Blackstone

by nikolai60

Rating: everyone
Tags: Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Anthro, Main 6, Princess Luna, Drama, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Mystery, Princess Cadance, Comedy, Romance
Length: 5512

A visitor to Canterlot revives memories from Celestia's past.

Callixis Steelwing is used to travelling. Slowly marching from village to village as he tries to outrun a past he doesn't even truly know. But how is he to cope when he finds himself no longer able to run?

Cover art by the talented http://cylnx.deviantart.com/

Published 2016-10-11 05:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2016-11-13 20:40:42 UTC

Introduction

Author's Note

-Note from the writer: This story was conceived and written from the perspective of being only a few episodes into Season 5. I am currently VERY behind in terms of watching the show, though if I do catch up and add things from the show and include them I will make note of it. ALSO, parts of the setting are derived from notes/statements concerning unused (to my knowledge) ideas from the original creation.

Introduction

Looking out from where he stood, Callixis Steelwing watched the lights slowly appear around the distant city of Canterlot. The old city had stood for centuries, its towers, spires, even it's walls, carved out of the mountain itself, giving it a fortress-like appearance, an odd design choice for the capital of the most peaceful of the worlds races. Though, it's origin as a remote outpost probably contributed to it's design.

Of course, it was hardly his place to judge them on such things, considering how much more aggressive dragons were by comparison. Now, however, was not a time for these thoughts on the differing philosophy’s. He yawned and stretched his leathery wings, absently scratching at the old iron ring on his claw. No, now was a time for finding a cave or some other safe place for the night to rest in. Tomorrow he'd reach the city, to finally have a few days respite...

Chapter 1

Smiling, Celestia carefully folded the parchment she had been reading and tucked it away into a hidden fold in her dress. Twilight and her friends would be able to make it after-all. 'It', of course, was attending the upcoming Masquerade Celebration of Commerce. Celestia anticipated that this time they would have much more fun then the last event they had been invited to. While it was still dominated by stuffy nobles and elite due to ticket price, those tickets were at least open to the public making for a more diverse crowd, and the general nature of celebrating another year of prosperity and success helped to lighten the tone a bit.

Of course, two of Twilights friends had particularly good reasons for attending. Rarity had seen significant success lately, no doubt helped by Fancy Pants and Sapphire Shores being rather public with their praise with her work. And of course the Apple family, who had always done well with Applejack guiding them though the year, had seen a massive surge in success since the Element Bearers had formed their friendship.

Of course, recognizing the Bearers turned Councilors' success was only a small part of Celestia’s current good mood. In truth, she was simply happy to have Twilight and her friends in Canterlot for something other than business, and had quietly arranged for both Luna and herself to have extra time off for the time surrounding the gathering. All that was left was for Cadence and Shining Armor to respond to her invite, so that the whole 'family' could enjoy time together minus a disaster.

'And should some upstart get any ideas, I think I'll have to invent a new 'creature in the moon' legend this time around.', Celestia thought to herself, sick of only having such gatherings during times of emergency, or for such emergencies to decide to interrupt what would otherwise be an enjoyable time.

Sighing at the thought of yet another gathering being ruined, she decided to move on with today's business to take her mind off of such thoughts.

"Jenkins!"

"Yes your Highness." Came the usual reply, the grey on grey Earth-pony appearing from just out of Celestia's peripheral vision, despite that corner of the room being unoccupied a moment ago.

Celestia turned her head towards the stallion, hoping for once to find something out of place in his appearance, but as usual the castle's head butler somehow managed to appear to have more in common with a statue then the overworked head of staff. "Please inform the council attendants that I am attending to a few matters of high importance, and that I will be at most only a few minutes late."

"Very good your Highness," he replied, bowing slightly at the waist before scuttling off towards the throne rooms main doors. HOW he managed to move so quickly without running, or even really changing his posture from his perpetual 'at attention' stance, was something that continued to baffle Luna, much to Celestia's amusement.

"I Don't Understand!" Came an almost pained whine from behind Celestia, causing her to turn and smile as she saw her sister approaching with a frustrated look on her face.

"Where did he come from?! I was standing in the only doorway, and he wasn't there a moment ago, but the second I turned my head, out he comes, as if he were standing in the corner the whole time!"

Celestia had to stifle a laugh at the antics of her sister, who's eternal quest to 'catch him in the act' thus far had only resulted in frustration, and the occasional property damage.

"You need to stop harassing him and let him do his job, you know how hard it is to find a head butler who can handle the responsibility without resorting to shortcuts." Celestia admonished, somehow managing to keep her tone even despite her urge to start teasing Luna.

"But he DOES take shortcuts," Luna whined, "there's no way he can get around the castle as fast as he does without skipping entire buildings."

"You know what I mean, now come along, we have a few things to discuss before I have to meet with the financial councilors to discuss 'how much money we're wasting' on the masquerade this year."

"They're still complaining about that? Can't they be happy that it also means they themselves have something to celebrate?"

"They seem to be under the impression that one celebration, even one who's tickets help recoup the cost, is capable of bankrupting the entire Kingdom."Though she kept a straight face, inwardly Celestia rolled her eyes, wondering what happened to the days when politics and bureaucracy hadn't seeped into every part of her days.

With that the sisters headed towards Celestia’s private office to make a few last preparations for Twilight and her friend's arrival, interrupted by the occasional grumbling of Luna about finding more trustworthy staff.

Author's Note

I've always liked the idea that Celestia's whole 'perfect leader' thing is really an act, one that Luna get's in on to at times, and that underneath it all they have more normal ranges of emotions and thoughts, just they've learned to 'put on a face' to ease ruling Equestria.

Chapter 2

Callixis pulled his cloak around him as he entered the gates to Canterlot, eyes slowly scanning the area around him. Not that he was cold, nor had any cause for suspicion. He simply wanted to avoid any unnecessary attention, something that was difficult enough being a non-pony in Equestria's capital city, but compounded by being a Blackstone Dragon, a sub-species rarely seen outside of their mountain range.

To Callixis' relief, the local population seemed far more interested in their own business, and no one seemed to notice as he slipped off the main roads towards the darker alleyways.

Or at least, as dark as an alleyway was going to get in a Pony city. Seriously, how did they manage to keep things so cheerful even in the lower class districts? Where these streets in any other nation would likely be rundown, if not outright falling apart, with beggars slowly wandering the streets. Here things were simply a bit 'less clean', with older paint and cobblestone instead of paved roads. Callixis even got a few waves and 'good mornings' as he walked by!

Resisting the urge to shake his head he did his best to nod in return and keep moving, eventually slipping into a bakery to try to find something that wasn't too sugary for breakfast and to ask about the kinds of shops to be found nearby.

To Callixis' infinite relief, the bakery did in fact serve food other than dessert, and he ended up leaving with a few extra rolls in his bag and a coffee in his claws.

Most of the day was spent circling back and forth around Canterlot trying to find things. It seemed most of the ponies he talked to seemed to take his traveling to mean by train, instead of by wing and claw, and as a result tended to point him in all the wrong directions. When he did manage to explain his meaning most were clueless as to the location of what he needed.

By the end of the day he was left frustrated and under the distinct impression that Canterlot no longer maintained it's old role to help supply travelers moving through the mountains, and that if he was to get anything he'd have to likely ask if the guard suppliers sold to civilians, something he was loath to do.

Finally he decided to be done for the day, and wandered towards an old tavern he had found in his search. Though he wouldn't hold his breath, the place seemed the most likely place to actually find a proper drink. As he entered the old tavern, he failed to notice the city guard across the street, staring warily after his movements.

Callixis looked around the old tavern, thankful it only held a few patrons. Taking his seat he waited for the tender to finish with his current customer before heading over.

"So stranger," the tender said, cheerful as everyone else, "what'll you be havin tonight?"

"You're strongest stuff." Callixis sighed, cursing draconic constitution that prevented most drinks from having much of an effect.

"One sugar rush, coming up!" The tender cheered, causing the dragon to groan as his head fell into his claws. He'd had about enough of this for a week so far.

"OH, oh oh I'm sorry," the bartender quickly responded, "I'm forgettin other meanins. Here, how 'bout this instead."

With that the tender placed a whiskey glass on the table and poured a dark brown drink before sliding it towards Callixis.

Taking a sniff the dragon was relieved to catch the familiar bite of alcohol, and looked up raising an eyebrow.

"That there's some Griffin liquor, don't get much demand for the stuff, but that's the strongest we got, though we got some good ciders and beers if I do say so m'self."

Relieved for the small mercy Callixis gave the bartender a tired smile, "this'll do, haven't had Griffin stuff before." He sighed and took a swig, leaning back and closing his eyes as he let the taste settle. Nope, not even close to the punch of draconic whiskeys and vodkas, but the taste wasn't bad, and it was rather smooth. Opening his eyes as he sat the glass down he saw the bartender had put a small bowl of gems and metals in front of him, and was reaching out to top him off already.

"Long day huh?" The tender gave him a sympathetic smile. Not really all that surprising, a place like this would probably attract a lot of the same thing.

"Something like that," Callixis sighed, "thanks." Despite his mood, he did his best to keep his calm and be nice. He would much rather the more blunt interactions of his own kind, but the bartender was just trying to help, and he did appreciate the effort.

"Well, stay as long as ya like, and don't be afraid to talk none if you need to," the tender nodded, before moving to attend to the other customers.

Callixis nodded, and reached for the glass with his right arm when a strong hand came down on his wrist, and he looked up to see the helmeted figure of a city guard.

"Ya know son, we don't get many Blackstone dragons around here." The tone of voice made it sound more like a threat then an observation, and Callixis tensed. He noted that there were two more guards standing by the entrance, one by a door in the corner he assumed was the rear exit, and judging from the shadows in the windows, likely more guards outside.

"Is there a problem?" Callixis let an edge slide into his own tone, he'd done nothing wrong and wasn't in the mood to put up with overzealous guardsponies.

"That depends son," the guard started, seemingly oblivious to the fact Callixis was likely twice his age, "why don't you just go ahead and open your claws for a moment."

Now THAT was interesting. Callixis actually raised an eyebrow at this, and opened his claws. It wasn't till he saw the guard staring at his ring that he realized he even had it on, having worn it for so long he just forgot about it.

He also noted that the guard seemed to tense when it came into full view, things were getting interesting.

"Son," once again Callixis resisted the urge to correct the guard, "you're going to have to come with us."

"On who's orders?" Callixis challenged. Despite his curiosity, he wasn't about to just get up and go without a bloody good reason.

"On the orders of her Highness, Princess Celestia, Diarch of Equestria."

Well, that was certainly a good reason.

Callixis froze, managing to keep his face neutral as a thousand different thoughts and reactions ran through his head, before finally coming to his conclusion.

"Well then, we mustn't keep her Highness waiting..."

Author's Note

I'm hoping to start adding pictures for everything, and I have http://cylnx.deviantart.com/ to thank for this particular part of art~

And so, here the story begins moving. Really hoping to be able to keep up a regular upload rate, lemme know what you think ^_^

Chapter 3

Celestia silently longed to take her financial advisors and lock them in a room till they learned how to get along.

What had started as a minor review of expenses, with the usual suggestions on ways to cut costs, had devolved into a heated debate between the various accountants and bankers on best financial practices and who knew more about money and investing then who. THIS had devolved into a shouting match involving credentials and experience, and now Celestia was sitting silently, somehow keeping her usual calm composure, as the supposedly expert advisors to the crown now stood around calling each-other names while their aids looked on helplessly.

She took note of the assistants who at least tried to take initiative and steer things back on course. Those ponies promised to do better then their predecessors, especially with a little push in the right direction.

She would have liked to blame Discord, except he had been out with Fluttershy for the day, and only reappeared once he sensed the chaos. Thankfully he chose not to get involved, though Celestia suspected that had more to do with his lack of interest in paperwork related chaos then any real attempt to be nice, though to be fair, he had been better since Tirek.

Closing her eyes she carefully weighed the events leading up to this argument. Opinions, appearances, attitudes, and carefully decided how much longer she should let this go before intervening. Too short and she'd have to use more force than necessary in declaring a decision. Too long and ponies might start to think she's overwhelmed. But if one waits just the right amount of time, then the arguing parties will be too tired to resist, while she simply attempted to give them a chance to work it out themselves first. Even if she had done this enough times to know she could have walked away and come back an hour later to the same mess.

Her action decided in a mere moment, she opened her eyes again and began counting the time. A part of her regretted having told Luna she could handle this on her own. Had her sister attended, it is unlikely things would have gone this far, as Luna had become known to have a very low tolerance for modern politics. Still, it was for the best. Luna needed her sleep, and Celestia didn't need any more terrified advisors, even if they deserved it.

After a few minutes it looked like the 'conversation' was starting to take another downturn. She was about to readjust when to intervene when the doors to the throne-room burst open, and a contingent of Royal and City guards stormed in, a cloaked figure hunched over in the center of the formation.

All activity stopped, and the once bickering financiers fled out of the way of the rapidly advancing formation. Celestia noted that while the guards acted like they were in the middle of a high risk arrest, instead of crowding their target to prevent escape, they instead kept a careful distance, well out of arm's reach...

...And tail's reach, Celestia realized, as she saw that the figure they guarded was in fact a dragon. Standing from her throne she sternly looked down at the guards, and challenged their interruption.

"I hope you have a good reason for this intrusion Lieutenant." Though thankful for the interruption, the fact was it was hardly needed just to quiet a dragon that had decided to cause trouble.

Bowing, the gold helmeted guard waved forward a City guard sergeant, who mirrored the action and replied, "With respect, your majesty, we are acting explicitly on your own orders, regarding Blackstone Dragons."

Celestia felt like she had been punched in the gut, and barely even registered the prisoners displeasure at what he likely interpreted as species-ism. There was only one order relating to the denizens of Blackstone, and while it had to be why they brought him here, she couldn't bring herself to believe it.

"Lieutenant, you are sure." She hoped none noticed the slight waver that had slipped through in her speech.

The lieutenant and sergeant both nodded, and the sergeant marched back to the dragon. "Show her the ring." It wasn't a request, and he held his glare as he stepped away.

Though scowling back from where he stood, the dragon tore his gaze away towards Celestia, as if weighing unknown actions. Eventually he turned his claws. Not in the usual fist forward one would expect most to show a ring, but instead palm open and towards him, with the claws together pointing up.

Celestia couldn't help the slight gasp that escaped her muzzle, before her teeth clenched and she raised her voice.

"CLEAR THE ROOM!"

Stunned the assembled ponies hesitated for a moment, before most began to file out. The majority of the guard held their post though.

The lieutenant spoke up, "you're majesty, we would like to remain in support of-"

Celestia cut her off, coming dangerously close to Luna's 'royal Canterlot voice'.

"CLEAR THE ROOM!" She left no chance for questions this time, and the assembled guards quickly retreated, leaving only Celestia and the cloaked dragon.

With a flick of her wrist Celestia deftly conjured a sealing spell, preventing any attempt to spy on what would happen next. Turning, she walked towards the window, now blacked out on the outside, as her sun sat low in the sky.

"Where did you get that ring." She looked over her shoulder towards the dragon, awaiting his answer.

The dragon stared at her from under his hood, his steel eyes fixed on her own. "I inherited it from my father, as he did from his, through our line."

Celestia looked away, trying, and failing, to remember any other than just the one Blackstone line who used that signet. Finally she turned back around, staring into his eyes for any sign of deception, "Who are you."

Again the drake paused, before standing to his full height, and lifted his cowl to reveal crimson scales crowned with dark grey horns and a jet black mane.

"I am Callixis Steelwing, Tsar of Blackstone."

Author's Note

Art once again by the great http://cylnx.deviantart.com/ , a bit more dramatic then even in the chapter, but i loved how it came out ^_^

And yes I'm still looking to commission more art for this story, feel free to message here or on my dA if interested: http://nikolai60.deviantart.com/

Hopefully I'll start these chapters going longer soon.

Comments welcome ^_^

Chapter 4

Celestia stared at the dragon before her, an endless stream of questions running through her mind as she some form of order. Finally, she turned away, and attempted to calm herself.

"How...why are you here?" It was barely a whisper.

She could feel his gaze boring into the back of her head, likely still unhappy about his unceremonious introduction. "Just passing through." The bite in his voice was obvious. "Orders concerning Blackstone Dragons?"

Celestia couldn't turn back to face him. "I apologize, I'm afraid the orders are very old. They've never even been spoken aloud. I...I didn't know how else to handle what happened..." she steadied a breath, then conjured an image of the symbol on the ring, " 'Any Blackstone Dragons bearing this symbol are to be brought before me, Princess Celestia, at once.' I didn't want to say anything else, It's been so long, centuries, and most don't even know Blackstone is a place anymore, but I had to ensure that...that should contact be made, that I would not miss it"

There was a long pause, Celestia was sure he was trying to weigh the truth in her words. Then the low thud of his boots, and turning to her right she saw he had drawn up alongside her, much of the anger in his face having softened. Now, he merely looked tired.

"I suppose it's understandable, after everything. And I don't think even back then that many saw us as anything but an empire shrouded in myth." His voice was softer now, he'd accepted her explanation.

"I...I have to ask, after all this time..."

"I don't know." It wasn't a lie, it wasn't a dodge. His words were absolute, he couldn't answer her half-spoken question, though Celestia guessed he would have if he could.

Risking another sidelong glance, "Ironclaw, he would be your great grandfather, yes?" She paused, then continued at the nod, "did you ever get a chance to know him."

"No, he was already gone." Though still softer, Celestia was saddened to hear the touch of venom that tinged his words.

She turned back to the window, "That's a shame, he was a great dragon, and a close personal friend." She looked down, searching for the words before turning to fully face Callixis. "I know it's been centuries, but I hope that there is still some of the old friendship between our two families that we once shared."

A myriad of emotions flashed across the young Tsars face, just for a moment, before a sad smile finally found its way out, "My family has never had ill will towards you, Your Highness, even if circumstance has left us isolated."

Encouraged by his words, Celestia reached out and rested a hand on his shoulder, "I know you said you were just passing through, but I invite you to enjoy our hospitality. You have always been welcome here, family and people, and I would enjoy a chance to rekindle such an old friendship."

Callixis froze, seeming conflicted in his thoughts, "I'm sorry, Your Highness, I can't impose myself on you."

Celestia waved him off, "this isn't about imposing anything, it's clear you've done a lot of traveling, why not just have a chance to rest."

"I...I cannot be here in any official capacity..." though he attempted to protest, Celestia could see the relief in his eyes, and playful mischief managed to push away the sadness of the past.

"I wouldn't dream of it. The staff will know you are a welcome guest and nothing more. And besides, it is the least I can do after you saved me from that shouting match,"

"Yes," Callixis actually chuckled at what he had heard just outside, "I suppose you do owe me, Your Highness."

Celestia couldn't help but smile, "don't push your luck. Now, let us deal with the waves that little entrance caused."

As she walked forward she realized that Callixis had frozen and turned to look out the window.

"Um, actually, isn't it soon time to move to night?"

Celestia just waved the question away, "my sister can handle things for one evening." At this she saw his eyes grow wide, and realized that he wouldn't have heard.

"You...you're sister...you mean-"

"Yes! Yes, I can't believe I didn't realize. Yes, Luna has returned. Oh she'll love to meet you. She always did see you Tsars as a sort of crazy uncle, though you're a tad young for that particular title."

She turned and started to piece apart the seals, smiling at the mix of emotions she had unceremoniously dumped on the poor dragon.

Almost the instant that the final seal lifted the doors opened, and several columns of Royal Guards supported by the City Guards from earlier stormed into the room in column formation.

The lead pony, a white pegasus on the edge of going grey and wearing royal purple armor, stormed forward to where Celestia and Callixis were standing. Offering a quick military bow he snapped to attention.

"Your Majesty, the guard stands ready."

"Ready for what, Captain Pike?" Celestia calmly raised an eyebrow at the assorted guard now filling the room, noting that a few of the financiers from earlier had been brave or concerned enough to stay, hovering near the doors. Perhaps they weren't all so bad after all.

Clearly confused, the captain grasped at an explanation. "Well, that is to say, with the secret orders being active, well, what I mean is...."

Celestia held up a hand to stop his flustered attempt at an explanation. "I see now that perhaps I should have been a bit more tactful in the handling of this particular situation. Secrecy has held priority above all else. However, Mr. Callixis Steelwing here is a friend, not an enemy, and those orders are now officially rescinded."

The whole assembly stood in shock. After everything that happened, there actually WASN'T going to be an emergency. No panic, no damage control, and one of the most ominous orders ever issued to the guard had now been rescinded with Celestia SMILING at the result.

"Jenkins" Celestia called out calmly, already knowing what would come next.

"Yes Your Highness."

The entire assembly seemed to jolt with surprise, and Callixis had clearly used quite a bit of willpower to avoid going airborne as the grey on grey pony seemed to have somehow snuck up right behind him without anyone noticing.

"Please see Mr. Steelwing here to the northern tower suite."

"At once your majesty." He answered with a short bow at the waist.

"Now," Callixis tried to protest, "that really won't be n-" He was cut off by a stare from Celestia that felt far too much like his own mothers, and simply turned and waved the butler forward and followed quickly behind.

The assembled ponies watched the pair walk off, and slowly started to disperse. However, quite a few of the guards remained, and turned back to their sovereign.

"With respect, your Majesty I-"

"Captain Pike" Celestia cut in, "I recognize your concern that I have been compromised in some way."

Hanging his head a little the captain nodded.

"And so you should. You wouldn’t be doing your job if you just blindly did as you were told." This caught the Captain off guard. He found it difficult to question Celestia, having absolute faith in her and his few concerns usually being voiced out of habit. Celestia encouraging him to essentially question her judgement and decisions was not something he would have expected.

"But, you're Majesty-"

Again he found himself cut off, "Captain, your duty is is to protect, myself, this castle, and Equestria as a whole, though your actions. As Captain of the Royal Guard you are a leader, and must be free to act as one. However, I believe that your current concerns can be easily satisfied without a need for lengthy explanations and point/counterpoint discussions."

Nodding, more confidently this time, "Very well, thank you your Majesty. What did you have in mind?"

Smiling a little, the princess answered. "As you are well aware, neither my sister, nor anypony else, joined in our discussion." Pike nodded, the unicorns had very carefully monitored the field for any telltale fluctuations of an entity passing through the field. "Then I suggest you take the lieutenant and sergeant here with you to go see her. Tell her a Blackstone Dragon bearing an iron signet ring is staying in the northern tower suite, and judge her reaction. That should be all the answer you need."

The remaining guards all looked back and forth at each other for a moment as they considered their unusual orders, but quickly returned to attention, and Captain Pike nodded.

"As you wish your majesty. Will there be anything else?"

"No captain, that will be all. Thank you."

With a quick salute the assembled guards turned to resume their posts, with the lieutenant and sergeant quickly following Captain Pike on his way to see Luna. Turning back to the throne, Celestia allowed herself a small grin at how things had been solved.

The three guards found Princess Luna a few minutes later, herself walking towards the throne room, evening coffee in hand. Stopping a fee meters away they snapped to attention and saluted as she nodded in greeting.

"Ah, Captain Pike, and...w-I don't believe we've been introduced yet." She smiled at the two other guards, trying to continue to remain friendly and less formal that she used to be.

"Lieutenant Silverwing Your Majesty." The young pegasus quickly snapped back into salute for a moment.

"Sergeant Ironhoof, Your Majesty." The gruff city guard mirrored the movement.

Nodding to each of them Luna continued, "I don't suppose meeting the three of your here has anything to do with the earlier interruption of the changing, did it?" She asked, lifting her coffee for another sip.

Nodding, Captain Pike explained, "Yes Princess, there was an...unusual meeting between Princess Celestia and a dragon who was brought in. We were instructed to inform you that a Blackstone Dragon bearing an iron signet ring is staying in the northern tower suite."

While Pike and Silverwing had grown accustomed to such things, Ironhoof found himself unprepared to dodge the spray of coffee that resulted from the explanation, and was too shocked to notice the mug drop from the princesses' hand.

"You, you're serious!?" the guards collectively took a step back, the slowly growing manic smile on their princess giving them plenty of cause for concern. With a cautious nod from Pike it grew to a full grin, reminding him of his daughter on trips to the candy store.

"If you would excuse me, I have a matter to attend to." With that the guards had to catch themselves to avoid being knocked over by the force of the teleport.

They slowly looked back and forth among themselves. While this did little to explain what was going on, at least they could be fairly confident it wasn't a bad thing.

Callixis looked around the suite's living room/kitchen area, resisting the urge to shake his head at the opulence of it all. At least he could see why Celestia had picked this particular one, as the main windows showed a stunning view of the mountains and valleys to the north, a familiar site to any dragons.

"Dinner has already been served, but you may ring to have something brought up if you wish." Jenkins was just finishing the overview. A strange pony that one, Callixis wondered just where Celestia had found him. "Breakfast is served at eight AM sharp except on special occasions. If you do not wish to attend you may ring for food then as well, but expect a delay." Before Callixis could respond the butler had already started heading for the door.

"Um, thanks..." The dragon weakly called out, the end of the day finally wearing him down.

Just before the door was finished closing the grey earth pony poked his head through one last time, "I would recommend you brace yourself, sir."

And with that he was gone, leaving Callixis thoroughly confused. Just before taking a step to try to chase the pony down to ask why, he was thrown off his feet by the force of a very enthusiastic teleport, and barely recovered before he found himself looking up at the face of an apparently very…terrifying…Alicorn.

Author's Note

Art by http://cylnx.deviantart.com/ yet again! Not quite the original plan but I couldn't resist.

Spoilers: this one's OCxOC so don't take everything at face value.

Having said that, it's about time for more hilarity to ensue~

Lemme know what you think ^_^

Can also be read here: http://nikolai60.deviantart.com/