In Search Of His Wings 2.0

by Hearnishere123

Rating: everyone
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Other, Adventure, Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe
Length: 11806

This is simply a story of a young dragon leaving home to set out on a journey to discover himself and maybe love along the way. [Warning: World building with a point to the story.]

This is simply a story of a young dragon leaving home to set out on a journey to discover himself and maybe love along the way.

Chapter one is set 122 years before the events on season one. This will be very heavy on the world building with times where action will be added when needed. Time skips will be used to keep the story from dragging in places and flashbacks will be used to define more of a plot later in the story. It is not a AU story because even though it is about my OC's, it will not interact with the mane6 in anyway. Only Celestia will show up in this story now and then. Maybe a few background ponies near the end when time nears the shows timeline but otherwise it will stick very closely to cannon. Rating may change to Teen if I feel like taking the story a bit dark down the line.

Side note: This has gone over a nice overhaul due in thanks to my proofreader Valshe.

Published 2013-05-29 23:20:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-05-29 23:20:02 UTC

The Journey Must Begin

After a very help comment from Desrium. I revised my story fully and even found an editor called Valshe. Who could help with final touches with the story.

There was a loud slamming sound as two rather over-sized doors were pushed open with haste. Two mares rushed into the room followed by a colt which was pulling along a cart. The sudden entrance of the three caught the attention of a rather large mare sitting upon a throne. Her tri-colored mane seemed to flow in the air regardless of the lack of a breeze, a pearl white coat adorned her skin, with a horn upon her forehead and a pair of wings folded to her sides. The three ponies, who had barged in, came to a stop a few meters into the room, where the guards had stopped them.

The large majestic pony on the throne spoke in a soft but stern tone, "What is the meaning of such an entrance? Could this matter truly not wait a few hours as I do have others before you that I must meet with?"

One of the two mares, a unicorn, spoke up. "No Princess Celestia, this cannot wait. A few months ago the crystal mine under Canterlot was open. Today we have discovered something truly out of-" the unicorn was cut off by the pegasus mare beside her.

"We found a large egg after breaking through a crystal wall. It laid atop a pile of gems, like those one would expect to find in a dragons den," the pegasus rushed out her lips with an almost eager tone of voice. Behind the two, the unicorn colt rolled his eyes at the mares.

Princess Celestia drew her eyes toward the cart behind the colt. "So you three rushed here with what you believe to be a dragon's egg in tow. Am I correct?" Two guards had approached the cart after the pegasus uttered the word 'dragon'.

The unicorn mare answered, "Yes Princess Celestia, we believe it to be a dragon's egg. Where under the peace treaty, which you brokered with the dragons, any and all eggs discovered by ponies must be brought forth to you. So the dragon higher-arcs may be informed."

A small smile formed on Celestia's face, "That is true, though if you found the egg behind a wall of crystal. The egg must have been there for eons, which means the egg has already gone into self-stasis to keep the dragon inside from decaying. Making your haste quite unneeded for you could have simply waited your turn." She was happy that there were some ponies that could care about a dragon considering the great fear and hatred that occurred during the Blazing Dragon Wars.

The unicorn colt finally spoke up, "I tried to tell them that Princess, however, they just didn't listen." The two mares had turned their heads and were not glaring daggers at him.

“It is fine you three, thank you for bringing me the egg. You have shown great care for another living being, a dragon no less.” Celestia slightly dipped her head to the three, “That fact alone has pleased me.”

The three bowed as the unicorn replied in a gentle voice, “We are just honored to have your thanks, Princess.”

“I am sure, now if that is all, I must return to my duties of addressing the needs of those ponies you passed before entering," Celestia stated as she knew a few of the nobles waiting will be complaining if she spent too long. She didn't care if they were upset, but she just didn't want to hear them whine about it.

Smiling at the thought of the nobles being whiny, Celestia turned to the guards, “Guards please take the egg to my chambers with care.” Her smile fell on the inside when she remembered most the noble only come to her to whine about trivial matters to begin with. The three left the throne room and the two guards that had checked the cart before, took it to her chambers.

-=-=-

Once day court came to an end, Princess Celestia made her way to her chambers. Upon entering, she grabbed ink and parchment where she wrote down a letter to the dragon higher-arcs. After casting a simple spell upon the now sealed scroll, she threw the letter into the eternal fire that occupied her fireplace. The scroll burned away in a green flash as the magic took hold. As she headed out onto her balcony from which she would raise the moon from.

Nearly an hour passed as she enjoyed the sun set before she raised the moon. Her eyes dwelled on the moon as a heavy pain rested on her heart. Slowly turning to head back inside, she glanced to her left to see rather sizeable scroll a foot in front of the fireplace. Pulling it toward her with her magic, she could see the Draconic Higher-arcs seal before she unrolled it and began to read it.

=---=

Dear Princess Celestia, Bringer of the Sun, Ruler of Equestria and the Equestrian Territories:

The caverns where the egg was found had belonged to a dragon we of the higher-arcs once knew. Her given name was Cruzore the All-Seeing, however, he true name was Serenity Raptor. She was the youngest dragon to become a member of the Draconic Higher-arcs and the first dragon to ever quit. One would say she left a large claw mark in our history.

The last that we ever heard of her was that she had claimed the mountain Canterlot now resides on. However, soon after that Discord moved over the territory. We assumed Serenity had fought against him and was defeated. Sadly your information about crystal caverns speak the truth that she did not go out in a blaze of glory but a whimper in her sleep.

What I am about to tell you, only a claw-full of beings other than dragons even know. We dragons can live for eons, as you know, but very rarely does a dragon pass of old age. It is looked down upon as a waste. However, the truth is that when a dragon is passing of old age they slip into a coma like state where their very soul is exhaled out their breath. Their soul then clings to any and all things living or not, where it slowly forms crystal shards that will keep growing even after mined. We call these Soul Shards, and they carry the very essence of the dragon that passed.

Serenity was far too young for it to have been old age. So most likely she passed from natural causes, like an illness. We would like to request that you stop mining the crystals and return any you may have collected.

As for her egg, we fear it has been in self-stasis for far too long to be hatched by normal means. So you may keep the egg if you wish, for we have no use for an egg that no dragon can hatch. Thank you for informing us in this matter.

Member of the Draconic Higher-arcs,

Athkor the Ash Creator

=---=

Sighing sadly, Celestia looked over at the egg in the cart near the door. Lifting it with her magic, moving it over to her bed where she wrapped a blanket around it. "Poor thing, everything deserves a chance at life," Celestia walked over to her bed and lay down beside the egg. She searched her mind for any spells to hatch eggs. After a few minutes she finally remembered one, though it was meant for bird eggs and not dragon eggs. Willing to try it out, she began casting the spell on the egg, but with more magic behind the spell than normally required. A full minute went by with nothing happening, so she slowly began to push more magic into the spell.

After raising the amount of magic a few more times, the egg blew open with a flash of orange light that resembled the dawn sky. Once the light faded, she saw a little baby boy dragon, with reddish orange scales, a simple and short orange mane running down its back. His face held a pair of ocean blue eyes, while upon his tail laid a short blade.

She smiled down at him, "Hello little one."

As her words ended, he smiled back up at her and begun to wag his little tail, which began to slash through the blanket without a care. This made Celestia giggle softly as his sheer innocent destruction. Before his tail could slash into the bed itself, she lifted him up with her magic till he was at her eye level. Being lifted into the air caused him to tense up and stop moving his tail.

"From this day forth, your name shall be Slash," she paused at she remembered his birth mother’s name, "Slash Raptor. How does that sound?" The baby dragon simply began to wag his tail once more in happiness.

-=-=-

The sound of two doors being opened behind Celestia broke her out of her memory of the past. A reddish-orange creature about pony height entered the room, closing the doors behind it. Pausing a moment, “Mother you called for me?” waiting for acknowledgment of his presence.

Celestia looked back and gave him a gentle nod as they made eye contact. “Why yes my dear Slash I did,” she paused as if stalling from having to speak what was on her mind. “How many years has it been since you were born dear?”

Slash sighed knowing full well she knew how long it has been. Deciding to humor his mother to see what she truly was thinking about, he said “Nearly 30 years now, why do you ask Mother?” he asked as he slowly walked up and sat beside her on his hind-legs.

She slowly bent down and kissed his forehead gently before turning her head back to gaze out upon her kingdom once again. “Over that time you have grown into a well-mannered son, learned all that I or the tutors could teach you, competed self-defense training and gained true respect from my court, instead of the mild disdain that they had held for you all these years.” Those last few words pushed a small grin upon her face. “Now I know growing up here has never been easy on you considering the mistrust for you behind nearly every smile and the massive amount of duties that were pushed onto you. However, despite all that, you have endured better than even I had hoped.”

He coughed gently before stating, “Mother you are sidestepping the reason you called me here. I can tell by the way you are looking out upon the kingdom rather than looking at me while you talk.”

Giggling softly at the fact she was caught. “I have long seen the look in your eyes when you look out at the kingdom. You wish to travel across Equestria to meet the ponies and to grow more as a dragon. Am I wrong?”

Once again we sighed at the fact that he knew his mother already knew the answer to the question she asked. “No mother, you are not wrong. I do desire to see all of Equestria and maybe earn my wings along the way.” he turned his head to take a glance at his back. His back was bare except for his flowing orange locks running down his spine.

She knew how much he wanted to earn his place in life. That fact was known to all within the castle. Leaning down she nuzzled his cheek gently before speaking with a softer, motherly tone. “Which is the reason I called you hear today, my dear Slash. I feel you are old enough and wise enough to take this journey across the land.” She smiled as he had turned his head back around by now and was looking directly into her eyes. “Though I wish I could join you on your journey, you and I both know I cannot. Being a princess prevents me from setting off on such an adventure.”

Slash knew what she said was true and he knew it would take a very long time to travel on his claws. Breaking his eye contact with his mother to look out upon the kingdom, his smile began to turn to a slight frown. “Are you sure about this mother? Who knows when I will be back, or if I will even be back?” Clenching his claw as those words left his mouth. “I know I can write to you anytime, and I will. Yet, I don’t really want to leave you mother. You always seem to over work yourself to the point I have to beg you to take a break.” Those last words crawled out from his mouth drenched in his fear for his mother’s health.

Once more she giggled but this time at his concern, while fully knowing that would most likely happen. “How about this, if you promise to write me weekly about how you are doing, then I shall take one day off per week as long as you are gone.” Her words were true, and held no other plan within them.

He bit his lower lips softly, to avoid his fangs which would cause him to bleed. “I guess I can accept those terms. Though, I am still unsure of leaving. What if they fear me? After all I am a dragon, mother. Those ponies here in Canterlot have grown used to having me around and yet I still see fear in the back of their eyes.” He looked down at his claws and sighed softly.

“My dear Slash Raptor. The fear you see is primal fear that they have no control over. You sound like…” Her voice trailed off for a bit before she could refocus. “You remind me of someone who was very dear to me. She did not understand that the fear our ponies held in the back of their eyes was not fear of her but fear of her dark nights and what the darkness hid from their eyes.”

Turning her head to the setting sun, she paused for the next few minutes until the time came for her to raise the moon. Once the moon was up in the now night sky she turned back to her son. “If you wish, I can have your royal attire altered to bare my royal seal to prove that you are under my protection.” Though she didn't want to have to resort to such a thing, for she had faith that her little ponies would behave kindly to her son even without her seal.

Leaning against his mother ever so slightly, “I do not need your protection mother, but I would like to have it so it will feel more like you are there beside me. Throughout this journey that lies before me, I could really use someone to walk beside me, if not in spirit alone.” He gently nuzzled against his mother, knowing it would be many, many years before he could feel her warmth again.

Celestia smiled at her son, happy that he had chosen to go forth and grow as a young dragon instead of staying under her protective wing. She reached out with her magic, grabbing a quill and parchment, and began to write a letter to the royal tailor requesting Slash’s attire to be changed. “Do you wish for me to send letters off for any and all supplies you will need for the journey, my dear Slash?”

Slash simply shook his head, “Just the attire change, I shall gather the rest on my own, mother.” He spoke softly, but a thought came to his mind. “Maybe a larger saddle-pack as well, but I truly need to gather the rest for myself if I intend to live by myself from here out.”

She understood, and simply sent the letter off once she added the saddlebag request to it. With an uneasy smile she looked upon her son, “It has been forever since you slept under my wing. How about you sleep here with me for old times sake?”

Smiling as he looked up at his mother, “I would love to mother.”

That night, like they had done many years back, Slash slept curled up to his mother, with her wing as a blanket draped over him. They both were at peace once more, knowing that this would most likely be the last time they could ever be like this again. Slash had reached his growth limit for the next 70 years or so. They both knew that his journey of self-discovery would take a lot longer than seventy years, and yet they both knew that this would be the right thing to do. Slash needed to grow more as a dragon, and he could never do that while he was locked up in the castle. In the morning, Celestia, his mother would gather her court to make the announcement about her son leaving and for them to help him get set for his journey.

In the morning when he woke up, he had found the help he needed from the court and the guard. It took him a few hours and some hard bargains with the guards, but he had managed to gather all of what he needed. While still setting up deals with the guards to make sure Celestia didn't push herself too hard. He spent most of what was left of the noon to plan out his journey. By late evening he had set forth, to explore Equestria.

The Long Road and Thoughts Of The Past

It would take Slash a full day to walk down the mountain road which clung to the rock face. With a glance he noticed the Sun was setting, which meant the trek down would become a bit trickier under the night sky. However, he didn't want to wait another day to set forth on his journey. Knowing that him worrying about it now would lead to nothing, he began thinking about this road in which his journey would truly begin from.

A smirk formed on his face as he remembered the history of how the road came to be. The road had been carved out sometime over nine centuries ago by earth-ponies and unicorns so they could reach Canterlot safely. There were safer ways to reach Canterlot, however, the unicorns would never belittle themselves so far to think of asking the pegasi for help. While the earth-ponies, who didn’t really hold much hate for the other races from olden days, simply preferred to keep their hooves on the ground where they felt they were in control of their surroundings. These facts ruled out all air travel, which only left a three day hike through the treacherous landscape of the mountain to reach Canterlot. It was like this for almost a decade, until the unicorns had an idea of clearing a path out of the mountain for faster and safer travel. However, when they tried to make such a path, it only lead to a few landslides. Hurt, beaten and ready to give up, a few earth-ponies approached them with an offer to help build the road on the condition it was free to use by all who wish to travel it. Of course the unicorns were reluctant at first, not wanting to appear as desperate as they truly were. In the end, they agreed and slowly began to clear the land away with direction by the earth-ponies warning them on which piece of rock would cause a landslide. The path took nearly a year to finish, but once finished the Princess offered them a few deeds to some Canterlot land to make their homes.

‘Mother once told me she was so happy to see the unicorns finally taking help from the other races and the deeds were her way of hoping they would keep working together to help build a better bond between the races.’

With the thoughts of the road’s past leaving his mind, he slowly began to realize that the hours had seemed to pass him by. The moon hung high in the starry night sky, while he was nearly to the base of the mountain and the road’s end. Shaking his head slightly, while letting out a low laugh, ‘Mother did warn me about spacing out like I normally do. Guess I should have listened to her.’ A small rumble from his belly interrupted his internal thoughts. Sighing, he stopped moving for a moment as he reached into his large saddle bag, pulling out a nice sized crystal. ‘Behave yourself now, I don’t need to get lost in the history of the crystal caverns and how my egg was found there, at least for now.’ He slowly began to crunch the crystal, enjoying the taste. After that his stomach returned to being calm.

As he continued down the road, he could already see the small inn that many a pony would spend the night at before heading up to Canterlot in the morning. He had heard of it from the travelers who always came to seek his mother’s audience. Shrugging off the thought and memory of how Faust dam boring those could be, he simply dragged forward, not wanting to stop for rest for the night just yet. Slash simply passed the inn with little care for it, heading for the three way fork in the road. The left one would take him to Baltimare, which the journey to would take weeks to reach it with nothing much to really look at. The middle road led to the small town of Ponyvile, which was the nearest town to Canterlot, but not much else to the town. Finally, the right road led under Cloudsdale, through wonderful landscapes just to reach Vanhoover. Needless to say he had chosen the right road, even if it took a week longer to get to than Baltimare.

Slash kept treading along for what he could only assume was an hour or so. Soon enough his body started to complain, wanting to rest, maybe even sleep. 'I guess I have walked enough for now,’ he thought as he came to a stop.

Looking to the sides of the road, he spotted a nice small clearing he could sleep in. ‘Better than nothing, though a bed would be nice,’ he shook his head a bit.

‘No, no, no. I have to grow used to this. Sure the only time I have ever gone camping was when in the castle gardens when I was ten, but I still ended up running through the castle to sleep in my bed.’

A small laugh escaped his lips from the memory, ‘Get it together Slash! You acted so happy about setting out on this journey to discover yourself. Don’t start regretting it over a stupid bed, are you a wimpy noble pony or are you a brave royal dragon?’

The bushes began to rustle which made him flinch before he saw it was simply a raccoon. A moment passed and he deadpanned as hard as he could, ‘Well it is official; the dragon raised by Celestia herself is nothing more than a wimpy noble with his hooves barely muddy.’

Sighing he walked over to the clearing and lowered himself, resting his head on his claws. ‘No wonder mother thought it was a good idea to let me leave on this journey. I mean I can hold my own in one-on-one combat with the knights but I complain when I have to sleep on the ground and flinch when I am caught completely off guard by a small woodland creature. Dam I am pitiful.’

With his eyelids slowly growing heavier, ‘Note to self, grow a spine.’ With that he closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep..

-=-=-

The Sun was a quarter of the way in the sky before the Slash began to stir. Wanting to simply stay asleep for bit longer, sadly this would not happen as his mind rushed back to him. His eyes shot open remembering he was lying on the side of the road and not in his comfy bed back in the castle. Of course opening his eyes so fast let the rays of light flood in.

“Crap, that stings!” he yelled as he shut out the light from his eyes. ‘That was stupid of me.,’ he groaned. Slowly, but steadily, he stood up and reopen his eyes carefully. Stretching just a bit to wake his muscles, ‘Damn, my body is so stiff. Well night one of many to come has ended. I do hope my body gets used to this by the end of the week.’ His eyes began to scan the road before glancing at the Sun the best he could.

‘It seems to be near noon, guessing from the near high hanging Sun.’ sighing he reached into his bag and pulled out a crystal about half the size of the one he munched last night. Eating it before his stomach could bug him about it, he could feel slated enough to keep moving.

Taking a step forward he felt his tail pull him back nearly tripping him. With a glance back he saw his bladed tail tip was impaled in a tree behind him. “Buck… I forgot to put the sheath over it when I left the castle.”

Taking a few steps back and turning around to grab his tail with his left fore-claw. Pulling on it a few times before it came loose, as he let go of it. Sitting back on his hind legs, he pulled his large saddle bag off and began to dig in it for his sheath. After a few moments, he pulled it out of his bags and placed it over his bladed tail before latching the strap that held it in place.

‘I need to get my A game on. Making simple mistakes like this was foalish of me.’ Sighing at his self-scolding of himself, before throwing the saddle bag back on and started walking down the path knowing he had time to make up for oversleeping.

-=-=-

Time seemed to pass as quick as the landscape did. He had not attended to sprint down the road like he had, but it did feel quite nice to feel the wind blow through his short orange mane that ran down his spine and stopped three-fourths the way down his tail. Celestia told him that from all the dragons she had ever seen, there never any with a mane instead of spines or scales running down their spines.

Slash soon focused his thoughts on the as he saw a speck in the distance, ‘I wonder if it is somepony coming or going to see mother.’ Slowing his run down to a light jog for the next few minutes, he noticed the speck did grow larger, however, not as large as it would be if it was heading toward him. ‘Well that answers that he is going, though he could have just passed through Ponyville or something,’ Those thoughts were soon pushed aside as unimportant, like most of his thoughts.

Nearly half an hour passed by, before he seemed to be slowly catching up with what he could see was a wagon. As he approached, he noticed a little filly sticking its head out a side window in the wagon. Once the filly’s eyes caught glimpse of Slash, he could hear a shout and the wagon came to a stop. Slash sighed, ‘Please don’t be the type of pony that hates dragons and or does not know about me via the rumors that are sure to have spread from when mother took me in as her son.’ He hoped as he finally caught up to it as a large stallion walked to the side of the wagon to look at what his foal was yelling about.

The stallion was tall but bulked earth-pony, had a light blue coat, nearly cyan but not quite. His mane was grey maybe silver and was spiked out a bit like he had not combed it since he was born. A small true blue cloak covered much of his body. None of that mattered as much as his greenish eyes, which were glaring at Slash with a fiery anger. Which caused him to come to a dead stop as the stallion spoke

“Come any closer and you will regret it beast.” The tone was stern but there was an underlying quiver in it.

Over the years of being forced to watch his mother deal with the nobles, he had learned to pick up on bluffs and lies. ‘Don’t do anything foalish Slash, he has not noticed your attire but it is clear he is not looking for a fight,’ Relaxing a bit Slash lowered his head to show he meant no harm.

“Please do not fear me, for I mean you no harm. I admit the sight of me galloping toward you would seem frightening. However, I am simply traveling along the path same as you. My name is Sir Slash Raptor, a drake simply on a pilgrimage of self-discovery.” Slash knew he wasn’t on a ‘simple’ pilgrimage nor was he a simple drake, but the more he can ease the colts concern, the better.

The stallions left eyebrow lifted a bit as he began looking over Slash. Still unsure about the dragon, he could tell this ‘Slash’ did not mean him any harm, at the moment. “I am not convinced, but I should at least introduce myself in return. My name is Brave Boulder, and my little one inside is Summer-Blossom Boulder. Now with that out of the way, would you be kind enough to explain what a dragon is doing in Equestria?” Brave asked with little to no hint of fear in his voice now. Though like the others in Canterlot, there was fear in the back of his eyes.

Nonetheless, it was a warmish greetings, which put a smile on Slash’s face as he raised it slowly. “I was hatched here in Equestria; it is my home as much as yours. Now about me being on the road, well my mother, um,” pausing to consider his words carefully, “The one who hatched and raised me thought I should travel so I can grow more as a dragon.” Slash stated with the least amount of details he could. If this pony did not know that he was hatched by Celestia herself, then this could go off less formal and more ‘normal’. Though he had to admit that when a pony talks to a dragon it could never really be normal.

Brave gently nodded at Slashes words as he processed them. Without warning his eyes shot open for a few seconds before returning to a more normal shape. With a few glances at Slash’s attire, he realized his thoughts were right, “I am guessing you were born in Canterlot?”

At those words, Slash’s hopes were dashed and he lowered his head before nodding. “Yes sir, I was born there,” softly biting his bottom lip.

That caught Brave’s eye, which made him realize the dragon might have left that out thinking Brave had not heard the rumors. “I, eh, let us forget I mentioned Canterlot. I can tell now that you are harmless, well as harmless as a dragon can be.”

Perking up a bit, Slash looked Brave in the eyes once more, “Thank you sir, that would be nice, though I guess you know who I am.” Sighing softly, “I had kind of hoped you didn’t know. May I request not to be treated in any formal manner?”

Brave let out a might laugh, “And yet your attire seems to state otherwise.”

“I only have the symbol embedded as a reminder of… mother. Though you do have a point, however, without knowing who I am, somepony would just think I am protected by her,” Slash stated, though knowing it was a flimsy counter point.

Turning his head to go back to get in the wagons harness, “I can somewhat see what you are saying.” Pausing for a second, “Can we walk and talk? I don’t mean to be rude, but I would like to gain some more ground before evening.”

Slash had to agree with Brave on that point. Nodding slightly he began to walk alongside the wagon to the front as Brave was slipping into the harness. Soon the wagon began to move and they slowly got into a nice pace before picking the conversation back up.

Brave started before Slash could, “So how far are you heading?”

“Well first stop for me is Vanhoover, then all of Equestria!” Slash proclaimed with a big goofy grin, which showed off his sharp fangs without him noticing.

Brave was taken aback by his goals, “By your grin I can tell you are not joking. Then I guess the question becomes, why Vanhoover first?”

Those words caught Slash by surprise, “The view along the way of course. Passing under beautiful Couldsdale, through a few lovely valleys, and the city is said to be breathtaking from the hilltop before entering the city. I consider it a perfect trek to start my journey!” he exclaimed at the end.

Letting out a heavy toned bit of laughter, “You might be right about the view, however, it is all hill country, with at least two paths over mountains. This is the smoothest part of the trek there. Slash, you have chosen the longest and roughest road in all of Equestria as the beginning to your journey. I would almost feel sorry for you if I wasn’t doing the same.”

This just struck Slash as hard as his combat instructed did when he first met him. He had never thought the terrain would be so rough. In all the books he read, never once did they ever mention anything other than the beauty of this road. “Please tell me you are kidding. For I have never read that in any of the books I have read.”

Brave smirked, “Did you know most books about Equestria are written by Pegasi?”

His jaw dropped at the realization, had those books really written by pegasi, and then of course they would leave out how tough the trek was due to them simply flying. “If what you said it true, then I am in for a painful trek, am I not?”

Doing his best to keep his smirk from forming into a goofy grin, “Unless you read ‘An Earth-Ponies Guide Across Equestria’, you have never read a travel book by a Unicorn or a earth-pony. Which means you have no idea what the terrain of Equestria really is like.”

Brave’s words stabbed Slash hard, causing worry to creep in about the other paths he had chosen for his journey. “I am sure it can’t be as worse as the three day trek that ponies had to take to get up to Canterlot before the path was carved.”

“I assume you have never walked that path before,” Brave inquired in a serious tone.

“No I have not, but ponies broke limbs on that path, so how bad can a made road be?” Slash said with a fearful hope.

Nodding to that point, “True, but the point I was trying to make is. Are you prepared for this trek or do you only think you are?”

“Maybe not the roughness of the road, but I am set to travel across Equestria. If I end up not being prepared, then I deserve whatever happens,” he explained in a regretful tone.

Once again that had made Brave take another thought about Slash. “Well at least you now know how hard it is going to be,” he was interrupted by a few giggles from behind him. Not needing to look back to tell who it was, “Summer, since you no longer seem afraid, why don’t you introduce yourself,” in a almost happy tone of voice.

Slash had his head turned looking back at the small filly. When she noticed he was looking at her she let out a soft ‘eep’ before ducking back into the wagon. A smile slipped to his face from her cuteness, though she might just be normal, but he couldn’t tell since he had rarely seen little fillies. ”She seems to still be a bit scared of me. Anyway, I must say, you seemed to become friendly to me a bit too fast to be normal. May I ask why that is?”

“Simple, I realized who raised you. Knowing that one fact alone tells me you would never hurt anypony on purpose. Though I still don’t fully trust you, I have faith that Princess Celestia raised you right,” Brave stated as straight as he could to Slash.

He had feared that was the reason. Basically he had been given fake friendliness from the fact his mother was ruler of Equestria and would never raise a being that could ever harm her little ponies. “I rather you did not realize who I was, to be honest.”

“You know if I didn’t realize who you were back there, we would still be having our standoff no matter your attire. I can understand not wanting to deal with being treated formally, but when you are on the road time means everything.” Brave stated the last part as though it was an unwritten rule.

He had a point even if Slash didn’t really want to accept it, “I will try to remember that. Thanks Brave.”

“You’re welcome.” looking at the sky, he saw the sun was hanging low, “How about we pick up the pace before it gets dark?” Brave asked hoping to make up even more ground.

Slash just nodded and kept pace with Brave as he sped up. Sure he had just met this pony, but Brave seemed to be a seasoned traveler. Which meant it would be wise to listen to and learn a bit from him. Besides, Slash would most likely stop at the Cloudsdale outpost that lies on the ground below it for a while. There they would say good bye to each-other, until then he should enjoy having somepony to talk to.

-=-=-

The next few hours seemed to pass slower than Slash would have liked. Mainly due to the fact that he could not enjoy the surrounding landscape like he wanted to. However as the sun began to touch the horizon, he noticed Brave begin to slow, “Are we just slowing down or do you want to stop soon?”

It took a while, as though Brave was thinking about it. “I will be stopping and pulling off to the side in that clearing ahead. You can do as you please, though I won’t force you to stay or go. Besides, we barely know each-other, so I don’t really have a strong position on the matter since you appear harmless.” His tone was flat but firm. From all Slash could tell he was not insulting him.

Though Slash would admit that he wasn’t always right when listening to a pony’s voice. He was better with reading eyes, “If you do not feel that I am imposing, I would gladly camp with you and your daughter for the night. To be honest, I am in no real hurry to get to Vanhoover.”

“Well I guess that is fine with me.” Slowly pulling off the road before stopping, “May I ask why you are not in any hurry?” Brave said as he slipped out of the harness and slowly turned, jumping onto the front seat of the wagon, about ready to go in and check on Summer.

Slash kept moving a bit farther to the side of the wagon for room to lie down. “I am 30 years old; I have at least one thousand years, if not two, more to live. Mother told me the Elder dragon diplomats never talk about their age. So she honestly doesn’t know how long I will live,” he turned around before sitting on his hind-legs then lowering himself onto the ground. “I figure at my slowest pace and not counting in if or when I gain my wings. It rounds to 40 years easy, without counting for any and all side tracking I may end up doing.”

The life span of dragons struck Brave hard with envy, and yet sadness. He realized that no matter how many friends Slash made, they will all die leaving him behind. Sure he would always have Princess Celestia, but that made it sadder. He could tell Slash treated her as if she was the one who had laid him. If Celestia felt even half that about him, then as a parent, she must have had a few nights fearing that she might outlive her own son.

He was broken from his thoughts by a small hoof poking his side. Turning he saw Summer poking her head out from the fabric covered door, while her hoof was resting against his side. “Daddy, you okay?” she said with her quite usual voice.

“I am fine sweetie, how about we go inside and I will make us dinner?” he asked hoping to hide his pity for Slash. Summer stepped back to allow him inside where he began to make a small dinner for the both of them. Outside, Slash was already chowing down on a small red crystal, one of his favorite tasting, though real gems tested sweeter.

Once the crystal had settled in his stomach, his mind started to kick back into full gear. Though it was not about how rough the roads he had chosen for his journey would be. Neither the fact that Brave was not truly being friendly, but just showing a bit of kindness due to Slash’s mother being Princess Celestia. No, his thoughts were focused on how he should make his first impression at Cloudsdale Outpost. Should he walk out of the forest alongside Brave, or should he let Brave go on without him so Slash would not get him or Summer mixed up with any bad reactions towards him. If one thing could be said about pegasi, it was that if there was nothing blocking the view, they could see for great distances. Slash would instantly be spotted once he left the forest.

Before he could think much longer on the topic, Brave slowly walked out of his wagon. Sitting on his back hind-legs, Brave just stared at Slash. This, to say the least, un-nerved Slash, for there was something in his eyes that he had never seen in the eyes of any of those in Canterlot. Their staring lasted for a bit before Brave finally spoke, “You know you are asking to be hurt. Setting out on a journey to see Equestria and meet many ponies along the way. I can tell you are smart enough to know what will come from this, am I wrong?” the words traveled along a tone of sadness.

Slash simply rolled his eyes before looking at the now raising moon, “You are not wrong; however, that is the whole point of my journey. One cannot grow from peaceful, uneventful meetings. Only through butting heads, finding differences, and trying new things, can one truly grow as a pony or in my case a dragon.” Lowering his gaze back down to Brave, “I am sure that you went through this in some form or another when you were just a young foal. However, this journey is my foalhood. Being a dragon simply means that my foalhood lasts longer than a ponies, and must be a far more difficult experience.” A soft sigh escaped his lips, “I have worries about how bad things could and most likely will turn out. But my worries will only hold me back.”

Those words shocked Brave slightly, from not expecting such a thought out reply. “At least you understand what awaits you. While I wish for it never to happen, I know better otherwise. I have seen my fair share of pain through my life. No pony can ever be truly prepared for pain and sorrow.”

Brave paused and turned his head to look at the cloth covering the wagon’s doorway. “We should reach the edge of the forest by high noon and reach the Cloudsdale Outpost nearly an hour later. Sorry for bothering you. Good night Slash," he said in a soft tone before heading back into the wagon.

"Night..." Slash could not understand why Brave would say those things. 'It is not like he could care about what happens to me. I mean we met little over seven hours ago give or take.' His thoughts lingered for a while longer before pushing them to the side and laying his head down onto his claws. Soon sleep found him with little to not resistances.

A Stormy Breeze Of Chilly Air

The sound of hooves moving about drew Slash from his slumber. Opening his eyes he could somewhat make out a tall earth-pony, most likely Brave, moving about his wagon checking it out. Looking up, Slash could see dawns early light barely piercing the sky above. Pushing himself onto a sitting position while yawning softly. “Morning Brave, is everything okay?” he ask with a hint of long for more sleep in his voice.

Without turning around to look at Slash, Brave quickly replied “No, just checking to see if the wheels on this old girl need to be replaced soon or not.” Stopping momentarily to check the lovely mid-dawn sky, before turning to face Slash. “I always have to check to see if the girl can make it to where we are going or if she might need a tune up,” sighing gently as he lightly shook his head. “So what are your plans for when we reach the outpost?” Brave asked with a dead serious stare.

That stare scared Slash a little, but it was not an angry stare but a ‘for your own sake you better be ready’ kind of stare. Clearing his throat, “When we near the edge of the forest I will be stopping for a good half hour or so. It will be better if we parted ways there, I feel it would be better for you two if I was spotted approaching the outpost alone,” he stated as he began to stretch.

“Might be for the best, just watch it, those pegasi can be hot-headed,” the light-blue stallion said as he hopped onto the wagon before heading inside it.

Was not long after their little talk, that they were both back on the road, making small talk much like the day before. “So why are you heading to Vanhoover, Brave?” the young dragon inquired.

Never taking his eyes off the road, “Business mainly, I am a trader of goods and information I guess you could say. Never stay in one place too long… anymore,” his eyes softened as he spoke that last part.

Seeing the change in Brave’s face, Slash choose not to dig any deeper into that. “Maybe I will meet up with you there. Since I do plan on staying at the outpost for a while before moving on,” he informed Brave.

“Hard to say, but it would be likely since we will be there for two weeks at least.” He noticed they were nearing the forests edge. “Just be careful along the way there,” Brave said with an almost worried tone.

Nodding slightly, “I will, but thanks for your concern. Well, this is where we part ways, see you around Brave, and stay cute Summer-blossom.” Stopping as Brave kept walking along, while Summer poked her head out the wagon window and waved goodbye.

-=-=-

Once he felt enough time had passed, Slash began to walk on-wards clearing the forest, which alerted the outpost’s Sky Patrol to his presence, thanks to his very standout-ish colors. Sighing, he kept on walking more or less knowing he was about to be stopped by at least six pegasi any moment.

Sure enough, nearly half from where the forest ended and the outpost itself, he was intercepted by six ponies in a hexagon formation made up of two patrol teams with three pegasi in each patrol. Basic pegasi response to what they presume is hostile presence. They were lightly armored with pads nearly all pegasi patrols wear. Not counting the royal guard patrols that are clad in magically enchanted armor. Slash looked side to side waiting for an order from one of the two patrol teams that were staring him down.

When he realized that they were not going to speak, Slash decided to go first, “Pardon me, I mean you no harm, for I am a simple traveler on-“ he was cut off by a pegasi to his right.

“You are a dragon, there is nothing simple about you,” growled the red pegasi. “Now be so kind to shut your trap and wait for our commander to get here or we will be forced to shut it for you.”

Mentally rolling his eyes on the inside, Slash shuts up not wanting to entice them to attack him in where he would have to defend himself. ‘Even with my training I would be lucky to knock two out before getting knocked out myself,’ he mentally sighed.

It did not take long for a pegasi to gracefully glide the wind, landing gently two meters in front of Slash. Revealing a light green coated mare with a light pink mane and tail, who had on a flight suit with sky blue pads with a star at the center of each pad with a pair of goggle over her eyes.

“State your intentions for being-“ the mare stopped and pushed her goggle up to get a clear look at slash.

Slash gulped slightly before the mare went on, “-here dragon.”

The red pegasi that growled at Slash before chimed in with, “Is something the matter Lieutenant Colonel Leaf?”

“Stay focused Second Lieutenant! Now dragon, speak or you will leave me no choice but to take you into custody.” Lt Col Leaf barked at the both of them.

“As I was trying telling your Second Lieutenant, I am a simple traveler on a pilgrimage across Equestria. I ensure you that I mean no threat to anything or anypony,” he tried his best to state while avoiding showing his fangs too much.

Lt. Col. Leaf raised her left wing signaling the others to stand down never leaving eye contact with Slash. As the other pegasi were about to return to their patrol routes, the red pegasi glanced back at the Lt. Col. for a mere moment before taking off.

Once they were alone Lt. Col. Leaf’s smirk grew bigger, “So you are the dragon who Princess Celestia hatched and raised, aren't you?”

Nodding slightly as he looked at her with an eye raised, “I presume you have heard about me, however, is it not regulation to at least ‘escort’ any possibly dangerous being?”

“A dear friend of mine moved from Canterlot, so I have heard many things about you. Which is also why I stayed behind to escort you, and besides you are safer with me than any of them,” she turned towards the outpost. “Shall we get going Slash Raptor?”

A small hint of concern formed on his face from what quickly occurred, “What makes you so respected to be able to make two patrols leave the side of a dragon without you stating that you will become said dragons escort?”

“Like I said, I have heard many things about you from my dear friend. I simply would like to see if most of what I have heard is true. Besides, my rank is high enough to allow me to escort you solo,” all the while she had her head looking back at Slash with a grin.

That made somewhat sense, though the question more or less became, why would her higher ups let this happen. Slash tried his best to push all possible fears out of his mind as her uniform caught his eye, “Unique uniform, but isn’t it a bit flashy?”

Without looking back this time, Lt. Col. Leaf replied, “A little bit, but this will not be the final design, so I have been told.” She paused momentarily, letting Slash catch up along her left side. Side glancing into his eyes, “How long do you plan on staying at the outpost?”

Glancing between her eyes and the road, Slash could tell the mood of the conversation has shifted back to a serious tone he tried to avoid. “Not too long, most likely two days maybe three at most. I figure it would be enough time to buy a few things that I only thought of once I left Canterlot.”

Nearing the outpost, Leaf’s eyes break away from glancing at Slash back to the road. “Make it two days and no longer. Many pegasi still know the stories of the Blazing Dragon War,” her serious tone never wavered.

“I have learned the hate from that war all too well, however, they have every right to still be angry. The dragons were the ones who started the war from what I have read about...” cutting himself off so he did not remember what the dragons truly did. “On another topic, may you please show me to the local Inn?” trying to once more to sweep a topic under the rug.

Like agreeing to the change in topic, “The Inn is along this road on the left. The owner is a Griffin so you will get no more anger than anypony else would.” She smiled a little at that fact before glancing at Slash again, “Would you like to stop there first?”

Nodding slightly, “That would be best for me,” his eyes spotted the Inn sign before glancing over to see Leaf a bit fidgety. “Though if you need to go report in, I will stay at the Inn until you come back.”

“Caught me huh?” Leaf sighed before looking at Slash, “Fine, you go get your room and I will be back soon. However, you must not leave the room until I come back.” With a graceful flutter of her wings, she was launched into the air.

As she took off before he could reply, he simply sighed and shook his head. Turning around to face the Inn, he noticed it stood out from the buildings around it. It was made of stone bricks while every other building he passed was made of wood. Deciding not to dwell on the thought, he slowly entered the Inn. Once inside, he was greeted with a rustic feel to the room. There were a few couches that seem to be made out of thick tree branches as a frame. The interior looked more in place for a log cabin than a stone brick building.

“What do you want?” came a loud, harsh toning voice from behind the front desk. A feathery body hunched over doing something out of view.

As Slash approached the desk, “I would like a room for two days please.”

With the griffon still not bothering to turn around, “Ten bits per-night for just the room and no meals. That would be a six bit extra.”

Slash quickly reached into his saddle-pack and pulled out his bit bag. Placing the money on the desk caused the griffin to finally turn around to see Slash.

Like it was nothing, the griffon simply said, “Any damage done to the room will cost you extra.” Before he just clawed off the key to the room saying, “Second floor, room thirteen,” as he turned back around.

‘Well that... was a first.’ Slash thought as he headed upstairs to look for the room. The hallway at the top of the stairs was simplistic looking and it did not take but a moment for him to find room 13. Once inside he settled down as nearly a half hour passed before there was a light knock on the door.

On the other side stood Lt Col Leaf, “Glad to see you waited for me to return instead of wondering around on your own.” She smiled with slight shock in her eyes.

“If what you said is true about feelings towards dragons around here. Then it would be stupid of me to walk alone.” Slash stated in a low tone.

Rolling her eyes slightly, “Nopony would attack out of anger for the war, but you would have a hard time buying goods.” Leaf replied as she turned to leave, “So what did you want to do?”

Grabbing his bit-bag from his pack and putting into a pocket of his royal attire, “I had wish to look around a bit before maybe buying a cloak and some drying charms in-case my pack gets soaked.”

“Well I know the perfect place to buy charms at, but the cloak will be a tough one.” She stated as they started to head out of the Inn.

From what Slash could tell, most the buildings were your basic wood design. While the outer wall that surrounded the outpost was made of huge clean cut slabs of rock. The watch towers were made of clouds, which make since due to pegasi having the best eyesight out of the three races. His thoughts came to abrupt stop as Slash noticed that not very many ponies were staring at him. ‘Odd, I mean if they still hate dragons then you would expect them to give me more glares,’ thought as Leaf led him to a small shop along the outpost wall.

The shop was painted in a simple orange color, with a large viewing window. Above the entrance hung a sign reading ‘Shining Enhancements’ in a very elegant font like that found in Canterlot.

As they both entered a voice as clear as crystal came for another room, “I will be there momentarily, so feel free to browse.” Then the sound of a large gust of wind blowing through could be heard.

Shortly after, a bright yellow unicorn with a pure white mane appeared behind the counter nearly glowing. “Please, I know I am hard on the eyes but could you not stare,” she said with a hint of smugness.

“Clear, behave and turn off your glow charm.” Leaf groaned.

Sighing lightly, “Fine Breezy, how may I help you today?” Clear spoke softly but slightly upset.

“So your name is Breezy Leaf?” Slash interrupted from being a bit confused.

Leaf eyes went wide, “No! No, my full name is Breezing-Autumn Leaf. Breezy is just her nickname for me. Anyway this bit-grubbing mare is Clear-Heart Opal, my dear friend I mentioned.” Turning to look Clear in the eyes, “Slash here is the dragon you talked about, and he is looking to buy a few drying charms if you still have any in stock.”

“My dear Breezy, I can see who he is from his attire,” Clear said with a sweet tone. “It is a pleasure to finally meet with you Sir Slash. I assure you that I am always stocked. Now how many would you like? Each charm holds five uses only.” Clear said in a different tone than before, like she was done foaling.

“Pleasure is mine, Clear-Heart. I hope you have only heard kind things.” Slash lowered his head slightly.

Clear smile grew wider before she glanced at Leaf momentary, “At first no, but after twenty years even the nobles stopped talking poorly of you.”

Pulling out his bit-bag, “I will take three, and may I ask about that blinding charm you used?”

“Sorry sweetie, but the blind charm is not for sale, but three drying charms will cost you nine bits total.” Clear said as she pulled three charms from off a nearby shelf with her magic.

Pulling out the bits, “That is a shame, but understandable since it is a higher level enchantment than these drying charms.” Slash inferred as he put the charms in another pocket, “Never-the-less thank you for the charms. I hope, when you were growing up as a filly, that the rumors they told about me did not scare you.” He said almost apologetic, which was followed by sweet giggles from beside him.

“Oh please, she is older than she looks, trust me.” Leaf blurted out between giggles.

A heavy sigh escaped Clear’s mouth, “It is kind of you to think I am so young, but the truth is that I am much older than you think.” Her eyelids held at half mast as she looked into Slash’s eyes.

“Pardon, I do not follow. At most, you could be in your forties but that is not that much older.” Slash stated in confusion.

Leaf chimed in quickly, “She will be eighty-three in a month.”

“BREEZY!” Clear screamed while glaring at Leaf, “Never speak of your marefriends age in front of others.”

“Eighty-three? Marefriend? Hold it!” Slash roared before he started to rub his temples, “Okay, first off, I thought I saw something when you were glancing at Leaf. Second, How The Tartarus Are You Eighty-Three When You Barely Look In Your Twenties!?” Slash inquired with a roar of confusion.

Clear smiled as Slash’s reaction, “Well Breezy would have been glancing back if she was off duty.” Rolling her eyes slightly, “She never likes to show affection while on duty because she thinks others might think she's a pony.”

“You know I love you, but I have to demand loyalty from others.” Leaf said as she walked behind the counter and nuzzled Clear.

It was quite for moment before Slash gently coughed snapping them back. “Ah yes my age, well I am a descendant of a crystal-pony family. It is just that simple.”

Slash took a breath to gather his thoughts, “How does that even work? There is barely any records left on the Crystal Empire to the point many think it is a myth. So how could sharing a bloodline with them make you eighty-three?”

“While each pony type has a dominant trait that is passed along with each generation. The crystal-ponies found out when they started to have foals that the only trait they pass on is their long life of nearly two-hundred years.” Clear stated as if it were common knowledge.

While Slash was thinking over what Clear said, Leaf slipped into the back. “It sounds possible from what I have read. Though if there are crystal-pony families in Equestria, why is there barely any information about them?”

Shrugging, “Maybe none of the families wanted to talk about what happened to the lost Crystal Empire.” Leaf came back out with a small saddle bag on as Clear went on, “Whatever happened it is lost to the flow of time.”

Slash simply stared at Clear from not understanding why she would not want to know her family history. After a moment or two he sighed softly, “Okay. Well thanks for the knowledge at least. Though I am sorry for taking up your time.”

Clear waved her hoof dismissively, “Not your fault so no need to apologies to me.” Glancing at Leaf, “Somepony just had a big mouth, anyway is there anything else you are looking for?”

“He said he wanted to buy a cloak, but I can’t remember anypony who may sell them. Do you Clear?” Leaf inquired quickly before Slash could reply.

Clear’s eyes slightly widen before adjusting back, “There might be one, but he is in Cloudsdale at the moment.” She quickly looked over to a nearby calendar, “He should be back down here late tonight or by morning.at the latest.”

“Clear, how would you know that?” Leaf inquired with suspicious eyes.

Looking back at Leaf, she sees the look in her eyes, “Relax Breezy, I simply put a cloud walking spell on him and it ends by the morning. So if he wants to or not he is coming back down here.” Clear said with a mischievous grin.

The grin caused Leaf to back away slightly. All the while Slash had been listening carefully, but suddenly got very concerned that Leaf would be backing away from her marefriend.

Noticing both Leaf and Slash reacting, Clear’s eyes went wide. “Oh my, did I do it again Breezy?” Taking a deep breath before exhaling to calm herself.

Leaf sighed in relief, “I thought you were past all that Clear.” She said before blowing the evil grin off, “Anyway which shop is his?”

“Shouldn’t you know since you work here?” Slash inquired while raising an eyebrow.

Leaf looked straight at Slash in a stern manner, “I am assigned to the barracks in Cloudsdale until the new unit is finalized. So I do all my shopping up there so I have little knowledge of new shops.”

Slash’s thoughts began to leap out his mouth, “Then how do you two-” Catching his words in check, “Never-mind, it is none of my business.” Turning to Clear with a smile, “Would you be so kind to tell me where his shop is?”

Which earned him a sweet smile from Clear, “When you enter the outpost from the south, it is the first shop on your right.”

Slash resisted the heavy feeling to facepalm for not noticing his surroundings as he entered the outpost. “Thank you very much.” Bowing his head slightly towards Clear before turning to leave before pausing and looking back. “Lt Col Leaf, I am simply going back to the Inn until tomorrow. So you do not ‘need’ to escort me back.”

Leaf glared at Slash furiously and spread out her wings threatening, “Okay, one, I am required to escort you. Two, you can look around if you want. I do not mind it at all. Finally, I can fly by the Inn at noon tomorrow to escort you to the shop.”

Slash has faced the strongest of the royal in one-on-one in spar practice but he never felt more scared than now. Sure Clear’s mischievous grin was freaky but Leaf’s glare felt like she was ready to kill him. Gulping hard, “Okay, calm down. I won’t go anywhere without you, I swear.”

Lowering her wings and giving a gentle smile, “Good, now do you still want to go back to the Inn early?”

Out of the corner of Slash’s eye, Clear was trying her best to hide a giggle. Slash let out a light sigh, “I am sure I want to go back to the Inn.” As he double checked his pockets.

Clear nuzzled Leaf’s cheek gently, “See if you can get off early so we can have dinner.”

A bright blush appeared on Leaf’s cheeks, “Not in front of others!” Her eyes shifted back and forth, “I will try...my Clear.” Which earned a smirk from Slash as his ears picked up on it.

With that Leaf and Slash slowly walked outside, where Slash glance at the suns position. This catches Leaf’s eye, “What are you doing?

“Mother taught me to tell time by the position of the sun compared to my location.” He stated with a grin.

Leaf’s jaw dropped, “You can look right at the sun?” she exclaimed.

Slowly walking forward, “Dragons have a second eye lid that we use when we breath fire. It is to prevent the brightness of our fire from blinding us. I could have used it when we met Clear but I was caught off guard.”

Smirking slightly, “Lucky for you then.” She said as a few eyes fell upon them.

Slash felt the eyes right away but tried his best to show no sign. As they neared the Inn, a red coated pegasi emerged from the shadows behind them. “Stand down... for now.”

As they entered the Inn Leaf called out, “Scope, it might be a starry night tonight.”

This caused the griffin to head for a back door, “I haven’t seen one in quite a while.” Before he disappeared.

Slash took notice of that as the two went up the stairs. At his room door he stopped and turned to Leaf, “Thank you for escorting me today. See you tomorrow.” He bowed a little waiting for her reply.

“You are welcome,” Her eyes turned into a glare, “but do not fight those guys. The Innkeeper has a reputation for his strength so they will not dare to attack you inside.”

This nearly made Slash’s mental jaw drop before he remembered she is well trained. “So you noticed too.” Leaf nodded, “Fine I promise I will not fight them.” As he opened the door and began to walk inside.”

Never stopping her glare, Leaf simply stated one last thing. “I rather not be forced to explain to Celestia that her son got attacked.” With that she turned around to leave as he closed the door.

Under his breath he spoke, “I would worry about those colts who would attack me. For she gained a few garden ‘decorations’ from some nobles who disappeared.” In a flat sorrowful tone.

-=-=-

As the sun set, a group of pegasi gathered out front of the Inn. Before they could move closer to the Inn a red coated pegasi flew down in front of them. “You colts are a bunch of morons. Scope will buck your flanks before you get to the stairs.”

The others backed away as one spoke up, “But we can’t let that beast live!” Causing the group to nod.

Narrowing his eyes, the red one barked, “We won’t, but attacking now will be pointless!”

The Inn door opened, “Rose is right you know.” Which caused all eyes to turn quickly around to see the griffin, Scope, standing in the doorway. “None of you stand a chance against me.”

This caused them all to back away slowly before taking off, all but Rose. “Thanks for the help. As stupid as they, I need still need them,”

Scope rolled his eyes, “Using them as pawns to the slaughter huh? I still doubt that will be enough. I can tell by the way he carries himself that if he wanted to fight to the death, even I would have a hard time.” As he stared down Rose, forcing him to slowly back away.

Shaking his head before taking to the air, “Like Tartarus! He couldn't even attack six ponies.”

“Of course he did not attack. There was no point since he knew he could get by.” Scope stated clearly.

Rose didn't want to listen to him anymore and took off. Once Rose out of Scope’s sight he closed the door to the darkness of the night.