Tartarus Hath Frozen Over

Zembani stared down the street, to his left stood a disguised Chrysalis. Opposite of them were the instruments of his future torment. A low growl emanated from Zembani’s throat. As they waited, Zembani reminisced about what he would surely miss in the days to come.

He thought about how he’d miss hearing his mother’s voice or hunting food alongside his adopted brethren. The thought of being plucked and dropped behind enemy lines filled Zembani with dread. Fighting and surviving was one thing but feinting conversion to another’s ethics was quite another. Without the hive mind to reinforce his mentality. Zembani was concerned that an extended infiltration could lead to a sort of Stockholm Syndrome.

Zembani doubted he could be swayed so easily yet lessons from his mentors surfaced nonetheless. Wanting Zembani to be versed in a wide range of knowledge and skills. Chrysalis had assigned a teacher to Zembani once the first clutch of cocoons hatched. Among his lessons were several that told of prisoners of war that soon gave their allegiance to their captors. The prisoners were so warped that they participated in espionage against their own empire.

Zembani’s thoughts were interrupted by a nudge from his left. Chrysalis, who was disguised as a unicorn, whispered into Zembani’s ear. “Calm yourself, your growling might give them a reason to deny our request.” The form that Chrysalis chose had a medium length mane of Cerise. Her wavy mane separated into several locks of elegantly curled spirals of varying sizes.

Chrysalis’ tail, barely reaching her lower thigh, was also a Cerise shade. The elegance of her hair gave it the appearance of being professionally styled. The fur of Chrysalis’ disguise was a shade of Casa Blanca White while her eyes were a cinnamon color. With a short snort, Zembani reigned in his animosity. The six ponies and baby dragon stopped several feet away from the strange dragon and the unicorn that stood beside him.

Rarity gasped when she got a good look at Chrysalis. “Oh my, would you look at that unicorn,” “She’s quite stunning, I wonder why a pony of such sophistication is out this far,” Rarity whispered to Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie who’d been staring at Chrysalis now turned to face Rarity. “Well, it would appear that the unicorn knows the dragon.”

“Oh, oh, maybe the unicorn helped the dragon and now they’re the best of friends,” Pinkie Pie replied. Rarity sighed at the obviousness of Pinkie’s statement. “Pinkie, sometimes your quite exhausting,” Rarity stated. Pinkie Pie replied to Rarity in a slightly louder tone, “I’m not exhausted at all, look.” To prove her point Pinkie Pie began to bounce in place.

Applejack snapped her head around to face her chatting friends. “Would ya’ll gals kindly keep it down,” Applejack quietly reprimanded them. Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing as both mares returned Applejack’s glare with an apologetic expression. It would seem that Braeburn was right, Twilight thought to herself. Her gaze shifted between the dragon to the unicorn beside him.

Twilight’s mind was spinning rapidly, this entire scenario seemed off. The first discretion was the dragon’s uncanny ability to hide among the open plains. Secondly, who was the strange unicorn that acted as though her place was beside him. “How do you do,” Twilight called to Zembani and Chrysalis, “may I ask your names?” Rainbow Dash blurted out, “and where’d you come from dragon.”

Instinctively Zembani roared angrily at Rainbow Dash causing everypony to flinch with apprehension. “Listen well you flamboyant chicken my name is Zembani, not dragon!” The loud outburst caused several citizens of Appleloosa to flee in fright. Rainbow Dash’s friends restrained her before she could confront Zembani.

“Who are you ca…,” Rainbow Dash was silenced by Twilight's magic. While the others, minus Pinkie Pie who was giggling, scolded Rainbow Dash. Twilight gave a slight bow along with an apology. “Please forgive my friend’s insensitivity, she meant no disrespect Zembani,” Twilight pleaded. Chrysalis smiled inwardly at the sight of Twilight squirming before her.

Zembani gave Rainbow Dash a cold stare before he forgave her begrudgingly. Quick to break the tension, Chrysalis emulated a soft voice as she spoke to Twilight, “I see that you have befriended a dragon.” “Would it be presumptuous to assume that you're knowledgeable about dragons, princess?” Chrysalis humbly finished.

“Please call me Twilight,” she began, “I do possess some knowledge about dragons, why do you ask Ms.?” “Veronica,” replied Chrysalis, “Despite raising him the best I could, I’ve never raised a dragon.” “I only wish that my son knows about his lineage,” Chrysalis concluded. Twilight took a couple of steps toward them, a smile on her face, “I’d be honored to teach Zembani.”

Twilight turned to face the dragon before continuing. “If it’s ok with you.” Zembani quickly glanced at Chrysalis before turning his attention back to Twilight. Chrysalis felt a twinge of discomfort in her chest, a feeling that was quite foreign to her. With a long breath, Zembani answered Twilight, “I would appreciate it if you could teach me.” Twilight resumed her approach, stopping a few steps away, and extended her hoof toward Zembani. “It would be my pleasure to teach you about your heritage,” Twilight said.

Reluctantly Zembani took her hoof in his claw and shook it. Twilight turned to face Chrysalis, “You have my word that we’ll take care of your son Ms. Veronica.” Chrysalis gave a half-hearted smile at the lavender pony. Fluttershy, who had remained quiet, was quite taken with everything that has unfolded today. It filled her heart with joy to hear that Zembani and Veronica overcame their differences to live peacefully together.

Regrettably, the shrill whistle of the train completely decimated an otherwise wondrous moment. The group slowly made their way towards the train station. Before they reached the platform though, Fluttershy stopped and cleared her throat. “I want to stay and talk to Veronica a little while longer,” Fluttershy stated.

Her compatriots turned to look at her, concerned that she wanted to remain in Appleloosa. Rarity was the first to voice her concern. “Are you sure darling, it might be a while for the next train to come through.” “I’m sure besides I can stay at a hotel if it gets too late,” Fluttershy countered with a smile. Fluttershy’s friends exchanged looks of surprise at her unusual decision.

Despite their personal feelings, they couldn’t think of any objections. “Alright Fluttershy, I guess we’ll see you back at Ponyville,” Twilight replied. Twilight’s mood drooped slightly, already missing Fluttershy’s company. “We’ll see you later Fluttershy,” Spike called out as he climbed the stairs. Eventually, her friends followed suit, giving similar words of departure to the yellow pegasus.

After giving Chrysalis one last smile, Zembani prepared to fly after the ponies that preceded him. Before he could take flight, Fluttershy rushed toward him. The yellow pegasus realized that she barely reached his waist once she stopped beside him. Zembani slowly turned his gaze downward to see Fluttershy retrieving her ticket from her bag and offer it to him.

“Thank you kind pegasus,” Zembani spoke in a deep yet kind voice. Fluttershy felt a slight tremor creep through her body as Zembani’s pointed claw took the ticket from her. With ticket in claw, Zembani prepared his wings for flight. Likewise, Fluttershy backed away, giving Zembani space for his take off. Giving her friend one last hug, Twilight walked after their friends.

“Did you want to talk over a light snack,” Chrysalis suggested to Fluttershy. “That sounds nice,” Fluttershy replied as they walked back to town. The Friendship Express signaled it’s departure by another short shriek of its whistle. Zembani had chosen to sit on a bench by himself. He curled into a ball and hoped that he’d be able to sleep the trip away.

A crest of green scales accompanied by a high pitched voice proved otherwise. “Hi my name is Spike,” the small purple dragon said as he held out his claw. Zembani shook his claw, “pleased to meet you, Spike,” he spoke in an indifferent tone. Zembani stared at Spike, which caused the baby dragon to fidget under his gaze. Spike frantically searched his brain for something that would break the silence.

At once Spike ceased his fidgeting as he cleared his throat. “How long have you lived with Veronica?” Spiked asked Zembani, secretly hoping that his question wasn’t too personal for having just met. A small grin formed on his lips as he recalled the memory. “It’ll be four years next month that Veronica welcomed me into her home,” Zembani stated.

Spike was about to ask a follow-up question but was interrupted by Zembani. “I’ve nothing against you young drake but could you leave me in peace.” Instantly Spike’s good mood evaporated as he turned and trudged back to Twilight. Zembani turned to look out the window fascinated by the change of scenery. After several minutes of staring out the window, Zembani heard a soft ahem from behind him.

Zembani turned around, surprised to see Rarity and not Twilight standing behind him. “I know it’s hard to leave your home but Spike was only being nice,” Rarity calmly said. Zembani pushed himself into a sitting position before speaking. “I meant the young drake no disrespect Ms..” “Rarity will suffice,” the white unicorn chimed in.

Zembani quickly continued, “Rarity, I simply do not wish to be disturbed right now.” “I understand but Spike was quite excited to speak to another dragon like himself,” Rarity responded. Zembani’s ears perked up at Rarity’s words, he leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “Do you mean that Spike was orphaned and abused,” Zembani quietly asked.

“What, no Spike wasn't..." Rarity halted as a dark epiphany clicked within her mind. Rarity fell to her haunches, a loud gasp escaped her lips. Upon hearing her distress, Rarity's friends rushed to her side. Before any of them could ask her what was wrong, Rarity spoke again. “Who would be cruel enough to do such a thing?” Zembani noticed that the rest of her companions were gathered around his bench now.

“I guess this is as good of a place as any,” Zembani mused softly. Zembani cleared his throat and began the tale of being abandoned, abused, and his eventual rescue. Amending the parts about Chrysalis, the death of the bullies, and consuming their flesh for sustenance. Once Zembani finished his story, his captive audience was either sniffling or completely shocked.

Zembani could also hear a few scattered sniffles among the other ponies on the train. A soft touch on his left front claw causing him to shift his gaze downward. Rarity had placed her hoof on his claw in an attempt to comfort him. “You poor dear, I didn’t know dragons could be so cruel.” Rarity replied softly. “Dragon culture is quite barbaric but it’s just our nature,” Zembani stated.

A loud chime rang from the intercom as the conductor announced their arrival to Ponyville. The train gradually decreased it’s speed as the Ponyville station came into view. In a matter of minutes, the train had halted and waited for anypony to disembark. The group began to exit the train with Zembani following behind them. After a short walk, the group stood on the outskirts of Ponyville.