Chapters Prologue (Free of Ponies, Can be Skipped)
A/N: Unlike many fan-fictions, (or at least the ones I read), this one takes place in a medieval setting. Many of the things of dragons I will write, I believe to be true, others I will not, but added them to spice up the story a little bit more. These "tall tales" of Dragons and their Riders will be marked with this: * Now because I don't like creating them myself, I will use the magic words from the series called Inheritance or as others could know it by: Eragon, as well as some things like being unable to lie in the language.
The Prologue has next to nothing to do with ponies
Prologue:
The day started as it would any other. Taro conversed with his friends, did some work, and went for a walk. The only difference of this day, was the mysterious green... stone? No. He knew what this was. It was part of his favorite legacy. It was a Dragon Egg. Taro loved reading scrolls and listening to the stories his friend, Rule told. Taro flipped his green hair out of his eyes. He looked around to see if anyone was watching. As usual, no one.
Taro tucked the egg into his satchel and walked back to his home in his village. He lived outside of the village, technically, but it was still in the same district. His house was no different from anyone else's. Maybe a little more worn down, from all of the training his mentor, Isron, forced him to do.
Taro walked into his room and put his satchel on his bed, which was really only straw, covered in a soft fabric. He opened the satchel and pulled out the egg. He reached over and grabbed one of his books about dragons. Specifically, Dragon Eggs. He found the chapter on when the egg hatches. He read aloud: "A dragon only hatches when the Rider is truly present... What the hell does that mean?" He read on, "A Rider is chosen for the Dragon before the Dragon nor the Rider are even born. They are set in stone..."
"What'cha got there, Taro? Still reading those old dusty books, huh?"
Taro jumped and turned around, putting the book on the egg. "Oh, Lucielle!" Taro had already forgotten that his sister asked to stay with him, while her mentor was in his village. Her mentor had always told her to find her own place to stay while they went anywhere. Lucielle's mentor was a white smith, a person who makes glass goods, where as Taro's was a both a sword smith, and a professional swordsman. Taro always thought he had it harder, every other day, coming home with bruises and cuts, only to wake up early the next day, to find Isron in his house, eating his food and demanding he fight there as well.
"I can't believe you forgot I was staying here. You should have received my letter yesterday!" Lucielle complained, "What,were you too busy training and coming up with 'unique and new styled' swords?"
"No, I just... wasn't thinking about it I guess," Taro said, trying to avoid a scolding from her. Even though she was younger than him, she still held a strange authority over him.
"So, what were you reading?"
"Nothing, just some, uh, dragon stuff. How long have you been here?"
"Well, lucky for you I arrived a few minutes before you came in. At least you didn't eat your dinner before you realized I was here!"
"Alright, I get it! Just get out of my room. I have studying to do."
"But you're done with school," Lucielle said as he pushed her out the door.
Taro picked up the book and turned to the next page. Before he knew it, he fell asleep. Taro woke up to bucket of water splashing on him. He immediately got up, with his fists in the air, ready to fight.
"You slept an extra hour, now get up! We missed out on a lot of training!" It was Isron. "What were you doing all night, reading your dragon books, and scrolls!"
Lucielle looked through the doorway. "Oh, Taro, Isron's here."
Taro shook off some water off of his clothes as he got up. "Yeah, I noticed."
That day, Taro tried as hard as he could to finish his jobs that Isron had him do so he could go back to studying the egg. He walked through his front door and found a slip of paper on the table: "Taro, my mentor and I are going to be working for a while today, I'll be back home late. Try not to forget again." He put the note down and went to his room to check on the egg. Taro heard squeaking from under his bed. Just rats, he thought. He ducked to look what it was. Underneath his bed was a baby green dragon.
The dragon stood in the corner underneath Taro's bed. Taro looked in aw. He had a dragon. He was a Dragon Rider. He saw how frightened the dragon was. So helpless. So fragile. So alone. "Come here," Taro said, comfortingly, "I won't hurt you." Taro remembered in his books that a dragon and its Rider can communicate through thought. But this dragon was just hatched. he thought, How can he know what I'm saying?
Since the afternoon began, Taro had felt an odd sort of... itch... in the back of his mind. Ta-oh!
The shout had caused him to jump. He looked around. Nothing was there. What made that noise? he wondered. He turned his attention back on the dragon, who was already touching Taro gently with his claw. His hand started to fall asleep from having it on the ground for so long. Wait, I've only been kneeling here for a minute. He looked at his right hand. A hollow lightning bolt was glowing on his hand. It was a thin glow, like someone etched it with a quill. He quickly grabbed a book on Rider's. "When a Rider meets his Dragon, a mark will appear, accompanied by a glow, when it is first present. The glow will disappear over a short time."
Taro looked back at his dragon. "You need a place to stay." Taro picked up the dragon, who was only slightly reluctant to go. Before leaving, he grabbed a sharp hatchet. He carried the dragon outside and into the forest. The dragon lay in Taro's arms and watched in aw at the changing scenery. He walked for fifteen or so minutes until he found what he was looking for: a clearing in the woods with a lone tree in the middle.
Taro set the dragon down. "Stay here," he commanded to it. Taro grabbed the hatchet and cut up a hollow log to set against the tree to let the dragon stay in. He picked some grass to line it with and set it up against the tree. so the back had no opening, but the front had the entrance.
He then put a slab of bark on the front of the hollow log and tied it to the front of the log, so it could only open from the inside. Unless, of course, you had thumbs. "You'll have to stay here for now," Taro told the dragon, who hadn't moved since he set it down.
The dragon settled into it's new home and Taro walked home, strangely over-confident that the dragon could take care of itself.
A/N: By now, I'm sure that you're wondering if this really is a fan fiction for My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and that I just uploaded it to the wrong site, yet you continue to read to either make sure, or you're intrigued. I'll put it this way: There is a whole different story with a grand adventure, in which Isron has trained Taro for the sole purpose of him becoming a Dragon Rider. Taro *develops wings, just like all other Riders* and Isron is a mage, or magic user. Since I'm sure you just want to read the fan fiction part of this story, I will continue from there.
Isron had called Taro to his home. Taro was about to be sent on a very important mission. Taro flew in on Thatch, the green dragon. They had grown incredibly close since killing Orik, the Demon King; their first adventure together.
Thatch was about the size of 75% of a house, and growing. Dragons never stopped growing. Taro was incredibly skilled at magic, and had a magic sword, with the same shimmering colors of Thatch's scales. It's name: Kveykva, or in English: Lightning. When he spoke the name of the sword, electricity had flowed through it, making it more deadly than it already was. The sword never dulled, as it was made by magic. Like many Dragon Riders, Taro's ears had come to a point.
"Welcome, Taro and Thatch's. I trust your trip went well," Isron greeted.
Taro dismounted from Thatch's. "As good as ever, Isron. What's our new mission?"
"Did you read those history books like I told you?" Isron pet Thatch's on the head.
"If you can call them history books. It's all clearly make believe."
"What of you, Thatch's, did Taro share the knowledge?"
Yes, now what are we doing? Thatch spoke through his mind. It was the only way he could speak. Taro and Thatch shared a special bond. Their minds were connected, almost as one.
"I have been in contact with someone far away from here. There have been threats made against that land. At such a terrible time, as well. You see, a big event is coming up in that land. You must defend this land, and it's event. However, your true identity as a Dragon Rider must be hidden. You don't want to give out information as valuable as that to those you don't even know."
"So what do you want me to do, remove the bolt of lightning on my hand and cut off my ears? It's not gonna happen."
"Not quite." Isron pulled out a fedora and fingerless gloves from a nearby drawer. "I think you'll find this much more bearable. As for Kveykva, you will hide it. Do you remember that spell?"
"Frethya," Taro confirmed. The hide spell. It hides the object, but it still sound and produced a shadow. It was, after all, still there.
"Think you have the energy to do it for a while?" Magic's most important rule was payment. Magic isn't free. The currency: energy. The more experienced with the spell and the stronger you are, the easier said spell becomes. Frethya, to Taro was a simple spell. He could do it for weeks ad still be strong, and Isron knew it. "Here, take this as well. You may be using magic a lot." Isron handed Taro his sapphire ring. Within valuable gems, such as diamond, sapphire, emerald, and so on, you can store energy in. Isron's ring had an entire pool of energy.
"Where are we going?" Taro asked as he donned his new gear.
"A magical place known as Equestria. If you read the books, you should know what the place is like. To them, you're not a Dragon Rider, you are Taro, the greatest angle warrior. No one there knows who you really are."
But wait, where do I stay? Thatch wondered.
"You will stay with other dragons in Equestria. Dragons there are tough and mean, but they should accept you."
"When are we leaving?" Taro asked.
"Right now, actually." Isron put his hands out toward Taro and Thatch. His hands started to glow as they were transported to Equestria.
Taro found himself standing out in the open. He looked around in aw as he spotted the citizens of this strange new land. These Equestrians were.. ponies. Colorful ponies. Some flew, some had horns. How was this even possible? Unicorns and pegesai don't exist. But then, who was he to argue? Dragons didn't exist either before he got one.
"Hello, you must be Taro. I'm Twilight Sparkle. It's an honor to meet such a valiant warrior such as yourself." Taro saw a lavender unicorn.
Taro mentally shook his head. "Why thank you. It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Sparkle. Are you the one I'm supposed to be staying while I'm here?"
"Well actually, you can stay with whomever you feel like. These are my friends, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Spike, my dragon assistant."
"Nice to meet you all." Taro greeted. He noticed one pony, Fluttershy, hiding behind another pony. Taro walked up to her and put his hand on her front shoulder. He looked into her eyes and said "Eka ai fricai un Shur'tugal." Loosely translated: I am Rider and friend. He knew she didn't understand, but all living things felt some kind of connection to the language. He backed off and Fluttershy stopped hiding. In fact she looked rather confident.
"Cool wings..." Rainbow Dash said, staring at them lovingly, "How fast do they go?"
"I don't know, I never needed to fly at max speed, why?" Taro replied.
"Taro, would you mind doing a few tests to see what angles are like?" Twilight asked.
"Sure, why not."
Taro walked out of the library, exhausted. He looked at the position of the moon. he guessed that it was about midnight. "Wow, how did it get so late?"
"What are you talking about? It's only eight o'clock," Pinkie Pie said, bouncing past Taro.
He looked at her in shock. He learned from Twilight how random she was. Was she being random by lying about the time?
Twilight came out of the library smiling. "Thank you for all of the information, Taro. Same thing tomorrow?" Twilight asked, closing the door.
Taro looked at her. "No!" he shouted, and took off flying. He flew straight up for a minute before he saw large clouds come into view.
"Oh, hey Taro." Rainbow Dash peeked over the edge of the cloud.
"Hey Dash. Are you standing... on the cloud?" Taro wondered aloud.
Rainbow Dash giggled. "Of course. Pegasus ponies can touch clouds. Hey! Maybe you can too!"
Taro simply tried landing on the cloud. To his surprise, it worked! "Wow. I never thought I would..." Taro stopped.
"Would what?" Rainbow asked.
"Nothing. never mind. Do you live here?"
"In Cloudsdale, yes. Here, specifically, no."
"What about Fluttershy? Where does she live?"
"Flutturshy? She's afraid." Rainbow Dash looked down, as if ashamed.
"Afraid of what?"
"Heights."
Taro intantly dropped to the ground, laughing. "A pegasus, afraid of heights? That's rediculous!"
"Yeah well, it's true."
There was an akward pause.
"So," Rainbow Dash said, to break the silence, "It's getting late, you wanna stay at my house?"
I thought. Twilight couldn't get me from up here. "Sure, why not."
Taro woke up to a loud scream. He looked around. He was on the floor. The cloud floor. Rainbow Dash hadn't had a spare cloud bed, so she gave him the next best thing.
He stood up and stretched. Normally, he would crack his aching back from a terrible sleep on the floor, but this floor was... soft. If this was the floor, he couldn't WAIT to find out how the bed felt.
He donned his fedora and walked into Rainbow Dash's room, where he thought the scream must've come from. She was sound asleep. She looked as if she was having the best dream. Taro smiled lightly.
Taro! You ignorant fool! Listen!
Taro shook his head. It was Thatch. Hey Thatch. How's you're time been with those other dragons?
How has it been? You haven't spoken to me in hours! I was beginning to think you were in danger!
Relax, I just shut out our connection so I wouldn't get distracted. I wanted to make sure, incase Twilight could enter minds, that no one, or rather noPONY would discover you.
Well, never-the-less, I wish to see you. We need to do some sort of activity. I want to see you, being separated is difficult for us. Remember the Inn?
Taro did. He was staying at an Inn with Isron, undercover. Isron told him that he had to block his mental connection with Thatch and try not to even THINK about him. It was torture. The both of them had mental break-downs, and when they were finally reunited, they broke down into tears.
"Alright," Taro spoke aloud, "I'll meet you. Find somewhere."
Rainbow Dash woke. "Taro? Who are you talking to?"
Taro had been leaning against the frame of the entrance and was staring off into space. He had completely forgotten where he was. "Oh, no. Nothing."
Rainbow Dash looked at a clock. "It's 8:21. Why are you up so early?"
"My mentor always had me get up early and train not only my fighting skills, but my magic and mental fitness as well.
Rainbow Dash put her head back on her pillow. "Sounds exhausting."
I found a place under a tree in a clearing. We speak in privacy here.
Taro smiled at the lazy Pegasus. Alright. I'm on my way. "Rainbow, I'm just gonna go out for a while. If anypony needs me, do... something I'll notice."
A grunt of approval came from under the pillow.
Taro exited the home and swan dove off the edge of the cloud. He then opened his wings wide, and flew toward the forest at amazing speeds.
Taro and Thatch sat under the tree for an hour. They spoke as if they hadn't seen each other in years. They spoke about Twilight's tests, the strange way of the dragons in Equestria and everything in between. Two more hours were spent training. Taro practiced his magic. He used various combinations of words making tasks easier or more difficult. Every mistake was met with a laugh from the two of them. They were... inseparable. Until, of course, letters were spelled in clouds. "Library" it read.
"Well, as much as I hate to do it, I have to get going."
So early? Thatch complained.
Taro laughed. It's been three hours.
With that, he took off.
Taro landed outside the library and knocked on the oak door. Or, at least, ALMOST knocked. Before his closed fist connected to the door, Pinkie Pie burst through it and shouted "SURPIRSE!"
"Pinkie, you were supposed to wait for him INSIDE the library," Twilight complained.
"What is this?" Taro asked, getting up dusting himself off.
"It's a party, duh!" Pinkie bounced back into the library.
"Every time sompony new comes to town, Pinkie Pie has to throw a party to welcome them in," Apple Jack stated, as if the answer was obvious.
Taro looked around to see only the six he had met the previous day. "Seems more like a neighborly get-together than a party."
"That's what I said!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, jumping in the air.
"We figured it would be hard enough for you just knowing the seven of us, so we counted out the rest of Ponyville," Apple Jack explained.
"Seven? There are only six of you."
"Oh yeah, I forgot, Spike is watching Fluttershy's animals at her cottage," Twilight chimed in.
"Spike?"
"Yes, he's my dragon assitant. He's only a baby though."
"Interesting."
The party, or get-together, ended after Rainbow Dash tried showing Taro one of her tricks, that ended up knocking all of the books off their shelves. The floor was an absolute mess. Twilight just stared at Rainbow.
"Okay, looks lke the party's over!" Apple Jack stated, before things got out of hand.
"Yeah, alright Rainbow Dash, let's go. Thanks for the awesome party Pinkie Pie." Taro grabbed Rainbow Dash and flew out of the door.
Taro was hanging out with Thatch again, under the tree. Now try dispelling the leaves off of that tree.
Taro turned quickly. "Vindr jierda!" A strong gust of wind hit every last leaf on the tree, causing the leaves to fly off into the horizon.
Now slice off the branches!
Taro grabbed Kveykva from his side and ran at the base of the tree. Taro ran up the side and sliced off a lone branch. He then stood on the small stump it had left behind. He jumped off it, grabbed another branch and twirled around it to stand on. He jumped again, slicing that branch.
He spun over another branch and launched himself over the top of the tree. "Kveykva!" he shouted, activating the lightning from his sword. He slammed it down as he fell to the ground with so much force, every branch fell to the ground.
Impressive.
"Thanks." Taro looked back to the sky to see Rainbow Dash, distracted from the noise. "Uh-oh. I think she noticed me. You better go."
Taro sheathed his sword and turned it invisible while Thatch flew off.
"Hey Taro, I just came to... What's up with that tree?" Rainbow Dash gestured to the over-sized stump.
"Training."
"Wow. Anyway, Twilight wanted to speak to you at her library."
"Alright, let's go." Taro flexed his wings.
"Wait!" Rainbow Dash said, grabbing his arm. "Want to race?"
"You're on!" Taro jumped to the sky, Rainbow Dash followed close behind.
Rainbow Dash pumped her wings as fast as she could. Taro had only jumped. "Heh, I'm catching up, Taro!" Rainbow Dash taunted.
"In. Your. Dreams." Taro bat his wings with one powerful swing, causing enough backwards force to knock Rainbow Dash back a little.
Taro landed heavily in front of the door to the town library. Shortly after, Rainbow Dash landed. "Wow... you're... fast!" she said, panting.
"All a part of the job," Taro replied, without skipping a beat.
Taro almost knocked. Then he turned to Rainbow Dash. "Nothings going to jump out at me again, right?"
"Not that I know of, no."
Taro knocked.
Twilight opened the door, with who Taro assumed to be Spike. "Hi Taro," she greeted, levitating a picnic basket. Spike's head perked up a little bit as his eyes rested on Taro. "The girls and I have scheduled a picnic. Would you like to come with?"
Spike looked at Twilight. "How come I can't go!"
"Because you have to finish cleaning up after the party."
Taro peeked passed them. Books STILL littered the floor.
"Well, are you coming?" Twilight asked again.
"Sure, why not."
A checkered blanket was lying on the ground, being made perfect by Rarity. Apple Jack and Fluttershy gently set down a chocolate cake with pink frosting, while Pinkie Pie bounced after some butterflies.
"Welcome Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Taro," Rarity greeted. "Isn't it just gorgeous out?"
"Heh, you can thank ME for that," Rainbow Dash gloated.
Taro was about to ask why, but then he remembered Pegesai control the weather.
Twilight set the picnic down and Rainbow dove in for a sandwhich. Apple Jack pulled out some juice and a straw, and Twilight levitated an apple out of the basket. "It doesn't get much clearer than this," she stated, and took a bite. "So, Taro. Rainbow Dash said something about you using magic yesterday, did you?"
"Nuh-uh!" Rainbow protested, "He mentioned USING it."
"Yeah, I can use magic. You didn't know?" Taro answered.
"What? Where's your horn?" Rarity exclaimed, flabbergasted.
"I don't have one." Taro stood up. "But that shouldn't surprise you. I have studied Twilight's magic while she uses it. To you, it seems magic is easy, unless you're doing something big. To me, magic isn't free."
"You must have to be RICH to be able to use magic, then!" Rainbow Dash gaped.
"No, not that cost. Magic costs energy from the one using the spell. The newer you are at that spell, the more energy it takes up. And it may even kill you if you're weak enough. The limits are for you to decide, if you can use that spell at that moment."
"Oh, magic sounds... scary," Fluttershy peeped.
"If you don't have enough strength, why don't you stop it when you realize it?" Rarity asked.
"Because to realize it, you have to have started. the flow of magic can't be stopped unless there is no energy left from the host or if the task is complete. Also, the further away it is, the harder it becomes. To pick you up from here," Taro ushered to Fluttershy, "would be a lot easier as opposed to being, say, by that tree."
"Cool! So how do YOU use magic? Do you focus on one point, or think things?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"No, I use words from the Ancient Language. Very few know it's existence, even less know the various words meanings."
"I bet Twilight knows it," Apple Jack interrupted.
"Maybe if you called it by name."
"It has no name. Simply, the Ancient Language. This language has been forgotten many centuries ago. Probably hidden by the same race that created it. You see, this language isn't just words FOR things, they ARE those things."
"I don't understand," Twilight said.
"See that small pond. The water inside isn't water, it's Adurna." As Taro spoke the word, the water rippled. "Adurna is was water TRULY is. Know the word, and you control it."
"Y'all seem to know a might bit about this magic, but how 'bout SHOWIN' us some," Apple Jack protested.
Taro looked up to see a cloud. All on its own. "Rainbow Dash," he started, "would you mind bringing me that cloud up there?"
"Sure." Rainbow jumped up and brought it down above Taro's head. He lifted his right hand toward.
"Brisingr." The cloud caught fire and burst into flames completely.
The six of them stared. Twilight was the first to speak up. "But that's impossible! Clouds don't start on fire!"
"Know the word, and you control the thing, that's what I said, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, but..."
"But nothing. I controlled the fire. I didn't let it go out."
"Wait, aren't you supposed to be weaker?" Fluttershy pointed out.
"I have done this spell so many times, I barely feel any different."
"Wait, so was that the Ancient Language you said to Fluttershy was you first arrived?" Twilight noted.
"Yes, indeed. I told her I was a friend."
"She couldn't understand. Why did she become more confident around you? And even if she could, you could have been lying!"
"Now THAT'S impossible."
"To know the language, I know, but it's an example."
"No, not that part, the lying part. It's impossible to lie in the Ancient Language. It's protected by more magic. And she didn't need to understand. No matter if you can understand, it doesn't change anything. She knew, even though she didn't, if that makes sense."
Twilight looked in confusion. "No, it doesn't."
He sighed. "She knew without understanding, that's really the only way I can put it. Now can we get back to the picnic?"
"Twilight!" Spike shouted, running toward them. "I have... hold on!" Spike rested his hands on his knees and burped. Out came a letter.
Whoa! Taro thought, That is on weird place to keep a letter.
Twilight held it up with her magic and read aloud. "Dear Twilight, I'm sure are as excited as I am for the upcoming wedding in Canterlot. Wedding? I will be presiding over the ceremony, but would love it if you and your friends would help with the preparations for this wonderful occasion. Fluttershy, I would like you and your songbird choir to provide the music. Pinkie Pie, I can think of no one more qualified than you to host the reception. Apple Jack, you will be in charge of the catering for the reception. Rainbow Dash, I would very much appreciate it if you perform a Sonic Rainboom as the bride and groom complete their 'I-Do's'. Rarity, you will be in charge of designing the outfits for the bride and brides-maids. As for you, Twilight, you will be playing the most important role of all, making sure all goes as planned. Taro, you shall be watching over the event. I look forward to seeing you all very soon. Attached to this letter is one for Taro. Yours truly, Princess Celestia."
Twilight looked over the letter. "But I don't understand, who's getting married?"
"Oh, right, I was probably supposed to give you this one first." Spike handed over another rolled up scroll.
Twilight grabbed it, and gave Taro his. Dear Taro, a threat was made against Canterlot from an anonymous source, but the wedding had already been planned. Your duty in Equestria is to see that nopony gets hurt and to help lead the Royal Guard.
Twilight read her letter: "Princess Celestia cordially invites you to the wedding of Princess Miamore Cadenza and," Twilight gasped, "my brother?"
"You're brother? Congrats, Twi!" Taro said, patting her on the back.
"Yeah, great news from an INVITATION! Not from my brother, but from a piece of paper! Thanks a lot, Shining Armor. He couldn't tell me personally? And who's Princess Miamore Cadenza anyway?"
"Um... Twilight, are you okay?" Fluttershy asked sheepishly.
"Sorry, it's just, Shining Armor and I have just been so close. Before I came to PonyVille to study the importance of friendship, Shining was the only one I counted as a friend."
Music started playing in the background and Twilight started to sing. "When I was just a..."
"Woah woah woah!" Taro interrupted. "What are you doing?"
"S-singing about my troubles. Why, is that weird to you?" Twilight answered.
"Yeah, a little. Can't you just tell us what happened?"
"Ugh, fine. He's my big brother best friend forever, and we..."
Taro sneezed. Alliteration.
"Bless you," AJ said politely.
"Thanks."
"Anyway, we did everything together. He taught me how to fly a kite, we never fought. I guess I miss him a lot more than I thought." Twilight looked toward a castle Taro assumed was Canterlot.
"As one of your friends, I'd say this brother of yours sounds like a really special guy," Apple Jack complimented.
"He is. They don't let just anypony be captain of the Royal guard."
Rarity's ears perked up. "Let me get this straight: We're helping out with the wedding of not just a princess, but the captain of the ROYAL GAURD!" she asked with a wide grin.
"Yeah, I guess we are," Twilight shrugged.
Without another word, she fainted.
"She sure likes that kind of publicity, huh?" Taro said rhetorically, stepping over Rarity.
"Well, the train already left for today, so I guess we'll leave tomorrow," Twilight said, still bummed.
"Actually, I'll leave for Canterlot now and I'll meet you at the station tomorrow. I want to get there early."
"Fine, whatever."
Taro took to the skies and called out for Thatch. Thatch, we got our mission. Fly toward Canterlot, the mountain-side town. Try staying out of sight from PonyVille.
Will do, Thatch approved.
Taro flew through the skies. He finally felt free again. An hour passed, only feeling like a minute. It would be almost seven before he reached Canterlot. Thatch, however, being a dragon, was more than likely already scouting for a place to stay. Taro was daydreaming about how he hoped the wedding would go: a small fight between him and some bad guy, a flesh wound and then a happy couple, joining together for their lives.
Suddenly a black... thing slammed into him. "Hey!" he shouted. The thing took shape as a human. Changeling, he thought to himself. Taro landed to fight the changeling on the ground. The creature followed.
"Alright, you want to fight?" Taro taunted. "You're gonna regret it!" Taro swung his fist at the fake human's jaw. It ducked and tried to counter with a blow to Taro's gut, but he was too slow. Taro back flipped out of the way, and kicked it in the head in the process. It tried to punch Taro straight in the nose, but he dodged, grabbed it's arm, and elbowed it in the face, killing it.
Taro shrugged it off and started flying again.
Taro's journey to Canterlot was full of no more surprises. Except for when he got there. Surrounding the town of Canterlot was a pink bubble of protective energy. A shield. This shield sealed away all alien-like ponies, or things that weren't ponies. Taro flew to the train tracks, where two stallion guards were.
"Halt," commanded one.
"You're not welcome here," stated the other.
"I am Taro, greatest angel warrior and here on behalf of Princess Celestia to defend Canterlot against the threat. I demand to be let in."
"Oh, NOW I believe you. Sorry, no entry." The first guard stood strong.
"Alright, I haven't gotten much action in this mission. How about a wager? You two are most likely the toughest guards in Canterlot, right?"
"Yes, so I suggest you leave before you get hurt."
"Before I get hurt? Alright, let's wager ourselves. If I defeat the two of you, I get to pass, but if you two beat me, I'll leave."
The guards looked at each other then nodded in agreement.
"You just signed your death note."
The unicorn tried stabbing him with his spear. Taro ducked and kicked the end, sending it spiraling away. He then leaned on his hands and produced a powerful kick to the unicorns jaw. The Pegasus jutted his spear toward Taro's legs, who proceeded to go over it. He stood on his hands, maintaining complete stability while dodging another attempt from the Pegasus.
"I don't why you're going for my torso. I'm on my hands after all," Taro taunted.
The Pegasus took his advice and slashed at his hands, falling for Taro's trap. Taro jumped, turned sideways in the air, spun in a circle, and nailed the guard's muzzle. Upon landing, Taro spun again, knocking the Pegasus down. By now, the unicorn came out of his daze and tried stabbing Taro with his horn. Taro grabbed it and jumped over him. Then he turned around and said "letta!" Stop!
He walked up to the guards and said, "I think I've earned my entry, don't you?"
They both grunted in approval.
"Waise heil." Taro healed all flesh wounds he had inflicted during the fracas. "I hope we don't need to settle things like this again." Taro walked through the shield, connecting to Thatch. He opened up enough of his mind to Thatch so he could hear what Taro was hearing.
It didn't take long to find Princess Celestia. She was on a balcony, looking through a telescope. Taro flew to her.
"Hello. You must be Taro," she greeted.
"Oh, what gave you the clue? The wings part, or the only humanoid in Equestria part?" Taro asked sarcastically.
"All jokes aside, you are here to help Shining Armor with the Royal Guard. You shall assume the position of co-captain. Shining should be in the courtyard, sending off troops."
With his newly acquired information, he dove off the balcony railing he was on and flew toward Shining Armor. The white stallion was wearing purple armor, lined with gold. His blue mane hung lazily over his shoulder, and his horn standing tall. Taro landed in front of him, interrupting his order.
Soldiers all around him brought up spears to attack. The one behind him attempted to stab. If Taro jumped to dodge it, it would kill or at least wound Shining Armor. Taro grabbed Shining Armor and flew up as fast as he could, dodging the blow.
"Think a little next time," Taro instructed, setting down their captain. "If I had dodged that in any way, you would've struck your captain. That's not a very good way to get promoted."
A few guards circled him.
"Put down your weapons," Shining Armor commanded, "That's no way to treat you co-captain."
"Aw, I didn't get much fun in this trip," Taro joked. "Can't they just try?"
Shining Armor chuckled. "You must be Taro."
"The one and only."
Shining Armor looked down at Taro's shadow.
He must see Kveykva, Thatch confirmed, Change the subject.
"You should have told them who I was."
"I figured you wouldn't try to make such an entrance."
"No, not them, the ones at the station."
"They weren't too much trouble, were they?"
"No, we had a bet. I said if I beat them in a fight, they let me through, I they beat me, I leave."
"Why would you do that? They need to be at top physical condition!"
"Relax, I only unleashed flesh wounds, and then I healed them with magic."
"I didn't know you could use magic."
"I'll tell you later."
Shining Armor continued to led troops away to scout. "Hmm, you beat my some of my best troops. Must be an off day."
"What are you saying?" Taro objected.
"Well, no weapon, only fists. How could you have beaten them?"
"Well I call it skills."
"Really? Skills? I doubt that."
"Are you challenging me?"
"Maybe. But if I am, I'm not making very subtle."
"Are you insulting me?"
"Weak and stupid. Not a very good combination."
"Alright, we'll fight. Got sword?"
"Are you kidding! We'll murder each other!"
Taro grabbed a sword from a guard. He held in up with one hand, and touched his other hand to it. "Geuloth du knifr." Taro ran his hand up and down it, creating a clear, round barrier. "Now we can fight."
Shining Armor swung a sword at Taro's torso. He leaned to the left, the tip barely catching him. Once Shining retreated his blade, Taro swung underneath him. Shining jumped back, the tip clipping his nose. Shining ran toward Taro, swinging the blade furiously. He side-slashed at Taro, who proceeded to duck and delivered a spinning uppercut to Shining. Taro said only one thing during that move: "Shoryuken!" Shining stumbled back, stretching his jaw. He looked back at Taro. He wore a proud grin on his face. Shining Armor did a diagonal slice, which Taro parried. Taro went over Shining Armor's head, then, before striking, turned around and hit him from the side.
"Okay, you want to fight like THAT?" Shining Armor taunted. Shining Armor attacked furiously against Taro, who parried all of them.
"Woah, geez. A little concerned for you pride, huh?" Taro tainted. Neither of them showed any signs of tiring. "I'm getting bored of this." Taro switched his sword to his left hand, and pointed his right palm at Shining. "Jierda!"
Shining Armor was knocked back to the wall. "Hey, that's cheating!"
"Cheating? But you're using magic."
Shining Armor laughed, taking the hint that they were done. "I had you cornered," he bragged.
"Please, had I used magic from the start, I would've beaten you right away," Taro retorted.
"We'd better call it a night. There's an Inn down the road a little. You can stay there." Shining Armor handed Taro a small bag of bits.
Taro woke up in the hotel room. Twilight and her friends were going to arrive today. Taro sat up, put on his fedora, and went outside. It was still night out. Something had him worried. He looked up at the shield. I was fully in tact. He searched the area with his mind for all living things. Every last pony he could sense was asleep.
What's wrong, Taro? Thatch asked sleepily. Taro's burden had woken him as well.
Nothing, I think. With a confirmed mind, he went back to bed.
In the morning, like promised, he met Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and the others at the train station, just as they got off.
"And YOU'VE got a brother to see." Apple Jack finished. "Hey Taro."
"Hey AJ. What's going on Twilight?"
"Do you know where Shining Armor is?" Twilight asked furiously.
"Courtyard, I'll go with."
Taro and Twilight walked to the castle courtyard to see Shining Armor, directing more troops.
"Hey Shining! I..." Taro started.
"You've got some explaining to do, mister!"
Shining Armor looked down from his spot on the balcony. "Twiley! Oh I missed you, kid. How was train ride?"
"How DARE you not tell me in person that you were getting married? I'm your sister for pony's sake!" Twilight shouted angrily
"It's... not my fault," Shining stuttered, "Princess Celestia has requested a major increase in security. Didn't you see all of the guards at the station?"
"Yeah, there's a big wedding coming up, maybe you heard about it!"
"Twilight, this has nothing to do with the wedding."
"Then what is it?"
"An anonymous threat was made against Canterlot. That's why Celestia has requested my presence," Taro interrupted, "With Shining Armor getting married, Celestia asked me to keep a look out and help him."
"This you need to see." Shining Armor thrust his head into the sky, his horn pulsing with lavender magic. A stream of energy flew into the sky, causing the shield around Canterlot to pulse and gleam. "The burden of keeping Canterlot safe and secure rests on min and Taro's shoulders. Staying focused on the current task is my top priority."
"Alright, I get it," Twilight said, leaning on the railing to the bridge they had walked to. "You have a really important job maintaining the force field that only YOU can create, but how can you not tell me about something as big as your wedding. Am I not that important anymore?"
"Hey, you're my little sister. You'll ALWAYS be important, but I would understand if you didn't want to be my best mare anymore," Shining Armor said with the dumbest grin.
"You want me to be you best mare? I'm honored!" Shining Armor hugged her. "But I'm still pretty ticked you're marrying somepony I don't even know! When did you even meet this Princess Cadenza?"
"Twiley, Princess Cadenza is Cadence. Your old foalsitter."
"Wow, THAT sounds kind of awkward!" Taro inquired.
"Cadence?" Twilight continued. "As in THE Cadence? As in the greatest foalsitter in the history of foalsitter's?"
"I don't know, you tell me. She was YOUR foalsitter," Shining joked.
"Oh my gosh! Cadence only the most AMAZING foalsitter ever! She's nice, caring, and how many unicorns can just SPREAD love wherever they go? I only know of one, and YOU'RE marrying her!" Twilight jumped around her brother with glee. "You're marrying Cadence, you're marrying Cadence!"
She was stopped dead in her tracks by a pink alicorn. "Hope I'm not interrupting!" she said with a prissy voice.
"Cadence!" Twilight said running up to her. "Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake!" she sang.
Cadence had a disgusted look on her face. "What are you doing?"
"Cadence, it's me, Twilight!"
"Uh-huh." She pushed her way passed Twilight to Shining Armor.
Seems like she's not the same from Twilight, Thatch confirmed, Give her a dream stare.
Dream stare, the way Taro used it, revealed for only a split second what the target was like. "Draumr Kopa," he mumbled. A black figure took the place of Cadence for an extremely short period of time.
She turned toward Taro. "Bless you."
"Thanks," he sniffed.
"I've got to get back to work, but Cadence will check up on all of you to see how things are going."
"Well, I'm gonna check around Canterlot. Twi, I'll meet you and your friends later," Taro suggested.
"How will you find us?"
"I will." Taro flew off.
Chapter 7: Twilight's Suspicion
Thatch had found a comfortable spot under a tree and next to some shrubs. Taro landed right next to him. What news did you bring? Thatch asked.
Cadence is something. I don't know for certain if we should be worried about it, Taro explained, but something happened on the way to Canterlot that I forgot to mention. A while after I left, I was attacked by a Changeling. It was easy to kill, but it still worry's me.
Hmm... That worry's me too. Are you going to interrogate her?
Maybe, but I haven't seen anything else out of the ordinary. What can I say? 'I used magic and found out that you're not who you say you are?' How well can THAT hold up?"
There was a pause. So you almost lost to Shining Armor.
Taro looked up in surprise. "You know I could've beaten him senseless had I actually TRIED!"
Thatch laughed. I know.
Anyway, I better get going.
Taro found Twilight with her friends at table, Twilight ranting about something.
"Rarity, she was so demanding," she explained as Taro landed.
"Well of course she was, why wouldn't she expect the best on her wedding day?" Rarity retorted.
"Apple Jack, didn't you notice how after she just 'love, love, loved' your orderbs, she threw them away?"
"Oh, she was probably just sparing my feelings."
"No, she was just being fake and insincere!"
Sounds like we have another clue, Taro , Thatch concluded over the others talking.
Bad attitude, being rude, I would say we've got some investigating to do, Taro agreed.
See if you can... Thatch was interrupted by a loud squawk.
We'll talk about this later, I should pay attention to their information.
"Pinkie Pie, you had to have noticed..." Twilight was interrupted by Spike and Pinkie Pie making kissing noses and putting the cake decorations together. "Never mind. Rainbow Dash, you with me, right?"
"Sorry Twilight, I've been to busy practicing to notice the bride's 'bad attitude,'" Rainbow Dash replied, stretching her wings.
"Taro, what about you?"
"I've seen her for a minute Twilight, I can't confirm, nor deny that she's being rude," Taro said half-heartedly
Twilight groaned in annoyance.
"The princess is about to get married," Rarity reassured, "I'm sure any negative behavior she's displaying is the result of nerves."
Twilight stood, slamming her hoof on the table, "And I'M sure that it's the result of being an awful pony who should even KNOW Shining Armor, let alone MARRY him!"
"Think maybe you're bein' just a tiny bit possessive over your brother?" Apple Jack stated. The others nodded in agreement.
"I am NOT being possessive, and I'm NOT taking it out on Cadence! Your just all too caught up with your wedding preparations to notice that there shouldn't even BE a wedding!" Twilight turned around and left the table.
"Well... THAT was fun. I'm gonna go back to my hotel room and hit the hay," Taro said, turning to leave.
"Wait, you have a place to stay?" asked Fluttershy.
"Yeah, why?"
"We need a place too," Apple Jack replied.
"Think we could stay with you?" Rainbow Dash asked politely.If you let them stay, you can't go and scout Cadence. Thatch pointed out.
But I can't just turn them down. They'll know I have space in my room and I'll look like a jerk. Taro explained.
You're going to have to deal with it.
Alright, fine. They can find another... "Sure," he said aloud.
All of the ponies smiled. "Thanks," Apple Jack said.
"No problem." Taro could just see the disapproval from Thatch. Taro chuckled.
"What's so funny? Is it a joke? I LOVE jokes, especially the one with..." Apple Jack shoved a hoof in Pinkie's mouth.
"Thank you."
"Just returnin' the favor."
Chapter 8: Twilight's Confirmation
Wedding day. Everypony was at the church in the castle, going over what would be done at the wedding. The new bridesmaids, Apple Jack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie (they had gone to see the princess before bed the previous night), walked down the aisle first. Taro was standing in the corner watching.
"Not too quickly," Celestia instructed, "No need to rush. Then of course, Cadence will enter."
The door magically opened, revealing Cadence. She walked leisurely toward Shining Armor, who had an anxious look on his face.
"I'll say a few words, and then we'll begin with the vows," Celestia said, "Shining Armor, you'll get the ring from the Best Mare."
Everypony looked to where Twilight was supposed to be standing. Instead was Spike, playing with the cake decorations again. "Do you? I do!" he said, throwing the Shining Armor miniature.
"Hey, where's Twilight?" Shining Armor asked.
The doors swung open, to show Twilight. "I'm here! I'm not gonna stand next to her! And neither should you!"
"I'm sorry," Shining said, turning to Cadence, "I don't know why she's acting like this."
"Maybe we should just ignore her," Cadence suggested.
"You have to listen to me!" Twilight shouted.
"Oh goodness, are you okay?" Fluttershy asked sweetly.
"I'm fine."
"You sure about that?" Twilight pushed Apple Jack's hat over her face.
"I've got something to say!" Twilight pointed at Cadence. "She's evil!"
Shining Armor stepped in front of his fiancee.
"She's been horrible to my friends..." Twilight blinked behind Cadence. "She's obviously done SOMETHING to her bride's maids, and if THAT wasn't enough, I saw her put spell on my brother that made his eyes go all..." Twilight rolled her eyes. Literally.
Cadence began to cry. "Why are you doing this to me?" she whimpered and ran off.
"Because you're EVIL! And if I don't stop you, you'll ruin my brothers life!"
Everypony gaped horribly at Twilight. She turned around smiling, only to bump into her brother.
"Do you want to know WHY my eyes went all," he goggled his eyes like Twilight had only a moment ago, "because ever since I had perform my protection spell, I've been getting terrible migraines. Cadence has been using her magic to heal me! And she decided to replace her bride's maids because she found out that they only wanted to meet Canterlot Royalty. And if she hasn't been on her best behavior with your friends, it's because I've been so busy and she has to make all of the decisions by herself!"
"I was just trying to..."
"She's completely stressed out that it's really important to her that out big day be PERFECT! Something that obviously wasn't important to you! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to comfort my bride! And you can forget about being my best mare. In fact, if I were you, I wouldn't bother showing up to the wedding at all."
Twilight sat down in disappointment. She watched as her friends passed her with disapproving looks on their faces, Celestia being the worst. "You have a LOT to think about," she said as she passed.
Twilight sat down on the stairs. "Maybe I was being over protective." she began to cry.
"No Twilight. You weren't." Taro was still sitting in the corner. With Twilight's accusation, everypony had forgotten him.
"But... everything has been explained. It all seems true," she said back.
"Seems true, but it's not. Cadence isn't who she says she is. She's completely different."
"How do you know?"
"I do. We'll leave it at that."
Twilight looked at Taro suspiciously. "Who are you, really?"
Taro sat down next to Twilight. "All in do time Twilight, for not only is Cadence a lie, but I am as well. However, I am a good one."
"So you'll begone too, huh?" Cadence said from behind them. Her horn was glowing and a green fire had surrounded Twilight and Taro.
"Adurna!" Taro shouted, attempting to put it out. It was too late. The fire formed a circle around them and everything went dark.
Chapter 9: Secrets Revealed
Twilight lit up the cave around them with her horn. "Hello?" she asked into the void.
"Twilight," Taro greeted, walking by her side.
Twilight walked around until she ran into a wall. "How did you not see that? YOU have the light," Taro pointed out.
An evil laugh surrounded them. "Where are we?" Twilight wondered aloud.
Cadence appeared on of the mirror surfaces. "The caves beneath Canterlot, once home to greedy unicorns who wanted to claim the gems that could be found inside." Taro and Twilight backed up. "And now, your prison. No one will help you, and no one will think to look for you either. You, Twilight have already appeared to leave after what you've done, and YOU Taro are too mysterious. Everyone will think you're doing something that no one will understand."
Not everyone. Taro was shocked. He had expected Thatch to speak to him, but not to Twilight.
Taro quickly entered Twilight's mind. Don't say anything. I'll explain after she leaves.
"Most ponies have forgotten that these caves even exist, which is why it makes the ideal place to hold the ones who try to interfere with my plans for your brother."
"Don't you DARE do anything to my brother, you MONSTER!"
"Only way to stop me is to catch me," Cadence taunted.
Cadence went from surface to surface, forcing Twilight to play Whack-a-mole. She shot at several spaces.
"Jierda." Tato broke the area before Cadence could escape. She could no longer communicate through the mirrors.
Behind the mirror Taro destroyed was Cadence. Twilight immediately jumped on her.
"Please, don't hurt me! Twilight, it's me! I was imprisoned here like you! The Cadence that brought you down here was an imposter!" she pleaded.
Twilight leaned closer. "Likely story."
"Sunshine, sunshine, lady bugs awake, clap your hooves and do a little shake," Cadence danced.
"Cadence, it is you!" Twilight hugged her. Meanwhile, Taro grabbed a shard of the mirror. "Now explain yourself, Taro! Who was talking to me? It sure wasn't my conscience!"
Taro was sitting on the ground, looking into the mirror. "She's getting ready," he said. "Twilight, we don't have much time left. I will explain only a little for now. The one who was speaking in your mind was me and my... dragon."
Twilight looked surprised. In fact, she was. Why shouldn't she be? "You found a dragon?"
"I found his egg. Remember when I said I wasn't who I said I was, like Cadence, only good? I'm not an angel warrior. I am, and always have been, a Dragon Rider."
"What? But dragons are supposed to be dead where you're from!"
"They weren't. Well, except mine, plus one more egg my mentor is taking care of. Hopefully the rider will claim it soon to start his training."
"How was the dragon speaking in my mind?"
"Dragons can't speak where he's from. That's how we communicate." Taro entered Twilight and Cadence's minds, And how I speak back. I can enter whoever's thoughts I want, provided they aren't protecting it through mental focus. "For now, that's all time will allow us. Not-Cadence is preparing to marry Shining Armor."
They noticed a tinge of light and ran toward it.
Thatch was struck with an epiphany. Taro, it all makes sense now! The threat against Canterlot was from Cadence!
"And THAT'S why I was attacked by none other than..."
"A CHANGELING!" they said together.
"What are talking about?" True-Cadence asked.
"On my way to Canterlot, I was attacked by a Changeling. Cadence must be a Changeling, and SHE'S the one who threatened Canterlot!" Taro pulled out the mirror shard. "Draumr kopa!" The mirror shifted from Taro's reflection to Not-Cadence's. She was still getting ready.
"We need to get going!" Twilight said, looking at the mirror.
Pianos started as Taro started flying. He looked around. Cadence.
"This day was going to be..."
"Look, I'm new here, but shouldn't we be more worried about saving Equestria than singing?" Taro pointed out.
"But..."
"Just keep running, don't argue," Twilight said.
They ran into a mine cart and Cadence started pushing.
"No time for that!" Taro said, picking them up and flying over the tracks and landing at the exit, only to be stopped by the brides maids.
"You're not going anywhere..."
Cadence step up to fight, then she noticed the flowers on the ground.
The room was full of ponies, Celestia, Shining Armor, and Not-Cadence in the front. "Princess Cadence and Shining Armor, it is my great honor to pronounce you..."
"STOP!" Twilight shouted at the doors.
Cadence groaned. "Why does she have to be so possessive over her brother?"
"Because," Taro said entering, " She's evil!"
"No Taro, not you too!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
"Well if she isn't evil, then who's THAT!" He motion toward the real Cadence entering the room.
Everypony gasped as they saw the two of them. "What? But how did you escape the bride's maids?"
"They're bride's maids," Taro said, "We used flowers."
"What?" Not-Cadence said in disbelief.
"Yeah, I know right. Twenty different fighting styles packed into this brain, then all she does is throw flowers. LAME!" Taro complained. "I mean, I had the chance to look even COOLER than I already do, but no, FLOWERS!"
"Okay Taro, enough," Twilight said.
"Well no matter, you're still to late!" Not-Cadence exclaimed.
"I don't get it, how are there two Cadences?" Apple Jack wondered allowed.
"There aren't. She's a Changeling!" True-Cadence explained. "She takes the form of somepony you love and gains power by feeding off your love for them."
"And she's not just any Changeling, she's the Queen," Taro said.
Everypony glared at Not-Cadence as she transformed back into her original form. A black, Cadence-sized alicorn with holes bored into her body, bug-like wings, and widely spaced teeth.
"Right you are, angel, and as queen, it's up to me to find food for my subjects, and Equestria holds more love than any place I have EVER encountered. My fellow Changelings will devour so much of it and gain MORE power than we have ever DREAMED of!"
"They won't get the chance! Shining Armor's protection spell will keep them from ever even REACHING us!" Cadence shouted.
The changeling cackled. "Oh I DOUBT that. Isn't that right, dear?" She used her magic to make Shining Armor nod.
Cadence started to run toward Shining, only to be blocked by the evil changeling. "Ah, ah, ah! Don't want to go back to caves, do you?" She jumped back by Shining Armor. "Ever since I took your place, I've been feeding off Shining Armors love for you. Every moment he grows weaker, along with his spell. My minions are already chipping away at it. He may not be my husband, but he's under my total control now and unable to perform his duties as Captain of the Royal Guard! Once my army breaks that shield, we will take Canterlot and ALL of Equestria!"
"No, you won't," Celestia commanded, "You may have made it impossible for Shining Armor to perform his spell, but now that you have revealed your plan, I can protect my subjects from you!" Celestia shot a powerful beam at the changeling, who returned fire, knocking her to the ground.
All of the ponies gasped as Twilight and her friends ran to make sure was alright. "Wow, Shining Armor's love has made me more powerful than even CELESTIA! "
"Elements of Harmony," Celestia began, "You have to get them to defeat the Queen. It's the only thing that can defeat her!"
"No." Taro stepped forward. "They aren't. I can still beat her."
The Queen laughed. "Oh please! An angel is only slightly less powerful than Celestia!"
"That may be true, but I'm not an angel!" Taro threw off his hat and burned his gloves off. Then he grabbed Kveykva from his side and activated it. A roar was heard in the distance. Suddenly, a green dragon crashed through the roof. "I'm a Dragon Rider!"
Chapter 10: I Am a Dragon Rider
"I am a Dragon Rider, the strongest being in the universe, no matter which universe I am in!"
"Impossible!" the Queen objected.
"Twilight, you and the others get these Elements of Harmony. I can beat her, but it may not be easy," Taro instructed. The six friends ran off.
Suddenly Shining Armors shield broke. A changeling flew into the room with them. "Let's see how you fare..." the two changelings started to change shapes again, "against yourself!"
The Queen had transformed into Thatch and the other changeling into Taro.
Not-Taro grabbed his sword and ran after the real Taro, where as Not Thatch ran for Thatch. The two Thatches flew into the air to fight.
Taro parried the blow from the changeling and returned it. The changeling ducked to dodge it and attempted to trip Taro. Taro did a back flip to avoid the attack. Above him, the dragons fought furiously to gain the upper hand.
The changeling attacked Taro, slashing at his side. Taro had backed off, but it wasn't far enough to receive a scratch through his tunic and on his skin, drawing blood. Taro swung his sword across the changeling's waist. It parried the attack, but stumbled backwards.
Taro thrust his sword at the changeling's stomach. Dodging to the side, it received a deep cut. Becoming more enraged, the changeling Taro ran after the real Taro. Taro blocked and grabbed one of the changeling's arms. Taro pushed against the changeling who was struggling to hold the sword with two hands. Taro was pushing against it with one. With how strong it was, Taro concluded the Queen had given it some power as well.
Taro kneed the changeling in the stomach. The changeling weakened it's arms. Taro pushed it away, roundhouse-kicked it in the face, and, on the returning circle, brought his blade down across its neck. The changeling made a poor attempt to block the attack and was cut across the shoulder instead, rendering its right arm useless. Taro kicked it back. The changeling, in attempt to survive, stood up and called for the Queen.
The Queen dodged an attack from Thatch and flew down to pick it up. Thatch quickly mimicked.
Taro flew on Thatches back, standing up, while the changeling sat down, it's arm too injured to keep its balance for more than a minute.
Taro noticed Twilight and her friends being blocked by changelings. "Thatch, let's help them out!" Taro suggested.
Thatch flew closer to the ground and let out a blast of fire from his jaws, burning all of the changelings. "Thanks!" Twilight shouted.
Thatch flew back up to confront the Queen. Thatch breathed fire again at the changelings before they collided. Taro jumped off of Thatch and over Not-Thatches head. He quickly delivered a fatal blow to Not-Taro. After he died, he transformed back into his regular state. Taro passed over him and grabbed the changeling's long tail.
"Taro!" Twilight shouted. Taro looked down. Twilight and her friends were glowing slightly.
Are you ready? he asked through his mind.
She needs to be down here first, Twilight thought back.
On it! he told Twilight. Thatch, stop attacking and defend yourself! "Hey Chrysalis! I'm vulnerable! Taro shouted, letting go of her tail.
The Queen followed after him. Taro sped up to avoid getting hurt and flew straight to the ground. "GO!" he shouted. Taro turned to fly parallel with the ground. He looked over his shoulder to see a bright flash of light. Then she was gone. The Queen of the Changelings had disappeared, and took her subjects with her.
Epilogue 2: You Forgot About the Ring
Taro and Thatch stood in a wide area, with Celestia, Twilight Apple Jack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and the others around them.
"Well everypony, I wish I didn't have to go, but I have duties to attend to. I may not have had much time here, but I have grown attached. I'll see if I can convince Isron to let me come back, when the new Dragon Rider takes my place. I had fun here." Taro's eyes examined all of the ponies, but smiled at Rainbow Dash alone.
She blushed and took a step back.
"Good bye, Taro. Good bye Thatch. If it weren't for you, who knows what would have happened," Celestia said.
"You know, where I'M from, Dragon Riders are at a higher rank than princesses," Taro said with a grin.
"I think we ALL own you a bow," she replied.
On that note, all ponies bowed to their saviors: the Dragon and his Rider.
"I will miss you all."
I wish I had more time to meet you all, but from what I've gained from Taro, you are the best of friends any pony, man, or dragon can ask for, Thatch said, bending his neck to meet everypony eye to eye. He stopped at Spike. And just as Taro must teach the new Dragon Rider, I must help the dragon, so don't expect me to come back here and teach you how to act like a true dragon.
Spike smiled. "Will do."
Celestia used her magic to create a portal back to Thatch and Taro's home. On the other side, Isron was visible. Thatch turned and walked through the portal.
"Come on Taro," Isron instructed.
Taro pulled off the ring Isron had given him and threw it to Rainbow Dash. He never used it anyway. Before she could say anything, he walked through the portal and it disappeared.
Taro half stood, half sat on the gold railing of a random balcony. They had won. The wedding had started, and he watched from afar, Thatch on the ground next to him.
"Another mission complete," Taro confirmed.
Thatch sighed in agreement.
Rainbow Dash had bolted out of the window and did her Sonic Rainboom. "Best wedding EVER!" she shouted. Then she noticed Taro. "Hey Taro, Thatch, how come you two are here instead of at the wedding?"
"I don't know," Taro answered.
We always feel a lack of energy after a mission.
"Well, there's a party going on now, if you want to go," Rainbow Dash half-asked.
Taro smiled. "One more minute."
Rainbow Dash smiled and left.
There was music by the party and he heard Twilight start to sing. "Love is in bloom! A beautiful bride, a handsome groom..."
Hey Taro, Thatch said, they're singing again.
Taro stood up. "Yeah, but it fits." Taro jumped off the rail and flew toward the party.
"Hey Taro!" Rainbow Dash said as he landed. Another pony backed off as Taro walked closer to her.
"What a crazy couple of days it's been," he said to her.
"It sure has been," she confirmed.
Shining Armor and Cadence were dancing in the middle of the cobblestone dance floor while other couples danced around them.
Taro and Rainbow Dash looked around. Twilight was watching her brother lovingly, Pinkie Pie lie on the ground, eating cake, Apple Jack played music, Spike was dancing with who could only be Rarity's sister, while Rarity was with some fancy stallion.
They were the only ones who weren't doing anything.
Awkward, Thatch said to both of them, making them blush.
"Pfft, please," Rainbow said over her embarrassed smile, "dancing is SOO sappy."
"Yeah," Taro agreed over his own embarrassment.
They laughed together.
Rainbow Dash sighed. "Hey Dash, let's bail." Taro said, wanting to comfort his friend.
And so they flew off to their own party.
The Legacy of the Rider: Alternate Ending
The Legacy of the Rider:
Taro and Thatch had skipped the wedding they had worked so hard to save.
Are you sure we should just leave? Thatch asked.
"No, but I hate good-byes," Taro replied without meeting the emerald eyes of his companion. Taro got ready to throw a crystal to the ground, containing the portal to home.
"Stop!" shouted a mare.
Taro turned slowly to meet the magenta eyes of none other than Rainbow Dash ten feet away. "Come to see me off?"
Rainbow had a serious look on her face. "How can you just leave without even saying anything?"
Taro looked down in shame. "I didn't want to face you and the others."
"So instead you decide to sneak off as we wonder about what happened for the next month as you slowly fade out of our memory?"
Taro felt even more shameful. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean for it to be like that."
You say that as though we've already left, Thatch said to Taro.
Shut it, I'm trying to be nice here, Taro replied.
He said as he was prepping to leave forever.
Oh quiet.
"Are you even listening to me?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Busted.
"Quiet!" Taro shouted.
Rainbow Dash took a step back. "No, not you, Thatch. I didn't listen entirely to what you said, but I'm almost positive I heard a 'miss anypony' in there somewhere. Am I right?"
Rainbow Dash nodded her head.
Alright, winging it is TOTALY working now. "Of course I will. Rainbow Dash, I didn't want to say goodbye because I knew it would be too difficult. I don't exactly have friends back where I'm from, I rarely stay in one place. This is probobly the longest I've stayed with anyone. I don't want to get attached and have to leave in front of them."
Rainbow Dash looked sad already.
"So, are you here to see me off?"
Rainbow didn't answer but only walked up to him. She stood as high as she could. Taro grabbed her for support as she looked into his deep blue eyes. "No, a parting gift." She slowly closed her eyes as Taro and Rainbow made contact to each others lips. Taro held tight, not letting anything take her from him. They withheld the embrace for what felt like an eternity. Finally they parted. "Now you have a reason to return in... say... four months?"
Taro looked into her eyes again. "Sure thing."
