Choices - The Dragon Princessby kleiaChaptersFire or FrostWinterglade RuinsWinter VeilWar and WindigosFire or FrostThe unusual winter and frost brought a chill to the palace. Normally, the palace was the largest volcano in all the Dragonlands, a constant flow of hot, sweltering, viscous lava. Princess Fluttershy looked beyond her kingdom, her mind lost deep in thought. Her people suffered, and she wanted to help them. Dragons were accustomed to the heat of the volcanic land they called home. They were fire breathers, after all. But their fire breath could only keep them so warm, and only for so long. Fluttershy wrapped herself in a fur lined cloak, grabbed what warm fabrics she could, and snuck out of the palace to her people below. The guards were not to question where she was going, one of her father's few orders to them that made sense. They were not to bat an eye or tell her no. It was time she took advantage of that. Her father, King Shy was doing nothing for his people. The Frost grew colder and more violent each day. She had to help in any way she could. Fluttershy made her way through the belly of the palace, looking around each corner to ensure no one but guards were around. Each outward breath showed in the air, a puff of white emanating from her nostrils. She looked to her right, then to her left, her claws moving her like air over the lava rock of the palace. She would fly, but her wings were delicate butterfly wings. They would not last in the snow. She had finally made her way to the back exit of the palace. Again, she looked right, she looked left, and quietly stepped out into the snow. She made her way around the palace, heading into town quietly. She came across the first home, knocking gently. She peered inside, seeing dragons huddled together around their small fire, shivering, teeth chattering. She gently opened the door, watching the fear struck faces of the dragons before her. She only nodded to them, reaching under her wing for one of the many fabrics she had taken from the palace. She approached gently, wrapping the family in a large enough piece of thicker fabric. With an inhale, she spit some of her fire onto theirs, bolstering it's size, and making it hotter. It was the least she could do. When their shivering slowed, she left them to keep warm, moving onto the next home. The next family was far less fearful, accepting the aide and thanking the mysterious dragon maiden who had entered their home, seeking to help them. She went from home to home until she ran out of blankets, and her fire was nearly depleted. The palace had more resources to replenish her fire. Fluttershy had saved her fire for something like this. It was hard to replenish such a resource when frost and snow had wiped out a majority of their resources. Said resources were dwindling, and fast. This was truly the least she could do, but in her spare time, which grew in number, she was researching what could have caused such a frost, and how to end it. The dragons needed their hot, viscous lava. Some had died from freezing to death already. There were more deaths to come. And all of those deaths were directly on the claws of the King, and indirectly, herself as well. She knew that much. She quietly returned to the palace after helping those she could. She'd be back with more fire and blankets. And that's just what she did. Another quiet escape and return to the palace. Fluttershy had barely made her way back into the palace, when from behind her, her father's voice rang out. "Just because the guards are not to tell you no, and not to bat an eye, doesn't mean they don't tell me where you've been going, little princess," he father's voice was a low growl, but it was loud enough that it echoed. His sword clinked at his side as he stepped towards her. Fluttershy hesitated before she spoke in reply. "As if you're doing anything for our people!" she retorted with a shout, gesturing in the direction of the village below the palace. She did not turn around to face him. "You are undermining me!" her father shouted back. "No! I am not! I am helping where YOU WON'T!" she raised her voice louder, whirling around to face him. Ice began to crackle and form on the walls around them. Her face was twisted with anger, each huff forming a puff of white in the frigid air around them. Her brows were furrowed, her eyes full of fury. "I've seen nothing but bad things out of you! You were a mistake! You still are!" her father raged, the ice melting from the heat of his fury. "Where was that heat when they needed it?" Fluttershy replied quietly, a sneer in her tone. "Would you like to repeat that, little princess?" her father snarled in reply. The ice that had melted reformed, turning into sharpened spikes that pulled from the walls, pointing at the two. A distant, hallowing and ethereal whinny could be heard. Fluttershy stared daggers at her father. "Where was that heat when our people needed it!" she spoke louder, her snout was scrunched and her face was contorted and twisted into an vicious rage. Her father held a claw at his sword. "I should have left you to die in those freezing woods where I found you..." he snarled, turning to go, dropping the claw to the ground that lingered over his blade. Fluttershy's heart froze. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. Not in front of him. She couldn't bare to remain in the palace. As soon as he was gone, she sped through the underbelly of the palace, tears streaking her cheeks. As soon as she was outside, she leapt into the air, spreading her wings despite how fragile they were. They looked like that of monarch wings, but were a pink and yellow gradient in color, and were transparent like crystals. If the sun were out, they would sparkle and shimmer in it's light. Fluttershy could feel the frost and ice making its way around her wings. She flapped as hard as she could, using what fire she could muster to keep them from freezing over. Her tears began to freeze to her face, and her cloak she had worn was long gone. She was exposed to the elements, and they were tearing her apart. With a pained cry, blood dripping from a wing, she descended towards the ground. She flapped harder and harder, but to no avail. Her wing was damaged and bleeding, and her body hit the ground, and hard. She slid several hundred feet, her backside smacking into something, a pained yell drowned out by the ferocity of the howling white wind. The howling white snow swirled around her as her world went dark. Winterglade RuinsFluttershy's head swarmed with pain. Her eyes fluttered open, vision blurry. Much snow had piled on top of her body, but the flurry from earlier had significantly slowed. She forced herself to stand, whincing at all her numerous aches and pains. Where was she? Fluttershy found herself at the edge of a wood, pine trees lifted high into the air. Something whispered her name. She felt as though she should go in, and see what the whisper wanted. Hesitantly, she limped into the forest, looking around for whatever had uttered her name. Then she spotted it. It was a trail of small, flame like creatures, their little hands beckoning her deeper into the woods. She followed them, listening to their many proses of what she'd see if she reached the end. She was so curious even, that she had started running, despite her body's clear arguments. She ignored her pain and found herself in front of an ancient palace. Not much was left of it. The brick floor and some walls still stood, but one thing in particular caught Fluttershy's interest. Despite the castle's brittle bones, beautiful stained glass windows stood perfectly unharmed. They looked as though they had only been polished yesterday, and upkept throughout the ages. Fluttershy took a moment to look at each. The first, or rather what she assumed was the first, showed who she recognized as a historical Dragon Queen. Her name was lost to time, but it showed her on a throne Fluttershy didn't recognize. She held in her claws the dragon scepter. Her gaze was not at the viewer of the pane, but somewhere beyond. The next showed the Queen obtaining advice from who, Fluttershy could only guess, was the Queen's royal advisor. She had her claws held out, her advisor handing her what looked to be a scroll. The third was grim. A bloody image of the Queen, who lay dead. Fluttershy's breath held in her throat. She held up a clawed hand to the glass. It was... warm? She tilted her head in confusion, bringing her face closer to it. She felt the glass's heat upon her face. Her breath didn't show this close to the glass. In her confusion, she recoiled. Her curiosity, however, was stronger. She went up to each pane of glass. Each was warm, and had an other-wordly energy to it. After a moment of pregnant wonder, she placed a hand to the first pane. Magic swelled from the pane, engulfing her arm and feeling the magic's pressure in her mind. Her eyes grew white and glowing. The world around her faded, and she saw the ancient palace anew in it's original glory. She was in a throne room. It was not her palace's. She noted the Dragonlands symbol on evenly spaced banners that lined the great hall. She noted the recognizable stained glass. She noted the carpet beneath her claws. "Approach," said a booming, feminine voice. Fluttershy's ears flopped against her head as she looked towards the voice. It was Queen Orienthh, known to dragonlands history as a wonderous and powerful Queen. Some even revered her as a goddess in mortal form. She was sat at her throne, chest puffed, in her claws was a scepter, equally lost to time. Fluttershy had never known her name until now, but recognized the scepter as the Bloodstone scepter. Like the queen, it was lost to time, but she knew from history that anyone who held it was the true ruler of the dragons. Hesistantly, Fluttershy approached, keeping her body low. The Queen did not meet her gaze. She looked beyond Fluttershy, at someone behind her. Fluttershy turned her head and yelped as the figure behind her passed through her. What was she seeing? Was she... witnessing the past? The queen fluffed her wings. Butterfly and crystalline transparency like Fluttershy's. Fluttershy would have to think on that later. She watched the history, or at least what she guessed was history, play out in front of her. "Your majesty, I am here regarding your summons," said the dragon who had approached. Fluttershy's dad? King shy? How? "Stop shrinking yourself and stand up tall," commanded the Queen. He did as he was commanded, shoulders back, chest puffed. "Today I dub thee my Royal Advisor. There is no dragon more qualified." she stated plainly. Fluttershy got the sense that she didn't want him as a royal advisor, let alone a royal advisor at all. It came off as begrudgingly having a dragon in that position. Maybe that's why she came across as so? Angry? Annoyed? Fluttershy couldn't place it. The scene began to shift and change. Fluttershy had found herself in a crowd, perhaps common folk seeking an audience with the queen? The Queen sat at her throne, her head rest on her fist. Fluttershy's father was stood to the Queen's right, his face stern. "The first commoner may step forward," her father's recognizable voice spoke. "Remember, keep it short." he said firmly as the commoner approached. The commoner nodded. "Your majesty, please listen. This cold can't go on forever," the commoner started. Fluttershy's ears perked back up and were both pointed directly at the conversation happening. So this harsh horrible winter was form this far back... Fluttershy took a moment to draw her eyes to the windows that peered outside. A fierce snow storm raged outside. "And what do you, a commoner, suggest the queen do?" there was a rage in her father's voice. The queen fluffed a wing in front of him, a sign to quiet him. He snapped his jaw shut. "The most I can do is provide you with warmth. I will give each family in town blankets and some supplies to keep their fires lit, and the fires within replenished." the queen said in reply. The commoner bowed, tears streaking their cheeks in gratitude. "Thank you majesty." he said, retreating back into the crowd. The scene once again changed. Same room, similar to the last, it was another commoner audience. The same commoner from before approached. He looked older. A lot older. "Your majesty," he began. The queen gazed at him, unspeaking. "That aid you said you would provide? I would just like to inquire about it." he spoke shyly, fear in his tone. "The town has not received it yet..." he finished. The Queen raised an eyebrow. "Majesty," said her advisor quietly. "Is he suggesting you are a liar?" You sent the aid." Fluttershy's father's tone had a dark undertone to it. "And what do you suggest I do?" the queen replied in a hushed tone. "Clearly, this is treason. Execute him." her father was quick to reply. The queen mulled on it for a moment. You could see the thoughts swirling behind her furrowed brow, like the swirling snow outside. "Are you suggesting that I am a liar?" the queen began, her brow remained furrowed. The commoner panicked. Before he was able to speak, the queen continued. "That aid you requested was sent to you. I made sure of it. Suggesting I am a liar is treason." "What? But no one ever got anything!" the commoner protested, his voice panicked. "Guards, arrest him for treason. Your Queen is not a liar. I'll make an example of you yet" she said, venom in her tone. She looked out at her people. Fear was struck in their hearts. No one else approached with their issues. A harrowing whinny could be heard in the distance. Fluttershy could feel the magical pressure ease from her head, and she blinked. She was back in the ancient ruin of the palace. She placed her hand back on the cold, icy ground. She had to see the rest. Her father was royal advisor? How did he become king then? Something foul was afoot. She shuffled over to the next pane of stained glass. The same heat emanated from it. This was the one where the queen was being handed a scroll by, who she now recognized, was her father and royal advisor. She didn't even hesitate. She placed her hand up against this window. The same pressure in her head, channeling through her arm, eyes white. She found herself in another room of the palace. It looked like the royal advisor's chambers, seeing that her father was pacing around. Other dragons were with him. "This plan must work. It has to. I must be king!" he said, frantic. You could see a path starting to form in the carpet. The other dragons head's bobbed watching him go back and forth. "I've already made her look like a liar. I made sure the town didn't get those supplies she promised! I've already made her look like a tyrant!" his voice carried his frustration well. "But the townsfolk haven't rallied against her!" he contested himself, clearly not talking to the other dragons. "Sir, what if- " one dragon began speaking. "I know what I must do!" there was a look of insanity on Fluttershy's father's face. He frantically sat down at his desk, grabbing a quill and a scroll. He ferociously began scribbling down something on the paper. The scene around Fluttershy shifted. Once more she was in the throne room. "Your majesty," her father had began addressing the queen, who was sat on her throne. Her eyes turned to him. "I have worked out the plan, as you requested of me." he approached the queen and held out the scroll he had scribbled in before. The queen took it and opened it, her eyes moving over each word. Her eyebrows furrowed. "War?" was all the queen uttered. "Yes. Not only will those ponies not know what hit them, but many dragons will return heroes, bolstering morale!" the advisor replied. Thoughts swirled behind the queens once more furrowed brow. Her eyes trailed to the ground, lost in thought. Then she nodded as her head trailed back up to meet the advisor's eyes. "Fine. You will be our General. Don't disappoint me." she spoke in a tone that was commanding, pointing the scepter in her claws at him. He bowed to her. Fluttershy once again was in the decrepit ruined palace. What would a war do to the queen? She'd find out in the third pane, where the queen lay dead. She stepped over to the third window. She exhaled, her hand hovering over the stained glass, her breath leaving a trail of fog. Fluttershy hesitated, but knew she was in too deep to stop now. She drew in another deep breath, placing her hand fully upon the glass. The magic pulsed through her once more. Fluttershy didn't have to open her eyes to know where she was. All around her was war cries, pained yells. She opened her eyes. She was stood next to her father. They were on a brisk, snow covered hill. Down below them, ponies and dragons alike fought for their lives. Sounds or swords clanging, magical beams and fire breathing echoed in her ears. It looked as though this battle had been ongoing for quite some time. Judging by how many soldiers remained, this was the last battle of the previously planned war. Fluttershy's father reached for a horn at his side, blowing into it. "Dragons!" he shouted, his voice was amplified. "Form up! We end this battle now!" By his command, dragons retreated, gathering together. "Use your flames as one!" he commanded. With one command, the dragons all drew a deep inhale, exhaled their fire, and the battle was won. There was not time for the decimated ponies to even think. All around the battlefield was scorched corpses. It smelled of burnt fur, flesh, and blood. Fluttershy had to try not be sick as the scene changed around her. The palace courtyard. There stood her father, bells tolling, commoners cheering. Flower petals gracefully fell around them. The sun was shining, it was warm. Her father began walking, and so she followed him. More cheering, more flower petals as he made his way to the throne room. Inside the throne room was the queen alone. Her face lit up when her advisor entered. "Well done on the war front, General." the queen said in admirance and praise. The royal advisor did not reply. A smirk grew on his face. "The Dragonlands do not need you any longer..." he said, approaching, drawing his sword -- the same sword he threatened Fluttershy with earlier. "What are you doing?! Stop this!" commanded the queen. He did not listen. "Succeeding you..." he said, exhaling. The sound of puncture, pain, and the sound of the blades removal. Silence. A stone-sounding thud, the Bloodstone scepter rolling away from the queen, blood trailing behind it. Fluttershy watched in horror as her father sheathed his blade. For a moment, he looked at the scene he had created. He took up the scepter, holding it in his hands as if it were a toy. The scepter did not glow for him. He scoffed at it. A harrowing whinny was heard from the sky. Fluttershy could see the sun fade, and snow once more fell. One warm day. "This will have to be hidden. No one can succeed me... No one..." he said, his voice trembling. He drew in a breath. He exhaled. Then he called for someone. "Guards! GUARDS!" he cried. A multitude of guards ran into the throne room. They were all instantly horrified by the scene before them. "Someone has gotten to the queen! She was dead when I got here!" he said. A silence fell over the group. One knight broke the silence. "Who will lead us now? She bore no heirs" he questioned. Fluttershy's father had to resist a smirk. He shed a false tear. "I will." spoke Fluttershy's father. Fluttershy's tears were stained on her cheeks, cold and frozen. She looked around at the palace ruins around her. She was mourning a loss of a dragon she never even knew. But she did know the queen. She now knew so much about her. She also knew the truth. Fluttershy walked over to what was left of her throne. More tears streaked her cheeks. On the bricks nearby, Fluttershy could clearly see the left over bloodstain from where the scepter had fallen to the ground and rolled away. Solemly, Fluttershy placed a claw on the stain, sitting down for a moment. "I will avenge you." she stated. Her mind was made up. The scepter. Fluttershy needed the scepter. Winter VeilFluttershy stood from where she was sat, looking to the remaining panes of glass. She wiped away her tears and approached the other three. Surely one of them would reveal even a crumb of info about the scepter. The next included imagery of the a dragoness in the woods. After that was her father becoming king. The last ... showed nothing. It was empty, clear glass. Perhaps that pane was for history yet to be made. She drew in a breath and placed her hand on the pane depicting a dragoness in the woods. The same surge of magic as the last. "Amalthea, something fowl is afoot." it was the Queen's voice. "You are my most trusted lady-in-waiting. I need you to take care of Olivianna. My baby cannot be harmed in the wake of the tyrant I've created." her voice was pleading. Fluttershy opened her eyes. The queen was holding a baby, but Fluttershy could not make out what the baby looked like. The other dragoness nodded. "Does he know of her?" she asked the queen. The queen shook her head. "Good. I swear to you, I will keep it that way." she said. The queen sighed in relief. "Now go. Take her and never return to this palace. If anyone asks, we had a falling out. I fired you, okay?" The other dragoness nodded, taking the baby from the Queen's arms. "She will return to the palace one day." the queen said, watching as her lady-in-waiting left. The vision changed. The dragoness who had taken the baby earlier panted- she was running, and fast. Someone was onto her and the queen's plan. She had to leave the baby, and she knew exactly where to. In the eyes of the palace guards. They would take the baby to the palace. The princess would be restored to her rightful home. The dragoness sprinted into the woods, snow falling all around her. The guards patrolled there. Hastily, the dragoness looked about. She spotted the guards not far off, and placed the baby down. In sorrow, she made the baby cry and sprinted off. Fluttershy's head followed the dragoness for a moment, then turned it when she heard guards approaching. She still couldn't catch a good look at the baby. The guards picked up the baby and ran with haste to the palace Fluttershy knew. Fluttershy ran after the guards. She followed them into the palace, where they showed her father the baby in the throne room. "Your majesty, sir!" on guard addressed the now king. He turned his attention to the guards. "Make it quick." he stated coldly. "Sir, we found a baby dragon in the woods." the other guard stated plainly. "She would have died out there," the guard continued. The king grimaced. Now was not the time for a baby. But politically... taking on an orphan baby would be a morale and politically boosting. It's not like she would ever rule anyway. "Find one of the maids. Have them make up a bed for her. I will take her as my own." the king replied. Fluttershy followed the guards, then the maid. Finally, when the maid set the baby down, she got a good look at the child. The child was her. Her yellow scales, crystalline butterfly wings, and pink hair. She was the true heir. The late queen's plan was working. The late queen was her mother. The mother her father refused to ever give an inch about. It's no wonder he refused to speak about her. Fluttershy pulled her clawed hand away from the pane angrily. It all made sense now. She clenched her jaw and moved on to the next pane. This was the last one, it had to have a clue. She huffed, placing her hand on it... "Announcing his majesty, the King!" a guard shouted to the dragons below the palace. Fluttershy's father stepped out onto a balcony she recognized. The dragons below looked confused. "Hello every dragon. I come with saddening news. While I was away at war, some dragon managed to sneak in and take our late Queen's life. She had no children, so it falls to me to take her place." he looked out upon his subjects. They let out various gasps and sorrowful sounds. Fluttershy felt her heart drop. This smug bastard, usurping and playing it off like some murder, sweeping it under the rug. Rage boiled her veins. She couldn't stop the vision though. She had to find out where to look for the scepter. Another dragon approached. The king turned away from the balcony, and made his way inside. "Your majesty, the scepter has been hidden." the dragon that approached said. The king nodded. "Good." he began, a wicked grin forming on his face. "No one will be able to succeed me. Tell me where you have hidden it." he demanded. "But sir, you instructed me not to-" "Those instructions have changed." The king demanded once more. "Tell me where you have hidden it." "It is hidden in the secret chambers within the library." the dragon replied. It was perfect. Fluttershy actually enjoyed the library. Her returning and heading to the library wouldn't raise an ounce of suspicion. "Good, good. No dragon will ever succeed me." the king said, an undertone of insanity to his voice. The other dragon simply nodded, humoring him. The vision ended, and Fluttershy was returned to her real surroundings. Fluttershy knew what she had to do. She had a choice to make. Really, it wasn't a choice at all. She would not stand idly by, knowing the truth of everything. She would avenge her mother. She would claim her rightful place on the throne. Fluttershy made her way out of the woods with haste, keeping her eye on the palace in the distance. She couldn't fly, her wing was still damaged, but it's bleeding had stopped long ago. She made her way into the underbelly, one of it's many secret passages. Fluttershy acted normal as she walked to the library. There were never any guards in or around it. With what she knew now, she figured her father wouldn't want to raise suspicion. She opened and closed the library's entrance behind her, holding her wings in a way that she wouldn't knock anything down in the smaller space. She'd start in the "S" section. She knew there were books on scepters, as there were many historical ones. She knew the scepter by name: the Bloodstone Scepter. Surely, there would be a book on it, or it would at least be mentioned. She quickly made her way over to the "S" section, scouring the books within. One stood out in particular- it was bound in a dark leather, and had a scepter shape in gold leaf on the spine. Fluttershy grabbed it from the shelf - she opened it, to find that all pages were blank accept one. "Light the beacon" Fluttershy breathed the words on the only non-blank page. Light the beacon? Her eyes darted around the library. There was one wall sconce that was unlit, unlike the rest. Fluttershy tucked the book under her wing and mustered up her fire. With a focused spat, the sconce lit in a natural orange fire. The flame snuffed out. Fluttershy made a noise of confusion, then looked at each other sconce. The flames were patterned, orange, blue, orange, blue. Really? If you're trying to hide an all powerful item, at least make the pattern harder to decipher! Fluttershy raised a brow in annoyance at the simple pattern. Whoever the dragon was that hid the scepter was really, really dumb. She looked at the sconce that was unlit, and the others around it. She mustered up her fire, held it so that it grew hotter, then precisely spat it onto the sconce. This time, it didn't snuff out, and the wall behind it rumbled and moved away with a groan. This was a part of the palace Fluttershy had yet to see. It looked far older then the rest, old caverns that stretched for miles into the volcanic palace. She explored each path. Each crevice. Each one led her back to where she started. She sighed, her breath coming out as a puff of white. She could feel the scepter's magic. Maybe if she just focused on it... Fluttershy closed her eyes, another exhale forming a cloud in it's wake. She could feel the pull of magic in her chest, slowly walking towards it as the pressure grew. She knew she was close, the magic swelled in her chest. When she opened her eyes again, she was in an all new part of the caverns. Light shined through the ceiling and shone down upon a beautiful seat of giant maroon crystals, that looked like that of the scepter's. Atop the crystals, stood in it's mighty glory was the scepter. It was truly a sight to behold. It was so beautiful that, at first, Fluttershy didn't notice the ground beneath her was giving way. When she did, she ran towards the scepter. With each step, the ground crumbled and fell away beneath her feet. Faster and faster the ground fell away, til she had to leap and flap, a searing reminder that her wing was still injured. She clawed onto the radiant crystals for dear life, bolstering the last of her strength and pulling herself to the safety of the top of the giant crystals. Finally atop, she drew in breath after breath, calming herself first before reaching for the scepter. Before she even reached for the scepter, below it was scrolls of paper. She reached for those first. The paper was ancient, but it had clearly withstood the test of time. The first she unraveled was familiar, she had seen it in one of the visions at the ancient palace. It was her father's original war plan. And his plans to usurp. He knew the queen would be alone upon his return? How? That didn't matter. She could find out later. The next scroll sent a surge of magic up her arm as she unraveled it. This one too, had withstood the test of time. It was a document detailing that the queen had no children, and that she was "Hereby appointing General Mattias Shy as regent until he could find a relative heir. If none, General Mattias Shy would become king." Fluttershy held her clawed fingers beneath each line as she read. There was a historical, magical imprint left on the paper. In familiar feeling, Fluttershy accepted the vision she was about to see. The vision took her back to the ancient palace she had found in the forest. Her father was pacing around his office. On the desk was the same scroll she had just been reading, but less weathered. It was missing something though. The last part was missing. Fluttershy got closer to the desk just as her father sat down at the desk, grabbing a quill and ink and scribbling in himself "If none, General Mattias Shy would become king". She raised her eyebrows in shock, then lowered them. Leave it to her tyrant father to illegally edit documents. No wonder their was no resistance at all when he was king. Fluttershy scoffed, and her vision returned to cavern around her. She placed the scrolls under her wing and turned her gaze up to the scepter before her. She reached out a hand to take it, but hesitated. No. No hesitating. There was no choice. Fluttershy took the scepter in her hands. Magic swirled from the bloodstone at it's top, swirling around her arms and into her body. She levitated off the crystals she was sat atop. Any pain she had felt in her body was swept away, the tear in her wing healing, an ethereal light shone behind her. The power of the scepter filled her body. Upon her head appeared a crown that looked similar to the scepter. The metal part was black like obsidian, but the gems were pointed bloodstone. Suddenly, magic from all around her erupted, shooting in to the sky and alerting all to the scepter's finding. Her father would be waiting. It was time for war. Author's Note Here, listen to this while you read the next chapter. Also, right click > loop. Enjoy! War and WindigosThere was no time to wait. No time to form a resistance. Fluttershy flapped her wings and flew out of the hole the magic eruption had spewed from, and got a grasp of her actual location. She was closer to town then to the palace now. She held the scepter in her hands and focused, drawing it's magic to her throat. "Dragons of the Dragonlands! I, your princess, have learned the truth!" she cried, turning towards the town. Dragons, although shivering, gathered below her. "My father is a usurper. I aim to remove him from his stolen perch. Let me lead you. Fight for me, and I will put an end to this everlasting cold." she said with regality, holding the scepter high in the air. Fluttershy did not wait for agreement or disagreement from the dragons. She turned her body towards the palace. "Father!" her voice amplification spell grew louder. "I know the truth. You killed her. My mother. The late Queen Orienthh. Come out from where you hide and face me." there was a ferocity in her tone that she had never felt before. Perhaps it was fueled by her rage and broken heart. Silence. Then, a rumbling from the palace. Her father's own army ran from the palace, charging straight at her and the dragons that stayed with her. Some flew at her side, some were on the ground ready with weapons of their own. "You really have it," one dragon said, eyeing the scepter in her hands. She only nodded at him. "Be prepared to fight. The tyrant that sits upon the throne is a usurper. Let your rage fuel you, as I have!" she bolstered to her small army that had gathered. While she had a moment, she swirled the scepter in her hands, focusing, directing magic at the dragons below and around her. She envisioned each with peerless, magical armor, and so it was. She gave herself armor as well, then issued her only command. "Charge!" she yelled, flying scepter first into the battle. With cheers and yells, the dragons listened to her order. All around her was war sounds. She engaged with a guard from the palace she recognized. She dodged adamantly out of reach of his blade, rearing around to hit him hard with the scepter. He was knocked off balance, and she reared her head to take a bite at a hole in his armor, her teeth piecing scales. The taste of blood filled her mouth. Fluttershy let her rage carry her. She flapped, hard, carrying the guard into the sky with her. She used all her might to toss him into the sky and blast him away with fire, not watching for where the enemy landed. Her father was a fool for training her in combat. She knew all the guard's tricks. Fluttershy was beginning to cut into enemy lines, but looked back when her dragons weren't with her. She flew up into the sky, waving the scepter around with one hand, mustering it's might. Most of her army was stuck amongst one small squadron in of her father's. Clouds swirled in the sky above. The snow grew harsher, colder. Then came the lightning. In ear shattering bursts, it struck the dragons who would dare harm those who fought for her. "Move into enemy lines!" she commanded. Her gaze and stature were intense as she waved them further into battle. "I need to reach my father. Dragons, distract his armies!" Without hesitating, her army drudged on, the sounds of war growing ever louder in her ears. The whinnies from the sky grew louder. Her eyes darted about the battlefield. Her father was hiding. He was afraid. He knew what having the scepter meant. She was the rightful heir. And he would be succeeded. It meant his death, handed to him on a silver platter. Fluttershy had a thought. A dangerous thought. "Father!" she shouted, her eyes glowing a pure white. "Come and get the scepter." She was baiting him. She would not hand it over without a fight. She hovered in the air and watched for him. Her ear twitched and she dodged out of the way of a swing from a sword. The very same sword that killed her mother, the very same sword that he had threatened her with earlier. Mattias stumbled in the air. Fluttershy pointed the scepter at him. "You have made fools out of your subjects for long enough," she said. "Dragons! Hear me, and hear me well!" she began, dodging out of the way of another attack. As he stumbled again, Fluttershy took her opportunity. She dove upon him and struck with the blunt end of the scepter. "My father killed the late Queen Orienthh!" He swung back in retaliation, striking her cheek. Blood poured down her cheek. She flapped hard and backed away, her face twisted into a rage fueled grimace. "He faked documents stating he would take over as king!" Fluttershy focused the magic in the scepter. Dark clouds swirled around her and her father. It was a risk, placing them in a storm cloud. But she had the upper hand. Her armor wasn't made of metal. Her glowing white eyes became drowned out in the clouds. The harrowing whinnies were loudest in the sky. Fluttershy knew exactly where her father was. She readied another attack. Those on the ground could see their shadows as the lightning flashed. Another brutal swipe of the sword got Fluttershy on the neck. Another hard smack to his skull from her scepter. A crack of lightning Fluttershy just barely dodged, her father, not so much. This was her chance. He plummeted to the ground, and Fluttershy dove after him. His body hit the ground with an earth shattering thud so large, a crater formed around him. Fluttershy landed quickly, placing one of her legs on his throat. Teeth gritted, she took his sword from his claws. His death would be served by his own blade. His eyes grew wide as she raised the blade above her head with both hands. "These! " she cried, thrusting the sword into her father's chest with the strength of one thousand dragons. "Dragons!" she stabbed him again. "Aren't!" Again. "Your!" Again! "Subjects!" Again!!! "Anymore!!" Again. She bellowed out a sob, realizing what she had done. Her rage faded into grief. Blood was splattered across her chest, face, and hands. Blood stained the snow around her. She fell to her knees at her dead father's side. Even if he was a tyrant, he was still her father. Silence fell over the battlefield. The fighting had ceased. All that could be heard were Fluttershy's cries, and the clanging armor of dragons who bowed before her. In a wave, they fell to one knee. Fluttershy swallowed her grief and stood. She dropped the sword to the ground and flew into the sky, all eyes upon her. She drew in a deep breath. She held the scepter in both hands, focusing on the magic within. She felt it course through her body to her very soul. It was so powerful that she didn't even have to flap her wings, it held her in place. I beam of bloodstone magic shot into the air, parting the clouds overhead, spreading into a circle of fire that pierced the very hearts of the windigos. In shrieks they dissipated, as did the snow and clouds. For the first time in a millenia, the sun shone brightly. For the first time in a millenia, dragonkind was warm. For the first time in a millenia, lava flowed. Silence was all around, pregnant and waiting to be broken. Fluttershy landed in the center of the dragons that watched her. She did not speak. But they? They cheered. All around Fluttershy were cheers. Even the guards who fought for her father cheered. She had nothing to say to them. She simply stood, picked up her father's blade, and trudged her way back to the palace in silence. Guilt encapsulated her mind as she sat at her throne. Author's Note And, scene. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed. If there is any critique, feel free to throw it my way, so long as it's constructive. Rude comments get deleted. If you have any questions about the lore of this AU please feel free to ask! I'd love to go in depth and may write some more stuff set in this AU.
Fire or FrostThe unusual winter and frost brought a chill to the palace. Normally, the palace was the largest volcano in all the Dragonlands, a constant flow of hot, sweltering, viscous lava. Princess Fluttershy looked beyond her kingdom, her mind lost deep in thought. Her people suffered, and she wanted to help them. Dragons were accustomed to the heat of the volcanic land they called home. They were fire breathers, after all. But their fire breath could only keep them so warm, and only for so long. Fluttershy wrapped herself in a fur lined cloak, grabbed what warm fabrics she could, and snuck out of the palace to her people below. The guards were not to question where she was going, one of her father's few orders to them that made sense. They were not to bat an eye or tell her no. It was time she took advantage of that. Her father, King Shy was doing nothing for his people. The Frost grew colder and more violent each day. She had to help in any way she could. Fluttershy made her way through the belly of the palace, looking around each corner to ensure no one but guards were around. Each outward breath showed in the air, a puff of white emanating from her nostrils. She looked to her right, then to her left, her claws moving her like air over the lava rock of the palace. She would fly, but her wings were delicate butterfly wings. They would not last in the snow. She had finally made her way to the back exit of the palace. Again, she looked right, she looked left, and quietly stepped out into the snow. She made her way around the palace, heading into town quietly. She came across the first home, knocking gently. She peered inside, seeing dragons huddled together around their small fire, shivering, teeth chattering. She gently opened the door, watching the fear struck faces of the dragons before her. She only nodded to them, reaching under her wing for one of the many fabrics she had taken from the palace. She approached gently, wrapping the family in a large enough piece of thicker fabric. With an inhale, she spit some of her fire onto theirs, bolstering it's size, and making it hotter. It was the least she could do. When their shivering slowed, she left them to keep warm, moving onto the next home. The next family was far less fearful, accepting the aide and thanking the mysterious dragon maiden who had entered their home, seeking to help them. She went from home to home until she ran out of blankets, and her fire was nearly depleted. The palace had more resources to replenish her fire. Fluttershy had saved her fire for something like this. It was hard to replenish such a resource when frost and snow had wiped out a majority of their resources. Said resources were dwindling, and fast. This was truly the least she could do, but in her spare time, which grew in number, she was researching what could have caused such a frost, and how to end it. The dragons needed their hot, viscous lava. Some had died from freezing to death already. There were more deaths to come. And all of those deaths were directly on the claws of the King, and indirectly, herself as well. She knew that much. She quietly returned to the palace after helping those she could. She'd be back with more fire and blankets. And that's just what she did. Another quiet escape and return to the palace. Fluttershy had barely made her way back into the palace, when from behind her, her father's voice rang out. "Just because the guards are not to tell you no, and not to bat an eye, doesn't mean they don't tell me where you've been going, little princess," he father's voice was a low growl, but it was loud enough that it echoed. His sword clinked at his side as he stepped towards her. Fluttershy hesitated before she spoke in reply. "As if you're doing anything for our people!" she retorted with a shout, gesturing in the direction of the village below the palace. She did not turn around to face him. "You are undermining me!" her father shouted back. "No! I am not! I am helping where YOU WON'T!" she raised her voice louder, whirling around to face him. Ice began to crackle and form on the walls around them. Her face was twisted with anger, each huff forming a puff of white in the frigid air around them. Her brows were furrowed, her eyes full of fury. "I've seen nothing but bad things out of you! You were a mistake! You still are!" her father raged, the ice melting from the heat of his fury. "Where was that heat when they needed it?" Fluttershy replied quietly, a sneer in her tone. "Would you like to repeat that, little princess?" her father snarled in reply. The ice that had melted reformed, turning into sharpened spikes that pulled from the walls, pointing at the two. A distant, hallowing and ethereal whinny could be heard. Fluttershy stared daggers at her father. "Where was that heat when our people needed it!" she spoke louder, her snout was scrunched and her face was contorted and twisted into an vicious rage. Her father held a claw at his sword. "I should have left you to die in those freezing woods where I found you..." he snarled, turning to go, dropping the claw to the ground that lingered over his blade. Fluttershy's heart froze. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry. Not in front of him. She couldn't bare to remain in the palace. As soon as he was gone, she sped through the underbelly of the palace, tears streaking her cheeks. As soon as she was outside, she leapt into the air, spreading her wings despite how fragile they were. They looked like that of monarch wings, but were a pink and yellow gradient in color, and were transparent like crystals. If the sun were out, they would sparkle and shimmer in it's light. Fluttershy could feel the frost and ice making its way around her wings. She flapped as hard as she could, using what fire she could muster to keep them from freezing over. Her tears began to freeze to her face, and her cloak she had worn was long gone. She was exposed to the elements, and they were tearing her apart. With a pained cry, blood dripping from a wing, she descended towards the ground. She flapped harder and harder, but to no avail. Her wing was damaged and bleeding, and her body hit the ground, and hard. She slid several hundred feet, her backside smacking into something, a pained yell drowned out by the ferocity of the howling white wind. The howling white snow swirled around her as her world went dark.
Winterglade RuinsFluttershy's head swarmed with pain. Her eyes fluttered open, vision blurry. Much snow had piled on top of her body, but the flurry from earlier had significantly slowed. She forced herself to stand, whincing at all her numerous aches and pains. Where was she? Fluttershy found herself at the edge of a wood, pine trees lifted high into the air. Something whispered her name. She felt as though she should go in, and see what the whisper wanted. Hesitantly, she limped into the forest, looking around for whatever had uttered her name. Then she spotted it. It was a trail of small, flame like creatures, their little hands beckoning her deeper into the woods. She followed them, listening to their many proses of what she'd see if she reached the end. She was so curious even, that she had started running, despite her body's clear arguments. She ignored her pain and found herself in front of an ancient palace. Not much was left of it. The brick floor and some walls still stood, but one thing in particular caught Fluttershy's interest. Despite the castle's brittle bones, beautiful stained glass windows stood perfectly unharmed. They looked as though they had only been polished yesterday, and upkept throughout the ages. Fluttershy took a moment to look at each. The first, or rather what she assumed was the first, showed who she recognized as a historical Dragon Queen. Her name was lost to time, but it showed her on a throne Fluttershy didn't recognize. She held in her claws the dragon scepter. Her gaze was not at the viewer of the pane, but somewhere beyond. The next showed the Queen obtaining advice from who, Fluttershy could only guess, was the Queen's royal advisor. She had her claws held out, her advisor handing her what looked to be a scroll. The third was grim. A bloody image of the Queen, who lay dead. Fluttershy's breath held in her throat. She held up a clawed hand to the glass. It was... warm? She tilted her head in confusion, bringing her face closer to it. She felt the glass's heat upon her face. Her breath didn't show this close to the glass. In her confusion, she recoiled. Her curiosity, however, was stronger. She went up to each pane of glass. Each was warm, and had an other-wordly energy to it. After a moment of pregnant wonder, she placed a hand to the first pane. Magic swelled from the pane, engulfing her arm and feeling the magic's pressure in her mind. Her eyes grew white and glowing. The world around her faded, and she saw the ancient palace anew in it's original glory. She was in a throne room. It was not her palace's. She noted the Dragonlands symbol on evenly spaced banners that lined the great hall. She noted the recognizable stained glass. She noted the carpet beneath her claws. "Approach," said a booming, feminine voice. Fluttershy's ears flopped against her head as she looked towards the voice. It was Queen Orienthh, known to dragonlands history as a wonderous and powerful Queen. Some even revered her as a goddess in mortal form. She was sat at her throne, chest puffed, in her claws was a scepter, equally lost to time. Fluttershy had never known her name until now, but recognized the scepter as the Bloodstone scepter. Like the queen, it was lost to time, but she knew from history that anyone who held it was the true ruler of the dragons. Hesistantly, Fluttershy approached, keeping her body low. The Queen did not meet her gaze. She looked beyond Fluttershy, at someone behind her. Fluttershy turned her head and yelped as the figure behind her passed through her. What was she seeing? Was she... witnessing the past? The queen fluffed her wings. Butterfly and crystalline transparency like Fluttershy's. Fluttershy would have to think on that later. She watched the history, or at least what she guessed was history, play out in front of her. "Your majesty, I am here regarding your summons," said the dragon who had approached. Fluttershy's dad? King shy? How? "Stop shrinking yourself and stand up tall," commanded the Queen. He did as he was commanded, shoulders back, chest puffed. "Today I dub thee my Royal Advisor. There is no dragon more qualified." she stated plainly. Fluttershy got the sense that she didn't want him as a royal advisor, let alone a royal advisor at all. It came off as begrudgingly having a dragon in that position. Maybe that's why she came across as so? Angry? Annoyed? Fluttershy couldn't place it. The scene began to shift and change. Fluttershy had found herself in a crowd, perhaps common folk seeking an audience with the queen? The Queen sat at her throne, her head rest on her fist. Fluttershy's father was stood to the Queen's right, his face stern. "The first commoner may step forward," her father's recognizable voice spoke. "Remember, keep it short." he said firmly as the commoner approached. The commoner nodded. "Your majesty, please listen. This cold can't go on forever," the commoner started. Fluttershy's ears perked back up and were both pointed directly at the conversation happening. So this harsh horrible winter was form this far back... Fluttershy took a moment to draw her eyes to the windows that peered outside. A fierce snow storm raged outside. "And what do you, a commoner, suggest the queen do?" there was a rage in her father's voice. The queen fluffed a wing in front of him, a sign to quiet him. He snapped his jaw shut. "The most I can do is provide you with warmth. I will give each family in town blankets and some supplies to keep their fires lit, and the fires within replenished." the queen said in reply. The commoner bowed, tears streaking their cheeks in gratitude. "Thank you majesty." he said, retreating back into the crowd. The scene once again changed. Same room, similar to the last, it was another commoner audience. The same commoner from before approached. He looked older. A lot older. "Your majesty," he began. The queen gazed at him, unspeaking. "That aid you said you would provide? I would just like to inquire about it." he spoke shyly, fear in his tone. "The town has not received it yet..." he finished. The Queen raised an eyebrow. "Majesty," said her advisor quietly. "Is he suggesting you are a liar?" You sent the aid." Fluttershy's father's tone had a dark undertone to it. "And what do you suggest I do?" the queen replied in a hushed tone. "Clearly, this is treason. Execute him." her father was quick to reply. The queen mulled on it for a moment. You could see the thoughts swirling behind her furrowed brow, like the swirling snow outside. "Are you suggesting that I am a liar?" the queen began, her brow remained furrowed. The commoner panicked. Before he was able to speak, the queen continued. "That aid you requested was sent to you. I made sure of it. Suggesting I am a liar is treason." "What? But no one ever got anything!" the commoner protested, his voice panicked. "Guards, arrest him for treason. Your Queen is not a liar. I'll make an example of you yet" she said, venom in her tone. She looked out at her people. Fear was struck in their hearts. No one else approached with their issues. A harrowing whinny could be heard in the distance. Fluttershy could feel the magical pressure ease from her head, and she blinked. She was back in the ancient ruin of the palace. She placed her hand back on the cold, icy ground. She had to see the rest. Her father was royal advisor? How did he become king then? Something foul was afoot. She shuffled over to the next pane of stained glass. The same heat emanated from it. This was the one where the queen was being handed a scroll by, who she now recognized, was her father and royal advisor. She didn't even hesitate. She placed her hand up against this window. The same pressure in her head, channeling through her arm, eyes white. She found herself in another room of the palace. It looked like the royal advisor's chambers, seeing that her father was pacing around. Other dragons were with him. "This plan must work. It has to. I must be king!" he said, frantic. You could see a path starting to form in the carpet. The other dragons head's bobbed watching him go back and forth. "I've already made her look like a liar. I made sure the town didn't get those supplies she promised! I've already made her look like a tyrant!" his voice carried his frustration well. "But the townsfolk haven't rallied against her!" he contested himself, clearly not talking to the other dragons. "Sir, what if- " one dragon began speaking. "I know what I must do!" there was a look of insanity on Fluttershy's father's face. He frantically sat down at his desk, grabbing a quill and a scroll. He ferociously began scribbling down something on the paper. The scene around Fluttershy shifted. Once more she was in the throne room. "Your majesty," her father had began addressing the queen, who was sat on her throne. Her eyes turned to him. "I have worked out the plan, as you requested of me." he approached the queen and held out the scroll he had scribbled in before. The queen took it and opened it, her eyes moving over each word. Her eyebrows furrowed. "War?" was all the queen uttered. "Yes. Not only will those ponies not know what hit them, but many dragons will return heroes, bolstering morale!" the advisor replied. Thoughts swirled behind the queens once more furrowed brow. Her eyes trailed to the ground, lost in thought. Then she nodded as her head trailed back up to meet the advisor's eyes. "Fine. You will be our General. Don't disappoint me." she spoke in a tone that was commanding, pointing the scepter in her claws at him. He bowed to her. Fluttershy once again was in the decrepit ruined palace. What would a war do to the queen? She'd find out in the third pane, where the queen lay dead. She stepped over to the third window. She exhaled, her hand hovering over the stained glass, her breath leaving a trail of fog. Fluttershy hesitated, but knew she was in too deep to stop now. She drew in another deep breath, placing her hand fully upon the glass. The magic pulsed through her once more. Fluttershy didn't have to open her eyes to know where she was. All around her was war cries, pained yells. She opened her eyes. She was stood next to her father. They were on a brisk, snow covered hill. Down below them, ponies and dragons alike fought for their lives. Sounds or swords clanging, magical beams and fire breathing echoed in her ears. It looked as though this battle had been ongoing for quite some time. Judging by how many soldiers remained, this was the last battle of the previously planned war. Fluttershy's father reached for a horn at his side, blowing into it. "Dragons!" he shouted, his voice was amplified. "Form up! We end this battle now!" By his command, dragons retreated, gathering together. "Use your flames as one!" he commanded. With one command, the dragons all drew a deep inhale, exhaled their fire, and the battle was won. There was not time for the decimated ponies to even think. All around the battlefield was scorched corpses. It smelled of burnt fur, flesh, and blood. Fluttershy had to try not be sick as the scene changed around her. The palace courtyard. There stood her father, bells tolling, commoners cheering. Flower petals gracefully fell around them. The sun was shining, it was warm. Her father began walking, and so she followed him. More cheering, more flower petals as he made his way to the throne room. Inside the throne room was the queen alone. Her face lit up when her advisor entered. "Well done on the war front, General." the queen said in admirance and praise. The royal advisor did not reply. A smirk grew on his face. "The Dragonlands do not need you any longer..." he said, approaching, drawing his sword -- the same sword he threatened Fluttershy with earlier. "What are you doing?! Stop this!" commanded the queen. He did not listen. "Succeeding you..." he said, exhaling. The sound of puncture, pain, and the sound of the blades removal. Silence. A stone-sounding thud, the Bloodstone scepter rolling away from the queen, blood trailing behind it. Fluttershy watched in horror as her father sheathed his blade. For a moment, he looked at the scene he had created. He took up the scepter, holding it in his hands as if it were a toy. The scepter did not glow for him. He scoffed at it. A harrowing whinny was heard from the sky. Fluttershy could see the sun fade, and snow once more fell. One warm day. "This will have to be hidden. No one can succeed me... No one..." he said, his voice trembling. He drew in a breath. He exhaled. Then he called for someone. "Guards! GUARDS!" he cried. A multitude of guards ran into the throne room. They were all instantly horrified by the scene before them. "Someone has gotten to the queen! She was dead when I got here!" he said. A silence fell over the group. One knight broke the silence. "Who will lead us now? She bore no heirs" he questioned. Fluttershy's father had to resist a smirk. He shed a false tear. "I will." spoke Fluttershy's father. Fluttershy's tears were stained on her cheeks, cold and frozen. She looked around at the palace ruins around her. She was mourning a loss of a dragon she never even knew. But she did know the queen. She now knew so much about her. She also knew the truth. Fluttershy walked over to what was left of her throne. More tears streaked her cheeks. On the bricks nearby, Fluttershy could clearly see the left over bloodstain from where the scepter had fallen to the ground and rolled away. Solemly, Fluttershy placed a claw on the stain, sitting down for a moment. "I will avenge you." she stated. Her mind was made up. The scepter. Fluttershy needed the scepter.
Winter VeilFluttershy stood from where she was sat, looking to the remaining panes of glass. She wiped away her tears and approached the other three. Surely one of them would reveal even a crumb of info about the scepter. The next included imagery of the a dragoness in the woods. After that was her father becoming king. The last ... showed nothing. It was empty, clear glass. Perhaps that pane was for history yet to be made. She drew in a breath and placed her hand on the pane depicting a dragoness in the woods. The same surge of magic as the last. "Amalthea, something fowl is afoot." it was the Queen's voice. "You are my most trusted lady-in-waiting. I need you to take care of Olivianna. My baby cannot be harmed in the wake of the tyrant I've created." her voice was pleading. Fluttershy opened her eyes. The queen was holding a baby, but Fluttershy could not make out what the baby looked like. The other dragoness nodded. "Does he know of her?" she asked the queen. The queen shook her head. "Good. I swear to you, I will keep it that way." she said. The queen sighed in relief. "Now go. Take her and never return to this palace. If anyone asks, we had a falling out. I fired you, okay?" The other dragoness nodded, taking the baby from the Queen's arms. "She will return to the palace one day." the queen said, watching as her lady-in-waiting left. The vision changed. The dragoness who had taken the baby earlier panted- she was running, and fast. Someone was onto her and the queen's plan. She had to leave the baby, and she knew exactly where to. In the eyes of the palace guards. They would take the baby to the palace. The princess would be restored to her rightful home. The dragoness sprinted into the woods, snow falling all around her. The guards patrolled there. Hastily, the dragoness looked about. She spotted the guards not far off, and placed the baby down. In sorrow, she made the baby cry and sprinted off. Fluttershy's head followed the dragoness for a moment, then turned it when she heard guards approaching. She still couldn't catch a good look at the baby. The guards picked up the baby and ran with haste to the palace Fluttershy knew. Fluttershy ran after the guards. She followed them into the palace, where they showed her father the baby in the throne room. "Your majesty, sir!" on guard addressed the now king. He turned his attention to the guards. "Make it quick." he stated coldly. "Sir, we found a baby dragon in the woods." the other guard stated plainly. "She would have died out there," the guard continued. The king grimaced. Now was not the time for a baby. But politically... taking on an orphan baby would be a morale and politically boosting. It's not like she would ever rule anyway. "Find one of the maids. Have them make up a bed for her. I will take her as my own." the king replied. Fluttershy followed the guards, then the maid. Finally, when the maid set the baby down, she got a good look at the child. The child was her. Her yellow scales, crystalline butterfly wings, and pink hair. She was the true heir. The late queen's plan was working. The late queen was her mother. The mother her father refused to ever give an inch about. It's no wonder he refused to speak about her. Fluttershy pulled her clawed hand away from the pane angrily. It all made sense now. She clenched her jaw and moved on to the next pane. This was the last one, it had to have a clue. She huffed, placing her hand on it... "Announcing his majesty, the King!" a guard shouted to the dragons below the palace. Fluttershy's father stepped out onto a balcony she recognized. The dragons below looked confused. "Hello every dragon. I come with saddening news. While I was away at war, some dragon managed to sneak in and take our late Queen's life. She had no children, so it falls to me to take her place." he looked out upon his subjects. They let out various gasps and sorrowful sounds. Fluttershy felt her heart drop. This smug bastard, usurping and playing it off like some murder, sweeping it under the rug. Rage boiled her veins. She couldn't stop the vision though. She had to find out where to look for the scepter. Another dragon approached. The king turned away from the balcony, and made his way inside. "Your majesty, the scepter has been hidden." the dragon that approached said. The king nodded. "Good." he began, a wicked grin forming on his face. "No one will be able to succeed me. Tell me where you have hidden it." he demanded. "But sir, you instructed me not to-" "Those instructions have changed." The king demanded once more. "Tell me where you have hidden it." "It is hidden in the secret chambers within the library." the dragon replied. It was perfect. Fluttershy actually enjoyed the library. Her returning and heading to the library wouldn't raise an ounce of suspicion. "Good, good. No dragon will ever succeed me." the king said, an undertone of insanity to his voice. The other dragon simply nodded, humoring him. The vision ended, and Fluttershy was returned to her real surroundings. Fluttershy knew what she had to do. She had a choice to make. Really, it wasn't a choice at all. She would not stand idly by, knowing the truth of everything. She would avenge her mother. She would claim her rightful place on the throne. Fluttershy made her way out of the woods with haste, keeping her eye on the palace in the distance. She couldn't fly, her wing was still damaged, but it's bleeding had stopped long ago. She made her way into the underbelly, one of it's many secret passages. Fluttershy acted normal as she walked to the library. There were never any guards in or around it. With what she knew now, she figured her father wouldn't want to raise suspicion. She opened and closed the library's entrance behind her, holding her wings in a way that she wouldn't knock anything down in the smaller space. She'd start in the "S" section. She knew there were books on scepters, as there were many historical ones. She knew the scepter by name: the Bloodstone Scepter. Surely, there would be a book on it, or it would at least be mentioned. She quickly made her way over to the "S" section, scouring the books within. One stood out in particular- it was bound in a dark leather, and had a scepter shape in gold leaf on the spine. Fluttershy grabbed it from the shelf - she opened it, to find that all pages were blank accept one. "Light the beacon" Fluttershy breathed the words on the only non-blank page. Light the beacon? Her eyes darted around the library. There was one wall sconce that was unlit, unlike the rest. Fluttershy tucked the book under her wing and mustered up her fire. With a focused spat, the sconce lit in a natural orange fire. The flame snuffed out. Fluttershy made a noise of confusion, then looked at each other sconce. The flames were patterned, orange, blue, orange, blue. Really? If you're trying to hide an all powerful item, at least make the pattern harder to decipher! Fluttershy raised a brow in annoyance at the simple pattern. Whoever the dragon was that hid the scepter was really, really dumb. She looked at the sconce that was unlit, and the others around it. She mustered up her fire, held it so that it grew hotter, then precisely spat it onto the sconce. This time, it didn't snuff out, and the wall behind it rumbled and moved away with a groan. This was a part of the palace Fluttershy had yet to see. It looked far older then the rest, old caverns that stretched for miles into the volcanic palace. She explored each path. Each crevice. Each one led her back to where she started. She sighed, her breath coming out as a puff of white. She could feel the scepter's magic. Maybe if she just focused on it... Fluttershy closed her eyes, another exhale forming a cloud in it's wake. She could feel the pull of magic in her chest, slowly walking towards it as the pressure grew. She knew she was close, the magic swelled in her chest. When she opened her eyes again, she was in an all new part of the caverns. Light shined through the ceiling and shone down upon a beautiful seat of giant maroon crystals, that looked like that of the scepter's. Atop the crystals, stood in it's mighty glory was the scepter. It was truly a sight to behold. It was so beautiful that, at first, Fluttershy didn't notice the ground beneath her was giving way. When she did, she ran towards the scepter. With each step, the ground crumbled and fell away beneath her feet. Faster and faster the ground fell away, til she had to leap and flap, a searing reminder that her wing was still injured. She clawed onto the radiant crystals for dear life, bolstering the last of her strength and pulling herself to the safety of the top of the giant crystals. Finally atop, she drew in breath after breath, calming herself first before reaching for the scepter. Before she even reached for the scepter, below it was scrolls of paper. She reached for those first. The paper was ancient, but it had clearly withstood the test of time. The first she unraveled was familiar, she had seen it in one of the visions at the ancient palace. It was her father's original war plan. And his plans to usurp. He knew the queen would be alone upon his return? How? That didn't matter. She could find out later. The next scroll sent a surge of magic up her arm as she unraveled it. This one too, had withstood the test of time. It was a document detailing that the queen had no children, and that she was "Hereby appointing General Mattias Shy as regent until he could find a relative heir. If none, General Mattias Shy would become king." Fluttershy held her clawed fingers beneath each line as she read. There was a historical, magical imprint left on the paper. In familiar feeling, Fluttershy accepted the vision she was about to see. The vision took her back to the ancient palace she had found in the forest. Her father was pacing around his office. On the desk was the same scroll she had just been reading, but less weathered. It was missing something though. The last part was missing. Fluttershy got closer to the desk just as her father sat down at the desk, grabbing a quill and ink and scribbling in himself "If none, General Mattias Shy would become king". She raised her eyebrows in shock, then lowered them. Leave it to her tyrant father to illegally edit documents. No wonder their was no resistance at all when he was king. Fluttershy scoffed, and her vision returned to cavern around her. She placed the scrolls under her wing and turned her gaze up to the scepter before her. She reached out a hand to take it, but hesitated. No. No hesitating. There was no choice. Fluttershy took the scepter in her hands. Magic swirled from the bloodstone at it's top, swirling around her arms and into her body. She levitated off the crystals she was sat atop. Any pain she had felt in her body was swept away, the tear in her wing healing, an ethereal light shone behind her. The power of the scepter filled her body. Upon her head appeared a crown that looked similar to the scepter. The metal part was black like obsidian, but the gems were pointed bloodstone. Suddenly, magic from all around her erupted, shooting in to the sky and alerting all to the scepter's finding. Her father would be waiting. It was time for war. Author's Note Here, listen to this while you read the next chapter. Also, right click > loop. Enjoy!
War and WindigosThere was no time to wait. No time to form a resistance. Fluttershy flapped her wings and flew out of the hole the magic eruption had spewed from, and got a grasp of her actual location. She was closer to town then to the palace now. She held the scepter in her hands and focused, drawing it's magic to her throat. "Dragons of the Dragonlands! I, your princess, have learned the truth!" she cried, turning towards the town. Dragons, although shivering, gathered below her. "My father is a usurper. I aim to remove him from his stolen perch. Let me lead you. Fight for me, and I will put an end to this everlasting cold." she said with regality, holding the scepter high in the air. Fluttershy did not wait for agreement or disagreement from the dragons. She turned her body towards the palace. "Father!" her voice amplification spell grew louder. "I know the truth. You killed her. My mother. The late Queen Orienthh. Come out from where you hide and face me." there was a ferocity in her tone that she had never felt before. Perhaps it was fueled by her rage and broken heart. Silence. Then, a rumbling from the palace. Her father's own army ran from the palace, charging straight at her and the dragons that stayed with her. Some flew at her side, some were on the ground ready with weapons of their own. "You really have it," one dragon said, eyeing the scepter in her hands. She only nodded at him. "Be prepared to fight. The tyrant that sits upon the throne is a usurper. Let your rage fuel you, as I have!" she bolstered to her small army that had gathered. While she had a moment, she swirled the scepter in her hands, focusing, directing magic at the dragons below and around her. She envisioned each with peerless, magical armor, and so it was. She gave herself armor as well, then issued her only command. "Charge!" she yelled, flying scepter first into the battle. With cheers and yells, the dragons listened to her order. All around her was war sounds. She engaged with a guard from the palace she recognized. She dodged adamantly out of reach of his blade, rearing around to hit him hard with the scepter. He was knocked off balance, and she reared her head to take a bite at a hole in his armor, her teeth piecing scales. The taste of blood filled her mouth. Fluttershy let her rage carry her. She flapped, hard, carrying the guard into the sky with her. She used all her might to toss him into the sky and blast him away with fire, not watching for where the enemy landed. Her father was a fool for training her in combat. She knew all the guard's tricks. Fluttershy was beginning to cut into enemy lines, but looked back when her dragons weren't with her. She flew up into the sky, waving the scepter around with one hand, mustering it's might. Most of her army was stuck amongst one small squadron in of her father's. Clouds swirled in the sky above. The snow grew harsher, colder. Then came the lightning. In ear shattering bursts, it struck the dragons who would dare harm those who fought for her. "Move into enemy lines!" she commanded. Her gaze and stature were intense as she waved them further into battle. "I need to reach my father. Dragons, distract his armies!" Without hesitating, her army drudged on, the sounds of war growing ever louder in her ears. The whinnies from the sky grew louder. Her eyes darted about the battlefield. Her father was hiding. He was afraid. He knew what having the scepter meant. She was the rightful heir. And he would be succeeded. It meant his death, handed to him on a silver platter. Fluttershy had a thought. A dangerous thought. "Father!" she shouted, her eyes glowing a pure white. "Come and get the scepter." She was baiting him. She would not hand it over without a fight. She hovered in the air and watched for him. Her ear twitched and she dodged out of the way of a swing from a sword. The very same sword that killed her mother, the very same sword that he had threatened her with earlier. Mattias stumbled in the air. Fluttershy pointed the scepter at him. "You have made fools out of your subjects for long enough," she said. "Dragons! Hear me, and hear me well!" she began, dodging out of the way of another attack. As he stumbled again, Fluttershy took her opportunity. She dove upon him and struck with the blunt end of the scepter. "My father killed the late Queen Orienthh!" He swung back in retaliation, striking her cheek. Blood poured down her cheek. She flapped hard and backed away, her face twisted into a rage fueled grimace. "He faked documents stating he would take over as king!" Fluttershy focused the magic in the scepter. Dark clouds swirled around her and her father. It was a risk, placing them in a storm cloud. But she had the upper hand. Her armor wasn't made of metal. Her glowing white eyes became drowned out in the clouds. The harrowing whinnies were loudest in the sky. Fluttershy knew exactly where her father was. She readied another attack. Those on the ground could see their shadows as the lightning flashed. Another brutal swipe of the sword got Fluttershy on the neck. Another hard smack to his skull from her scepter. A crack of lightning Fluttershy just barely dodged, her father, not so much. This was her chance. He plummeted to the ground, and Fluttershy dove after him. His body hit the ground with an earth shattering thud so large, a crater formed around him. Fluttershy landed quickly, placing one of her legs on his throat. Teeth gritted, she took his sword from his claws. His death would be served by his own blade. His eyes grew wide as she raised the blade above her head with both hands. "These! " she cried, thrusting the sword into her father's chest with the strength of one thousand dragons. "Dragons!" she stabbed him again. "Aren't!" Again. "Your!" Again! "Subjects!" Again!!! "Anymore!!" Again. She bellowed out a sob, realizing what she had done. Her rage faded into grief. Blood was splattered across her chest, face, and hands. Blood stained the snow around her. She fell to her knees at her dead father's side. Even if he was a tyrant, he was still her father. Silence fell over the battlefield. The fighting had ceased. All that could be heard were Fluttershy's cries, and the clanging armor of dragons who bowed before her. In a wave, they fell to one knee. Fluttershy swallowed her grief and stood. She dropped the sword to the ground and flew into the sky, all eyes upon her. She drew in a deep breath. She held the scepter in both hands, focusing on the magic within. She felt it course through her body to her very soul. It was so powerful that she didn't even have to flap her wings, it held her in place. I beam of bloodstone magic shot into the air, parting the clouds overhead, spreading into a circle of fire that pierced the very hearts of the windigos. In shrieks they dissipated, as did the snow and clouds. For the first time in a millenia, the sun shone brightly. For the first time in a millenia, dragonkind was warm. For the first time in a millenia, lava flowed. Silence was all around, pregnant and waiting to be broken. Fluttershy landed in the center of the dragons that watched her. She did not speak. But they? They cheered. All around Fluttershy were cheers. Even the guards who fought for her father cheered. She had nothing to say to them. She simply stood, picked up her father's blade, and trudged her way back to the palace in silence. Guilt encapsulated her mind as she sat at her throne. Author's Note And, scene. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed. If there is any critique, feel free to throw it my way, so long as it's constructive. Rude comments get deleted. If you have any questions about the lore of this AU please feel free to ask! I'd love to go in depth and may write some more stuff set in this AU.
