Upon the Blackest Nightby Star_DracoChaptersA History not in BlackOf Burning Hearts, of Rising ShadesAn Umbra in an Illuminated FutureEpilogueA History not in BlackUpon the blackest Knight A deep growl left him as he stared at the pitiful site of the dragon before him. “You are a disgrace.” Those are the words that left his maw. The young dragon that stood before him just gazed, not saying anything. Black onyx scales covered his whole body with dark charcoal gray underbelly and wing membranes. One third his height, barely reaching his belly and not an inch more. Silver eyes stayed upwards towards the giant form before him. Dragon Lord Torch glared at the young dragon, wondering what truly was going to his mind. Perhaps, the most horrid of things, the most evil of things… or perhaps, nothing but anger and hate. Either side of him, guarding him were two other dragons twice his size, securing him. Torch had them for security and perhaps… insurance. Personally, he wanted to get rid of him and end him there, but the fact he was not even into his first century made him hesitate to kill him. He decided for an optimal punishment, one that would hopefully make this easier on his mind, though no less burdensome. “Your crimes have nearly cost the lives of dragons as well as ruin the peace between us and the ponies. While you are lucky that we have not brought down the ‘heavens’ upon us, you will suffer for your actions.” The dragon remains silent, staring up at the Dragon Lord, not seeing him as his Lord or his equal. He merely blinked, not glaring at him with anger or rage, but hidden. This only unnerved the mighty Dragon Lord because it was a controlled anger. He was not breathing heavily, he was not ranting, nor was his posture hostile. He was calm… Eerily calm… and despite him being a third of his size, Dragon Lord Torch felt a small amount of concern at what he could be capable of. With a small wave of the Dragon Lord Scepter, he pointed directly at him. “For your crimes, I Dragon Lord Torch, sentence you to sleep… for half a millennium! You will sleep and have your awakening in five centuries, unless degreed by me or another dragon lord. Though when I pass on my time, I will make sure that the next Dragon Lord knows of your crimes and… to make sure that they never let you go!” It came out as a growl and it was meant to be a threat, but it made the dragon before him not even flinch. He chose to remain silent and even as he was being led to the cave, his stoicness made Torch annoyed. The cave was far from the Dragon Lands, but within the edge of the boundaries it held. This would be far from the prying and curious eyes and have it so secluded that he wouldn’t be bothered by any dragons searching for a cave in the middle of no wear, let alone a small mound just peeking out of the ground. The chains of iron rattled and fell off him upon the desert floor as he was led in, where a large boulder was set to the side, ready to entomb him. A single hole, no bigger than his head, was at the top, providing a single light source to him, so should he wake, he would only see the days pass around him. Not fighting the way or the words of the Dragon Lord, the black dragon entered and made his way until the light from above stood on his head. Torch and the other two watched as he studied his prison before turning to him. His eyes locked on to the Dragon Lord and for a moment, Torch thought he would speak his voice for the first time. Instead, his eyes said everything to him and that was all. A single word crossed his mind, a single dread of pure power left the dragon and entered the mind of the Dragon Lord. ‘Vengeance.’ Not allowing the moment to linger any longer, The Dragon Lord lifted the Bloodstone Scepter and pointed at him.The stone at the center glowed bright red and with a single command, he spoke the word. “Sleep.” The black dragon slowly began to close his eyes, the command taking over. Yet, he was fighting it, staying up on his legs though quivering at the command. Torch growled and twisted the Scepter. “I said, sleep!” The glow brightened and finally, the black dragon slowly lowered to the ground, the power too strong to disobey. His eyes continued to drop until they shut permanently and a soft snore began to take over the cave. Torch stayed focused on the dragon, wondering if his command would fully keep the Dragon asleep for 5 centuries in time. A few more moments and he felt like that it would stay true. The crimes he committed have nearly ruined what stationary alliances he and the Equestrian Princess had between them. As is, he had to deal with the aftermath and possible rise of ‘hunters’ to coup with dragons that they may see as ‘rogue’. Grumbling, he had motioned towards the other two dragons. “Seal it.” Without hesitation, both dragons moved to the back of the large boulder and together, pushed it towards the front entrance and sealed it up. As the last view of the dragon was covered, Torch could have sworn he saw his gray eye had pierced the darkness and stared back at him. The boulder settled right in the front and encased the dragon within. A deep feeling worked its way to the stomach and the Dragon Lord felt a bit of remorse. With the entrance sealed, he sighed. His two guards made sure that there was no possible way to escape. “All secured, Dragon Lord.” Torch gave a small bob of his giant head. “I hope so… for the sake of other dragons and the future.” With nothing else to add, the Dragon Lord and his two guards turned away, leaving the dragon to his sleep for hopefully the next 5 centuries and prayers to Bahumat that he never leaves or that there dragons never find him. Eight decades later…. “What about this far out? Surely there can be something useful out here?” Princess Twilight of Equestria asked. Newly ascended and crowned Dragon Lord Ember gave a shake of her head. “Not this far, Princess Twilight. While I appreciate that you want to work alongside us and see what resources we can offer, I am not sure outside of gems and lava we can offer.” Twilight gave a look around and saw nothing for miles. She knew that the geological survey of the area did provide a lot of minerals, but some ponies had claimed that with millions of years of volcanic activity, there was bound to be something. Gems were out of the question since most dragons would burn you before you can even ask for some of their gems. There were metals out there that could be potentially useful for Equestria. She sighed and gave a shrug. “It would help if maybe we had a hole or something to get samples of the land. A team of ponies said around here, there could be potential.” Ember gave a shrug and gave a look around. Her eyes then landed on a giant mound of land that peaked above the ground. She pointed. “Maybe over there, it looks like it could be a cave.” Twilight nodded and both flew a bit aways towards the mound. Flying they saw that from the back it burrowed into the ground so the front may be approachable. However, as the two rulers circled, they encountered a large boulder in the way. Ember and Twilight slumped. “Well there goes that idea,” she said glumly, landing on the front. The giant boulder was laid in front of the mound, almost as if placed there. In fact, when she looked around, there was nothing else in the area to indicate that this belonged here at all. “So… might there be something in here?” Asked Twilight, studying the boulder and the mound. “This seems pretty random to be out here in the middle of nowhere.” Ember agreed but looked at the giant boulder that towered them both, as large as an adult dragon. “Yeah, though I would need to summon a dragon large enough to move this if we could, though it would take awhile for them to arrive.” Twilight cracked a grin. “Don’t worry, I got this.” With a small crack of her neck, the Princess of Magic lit her horn and enveloped the giant boulder in purple magic. At first, Ember didn’t believe a pony like her would be able to move something many times her weight. Yet, her jaw dropped in astonishment when, almost with little strain on her effort, gently lifted the giant boulder out of the way off the ground by several feet and gilded it over from away from the entrance to the right. What earth had clung onto it fell easily away while the entrance slowly revealed itself. Then Twilight gently let the boulder down and sighed. Ember was still in shock at what she had witnessed. She shook her head and looked at the princess with an uneasy smile. “Um… remind me not to piss you off. If you can lift that, I would hate to see what you could do to a full size dragon.” Twilight winked at her before turning to look at the cave. Disappointment quickly consumed her and she saw that the cave was not deep as it would lead to believe. A single hole at the top illuminated the cave only showing a not so deep entrance and a big black rock at the center. A rock that happened to be moving. “Hey, what is that?” Ember saw it too as she saw the shape inside. Twilight lit her horn brightly and illuminated the cave bright enough to show that the rock was no rock but a creature. Upon further inspection, both Ember and Twilight were shocked to see it was a dragon. It was curled up in a tightly coiled position. The dragon was promptly coated in a thick layer of dust and mud, perhaps over time of what little made it through the hole on top. “Is that a… dragon?” Twilight asked. The layer of mud and dirt made it difficult to tell but Ember knew a sleeping dragon when she saw one. She had encountered long sleeping dragons for a while but this one. This is the first one that she saw that looked so… young. Even in the curled position, Ember deduced that it was about twice her height. She couldn’t tell what scale colors it had, but she saw that it had large wings and tail that could curl around them both. Two pointed horns popped out of its head, but not overly large like adults so that showed signs of youth still. The most noticeable thing was it was asleep. Male or female, there were signs that the dragon had been sleeping for a while. “S-Should we wake them?” asked Twilight. Ember shook her head. “No… well yes but, this feels different, Twilight. The dragon is asleep but… why was a boulder covering an entrance? Why be cut off from the world?” She then took another look around the landscape to the bare nothingness for miles. “And who would cover the cave with a dragon in?” She shook her head then approached the dragon. She cleared her voice and spoke loudly. “Dragon, arise!” Nothing. Deep layered but oddly low rumbled snores left the dragon. Ember snorted. “I said, Dragon! Arise!” Her voice echoed in the cave but still nothing. She growled. She then reached behind her where she carried the Bloodstone Scepter tied to her back before swinging forward and pointing the gem at the dragon. “As your Dragon Lord, I DEMAND YOU AWAKE!” That worked. Silver eyes snapped open and locked onto Ember almost immediately. The sudden awake startled Twilight but Ember remained unfazed. She did see that without a doubt, the dragon was male. The eyes said everything. The gem continued to glow and the dragon saw it. At first, he thought that shape was familiar and reminded him of Torch. But this form was smaller and a deep inhale, let him know it was female. Oh… something he missed. Ember twisted the scepter in claws. “Rise.” She demanded. The dragon rose. The dirt, mud and dust that coated him shook off his body, practically sliding off him with ease. In fact, as he rose, nothing remained on his body. His scales were black like obsidian, gleaming with what light came from outside and Twilight’s horn. Ember watched a bit in awe as nothing short of beauty filled her mind. He was indeed taller but not so greatly that she could touch his head. His eyes remained on her as he rose, standing almost two stories. As he fully stood, he slowly flared his wings and shook as dirt remained, remaining stoic as he did. Standing at first to his front palms then sitting upon his haunches. Even sitting down, he easily could be about fifteen feet tall. Twilight and Ember were in awe at the dragon. Both for the same reason, for neither had ever seen a black scaled dragon before. Hundreds of thousands of dragons of many different colors of the rainbow had filled the lands. Yet… none where ever the color of pure obsidian. For a few moments, no party spoke, as the trio were trying to understand their predicament. He moved his jaw back and forth, grunting with low whines and deep growls, trying to find his voice. “D-Dragon-n L-Lord-d?” It was a question, no doubt but it came with more acknowledgement. His head cocked to the side but the voice was deep and low. While he was young, there was pain and a discomfort to his voice. Ember finally opened her mouth and gave a slow nod. “Yes, I am the current Dragon Lord.” For a moment, he studied the young dragon lord. Young, extremely young that’s for sure, not even her first half century. How did she win the Gauntlet of Fire? How did she manage her power? What was her goal? … Did she know who he was?” He then focused on the alicorn princess next to her. “P-Pon-y-y?” Twilight blinked at being mentioned, gave a nod and forced a smile. “Y-Yes, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Another cock of his head to the side. “E-Eques-str-r-ia-a?” His voice was not broken though his vocabulary seemed limited or perhaps the sleep left him a bit disoriented. Another nod from Twilight.. He turned to Ember. “A-Allie-s-s?” He asked her. Ember nodded. “Yes, we have established a peace treaty between them.” A pause then she asked her questions. “What happened to you? Why were you placed here? Why was your cave entombed? Were you trapped?” The rapid questions seemed too quick but he gave the best he could. “...Impris-sonment-t.” That was it. That was the only word he gave her. Ember’s brow furrowed and she felt like there was more. She kept the Scepter leveled though not pointed. With a small edge of her tone, she asked. “What was your crime?” For a moment, the dragon didn’t answer. A lie could be demanded for the truth, but the truth could pursue a longer sentence. Yet, he felt like that would not be the case. If a pony was alongside her, let alone one perhaps just as young as her, then this would be a different sentence. He lowered himself to not be intimidating but kept his distance. Once lowered, he made himself focused on her eyes. A small connection was made and neither was sure how it happened. When he spoke, he meant it. “...P-Pony v-village… I-I razed-d t-to the ground-d” Both female’s were shocked but he continued. “D-Dragon L-Lord-d T-Torch e-exiled me for h-half m-millennium.” Ember watched Twilight who ran outside and began speaking erratically outside of the cave; Ember told the dragon to remain inside while she followed after. Twilight was pacing back and forth, running through a million scenarios. She was frantic though unlike before, she wasn’t wild on it but she felt like she needed air… lots of air and away from him. “How many did he kill? Why would he do such a thing? How long ago was this?” The list went on and on but Ember felt that there was more to simply burn a pony village. Was there a cause? Did they attack or was it… fun for him? While Twilight was still figuring out what to do, Ember decided to ask him herself. With Bloodstone Scepter in claws and a frown to match her father’s, she went back in. Twilight remained outside, though she closed the gap to hear what she needed to. The black dragon remained focused on Ember, though his stoic look was very calm. Especially when waking up after Bahumat knows how long. She had no fear of him, since the Scepter works easily enough but there was something about him that made her feel weird. Not bad, just odd. She approached and stood close, though not within striking distance. She once more pointed the scepter at him and it glowed. “Speak.” Was her command. Easily enough, he once more lowered himself to her level. “W-What is-s your c-command-d, Dragon L-Lord-d?” Most try to resist or hesitate, much to Ember’s amusement. Yet… he didn’t, why? Without hesitation, she brought up the topic. “You said Dragon Lord Torch imprisoned you here for half a millennium. Your crime was that you destroyed a pony village. Why?” For a moment he stayed quiet, staring intently at the Dragon Lord before him. While his face shared no emotions that neither female could see, Ember could see that deep within his eyes, there held something else in there, something deep. “P-Ponies s-stole d-dragon eggs-s.” Ember gaped. A pause as his eyes flicked towards Twilight then refocused on Ember. “P-Ponies-s took m-my siblings-s…” Then the first sign of emotion. A frown, a hidden rage boiled within. “B-Broken eggs-s, r-ripped s-scales…” Ember's heart broke on the news and even Twilight from afar, gasped at hearing this. His silver eyes stayed on Ember. She has heard of many horrible things before, but not something like this, yet… why imprisonment. Speaking, she was still broken by the news, her voice dry and hurt. “Bu- Then… did you not explain that to Fa- Dragon Lord Torch?” Twilight slowly made her way back, albeit with much cation. “D-Did.” A growl left him. “T-Two eggs-s lost, o-over bringing the w-wrath of the h-heavens-s as he called-d them.” Then pain consumed his face and sadness fell over. “I-I took w-what they took f-from me-e.” Twilight remained silent, trying to find words, any words about this. While nothing has happened within recent memory to indicate a pony village has been attacked by dragons, something was not being explained from either side after her recent ascension to Princess of Equestria or Celestia wasn’t aware… or didn’t tell her. Ember was a different story and she could see genuine pain and sadness consume him. He lost his siblings and her father brushed it off. While she knew that prior to her birth, he was a crude and somewhat greedful Lord, according to other dragons, including her caretaker, that he had mellowed out after Ember had been hatched. He was softer in some terms and even going so far as to secretly treat her like a princess then anything else. But still, to let a dragon be imprisoned because he seeked vengeance on his kin? Her emotions were conflicted at this point; since their treaty between Equestria and the Dragon Lands, trade routes, nearby housing and even shared properties had been established. Ponies and dragons along with other creatures have united. Not only that, but thanks to her best friend and close advisor Spike, it made it difficult because he brought her the magic of Friendship first. She has come to enjoy his messages and even bringing her gifts every now and then for her hoard. She has come to like the little drake and while there was no romance between them, they have gone to secure each other with feelings as great friends and more. Before she could speak any further, Twilight had gotten brave enough to come in and ask questions as well. With an even tone that she had learned from Celestia and perhaps even Luna, she spoke as a ruler. “I understand your frustrations and need for vengeance,” Did she? He pondered. “-I still would like to know which village you…” A pause to gain her wits and sighed. “Destroyed so I know if it is withiness recent memory or a time ago. Perhaps the name, the year or whatever is possible.” The black dragon blinked at her, studying the alicorn princess and turned to Ember. “T-Torch s-sent me to s-sleep for f-five hundred-d years-s. H-How long s-since he passed-d the T-Trials?” “Trials?” asked Twilight, turning to Ember as well. Ember gave a grunt and swirled the Scepter. “The Gauntlet of Fire.” She answered her but remained on him. Twilight gave an understanding nod then. Ember looked up towards him. “Torch announced the Gauntlet two years ago and I won. But he never mentioned you in any way.” The dragon blinked but understood. He then looked around his cave to see if there had been any indication of time. He then looked back towards Twilight. “No-o known-n name at-t time. Vill-age was-s filled-d with p-ponies t-that wore a-armor a-alot. C-Carried heavy-y weapons-s, axes-s, swords,” A sudden growl left him. “Cages-s, traps-s for d-dragons.” Twilight went wide eyes. “You mean… that there were already Dragon Slayers at the time?” She was genuine in her reactions and it did surprise him to know that she was as clueless about the past. Perhaps… she was a young princess. Then… that left the question of where is the other? She spoke on, seeming to gauge on her history and spoke as unevenly as himself. “B-But C-Celestia never brought up a village destroyed inside of Equestria!” “The borders hadn’t reached that far yet, Twilight.” Ember answered honestly. “Maybe that is why she expanded it up to that point.” Ember gave a grunt of annoyance as realization struck. “My guess is that it's been less than a century since Princess Celestia had expanded near the territory to the Dragon Lands. The layers of mud and the rock formation and decay also showed a lot of time has passed but not enough to be centuries.” He remained silent. A century or less he had slept. A lot shorter than expected, but with outcomes far more than favorable. The current Princess of Equestria is young and inexperienced. Formal Dragon Lord is retired or dead. Current Dragon Lord is… beautiful. But the true joy was that perhaps, he could have his vengeance in a different way. The similarities are so close that when he had opened his eyes, the familiarity was stark and nearly identical. Now… he had a reason to change his life and views. He was conniving, quick witted and far more intelligent than he allowed to be seen. He said he did set a village ablaze but there was more. He did say that he was imprisoned by Torch for a crime. And he did say the truth that his siblings were taken by ponies. He would speak the truth and he would continue to do so. Not because she can force him to do it, but because he was compelled to do so and he also would owe her a debt if she kept him awake. In fact, he would pledge it. As Twilight and Ember continued to speak, he lowered himself down once more. This caused them to turn to him. Ember cocked her head. “What are you doing?” He blinked as he looked at her. “I assume you will send me back to sleep?” His sudden perfect sentence made her pause but she still felt weary and perhaps angry… that her father had done something so cruel. “ With a soft grunt she asked, “While I know that Torch was no saint when it came time as a ruler, I still need to know if there was more done besides, partaking in burning a village to the ground.” Again, he was compelled by her voice and heart to speak truthfully and honestly, despite the potential consequences. “I came upon another village that was preparing to raise more slayers, but demanded that if they didn’t want their village in flames, that I kill their first born or kill the males to prevent more breeding.” Honest, even, and cold. That was the tone. The underlying of it was vengeance, hate, and pain. Ember knew of it. Twilight was there gaping like a fish out of water, astonished by fear and dread but couldn’t form a complete sentence yet. He did however speak on. “I only killed a dozen or so ponies before Torch was forewarned of my exploits and dragged me back to our home in shackles. He hoped to do it quickly before your…” He blinked and looked towards Twilight. “-Former Princess of Equestria could intervene.” The current Dragon Lord was in a dilemma that really annoyed her to no end. She never knew that being a Dragon Lord would come with so many difficult decisions that would literally involve rouge or dangerous dragons, well dangerous for ponies, and that it was her father who had burdened her with this duty unknowingly. But something about this dragon made this situation so… weird. For one, he was no older than his first century(not counting the two that he had been asleep of. She sighed and waved her scepter at him. “I don’t plan on putting you back to sleep,” She answered in a calm but heavy tone. “But I can’t have you going back out and possibly seeking vengeance on ponies, especially since it's almost been a century since this happened.” Understanding that, he turned towards Twilight, who was still uneasy with the whole situation. “And… since Equestria is now allies with dragons, there are no more slayers, correct?” Ember was about to answer that but paused and she too turned to Twilight, giving a questioning look at her. The sudden focus on her made her feel more uneased but as the new ruler, she had to do what she thought was best and try to handle the situation right. “I-I am not sure I can fully say that there aren’t any slayers still around. While there have been no reports of them for almost 20 years, there are still areas that are outside Equestria’s jurisdiction.” She frowned and gave Ember a look. “Don’t think that we would support such a heinous act, Ember. If you ever encounter or hear of any Dragon Slayers, you can send me a message and I and others will come to deal with them.” The black dragon gave a deep snort. “And what if they don’t listen to you, Princess?” His voice is deep with hidden malice but not towards her. “If your predecessor didn’t stop them before, what is to say that you could?” Twilight’s frown focused on him. Despite the size difference, she had enough magic and power and experience to hold her own against him. “Because now that Friendship has helped save the lands and brought us species closer together, we can and will overcome those who want to harm any of us. Ember was there when the world was at stake, she knows that we will help her and she will help us when the time comes.” Ember felt the truth of her words and gave a comforting nod towards her, knowing that it was true. Though she half expected him not to agree. His silver eyes lingered on her for a few moments before turning back to Ember. “Is that the truth then Lord Ember?” She looked up at him and gave a serious look. “It is. I trust Twilight and I know that if we can’t handle it, I can send her a message and she will aid us.” Her voice was sincere and held true, something he had never heard from another dragon before. Much less… the dragon before her. He then turned back to Twilight and gave a bow. “Then, I offer my apologies to the Princess of Equestria and hope that if there is any malice still between us, that we can settle it.” Twilight gave the dragon a once over, hearing no lie or anger from him, though the pain was still there. Giving a sigh, she spoke firmly. “Look, I can’t say that I approve of what you did to ponies but I will not deny that they were any better. I… am truly sorry for what they did to your family. If something were to happen to my siblings, I know that I wouldn’t hold back either. I wouldn’t kill but I would dish out other punishments.” The black dragon seemed content with that. “Then I ask for your sake and ours, that we try to keep our species at check.” Turning to Ember. “Perhaps then, as a suggestion, we have diplomats or exchange species as a way too…” “There are already dragons living in Equestria.” Twilight cut him off. “And a few ponies live near the border of the dragon lands.” Finished Ember. He paused, studying them for a moment before he continued softly. “Then… just as we have rouge dragons and you have rouge ponies, who are they to be dealt with if they cross one line or the other?” The duo rulers looked at each other. That was a good question. Prior to this, Celestia dealt with ponies and Torch dealt with dragons. What happened when the lines and borders crossed? Ember, feeling a bit of tension building, turned back to him. “We will… cross that line when it comes. But back to you. Now that we are at peace with the Equestrians, I need to know what your attentions are.” Twilight also wanted to learn this as well. He remained stoic and it was difficult for any of them to really gauge his emotions for his face was of near perfect calm and what it takes many decades, if not centuries for dragons to master peace of mind. Finally after moments of silence, he spoke. “My life is now in your claws, Dragon Lord Ember. While my past was consumed with vengeance, my reduced sentence and your allegiance with the ponies have left me without a clear path.” “Do you still feel the need to harm ponies?” Twilight asked with seriousness. A brief pause before he answered. “I have no need to harm any creature, but my heart still aches knowing that my siblings will not be fully avenged. I cannot in good conscience go after ponies now for these are not the same that have taken my family from me.” There was a glint in his eye, almost as if a tear threatened to come out while his mood also dropped significantly. “Their time has passed and so has mine. I am not sure what to do now. As is, my fate is in your claws.” Ember felt her heart tug at his words and while she didn’t want ponies to die, he would be forever burdened with being alone and without siblings. “And your parents? How they don’t…” Twilight began to ask but a small growl silenced him. “They were the reason my siblings were killed!” A harsh growl left him and once more, the two rulers were silenced. “I was the first hatched, a black scaled dragon that they thought was an omen. They only kept me long enough until I could eat and walk on my own. After which my father threatened to kill me if I did not leave the nest. Then when I heard that they had more hatchlings, I watched from afar, as they, without care, had their eggs ‘stolen’ and taken by ponies, slayers no less and in trade for more gems. They thought that they would have more like me in their clutch.” Now a growl left Ember and the Scepter glowed brightly. “Egg breakers!?” She almost roared with stunted anger. He gave a matching growl of confirmation. “And when I vowed to kill them one day after I returned my siblings, they were the ones who turned me to Torch. They heard of my exploits and turned me to Dragon Lord Torch. That is why he declared me a disgrace. Even after I told him what my sire and dam had done, all he did was exiled them from the Dragon Lands while I was punished and imprisoned in the cave for half a millennium.” He was breathing eerily calm but his voice held back no venom towards his sire and dam or her father. He truly would have gone further had he not been stopped. Perhaps should he remain free, he would go after his parents and end them, so that Ember felt no doubts about it. Yet… his pain was something that would never be quelled, even at the deaths of his parents. Despite the year of peace between them, Ember was starting to slowly become used to the concept of Friendship and more and it annoyed her a little that it might not solve this problem. Her anger dropped and her body felt tired, though mentally she was still raging at this poor souls’ past and it involved her father too. A sigh left her before turning to the alicorn. “Twilight, I think that for the time being, we will postpone any negotiations right now on trade and what not. I feel like this needs to be dealt with before anything else. If you wouldn’t mind saving this for another day, that is.” Twilight wanted nothing more than for anything to go according to plan but sometimes, life got in the way and she knew that not everyp- everycreature was like ponies. Giving a nod, she replied. “I understand Ember and while I hope that this doesn’t take long, I hope you can help…” She paused and looked at the dragon. “-him with the problems you face.” She looked back at her and tried to give an assured smile. “Who knows, maybe friendship could help him out here.” Ember adored Twilight’s enthusiasm and positive outlook towards the bleak, but she knew that that was a long shot in this situation and not everything would be able to be solved so easily. Giving her courteous nod, she reached out with a claw. “I'll try my best, Twilight.” Twilight gave her a hoof and they shook. Once they separated, the alicorn turned to the black dragon and a small frown crossed her face. “You never gave us your name.” “You never asked.” He replied. She snorted. Okay she walked into that one. A pause. “Well?” Twilight asked. Th black dragon stared at her, then at Ember then back. “I have no name worth remembering.” Twilight all but growled out a sigh. “But if you wish to call me anything, then Shard Obsidian would suffice.” Twilight blinked at that, as did Ember. The alicorn nodded. “Thank you… Shard Obsidian. I hope that with everything that has transpired, that you can please avoid ponies at all costs. I know you may need to avenge your siblings but I wouldn’t want to come to blow heads with dragons.” He blinked before he lowered his head, either in bow or to meet her eyes, she wasn’t sure. He replied. “As I stated, perhaps those ponies have long died, perhaps not. I won’t harm any that are innocent so for now I can do nothing.” She expected him to say more but he didn’t. She calmed and gave nothing but a bow. “Thank you.” Turning back to Ember. “I'll tell Spike to send you a letter or wait for you to send one when possible.” Ember nodded and gave a small smile. “Thank you Twilight. Until we meet again.” With a final nod, the Princess of Equestria charged her horn and in a bright violet flash, she was gone, leaving the two dragons in the cave. Ember gave a sigh before walking out of the cave. He remained. She stopped, turned her head back and looked at him confusingly. “Well, what are you waiting for?” He cocked his head. “Your command?” She gave a grunt. “I don’t have to tell you to do everything right? Eat, sleep, walk, breathe?” He slowly rose as any remaining dirt and grime fell off of him, leaving a small mound. With his joints slowly responding to his command he made his way out of the cave and towards the sun. Ember led out and as she did and he took his first steps, the sun’s rays caused a small shimmer over his pure black scales, reflecting a unique dark rainbow over his body. She finally got a good look at Shard Obsidian. The black dragon squinted at the brightness of the sun, taking a few moments to adjust from the exit of the cave before he took slow and deliberate steps to his first light. Taking a deep inhale, his lungs took in fresh air for the first time in decades and a calm washed over his body like a wave against sand. He began to stretch all of his ligaments, many cracks could be heard as he did so. More and more of his body could be seen, like he did stand on his hind legs and his arms only aided with his first movements in years. Next, he was impeccably clean. His scales showed no signs of diminishing nor face, almost perfectly laid upon one another. Each one could barely show her reflection if she were to lean in close. His claws were almost silver in coating, with a white tips at each claw. There were light signs of use but it was odd since most dragons have cracked or worn claws before their second decade. The spines that began between the tip of his horns ran from the head all the way down his spine, to his tail and ended in an almost two pronged pointed tip. Lastly, his wings. Ohh… they were magnificent. He slowly unfurled his wings to grand proportions, stretching them longer than he was tall. The membrane was a nice ivory white with a little hollowness in them to allow some light through. The way they curved from the talon tip of the top to the wing’s bone at the end gave him a definite beauty. Lastly, as he stood at a solid 15 feet, more than twice her height, she saw that through all that black mirror like quality in his scales, did it click in her mind that what he had said was truthful. There hasn’t been any dragon that matched his description in the dragon lands. She knew almost every dragon in the lands(as was her job as Dragon Lord) and she could not recall one as pure black as him. Yes, there were black scaled dragons here and there but they had other colors or their scales held no shine. Even with almost a century of dirt and rock that had covered his body, it had never stained nor dulled his scales to a point. And now… she was staring at him and he caught her staring at him. Cocking his head, he spoke. “Is there something wrong, Dragon Lord Ember?” Thank Bahumat it was bright outside for he could not see her blush upon her cheeks.. She shook her head and tried not to think of how beautiful his scales really looked. “No, but I do need to know if I can trust you.” He blinked and stared at the Scepter in her claws. “You can bind me to a ‘Blood and Scale’ oath.” Ember blinked. “A what?” Young, brash and still unsure of what power she held; Shard Obsidian knew what laid before him. His intelligence and cunningness instantly began thinking of a million scenarios on how to play this, though only one really kept repeating in his mind. He had to find out if she really was what he suspected her to be. Instead of answering her directly, he sat on his haunches to lower himself to her level. “I suppose that if you want my trust, then I must bind my words to you. Though you are a Dragon Lord now, I am still unsure of how much different you are then from your predecessor.” Ember frowned. “My… predecessor has nothing to do with who I am now. I accomplished my life and succeeded with some help. Because of who helped me, I am the Dragon Lord and I plan to change it for the better.” Shard’s focus was anywhere but her. Speaking he looked around him. “Then… would you consider yourself past or superior to Former-Lord Torch’s Legacy? Do you believe that had I done what I did before, in your rule, would you have done the same?” His eyes locked onto her for the answer. Ember froze. That was a strong question and a difficult one to answer. She was not the best when it came down to heavy questions and one day she would have to answer them. If Spike had taught her anything with their responding fire-mail, it is to take your time to think on it before answering. As she did, she tried to answer the first one as best as possible. “Your… parents had no right to do any of that to you or your siblings.” A low growl left her. “Egg-breakers have no value in my eyes and I would make sure that before you would have killed your first pony, that I would be dealing with the dragon hunters first. Then your sire and dam would be the ones imprisoned long past a few centuries.” She then went onto to his being and her eyes saddened a bit. “However… I know that we dragon's know vengeance and pride strongly. To attack those who kill our young or our loved ones, I would stop at nothing. But that being said, I don’t blame you, and perhaps prior to our alliance with the ponies… maybe would have allowed it.” A pause and she shook her head at her own words. “No… maybe not even then.” Shard remained focused on her. “Then you have already surpassed Torch. While I am not old, I do know greatness and strength. Many a dragon would not see one like you as worthy of a role as this, but you have done so in a far better grasp than he.” Ember had always wanted to surpass her father in strength, leadership and more. When she became Dragon Lord, it was filled with a lot of other responsibilities but it was something that needed to be partaken. Many questioned her many times, including her own father, if it was a good idea to align and even work alongside ponies and… she has never regretted it. But to hear another dragon tell her that she was better than her father, by not being like him, somewhat made her happy. One who was wronged by her father, made it more… meaningful. She looked down at the Scepter. “So… then you say that if you swear a Blood and Scale Oath, that you will not harm any ponies or seek vengeance against other dragons?” Shard gave a nod. “I do.” She gave a small frown. “Does that include the former Dragon Lord Torch?” A small something passed over his features but she could not be sure. “If you wish, I swear that I will never physically harm or retaliate against him, if he still lives.” Ember wanted to say he did, but withheld it. “Then… how is this Oath done?” “You point the Scepter at me and I press my palm on it.” She blinked and did so, though she held on tightly in case he tried to nab it from her. He lifted his left palm up and pressed right in the center. She blinked. “Okay now wha-” He began to push down on his hard, causing her to grunt as she held it up, until the tip of Bloodstone easily and with little effort, cut through his scales and blood fell from his open wound. She panicked almost instantly. “What are you doin-!” “I, Shard Obsidian-'' He began, letting his words carry on, even with the pain in his palm and the blood that dripped down the Scepter. “-will swear no vengeance and no harm to innocent ponies and dragons alike. I swear no harm to the former Dragon Lord, Torch.” A pause and his eyes now fully locked into her own, meeting his soul to her own. “And I swear… loyalty, truth and servitude through pain and death, to protect and follow… Dragon Lord Ember.” Her eyes went wide and the Bloodstone glowed brightly in his palm. A sizzling was heard and a small hiss left him. The glow stopped and he lifted his palm, where the blood was now gone from the Scepter but remained on his palm. There was now a visible scar that had formed that healed over within seconds. He had made the oath and it was something that she knew nothing about. “I… I am not sure why you did that but I am supposed to trust you know… right?” “Do with me what you will, Lord Ember. I am now essentially at your service.” Surprise was the least of her exasperated look that came over her but so was the fact that he so willing and easily gave himself to her. The things that she could… Shaking her thoughts, as if this was building a migraine, she just motioned. “Can you fly yet?” He gave a few experimental flaps, his wings ached without use. A small wince left him. “I must… walk for now until I can fly, my Lord.” A grunt left her, both at the thought of walking and the fact he called her ‘lord’ like she was anything else but. “Fine, we will walk for now and also, don’t call me ‘Lord’ or anything else like that. Either ‘Dragon Lord Ember’ or just Ember, whatever is easier.” He was about to respond but she shook her head. “No wait, not even Dragon Lord, it takes too long. Just for now, Ember is fine… unless we are surrounded by other dragons.” He bowed his head once. “As you wish… Ember.” Her name sent a small shiver down her spine as he spoke it, like it was magic, especially since she swore it almost came out like a purr. Beginning their walk towards the west, the dragons made their way back home. Hopefully it wouldn’t be that bad for them. The silence was only at the beginning, for he was still trying to stretch out his ligaments, pop sore joints and bask in sunlight after a near century of absence. Ember wasn’t sure how his scales maintained their elusive and luxurious state during the decades. It seemed to be as if he had been in a frozen state, where time didn’t diminish nor cause rot on his fine black scales. Each one still remained sharp and perfect, which was really unfair to a dragon like herself who couldn’t go a single month without chipping a claw or having a few cracked nails in her wake. His wing membranes were a fine silver that almost looked hollow, though it showed he was a great flier. Also his thick hind legs showed he had some power behind them for either kicking or taking off. Lastly, his anatomic ability to either walk on all fours or twos gave him a strange appeal that few dragons had. Something shared by her father, though as he grew older, that would really depend on what he did often. … She has been staring at him the whole time and it showed. “Ember, I am unsure whether you are staring at me as either fearful or admiration.” The aqua scaled dragoness froze at being called out and she tried to think of a million ways to deny it but the blush on her cheeks made it so obvious. He was aware of it but playfully remained oblivious. “Should I walk behind or in front so I am not such a sight to see?” “Your fine!” She blurted out, though she backtracked. “W-What I mean is that I h-have no problem with you or your color! I have just never seen a dragon like you that is so…” “Evil looking?” He provided. She frowned. “You are not evil looking! Whatever lie or slur or name your sire and dam gave you is not evil! If you were truly evil, you wouldn’t have placed your service to me so willingly.” He gave her a stare, feeling the truth in her words, giving an acknowledged bow of his head. “I appreciate you don’t see me as such. Though I am not as sure as what others may think.” “What others think is none of your concern or mine.” She moved closer without realizing, looking up at his form. “As long as you honor your oath and prove your change to me, that is all I care for.” His silver eyes stayed locked on her amber ones and the intensity of each word felt like a promise of her own. Truly he saw nothing of what she was or is, to that of Torch and perhaps… this made his plan all the more stronger through purpose. That and with a strong conviction, would he be able to get to his true desire. Vengeance… Even with his oath, there was still a way he would get Torch back and that would be by having her fall in love with him. With another nod, he spoke softly. “Then your words are the only one I care for, Ember.” A powerful shiver ran down her spine and a more profound blush was seen. … and his revenge would come full circle as he would love, cherish and care for her, denying any and all who would oppose it or try to reach her heart. For Torch, he would bear witness to it as the Dragon Lord herself would not deny his presence near her own. He would make her heart his and perhaps he would return it in full. After all, no good came from a broken heart, but one fulfilled in front of the eyes of your enemy burns the brightest. Of Burning Hearts, of Rising ShadesOf Burning Hearts, of Rising Shades Home. Home is where the heart is, that is what was said. Home is where the birth and the death should be. Home. He did not know what home was, for he never felt it since the beginning. At his hatching, his parents lived near the edge of the dragon lands, where little could be found and not much else. When they first held his fragile onyx form, it was not out of love, or warmth, but of dread and disgust. For an onyx scaled dragon was an omen, a curse and fear driven motive. What was love but a foreign concept, unrealized by a false dream from his sire and dam, both who showed none to him. He was fed enough to survive but never more. Fear controlled them more than the instincts to care for their young and it was that vexed mindset, that he knew that the world was full of bitter black hate. He learned on his own, studied from afar, the teachers that instructed the young. Not ever showing his face, nor coming near the others. If he was discovered, he ran, for many would fear him. As he grew older, his sire and dam threw him out before his first molt to fend for himself. The first bite of the cruel world and heartless acts of dragons unfit to be parents. Starvation, cold, emptiness and isolation were the first lessons he learned on his own. After that, he believed that self preservation is above others, even those that were supposed to be your hearts. Yet years later of returning to his parents, he witnessed their heartless deeds. Their fear of what they once had for him reached down to his unhatched siblings and they allowed… ponies to take their eggs. If there was a crueler or more horrific way to call ones ‘monsters’, he hadn’t found it yet. And for what? Fear of more like him? Traded for polished gems? He never knew true anger and rage like that until he witnessed it. An unfiltered hate born from the neglect and heartless creatures that were disguised as dragons. He roared at them, calling them every horrible word that he could, going as far as to physically attack them albeit with less than deadly force. His father, twice his size, repelled him but he was smaller and agile, quickly nailing him twice on the face and leaving him horribly scarred. His mother; he spat a hot glob of inflamed liquid saliva at her face. She screamed as it damaged one of her eyes and flew away before his father could recover. He vowed vengeance and swore he would finish the job later should they ever show their faces. Following under the darkness of the night, the ponies took the eggs back to a camp many leagues out of the land and to a remote part where dragons never ventured to. What he witnessed was something that burned into his mind forever and would break any sense of moral he had left at the time. Egg-shells, lots of broken egg-shells and ripped forms of scales and flesh of what would have been his siblings. A roar strong enough to wake the dead, he charged that camp of ponies and set it ablaze with the fiery intensity of an exploding volcano. An eruption of hate and rage, born by the cold world and the dark hearts that inhabited it. The screams and cries of the many echoed in the night, but none of which were heard for his roar was louder. The blazing fires of black, red and orange danced around his form as he walked on the many corpses of those that fell. And despite knowing that this was but of a few, he made it his mission to end them all. The next town over he made it a show of power by demanding the first son was to be given to him. If they did not, he would set this town ablaze, just like the one before. He even showed them the black smoke seen in the distance. The fearful refused at first but when he ignited several buildings on fire, they reluctantly agreed. However before he could end them, Torch had arrived and demanded he stand down. Defying the dragon lord was a bold move and even dangerous, yet when he explained his actions, Torch brought him down through force and growled at him. “What you are doing is far worse!” His giant paw pinning him to the floor beneath them. “If you continue this path, those who ‘Guard’ the ponies will come down and strike us all! The very ‘heavens’ will burn us!” ‘The heavens’ he had called it. As in their pony gods would aid them and cause strife for dragons. Yet, he believed Torch was merely playing him and only pushed further. “Egg-breakers!” He growled, struggling against the giant palm. “My sire! My dam! And you do nothing!?” Torch continued to force his giant palm on his neck. “They will be punished for their crimes but your transgressions have only cost us peace! Now I have to negotiate with their demi-goddesses to reclaim our borders!” And with that, Torch exiled his parents, but he was imprisoned and was probably going to repeat the process yet again. He was declared a disgrace to his kind, for attacking innocent ponies and for hurting his own kind. A black plague amongst dragons, a dragon unworthy of a name or alias. It was not long after that did he vow to himself to remain silent and secluded, knowing that no one cares to hear him speak. He had no home and no one… Yet, his heart for the first time sought something kin to kindness. An alien feeling that had snared him and seeing ‘her’ made him express something he never knew of. Now came the moment of trying to prolong that exposure, to ensure that it lasted as long as possible and despite the odds against him, he would pour a grand effort to keep it close and never lose it. Even if it killed him… “Shard?” Ember broke him from his standing silence. “Are you alright? We are back in the Dragon Lands and you’ve been standing here for a while.” Shard continued to stare at the Dragon Lands right outside of its main border. He didn’t respond right away because he was trying to find a calming response without trying to give off anything to her. “I-I don’t know how I feel.” He half answered truthfully. “This is not my home. Instincts tell me it is, but I was born near the edge further south. My sire and dam never made me feel at home, at least not in the way a hatchling should feel," A pause and he looked down at Ember. "Should home be like this or should it be something much more… ?" While it was true that he had no inkling of what a home should feel like, he knew that this was something that Ember would try to rectify. No dragon should feel this way to detach to their home and this broken off, especially with their parents destroying what value of it he had for it. Ember was in no way heartless. After befriending Spike and Thorax, whom she still receives occasional letters from, her mind and heart has been more open and sympathetic. Her father once called that, ‘weakness’, but yet was love truely a weakness? He loved her, for she was the only thing in this world that he had left and he would destroy mountains, part seas and rip anyone to shreds if any harm came to her. Yet, he still saw ponies and other non-draconic creatures as weak. The meaning had confused her but so did the word ‘weak’ elude her father in proper form. Here was a dragon who went through Hel and back but remained civil as can be. She pushed back any doubts she had on him. “Then perhaps we can make it your home once more.” The drake slowly looked at her, his gaze emotionless. Ember nodded. “If you truly want, I can help you make this feel like home again. Perhaps if we do this, you can forget about the past and move on with your life.” His gaze seemed to remain fixed stoically, though a glint in his eyes showed… gratitude and perhaps it softened those beautiful eyes of his. “I… I would appreciate that much more than you realize, Lord Ember.” She wanted to correct him but he moved on. “Though I must ask, what is it now that we are in good relations with the Equestrians, that is required of us?” She pondered the question for a moment before responding. “For the last year, Princess Twilight and I have come to an agreement that if we can provide a source of minerals or materials from the Dragon Lands, in turn they could provide us goods and services in return. These range from polished gems, melted ores, exotic food, pillows, and more.” Shard took that in and gave a small cock of his head. “Luxury and practical items to live more than what we already have?” A reasonable response though the question was relevant. “Well… I know that we dragons don’t do things nice and frilly but ever since the Great Change of Harmony, dragons have been experiencing more luxurious things from ponies. But I have also encouraged our kind to outreach other areas and even live amongst the ponies.” She then added with a small pause. “Also, our luxurious items also stem from other nations as well like the Hippogriffs, Abyssians, Griffins, Yak, and others.” “And you have stated that they reside outside of the lands? Will they eventually live amongst us?” Ember gave a small shake of her head. “No I don’t believe so, but they do have a few homes and stations on the borders to allow those to come and go as they please, so long as they listen to our rules like we would theirs. From this, we have started receiving healthier ors and melted irons from other nations that are far easier to acquire from them than doing it on our own. He gazed at her a bit longer before focusing on the lands once more. “Admirable. Truly incredible feat in such a short time.” Ember felt pride at hearing this, a rare compliment not given by other dragons since this great time of change. Not even her own father acknowledged it… "I would love to know what other dragons lords of the past would think of knowing you succeeded where they failed at establishing something even akin to peace. Their own low intelligence to be dwarfed by one as young as yourself." This somewhat hid a nerve but not in a bad way. In fact, she felt like it was another compliment but the fact that he was mocking her father, as if he knew personally that she was… "Do your sire and dam approve of any of these changes?" He asked her, breaking her from her memories. Ember furrowed her brow in thought, though she gave a vague response. "My father… thought this would be a big mistake and has no real care for it. My mother is… absent." That ended that bright mood of her boasting and accomplishment. "Apologies Lord Ember, I didn't mean to bring any depressing or sorrowful memories." The sapphire dragoness shook her head. "It's fine, you were not aware." A small pause before she gave the bearest of a smile. "Though I would like to think that my mother would approve of the peace that has been established." He gave a small bob of his head. "If her wisdom is where you received it from, I am sure she welcomes peace and would be proud of the Dragon Lord you have become." Once more, his words sent her heart aflutter and her emotions were set ablaze with delight. He could tell his words had its intended effects, knowing full well he was aiding in securing her confidence. After the small moment, did he finally ask, "Then please tell me Lord Ember, how would one proceed to make this home once more?" Ember gave a small smile and reached out with her claw to him, "Like my best friend Spike once showed, through Friendship." Despite the size difference, he slowly reached out and took her claw into his larger one. It felt… magical, if that was the right word, for both of them, as not only was he shaking her with the claw he had marked himself with. The burn had returned but it was more warmth and comforting then before, as if to tell him, this would lead to more. Ember on the other claw felt her cheeks flush as she felt the larger male gently grasp her claw, as this also translated to something more to her then when Spike had done it. This even surpassed it to something she couldn't describe. A bond beyond a normal bond would be made after this. And so Ember guided Shard to the heart of the Dragon Lands, unseen to his eyes. The colors and sizes of dragons were all different and unique, each with their own character. Volcanoes and lava rivers made the areas hot and dry, filling the air with rich sulfur fumes and toxic brimstone, something he took in deep breaths of and found so much comfort in. Ember noticed his calmer breathing, even his relaxed posture as he walked by her. The few dragons that passed them by, gave short nods to Ember, instead of bows most Dragon Lords demanded. However, when they saw Shard Obsidian, they moved on pretty quickly. This had Ember questioning it. "Huh, they normally ask or chat with me when they see me, what gives?" "Perhaps it's who accompanies you now." Shard pointed out, with uncare of their fear or attitude towards him. Ember gave a grunt. "You are not the only dragon here in black scales and-" "It's perhaps not the scales themselves but the story of the scales," The black scaled drake then gave a small lift of his head. "Perhaps the story of a Rogue Dragon In Black Scales, was told to be a warning or omen of sorts." In that moment, she had a severe flashback of what her father warned her about when she was still a hatchling. A poem of sorts warning her the darkness of a dragon with onyx black scales. ‘Beware of the shade in Blackened scales, a terrible blight amongst these horrid tales. The Blackest Night, buried in hate, only to burn and set upon the world in fate. To be tempted by cold gray eyes dead, to capture your heart in sorrow and dread. Lest he be the one to eventually bleed, the scales of purest white, will they succeed. To rise above the Blackened Scales, the light of white will send his ashes to the gales. Shard noticed her mouth twitching to form words but no sound left her. “May you tell me what the tale is?” He asked her. “I know you are aware of it.” She blinked, stricken from her memory before shaking her head, since her hatchling-hood was a bit more rough than she could remember. While she didn’t actively know what her father was pertaining to, the sheer fact that Shard was the dragon her father was speaking of. Shaking her head, she responded in a neutral tone, “I would rather not and like I said, it matters not. You are not evil, you are not wrong and I would ask that you try your best to ignore them. If we can prove or show other dragons you are no threat, then like the Magic of Friendship, it can save anyone.” “I trust that if the Princess of Ponies and the Dragon Lord can form alliances and bonds of friendships, then I trust your words.” He answered evenly. “However, if nothing has changed about my past being told in the present, then what hope do I have for a future.” She frowned. “As long as you stand by me, I will help. No dragon who went through what you did, should be treated ill. It is my duty to make sure you and others have a fair chance at Friendship and happiness.” “But I am not innocent,” He reminded her. Ember shrugged. “If the ponies can forgive the God of Chaos, the Princess of the Moon, Evil Unicorns, or convince a race to Change into their better selves, then I am sure we can be just as forgiving.” The words made him ponder if truly things have really changed in the near century since his sleep. The more he heard from her, the more it felt like he never woke up and stayed in a dream. A dream where happiness and hope could be so… close. He followed Ember further in, welcoming more and more to his view. The few dragons that did see the Dragon Lord and him, gave a chance to study afar without fear, but none dared approach. It just so happens that the adults seemed more at ease, though they eyed the onyx drake with curiosity more than fear. Ignoring the stares, he focused on what he could do to better anoint himself to Ember and her ways. In truth, it all seemed so alien that it bent his cold hearted nature to a different skewed from his original path. Even now as he walked alongside the Dragon Lord, his motivations and temporal need to hurt those in his past slipped further and further down. The feeling of his heart to open up and to bleed out his vengeance grew if only to get closer to her heart. Never had a dragon even tickled his heart to a point, like young Ember had. Her joy, her conviction, her tenacity and more are slowly changing, something he could never foresee with any dragon. His purpose was becoming more profound as he continued to interact with her. She showed him more of the land until it came time for a meal. Once more, her kindness flashed brightly to him by sharing a part of her hoard with him. The Dragon Lord had apparently had a perk of earning the largest hoard in all of the lands and she had enough gems to give to him without pause. “Are… are you sure you wish to-” “Yes!” She strained with much emphasis on how little it meant to be sharing her hoard with him. He still felt inadequate to eat from the hoard of the one he was supposed to serve. Yet the larger hoard that she held from her cave was definitely worth its value and it showed how much change has come to the Dragon Lands, including the value of friendship can do to several species. For the first time in almost a century, he ate like a true dragon and he has never felt closer to the one he swore loyalty to and his heart slowly bloomed open more and more. It was something he was not preparing to do fully, rather. Fate seemed to have other plans. He did not know how it happened but he remained free for his doration with Ember. The dragon lord had kept her word for him to remain so and the moments he was with her, time seemed meaningless and absent. As it would pass for them, days slowly turned to a week, then that week turning to several. His oath to her left him with such a task to cherish her that it felt now like a survival and need, rather than what he swore to her as a means to keep his vengeance at bay. The days flew by with her, a scene of serenity blending into the abstract nature that he never would have dwelled with if not for her. She filled his life not just with care and tame nature, but she showed him what it meant to be with someone, to be with another creature and to show love and care. She let him sleep in her cave, though far from her and near the entrance. It was a sort of identity to sleep within the entrance to keep those away so no raids come to fruition during the night. Not only that, but being so close would be an unease to her, despite the comfortability they had with one another. Yet this closeness to her was all the more reason why his need to seek further retribution slowly bled out like a wounded animal, and opened up something else inside of him. When it came time to spend time with her friends, it was so surreal that she showed him off casually to them. The few dragons here, Garble a red drake taller than Ember but shorter than himself and the younger sibling of his, Smolder, an orange dragoness. A bit of an envious feeling he had for them and their closeness for one another but he was happy that dragons could love their siblings more than ever. However the true shine of her friends was two of the youngest and oddity of them all, Spike and… Kindle. He noticed that young dragoness was different in many ways but couldn’t quite place it yet. It wasn’t her scale colors of light brown and eggshell white belly, but her shy personality. She hung behind Ember or Smolder more often than not, as if uncomfortable being just anywhere, which was queer in dragon standards. Spike on the other claw was the most known and famous dragon across the lands. His fame came after saving Equestria and other parts of Equus before, yet his status as a famous dragon was not a bravado of his most would boast about… much. The hatchling was very rambunctious but also chivalrous in nature. While Garble was a bit apprehensive of the Black Drake, his sister and Spike held a great sense of awe for him, both basking him with praise at how shiny and wonderful his scales were. Kindle meanwhile was in quiet awe of the dragon. “You look so freckin cool!” Spike exclaimed as he looked up at the larger drake. Smolder also seemed to agree though her cheeks would indicate that she was studying the drake a bit more in detail. “I have never seen a dragon with all black scales that look like armor!” His lack of fear and high enthusiasm somewhat vexed Shard, not really understanding how he found him so fascinating. He zipped around him, studying his anatomy and glossing over how shiny he was, or how he was able to pull off being bi-pedal and quadruped easily. Smolder also seemed to be very studious with the dragon, though she kept glancing back at Kindle who looked like she was mentally taking notes. “What… is it that you find me… ‘cool’ as you speak?” He asked the hatchling. “Like he said,” Responded Smolder. “We have never seen a dragon with your kind of scale colors. At least, not in a perfectly flawless onyx color or so smooth…” A small dreamlike flutter came from her mouth. A small twinge of anger came from both Garble and Ember but for different reasons, yet none dared try to stir the young ‘ness’ away from him. This was probably the first positive attention he has ever had from dragons. Kindle also came up to observe the dragon up close. “It is so rare to see a dragon like this, especially with how overlapping your scales are. They’re also no flaws or damages that I can point out nor are there differences in each one.” She added to their observations. Something about her seemed off and she even had an odd scent. Not like a dragon but as if she had the form of a dragon but no other trait. He gave a small squint and noticed she had a soft aura around her. Spike had one too since, as Ember had clarified, was raised by ponies. He smelled like them too but he was still a dragon below it all. Kindle on the other claw was… “You are not a dragon, are you?” Kindle ‘eeped’ and jumped back, frightened by being discovered. Ember was quick to defend her, standing in front of her. “Relax, she is… a friend.” She turned to her. “It’s alright, you can show him. He will not attack.” Her tone made it clear that it was a command, so he just watched. In a flash of baby blue fire, replacing the dragoness was a baby blue… bug pony hybrid. She had larger blue eyes, a red beetle back cover where he could see pink frilly insectoid wings as well as a head frill in the same pink color. A short stubby horn adorned her little head. He blinked at the reveal, a small twitch of his tail, still witnessing her still hiding behind Ember. “A shifter?” He questioned, though he was more confused than angry or annoyed. Something she was apparently picking up on and slowly withdrawing from Ember. “Her name is Ocellus and she is a friend of ours. I told you how the ponies can ‘change’ an entire race and she is that race that ‘changed’ for the better. They are the newly reformed, ‘Changedlings.’ She was one of the first young ones to join Equestria when it fully opened up its borders for education.” He blinked more, his emotions not in any way negative for her to pick up, but they were also static and controlled, making it difficult for her to gauge his true feelings. She managed to lean out and saw him study more before his focus came back to the other two younger dragons who have been rubbing or touching his scales for the last few moments. He ignored that part and settled to a more neutral stance by lowering himself to be less intimidating to her. “Then, I suppose they are also going to be amongst us in disguise as dragons?” he asked Ember. The Dragon Lord opened her mouth a bit though she had pondered that and looked towards Occellus. The changedling gave a small shake of her head. “Uh…they are still shy creatures and right now she is the first. Plus, they have to adapt a bit to the heated environments before they could be accustomed to it. She took a few months to get used to the area.” Occellus nodded. “It is very difficult right now since heat is not one of our highest attributes to adjust to yet when it comes to adapting in hostile environments.” Shard was a bit intrigued by her and lowered her level, so as to not cause anymore intimidation. “Will you tell me more of your kind then? I have never encountered them before. Can you truely shift into anything?” With an ecstatic flutter of her wings, Occellus merrily loved the idea of teaching others, especially since her role as a T.A. and future role as a teacher at the school was a planned career for her. She began a quick studious lecture of her species' history. While some parts she didn’t like to bring up, it did help that Smolder and Spike helped her get out of those dark areas of their history by stating that none of them had anything to do with it. Their origins and near extinction are blamed on the ‘former queen’ and such. And so he sat through Ocellus’s tale of their grand ‘changing’ and how they have incorporated into Equestrian society and slowly outside of the borders. Some already lived in Yak, Griffin, Seapony, and other areas willingly and without ridicule in those areas. Ember, upon opening the borders for ponies, did give a few the advantage to try and adapt their bodies to the extreme heated environments. While it would take years, he was assured that they too could live and interact with dragons on a physical level one day. He would come to learn about how everything came to fruition between Twilight and Ember and even Spike adding to the tale. He learned about pony culture in history in the few hours he spent with them then anywhere else opening up his views to how things really worked in this modern age. His need to stay angry with ponies was quelled by Ember and his interaction with the current Princess of Equestria. But tales of ponies with other creatures, these stories and history in the making, only missed by months ago, had him wondering if perhaps… fate is a benevolent goddess, for bringing him in a time of great peace amongst the greatest of nations in the world? His attention for the younger ones truly filled Ember with hope and perhaps admiration. As Smolder, Spike, Ocellus and even Garble joined the mix, he absorbed their tales and stories with admiration and perhaps even a bit of joy. The silver of his eyes sparkled and like a hatchling getting their first hoard piece by their sire and dam, he was entranced by them. Soon it became apparent that he had found a piece of his heart in the young ones, especially how they never once looked at him with fear or danger. Even Garble and Occellus had quickly forgotten their cautiousness of him and learned to enjoy the company of the drake in black scales. They laid around him, easing into his larger frame as they enjoyed telling him more tales of their many adventures. The School of Friends by Ocellus, the trials of the Young six by Smolder, the odd and perhaps weird tapping music by Garble, the amazing advancements in technology for the last century by Spike and so on. The first few emotions he had shown since his awakening were subtle but perhaps the highlights in Ember’s eyes. The more questions he asked, his tone was positive, his gaze studious, the taps of his claws as he waited for the next amazing story and the soft wag of his tail tip. These all showed signs of emotions even when his face couldn’t. While he dared not show his true heart, she knew that this was a start and she would damn sure try her best to get him to open up. When it came down to the night, Ember had invited them all over to stay in her cave for the night and just like a sleepover, the group kept the stories and cave festive with joy and heart. They hung around a small fire pit with gems shared amongst them though the changedling brought her own snacks. Shard meanwhile was just as attentive to their stories as earlier. He had many queries and received favorable and long feedback for each one. The flare in his mind of how much has gone from species exclusion to cross-species mingling, had truly been a boon to the lands. Though he half wondered that if not for this recent ‘rise to power’ of Princess Twilight Sparkle, would peace have begun at all, or would any other dragon outside of Ember, continue this same process of keeping everything as is? It did surprise him to know that Spike was the original interceptor of the Bloodstone Scepter, having taken it when Ember and Garble were fighting for it. But, he gave it up to return home by giving it to her because he trusted her in keeping the peace between the species. While it was unheard of for a dragon to willingly give up the Scepter, in known dragon history, he did understand that the young drake’s true home was with the ponies. The family he grew up with and the one he chose over remaining to rule. Ember felt ashamed for leaving that part of the story, but he nonetheless was still happy with the result, especially since she was the one who freed him, not Spike. Another silent thankful prayer to the fates and gods for giving him this beautiful angel. This… light to his darkness that plagued him. And he would never know how to ever repay her back other than his blood oath, except by him giving her his heart. It was a dangerous move, but he knew if fate brought her to him, then it was perhaps more to be than this. He was willing to bet his life on it. And so when tonight of all nights ended and tomorrow would begin, he would give her his heart, to move beyond the sorrow pit of hidden pain and quelling vengeance to see a brighter and more hopeful future. It would not be long after her friends left, when the evening had come, that it was just the two of them and the mood was to say… blissful and calm. He had her to himself in her cave, listening to her about everything and anything, taking it in. And from this, he knew with how close they were to one another, that there would be no other moment, no other chance than now to express this beautiful feeling he had for his rescuer. His emotions would no longer be quelled and restrained as he stood in her grace. “Ember?” “Yes?” A small pause as he lowered himself and leaned close to her. She didn’t flinch nor did she step back, in fact leaning closer to him and his larger form. “I-I appreciate everything you have done for me, for giving me a chance I didn’t know I could obtain or have.” His eyes betrayed every emotion to her, not holding anything back as his soul was open to her, showing her what he truly felt. “I have never felt such care and joy in myself before meeting you and whatever it is that makes me feel this way about you, I pray for it to never end. Which is why I must speak my heart before you, else I could never speak again if given a moment’s notice.” Ember’s heart was pounding, her voice almost lost as the dragon before her laid it all out before her. He was so close to her now, that she could see her reflection in his eyes. They had gotten close now, closer than she dared admit, daring to push a boundary that was behind a wall she hoped that she could help him break. “When you speak, it makes my heart beat faster. When I see your form, I feel weak and young. When you smile or express joy, it radiates so I wish to do the same. And whenever I see your eyes, I see…I see beauty beyond imagination.” Ember’s breath hitched, as those words left her breathless, never expressed to her by any other. By now, their jaws were just inches away. “Ember… I cannot express my heart any further to you because of this concept of lo-'' He froze as the word nearly left him, but not like a mistake but an impossible word to phantom. He left his mouth open just enough to finish what he had to say. “-love itself was never something I thought I would find and yet, my heart yearns for yours. In this short time, you gave me that ability to open it and I, already in your service, would bend and break to your will; I can be ever yours and beyond that if you accepted me.” Ember was speechless, her eyes dancing with awe and pure emotion. Her heart was now beating excessively, to a point that she couldn’t even speak or answer him. In truth, this was the first time she had ever felt like this before with anyone. None have ever approached her with an open heart like this and the fear of her title always quenched the bravery of those who have tried to court her. Yet his loyalty came first, as a test of his will to appease her and her word. His sage-like intelligence filled her with confidence and without questioning her actions. The quick adaptation of her friends and other dragons alike told her he was willing to try to brush past it all. And the fact that he opened his heart to her, unsolicited and with fear of what she would say or do, spoke volumes that no other dragon ever could. Yet, all it would take is a single word, a single phrase to not only change her life, but his own. To bring someone she had just met into her world and experience far more happiness, joy and love than he had ever received. But was this love or merely infatuation with how little he has interacted with others? In truth, she no longer felt the fear or ridicule that would come from this, only that she was willing to give it a shot to someone who was not afraid to open their heart. She didn’t respond directly but rather pushed her head to his own, pressing up against it while keeping her eyes to his. “I am… new to this as well,” She began truthfully, her voice low and bashed with warmth akin to like her first heat, but from her heart. “but I have enjoyed our time together, more than anything. You have treated my friends like… well friends. You have given other dragons a chance, even though I see they are still weary of you and you haven’t fully given back your trust yet.” She rubbed his head with her claws. “You hang onto every word I say, not questioning my command or… that I might make mistakes.” “A good leader makes mistakes, but a great leader learns from them.” His words displayed the wisdom he so elegantly shared. “Leaders of the past never admit to it, which is where they fail short. You have made a few but are quick to find out the flaws and you have even apologized to those you have wronged, even though you don’t need to.” He lowered his head to her neck and inhaled deeply, taking in her scent. “And you are far smarter than your successors. Which is why I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my days under your rule, under your wings and…” He gave a small lick across her neck. “In your heart.” That sent a powerful shiver down her spine and followed by a strong tingle down to her legs. Despite being half his height, she felt like a hatchling like this. The touches, his tongue, the size that he was to cover her completely and that was just the physical aspect. The emotional one was just as strong. His words breached her in ways that no dragon ever could. Efforts to treat her like a Dragon Lord were minimal but he respected her with genuine kindness and like a normal dragon. She could blame the Blood Oath he had sworn to her but this felt… natural. Natural in a sense where she felt his breathing on her chest and a palm in her back, holding her. He was taking in more of her scent; a rich copper tone, a strong form of female musk that rivaled even the strangest of flowers that resided here and a touch of… lust. By now, he was nipping her or tickling her with his snout, hitting those sensitive spots she never knew she had. His palm held her back as she leaned backwards, pressing himself further and further. She didn’t even remember giving him permission to do so, but she knew that if she asked him to stop he would. She didn’t. Not now, not right now at least. In fact, a small bit of encouragement came from her. “By my hoard,” She softly sighed. “I’d rather it not be uncomfortable for both of us.” “As you command,” He said so smoothly against her scales, sending further shivers down her spine. This time however, it was triggering her lust factor that even he took notice of. Each moment he held her in his grasp, was like holding a piece of something that had remained absent in his life, waiting to put it back in. When he brought her to her hoard, he gently placed her on top of her large pile halfway so his reach to her was just to his head level. Upon laying her down, he pressed his slightly larger head to her. He continued to inhale her wonderful scent, her absolute toxic aroma that he craved. It was the first time he had ever craved a female and despite the size difference, he was gentle. His claws barely left the most abundance of touches on her, making her shiver. Yet his exploration was just that of lust, echoed by her own. But he didn’t want her to believe it was all lust. It was more than that. It was… a need that he never knew he could understand or believe in having. Her eyes, those beautiful amber colored eyes that burned like a warm sun and burned away that darkness he was burdened with. To open his eyes and soul to a possibility of happiness and love that he never experienced in his life. And she was allowing her heart to open to him. As each moment passed, it felt eternal, with a burden of quaking shivers for it was the first time they ever experienced this kind of intimacy. For both of them, yet the need to break that nervous passage was quickly fleeting. All it took was for him to press his snout near her nethers, near her personal treasure that broke that final barrier. Her body twitched, like a small jolt of electricity running from down up. The heat of his breath brushed her outer slit with gentle graces, the only soft part of a dragon capable of feeling ticklish feelings. It took most of her will not to shake as he pressed it directly on her private region. Her legs spread by his larger head, giving him unrestricted access to her body, something she didn't think she would give some drake so soon. He continued to blow soft breathes on her until he stopped and his silver eyes met her own. He still felt a moral need to ask if he could touch her, but it was a silent communication, a non-verbal question that would forever break any normal bond they had before and change it to something far more. A very pleading nod came from her but she quickly became irritated with, "Please… go slow." He didn't counter her gentle plea negatively. He started slow, as slow as he could. His lust was not as strong as most males, but he also wished for both of their first times to be memorable. Even if he would dare not use his whole body to please them both, he would do what he could to make sure that she would enjoy it more than he could, though her pleasure was his own as would it be to bring them both that much closer. One more, he continued his soft breaths upon her slit, giving into a slow pass upon her area. As he did this, slowly her arousal became far more potent as her slit slowly spread open and those heated winds of his tickled her entrance. The pink within glistened and moistened more as he stimulated her senses from just his breathing. Her soft moans are the most beautiful thing he could ever hear from a dragoness, let alone her. It was so surreal that he was doing this to her and not only that, but just inhaling her wonderful scent was like an aphrodisiac that he burned into his mind. After enough moments of breathing on her, did his tongue finally leave his mouth, parting just enough to leave between his teeth and press just right outside of the outer nethers. Ember let out a gasp and pushed her hips forward, meeting that tongue further. She didn't hide her blush, she didn't hide her heightened ecstatic state and she dare not hide the fact that she wanted more. Given non-verbal permission, he pressed it directly on her slit, giving a single lap across the short surface. She gave another gasp as he did so over and over again until she was quaking with pleasure. As he continued to lick the lithe dragoness before him, for the first time in a long time, he felt his arousal fully hit him hard but with purpose. It began a slow spread of his own slit, the pointed curved cone tip barely peeking out. Each inhale and each lap of her beautiful body slowly pushed up further out, spreading larger and longer. Ember by now was a mess, twitching and bucking against his larger head. Her slit was assaulted by his strong tongue, giving him a taste of her nectar without pause. The need for an orgasm and an endless pursuit of it had her gripping his head with her whole body as she wrapped legs and arms around his muzzle. Feeling indifference to the embrace, he further pushed into her mound and finally buried his tongue into body. The reaction was like lightning for Ember, as a powerful course of endorphins ran from her head down to her spine and south, as unrestricted pleasure ran through her body. Her moan was loud and strong, her eyes closed as all thoughts left her mind and her body reacted like never before at its peak. This was just him penetrating her with his tongue, he hadn't even begun to wiggle or sample her fully. Yet her moan was enough of him to continue without more verbal confirmation. He was still pretty big, tongue included so he could only wiggle the tip of it within her core but that was Ember's highlight. His forked tongue split allowed him to touch her inner moist depths that have never been breached while attacking her in two areas simultaneously. She tightened her grip around his head, trying to bury him deeper into her smaller form. Meanwhile the blacked scaled dragon had fully grown out of his own slit, the larger organ which was half of Ember’s size, he no doubt wouldn’t fit with. His own tip oozed onto the floor in a demand to breed, but his will to protect and cherish, beyond that of his oath, was stronger than his want to mate with her. Being a bipedal being however allowed him to reach down with his other claw and grasp his shaft. He gave a few of his ridges small rubs before beginning a slow stroke on himself. Small grunts left his mouth, sending vibrations from his jaw to ember, further making her twist and buck against him. He had only ever stroked himself a few times in his life but this time it felt purposeful and without shame. His grunts soon morphed into growls as Ember’s fluids forever burned onto his tongue like the most powerful aphrodisiac cocktail. By now she was practically leaking and from the way her body continued to thrust against him told him she was close to her climax. A feat he would ensure to be done. With a goal now fully in mind, he pushed himself to bring his partner into a beautiful and fruitful climax. He wasn't going to waste such a precious moment for both of them. He stroked himself to match his tongue lapping or penetrating, bringing forth gulps of pre-seed from his tip onto the floor. His eyes watched as she withered and squirmed in her position, making sure that he was pleasing her in every way possible. He may not have experience with it before, but he knew that what he was doing was working well. As his tongue buried itself within her in a deep push, she finally cried out in ecstacy, her voice echoing in her cave as she finally climaxed. Ember squeezed every inch of her body around him, begging him to not stop as she came for the first in her life with such conviction that it almost felt like she would pass out. Shard stroked himself at a quicker pace as Ember fluids ejaculated into his mouth, fueling his own climax to come quicker too. Her whole body clamping on his head, her walls tightening around his tongue and her screaming out to him, “Lo-Love, don’t stop!” That was a trigger word he never knew he had, but it had the effect he never knew that would help him achieve a quicker climax. He gripped his base hard and with a few strokes more, gave a grunt as he fired powerful bursts of white hot seed to the bottom pile of the hoard. This happened as he continued to prolong Ember’s climax upon his face. Both dragons were in the clouds, unable to really process anything outside of their world and pleasure. It was a few moments, but lasting almost eternally in their minds, burning vividly a glaze of lust and perhaps something that would echo more. Ember slumped from his head, her body relaxing and no longer clenching him from her orgasmic high. Slowly, she pulled back and allowed her body to become calm, a small soreness forming from how hard she had braced on him but allowing her body to recuperate. Shard meanwhile eased his own body though he was not as tense as the dragoness before him. He slowly laid her onto her hoard, letting her rest right away. Carefully placing her down, he looked down to himself and saw that he had made quite the puddle of his own seed. While the bottom of her hoard was covered in it, he felt like it could be cleaned off… maybe. Using his tail, he scraped the dirt over his seed to cover the larger ground, hoping it would dry quickly. Once done, he noticed that Ember had her eyes closed and was softly snoring. His organ slowly retreated and he felt like his time here to spend her was over. Despite this intimate moment, he didn’t wish to over step his boundary. The moment he tried to move away, Ember’s voice called out to him. “Please stay, Shard.” It sounded like a plea, but it was so much more than that. He slowly approached her, leaning in forward as if hoping it was true. Her tired arm reached for his head. “For tonight, you can stay with me.” It was more than just the night for him. It was a signal, a sign, a blessing from the heavens above and beyond that he was being cared for, being touched by someone that didn’t fear him. That tonight and perhaps more nights to come, he wasn’t going to sleep alone and cold. As he wrapped his larger frame around her, she snuggled in closer, feeling his larger form surround her smaller form and she sighed peacefully. Settling more, her soft breathing touched his ears, the tales of a sleeping dragon comfortable and at peace. He stayed focused on her for a moment longer before closing his own eyes to sleep. For the first time, in what felt like a lifetime, in what he prayed for to be a dream come true, he slept happily. A tear leaving his ducts, falling down his eyes as pure hope and love filled his heart, making his world much brighter. The morning was warm, dusk breaching the cave and filled it with light. His eyes were the first to open; his hope emerging once more and seeing her form before him ignited the flames of love. Her soft breathing indicated her undisturbed rest and he left it at that. She was so beautiful, so wonderful and while it felt like just a moment ago that he emerged from the cave, it was not a slow and fading memory that is being replaced with boundless love and care. He gently brushed a claw over her form, caressing her in a gentle manner. It was like touching a piece of the heavens in physical form. He could just lay here and do it all day… But fate needed to test him… A distant rumble echoed, what he thought had been an erupting volcano or it was close to one. However this one had a voice and it sent a powerful sharp and dangerous chill down his spine. The very heavens seemed to shatter, as the voice erupted with the fury of a volcano. “EMBER! YOUR FATHER SUMMONS YOU!!!” Author's Note This one was a dozy and practically hard to write due to how complex certain details were to be added. Most of this was the heavier core of the story and should be the help to ending this short series to a hopefully satisfying ending. The final chapter awaits and I hope that you all enjoyed it. I would also like to thank Barstool for hosting me on their show on Saturday night. It was really fun and hoped that it made their time. The video should be posted soon and i hope you guys will enjoy it as much I did. I will post the link here and in other stories too. An Umbra in an Illuminated FutureAn Umbra in an Illuminated Future An Umbra in an Illuminated Future “EMBER! YOUR FATHER SUMMONS YOU!!!” It was the most heart racing and fear inducing way to wake up, let alone after a night of peaceful sleep. While an erupting volcano would have never awakened her before, Torch’s booming voice could only ever truly cause worry. Her eyes shot open, her body launched forward and her heart raced a million miles per second. But worst of all, the back of Shard Obsidian was to her and facing the entrance. Dread filled her heart and her mind couldn’t compete with the grueling punishment that awaited her. From both her father and Shard for she had never let it known that her father was the one to imprison the black drake for half a millennium. “EMBER! AWAKEN! WE NEED TO SPEAK!” The urgency of his voice and easily identifiable anger that it carried shook the cave. Her dread was growing higher and she was praying that whatever was going to happen, she wouldn’t lose him “S-Shard?” She managed to barely speak as her voice was broken and unable to really form words. For a moment, he didn’t respond, as if still contemplating it but after said moment, he turned to her slowly. His eyes… portrayed a sense of calm that she couldn’t see but his voice showed volumes. “Your father is Torch.” A statement, not a question. It was simple but yet a million times more powerful than anyone can expect to believe. She quickly stood up and tried to approach him, her body shaking with fear and her anxiety that plagued her form. “S-Shard, I-I-I was g-going to-” No, that was a lie, for she never would have unless it ever came up and now the time has come. His eyes met her own, knowing that it was a lie, but seeing that fear, that pain, that anguish of what would happen, burned away any doubts he had for her. Leaning in, he pressed his larger head to her. “I’ve always known.” Her breath hitched, her mind froze but a comforting brush slowly eased her racing heart. “From the very moment I opened my eyes, I saw him through you. I knew it to be and no one else. While you look similar, you are far from the same dragon.” She tried to speak but her father called out again. “EMBER!” A sudden rage left her, with tears leaving her eyes as she screamed back out of the cave. “I’M WAKING UP! LEAVE ME BE FOR A MOMENT!” That alleviated her father’s ire for the moment. “Then be quick to rise and meet me soon!” Then she heard his giant footsteps move away from the cave. She almost broke down as she felt so weak at the moment. Her body was sore but in a wonderful aftermath of what had transpired last night, yet this crueling wake up call had her shaking with ache. Shard wrapped a single claw around her and whispered, “I forgive you for not telling me.” She sniffed and looked up into those silver eyes of his. He meant it; he truly forgives her for her fear of keeping the truth from him. Despite the secrecy for the last few weeks since his awakening, she felt like an obligation to keep him from seeing the truth, if not to protect him. But yet he was now comforting her, pressing himself unto her like she needed protecting. She swallowed and laid a claw on his cheek. “I-I’m sorry.” He didn’t retract from her palm, his calm and eased tone towards her said it all. “I understand. But know this my Ember, I swore to never attack Torch for vengeance and I never will. Yet if he attacks me, I am… powerless to defend myself. As it stands, I would find out what he seeks from me.” She blinked. “W-Why would he want you? He doesn’t know that you are awake.” Shard brushed his larger head to her. “A black scaled dragon seen around the Dragon Lord for days on end would warrant an investigation. Whether it's him trying to see if it's the same black drake he imprisoned almost a century ago or… it's a father trying to see who is courting and falling in love with his daughter.” “I-I-” “What you said to me last night may have been a throw of passion or lust, but know that my heart for you is true. What short time we had, I enjoyed far more than any in my lifetime. You are my light in the world where I saw only darkness and hate and should we be allowed to live in peace, I would pursue my goal to court you to be your eternal life mate.” Her mouth we let open and her heart was beating rapidly due to the situation yet before she could respond, her father once more called her. “EMBER!” “Go to him, I’ll be fine.” He whispered to her, giving her a gentle brush of his snout to him. She wanted to say anything and everything, but her time was shortened. With a sigh, she gave him a quick lick to his cheek and nodded. “Stay here.” He nodded back and watched her leave. However, he stalled her. “Ember.” She stopped and looked back. He motioned for his head towards the Bloodstone Scepter on the wall. She hesitated but realized, it may be best to have it. A quick retrieval and strapping it to her back, she flew out of her cave and headed outside. The morning sun was just over the horizon and dragons were either still asleep or just moving around. Her father, being a colossal dragon that he was, sat watching the world around him. Ember had quickly put on her angry face, the same one she wore just like him with a slight touch of annoyance as she flew upwards. Torch heard the flapping of wings and turned to her, seeing her reach her height in eyes. When he saw her form, he was instantly reminded of the beauty of her mother and how she was the whole and the heart of his world. That despite the few years they had together, it was memorable, as a family. Ember gave a faux yawn, before fixing her father with a glare. “What do you want? Why did you wake me up so early in the morning?!” While her voice did show her irritation and anger, it was not the same energy he was used to hearing from her. Their form and energy always seemed to match when they wanted to argue or yell at one another but even with the early morning rise, Torch noticed the decline of it. Pushing that down for a moment, he snorted and finally spoke in a decent manner for a dragon of his strength and size. “I heard that a pure black dragon was roaming the dragon lands.” He frowned further and fixed his eyes over the area as if trying to scan for said dragon. “One that has me concerned that he has escaped his confines.” Ember hid her worry and just rolled her eyes. “Really father! You're going after the color scales of a dragon now? I thought we were above profiling a dragon based on their scale patterns, wing size and all that years ago! There are many black dragons here now and if you have a problem then-” “THAT IS NOT WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!” He suddenly snapped at her, the sheer force of his voice almost blowing her away. Ember growled at that, but adjusted herself to glare at her father, only now he was not just angry but there was a vivid boiling rage hiding within him. While he was looking at her, it was not directly for her. She tried to hide her fear and disprove any notion of involvement but that only had Torch lean closer to her. “I know that he is here. The dragon with scales of the blackest of nights, currently residing here. He is dangerous, Ember, he has done harm and no doubt he is the most evil of us.” Ember now grew defensive though she didn’t reveal anything. “Then if he was so evil, why hasn’t he caused damage or hurt other dragons, huh? I am the Dragon Lord now, I know what happens around here and if it's a problem, then I can deal with it. More so, if you truly believe he was that evil, why didn’t you end him in the first place?” She crossed her arms and fixed him with a leer that almost matched his own. “Last I check, you didn’t mind ending the lives of a few dragons if they went against you and your rules.” Torch didn’t show anything but a small squint to her but that betrayed all the emotions he had to her in that moment. He felt that bite in her tone, the callout and the uncensored truth of his ill-faded past. He knew he was no saint, especially in the eyes of his daughter. She had bared witnessed at a young age those who have tried to oppose him and failed miserably by losing their lives. The public executions or the mangled bodies in his ire, were left there to be dealt with to nature or to be cared for by those that were forced to remove it from view. He had tried to keep himself rigid and strong for her even after her mother had… Torch stayed silent for a moment, not wanting to show his own weakness to his daughter. He did give her a terrifying truth. “I wish I had, but he was too young to do anything that would be considered extreme even for a Dragon Lord.” Ember’s face morphed into anger and even a slight horror. Torch saw this on his daughter’s face and felt a bit more of a pinch in his heart but he remained firmed. “I only imprisoned him, for half a millennium of sleep, lest the ponies called their gods upon us.” Ember shook her head. “You know nothing of them, father. They are kind, they are forgiving and they are capable of grand things. If you could have talked to Celestia at the time, she would have been merciful.” Torch gave a slow nod but then sighed. “It wasn’t her I was talking about directly, but regardless, the prisoner is free and I must now deal with him again.” Ember rebutted against the idea. “He has done nothing yet, nor provoked anyone!” “And you protect a murderer?” Her father barked. “You know nothing of what he has done, Ember. You know nothing of what he is capable of.” Torch then paused and this time, studied his daughter further. His brows furrowed more and a slow rage began to rise. While his voice was low, the growl that left him vibrated the very air around him. Ember’s fear grew with it as her father’s eyes began to burn with rancor. “You have interacted with him.” A statement, not a question. A callout and one that she could not deny. If at any moment, she was forced to tell her father, it would perhaps ruin any trust of her in the future. Yet, she wanted to protect him, but how could she? “Where is he?” Her father demanded as he searched around for him. Yet, either foolish or bravery had him commit to it, Shard slowly revealed himself from the cave. The very cave that Torch’s daughter slept in, further fueling the fire and anger radiating from him. Shard met the eyes of the towering dragon, unfazed and undeterred by the coming storm. Ember all but gaped, trying to understand why he would reveal himself, but unable to. Torch all but growled out, “YOU!!!” Calmly, Shard Obsidian responded, “I.” Torch immediately tried to go after him with his large palm but Ember intervened and quickly stood in front of the paw’s approach to him. “FATHER STOP!” Her voice now loud and full of fear and dread, though in her need to protect him, she had reached behind her back for the Scepter. Shard noticed this but stayed focused on Torch. He however did not like knowing that Ember was carrying the Scepter, which even he felt the need to hesitate. “Why are you protecting this beast?!” Shard made sure not to respond towards his hostile attitude. While he swore to never take vengeance, he knew that he could do so without ever having to lift a claw or say much to him. There was an alternative… but it may hurt. “Father! Shard is not the evil you think he is!” She yelled back to him, still protecting him. “He has been kind and calm since his release from imprisonment!” “Did he even tell you his crimes or did he lie to you and snivel his way to your ears?” “I told her what you did not and failed to do.” Shard answered with just as high of a tone to match the two dragons. “I even swore on it.” “YOU KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT, WYRM!!” Torch roared with fury, slurring him with a bile word. “Father! Enough!” Ember roared back with her own anger, though now the Scepter glowed dangerously behind her back. “He told me what he had done and those lives he took. While I do not approve of them, Princess Twilight and I agreed that he can be reformed.” Torch eyed his daughter wearily. “The Princesses know of his crime? And unpunished?” Ember gave a small puff of flames and leered back at her father. “Goes to show how much you really knew of them. Princess Celestia is not a vengeful goddess as Twilight had told me and while you would have met her, she would not kill other dragons for the sake of one dragon. Your punishment for him was invalid but his parents deserved his punishment instead.” Torch continued to stare at his daughter, scrutinizing her for any lies but finding none. Still, he hated the creature that hid behind her and he still bared his teeth. “He still needs to serve out his crime, as I have deemed it.” “-Unless degreed by another Dragon Lord, in which you would tell them of my crimes and make sure they never let me go,” Which came almost as a taunt from Shard without the tone or the sarcasm, but a well meaning reminder. “You failed to tell her about me and you failed to keep me contained.” Before Torch could roar, he cut him off. “And I swore to Dragon Lord Ember,” Emphasizing on her title more than his. “-That I would never harm or pursue vengeance to those innocent ponies and dragons alike.” A pause before the bearest of smirks could be seen. “Or you.” Torch was now on the verge of a full blown rage to unleash upon him, but what only slowed his wrath was by what he said. “Your swears means nothing!” Shard agreed, but Ember answered. “He swore to me that he would not harm or attack anyone.” She then added. “And he swore to me that he would remain loyal, honest and servitude as well.” “A BLOOD OATH!?” Even that was something he wasn’t expecting yet more astounded and appalled that the drake knew of it. By now, a few dragons have begun to eavesdrop from a distance, unnoticed by them but building attention. Both young dragons nodded but still remained unfazed by the larger dragon’s immense wrath. “And he has been honest since I have awakened him from slumber, father, unlike you!” She then waved to Shard. “The Princess has already agreed to reformation, my friends have already accepted him to our group and I plan on making sure that the rest of the dragons in the lands know that he is not the threat you made him out to be.” Torch was heavily conflicted and it showed, as he morphed between anger, rage, contemplation and other non-positive emotions in an aura that radiated from him that they could feel it. Yet he held little to no ground to stand on, despite his best efforts to prove the vileness of this drake before him. No, the only thing that stopped him from truly unleashing his rage was the fact that his daughter held the Scepter and the Will to control all dragons, including him. What would break that ability to stop him? Only one thing… “And why did I see him leave your cave?” The ground itself shook with his tone. Ember blushed almost instantly and tried to look away from both her Father and Shard, though the implications could mean a variety of things, Shard offered a dangerous solution to that answer. “I had no cave to speak of, as is since the exile of my sire and dam in part because of you, their former cave is resided by others.” A pause but then came the truth. “And I plan on courting your daughter.” The air stood deadly still and while Ember knew what he said was just suicidal, it only burned her embarrassment further. Her father didn’t say a single word, nor did he flinch or hesitate when he managed to not only strike, but he did so fast and hard, missing his daughter by feet as he used his tail to send him flying. Time slowed for Ember, with all loss of embarrassment and anger, turning to horror and dread as she saw the smaller form of Shard was sent flying by her father. His body was flung at high velocity towards the cave wall near the entrance. The black dragon cratered into the wall before crumbling over and landing on the floor unconscious. Torch took not a second longer before he made an attempt to do so again. Ember, fully appalled and distraught by her father’s actions, screamed in rage and in fear. Before she gave her father a chance to strike again, she pulled the Scepter from her back and pointed to her father. Enraged with burning tears, she roared, “STOP!!!” Torch froze, grunting at the command and with anger that seemed unending turned to Ember. “Release me!” “YOU WILL NEVER TOUCH HIM AGAIN!” She roared at him, as tears fell from her face. Torch bore witness to the emotional and traumatizing state she was in. Never had he dealt with her like this, but didn’t believe she was seeing to reason. Her state made him hesitate and even become worried as she quickly flew to check on him. “Ember, listen to me-” She turned him in a sharp manner, like a snake ready to strike “NO!!!” she continued to roar at him. “YOU DID NOT GIVE HIM A CHANCE! HE WANTED PEACE AND LOVE, SOMETHING HE NEVER HAD!” “He-” Trying again, but feeling the weight and strength of the Scepter, the glowing red matching the rage of his daughter, reflecting on her eyes. “SHUT UP!!!” His mouth held shut, forcing him to growl internally but then, a slow pass of fear came to pass as she continued to point with the Scepter. “YOU WILL NOT COME NEAR HIM OR ME EVER AGAIN! IF I SEE YOU EVER AGAIN NEAR ME, I WILL EXILE YOU FROM THE LANDS!” Torch felt a powerful sword pierce his heart, almost physical to the point where it almost staggered him. He… he wasn’t sure that he could handle it. He tried to talk but her will inflicted had her give a final command. “LEAVE ME ALONE AND DON’T YOU EVER SHOW YOURSELF NEAR ME AGAIN!” The glow of the Scepter grew brightly and with almost impossible will to resist. He tried to beat the command of the Dragon Lord herself, yet seeing the raging anger and tears that was across Ember’s face, made him weak but failed as his body moved without will to walk away from his daughter. By now, dozens of dragons had witnessed the former Dragon Lord strike a young and unthreatening dragon. While many had been weary of him from the start, seeing him being struck and then falling to the ground, made a few sympathize. They gave Torch a wide breadth of space as he walked away from the area, hearing his daughters cries and desperate attempts to waken that… dragon. What came next, no one knew. “Come on Shard, please wake up!” She desperately tried to shake him awake but not knowing what else to do. There were no medical or healing dragons, not yet since the union between Equestria and Dragon Lands, but now because of this situation, she regretted not bringing it sooner. ‘Equestria! Twilight! They could help!’ But she needed to get him inside her cave. She turned and saw that dragons had witnessed everything and were now watching her. With a wave of her Scepter, she called them over. “Help me get him inside!” While a command, it wasn’t a true demand, rather a beg for help. Six dragons helped her secure Shard and lifted him to the inside of her cave, with her heart pounding as she prayed for him to live. She followed in, not glancing back to her father’s retreating form in the distance. Once inside, she had them place him near her hoard and gently lowered. As he was lowered, she saw that he was still breathing but seemed labored, perhaps with some internal damage. She quickly sent the dragons away from her cave, before jumping to a nearby area where a rock had been flatted to a desk like area where she held quills and scrolls. An unlit candle was next to it and she gave a small blow of her flames, igniting it with her colored fires and she quickly began to write to Twilight. Her shaky writing was all over the place, she kept stumbling over her words which only caused her further frustration as she desperately tried to write something comprehend and not smear her tears across the scroll. She growled as the jumbled words didn’t register properly until she inhaled, held it then released to calm her nerves. Finally, she managed to control her writing enough to send a letter to Twilight whom she hoped Spike was with. ‘Twilight, I know that you may have other things preoccupying your time at the moment, but I desperately need your help! Shard was… attacked and I can’t help him nor can any dragon here either. I know we were supposed to discuss the medical field for dragons but we pushed it back. Please, if you know of anyone who can help wounded dragons or can at least care for them, I beg you send them over as soon as possible! I desperately need your help! Dragon Lord Ember.” A once over before she rolled the scroll and then held it up on the candle. The flame from the candle enveloped the scroll sending it aflame before the magic consumed and sent it zipping off out of her cave and to Equestria, where she hoped that Twilight could help her. She broke down again and cried in her palms, forcing her to shake as the stress and anger washed over her like a volcano on grass. It was a strong, brutal and an untempered wave of agony that mentally tore at her, breaking down any self esteem she had. How could she allow this to happen? Was it her fault for hiding Shard or saving him? Or did she do the right thing and hope that the result would have yielded to something different? Her mind wracked with how she opened up her heart to someone who closed it off because of how her father and the world saw him. A blight amongst Dragon kind, that deserved to be destroyed from history. Why? How could fate curse such a dragon from birth to be hated? Why would the gods allow such a painful hardship for one like him? Yes, a dragon’s life can be a bit cruel and dangerous, but he wasn’t given a chance to be strong since hatching. His sire and dam only cared for him long enough until he could walk and eat on his own before casting him out of their own home. Most dragonlings don’t leave the nest until their first molts let alone until after their wings have grown in. Yet the dirt he was tossed to was still fresh and the icy grasp of death could have come at any moment for him. He bore it through and even when he felt like he had little hope that his parents would nurture his siblings, they took away his heart for good. No dragon, no creature deserved this and now… now because she opened her heart, she may have caused him more harm than good as she tried to show him hope in this world. That the light can be found and that love… love was possible no matter where it came from. She limped over to his form and collapsed on his head, still hearing his labored breathing but just thankful he was still alive. she just wasn’t sure for how long. Sniffing, she licked under his eye and whispered to him. “Please… please be okay. I need you, I need you to stay with me! Please, I-I-I love…” She sobbed and pressed her head against him as she struggled to say it coherently. “I love you, Shard. Just please stay with me!” Her body laid on his form, soft sobs echoing the caves and hoping that help came soon. An hour later she got a response back from Dragon Flame, stating they were coming but it would take a few more hours to get hold of proper help for him. Since Dragon anatomy wasn’t fully explored, it would have to be researched and as well as get medical equipment to help a dragon his size. Ember was thankful nonetheless but begged for quickness if possible as she replied in quick response. By mid afternoon, Twilight and a group of ponies and non-ponies teleported in mass, including Smolder and Spike. Upon seeing them all, she broke down once more and cried, both dragons quickly hugging her as she did so, not judging nor saying anything as they held onto the Dragon Lord. Twilight remained sympathetic, though she gave her time to grieve and hope that after, she could explain what had happened. Twilight being who she was, got who was available not just to help him heal but to further study dragon biology to get a better understanding of them in the future. That including Fluttershy, who was apprehensive of a giant dragon at first, quickly overcame her and began to check his vitals with the aid of other medical workers. Ponies, griffins, and even a changeling alike had assisted her. Smolder and Spike came to help on any explanation on biology questions or explaining anything draconic anatomy. Once Ember had finished, she was coherent enough for her to explain what had happened, including her father’s rage towards him and the fear driven reason to exile him. To save their kind from Celestia’s wrath and more. Twilight furthered her brows and spoke only within reach of her. “Celestia didn’t even know of this incident that she could recall.” She answered Ember seriously. “I don’t even think that this came up to her in any way since that group of ponies did not join Equestria until almost a century later when the borders were created.” Now Ember grew quiet and a bit of bile anger rose from the sadness of her heart as she whispered back harshly. “Then… why did my father believe that he would cause ‘the very heavens’ to strike upon us? That Celestia or other pony gods would come to kill us for his mistake?” Twilight placed a hoof on her chin in thought. In the background, the others were continuing their work on Shard, checking vitals and any physical damage. “We don’t really have gods that are vengeful,” Twilight answered truthfully. “I mean, well Discord may be our ally now but he was only recently reformed. Luna was still in exile and there have been no other Alicorns in history. Only Faust herself would know if there were others but I am not sure who your father was referring to. Celestia may have been our ruler for a millennium but she wouldn’t slaughter or kill other dragons for the sake of one.” She knew that but Ember had to be sure and now… now it looked like her father was lying about the whole thing. About Shard, about dragons with full black scales and more. Had he been lying to her, her whole life or was it just about him? Strong feelings stirred in turmoil and while she felt weak right now, more than ever she felt a strong resolve to deal with her father and get a straight answer from him. A few more moments of talking things out, did Fluttershy and a changeling approach the two. Ember was quick to worry as Fluttershy gave a quick sympathetic glance back before focusing on her. “For now, he is stable and nothing major is endangering him right now.” The changeling, wearing a medical uniform, with three different green colored hues over her body spoke up. “However he was knocked unconscious and an x-ray scan has shown two cracked ribs but nothing else. In short, he’ll recover eventually and may just need to recover on his own. While we are not sure much more about your biology, we are studying it as we help him, to possibly further aid in the future.” Ember released a shaky sigh of relief, almost falling back as she heard the good news. While cracked ribs were a part of Dragon’s usual list of broken appendages when it came down to rough housing including arms, jaws, legs and tails, hearing it still made her worry but calmer nonetheless. “Thank you, for this. For coming so quickly.” Twilight nodded along with the other two. The changeling then added, “It would help to know what dragons need in order to recover quickly as well as what will help if dragons get injured in Equestria, to aid them there. If you have the time, Dragon Lord Ember, perhaps we can learn a bit more from you and your kind.” “If it's to aid our kind for the future, I will gladly help in any way I can.” It was a resolve that they could all work to, especially if this helped Shard and others. Ember did her best to explain much of it for the next hour as the other focused on healing Shard. A few magic users managed to lift him off his side to wrap bandages and applied magical potions on his scales near the area of cracked ribs. Smolder was only able to guide part of it, but his body had to deal with the rest. Once secure and notes had been taken, most of the staff left and Twilight, Spike and Smolder were left with Ember. “So, who attacked him?” Spike asked. Though she didn’t want to bring it up, it wouldn’t do well to hide it. An angered sigh left her. “My father… the same one who imprisoned him.” Both dragons went wide eyed hearing this, though Twilight’s brow furrowed. “I knew that Torch did not like him but I didn’t think he would attack a young dragon, unless provoked.” Ember shook her head. “He was only explaining to him that he was in my debt and that he would never harm me.” She didn’t bring up that he was courting her nor that they had almost mated last night. A small burst of flames left her nostrils. “He believes that some stupid prophecy that Shard would enact would spell doom for us.” “But… Shard has been so nice and kind,” Smolder responded. “There is no way that he could be some kind of… evil dragon incarnate or something, right?” Ember gave a firm shake. “No. After everything we’ve been through, he has a kind and gentle heart. He deserves better!” “I agree, Ember,” Twilight confirmed. “Prophecies and such shouldn’t be taken lightly but if it can be changed or altered to a better outcome, I would hope that it can left to Harmony to-” “My father is not one for Harmony, Twilight!” Ember snapped, though she instantly regretted upon seeing them all jump at her voice. “Sorry, but it's true. My father, he is not keen to pony ways like I or most dragons today are. He is still stuck in his own idle ways of how dragons should be and such.” A sigh left her. “And because of that, it almost cost Shard his life.” For a tense moment, no one spoke and while it felt like it was a poor outcome of old ways, neither creature had a proper way of changing the situation. Smolder did offer a small incentive. “Why not ask Torch why he created that story of the Blackest Night Dragon?” Ember looked up and towards her. “Huh, what do you mean?” The lithe dragoness shrugged. “Me and Garble never heard of this ‘blackest night’ dragon thing until some older dragons brought it back up when we came to visit. I mean, I think that our generation and last may be the only ones to either forget about it or not know about it.” Ember frowned at this, though it did in part make sense. While she did notice that dragons avoided Shard in the beginning, none were really more frightened about him than her own father and perhaps one or two adults. Even then, it all felt super stitious on how they treated the situation. Her fury however would be targeted to her father however and the pain he has caused. This was not lost to the others however when Twilight spoke once more. “Ember?” The dragoness locked eyes with her. “Don’t be mad at your father. He may have hurt you and Shard but it shouldn’t mean he is beyond redemption. Just by talking to him and finding out why he created this prophecy or tale of Shard, may help you understand his situation better.” “He shouldn’t have-” “It doesn’t matter now,” Twilight affirmed. “Just like some ponies can be stuck in their traditions and their old ways, doesn’t mean they can’t change. We are all creatures of habit and stuck with routine, but if something comes along the way that can alter our course of views, then we may be better for it. Some will die with their ways, but there are many of those out there that will change if given the chance. That may include your father.” Ember mulled over her words and despite the annoyance and bridle rage that swirled within her heart, she couldn’t hate her father. Even if he had caused pain by creating this tale, that he perhaps could see Shard the way he saw her, albeit less romantically. She rubbed her arms, feeling a sense of utter confusion, but it was until a call from one of the medics that alerted them to Shard. Ember turned and saw from a distance his eyes slowly opening. A quick hop flight and she was on him in seconds. “Shard! Shard!” She begged, almost becoming hysterical once more. The large black scaled dragon gave a slight groan as he roused awake, making the others slowly retreat but Ember to approach his head. “Are you alright? Please tell me you are okay?!” He gave a sigh and a pained groan left him, but he focused his eyes on her. “I am… alive, my… Lord.” Unsure if he could even call her anything else at the moment. He saw that he was surrounded by ponies, changelings and even the return of Princess Twilight, Spike and Smolder. Tears fell from her face as she hugged him, though he tried to move, she quickly held him down. “Don’t move! You are injured, you have a few cracked ribs.” A groan left him. “I feel like I have more than just that.” A medical unicorn came forward. “You do also have some internal bruising that we have just detected but with your hardened scales, we couldn’t detect it for the first moments.” Ember sighed and rubbed his head. “You should have stayed in the cave,” She whispered to him. “He could have done worse to you.” A soft wheeze could be heard from his mouth, the pain echoing through his voice. “Is he still here?” “No, I sent him away!” The bite in her tone made it well known what had happened. Despite all this, Shard was satisfied with the vengeance he had acquired. His life had nearly been taken but the outcome was once more favorable to his liking by the dragoness that lingered in his heart. If he would have died, he would have done so knowing that at least one dragon in the world cared for him, one that had loved him and that she was willing to give herself to him in these final moments of life. But now came the part of where that left him and their future and whether or not, he felt the need to continue this pursuit further or perhaps change. Alter what his heart desired originally and then become a staple of what will be the rest of his life and perhaps her own. He owed it to the beautiful dragoness before him that much. The drake brushed himself against her and muttered. “G-Go to him.” Ember blinked, unsure she misheard him. “What?” He looked her dead in the eyes, weak as he was but just as determined. “Go. To. Him. Forgive him and try to gain back his love.” “Shard… He… He…” “He loves you like a father should have and was trying to protect you. While it's his fault for this, he is still a father that cares for his daughter.” He then licked the side of her body as much as he could as an affectionate gesture. “Don’t lose something that I wish I had. You have a father still and would regret it if you lost him. Forgive him and then if he can be changed, then show him what makes me special.” She couldn’t believe it. He was nearly killed by her father and he wants her to forgive him? Despite causing all this pain and suffering, he still asks for this from her? Twilight and the others approached, having heard all of this. “Ember, listen to him. It's easier to forget than to forgive but your heart will be better if you make an effort to do so. We all have regrets that can come around later in our lives if we choose not to forgive those who have wronged us. If Harmony has taught us anything, the best things come from us choosing to be better than what we were and overcoming great odds, including forgiving enemies and loved ones.” Ember wracked her brain as those around her begged that she forgive her father, to forgive his transgressions towards her and Shard. The mental turmoil was strong but the pain in her heart was stronger, as for the one in her heart was nearly taken. How could she forgive easily? She sighed and shook her head. “I-I don’t know if I can, yet.” “No one is saying you have to forgive him Now, but you should give him a chance.” Twilight nodded. “It will take time but you can overcome this.” Perplexed, she pulled away from Shard and looked towards them all, feeling outnumbered by their guilt-tripping themes. She turned to Twilight and nodded. “Fine, I’ll go, but please take care of Shard.” “I am in… no shape to move,” He admitted begrudgingly as he laid once more on the floor. “Though I beg that I may at least eat something to endure this pain.” “You shouldn’t eat right away,” Explained one of the medics. “As is, we need to start the process of mending your bruises and cracked ribs. It may take an hour or so to finish, depending on how cooperative he is.” A small bit of playfulness managed to force its way to Ember. “I can make him compliant with a little help.” As she indicated with the Bloodstone Scepter pointed behind her. Shard eyed her, noting the small smirks and smiles of those surrounding her, indicating they knew of her playful nature. He closed his eyes and groaned loudly, either in pain or because he felt left out of the humor. “Just… let me rest then, I'll recover eventually.” “With an attitude like that, it will take longer,” The medics amused before returning to their work. Ember smiled briefly before her frown returned and she walked out of the cave. Before she fully left, glanced back in, seeing the support of Spike, Smolder and even Twilight. It made her appreciate the friends that she had for support and care, feeling that perhaps Harmony was on her side for the choices in her life. Now came the part where she hoped she would be helped by Harmony to forgive her father or condemn him. Wings flared, she launched out of her cave into the sky, in search of her father to deal with him. Torch was far from her home but not far enough to lose sight of. He was one of the few alpha class dragons in the lands, so finding him was no hard feat. His form was sitting hunched over an area facing the ocean towards the western sea, where in a few hours, the sun would set. His mind was fractured and his heart felt lost, feeling ill of the thought of his daughter hating him forever. His actions towards her and that… dragon, felt justified and perhaps even deserved but at the cost of losing her. He now wondered if he would spend his days without her, knowing that the only dragon he still loved in this world would love him again. “Did I make the right choice, my love? Was… Was I right for doing it?” He asked out loud to the skies. Despite the scales, the gentle kisses of wind across his face felt like the gentle licks of his beloved once before. He knew he had a heart, he knew he could love and he knew that he was capable of it all, but… he knew he could cause pain, he knew he could create chaos and he knew that he was far from innocent in his life. The lives he had had taken, the fear he had inflicted, and perhaps most of all, driving away his daughter because of prophecy? The sheer thought alone weighed heavy on his heart and he wasn’t sure if spending the rest of his life without his daughter was a life at all. He was Torch the Indomitable after all… but he was not Torch the Heartless. As he sat there, the soft tiny flaps of wings could be heard approaching him and he recognized them as his daughter’s, even without turning to see her. She had a unique flap that he recorded in his mind since she could first fly and it reminded him of his beloved. She didn’t enter his view, instead choosing to stay in hover behind him. He didn’t turn to her either, as the order of her commands were still in place. His head lowered as he spoke out loud but indirectly to her and away. “Did I lose my daughter?” His voice weighed with sadness and remorse. “Did… Did I fail my beloved for failing to protect you? To raise you to the best of my ability as I had promised her?” A tear fell from his ducts. “Are you here to send your father away?” For a moment, the tense silence between them seemed to give an answer to them both, the air more tense then a moments before a volcanic explosion of intense proportions. While it would be fitting for a punishment of his own to do what he had done to Shard Obsidian, the heartbreak would be more as painful as a Heart attack for him. Eventually. Then the firm voice of his beloved daughter came and she spoke loud enough for them both. “I’m not here to exile you father. I am not here to yell.” Her tone dipped a bit. “I-I am just here to ask why. Why the hate, what the anger and why if you don’t say the right thing, you will lose me. So far, you have only lost my trust.” A small snort of flames left her. However, my friends, my….” A pause as she would have said lover, but responded with, “...my closest ally that you hurt, are begging me to forgive you despite your faults and your attack on Shard.” Torch raised his head and turned to her. His orange eyes met her own, the restraint anger held within, only quelled by those that she surrounded herself with in heart and mind. The fact that Shard himself asked her to forgive him, despite the actions and pain he inflicted on him, was asking her to forgive him too, had him questioning his motives. The giant of a dragon opened his mouth, but could not speak, as the will of the Dragon Lord was still set on him. Ember rolled her eyes and pulled the Scepter from her back and pointed. “Speak, but only in a calm manner.” She emphasized on that last part. Her father sighed as the feeling passed over him. A grunt left him as he did so. “Why… why would he ask you to forgive me?” Ember shrugged. “You tell me? You made him out to be this evil dragon. You created this prophecy about ‘blackest nights’ and what not that you spread.” Torch tried to refute that, but was cut off. “I am not done!” She snapped. He closed his mouth. “You also attacked him, even when I begged that you would leave him alone. So tell me father, why would the dragon that you condemned to imprisonment and hate, beg that I forgive you for what you did to him, huh?” Torch didn’t have a response that would warrant a good answer, outside that the dragon had wanted vengeance. Yet, even if he had, he already had it by making Ember hate him or at least, remotely lose her trust in him, but he also had her heart. It was no mystery now that they were infatuated with one another, but it was more so that they now shared a bond that he knew would lead to a union. They could elope in many ways without him ever knowing, blinded by his hatred and now a fear that he may lose his daughter. Torch gave a slow response. “I-I am not sure what else to tell you Ember. My fear, my hate, my anger got the best of me because of him and the past. Yet, the fact that he stood by you, being near you and saying what he said… I couldn’t control myself.” Ember didn’t say anything, rather she expected him to go on. Torch met her silence with another sigh. “What happens next, I am not sure. Just as many dragons that are set in our old ways, I am as well.” “That is no excuse!” Ember barked with a spit of flames. “I told you, I begged you! That he was not the monster you set him out to be and you still attacked him. Right under me and without hesitation!” He flinched at that, though he knew that he would never harm her, as his move had been precise. But the lingering thought of her throwing herself before him… Shutting his eyes, he bowed his head. “Then… I am unsure what else to explain my actions other than this old dragon’s ways. Regardless, the outcome was not in either of our favors. So I ask my daughter, what is to be my fate?” He couldn’t look her in the eyes, mostly because he wasn’t sure he could if she banished him or imprisoned him. Torch wasn’t even sure he could speak without begging for her forgiveness and sounding broken. He had yet to ask but he knew that harming that dragon, it would not come easy. Tense moments hung in the air between Dragon Lord and Subject, a perpetual enticing of two titans in their ways of who would remain strong and who would falter. Finally, after a moment far too long, Ember gave a heavy sigh and shook her head. “I just don’t understand why you created that stupid prophecy in the first place. I mean, you did so because you hated him that much?” The accusation of creating said prophecy had Torch frown and look up to Ember. It slowly morphed into confusion. “Ember… I did not create the prophecy of the Blackest Night,” Torch then straightened as Ember now matched his confusion at stating that. “That has its place in history of our kind.” Ember slowly took that information in as the news struck her. Her father… hadn’t created the prophecy? But then, what about the younger dragons not knowing about it? Only the older dragons knew of it but that was because… “I-I thought you created it, as a way to keep the dragons in fear of Black Scaled Dragons.” She tried to respond though sounding completely unconvinced herself. Torch shook his head. “Ember, that prophecy predates even before I was a hatchling,” He then cocked his head. “Do you still remember it the way I told you?” Though she hated the idea of repeating it outloud, she did so just to find out a bit more about this prophecy. Ember took a deep breath and remembered the part of the prophecy she had come to hate. “Beware the shade in Blackened Scales, A terrible blight amongst these horrid tales. The Blackest Night buried in hate, only to burn and set upon the world in fate. To be tempted by cold gray eyes dead, to capture your heart in sorrow and dread.” A strong, annoyed sigh left her as she finished. “Lest he be the one to eventually bleed, the scales of purest white, will they succeed. To rise above the Blackened Scales, the light of white will send his ashes to the gales.” It left a bile taste in her mouth, but seeing her father nod only furthered that poison on her tongue. Torch pursed his mouth a bit before responding. “You are missing a few pieces from what I told you years ago.” “What does it matter?” She almost snapped. Torch calmly responded in turn. “The part where the Scales of Purest White, will succeed.” A pause as he thought back on it more. “ The interpretation is that a Dragon of Pure White scales will be born and end his life.” Ember slowly turned a bit fearful at the thought, but kept a more steady and neutral face. “And what else?” She asked, trying not to let this go further into her mind. “His temptation to your heart and causing sorrow and dread seemed to be more adept to what you are experiencing now, is not?” His eyes stayed evenly dark as he continued to watch her. “And the truth was not that he would destroy your heart, but to make it his own.” Ember remained quiet, not liking where he was going with this, opting to remain silent. Torch knowing that he had to fully explain it, would be difficult but he pushed it down to gain back her favor. “Regardless, the ending is not, ‘Lest he be the one to eventually bleed. It is ‘Lest the one he loves; should they bleed, the Scales of White will rise and succeed. Into his heart, they’ll be raised above by Blackened Scales, where their light will burn and send his ashes to the gales.” A slow dread did fill her heart as the prophecy started to look grim on her. Her father looked at her now with worried anger and had moved surprisingly closer now to her. His face only a few feet away and he responded slowly and with the fear that only a father could have. “It would mean that, should there ever be a pure white egg and that a pure white dragon is to be born, he will raise them.” His eyes then moistened and he closed his eyes. “Should you ever let him capture your heart, the part where the one he loves will bleed, that could mean you will get hurt… or die by his claws. That could be a reason why the dragon in white will eventually kill him.” The soul crushing was visible for him as he watched Ember morph through many emotions at once. Anger, sadness, dread, betrayal, loss and more until she finally inhaled deeply and closed her eyes as the air filled her lungs and held it all in. She then slowly exhaled in a calm manner, letting Harmony flow through her veins. She did again once more to expel all of her negative emotions out. Another one before she exhaled, opened her eyes and looked at her father dead set on the eyes and responded calmly, “No, I don’t believe in that father.” Torch stayed silent. “I refuse to believe that Shard will be killed or die by this ‘White Dragon’. He has already proven to me and my friends that he is a kind, gentle dragon. That prophecy that was created a long time ago is ridiculous and will be forgotten about.” She then hovered higher than him so she seemed bigger to her father. “And I ask… that you forget about it too. That you forget the past of his mistakes, just like I have with yours and move on. I will and so will other dragons when they see Shard for who he really is. He is no more dangerous and evil then any other dragon on their greed growth or on a rampage for a lost hoard. If you can’t accept that, then… you will remain away from me until you can convince yourself and others that.” Torch remained neutral, holding his emotions a lot more this time around as he looked up to his daughter. The Bloodstone Scepter glowing but not actively being used on him yet. “I can’t forgive you today for what you did but I will eventually, father. If Shard asks to be my mate, I will accept and we will court. The most wonderful dragon has entered my life and not even a stupid prophecy will keep me away from him. I choose him, I can look past this all and see a good heart.” A sigh left her as she turned away. “I beg that you still have a good heart to either leave us alone or accept my life with him.” A pause and a softer, ‘Please,’ was her final word to him before she flew off back towards her future mate, leaving her father behind. While it was not the outcome he expected, Torch understood what has transpired and what may eventually lead to a union of two opposite souls. Regardless of how he felt or dreaded doing to Prophecy, he felt that he would forgo it all and forgive himself if he allowed his daughter to be happy in life. Despite the ill he wished to inflict on Shard Obsidian, he could only pray that if the darker aspect of the Prophecy had him come in to protect his daughter in her moment of pain, that he would unleash pure hell on the drake and make him regret his existence. He wouldn’t have to wait for the Scales in White to kill him, he would do it himself. His breath slowly left him as the form of his daughter eventually disappeared and what was left alone once more. He did feel a breeze against his face and it almost felt like a comfort feeling that perhaps… things would turn out well in the end. After all, there was no greater feat in life than defying fate and prophecy… Author's Note Fate rarely comes about when we chose lest it be to tempt it and overwrite it ourselves. Next the epilogue EpilogueEpilogue Some time in the future… Ember had grown and while Shard was a unique one for slowly growing, she eventually caught up to him in the years that followed. Her love, his love, their love for each other grew stronger for one another. Their friends celebrated it, the dragons forgot about the stupid prophecy and the day when she felt a need to breed, she took him at once and without hesitation. The heat caused them both to go far and beyond for one another and it was beautiful. The black dragon approached his now sizable mate with gusto, his large spire hanging below him but fully enlarged and twitching with need. His head pressing against her spread legs and raised tail, as she eagerly begged for his attention. His snout raised it higher up, inhaling that powerful and potent musk of a dragoness in heat. The view was even more beautiful for him, as he witnessed her vent glowing with a small redness around the area. Her secretions had spread and made almost spider web like strings around her thighs and tail, with thick fluids hanging between. The opening was almost pulsing as it opened and closed, begging for attention. The male was struck with an aroma that none can deny and many would fight for, as this was life’s greatest natural drug and its most sought after in the years that come and gone. Shard pushed his snout directly into legs, allowing the strings to cover his face as he made contact with her sex. Upon touch, Ember moaned loud and unrestrained, as her lover took a deep inhale of her pheromones that flooded his nose and wracked his mind with nothing but lust. He stuck out his tongue and lapped up outside of her vent first, catching any stringy fluids in her thighs before diving directly into her sex. Ember shrilled at that, feeling that beautiful and wonderful strong tongue of his attacking her needing hole. She swayed to and fro, growling and moaning as he lapped up those secretions of hers, unbiased to the taste at all. The force of his head directly on it, almost lifted her own hind legs. He was given unrestricted access to her body and while he had almost no control of how hormonal they were, he still had enough sense to make sure that she was satisfied. Shard then sat on his haunches, showing off his impressive spire out loud before grabbing both of her thighs and lifting her up so he could really get a better angle into her sex, burying his snout into her. Ember roared as a powerful spasm shocked her system at the euphoria that wracked her body. Her mate was unchallenged as he continued to assault her body with that tongue, drinking up her juices with ease and almost never allowing anything to go to waist. Her lifted body was now only held by her front elbows and neck, while she allowed him to pursue his drug. The drake was ferocious, unrelenting by the position and while he wanted to share in the action, he only focused on getting her off first. His organ throbbed with needy anticipation, begging for some action while small globs of pre-seed started to form at the urethral tip. He ignored it long enough for him to think about making sure he got as much of her scent and taste on him as possible. The dragoness was roaring and tossing at this point as her mate continued to have his way with her. Right up to the point where Ember let loose a strong roar, she came hard into his mouth, spraying a powerful torrent of juices into his gaping maw and taking in the nectar he sought after. The orgasm, while strong, quickly died out and she was left limp in his grasp. Shard, upon having his mate’s juices in his mouth and covering some of his face, slowly lowered her down, but kept her tail lifted. She was essentially drained and limp, yet that didn’t stop him from leaving her directly on his shaft. He had lowered her sex directly over his own, where the juices that fell, covered his spire in a glistening coat of her fluids. He twitched wildly as the warm glistening nectar coated him from top to base, allowing it to completely gloss over until he lowered her further, right as his tip met her entrance. He paused and looked towards her, begging for her approval, but the roar of annoyance left her before he could ask. “Please Shard, shove it in! I NEED YOU!!” The begging whine leaving her. No pause. He dropped her onto his organ, causing them both to moan as her body quickly took his giant organ into her body. Yes, she was almost his size now but that didn’t stop it from feeling grand in scale as he filled every inch of her body. He sank all the way into her, right at the base of his scales met her sex, spearing his all the way and each ridge scraping her walls to make her wither and twitch with your euphoria of unimaginable levels. They have before mated, but always safely and for fun times, as well as her getting used to his size over the years. But with her going into heat now in her life where she has never been more sure with him by her side, she begged that they finally do it. That she has the dream of starting a family. Both dragons were left panting as they finally and fully docked, with Ember turning to her mate and her orange fiery eyes met his sparkling gray ones. She begged. “Please Shard, do it, Make me yours, give me your eggs, and give us the family we deserve, I beg of you! Don’t make us wait!” The need outweighed her wants, outgrew her doubts and overflew her fear. More than ever, she was committed to be a mother, more than ever she was destined to start a family with him. She needed to give him the family he deserved in his life and prayed that they would never, ever fall apart. He crawled on top of her, going for a traditional feral dragon mating mount, but covered her body with his own, as he leaned in close to her and pressed his head against hers. “I am yours, you are mine. I will give you my all, my everything, my heart, my soul and yours to me. We will have our family and I will love you forever.” “And I you, my love! I swear, I love you! Please, don’t ever let go! Don’t stop!” “I never will!” With their vows before them spoken, he pulled out of her body, leaving a third of himself in her, before slamming back in. Ember roared in deafening pleasure, as a massive spike of it wracked her body. He grasped her body tightly with his own. His front claws wrapped her own, his tail tightly wrapped around hers, his hind legs pressed tightly to her own and his mouth pressed to her own in a draconic kiss. He pulled back out and slammed in again, repeating the process while his mate moaned out loud. The cave echoing with their pleasure and love making, no doubt heard by passers by. Yet that made no difference to them, for their love was well known. Shard began a powerful rhythm of pistoning in and out of his mate, causing unrelenting waves of pleasure for them both. The very ground beneath them formed puddles of their combining fluids, mostly from her, as he madly mated with his soul heart. Every thrust had a reason behind it, far from it just being pure lust, as he loved this dragoness with all his heart. The pure unrestaint and undying love he had for Ember was why he needed to make her a mother. He wanted nothing from her but love and happiness and if he felt that was to start a family he also wanted, by the gods, he would make it happen! He wanted to mate with her everyday to make sure she was egg heavy and then when she bore her egg, do it all again if she so desired! The denied pleasure for the years and decades that have passed them, was pure hell with how they knew they were ready yet but the powerful moment had come for them both. As dragon and dragoness bonded in ways only they knew how to in the strongest of forms. Shard was relentless in his pursuit to fill his mate with his seed. The approaching orgasm seemed so far, but yet was within distance, as he continued to pound into her form. He would not stop until he had completely flooded her womb, making every drop count for them both. Ember was a mental mess, as she could not think long enough in her state to feel or think anything else other than the pleasure her lover was giving her. The strength of his thrusts was just unparalleled to before attempts and the fact that the heat in their bodies was amplified a thousand fold. Their previous matings were tame compared to this and if only the fact that she was trying to get pregnant, made this even more imaginable. Her body was spasming from the constant state of bliss, the amount of fluids that could leave from the quenching tightness of their organs, creating a fountain of fluids in their wake. She had no care in the world other than his love and this moment. Her mind refused to think or say otherwise as the thrusting interrupted any thoughts formed. Shard continued his lustful assault on her body, knowing and feeling the orgasms that she was having. The tightening of her walls at each one achieved, her legs quivering and begging to relax. By now, she had lost the energy on her hind legs, only for him to lower his own, support them both and continue his relentless thrusting on her. He then leaned down and bit her neck, gaining a better grip on her as he doubled his efforts on her. The cave echoed their squelching fluids, the powerful smacks of their bodies and the moans of his beloved dragoness. By now a half dozen orgasms had left her and he was now approaching his first, a hindsight to how much of a strong will and endurance he had to keep up with her. The feeling of it was fast approaching, starting internally and working its way down. He growled loudly into her neck, indicating his fast approach. Ember could feel it, knowing that this was it, this was the moment that would solidify their love for one another beyond just hearts. The start of happiness and love beyond was with the family they were going to start and it began with a mightiest of roars. Lovers became one, hearts completely merged and souls bloomed together, as Shard got a strong bite on her neck, while his whole body clenched around her own. Ember let the loudest roar of her life shake the very cave walls as she climaxed at the exact moment her other half of her soul did. Shard slammed into her three times, lifting her off the floor completely at each instance, as he released his strongest burst of seed into his beloved mate. The sheer volume and strength bulged from base and up, shooting out of his tip and directly into her womb. Her walls squeezed him tightly and constricting them both to never let go one another in the height of euphoric pleasure. Ember spasmed and tossed, only held down by his larger, stronger form tightly as he continued to flood her womb with his seed. The very same womb that was slowly expanding and a small bump forming on her belly as it almost had nowhere to go. By this time, he had fully buried himself in her, not daring to give it a second thought of impregnating his beloved. He clamped hard on her, threatening to hurt himself in the process but uncaring as he made sure he gave her everything he had to her and more. For almost a full minute, their body was in a state of bliss, nearing Elysium standards of heights. Both dragons held onto that moment, trying to extend it as much as possible and trying to prolong that wonderful memory deep into their hearts, as they never ever wanted to forget this beautiful moment. The world to them didn’t matter, as if it were to have ended in that moment, the shock would only come after this, and still be not as memorable in the memories. After the longest and most enchanted moment of their lives ended, did they rest. Both dragons collapsed with Shard still on top of Ember and his shaft softening enough to where a large torrent of their fluids expelled from her hole and in between their legs, leaving a very stringy and wet mess. Yet they could not care any less. Their hearts were hammering still, as they came off their high, with both breathing heavily and just enjoying the afterglow of their orgasms. Calling it anything else other than the purest form of love and merging of souls was inadequate and wordless. Ember had settled softly down from the state of bliss and lust, with tears falling down her face as the enjoyment of it was beyond fulfilled at the feeling of being loved, cared and given a chance to be a mother. Years of it never crossed her mind until after Shard and her fully embracing their love to one another and being approved by friends and allies alike. Two souls opposite of each other, brought by fate of unlikely ways, gave them something to achieve in a form that was left in the very stars themselves. He gave her his heart and soul and she did the same. But more so, she was giving him a family he never had before, a chance to have something that he could never have imagined and a chance that he never believed was achievable. It just so happens to involve her own peace too. By now, Shard had recovered and was resting on top of his mate, his heart, his other part of his soul, while the afterglow slowly dissipated. Their love making was done but will continue long after, with more potential chances of extending for many years to come. His heart was at peace, his mind perfectly content with what had happened and the very essence of his soul was saved by one he did not expect to be. Ember, daughter of Torch, the same one who imprisoned him many years ago. But also Ember, the Dragon Lord, the savior of his life and the part of his heart and soul that would ever belong to. He licked her tears up, still keeping his whole body on her, making sure that he never ever left her at this moment. He whispered sweet words of love, care, support and an eternity of worship as they would start their family. This being a night forever in their hearts and minds, as the dragon who was onced destined for darkness, was slowly ripped from it to be part of a new light. Yet none could see what the future truly held… Months would pass for them both and truth to their constant love matings, Ember was not barren and held the signs of egg within. Her belly grew slightly but so did the amount of care and support not just from her lover, but from their friends as well. Despite certain changes in Equestria, Spike, Smolder, and Twilight offered support to the duo by providing luxuries and items for their eventual transitions to becoming parents. Many of the new advancements of learning about dragon anatomy were so that body support, comfort and care were provided, as well as useful commodities such as a filtered drinking water system, polished and nutrient filled gems and food, along with egg carrying satchel and more items. Both have never felt so blessed to have these kinds of friends and love. Spike and Smolder were on their way to having their own, so it was essential that they remained close and having comfort between one another for years to come, so the family would grow as well. It would be many moons before Ember was finally due and with it came one of the most unusual but well established parts of laying eggs for Dragons. It all begins when the male drake is there for his dragoness to support and provide comfort inside their own home. Ember gave a soft moan of discomfort and slight pain as the small contraptions came. Her egg was coming sooner than expected and she knew it was just one. However, a feeling of her beloved tongue upon her opening nethers was a relief, as he lapped at her opening and lubricated her to ease the slippage of her egg. Though most mates did this to help, it also provided a unique sensual sensation for the dragonesses who enjoyed egg-laying. A playfulness came, if they weren’t in too much pain, that they would play with the egg to slide in and out of them, with the help of their mate. The dragoness would push out the eggs from her, only for her mate to gently push back in while lapping at her still gaping opening. This created a sexual feedback from laying that had the dragoness in more pleasure once the eggs were well lubed by saliva, birthing fluids and secretions. The result was too say… different from other species as it would become a most enjoyable way of laying eggs. Ember was no different. Shard fully buried himself into his mate and lover, trying to make this experience memorable as well as easier for her. The mixture was different then when he normally is tasting her vent, but still had a favorable outcome though the moment he dug deep enough, did he taste and feel the texture of the egg. “You are almost there, my love. Just keep pushing,” He encouraged as he lapped in between her walls to help her out. Ember moaned as he continued to ease her discomfort and morphed into a pleasurable experience, it still felt wonderful knowing she had such a mate like him. As he continued, the feeling of the egg pushing further and further out until it passed a certain area of her walls, caused her to spasm lightly and sent a small torrent of juices to his face, just as the egg slid further and further out. “I see it, almost there my love.” The dragoness moaned until finally, she felt the egg stretch her outer walls and slide from her opening, where a light orgasm left and she sighed in relief. Shard gently grasped the egg in his claws, though as he did, he was left speechless. Ember didn’t hear anything and tried to look at him. “S-Shard, did the egg come out fine?” No response. Worry slowly consumed her. “Shard?” From behind her legs, she saw her mate holding the egg before slowly turning to her. “What was the prophecy that your father told you about… an egg of Pure White?” He asked, as he showed her their egg, which was indeed pure white, but not just white like with other species. It almost sparkled, not with fluids of its own volition and had a certain texture different to normal eggs. For a moment, no dragon said anything, but Ember felt fear crawl up her spine as she thought that not only was a part of a ridiculous prophecy coming to fruition, but also the fact that neither her nor Shard’s bloodline had any white scales. A difficult explanation would be something of infidelity, which Ember quickly tried to deny. “S-Shard… P-Please, y-you know that I-I would never be with-” “I know,” He responded softly, pulling close and gently handling the egg to her. He brushed his head to her own to ease her worries. “We have never been far apart enough for you to be with another. And… your heart is far too strong to leave me for that.” Tears left her as she was overwhelmed with emotion in the moment, not just in happiness but joy that he trusted her to the fullest extent. That despite what this could mean for both of them, he was still willing to stay with her for as long as they lived. She softly cried as he held her and their egg close, feeling the gentle warmth that was pulsing from within, with life that would eventually emerge within a week or so. As she held onto him, he leaned into her ear and whispered, “No prophecy or legend will keep me from loving you or our newborn. I will die to protect you both and love you with my heart, forever.” He then wrapped his body around her, still not letting go as she expressed her emotions and love for her mate and the egg, feeling that those stories of the past would not ruin her family. Tiredness won out and both dragons settled into a gentle sleep of pure happiness. A week would pass as the two dragons kept their eye on the egg, blowing it with hot fire to continue its growth. While most dragons would go to the nesting grounds and leave their eggs by the underground lava stream to be born there, Ember and Shard opted to do it themselves and keep the egg near a personal lava bath to help it grow that also came with the many tools and accessories provided to them by their friends. Occasionally, they would set a kindle at night to keep it hot and ready. On that night, when Ember had fallen into a deep sleep, Shard continued to blow fire upon the pure white egg. As he did, the first sharp crack formed on the egg, followed by another as it continued to shake and stir. He paused, turning to see if his mate was hearing it, but heard her soft snore, opting to let her rest. He peered close as he watched little by little, his hatchling emerging from their egg. “Come now, my little one, come experience the world.” He encouraged me. That seemed to work as the final cracks showed the form of pure white scales emerge from the shell and finally, the lower half erupted with eggshells exploding from below, leaving the top half. He slowly reached down and with a gentle claw digit, pulled the top half of the egg, showing the hatchling to the world, and their father. Gray eyes met gray eyes, as he saw two little stubby horns with a blunt snout, pure white glowing scales and a small form that saw its first parent. Their eyes blinked, a small yawn leaving it before it crooned and stared up at the giant being that was its father. He pressed close to it, letting her feel the touch of its sire. As he did, the hatchling pressed back, slowly albeit clumsily touching his snout with a short front paw. The white hatchling then sniffed at him, trying to register that this was its father and that it may be its protector. Natural exchanges were made as they sniffed and touched one another until both were seemingly content with one another. He slowly leaned in and scoop up the hatchling where it was barely half his claw size and cautiously pulled it up. He studied it further with his gray eyes meeting its own. A few sniffs told him that his hatchling was female. Emotions were not really given from fathers to their new hatchlings other than pride and boasting to others. Yet, this hatchling that was his, made his heart beat faster, his urge to curl around her to protect her from the world and to never let her out of his sight, blurred just the few feelings he had. However, the first words were not the ones he would have chosen to say in front of his mate. “So you are the one destined to end me, my sweet daughter?” He asked, as if she would have an answer. His newborn daughter blinked lazily at him, the energy it took to break from her egg, leaving her exhausted. He gave a small sniff and gave a gentle lick across her whole form, causing her to stiffen a slight with the action but noting the warm and gentle feeling her father was giving her and the comfort that her father brought her. “Well, hear me, my daughter. I am your father, and that over there, is your mother,” He said as he pointed with his other claw to the sleeping form of Ember. Her gray eyes saw her mother for the first time. “I want you to understand that we do not believe in prophecies or tales of grand times. We choose to make our own fate, our own choices and we will not let those around tell us what will happen. You can choose to be something more than a tale of a future ender of my life and my mate, your mother, can choose to raise you to be the kindest, loving, and most beautiful soul out here. I… I however will raise you to be strong, smart and to not let anyone tell you how to live your life.” He carried his daughter over to his sleeping mate as he circled her and placed her near her mother’s head. The hatchling stumbled a bit as she tried to crawl to her mother, managing to move forward and touch her mother’s snout. “We will always be here for you, we will always love and no matter the outcome, you will have us in your heart forever. So be it, I swear and… so will your mother.” The hatchling pressed herself against her mother and inhaled her scent before leaning against her and settling down by her. Ember subconsciously inhaled her new daughter, taking it in and sighing in contentment in her sleep. Shard laid his head near her own and watched as his daughter fell into a quick sleep. “Good night my daughter, I pray for a grand future for you, with love and care from us both. You are the light in our hearts now.” He closed his eyes and allowed the warmth of a family being born, consuming his heart with light and hope, forever vanquishing any darkness in his heart. The Blackest Night, ended by the Glow of White, sending the Ashes of a Dead Heart, into the Gales. Author's Note Thank you for enjoying this short little odd trip with me. This one had a weird place in my heart for what it was now. The ending is a bit ambigious because its more or less how one can see it or others would see it. If the prophecy already fulfilled or not is left to interpretation and for the reader to decide. The ending seems a bit more odd for a clop but i enjoyed writing it nonetheless. I would also like a few people here to enjoy hear my voice in the Barcast, if you want to know a bit more about me and some shenanigans. So pleace give this interview a chance with barcast here!
A History not in BlackUpon the blackest Knight A deep growl left him as he stared at the pitiful site of the dragon before him. “You are a disgrace.” Those are the words that left his maw. The young dragon that stood before him just gazed, not saying anything. Black onyx scales covered his whole body with dark charcoal gray underbelly and wing membranes. One third his height, barely reaching his belly and not an inch more. Silver eyes stayed upwards towards the giant form before him. Dragon Lord Torch glared at the young dragon, wondering what truly was going to his mind. Perhaps, the most horrid of things, the most evil of things… or perhaps, nothing but anger and hate. Either side of him, guarding him were two other dragons twice his size, securing him. Torch had them for security and perhaps… insurance. Personally, he wanted to get rid of him and end him there, but the fact he was not even into his first century made him hesitate to kill him. He decided for an optimal punishment, one that would hopefully make this easier on his mind, though no less burdensome. “Your crimes have nearly cost the lives of dragons as well as ruin the peace between us and the ponies. While you are lucky that we have not brought down the ‘heavens’ upon us, you will suffer for your actions.” The dragon remains silent, staring up at the Dragon Lord, not seeing him as his Lord or his equal. He merely blinked, not glaring at him with anger or rage, but hidden. This only unnerved the mighty Dragon Lord because it was a controlled anger. He was not breathing heavily, he was not ranting, nor was his posture hostile. He was calm… Eerily calm… and despite him being a third of his size, Dragon Lord Torch felt a small amount of concern at what he could be capable of. With a small wave of the Dragon Lord Scepter, he pointed directly at him. “For your crimes, I Dragon Lord Torch, sentence you to sleep… for half a millennium! You will sleep and have your awakening in five centuries, unless degreed by me or another dragon lord. Though when I pass on my time, I will make sure that the next Dragon Lord knows of your crimes and… to make sure that they never let you go!” It came out as a growl and it was meant to be a threat, but it made the dragon before him not even flinch. He chose to remain silent and even as he was being led to the cave, his stoicness made Torch annoyed. The cave was far from the Dragon Lands, but within the edge of the boundaries it held. This would be far from the prying and curious eyes and have it so secluded that he wouldn’t be bothered by any dragons searching for a cave in the middle of no wear, let alone a small mound just peeking out of the ground. The chains of iron rattled and fell off him upon the desert floor as he was led in, where a large boulder was set to the side, ready to entomb him. A single hole, no bigger than his head, was at the top, providing a single light source to him, so should he wake, he would only see the days pass around him. Not fighting the way or the words of the Dragon Lord, the black dragon entered and made his way until the light from above stood on his head. Torch and the other two watched as he studied his prison before turning to him. His eyes locked on to the Dragon Lord and for a moment, Torch thought he would speak his voice for the first time. Instead, his eyes said everything to him and that was all. A single word crossed his mind, a single dread of pure power left the dragon and entered the mind of the Dragon Lord. ‘Vengeance.’ Not allowing the moment to linger any longer, The Dragon Lord lifted the Bloodstone Scepter and pointed at him.The stone at the center glowed bright red and with a single command, he spoke the word. “Sleep.” The black dragon slowly began to close his eyes, the command taking over. Yet, he was fighting it, staying up on his legs though quivering at the command. Torch growled and twisted the Scepter. “I said, sleep!” The glow brightened and finally, the black dragon slowly lowered to the ground, the power too strong to disobey. His eyes continued to drop until they shut permanently and a soft snore began to take over the cave. Torch stayed focused on the dragon, wondering if his command would fully keep the Dragon asleep for 5 centuries in time. A few more moments and he felt like that it would stay true. The crimes he committed have nearly ruined what stationary alliances he and the Equestrian Princess had between them. As is, he had to deal with the aftermath and possible rise of ‘hunters’ to coup with dragons that they may see as ‘rogue’. Grumbling, he had motioned towards the other two dragons. “Seal it.” Without hesitation, both dragons moved to the back of the large boulder and together, pushed it towards the front entrance and sealed it up. As the last view of the dragon was covered, Torch could have sworn he saw his gray eye had pierced the darkness and stared back at him. The boulder settled right in the front and encased the dragon within. A deep feeling worked its way to the stomach and the Dragon Lord felt a bit of remorse. With the entrance sealed, he sighed. His two guards made sure that there was no possible way to escape. “All secured, Dragon Lord.” Torch gave a small bob of his giant head. “I hope so… for the sake of other dragons and the future.” With nothing else to add, the Dragon Lord and his two guards turned away, leaving the dragon to his sleep for hopefully the next 5 centuries and prayers to Bahumat that he never leaves or that there dragons never find him. Eight decades later…. “What about this far out? Surely there can be something useful out here?” Princess Twilight of Equestria asked. Newly ascended and crowned Dragon Lord Ember gave a shake of her head. “Not this far, Princess Twilight. While I appreciate that you want to work alongside us and see what resources we can offer, I am not sure outside of gems and lava we can offer.” Twilight gave a look around and saw nothing for miles. She knew that the geological survey of the area did provide a lot of minerals, but some ponies had claimed that with millions of years of volcanic activity, there was bound to be something. Gems were out of the question since most dragons would burn you before you can even ask for some of their gems. There were metals out there that could be potentially useful for Equestria. She sighed and gave a shrug. “It would help if maybe we had a hole or something to get samples of the land. A team of ponies said around here, there could be potential.” Ember gave a shrug and gave a look around. Her eyes then landed on a giant mound of land that peaked above the ground. She pointed. “Maybe over there, it looks like it could be a cave.” Twilight nodded and both flew a bit aways towards the mound. Flying they saw that from the back it burrowed into the ground so the front may be approachable. However, as the two rulers circled, they encountered a large boulder in the way. Ember and Twilight slumped. “Well there goes that idea,” she said glumly, landing on the front. The giant boulder was laid in front of the mound, almost as if placed there. In fact, when she looked around, there was nothing else in the area to indicate that this belonged here at all. “So… might there be something in here?” Asked Twilight, studying the boulder and the mound. “This seems pretty random to be out here in the middle of nowhere.” Ember agreed but looked at the giant boulder that towered them both, as large as an adult dragon. “Yeah, though I would need to summon a dragon large enough to move this if we could, though it would take awhile for them to arrive.” Twilight cracked a grin. “Don’t worry, I got this.” With a small crack of her neck, the Princess of Magic lit her horn and enveloped the giant boulder in purple magic. At first, Ember didn’t believe a pony like her would be able to move something many times her weight. Yet, her jaw dropped in astonishment when, almost with little strain on her effort, gently lifted the giant boulder out of the way off the ground by several feet and gilded it over from away from the entrance to the right. What earth had clung onto it fell easily away while the entrance slowly revealed itself. Then Twilight gently let the boulder down and sighed. Ember was still in shock at what she had witnessed. She shook her head and looked at the princess with an uneasy smile. “Um… remind me not to piss you off. If you can lift that, I would hate to see what you could do to a full size dragon.” Twilight winked at her before turning to look at the cave. Disappointment quickly consumed her and she saw that the cave was not deep as it would lead to believe. A single hole at the top illuminated the cave only showing a not so deep entrance and a big black rock at the center. A rock that happened to be moving. “Hey, what is that?” Ember saw it too as she saw the shape inside. Twilight lit her horn brightly and illuminated the cave bright enough to show that the rock was no rock but a creature. Upon further inspection, both Ember and Twilight were shocked to see it was a dragon. It was curled up in a tightly coiled position. The dragon was promptly coated in a thick layer of dust and mud, perhaps over time of what little made it through the hole on top. “Is that a… dragon?” Twilight asked. The layer of mud and dirt made it difficult to tell but Ember knew a sleeping dragon when she saw one. She had encountered long sleeping dragons for a while but this one. This is the first one that she saw that looked so… young. Even in the curled position, Ember deduced that it was about twice her height. She couldn’t tell what scale colors it had, but she saw that it had large wings and tail that could curl around them both. Two pointed horns popped out of its head, but not overly large like adults so that showed signs of youth still. The most noticeable thing was it was asleep. Male or female, there were signs that the dragon had been sleeping for a while. “S-Should we wake them?” asked Twilight. Ember shook her head. “No… well yes but, this feels different, Twilight. The dragon is asleep but… why was a boulder covering an entrance? Why be cut off from the world?” She then took another look around the landscape to the bare nothingness for miles. “And who would cover the cave with a dragon in?” She shook her head then approached the dragon. She cleared her voice and spoke loudly. “Dragon, arise!” Nothing. Deep layered but oddly low rumbled snores left the dragon. Ember snorted. “I said, Dragon! Arise!” Her voice echoed in the cave but still nothing. She growled. She then reached behind her where she carried the Bloodstone Scepter tied to her back before swinging forward and pointing the gem at the dragon. “As your Dragon Lord, I DEMAND YOU AWAKE!” That worked. Silver eyes snapped open and locked onto Ember almost immediately. The sudden awake startled Twilight but Ember remained unfazed. She did see that without a doubt, the dragon was male. The eyes said everything. The gem continued to glow and the dragon saw it. At first, he thought that shape was familiar and reminded him of Torch. But this form was smaller and a deep inhale, let him know it was female. Oh… something he missed. Ember twisted the scepter in claws. “Rise.” She demanded. The dragon rose. The dirt, mud and dust that coated him shook off his body, practically sliding off him with ease. In fact, as he rose, nothing remained on his body. His scales were black like obsidian, gleaming with what light came from outside and Twilight’s horn. Ember watched a bit in awe as nothing short of beauty filled her mind. He was indeed taller but not so greatly that she could touch his head. His eyes remained on her as he rose, standing almost two stories. As he fully stood, he slowly flared his wings and shook as dirt remained, remaining stoic as he did. Standing at first to his front palms then sitting upon his haunches. Even sitting down, he easily could be about fifteen feet tall. Twilight and Ember were in awe at the dragon. Both for the same reason, for neither had ever seen a black scaled dragon before. Hundreds of thousands of dragons of many different colors of the rainbow had filled the lands. Yet… none where ever the color of pure obsidian. For a few moments, no party spoke, as the trio were trying to understand their predicament. He moved his jaw back and forth, grunting with low whines and deep growls, trying to find his voice. “D-Dragon-n L-Lord-d?” It was a question, no doubt but it came with more acknowledgement. His head cocked to the side but the voice was deep and low. While he was young, there was pain and a discomfort to his voice. Ember finally opened her mouth and gave a slow nod. “Yes, I am the current Dragon Lord.” For a moment, he studied the young dragon lord. Young, extremely young that’s for sure, not even her first half century. How did she win the Gauntlet of Fire? How did she manage her power? What was her goal? … Did she know who he was?” He then focused on the alicorn princess next to her. “P-Pon-y-y?” Twilight blinked at being mentioned, gave a nod and forced a smile. “Y-Yes, I am Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Another cock of his head to the side. “E-Eques-str-r-ia-a?” His voice was not broken though his vocabulary seemed limited or perhaps the sleep left him a bit disoriented. Another nod from Twilight.. He turned to Ember. “A-Allie-s-s?” He asked her. Ember nodded. “Yes, we have established a peace treaty between them.” A pause then she asked her questions. “What happened to you? Why were you placed here? Why was your cave entombed? Were you trapped?” The rapid questions seemed too quick but he gave the best he could. “...Impris-sonment-t.” That was it. That was the only word he gave her. Ember’s brow furrowed and she felt like there was more. She kept the Scepter leveled though not pointed. With a small edge of her tone, she asked. “What was your crime?” For a moment, the dragon didn’t answer. A lie could be demanded for the truth, but the truth could pursue a longer sentence. Yet, he felt like that would not be the case. If a pony was alongside her, let alone one perhaps just as young as her, then this would be a different sentence. He lowered himself to not be intimidating but kept his distance. Once lowered, he made himself focused on her eyes. A small connection was made and neither was sure how it happened. When he spoke, he meant it. “...P-Pony v-village… I-I razed-d t-to the ground-d” Both female’s were shocked but he continued. “D-Dragon L-Lord-d T-Torch e-exiled me for h-half m-millennium.” Ember watched Twilight who ran outside and began speaking erratically outside of the cave; Ember told the dragon to remain inside while she followed after. Twilight was pacing back and forth, running through a million scenarios. She was frantic though unlike before, she wasn’t wild on it but she felt like she needed air… lots of air and away from him. “How many did he kill? Why would he do such a thing? How long ago was this?” The list went on and on but Ember felt that there was more to simply burn a pony village. Was there a cause? Did they attack or was it… fun for him? While Twilight was still figuring out what to do, Ember decided to ask him herself. With Bloodstone Scepter in claws and a frown to match her father’s, she went back in. Twilight remained outside, though she closed the gap to hear what she needed to. The black dragon remained focused on Ember, though his stoic look was very calm. Especially when waking up after Bahumat knows how long. She had no fear of him, since the Scepter works easily enough but there was something about him that made her feel weird. Not bad, just odd. She approached and stood close, though not within striking distance. She once more pointed the scepter at him and it glowed. “Speak.” Was her command. Easily enough, he once more lowered himself to her level. “W-What is-s your c-command-d, Dragon L-Lord-d?” Most try to resist or hesitate, much to Ember’s amusement. Yet… he didn’t, why? Without hesitation, she brought up the topic. “You said Dragon Lord Torch imprisoned you here for half a millennium. Your crime was that you destroyed a pony village. Why?” For a moment he stayed quiet, staring intently at the Dragon Lord before him. While his face shared no emotions that neither female could see, Ember could see that deep within his eyes, there held something else in there, something deep. “P-Ponies s-stole d-dragon eggs-s.” Ember gaped. A pause as his eyes flicked towards Twilight then refocused on Ember. “P-Ponies-s took m-my siblings-s…” Then the first sign of emotion. A frown, a hidden rage boiled within. “B-Broken eggs-s, r-ripped s-scales…” Ember's heart broke on the news and even Twilight from afar, gasped at hearing this. His silver eyes stayed on Ember. She has heard of many horrible things before, but not something like this, yet… why imprisonment. Speaking, she was still broken by the news, her voice dry and hurt. “Bu- Then… did you not explain that to Fa- Dragon Lord Torch?” Twilight slowly made her way back, albeit with much cation. “D-Did.” A growl left him. “T-Two eggs-s lost, o-over bringing the w-wrath of the h-heavens-s as he called-d them.” Then pain consumed his face and sadness fell over. “I-I took w-what they took f-from me-e.” Twilight remained silent, trying to find words, any words about this. While nothing has happened within recent memory to indicate a pony village has been attacked by dragons, something was not being explained from either side after her recent ascension to Princess of Equestria or Celestia wasn’t aware… or didn’t tell her. Ember was a different story and she could see genuine pain and sadness consume him. He lost his siblings and her father brushed it off. While she knew that prior to her birth, he was a crude and somewhat greedful Lord, according to other dragons, including her caretaker, that he had mellowed out after Ember had been hatched. He was softer in some terms and even going so far as to secretly treat her like a princess then anything else. But still, to let a dragon be imprisoned because he seeked vengeance on his kin? Her emotions were conflicted at this point; since their treaty between Equestria and the Dragon Lands, trade routes, nearby housing and even shared properties had been established. Ponies and dragons along with other creatures have united. Not only that, but thanks to her best friend and close advisor Spike, it made it difficult because he brought her the magic of Friendship first. She has come to enjoy his messages and even bringing her gifts every now and then for her hoard. She has come to like the little drake and while there was no romance between them, they have gone to secure each other with feelings as great friends and more. Before she could speak any further, Twilight had gotten brave enough to come in and ask questions as well. With an even tone that she had learned from Celestia and perhaps even Luna, she spoke as a ruler. “I understand your frustrations and need for vengeance,” Did she? He pondered. “-I still would like to know which village you…” A pause to gain her wits and sighed. “Destroyed so I know if it is withiness recent memory or a time ago. Perhaps the name, the year or whatever is possible.” The black dragon blinked at her, studying the alicorn princess and turned to Ember. “T-Torch s-sent me to s-sleep for f-five hundred-d years-s. H-How long s-since he passed-d the T-Trials?” “Trials?” asked Twilight, turning to Ember as well. Ember gave a grunt and swirled the Scepter. “The Gauntlet of Fire.” She answered her but remained on him. Twilight gave an understanding nod then. Ember looked up towards him. “Torch announced the Gauntlet two years ago and I won. But he never mentioned you in any way.” The dragon blinked but understood. He then looked around his cave to see if there had been any indication of time. He then looked back towards Twilight. “No-o known-n name at-t time. Vill-age was-s filled-d with p-ponies t-that wore a-armor a-alot. C-Carried heavy-y weapons-s, axes-s, swords,” A sudden growl left him. “Cages-s, traps-s for d-dragons.” Twilight went wide eyes. “You mean… that there were already Dragon Slayers at the time?” She was genuine in her reactions and it did surprise him to know that she was as clueless about the past. Perhaps… she was a young princess. Then… that left the question of where is the other? She spoke on, seeming to gauge on her history and spoke as unevenly as himself. “B-But C-Celestia never brought up a village destroyed inside of Equestria!” “The borders hadn’t reached that far yet, Twilight.” Ember answered honestly. “Maybe that is why she expanded it up to that point.” Ember gave a grunt of annoyance as realization struck. “My guess is that it's been less than a century since Princess Celestia had expanded near the territory to the Dragon Lands. The layers of mud and the rock formation and decay also showed a lot of time has passed but not enough to be centuries.” He remained silent. A century or less he had slept. A lot shorter than expected, but with outcomes far more than favorable. The current Princess of Equestria is young and inexperienced. Formal Dragon Lord is retired or dead. Current Dragon Lord is… beautiful. But the true joy was that perhaps, he could have his vengeance in a different way. The similarities are so close that when he had opened his eyes, the familiarity was stark and nearly identical. Now… he had a reason to change his life and views. He was conniving, quick witted and far more intelligent than he allowed to be seen. He said he did set a village ablaze but there was more. He did say that he was imprisoned by Torch for a crime. And he did say the truth that his siblings were taken by ponies. He would speak the truth and he would continue to do so. Not because she can force him to do it, but because he was compelled to do so and he also would owe her a debt if she kept him awake. In fact, he would pledge it. As Twilight and Ember continued to speak, he lowered himself down once more. This caused them to turn to him. Ember cocked her head. “What are you doing?” He blinked as he looked at her. “I assume you will send me back to sleep?” His sudden perfect sentence made her pause but she still felt weary and perhaps angry… that her father had done something so cruel. “ With a soft grunt she asked, “While I know that Torch was no saint when it came time as a ruler, I still need to know if there was more done besides, partaking in burning a village to the ground.” Again, he was compelled by her voice and heart to speak truthfully and honestly, despite the potential consequences. “I came upon another village that was preparing to raise more slayers, but demanded that if they didn’t want their village in flames, that I kill their first born or kill the males to prevent more breeding.” Honest, even, and cold. That was the tone. The underlying of it was vengeance, hate, and pain. Ember knew of it. Twilight was there gaping like a fish out of water, astonished by fear and dread but couldn’t form a complete sentence yet. He did however speak on. “I only killed a dozen or so ponies before Torch was forewarned of my exploits and dragged me back to our home in shackles. He hoped to do it quickly before your…” He blinked and looked towards Twilight. “-Former Princess of Equestria could intervene.” The current Dragon Lord was in a dilemma that really annoyed her to no end. She never knew that being a Dragon Lord would come with so many difficult decisions that would literally involve rouge or dangerous dragons, well dangerous for ponies, and that it was her father who had burdened her with this duty unknowingly. But something about this dragon made this situation so… weird. For one, he was no older than his first century(not counting the two that he had been asleep of. She sighed and waved her scepter at him. “I don’t plan on putting you back to sleep,” She answered in a calm but heavy tone. “But I can’t have you going back out and possibly seeking vengeance on ponies, especially since it's almost been a century since this happened.” Understanding that, he turned towards Twilight, who was still uneasy with the whole situation. “And… since Equestria is now allies with dragons, there are no more slayers, correct?” Ember was about to answer that but paused and she too turned to Twilight, giving a questioning look at her. The sudden focus on her made her feel more uneased but as the new ruler, she had to do what she thought was best and try to handle the situation right. “I-I am not sure I can fully say that there aren’t any slayers still around. While there have been no reports of them for almost 20 years, there are still areas that are outside Equestria’s jurisdiction.” She frowned and gave Ember a look. “Don’t think that we would support such a heinous act, Ember. If you ever encounter or hear of any Dragon Slayers, you can send me a message and I and others will come to deal with them.” The black dragon gave a deep snort. “And what if they don’t listen to you, Princess?” His voice is deep with hidden malice but not towards her. “If your predecessor didn’t stop them before, what is to say that you could?” Twilight’s frown focused on him. Despite the size difference, she had enough magic and power and experience to hold her own against him. “Because now that Friendship has helped save the lands and brought us species closer together, we can and will overcome those who want to harm any of us. Ember was there when the world was at stake, she knows that we will help her and she will help us when the time comes.” Ember felt the truth of her words and gave a comforting nod towards her, knowing that it was true. Though she half expected him not to agree. His silver eyes lingered on her for a few moments before turning back to Ember. “Is that the truth then Lord Ember?” She looked up at him and gave a serious look. “It is. I trust Twilight and I know that if we can’t handle it, I can send her a message and she will aid us.” Her voice was sincere and held true, something he had never heard from another dragon before. Much less… the dragon before her. He then turned back to Twilight and gave a bow. “Then, I offer my apologies to the Princess of Equestria and hope that if there is any malice still between us, that we can settle it.” Twilight gave the dragon a once over, hearing no lie or anger from him, though the pain was still there. Giving a sigh, she spoke firmly. “Look, I can’t say that I approve of what you did to ponies but I will not deny that they were any better. I… am truly sorry for what they did to your family. If something were to happen to my siblings, I know that I wouldn’t hold back either. I wouldn’t kill but I would dish out other punishments.” The black dragon seemed content with that. “Then I ask for your sake and ours, that we try to keep our species at check.” Turning to Ember. “Perhaps then, as a suggestion, we have diplomats or exchange species as a way too…” “There are already dragons living in Equestria.” Twilight cut him off. “And a few ponies live near the border of the dragon lands.” Finished Ember. He paused, studying them for a moment before he continued softly. “Then… just as we have rouge dragons and you have rouge ponies, who are they to be dealt with if they cross one line or the other?” The duo rulers looked at each other. That was a good question. Prior to this, Celestia dealt with ponies and Torch dealt with dragons. What happened when the lines and borders crossed? Ember, feeling a bit of tension building, turned back to him. “We will… cross that line when it comes. But back to you. Now that we are at peace with the Equestrians, I need to know what your attentions are.” Twilight also wanted to learn this as well. He remained stoic and it was difficult for any of them to really gauge his emotions for his face was of near perfect calm and what it takes many decades, if not centuries for dragons to master peace of mind. Finally after moments of silence, he spoke. “My life is now in your claws, Dragon Lord Ember. While my past was consumed with vengeance, my reduced sentence and your allegiance with the ponies have left me without a clear path.” “Do you still feel the need to harm ponies?” Twilight asked with seriousness. A brief pause before he answered. “I have no need to harm any creature, but my heart still aches knowing that my siblings will not be fully avenged. I cannot in good conscience go after ponies now for these are not the same that have taken my family from me.” There was a glint in his eye, almost as if a tear threatened to come out while his mood also dropped significantly. “Their time has passed and so has mine. I am not sure what to do now. As is, my fate is in your claws.” Ember felt her heart tug at his words and while she didn’t want ponies to die, he would be forever burdened with being alone and without siblings. “And your parents? How they don’t…” Twilight began to ask but a small growl silenced him. “They were the reason my siblings were killed!” A harsh growl left him and once more, the two rulers were silenced. “I was the first hatched, a black scaled dragon that they thought was an omen. They only kept me long enough until I could eat and walk on my own. After which my father threatened to kill me if I did not leave the nest. Then when I heard that they had more hatchlings, I watched from afar, as they, without care, had their eggs ‘stolen’ and taken by ponies, slayers no less and in trade for more gems. They thought that they would have more like me in their clutch.” Now a growl left Ember and the Scepter glowed brightly. “Egg breakers!?” She almost roared with stunted anger. He gave a matching growl of confirmation. “And when I vowed to kill them one day after I returned my siblings, they were the ones who turned me to Torch. They heard of my exploits and turned me to Dragon Lord Torch. That is why he declared me a disgrace. Even after I told him what my sire and dam had done, all he did was exiled them from the Dragon Lands while I was punished and imprisoned in the cave for half a millennium.” He was breathing eerily calm but his voice held back no venom towards his sire and dam or her father. He truly would have gone further had he not been stopped. Perhaps should he remain free, he would go after his parents and end them, so that Ember felt no doubts about it. Yet… his pain was something that would never be quelled, even at the deaths of his parents. Despite the year of peace between them, Ember was starting to slowly become used to the concept of Friendship and more and it annoyed her a little that it might not solve this problem. Her anger dropped and her body felt tired, though mentally she was still raging at this poor souls’ past and it involved her father too. A sigh left her before turning to the alicorn. “Twilight, I think that for the time being, we will postpone any negotiations right now on trade and what not. I feel like this needs to be dealt with before anything else. If you wouldn’t mind saving this for another day, that is.” Twilight wanted nothing more than for anything to go according to plan but sometimes, life got in the way and she knew that not everyp- everycreature was like ponies. Giving a nod, she replied. “I understand Ember and while I hope that this doesn’t take long, I hope you can help…” She paused and looked at the dragon. “-him with the problems you face.” She looked back at her and tried to give an assured smile. “Who knows, maybe friendship could help him out here.” Ember adored Twilight’s enthusiasm and positive outlook towards the bleak, but she knew that that was a long shot in this situation and not everything would be able to be solved so easily. Giving her courteous nod, she reached out with a claw. “I'll try my best, Twilight.” Twilight gave her a hoof and they shook. Once they separated, the alicorn turned to the black dragon and a small frown crossed her face. “You never gave us your name.” “You never asked.” He replied. She snorted. Okay she walked into that one. A pause. “Well?” Twilight asked. Th black dragon stared at her, then at Ember then back. “I have no name worth remembering.” Twilight all but growled out a sigh. “But if you wish to call me anything, then Shard Obsidian would suffice.” Twilight blinked at that, as did Ember. The alicorn nodded. “Thank you… Shard Obsidian. I hope that with everything that has transpired, that you can please avoid ponies at all costs. I know you may need to avenge your siblings but I wouldn’t want to come to blow heads with dragons.” He blinked before he lowered his head, either in bow or to meet her eyes, she wasn’t sure. He replied. “As I stated, perhaps those ponies have long died, perhaps not. I won’t harm any that are innocent so for now I can do nothing.” She expected him to say more but he didn’t. She calmed and gave nothing but a bow. “Thank you.” Turning back to Ember. “I'll tell Spike to send you a letter or wait for you to send one when possible.” Ember nodded and gave a small smile. “Thank you Twilight. Until we meet again.” With a final nod, the Princess of Equestria charged her horn and in a bright violet flash, she was gone, leaving the two dragons in the cave. Ember gave a sigh before walking out of the cave. He remained. She stopped, turned her head back and looked at him confusingly. “Well, what are you waiting for?” He cocked his head. “Your command?” She gave a grunt. “I don’t have to tell you to do everything right? Eat, sleep, walk, breathe?” He slowly rose as any remaining dirt and grime fell off of him, leaving a small mound. With his joints slowly responding to his command he made his way out of the cave and towards the sun. Ember led out and as she did and he took his first steps, the sun’s rays caused a small shimmer over his pure black scales, reflecting a unique dark rainbow over his body. She finally got a good look at Shard Obsidian. The black dragon squinted at the brightness of the sun, taking a few moments to adjust from the exit of the cave before he took slow and deliberate steps to his first light. Taking a deep inhale, his lungs took in fresh air for the first time in decades and a calm washed over his body like a wave against sand. He began to stretch all of his ligaments, many cracks could be heard as he did so. More and more of his body could be seen, like he did stand on his hind legs and his arms only aided with his first movements in years. Next, he was impeccably clean. His scales showed no signs of diminishing nor face, almost perfectly laid upon one another. Each one could barely show her reflection if she were to lean in close. His claws were almost silver in coating, with a white tips at each claw. There were light signs of use but it was odd since most dragons have cracked or worn claws before their second decade. The spines that began between the tip of his horns ran from the head all the way down his spine, to his tail and ended in an almost two pronged pointed tip. Lastly, his wings. Ohh… they were magnificent. He slowly unfurled his wings to grand proportions, stretching them longer than he was tall. The membrane was a nice ivory white with a little hollowness in them to allow some light through. The way they curved from the talon tip of the top to the wing’s bone at the end gave him a definite beauty. Lastly, as he stood at a solid 15 feet, more than twice her height, she saw that through all that black mirror like quality in his scales, did it click in her mind that what he had said was truthful. There hasn’t been any dragon that matched his description in the dragon lands. She knew almost every dragon in the lands(as was her job as Dragon Lord) and she could not recall one as pure black as him. Yes, there were black scaled dragons here and there but they had other colors or their scales held no shine. Even with almost a century of dirt and rock that had covered his body, it had never stained nor dulled his scales to a point. And now… she was staring at him and he caught her staring at him. Cocking his head, he spoke. “Is there something wrong, Dragon Lord Ember?” Thank Bahumat it was bright outside for he could not see her blush upon her cheeks.. She shook her head and tried not to think of how beautiful his scales really looked. “No, but I do need to know if I can trust you.” He blinked and stared at the Scepter in her claws. “You can bind me to a ‘Blood and Scale’ oath.” Ember blinked. “A what?” Young, brash and still unsure of what power she held; Shard Obsidian knew what laid before him. His intelligence and cunningness instantly began thinking of a million scenarios on how to play this, though only one really kept repeating in his mind. He had to find out if she really was what he suspected her to be. Instead of answering her directly, he sat on his haunches to lower himself to her level. “I suppose that if you want my trust, then I must bind my words to you. Though you are a Dragon Lord now, I am still unsure of how much different you are then from your predecessor.” Ember frowned. “My… predecessor has nothing to do with who I am now. I accomplished my life and succeeded with some help. Because of who helped me, I am the Dragon Lord and I plan to change it for the better.” Shard’s focus was anywhere but her. Speaking he looked around him. “Then… would you consider yourself past or superior to Former-Lord Torch’s Legacy? Do you believe that had I done what I did before, in your rule, would you have done the same?” His eyes locked onto her for the answer. Ember froze. That was a strong question and a difficult one to answer. She was not the best when it came down to heavy questions and one day she would have to answer them. If Spike had taught her anything with their responding fire-mail, it is to take your time to think on it before answering. As she did, she tried to answer the first one as best as possible. “Your… parents had no right to do any of that to you or your siblings.” A low growl left her. “Egg-breakers have no value in my eyes and I would make sure that before you would have killed your first pony, that I would be dealing with the dragon hunters first. Then your sire and dam would be the ones imprisoned long past a few centuries.” She then went onto to his being and her eyes saddened a bit. “However… I know that we dragon's know vengeance and pride strongly. To attack those who kill our young or our loved ones, I would stop at nothing. But that being said, I don’t blame you, and perhaps prior to our alliance with the ponies… maybe would have allowed it.” A pause and she shook her head at her own words. “No… maybe not even then.” Shard remained focused on her. “Then you have already surpassed Torch. While I am not old, I do know greatness and strength. Many a dragon would not see one like you as worthy of a role as this, but you have done so in a far better grasp than he.” Ember had always wanted to surpass her father in strength, leadership and more. When she became Dragon Lord, it was filled with a lot of other responsibilities but it was something that needed to be partaken. Many questioned her many times, including her own father, if it was a good idea to align and even work alongside ponies and… she has never regretted it. But to hear another dragon tell her that she was better than her father, by not being like him, somewhat made her happy. One who was wronged by her father, made it more… meaningful. She looked down at the Scepter. “So… then you say that if you swear a Blood and Scale Oath, that you will not harm any ponies or seek vengeance against other dragons?” Shard gave a nod. “I do.” She gave a small frown. “Does that include the former Dragon Lord Torch?” A small something passed over his features but she could not be sure. “If you wish, I swear that I will never physically harm or retaliate against him, if he still lives.” Ember wanted to say he did, but withheld it. “Then… how is this Oath done?” “You point the Scepter at me and I press my palm on it.” She blinked and did so, though she held on tightly in case he tried to nab it from her. He lifted his left palm up and pressed right in the center. She blinked. “Okay now wha-” He began to push down on his hard, causing her to grunt as she held it up, until the tip of Bloodstone easily and with little effort, cut through his scales and blood fell from his open wound. She panicked almost instantly. “What are you doin-!” “I, Shard Obsidian-'' He began, letting his words carry on, even with the pain in his palm and the blood that dripped down the Scepter. “-will swear no vengeance and no harm to innocent ponies and dragons alike. I swear no harm to the former Dragon Lord, Torch.” A pause and his eyes now fully locked into her own, meeting his soul to her own. “And I swear… loyalty, truth and servitude through pain and death, to protect and follow… Dragon Lord Ember.” Her eyes went wide and the Bloodstone glowed brightly in his palm. A sizzling was heard and a small hiss left him. The glow stopped and he lifted his palm, where the blood was now gone from the Scepter but remained on his palm. There was now a visible scar that had formed that healed over within seconds. He had made the oath and it was something that she knew nothing about. “I… I am not sure why you did that but I am supposed to trust you know… right?” “Do with me what you will, Lord Ember. I am now essentially at your service.” Surprise was the least of her exasperated look that came over her but so was the fact that he so willing and easily gave himself to her. The things that she could… Shaking her thoughts, as if this was building a migraine, she just motioned. “Can you fly yet?” He gave a few experimental flaps, his wings ached without use. A small wince left him. “I must… walk for now until I can fly, my Lord.” A grunt left her, both at the thought of walking and the fact he called her ‘lord’ like she was anything else but. “Fine, we will walk for now and also, don’t call me ‘Lord’ or anything else like that. Either ‘Dragon Lord Ember’ or just Ember, whatever is easier.” He was about to respond but she shook her head. “No wait, not even Dragon Lord, it takes too long. Just for now, Ember is fine… unless we are surrounded by other dragons.” He bowed his head once. “As you wish… Ember.” Her name sent a small shiver down her spine as he spoke it, like it was magic, especially since she swore it almost came out like a purr. Beginning their walk towards the west, the dragons made their way back home. Hopefully it wouldn’t be that bad for them. The silence was only at the beginning, for he was still trying to stretch out his ligaments, pop sore joints and bask in sunlight after a near century of absence. Ember wasn’t sure how his scales maintained their elusive and luxurious state during the decades. It seemed to be as if he had been in a frozen state, where time didn’t diminish nor cause rot on his fine black scales. Each one still remained sharp and perfect, which was really unfair to a dragon like herself who couldn’t go a single month without chipping a claw or having a few cracked nails in her wake. His wing membranes were a fine silver that almost looked hollow, though it showed he was a great flier. Also his thick hind legs showed he had some power behind them for either kicking or taking off. Lastly, his anatomic ability to either walk on all fours or twos gave him a strange appeal that few dragons had. Something shared by her father, though as he grew older, that would really depend on what he did often. … She has been staring at him the whole time and it showed. “Ember, I am unsure whether you are staring at me as either fearful or admiration.” The aqua scaled dragoness froze at being called out and she tried to think of a million ways to deny it but the blush on her cheeks made it so obvious. He was aware of it but playfully remained oblivious. “Should I walk behind or in front so I am not such a sight to see?” “Your fine!” She blurted out, though she backtracked. “W-What I mean is that I h-have no problem with you or your color! I have just never seen a dragon like you that is so…” “Evil looking?” He provided. She frowned. “You are not evil looking! Whatever lie or slur or name your sire and dam gave you is not evil! If you were truly evil, you wouldn’t have placed your service to me so willingly.” He gave her a stare, feeling the truth in her words, giving an acknowledged bow of his head. “I appreciate you don’t see me as such. Though I am not as sure as what others may think.” “What others think is none of your concern or mine.” She moved closer without realizing, looking up at his form. “As long as you honor your oath and prove your change to me, that is all I care for.” His silver eyes stayed locked on her amber ones and the intensity of each word felt like a promise of her own. Truly he saw nothing of what she was or is, to that of Torch and perhaps… this made his plan all the more stronger through purpose. That and with a strong conviction, would he be able to get to his true desire. Vengeance… Even with his oath, there was still a way he would get Torch back and that would be by having her fall in love with him. With another nod, he spoke softly. “Then your words are the only one I care for, Ember.” A powerful shiver ran down her spine and a more profound blush was seen. … and his revenge would come full circle as he would love, cherish and care for her, denying any and all who would oppose it or try to reach her heart. For Torch, he would bear witness to it as the Dragon Lord herself would not deny his presence near her own. He would make her heart his and perhaps he would return it in full. After all, no good came from a broken heart, but one fulfilled in front of the eyes of your enemy burns the brightest.
Of Burning Hearts, of Rising ShadesOf Burning Hearts, of Rising Shades Home. Home is where the heart is, that is what was said. Home is where the birth and the death should be. Home. He did not know what home was, for he never felt it since the beginning. At his hatching, his parents lived near the edge of the dragon lands, where little could be found and not much else. When they first held his fragile onyx form, it was not out of love, or warmth, but of dread and disgust. For an onyx scaled dragon was an omen, a curse and fear driven motive. What was love but a foreign concept, unrealized by a false dream from his sire and dam, both who showed none to him. He was fed enough to survive but never more. Fear controlled them more than the instincts to care for their young and it was that vexed mindset, that he knew that the world was full of bitter black hate. He learned on his own, studied from afar, the teachers that instructed the young. Not ever showing his face, nor coming near the others. If he was discovered, he ran, for many would fear him. As he grew older, his sire and dam threw him out before his first molt to fend for himself. The first bite of the cruel world and heartless acts of dragons unfit to be parents. Starvation, cold, emptiness and isolation were the first lessons he learned on his own. After that, he believed that self preservation is above others, even those that were supposed to be your hearts. Yet years later of returning to his parents, he witnessed their heartless deeds. Their fear of what they once had for him reached down to his unhatched siblings and they allowed… ponies to take their eggs. If there was a crueler or more horrific way to call ones ‘monsters’, he hadn’t found it yet. And for what? Fear of more like him? Traded for polished gems? He never knew true anger and rage like that until he witnessed it. An unfiltered hate born from the neglect and heartless creatures that were disguised as dragons. He roared at them, calling them every horrible word that he could, going as far as to physically attack them albeit with less than deadly force. His father, twice his size, repelled him but he was smaller and agile, quickly nailing him twice on the face and leaving him horribly scarred. His mother; he spat a hot glob of inflamed liquid saliva at her face. She screamed as it damaged one of her eyes and flew away before his father could recover. He vowed vengeance and swore he would finish the job later should they ever show their faces. Following under the darkness of the night, the ponies took the eggs back to a camp many leagues out of the land and to a remote part where dragons never ventured to. What he witnessed was something that burned into his mind forever and would break any sense of moral he had left at the time. Egg-shells, lots of broken egg-shells and ripped forms of scales and flesh of what would have been his siblings. A roar strong enough to wake the dead, he charged that camp of ponies and set it ablaze with the fiery intensity of an exploding volcano. An eruption of hate and rage, born by the cold world and the dark hearts that inhabited it. The screams and cries of the many echoed in the night, but none of which were heard for his roar was louder. The blazing fires of black, red and orange danced around his form as he walked on the many corpses of those that fell. And despite knowing that this was but of a few, he made it his mission to end them all. The next town over he made it a show of power by demanding the first son was to be given to him. If they did not, he would set this town ablaze, just like the one before. He even showed them the black smoke seen in the distance. The fearful refused at first but when he ignited several buildings on fire, they reluctantly agreed. However before he could end them, Torch had arrived and demanded he stand down. Defying the dragon lord was a bold move and even dangerous, yet when he explained his actions, Torch brought him down through force and growled at him. “What you are doing is far worse!” His giant paw pinning him to the floor beneath them. “If you continue this path, those who ‘Guard’ the ponies will come down and strike us all! The very ‘heavens’ will burn us!” ‘The heavens’ he had called it. As in their pony gods would aid them and cause strife for dragons. Yet, he believed Torch was merely playing him and only pushed further. “Egg-breakers!” He growled, struggling against the giant palm. “My sire! My dam! And you do nothing!?” Torch continued to force his giant palm on his neck. “They will be punished for their crimes but your transgressions have only cost us peace! Now I have to negotiate with their demi-goddesses to reclaim our borders!” And with that, Torch exiled his parents, but he was imprisoned and was probably going to repeat the process yet again. He was declared a disgrace to his kind, for attacking innocent ponies and for hurting his own kind. A black plague amongst dragons, a dragon unworthy of a name or alias. It was not long after that did he vow to himself to remain silent and secluded, knowing that no one cares to hear him speak. He had no home and no one… Yet, his heart for the first time sought something kin to kindness. An alien feeling that had snared him and seeing ‘her’ made him express something he never knew of. Now came the moment of trying to prolong that exposure, to ensure that it lasted as long as possible and despite the odds against him, he would pour a grand effort to keep it close and never lose it. Even if it killed him… “Shard?” Ember broke him from his standing silence. “Are you alright? We are back in the Dragon Lands and you’ve been standing here for a while.” Shard continued to stare at the Dragon Lands right outside of its main border. He didn’t respond right away because he was trying to find a calming response without trying to give off anything to her. “I-I don’t know how I feel.” He half answered truthfully. “This is not my home. Instincts tell me it is, but I was born near the edge further south. My sire and dam never made me feel at home, at least not in the way a hatchling should feel," A pause and he looked down at Ember. "Should home be like this or should it be something much more… ?" While it was true that he had no inkling of what a home should feel like, he knew that this was something that Ember would try to rectify. No dragon should feel this way to detach to their home and this broken off, especially with their parents destroying what value of it he had for it. Ember was in no way heartless. After befriending Spike and Thorax, whom she still receives occasional letters from, her mind and heart has been more open and sympathetic. Her father once called that, ‘weakness’, but yet was love truely a weakness? He loved her, for she was the only thing in this world that he had left and he would destroy mountains, part seas and rip anyone to shreds if any harm came to her. Yet, he still saw ponies and other non-draconic creatures as weak. The meaning had confused her but so did the word ‘weak’ elude her father in proper form. Here was a dragon who went through Hel and back but remained civil as can be. She pushed back any doubts she had on him. “Then perhaps we can make it your home once more.” The drake slowly looked at her, his gaze emotionless. Ember nodded. “If you truly want, I can help you make this feel like home again. Perhaps if we do this, you can forget about the past and move on with your life.” His gaze seemed to remain fixed stoically, though a glint in his eyes showed… gratitude and perhaps it softened those beautiful eyes of his. “I… I would appreciate that much more than you realize, Lord Ember.” She wanted to correct him but he moved on. “Though I must ask, what is it now that we are in good relations with the Equestrians, that is required of us?” She pondered the question for a moment before responding. “For the last year, Princess Twilight and I have come to an agreement that if we can provide a source of minerals or materials from the Dragon Lands, in turn they could provide us goods and services in return. These range from polished gems, melted ores, exotic food, pillows, and more.” Shard took that in and gave a small cock of his head. “Luxury and practical items to live more than what we already have?” A reasonable response though the question was relevant. “Well… I know that we dragons don’t do things nice and frilly but ever since the Great Change of Harmony, dragons have been experiencing more luxurious things from ponies. But I have also encouraged our kind to outreach other areas and even live amongst the ponies.” She then added with a small pause. “Also, our luxurious items also stem from other nations as well like the Hippogriffs, Abyssians, Griffins, Yak, and others.” “And you have stated that they reside outside of the lands? Will they eventually live amongst us?” Ember gave a small shake of her head. “No I don’t believe so, but they do have a few homes and stations on the borders to allow those to come and go as they please, so long as they listen to our rules like we would theirs. From this, we have started receiving healthier ors and melted irons from other nations that are far easier to acquire from them than doing it on our own. He gazed at her a bit longer before focusing on the lands once more. “Admirable. Truly incredible feat in such a short time.” Ember felt pride at hearing this, a rare compliment not given by other dragons since this great time of change. Not even her own father acknowledged it… "I would love to know what other dragons lords of the past would think of knowing you succeeded where they failed at establishing something even akin to peace. Their own low intelligence to be dwarfed by one as young as yourself." This somewhat hid a nerve but not in a bad way. In fact, she felt like it was another compliment but the fact that he was mocking her father, as if he knew personally that she was… "Do your sire and dam approve of any of these changes?" He asked her, breaking her from her memories. Ember furrowed her brow in thought, though she gave a vague response. "My father… thought this would be a big mistake and has no real care for it. My mother is… absent." That ended that bright mood of her boasting and accomplishment. "Apologies Lord Ember, I didn't mean to bring any depressing or sorrowful memories." The sapphire dragoness shook her head. "It's fine, you were not aware." A small pause before she gave the bearest of a smile. "Though I would like to think that my mother would approve of the peace that has been established." He gave a small bob of his head. "If her wisdom is where you received it from, I am sure she welcomes peace and would be proud of the Dragon Lord you have become." Once more, his words sent her heart aflutter and her emotions were set ablaze with delight. He could tell his words had its intended effects, knowing full well he was aiding in securing her confidence. After the small moment, did he finally ask, "Then please tell me Lord Ember, how would one proceed to make this home once more?" Ember gave a small smile and reached out with her claw to him, "Like my best friend Spike once showed, through Friendship." Despite the size difference, he slowly reached out and took her claw into his larger one. It felt… magical, if that was the right word, for both of them, as not only was he shaking her with the claw he had marked himself with. The burn had returned but it was more warmth and comforting then before, as if to tell him, this would lead to more. Ember on the other claw felt her cheeks flush as she felt the larger male gently grasp her claw, as this also translated to something more to her then when Spike had done it. This even surpassed it to something she couldn't describe. A bond beyond a normal bond would be made after this. And so Ember guided Shard to the heart of the Dragon Lands, unseen to his eyes. The colors and sizes of dragons were all different and unique, each with their own character. Volcanoes and lava rivers made the areas hot and dry, filling the air with rich sulfur fumes and toxic brimstone, something he took in deep breaths of and found so much comfort in. Ember noticed his calmer breathing, even his relaxed posture as he walked by her. The few dragons that passed them by, gave short nods to Ember, instead of bows most Dragon Lords demanded. However, when they saw Shard Obsidian, they moved on pretty quickly. This had Ember questioning it. "Huh, they normally ask or chat with me when they see me, what gives?" "Perhaps it's who accompanies you now." Shard pointed out, with uncare of their fear or attitude towards him. Ember gave a grunt. "You are not the only dragon here in black scales and-" "It's perhaps not the scales themselves but the story of the scales," The black scaled drake then gave a small lift of his head. "Perhaps the story of a Rogue Dragon In Black Scales, was told to be a warning or omen of sorts." In that moment, she had a severe flashback of what her father warned her about when she was still a hatchling. A poem of sorts warning her the darkness of a dragon with onyx black scales. ‘Beware of the shade in Blackened scales, a terrible blight amongst these horrid tales. The Blackest Night, buried in hate, only to burn and set upon the world in fate. To be tempted by cold gray eyes dead, to capture your heart in sorrow and dread. Lest he be the one to eventually bleed, the scales of purest white, will they succeed. To rise above the Blackened Scales, the light of white will send his ashes to the gales. Shard noticed her mouth twitching to form words but no sound left her. “May you tell me what the tale is?” He asked her. “I know you are aware of it.” She blinked, stricken from her memory before shaking her head, since her hatchling-hood was a bit more rough than she could remember. While she didn’t actively know what her father was pertaining to, the sheer fact that Shard was the dragon her father was speaking of. Shaking her head, she responded in a neutral tone, “I would rather not and like I said, it matters not. You are not evil, you are not wrong and I would ask that you try your best to ignore them. If we can prove or show other dragons you are no threat, then like the Magic of Friendship, it can save anyone.” “I trust that if the Princess of Ponies and the Dragon Lord can form alliances and bonds of friendships, then I trust your words.” He answered evenly. “However, if nothing has changed about my past being told in the present, then what hope do I have for a future.” She frowned. “As long as you stand by me, I will help. No dragon who went through what you did, should be treated ill. It is my duty to make sure you and others have a fair chance at Friendship and happiness.” “But I am not innocent,” He reminded her. Ember shrugged. “If the ponies can forgive the God of Chaos, the Princess of the Moon, Evil Unicorns, or convince a race to Change into their better selves, then I am sure we can be just as forgiving.” The words made him ponder if truly things have really changed in the near century since his sleep. The more he heard from her, the more it felt like he never woke up and stayed in a dream. A dream where happiness and hope could be so… close. He followed Ember further in, welcoming more and more to his view. The few dragons that did see the Dragon Lord and him, gave a chance to study afar without fear, but none dared approach. It just so happens that the adults seemed more at ease, though they eyed the onyx drake with curiosity more than fear. Ignoring the stares, he focused on what he could do to better anoint himself to Ember and her ways. In truth, it all seemed so alien that it bent his cold hearted nature to a different skewed from his original path. Even now as he walked alongside the Dragon Lord, his motivations and temporal need to hurt those in his past slipped further and further down. The feeling of his heart to open up and to bleed out his vengeance grew if only to get closer to her heart. Never had a dragon even tickled his heart to a point, like young Ember had. Her joy, her conviction, her tenacity and more are slowly changing, something he could never foresee with any dragon. His purpose was becoming more profound as he continued to interact with her. She showed him more of the land until it came time for a meal. Once more, her kindness flashed brightly to him by sharing a part of her hoard with him. The Dragon Lord had apparently had a perk of earning the largest hoard in all of the lands and she had enough gems to give to him without pause. “Are… are you sure you wish to-” “Yes!” She strained with much emphasis on how little it meant to be sharing her hoard with him. He still felt inadequate to eat from the hoard of the one he was supposed to serve. Yet the larger hoard that she held from her cave was definitely worth its value and it showed how much change has come to the Dragon Lands, including the value of friendship can do to several species. For the first time in almost a century, he ate like a true dragon and he has never felt closer to the one he swore loyalty to and his heart slowly bloomed open more and more. It was something he was not preparing to do fully, rather. Fate seemed to have other plans. He did not know how it happened but he remained free for his doration with Ember. The dragon lord had kept her word for him to remain so and the moments he was with her, time seemed meaningless and absent. As it would pass for them, days slowly turned to a week, then that week turning to several. His oath to her left him with such a task to cherish her that it felt now like a survival and need, rather than what he swore to her as a means to keep his vengeance at bay. The days flew by with her, a scene of serenity blending into the abstract nature that he never would have dwelled with if not for her. She filled his life not just with care and tame nature, but she showed him what it meant to be with someone, to be with another creature and to show love and care. She let him sleep in her cave, though far from her and near the entrance. It was a sort of identity to sleep within the entrance to keep those away so no raids come to fruition during the night. Not only that, but being so close would be an unease to her, despite the comfortability they had with one another. Yet this closeness to her was all the more reason why his need to seek further retribution slowly bled out like a wounded animal, and opened up something else inside of him. When it came time to spend time with her friends, it was so surreal that she showed him off casually to them. The few dragons here, Garble a red drake taller than Ember but shorter than himself and the younger sibling of his, Smolder, an orange dragoness. A bit of an envious feeling he had for them and their closeness for one another but he was happy that dragons could love their siblings more than ever. However the true shine of her friends was two of the youngest and oddity of them all, Spike and… Kindle. He noticed that young dragoness was different in many ways but couldn’t quite place it yet. It wasn’t her scale colors of light brown and eggshell white belly, but her shy personality. She hung behind Ember or Smolder more often than not, as if uncomfortable being just anywhere, which was queer in dragon standards. Spike on the other claw was the most known and famous dragon across the lands. His fame came after saving Equestria and other parts of Equus before, yet his status as a famous dragon was not a bravado of his most would boast about… much. The hatchling was very rambunctious but also chivalrous in nature. While Garble was a bit apprehensive of the Black Drake, his sister and Spike held a great sense of awe for him, both basking him with praise at how shiny and wonderful his scales were. Kindle meanwhile was in quiet awe of the dragon. “You look so freckin cool!” Spike exclaimed as he looked up at the larger drake. Smolder also seemed to agree though her cheeks would indicate that she was studying the drake a bit more in detail. “I have never seen a dragon with all black scales that look like armor!” His lack of fear and high enthusiasm somewhat vexed Shard, not really understanding how he found him so fascinating. He zipped around him, studying his anatomy and glossing over how shiny he was, or how he was able to pull off being bi-pedal and quadruped easily. Smolder also seemed to be very studious with the dragon, though she kept glancing back at Kindle who looked like she was mentally taking notes. “What… is it that you find me… ‘cool’ as you speak?” He asked the hatchling. “Like he said,” Responded Smolder. “We have never seen a dragon with your kind of scale colors. At least, not in a perfectly flawless onyx color or so smooth…” A small dreamlike flutter came from her mouth. A small twinge of anger came from both Garble and Ember but for different reasons, yet none dared try to stir the young ‘ness’ away from him. This was probably the first positive attention he has ever had from dragons. Kindle also came up to observe the dragon up close. “It is so rare to see a dragon like this, especially with how overlapping your scales are. They’re also no flaws or damages that I can point out nor are there differences in each one.” She added to their observations. Something about her seemed off and she even had an odd scent. Not like a dragon but as if she had the form of a dragon but no other trait. He gave a small squint and noticed she had a soft aura around her. Spike had one too since, as Ember had clarified, was raised by ponies. He smelled like them too but he was still a dragon below it all. Kindle on the other claw was… “You are not a dragon, are you?” Kindle ‘eeped’ and jumped back, frightened by being discovered. Ember was quick to defend her, standing in front of her. “Relax, she is… a friend.” She turned to her. “It’s alright, you can show him. He will not attack.” Her tone made it clear that it was a command, so he just watched. In a flash of baby blue fire, replacing the dragoness was a baby blue… bug pony hybrid. She had larger blue eyes, a red beetle back cover where he could see pink frilly insectoid wings as well as a head frill in the same pink color. A short stubby horn adorned her little head. He blinked at the reveal, a small twitch of his tail, still witnessing her still hiding behind Ember. “A shifter?” He questioned, though he was more confused than angry or annoyed. Something she was apparently picking up on and slowly withdrawing from Ember. “Her name is Ocellus and she is a friend of ours. I told you how the ponies can ‘change’ an entire race and she is that race that ‘changed’ for the better. They are the newly reformed, ‘Changedlings.’ She was one of the first young ones to join Equestria when it fully opened up its borders for education.” He blinked more, his emotions not in any way negative for her to pick up, but they were also static and controlled, making it difficult for her to gauge his true feelings. She managed to lean out and saw him study more before his focus came back to the other two younger dragons who have been rubbing or touching his scales for the last few moments. He ignored that part and settled to a more neutral stance by lowering himself to be less intimidating to her. “Then, I suppose they are also going to be amongst us in disguise as dragons?” he asked Ember. The Dragon Lord opened her mouth a bit though she had pondered that and looked towards Occellus. The changedling gave a small shake of her head. “Uh…they are still shy creatures and right now she is the first. Plus, they have to adapt a bit to the heated environments before they could be accustomed to it. She took a few months to get used to the area.” Occellus nodded. “It is very difficult right now since heat is not one of our highest attributes to adjust to yet when it comes to adapting in hostile environments.” Shard was a bit intrigued by her and lowered her level, so as to not cause anymore intimidation. “Will you tell me more of your kind then? I have never encountered them before. Can you truely shift into anything?” With an ecstatic flutter of her wings, Occellus merrily loved the idea of teaching others, especially since her role as a T.A. and future role as a teacher at the school was a planned career for her. She began a quick studious lecture of her species' history. While some parts she didn’t like to bring up, it did help that Smolder and Spike helped her get out of those dark areas of their history by stating that none of them had anything to do with it. Their origins and near extinction are blamed on the ‘former queen’ and such. And so he sat through Ocellus’s tale of their grand ‘changing’ and how they have incorporated into Equestrian society and slowly outside of the borders. Some already lived in Yak, Griffin, Seapony, and other areas willingly and without ridicule in those areas. Ember, upon opening the borders for ponies, did give a few the advantage to try and adapt their bodies to the extreme heated environments. While it would take years, he was assured that they too could live and interact with dragons on a physical level one day. He would come to learn about how everything came to fruition between Twilight and Ember and even Spike adding to the tale. He learned about pony culture in history in the few hours he spent with them then anywhere else opening up his views to how things really worked in this modern age. His need to stay angry with ponies was quelled by Ember and his interaction with the current Princess of Equestria. But tales of ponies with other creatures, these stories and history in the making, only missed by months ago, had him wondering if perhaps… fate is a benevolent goddess, for bringing him in a time of great peace amongst the greatest of nations in the world? His attention for the younger ones truly filled Ember with hope and perhaps admiration. As Smolder, Spike, Ocellus and even Garble joined the mix, he absorbed their tales and stories with admiration and perhaps even a bit of joy. The silver of his eyes sparkled and like a hatchling getting their first hoard piece by their sire and dam, he was entranced by them. Soon it became apparent that he had found a piece of his heart in the young ones, especially how they never once looked at him with fear or danger. Even Garble and Occellus had quickly forgotten their cautiousness of him and learned to enjoy the company of the drake in black scales. They laid around him, easing into his larger frame as they enjoyed telling him more tales of their many adventures. The School of Friends by Ocellus, the trials of the Young six by Smolder, the odd and perhaps weird tapping music by Garble, the amazing advancements in technology for the last century by Spike and so on. The first few emotions he had shown since his awakening were subtle but perhaps the highlights in Ember’s eyes. The more questions he asked, his tone was positive, his gaze studious, the taps of his claws as he waited for the next amazing story and the soft wag of his tail tip. These all showed signs of emotions even when his face couldn’t. While he dared not show his true heart, she knew that this was a start and she would damn sure try her best to get him to open up. When it came down to the night, Ember had invited them all over to stay in her cave for the night and just like a sleepover, the group kept the stories and cave festive with joy and heart. They hung around a small fire pit with gems shared amongst them though the changedling brought her own snacks. Shard meanwhile was just as attentive to their stories as earlier. He had many queries and received favorable and long feedback for each one. The flare in his mind of how much has gone from species exclusion to cross-species mingling, had truly been a boon to the lands. Though he half wondered that if not for this recent ‘rise to power’ of Princess Twilight Sparkle, would peace have begun at all, or would any other dragon outside of Ember, continue this same process of keeping everything as is? It did surprise him to know that Spike was the original interceptor of the Bloodstone Scepter, having taken it when Ember and Garble were fighting for it. But, he gave it up to return home by giving it to her because he trusted her in keeping the peace between the species. While it was unheard of for a dragon to willingly give up the Scepter, in known dragon history, he did understand that the young drake’s true home was with the ponies. The family he grew up with and the one he chose over remaining to rule. Ember felt ashamed for leaving that part of the story, but he nonetheless was still happy with the result, especially since she was the one who freed him, not Spike. Another silent thankful prayer to the fates and gods for giving him this beautiful angel. This… light to his darkness that plagued him. And he would never know how to ever repay her back other than his blood oath, except by him giving her his heart. It was a dangerous move, but he knew if fate brought her to him, then it was perhaps more to be than this. He was willing to bet his life on it. And so when tonight of all nights ended and tomorrow would begin, he would give her his heart, to move beyond the sorrow pit of hidden pain and quelling vengeance to see a brighter and more hopeful future. It would not be long after her friends left, when the evening had come, that it was just the two of them and the mood was to say… blissful and calm. He had her to himself in her cave, listening to her about everything and anything, taking it in. And from this, he knew with how close they were to one another, that there would be no other moment, no other chance than now to express this beautiful feeling he had for his rescuer. His emotions would no longer be quelled and restrained as he stood in her grace. “Ember?” “Yes?” A small pause as he lowered himself and leaned close to her. She didn’t flinch nor did she step back, in fact leaning closer to him and his larger form. “I-I appreciate everything you have done for me, for giving me a chance I didn’t know I could obtain or have.” His eyes betrayed every emotion to her, not holding anything back as his soul was open to her, showing her what he truly felt. “I have never felt such care and joy in myself before meeting you and whatever it is that makes me feel this way about you, I pray for it to never end. Which is why I must speak my heart before you, else I could never speak again if given a moment’s notice.” Ember’s heart was pounding, her voice almost lost as the dragon before her laid it all out before her. He was so close to her now, that she could see her reflection in his eyes. They had gotten close now, closer than she dared admit, daring to push a boundary that was behind a wall she hoped that she could help him break. “When you speak, it makes my heart beat faster. When I see your form, I feel weak and young. When you smile or express joy, it radiates so I wish to do the same. And whenever I see your eyes, I see…I see beauty beyond imagination.” Ember’s breath hitched, as those words left her breathless, never expressed to her by any other. By now, their jaws were just inches away. “Ember… I cannot express my heart any further to you because of this concept of lo-'' He froze as the word nearly left him, but not like a mistake but an impossible word to phantom. He left his mouth open just enough to finish what he had to say. “-love itself was never something I thought I would find and yet, my heart yearns for yours. In this short time, you gave me that ability to open it and I, already in your service, would bend and break to your will; I can be ever yours and beyond that if you accepted me.” Ember was speechless, her eyes dancing with awe and pure emotion. Her heart was now beating excessively, to a point that she couldn’t even speak or answer him. In truth, this was the first time she had ever felt like this before with anyone. None have ever approached her with an open heart like this and the fear of her title always quenched the bravery of those who have tried to court her. Yet his loyalty came first, as a test of his will to appease her and her word. His sage-like intelligence filled her with confidence and without questioning her actions. The quick adaptation of her friends and other dragons alike told her he was willing to try to brush past it all. And the fact that he opened his heart to her, unsolicited and with fear of what she would say or do, spoke volumes that no other dragon ever could. Yet, all it would take is a single word, a single phrase to not only change her life, but his own. To bring someone she had just met into her world and experience far more happiness, joy and love than he had ever received. But was this love or merely infatuation with how little he has interacted with others? In truth, she no longer felt the fear or ridicule that would come from this, only that she was willing to give it a shot to someone who was not afraid to open their heart. She didn’t respond directly but rather pushed her head to his own, pressing up against it while keeping her eyes to his. “I am… new to this as well,” She began truthfully, her voice low and bashed with warmth akin to like her first heat, but from her heart. “but I have enjoyed our time together, more than anything. You have treated my friends like… well friends. You have given other dragons a chance, even though I see they are still weary of you and you haven’t fully given back your trust yet.” She rubbed his head with her claws. “You hang onto every word I say, not questioning my command or… that I might make mistakes.” “A good leader makes mistakes, but a great leader learns from them.” His words displayed the wisdom he so elegantly shared. “Leaders of the past never admit to it, which is where they fail short. You have made a few but are quick to find out the flaws and you have even apologized to those you have wronged, even though you don’t need to.” He lowered his head to her neck and inhaled deeply, taking in her scent. “And you are far smarter than your successors. Which is why I would love nothing more than to spend the rest of my days under your rule, under your wings and…” He gave a small lick across her neck. “In your heart.” That sent a powerful shiver down her spine and followed by a strong tingle down to her legs. Despite being half his height, she felt like a hatchling like this. The touches, his tongue, the size that he was to cover her completely and that was just the physical aspect. The emotional one was just as strong. His words breached her in ways that no dragon ever could. Efforts to treat her like a Dragon Lord were minimal but he respected her with genuine kindness and like a normal dragon. She could blame the Blood Oath he had sworn to her but this felt… natural. Natural in a sense where she felt his breathing on her chest and a palm in her back, holding her. He was taking in more of her scent; a rich copper tone, a strong form of female musk that rivaled even the strangest of flowers that resided here and a touch of… lust. By now, he was nipping her or tickling her with his snout, hitting those sensitive spots she never knew she had. His palm held her back as she leaned backwards, pressing himself further and further. She didn’t even remember giving him permission to do so, but she knew that if she asked him to stop he would. She didn’t. Not now, not right now at least. In fact, a small bit of encouragement came from her. “By my hoard,” She softly sighed. “I’d rather it not be uncomfortable for both of us.” “As you command,” He said so smoothly against her scales, sending further shivers down her spine. This time however, it was triggering her lust factor that even he took notice of. Each moment he held her in his grasp, was like holding a piece of something that had remained absent in his life, waiting to put it back in. When he brought her to her hoard, he gently placed her on top of her large pile halfway so his reach to her was just to his head level. Upon laying her down, he pressed his slightly larger head to her. He continued to inhale her wonderful scent, her absolute toxic aroma that he craved. It was the first time he had ever craved a female and despite the size difference, he was gentle. His claws barely left the most abundance of touches on her, making her shiver. Yet his exploration was just that of lust, echoed by her own. But he didn’t want her to believe it was all lust. It was more than that. It was… a need that he never knew he could understand or believe in having. Her eyes, those beautiful amber colored eyes that burned like a warm sun and burned away that darkness he was burdened with. To open his eyes and soul to a possibility of happiness and love that he never experienced in his life. And she was allowing her heart to open to him. As each moment passed, it felt eternal, with a burden of quaking shivers for it was the first time they ever experienced this kind of intimacy. For both of them, yet the need to break that nervous passage was quickly fleeting. All it took was for him to press his snout near her nethers, near her personal treasure that broke that final barrier. Her body twitched, like a small jolt of electricity running from down up. The heat of his breath brushed her outer slit with gentle graces, the only soft part of a dragon capable of feeling ticklish feelings. It took most of her will not to shake as he pressed it directly on her private region. Her legs spread by his larger head, giving him unrestricted access to her body, something she didn't think she would give some drake so soon. He continued to blow soft breathes on her until he stopped and his silver eyes met her own. He still felt a moral need to ask if he could touch her, but it was a silent communication, a non-verbal question that would forever break any normal bond they had before and change it to something far more. A very pleading nod came from her but she quickly became irritated with, "Please… go slow." He didn't counter her gentle plea negatively. He started slow, as slow as he could. His lust was not as strong as most males, but he also wished for both of their first times to be memorable. Even if he would dare not use his whole body to please them both, he would do what he could to make sure that she would enjoy it more than he could, though her pleasure was his own as would it be to bring them both that much closer. One more, he continued his soft breaths upon her slit, giving into a slow pass upon her area. As he did this, slowly her arousal became far more potent as her slit slowly spread open and those heated winds of his tickled her entrance. The pink within glistened and moistened more as he stimulated her senses from just his breathing. Her soft moans are the most beautiful thing he could ever hear from a dragoness, let alone her. It was so surreal that he was doing this to her and not only that, but just inhaling her wonderful scent was like an aphrodisiac that he burned into his mind. After enough moments of breathing on her, did his tongue finally leave his mouth, parting just enough to leave between his teeth and press just right outside of the outer nethers. Ember let out a gasp and pushed her hips forward, meeting that tongue further. She didn't hide her blush, she didn't hide her heightened ecstatic state and she dare not hide the fact that she wanted more. Given non-verbal permission, he pressed it directly on her slit, giving a single lap across the short surface. She gave another gasp as he did so over and over again until she was quaking with pleasure. As he continued to lick the lithe dragoness before him, for the first time in a long time, he felt his arousal fully hit him hard but with purpose. It began a slow spread of his own slit, the pointed curved cone tip barely peeking out. Each inhale and each lap of her beautiful body slowly pushed up further out, spreading larger and longer. Ember by now was a mess, twitching and bucking against his larger head. Her slit was assaulted by his strong tongue, giving him a taste of her nectar without pause. The need for an orgasm and an endless pursuit of it had her gripping his head with her whole body as she wrapped legs and arms around his muzzle. Feeling indifference to the embrace, he further pushed into her mound and finally buried his tongue into body. The reaction was like lightning for Ember, as a powerful course of endorphins ran from her head down to her spine and south, as unrestricted pleasure ran through her body. Her moan was loud and strong, her eyes closed as all thoughts left her mind and her body reacted like never before at its peak. This was just him penetrating her with his tongue, he hadn't even begun to wiggle or sample her fully. Yet her moan was enough of him to continue without more verbal confirmation. He was still pretty big, tongue included so he could only wiggle the tip of it within her core but that was Ember's highlight. His forked tongue split allowed him to touch her inner moist depths that have never been breached while attacking her in two areas simultaneously. She tightened her grip around his head, trying to bury him deeper into her smaller form. Meanwhile the blacked scaled dragon had fully grown out of his own slit, the larger organ which was half of Ember’s size, he no doubt wouldn’t fit with. His own tip oozed onto the floor in a demand to breed, but his will to protect and cherish, beyond that of his oath, was stronger than his want to mate with her. Being a bipedal being however allowed him to reach down with his other claw and grasp his shaft. He gave a few of his ridges small rubs before beginning a slow stroke on himself. Small grunts left his mouth, sending vibrations from his jaw to ember, further making her twist and buck against him. He had only ever stroked himself a few times in his life but this time it felt purposeful and without shame. His grunts soon morphed into growls as Ember’s fluids forever burned onto his tongue like the most powerful aphrodisiac cocktail. By now she was practically leaking and from the way her body continued to thrust against him told him she was close to her climax. A feat he would ensure to be done. With a goal now fully in mind, he pushed himself to bring his partner into a beautiful and fruitful climax. He wasn't going to waste such a precious moment for both of them. He stroked himself to match his tongue lapping or penetrating, bringing forth gulps of pre-seed from his tip onto the floor. His eyes watched as she withered and squirmed in her position, making sure that he was pleasing her in every way possible. He may not have experience with it before, but he knew that what he was doing was working well. As his tongue buried itself within her in a deep push, she finally cried out in ecstacy, her voice echoing in her cave as she finally climaxed. Ember squeezed every inch of her body around him, begging him to not stop as she came for the first in her life with such conviction that it almost felt like she would pass out. Shard stroked himself at a quicker pace as Ember fluids ejaculated into his mouth, fueling his own climax to come quicker too. Her whole body clamping on his head, her walls tightening around his tongue and her screaming out to him, “Lo-Love, don’t stop!” That was a trigger word he never knew he had, but it had the effect he never knew that would help him achieve a quicker climax. He gripped his base hard and with a few strokes more, gave a grunt as he fired powerful bursts of white hot seed to the bottom pile of the hoard. This happened as he continued to prolong Ember’s climax upon his face. Both dragons were in the clouds, unable to really process anything outside of their world and pleasure. It was a few moments, but lasting almost eternally in their minds, burning vividly a glaze of lust and perhaps something that would echo more. Ember slumped from his head, her body relaxing and no longer clenching him from her orgasmic high. Slowly, she pulled back and allowed her body to become calm, a small soreness forming from how hard she had braced on him but allowing her body to recuperate. Shard meanwhile eased his own body though he was not as tense as the dragoness before him. He slowly laid her onto her hoard, letting her rest right away. Carefully placing her down, he looked down to himself and saw that he had made quite the puddle of his own seed. While the bottom of her hoard was covered in it, he felt like it could be cleaned off… maybe. Using his tail, he scraped the dirt over his seed to cover the larger ground, hoping it would dry quickly. Once done, he noticed that Ember had her eyes closed and was softly snoring. His organ slowly retreated and he felt like his time here to spend her was over. Despite this intimate moment, he didn’t wish to over step his boundary. The moment he tried to move away, Ember’s voice called out to him. “Please stay, Shard.” It sounded like a plea, but it was so much more than that. He slowly approached her, leaning in forward as if hoping it was true. Her tired arm reached for his head. “For tonight, you can stay with me.” It was more than just the night for him. It was a signal, a sign, a blessing from the heavens above and beyond that he was being cared for, being touched by someone that didn’t fear him. That tonight and perhaps more nights to come, he wasn’t going to sleep alone and cold. As he wrapped his larger frame around her, she snuggled in closer, feeling his larger form surround her smaller form and she sighed peacefully. Settling more, her soft breathing touched his ears, the tales of a sleeping dragon comfortable and at peace. He stayed focused on her for a moment longer before closing his own eyes to sleep. For the first time, in what felt like a lifetime, in what he prayed for to be a dream come true, he slept happily. A tear leaving his ducts, falling down his eyes as pure hope and love filled his heart, making his world much brighter. The morning was warm, dusk breaching the cave and filled it with light. His eyes were the first to open; his hope emerging once more and seeing her form before him ignited the flames of love. Her soft breathing indicated her undisturbed rest and he left it at that. She was so beautiful, so wonderful and while it felt like just a moment ago that he emerged from the cave, it was not a slow and fading memory that is being replaced with boundless love and care. He gently brushed a claw over her form, caressing her in a gentle manner. It was like touching a piece of the heavens in physical form. He could just lay here and do it all day… But fate needed to test him… A distant rumble echoed, what he thought had been an erupting volcano or it was close to one. However this one had a voice and it sent a powerful sharp and dangerous chill down his spine. The very heavens seemed to shatter, as the voice erupted with the fury of a volcano. “EMBER! YOUR FATHER SUMMONS YOU!!!” Author's Note This one was a dozy and practically hard to write due to how complex certain details were to be added. Most of this was the heavier core of the story and should be the help to ending this short series to a hopefully satisfying ending. The final chapter awaits and I hope that you all enjoyed it. I would also like to thank Barstool for hosting me on their show on Saturday night. It was really fun and hoped that it made their time. The video should be posted soon and i hope you guys will enjoy it as much I did. I will post the link here and in other stories too.
An Umbra in an Illuminated FutureAn Umbra in an Illuminated Future An Umbra in an Illuminated Future “EMBER! YOUR FATHER SUMMONS YOU!!!” It was the most heart racing and fear inducing way to wake up, let alone after a night of peaceful sleep. While an erupting volcano would have never awakened her before, Torch’s booming voice could only ever truly cause worry. Her eyes shot open, her body launched forward and her heart raced a million miles per second. But worst of all, the back of Shard Obsidian was to her and facing the entrance. Dread filled her heart and her mind couldn’t compete with the grueling punishment that awaited her. From both her father and Shard for she had never let it known that her father was the one to imprison the black drake for half a millennium. “EMBER! AWAKEN! WE NEED TO SPEAK!” The urgency of his voice and easily identifiable anger that it carried shook the cave. Her dread was growing higher and she was praying that whatever was going to happen, she wouldn’t lose him “S-Shard?” She managed to barely speak as her voice was broken and unable to really form words. For a moment, he didn’t respond, as if still contemplating it but after said moment, he turned to her slowly. His eyes… portrayed a sense of calm that she couldn’t see but his voice showed volumes. “Your father is Torch.” A statement, not a question. It was simple but yet a million times more powerful than anyone can expect to believe. She quickly stood up and tried to approach him, her body shaking with fear and her anxiety that plagued her form. “S-Shard, I-I-I was g-going to-” No, that was a lie, for she never would have unless it ever came up and now the time has come. His eyes met her own, knowing that it was a lie, but seeing that fear, that pain, that anguish of what would happen, burned away any doubts he had for her. Leaning in, he pressed his larger head to her. “I’ve always known.” Her breath hitched, her mind froze but a comforting brush slowly eased her racing heart. “From the very moment I opened my eyes, I saw him through you. I knew it to be and no one else. While you look similar, you are far from the same dragon.” She tried to speak but her father called out again. “EMBER!” A sudden rage left her, with tears leaving her eyes as she screamed back out of the cave. “I’M WAKING UP! LEAVE ME BE FOR A MOMENT!” That alleviated her father’s ire for the moment. “Then be quick to rise and meet me soon!” Then she heard his giant footsteps move away from the cave. She almost broke down as she felt so weak at the moment. Her body was sore but in a wonderful aftermath of what had transpired last night, yet this crueling wake up call had her shaking with ache. Shard wrapped a single claw around her and whispered, “I forgive you for not telling me.” She sniffed and looked up into those silver eyes of his. He meant it; he truly forgives her for her fear of keeping the truth from him. Despite the secrecy for the last few weeks since his awakening, she felt like an obligation to keep him from seeing the truth, if not to protect him. But yet he was now comforting her, pressing himself unto her like she needed protecting. She swallowed and laid a claw on his cheek. “I-I’m sorry.” He didn’t retract from her palm, his calm and eased tone towards her said it all. “I understand. But know this my Ember, I swore to never attack Torch for vengeance and I never will. Yet if he attacks me, I am… powerless to defend myself. As it stands, I would find out what he seeks from me.” She blinked. “W-Why would he want you? He doesn’t know that you are awake.” Shard brushed his larger head to her. “A black scaled dragon seen around the Dragon Lord for days on end would warrant an investigation. Whether it's him trying to see if it's the same black drake he imprisoned almost a century ago or… it's a father trying to see who is courting and falling in love with his daughter.” “I-I-” “What you said to me last night may have been a throw of passion or lust, but know that my heart for you is true. What short time we had, I enjoyed far more than any in my lifetime. You are my light in the world where I saw only darkness and hate and should we be allowed to live in peace, I would pursue my goal to court you to be your eternal life mate.” Her mouth we let open and her heart was beating rapidly due to the situation yet before she could respond, her father once more called her. “EMBER!” “Go to him, I’ll be fine.” He whispered to her, giving her a gentle brush of his snout to him. She wanted to say anything and everything, but her time was shortened. With a sigh, she gave him a quick lick to his cheek and nodded. “Stay here.” He nodded back and watched her leave. However, he stalled her. “Ember.” She stopped and looked back. He motioned for his head towards the Bloodstone Scepter on the wall. She hesitated but realized, it may be best to have it. A quick retrieval and strapping it to her back, she flew out of her cave and headed outside. The morning sun was just over the horizon and dragons were either still asleep or just moving around. Her father, being a colossal dragon that he was, sat watching the world around him. Ember had quickly put on her angry face, the same one she wore just like him with a slight touch of annoyance as she flew upwards. Torch heard the flapping of wings and turned to her, seeing her reach her height in eyes. When he saw her form, he was instantly reminded of the beauty of her mother and how she was the whole and the heart of his world. That despite the few years they had together, it was memorable, as a family. Ember gave a faux yawn, before fixing her father with a glare. “What do you want? Why did you wake me up so early in the morning?!” While her voice did show her irritation and anger, it was not the same energy he was used to hearing from her. Their form and energy always seemed to match when they wanted to argue or yell at one another but even with the early morning rise, Torch noticed the decline of it. Pushing that down for a moment, he snorted and finally spoke in a decent manner for a dragon of his strength and size. “I heard that a pure black dragon was roaming the dragon lands.” He frowned further and fixed his eyes over the area as if trying to scan for said dragon. “One that has me concerned that he has escaped his confines.” Ember hid her worry and just rolled her eyes. “Really father! You're going after the color scales of a dragon now? I thought we were above profiling a dragon based on their scale patterns, wing size and all that years ago! There are many black dragons here now and if you have a problem then-” “THAT IS NOT WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!” He suddenly snapped at her, the sheer force of his voice almost blowing her away. Ember growled at that, but adjusted herself to glare at her father, only now he was not just angry but there was a vivid boiling rage hiding within him. While he was looking at her, it was not directly for her. She tried to hide her fear and disprove any notion of involvement but that only had Torch lean closer to her. “I know that he is here. The dragon with scales of the blackest of nights, currently residing here. He is dangerous, Ember, he has done harm and no doubt he is the most evil of us.” Ember now grew defensive though she didn’t reveal anything. “Then if he was so evil, why hasn’t he caused damage or hurt other dragons, huh? I am the Dragon Lord now, I know what happens around here and if it's a problem, then I can deal with it. More so, if you truly believe he was that evil, why didn’t you end him in the first place?” She crossed her arms and fixed him with a leer that almost matched his own. “Last I check, you didn’t mind ending the lives of a few dragons if they went against you and your rules.” Torch didn’t show anything but a small squint to her but that betrayed all the emotions he had to her in that moment. He felt that bite in her tone, the callout and the uncensored truth of his ill-faded past. He knew he was no saint, especially in the eyes of his daughter. She had bared witnessed at a young age those who have tried to oppose him and failed miserably by losing their lives. The public executions or the mangled bodies in his ire, were left there to be dealt with to nature or to be cared for by those that were forced to remove it from view. He had tried to keep himself rigid and strong for her even after her mother had… Torch stayed silent for a moment, not wanting to show his own weakness to his daughter. He did give her a terrifying truth. “I wish I had, but he was too young to do anything that would be considered extreme even for a Dragon Lord.” Ember’s face morphed into anger and even a slight horror. Torch saw this on his daughter’s face and felt a bit more of a pinch in his heart but he remained firmed. “I only imprisoned him, for half a millennium of sleep, lest the ponies called their gods upon us.” Ember shook her head. “You know nothing of them, father. They are kind, they are forgiving and they are capable of grand things. If you could have talked to Celestia at the time, she would have been merciful.” Torch gave a slow nod but then sighed. “It wasn’t her I was talking about directly, but regardless, the prisoner is free and I must now deal with him again.” Ember rebutted against the idea. “He has done nothing yet, nor provoked anyone!” “And you protect a murderer?” Her father barked. “You know nothing of what he has done, Ember. You know nothing of what he is capable of.” Torch then paused and this time, studied his daughter further. His brows furrowed more and a slow rage began to rise. While his voice was low, the growl that left him vibrated the very air around him. Ember’s fear grew with it as her father’s eyes began to burn with rancor. “You have interacted with him.” A statement, not a question. A callout and one that she could not deny. If at any moment, she was forced to tell her father, it would perhaps ruin any trust of her in the future. Yet, she wanted to protect him, but how could she? “Where is he?” Her father demanded as he searched around for him. Yet, either foolish or bravery had him commit to it, Shard slowly revealed himself from the cave. The very cave that Torch’s daughter slept in, further fueling the fire and anger radiating from him. Shard met the eyes of the towering dragon, unfazed and undeterred by the coming storm. Ember all but gaped, trying to understand why he would reveal himself, but unable to. Torch all but growled out, “YOU!!!” Calmly, Shard Obsidian responded, “I.” Torch immediately tried to go after him with his large palm but Ember intervened and quickly stood in front of the paw’s approach to him. “FATHER STOP!” Her voice now loud and full of fear and dread, though in her need to protect him, she had reached behind her back for the Scepter. Shard noticed this but stayed focused on Torch. He however did not like knowing that Ember was carrying the Scepter, which even he felt the need to hesitate. “Why are you protecting this beast?!” Shard made sure not to respond towards his hostile attitude. While he swore to never take vengeance, he knew that he could do so without ever having to lift a claw or say much to him. There was an alternative… but it may hurt. “Father! Shard is not the evil you think he is!” She yelled back to him, still protecting him. “He has been kind and calm since his release from imprisonment!” “Did he even tell you his crimes or did he lie to you and snivel his way to your ears?” “I told her what you did not and failed to do.” Shard answered with just as high of a tone to match the two dragons. “I even swore on it.” “YOU KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT, WYRM!!” Torch roared with fury, slurring him with a bile word. “Father! Enough!” Ember roared back with her own anger, though now the Scepter glowed dangerously behind her back. “He told me what he had done and those lives he took. While I do not approve of them, Princess Twilight and I agreed that he can be reformed.” Torch eyed his daughter wearily. “The Princesses know of his crime? And unpunished?” Ember gave a small puff of flames and leered back at her father. “Goes to show how much you really knew of them. Princess Celestia is not a vengeful goddess as Twilight had told me and while you would have met her, she would not kill other dragons for the sake of one dragon. Your punishment for him was invalid but his parents deserved his punishment instead.” Torch continued to stare at his daughter, scrutinizing her for any lies but finding none. Still, he hated the creature that hid behind her and he still bared his teeth. “He still needs to serve out his crime, as I have deemed it.” “-Unless degreed by another Dragon Lord, in which you would tell them of my crimes and make sure they never let me go,” Which came almost as a taunt from Shard without the tone or the sarcasm, but a well meaning reminder. “You failed to tell her about me and you failed to keep me contained.” Before Torch could roar, he cut him off. “And I swore to Dragon Lord Ember,” Emphasizing on her title more than his. “-That I would never harm or pursue vengeance to those innocent ponies and dragons alike.” A pause before the bearest of smirks could be seen. “Or you.” Torch was now on the verge of a full blown rage to unleash upon him, but what only slowed his wrath was by what he said. “Your swears means nothing!” Shard agreed, but Ember answered. “He swore to me that he would not harm or attack anyone.” She then added. “And he swore to me that he would remain loyal, honest and servitude as well.” “A BLOOD OATH!?” Even that was something he wasn’t expecting yet more astounded and appalled that the drake knew of it. By now, a few dragons have begun to eavesdrop from a distance, unnoticed by them but building attention. Both young dragons nodded but still remained unfazed by the larger dragon’s immense wrath. “And he has been honest since I have awakened him from slumber, father, unlike you!” She then waved to Shard. “The Princess has already agreed to reformation, my friends have already accepted him to our group and I plan on making sure that the rest of the dragons in the lands know that he is not the threat you made him out to be.” Torch was heavily conflicted and it showed, as he morphed between anger, rage, contemplation and other non-positive emotions in an aura that radiated from him that they could feel it. Yet he held little to no ground to stand on, despite his best efforts to prove the vileness of this drake before him. No, the only thing that stopped him from truly unleashing his rage was the fact that his daughter held the Scepter and the Will to control all dragons, including him. What would break that ability to stop him? Only one thing… “And why did I see him leave your cave?” The ground itself shook with his tone. Ember blushed almost instantly and tried to look away from both her Father and Shard, though the implications could mean a variety of things, Shard offered a dangerous solution to that answer. “I had no cave to speak of, as is since the exile of my sire and dam in part because of you, their former cave is resided by others.” A pause but then came the truth. “And I plan on courting your daughter.” The air stood deadly still and while Ember knew what he said was just suicidal, it only burned her embarrassment further. Her father didn’t say a single word, nor did he flinch or hesitate when he managed to not only strike, but he did so fast and hard, missing his daughter by feet as he used his tail to send him flying. Time slowed for Ember, with all loss of embarrassment and anger, turning to horror and dread as she saw the smaller form of Shard was sent flying by her father. His body was flung at high velocity towards the cave wall near the entrance. The black dragon cratered into the wall before crumbling over and landing on the floor unconscious. Torch took not a second longer before he made an attempt to do so again. Ember, fully appalled and distraught by her father’s actions, screamed in rage and in fear. Before she gave her father a chance to strike again, she pulled the Scepter from her back and pointed to her father. Enraged with burning tears, she roared, “STOP!!!” Torch froze, grunting at the command and with anger that seemed unending turned to Ember. “Release me!” “YOU WILL NEVER TOUCH HIM AGAIN!” She roared at him, as tears fell from her face. Torch bore witness to the emotional and traumatizing state she was in. Never had he dealt with her like this, but didn’t believe she was seeing to reason. Her state made him hesitate and even become worried as she quickly flew to check on him. “Ember, listen to me-” She turned him in a sharp manner, like a snake ready to strike “NO!!!” she continued to roar at him. “YOU DID NOT GIVE HIM A CHANCE! HE WANTED PEACE AND LOVE, SOMETHING HE NEVER HAD!” “He-” Trying again, but feeling the weight and strength of the Scepter, the glowing red matching the rage of his daughter, reflecting on her eyes. “SHUT UP!!!” His mouth held shut, forcing him to growl internally but then, a slow pass of fear came to pass as she continued to point with the Scepter. “YOU WILL NOT COME NEAR HIM OR ME EVER AGAIN! IF I SEE YOU EVER AGAIN NEAR ME, I WILL EXILE YOU FROM THE LANDS!” Torch felt a powerful sword pierce his heart, almost physical to the point where it almost staggered him. He… he wasn’t sure that he could handle it. He tried to talk but her will inflicted had her give a final command. “LEAVE ME ALONE AND DON’T YOU EVER SHOW YOURSELF NEAR ME AGAIN!” The glow of the Scepter grew brightly and with almost impossible will to resist. He tried to beat the command of the Dragon Lord herself, yet seeing the raging anger and tears that was across Ember’s face, made him weak but failed as his body moved without will to walk away from his daughter. By now, dozens of dragons had witnessed the former Dragon Lord strike a young and unthreatening dragon. While many had been weary of him from the start, seeing him being struck and then falling to the ground, made a few sympathize. They gave Torch a wide breadth of space as he walked away from the area, hearing his daughters cries and desperate attempts to waken that… dragon. What came next, no one knew. “Come on Shard, please wake up!” She desperately tried to shake him awake but not knowing what else to do. There were no medical or healing dragons, not yet since the union between Equestria and Dragon Lands, but now because of this situation, she regretted not bringing it sooner. ‘Equestria! Twilight! They could help!’ But she needed to get him inside her cave. She turned and saw that dragons had witnessed everything and were now watching her. With a wave of her Scepter, she called them over. “Help me get him inside!” While a command, it wasn’t a true demand, rather a beg for help. Six dragons helped her secure Shard and lifted him to the inside of her cave, with her heart pounding as she prayed for him to live. She followed in, not glancing back to her father’s retreating form in the distance. Once inside, she had them place him near her hoard and gently lowered. As he was lowered, she saw that he was still breathing but seemed labored, perhaps with some internal damage. She quickly sent the dragons away from her cave, before jumping to a nearby area where a rock had been flatted to a desk like area where she held quills and scrolls. An unlit candle was next to it and she gave a small blow of her flames, igniting it with her colored fires and she quickly began to write to Twilight. Her shaky writing was all over the place, she kept stumbling over her words which only caused her further frustration as she desperately tried to write something comprehend and not smear her tears across the scroll. She growled as the jumbled words didn’t register properly until she inhaled, held it then released to calm her nerves. Finally, she managed to control her writing enough to send a letter to Twilight whom she hoped Spike was with. ‘Twilight, I know that you may have other things preoccupying your time at the moment, but I desperately need your help! Shard was… attacked and I can’t help him nor can any dragon here either. I know we were supposed to discuss the medical field for dragons but we pushed it back. Please, if you know of anyone who can help wounded dragons or can at least care for them, I beg you send them over as soon as possible! I desperately need your help! Dragon Lord Ember.” A once over before she rolled the scroll and then held it up on the candle. The flame from the candle enveloped the scroll sending it aflame before the magic consumed and sent it zipping off out of her cave and to Equestria, where she hoped that Twilight could help her. She broke down again and cried in her palms, forcing her to shake as the stress and anger washed over her like a volcano on grass. It was a strong, brutal and an untempered wave of agony that mentally tore at her, breaking down any self esteem she had. How could she allow this to happen? Was it her fault for hiding Shard or saving him? Or did she do the right thing and hope that the result would have yielded to something different? Her mind wracked with how she opened up her heart to someone who closed it off because of how her father and the world saw him. A blight amongst Dragon kind, that deserved to be destroyed from history. Why? How could fate curse such a dragon from birth to be hated? Why would the gods allow such a painful hardship for one like him? Yes, a dragon’s life can be a bit cruel and dangerous, but he wasn’t given a chance to be strong since hatching. His sire and dam only cared for him long enough until he could walk and eat on his own before casting him out of their own home. Most dragonlings don’t leave the nest until their first molts let alone until after their wings have grown in. Yet the dirt he was tossed to was still fresh and the icy grasp of death could have come at any moment for him. He bore it through and even when he felt like he had little hope that his parents would nurture his siblings, they took away his heart for good. No dragon, no creature deserved this and now… now because she opened her heart, she may have caused him more harm than good as she tried to show him hope in this world. That the light can be found and that love… love was possible no matter where it came from. She limped over to his form and collapsed on his head, still hearing his labored breathing but just thankful he was still alive. she just wasn’t sure for how long. Sniffing, she licked under his eye and whispered to him. “Please… please be okay. I need you, I need you to stay with me! Please, I-I-I love…” She sobbed and pressed her head against him as she struggled to say it coherently. “I love you, Shard. Just please stay with me!” Her body laid on his form, soft sobs echoing the caves and hoping that help came soon. An hour later she got a response back from Dragon Flame, stating they were coming but it would take a few more hours to get hold of proper help for him. Since Dragon anatomy wasn’t fully explored, it would have to be researched and as well as get medical equipment to help a dragon his size. Ember was thankful nonetheless but begged for quickness if possible as she replied in quick response. By mid afternoon, Twilight and a group of ponies and non-ponies teleported in mass, including Smolder and Spike. Upon seeing them all, she broke down once more and cried, both dragons quickly hugging her as she did so, not judging nor saying anything as they held onto the Dragon Lord. Twilight remained sympathetic, though she gave her time to grieve and hope that after, she could explain what had happened. Twilight being who she was, got who was available not just to help him heal but to further study dragon biology to get a better understanding of them in the future. That including Fluttershy, who was apprehensive of a giant dragon at first, quickly overcame her and began to check his vitals with the aid of other medical workers. Ponies, griffins, and even a changeling alike had assisted her. Smolder and Spike came to help on any explanation on biology questions or explaining anything draconic anatomy. Once Ember had finished, she was coherent enough for her to explain what had happened, including her father’s rage towards him and the fear driven reason to exile him. To save their kind from Celestia’s wrath and more. Twilight furthered her brows and spoke only within reach of her. “Celestia didn’t even know of this incident that she could recall.” She answered Ember seriously. “I don’t even think that this came up to her in any way since that group of ponies did not join Equestria until almost a century later when the borders were created.” Now Ember grew quiet and a bit of bile anger rose from the sadness of her heart as she whispered back harshly. “Then… why did my father believe that he would cause ‘the very heavens’ to strike upon us? That Celestia or other pony gods would come to kill us for his mistake?” Twilight placed a hoof on her chin in thought. In the background, the others were continuing their work on Shard, checking vitals and any physical damage. “We don’t really have gods that are vengeful,” Twilight answered truthfully. “I mean, well Discord may be our ally now but he was only recently reformed. Luna was still in exile and there have been no other Alicorns in history. Only Faust herself would know if there were others but I am not sure who your father was referring to. Celestia may have been our ruler for a millennium but she wouldn’t slaughter or kill other dragons for the sake of one.” She knew that but Ember had to be sure and now… now it looked like her father was lying about the whole thing. About Shard, about dragons with full black scales and more. Had he been lying to her, her whole life or was it just about him? Strong feelings stirred in turmoil and while she felt weak right now, more than ever she felt a strong resolve to deal with her father and get a straight answer from him. A few more moments of talking things out, did Fluttershy and a changeling approach the two. Ember was quick to worry as Fluttershy gave a quick sympathetic glance back before focusing on her. “For now, he is stable and nothing major is endangering him right now.” The changeling, wearing a medical uniform, with three different green colored hues over her body spoke up. “However he was knocked unconscious and an x-ray scan has shown two cracked ribs but nothing else. In short, he’ll recover eventually and may just need to recover on his own. While we are not sure much more about your biology, we are studying it as we help him, to possibly further aid in the future.” Ember released a shaky sigh of relief, almost falling back as she heard the good news. While cracked ribs were a part of Dragon’s usual list of broken appendages when it came down to rough housing including arms, jaws, legs and tails, hearing it still made her worry but calmer nonetheless. “Thank you, for this. For coming so quickly.” Twilight nodded along with the other two. The changeling then added, “It would help to know what dragons need in order to recover quickly as well as what will help if dragons get injured in Equestria, to aid them there. If you have the time, Dragon Lord Ember, perhaps we can learn a bit more from you and your kind.” “If it's to aid our kind for the future, I will gladly help in any way I can.” It was a resolve that they could all work to, especially if this helped Shard and others. Ember did her best to explain much of it for the next hour as the other focused on healing Shard. A few magic users managed to lift him off his side to wrap bandages and applied magical potions on his scales near the area of cracked ribs. Smolder was only able to guide part of it, but his body had to deal with the rest. Once secure and notes had been taken, most of the staff left and Twilight, Spike and Smolder were left with Ember. “So, who attacked him?” Spike asked. Though she didn’t want to bring it up, it wouldn’t do well to hide it. An angered sigh left her. “My father… the same one who imprisoned him.” Both dragons went wide eyed hearing this, though Twilight’s brow furrowed. “I knew that Torch did not like him but I didn’t think he would attack a young dragon, unless provoked.” Ember shook her head. “He was only explaining to him that he was in my debt and that he would never harm me.” She didn’t bring up that he was courting her nor that they had almost mated last night. A small burst of flames left her nostrils. “He believes that some stupid prophecy that Shard would enact would spell doom for us.” “But… Shard has been so nice and kind,” Smolder responded. “There is no way that he could be some kind of… evil dragon incarnate or something, right?” Ember gave a firm shake. “No. After everything we’ve been through, he has a kind and gentle heart. He deserves better!” “I agree, Ember,” Twilight confirmed. “Prophecies and such shouldn’t be taken lightly but if it can be changed or altered to a better outcome, I would hope that it can left to Harmony to-” “My father is not one for Harmony, Twilight!” Ember snapped, though she instantly regretted upon seeing them all jump at her voice. “Sorry, but it's true. My father, he is not keen to pony ways like I or most dragons today are. He is still stuck in his own idle ways of how dragons should be and such.” A sigh left her. “And because of that, it almost cost Shard his life.” For a tense moment, no one spoke and while it felt like it was a poor outcome of old ways, neither creature had a proper way of changing the situation. Smolder did offer a small incentive. “Why not ask Torch why he created that story of the Blackest Night Dragon?” Ember looked up and towards her. “Huh, what do you mean?” The lithe dragoness shrugged. “Me and Garble never heard of this ‘blackest night’ dragon thing until some older dragons brought it back up when we came to visit. I mean, I think that our generation and last may be the only ones to either forget about it or not know about it.” Ember frowned at this, though it did in part make sense. While she did notice that dragons avoided Shard in the beginning, none were really more frightened about him than her own father and perhaps one or two adults. Even then, it all felt super stitious on how they treated the situation. Her fury however would be targeted to her father however and the pain he has caused. This was not lost to the others however when Twilight spoke once more. “Ember?” The dragoness locked eyes with her. “Don’t be mad at your father. He may have hurt you and Shard but it shouldn’t mean he is beyond redemption. Just by talking to him and finding out why he created this prophecy or tale of Shard, may help you understand his situation better.” “He shouldn’t have-” “It doesn’t matter now,” Twilight affirmed. “Just like some ponies can be stuck in their traditions and their old ways, doesn’t mean they can’t change. We are all creatures of habit and stuck with routine, but if something comes along the way that can alter our course of views, then we may be better for it. Some will die with their ways, but there are many of those out there that will change if given the chance. That may include your father.” Ember mulled over her words and despite the annoyance and bridle rage that swirled within her heart, she couldn’t hate her father. Even if he had caused pain by creating this tale, that he perhaps could see Shard the way he saw her, albeit less romantically. She rubbed her arms, feeling a sense of utter confusion, but it was until a call from one of the medics that alerted them to Shard. Ember turned and saw from a distance his eyes slowly opening. A quick hop flight and she was on him in seconds. “Shard! Shard!” She begged, almost becoming hysterical once more. The large black scaled dragon gave a slight groan as he roused awake, making the others slowly retreat but Ember to approach his head. “Are you alright? Please tell me you are okay?!” He gave a sigh and a pained groan left him, but he focused his eyes on her. “I am… alive, my… Lord.” Unsure if he could even call her anything else at the moment. He saw that he was surrounded by ponies, changelings and even the return of Princess Twilight, Spike and Smolder. Tears fell from her face as she hugged him, though he tried to move, she quickly held him down. “Don’t move! You are injured, you have a few cracked ribs.” A groan left him. “I feel like I have more than just that.” A medical unicorn came forward. “You do also have some internal bruising that we have just detected but with your hardened scales, we couldn’t detect it for the first moments.” Ember sighed and rubbed his head. “You should have stayed in the cave,” She whispered to him. “He could have done worse to you.” A soft wheeze could be heard from his mouth, the pain echoing through his voice. “Is he still here?” “No, I sent him away!” The bite in her tone made it well known what had happened. Despite all this, Shard was satisfied with the vengeance he had acquired. His life had nearly been taken but the outcome was once more favorable to his liking by the dragoness that lingered in his heart. If he would have died, he would have done so knowing that at least one dragon in the world cared for him, one that had loved him and that she was willing to give herself to him in these final moments of life. But now came the part of where that left him and their future and whether or not, he felt the need to continue this pursuit further or perhaps change. Alter what his heart desired originally and then become a staple of what will be the rest of his life and perhaps her own. He owed it to the beautiful dragoness before him that much. The drake brushed himself against her and muttered. “G-Go to him.” Ember blinked, unsure she misheard him. “What?” He looked her dead in the eyes, weak as he was but just as determined. “Go. To. Him. Forgive him and try to gain back his love.” “Shard… He… He…” “He loves you like a father should have and was trying to protect you. While it's his fault for this, he is still a father that cares for his daughter.” He then licked the side of her body as much as he could as an affectionate gesture. “Don’t lose something that I wish I had. You have a father still and would regret it if you lost him. Forgive him and then if he can be changed, then show him what makes me special.” She couldn’t believe it. He was nearly killed by her father and he wants her to forgive him? Despite causing all this pain and suffering, he still asks for this from her? Twilight and the others approached, having heard all of this. “Ember, listen to him. It's easier to forget than to forgive but your heart will be better if you make an effort to do so. We all have regrets that can come around later in our lives if we choose not to forgive those who have wronged us. If Harmony has taught us anything, the best things come from us choosing to be better than what we were and overcoming great odds, including forgiving enemies and loved ones.” Ember wracked her brain as those around her begged that she forgive her father, to forgive his transgressions towards her and Shard. The mental turmoil was strong but the pain in her heart was stronger, as for the one in her heart was nearly taken. How could she forgive easily? She sighed and shook her head. “I-I don’t know if I can, yet.” “No one is saying you have to forgive him Now, but you should give him a chance.” Twilight nodded. “It will take time but you can overcome this.” Perplexed, she pulled away from Shard and looked towards them all, feeling outnumbered by their guilt-tripping themes. She turned to Twilight and nodded. “Fine, I’ll go, but please take care of Shard.” “I am in… no shape to move,” He admitted begrudgingly as he laid once more on the floor. “Though I beg that I may at least eat something to endure this pain.” “You shouldn’t eat right away,” Explained one of the medics. “As is, we need to start the process of mending your bruises and cracked ribs. It may take an hour or so to finish, depending on how cooperative he is.” A small bit of playfulness managed to force its way to Ember. “I can make him compliant with a little help.” As she indicated with the Bloodstone Scepter pointed behind her. Shard eyed her, noting the small smirks and smiles of those surrounding her, indicating they knew of her playful nature. He closed his eyes and groaned loudly, either in pain or because he felt left out of the humor. “Just… let me rest then, I'll recover eventually.” “With an attitude like that, it will take longer,” The medics amused before returning to their work. Ember smiled briefly before her frown returned and she walked out of the cave. Before she fully left, glanced back in, seeing the support of Spike, Smolder and even Twilight. It made her appreciate the friends that she had for support and care, feeling that perhaps Harmony was on her side for the choices in her life. Now came the part where she hoped she would be helped by Harmony to forgive her father or condemn him. Wings flared, she launched out of her cave into the sky, in search of her father to deal with him. Torch was far from her home but not far enough to lose sight of. He was one of the few alpha class dragons in the lands, so finding him was no hard feat. His form was sitting hunched over an area facing the ocean towards the western sea, where in a few hours, the sun would set. His mind was fractured and his heart felt lost, feeling ill of the thought of his daughter hating him forever. His actions towards her and that… dragon, felt justified and perhaps even deserved but at the cost of losing her. He now wondered if he would spend his days without her, knowing that the only dragon he still loved in this world would love him again. “Did I make the right choice, my love? Was… Was I right for doing it?” He asked out loud to the skies. Despite the scales, the gentle kisses of wind across his face felt like the gentle licks of his beloved once before. He knew he had a heart, he knew he could love and he knew that he was capable of it all, but… he knew he could cause pain, he knew he could create chaos and he knew that he was far from innocent in his life. The lives he had had taken, the fear he had inflicted, and perhaps most of all, driving away his daughter because of prophecy? The sheer thought alone weighed heavy on his heart and he wasn’t sure if spending the rest of his life without his daughter was a life at all. He was Torch the Indomitable after all… but he was not Torch the Heartless. As he sat there, the soft tiny flaps of wings could be heard approaching him and he recognized them as his daughter’s, even without turning to see her. She had a unique flap that he recorded in his mind since she could first fly and it reminded him of his beloved. She didn’t enter his view, instead choosing to stay in hover behind him. He didn’t turn to her either, as the order of her commands were still in place. His head lowered as he spoke out loud but indirectly to her and away. “Did I lose my daughter?” His voice weighed with sadness and remorse. “Did… Did I fail my beloved for failing to protect you? To raise you to the best of my ability as I had promised her?” A tear fell from his ducts. “Are you here to send your father away?” For a moment, the tense silence between them seemed to give an answer to them both, the air more tense then a moments before a volcanic explosion of intense proportions. While it would be fitting for a punishment of his own to do what he had done to Shard Obsidian, the heartbreak would be more as painful as a Heart attack for him. Eventually. Then the firm voice of his beloved daughter came and she spoke loud enough for them both. “I’m not here to exile you father. I am not here to yell.” Her tone dipped a bit. “I-I am just here to ask why. Why the hate, what the anger and why if you don’t say the right thing, you will lose me. So far, you have only lost my trust.” A small snort of flames left her. However, my friends, my….” A pause as she would have said lover, but responded with, “...my closest ally that you hurt, are begging me to forgive you despite your faults and your attack on Shard.” Torch raised his head and turned to her. His orange eyes met her own, the restraint anger held within, only quelled by those that she surrounded herself with in heart and mind. The fact that Shard himself asked her to forgive him, despite the actions and pain he inflicted on him, was asking her to forgive him too, had him questioning his motives. The giant of a dragon opened his mouth, but could not speak, as the will of the Dragon Lord was still set on him. Ember rolled her eyes and pulled the Scepter from her back and pointed. “Speak, but only in a calm manner.” She emphasized on that last part. Her father sighed as the feeling passed over him. A grunt left him as he did so. “Why… why would he ask you to forgive me?” Ember shrugged. “You tell me? You made him out to be this evil dragon. You created this prophecy about ‘blackest nights’ and what not that you spread.” Torch tried to refute that, but was cut off. “I am not done!” She snapped. He closed his mouth. “You also attacked him, even when I begged that you would leave him alone. So tell me father, why would the dragon that you condemned to imprisonment and hate, beg that I forgive you for what you did to him, huh?” Torch didn’t have a response that would warrant a good answer, outside that the dragon had wanted vengeance. Yet, even if he had, he already had it by making Ember hate him or at least, remotely lose her trust in him, but he also had her heart. It was no mystery now that they were infatuated with one another, but it was more so that they now shared a bond that he knew would lead to a union. They could elope in many ways without him ever knowing, blinded by his hatred and now a fear that he may lose his daughter. Torch gave a slow response. “I-I am not sure what else to tell you Ember. My fear, my hate, my anger got the best of me because of him and the past. Yet, the fact that he stood by you, being near you and saying what he said… I couldn’t control myself.” Ember didn’t say anything, rather she expected him to go on. Torch met her silence with another sigh. “What happens next, I am not sure. Just as many dragons that are set in our old ways, I am as well.” “That is no excuse!” Ember barked with a spit of flames. “I told you, I begged you! That he was not the monster you set him out to be and you still attacked him. Right under me and without hesitation!” He flinched at that, though he knew that he would never harm her, as his move had been precise. But the lingering thought of her throwing herself before him… Shutting his eyes, he bowed his head. “Then… I am unsure what else to explain my actions other than this old dragon’s ways. Regardless, the outcome was not in either of our favors. So I ask my daughter, what is to be my fate?” He couldn’t look her in the eyes, mostly because he wasn’t sure he could if she banished him or imprisoned him. Torch wasn’t even sure he could speak without begging for her forgiveness and sounding broken. He had yet to ask but he knew that harming that dragon, it would not come easy. Tense moments hung in the air between Dragon Lord and Subject, a perpetual enticing of two titans in their ways of who would remain strong and who would falter. Finally, after a moment far too long, Ember gave a heavy sigh and shook her head. “I just don’t understand why you created that stupid prophecy in the first place. I mean, you did so because you hated him that much?” The accusation of creating said prophecy had Torch frown and look up to Ember. It slowly morphed into confusion. “Ember… I did not create the prophecy of the Blackest Night,” Torch then straightened as Ember now matched his confusion at stating that. “That has its place in history of our kind.” Ember slowly took that information in as the news struck her. Her father… hadn’t created the prophecy? But then, what about the younger dragons not knowing about it? Only the older dragons knew of it but that was because… “I-I thought you created it, as a way to keep the dragons in fear of Black Scaled Dragons.” She tried to respond though sounding completely unconvinced herself. Torch shook his head. “Ember, that prophecy predates even before I was a hatchling,” He then cocked his head. “Do you still remember it the way I told you?” Though she hated the idea of repeating it outloud, she did so just to find out a bit more about this prophecy. Ember took a deep breath and remembered the part of the prophecy she had come to hate. “Beware the shade in Blackened Scales, A terrible blight amongst these horrid tales. The Blackest Night buried in hate, only to burn and set upon the world in fate. To be tempted by cold gray eyes dead, to capture your heart in sorrow and dread.” A strong, annoyed sigh left her as she finished. “Lest he be the one to eventually bleed, the scales of purest white, will they succeed. To rise above the Blackened Scales, the light of white will send his ashes to the gales.” It left a bile taste in her mouth, but seeing her father nod only furthered that poison on her tongue. Torch pursed his mouth a bit before responding. “You are missing a few pieces from what I told you years ago.” “What does it matter?” She almost snapped. Torch calmly responded in turn. “The part where the Scales of Purest White, will succeed.” A pause as he thought back on it more. “ The interpretation is that a Dragon of Pure White scales will be born and end his life.” Ember slowly turned a bit fearful at the thought, but kept a more steady and neutral face. “And what else?” She asked, trying not to let this go further into her mind. “His temptation to your heart and causing sorrow and dread seemed to be more adept to what you are experiencing now, is not?” His eyes stayed evenly dark as he continued to watch her. “And the truth was not that he would destroy your heart, but to make it his own.” Ember remained quiet, not liking where he was going with this, opting to remain silent. Torch knowing that he had to fully explain it, would be difficult but he pushed it down to gain back her favor. “Regardless, the ending is not, ‘Lest he be the one to eventually bleed. It is ‘Lest the one he loves; should they bleed, the Scales of White will rise and succeed. Into his heart, they’ll be raised above by Blackened Scales, where their light will burn and send his ashes to the gales.” A slow dread did fill her heart as the prophecy started to look grim on her. Her father looked at her now with worried anger and had moved surprisingly closer now to her. His face only a few feet away and he responded slowly and with the fear that only a father could have. “It would mean that, should there ever be a pure white egg and that a pure white dragon is to be born, he will raise them.” His eyes then moistened and he closed his eyes. “Should you ever let him capture your heart, the part where the one he loves will bleed, that could mean you will get hurt… or die by his claws. That could be a reason why the dragon in white will eventually kill him.” The soul crushing was visible for him as he watched Ember morph through many emotions at once. Anger, sadness, dread, betrayal, loss and more until she finally inhaled deeply and closed her eyes as the air filled her lungs and held it all in. She then slowly exhaled in a calm manner, letting Harmony flow through her veins. She did again once more to expel all of her negative emotions out. Another one before she exhaled, opened her eyes and looked at her father dead set on the eyes and responded calmly, “No, I don’t believe in that father.” Torch stayed silent. “I refuse to believe that Shard will be killed or die by this ‘White Dragon’. He has already proven to me and my friends that he is a kind, gentle dragon. That prophecy that was created a long time ago is ridiculous and will be forgotten about.” She then hovered higher than him so she seemed bigger to her father. “And I ask… that you forget about it too. That you forget the past of his mistakes, just like I have with yours and move on. I will and so will other dragons when they see Shard for who he really is. He is no more dangerous and evil then any other dragon on their greed growth or on a rampage for a lost hoard. If you can’t accept that, then… you will remain away from me until you can convince yourself and others that.” Torch remained neutral, holding his emotions a lot more this time around as he looked up to his daughter. The Bloodstone Scepter glowing but not actively being used on him yet. “I can’t forgive you today for what you did but I will eventually, father. If Shard asks to be my mate, I will accept and we will court. The most wonderful dragon has entered my life and not even a stupid prophecy will keep me away from him. I choose him, I can look past this all and see a good heart.” A sigh left her as she turned away. “I beg that you still have a good heart to either leave us alone or accept my life with him.” A pause and a softer, ‘Please,’ was her final word to him before she flew off back towards her future mate, leaving her father behind. While it was not the outcome he expected, Torch understood what has transpired and what may eventually lead to a union of two opposite souls. Regardless of how he felt or dreaded doing to Prophecy, he felt that he would forgo it all and forgive himself if he allowed his daughter to be happy in life. Despite the ill he wished to inflict on Shard Obsidian, he could only pray that if the darker aspect of the Prophecy had him come in to protect his daughter in her moment of pain, that he would unleash pure hell on the drake and make him regret his existence. He wouldn’t have to wait for the Scales in White to kill him, he would do it himself. His breath slowly left him as the form of his daughter eventually disappeared and what was left alone once more. He did feel a breeze against his face and it almost felt like a comfort feeling that perhaps… things would turn out well in the end. After all, there was no greater feat in life than defying fate and prophecy… Author's Note Fate rarely comes about when we chose lest it be to tempt it and overwrite it ourselves. Next the epilogue
EpilogueEpilogue Some time in the future… Ember had grown and while Shard was a unique one for slowly growing, she eventually caught up to him in the years that followed. Her love, his love, their love for each other grew stronger for one another. Their friends celebrated it, the dragons forgot about the stupid prophecy and the day when she felt a need to breed, she took him at once and without hesitation. The heat caused them both to go far and beyond for one another and it was beautiful. The black dragon approached his now sizable mate with gusto, his large spire hanging below him but fully enlarged and twitching with need. His head pressing against her spread legs and raised tail, as she eagerly begged for his attention. His snout raised it higher up, inhaling that powerful and potent musk of a dragoness in heat. The view was even more beautiful for him, as he witnessed her vent glowing with a small redness around the area. Her secretions had spread and made almost spider web like strings around her thighs and tail, with thick fluids hanging between. The opening was almost pulsing as it opened and closed, begging for attention. The male was struck with an aroma that none can deny and many would fight for, as this was life’s greatest natural drug and its most sought after in the years that come and gone. Shard pushed his snout directly into legs, allowing the strings to cover his face as he made contact with her sex. Upon touch, Ember moaned loud and unrestrained, as her lover took a deep inhale of her pheromones that flooded his nose and wracked his mind with nothing but lust. He stuck out his tongue and lapped up outside of her vent first, catching any stringy fluids in her thighs before diving directly into her sex. Ember shrilled at that, feeling that beautiful and wonderful strong tongue of his attacking her needing hole. She swayed to and fro, growling and moaning as he lapped up those secretions of hers, unbiased to the taste at all. The force of his head directly on it, almost lifted her own hind legs. He was given unrestricted access to her body and while he had almost no control of how hormonal they were, he still had enough sense to make sure that she was satisfied. Shard then sat on his haunches, showing off his impressive spire out loud before grabbing both of her thighs and lifting her up so he could really get a better angle into her sex, burying his snout into her. Ember roared as a powerful spasm shocked her system at the euphoria that wracked her body. Her mate was unchallenged as he continued to assault her body with that tongue, drinking up her juices with ease and almost never allowing anything to go to waist. Her lifted body was now only held by her front elbows and neck, while she allowed him to pursue his drug. The drake was ferocious, unrelenting by the position and while he wanted to share in the action, he only focused on getting her off first. His organ throbbed with needy anticipation, begging for some action while small globs of pre-seed started to form at the urethral tip. He ignored it long enough for him to think about making sure he got as much of her scent and taste on him as possible. The dragoness was roaring and tossing at this point as her mate continued to have his way with her. Right up to the point where Ember let loose a strong roar, she came hard into his mouth, spraying a powerful torrent of juices into his gaping maw and taking in the nectar he sought after. The orgasm, while strong, quickly died out and she was left limp in his grasp. Shard, upon having his mate’s juices in his mouth and covering some of his face, slowly lowered her down, but kept her tail lifted. She was essentially drained and limp, yet that didn’t stop him from leaving her directly on his shaft. He had lowered her sex directly over his own, where the juices that fell, covered his spire in a glistening coat of her fluids. He twitched wildly as the warm glistening nectar coated him from top to base, allowing it to completely gloss over until he lowered her further, right as his tip met her entrance. He paused and looked towards her, begging for her approval, but the roar of annoyance left her before he could ask. “Please Shard, shove it in! I NEED YOU!!” The begging whine leaving her. No pause. He dropped her onto his organ, causing them both to moan as her body quickly took his giant organ into her body. Yes, she was almost his size now but that didn’t stop it from feeling grand in scale as he filled every inch of her body. He sank all the way into her, right at the base of his scales met her sex, spearing his all the way and each ridge scraping her walls to make her wither and twitch with your euphoria of unimaginable levels. They have before mated, but always safely and for fun times, as well as her getting used to his size over the years. But with her going into heat now in her life where she has never been more sure with him by her side, she begged that they finally do it. That she has the dream of starting a family. Both dragons were left panting as they finally and fully docked, with Ember turning to her mate and her orange fiery eyes met his sparkling gray ones. She begged. “Please Shard, do it, Make me yours, give me your eggs, and give us the family we deserve, I beg of you! Don’t make us wait!” The need outweighed her wants, outgrew her doubts and overflew her fear. More than ever, she was committed to be a mother, more than ever she was destined to start a family with him. She needed to give him the family he deserved in his life and prayed that they would never, ever fall apart. He crawled on top of her, going for a traditional feral dragon mating mount, but covered her body with his own, as he leaned in close to her and pressed his head against hers. “I am yours, you are mine. I will give you my all, my everything, my heart, my soul and yours to me. We will have our family and I will love you forever.” “And I you, my love! I swear, I love you! Please, don’t ever let go! Don’t stop!” “I never will!” With their vows before them spoken, he pulled out of her body, leaving a third of himself in her, before slamming back in. Ember roared in deafening pleasure, as a massive spike of it wracked her body. He grasped her body tightly with his own. His front claws wrapped her own, his tail tightly wrapped around hers, his hind legs pressed tightly to her own and his mouth pressed to her own in a draconic kiss. He pulled back out and slammed in again, repeating the process while his mate moaned out loud. The cave echoing with their pleasure and love making, no doubt heard by passers by. Yet that made no difference to them, for their love was well known. Shard began a powerful rhythm of pistoning in and out of his mate, causing unrelenting waves of pleasure for them both. The very ground beneath them formed puddles of their combining fluids, mostly from her, as he madly mated with his soul heart. Every thrust had a reason behind it, far from it just being pure lust, as he loved this dragoness with all his heart. The pure unrestaint and undying love he had for Ember was why he needed to make her a mother. He wanted nothing from her but love and happiness and if he felt that was to start a family he also wanted, by the gods, he would make it happen! He wanted to mate with her everyday to make sure she was egg heavy and then when she bore her egg, do it all again if she so desired! The denied pleasure for the years and decades that have passed them, was pure hell with how they knew they were ready yet but the powerful moment had come for them both. As dragon and dragoness bonded in ways only they knew how to in the strongest of forms. Shard was relentless in his pursuit to fill his mate with his seed. The approaching orgasm seemed so far, but yet was within distance, as he continued to pound into her form. He would not stop until he had completely flooded her womb, making every drop count for them both. Ember was a mental mess, as she could not think long enough in her state to feel or think anything else other than the pleasure her lover was giving her. The strength of his thrusts was just unparalleled to before attempts and the fact that the heat in their bodies was amplified a thousand fold. Their previous matings were tame compared to this and if only the fact that she was trying to get pregnant, made this even more imaginable. Her body was spasming from the constant state of bliss, the amount of fluids that could leave from the quenching tightness of their organs, creating a fountain of fluids in their wake. She had no care in the world other than his love and this moment. Her mind refused to think or say otherwise as the thrusting interrupted any thoughts formed. Shard continued his lustful assault on her body, knowing and feeling the orgasms that she was having. The tightening of her walls at each one achieved, her legs quivering and begging to relax. By now, she had lost the energy on her hind legs, only for him to lower his own, support them both and continue his relentless thrusting on her. He then leaned down and bit her neck, gaining a better grip on her as he doubled his efforts on her. The cave echoed their squelching fluids, the powerful smacks of their bodies and the moans of his beloved dragoness. By now a half dozen orgasms had left her and he was now approaching his first, a hindsight to how much of a strong will and endurance he had to keep up with her. The feeling of it was fast approaching, starting internally and working its way down. He growled loudly into her neck, indicating his fast approach. Ember could feel it, knowing that this was it, this was the moment that would solidify their love for one another beyond just hearts. The start of happiness and love beyond was with the family they were going to start and it began with a mightiest of roars. Lovers became one, hearts completely merged and souls bloomed together, as Shard got a strong bite on her neck, while his whole body clenched around her own. Ember let the loudest roar of her life shake the very cave walls as she climaxed at the exact moment her other half of her soul did. Shard slammed into her three times, lifting her off the floor completely at each instance, as he released his strongest burst of seed into his beloved mate. The sheer volume and strength bulged from base and up, shooting out of his tip and directly into her womb. Her walls squeezed him tightly and constricting them both to never let go one another in the height of euphoric pleasure. Ember spasmed and tossed, only held down by his larger, stronger form tightly as he continued to flood her womb with his seed. The very same womb that was slowly expanding and a small bump forming on her belly as it almost had nowhere to go. By this time, he had fully buried himself in her, not daring to give it a second thought of impregnating his beloved. He clamped hard on her, threatening to hurt himself in the process but uncaring as he made sure he gave her everything he had to her and more. For almost a full minute, their body was in a state of bliss, nearing Elysium standards of heights. Both dragons held onto that moment, trying to extend it as much as possible and trying to prolong that wonderful memory deep into their hearts, as they never ever wanted to forget this beautiful moment. The world to them didn’t matter, as if it were to have ended in that moment, the shock would only come after this, and still be not as memorable in the memories. After the longest and most enchanted moment of their lives ended, did they rest. Both dragons collapsed with Shard still on top of Ember and his shaft softening enough to where a large torrent of their fluids expelled from her hole and in between their legs, leaving a very stringy and wet mess. Yet they could not care any less. Their hearts were hammering still, as they came off their high, with both breathing heavily and just enjoying the afterglow of their orgasms. Calling it anything else other than the purest form of love and merging of souls was inadequate and wordless. Ember had settled softly down from the state of bliss and lust, with tears falling down her face as the enjoyment of it was beyond fulfilled at the feeling of being loved, cared and given a chance to be a mother. Years of it never crossed her mind until after Shard and her fully embracing their love to one another and being approved by friends and allies alike. Two souls opposite of each other, brought by fate of unlikely ways, gave them something to achieve in a form that was left in the very stars themselves. He gave her his heart and soul and she did the same. But more so, she was giving him a family he never had before, a chance to have something that he could never have imagined and a chance that he never believed was achievable. It just so happens to involve her own peace too. By now, Shard had recovered and was resting on top of his mate, his heart, his other part of his soul, while the afterglow slowly dissipated. Their love making was done but will continue long after, with more potential chances of extending for many years to come. His heart was at peace, his mind perfectly content with what had happened and the very essence of his soul was saved by one he did not expect to be. Ember, daughter of Torch, the same one who imprisoned him many years ago. But also Ember, the Dragon Lord, the savior of his life and the part of his heart and soul that would ever belong to. He licked her tears up, still keeping his whole body on her, making sure that he never ever left her at this moment. He whispered sweet words of love, care, support and an eternity of worship as they would start their family. This being a night forever in their hearts and minds, as the dragon who was onced destined for darkness, was slowly ripped from it to be part of a new light. Yet none could see what the future truly held… Months would pass for them both and truth to their constant love matings, Ember was not barren and held the signs of egg within. Her belly grew slightly but so did the amount of care and support not just from her lover, but from their friends as well. Despite certain changes in Equestria, Spike, Smolder, and Twilight offered support to the duo by providing luxuries and items for their eventual transitions to becoming parents. Many of the new advancements of learning about dragon anatomy were so that body support, comfort and care were provided, as well as useful commodities such as a filtered drinking water system, polished and nutrient filled gems and food, along with egg carrying satchel and more items. Both have never felt so blessed to have these kinds of friends and love. Spike and Smolder were on their way to having their own, so it was essential that they remained close and having comfort between one another for years to come, so the family would grow as well. It would be many moons before Ember was finally due and with it came one of the most unusual but well established parts of laying eggs for Dragons. It all begins when the male drake is there for his dragoness to support and provide comfort inside their own home. Ember gave a soft moan of discomfort and slight pain as the small contraptions came. Her egg was coming sooner than expected and she knew it was just one. However, a feeling of her beloved tongue upon her opening nethers was a relief, as he lapped at her opening and lubricated her to ease the slippage of her egg. Though most mates did this to help, it also provided a unique sensual sensation for the dragonesses who enjoyed egg-laying. A playfulness came, if they weren’t in too much pain, that they would play with the egg to slide in and out of them, with the help of their mate. The dragoness would push out the eggs from her, only for her mate to gently push back in while lapping at her still gaping opening. This created a sexual feedback from laying that had the dragoness in more pleasure once the eggs were well lubed by saliva, birthing fluids and secretions. The result was too say… different from other species as it would become a most enjoyable way of laying eggs. Ember was no different. Shard fully buried himself into his mate and lover, trying to make this experience memorable as well as easier for her. The mixture was different then when he normally is tasting her vent, but still had a favorable outcome though the moment he dug deep enough, did he taste and feel the texture of the egg. “You are almost there, my love. Just keep pushing,” He encouraged as he lapped in between her walls to help her out. Ember moaned as he continued to ease her discomfort and morphed into a pleasurable experience, it still felt wonderful knowing she had such a mate like him. As he continued, the feeling of the egg pushing further and further out until it passed a certain area of her walls, caused her to spasm lightly and sent a small torrent of juices to his face, just as the egg slid further and further out. “I see it, almost there my love.” The dragoness moaned until finally, she felt the egg stretch her outer walls and slide from her opening, where a light orgasm left and she sighed in relief. Shard gently grasped the egg in his claws, though as he did, he was left speechless. Ember didn’t hear anything and tried to look at him. “S-Shard, did the egg come out fine?” No response. Worry slowly consumed her. “Shard?” From behind her legs, she saw her mate holding the egg before slowly turning to her. “What was the prophecy that your father told you about… an egg of Pure White?” He asked, as he showed her their egg, which was indeed pure white, but not just white like with other species. It almost sparkled, not with fluids of its own volition and had a certain texture different to normal eggs. For a moment, no dragon said anything, but Ember felt fear crawl up her spine as she thought that not only was a part of a ridiculous prophecy coming to fruition, but also the fact that neither her nor Shard’s bloodline had any white scales. A difficult explanation would be something of infidelity, which Ember quickly tried to deny. “S-Shard… P-Please, y-you know that I-I would never be with-” “I know,” He responded softly, pulling close and gently handling the egg to her. He brushed his head to her own to ease her worries. “We have never been far apart enough for you to be with another. And… your heart is far too strong to leave me for that.” Tears left her as she was overwhelmed with emotion in the moment, not just in happiness but joy that he trusted her to the fullest extent. That despite what this could mean for both of them, he was still willing to stay with her for as long as they lived. She softly cried as he held her and their egg close, feeling the gentle warmth that was pulsing from within, with life that would eventually emerge within a week or so. As she held onto him, he leaned into her ear and whispered, “No prophecy or legend will keep me from loving you or our newborn. I will die to protect you both and love you with my heart, forever.” He then wrapped his body around her, still not letting go as she expressed her emotions and love for her mate and the egg, feeling that those stories of the past would not ruin her family. Tiredness won out and both dragons settled into a gentle sleep of pure happiness. A week would pass as the two dragons kept their eye on the egg, blowing it with hot fire to continue its growth. While most dragons would go to the nesting grounds and leave their eggs by the underground lava stream to be born there, Ember and Shard opted to do it themselves and keep the egg near a personal lava bath to help it grow that also came with the many tools and accessories provided to them by their friends. Occasionally, they would set a kindle at night to keep it hot and ready. On that night, when Ember had fallen into a deep sleep, Shard continued to blow fire upon the pure white egg. As he did, the first sharp crack formed on the egg, followed by another as it continued to shake and stir. He paused, turning to see if his mate was hearing it, but heard her soft snore, opting to let her rest. He peered close as he watched little by little, his hatchling emerging from their egg. “Come now, my little one, come experience the world.” He encouraged me. That seemed to work as the final cracks showed the form of pure white scales emerge from the shell and finally, the lower half erupted with eggshells exploding from below, leaving the top half. He slowly reached down and with a gentle claw digit, pulled the top half of the egg, showing the hatchling to the world, and their father. Gray eyes met gray eyes, as he saw two little stubby horns with a blunt snout, pure white glowing scales and a small form that saw its first parent. Their eyes blinked, a small yawn leaving it before it crooned and stared up at the giant being that was its father. He pressed close to it, letting her feel the touch of its sire. As he did, the hatchling pressed back, slowly albeit clumsily touching his snout with a short front paw. The white hatchling then sniffed at him, trying to register that this was its father and that it may be its protector. Natural exchanges were made as they sniffed and touched one another until both were seemingly content with one another. He slowly leaned in and scoop up the hatchling where it was barely half his claw size and cautiously pulled it up. He studied it further with his gray eyes meeting its own. A few sniffs told him that his hatchling was female. Emotions were not really given from fathers to their new hatchlings other than pride and boasting to others. Yet, this hatchling that was his, made his heart beat faster, his urge to curl around her to protect her from the world and to never let her out of his sight, blurred just the few feelings he had. However, the first words were not the ones he would have chosen to say in front of his mate. “So you are the one destined to end me, my sweet daughter?” He asked, as if she would have an answer. His newborn daughter blinked lazily at him, the energy it took to break from her egg, leaving her exhausted. He gave a small sniff and gave a gentle lick across her whole form, causing her to stiffen a slight with the action but noting the warm and gentle feeling her father was giving her and the comfort that her father brought her. “Well, hear me, my daughter. I am your father, and that over there, is your mother,” He said as he pointed with his other claw to the sleeping form of Ember. Her gray eyes saw her mother for the first time. “I want you to understand that we do not believe in prophecies or tales of grand times. We choose to make our own fate, our own choices and we will not let those around tell us what will happen. You can choose to be something more than a tale of a future ender of my life and my mate, your mother, can choose to raise you to be the kindest, loving, and most beautiful soul out here. I… I however will raise you to be strong, smart and to not let anyone tell you how to live your life.” He carried his daughter over to his sleeping mate as he circled her and placed her near her mother’s head. The hatchling stumbled a bit as she tried to crawl to her mother, managing to move forward and touch her mother’s snout. “We will always be here for you, we will always love and no matter the outcome, you will have us in your heart forever. So be it, I swear and… so will your mother.” The hatchling pressed herself against her mother and inhaled her scent before leaning against her and settling down by her. Ember subconsciously inhaled her new daughter, taking it in and sighing in contentment in her sleep. Shard laid his head near her own and watched as his daughter fell into a quick sleep. “Good night my daughter, I pray for a grand future for you, with love and care from us both. You are the light in our hearts now.” He closed his eyes and allowed the warmth of a family being born, consuming his heart with light and hope, forever vanquishing any darkness in his heart. The Blackest Night, ended by the Glow of White, sending the Ashes of a Dead Heart, into the Gales. Author's Note Thank you for enjoying this short little odd trip with me. This one had a weird place in my heart for what it was now. The ending is a bit ambigious because its more or less how one can see it or others would see it. If the prophecy already fulfilled or not is left to interpretation and for the reader to decide. The ending seems a bit more odd for a clop but i enjoyed writing it nonetheless. I would also like a few people here to enjoy hear my voice in the Barcast, if you want to know a bit more about me and some shenanigans. So pleace give this interview a chance with barcast here!
