Zikkar the Fearful

Zikkar did not like having his tail burning. Most certainly not. Having his tail burning could mean many bad things. Usually of an uncomfortable nature.

In most cases, he'd left the tip over a fire and only got singed. Other times he'd accidentally set off one of his fellow clan-mates traps. The acid ones were the worst. But his clan-mates were understanding, at least. He might be clumsy, but many times he'd proven that for a runt, he was a powerful sorcerer. Even his teacher was proud of him and his diligent work. Especially all the times he'd left the den and managed to steal knowledge from sorcerers of other races.

But their den master, the dragon Zarath, while young and impetuous, was far more powerful and knowledgeable in the art of sorcery. Zikkar wanted nothing more than to learn those secrets, and so, he had done his utmost to learn what he could from the dragon. But no matter how he pleaded, none in his clan would let him speak with the powerful master. He was still 'too young' to meet the grand being that was both their caretaker and commander.

So he took it upon himself to do so without permission. That was his first mistake.
His second was daring to look in his master's book of magic.
His third was getting caught.
Hi fourth mistake was trying to talk his way out of punishment. After all, he wasn't just going to convince a dragon of all creatures that he was only trying to please them by trying to steal knowledge from them. Not the best idea.

And so, Zikkar found himself running with his tail on fire towards the nearest tunnel, his fear fueled rush making it near impossible to concentrate on the travel spell he had gleaned from the book before he had been interrupted by his master's roar. He knew the spell was beyond his power, but he didn't care at this moment in time. It was the only thing he had that would save him. All his other spells would do nothing to his master aside from anger him further. He was a combat adept, not an illusionist! Even this travel spell wasn't in his realm of expertise...but he had to try.

Beginning the incantation as he ran, he fumbled over the words. He couldn't even perform the hand motions while he ran, but he wasn't so unskilled as to be able to cast without them...it just made it unstable. Nothing dangerous, really. He'd done many spells like this while on the run.

Ok, not like this particular spell, but there was nothing else for it. He felt the lick of his master's flame again just as he made it into the tunnel. Only a few more seconds and he'd be toast. The flames would easily reach him in here once his master decided to just blast the tunnel itself. It was now or never.

He reached into his materials pouch, grabbing the first thing he thought would work with the spell, which was a piece of misshapen metal one of his clan-mates had given him, stating it was from a fallen star. They'd hoped it would bring him good luck. Zikkar had accepted, of course. That clan-mate had supported the runt's desire to be a sorcerer...at least until the tunnel collapse not long after Zikkar had been promoted. He had mourned his friend for a few minutes, as all clan-mates did for close friends, and then gone right back to his studies.

Spinning in place to face his master one more time as he finished the incantation, Zikkar nearly yelled the final words of the spell as he saw, instead of his master's face or eyes, nothing but teeth and maw, the raging fires of destructing bearing down upon him, and the world went white.

*****

"Surely you jest, Auntie! Holding this year's Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville? Why, of all places, would you choose such a, ahem, rustic town?"

The sun shone warmly through the stained glass windows of the historical hall through which Celestia was now walking, each window representing a piece of Equestria's past, though some were rather simple pieces, mostly unimportant to those alive today. The warm, colorful light cascaded across the white fur of the regal pony, the image of a sun blazing across each flank. The golden regalia she wore gently reflecting these colors as well, while her ethereal mane and tail floated as if in an underwater stream, the pastel colors of which took on a strange quality from the light of the glass. Her large wings shifted little as she walked, the white horn upon her head sharp and gleaming, as the Alicorn responded.

"Now now, dear nephew. Every settlement within our borders deserves a turn to host. Ponyville included. Besides, I hear they have a rather talented cake maker there."

A soft snort followed this statement, a unicorn with a coat just as white as the ruler beside him. His own mark a compass rose of gold and blue, with mane and tail of golden hair. Far shorter than the princess, he holds himself with dignity nonetheless.

"A fine pastry does not make a town so great, but if that is what you wish Auntie, I will begin the preparations."

Gracing the muzzle of the princess was a gentle smile, which she leaned down to share with her nephew with a nuzzle.

"That is all I ask nephew. Let me know if you run into any trouble."

The face of the Prince was of awkward tolerance. He hated when she did that, but he'd never tell her such. She was his aunt, after all, and the Princess of Equestria besides. His family may have gained influence through their relation, but he often feared his title was nothing more than a farce. But farce or not, he at least had the influence to actually plan something as big as the Summer Sun Celebration for his aunt.

"I...I will Auntie. You can count on me."

Celestia turned to look at one of the windows, this one depicting an Alicorn just like her spinning around an eclipsed sun with another alicorn of midnight blue and starry mane. Seeing her attention taken by the stained glass, Blueblood left her without a word, plans for the celebration forming as he recalled from his constant ministrations of finances what all was in Ponyville. He wouldn't be able to attend himself, of course. He had too much on his plate in Canterlot as it was, with the parties and other such meetings with nobility on his plate. Not that any of them really mattered. No. The only ponies that mattered in the end was himself...and his Aunt Celestia. She kept the country running, and he made sure to take what weight off her shoulders he could. Anypony else was just a means to an end. Her happiness.

Sitting alone, watching the light shine through the window, Celestia sighed, having turned back after watching her dear nephew leave the halls. She was grateful that he was unlike his family, who had only cared for their status. She was sad that he didn't make any friends, but she could tell his gloating about being a Prince was nothing more than a mask when in noble company. She just wished he'd drop the mask and let somepony in other than herself.

"Oh sister. I wish you were here."

Her reminiscing was sadly interrupted at that moment, as with a bright flash, Celestia found her muzzle draped over by a scaly creature that had fallen from a few centimeters in the air. One that had been rather singed recently, if the smoking tail was any indication. But she did not recognize the creature at all. In her many years of life, nothing such as this had she ever encountered. Gently placing the small reptile upon the ground, she nudged it with a hoof, but got nothing in return. She could hear it breathing, and leaning close enough, she was certain she could hear a faint heartbeat. Nodding to herself, she concentrated her magic, and after allowing a moment for it to form into the pattern of magic she needed, cast her aura upon the creature, healing it of injuries, before lifting it into the air with her more basic magical grip.

"Let's find a room for you, little one, so that I may hear your story when you awake."

And so, Zikkar was taken by the monarch of a leading nation on a continent of quadrupedal sapients...what could possibly go wrong?

Author's Note

Welp, while my other stories are currently tied up, this one just jumped out of nowhere and said 'hey, try me!'

Comment and critiques welcome. I hope this tickles some fancies out there!