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Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2014 22:20:58 GMT -5
Sylvia continued to fly above the caravan below, the friendly ponies intriguing her. She was curious as to what their lifestyle was, why they were refugees. She heard a little about the war going on, but didn't really understand it. As she circled above them, she realized how slow the Earth Ponies traveled. How could they stand being bound to land like that? The dragon remembered being in the gryphon keep, being unable to spread her wings outside and fly. To think that they were never able to in the first place, it actually saddened her a little bit.
"Poor creatures..." She murmured softly to herself, watching as a great city began to come into view. What was it named again...Fillydelphia. Such a strange name for a place, she thought. Slowly, the dragon began to glide down to take cover, unsure how the city would react to her presence. Did other dragons frequent this place? The Brick and Stone family seemed okay with her coming to visit, so perhaps she would be in their good graces?
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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Jun 30, 2014 17:25:31 GMT -5
The Brick and Stone family had enjoyed their guardian angel, or rather, dragon who had kept a sentinel's watch over them. Least, that is, how they viewed it. With a dragon in the skies, their travel back home was a breezy, safe affair. The apprehension, the fear, that had plagued them till that chance encounter suddenly washed off their hearts like refreshing water, and it was all thanks to the benevolent Red Death that followed them from the skies. Suddenly, the prospect of crossing the expansive territory overrun with Diamond Dogs, drakes, rogue griffons, and whatever other sinister things that were beyond their imagination, seemed trivial. After all, even the former Element Bearers were scared of dragons.
The close the refugee caravan got to Fillydelphia., the more scorched the land became. Vibrant forests and meadows were now stained black and gray, their roots torn to shreds from the Diamond Dog tunnels. Some of the collapsed tunnels created veins of overturn and sunken trees and foliage, creating an eerie network snaking through the countryside. The farms they passed smelled rotten, dead, from the produce left to mold over in the wake of the invasion. Tiny villages and settlements stood like burned out skeletons, left strung out on a forgotten battlefield. Occasionally, the caravan would pass picked over corpses of ponies and Diamond Dogs, though this frightened the foals, some of the more stalwart adults would stop and see that the pony bodies were properly attended too and, if possible, identified for the purpose of posterity. This slowed their advance towards the city, which now loomed in the distance, rising on the horizon like the smoke from a smoldering fire; and most likely this further frustrated the dragon in the sky. Though they weren't as quick as the Pegasus, the strength the earth-ponies had to continue moving day and night was immensely impressive. Form her perch in the sky, it may seem to Sylvia that not a single one had rest more than a short while the entire trip, with always another ready to take up the reigns of the one needing a break.
After a few days and nights, the caravan reached the outskirts of Fillydelphia – and they weren't the only ones. Word that the Equestrian military had retaken the city spread like wildfire among the inhabitants that fled and now many had returned. What had failed to make it out to the poor ponies longing for home was that the Equestrian military had turned the city into a base of operations. It, tentatively, was closed. From the spot Sylvia had taken cover, she could see the Brick and Stone family in the distance, approaching a crowded check-point leading into the gutted, vandalized city.
Pandemonium would best describe the scene. Ponies, donkeys, even the occasional zebra were huddled at the gates. Shouting threats, pleas, cries, a symphony of distress rose up from that small focal point and polluted the air with its discord. Beside the check-point, a small tent city had rose-up where more equestrians had hunkered down waiting for a chance to be let back home. It was a distressing sight. To see the once vibrant and colorful creatures now reduced to muted, dirty shells of their former selves as their hopes and dreams of seeing their homes again were slashed by the need of Princesspality. With Canterlot in ruins, here now the military regroup and organized, and only certain ponies appeared to now be let back inside – likely those with the skills necessary to support military operations and the infrastructure, all others were being turned back. Military pegasi were even hoovering in the skies, intercepting any other flies trying to circumvent the check-point; it was a thorough blockade. Though to say the military was completely without altruism was a lie, though they couldn't let anypony into the city, it was apparent that aid was being passed out as best as possible – though the returning refugees numbers were swelling and supplies were being stretched thin as both the military and the civilians drained what resources they had.
Inside the city, an overwatch post located inside a high-rise near the check-point walls was now on full alert. A sentry had spotted something in the distance and command was scrambling. “Two unicorn detachments to the walls.” Commanded a Pegasus pony in full battle regalia, “Have flight groups 4,7 and 10 on stand-by while recon prepares for deployment. All troops are now on full alert. Lets bring ourselves in a dragon.” Three pony officers saluted their commander and quickly trotted off to relay commands down the chain.
After what likely felt like forever, Sylvia would now notice a new commotion down at the camp and checkpoint. The military had suddenly closed the gates and ponies were demanding answer as to why. Confusion and apprehension set in all around. Then chaos broke loose. In the sky several squadrons of pegasi were spotted, while the walls around the check-point were suddenly populated by unicorns and earth-ponies in heavy armor. A barrier was enacted, encasing the military but leaving the civilians unprotected. It didn't take long after seeing this that some civilian ponies had started to panic – it was clear they were preparing for a battle and this caused the refugees to erupt in a panic. Scores of earth-ponies suddenly rushed the gates, trying to break them down despite the barrier, Pegasus ponies scattered, and unicorns were desperately trying to punch a hole through the military barrier, even one just large enough for anypony to stumble through. And above all this chaos, a military wing of pegasi were quickly making their way towards where Sylvia hid.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2014 6:45:13 GMT -5
During the trip, Sylvia was indeed impatient, and she was moreso when she waited and watched the ponies gather at the gates of the city. She expected a great utopia where so many of these creatures roamed, but they weren't even allowed into the place that they called their home. It confused and infuriated her. Why wouldn't the armored ponies allow them in? She gave a snort, unaware of the trouble that was about to brew. She was given her first indication when she saw the barrier move up. She moved her snout closer to the brush that barely hid her large form. Her tail snaked back and forth as nerves began to set in.
It almost seemed as if the barrier were being put up to stop the ponies. They looked like an angry mob at first, but the fear in their faces told her otherwise. Something was wrong...the young dragon sniffed the air. The familiar scent of feathers caught her attention, similar to the ones the griffons bore. Her head rose and she gazed up at the sky, noting the heavily armored flying ponies coming at her. What were they called again? Pegasus? She thought at first they would come to scout her. However, the serious looks on their faces told her otherwise and she swallowed painfully before backing up, her claws scrambling on the grass as panic began to rise up within her.
"H-Hold on! I mean you no harm!" She called up to the squadron, her wings spreading as she prepared to leap into the air to try and escape if need be, "I was just looking is all!"
She didn't give them the chance to get near enough. She knew she would be nearly powerless on the ground so as they drew nearer, she pushed off of the ground with her legs. A few powerful pumps of her wings allowed her to hover, and she kept her claws lowered to do her best to seem harmless. The dragon's golden eyes watched the Pegusi warily.
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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Jul 8, 2014 17:34:21 GMT -5
As Sylvia rose, issuing pleas of peace and civility which appeared to fall upon deaf ears as the pegasi unit suddenly veered away then entered into a defensive posture circling around the hoovering dragon. They kept some distance, just far enough that if Sylvia were to prepare a fire attack, they'd have time to react. From the city, more pegasi units, comprised of two sets of five, emerged and soared to the area around Sylvia in a holding pattern. Their heavy armor and weapons at the ready.
In a flash of iridescent magic, a squad of unicorns appeared in a blink on the ground several meters away from Sylvia. Their horns charged, preparing to unleash a barrage of magic upon the young red dragon. Though they wavered in this, seemingly waiting for an attack order. Then another unicorn appeared behind the others, an officer by his armor and insignia.
Nearby, at the gates, some of the ponies near the out-reaches of the massive horde trying to push their way inside the city turned to see what was happening in the fields. Among them was Loose Brick and his family, and when they saw who the Equestrian military had reveled against, they were stunned. Loose Brick feverishly looked around for any member of the military, shouting, ”She's nice! She's with us!” He exclaimed, shouting to the wind. With no military nearby, or none paying him any mind – just another frightened pony amongst hundreds, Brick pushed through the crowd, not towards the gate, but to the Sylvia and military. He charged as quick as his hooves could carry him – swiftly followed by others of his family, even a few of the foals had weaseled themselves away from their mothers and were trying to keep up with the adults as much as their little legs allowed. ”Don't, please! She's friendly!”
The officer unicorn stepped past his team, gazing upward without a shred of fear or timidness in face of such a might creature as Syliva. ”I, Captain Apple Thorn of the 5th Expeditionary Platoon, decree that you are to detained for crimes against the Equestrian crown in service of an enemy invasion force, I implore you to come peacefully, dragon, even with your power you are outnumbered and out-magic.” Captain Apple Thorn looked to his left and nodded to one of his unicorns. With his command, the unicorn launched a quick barrage of some stunning magic bolts in the air around Sylvia – it is apparent that a full barrage of such magic would be devastatingly painful, even for a dragon. ”What say you, dragon?”
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2014 16:23:28 GMT -5
Sylvia's heart raced. There were so many, and now that she was surrounded, she knew she couldn't outrun them, "C-Crimes against Equestria? I-I haven't done anything wrong!" She called out, her voice pleading. She saw the bolts in the air and she looked around nervously. The light of the bolts that were prepped glimmered off of her scales. Perhaps she could talk it out with them...let them know she was innocent.
The young dragon caught sight of a familiar group of ponies that she had rescued before. Perhaps they could vouch for her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm her frantically beating heart. "I'll go peacefully. But I'm telling you, I've done nothing to harm anyone." Her eyes looked into the ones of the unicorn who spoke. Her keen ears caught what Loose Brick said and she said once more, "Even ask the Brick and Stone family. They will vouch for me." She slowly, carefully lowered herself to the ground, her claws alighting and her wings pressing against her sides. Sylvia lowered her head in surrender, hoping they would believe her.
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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Jul 14, 2014 19:46:45 GMT -5
Apple Thorn did not appeared swayed by Sylvia's insistence on innocence, nor was it his call to proclaim her innocence of not. That would be left to the commander, and even then, it would boil down to the evidence. In service of the invaders or just another lone dragon, unfortunate enough to be caught up in an unfortunate war. ”Be that as it may, dragon, you or members of your kind have been seen in cohesion with the enemies of Equestria and have wrought ruin, chaos, destruction, and death to ponies and all good creatures of this land. If your forked tongued words are true, then you will have an opportunity to explain yourself to my commander and a military tribunal.”
The Brick and Stone family were now within range of the dragon and the military ponies, their pleas however only brought attention to them and forced the military to move to stop them. Several pegasi and unicorns broke off to stop them, preventing them from trotting any closer to Sylvia or the officer. ”Please, she saved us from the drakes!” Loose Brick's voice was drowned out by the shouts of the soldiers to step back and return to the safety of the camp. Apple Thorn glanced back, telling his soldiers to be silent and for the civilian to explain himself.
”Is this true? Explain.” He commanded, to which Loose Brick took the opportunity to push past the unicorn's blocking him. ”We were on the road, no more than two days trot from here when out of the sky came this dragon, fighting off a swarm of drakes. When they turned their attention to me and my family, she put herself between us and them before slaughtering the lot of them and protected us the rest of the way here. If not for her, we may never have made it this far.” He explained, Thorn nodding with his words, ”And her name is Sylvia.” He looked desperate, tired, spying for even a glimmer of hope that his words were headed by the officer.
Apple Thorn nodded, turned his attention back towards Sylvia. ”You know this pony and is what he said true, Sylvia the dragon?”
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2014 20:46:33 GMT -5
Sylvia wasn't sure what he meant by meeting his 'commander'. But she wasn't sure how she could prove herself friendly. That was until Loose Brick appeared and spoke on her behalf. The dragon was taken aback that the pony was brave enough to confront this army. At his words, her gaze softened and she relaxed much more, hoping that his words would sway the tough looking unicorn.
"He is correct. This is Loose Brick of the Brick and Stone family. I met them on the plains and did indeed help protect them from those creatures, you call them Drakes?" She lowered her head, "I wanted to be sure they reached Fillydelphia safely. I figured I would be welcomed since they gave me the okay to arrive here. Whatever my kind has done to you, I'm so sorry. But I'm not one of the dragons that have been giving your kind grief. I'm kind of a rogue myself. My father and I stayed well out of dragon affairs, though we had sort of a falling out. He didn't understand my curiosity of other beings besides ourselves, and I've been wandering the world in order to discover what other cultures lay beyond the boring cave I've lived in for so long." She spoke calmly, her voice showing no hint of anger towards the unicorn. He was only trying to protect his citizens, and she understood that.
"Please, I beg you to hear me out. If you wish me to leave, I will, but I promise you I mean you all no harm." She bowed in respect, wings splayed out as she leaned one arm outwards, the side of her cheek grazing her forearm in the polite display.
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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Jul 24, 2014 19:27:58 GMT -5
Captain Apple Thorn stood between Sylvia and her friends, stoic, unwavering as she begged to be heard. The soldiers under him were awkwardly waiting for a command, itching for some sort of order while Loose Brick and the ones who followed him continue to plead for mercy. After an awkward moment, Apple Thorn slammed his hoof on the ground.
"Troops, escort the dragon through the military gate. If she gives you even an ounce of trouble, blast her." Apple Thorn commanded, turning away from the dragon, "And bring them along too." He motioned to Loose Brick and the others with him. Without protest, Loose Brick was flanked by unicorn and earth-pony soldiers, bumping them to move along. Apple Thorn then let loose a bright magic blue flare into the sky, which was then met by another flare from within the city.
Near the gate where the refugees had been huddled before, trying to pass through, another, larger and armored gate suddenly opened and spewed from within a platoon of pony soldiers marching out to meet the Captain Apple Thorn, Sylvia, and the others.
Captain Apple Thorn, trotted beside Sylvia as she was forced marched towards the newly opened gate, his horn staying lit, crackling with magic just waiting to be unleashed. "You will speak with our commander, Colonel Riot Wind, and if he determines that your story is true, then we'll go from there. Though, I warn you, if this is some forked-tongue deception, you will not see the light of the next dawn. I promise you that."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2014 6:53:53 GMT -5
Sylvia followed Captain Apple Thorn quietly, knowing she had nothing to hide. Having the Brick and Stone family along with her made her feel a lot more at ease, though she couldn't help be nervous at the sheer power she could feel from the magic emanating around the unicorn's horn. She hoped that his commander would hear her out. She had done nothing wrong to the ponies, and wondered if he would believe her.
Hopes of escape if things went sour were certainly out of the question as she made her way through the large metal gate, gazing around in shock at the sheer number of soldiers. She wondered why this place was so heavily fortified. Was the war really that bad? What had her fellow dragons done to cause such a stir? Why did these ponies fear her so?
"Why all this fuss over me?" She asked Captain Apple Thorn quietly, flinching as she saw the way he carried himself. He didn't seem to be like the one to talk, "I'm assuming another of my kind has done you wrong. I'm rather unversed in the events of this world. I heard there was a war going on, but I just left my father's cave a couple weeks ago."
Turning her gaze towards the city, she took in all the sights, being a quite a bit larger than the ponies around her. She wanted to know why the place was closed off to the inhabitants trying to make their way back into their old homes.
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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Aug 1, 2014 16:07:18 GMT -5
Into the city they went with the military escort, never once did they let their guard down. The glares from the soldier ponies were daggers, hellbent with the fury of war. They clearly still saw her as a threat, a symbol, a collaborator of the things that turned the country to cinders. The procession carried further on, past make shift camps and looted, scarred buildings. Signs of a recent enemy occupation and the new military inhabitants. The place felt more like a military base than a city.
Sylvia was eventually led before one of the more prominent and, compared to the buildings around it, virgin structures – and also one of the most heavily fortified looking. Its edifice was draped with the banners of Equestria, covering many of the structure's windows. It appeared, from the outside and surrounding grounds, to have once been a hotel of some-form or another but now it was turned into a drab, institutionalized housing for the military and aid workers. Sylvia was ordered to stop before the front doors and told to wait while the Captain stepped inside. Off to Sylvia's side were the members of Loose Brick's family, nervously looking around as they huddled beside a few soldier ponies.
A few moment's later, the Captain returned, walking behind another pony – a pegasi in uniform with gold epaulets. The soldiers in the area suddenly turned and saluted as this new pony emerged. He approached Sylvia cavalierly, though pleasant. He didn't appear as stern or indigent as his subordinate. ”My Captain tells me you're the one causing all the fuss in my territory. I'm Colonel Riot Wind, commander in charge of getting Fillydelphia back on its hooves, and you are Sylvia, correct? I hear you are ignorant about the situation, so let me fill you in. A few months ago, diamond dogs, rogue griffons, drakes, Blackmane herself, and several dragons joined forces and unleashed a surprise attack against Equestria. We were unprepared and suffered for it. A counter-attack was done and we were able to retake a lot of lost ground, including the city you're now standing in.” He paused to take a breath, ”Then suddenly another dragon appears outside the city right after we finally get ourselves established here, that dragon being you. So, please pardon our reaction. I understand that those ponies over there,” Nodding to Loose Brick, ”Say you helped them out of a tight jam involving some drakes on the road. On behalf of Equestria, I thank you for protecting its citizens. However, what I want to know is where you come from and why only just now have left the confines of your home – or cave, to flutter about during a war like it's a lovely stroll through the Canterlot gardens. Furthermore, are there other dragons with you and your... is it a clan? Family? Whatever your draconian collective units are, are there other dragons there and have they left within recent months? Have you happened to come across other dragons in your travels? If so where were they, or do you know of other dragons inside Equestria – be it their caves or hunting grounds, anything at all?” He stood by, waiting for an answer.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 1, 2014 18:10:43 GMT -5
Sylvia was a little bit more relaxed at meeting the much kinder pony. Riot Wind...these ponies had such strange names, she thought to herself. As the colonel spoke, she listened carefully, taking in each question. Why did he want to know so much about other dragons? Were her kind really siding with the enemy of these ponies? Taking in a deep breath, she began to answer his questions.
"I'm from a cave a few days travel from the bay where some Kelpies live. I don't really remember what it was called...I left my father's cave because I didn't quite feel like I belonged there. I wanted to meet other creatures and he didn't quite approve of my decision. And I also want to see if I can find my mother. She left when I was a hatchling." She shuffled nervously on her four claws, her tail flicking slowly back and forth. The dragon wasn't used to talking about herself so much.
"I haven't met any dragons on my journey, unfortunately. I was asked to be an ambassador for them, but I chose not to. I wanted to roam the world and learn about other cultures and creatures. My father kept well away from other dragons, so I don't even know of any clans nearby. I've led a pretty sheltered life, which is why I didn't know about the war going on until just recently." Her head lowered, "I honestly didn't realize the world was in such a fragile state."
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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Aug 13, 2014 15:21:22 GMT -5
"Interesting tale, Sylvia. Forgive me if I'm not entirely convinced." Explained the commander, "Though you naivety seems true enough. Yes, this world is sitting on a powder-keg and you picked the worst time to throw yourself into it." The commander paused, looking to the Brick family, his captain, soldiers and then for a moment, the sky. He breathed in deeply and exhaled through his nose as he thought on a new course of action. "Alright, Sylvia, here's what we're going to do with you. We have information suggesting one of the dragons who assisted the attack on Fillydelphia resides nearby, regrettably we haven't been able to confirm this due to strained resources and ponies. Now, we thought you may have been this dragon, but if you're not, as you claim, then you're going to help us get the other one. Do this and you'll be free to go." He asked as he pushed his cap back, "One dragon for another; is this acceptable?"
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2014 18:59:54 GMT -5
Sylvia was taken aback by this request. He wished for her to find one of her own? She had never met another dragon besides her father before, nor ever really wanted to. What if the dragon was like her, in the wrong place at the wrong time? These ponies obviously were out for blood.
The dragon sighed, she really didn't have a choice. Either she cooperated, or they were going to take it out on her hide. She would have to meet this dragon and decide for herself whether they were friend or foe to the ponies, "I will do as you asked. If this dragon is indeed an enemy of you ponies, it must be stopped before it causes anymore damage. And further tarnishes my kind's name." Raising a clawed hand, she scratched her chin, "How exactly am I to find this dragon, though?"
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Post by Stygg Whitefeather on Aug 22, 2014 14:46:58 GMT -5
Colonel Riot Wind appeared pleased with Sylvia's choice, ”Excellent, glad you see it our way.” The colonel continues, ”We know the location of a cave structure in a nearby mountain range – a recon team reported some unusual activity near one of the larger entrances, signs of debris from the city. We suspect the dragon who attacked here may have holed up there at some point, and if we're lucky, still is. For this task, we had originally brought in an expert on dragons, however... she has been less than willing.” The colonel explained, clearing his throat, prompting two soldier ponies to step back and return inside the tower behind them. ”So I'll now task her to accompany you-”
A very loud, 'eep!', erupted from inside the tower followed by the sight of the two soldiers from before dragging out a yellow mare by her pink tail. Her hooves scraping at the ground as she tries to pull away, with her wings beating as fast as they could in any effort to flee, yet should could not break free from the stallions. ”I'm fine, no need, I can see from inside. Oh please just let me gooo.” She cried and begged as she was brought beside Riot Wind. The moment they had let go of her she tried running back inside, only to be cut short by Riot Wind's backleg planting itself on her tail, forcing her to a sudden dead stop. She quickly hid behind the colonel, sheepishly peeking out towards Sylvia from behind him.
”Fluttershy, met Sylvia. A friendly dragon who has so graciously agreed to help you bring in the perpetrator of this mess.” The colonel explained, which seemed to had suddenly made the timid mare calm.
”Oh... that's nice." Replied the mare. She stepped forward a little more, like a creature still unsure of a pony's intention (or dragons). "You're a red-dragon, yes? Breathe fire and smoke type? My friends and I had a stern talking to once to a dragon like you near Ponyville - but he was a lot bigger and meaner. You wouldn't happen to be related, would you?"She inquired as she grew more bold and stepped forward some more. Her soft eyes begun looking over Sylvia, seemingly to analyze and inspect her.
The Colonel nodded, "You two get antiquated, since you'll be working together. I'll get your escort team ready, you leave within the hour." Riot Wind commanded, turning back to the command tower.
"Wait, I'm not ready! Shouldn't we talk about this some more?" Pleaded Fluttershy, as she turned back to Riot Wind, "It's awfully high up the mountain and I'm not a good flier and my hooves are a little sore and I may have a bit of an ear infection and and... oh why bother, no pony here listens to me." She defeatedly ranted, sighed and turned back to Sylvia, "Uh, it's nice to met you Syvlia."
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Post by Deleted on Sept 11, 2014 14:57:52 GMT -5
Sylvia was surprised to see the winged horse being dragged out. She indeed seemed less than willing, and the young dragon did her best to give her a reassuring smile, only making herself look more intimidating with her rows of sharp teeth.
"It's alright...Fluttershy your name was?" Her head tilted curiously as she sat down on her haunches, her lengthy tail flicking back and forth. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well. I am indeed a red dragon, though I'm unfamiliar with the one you may speak of. He sounds similar to my father, but we've been residing in the same cave since I've been born." A low chuckle escaped her fang-filled maw and her claws clacked gently on the ground. "I don't mind accompanying you to confront this dragon that's causing so much trouble. You will have nothing to fear while I'm with you. I assure you that." She bowed her head to the pegasus, studying the yellow pony with her golden eyes.
"They call you a 'dragon expert'. I'm surprised that ponies know more of my kind than I know about them." She lifted her head, the vertebrae in her neck cracking a bit from stiffness. "If you can lead me to this dragon, I can do whatever I can to put a stop to them and hopefully drag them back here." Though she was a bit nervous, she was confident in her fighting abilities. However, she was concerned about the small pony that could easily be torn apart by a massive dragon's claws. "If there's trouble, though. I want you to fly away to safety. I don't want you being hurt by whatever might be waiting for us."
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