Author's Note

Edit: So now that I'm wide awake, and not running on delirium, I went back to try to catch most of my grammar mistakes.
Hmm, I'm glad to see I caught some interest even though the prologue doesn't give much away. But like I said before, that's the point.
I may or may not reformat the script of chapter 1. As I've stated: My original intention for this story remains the same and that is to make it an on going fan comic/doujinshi series.
Because I am insane and I really, wanna ART.
A personal thing; for me I feel I get my points across better in a visual medium,there's just some things I can show better vs. trying to describe it... though some can respectfully disagree or agree. It is what it is.
I really debated over revising the script of the prologue...I really don't like for unfinished 'fics' to be left hanging forever (one of the reasons why I deleted all my fics from ff.net...*eheheh*).
For now, I'll see how this goes.

Also...I really should figure this site out...if I'm going to end up using it...

Prologue: 00

Color the Sky

00: Letting Go takes Courage

She could hear it all, the thunderous boom of a mighty force hitting the city, her city. Swallowing up the screams of fear and panic.

She can feel it all. The unbearable heat of flames encompassing everything in its path. The quaking of the earth as fire shoots like missiles to structures, creating destruction in its wake.

She knew this taste, this smell, of ash and death, she’s known it in years past.

You will know the greatest joys...

This is the battle cry of a great being, a god among gods.

An angry god, made of flesh and scales, of wings, claws, and tail, a being of massive size and great power.

She marvels at the sight, frozen in awe, not from fear but of true wonderment. She knows she too has powers that match the gods, many going so far as to claim her as such. She could end this all but she doesn’t.

She stands, facing this majestic being of great size, eye to eye. Tears unchecked, fall down her face. Her sorrow matches the sorrow she hears in his voice, matches the pain she feels in the unbearable flames of his attacks.

To her, this is no godly beast, but a child.

A child she’s tried so hard to protect, a child she’s failed.

Her child.

Her baby…her son.

She never falters as she sees the final blast come towards her. She will die with dignity and know this as mercy.

And the greatest sorrows…

The world goes dark before blinding light filters into her world. There is no kingdom on fire, no towering dragons flying above the carnage.

Violet eyes take in the large room she’s turned into an office, large bookcase behind her, long curved wooden desk and cabinets. Flowers arranged in vases on small decorative tables in pleasing formations of beauty to give the room a lovely touch.

She blinks her eyes, adjusting to the light of the afternoon sun coming through large windows to her left. Despite the soothing atmosphere, her face is full of distress, her thoughts focused on her fleeting dream.

It’s been a long time since I heard those words.

The echoes of the past, of two sentences she’s known all her life. Her salvation and condemnation, for those words never soothe her, only heighten her worries.

She stretches, relieving muscles and bones of their stagnation from sleeping in an awkward position at her desk. She walks to the sunlight, moving her long curtains further aside to bask in the warmth. A soft smile graces her thick dark rouge lips, she takes a deep inhale of breath before releasing.

A small noise catches her attention. Violet eyes shine bright and her smile grows, watching an interesting scene from down below in the gardens of her home.

And now I ask myself yet again, am I doing the right thing?

Still burdened by her thoughts; she turns from the window, making haste to the exit of her office doors.

You did tell me to follow my intuition and I have done only that over the years…

“We think you’ve done a grand job, Tia.”

‘Tia’ as she’s called by her young sister, but better known by Celestia, turned her attention towards a younger woman who seemed to never age over thirty. Her dark navy curls and jade eyes sparkling with amusement.

Celestia shook her head and sighed, smiling sheepishly at her sister, “How many times must I tell you not to read my thoughts, Luna?”

Luna matched her strides with Celestia’s as they headed towards the gardens. “Afternoon to you as well sister.”

Celestia saw the obvious gleam in Luna’s eyes, her red painted lips showing just how much she enjoyed teasing her older sister. “We have also told you many times to shield your thoughts so they aren’t broadcasted to those that are sensitive to telepathy. Fortunately, most telepaths aren’t as strong to hear your thoughts or have a sister that is an extraordinary telepath in her own right!”

The older sibling chuckled, amused by Luna’s playful use of the archaic ‘We’ and her fondness for gloating about her magical abilities. Of course, her sister’s propensity in telepathy was no joking matter. There were only a few in the world who could match Luna’s level for mind reading.

“I am forever in your debt Luna,” the smile slowly recedes, her brows pinched with worry.

Luna heard the weary exhale of breath from her sister, aware of her troubles, “You don’t have to explain, I already know. Your dream, you’re obsessively worried about nephew, more than usual.”

Celestia’s frown became more pronounced, “It was the first time in a long time, I’ve heard that voice.”

The sisters paused in mid-step, each lost in her own thoughts, the weight and seriousness of that sentence fell heavy on them, “All these years of searching, researching and preparation, I was so sure that everything up to now went right. Why now when things have gone smoothly, do I recall that memory?”

Luna watched her sister, fold her hands together, palms up, deep in concentration. A nervous habit, “The calm before the storm. Naturally, we are reaching a pivotal stage when things will get interesting from now on that relies on the path nephew takes. And I know as well as you do how that person’s prophecies are never wrong.”

“That is what I’m afraid of,” Luna watched her sister begin to pace back and forth, “I feel like we don’t have all the pieces together, a wild goose chase that never ends. As soon as we discover a clue, we’re left with more questions and there’s so much more that needs to be done and–”

A small squeeze on her shoulder stopped Celestia in her place. Luna patted her shoulder in a gesture of comfort, “Take a deep breath and relax.”

Celestia gave no argument as she did just that. When she was done, Luna continued their walk, “Yes, so much must be done, but first, you need to tell nephew about the new changes to his studies.”

A small smile brightened Celestia’s face at the mere mention of her joy. “You’re right Luna, above everything else I need to mentally prepare for another rematch. He’s not going to be happy about this.”

Luna raised a brow, not convinced of Celestia’s reluctance to verbal battle against a moody teenager. The smile on her sister’s face was too bright, too carefree.

“It’s your fault you raised and spoiled a stubborn drake.”

“Come now Luna, you’re making him sound more awful than he is.”

She gave a playful scoff, “That’s because we are not blinded by motherly love where the child can do no wrong. All jokes aside, I think you’ll like to know that Zecora called earlier. She got the paperwork completed.

Celestia’s bright smile lost its luminous flair, “Lovely. I have a bigger rematch to look forward to.”

There was a long pause in their conversation. With so much happening, Luna didn’t want to burden her sister more, “Is this a bad time to bring up politics?”

Sighing, she was doing a lot of that today, “What’s happening in Canterlot?”

“Sir Honor informed me of the usual. Dear Beauregard, being his charming self, slacking off in his studies and causing minor scandals with his female peers.”

Both sisters rolled their eyes. Beauregard, their lovely nephew who goes by the affectionate nickname ‘Blueblood’. A charming fellow if one can get over his…dramatics and uppity attitude.

“Which would be effective? Cutting off his allowance or forcing him to take public transportation for five months?”

“I am fond of public humiliation Tia, if he can gloat about his scandalous popularity in tabloids, I’m sure this will be a walk in the park.”

“Done, next?”

“The consul continues to show that they love to argue for the sake of arguing. Mainly they’re unable to come to an agreement over the plans for the treaty renewal with some of our current neighbors. So far, it’s a majority vote against the renewal but Cadence with support from Mister Pantalon and even a couple of representatives from Ponyville have been putting up quite the fight.”

“I suppose people’s prejudices remain after many years.”

“To be fair, most of the population has gotten comfortable with the status quo and I’m sure the same can be said for the other’s side as well. And while small increments of changes have occurred here and there, nothing’s really changed, no one’s really tried to make an effort to put their foot forward.”

“I know that…I feel like that is partially my fault.”

“Celestia, you can’t always feel burdened by human fallacy, we do the best we can to aid our citizens. Besides, the consul cannot move without our input when it comes to certain matters. I know you don’t like interfering, opting to take a back seat and allow them to make the choices…”

Celestia crossed her arms, “We agreed long ago not to get involved. Life should carry on as if we aren’t here.”

It was Luna’s turn to sigh, “Sister what did I just say about carrying the burden of responsibility?”

Celestia gave Luna a weak smile, tapping her fingers on her arm. It was an unofficial rule they made to stay out of the limelight after many, many years. A safety protocol, let people believe the princesses of Equestria were lost to the sea, to the skies, only memoirs added to the pages of history.

It didn’t stop them from keeping tabs on the happenings within the borders of their beloved country. They could accomplish this with the aid of very trustworthy people. A select few individuals sworn to secrecy, to be their eyes and ears and would give their lives to protect their legacy.

Luna stood, waiting for her sister to eventually cave in. Another few minutes passed and Celestia was giving her that innocent smile, like she didn’t want to intervene, “Another abuse of our influence in the political arena wouldn’t hurt, right? It’s for the greater good and it’s not exactly for personal gain, right?”

“Whatever makes you sleep at night Celestia.”

There was a pout to Celestia’s lips, “We still shouldn’t. Tell Sir Marshal Honor to go ahead with the majority, for now. We’ll need to set a meeting to go over everything, there’s still a chance we can come up with something within the allotted time frame that the consul would be in favor of. For now, I have a teenage Draco to confront.”

The two sisters parted ways, Celestia to her planned destination of the home’s backyard, Luna, to her own personal office.

“I’ll get started on our appointment with Sir Honor,” she paused and turned around, “Oh! Before I go, Cadence said hello and she finally said yes to Captain Shining Armor’s proposal!”

“It’s about time! We must visit her someday!”

Celestia watched Luna turn to go back inside the house. She smiles whimsically as she continues into the garden towards Spike. Coming closer, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. The young man was too immersed in his own world, practicing what she only guessed was a high-level fire spell.

All while burning part of his notes in the process.

A groan and mumbles of frustration caught Celestia’s ears.

“Tch! Oh man, three hours of note taking wasted!” There was shuffling of papers, pens, inks and other paraphernalia as the teen in question sought for a very valuable scroll.

“Ugh, please tell me I didn’t incinerate the scroll as well!”

Celestia couldn’t contain her laughter, witnessing her son’s meltdown over his organized chaos, as he called it, “If you would’ve just listened when I told you to use your computer, you wouldn’t be in this predicament.”

“Mom!” A teenager of average height, wearing ridiculous large thick glasses and a mop of messy long green hair turned around, startled by the voice piercing his little sanctuary.

“Not getting a proper haircut, having a bad habit of doing extensive magic around property that can be easily damaged and destroying another one of Professor Rules’ antique scrolls,” Without trying, Celestia found the scroll, holding it up high, where one can see the burned ends of the old faded out parchment.

“You’ll be a shoe in for the rebel poster child.”

Spike sweated, feeling mortified that he damaged his professor’s scroll on Ancient Draconic Calligraphy used in Spell Casting.

He waved off Celestia’s comments about his looks. Five years and he would think she’ll stop questioning his haggard appearance, “I feel comfortable with my hair like this,” he glared behind his glasses, cutting her off before she spoke another word, “And before you get on my case, I washed it this morning, just because I look like a bum, doesn’t mean I smell like one.”

That statement caught her off guard, “I wasn’t going to say anything.”

“Of course,” he sighed looking at the scroll, “I wasn’t trying to burn a hole through the scroll…or the table but it’s all the more reason why I shouldn’t have any electronics around from accidental set-offs.”

He banged his head on the table, “And I just gave teach more of a reason to flip on me!”

Celestia sat next to him, her back leaning against Spike’s small workstation, “I know we’ve been down this road, but I really don’t understand why you hide behind your hair and these dreadful glasses, you’ve very handsome and only those in this household know what you look like.”

A sudden blush formed on his face. There was embarrassment but also a look of disbelief, like no matter what she said, he could never believe her words. He was recalling a few memories from the rare times he ever did venture someplace beyond the property of their home.

All he can remember was the awkward staring. No one tried to talk to him, but no one tried to run away either. They just stared at him, like they never saw a Dragonborn before and to their credit, they probably never have. But it was at that moment, Spike knew he would rather not deal with the unabashed stares and the long silences. Once the initial shock would wear off, the whispering would start.

Spike pushed his thick frames up his nose out of nerves, “I attract less attention…you know since I have these…” he pointed to his pointed ears, “And my eyes.”

Celestia lightly tapped her son on the head, “You silly child, did you ever think that maybe the staring was because of how handsome you are? Your eyes are gorgeous and you’re not the only human around with ears like these,” she playfully tugged on one of his ears.

He swatted her away, the blush on his face getting darker, “You’re only saying that because you’re my mom.”

“Alright, I won’t tease you anymore, however, I’m very curious to know what you did to upset your professor that he’s making you– relearn fire transfer spells?”

A sigh of resentment and mumbling was all she heard before he spoke, the blood vessels in his face remained constant, “Teach thought I needed more discipline by learning this high tier dragon transfer spell in one of the old Draconic tongues. I thought old Canteltic was bad with its 200-rune alphabet!”

Celestia smiled, looking over his notes, “Ah, the beautiful script of old Yong, if you ask me I think they were overzealous in the art of creating the written word.”

She did well to keep in a snort, recalling buried memories, “I don’t think even the emperors of old knew all 5,000 characters.”

Spike groaned again, “Yeah, well it doesn’t make me feel better that I can’t even decipher between, heat, hot, steam and warm! And I burned his scroll…again!”

A sudden smile that looked almost sinister, touched his face and Celestia swore a twinkle reflected off his glasses. “Unless there’s a special lady that can use her ultra, awesome, get her bestest, favorite and only son out of trouble, restoration spell!”

She laughed and he sulked, “Spike, you know it’s wrong to use magic to cover up our mistakes! That restoration spell is only for emergencies with limitations. And you still didn’t tell me what you did to garner Mister Rules’ anger.”

He couldn’t help but be snarky, crossing his arms. Knowing there’s been plenty of times that mother dearest, used that very spell to ‘get out of sticky situations’ that wasn’t the least of emergencies, “Yeah limitations on most organic things found in nature.”

“Spike…”

Okay, so he likes living, even if his life is that of a hermit, he likes living. Spike likes to believe he falls into the category of those who learn from other’s examples.

His dear cousin, Blueblood, being a prime example of what one shouldn’t do or say to piss off his mother when she said your name with that warning tone in her voice.

He sighed, just when he thought the blush in his face was receding, it grew tenfold. Celestia’s curiosity and smile just made it worst, “Teach thought me asking to study with Moral Compass last Tuesday was an excuse to flirt with his daughter!”

A long string of silence followed that statement. Spike flushed, while Celestia looked nonplussed, “Is that all?”

If embarrassment could kill…He knew, oh gods did he know, his mother was deviously trolling him and she was milking every goddamn second of it.

She didn’t have to say anything, but he knew that innocent, ‘I’ll pretend not to make a fuss because I promised to back off but oh my god, he’s so cute and easy to tease look’ she was giving him.

Another long pregnant pause passed over them.

He caved, blurting whatever came to mind, “Sure, Moral is pretty but I swear! I had no thoughts of flirting on the mind! All I wanted to do was fact check my gem physics essay! I wasn’t that in tune to know if Moral was attempting to flirt…I mean does accidental shoulder and leg bumps count followed by excessive winking? I’m sure Moral is into older guys anyway and Teach is just looking for a way to stress me out! Anyway! I don’t have time to be interested in girls, they’re a distraction! I mean I doubt any girl is interested in me anyway because of well- you know!”

Celestia’s nonplussed façade broke, giving Spike her million-dollar smile, “You’re adorable!”

“Mom please!”

“It’s partially your fault for asking a dedicated educator to challenge you for five years straight.”

Spike sucked in a breath and then exhaled. The conversation was heading in a new direction, one he didn’t want to deal with, “I guess I needed the distraction…”

“Yes, so much you’ve isolated yourself within this house. I admit to being at fault for allowing it, hoping with time you’ll move on, on your own.”

There was hesitation, “And I will.”

“When?”

“In four years. I did the math, when I’m eighteen I’ll have saved up all my allowance to move out and continue internship to help with the company by working at home.”

She frowned, “Leave one home only to do the exact thing in another, just by yourself without anyone around to try to get you to leave. Brilliant plan.”

“I think it’s foolproof, I do what you want by leaving the house and be in my own place!”

“And what happens if something were to happen within that four-year time frame? Anything can happen in four years, Spike.” He didn’t catch the worry on her face, only hearing the unyielding bite of her words, “Your plan is weak. There are always uncertainties of what the future will bring and while your book smart, you can’t function in the outside world by being a recluse all your life.”

He huffed, and this time, a small stream of smoke blew out of his nostrils. He sprinted out of his seat to start pacing about, “Here we go again!”

“Spike!”

“You do this every time and it’s always the same! I’m not going to some school!”

“Yes, you will. This is no longer up for debate!”

“I don’t see how sending me off to a boarding school is any different than me being at home!”

She knew, she, most of all knew why he wouldn’t leave. She had been there…and she hated that she must be the one to force him out of this small barrier he’s surrounded himself in.

“Give me one good reason why you won’t leave this house? You tell me with your own mouth why!” She hated making him say what he’s most afraid of, she knows she can’t continue to coddle him any longer, so many reasons why she had to do this now. There was no more room for excuses.

“At least here I’m assured there’s no chance of a repeat five years ago!”

There’s sudden recognition behind those thick glasses she can’t see beyond but she knows is there. The realization that he finally confessed his fears to her, to himself, warm droplets cascade down his face, “I…I can’t hurt anyone…I can hardly remember anything that happened before and during that time or how it happened in the first place!”

Even with those glasses and that wild green hair that tries to hide him from her, she can see it all. The frustration, hurt and pain, the fear of knowing he did something that can never be forgiven but unable to remember.

Her heart aches, she’s done this, she did this to her child. Before she knows it, she has his head in her lap, brushing her hand through his untamed hair.

The echoes of the past, haunt her subconscious; You will know the greatest sorrows…

Instinctively she holds Spike closer, “I know it’s been hard on you to face what happened five years ago but I can’t allow you to continue in your self-inflicted guilt. It’s unhealthy to let this continue eating away at you, especially when you can’t remember most of it.”

His breath quakes, the sounds of a person, doing their best to stop their crying in order to speak, “I-I never told you, mom…but I sometimes get this dull feeling of pain in my chest like I’ve hurt something special that only belongs to me…”

His hand squeezes her knee, a form of comfort, like a little child, making sure she’s still here, that she’s real.

“I can’t really explain it but whenever I try to think back on that day, that feeling resurfaces and I feel empty.”

Spike can’t see her eyes are wide with shock at the confession. It’s faint, but the voice from a time so long ago is one she can never forget. There’s a feeling of emptiness, a dull feeling of pain…

Amidst her son’s pain, a joy blooms a bittersweetness that makes Celestia hug Spike closer, tighter.

Could it really be?! I’ve always had a hunch…if it’s true, this changes everything! A sad smile sets on her face, she gives Spike’s back, gentle pats, “My poor, poor boy. Why didn’t you tell me so sooner?”

His response is nothing sort of moody, “I didn’t want to bother you,” he sits up, looking her in the eyes, before turning away from shame, shrugging his shoulders, “I’m fine as long as I don’t think about it.”

“Every parent wishes they can shelter their children forever from the realities of life. But that’s a disservice to the child, you’ll never grow up,” she lifts his chin up to look at her, “Deep down I know you miss how things were before that trauma and I know you know things won’t change for you, staying the way you are.”

“I’m scared.”

“I know, but you know I have to let you go,” she hugs him tight before letting go, the symbolism not lost on either one.

He’s resigned, “I’m not going to win this time, am I?”

Celestia shakes her head no, “When you see miss Zecora, thank her for going to the trouble of taking care of everything you’ll need for the new school year.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Giving his shoulder one last squeeze, she gets up to go back inside the house, “I’ll see you at dinner and,” she stops to snatch the burned scroll, “I’ll handle mister Rules and his scroll.”

Spike turned around to his chaotic workstation, eyes wandering while he played with an ink pen, “Hey mom?”

He heard her footsteps in the grass stop. “Let’s do something fun with everybody before these two weeks is up?”

“Yes! Let’s do something fun!”

They didn’t have to see to know, that both had a small smile on the other’s face.

Well, that went better than I thought. It’s almost like he was expecting this.

Celestia groaned, I really need to learn a more powerful spell to shield you out, that was a private affair Luna.

Luna on her end sighed, We can give thy thine spell book sister but thou must learn to cook thine favorite dish without burning the house down.

Luna could feel her sister’s ire, Is there a reason for thou intrusion upon thy psyche?

And just like that, she chose to ignore it. I’m very in favor of nephew’s ideas. Always had a great imagination that boy.

Luna…

You broadcasted again and I got curious. Really, under normal circumstances, Luna cares not for hearing the minds of common men or her sister. But can you really blame her for annoying Celestia, thereby putting herself in the position of making one think she invades their inner minds for her own amusement?

I have a hunch that everything will begin to fall in place once Spike goes to school. If I’m right about the timing of his birth, what happened five years ago than–

What we’ve been searching for all this time was already found years ago! This will change everything sister!

I’m going to call Zecora, some last-minute adjustments will need to be made.

Finally cutting the telepathic link with her sister, Celestia was once again alone with her thoughts, Please, you come to me in dreams after many years with a message from the past, making me remember how you told me to never doubt myself despite the odds.

Clutching her hands to her chest in a prayer, she calls for hope and guidance. Please, I beg of you now to guide me into the right direction.

TBC…