My Little Ponies & Dragons: A House of Friendship

by Seraphias

Rating: teen
Tags: Twilight Sparkle, Violence, Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Comedy, Romance, Adventure
Length: 25040

Ponies has been the guardians and caretakers of Equestria for millennia but dragons are returning to the fold along with a youngling that will aid the Mane Six in the future...

Twilight Sparkle grasps the lessons of friendship with her friends in Ponyville. But, friendship lasts and cannot stand against time. But family does. Follow the Mane Six as they enter a greater experience of their lives with the young Dragons of a faraway land. Through trials and tribulations, they will learn that true friendship and love can transcend beyond their own kind.

Published 2017-12-31 14:20:06 UTC
Last updated 2018-01-15 18:00:13 UTC

1) Stranger From Afar

Chpt.1: Stranger From Afar

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' series or any other ideas that I might have obtained my ideas from…Except for my OCs. Note that asterisk stars (*) at the end of the chapter, refers to facts that can help clarify the terms.

Golden Oak Library, Ponyville...

It was another day in the land of Equestria. The sun was shining brightly as everypony was managing their daily chores. In the Golden Oak Library of Ponyville, the young Twilight Sparkle and her young dragon assistant Spike were getting ready for the day.

Twilight was a lavender-purple unicorn. Her long mane was about the same shade in color with a pink stripe running horizontally through her hair-like mane growing over her forehead in a trimmed look and running down her neck the same way. Her tail was done pretty much the same way in color and kept in the same style. Her eyes were more of a dark purplish-indigo color, and her cutie mark, the natural marking all ponies have on their flanks, resembled a large red star surrounded by multiple white sparkles.

Spike was a lavender-purple baby dragon about half Twilight's size. He had light green spikes starting from his head ending at the back of his head.

As Twilight finished placing the last few books onto her shelves with Spike's help, she glanced out the window with a smile on her face. Just yesterday, she received a new assignment from her mentor, Princess Celestia, to continue studying the magic of friendship in Ponyville and report back her findings. Twilight promises to study harder than ever, much to the delight of her new friends and the citizens of Ponyville.

"Oh Spike. I'm so excited!" Twilight said gleefully, "I can't wait to start the day and learn everything there is about friendship."

Spike smirked and raised a brow, "Says the pony that was so disinterested in it before we came here."

"Hey. Come on, Spike. I didn't know better. But now that I'm here, I can experience it firsthand." Twilight gleamed, "And I can't wait to tell Princess Celestia about all of it."

Spike smiled, "Calm down, Twilight. It's only morning and there is so much to see here in Ponyville."

"I agree." Twilight nodded, "Come on, Spike. Let's head downtown and-..."

"Uh...Twilight?" Spike asked, confused by Twilight's sudden silence.

Before Twilight could answer, she and Spike heard what sounds like a large crowd gathering outside. Curious, the two wasted no time to run out of the library and see what was going on. Every single pony in Ponyville, was staring in the distance. Before Twilight could ask anypony what they were looking at, she saw it. A massive dragon was flying this direction towards Ponyville.

As the dragon flew closer, most of the ponies panicked and galloped straight back into their houses. Twilight and Spike, on the other hand, stayed put and watched as the dragon flew by. It was a purple-colored dragon wielding a golden staff with a violet gem. It was also wearing a necklace with a similar crystal on it. As it flew by Ponyville, Twilight and Spike felt a powerful shockwave hit them. Watching the dragon flying away, she noticed the dragon was heading towards Canterlot, Equestria's capital, before finally vanishing into the city.

"What was that...?" Spike wondered.

"Twilight! Spike!"

The purple unicorn looked behind her and saw her friends galloping and flying over: Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash.

Applejack was a passionate orange-colored Earth pony wearing a cowboy hat, with a blonde mane and tail, green eyes, and a cutie mark with three apples.

Fluttershy was a timid cream-colored pegasus with a pink mane and tail, turquoise eyes, along with a cutie mark of three butterflies.

Rarity was a gorgeous grey-colored unicorn, with curled lavender mane and tail, blue eyes, and a cutie mark of three diamonds.

Pinkie Pie was hyperactive pink-colored Earth pony with dark-pinkish puffed-up mane and tail, cyan eyes, and a cutie mark of three party balloons.

Finally, Rainbow Dash was a headstrong blue pegasus with a rainbow mane and tail, magenta eyes, and a cutie mark of a cloud with a rainbow thunderbolt.

"You saw that, didn't ya Twilight?" Applejack asked.

"Yes. And that dragon just landed in Canterlot."

"What is a dragon of that size doing in Canterlot?" Rainbow Dash wondered.

"Maybe it wanted to party with Princess Celestia and the ponies there and have some fun~?" Pinkie Pie said blissfully.

"Don't be absurd, Pinkie Pie. Why would one of those barbaric flying reptiles want to party?" Rarity muttered.

"Rarity..." Spike tearfully mumbled.

"Oh dear. I'm so sorry Spike. I meant no offense."

"Twilight." Fluttershy whispered nervously. "You don't think it wants to attack the city, do you?"

"I don't think so..." Twilight said looking towards Canterlot, "If it was, we should be seeing smoke coming out of the city by now. Besides, Princess Celestia would have fought back. Also...I didn't feel anything ominous about that dragon when it flew by."

"Well, if that dragon ain't attackin' Canterlot, then what's it doin' there?" Applejack asked.

"I wonder..."

As Twilight began to ponder, Spike suddenly belched out a letter, "Twilight. It's from Princess Celestia."

"Read it!"

The little dragon opened the letter and read,

My faithful student, Twilight Sparkle,

You may have noticed the enormous dragon that flew to Canterlot. I can assure you, there is nothing to worry about as the city is safe and unharmed. However, the dragon's presence in Canterlot is the main reason why I write to you. You and Spike must return to my castle immediately, for I have a very important assignment for you. It concerns about all of the dragons in Equestria and may very well may be imperative about the future of Equestria itself. Be safe on your trip here. I will be expecting you at noon.

Your teacher, Princess Celestia

"Oh dear." Rarity muttered, "It sounds dreadfully urgent."

"She said it concerns all of the dragons in Equestria." Applejack recited, "That sounds a bit more than just 'dreadfully urgent,' Rarity."

"An important assignment, regarding that dragon we saw." Fluttershy said nervously, "Oh...I have a really bad feeling about this."

"Ah, don't be so scared." Rainbow Dash grinned, "It can't be that serious, can it?"

"You know as well as I do Rainbow Dash, when Princess Celestia said something was important then it is IMPORTANT." Twilight let out a serious demeanor, "I must start packing immediately! If this matter is so urgent, then I must depart immediately."

As she turned towards the Golden Oak Library, Pinkie Pie leaped beside her, "Do you wanna take some treats with you? Blueberry? Almond? Or perhaps, Dark Chocolate and Avocado?"

"Thanks, Pinkie Pie." Twilight said, "But I should be back before sundown so I won't be needing too much stuff. Spike, grab a notebook and a quill and my book of spells. We're going to need it."

"Right."

Later, at Canterlot Castle...

In the middle of the day, Twilight and Spike finally arrived at Princess Celestia's castle. Escorted by a castle guard, Spike began looking around and glancing in bewilderment. Something is unnerving him and Twilight noticed her assistant's awkward behavior as she raised a brow.

"Ah...Spike. Is everything okay?"

"Don't you feel that, Twilight?"

"Feel what?"

"The air...Or rather, I don't know..." Spike mumbled, trying to find the right words, "It feels as though there is some kind of energy hanging around here. Ever since we arrived to Canterlot, I've been getting this weird, tingly feeling. It felt like the same kind of energy when that huge dragon flew over Ponyville. It's almost as if..."

"Hmm..." Twilight murmured, "I did felt something back then...Now that you mentioned it, here in Canterlot, it feels even stronger..."

"I know, right?" Spike nodded, "And the mood of the energy is constantly changing."

"The mood?"

"Yeah. Don't you feel different every now and then?"

"Mmm...well..." Twilight pondered, "For a brief moment, I feel anxious then I feel happy, then anxious again, and then...lonely..."

"Yeeaah...I've been feeling the same thing. It's almost as if this strange energy is affecting our emotions or something like that." Spike thought, "Do you think it was because of that big dragon earlier today."

"Maybe. But whatever is giving off this energy, it's definitely coming from this castle." Twilight perceived, "I hope Princess Celestia can answer that."

Finally, Twilight and Spike made it to the throne room, where Princess Celestia was waiting for them.

"Princess Celestia." Twilight smiled as she and Spike approached the alicorn princess.

"Welcome back, Twilight." Celestia said, "I am sorry to pull you away from Ponyville so suddenly but this matter I mean to discuss is crucial."

"I understand. You told me that this concerns the dragons in Equestria. How so?"

"Just a few days ago, we have made a very interesting discovery in the Dragonlands. One of the teenage dragons there possesses powerful magic."

...

"No way!" Spike's eyes widened.

"What?!" Twilight exclaimed in surprise, "How are dragons able to wield magic? According to my studies, the dragons are all massive fire-breathing creatures that uses their size and physical power as their only advantage. There has been no record of any dragon being able to wield magic."

"Apparently, there is now." Princess Celestia said, much to Twilight and Spike's surprise, "I would like you to meet someone. Enter!"

Twilight and Spike gazed at the door and was shocked to see the same purple dragon from before enter. Seeing him closer, it was obvious that he was fairly old with a grey beard, using the staff as a walking assistance while standing on his hind legs. As he approaches, the old dragon smiled warmly and bowed.

"Twilight, Spike. Allow me to introduce you to Dareon, Grand Elder of the Dragons." The alicorn princess gestured, "Master Dareon, this is my protégé, Twilight Sparkle, and her companion, Spike."

"Blessings of the Ancestors be upon you." Dareon greeted with a grizzled tone, "It is a true honor to meet the best student of Princess Celestia as well as a youngling of my kin."

"Hi." Spike smiled, pleased to see another one of his kind.

"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you Master Dareon." Twilight replied in relief.

"Likewise. Now, I believe you wish to know why I am here. Allow me to explain." The old dragon explained, "As Princess Celestia has already told you, we have discovered a young dragon that can wield magic. His name is Daelyn. As a hatchling, his powers became quite evident but it wasn't that major. However, as Daelyn grew older, his connection to magic grew stronger as well. I took him under my wing and tutored him so he can remain clear of the other dragons' eyes. But, without any knowledge about magic, he is unable to control it or harness its true potential. Though I am an elder among my kin and have lived a great many years, I hold no magical talent and I most certainly don't have the wisdom of using it properly."

"Which brings us to the matter at hand..." Princess Celestia said, "Twilight, Daelyn's uncontrolled magical powers has become a problem for the other dragons. Thus, I have accepted Grand Elder Dareon's proposal to allow his apprentice Daelyn to stay here in Equestria so we can help him master his newfound powers. He is currently here in Canterlot right now so I would like you to meet him soon."

"He's here? In Canterlot?!" Spike jumped in surprise, "That's awesome! I can't wait to meet another dragon who's going to be living here."

"Wait a minute?" Twilight raised a brow, "Princess, even if you and Master Dareon say that he is here to learn, who's going to be teaching him how to master magic? You still have your responsibilities as a princess and Princess Luna is still recovering. So, who will teach him?"

...

An awkward silence filled the air as the Dragon Elder and Alicorn Princess stared at Twilight. It didn't take long for the purple unicorn to realize where this was going, "You...can't be serious...?"

...

Another moment of awkward silence confirmed Twilight's suspicion, "Princess Celestia! I'm still technically a student learning under you! I can't teach someone else magic! I'm not ready!"

"I wouldn't have chosen you if I didn't find you worthy. Also, I believe having Daelyn living with you and the others in Ponyville will be an extraordinary experience for all of you in the future." Princess Celestia explained, "I gave you an earlier assignment to learn everything there is about friendship. Now, while you train Daelyn in magic, I want you to learn about friendship with him."

"Learn with him?"

"Consider this, Miss Sparkles." Dareon said, "Daelyn is the only one among his kind to hold this power. Most of the dragons fear him or sees him as an outsider. Though he finds comfort within my company, he will eventually have to live among other dragons on his own. But at this rate, he will be mentally isolated and it can severely affect his grip over his powers. It is putting an uneasy strain on him. As such, I wish that he can learn to be a true dragon while knowing the feeling of living among those who can share his feelings."

Twilight comprehends where Dareon is going, "He needs friends..."

Dareon and Princess Celestia nodded.

Twilight pondered it for a brief moment. This a huge endeavor. She has to teach someone how to use magic, a dragon on top of all of that. As crazy as it all sounds, Twilight recalls what Dareon just said about Daelyn. This was something she cannot simply say no. If she refuses to help him cope with his magic, that would every purpose for a pony who wish to make good friends.

With a determined look, Twilight spoke, "I'll do it. I'll train Daelyn."

Immediately, a big smile appeared on Dareon's face, "Thank you, Miss Sparkles! You have no idea how much I am grateful for this!"

"D-Don't worry." Twilight said nervously before regaining her composure, "I'll do everything I can to help make Daelyn the best as he can. I won't let you all down."

"Now then," Princess Celestia said, "I think it's time we introduce Twilight to her new stu-"

"Your Highness!" A royal guard suddenly barged into the throne room in a panic, "We got trouble. The young dragon, Master Dareon brought with him, has...has...He's left Canterlot!"

"What's that?" Princess Celestia exclaimed in shock.

"That...blasted little runt!" Dareon palmed his face in embarrassment, "He never stays still!"

"Were you able to find out where he went?"

"Yes, Your Highness. We saw him fly off. He appears to be heading for...Ponyville."

"Ponyville?!" That wasn't good news and Twilight knew it. Other than Spike, all dragons, in general, were seen as aggressive primitive monsters and having a young one running around in Ponyville can cause a panic and it spells disaster, "Come on, Spike! We need head back to Ponyville before everypony gets any funny ideas about our new neighbor!"

"Right behind you!"

And with that, Twilight and Spike darted out of the throne room and heads for a carriage to take them back to Ponyville. Meanwhile, back with Dareon and Princess Celestia, the two watched as the purple unicorn and her dragon companion departs.

"She is every bit as determined as you say. Miss Sparkles and Daelyn will get along nicely." Dareon grinned.

"I hope so." Princess Celestia said, glancing out of the window, watching her student and her companion depart, "I can only hope that the other ponies will accept Daelyn. Many ponies in Equestria doesn't see dragons in a good light."

"Fear not, Princess." Dareon reassured, "If anything, Daelyn is versatile and can adapt to changes, slow and fast. And with your bright young student helping him, I am certain he will do fine."

Princess Celestia nodded as she and the Dragon Elder glanced out the window, hoping for a bright future for both of their realms.

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville...

At the very top of the town hall, a certain dragon was scaling the town. Glancing at the ponies below, he can see the timber-framed cottages with distinct thatched roofs and overhanging upper floors, a schoolhouse, a train station, a clock tower, theater, and marketplace. He also sees the more commercial infrastructures including the Sweet Apple Acres, the Sugarcube Corner, a day spa, a boutique, and a house shaped like a tree.

With a grin on his face, Daelyn was ready to explore his new home, "Today is the day."

To be continued…

Next Time:

Chpt.2 - Enter the Dragon

Twilight and Spike returns to Ponyville to ensure that the young dragon, Daelyn, doesn't cause any trouble. Meanwhile, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash are experiencing some strange events happening all over Ponyville and are determined to to know what's behind it all. Will Twilight succeed in preventing something serious from happening in Ponyville...?

Here are lists of characters that are introduced so far:

Dragons

Daelyn - Voiced by Brina Palencia

Grand Elder Dareon - Voiced by James Earl Jones

Spike

Ponies

Twilight Sparkle

Applejack

Fluttershy

Rarity

Pinkie Pie

Rainbow Dash

Princess Celestia

Author's Note

Hello everyone, Seraphias here. I am proud to be a MLP fan! I never liked the other two MLP series but the FiM series changed my view completely. The only thing I didn't like about the series was their way of portraying dragons as simple-minded jerks. Still, I've always loved dragons. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this first chapter.

And as always, review for anything including holes & errors, as well as possible improvements. Also, I welcome new ideas anytime. It will inspire me and prevent writer's block from happening so don't be afraid to share! See ya!

2) Enter the Dragon

Chpt.2: Enter the Dragon

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series or any other ideas that I might have obtained my ideas from…Except for my OCs. Note that asterisk stars (*) at the end of the chapter, refers to facts that can help clarify the terms.

Early Afternoon

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville...

The family farm and orchard home to Apple family was a prosperous place to be. The property contains a farm house, a barn, and several fields of various vegetables. But the apple orchards are what it's most famous for. And right now, the apples have all grown in every tree, almost all of them have turned red, and are ready to be picked. Applejack, her big brother Big McIntosh or Big Mac, her little sister Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith are all ready for another great season of of harvest.

"Alright ya'll!" Applejack cheered, "Let's grab em' buckets and let's start applebuckin'!"

Immediately the entire family went to work...except Granny Smith due to her frail age...Big Mac went to gather hitch a wagon and grab all the buckets they can. Meanwhile, Apple Bloom went into the apple orchards and began marking each tree that are ready to be harvest using straps of red ribbons. Within the hour, Apple Bloom has finished marking the trees in the first orchard with many of them ready, but upon reaching the second orchard she stumbled upon something odd. Before long, she ran back to the farm and alert her sister.

Applejack was with Big Mac with wagons of buckets until Apple Bloom came galloping, "Applejack! Big Mac! Come quick! Ya'll gotta see this!"

"What's goin' on, Apple Bloom? Are ya finished markin' all the trees in all them orchards already?"

"No. That's just it!" Apple Bloom jumped, "Somepony has already marked them for us!"

"What's that?!"

"You need to see em', sis!"

Applejack turned to Big Mac, "I'll head off to the other orchards and see what the fuss is about. Can you handle the first one?"

"Yeup."

With that, Applejack followed Apple Bloom towards the other orchards. Needless to say, once they got there, Applejack's eyes went wide open.

"What in tarnation-...?"

Gazing at at the orchard, Applejack noticed that almost all of the trees each had three apples carved onto the trunks. And those very trees have apples ready to be picked.

"Ya see, Applejack?" Apple Bloom said, "When I got here, all the apple trees have been marked and it's not just this orchard either."

It didn't long for Applejack to know what her sister was saying.

"Apple Bloom, are you tellin' me all of them orchards have marked trees?"

"Yeah. I went to every apple tree I can find and all the ones ready to be picked are marked."

Bewildered, Applejack loosened the wagon she was pulling and walked over to observe one of the marked trees. The carvings was neatly done and they look quite similar to her cutie mark. Fortunately, the carving didn't seem to harm the tree as it only penetrated the most outer layer of the trunk.

"That's awfully strange." Applejack muttered, "Who could've been able to carve all of this?"

"Well," Apple Bloom said, "At the very least, this makes our job much easier."

"I guess..." Before Applejack walked back to wagon to grab a bucket, she noticed something on the ground, "Hey now...What do we have ere'..."

Looking closely, Applejack noticed a large footprint embedded into the earth. Glancing around, the footprints can be seen near every marked tree and from first glance, it was obvious whoever did this had sharp claws.

"I need to get to the bottom of this."

Later...

When break time came for her family, Applejack managed to place one of the footprints into a glass container and took it directly towards a cottage outside of Ponyville next to the Everfree Forest. There, Applejack knocked on the door and hoped the one she was seeking was home. The door opened and Fluttershy came out.

"Oh hello, Applejack." Fluttershy greeted, "Is there something I can do for you?"

"Yeah. I got something here that I need to show you."

"Oh, please come in."

Applejack entered Fluttershy's home which was filled with different small animals, including Angel, Fluttershy's pet bunny.

"So what can I do for you?"

"I was hopin' you can explain this." Applejack took out the glass container and showed Fluttershy the footprint.

At first sight, Fluttershy's eyes widened, "Applejack! Where did you find this?"

"In my family's apple orchards. We were gettin' ready to harvest our apples and we saw em' all marked. I found this footprint along with others all over them orchards. Do you know who's it is?"

Fluttershy shook her head, "I'm sorry, Applejack. But I have never seen this footprint before until recently. Just before you came, I was wondering the same thing myself."

"What do ya mean?"

"You see, a few yards away from my home, a group of groundhogs, badgers, and moles are trying to dig underground tunnels for themselves to prepare for the coming winter. Since every other ponies were busy, I was going to grab some tools to help the animals remove the hard minerals and gems that are discovered in there. It took me a while to get them all but when I returned, the tunnels have already been dug."

"Seriously?" Applejack raised a brow in surprise.

"Come and see."

In few minutes, the two headed over to the hills. Sure enough, they see the tunnels stretching out to long distances while the burrowing animals are making themselves at home.

"Well, I'll be..." Applejack mumbled in surprise.

"Yes. And look here." Fluttershy led Applejack over to one of the entrance of the tunnels and the two saw the same footprints that Applejack's farm, "I don't know who did all of this. And I'm trying to figure out who, so I can thank him...or her for helping these poor animals."

"Well," Applejack said, "I guess we're on the same page."

Glancing at the landscape, she galloped over the edge of the area and noticed the tracks are heading else where, "It looks like whoever did all this was heading for Ponyville. Come on, Fluttershy. Let's go find this stranger."

In Ponyville...

At the Carousal Boutique, Rarity was just finished organizing her belongings after hours of decorating her outfits. She was feeling quite pleased to be able to complete them. Now, she can focus on seeing them to anypony who enters her shop.

"Hello! Rarity! Ya'll here?"

"Oh." Rarity jumped as she sees Applejack and Fluttershy enter her shop, "Welcome, may I help you two with something?"

"Well," Fluttershy began, "We were wondering if you had any...unusual customers recently."

"Unusual?" Rarity murmured, "Not that I recall, I was busy managing my outfits that I plan to sell. They look absolutely fabulous today. And I have you to thank for it, Fluttershy."

"Wait, me?"

"Of course. You were the one who sold me those glamorous gemstones not too long ago. They fit perfectly with my garbs."

...

"Umm...Rarity, I never sent you any gemstones..."

Rarity blinked in confusion, "What are you saying, dear? The delivery pony today dropped off a bag of gemstones here and he said it was courtesy from the animal caretaker, which is you, Fluttershy."

"But, Rarity. I really didn't send you anything. Truth to be told, I didn't have any gemstones."

"What?"

"Hey now..." Applejack uttered, "Fluttershy, you said earlier that you were going to help those burrowing animals to build tunnels because there were hard minerals and gems underneath they couldn't dig through. Could it be that the fella who made those tunnels gave those very gems to Rarity."

"Maybe." Fluttershy whispered.

"What are you ponies talking about?"

"Look, I'll explain from the beginnin'."

Applejack told Rarity the whole story about the carvings on her apple trees, the tunnels dug near Fluttershy's home, and the footprints that were found.

"-Then Fluttershy and I followed the tracks to here to your boutique." Applejack finished.

"Odd." Rarity uttered, trying to recall the day, "I don't ever recall seeing a customer with that kind of footprint today...Now that I think of it, I didn't meet the one who delivered those gemstones."

"Then who did?"

"Sweetie Belle..." Rarity muttered, "Sweetie Belle!"

Rarity called her little sister over. Sweetie Belle was filly that approximately the same age and size as Apple Bloom.

"Dear sister, did you happen to see the individual who delivered those gemstones?"

"Actually, I didn't." Sweetie Belle answered, "At least not his face. He was wearing a robe over himself so I couldn't see what he looked like. But he did take some decors and cloth with him as payment."

"I see." Fluttershy murmured.

"Thanks for tellin' us this, sugarcube." Applejack said as Sweetie Belle left, "Well, I guess we should get goin, Fluttershy. We still need to find whoever this is."

"Now, hold on." Rarity called out, "If you are going to go and thank whoever helped you, then I'm coming too."

"Alrighty then. Let's get goin'-"

"RARITY!" A sudden scream caught everypony by surprised. It was Pinkie Pie and she was leaping up and down with joy, "OH THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU FOR THE DECORS! THEY'LL LOOK ABSOLUTELY PERFECT FOR FUTURE PARTIES I WILL PLAN~!"

It didn't take long for the three ponies to piece together what was going on.

Applejack asked, "Pinkie Pie. Did the fella who delivered the decors to you had a robe covering him?"

"Yup~!"

Fluttershy was next, "Did he leave behind unusual footprints outside Sugarcube Corner?"

"Yup~!"

Rarity spoke last, "Did you notice anything strange about him?"

"Nope~! Other than having a long scaly tail sticking out underneath his robe, there was nothing strange about him~."

...

"Footprints with claw marks..." Applejack mumbled nervously, "A long scaly tail."

"Could it be?" Rarity uttered, worried.

"You don't think it's a-" Fluttershy shivered.

"DRAGON!" Before anypony could say it, Rainbow Dash came flying into Rarity's boutique, panicking, "Dragon! I saw a dragon! He was wearing a robe and disguised himself as a pony from Ponyville. And he stole some of Rarity's decors and Pinkie Pie's cakes into the Everfree Forest! And he-!"

"Whoa! Whoa! Take it easy, Rainbow Dash!" Applejack yelled, trying to calm the Pegasus down, "You said you saw a dragon?"

"Yeah. I was doing my daily patrol in the sky when I noticed this dragon was pulling a cart of objects. When I got a closer look, I saw that they were things that belonged to Rarity and Pinkie Pie. So I-"

"Please tell me you didn't face him." Rarity inquired.

"I did. I had to! I mean, he stole those things from you, didn't he?"

"No." Pinkie Pie grinned and shook her head, "He didn't steal from us, silly~. He brought us some things we liked and we gave him some of our stuffs as gifts."

...

"Really?" Rainbow Dash uttered in disbelief, "I thought he was..."

"Wait. Rainbow, did you say he was heading into the Everfree Forest?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yeah. And he was taking a cart full of stuff in there. When I confronted him, I suddenly felt dizzy. And when I regained my balance, he disappeared into the forest."

"Wha-...Who in their right minds would ever consider going in there?" Rarity said.

"Doesn't matter. We need to go in there." Applejack said.

"What!?" The other ponies exclaimed.

"Are you crazy, Applejack?" Rainbow Dash shouted, "Who knows what he'd do? He might burn us at first sight! Besides, how are we suppose to find him in the Everfree Forest?"

"Oh, tish tosh, Rainbow Dash." Rarity frowned, "Say what you want, but that dragon has helped all of us today...Well, almost all of us. Anyway, what kind of ponies are we if we let him get hurt in the forest. What would Twilight say about it?"

"I'd say we go help him out~." Pinkie Pie cheered, "I mean, how bad can he be? It's not like he flew here to Ponyville, spew fire and burned the rown, then swiping all of our stuff before taking the loot to his lair."

"Yeah, but-"

"I think we should go..." Fluttershy whispered.

"You too, Fluttershy?"

"I mean, he hasn't done anything mean to anypony here yet...And Pinkie Pie is right. If he wanted to hurt us, he would done so..."

"Then it's settled." Applejack said, determined, "We're goin' into the Everfree Forest. And find this dragon."

"Sigh...Fine." Rainbow Dash furrowed a brow, "Don't say I didn't warn you."

The five mares left Rarity's boutique and began heading for the Everfree Forest. But just at the edge of Ponyville, they spotted two friendly faces.

"Twilight! Spike!"

The purple unicorn and her dragon companion were surprised to see their best friends here.

"Girls! What are you all doing here?"

"We were going to ask you the same thing?" Rarity said, before noticing the obvious dragon footprints on the ground leading out of Ponyville, "Twilight, are you and Spike also looking for that dragon?"

"Dragon?!" With wide eyes, Twilight and Spike glanced at each other, "You're looking for Daelyn?"

"Daelyn?!" The mares questioned.

...

"Let's start from the beginning."

Later, in the Everfree Forest...

While trudging through the forest, Twilight and Spike gave everypony the rundown on what transpired at Canterlot while the mares explained about the strange occurrences that have been happening throughout Ponyville.

"So let me get this straight." Applejack started, "This old dragon, Dareon, wanted you to teach this young dragon, Daelyn, to learn magic while staying here in Ponyville?"

"That's right." Twilight said, "Back in his home, all the other dragons kept giving him the cold shoulder and Daelyn has not been able to make a single friend out of any them. I promised to Princess Celestia and Grand Elder Dareon that I will give him my full support. When I heard he disappeared and started heading for Ponyville, I got worried."

Spike spoke up, "We were afraid that his sudden appearance would cause a panic in town so came here as fast as we could."

Twilight then raised a brow, "I'm surprised though. You girls seem really determined to see him."

"Well, he did help us in a way." Rarity said, "You can't expect anypony, me at the very least, to simply disregard someone for providing such gorgeous gemstones."

"...It's just that," Twilight muttered, "I thought you'd all be scared of him..."

"Scared? Come on!" Rainbow Dash smirked, "Nobody would be scared of a dragon at that size."

Spike frowned, "Well, aren't you full of yourself..."

Fluttershy then spoke softly, "To be honest, judging by the way he's been helping us, I think it's safe to say he's scared of us."

"Scared? Of us?" Pinkie Pie questioned.

"Yes. Think about it. He avoids being seen all day and wore a robe to cover himself when he delivered those stuff around town. He clearly knows his appearance will disturb the other ponies so kept himself mostly hidden."

"Fluttershy's right." Twilight said, "Daelyn's experience with the other dragons made him feel unwelcomed. He must have been afraid that same thing will happen here, which is why..."

"...Which why he did all of those things for everypony so that they would know he wasn't a terrible." Spike finished.

"Then that gives us more of a reason to find him." Applejack said, "Let's do it quick and get back to Ponyville. It's gettin' dark and the Everfree Forest is more dangerous at night than day."

*SNAP!*

The group was suddenly unnerved by a snapped twig in the bushes. Sensing danger, the the ponies and Spike were on high alert.

...

For several daunting seconds, they were all staring into the wilderness, awaiting what was nearby...Suddenly, a familiar but foul odor could be smelled.

"Timberwolves..."

Just as Spike murmured, ominous green eyes began appearing in the shadows and a pack of thirteen timberwolves appeared and began growling at their eventual preys.

"Umm...Twilight..." Spike said nervously, "Should timberwolves be this close to the edge of the forest? I thought you said they live deep within it."

"That's what I thought too. But...RUN!"

Without hesitation, the ponies and Spike began running with the timberwolves hot in pursuit. Twilight and Rarity tried using their magic to hurl objects at the wolves only for them to easy dodge them. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash did the same by knocking over large rocks to no avail. Finally, Spike noticed a large cave up ahead and shouted, "In there, come on guys!"

The mares followed Spike, galloping or flying into the cave. Once inside, they hid behind large rocks for cover. Suddenly, there was a-

*GROOAAR!*

A thunderous roar echoed in the cave. The timberwolves clearly heard it and have completely stopped in their tracks and began backing away from the entrance. Much to the ponies' shock, the timberwolves sniffed the air and quickly gave up their chase and ran off.

"Why did anypony here that roar?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Indeed. Thankfully, it seemed to have drove those timberwolves away." Rarity said in relief.

Applejack had doubts, "The roar is what stopped them. But something else made them run."

Curious, Twilight picked up what Applejack was saying, walked closer to the entrance, and analyzed it. Activating her magic on her horn, she carefully observed. To her surprise, she noticed wave-like particles floating throughout the cave, "This energy...Spike! Do you sense that?"

Spike quickly picked up what Twilight was sensing, "Yeah...It's the same energy we felt at Canterlot today!"

"He's here! Daelyn's in this cave!"

"Wait a minute!" Rainbow Dash called, "What are you two on about?"

"When Spike and I went to see Princess Celestia, we noticed this energy around the castle. It felt both vibrant and bleak, like it was fluctuating at a random pace. It seemed to also influenced our emotions as well."

The ponies glanced at each other confused before Applejack asked, "Meaning?"

"Meaning the dragon, Daelyn, is here in this cave!" Twilight explained, "I'm certain me and Spike felt his presence at Canterlot before he left, now we're feeling it again in this cave."

"Twilight!" Spike called, "Look, footprints."

As Spike said, the same footprints the ponies saw all day was leading straight into the cave.

"Come on, girls." Twilight said, lighting up her horn, "We need to head inside."

"Are you sure?" Rarity asked, "The sun has setted and I don't think staying in a cave is a good idea."

"Going out there and getting eaten by timerwolves is much worse, you know." Pinkie Pie smirked.

"Pinkie's right." Twilight said, "We have to keep going."

The ponies followed the footprints deeper and deeper into the cavern. In most cases, ponies would get increasingly anxious. But for some strange reason, the deeper they went, the more soothing the air was getting. Finally, they spotted a glowing light at the end of the tunnel.

"Look, that must be the exit."

The ponies galloped towards the light as quickly as they could. Upon reaching it, what they saw at the end of the tunnel astounded them. The darkness was suddenly brightened by a massive underground spring in a wide cavern. With plants at almost every corner of the vast open space along with several shrubs. At the center of the cavern ceiling, a large circular opening reveals the starry sky above. Several large crystals of various colors are glowing in different parts of the cavern as well. (1*)

"Wow..." Rainbow Dash murmured.

"Pretty..." Fluttershy agreed.

"My goodness...!" Rarity gleamed, "I never would've imagine to see something so beautiful beneath the Everfree Forest."

"No kidding~!" Pinkie Pie cheered, "I bet I can even set up an awesome party in this place."

Applejack smirked, "Honestly, you'd have a better chance makin' cupcakes than gettin' ponies to come near to the Everfree Forest."

While the ponies observed the cavern, Twilight took the chance to inspect the surrounding space for the energy. Sure enough, it was immense within the cavern. To her surprise, the nature within the cavern seemed to be reacting to the energy as well, like they was growing strong due to it. Tracing the source, she finally managed to pinpoint it...coming closer to them from above!

"Up there!"

As all of the ponies glanced at the opening in the ceiling, a flash of light flew in and it bolted across the spring towards the ponies. Stunned, the ponies closed their eyes until the light finally dimmed down before them. Opening them, Twilight laid her eyes upon the one they were searching. Daelyn the Dragon, with his wings open, was hovering before them. He gently landed on the ground allowing the ponies and Spike to get a better look at him.

Daelyn stood tall on all four legs as the ponies are about two-thirds of his height. He had platinum-colored scales with a few specks of bluish scales. He had two golden-colored horns at the top of his head and one above his snout along with golden spines, a yellow hard underbelly, four golden claws on each feet, a tail with two golden hooks. He had platinum wings with golden shade underneath.

The dragon furrowed his brow slightly which caused most of the ponies be on alert, while Fluttershy hid behind Rarity in shivers.

Finally, he spoke, "Here I was preparing myself a place to rest when I already have visitors. Are you from Ponyville?"

'What a soothing voice...' Twilight thought, "Yes, we are. I apologize for entering uninvited but we were all worried when you were spotted heading into the Everfree Forest."

Daelyn glanced at Rainbow Dash, knowing she alerted them, "Worried?"

"Yes. Allow me to-"

"Ooo~!" Pinkie Pie galloping up to Daelyn, much to his shock, "So this is what a teenage dragon looks like~! I was curious as to see you after spotting your tail at Sugarcube Corner!"

"Pinkie Pie! Calm down!" Daelyn was astonished by the pink pony's behavior before Twilight spoke up again, "Anyway...Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Twilight Sparkles. And these are my friends Applejack-"

"Howdy, ya'll. It's a pleasure to make yur acquaintance."

"Fluttershy-"

"U-um...H-Hello, it's...nice to meet you..."

"Rarity-"

"Hello, Daelyn dear. I am proud to finally meet you."

"Pinkie Pie-"

"Hello~! Hello~! Pinkie is my name~! Pie is my game~! If you need anything fun for all, you know the pony to call~!"

...

"I believe you already met Rainbow Dash-"

"What's up?"

"And last but not least, this is my #1 companion, Spike."

"Hey there." Spike grinned.

Daelyn simply stood there with wide eyes for a few good second before grinning and began to chuckle. The ponies all glanced at each other in confusion.

"What's so funny?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Haha. I'm sorry." Daelyn regained his composure, "I'm just not use to this kind of introduction. The last time...I had one this heart-warming was when I first met Grand Elder Dareon. And that was years ago...Anyway, it is an honor to meet all of you."

The young dragon bowed his head low to the ground.

"Daelyn, you may not have known this. But Princess Celestia and your Elder has asked me to be your mentor in learning magic. I believe with a little research and hard practice we can get your powers under control in no time."

At the mention of that, Daelyn's expression grew disheartened, "That's not possible."

"W-What? Why?"

Daelyn laid next to the sping and gazed at his own reflection, "The magic that I possess is not like anything seen in Equestria. It's not the same as the one used by unicorns and it most certainly isn't anything similar to what Princess Celestia possesses. I have little to no control over this power as its energy floats around me like a stench on a corpse. Dareon always told me that being unique is a gift. Well mine is more of a curse. A curse that drove the other dragons to avoid me."

"Ah, hold on." Rainbow Dash said, flying over to Daelyn with a sympathetic look, "Is it really that bad? I mean, you may have something they don't but that doesn't mean you're a freak or anything, right? I mean, you did some good stuff for my friends in Ponyville, right? That means something. Besides, I bet it was you who did that roar and scared off those timberwolves. That was pretty awesome."

"She's right, Daelyn." Applejack said, "You helped my sister with the orchards and did it without asking anything in return."

"Also..." Fluttershy spoke softly, "You helped some of the animals to make their homes. I'm sure you did that out of kindness, average dragons would not have bothered."

"Of course." Rarity chipped in, "For a dragon to give up such gems so easily, I cannot bring myself to see you anything but pleasant."

"I know, right~?" Pinkie Pie agreed, "On top of that, you're not the first dragon friend we have met. Spike here is a dragon and he's a friend. You are just as much a good friend as well."

"A friend?" Daelyn blinked.

"Daelyn." Twilight called, "Did you made yourself a place here in this cavern because you are afraid of showing yourself to the ponies out there."

After moment of silence, Daelyn nodded, "As a dragon, I know our kind was never well-liked among ponies. Since I'm a freak among dragons, I seem less qualified to live among others. Even if I do manage to control my powers, the fact that I still have them will not make any other dragon feel more comfortable."

"Don't be ridiculous." Twilight raised her voice, stunning the young dragon and the other ponies, "I know things have been difficult for you. Though, I may not understand the pain you are going through, I know for a fact that learning how to control your magic is not the thing you need the most. What you do need is a place to call home, a place where everyone accepts you for who you are not what you are."

"Hmm..."

Twilight continued, "If you stay here in this cavern, you will never be able to be better than what you are now. Come with us to Ponyville. We'll let everyone know about you."

"Are you certain that is wise?" Daelyn inquired, "The other ponies may not accept me."

"So what?" Spike spoke up, "I'm a dragon and they seemed okay with me...Granted I am mostly a harmless baby dragon but still...Even if they feel a bit off about you, you'll find a way around. I mean, you managed to help a few ponies with something and they like you so why not the others?"

"Spike's right, Daelyn." Twilight grinned, "Give everypony a chance and I promise you, as your teacher and your friend, we will help you pull through."

Gazing at the other smiling mares, Daelyn pondered. Twilight had a valid point. His elder brought him here to solve his magic problem but perhaps, he can deal with the greater issue at hand for himself...And find somewhere he can truly be happy.

With a warm grin, Daelyn stood up, "Perhaps coming here was not a mistake after all. Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash. I would be honored to be your...friend."

With a collective approval, the ponies accepted.

"Now that that's settled we should head back to Ponyville."

"Not a good idea." Daelyn said, "I only got here today but I can tell the Everfree Forest is filled with vicious predators at night. I bet those timberwolves aren't the worst. Why don't you ponies stay here in this cavern for the night? I owe it to all of you."

"Well, it is pretty dark outside." Rainbow Dash shrugged, "Might as well."

Daelyn nodded before walking along the edge of the spring, "I'll start setting up additional mats for everyone from the materials I acquired at Miss Rarity's boutique. Help yourself with some cupcakes I got from that bakery Miss Pinkie Pie works."

"Ooh~! A slumber party in an underground spring~!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

The ponies followed the new dragon friend to another side of the spring where the provisions he carried in earlier was there. As everypony...and dragons help getting set for the night. Twilight took out a quill and paper from her pack and began to write.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today, my friends and I have made yet another companion. One who needs a friend for a very long time. I am glad that they accept Daelyn after witnessing the things he has done for them today. Friends truly come in all shapes and sizes, for it is never right to judge someone from what they appear to be. Please let Grand Elder Dareon that I am determined to help Daelyn embrace his magic, learn more about him, and let everypony in Ponyville know that Daelyn is a dragon worthy of their love and respect. Just because one may have an intimidating appearance, doesn't mean they're wonderful within, just like this marvelous underground spring within the Everfree Forest.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle

To be continued…

Next Time:

Chpt.3 - Applebuck Season

Twilight Sparkles immediately gets to work in helping Daelyn master his powers with Spike helping them out. Meanwhile, apple harvesting season has already begun and in Sweet Apple Acres, the Apple family is busy. However, Applejack's big brother Big McIntosh was injured so the task of bucking apples from their trees falls upon Applejack alone. While Applejack insists she can do it herself, her stubborn nature may prove to be both harmful to others and self-destructive...

(1*) - Inspired by the Underground Oasis in Season 7, the 'Rock Solid Friendship' Episode.

Here are lists of characters that are introduced so far:

Dragons

Daelyn - Voice by Brina Palencia

Spike

Ponies

Twilight Sparkle

Applejack

Fluttershy

Rarity

Pinkie Pie

Rainbow Dash

Apple Bloom

Big McIntosh

Sweetie Belle

Author's Note

**Hello everyone, Seraphias here. I can understand some people are not enthusiastic about dragons taking a key role in My Little Pony. But I truly plan to make this work. If this series has flaws, please do criticize because I could use the advice to make this better.

For those curious about Daelyn's full appearance go the DeviantArt website and type in 'CodeSBX', you will see a platinum/gold dragon.

And as always, review for anything including holes & errors, as well as possible improvements. Also, I welcome new ideas anytime. It will inspire me and prevent writer's block from happening so don't be afraid to share! See ya!**

3) Applebucking Season

Chpt.3: Applebuck Season

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series or any other ideas that I might have obtained my ideas from…Except for my OCs. Note that asterisk stars (*) at the end of the chapter, refers to facts that can help clarify the terms.

Ponyville...

It has been three days since the encounter with Daelyn in the underground spring beneath the Everfree Forest. In the following day, Twilight and her friends gathered all of the ponies to the town square, where they officially introduced Daelyn to them. Naturally, many of the ponies grew nervous at the sight of a teenage dragon that is slightly bigger than each and every one of them. Twilight and her friends gave a brief explanation of the reason behind Daelyn's presence here and ask them to treat him fairly as they would to any other pony.

Though doubtful, Daelyn made the final statement by formally introducing himself to the ponies while also implying that he will work to earn his keep. Should anypony need help, he will always be willing to lend aid. While some of the ponies that personally knew Twilight and her friends, like Mayor Mare, agreed to accept Daelyn, several others were still wary of him. This was to be expected as Daelyn knew that if he was truly to make himself at home in Ponyville, he will need to earn it. But right now, this would have to suffice.

Afterwards, Twilight and her friends helped Daelyn settle in. Surprisingly, the underground oasis that Daelyn discovered was fairly close to Ponyville so Daelyn dug a wide tunnel to the edge of town. They all pitched into set up a few furniture for him to use, including bed with a canopy of curtains above it.

Finally, when Daelyn has settled into his new home, it was time for him to begin his education under Twilight's supervision in the Golden Oak Library. For starters, Twilight was trying to comprehend the kind of power the young dragon had. It was obviously unique in Equestria. However, she can't help but wonder if there was another individual who had this power before.

As of now, Twilight, Spike, and Daelyn are searching through the books for the said information.

"Spike, found anything?"

"Nope, nothing." Spike said, "There isn't a single book that holds anything about the history about dragons...Well, at least, not in a dragon's perspective..."

"Well," Daelyn spoke up, "It's rather difficult for ponies to research about dragons' history without being close to dragons."

Twilight sighed, "I guess we can't rely on worldly knowledge on this. We'll just have to discover things as we go...Spike, quill and paper."

"Right."

"So, Daelyn." Twilight sat down in front of her student, "From what we already know, your powers seems to circulate around you and it influences other dragons' emotions."

"That's correct." Daelyn nodded, "Ever since my powers awakened when I was a little hatchling, they react in very strange ways. Whenever, I feel happy, everyone else seems to be in a better mood but on the other hand, if I feel down, everyone gets edgy."

"A power that can instinctively affect the emotions of others...Just like back in Canterlot..." Twilight thought, "That IS unusual. Do you know anything else?"

"Well for one," Daelyn continued, "Emotions isn't the only thing my power influences. It seem to also influence nature."

"Nature?" This caught Twilight and Spike's attention.

"Yes. My own emotions can easily be reflected by the nature around me. Whenever I'm depressed, the plants around me begins to die. But when I'm happy, they seem either grow stronger or begin to grow around me."

"...And this all happens by itself?"

"Pretty much. Yes."

"Hmm..."

"You know." Spike spoke up, "I was thinking. Even if Daelyn's magic is different, it can't be that different from a unicorn's magic. I mean, we can teaching him the same why how unicorns first learn their powers then when things begin to turn differently, we can try another way to teach Daelyn."

"You're right, Spike." Twilight glanced at Daelyn, "Since your magical energy seems to scatter all the time, I think our first step is to help you concentrate that energy on something...Like levitating objects. Should we start with that?"

"You're the teacher, I'm the student. You point the way, I obey." Daelyn smiled.

"Excellent." Twilight used her powers and grabbed a few wooden toy blocks and placed them in front of Daelyn, "I borrowed these from Pinkie Pie's place...though I am not sure why she had these...Daelyn, try focusing your powers in lifting these up and putting them together like a tower."

"Sounds simple enough." Daelyn nodded.

Twilight and Spike watched as Daelyn stared at the toy blocks and focused. His pupil began glowing bright yellow as the magical energy manifests around one of the blocks. It began to shake as Twilight and Spike smiled at high hopes. Suddenly, a leaf stuck out from the block and it suddenly grew and encased the entire block.

The second attempt on another block ended up the same way with leaves and roots forming from the block. Finally, after five unsuccessful attempts, Daelyn lowered his head, disheartened.

"Well...I guess I bombed the first test..."

Before Twilight could say anything, she noticed the plants that grew out of the blocks suddenly began to decay. Upon noticing this, Daelyn stopped and was flabbergasted at what he saw.

"Uuhehe...Oops. Did I do that?"

...

"Twilight." Spike said, "I think you need to teach Daelyn something simpler."

"Yeah, I guess." Twilight nodded, "Don't worry. We'll figure this out Daelyn."

Daelyn sighed, discouraged, "How do you plan to do that?"

"Well, we can-"

Suddenly, Twilight was cut off when they all felt the ground shake. As the entire library begins to rumble, Daelyn glanced at Twilight, "That wasn't me."

The three of them bolted out the library and went to see what was happening outside. Daelyn spread his wings and took to the skies to get a better look. It just so happens, Rainbow Dash was there.

"Rainbow! What's going on?"

"There!" Rainbow pointed in the distance and saw a large herd of cows charging straight for Ponyville, "STAMPEDE!"

At the yell, all of the ponies began to scram into their homes and lock their doors.

"Hey~!" Pinkie Pie vibrated gleefully, "This makes my voice sound silly~!"

"Pinkie Pie, are you crazy?! Run!" Twilight shouted.

"Everypony calm down!" Mayor Mare shouted, "There is no need to panic."

"But Mayor, whatever shall we do?" Rarity cried.

"Look there!"

Rainbow Dash point towards the cows and, there, Applejack was running with the cows along with her pet dog, Winona.

"YEEHAW! Move aside, Winona! Put 'em up, girl!"

While Rarity moaned and Pinkie Pie ate popcorn, Daelyn landed next to Twilight, "Shouldn't we help her?"

"No." Mayor Mare said, "Let Applejack do her thing. She has handled this before."

Right at that moment, Applejack and Winona successfully turned the cows away from Ponyville and successfully stopped them in their tracks. As the ponies cheered at Applejack's name as she and Winona headed back towards Sweet Apple Acres, Daelyn smiled, "Color me impressed...That pony was just...just..."

"Appletastic!" Pinkie Pie cheered.

"Exactly." Mayor Mare agreed, "We must do something to thank Applejack for single-hoofedly saving the town."

"Ooo~, I know. A party!"

A few days later...

Ponyville was prepped for a celebration in Applejack's honor. While Daelyn was still slightly concerned about his lessons, he decided to pitch in and help. He has never seen a pony do something like that and it was certainly worth taking note after saving a whole town from being trampled into the ground.

"We all ready?" Twilight asked.

"Just one last thing." She raised a banner decorated with Applejack's cutie mark on the balcony of the town hall, "Now we're ready."

"Is Applejack all set?"

"Actually," Rainbow flew down, "I haven't seen her all week."

"Not since the stampede." Pinkie Pie added.

"But she'll be here for sure." Rainbow reassured, "Applejack is never late."

Finally, the ponies all gathered in the town square where Twilight went up to the podium to announce the commencement of ceremony. Much to Daelyn's amusement, Twilight was getting constantly interrupted by her pony friends.

Eventually, she gave in and allowed Mayor Mare to speak, "Ah-ahem. And so, with no further ado, it is my privilege to give the prize, Pony of Ponyville Award, to our beloved guest of honor, a pony of the utmost trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Ponyville's most capable and dependable friend: Applejack!"

The curtains opened as everypony cheered, only to see that Applejack wasn't there.

"Cool! Way to go Applejack, that was awesome!" Spike immediately stopped cheering, "I mean- heh."

"Ah-ahem." Mayor Mare cleared her throat as a deafening silence rolled into the town square.

"Awkward." Spike muttered.

"I'M HERE! I'M HERE!" Applejack's voice was suddenly heard. She was walking towards the trophy with two baskets full of apples, which at the same time fell one by one in to every pony.

She yawned, "S-Sorry I'm late-whoa-I was just...Did I get your tail?"

Applejack walked over to the podium and spoke up drowsily, "Miss Mare, thank you kindly for this here...award thingy."

She continued yawning, "It's so bright and shiny and, heh, heh heh, I sure do look funny heh. Ooo-ooo."

Pinkie Pie joined her in the awkward moment until Twilight walked up to the stage, "Okay...Well, thank you Applejack for saving us from that scary stampede and always being there for every pony."

Applejack yawned loudly again, "Yeah. I like helping the pony folks and..." She yawned once again, "and stuff..."

For a few seconds, she had fallen asleep before, "Uh, Thanks."

Applejack grabbed the trophy with her teeth and dragged it all the way back to her family farm.

After a moment of silence, Twilight finally spoke, "Was it just me, or did Applejack seem a little-"

"Tired?" Rainbow Dash said.

"Dizzy?" Fluttershy added.

"Messy?" Rarity implied as Twilight and Rainbow looked at her awkwardly, "Well did you SEE her mane?"

Pinkie Pie offered her opinion. "Well she seemed fine to me. Whoo! Whoo!"

"Hm..." Twilight wondered.

"She clearly hasn't gotten any decent sleep these days." Daelyn perceived, "Her behavior has made it plainly obvious."

"How do you think that happened?"

Daelyn narrowed his eyes, "Judging by those two baskets filled with apples, I think I can picture why..."

Later, in Sweet Apple Acres...

When Twilight and Daelyn arrived to Applejack's farm, they saw her kicking apple trees for the apples to fall down into the buckets below the trees. However, she was having trouble trying to kick at the right place. From the lack of sleep, she wasn't concentrating right on her duties.

"Yup." Daelyn muttered plainly, "Looks like my suspicion was correct."

"What on earth is that pony doing?" Twilight asked.

"She's applebucking." Daelyn responded.

"Apple-...bucking?"

"It's their term for harvesting season. I remember hearing them mention that and saw them getting getting ready for it days ago when I first came to Ponyville."

"That's right..." Twilight recalled, "But why is she doing it alone? Hey! Applejack!"

Applejack stopped for a moment and fell asleep.

"Applejack!"

Twilight called again but Applejack still didn't budge.

"Applejack!"

No Answer.

Daelyn flew over in front of the sleeping mare and yelled, "Oi! Applejack! Wake up!"

Applejack finally shook her head awake and looked to see Daelyn in front of her as Twilight teleported next to him.

"Oh, howdy Twilight. Howdy, Daelyn." Applejack greeted.

"What is all this?" Twilight inquired, "Why are you harvesting apples by yourself?"

Applejack began walking towards another tree, "That's 'cause Big Macintosh hurt himself."

"What about all those relatives I've met when I first came to Ponyville? Can't they help?"

Applejack sighed, "They were just here for the Apple family reunion. They actually live all over Equestria and are busy harvestin' their own orchards. So, uh, I'm on my own Which means, I should really get back to work."

Daelyn was standing before her with a frown.

"Ahem..." Applejack gestured, "Hint hint...? Get back to work?"

"Whatever..." He moved out of the way.

"Umm...Could you step aside, Daelyn?" Applejack asked.

"I'm over here." Daelyn stated as the pony noticed in surprise, "Applejack, you look like you haven't been sleeping well recently. You sure you want to keep this up?"

"Eh, don't any ya'll three worry none, I'm just fine and dandy. Whoa!" Applejack said as she missed another tree.

Twilight teleported once again and asked, "Do you want some help?"

"Help? No way, no how."

"But there's no way you can do it all on your own." Twilight made her point.

"Is that a challenge?" Applejack asked aggressively.

"Uhm…no?"

"Well, I'm gonna prove t' you that I can do it! Now if you'll EXCUSE me, I've got apples to buck."

As Applejack walked away, Daelyn went over to Twilight and she looked at me, "Could you try to talk some sense into her?"

Daelyn shook his head, "I doubt it will make any difference...Applejack appears to be one of those extremely stubborn folks who will disregard everything other people say...Even her friends. Since she's so adamant to do this on her own, it's best we leave her be and see what happens."

"I'm just worried that if anything harmful comes to Applejack, I can never forgive myself."

"You don't have to. You already offered her your help but she turned you down almost immediately. Whatever happens to her next is her own doing, no one else's."

"Even if you say that..."

"Besides, her will is sturdy like a large tree inverted into the earth with firm roots and she isn't one to give up from a challenge." Daelyn indicated, "Now that I think of it, I can learn a thing or two from her, especially with my training being in a rough start."

Twilight blinked, "Sturdy like a large tree...? That's it!"

"What?" Daelyn raised a brow, confused.

"Come on, Daelyn!" Twilight grinned, before galloping, "I have an idea that can help you get started on controlling your magic. Follow me!"

With a perplexed expression, Daelyn ran off and followed his mentor.

Later, outside of the Golden Oak Library...

"So let me get this straight." Daelyn muttered, "You want me to climb all the way up to the top of this oak tree...without using the claws on my feet or wings?!"

"That's the idea." Twilight grinned.

Spike walked up, "We kinda made the mistake in getting you to use your magic on foreign objects like levitation. So instead, you will focus your magic into yourself, particularly your feet, so that you can stick to the oak's trunk."

"That's right. Also, you'll have to work extra hard than unicorns though." Twilight explained, "Unicorns conjures their magic from their horn and only from their horn. You, however, project magic from every part of your body which makes it more challenging for you to control it. So we are concentrating on your feet since you use it all the time. This will allow you to focus on how much power you need to channel in order to walk up the oak tree. The concept of using magic is to be able to control its flow of energy. If you can pass this, I bet you'll be casting spells in no time."

"Hmm..." Daelyn glanced up towards top of the oak tree and smiled, "Alright then. Let's get started!"

With that Daelyn got some distance before running towards the oak tree, much to Twilight and Spike's horror.

"Daelyn, no!"

Right when he landed his feet onto the trunk, it immediately burst and sent the young dragon flying. Twilight used her magic to repair the damage as Daelyn shook his head and regain his composure from the impact.

"H-How did that happen?"

Twilight walked over and helped Daelyn up, "I was going to tell you that you were using too much magical power."

"Level it down a bit." Spike added.

Daelyn stood up, "Alright. Let's try this again."

As he was told, Daelyn tried to channel a less amount of energy to his feet and made another attempt. While trying to get as high as possible, he noticed he was sliding down. Out of instinct, Daelyn instantly stopped channeling magic and attempted to use his claws to get a grip but it was too late and he was falling straight down.

*POW!*

Daelyn landed head first onto the ground. Twilight and Spike darted over to see if he was okay.

He quickly recovered from the impact and glanced back at the oak tree, "Mother of Titans...This is a lot more difficult than I thought. The balance of power has to be absolutely perfect. If I channel too much magical energy, I end up crushing the tree trunk and pushing myself off. Then again, if I didn't use enough-..."

"You tumble straight back down..." Spike finished.

Daelyn glanced back up towards the top and sighed.

Twilight placed a hoof on his shoulder, "Daelyn. I know you really want to get a hang of your powers quickly but these sort of things cannot be rush. Take it step by step and walk up the tree slowly. Focus more on balancing the power instead of being so focused on trying get the exercise over with."

"Mmm... Alright..."

Twilight galloped into the Golden Oak Library and reached to the highest balcony with a smile, "You can do it, Daelyn. You don't want other ponies to look down on you, right?"

"Come on, Daelyn! You got this!" Spike encouraged.

Daelyn appreciated the encouragement and took a deep breath, "Okay, here goes..."

He closed his eyes as he concentrated his magic to the bottom of his feet, trying to get just the right amount. Once that was done, Daelyn took one step onto the trunk. The energy was still a bit off so Daelyn slightly altered his energy output before continuing. With each step, Daelyn felt himself standing ON the tree but he also felt gravity pulling him down towards the earth. Still, he retained his focus and continued to walk higher. Twilight and Spike watched with smiles on their faces as Daelyn was finally making progress.

"WHAAAA-!"

*CRASH!*

A sudden crash caught their attention and knocked Daelyn out of focus as he fell onto the ground again with a thud. Twilight looked around and spotted a certain blue Pegasus hanging on her balcony.

"Rainbow Dash? Can I help you?"

"No me..." Rainbow muttered weakly, "I think somepony else needs your help."

"Applejack?"

"Yep."

Twilight sighed, "Should I get you to the hospital-"

"No thanks." Rainbow Dash mumbled, disoriented, "I'll be okay..."

With that, the Pegasus leapt off the balcony and glided away.

Twilight galloped down the stairway of her home and came outside, "Spike, I'm going to go pay Applejack a visit. Keep track on Daelyn's exercise until I get back."

"Got it."

With that, Twilight left. Spike watched as Daelyn continued to make attempts to get to the top of the oak tree. Each time Daelyn began to slightly lose focus on the climb, he used the horn on his snout to scratch the trunk and mark how far he was doing. With each attempt, Daelyn get's slightly closer to the top. It was slow but, at the very least, he was making progress.

After a good hour of nonstop climbing, Spike thought it was high time that Daelyn took a breather, "Hey, Daelyn. Why don't you take short break? You need to catch your breath once in a while."

Daelyn exhaled, "I could use one."

As the young dragon began to rest, Spike decided to get the chance to speak to Daelyn, dragon-to-dragon, "So Daelyn, what was it like living among the dragons?"

"Hmm..." Daelyn frowned, "Living among my kind isn't something I like to recall."

"S-Sorry." Spike replied, "I didn't mean to bring up harmful memories. I was just curious how it was to be among dragons."

Daelyn raised a brow, "From the way you say it, it sounds like you never interacted with any other dragon."

"The truth is...until you showed up, I've never met any other dragon."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. You see. When I was an egg, I was used in an entry exam for Twilight to get into Princess Celestia's School of Gifted Unicorns. She was having trouble trying get me to hatch until her magic somehow went haywire and Princess Celestia herself appeared to stop her. Good news though, the Princess agreed to accept Twilight as her personal protege and I became her assistant when I was old enough. We've been together ever since."

"Wow." Daelyn smiled in surprise, "I guess you can say that was fateful event."

"It sure is." Spike smiled.

"Well, Spike. You want to know more about me. I'll tell you." Daelyn sighed, "I lived in a small community at the edge of the Dragonlands. There, my clan lived in relative peace."

"Clan?" Spike asked.

"Yes. Dragons moved in clans, some are small and some are vast. Did you not know that?"

Spike shook his head.

Daelyn continued, "In the Dragonlands, each clan is led by a lord who bears the name of the clan as a surname. A clan holds the ruling family while also held members who serve that family as underlings. The clan I grew up with is known the Auburn clan, a sizable group of the common fire-breathing dragons. And the lord of the clan...was my dad."

"Wow." Spike muttered, "So does that mean, you're full name is Daelyn Auburn."

Daelyn's expression saddened, "It was...once. But after I was kicked out of the clan, I was not allowed to bear the clan name."

"What?! Why did they kick you out? Because you were different from everyone else?"

"No. Ever since I was a hatchling, I was clearly not like the other dragons. I can't even spit fire due to the magic I possessed. But they didn't kick me out because I was different. They did it because...I was trying to protect them."

"Protect them...What do you mean? What happened?"

"Well, you see, I-..." Daelyn stopped, "Twilight?"

Spike turned around and sees his unicorn friend was walking back with a distressed expression.

Daelyn didn't need to ask, "You went to provide help to Applejack and she said no."

"She said no." Twilight confirmed, "She's pushing herself beyond her limits. She already launched Rainbow Dash into the sky and it resulted into a rough landing. At this rate, I'm afraid she'll do something that could harm others."

Daelyn sighed, "As long as she doesn't get too involved with others while she's on her applebucking rampage then that's alright."

"No, it's not alright." Twilight said, "Applejack said she was going to Sugarcube Corner to help Pinkie Pie."

Daelyn's eyes widen, "Tell me that doesn't involve anything related to cooking."

"I hope not. Anyway, how's your exercise coming along?"

"See for yourself." Spike gestured to the tree trunk. Daelyn had made scratches onto it with his horn to mark himself and, much to Twilight's surprise, he has already made it a third of the way up."

The purple unicorn smiled, "Looks like you'll get this down quicker than I thought."

"I'm still not fluent with it yet." Daelyn explained, "I only managed a third of the way because was concentrating hard. I can't say I passed this exercise unless I can do this as though it was second nature to me."

"Still, you got to admit, you're doing great, Daelyn." Spike grinned.

Daelyn smiled before standing back up, "Alright. Break time is over. I'm heading back to training-"

"TWILIGHT!" Suddenly, a pony came galloping by in a panic, "We need help! There are a group of ponies sick down at the clinic!"

From that, the three raced down to the clinic, where Nurse Redheart opened the curtain to reveal many little ponies moaning in agony with green faces. Some of them were belching into buckets.

"By the Titans..." Daelyn muttered in shock.

"Oh no! What happened?" Twilight asked.

"It was a mishap of the baked goods!" Nurse Redheart answered.

"No..." Pinkie Pie mumbled as she was among the sick ponies, "Not baked goods...Baked bads! Gawk!"

"Applejack!" Twilight discerned.

"Mmm~...Want one?" Spike asked, eating one of the bad muffins that made the ponies sick.

"Ew! Spike! Are you serious? I don't want to get sick too!" Twilight responded.

"Don't mind if I do?" Daelyn asked as Spike threw a chunk of the bad muffins into Daelyn's mouth, "Hmm...Not too bad."

"You two can't be serious..." Twilight uttered in disbelief before remembering the cause of all of this, "Come on! We have to find Applejack!"

As Spike continued to eat the bad muffins, Daelyn followed Twilight back to Sweet Apple Acres, they had just made it to see Applejack sleeping upside down with a cart she was using to load apples into a bucket.

"Applejack. We need to talk." Twilight said.

"Whoa, huh?" Applejack spurred awake, "Oh, Twilight, Daelyn. It's just you two. I know what you're gonna say, but the answer is still NO."

"Not to upset your apple cart, but you NEED help."

"Hardy Har." She struggled with her position, "No I don't."

"Please, Applejack. Let us help." Twilight offered.

"Help? No thanks." She continued to struggle with the cart until she finally managed to get herself unstuck, "I'll prove that this apple can hand apples. Come on apples..."

Applejack continued to kick the tree, "FALL OFF!"

"AJ," Daelyn narrowed his eyes, "You do realize you're beating a...dead tree."

Applejack looked up and noticed that all the branches on the tree were bare, "I knew that..."

The disoriented pony continued to walk off as Twilight and Daelyn followed.

"Actually Applejack..." Twilight started, "I had something else to talk to you about. I just came back from Ponyville Urgent Care and-"

"You know, I'm a little busy to get lectured right now, Twilight." Applejack interrupted.

"But if you'd just let us help-"

"UGH!" Applejack groaned, "No, NO, NO! How many times do I gotta say it? I don't need no help from no pony!"

"Ugh. That pony is stubborn as a mule." Twilight told me.

"No arguments there..." Daelyn agreed, "What's the plan now?"

Twilight sighed, "Well, I guess we'll just get back to your training. I don't think I can take much more of this..."

As the two walked back over to town...something worse happened downtown by the time they came back: ponies were lying on the ground.

"The horror, the horror!"

"It was awful!"

"A disaster! A horrible, HORRIBLE disaster!"

Looking around, Daelyn nor Twilight saw anything damaged.

"I don't get it..." Twilight muttered.

"Our gardens, destroyed!"

"Every last flower, devoured!"

"By...by...THEM!" One of the ponies pointed toward a vast group of bunnies eating every flower they can get their hands on.

Fluttershy struggling to get them to leaving with her, "Oh my. Oh...Please stop, little bunnies. Oh no! Please, let's go home. Oh my."

"Alright. Enough is enough!" Twilight exclaimed as she glanced at Daelyn.

"Let's go."

The two raced over to Applejack's farm to see her trying to kick another tree while gasping for air between each word she muttered.

"Alright, Applejack." Twilight began, "Your applebucking hasn't just caused YOU problems, it's over-propelled Pegasus', practically poisoned plenty of ponies, and terrorized bushels of bouncing baby bunnies. I don't care what you say. YOU. NEED. HELP."

Applejack gave one last kick to the tree, causing apples to fall in her basket, "Ha! No I don't. Look, ah did it. I harvested the entire Sweet Apple Acres without your help. How d'ya like them apples?"

Surprisingly, nopony notice Big Macintosh appear next Applejack, "Um, how do YOU like THEM apples?"

He gestured towards another field of apple trees waiting to be harvested. To Applejack's utter shock, she began to mumble, "Where'd all the apple...?"

Applejack continued mumbling until she finally passed out.

Twilight began calling her name, trying to wake her up again, "Applejack! Applejack!"

"Huh?" Finally, she woke up but was still very exhausted.

"Oh, good, you're okay. Now Applejack, I completely respect the Apple family ways. You're always there to help any pony in need, so maybe you can put a little of your pride aside and allow your friends to help you?"

Applejack took one more look at all the trees, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, "Okay, Twilight..."

"I am not taking "no" for an answer-wait, what?" Twilight replied, initially thought Applejack would refuse again.

"Yes, Twilight. Yes. Please. I could really use your help." Applejack was even begging now.

Twilight chuckled and sighed, "Daelyn, stay here and look out for Applejack. I'm going to get the others."

"Roger that." Daelyn nodded. As Twilight ran off, Daelyn helped Applejack get up from the floor and walk her to her home.

"Thank you mighty, Daelyn. I appreciate it." Applejack said as they arrive back to her home.

"Don't mention it." I replied, "I'm just glad you are finally taking a break. Although...Call me curious, but care to explain why you are so diligent over this? I mean, it's understandable that apples are the pride of you family but why are you pushing yourself so hard?"

"Well..." Applejack spoke as she laid down on a nearby couch, "Apart from Big McIntosh, I am the only one who can actually do the heavy lifting on this farm. Granny Smith is too old n' frail while my lil' sis Apple Bloom is still too young. So, I had to handle many of the big stuff around these parts."

Daelyn nodded, "Family means a lot to you, Applejack...As it should for others. But shouldering all the burden is far too much for a single pony to handle, no matter how capable they are. It's never wrong to ask for help because as long as you're working hard but not too hard, you're not being unreliable. You got friends like Twilight who is willing to pitch in and give you support and when you do it together, the results can be so much better. Just like how you ponies helped me make a home in that underground oasis. If I had done it alone, it would have taken longer."

Appljack smiled, "I suppose yur right. Well, this may sound embarrassin' but...Would you be willin' to help me along everypony else?"

Daelyn blinked at first before smiled, "Absolutely. I would be honored."

Over the following day, Daelyn, Twilight, Spike, and their pony friends all worked to help harvest the apples. Daelyn was enjoying himself as he took this moment to practice his tree-climbing on the apple trees to go along. Finally after hours of harvesting, all the trees in Sweet Apple Acres have been harvested.

"How about y'all take a little break? I got some fine apple juice waitin' for ya!" Applejack called from over at the barn. She had a table with eight drinks of apple as everypony and dragons walked over to Applejack, "Girls, Daelyn, Spike, I can't thank you enough for this help. I was acting a bit stubborn."

"A bit?" Twilight raised her brow.

"Okay. A mite stubborn, and I'm awful sorry. Now, I know the town gave me the Prized Pony award, but the real award is having you seven as my friends."

With that, they started drinking the apple juice and was nothing short of sweet.

"Phew!" Rainbow Dash said, "All that applebucking sure made me hungry!"

Spike then walked over and held up a plate, "And I've got the perfect treat!"

He showed us the bad muffins that made so many pony sick.

"Eeew...Spike, I threw those all away." Pinkie Pie flinched, "Where'd you get them?"

"From the trash."

"Ooo~, mind if I have another bite?" Daelyn grinned.

"Be my guest."

"EW!" Everyone made disgusted faces at the sight of the two dragons feasting on the muffins.

"Come on, girls. Just a little nibble? Come on~." Spike encouraged. However, every pony declined his offer with disgust.

"Hey, Pinkie, Applejack." Daelyn called, "Mind telling me the recipe of these muffins, I think I'd make some for me and Spike."

"Gugh..." Applejack and Pinkie Pie moaned, "Don't remind us..."

Before getting back to work, Twilight smiled at her friends working together as always but she is mostly happy to see Daelyn also taking part in all of this, "Spike, take a note, please."

Spike brought out his writing utensils.

Dear Princess Celestia,

Today, I have finally had my first successful teaching cession for Daelyn. Though, we had a rough start, I finally figured out a way help him begin his training. And right now, he is doing great and is enjoying himself as well. We still have a long way to go, but I have faith that this will work out for both of us.

All the while, my friend Applejack is the best friend a pony could ever have, and she's always there to help anypony. The only trouble is, when she needs help, she finds it hard to accept it, so while friendship is about giving of ourselves to friends, it's also about accepting what our friends have to offer.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle

To be continued…

Next Time:

Chpt.4 - The Ticket Master

Princess Celestia sends Twilight Sparkle two tickets for the upcoming exclusive Grand Galloping Gala, an annual royal ball that is reserved only for the highest of pony society. Upon learning of the tickets, each of Twilight's friends insists she should be the one to go with Twilight, and the five start giving her special treatment to earn her favor. Unfortunately, these constant hassles toward his mentor was starting to rub Daelyn the wrong way as his annoyance and rage begins to manifest...

Here are lists of characters that are introduced so far:

Dragons

Daelyn - Voice by Brina Palencia

Spike

Ponies

Twilight Sparkle

Applejack

Fluttershy

Rarity

Pinkie Pie

Rainbow Dash

Mayor Mare

Nurse Redheart

Author's Note

Hello everyone, Seraphias here. Just got back from a vacation for the Holidays and I am glad to be back to write more. For those who watched Naruto, you may recognize Daelyn's first lesson is somewhat similar to a certain training in the first season of that show. I'd figure it fits well here.

Happy New Year's Eve, everyponies! XD

And as always, review for anything including holes & errors, as well as possible improvements. Also, I welcome new ideas anytime. It will inspire me and prevent writer's block from happening so don't be afraid to share! See ya!

4) The Ticket Master

Chpt.4: The Ticket Master

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series or any other ideas that I might have obtained my ideas from…Except for my OCs. Note that asterisk stars (*) at the end of the chapter, refers to facts that can help clarify the terms.

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville...

A few days has passed since the little incident with Applejack's applebucking. As hardworking as she was, Applejack was still one pony and it was madness to harvest all of the apples on her family farm alone in a short span of time. Now, Twilight and her friends frequently visits to help Applejack with her applebucking. Now, there are merely a few tree left to buck and Applejack decided to have a little competition with her brother, Big McIntosh, who just recovered from his injury.

The idea was to harvest the most amount of apples by lunchtime. Loser had to walk down Stirrup Street, wearing one of Granny Smith's girdle. However, since there were no actual rules laid out, Applejack enlisted Twilight's aid. In response, Big McIntosh asked Daelyn to help him out.

"I appreciate the help, Daelyn." Big Mac thanked, carrying a cart clustered with baskets of apples, "I wasn't expectin' my little sis would ask a friend to help so I had to call on you for backup. Sorry, if I had to drag ya'll away from yur trainin'."

"No problem, Big Mac." Daelyn smiled, carrying two baskets of apples, "I'm always ready to help. If you hadn't mentioned the punishment for losing, I might've came a bit later. Still, harvesting apples with you helped me practice my tree magic-climbing."

As the two returned to the barn, Big Mac and Daelyn made certain that they have finished collecting all of the apples in the designated fields. Much his relief, Big Mac pretty much won. Although chances are, Applejack is unaware of this. So Daelyn decided to head back out to help Applejack and Twilight finish harvesting so he can return to training with Twilight.

As he arrives, Daelyn sees the two ponies in the last orchard of apples and saw them leaping up and down with joy while Spike was standing there with a deadpanned expression as well as a letter in his right paw. Curious, he flew towards them to see what was happening.

"Hey, fillies!" Daelyn landed, "What's gotten you two so high?"

"THE GRAND GALLOPING GALA!?" The two ponies leaped with noticing the dragon.

"...The Grand-...What now?"

"Oh hey there, Daelyn. Read this." Spike said, holding the letter to the teenage dragon.

"Hmm..." Daelyn read the contents, 'Her Grand Royal Highness, Princess Celestia of Equestria, is pleased to announce the Grand Galloping Gala to be held in the magnificent capital city of Canterlot, on the 21st day of...a bunch of royal gibberish...cordially extends an invitation to Twilight Sparkle plus one guest.'

"The Grand Galloping Gala?" Daelyn wondered, "Is this some sort of big time celebration?"

"Pretty much, yup." Spike nodded.

"Oh, Daelyn." Twilight noticed, "I didn't see you. When did you get here?"

"Just now." Daelyn said, "So what's this Grand Galloping Gala?"

Twilight explained, "The Grand Galloping Gala is an annual royal ball held to celebrate the completion of Canterlot after Equestria was founded. It is attended primarily by high-class ponies. To attend this event, a pony must possess a golden ticket."

At that moment, Spike belched out something, "Look, two tickets."

"Wow, great!" Twilight gleamed, "I've never been to the Gala. Have you, Spike?"

"No," Spike shook his head, "And I plan to keep it that way. I don't want any of that girly frilly frou-frou nonsense."

"Aw, come on Spike. A dance would be nice."

"Nice?" Applejack spoke up, "It's a heap good more than just nice. I'd love to go. Land snakes, if I had an apple stand set up, ponies would be chowin' our tasty vittles 'til the cows came home. Do you have any idea how much business I could drum up for Sweet Apple Acres? Why, with all that money, we could do a heap of fixin' up 'round here. We could replace that saggy old roof, and Big McIntosh could replace that saggy old plow, and Granny Smith could replace that saggy old hip. Why, I'd give my left hind leg to go to that gala."

"Ooo~, wanna test that?" Daelyn smirked with bladed tail sticking up.

Applejack gave off a deadpanned expression, "Don't. You. Dare."

"Say..." Twilight thought, "You maybe new here, Daelyn. But would you like to try attending the Grand Galloping Gala?"

Daelyn blinked, alarmed, "That's a no-no."

"What? Why?"

"Haven't you forgotten? We dragons are not the most popular folk around Equestria. Besides, what would the high-class ponies feel when a teenage dragon that's bigger than all of them showed up? I don't think it would end well..."

"That may be true..." Twilight muttered, "But, I think Princess Celestia would be thrilled to have you attend...Here, you can have this spare ticket if you want."

"Ugh, it's better that I don't disturb Canterlot by my presence. The city already went into a semi-uproar when Grand Elder Dareon brought me there. The last thing I want is to freak everypony out and ruin the Gala for them. Why don't you give the ticket to Applejack? I mean she has a better reason to be there than me."

"Can I?" Applejack gleamed.

"Umm...Alright." Twilight said, "I guess I can-"

"Whoa!"

*Crash!*

Out of nowhere, Rainbow Dash landed on top of Twilight and Applejack, causing all of the apples in their baskets to go flying.

"Ugh. Are we talking about the Grand Galloping Gala?" Rainbow Dash uttered with excitement, "Hey, Daelyn."

"Umm...Hi..."

"Rainbow Dash!" Applejack frowned, standing back up, "You told me you were too busy to help me harvest apples. What were you busy doing? Spyin'?"

"No, I was busy napping, and I just happened to hear that you have an extra ticket?"

Twilight nodded, "Yeah, but-"

"YES!" Rainbow Dash cheered, "This is so awesome. The Wonderbolts perform at the Grand Galloping Gala every year. I can see it now. Everyone would be watching the sky. Their eyes riveted on the Wonderbolts, but then in would fly Rainbow Dash! I would draw their attention with my Super Speed Strut. Then, I would mesmerize 'em with my Fantastic Filly Flash. And for my grand finale, the Buccaneer Blaze! The ponies would go wild! The Wonderbolts would insist that my signature moves be incorporated into their routine, and then welcome me as their newest member. Don't you see, Twilight? This could be my one chance to show 'em my stuff. You gotta take me!"

"Hold on just one pony pickin' minute here." Applejack grabbed and pulled Rainbow Dash by the tail before spitting it out, "I asked for that ticket first!"

"So? That doesn't mean you own it."

"Oh, yeah? Well, I challenge you to a hoof-wrestle. Winner gets the ticket."

As the two ponies began to hoof-wrestle, Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Girls, these are my tickets, I'll decide who gets it, thank you very much. Whoever has the best reason to go should get the ticket, don't you think?"

"Drummin' up business for the farm?" Applejack started.

"A chance to audition for the Wonderbolts?" Rainbow Dash spoke.

"Money t' fix Granny's hip."

"Living the dream."

"Oh my, those were all pretty good reasons, aren't they?"

*Rumbles~*

Twilight chuckled, "Listen to that, I am starving. I don't know about you, but I can't make important decisions on an empty stomach, so I'll, uh, think about it over lunch and get back to you two, okay? Come on, Spike, Daelyn."

As the two dragons followed Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash groaned, "Okay..."

Later, in downtown...

"So, who you gonna give the ticket to, Twilight?" Spike asked.

"I don't know Spike, but I really can't think straight when I'm hungry."

"Then let's grab a bite and settle this matter quickly." Daelyn said, "Whatever you do, don't let anypony know you have those tickets."

"Hide them?"

"If the Gala is as popular as you say, then the ponies here are going to go nuts when word gets out that you have a spare ticket. Once that happens, I don't think you'll be sleeping well anytime soon."

"Point taken." Twilight agreed, "So where should we eat?"

*Crash!*

Suddenly, Pinkie Pie came flying out of Sugarcube Corner and landed into Twilight and the two dragons. After a moment of silence-

"Gah!" Pinkie Pie panicked, "Bats! Bats on my face! Help! Wait, these aren't..."

Pinkie Pie spotted the two golden tickets on the ground, "Tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala?! It's the most amazing incredible tremendous super-fun wonderful terrifically humongous party in all of Equestria! I've always always always wanted to go!"

At that moment, Pinkie Pie started to singing and elaborate on her reason to go, "With decorations like streamers and fairy-lights and pinwheels and piñatas and pin-cushions. With goodies like sugar cubes and sugar canes and sundaes and sun-beams and sarsaparilla. And I get to play my favorite-est of favorite fantabulous games like Pin the Tail on the Pony! Oh, Twilight, Daelyn, Spike! Thank you all, it's the most wonderful-est gift ever!"

"Um, actually-"

Before Twilight could say anything, Rarity just happens to came by and gasped at the sight of the golden tickets in Spike's claws, "Are these what I think they are?"

"Oh no..." Daelyn whimpered.

"Yes, yes, yes! Twilight's taking me to the Grand Galloping Gala in Canterlot." Pinkie Pie assumed.

"The Gala!? I design ensembles for the Gala every year, but I've never had the opportunity to attend. Oh, the society, the culture, the glamour! It's where I truly belong, and where I'm destined to meet him."

"Him!" Pinkie Pie gleamed until realizing she had no idea who Rarity was referring to, "...Who?"

"Him." Rarity explained, "I would stroll through the gala, and everyone would wonder, "Who is that mysterious mare?" They would never guess that I was just a simple pony from little old Ponyville. Why, I would cause such a sensation that I would be invited for an audience with Princess Celestia herself, and the princess would be so taken with the style and elegance that she would introduce me to him, her nephew: the most handsome, eligible unicorn stallion in Canterlot. Our eyes would meet, our hearts would melt. Our courtship would be magnificent. He would ask for my hoof in marriage, and of course I would say, "Yes!" We would have a royal wedding, befitting a princess, which is what I would become upon marrying him, the stallion of my dreams.

Rarity then glanced at the purple unicorn, "Twilight, I simply cannot believe you would invite Pinkie Pie so she can...party, and prevent me from meeting my true love. How could you? Hmph."

"Oh, boy..." Daelyn muttered.

"This is not going to end well." Spike added, until he felt something grab the tickets out of his hands, "Hey!"

The two dragons looked to see a familiar white bunny hopping over to Fluttershy, who saw the tickets and gasped, "Angel, these are perfect."

"Uh, listen guys," Twilight spoke, "I haven't decided who to give the extra ticket to."

"You haven't?" Rarity and Pinkie Pie exclaimed with mixed feelings.

"Um, excuse me, Twilight." Fluttershy said softly, "I would just like to ask, I mean, if it would be all right, if you haven't given it to someone else-"

"You?" Rarity sounded skeptical, "You want to go to the Gala?"

"Oh, no. I mean, yes, or, actually, kind of." Fluttershy explained, "You see, it's not so much the Grand Galloping Gala as it is the wondrous private gated garden that surrounds the dance. The flowers are said to be the most beautiful and fragrant in all of Equestria. For the night of the Gala, and that night alone, would they all be in bloom...and that's just the flora! Don't get me started on the fauna. There's loons and toucans and bitterns, oh my! Hummingbirds that can really hum, and buzzards that can really buzz. White-blue jays, and red jays, and green jays, pink jays and pink flamingos!"

"Gee, Fluttershy, it sounds... beautiful...?" Twilight muttered.

"Wait just a minute!" A certain blue Pegasi called out.

"Rainbow Dash! Were you following me?"

"No. I mean, yes." Rainbow Dash shrugged, "I mean, maybe. Look, it doesn't matter. I couldn't risk a goody-four-shoes like you giving that ticket away to just anybody."

"Wait just another minute!"

"Applejack, were you following me too?"

"No. I was followin' this one to make sure she didn't try any funny business. Still trying to take mah ticket."

"Your ticket!?"

"But Twilight's taking me."

An round of argument started as Twilight's friends began rambling at each other for the spare ticket while the purple unicorn was stuck in the crossfire.

Daelyn twitched his eyes, unable to bare this any longer.

"HEY!"

His yell caught the ponies' attention.

"I get that attending this Gala is important to all of you, but Twilight is the one who's going to choose who's going. And your constant bickering is not making it easier for her. So scram!"

Shocked by Daelyn's outburst, the ponies, excluding Twilight, began walking away, mumbling under their breaths.

"Thanks for that Daelyn." Twilight said, "I can't think straight when I'm on an empty stomach."

"Then go get some lunch then. I'll see you back at the Golden Oak Library."

"You're not coming?"

"I had some apples thanks to Big Mac so I'm partially full. Besides, I can grab something to eat by venturing into the Everfree Forest."

"Oh, yeah." Spike remembered, "You're an omnivore."

Strange fact was that Daelyn was a dragon that feeds on both plants and animal origins.

"Alright then, I'll head back once I get lunch." Twilight nodded.

"Be sure to stay clear of your friends for the time being." Daelyn advised, "I get the feeling that they aren't going to stop galling you until they get their hooves on that ticket."

"I hear you."

With that, Daelyn departed to go hunting in the Everfree Forest. There, Daelyn found the delight to find different kinds of fish and small creatures near rivers and ponds. To the ponies, the Everfree Forest was a dangerous place that was off-limits at all times. But Daelyn found the place to be a perfect location for food resources. While he can find vegetation in Ponyville, Daelyn can find meat in the Everfree Forest, away from the ponies' eyes.

After a full-course meal and more tree magic-climbing, Daelyn began to head to the Golden Oak Library, but he noticed that the streets of Ponyville had little to no ponies. Perplexed, Daelyn wondered where they could be. Then, recalling what has transpired today, he began to worry. He sprinted back to the Library...and witnesses a crowd of ponies surrounding Twilight's home. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash were all there as Twilight was at the center of it all.

Spike spotted Daelyn and immediately ran over.

Daelyn frowned, "Everypony in this town knows?"

"It's worse than that." Spike panicked, "Ever since you left, everypony has been giving Twilight unwanted favors: first, Rainbow Dash was preventing rain from falling on her, then Rarity started giving us makeovers, Applejack offered free desserts, Fluttershy and her animal friends cleaned Twilight's home, and now Pinkie Pie threw a party for Twilight and told everypony about the tickets!"

Daelyn glared at the crowd of ponies and growled, "Alright...There are certain lines you NEVER cross!"

He walked up to the edge of the crowd, took a deep breath, and-...

*GROOAAR!*

He unleashed an ear-piercing roar and startled every pony, catching their attention.

"Alright, ponies! Start scramming! You're all standing on Twilight Sparkle's property and none of you are permitted to be here!"

"Daelyn?" Twilight blinked at her student's sudden appearance.

The teenage dragon made his way through the crowd as each pony stepped back, frightened by his roar.

"I'm going to make this clear. None of you ponies are going to the Gala! That extra ticket Twilight has, came by accident. So she's the only pony that gets to go to the Gala! Those that aren't Twilight's friends, BEAT IT!"

Upon hearing that, the ponies started mumbling in confusion with each other. Annoyed, Daelyn held his claws and growled deeply, "If none of you are leaving then I'll start giving out scars."

At that, the ponies all began to hastily leave...All except five certain mares.

Daelyn glared, "That means to five of you as well. Leave!"

"Wh-What are you talking about?" Pinkie Pie questioned.

"We're Twilight's friends, ya know." Applejack protested.

"Not from what I saw." Daelyn rebuked, "None of you were behaving as good as any other pony!"

"Daelyn, sweetie." Rarity said, "We were only trying to do some good for-"

The dragon retorted, "Don't try to sweet-talk your way out of this, Rarity! None of you deserve to have the ticket after what you all did."

"Are you serious, Daelyn?" Rainbow Dash frowned, "If I heard right, you didn't want to go to the Gala so what are you getting so upset for? Besides, if you DID wanted to go to the Gala, you would have done the same!"

"At least compared to the lot of you, I don't bother somepony or trample their privacy to satisfy myself! Don't forget. I am Twilight Sparkle's student. I have obligations to make sure nothing disturbs her. And from what I have seen and heard, you all are being thorns on her side!"

"Daelyn!" Twilight called, "Don't be so hard. I know they really wanted the ticket but we can talk this through."

"No, we cannot." The dragon glared at the ponies, "There is no talking with this bunch."

Daelyn's choice of words shocked them but he didn't care.

"Ask yourself this, Twilight. When these ponies were hassling you for that ticket, were they thinking about you or themselves? Because if it is the latter, then they don't care about you nor your privacy at all." Daelyn glared back at the stunned ponies, "Does that sound like the kind of thing friends do?"

"Umm..." Twilight hesitated as Daelyn began to head back into the Golden Oak Library.

"I'm no expert in friendship but I know that those who provide unwanted favors for the sake of acquiring something for self-satisfaction does not qualify in being friends."

As Daelyn entered the library, Twilight stood there for a moment before glancing back at the other mares whom are still bewildered by Daelyn's words. With nothing to say, she walked back into the Library with Spike following.

That night...

Twilight was reading one of her books while Spike doing some research on Daelyn as he tries to move toy blocks. The purple unicorn couldn't concentrate because of the incident with the other ponies. Glancing at her student, it was obvious from his troubled expression that Daelyn wasn't feeling right either. Twilight took one last glance at the golden tickets before walking over to Daelyn, who had just failed to lift the toy block again.

"Daelyn. We need to talk."

The young dragon sighed, "I have nothing to apologize, Twilight."

...

"My words were harsh, I know." Daelyn muttered, "But can you deny that they are invalid."

Twilight looked down, "...Not...really."

Daelyn walked over to a nearby window, "I've seen this sort of treatment many times before...Back in the Dragonlands with my clan, members of the ruling family are often showered with false praises and gifts, especially during times of celebration. They act like they are being generous but deep down, they don't care a bit about the others' regards. Greed lives strongly within all dragons. And the clan I grew up in was infested with this."

The dragon walked back over to Twilight and sat down, "When Grand Elder Dareon took me away from there, I was relieved to be away from those phonies. Here in Ponyville, I had hoped that the locals here are more genuine and have more respect with each other. But clearly, I was wrong and naive."

"Daelyn..." Twilight muttered.

"I guess selfishness lives in all of us. No matter what race we are..."

"Daelyn." Twilight sat in front of her student, "I know you were trying to help me and I truly appreciate that. But I don't think yelling at everypony and threatening them will solve this problem. I don't know what it was like with your people in the Dragonlands, but I truly believe my friends will understand if I just reason with them."

"After the false generosity and dishonesty they put you through, you still call them as friends?"

"Yes."

Daelyn shook his head, "Twilight, friends may be a thing here. But friendship like yours is just the same as everything else, it doesn't last. The people who befriends you now only get together with you out of convenience. Once they don't share your interest, that friendship ends...permanently."

"No." Twilight shook her head, "You're wrong. Friendship is much more than that. Ponies who come together out of convenience aren't friends at all. Friends are those who are willing to take the time to stand with each other and help when things becomes difficult. Friends also share their burdens with each other...Just like when we helped Applejack harvest her apple orchards. What you're doing right now is also a sign of friendship: you are telling me why you were so upset today and I understand more about you. That's friendship."

Daelyn hummed in deep thought.

Spike then walked up, "Think Daelyn. When you stood up for Twilight earlier, were you thinking about yourself or were you doing it for her?"

Daelyn opened his mouth to answer but hesitated.

"You were doing it for her, right?" Spike perceived, "True friends do things for each other not for their own self benefit, just like you said."

Twilight nodded, "Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash may have gotten carried away by the ticket but they weren't trying to harm me. As I said, if I had explained to them that the stress of picking favorites was irking me then they would understand."

Daelyn simply frowned, "Even if you say that, I cannot forgive those who swindles for themselves. If your...friendscannot see the error of their ways, then it'd be best that you stay clear of them from now on."

"Come on, Daelyn. Give them a chance." Spike said. "Look. Why don't we-"

*Knock*Knock*

Spike was suddenly cut off when the front door knocked. Twilight immediately walked over and opened it. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash was there, all with melancholy.

"Twilight, can we talk?" Applejack muttered.

"Girls!" Twilight gasped in surprise. She glanced back and sees Daelyn standing tall with a death glare.

With a sigh, Twilight allowed them inside and spoke softly, "Look girls. I can't decide. I really can't decide. The Gala is important to all of you and I just can't stand to disappoint any of you by giving the ticket to somepony else. Giving me gifts and doing me favors won't make any difference, because you're all my friends and I wanna make you all happy. I really cannot pick anypony."

"Twilight, sugar," Applejack started, "I didn't mean to put so much pressure on you, and if it helps, I don't want the ticket anymore. You can give it to somepony else. I won't feel bad, I promise."

This surprised Twilight and Spike, Daelyn in particular.

"Me too." Fluttershy agreed, "Daelyn is right. We were being awfully selfish and didn't consider your feelings and made you feel awful."

"And me too." Pinkie Pie added, "It's no fun upsetting your friends."

"Twilight, it was unfair of us to try to force you as we did." Rarity complied.

"That goes for me as well," Rainbow Dash said, "Besides, I haven't exactly perfected my signature moves for the Wonderbolts anyway. I...don't think I'm ready for that ticket."

"It's just as Daelyn said," Applejack mentioned, "We all got so gun-ho about going to the Gala that we couldn't see how un-gun-ho we were making you."

"We're sorry." The ponies all said in unison.

The purple unicorn smiled and looked over to her dragon student, "Well?"

Daelyn glanced at Twilight's friends, "Quick question. Were you all listening in from outside?"

They all tensed at the question, confirming his suspicion.

"You heard everything?"

"Yeah..." They said in unison

Daelyn shook his head in disappointment.

Fluttershy flew over, "Daelyn. We were honestly worried about you and Twilight after what happened. And we truly felt bad about upsetting you."

The dragon sighed, "No...I apologize for my harsh words."

The ponies blinked in surprise.

"You're all very good folks. I know that. I was just...really angry when I was saw something that reminded me of...my old home."

"There now, Daelyn dear." Rarity said, "We are sorry for bringing up such unpleasant memories."

"Ain't no need for apology, Daelyn." Applejack added, "Again, you were right about our behavior. It was uncalled for and it won't happen again."

"What she said," Rainbow Dash agreed, "Even though your words had some...sting in it."

While the other ponies glared at Rainbow about the remark, Daelyn chuckled at the Pegasi, "If it makes you happy, you can give me a good kick."

"Ummm...Nah, I'm good." Rainbow Dash smiled.

"No hard feelings, Daelyn?" Pinkie Pie gleamed.

"None at all."

As the atmosphere eased, Spike smirked and elbowed the larger dragon, "Nothing to apologize for, huh~?"

"Oh zip it, pipsqueak."

As Daelyn, Spike, and the ponies chuckled, Twilight smiled at the sight of her friends getting along.

"Spike. Take down a note."

Dear Princess Celestia,

I've learned that one of the joys of friendship is sharing your blessings, but when there's not enough blessings to go around, having more than your friends can make you feel pretty awful. So, though I appreciate the invitation, I will be returning both tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala. If my friends can't all go, I don't wanna go either.

"What!?" Everypony exclaimed.

"Twilight, you don't have to do that." Applejack muttered.

"Too late." Twilight grinned, "I've made up my mind."

Spike opened a nearby window, spew fire on the letter, and sent it to Canterlot.

"Now you won't get to go to the gala either." Fluttershy remarked.

"It's okay, girls. I couldn't possibly enjoy myself without my best friends there with me, so I would rather not go at all."

The ponies gathered into a group hug as Daelyn watched on with a smile while Spike made a disgusted face before looking like he's about to throw up.

"Well wallop my withers, Spike." Applejack muttered, "Isn't that just like a boy? Can't handle the least bit of sentiment-"

Spike suddenly burped out...a letter.

"A letter from the princess? That was fast." Twilight said as Spike read out loud.

My faithful student Twilight,

Why didn't you just say so in the first place?

Something popped out of the letter. Spike grabbed them and held them up in the air.

"Seven Tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala!" He cried.

Every pony gasped.

"Now we can ALL go!" Twilight announced as they all cheered.

Twilight's stomach suddenly rumbled again. She hadn't had lunch today.

"Allow us to treat you to dinner!" Rarity said as they began walking out the door, grabbing their own ticket on the way.

When each of the ponies received their ticket, Spike walked out with his in his hand.

"Daelyn." Twilight called.

She used her magic to grab the last ticket out of Spike's hand and had it float in front of Daelyn.

"You should go too."

Daelyn frowned, "Twilight. We talked about this."

"Come on." Twilight said, "I'm sure Princess Celestia will be happy to have you. I mean, why would she sent a seventh ticket?"

"For Spike, obviously..."

Before Twilight could argue, Spike burped out another letter before reading its contents, "And one for you, Spike."

The little dragon grabbed the eight ticket out of the letter with sheer enthusiasm, laughing and skipping until he saw Twilight smirking at him.

"Ugh...Gross...I have to go too?"

Spike began walking out of the library and then, he continued cheering with excitement.

Twilight directed her smirk to Daelyn, who retained a deadpanned expression, "That...alicorn..."

Twilight giggled, "Even if Princess Celestia didn't sent you a ticket, I would certainly not leave my faithful student out on the fun. Come on! Let's go celebrate!"

As the purple unicorn galloped off, Daelyn held the ticket in his hand and whispered to himself, "Princess Celestia. You planned this...from the start."

After a moment of thought, Daelyn simply smiled, "Heh...thank you."

To be continued…

Next Time:

Chpt.5 - Griffon the Brush Off

Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash discover their common interest in playing harmless practical jokes on other ponies, including their dragon friends. Later, Rainbow Dash's childhood friend, Gilda the Griffin, arrives and Pinkie finds herself left out of Rainbow Dash and Gilda's activities. However, the griffon's rude behavior towards the other ponies is becoming an eyesore. Worse, with a certain teenage dragon in town, an unpleasant encounter threatens to turn Ponyville into a battleground...

Here are lists of characters that appeared in this chapter:

Dragons

Daelyn - Voice by Brina Palencia

Spike

Ponies

Twilight Sparkle

Applejack

Fluttershy

Rarity

Pinkie Pie

Rainbow Dash

Big McIntosh aka Big Mac

Author's Note

Hello everyone, Seraphias here. There, we have a tiny glimpse of Daelyn's rough past in the Dragonlands. For those who are upset at Daelyn yelling at the ponies, I am sorry but I even you can't deny that the harassment Twilight went through is anything but friendly. Daelyn was stepping up for Twilight, so there you have it. If you are still ticked off, just find a dragon picture and scream at it to the top of your lungs or print it out, tape it onto a punching bag and start beating it until you're satisfied...If you ever do feel satisfied. Anyway, Daelyn can give some tough love when he gets angry.

And as always, review for anything including holes & errors, as well as possible improvements. Also, I welcome new ideas anytime. It will inspire me and prevent writer's block from happening so don't be afraid to share! See ya!

5) Griffon the Brush Off

Chpt.5: Griffon the Brush Off

Disclaimer: I do not own anything from the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series or any other ideas that I might have obtained my ideas from…Except for my OCs. Note that asterisk stars (*) at the end of the chapter, refers to facts that can help clarify the terms.

Ponyville Park...

Under a sunny sky, Twilight and Spike are observing Daelyn as he makes several successful attempts to climb trees, using his magic in his feet. The purple unicorn has surveyed the young dragon's recent progress and it is safe to say she was pleased. Daelyn was now able to focus his magic into any specific point on his body, allowing him to have a better grip of his magic. This also meant that it was time for Daelyn to take the next step for his training.

"Looking real good, Daelyn!" Spike cheered.

"Yes." Twilight nodded, "It seems you truly have the technique down. Now you can try using simple magical techniques like levitation."

"You mean like this?"

Twillight and Spike's eyes went wide when they suddenly felt light as a feather. They quickly realize they were floating. Looking at Daelyn, Twilight and Spike noticed that the blue iris in his eyes changed glowed bright gold and the same golden energy was around them.

"H-How did you get that down so quickly?" Twilight asked.

"It's as you say Twilight. If I master this tree magic-climbing, I will be casting spells in no time."

Twilight rolled her eyes but chuckled, "Alright genius, don't get too full of yourself. There's still more we need to understand before we can dig deeper into your training."

"What do you mean?" Daelyn asked, putting Twilight and Spike down.

"Thing is, your powers are still very different compared to the magic used in Equestria. If we are going to fully understand how it works, we need to run some tests."

"Tests?"

"That's right. I'm going to the bookstore to purchase a book about potions. You and Spike head back to Ponyville and get some other stuff done."

"Potions?" Daelyn asked nervously, "You're going to make me drink potions for tests?"

"Absolutely."

Twilight galloped off, leaving a nerve-racked Daelyn behind with Spike.

"I've got a bad feeling about this..."

"Hey, Daelyn. Don't worry too much. Twilight's tests are always harmless...Most of the time."

"Most...of the time?" Daelyn furrowed his brow.

"Uhhh...H-Hey, how about you help me do some delivery."

"Delivery? You're heading to the post office?"

"That's right." Spike nodded, "Other than being Twilight's assistant, I also take the time to work as Ponyville's mail carrier. Come on."

"Lead the way."

At the post office...

As Spike began collecting all the mail needed to be sent out to the residents of Ponyville, Daelyn was holding the rest that came in within bags.

"Hey, Spike. I have a question."

"Yeah? What's up?"

"I remember seeing you deliver messages for Twilight by burning the scrolls with your fire. How does that work?"

"Oh, that's a charm Princess Celestia cast on me back then." Spike explained, "Whenever I spew out fire, I have to think about the pony I mean to sent it to. But I have to know exactly what they look like for it to work."

"So if you have never met the pony or have no idea what they look like, the spell backfires?"

"Worse than backfire." Spike admitted, "Whenever I sent a letter that doesn't get done right, the letter either explodes into ash or it gets delivered to the wrong pony."

Daelyn blinked, "Whoa...Must've taken you a while to get that down."

"Trust me, you have no idea what I went through to get this right." Spike said grabbing the last scroll, "Alright, that's the last one. Come on let's get these scrolls to everypony in town."

As the two began exiting the post office...

*CRASH!*

A sudden thunderclap caused Spike to jump while Daelyn instinctively bolting upwards and attached himself to the ceiling of the porch with his claws as the scrolls they carried flew everywhere. Pinkie Pie suddenly popped up behind Spike, who began hiccuping. Pinkie Pie began snickering and soon started laughing. Rainbow Dash, who was standing on top of the cloud used for the thunderclap, also started laughing.

"Oh Rainbow Dash, we startled Daelyn into sticking himself to the roof and Spike into getting the hiccups!" Pinkie Pie laughed as Rainbow Dash chuckled.

Spike chuckled along as well, "Good one, PinkiehicPie!hicYou're always pulling a fast onehicon me."

He tried to pick up one of the scrolls, but due to his hiccup combined with dragon breath, he ended up sending it.

"Oh no, you're not hurt are you?" Pinkie Pie asked in concern.

"Nehiceh, don't behicsilly, dragons arehicfire-proof."

"Oh, okay, good." Pinkie Pie replied before she and Rainbow Dash burst out laughing again.

Spike picked up more scrolls, but he accidentally sent them all too when he hiccuped, "I wish the same thinghicwere true with scrolls..."

He then tried to pick up the spare scrolls on the ground but with each one he tried to pick it up, he kept sending it whenever he hiccuped while Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash continued laughing.

"Have you ever SEEN anything more hilarious?" Pinkie Pie asked before laughing again.

"I can think of ONE thing." Rainbow Dash kicked the cloud again, this time, scaring Pinkie Pie.

After a few seconds, she began laughing again while hiccuping at the same time.

"I didn't take you for a prankster, Pinkie Pie." Rainbow Dash said.

"Are youhickidding?hicI love to pull pranks. It's allhicin good fun, and Pinkie Pie lo-hic-oves to havehicfun!" Pinkie Pie continued to hiccup.

"You know Pinkie Pie, you're not as annoying as I thought. You wanna hang out?"

"That'd behicI'd reallyhicWhen dohicI meanhicWhen would you–"

Rainbow Dash placed her hoof on Pinkie Pie, "A simple nod would do."

"Mm-hm." Pinkie Pie responded, and they went off to do whatever they were talking about.

Spike, who was still collecting the scrolls, sighed, "Ahh, forgethicit. As long as Ihickeep hiccuping,hicI'll end up sending thesehicscrolls to places wherehicthey're not suppose to...Hey, Daelyn can youhic-...Daelyn?"

"Up here."

Spike looked up and sees a deadpanned Daelyn hanging upside with his claws stuck into the ceiling, "How often does Pinkie Pie do this?"

"Quitehicoften..."

Hours later, in the Golden Oak Library...

In a higher floor of the library, Twilight has a setup of laboratory glasswares, including beakers and flasks, for her eventual tests on Daelyn. With a stand holding papers along with a jar of ink and quill, she was ready to conduct the planned experiments. However...

"Where are those two? They should be back by now."

Twilight questioned the whereabouts of her two dragon friends when she heard the front door open. Galloping down the stairs, she sees Daelyn and Spike finally returning.

"There you are." Twilight asked with a frown, "I had everything set up for the tests but you two still didn't return. Where were you two?"

"Canterlot." The two dragons said in sync.

"Canterlot?" Twilight questioned, "What were you two doing in Canterlot?"

"Mail problems..."

"Oh..." Twilight's expression deadpanned, realizing what the dragons are implying. "Anyway, come on, Daelyn! We need to run these tests."

Making their way upstairs, Daelyn laid down on a nearby carpet as Twilight began double-checking her set.

"So Twilight, how is this test going to work?"

"Well so far, we know that your powers are influenced by emotion and your magic can change based on it as well." Twilight used her own magic to levitate her collection of potions, "Drinking one of these potions will induce you to project a specific kind of emotion. Once you begin to feel something, begin emanating your magical powers so I can get a sample of them. Finally, using my own magic, I can fuse them to your body and analyze how they react to you."

"Hmm..." Daelyn thought, "Have you ever done this before?"

"Nope." Twilight smiled.

The platinum dragon sighed, "Well...It can't that bad. Let's get started."

Twilight began by passing over the first potion with red liquid inside. Feeling a bit uncertain, he drank the potion and tried his best not to taste it, to no avail.

With a disgruntled expression, Daelyn frowned, "I FELT LIKE I WALKED OUT TO THE ROAD AND DRAGGED MY TONGUE ACROSS THE DIRT! WHAT IN TITANS' NAME DID YOU GIVE ME!?"

Spike glanced at Twilight with doubt, "Was that the anger potion?"

"N-No. That was suppose to be the happy potion...And a potent one at that." Twilight began jotting down notes, "He reacted almost immediately. This is really educational."

Spike gazed back at Daelyn and sees that the teenage dragon was fuming, "Uuh...Twilight, you might have went a bit overboard with that potion."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous." Twilight glanced at them, "It's all part of the test."

Looking back at her notes, she blinked in surprise to see that her written words are all gone. Before she could do anything, Spike hastily grabbed another potion and forced it into Daelyn's mouth. Right at that moment, Daelyn blew a fuse, literally. Smoke came out of him as Daelyn passed out from the potions' dosage.

"Ah!" Spike yelled, "He's dead! No wait, his eyes are still open...He's just asleep! He might be going into a cardiac arrest...or worse, a coma!"

"Spike! Calm down. He's just lost conscious." As the purple unicorn tries to help her dragon student, she hears giggling just outside. Glancing out the window, she spots Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie laughing away as she realized that the two swapped her normal ink with invisible ink and tampered her potions. With a frown, she marched outside to have a word with them but by then they have already scrammed off.

"TWILIGHT!" Spike shouted, "HE STOPPED BREATHING!"

Twilight sighed, "This is going to take a while to fix..."

Next day...

Twilight and Spike managed to get Nurse Redheart to help Daelyn stabilize his condition before it got any worse. After a full night's rest, Daelyn was fine...For the most part.

"Daelyn, I'm so sorry about all that yesterday." Twillight apologized.

"No worries. It's not your fault." Daelyn organized the books before frowning, "Pinkie and Rainbow were the ones responsible and, by the Titans, I'm going to make sure they FEEL responsible for it later."

"Ah, come on, Daelyn." Spike said, "It was just a prank..."

Daelyn and Twilight glared.

"...Well, considering that you almost went into a coma..."

"Spike." Daelyn said, "There is 'far' and there is 'too far'. Just because you think a prank is harmless doesn't mean it IS so to the ones that get pranked."

"Yeah...I hear ya..."

"Daelyn." Twilight called, "Do you still want to go through the tests?"

"Of course." Daelyn nodded, "We can't leave something unfulfilled. We might as well finish what we started."

"Alright then." Twilight began setting things up again with the two dragon's help when-

*KNOCK!*KNOCK!*

Sudden knocks on the front door caught their attention. Daelyn answered it and sees an unhappy Pinkie Pie, who simply stomped past him.

"Pink? What's gotten into you?" Daelyn asked.

"Twilight, Daelyn, Spike, you won't believe what is happening. This new griffon friend of Rainbow Dash showed up, and she was totally a meanie!"

"Wait...Did you say griffon?" Daelyn blinked in surprise.

"What's a griffon?" Spike asked.

"Half-lion and half-eagle creature. Fast-flying, arrogant, and greedy bunch of fliers."

Twilight raised a brow at Daelyn, "You make it sound like they're an unpleasant bunch."

"That's exactly what I am saying." Daelyn said sternly, "Pinkie, I'm guessing this griffon is also unpleasant?"

"Um, YEAH! She keeps stealing Rainbow Dash away, she pops my balloons, and she told me to buzz off. I've never met a griffon this mean. Well, actually, I've never met a griffon at all, but I bet if I had, she wouldn't have been as mean and grumpy as Gilda."

Twilight raised a brow, "Well you know what I think Pinkie Pie. I think you jealous."

"Jealous?!" Pinkie exclaimed loudly.

Spike then said, "Green with envy or in your case pink with envy."

Twilight continued, "Well yes jealous. Look Pinkie, I don't want to upset you, but just because Rainbow Dash has a new friend, doesn't make Gilda a grump. Perhaps it's you Pinkie Pie who needs to improve her attitude."

Pinkie gasped, "Improve my attitude?! But...but, but it's Gilda that...that, are you serio...Ergh!"

The pink pony then stormed out without uttering another word. Twilight then shared a nervous glance with Spike and turned to Daelyn who shook his head in disappointment.

Confused, the unicorn asked, "What?"

"Twilight. You don't know about griffons as much as anybody else so I don't believe you have the right to lecture others like Pinkie about attitude, especially when it comes to griffons."

The purple unicorn frowned, "What's your problem with griffons?"

"A lot. Those overweight buzzards are nothing but trouble. They only care more of their own welfare than others. In other words, they are greedy...just as much as a full grown treasure-obsessed dragon."

Daelyn began walking outside.

"Wait, where are you going?" Twilight asked.

"Cheering up a pony you insulted."

"But what about your test-?"

"To the Abyss, with your test!"

Later...

After a few minutes in searching throughout Ponyville, Daelyn finds Pinkie Pie at a table outside of Sugarcube Corner. But when he got closer, he realized she was glaring at somepony at the road. Glancing where Pinkie was looking, Daelyn's eyes widen. There stood a female griffon with brown fur and feathered wings along with pale feathers on her head and neck. To his horror, the griffon bumped into Fluttershy, who was only escorting a family of ducks, and she began to berate the timid pony. The commotion hasn't gone unnoticed as everypony nearby watched in curiosity.

"Oh, um, I'm sorry. I-I-I was just trying to..." Fluttershy stuttered.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." The griffon mocked, "Why don't you just watch where you're going, doofus?"

"B-b-b-but I... I..."

The griffon took a huge breath, alarming Daelyn. With quick flap of his wings, Daelyn flew over and landed right in between Fluttershy and the griffon, surprising everypony around.

Daelyn growled at the griffon, who blinked for a moment in surprise but frowned upon realizing who she was looking at.

"Gilda of Griffonstone." Daelyn muttered sternly.

"Well, well, well~...If it isn't Daelyn the Exiled...Of all the dumb things I've seen in this stinkin' town, I didn't think I'd see your ugly face."

"Likewise. Of all the things I've seen in the world, I never would've imagine that you had any friends...especially Rainbow Dash."

"Hah! Rainbow and I go way back." Gilda smirked, "But what about you? How are things been since you got kicked out of your clan?"

"Thankfully, it's gotten better for me." Daelyn remarked, "I'm glad to be away from the Dragonlands, away from my own kind."

Gilda chuckled in a mocking tone, "That's odd. If I remember correctly, you were fairly close to your...brother, what changed?"

"That's none of your concern." Daelyn scowled, "You're disturbing the ponies in this town. Scram before I leave a scar."

"Scar? Like the scar, I gave to your loving older brother?"

Daelyn fumed and growled even louder, "I'm warning you, Gilda. Just because you're a friend to a pony in this town, doesn't give you the right to torment the others. If this were the Dragonlands, you'd be served as dinner on a platter. But this is Ponyville, the folks here are a tranquil people. And the last thing they need is a freak pulling shenanigans for her own amusement. Now if you've got a problem with this place, you're more than welcome to fly off and leave."

"Leave? Hah!" Gilda grimaced, "Unlike a certain coward, I don't run away when others try to boot me out. If you want me to leave, you'll just have to make me."

For a silent moment, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy gazed nervously as the two glared at each other.

"You-," Daelyn snarled, "-just dug your own burial."

Sensing the hostility, all of the nearby ponies began to slowly back away as Gilda and Daelyn circled one another. Finally, the two opened their respective wings and made their opposing stands.

*SCREEE!*

*GROOAR!*

With a high-pitched screech and a booming roar, Gilda and Daelyn charged against each other and commenced their brawl with a headbutt. While Daelyn had more physical strength, Gilda had quicker reflexes and agility. At blinding speed, the two thrashed at each other, claws striking and deflecting own another as each attempts to land a decisive blow.

Gilda landed it first, bringing her sharp beak down onto Daelyn's neck right below his head, piercing into his scales. The impact was powerful enough to rush him into the ground. Holding firm, Daelyn quickly got back on his feet and flailed his head violently to shake the griffon off but Gilda used her wings to maintain a proper angle to her grip. Finally, Daelyn raised his claws and struck Gilda at the side of her neck, pinned her to the ground, and applied increasing pressure as his claws insert themselves into the griffon. Knowing she was in a dangerous spot, Gilda released her bite grip and flapped her wings to escape. She did and faced Daelyn again as the two glared at each other.

While this was happening, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and the other ponies were watching in absolute horror. No pony in this town has seen such violence before and the fear has them all frozen in place.

"Oh dear! Oh dear!" Fluttershy panicked glancing at Pinkie Pie, "W-What should we do?!"

"Quick! Fluttershy, go get Rainbow Dash here! I'm going to find Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Spike!"

As the two ponies scurried off, the fight between Daelyn and Gilda continued. Back and forth, the two landed blow after blow against each other hoping to end the fight quickly, all the while, damaging the surrounding property. Finally, the two came at an impasse as they glared at each while catching their breaths.

"I must admit..." Gilda huffed, "You're more annoyingly tenacious than I remembered...I'd thought you'd gotten...soft after living with these ponies."

"In your dreams, griffon..." Daelyn muttered, "If you wanted a easy brawl, you provoked the wrong dragon."

With another moment of deafening silence, the two were covered in scratches and bruises. Hoping to regain momentum, they both spread their wings wide and leapt into the sky. With his large webbed wings perfect for power flight, Daelyn flew up swiftly until he disappeared into a large bank of clouds. Gilda, with feathered wings best for glides and smoother flight, ascended more gradually.

Higher into the sky, Gilda soared until she entered the bank of clouds that Daelyn disappeared into. As she glides around in search of the platinum dragon, the griffon began to get the impression that he fled. But sudden as a thunderbolt, a roaring Daelyn dove upon the unsuspecting griffon. Locked together, the two lost their balance in flight as they each struggled to land a decent blow to their opponent. The ground rushed closer with terrifying speed as the ponies below gaped in horror.

Finally noticing the ground, Daelyn broke off his hold and stretched his wings to decelerate. Gilda did the same but her feathered wings did not offer the same resistance to the air as Daelyn's webbed wings. As such, Gilda crash landed into a food stand while Daelyn managed to make a decent landing onto the ground.

Groaning in pain, Gilda struggled to stand up as the platinum dragon snarled ominously at the griffon.

"Heh..." Gilda chuckled, "Too bad, your brother didn't put up much of a fight as you do now..."

Growing more enraged by the remark, Daelyn's eye pupils became menacingly thin as his iris began to glow bright gold.

"An eye for an eye." Daelyn snarled deeply as glimmering gold particles began gathering in his open mouth in the shape of a sphere.

Gilda blink in shock at what she was seeing as she spread her wings to evade Daelyn's next attack.

"GILDA!"

"DAELYN!"

At the sound of their names, Gilda glanced upwards to see Rainbow Dash flying over, followed by Fluttershy. Daelyn spotted Twilight galloping over, with Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and Spike in toll. The energy sphere in his mouth disintegrated while his eyes returned to normal. Rainbow Dash went to check on her griffon friend while Twilght galloped up to her dragon student in deep worry.

Twilight spotted the platinum dragon, covered in scratches and bruises as well as the small gash on his neck,"Oh, Daelyn! Are you alright? You're hurt!"

"It's just a scratch. I'm fine."

"That wound does not look fine to me." Twilight berated, "I'm taking you to the hospital, right now!"

Daelyn groaned before glancing at Rainbow Dash, who glared and flew over to him, "Who do you think you are?"

"Excuse me?" Daelyn questioned.

"Don't play dumb with me! Gilda told me everything that happened."

The annoyed dragon glanced over to the griffon, who smirked, making it fairly clear that she had told the rainbow mare a warped version of the incident.

"And you take her word for it?"

Rainbow Dash stomped her hoof, "Yeah, she told me how you attacked her for no reason!"

Daelyn twitched an eye and shouted, "No reason?! I wasn't the one who started this mess-!"

"Oh save it, reptile!" Rainbow Dash retorted, "I know all need to know. Just because you're some big scary predator doesn't give you the right to pick on new faces. We ponies didn't treat you this way when you came to Ponyville and yet now you're bullying others. I think it's about time you leave."

Daelyn's eyes widened at Rainbow's words and snarled. Twilight, unable to bear seeing this, moved in front of her student.

"Daelyn, please stop!" Twilight plead, "This violence is not going to get you anywhere."

"Stay out of this, Twilight!" Daelyn rebuked, "This pegasus and that overgrown buzzard needs to be taught a lesson!"

"Give it a rest, Daelyn!" Twilight shouted, stunning the dragon, "I don't care what happened here. And I don't care who started this. Both of your fighting is intimidating everypony, just look!"

At that instant, Daelyn took a look around and saw the surrounding ponies quivering at the sight of the mess that the brawl has done. Upon the realization, Daelyn closed his eyes and sighed in defeat. He took one final look at a fuming Rainbow Dash and a smirking Gilda before opening his wings and flew off without a word.

"Daelyn!" Twilight shouted, "Where are you going? Come back!"

The purple unicorn began galloping after Daelyn.

As she watched, Pinkie Pie spoke to herself with a frown, "I should have said something. That Gilda...She's a grump, and a thief, and a bully, AND a liar. The meanest kind of mean meanie-pants there is. I can take it, but no one treats Fluttershy so badly, starts a fight with Daelyn, and then lies to her old friend to cover her own mistakes and gets away with it. No. One. This calls for extreme measures, Pinkie Pie style."

Daelyn's Grotto...

It didn't take long before Twilight managed to track her dragon student into his underground home. Gazing into the beautiful cavern, she spots Daelyn laying down and resting next to the spring, resting his head on top of his arms. With a deep breath, she walked over the distraught dragon, hoping to comfort him.

"Daelyn...?" Twilight called softly.

The dragon sighed, "I'm very sorry...I caused a serious mess in Ponyville today...Showed everypony a side of me that they didn't need to see."

Twilight stopped right next to Daelyn, seeing not an angered but a depressed demeanor on his face. He raised his head and gazed on his reflection in the water.

"After leaving my clan, I had thought I left all of it behind...The sorrow, the rage, the contempt, everything..." Daelyn mumbled, "Now, it's followed me here...Rainbow Dash is right...I shouldn't stay here."

"No! Don't say that." Twilight said, sitting next to the platinum dragon, "Rainbow Dash was only upset to see her old friend hurt. But, what happened? What started it all?"

Daelyn sighed, "When I was looking for Pinkie Pie, I found her at Sugarcube Corner where Gilda was causing trouble with Fluttershy after she bumped into her. Even after apologizing, Gilda returned the gesture with an angry response. I couldn't bear to watch it so I stood between the two. Gilda and I got into an argument and you know what came next..."

Twilight nodded in understanding, "I see...Do you and Gilda have history with each other? I didn't sound like a pleasant one."

"No," Daelyn scowled, "It certainly wasn't. Two years ago, when I was still a member of the Auburn Clan, my fellow dragons and I went off gathering and hunting for food supplies to survive the coming winter, including gemstones that we manage to dig up from the earth. However, we made the mistake of laying camp near the northeastern border of the Dragonlands, where the griffons tends to roam. My clan was set upon by griffons who wanted the gems we possessed. They were always fond of wealth and our gems were the perfect target. The griffons lured the bulk of the clan away from our food supplies while the main force snuck past us. My older brother and the clan's future lord, Baeryn, caught wind of this scheme and set off with a group of his fellows to stop them. I tagged along, even though I was rather small and my brother ordered me not to come. I didn't listen, went anyway, and I didn't stand a chance against the larger griffons and I almost got seriously hurt until..."

"Until?"

"...Until Baeryn got in front of me and took the blow...He lost his right eye...because of my rashness. Since then, my life in the clan went from bad to worse..."

Twilight gazed sympathetically at Daelyn. Obviously, the other dragons of the clan blamed Daelyn for causing their future lord, Baeryn, to be scarred in such a way.

Suddenly, the unicorn realizing something, "Daelyn. The griffon that took your brother's right eye...Was it?"

Daelyn nodded, "It was Gilda."

Twilight's eyes widen, "So that's why you know her. That's why you were so angry at her."

"Griffons will be griffons." Daelyn muttered, "I can't put the blame entirely on Gilda...If I had listened to my brother, he never would have lost his eye on my account."

Daelyn glanced up to the ceiling opening, "Coming to Ponyville, I truly hoped that I can let all of that go...But I guess past mistakes are bound to catch up sooner than later. And when it came rolling back into my head...I snapped...I lashed out and I made a fool of myself."

Twilight stood up, "Then fix it."

Daelyn glanced at the unicorn.

"Learn how to control your emotions and not let your past memories control you." Twilight explained, "You have an opportunity to make yourself a better dragon here in Ponyville. It's not easy to change. It's never easy to change. But, it's always easy to make a choice and learn from your mistakes. After all, I made the mistake of thinking friendship was a distraction until I realize it was the very thing that would help when the situation was dire."

Twilight gestured Daelyn to stand up, "You have friends by your side, me, Spike, and everypony else. We will help you face your struggles as long as you calm down and tell us what bothers you. Whether it is something that is hurting you from the past or something else, we'll be there for you...Always."

Daelyn gazed at the unicorn for a moment and returned her advice with a smile, "I guess we dragons really are primitive savages. But it's never to late to learn something new...Thanks Twilight."

As the two smiled warmly together, a familiar voice echoed in the cavern, "Twilight? Daelyn? Are you here?"

"Spike?"

The little purple dragon appeared at the entrance, "There you are. I've been looking for you guys. Hey Daelyn, are you alright?"

"I am now, thank you." Daelyn grinned.

"Phew...Okay good." Spike said in relief, "Hey! Pinkie Pie is throwing a welcoming party at Sugarcube Corner in Gilda's honor. And she has invited you two to join..."

"A welcoming party?" Daelyn questioned.

"For Gilda?" Twilight added.

"It's a long story." Spike smirked.

Sugarcube Corner...

Upon arriving to the location of the party, Twilight, Daelyn, and Spike gave uncertain glances to each other before heading for the door. To their shock, they heard a loud crash. Inside, they see Gilda covered in cake toppings and icing with a blindfold on top of her beak, making it look like a mustache. Seeing the ponies around her laughing, the griffon lost her temper and let out a huge roar before hovering in the air.

"THIS YOU'RE IDEA OF A GOOD TIME? I'VE NEVER MET A LAMER BUNCH OF DWEEBS IN ALL MY LIFE! AND PINKIE PIE, YOU ARE QUEEN LAMO WITH YOUR WEAK LITTLE PARTY PRANKS! Did you really think you could make me lose my cool? Well Dash, have at least 10x as much cool as the rest of you put together. Come on Dash, we're bailing on this pathetic scene. Come on Rainbow Dash, I said we're leaving!"

Rainbow Dash didn't move and frowned instead, "You know Gilda, I was the one who set up all those 'weak' pranks at this party."

...

"What?!"

"So, I guess I'm the queen lame-o." Rainbow inquired with a scowl.

"Come on, Dash, you're joshing me." Gilda muttered in disbelief.

"They weren't all meant for you specifically, it was just dumb luck that you set them all off."

"I shoulda known," Pinkie said, "That dribble cup had Rainbow Dash written all over it."

Gilda shook her head, "No way, it was Pinkie Pie. She set up this party to trip me up, to make a fool of me."

"Me?" Pinkie gasped, "I threw this party to improve your attitude. I thought a good party might turn that frown upside down."

"And you sure didn't need any help making a fool of yourself." Rainbow Dash added, "You know this isn't the way I thought my old friends would treat my new friends. If being cool is all you care about, then maybe you should go find some new cool friends someplace else."

Gilda growled, "Yeah? Well you, you, you are such a, a flip-flop: cool one minute and lame the next. When you decide not to be lame anymore, gimme a call."

As the griffon made her exit, Dash remarked, "Not cool."

As the nearby ponies chattered with one another about what happened, Rainbow Dash saddened, "I'm sorry everypony, for bringing Gilda here. I didn't know how rude she was. And Pinkie Pie I'm really sorry she ruined that awesome party you put on for her."

"Hey if you want to hang out with party poopers, that's your business."

The sky blue mare replied, "I'd rather hang out with you. No hard feelings?"

"No hard feelings."

As the two shared their moment with a hoof-shake buzzer, Spike walked up and cleared his throat, getting everyponies' attention, "Um Dash, I don't mean to ruin the moment, but don't you think you owe someone an apology?"

Pointing at a different corner of the room, everypony spotted Daelyn and Twilight.

Rainbow Dash shuddered, "Oh...yeah..."

She walked up to Daelyn was simply staring at her in the eyes.

With a sigh, she said, "Daelyn...Umm...Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy told me everything. I'm sorry for blaming you for an incident that wasn't your doing and...I know a simple apology will not make it all up but...I'm sorry for telling you to leave."

For moment, nobody said anything until Daelyn placed a frown on his face, "You're right. It isn't enough. While I fully understand why you covered for Gilda today, the fact that you told me to leave Ponyville sent a personal message that you still don't trust me, simply because I am a DRAGON. I thought we saw each other past that borderline on even terms as friends but I guess I was being delusional."

Daelyn turned away, "Trust must be earned. While I can accept the other ponies not trusting, the fact that you, Rainbow Dash, still don't trust me because of what I am, only proves that you are NOT worthy of my trust..."

Rainbow Dash flinched at the platinum dragon's words. As harsh as it sounds, she can't deny the truth of it and lowered her head in sorrow.

"However," Daelyn said, "I still wish to learn...To be a better dragon for everypony...It's a start..."

"Thanks, Daelyn." Rainbow Dash let out a faint smile as the other ponies grinned in turn.

"Alrighty then, everypony~!" Pinkie Pie shouted, "Let's keep this party going~!"

"Hey Pinkie." Twilight called, "Sorry I accused you of misjudging Gilda. Looks like I'm the one who misjudged you."

"It's okay Twilight, even you can't be a super smart smarty smart-pants all the time. Come on everypony, there's still a whole lotta party to finish~!"

"Hey Pinkie, come here. I want to tell you something?" Spike smirked.

"Yeah? What's up?"

"Do you remember how you and Rainbow Dash scared me into getting the hiccups?"

"Umm...Yeah?"

*GROAR!*

"AAH!"

At sound of a loud roar behind her, courtesy of Daelyn, Pinkie stood there frozen for a moment before starting to hiccup again. Everypony in Sugarcube Corner began laughing hysterically at the prank.

While the party went on, Twilight walked to the side and began writing a letter back to Princess Celestia.

Dearest Princess Celestia,

Today I learned that it's hard to accept when somepony you like wants to spend time with somepony who's not so nice. Though it's impossible to control who your friends hang out with, it is possible to control your own behavior. Just continue to be a good friend. In the end, the difference between a false friend and one who's true will surely come to light.

Also, I have also come to learn more of Daelyn's past. From the looks of it, he has been through worse for wear during his youth in the Dragonlands and his past experiences have come back to haunt him. No doubt the frustration and torment he went through those days are being expelled through acts of violence and anger. But it doesn't matter, as his teacher and friend, I will do my best to help him come to terms with his past and help find him a place here in Ponyville.

Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle

To be continued…

Next Time:

Chpt.6 - Boast Busters

As Twilight helps Daelyn learn more about the functions of his magic as well as some useful tricks. A new unicorn, Trixie, appeared in Ponyville with an obsessive love for the spotlight. However, her boastful behavior doesn't make her very well-liked by Twilight and her friends, especially Daelyn. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse when some of Trixie's admirers brought something both dangerous and extremely dangerous to town...

Here are lists of characters that are introduced so far:

Dragons

Daelyn - Voice by Brina Palencia

Spike

Ponies

Twilight Sparkle

Applejack

Fluttershy

Rarity

Pinkie Pie

Rainbow Dash

Griffon

Gilda

Author's Note

Hello everyone, Seraphias here. Hope some of you liked some aggressive violence between a dragon and griffon as well as some insight on Daelyn's past in the Dragonlands. As of right now, Daelyn doesn't trust Rainbow Dash as a friend but he is willing to keep an open mind in the future. But if any true MLP fan would know, Rainbow Dash means well in many ways. The two WILL fully reconcile soon.

Also, I would appreciate some comments on what you all think of his story. Logical criticism is much appreciated. But no flames, I wrote this fanfic because I enjoy it and for certain MLP fans to enjoy as well. If you don't like it then don't bother reading. This is My Little Ponies and Dragons, we're here to have fun.

And as always, review for anything including holes & errors, as well as possible improvements. Also, I welcome new ideas anytime. It will inspire me and prevent writer's block from happening so don't be afraid to share! See ya!