Draconis
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Red like Blood

Draconis

"Change is the end result of all true learning" - Leo Buscagila

Hello there, my name is Draconis.

I used to be a royal Guard.

For Celestia of course, that great princess of the sun. The Alicorn we all feared in our hearts. I memorized so much in the time of being a guard to respect her and treat her like your own mother. That's what all the sentinels were told, to treat the royal family AS family. I was one of the more friendlier guards of the time, helping folks around the palace, cracking jokes to my colleagues, and when the time came to brawl a few stragglers. I could tell the royals loved me for these tiny things i did everywhere around Canterlot, as i was sent to watch over the Throne Room standing right by the lovely Celestia as well as her room. It may have been torture to others, but i enjoyed it. I enjoyed hearing every wise word that was said. She really was a mother to me, even if it was in secret. I laughed when she laughed and drew some tears when she cried and i learned so much. Being a guard for 40 years really changes your perspective about the Princesses.

One glimmering night, i was alone on a breezy shift as usual. Most didn't stay up as long as i did, but i knew to keep time on its toes with my age and never lose vigilance. I heard crying coming from Tia's room, and i was in guilt if i should even check as a low ranking official. I knocked on the door and i heard the dim voice of the Princess through the door, she sounded very drowsy as per usual "Come, come in." I opened the door and saw the blazing fire crackling in the fireplace, the princess herself on a golden pillow with candles lit around her, her hair all tangled. Ripped papers and scrolls scrambled on the floor.

She turned away from the light to hide her tears, even though she talked like nothing was out of the ordinary. "Oh Draconis, anything i can do for you?"

I stepped into the room, stepping into the mess of papers. I took a breath before saying anything "Princess, i heard your crying from outside. You grieving over something, my highness?"

She looked at fireplace, being memorized by the flame. She smirked as she tried wiping the tears from her eyes "Oh no, these are tears of happiness, Draconis. Twilight Sparkle, my student is becoming a steady princess in the empire. She go to the ends of the world to seek knowledge and help others. All these letters, they are from Twilight. It's hard to make me cry, but i do everytime she sends me a letter like the old days." From all my years here, i definitely knew about Twilight. I saw her everywhere, in the papers, from stories, and in the flesh. She never did talk to guards much, but she grinned at me whenever she was visiting, i was around before she was born so i could be trusted and i bet i was considered a 'veteran'.

I took a look at the princess and her candles, she looked so tired but so fierce. Depressed but majestic. Before saying anything, she asked me to sit down.
"She has been my proud student for many years, while you Draconis, you have been in my service for 4 decades now. That's long enough to make kingdoms, break nations and learn about what the world has to offer. Draconis Grey, you are one of my best. Though it never seemed like you ever got rest from your work, much fame." It was always much like that, nobody was famous around here for guarding, we were always just low-lifes in metal plate.

My words were a struggle to say as i didn't expect many to give a compliment, including the Princesses. "Thank you Celestia.. I've always tried my best to serve." Celestia spoke again, softly "You sure have, Draconis. You held your will against the changelings, cleaved away forces in Western Equestria, destroyed countless rebels with just words. You've done so much in what seems to be impossible to others."
"Thank you, my majesty." As i closed my eyes and slightly bowed. "Oh don't call me majesty! You've know me for too long to treat me like that. Been by my side as a comrade, for too long. Just call me Celestia, Draconis." She drank from a teacup she had, and with all these thoughts in my head, i looked at the burning fireplace as she did moments ago. I could see a reflection of myself, beaming hair, a tough beard and eyes like crimson. Yes, i grew grey hair and a beard by the time i was a Senior Guard.

"I will majes- Celestia" As i uttered words from my mouth still looking at the blaze. Celestia blew out candles with her magic until the only light left was the fireplace. "Fantastic inferno isn't it? I've spent most of my life trying to be like it. To be free flowing and kind, warm but dangerous, infinite but ever changing. Anyways it is almost midnight, i think we should both get rest. I am granting you a off this morning Draconis." I stared into her eyes and stood up "I am always in duty, Celestia." Her eyebrow raised in question "But surely, don't you have a home to go back to after shift?" I don't remember much of my family, it seemed like they were never there to raise me up, a forgotten piece of my life. Soon enough i was in boarding school to be trained into a 'soldier' for the Empire.

"No." I answered back turning away from her

Celestia looked confused "Oh? I don't blame you. Prices here have skyrocketed here since Twilight became a Alicorn." I walked to the door feeling embarrassed, still i muttered a few words. "Have a good night, or should i say good morning?" I grinned as she said her farewell and shut the door on me. Leaving me in darkness, i felt like i had gone through my entire life in one sitting.

That early morning, i worked with the blacksmith. He said my touch to blades and metal in the years matched even his. That is why he gifted me a Gladius when i was young to use in combat, the steel blade never lost it's sharp touch against flesh. I named it "Valencia" for brave and used it in many battles ever since then, it seemed to carry me through my darkest moments.

As i began a new batch of metal with Valencia in my handy holster, i heard a few knocks on the wall. I turned from the ebony Anvil and there, Captain Shining Armor was standing there next to the open door watching me, he sure looked mighty. I quickly responded "Hello Captain, what may you be doing here at this hour?" His eyes starred at me, "Well where can i be unless it's talking to you, Draconis? Ha ha. Good thing you ain't dead yet sir!" I talked once more. "Ha, you got that right Shining." Shining always looked up to me as i was a Senior Guard, i had experience more far than others and tricks nobody else was able to master. I continued "I'm workin' on new spearheads if you want to assist." He had a hint of joy, "Thank you, but not today old man. I wanted to ask, if you wanted to come along. The folk have been disturbed this morning." I questioned politely "Disturbed?" He looked outside, seeming to think what to say "Magic, dark magic. Probably a few vagrants but i feel there is more to it."

Me and Armor walked down to the city's market, barely anyone in sight but a few other watchmen. I heard one of them say to Shining "Captain, the magic seemed to have vanished, still traces of the shit everywhere though.. Good to see you brought ol' Draconis along!" I looked at the crime scene, a entire house demolished by powerful magic, green flames coming from the walls and smashed in roof as well as a terrible stench. I briefly said after "Give me information about any unicorn that has green magic in Canterlot as well as the person who lives here, straightaway."

It was time for detective work, and it was never easy. I put Valencia in the green magic, it didn't exactly burn, this sorcery froze the steel and left a rotten smell, like burning flesh. I suggested it was to not burn down the house and any others close by. But why then did they leave the house pretty intact? We scavenged around the odd home, pictures of beautiful pictures around everywhere. It was as disturbing Shining said it would be.. A hard table was in the kitchen, something you would have in your office rather here with blood stained on it. I whispered to myself, "Ah one of those folks, takes pleasure in pain." as we searched around it. Envelopes in every corner, i read one aloud

"Dear Prince I.

I have the packages you wanted, hope you don't take all of it.
-L"

Very short but gave so much, Not many called themselves 'Princes' around here. As i discovered this, the guards rushed back in and handed me a note saying who were owners of this residence for the past decade. "Green, Silver, Velvet.. Ivory. Seems like our Prince" I put the note in my armor and left the wrecked house. Immediately, we went to Princess Celestia to report our findings. She barely had anything on the pony, as like all of us. "Prince Ivory, never heard of that name before. There has been plenty of those in the past. Though not ones with Prince in there name. Hmm, check the Archives."

Canterlot had archives if you couldn't believe it, hidden away from visitor view it tells of every single pony that has walked through and out of the gates. A interesting complex it was, i walked through it many times, looking at the profiles of visitors. It was shaped much like a library but with the features of the ball room. Me and Shining took sides of the massive archive room, still taking us some time to reach a stopping point. From the single file we uncovered, 'Prince' Brisk Ivory was a failed entrepreneur from Manehattan, he always wanted to go back to the shitty place. Getting late, Shining left me alone to finish whatever i could find from there. Something was fishy to me, he had lived here long enough to own a house but there was absolutely nothing about his past. From other letters i found around the Archives, He had black and tan hair, took to poor jobs he could find around Canterlot, and mysterious packages were sent to him the start of each month.

"What a strange fellow." I told myself, but i guess there were many unusual people in Equestria. Everyone had a reason to be how they are, in good, and in bad ways.

I started pondering, was there a file on me in these mazes of information? I never looked because of other guards, but there must have been. Soon enough, i found a whole pile with my name. I was thrilled, i looked into one of the files to see what was written.

Draconis Grey Storm
Age: 56
S: Earth Pony
Height: -
Eyes: Green
Hair: Grey"

It was all there like it was written yesterday, but i looked to see more under.

"Draconis has been in the service for 40 years, he has served in Western Equestria, been in the famous Battle of Canterlot as well as the not known Battle of Crystal Mountains." Ah, the Crystal Mountains. I remembered those simple times. I was a little weak scout back then, the Royal Army had encountered a hybrid fleet of bears that drove us into the snowy peaks. With magic and better equipment we slowly won back the grass land from the beasts, and started a fortress there. Great times. Great ol' times. Great, old times. It was before Twilight was born and when Celestia was still depressed over her sister. We always heard her sobbing at night when a full moon came, i couldn't bare to listen to it before the Mane Six showed up.

As i looked into more files about myself, i heard a whisper go across my aged ear. "Draconis.." I heard that voice from history, i turned around and there he.. was. Standing my the shelf, my old captain, Captain Cluster. Bruises and burns lined his face and bloody helm. As a Royal Guard, about all of us had some kept secret and this was mine. My past coming to haunt me. I wasn't afraid of him, i got used to him after awhile. "What are you doing here?" "You lookin' up files like your old Capt huh? We got to go to battle tomorra, and i hope you are damn ready for it; The Bears are coming hard." I couldn't speak, he just reminded that it wasn't all that fun in the Crystal Mountains. Many of our men died for Celestia including Captain Cluster and his fleet of steel-headed Stallions, just to let us fucking get to the top from the savages below. I wanted to die with Cluster just to serve Equestria, but i never could. It always felt like like i wasted time after.

He continued talking like he would of 35 distant years ago. "Look Drac, look at yourself kid. You are a scout for Luna's sake. You are no warrior, i can see that look in ye young eyes. But you can be in this assault, join us as we march towards those fucking cowards tomorra" I never left with Cluster, and i didn't know if it was good luck i didn't. Cluster was outnumbered, and even if he had strong stallions, he and his men's flesh were ripped and ate by Bears. There bones were mashed.

"Look Draconis Storm, ya got to change! For better or worse, we need Soldiers now, not just simple town folk who know how to fuckin' spy!" Cluster said without care. His chest now ripped open.

I tried speaking "But Clust. You are outnumbered! Just look at your ponies!" The Captain looked into my eyes, i could see the illuminated flames in them. "Outnumbered? You make me laugh sometimes Draconis.. You make me laugh. I'll see who is outnumbered with fire bolts and Stallions on his back. Those damn animals. They will get what they want. " His ghost slowly disappeared into the chasm and i was in full vision again. It was later then before, it seemed like i spent some time talking to the past. After 35 years, i barely kept this secret from all the others, but for what happened, for what i saw after the battle.. i knew i had to keep this phantom at bay to help my Royal status. I knew i had to keep this from everyone.

With that, most would think i had enough torture for one day but i knew i had to get more. With these clues in the Archives, i skipped my late night guard duty for Celestia to ride a train to Manehattan, i was sure our Brisk was there.

It was foggy that next sunrise. As our train road through to Manehattan, passing through wet fields. I drank some black coffee mixed with Scotch and spoke with some travelers as i always did. They always told stories of The Mane Six's recent deeds in the world, as well as others. I wondered if the Mane Six knew about this case at all; they were always quick in this sort of thing, and compared to a old man like me. They could solve this in hours. Though, i wanted this to be my case, no exceptions, I was old and i deserved something.

As we arrived in the magnificent city, the sight was unparalleled to anything i seen in my life, the buildings looked new and streets centuries old. Ponies and colorful lights blinded my senses, i knew i was in a much different world from the one i came from. As it was a huge place, i had some leads from the local officers. All of Equestria's help was united as one, guards, army, and even firefighters helped eachother when it was necessary to. They said to look up way north, so i did. It seemed like ages before i reached anything.

The houses there seemed to be abandoned and lifeless, but one. This residence almost had the exact appearance as the one in Canterlot, and that had my heart beating for damn sure. I knocked on the door, but no one seemed to answer. All i heard was a few distant steps..
Without much resistance, i slashed through the door with Valencia, it wasn't the first time someone disobeyed knocking. A very not lit house, you could barely see anything in the hallways of the place. "Hello? I am with the Royal Guard. Senior Guard Draconis Grey. If anyone is in this house, step out and you will not be harmed." I walked more forward into the near darkness for a minute before i was attacked!- Someone grabbed with me with enormous strength and threw me against the farthest wall. I got a chance to see him before standing up again, a figure in the shadows, cloak and all, with eyes.. Red like blood.

"Ha, who did they send now? Some guard from the palace?" The mysterious figure asked in the darkness. I quickly answered the question while picking up Valencia. "You are Brisk Ivory, am i correct?" The figure sneered "That's Prince to you, you fat rat. " I laughed with blood on my nose "Oh i'm sorry, 'Prince'." We started battling after, and he sure was tough. He never used magic though, which was a benefit. After sometime of battling the figure in the shadow i got a hit into his stomach and i pushed him to the intense sunlight, there he covered his eyes and yelled as the Mid-day sun burned him, a young Unicorn with fangs and claws. He was a vampire. His skin melted quick so i tried to take him back. He pushed me to the floor while his last words were, "You dumb ass, you have no idea what will happen Grey.. ha.. ha" before he swiftly turned into ash. My case worked quick, and i was more than jolly. But i had more questions than coming in. With my scratched armor and sword, i looked around the vacant house. Rushed notes documented this Pony's insanity from thinking he was a Prince of his own kingdom, to wanting to kill the Princesses to have their arms and legs. This Unicorn was starting a rebellion it seemed like, papers of members in his reject clan clipped on every viable wall. The packages were seeming jars of blood from his 'clan' he would use to nurture himself. I left that tomb of a house with grand suspicions Equestria was in serious danger, the crazy man did have a cult after all.

With that done, i road the trains back to old Canterlot. I gulped as i looked back at the large City for one last time, the sight of melting flesh was not a fantastic sight. By the time i got back, it was raining, with the fog being more present as well as the milky moon. The air felt fresh to me, and i was happy once again. The lights from the castle and town lit up like the sun and i was treated to a nice melody, there was a royal feast going on. Feasts happened every month, much like a little grand galla. Princess Celestia with any other Princesses join a feast with royals of the lands and party, it was something everypony enjoyed. From the rain, i reached the heavily guarded doors of the castle and the watchmen let me as soon as they saw me. Guests were partying everywhere, and having a time. I rarely drank and danced, but this would be the place to do it. The best wine lined the tables, and hoofs of the guests. My scarred chest plate moved through the sea of Ponies until i reached the one and only, Twilight Sparkle. She was looking at the horde of company before she turned to me. Her bright eyes peered at me and i was stuck looking at the young Alicorn for awhile, her eyes were sure hypnotizing. I laughed and gave cheer to the event, "Hello Princess Twilight Sparkle, quite a evening isn't it?" She smiled and looked at the party "These events, they are always spectacular in some way. A good time to have fun, with friends and possibly family. They all look so proud, and i'm sure that this night will go well." Twilight had some tears in her eye as she ended the sentence. I ignored it and gave my short farewell, i still needed to talk with Celestia about Brisk and i had barely any time to chat with someone who didn't exactly know me. "Well princess Twilight, i hope you enjoy the feast. I will see you again sometime." She gave a slight smirk and walked away.

I started my trip through the corridors of the extensive castle, the glass panels were always beautiful and under the rain and moon. It was like we were deep underwater. Princess Celestia, not with the guests like she usually was, was staring at the glass with her hair slowly moving back and forth like waves. She was waiting for me to arrive.

I spoke with passion. "Hello Celestia" She turned to me, the moon's light on her pale face. "Draconis, have you solved the crime? I couldn't go to the party if i knew you were dead. Manehatten is a very insane establishment. It's a hellish place. " I closed my eyes and bowed my head "Yes i have found evidence Celestia, your Ivory, he was a vampire. He seemed to have a long hatred against you and he made a rebellion." She waited for sometime before saying anything, then muttered slowly. "I see. A vampire huh? That whole clan must be dedicated to him and if they have enough members, they could attack, and they will. I've survived enough assassinations and Rebels to become smarter, my scouts have been alerted to a big presence coming from the East. I will start by putting troops in the areas not heavily guarded and have all of us start on battle plans." My suspicions were very true and through that night, the feast was over than usual and all the guards seemed to be ready for action, their golden spearheads and armor glimmered in the hallways and streets of Canterlot. It was times like this i slept around, to gain more energy, this time in the kitchen.

"Drac... Drac.." My eyes opened to the same figure i saw in the Archives some time ago. Cluster was there, smiling at me with his mouth now looking like it was falling apart. "It is almost time, for warfare kid. I hope you are ready for it, you scout. The grasslands are crawling with them, like bugs." I tried saying something, but it turned into murmurs. The past Captain responded to this "Huh you want to say something, how we are outnumbered? We will beat them into a pulp, Draconis." He yelled at me as if he wanted everyone to hear him. "We will beat them with our will and honor!" Growing tired, my eyes couldn't stand it and they closed shut. The last thing i heard before falling into a depth of sleep was Cluster "You got to change."

I was awoke by a loud horn outside, it was time for battle and i missed the battle positions. I scrambled to get out into the kitchen and into the seeming empty hallways with Valencia out. It was interesting how many times Canterlot was sieged, even if it was based on a high mountain, you could probably miss out on a battle. I ran through the desolate corridors, while i heard the clashes and sounds of arrows banging on the windows. The rebellion was fierce even if their leader was lousy. As i reached the front door, the sounds of clashes and raging fire was even more clear to me, and all i saw was war and screams.

The sky was red as i stepped out, and blood was already getting on my boots. Ah the air, it smelled like death. Before i knew it i sliced through the maniacs of the vampire's clan, through the legs, the chest and even broke some bones of others. I pushed many to the ground with my scorched armor and stuck Valencia in their mouths. I saw further when fighting.. and couldn't believe what i had saw. Shining was dead, spears and arrows layed his lifeless body and stained armor. Though, i couldn't stop to think about it all. "Fuck" I moaned in my head.

I made tired to make my way to the Equestrian Cathedral for more ground, it seemed the Princesses were fighting somewhere else. The Church was a grand building made for Celestia for worship over the dead. It was also made to be a praise to Alicorns. The place looked extravagant besides the fire and shredded bodies that layed beneath it. I pushed the doors wide open, it was majestic as it always was, but i felt someone else was here.

I looked around the big empty structure and soon enough found another rebellion member, on the stone stairs. "Go fuck yourself" He said to me as he threw knifes. One hit my chest and cheek, one went down my closed eye, creating a horrid scar. As i bled, i was even more blood-thirsty to get my hoofs on him. I chased and fought the damn man off through the cathedral, before he pierced through my shoulder, and cut my leg. I put Valencia in his throat before he could take the final blow but he left me sitting at one of the walls, a pool of blood forming around me. I was starting to think about my life choices but then i looked at one of the glass panels with one eye, there i saw Celestia and Luna, together once again after many years, together after a long struggle. It was change that made me happy inside, even if i was bleeding out on a damn wall.

After some fighting, there was finally silence. I looked at the panel once again to see a grotesque figure watching me. A Alicorn, white as snow, and with hair reaching down to the floor. Her eyes were infinite, i could see all the stars of the night sky in them. She glowed like a crystal in sunlight, almost made of glass. She looked at me with her complex eyes, and i had to stare into the bizarre abyss. "Draconis Storm, that simple guard in Canterlot, someone i need. Do you know who i am?" I was not quick to answer, though i knew it was a being that didn't come from this world. With my bloody mouth, i spoke "I have never heard of you before, are.. are you death?" She grinned and laughed at my question "No, death has it easy. I am Luvenia. The Goddess of the Galaxies."

I shivered and tried to speak "Well why ar-" Before Luvenia interrupted me "Don't waste your breath, you were supposed to die 10 minutes ago. I keep watch and learn from all the alternate universes there are out in the black of dimensions, but sometimes that gets extremely hard. I need your help Draconis." Confused, i asked "With what? I'm a old man!" The Goddess stood tall over my bleeding body. "I am but wings, ears and mouth. I cannot be in everyplace in every interval of time and space. You are perfect for this kind of thing. You watch over people all the time." I looked at my cuts once again, blood lined my armor. "Oh no, no. If i survive this battle, i still have to.. watch over the Princesses uh.. Luvenia." With a serious face, the Alicorn looked stern "You have watched the princesses every day for 40 years, looked at every step they took and every battle plan they planned. You are impeccable for this. Besides, the Celestia of this world is dead."

In the end

I opened my mouth, shaking my wounded head, i really couldn't believe it. The person i sought to protect, gone in one furious battle. All my life and work demolished in front of me and i shed many tears. I tried to put my bloody hoofs to my eyes, but they were too wounded to and i put them back down again on the bloody mess. Luvenia continued without caring "I need your help, Draconis. You really seem to be the only person out of 1000 worlds who knows this much about Canterlot and it's secrets. You will have to give up your identity and share the knowledge you know from the past to me. You can and will have, Infinite power." My mind was disgusted and ripped, i couldn't stop my royal duty, all this time spent wasting here, but what was there left to protect? All of it would haunt me more than Cluster ever did, i was nothing anymore. With my short breath, i struggled to say something "I.. I accept your.. offer." The Goddess looked delighted with my decision. "Well, you must also give up your original form for dimensional sake. But that should not be burdensome for you.. but hmm, what animal?"

After some moments of peace, she answered her own question. "Ah perhaps a cat. They are usually sneaky right? Yes. a cat would be peculiar in this kind of field." She looked at me with a evil grin "Oh don't worry. Your my assistant now."

She casted a compelling spell that blinded my eye. All i felt was pain. Be it from the wounds or the horrible spell, I tried to yell, but i simply couldn't. I was being transformed whether i liked it or not. My Valencia disappeared into the void of pure white, never to be seen again. I looked at my arms in the white light, they were becoming dark purple and smaller, it was pain i had never felt. My memory was pouring like a river of water from my head, i couldn't remember and i couldn't think. After the longest seconds of my life, the void of white light became smaller and smaller until i was back? I didn't feel different, just a lot smaller. My hoofs had became sharp claws and my senses heightened. I still had my scars from the rough battle, it was a nasty reminder of what choice i had made. Luvenia smiled at me, i was now a feline. I was now her assistant. I was now her merchant of Death. The Royal Guard i once knew, i once lived by, died with Celestia. We left, alone and together. In time and in no time. Like fire.

I am now Draconis the Cat. I've been in many places. And as a dimensional seeker, seen all things, most things that will haunt me forever. Time and nature are twisted because of me. My eyes.. they are now red like blood.

Author's Note

I hope all of you enjoyed this Literature of mine, this time focusing on a new character of mine; Draconis the Cat. If you want to support this, write some comments down below and i will gladly read every single one of them!

-Thurnis

Draconis sees everything.