opposite the others and cut off your eyelids so you had to watch what I did." I said. She just cried her eyes out. "It's OK..." Said Rainbow, rubbing her friend's back. "Twilight I did the same to you." I said. "You what...?" She asked, her eyes welling up. "Third was you Princess Cadance. You yelled at me that you trusted me. I told you that you were foolish to do so. After that I asked if you wanted to see the source of love. Before you could reply..." I cut off. "Go on..." She said. Obviously worried by what I'd say. "I ripped your heart out and showed it to you all. You screamed for about 5 seconds before you died." I said, holding back my tears. I wasn't going to cry! Warriors do not shed tears! "Oh..." She said, I could tell this upset her. But she was staying strong for the others. "Next was Shining Armor, he yelled at me and I smiled, shoving your heart in his mouth. Telling him it was the last meal he'd ever have. After that I cut off his horn and he screamed. I told him 'I should've done that to your wife.' he mumbled something in pain. I told him he'd have to swallow first. He managed to spit your heart in my face. I told him that wasn't very nice. Then I cut his... Well, organ off. I let him bleed out." I said, still looking down. "So... We... It..." Started Princess Cadance. Looking away. Not saying anything afterwards. Taking deep breaths. "Next was you Applejack. You were trying to calm the girls down, so I tore your throat out and replaced it with an apple, using my blood to heal you but you couldn't speak." I said. "You... Did..." She said, looking away from me with tears in her eyes. "Next, Rainbow, I cut your wings off." I said. "My- My wings!?" She said, turning to look at them. "I'm... Next was Pinkie, I shoved cake down your throat." "I love cake!" She exclaimed. "I did it until you puked blood." I said. "Ah..." She said... "Rarity... I shaved your hair and cut your tail off." I admitted. "No..." She said, fainting on the bed. I wasn't about to tell Rainbow, Applejack and Rarity what I did to their little sisters... How I killed them slowly in front of their sisters who couldn't help them... I just couldn't bring myself to tell them. I knew Drace was evil... But... Fuck me... "Yes. Last was you and Fluttershy, Twilight. I cut off your horn." I replied. "My... Horn?!" She said, looking up at her horn in worry. "Yes. I'd already done what I could to Fluttershy." I said, hanging my head. "What about us?" Asked Princess Celestia. "I... I... Can't." I shook my head. "You can." Said Princess Luna, her and Princess Celestia putting their hooves on my shoulders again. it sent shivers down my spine, both good... And because of about what I was going to say. I got up and sat by the fire, pouring a brandy shakily. "Want some?" I asked, holding up the bottle. "Please. But we'll continue after we've got our drinks." Nodded Princess Celestia. "Yes, thank you." Agreed Princess Luna. "I will as well please." Smiled Princess Cadance. "Got any cider?" Asked Applejack, still in tears. In fact all of them apart from the Princesses were. "No... I've got ale." I shrugged. Trying not to think about the story I was about to tell. "Sounds good." She sniffed. "I'll take one." Said Rainbow, wiping a tear. "Wine... Dear." Said Rarity, taking short breaths. "Got it." "...Juice?" Wept Fluttershy, barely audible. "Of course." "I'll get an ale." Cried Pinkie. "Sure. Twilight?" I asked. "I'll have a brandy." She said, she seemed to have calmed faster than her other friends. The Princesses looked at each other worriedly. "Are you sure Twilight?" Asked Princess Celestia with a slight smile. "Yeah! I drink it all the time." She obviously lied. "Right..." I said and was about to call Sassan. "I heard My Lord!" Called Sassan from the dining room and went to get the drinks. And the glasses for the Princesses and Twilight... We waited for five minutes and she arrived with a tray of drinks, giving them out and passing empty glasses to the Princesses and Twilight. "Here we are." I said and poured the three Alicorns and Twilight their brandy. Twilight took a sip and her face scrunched up and she swallowed it, coughing. "That's good! A good brand!" She wheezed, obviously she had the brandy to try and impress the Princesses... "Cheers, made it myself. Peach and plum." I said. "Now we have our drinks, continue." Said Princess Celestia. "I... I... Fine..." I said finishing my drink. "This is nice, thank you. You do know how to make a lovely brandy." Smiled Princess Luna, sipping her liquid. The others all thanked me as well. "I agree... You must give me the recipe." Smiled Princess Celestia. "Ok, here we go... I walked up and Princess Celestia asked me if I was putting on an act, I leaned in close, she seemed to become relieved, but then I grabbed her by the throat and threw her through the castle doors." I started. "Go on..." Said Princess Celestia. "Princess Luna, then you ran over, she tried to warn you that it was me and I had joined the enemy. You went to stop me, but I backpunched you into a pillar. Princess Celestia then blasted me with magic. A powerful blast. With the power gained from joining Damien, I ignored it and grabbed her muzzle. The guards tried to stop me but I cast a spell and blasted them all over the room, knocking them out." I said. "Do not stop. We need to hear it all." Said Princess Celestia. Visibly upset but wishing me to continue. "I told Princess Luna what I did to Princess Cadance, she then stood up to stop me, but was terrified. I tried to turn you against your sister, Princess. You didn't bite." I told them. The two Princesses hugged. "I knew you wouldn't Lulu." Smiled Princess Celestia. "Princess Celestia tried to tell you not to listen and I backhanded her muzzle. You went to shoot a spell at me but I warned you to not or I'd cut your horn off. You went over to Princess Celestia and nuzzled her. Princess Celestia asked me 'why?' and I said 'Power...' that I would rule Equestria. That once Sombra was no longer useful he would also die so I could rule unopposed. Then I choked you. I picked you up by the throat. Telling you both you couldn't be in the picture either if I was to rule. Princess Luna told me to stop and I did. But I had another agenda." I said, taking a break, pouring myself some more brandy and drinking it. I also refilled the Princesses' and Twilight's glasses. "Which was?" Asked Princess Celestia hesitantly as I drank my brandy. "I asked you if you wanted Twilight back and the two of you to survive. You said yes. I told you I'd want something first. You said anything. At this point Princess Luna clicked on and tried to tell you. But you waved her off telling her you could get you all out of this, asking what I wanted. I said you. That you could rule the kingdom by my side. As my queen. I was stroking your cheek. You said 'very well' I kissed a tear from your cheek but you pulled away. You asked me about the other 5. I said I wanted you as well Princess Luna. You said no Princess Celestia but Princess Luna agreed... After that I took back control and woke up. But first you..." I started to say, but shook my head and downed my new glass of brandy I didn't even notice i'd poured myself. I wasn't about to tell them about the part about them having my children... "We... What?" She quizzed. "Nothing. Just wished me good luck because you both realised it was a vision." I said, lying. I was still holding back tears. "And that’s it." I said. Standing up and taking a breath. Omitting the part where they kissed my cheeks. "Well pardner..." Said Applejack, finishing her ale. "I forgive ya." She said and... Hugged me. By my waist because I was standing and i was taller than her. "Uh!" I grunted as she did. Freezing up. "So do I." Smiled Twilight and also hugged me. "Me too! Torture by cake isn't so bad!" Said Pinkie and joined in. "Hair grows back dear." Said Rarity and hugged me. "That wasn't you. I forgive you." Smiled Fluttershy and hovered over to me, joining the pile. "Yeah! You'd never do any of that! That like, totally ain't you!" Said Rainbow and joined up in my hug brigade. "I forgive you. She is right. That wasn't you." Said Princess Cadance and stood on her hind legs to hug me, reaching my height. She hugged my left side. "I agree, you can't dwell on what never happened." Smiled Princess Luna, hugging my right side. "It was a vision. One that will never come to pass." Said Princess Celestia and hugged me from the front. "... Why?" I asked them. "Cause we're yer friends dummy. I meant what I said. We didn't just say it just cause we like sayin' it!" Exclaimed Applejack. I... I'll admit. I burst into tears. Don't judge me! I actually reciprocated the hug, wrapping them all in a vice grip. "Shh, let it all out pardner." Wheezed Applejack as I squeezed. At the time I didn't realise I was squeezing hard. After about 5 minutes I let them go, causing the 6 girls to catch their breaths loudly. The three Princesses seemed fine. "Feel better?" Asked Princess Luna. "Yes, thank you Princess. How can I repay you? All of you?" I asked. "No, we did for a friend as a favor." Said Applejack. "No, I need to repay you. Here." I said and went over to a pile of gold. "Bellegar's bollocks." I said and the gold's booby trap was deactivated. "What a password! How rude! Must your password be so lewd and crude?!" Asked Bellegar. "Hey! I didn't have my 'Book of Passwords' handy did I?! Now shut up." I said and separated the pile of coins into 9 even piles. "Take whichever pile. They're all even." I said. "We can't." Said Twilight. "I insist, I recognise this isn't why you helped, but I owe you. And I don't like being in debt. In each of these piles is 55,555 gold coins. It's yours." I said. The Princesses went to say something. "Ah! Personal spending money, I know you royals, this isn't a donation to your kingdoms, it's a donation to you. If the rest of you want to spend it on your families, that's fine." I said. "You can also spend it on each other." I added. "Thank you!" Exclaimed everypony and they all hugged me again, this time causing me to grunt from being crushed. "It's OK..." I said as they let go. "Pardner, yer kindness... Is almost unmatched." Said Applejack, looking to Fluttershy and starting to cry from happiness. "It's nothing. You think this is a lot of gold? I have a vault downstairs." I said. "You have even more money?!" Exclaimed Rainbow. "Yep, I'm not hurtin' for certain." I chuckled. "The Dragon tries his hand, it's a mighty crime! Because unfortunately he can not master the art of rhyme." Came Bellegar's voice. "I wasn't trying to master rhyme! Because even if I tried, I simply wouldn't have the time!" I replied. That shut him up. "You both sound like Zecora." Said Twilight with a laugh. "Who's Zecora?" I asked. "A Zebra from Zebrica." Said Twilight. "A Zebra?! They're rare in Rivellon." I said, at first my eyes flashed with gold... Zebras are worth a lot in Rivellon... But I shook my head, realising that this was an intelligent, sentient, sapient being. Not just a mindless animal. I wasn't about to buy into slavery. "Well we have one living in the Everfree Forest. We should introduce you." Smiled Twilight. "That might be nice." I nodded. "See! We managed to bring friendship to a being from a different universe, who, despite having bad experiences before, has accepted friendship!" Cheered Twilight. "Yay! Party!" Exclaimed Pinkie, blowing a kazoo again, from wherever she gets them... "Indeed, but alas, we should be- What is THIS?" Asked Princess Luna, tripping over something and picking it up in her magic, seeing it was a sword and looking at it in fascination. "Yours now Princess." I shrugged. "Really?!" She asked, looking from me to the sword a few times with a grin growing on her face. "All yours, Your Highness." I bowed. "Luna! You can't just- Oh my... these are beautiful..." Said Princess Celestia, picking up a pair of gold and diamond earrings in her magic. They were enchanted with Spirit, Indomitable Will, Conditioned Body and increased melee, magic and ranged protection. The first three traits really did represent her... Ahem... Because had a lot of Spirit! Indomitable Will comes with being a ruler and Conditioned Body because she was an Alicorn! Yeah... That’s all. Really. Seriously. Leave it out. "Have 'em." I shrugged. "Really?! Thank you!" She said. I saw her looking at me from the corner of her eye, thankful... I think? Cadance nudged her as if to tell her to say something. "Ahem. Yes. These are nice." She thanked me. Cadance huffed and rolled her eyes as if she was expecting her to say something else... All the girls found something they liked. Rarity found some Dragon Scales that I shedded a while ago, she said she'd love to have them to incorporate them into her fashion line. I told her to go right ahead. Rainbow Dash found a set of Champion armor(that somehow got ponified.) that she liked and I told her to have it. Twilight found some books that I gave to her. Princess Cadance found a heart that I carved out of topaz, it was actually inspired by her Cutie Mark the first time I met her. What? I needed a hobby! Carving is a nice relaxing activity! I gave Applejack and Princess Celestia my brandy method. But told them how to dilute it as it was a little strong for ponies. Pinkie I gave my cake recipe to which had brandy in it (What? I made a lot of brandy! I have a lot of food stored away!) And finally Fluttershy found interest in a bestiary on Rivellionian animals and monsters written by yours truly. "Are you sure we can have all this?" Asked Rarity. "Yes, I'm sure." I rolled my eyes. "You could give MY generosity a run for my bits!" She exclaimed. "What are you on about?" I asked. "Remember those 'Elements' we were talking about at the wedding?" Asked Twilight, "Yes." I replied. "Well, each of us 6 represent an 'Element of Harmony' I represent the Element of Magic. Applejack is the Element of Honesty. Rarity is the Element of Generosity. Fluttershy is the Element of Kindness. Pinkie Pie is the Element of Laughter and last but not least, Rainbow Dash is the Element of Loyalty." Said Twilight, they all pulled a pose. "I see. Wait a second... I remember Maxos mentioned something in his journal about this..." I said and summoned the very book I was talking about, flicking through it. "He mentions the very virtues you represent... But nothing about them being 'Elements...' but he mentions they are important somehow..." I said. "Maxos?" Asked Twilight. "A great wizard in my world..." I said as I put the book down. "Like Star Swirl the Bearded?" Asked Twilight. "What did you just say?" I asked. "Star Swirl the Bearded? He was the greatest unicorn in Equestria. Here, this is a painting of him." Said Twilight and teleported in a painting of him. I also pictured Zandalor in my mind suddenly... And then compared the two... "No... Zandalor...!? No wait, hold on..." I said flicked through Maxos' diary again... "Holy Thundercunt!" I exclaimed. "What?" Asked Twilight. "Oh my chucklefuck... Listen to this... Maxos and Zandalor, two wizards from my world, had a bet." I started. "Who could go longer without using a spell? And the punishment for losing was rather strange... If the loser ever got sent to a strange realm, he had dress like the victor and call himself a fruity name, Zandalor got the name 'Lezar the Ancient' and Maxos got the name 'Star Swirl the Bearded'! Maxos lost of course and therefore Zandalor got to keep his name and looks... Looks like Maxos kept his word..." I said. "So Star Swirl was one of you as well?" Asked Twilight. "Yes, he was one of the greatest wizards in Rivellon's history. Look like he continued that history here." I said. "He did! He's one of my idols!" Exclaimed Twilight. "So this is where he disappeared to... We always wondered." I said. "He just appeared out of nowhere one day, just like you did!" Exclaimed Princess Luna. "Makes sense... For some reason his Battle Tower didn't come with him, whereas it did with me." I said. "He did request a tower for his experiments. Said it made him more comfortable." Said Princess Celestia, tapping her chin with her hoof. "You both met him?!" I asked. "Yes, we did. He died a few thousand years ago unfortunately." Said Princess Luna. "I thought so... Where was he buried?" I asked. "He wasn't. He was burned in Dragonfire as per his request. Nopony was present, but he told us not to let anypony except a fellow 'knight' ever enter his tower. I think he meant you." Said Princess Celestia and gave me a key. "Thanks. I'll check it out in a few days." I said. "It would be nice to have you in Canterlot again." Smiled Princess Luna. "Indeed." I smiled. "That is not all." Said Princess Celestia. "Hmm?" I asked. "There are few last orders of business. Ego Draconis. For your services to the kingdom, I now proclaim you... Saviour of Equestria." Said Princess Celestia. "For your endeavor in saving our lives and the lives of everypony from the Changelings, I proclaim you Saviour of Canterlot." Smiled Princess Luna. "And for your near selfless sacrifice in the Empire, I proclaim you Saviour of the Crystal Empire." Nodded Princess Cadance. "It has been a long time since anypony had held those titles. And we will not take no for an answer." Said Princess Celestia. She teleported in three medals and placed the Saviour of Equestria one on my on my left breast. Princess Luna placed the Saviour of Canterlot medal there and Princess Cadance placed the Saviour of the Crystal Empire medal there as well. "I..." I started. "I wanted to give two of these to you after the wedding. But... Well, you know what happened. We got distracted." Smiled Princess Celestia. "I also wanted to give the last one to you after the Crystal Empire, but well, we were too elated seeing you alive to remember." She smiled. "You deserve these." She concluded. "I concur sister. We will not take no for an answer." Agreed Princess Luna. "I will also point out that this is the first time in the history of our kingdom somepony has held all three medals." She informed. "This is the least we can do. For... Everything you've done for us. And they are right. None of us will take no for an answer." Smiled Princess Cadance. "I... Thank you. All of you." I said. When they say they won't take no for an answer, I have a feeling they aren't kidding around. "We should be going. Thank you for receiving us. Saviour of Equestria." Bowed Princess Celestia and the others followed. "I am not worthy of being bowed to. You are, Princesses. You all are." I said and bowed deeply to all of them. "Thank you. Saviour of Canterlot." Said Princess Luna. They all walked out aside from Princess Cadance. "Your Majesty?" I asked. "Back in the Crystal Empire, when I tried to kiss you... I just... I'm sorry. It was foolish of me. Foolish of me to fall for another stallion when I am already married..." She said. I read her mind... 'Does he love me? As I love him? As they love him?' She thought. She was still in love with ne? But with who? Her and who else love me? This is wrong... They are a different species! That shit don't fly in Rivellon! "But I do have a question." She said. "Go ahead." I nodded. "If you didn't have that vision... Would you have kissed me?" She whispered, walking up to me... "I... Most likely." I nodded. Well, I had to admit it. Despite what I felt about them being another species... "Well, I want to know something. Just... Please. A kiss can tell me a lot..." She said and went in for a kiss... I backed off a little before just letting her kiss me. She was clearly experienced, I just stood there, frozen, not moving a muscle... The kiss wasn't exactly chaste... She backed off a little, looking at me, her eyes had something in them... Some kind of flash danced through them... "Thank you... I hope to see you soon. Saviour of the Crystal Empire." Said Princess Cadance... Was that sultry? Wait, did she just wink at me? Oh shit, I might have opened the gates to Tartarus... What did my kiss tell her? "No problem." I bowed as she left. Sassan escorting them out. She came back later with a smile. "My Lord, it's good to have you back." Smiled Sassan. "Thank you." I smiled. "Nice medals." She said. "Thanks." I rolled my eyes. "So, do you like Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?" Asked Sassan. "Yes. I'd like to think we're friends." I nodded. "I meant more than that My Lord..." She said. "No! They're animals! They may be intelligent, but there's still a species barrier! It's... Wrong, morally abhorrent! Besides, they're not my type. Too serious." I said, shaking my head. "That's not what I heard while you were unconscious My Lord." She countered. "Huh?" I asked. "All I'm saying My Lord is get to know them first." She said, "I have. They're not my type. And they are fucking ponies. I am not. Nonetheless, as I said, too serious." I said. "Is that so My Lord?" Bowed Sassan, walking out... "Yeah- Wait, hold the communication magic..." I said and I followed her out...
You want a sequel?! You can't handle a sequel! OK, we'll do a sequel.We are in the midst of creating a sequel... But to get it, this story must have a number of likes equal to that of its followers... Just kidding, but we would like some more likes. Please...?
