Spike of the Talismans

Chapters

Magical Rocks
The Keeper of the Talismans
The Shadowkhan
Half & Half
Rejoin
Wonderbolts Show
The Chi Wizard
Power of the Chi Spell
Yacht Vacation
Battle on the Luxe Deluxe
Park Fight
Dangerous or Not
The Shadow Devourer
The Exchange
Dragon in Despair
Shadows in the Empire
Dragon vs Dragon

Magical Rocks

One morning Spike and Twilight were on their way to the ruins of the castle of the two sisters, “So why do we still need to spruce Celestia and Luna's old castle up again?” Spike wondered, “I mean we have our own castle now, so it's not like we're doing it for us.”

“The castle is still a historic landmark, Spike. You can bet ponies will want to check it out themselves,” Twilight explained, “The least we can all do is make it more presentable that way there's nothing too dangerous that could be harmful.”

Spike shuddered recalling all the traps and passage ways when they went to the old castle. The group thought the castle was haunted by the pony of shadows but it was just them scaring themselves silly.

“Besides, I'm sure there are still some old historic books I can salvage from the library there.” Twilight said hopefully.

“Oh, so you get to take stuff from the castle?” Spike asked rhetorically.

Twilight turned to Spike knowing what he was getting at, and scowled, “I only wish to look in the library, not search for something hidden away for a reason.”

“So sue me for trying to help a friend.” Spike scoffed, as they reached the castle.

As they entered, they walked the halls before reaching the throne room where the rest of the girls were already hard at work making the throne room more presentable. Rarity was mending the drapes and tapestries, while Fluttershy and Rainbow were cleaning the ceilings, Pinkie was scrubbing the floor with her mane and tail.

“Hope we don't mind we started without you.” Pinkie said, as she slid by.

“Well, it's nice you got a head start.” Twilight admitted, “Here let me help.” she trotted over.

“And I'll help to,” Spike offered, “Just tell me what you need and I'll do it,” he looked around seeing the girls weren't paying any attention to him, “Um, hello. I'm here to help too, ya know?”

“Don't worry, Spike. We got this!” Pinkie said, as she once again slid by.

Spike looked back at the girls, “Isn't there anything I can do?”

“Well, we would, Spike, but this kinda stuff is a lot of hard work, even for a young fella like yourself.” Applejack admitted.

“And no offense, but you're not exactly the most fit dragon for this kind of stuff.” Rainbow added.

Spike upon hearing those words felt a stab at his pride, before turning to Twilight, “Twilight?”

“I'm sorry, Spike. But it looks like we can handle it.” she said trying not to sound mean.

Spike couldn't believe all this, “So, it's back to this again?” he asked in an angry tone

“Spike?” Fluttershy asked hearing his change in mood.

“You woke me up and dragged me here all for nothing, again?” Spike asked Twilight, “Is that all I am, a tag-along?”

“Darling, don't think of yourself like that.” Rarity tried to ease his rising anger.

“Yeah, it's good to have you close by when we really need you.” Twilight reminded him.

“To do what?” Spike scoffed, “Make tea and snacks, just so I can be opened for more insults about how I'm not like other dragons?” he motioned to Rainbow Dash.

“Spike...” she trailed off.

“Whatever, apparently I'll never be strong enough or fast enough to help any of you. And by the time I will be, you'll already have other help.” Spike crossed his arms.

“Oh, Spike-” Twilight started, only for Spike to cut her off.

“Forget it. I'll just go someplace where I won't be in the way.” Spike turned and walked off before kicking a nearby bucket away.

“Oh, no.” Twilight dropped her head down.

Applejack lifted her head up, “Just let Spike cool off, sugarcube.”

“We'll figure out how to make it up to him later.” Rarity added.

Twilight sighed not wanting to leave Spike like this, but with what just happened didn't wanna make it any worse than it already was. Reluctantly, she returned to helping the girls with the cleaning.

In another section of the old castle, Spike stomped down the hall before entering another chamber appearing to an old ballroom. As he stomped he grumbled to himself, “I used to be somebody in this group. Loyal, devoted, number one assistant. Now I'm just in the way. I don't get it, they trust me with doing other things that feel like too much for me to handle, but when it's something I wanna personally help with they leave me out of it. Just like they leave me out of so many other things.”

Spike recalled the several times he was left out, like when Twilight's birthday was relocated to Canterlot so the girls could join Rarity, while he was left behind. He had never missed celebrating Twilight's birthday before, and she always made sure he was there to celebrate it with her. Or the gala, while he only wanted to attend it to be with the girls, they all split off to do their own things leaving him to himself. With nothing else to do he skipped the gala and went straight to Joe's. When Pinkie introduced the girls to her sister Maud, he was also left out even though he would've wanted to meet her, he was left with a list of chores and tasks Twilight wanted him to do. And just like last time they were all here at the castle, he was brushed aside and left out of helping to clean the castle even though they knew he was a hard and dedicated worker.

“Maybe I am just a tag-along to them. Never being part of the group officially even though I was there, they all got credit and appreciation by others. Even though I saved the Crystal Empire by getting the Crystal Heart to Cadence, they all celebrated Twilight for passing a test. Not to mention how much disrespect I receive for one reason or another. Applejack and Rainbow Dash hogtying and wrestling me as part of their Iron Pony challenge. That one pony delegate who didn't want my opinion just because I was some random dragon. Rarity using me for a pincushion, digging up gems, and modeling any of her outfits. I used to enjoy them because I could be near her. Now I'm starting to feel I'm doing it all for nothing. If I was stronger and faster I could show them I'm not a dragon to just toss aside and ignore when he offers his help. But I won't be getting any of that until I grow up. And by then I would've outlived that kind of usefulness to them.”

As Spike walked, he suddenly tripped over something and fell flat on his face, “Lousy old floor.” he grumbled before getting up and saw the loose board. He suddenly looked in the hole and saw something, “What's that?” curiously he pulled the board up further and discovered a chest. He tugged the chest up and placed it on the safer part of the floor.

“What's in here?” Spike wondered, before noting the padlock. Deciding to find out, he used his flames on the lock melting it off. He lifted the top opened and saw resting on a green velvet blanket were twelve octagon shaped rocks. Each rock had a certain symbol on it depicting an animal.

One had a tiger, another had a snake, a rooster, a sheep, an ox, a rat, a horse, a rabbit, a dragon, a monkey, a dog, and a pig.

“What're these things? And why would somepony bury them here?” Spike asked himself, as he looked down at the rocks before picking up the one that had the dragon symbol on it, “Well, this one's my sign.” he smirked at the rock, until it began glowing much to Spike's shock. What was more shocking was the rock started sinking into his claw before disappearing into his palm.

“Hey, what is-” Spike stopped as his eyes began to glow. In his mind, Spike could see a red astral wingless dragon flying around in circles before unleashing a powerful combustion of fire from its mouth. Spike blinked and gasped.

“Whoa! What was that?” he asked himself, while recalling the vision he just saw. When a thought came to him, he spoke, “I wonder.” he walked over to an open window while looking up at the sky. He took a deep breath and from his mouth came a powerful blast of regular red fire. As the fire dissolved as it entered the sky, Spike was taken aback.

“Wow! I've never been able to blast fire that big before,” he looked back over at the rocks in the chest while recalling the dragon one that was assimilated into him, “No way! These rocks are magic?” he asked in excitement, “This is the greatest thing ever!” he suddenly remembered, “Twilight said not to take anything from the castle again... Oh, tartarus with it. Let's see what else these things can do.”

Spike picked up the rock that had the symbol of a rabbit on it, “Will you be granting me good luck?” Spike asked the object, as it glowed and was assimilated into him. Like before he saw a vision, but this time he saw a pink astral rabbit that was hopping around as fast as lightning.

When Spike snapped out of it, he looked down at the end of the ballroom and concentrated. Suddenly as quick as a flash Spike found himself at the end of the ballroom, “Yes!” he cheered, as his voice echoed, before running back to where he started at the same lightning speed, “Rainbow Dash better watch out now that I have the speed to match her.” he snickered.

Spike picked up the one with the symbol of the ox, and it was assimilated into him. His vision following was a astral blue ox plowing through anything in its path like it was nothing. Spike looked over at a nearby pony statue and grinned. He walked up to it and punched it as hard as he could. This in return cause the statue to break in half and fall to the floor.

“Whoa! Now that's strength,” Spike smirked, “Let's see if Applejack thinks I'm not strong enough to help harvest apples now.” When Spike grabbed the one with the horse symbol that assimilated into him, he saw an astral horse approach a pony that was injured. The horse put its muzzle to the pony before it glowed, and the pony's injuries were cured.

Spike looked over at the statue, before placing his hand on one of the pieces before his eyes glowed. Suddenly the pieces of the statue came back together and was restored, “Good as new.” Spike said, as he patted the statue.

When he assimilated the rock with the rooster symbol, he saw a red astral rooster suddenly levitating up. Spike gasped, and asked himself, “Can it be?” he concentrated and suddenly found himself levitating off the ground and flying, “I'm flying. I'm flying!” he flew around just like regular dragons and the pegasi. He finally touched down and laughed in excitement, “So that's what it really feels like to fly instead of riding on somepony's back. Oh, I've missed out on so much.” Spike looked at the other rocks, and upon grabbing each one they all were assimilated into his body before he continued to see visions of said animals displaying the magic they possessed.

Once Spike had all twelve rocks bonded to him he looked himself over, “I feel the magic coursing through me. I feel better than I've ever felt in my life!” he cheered.

“Spike!” came Twilight's voice, as the girls arrived in the ballroom, “There you are.”

“What've you been doing?” Applejack asked.

Before Spike could even give an answer, Twilight spotted the opened chest next to the hole in the floor, “Spike, what is that?”

“Is it treasure?” Rainbow asked hopefully.

“Oh, I hope there are some good jewels I can use.” Rarity said equally excited.

Pinkie looked in the chest, “It's empty.”

“Well, that's a bust.” Rainbow crossed her arms.

Twilight looked to Spike and spoke in suspicion, “Spike, did you take something you shouldn't have?”

“Actually, what I took wasn't cursed.” Spike assured her.

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy wondered.

“Inside the chest were these twelve rocks with these animals symbols on them. One had a rabbit, one had a monkey, one had a snake, and there was even a dragon.” Spike began.

“So where are they?” Applejack asked.

“Well, I picked the dragon one up, then it started to glow and sink into my claw. Then I saw a vision of a dragon unleashing a powerful blast of combustion. I tried using my own flames and it was so powerful and big! The rocks were magic!”

“Spike, you shouldn't mess with magical objects you don't know about,” Twilight chided him, “Who knows what they could do.”

“Oh, I know exactly what these things can do, Twilight. Watch. Now you see me, now you don't!” suddenly Spike vanished into thin air.

“He's gone!” Pinkie gasped.

“Where'd he go?” Rainbow looked around.

As they all looked, Spike suddenly appeared in front of Pinkie, “Boo!” Pinkie screamed, before jumping up into Rainbow's arms. Spike laughed, and soon Pinkie laughed as well.

“Oh, you got me good, Spike.” she laughed, until Rainbow dropped her to the floor.

“Spike, where were you?” Twilight asked.

“I never left. I was just invisible.”

“Invisible?” Rarity asked.

“Uh-huh, that's the power of the snake. It gives a new meaning to the phrase 'snake in the grass' doesn't it?”

“So what else did those rocks give ya?” Applejack asked.

“Watch and observe.” Spike said, as he walked up to the statue he practiced with before picking it up from the bottom and held it over his head like it was nothing.

“Oh, my goodness.” Fluttershy gasped.

“Ah, don't believe it.” Applejack said in surprise.

“How can you lift that much stone?” Rainbow asked in confusion.

“I have the strength of an ox now.” Spike threw the statue across the ballroom making it shatter.

“Spike, we're suppose to preserve the castle and all within it, not damage anything.” Twilight reminded him.

Spike scowled, before answering, “Relax, I can fix it.”

“How are ya gonna do that?” Applejack asked.

“I'll show you.” suddenly he zipped all the way across the ballroom surprising the girls.

“How'd he get over there?” Rainbow asked in shock.

“He's faster now.” Rarity noted.

“He could be faster than you, Rainbow.” Pinkie noted, until Rainbow frowned at her.

They galloped over to Spike, “How did you move so fast?” Twilight asked.

“The lucky rabbit, Twilight.” he answered.

“So how pray tell do you plan to fix this?” Rarity motioned to the demolished statue.

“Like this.” Spike utilizing the horse magic again restored the statue surprising the girls.

“How?” Twilight asked in shock.

“The magic of the healing horse. Guaranteed to heal all your injuries, ailments, and broken stuff.” Spike explained like a salespony.

“Amazing,” Twilight admitted, “Such healing spells were ancient pretty much forgotten.”

Spike smirked, before looking at Fluttershy, “Fluttershy, name me an animal.”

“What?”

“Just name an animal that comes to you.”

“Ok, a bunny.” she said.

“Too obvious, but ok.” Spike replied, as he concentrated and suddenly took the form of a rabbit, that had his same facial features.

“Spike?!” the girls gasped.

Fluttershy lowered herself down to Bunny Spike's level, “Is that really you?” Bunny Spike nodded, before changing back to normal, “Nice, huh? Let me show you some other examples." Spike transformed into his dog self when he and Twilight visited their friends at Canterlot high.

“Spike, you're a dog!” Rainbow gasped.

“And an adorable one at that.” Rarity admitted, as she looked him over.

Spike then transformed into an ostrich, a bear, a lion, a snake, and a monkey. He changed back, as Twilight spoke, “You can shapeshift like changelings now?”

“Yeah, but I'm only limited to animals apparently.”

“I have no problem with that.” Fluttershy smiled.

“And this next one's going to be a relief for you, Twilight. You'll never have to carry me on your back again.”

“How so?”

“Because now I can do this.” Spike said before flying off the ground.

“Spike, you're flying!” Pinkie cried in joy.

“But without wings?” Applejack asked in confusion.

“Crazy, isn't it?” Spike asked from above, as Rainbow flew up to him.

“Well, you may not have wings, but it's still awesome to see you doing this.” she admitted.

“Well, thanks.” Spike replied, still feeling bitter about the prejudice remark she made about him being a dragon when Tank was supposed to prepare to hibernate, “But you know you can help me experimenting with one of my other new abilities.”

“How?”

“Buck me as hard as you can.” he ordered.

“What?” she asked.

“You heard me, buck me.”

“Spike, I don't think I should...”

“What, are you afraid, Crash!” Spike sneered.

Rainbow reacting upon hearing the worst nickname she could ever be called turned and bucked Spike so hard he flew backwards across the room before crashing into the wall, peeled off, and fell to the floor.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight shouted.

“Sorry, I reacted on impulse!” Rainbow cried realizing what she did.

They ran over to Spike in concern, “Spike, are you ok?” Applejack asked.

“Spikey-wikey?” Rarity asked equally worried.

Spike just got up and brushed himself off looking unharmed, “Wow. That didn't hurt at all.”

“Huh?!” the girls were confused.

“Spike, you just got bucked from Rainbow Dash and crashed into the wall, how are you not injured?” Twilight asked, while shaking him.

Spike got Twilight to let go and spoke, “The Dog is a pony's best friend for a reason, Twilight. Especially when it grants you immortality. Of course without the horse magic I would've still felt the pain from it.”

“Oh, I wish I found those rocks and they bonded with me.” Rainbow said with envy.

“Actually, I don't think it would've worked.” Spike replied.

“Why do you say that?” the pegasus asked.

“When I touched them, they automatically assimilated into my body and their magics synced up with me perfectly. Whatever these rocks are it's like they were made for a dragon. Made for... Me.” Spike said.

“Ok, I am officially intrigued by all this,” Twilight confessed, “Who would bury magical stones here in the castle?”

“Celestia and Luna?” Fluttershy asked.

“If they knew those rocks had magic like this, I don't think they'd bury them, and here of all places.” Twilight denied.

“Perhaps you should inform them of this?” Rarity suggested.

“Good idea. Spike...” Twilight was stopped by Spike.

“Hold on, are you going to tell the princesses about this just so they can have them removed from me, because that is unfair to me.”

“I only want to see if they know about these rocks you found and where they came from. If we find out, then maybe you'll have a better way to control them.”

Spike suddenly perked up, “So I can keep them, even though we have no idea how to remove them?”

“As long as you don't use them to cause trouble.” Twilight warned him.

“Believe me, that's the last thing I wanna do with power like this.” Spike assured her.

“And, Spike, we all wanna apologize.” Twilight continued.

“Huh?” Spike raised a brow.

“We didn't mean to make you feel left out or that you can't do the kind of work we were doing.” Applejack continued.

“Applejack's right, darling. We feel so awful about it.” Rarity confessed.

“We didn't mean to make you feel unappreciated and not a part of the group.” Fluttershy apologized.

“Because you are,” Twilight assured him, “We just never took the time to show you how much your help really means to us.”

“What they said.” Rainbow added.

“Could you ever forgive us?” Twilight asked, as they all looked at Spike hoping for it.

Spike while still bitter about how they treated him in the past could tell they honestly meant with their apology. Swallowing any resentment answered, “Ok, I forgive you,” the girls smiled, “However. There's going to be some changes in our involvement.”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.

“First off, if Applejack and Rainbow Dash need somepony for any of their future Iron Pony challenges I'm out of the question.” the two ponies sighed knowing that using Spike as the subject for their challenges wasn't fair to him.

“Second, I'm not going to be coming to the boutique to help so much, Rarity.”

“What?” Rarity gasped.

“Spike, that's a serious change. Why is that?” Twilight asked.

Spike looked to Rarity, before answering them, “My reasons are my own.” Rarity feeling it was something she might've done knew she'd be thinking hard about this.

“Other than that, don't think of me as a helpless baby dragon anymore, because I am capable of so much more now.” Spike finished.

“Done.” Twilight agreed.

“Now that that's settled, let's go to Sugarcube Corner for something sweet... And gem covered.” Pinkie winked at Spike, making him smile.

“Sounds good to me.” Applejack agreed.

“Same here.” Rainbow added.

“Then let's go,” Spike began, “Race you all there!” and as fast as lightning Spike was gone.

“Oh, man!” Rainbow cried, as she flew off to try and catch him.

So the others followed after them, “I just hope the Princesses have some clue about what those magic rocks are and why they were buried here.” Twilight hoped.

Meanwhile far from Ponyville, beyond even Equestria inside a dark cavern, a twenty foot withered creature was hanging by its wrists by shackle and chains. As it breathed heavily in the darkness, a pair of glowing red eyes shined through the dark, and a hissing voice came from it.

“My talismans!” it roared.

Author's Note

For those of you who need to keep track of the talisman powers from Jackie Chan Adventures.

Rooster: Levitation and Telekinesis

Ox: Super Strength

Snake: Invisibility

Rabbit: Super Speed

Sheep: Astral Projection

Dragon: Combustion

Rat: Animation

Horse: Healing and Regeneration

Monkey: Animal Shapeshifting

Dog: Immortality and Rejuvenation

Pig: Heat Vision and Blasts

Tiger: Spiritual Balance

The Keeper of the Talismans

At Sugarcube Corner, Spike and the girls were there enjoying some sugary snacks, with Spike's being covered in gems.

“Mm, this hits the spot.” Spike said, as he ate a gem covered cupcake.

“You bet.” Pinkie agreed, as she devoured a whole cake.

As the girls and Spike ate, Twilight had finished writing a letter to her mentor, “Done. Ok, Spike. Send it. And make sure you use your teleporting fire and not your real fire.” she warned him.

“Relax, Twilight. I know what to do.” Spike used his magical flames to transport the letter to Princess Celestia.

“Now all we can do is wait, and hope they have answers for us.” Twilight said.

“Does it really matter where those rocks came from, Twilight?” Rainbow asked, as she sipped her milkshake.

“It matters a lot, Rainbow,” Twilight answered seriously, “Where did they come from, who made them, and why?”

“Whoever did make them must've really had a lot of time on their hoofs.” Applejack replied.

“But then why bury them, and at Celestia and Luna's castle?” Fluttershy wondered.

Suddenly Spike belched up a new scroll, as Twilight levitated it to her and looked it over, “We'll find out soon enough. The Princesses are coming to Ponyville now.”

“Which means we should better get to the castle,” Spike guessed, “Well, I'll see you there.” and like before he took off like a shot.

Twilight sighed, “I don't think I'm ever gonna get used to that.” So the girls headed off to the castle.

Soon enough, the group was in the castle sitting in their respective thrones surrounding the Friendship Map. They were biding their time in waiting for the royal ones to arrive, and soon enough the doors opened and walking in was Celestia and Luna.

“Princess Celestia. Princess Luna.” Twilight greeted.

“Good afternoon, my little ponies,” Celestia greeted, “And Spike.” Spike nodded.

“Spike, is it true you found magical objects hidden beneath our old castle?” Luna inquired.

“I sure did.” he confirmed.

“Could you give us a demonstration?” Celestia requested.

“Sure thing.” Spike answered, as he used the speed power to zip around the whole throne room. He extended his claw out to several of Twilight's books that were lying around, and they began to levitate before forming a very tall stack. He levitated the stack over, and held it up using only one claw. Spike benched the tall stack with his one claw as if it was weightless.

Spike levitated the stack down gently, before disappearing, much to the sisters surprise. Before reappearing behind them. Spike then flew upward and his eyes started to glow red. Suddenly firing out from his eyes were beams of heat. He aimed them at the wall moving in motion, until he stopped firing to reveal he carved an image of his face in the wall using the beams of heat.

“I am an artist.” Spike said proudly.

“Spike, the wall!” Twilight complained.

“What it just shows, I was here,” Spike joked, as he levitated down, and spoke to the Princesses, “Pretty amazing, huh?”

They looked to see the Princesses had shocked expressions on their faces. Spike seeing this gave them a dry look before speaking in sarcasm, “Please, try to contain your excitement.”

“Forgive us, Spike. It's not that we're not impressed.” Luna answered.

“Then why're you as shocked as we are when Spike showed us his new powers?” Applejack asked.

“Because this isn't the first time those powers have been used by a dragon.” Celestia answered.

“It isn't?” Fluttershy asked, as the sisters shook their heads.

“Who else could be capable of what Spike can do now thanks to those rocks?” Rarity inquired.

“Those rocks, Rarity, are talismans.” Luna answered.

“Talismans?” the girls and Spike asked.

“Correct,” Celestia confirmed, as she levitated an old book onto the map table, “There has only been one dragon capable of such magic.”

“And that would be?” Spike inquired.

“Shendu.” Celestia and Luna answered.

“Shendu?” the girls asked.

“Who's Shendu?” Pinkie wondered.

Celestia used her magic on the book that projected a visual display of a twenty foot tall wingless dragon with an impressive build. He had greenish skin, red eyes, and was wearing purple shorts. The sight of the dragon frightened Fluttershy who hid her face behind her mane.

“Shendu was an evil warlord over dragonkind thousands of years ago,” Celestia explained, as the visual of Shendu looked down upon hundreds of other dragons, “His powers originated from twelve animal guardians who possessed its own individual power. But Shendu utilizing dark magic was able to usurp the power from those animals, and using their magic took over the Dragon Lands, becoming supreme ruler over all dragons.”

“Whoa.” Spike gasped.

“For years he ruled over dragons with an iron claw demanding their loyalty and praise,” Luna continued, “Until one day, his subjects rebelled against him by seeking out Starswirl the Bearded, and using a powerful spell defeated Shendu and removed his powers from him taking the form of twelve magical talismans, that were hidden away out of evil reach.” they watched as Shendu's powers were pulled from his body and took the form of the twelve talismans.

“And they were buried under your own castle.” Twilight noted.

“This was long before our time as rulers. Whoever buried them there never would've imagined our first castle would be constructed in that exact spot.” Celestia suspected.

“So what happened to Shendu?” Spike asked.

“He was imprisoned in a far away land beyond Equestria. No dragon has seen or heard of him since then.” The princess of the sun explained.

“He'd have to be ancient by now.” Rarity gasped.

“That's assuming he's still alive.” Rainbow added.

“This is definitely something to keep track of.” Twilight said, as she had been chronicling Celestia and Luna's story.

Spike looked at his claws while feeling the magic within him, “So these powers were was once used by an evil dragon?”

“Yes, Spike.” Celestia confirmed.

“It was fortunate you of all dragons were the one to find them and bond to them.” Luna added.

“She's right,” Twilight agreed, while looking at Spike, “Imagine if some other dragon found them and bonded with them. I doubt they would've used them the way you have been using them so far.” Spike could already imagine if a dragon like Garble of any of his flunkies found them they could do all sorts of destruction with one power alone to anywhere in Equestria.

“Yeah. That kind of magic would be like an all you can eat buffet for Tirek.” Pinkie added.

“If any other magic obsessed creature you knew you had that kind of power, they'd be all over you like mah whole family at an apple smorgasbord.” Applejack put in.

Spike started realizing the downside of having so much power would make him stand out, but remembered he didn't wanna be thought of as helpless anymore remained brave, “If any creature wants this magic they'll have to pry it from me. I'll take on any who want to take this magic.”

“By yourself?” Fluttershy asked in concern.

Spike thought about it and realized he wouldn't wanna be alone, spoke to the girls, “Well, it would be nice to have you all around for support.” the girls smiled at his answer.

Celestia spoke, “Remember, Spike, magic like that is very tempting, especially to the young. Do not let your new powers consume you and make you feel you can do anything that you please. Otherwise you will end up no different than Shendu.”

Spike nodded, “I understand, Princess. I really wanna use these powers to help others, while occasionally having a bit of fun in my free time.

Celestia turned to the girls, “And can I trust you girls will make sure Spike does not succumb to the temptation of what he can really use such power for?”

“You can count on us, Princess.” Twilight promised.

“We'll always be there for our dear Spike.” Rarity assured.

Luna nodded, “Then we wish you the best of luck on handling your new powers, Spike.”

“Thanks.” Spike smiled.

Twilight spoke to her mentor, “Could I borrow this books, Princess. I'd like to know more about Shendu and the talismans.”

“Of course. You and Spike should learn from it together.” Celestia said.

“Well, we better get back to Canterlot. Have a good day, all of you.” Luna said, as the two sisters took their leave.

“That was some history lesson, huh, Spike?” Pinkie asked the dragon.

“Yeah. Imagine one dragon using all this power to enslave his own kind.” Spike said in shock.

“Hope you don't get any ideas like that.” Applejack hoped.

“Yeah, the last thing we need is another repeat of what Trixie did here.” Rainbow reminded him.

“Like I told you all, I have no interest in using my new powers for that kind of greed.” Spike assured them.

“I should hope so,” Twilight said, “I also hope this won't lead to any real problems.”

“You worry too much, Twilight.” Pinkie ruffled her mane.

“Yeah. I mean what could be out there that we really need to worry about?” Rainbow asked rhetorically.

That night far away in the cavern prison, the dragon known as Shendu still chained and shackled by his wrists concentrated, as his eyes glowed.

“Rise my army of darkness!” he hissed.

The shadows from all around started moving and rising up from them were these tall figures wearing black uniforms and masks that concealed all but their glowing red eyes.

“My shadowkhan,” Shendu began, “Though I am old and withered from centuries of being separated from my powers, I still have enough magic within me to summon you.”

One of the creatures known as shadowkan jumped upward and whipped out a sword trying to slice one of the chains connected to Shendu's shackle, but the chain glowed and repelled the strike.

“It is no use. The chains which bind me are infused with good magic making you incapable of setting me free. The only way for me to escape these shackles is to become one with my talismans again!” the creatures looked up at their master, who continued, “I have recently sensed their magics resurfacing. Meaning some creature has found and used them. I must have my talismans so my strength and powers can be restored!” he bellowed, before calming down.

“You will find me my talismans, and bring them to me no matter what.” Shendu instructed them, as he managed to extend his right claw out and his own flesh started molting off it taking the form of an object that one of the shadowkhan caught. The object was a torch-like clay sculpture with four dragons in its head, situated like the four compass points.

The shadowkhan held the device out in a direction and one of the dragon heads eyes glowed pointing the way, “Yes, the dragons will show you the way. Go now, my minions.” the shadowkhan vanished, “Soon, I will have my powers back, and this land will know true fear!” Shendu roared.

Author's Note

I know a lot of you think I'm going to be doing the entire rest of series with my own versions of seasons 6-9 in this story, but this is merely a stand alone story. Unless I decide to make another story focusing in another season dealing with something else. Regardless I want you all to enjoy what I have planned.

The Shadowkhan

One morning at Sweet Apple Acres, the Apple sibs were busy bucking trees to collect apples, “Come on, ya'll, these apples ain't gonna collect themselves ya know.” Applejack told her sibs.

“Applejack, are ya sure it was ok to let Spike handle that whole orchard by himself?” Applebloom asked in concern.

“Don't you worry none, sugarcube. Spike insisted to do it. And trust me when I say, he's gonna be just fine.” Applejack assured her.

“Hey there!” came Spike's voice, as the three saw Spike pulling a whole cart loaded with dozens of bushels of apples over, “I cleared out the one orchard like I said I would.”

Applejack smiled and shook her head in disbelief, while her siblings looked lost for words, “I don't believe it.” Applebloom said in shock.

“Me neither.” Big Mac agreed feeling equally surprised.

“Good work, Spike.” Applejack commended him while rubbing his head, "Though I was concerned you'd buck the trees right out of the ground with that new strength of yours."

"That's why I just flicked the trunks and the apples just fell right down."

“Spike, how in the world did ya manage to clear a whole orchard, so fast, and drag that whole cart here?” Applebloom asked in confusion.

“I'm not the same dragon I once was, Applebloom,” Spike began, “I'm faster and stronger than I've ever been in my life. And I love the feeling.”

“Well, ya just made our work here go faster. Saves us the trouble.” Big Mac admitted.

“No problem. After I put these bushels in the barn, I'll be off, ok?” Spike asked Applejack.

“Sure thing, Spike.” she nodded.

So Spike without much problem hauled the cart of apples to the barn, before flying off for town. As the sibs watched him leave, Applebloom spoke to Applejack, “How can he even fly if he don't have any wings?”

“That's something you'll have to ask Spike.” she replied.

As Spike flew around Ponyville, he looked down at the citizens below going about their daily lives, “Ah, it's so nice to see Ponyville from above on my own for a change, rather than ride on some pony's back.” he told himself.

“Look out below!” came a voice from above.

Spike looked up seeing a bunch of packages falling from above. He extended his right claw out and using the power of the Rooster stopped the packages in mid air holding them in place. Flying down was Derpy and a few more mail carrier pegasi.

“Oh, thank you, Spike.” Derpy said gratefully.

“You saved us from having to explain to the recipients how their packages were damaged.” another pegasi explained.

“Not a problem.” Spike replied, as the pegasi were collecting the goods.

“Though how're you flying up here without wings?” one of the mail delivery ponies asked.

“And how did you keep the packages airborne?” another wondered.

“I'm a new kind of dragon with all sorts of surprises.” Spike answered, as they reloaded the mail wagon with all the packages.

“Well, whatever the case, we appreciate your help.”

“No problem. Catch you later.” Spike flew down.

As Spike landed on the ground he decided to just walk around, while unaware he was being watched by a few pairs of glowing red eyes from the shadows.

“Maybe I should treat myself to a milkshake, or head for the gem cave and harvest me some fresh gems to snack on later.” Spike started debating on what to do, until a voice sang out.

“Oh, Spike!”

Spike stopped in his tracks, before looking back seeing Rarity trotting over, “Oh, boy.” he sighed.

Rarity stopped before him, “And how're you today?”

“I'm fine, thanks for asking.” Spike replied, as he was ready to press on.

“I was wondering if you could spare a moment.”

“For what?” Spike wondered.

“I was on my way to the jewelry store to get some imported gemstones for one of my newest designs, and I could use your keen sense of which is better.” Rarity attempted to sweet talk him.

Spike remembering what he said back at the castle of the two sisters yesterday, answered her, “Sorry, but I pass.”

“Pass?” Rarity asked in confusion.

“Yeah. Sorry.” Spike said, as he was about to leave, only for Rarity to block his path.

“Spike, I noticed a change in your demeanor whenever I've been around you since yesterday. And when you said you wouldn't be coming by the boutique as much now has me concerned. Did I do something wrong?”

Spike rolled his eyes, “Rarity, why do you think I came by your shop at all in the past?”

“Because you love being helpful?” Rarity guessed.

“That's only part of it,” Spike replied, “I really did it because I wanted to be closer to you. It's wasn't because you promised me gems to snack on as a reward or anything. It was all about being close to you. Do you even remember what I tried to tell you that time we were free falling to certain doom? But you stopped me because it looked like you knew?”

Rarity recalled the day Spike was consumed by greed and turned into a giant dragon driven by greed and ended up changing back when he remembered his generous act to Rarity, before they started plummeting. Spike tried to confess to her, but she stopped him and he saw the happy tears in her eyes giving him the hint she knew all along.

“Oh, Spike.” Rarity gasped.

“I wasn't just saying that in the spur of the moment, I actually meant it,” Spike confessed, “But since then all you cared about was using that to your own advantage. You never gave me a real answer or even talked about it. I just realize I've been helping you all for nothing.”

“Spike.” Rarity gasped seeing how hurt he felt.

Spike looked back up before seeing something coming their way, “Look out!” he pushed Rarity down as something almost hit them.

They looked seeing metal throwing stars sticking in the ground, “Where did those come from?” Spike wondered.

Rarity looked up as her eyes widened in horror, “I have a pretty good idea!”

Dropping in from all around were the Shadowkhan armed with more throwing stars, “What are they?” Spike asked.

“I haven't the slightest.” Rarity replied.

The shadowy ninjas continued to surround the two from all sides, before jumping them, “Move!” Spike grabbed Rarity and zipped them both away, causing them to miss. The Shadowkhan using their seeking device tracked the talisman powers from within him, and they made haste.

Spike ran Rarity and himself close to the Everfree Forest, “That was scary.” Rarity admitted.

“I know. Where'd those guys come from anyway?” Spike wondered.

Suddenly the Shadowkhan emerged from the shadows all over the ground making sure to cut off any retreats.

“What do you guys want anyway?” Spike asked in aggravation, but they didn't respond.

“Not very talkative, I see.” Rarity noted.

The Shadowkhan tried to attack Spike with more of their throwing stars, but he flew up and dodged. The shadow minions jumped up high to grab Spike, but he kept flying around avoiding them.

“Leave, Spikey-Wikey alone!” Rarity ordered, as she blasted some with magic causing some to go poof.

“They disappeared.” Spike gasped.

One Shadowkhan threw a bolo at Spike tying his arms and legs together, as the weights from them dragged him back down to the ground.

“Sorry, but this won't hold me.” Spike used his strength to break out of the bolo.

Two Shadowkhan tried to jump him, but Spike activated his invisibility and vanished causing them to miss. Spike appeared behind them, and using his levitation threw the two into a tree making them go poof.

“You guys must really have it out for me, huh?” Spike asked the ninjas, as three more tried to attack Spike.

The dragon fired heat beams out of his eyes destroying the three, “Spike, help!” Rarity called, as he saw the ninjas were surrounding Rarity.

Spike seeing this frowned, before flying right for them tackling the Shadowkhan away before knocking them to the ground. As they got up, Spike stood before them with his right claw out.

“Taste dragon blast!” he announced, as he launched a combustion blast nailing all the Shadowkhan destroying them.

Spike sighed in relief that they were gone, before going over to the fashionable unicorn, “Rarity, are you ok?” what he got was a big hug from Rarity.

“Oh, thank you, Spike! Thank you so much!” she said happily.

“You're welcome.” Spike answered, as he had a faint blush on his face

Rarity let Spike go and spoke up, “Whatever those things were, they seemed to be more focused on you.”

“Yeah. And I can tell why.” Spike replied.

“The talismans?” Rarity asked.

“No doubt. We better go see Twilight.” Spike suggested, as the two headed for the castle.

Later on at the castle, Spike and Rarity were in the library with Twilight telling her everything that happened, “And we came straight here.” Spike finished.

“I'm just glad the both of you are ok.” Twilight said in relief.

“Yes, but we have no clue as to what those creatures were or where they came from.” Rarity said.

“I think I have an idea,” Twilight levitated the archive Celestia and Luna brought with to discuss about the talismans, “I've been looking through this archive and may have found something.”

“What is it?” Spike inquired.

“Based off how you described them, these ninjas are known as Shadowkhan.” Twilight used her magic to project the image of the Shadowkhan in the book as a hologram.

“That's them all right.” Spike confirmed.

“Twilight, what exactly are the Shadowkhan?” Rarity asked.

“Ninjas made from living shadows. They're as deadly as they are sneaky.” she explained.

“But how did they know about the talismans, and what could they need them for?” the dragon asked.

“That's just it. I don't think they wanted them personally.” Twilight replied.

“What do you mean, darling?” Rarity wondered.

“The Shadowkhan are just obedient puppets who follow the will of those who practice the dark arts.”

“But if they're just puppets, then somepony was using them to get to me?” Spike asked.

“That's the way it looks.”

“But who could be using them? And how did they know I had the talismans?”

“I'm not sure, but it's apparent to me they can track your movements,” Twilight said in concern.

“Meaning there's no way to hide Spike from them?” Rarity asked.

“Maybe not, but there may be a way to keep them from coming here,” Twilight explained, as she looked at a page in the archive, “This spell here can make a barrier around the castle keeping the Shadowkhan from entering.”

“Well, at least I know here they won't be able to reach me.” Spike said in relief.

“Even so, we'll need to warn the princesses of this news,” Twilight said, “Whoever did send these Shadowkhan knew about the talismans being found.”

Spike nodded in agreement. Rarity spoke up, “Well, all this excitement has left me bushed, I think I'm going to go home and lay down. Spike would you walk me to the door?” she said signaling him to follow her.

“Sure.” Spike replied, as they left the library.

As they reached the entrance, Rarity stopped to speak, “Spike, I thought about what you said to me, and you're right.”

“Huh?” Spike asked taken aback by her confession.

“I have been exploiting your crush on me for my own benefit. I just got so used to you helping me without being asked before I just accepted it as the norm. And that was unfair to you. I took your services for granted and not realized you had a much deeper reason to wanting to help me. And I made you feel like you were doing it all for nothing. I know I can't take back all the times I've exploited your service, but believe me when I say I am truly very sorry.” Rarity confessed with guilt.

Spike looked at the unicorn he had a crush on for so long, and could tell from the sincerity in her voice she was being honest. Not wanting to push her away, decided to hug her, “I forgive you, Rarity.”

“Really?” Rarity asked in surprise.

“I just can't stay bitter with you. And I know you meant what you said. If you still want me to help out...”

Rarity gently put a hoof to his mouth, and spoke, “I think I've forced you to help me out enough. How about instead of work, you drop by the boutique just to relax and have tea? Nothing business, just strictly social.”

Spike smiled, “I'd love that.”

Rarity smiled, and hugged him again, “And thank you for being my hero more times than I ever knew.” she pecked Spike's cheek making him smile.

As Rarity left the castle Spike continued to smile and thought to himself, 'Looks like we may be getting somewhere after all.'

Meanwhile in the cavern prison, the Shadowkhan stood before their master who had discovered what happened on their search for the talismans. And he did not look happy.

“You mean to tell me my talismans have bonded to an inferior dragon whelp?!” Shendu hissed, “And he defeated all of you?!”

Though the Shadowkhan remained expressionless beneath their masks, they still shook at their masters tone.

Shendu growled, “It seems as though I must take another approach to this matter. Gather me as much information as you can on this dragonling.” the Shadowkhan disappeared into the shadows of the cave.

When the withered dragon was alone, he spoke to himself, “The power of the talismans wasted on the young. Well, enjoy the power while you can, whelp. Because once they're reunited with their true master, I'll show you exactly what they were meant to do.” he hissed.

Half & Half

At Twilight's castle, Spike was zipping around from every room in the castle looking for something. He stopped in the lounge room and started looking under the sofa cushions, “Where is it? Where is it?” he looked under one of the arm chairs, “I had to have put that issue of the Power Ponies around here. I know it. Ugh!” he groaned, “Wish my talismans could help me locate things.”

As Spike looked underneath a table he was blasted with confetti which blew him back and startled him. Reflecting off his eye was the image of the Tiger Talisman that suddenly broke in half. Spike got up and groaned before looking over and saw a party cannon was underneath the table. The little dragon growled and spoke angrily, “Pinkie, leaving her party cannons around?! I thought she said she found all of them!” he dusted the confetti off his body before turning around and came face to face with himself.

“Whoa!” Spike jumped back, before he and his reflection got up and looked confused, “When did a mirror get set up right here?” he asked with his reflection mimicking him. He and his reflection shrugged, as he walked away. But as Spike walked away, his 'reflection' actually walked out of the room.

The reflection spoke, “Pinkie really should've cleaned up all her party cannons, that could really give somepony a heart attack.” he said in worry, before going into another room.

He entered and saw Twilight looking over something in a book before spotting him, “Oh, Spike. There you are. I wanted to ask you about something.”

“I'm sorry if I rearranged any of your books, Twilight,” he spoke up frantically, “I was just looking for my last Power Ponies comic. But I made sure to put them all back in the right order. Did I? I didn't?! Oh, I'm sorry I messed up!” he cried.

Twilight looking concerned went over to Spike and held him close, “Take it easy, Spike. They're all in their respective order.”

“Oh, thank goodness.” Spike said in relief.

“Spike, are you feeling ok?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Why, is there something wrong with me?” he asked in worry.

“You're acting more shy and nervous than Fluttershy.”

“I am? And is that bad?”

“I'm... not sure.” Twilight said unsure how to take this behavior.

Meanwhile back in the lounge room, 'Spike' was tearing the place up and making a mess, “Oh, come on! How hard is it to find one simple comic?!” he grumbled, while crossing his arms.

The doors opened and walking in were the rest of the girls, “Hey, Spike!” Pinkie cheered, while carrying a tray of cupcakes.

Rarity looked around the room and gasped at the mess, “Gracious heavens!”

“What's going on in here, Spike?” Applejack asked.

“What's going on?” Spike asked, as he zipped over and got in the cowgirl's face, “I'll tell you what's going on. I'm trying to find one of my missing comics, and so far nothing!” he snapped, as the girls were taken aback by his outburst.

“Sorry I asked.” Applejack said feeling stunned by Spike snapping.

“And another thing, Pinkie!” Spike turned towards Pinkie, “I thought you said you found all your hidden party cannons and removed them!”

“Must've missed one. My bad.” Pinkie said sheepishly.

“It nearly gave me a heart attack!”

“Whoa, Spike, take it easy.” Rainbow calmed him.

“I know it couldn't have been pleasant to get a jump scare from one of Pinkie's Party Cannons, but don't you think this is a bit overreacting?” Fluttershy asked.

“I'm overreacting?” Spike asked, “What about you always getting frightened over every solitary thing?”

“Um, well...” Fluttershy tried to answer, but ended up whimpering knowing it was true.

“Spike, what's gotten into ya?” Applejack demanded.

“Yes, where is this rudeness coming from?” Rarity asked equally surprised.

“I'm just in a rude mood today, sweetheart.” Spike said slyly, before grabbing the cupcake tray from Pinkie, and poured them all down his mouth eating them whole.

“Hey, those were meant for every pony!” Pinkie protested.

“Well, now they're mine,” Spike answered, before belching, “Later!” he zipped off.

The girls stood in shock and silence, until Rainbow broke the ice, “What just happened?”

“Was that really Spike?” Fluttershy wondered.

“Purple scales, green spines, cute squishable face, that sounds like Spike.” Pinkie deduced.

“But he sure wasn't acting like the Spike we know.” Rarity noted.

“Haven't seen him that angry since that day he found the talismans.” Applejack recalled.

Then Twilight entered with Spike, “Hey, girls... What happened in here?!” she gasped at the mess.

“Ask Spike.” Applejack motioned to Spike.

“Spike?” Twilight asked him.

“I didn't do this, I was with you.” Spike said in defense.

“What're you talking about?” Rainbow asked, flying up to him, “We all saw you tearing this room apart looking for your comic. And what's up with the attitude, you got a problem with us today?!”

Spike's eyes widened in fear as he hid behind Twilight, “No! I don't have a problem with anyone, please don't be mad at me!” he cried.

This reaction out of Spike once again left the girls confused, “And I thought I was easily scared.” Fluttershy admitted.

“Girls, what's going on?” Twilight asked.

“Spike was acting all rude to us moments ago.” Rarity noted.

“How could he when he's been with me?” Twilight asked, before motioning to Spike who smiled nervously, “Besides, does this look like somepony being rude to you?”

“This don't make a lick of sense.” Applejack said in confusion.

Before they could try and figure it out, they heard a crashing sound nearby, “What the?” Twilight asked, as they headed headed for the source.

They went to the room Twilight and Spike were last in and to every pony's shock, saw Spike had torn the place up just like he did in the lounge.

“Spike?!” they gasped.

Spike looked back at him squinting, “What?”

They looked back down seeing Spike at their side all nervous, “Spike?!”

They looked back and forth at the two Spike's, until Applejack spoke, “Am I seein' double here?”

The two Spike's went to each other and moved mimicking each other, until they felt each other's spines and jumped back in shock.

“You're not my reflection!” they said simultaneously.

“Wow, stereo.” Pinkie gasped.

“Where did this other Spike come from?” Rarity wondered.

“And which one is ours.” Fluttershy asked.

“I am!” the two dragons answered together before looking at each other, “No, I am!”

Twilight between the two Spike's at their distinct behaviors before gasping, “Wait a minute, I know what's going on. Be right back!” she flew off.

Twilight quickly came back carrying the book on Shendu and the talismans, “I thought this reminded me of something, and I was right.”

“What do you mean, Twilight?” Rarity wondered.

“Yeah, what's wrong with Spike?” Rainbow asked.

“And which one is the real one?” Pinkie asked.

“They both are.” Twilight answered.

“Huh?” they asked.

Twilight opened the book and magically projected an image of the talisman that had the image of two tigers facing opposite ends.

“The Tiger talisman,” she began, “It has the power to locate and reunite divided pieces of an object. But it's chief power is far more dangerous. It possess the power of spiritual balance. But if that balance is interrupted it splits the one in possession of it into two. One embodying the light side, and the other embodying the dark side.” she motioned to the two Spike's individually.

“You mean to say this one Spike is evil?” Pinkie motioned to the rude Spike who frowned at her.

“Not so much evil. Just embodies all of Spike's badder qualities, while this one represents all of his better qualities.”

“So that's why they're both our Spike?” Applejack asked.

Dark Spike scoffed, “I'm nothing like this wimp.” he finger motioned to Light Spike who gasped.

“You are not very nice!”

“I know.” Dark Spike said smugly.

“What I don't understand is how did this happen?” Twilight wondered.

Pinkie spoke up sheepishly, “Spike may have been startled by one of my misplaced party cannons here. Oopsie.” she grinned nervously.

“Is there any way to make them one Spike again?” Rarity asked hopefully.

“Yes, the two Spike's must join together again.” Twilight answered.

“Great!” Light Spike cheered.

“Pass.” Dark Spike replied aloof.

“Pass?” the girls asked.

“Why would I wanna rejoin with a doormat and a wuss like this guy?”

“Same as I wouldn't wanna be together with a rude dragon like you!” Light Spike protested.

“Finally, something we agree on!”

“Enough!” Twilight broke them up, “You are both part of one Spike, and we need both of you to rejoin.”

“Some other time,” Dark Spike said, “You know, I'm in a hoarding mood. Wonder what kind of stuff in Ponyville I can take.” he grinned.

Twilight realizing what this was going to cause spoke to the girls, “Don't let him out!”

The girls tried to block Dark Spike who scoffed, “Please.” he dashed past them.

“This is bad!” Twilight gasped, “If he goes on a hoarding spree his dragon greed will kick in, and you know what that'll do.”

The girls and Light Spike got scared imagining a giant greedy Dark Spike in Ponyville, “We have to stop him before that happens.” Rainbow suggested.

“Right. Come on!” Twilight said, as the group hurried out of the castle and headed towards town, unaware of a single Shadowkhan watching them from the shadows before vanishing.

At Shendu's cave prison the dragon had learned from what his Shadowkhan had witnessed. The dragon laughed amusingly, “So the whelp has split himself into two from the Tiger. Not only are both his light and dark separated, but upon doing so the talismans themselves have been split making them only at half strength. It'll be much easier to take them. However given the poor performance of my minions, I should take precaution and use a different type.”

The ninja Shadowkhan disappeared, and suddenly rising up from the shadows were new Shadowkhan. These new ones were tall and had pointed heads with one glowing, red eye. They wore black suits with dark red accents that covered their whole body. They had dark red belts and brown ropes covering their forearms and hands. Instead of fingers, they had five, giant, razor-sharp claws, and their legs were also pointed.

“Go forth, and fetch me the two halves of the dragonling who possesses my talismans!” he ordered, as the sharp looking Shadowkhan took off.

Rejoin

Out in Ponyville, Dark Spike was zipping all around taking random things from ponies right from left, from food to trinkets to just about anything. As Light Spike and the girls kept trying to catch him he always managed to slip away. When the ponies in town saw Spike with the girls, they were confused as to where he suddenly came from when he was just there with them taking their stuff.

“If Dark Spike keeps hoarding, pretty soon he's going to end up turning into a giant greedy dragon!” Twilight feared.

“And then it'll be harder to stop him.” Light Spike feared.

“Come on, he can't be far now!” Rainbow ordered, as they continued to look.

Dark Spike was currently scamming some squirrels out of their acorns and nuts with the three cup game, “Where's the nut? Who's the nut? Why's the nut? You pick this one?” he lifted the cup up to reveal nothing underneath it, “You lose!” he laughed before taking the acorn he won from the squirrel and placed it in a bowl he took from the Sugarcube Corner. The bowl itself was already filled with what could be a whole winter's worth of nuts.

“I'm on a role here.” Dark Spike laughed.

“Hey!” shouted a voice, as he saw Fluttershy with the others behind her, “Drop those nuts!”

“I won them fair and square, sweetheart.” Dark Spike boasted.

“Spike, you have to stop this!” Twilight ordered.

“Twilight's right, if you keep on hoarding the way you are you're going to turn into an even worse dragon.” Rarity tried reasoning with him.

Dark Spike just gave Rarity a blank look before answering, “So?”

“So, is that really what you want?” Applejack asked rhetorically.

“Would that be such a bad thing?”

“Have you forgotten what happened last time that happened?” Rainbow asked in disbelief.

“Hmm, must've remained with my Light half.” Dark Spike joked.

“Look, me,” Light Spike began, “If you and I don't rejoin who knows what could happen?”

“What could happen?” Dark Spike asked with a laugh.

Suddenly appearing all around them were the sharper looking Shadowkhan that Shendu called upon. Their appearances left the girls and two Spike's in surprise.

“That could happen.” Pinkie pointed out.

“These don't look like your run of the mill Shadowkhan.” Rainbow noticed.

“There's more than one type?” Twilight asked in shock.

“What do you think they can do?” Fluttershy trembled.

One of the new Shadowkhan extended its claws and in one swipe ended up cutting a nearby post into several perfectly clean cut pieces that horrified the group.

“They're Razor-sharp.” Light Spike gasped.

“Yeah, Razor Khan.” Pinkie realized.

“Different type or not, these guys gotta go.” Dark Spike said, as he flew at one and punched it. It hit a tree but didn't go poof, “Huh, normally my punches would make them go poof like that.” he said curiously.

As more of the Razor Khan got ready to fight the ponies and Light Spike prepared themselves, “Come on!” Twilight ordered, as they spread out.

As Rainbow flew around one of the Razor ninjas she tackled it right to A.J who bucked it against a wall. Twilight was blasting away at them, while some were destroyed others moved around her shots before one jumped at her and tried to slice her. Twilight teleported out of the way, as the Shadowkhan sliced a tree branch that held a birds nest in it with two baby birds in it. As the next plummeted Fluttershy quickly swooped in and caught it. She placed the next on a safer branch and smiled seeing the babies were ok.

Rarity was firing magic shots from her horn at the ninjas, but when one came at her from the side she quickly levitated a nearby wooden board over to used as a shield. The Razor Khan's pointy arms got stuck in it before eventually slicing it off.

Light Spike was running around fast but saw one Razor Khan had landed before him and tried to slice him. Light Spike quickly used his heat beam blasts at his opponent but all it did was force him to back off.

“He didn't poof,” Light Spike gasped. He looked over at his Dark half and saw while he was fighting hard he noticed his own usage of the talisman powers didn't look as effective as they're supposed to be, “Him too?”

Dark Spike dodged before firing a combustion blast at some Razor Khan, but it didn't impact fast enough allowing the shadow ninjas to get out of the way, “What?!” he gasped.

As the Razor Khan were going to slice Dark Spike, Rainbow swooped in and snatched him before their enemies could land a hit.

As Rainbow touched down, she spoke smugly to the Dark Spike, “You ok, tough guy?”

“Let go! I'm fine!” Dark Spike ordered, as he jumped out of her hold.

“Didn't look fine to me.” Rainbow challenged.

“I'm just having an off day is all.” Dark Spike argued.

“I don't think that's the case.” Twilight said, landing by them, “Look at your other half.” They looked seeing Light Spike struggling to fight back, while also trying to take cover.

“Both of you aren't fighting at your peak, and do you know why?” she questioned.

“Enlighten me.” Dark Spike replied.

“Because the Tiger Talisman split not only the both of you, but divided the talismans powers as well making them weaker.”

“So what're you saying?” Dark Spike asked.

“Unless both of you rejoin there's a slim chance any of you will get out of this alive.” she warned him.

Dark Spike suddenly looked concerned as he looked at Light Spike and how he wasn't doing any better than he was doing in the fight. And without his toughness and determination he really stood no chance. He then put on a brave face and flew over.

As Light Spike was punching away one Razor Khan, another jumped him from behind and scratched him in the back leaving behind a few marks.

“Spikey-Wikey!” Rarity cried, as the girls gasped.

Light Spike groaned, as he dropped to the ground onto his arms. As the Horse talisman tried healing him it was a slow process being at half strength. The Razor Khan that scratched him wasn't going to let him heal so easily and was ready to deliver another blow, only for Dark Spike to fly in and punch it aside.

“Hold still.” Dark Spike said, as he used his own healing power combined with Light Spike's to fully heal the scratches.

“You helped me?” Light Spike asked, after getting up.

“As much as it pains me to say it, and believe me it pains me to say it... I can't fight alone.” Dark Spike grumbled.

“So then?” Light Spike asked with hope.

“We...” Dark Spike strained, “Need to be one again!”

Light Spike smiled, “Wouldn't have it any other way.” the two Spike's locked claws and the two halves of the tiger talisman in each of their eyes glowed before combining again.

The girls and Razor Khan looked and saw standing before them was one Spike, “Spike?” Twilight asked.

Spike spoke, “Yeah, it's me. Whole again.”

“All right!” Rainbow cheered.

“Yippee!” Pinkie cheered.

“Now, where were we?” Spike asked, as he and the girls resumed fighting the Razor Shadowkhan.

With Spike at full power again he was flying around and attacking the Razor Khan like they were nothing. And the girls not needing to worry about covering for either of the half powered Spike's were able to fight at their full capacity again.

The girls and Spike knocked the seven remaining Razor Khan into the center together, before Spike and Twilight flew above them, “Have fun going back to your boss in defeat, fellas!” Spike called, before he unleashed a combustion blast and Twilight fired her magic down. The two attacks combined destroyed the remaining Razor Khan.

The ponies cheered as Spike and Twilight touched down, “Spike, it's so good to see you back to your old self.” Twilight said, while hugging him.

“Yeah, as much fun as it was having two Spike's around, I guess in this case less is more.” Pinkie admitted.

“And no offense, but your dark half was a real jerk.” Rainbow added.

Spike sighed, “I'm sorry the trouble my dark half caused you all, and what he said to all of you.”

“It wasn't your fault, Spike.” Applejack comforted him.

“Of course not,” Rarity agreed, “Your dark half just didn't have your nicer half to keep him in check.”

“But now that both Spike's are one again we have you back.” Fluttershy smiled.

“Thanks. And I'm hoping to stay that way.” Spike said.

“Well now that you pulled yourself together, what say we return all this stuff?” Twilight suggested, while motioning to the hoarded stuff Dark Spike pilfered from the towns ponies.

“Uh, sure.” Spike said knowing he'd be doing a lot of explaining to the ponies in Ponyville.

As they started collecting the stuff and started to return them to their rightful owners, Spike spoke, "You know if Shendu has more than one type of Shadowkhan at his disposal, this could be dangerous for us."

"I agree," Twilight nodded, "Which is why we need to be extra cautious. Because if there are more than one type who knows what other kinds there could be." the girls feared the worst.

Meanwhile at Shendu's lair, the imprisoned Dragon seeing his henchmen return empty handed left him furious, “Even separated you failed me?!” he bellowed, before snorting, “Good help is just so hard to find these days!”

Wonderbolts Show

At Twilight's castle, Spike was levitating around the ceiling in the throne room dusting all the corners he could never reach before.

“There that should do it. Now it's time for a snack.” Spike levitated down to the floor.

Suddenly the doors opened and entering was Twilight and Rainbow Dash, “There you are, Spike.” Twilight said.

“Yeah, what's up?” Spike asked.

“Guess who has tickets to this evening's Wonderbolt show?” Rainbow asked happily.

“You?” Spike asked rhetorically.

“Exactly.”

“And let me guess you and the girls will be going there tonight, while I'm left to castle sit?” Spike asked Twilight dryly.

Twilight looked down in shame knowing Spike still has letting go issues when it came to the girls going off and doing fun stuff without him.

Rainbow not wanting things to look dismal, spoke up, “Actually, you're coming with.”

Spike perked up, “Really?”

Rainbow looked guilty and spoke, “I know you were left out and not there to support me during the Young Flyers Competition, and looking back I realize it wasn't fair to you.”

“Especially since I didn't get to see you do the Sonic Rainboom there, and had to wait until the wedding in Canterlot.” Spike noted.

“Well, that's all gonna be different now, buddy. Because this time, I'm not leaving you out of anything like this again.” Rainbow promised him while putting a hoof around him.

Spike feeling better about this perked up, “Thanks.”

“So let's make sure to be ready to head for Cloudsdale tonight.” Twilight told her assistant.

“Well, I'm already half way done with my work.” Spike said showing her.

“Indeed you are.” Twilight admitted.

“Great. I'll see you all tonight.” Rainbow said, as she zipped out of the castle.

As she flew around she boasted to herself, “Oh, yeah. Me and my friends kicking it in Cloudsdale with the Wonderbolts tonight. It's going to be awesome!”

Unaware to Rainbow Dash, a shadowkhan was watching and listening from the shadows committing what she said to memory, before vanishing.

Later on back at Shendu's prison cave, the captive ancient dragon acquired the news from his one minion, “Cloudsdale, is it? Hmm, this could pose as a problem. While you may be living shadows, even you cannot walk on the clouds,” the one shadowkhan lowered its head in shame, “Which means for a task like this I will need something a little more... airworthy.”

Shendu concentrated and suddenly appearing before him was a swam of shadowkhan that appeared to be bat-like. On their back were bat wings, and their appendages looked like bat claws.

“My army, go to Cloudsdale and retrieve my talismans,” Shendu instructed the Bat Khan, “And destroy any who get in your way. Now fly! Fly! Fly! Fly!” the Bat Khan flapped their wings and flew off for the cave's exit before flying off into the sky.

As it was getting late, Spike and the girls had arrived at Cloudsdale and were heading their way for the stadium.

“I can't wait to see how it goes,” Rainbow began, “I mean Spitfire and the others have been working super hard when they're not drilling me and the rest of my fellow reserves. I just hope there won't be any drama this time like what happened before.” she said recalling how veteran Wonderbolt Wind Rider framed Rainbow for sending Spitfire away just so she could take her place in a performance.

“If such drama occurs again you can count on me to prove your innocence.” Rarity assured her.

Rainbow smiled, until a voice spoke up, “Well, Rainbow Dash, glad you could make it.” the group looked to see Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot in their uniforms approaching.

“Hi, guys. Well, you can bet I wouldn't miss this.” she said.

“And you brought the rest of your friends along.” Soarin noticed.

“That's right. I wanted all my friends to be here with me.” the rainbow pegasus said, as she held Spike and Twilight close to exemplify her point.

“Well, we hope you all enjoy the show tonight. It's gonna be one nopony's ever going to forget.” Spitfire said, as the three main members headed off.

“Come on, let's get to our seats.” Rainbow said, as the group continued on for the stadium.

Soon at the stadium which was lit up by lights, the stands were packed with ponies eager to see tonight's performance. Spike and the girls sat in their row watching and waiting to see the Wonderbolts appear.

“It's almost time!” Rainbow cheered.

“Good thing I already made my snack stop.” Pinkie said showing she had tons of snacks from the stands outside the stadium.

Spike looked feeling happy, “You know it's good I can come here without you needing to use that cloud walking spell on me, Twilight.”

“Well now that you can fly even without wings it makes it easier for you.” Twilight noted.

“Which means I can come here more often on my own without needing to use the balloon or your spell. After all I head Cloudsdale's got some good comic shops up here.” Spike said, as Twilight rolled her eyes, but let Spike enjoy himself.

Soon fanfare played as the Wonderbolts flew onto the scene with colorful trails of smoke following them. Rainbow watched clearly the most excited, even more than Pinkie with Applejack and Fluttershy trying to keep their brash friend in her seat.

As Spike enjoyed the show he looked past them into the distance seeing a couple of black dots. He squinted at them but couldn't make out what it was. He then reached across to Pinkie reaching reaching inside her mane.

“Spike, even I know what boundaries are. I thought you would too.” Pinkie said in surprise.

“Sorry, I need to check something.” he pulled out a telescope from her mane and looked through it.

“What's up, partner?” Applejack asked, only for Spike to shush her.

Spike looked through the telescope focusing on what was in the distance, when he caught sight of the Bat Khan he looked shocked.

“Oh, no.” he said in worry.

“Spike, what's wrong?” Twilight asked in concern, as the others looked worried at their dragon friends change in tune.

“Look.” Spike handed the telescope to Twilight who used her magic to levitate it up and looked through it.

When she saw what Spike spotted she too grew nervous, “Girls, we got company.”

“Ooh, what kind of company?” Pinkie asked not realizing the danger.

“Shadowkhan are flying this way!” Spike answered.

This got the girls in worry, as Rarity spoke up in confusion, “Shadowkhan can fly?”

“Well, these ones can.” Spike replied.

“But they'll interrupt the show!” Rainbow complained, before seeing her friends look at her dryly, “And attack any of the innocent bystanders here.” she smiled sheepishly.

“We need to evacuate the ponies out of here!” Twilight ordered, until Applejack spoke up.

“I don't think there's enough time for that.” she motioned to the Bat Khan that're closing in.

“Wow, they fly fast.” Pinkie said impressed.

The Bat Khan arrived so fast the Wonderbolts didn't have time to spot them. One of the shadow creatures flew right for Spitfire, as Spike watched.

“I can't wait any longer!” Spike said, as he shot off from his seat like a rocket and flew at the Bat Khan slugging it away before it could attack Spitfire.

The captain was taken aback by the creature that almost attacked her, and that Spike was hovering at her side.

“Are you ok, captain?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, but what was that? And how're you flying without wings?” she asked.

“One thing at a time. For now, those things are bad news.” he motioned to the Bat Khan gathering together.

“So how to we deal with them? We're not exactly trained soldiers.” Spitfire said.

“Maybe not, but you are stunt ponies. Use your speed and aerial stunts to beat them.” Spike hinted.

Spitfire listening to Spike's words started looking around seeing her fellow athletes flying around dodging the Bat Khan trying to swoop in and attack them. She grew determined knowing what to do.

“Every pony, follow my lead!” she ordered, getting the rest of the Wonderbolts attention. She led the charge as the Wonderbolts followed her. Spike seeing them using their aerial talents and formations to dodge and hit the Bat Khan, knew they'd be all right.

“Spike, behind you!” Twilight called from the stands.

Spike looked and saw a Bat Khan was about to grab him, only to be knocked away by Rainbow Dash, “Keep those claws off my buddy!” she spoke to the enemy before smirking at Spike who smiled back. The two joined in helping the Wonderbolts deal with the shadows.

While in the stands, several more Bat Khan were flying down trying to attack the bystanders. Twilight was blasting away several of them with her magic, while Rarity was using her own to project shields so other ponies could take cover.

Applejack bucked a few away, but they weren't giving up. Pinkie spoke up, “I hate to say this, but these guys are...”

“Don't say it!” Applejack warned her.

“Batty!” Pinkie announced, as Applejack gave her a dry look.

Fluttershy trying to avoid the Bat Khan swooping down at her trembled, “I'm having bat flashbacks all over again.”

Up in the air, the Wonderbolts were still using their aerial maneuvers to fly circles around the Bat Khan, but they weren't giving up. Spike flew around and punched one of the Bat Khan away before using combustion on two more. As more surrounded it and grabbed him, the little dragon struggled.

“Get off me!” Spike shouted, as he unleashed heat beam blasts from his eyes taking out two of them, and used his strength to throw the rest off him, “If you want me so bad, come and get me!” he flew around with several Bat Khan flying after him.

Rainbow who was flying around and knocking back more Bat Khan saw Spike flying with more of the shadow minions on his tail. She flew after him, as some Bat Khan followed her.

The two friends flew while making sure their pursuers couldn't catch them, until they started flying right at each other.

“Ready...” Spike began.

“Now”! Rainbow called, as they flew past each other while the Bat Khan weren't fast enough to pull up and ran right into each other going poof.

As the pegasus and dragon flew side by side, Rainbow spoke, “Nice teamwork.”

“Right back at ya.” Spike agreed, as they joined the Wonderbolts.

“We got them on the run, let's keep at it!” Spitfire ordered, as they split up to continue to throw the Bat Khan off their game.

Spike flew around firing heat beam shots at some of the Bat Khan taking them out, while Rainbow flew circles around more of them leaving them open from a bucking from several Wonderbolts. The dragon looked around seeing the Bat Khan continued to drop until he spotted one left. He flew at it and grabbed it by the throat holding it in place.

“I know you can hear me, Shendu. And I'm giving you this warning,” Spike began, “No matter how many kind of Shadowkhan you send to attack me or my friends, you will never succeed in taking the talismans.” he threw the Bat Khan into a wall making it go poof.

“Alright!” Rainbow cheered, as she and the Wonderbolts flew over to Spike congratulating him, “That was so awesome!”

“Very impressive, little guy.” Fleetfoot admitted.

Suddenly they were interrupted by the sound of applause. They looked down and saw the bystanders in the the stadium returned and applauded having witnessed their fight.

“Wow.” Spike said as he waved to the crowd along with Rainbow and the Wonderbolts.

“May not have been the performance we intended to put on.” Fleetfoot began.

“But it did make for a good show.” Spitfire admitted, before turning to Spike, “You got some sweet aerial moves, kid.”

“Especially for a dragon without wings.” Soarin added.

“Well, thanks.” Spike said while trying to be humble about it.

“Ever think about joining the Wonderbolts?” Spitfire nudged him.

“What?!” Spike and Rainbow asked in shock.

“Yeah, having a dragon in the ranks will really be one for the history books.” Fleetfoot agreed with Spitfire.

Spike feeling tempted by the opportunity was almost willing to accept it before remembering how much getting into the Wonderbolts was Rainbow's dream.

“Tempting offer, you guys. But I have to pass. Being part of the Wonderbolts just isn't what I want out of life. Besides soon enough you'll be having somepony much better joining the your ranks.” he eyed Rainbow who smiled at him.

After the fiasco, the group cleared out of the stadium and headed home. As Spike walked he was resting his claw, “I can't believe I was asked to sign so many autographs with the Wonderbolts.”

“Why so surprised, darling?” Rarity asked, “You helped save Cloudsdale from an attack.”

“Looks like you ain't just appreciated in the Crystal Empire now.” Applejack added.

“That's for sure.” Spike agreed.

“Imagine if they decide to erect a statue of you here.” Pinkie said.

“Don't feed Spike's ego, Pinkie.” Twilight told her.

Spike chuckled, before realizing what this situation spelled out, “If Shendu can summon Shadowkhan that can fly now, I'd hate to think of what other kinds of Shadowkhan there are.”

“I know, those razor sharp ones were dangerous.” Rarity recalled.

“What do you think we should do?” Fluttershy asked.

“I'm not sure what,” Twilight replied, “We have no location of where Shendu is imprisoned, so we can't stop him at the source.”

“And I'm not going to just hide in the castle like a coward,” Spike added, “If Shendu does want his talismans back then he has to go through me.”

“You mean all of us.” Rainbow replied.

“Darn right.” Applejack agreed.

“We're here for you, Spike. No matter what.” Twilight promised, as Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy smiled and nodded in agreement.

“Thanks, you guys.” Spike smiled, as they continued off.

The Chi Wizard

Spike was busy one morning kicking back on his throne, reading a Power Ponies comic, “Thanks to the super speed taking care of the castle chores is such a breeze. Gives me more time to catch up on my reading.” he told himself, until his cheek puffed up. He looked away from his comic and burped up a scroll. He caught the message and looked it over before his eyes widened.

Twilight was currently in the library looking over some books, until the doors flung open, and Spike rushed in, “Twilight!”

“What is it, Spike?” Twilight asked.

“We just got a message from Princess Celestia,” he handed her the message, “She wants all of us to head to Canterlot asap.”

Twilight looked the message over herself, “And it looks like she found somepony who may know of a better way to counteract against Shendu's Shadowkhan.”

“This is great,” Spike smiled, “Any way to fight back against him will do us all plenty of good.”

“Come on, Spike. Let's round up the girls, and head for Canterlot.” Twilight ordered.

“On it.” Spike nodded, as they took off.

Once they rounded up the rest of the girls they headed straight for Canterlot. When they arrived at the castle, they were escorted into the throne room where Celestia stood before them with a unicorn at her side that looked much older.

“Hello, Princess Celestia.” Twilight greeted, as Spike and the girls bowed their heads.

“Welcome, my subjects,” Celestia greeted, “Now then, I would like to introduce you all to an old colleague of mine. Everypony, this is Lo Pei.” she motioned to the old unicorn beside her.

Lo Pei had a grey coat with a cutie mark being that of magic scroll, he had a long light black beard with a mustache, and his attire was long green robes.

The unicorn spoke, “Greetings Princess Twilight, and friends. I am honored to meet you all.”

“The pleasure's ours, sir.” Twilight replied.

Lo Pei turned towards Spike, and approached him. The little dragon looked up at the unicorn feeling nervous from his towering figure, “And you must be the dragon Spike.”

“That's me.” he confirmed.

“Princess Celestia has told me you are in possession of the twelve magical talismans once belonging to the evil dragon Shendu.”

“She's correct.” Spike confirmed.

Lo Pei looked him over, “Hard to imagine so much magical power resides in such a small one.” Spike groaned at the crack at his height, while Rainbow snickered only to get nudged by Applejack to shut up.

“Well, it's true,” Spike explained, “I found the talismans buried underneath Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's old castle in the Everfree forest.”

“And since then you've been targeted by the imprisoned Shendu who had sent his Shadowkhan minions to retrieve his powers from you.” Lo Pei finished.

“Yeah. These Shadowkhan are no joke. Especially since there's more than one kind.” Spike noted.

Lo Pei nodded, “Which is why I may be able to help you.”

“And how?” Rarity asked.

“I've been studying the magic used by Starswirl the Bearded when Shendu's former subjects rebelled against him and stripped his powers away. It was not ordinary unicorn magic, but something on par with alicorn magic.”

“And what magic is that?” Applejack asked.

“Yes, please tell us.” Twilight said with a hint of desperation.

“Chi Magic.” the unicorn answered.

“Cheese Magic?” Rainbow asked.

“Mm, I love me some cheese.” Pinkie licked her lips.

“Not 'cheese'. Chi.” Lo Pei pronounced.

“What is chi?” Fluttershy asked.

“Chi is a universal life force found in all living beings, and goes by many names, as do its two sides. Light and Dark. Good and Evil.”

“Peanut Butter and Jelly!” Pinkie cheered, only for Applejack and Rainbow to cover her mouth.

“I've studied and dabbled in Chi magic for years, and I've made several spells you can use to more effectively counteract the Shadowkhan.” the unicorn pulled out a magic filled with scrolls and parchment.

“I would love to see them.” Twilight said with excitement on her face.

“Come, I shall show you.” Lo Pei said, as the group trotted off someplace more private.

Meanwhile at Shendu's prison cave, the dragon summoned his regular Shadowkhan warriors, and suddenly two more versions of the Shadokhan appeared as well.

The first new group of Shadowkhan who were taller than the regular tribe wore dark blue, metallic samurai armor. They had greyish-blue skin, but only their hands were visible. They wore dark red belts and have one glowing, red eye.

The second new Shadowkhan group were also taller than the regular Shadowkhan, and had long legs and incredibly well-built bodies. The wore black suits that entirely cover their bodies and had one glowing, red eye. Their left arms had crab-like pincers while their right arms had stabbing claws and no pincers.

“While they say two heads are better than one, I say three Shadowkhan tribes are better than two,” Shendu began, “Go forth and find the dragon whelp with my talismans!” he hissed, as the three groups of Shadowkhan took off.

Back at Canterlot Castle, Celestia, Twilight, Spike, and the girls were looking at several scrolls of Lo Pei's that were laid out for them to see.

“These spells are unlike anything I've ever seen or studied.” Twilight marveled.

“Well, not every pony has the right books which contain the spells ingredients.” Lo Pei admitted, as he was mixing herbs and liquids into a big golden bowl.

“And the good news is you don't have to be a unicorn to use it.” Applejack read.

Lo Pei shook his head, “No. The magic here is made through a combination of several ingredients when mixed together form something much greater. And when applied to a medium can be used in various purposes.” Lo Pei levitated a lifeless blow fish over and dunked it a few times into the green liquid in the bowl causing the lifeless fish to glow with a green aura.

“Ooh!” the ponies and Spike gasped.

“Behold.” Lo Pei said as he levitated two target shots over and positioned them. He aimed the glowing blow fish and concentrated before the lifeless fish unleashed a blast of the green magical aura nailing the two targets.

“Bullseye!” Rainbow cheered.

“Nice shootin' partner.” Applejack commended him.

“The magic is powerful, and it's used to ward away evil spirits such as Shadowkhan. But to truly make it more effective it requires an incantation that must be repeated while using your medium.”

“And what is that incantation?” Spike inquired.

Lo Pei spoke, “Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao.”

The ponies and Spike looked confused, “Yu Mo, what-what?” Rainbow asked.

“That's a mouthful of an incantation.” Applejack said.

“Here, all of you try it with me,” Lo Pei began, as he sounded it out, “Repeat after me. Yu.”

“Yu.” the ponies and Spike repeated.

“Mo.”

“Gui.”

“Gwai.”

“Fai.”

“Di.”

“Di.

“Zao.” Lo Pei finished.

“Zao.” the group finished.

“Now then, shall we try it together?” Lo Pei asked, as they all nodded.

And so they all chanted together, “Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao.”

“Wow, that's very catchy.” Pinkie said.

Suddenly a royal guard entered the room, “Emergency, your majesty!” he addressed Celestia.

“Yes?” she asked.

“These creatures just appeared in Canterlot and they're running amok.”

Spike and the girls fearing the worst rushed to the nearest window and looked out seeing the city below. They could hear the screams of ponies who were running for their lives, and saw the Shadowkhan causing destruction everywhere they were.

“It's them.” Spike squinted.

Lo Pei looked down squinting as well, “The dark ones.”

“We gotta get rid of these varmints.” Applejack said.

“And fast,” Rarity added, “Who knows the damage they'll cause to my favorite shops.” the girls and Spike gave the fashion unicorn dry looks.

“Then we better go.” Spike said.

Lo Pei spoke, “You all go on ahead. I'll prepare more mediums for you to use and join you.”

“Be careful my little ponies.” Celestia warned them.

“We will.” Twilight promised.

“Especially you, Spike.” Celestia told the dragon knowing they were looking for him. Spike nodded, as he and the girls took off.

Power of the Chi Spell

Out in Canterlot, the pony citizens were in a massive panic from the invading Shadowkhan. One of the Crab Shadowkhan used it's claw to grip a lamppost and rip it out of the ground before chucking it at a store window. A earth pony stallion ducked behind a bench hoping he'd be safe, until a Samurai Shadowkhan unsheathed its sword and with one swipe, the bench was cut into two pieces leaving the pony vulnerable. The pony screamed knowing he'd be next until the Shadowkhan was incinerated by a combustion blast.

The ponies taking cover saw it came from Spike who stood with the girls behind him, “Let's see already we have you Shadowkhan down for invading a royal city, destruction of public property, and disturbing the peace.” Spike listed off.

“You boys are looking into quite a long sentence.” Rainbow smirked.

The Shadowkhan not moved by idle threats readied themselves, “Come on!” Twilight called, as the group went into battle.

Rainbow flew around knocking down several regular Shadowkhan, before taking her chances with a clawed one, but when she collided with it she went splat. The Crab Khan pulled her off it and gripped her in its claw.

“These ones are like brick walls.” Rainbow groaned, before the Shadowkhan gripping her started squeezing her making her cry.

Twilight used her magic to blast it in the back destroying it, and freeing Rainbow, “You ok?” Twilight asked her pegasus friend.

“Nothing I can't handle.” Rainbow said shaking off the pain.

Applejack was running around, as some of the Samurai Khan was were trying to slice her with their swords. Though the shadow minions missed the Apple pony, their cuts did end up hitting some outdoor cafe tables and chairs. Applejack looked to see the clean cuts left by their weapons.

“Watch the swords, everypony! They're mighty sharp!” Applejack called.

“Oh, yes they are.” Pinkie said, as she was bouncing around some of the Samurai Khan who were trying to slice her as well, without even a worry.

Fluttershy being Fluttershy was trying to take cover and avoid confrontation, while Rarity was blasting at some Shadowkhan with her own magic. At first she had things under control, until a Crab Khan was about to grab her from behind.

“Rarity!” Fluttershy called, as she tackled her friend to the aside avoiding the claw.

“Oh, thank you, darling.” Rarity said in relief.

“Don't thank me yet.” Fluttershy said motioning to the same Crab Khan who stomped up to them.

Before it could attack, Spike flew in and using his super strength punched it making it disappear, “These Shadowkhan keep getting more weirder with every new type we see.” he told the two ponies who nodded in agreement.

Twilight continued using her magic to blast at more of the Shadowkhan, but only the regular ones were defeated the easiest, while the other two tribes weren't going down so easily.

“Their armor makes them strong enough to take even my magic shots.” Twilight told the others.

Spike who flew around some Crab Khan before using his heat beams on them, spoke, “If we don't get a game changer in soon, we may not last much longer.”

As a Samurai Khan was about to attack Spike from behind it was blasted by another source of magic. The ponies and Spike saw arriving on scene was Lo Pei armed with a blow fish medium.

“Lo Pei!” the girls gasped in joy.

“Sorry, I'm late. Needed to make sure the mediums were in perfect condition.” he levitated a blow fish to each of the girls and Spike.

As Spike held his medium in his claw, Twilight and Rarity held theirs using their magic, while the rest of them held the tail end in their mouths.

“Remember, what I taught you all. Now go!” Lo Pei called, as he began chanting, “Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao.”

Spike and the girls began chanting along while blasting at the Shadowkhan that destroyed them. The shadow minions kept dropping until eventually there was none left in the city.

When the group saw their enemies were gone, they relaxed, “Whew, now that was sure a rush.” Applejack panted.

“No kidding.” Rainbow agreed.

“Those were some of the toughest Shadowkhan ever.” Spike said.

Lo Pei nodded, “Indeed. There are various types, each one stronger than the next.”

“Don't have to tell me.” Spike replied.

“But at least the chi spells were able to defeat them.” Twilight noted.

“Nice use of magic, Lo Pei.” Pinkie smiled.

Lo Pei spoke to Spike, “Shendu must be restless from trying to retrieve his talismans from you.”

“You have no idea.” Spike answered.

At Shendu's cave, the dragon growled, having sensed his minions defeat and by what, “Now the whelp and his pony friends are using chi magic to fight against me? This is unacceptable!” he bellowed before calming down, “If he thinks I'm going to just roll over and show my belly than that child has another thing coming. I will get my powers back one way or another.” he eyes glowed red.

Later that night at the Castle of Friendship, Spike and Twilight were seated on the sofa in the castle lounge looking over some more chi spells Lo Pei.

“With these spells and ideas, keeping the Shadowkhan at bay will be all the more easier.” Spike smiled.

Twilight spoke still looking worried, “Yes, but only keep them at bay. Unless we find a way to permanently neutralize Shendu, he'll just keep sending Shadowkhan our way.”

Spike began to ponder, “Think maybe we should go looking for him?”

Twilight did a double take, “What?”

“I'm just saying, it might probably be best if we stop it at the source. That being Shendu himself.”

Twilight got into Spike's face, “Spike, don't you think that's exactly what Shendu would want you to do?”

“It was just a suggestion, Twilight.” Spike said shoving her face out of his.

“I know, it's just I don't want any of us to have to put ourselves in that big of a dangerous situation, regardless of how well we can defend ourselves.” Twilight said still voicing her concern.

Spike knowing Twilight was just looking out for the well being of him and their friends hugged her, “And you won't have to, Twilight.” he smiled. Twilight smiled back and held Spike closer to her.

Yacht Vacation

At the Castle of Friendship one afternoon, Twilight was heading to Spike's room, until she heard voices coming from inside.

“Quickly, Zapp! Use your lightning!”

“I'm all over it!”

“Marevelous, on your right!”

“Right!”

“Radiance, shield!”

“You got it!”

“Humdrum, cover me!”

“No problem Matterhorn!”

Twilight suddenly smiled, as she quietly opened the door and peeked inside. What she saw was Spike watching from a beanbag chair while eating from a bowl of rubies, as his action figures of the Power Ponies and Maneiac were acting out a fight scene all on their own. The Power Ponies action figures used their actual powers to defeat the Maneiac who was then tied together with Mistress Marevelous' lasso.

“Curse you, Power Ponies!” Maneiac declared.

“Way to go team!” Masked Matterhorn declared as the Power Ponies put their hooves in on a job well done.

“And once again Maretropolis is saved thanks to the Power Ponies!” Spike narrated.

The action figures turned to Spike and bowed to him, “How was that?” the action figure of Humdrum asked.

“Best performance yet. I can't wait for the next time, guys.” Spike said.

“Well, we're just chalk full of ideas.” Zapp replied.

“Until then.” Spike extended his claw out to his action figures, as the image of the Rat talisman appeared in his eyes. Suddenly magic was assimilated out of his Power Ponies and Maneiac action figures, and they suddenly became lifeless and fell on their sides.

“Having fun, Spike?” Twilight asked.

Spike looked to Twilight standing in his doorway, “Twilight, how long have you been there?”

“Just in time to see the finale. You really love using the power of the Rat talisman on your Power Ponies action figures?”

“It makes good entertainment. Especially since the talisman power gives them the actual powers of what the object represents.”

“Well, I'm glad you're using it more on these guys than that time you used it on your hoof-stitched Rarity doll so you can practice confessing...”

Spike held a claw up, “Ah-ah! Let's not bring that up!” he said with a blush, “So what's going on?”

“Well, you'll be happy to know me, you, and the girls have been invited on a yacht cruise for the weekend.”

Spike's eyes lit up, “What? Really?”

“Uh-huh.” Twilight nodded.

“That's great. Though who authorized it?” Spike wondered.

“The Luxe Deluxe crew gave us a free vacation should we attend. Probably because of all our statuses. Especially yours and mine.”

“Yours and mine?” Spike wondered.

“As Princess of Friendship I am considered a VIP, and with your reputation as the hero of the Crystal Empire, they obviously want us to help them bring in more ponies who'd want to see us.”

“Are we going to be asked to do Q&A panels or public appearances?” Spike asked.

“They just want us to be there. We don't have to do anything but have fun and relax.” the princess of friendship explained.

“Well, that's a relief,” Spike sighed, “I mean, what's the point of going on a vacation if it means not being able to relax?”

“Let's get to packing.” Twilight suggested, as the two began packing what they needed.

As Spike packed his essentials, he put his blow fish medium and potion spells Lo Pei taught him and the girls during their last visit to Canterlot on top, “You can never be too careful.” Spike told himself, while feeling relieved with Chi Magic spells on their side they can combat the Shadowkhan better than before.

As the weekend arrived, Spike, and the girls were at the Manehattan docks with many other pony tourists boarding a yacht. As Spike and the girls were carrying their luggage making sure to pack the essentials, Rarity once again went overboard with many suitcases and such.

“Gee, Rarity, ya sure ya packed enough?” Applejack asked the fashion pony rhetorically.

“Not even your sass will ruin my mood, Applejack.” Rarity replied not feeling insulted.

Once all the guests were onboard the ship sailed off away from the docks and out to sea. When the Ponyville crew was brought to their VIP room on board, they were amazed by the very size of it, complete with a bed for each of them.

“Awesome!” Rainbow cheered.

“Now this is how you treat guests.” Rarity said feeling astounded.

“I could sure get used to this.” Applejack admitted.

“It's very lovely.” Fluttershy added.

“Can you believe we're actually on a yacht?” Pinkie asked with a bright face, “This is so exciting!”

“Especially since there's so many activities on this cruise.” Spike put in.

“Fortunately, I mapped out everything.” Twilight said showing her friends a timetable of the activities.

“I could sure go for some shuffleboard.” Applejack admitted.

“Me too.” Rainbow agreed.

“An on-board petting zoo?” Fluttershy gushed.

“They got an all you can eat buffet!” Pinkie cheered.

“Even a spa!” Rarity said in joy, “And I can't wait until we pass into international waters.”

“Why's that?” Rainbow wondered.

“Tax free shopping!” Rarity said all giddy.

“Well, you all enjoy what you all want. I'll be at the pool.” Spike said.

“Let's all meet back up around dinner time.” Twilight said.

“Sure thing.” Applejack agreed, as did the others.

They left the room and went to explore the yacht, while unaware high above the sky was a Bat Khan watching them. It's sight transferred back to Shendu.

“So they think they can escape me by going across the sea, do they?” Shendu asked himself, “Well, not even high waters will stop me.” Shendu concentrated as shadows gathered all around, and appearing below him were another tribe of Shadowkhan.

This tribe had two sets of tentacles that can extend. They had greyish-blue skin and black suits. Their abdomen and tails were skin colored. They were more or less squid-like.

“Go forth and infiltrate that vessel, bring me my talismans, and the ponies allied with the dragon whelp who possesses my powers!” Shendu ordered. The Squid Khan sunk into the shadows and headed off.

“Enjoy your cruise, little Spike. It'll be the last one you ever take!” Shendu laughed to himself.

Battle on the Luxe Deluxe

On the Luxe Deluxe cruise ship, Spike and the girls were on board enjoying themselves and the various activities the yacht was hosting.

Rainbow and Applejack were busy playing shuffleboard which once again led to them competing like crazy. At the all you can eat buffet, Pinkie was stuffing herself with all kinds of treats laid out for the guests. Fluttershy was currently at the on board petting zoo cuddling at petting with several animals ranging from bunnies, little goats, and birds in a cage. Out by the pool on deck, Rarity was basking in the sun relaxing, while Twilight was relaxing while reading.

Spike walked up to the diving board of the pool wearing red swim trunks. He reached the edge and prepared himself to jump, “Banzai!” he jumped off the board and into the pool. He swam back up and laughed at how much fun it felt.

As Spike swam about in the pool, Twilight and Rarity watched him, “Spike is certainly having fun, isn't he?” Rarity asked Twilight.

“He sure is. He's earned it. It serves as a good distraction from what he's been dealing with as have we all.”

Rarity nodded knowing exactly what Twilight meant, “Even with the constant threat of being targeted by Shendu's Shadowkhan, he still can put on a smile and relax.”

As Spike continued to swim about the pool, he suddenly found several attractive looking mares in the pool as well swimming in his direction. Spike started to blush at the sight of them as they directed their lidded gazes in his direction.

“Are you really Spike the Brave and Glorious?” a unicorn mare asked.

“That would be me.” Spike confirmed, as a blush grew upon his cheeks.

“Wow, you're even cuter up close.” a pegasus mare said dreamily, as the group of mares swam closer.

“When we heard you would be vacationing on this cruise too, we knew we had to come ourselves.” an earth pony mare said.

“You're quite the celebrity in the Crystal Empire.” another pegasus mare said, as Spike found himself cornered at the edge of the pool.

“Well, don't believe everything you hear.” Spike said modestly.

“Oh, come now. There is no such thing as bad publicity.” another unicorn mare replied.

“Say, you have any plans for tonight?” another pegasus asked.

“Well, I-” Spike was cut off before he could properly answer.

“Because we're all having a little get together in our room, and we were wondering if you wouldn't mind coming?” another earth pony mare said as the flirtatious mares gave Spike hopeful looks.

Spike's blush kept getting more noticeable and was looking for a way out of this situation, until a familiar voice sang out, “Oh, Spike!”

Spike gasped, “Rarity!” he looked at the mares who were closing in on him, “Um, sorry, but I gotta go!” he jumped floated out of the pool and zipped away leaving the group of mare pouting before lowering their heads down into the water and blowing bubbles.

Spike flew over to Rarity and spoke in relief, “Thanks, Rarity. I didn't know how to handle things back there.”

“No problem at all, Spike. But I didn't just call you here to save you, I have a little request of you.”

“What would that be?”

“Could you help apply some sunblock to me? I'd very much appreciate it.” she requested.

Spike smiled, “Sure thing,” Spike said, as he took the bottle of sunblock and gently applied some to Rarity making sure he got the right spots covered, “There you go.”

“Thank you so much, Spike.” Rarity said as she pecked his cheek.

Spike smiled, “Mind if I pull up a spot next to you? I feel like relaxing myself.”

“Please do.” Rarity said, as Spike relaxed on a chair next to Rarity, as they enjoyed the warm sun.

As it started to get dark, the girls and Spike all met at the buffet to discuss their day, “Well, today's been fun.” Spike told the girls.

“It sure has.” Pinkie said, as she stuffed herself.

“Honestly, Pinkie how can you eat so much after stuffing yourself all day here?” Twilight asked in disbelief.

“I just do.” she replied.

Twilight turned to Applejack and Rainbow, “So which of you won your shuffleboard match?”

The two mares looked sheepish, “Well, ya see...” Rainbow began.

“We kinda...” Applejack trailed off.

“You two got so caught up in your match you stopped keeping score?” Twilight called in in a dry tone. The two competitive ponies winced.

“Well, I had so much fun with all the animals at the petting zoo,” Fluttershy smiled, “Imagine a goat on a boat. Now I've seen everything.” she giggled.

“I enjoyed myself out at the pool.” Spike explained.

“Before or when several admirers of yours started getting close to you?” Twilight teased.

“Twilight.” Spike said sternly.

“Sounds to me like some dragon's sure popular here.” Applejack winked.

“No kidding.” Spike agreed recalling how he almost felt willing to let himself be wooed by several of the mares by the pool.

Meanwhile below the ship, the Squid Khan caught up to the yacht and started to slither their way up the side before climbing aboard. When several passengers and workers who were out on deck spotted them, they screamed in terror and took cover.

As Spike and the girls heard the commotion with the other guests in the buffet room, Spike spoke, “What's going on?”

The door to the buffet room burst open with the Squid Khan slithering in with one holding the talisman seeking device that glowed confirming the location of the talismans.

“Shadowkhan!” Twilight gasped.

“Eck, and ugly looking ones too.” Rainbow gagged.

“Even sailing across the sea Shendu will try to pursue us and Spike.” Rarity said in disbelief.

“Well, what say we handle these varmints like we always do?” Applejack suggested.

“We'll need the chi spell mediums to better combat them.” Twilight reminded her.

“They're back in the room,” Spike noted, “Don't worry, I'll get to them.” he zipped past the Shadowkhan, before arriving back carrying the items.

“Good think I packed extra mediums.” Twilight said levitating more fish mediums to the girls to use.

“Let's get 'em!” Pinkie called, as they went on the attack, with Applejack bucking one Squid Khan making it crash onto a table.

Pinkie bounced around avoiding the Squid Khan's tentacles, before one eventually caught her leg, “It got me!”

Twilight blasted the one who had Pinkie with Chi Magic making it go poof, “Thanks, Twilight.” Pinkie bounced to one of the buffet tables and started pelting the Shadowkhan with several treats.

Spike and Rainbow flew around two Squid Khan that tried to grab them, but weren't fast enough. When a third one caught Spike by the foot, the dragon squinted at it, “Big mistake.” he grabbed the tentacle tugged it off his leg and slammed it into the two others he and Rainbow were dodging.

Rainbow flew circles around one before looking at it, “You know, I kinda always wondered what you guys look like without these masks.” she pulled the mask off the Squid Khan to see what it looked like underneath.

Repulsed by the grossness of its face, Rainbow spoke, “You know what? You look better with this on!” Rainbow put the mask back on the Squid Khan only it was put on backwards. The Shadowkhan with its vision cut off stumbled around

Rarity fired magic shots at a Squid Khan that tried to attack her only for two to come at her from behind and wrap their tentacles around her, “Let me go!” she struggled.

Both Spike and Twilight used a combination of combustion and chi spell blasts to take out the two Squid Khan restraining Rarity.

“There may be more Shadowkhan on board the ship.” Spike suspected.

“Let's split up and search the ship, leave no spot unchecked.” Twilight ordered.

“I'll check the petting zoo!” Fluttershy flew off to protect the animals on board.

“Applejack and I will check the exercise area!” Rainbow offered, as the two took off.

“I'll hold down the fort here.” Pinkie volunteered.

“I'll go scope out the shops!” Rarity offered while fearing what could happen to the ships lovely merchandise..

“I'll check around the rooms.” Twilight said.

“And I'll go for the deck.” Spike said, as the rest took off.

At the petting zoo area, some of the ponies there were taking cover as some Squid Khan slinked inside. The animals took shelter inside their play houses, as Fluttershy flew in and saw her enemies, “You meanies better leave those sweet animals alone!”

The Squid Khan turned their focus to Fluttershy and extended their tentacles to grab her, “Eep!” Fluttershy squeaked as she flew for cover, as the shadow minions continued to pursue her. She managed to fly through one of the tire swings in one of the animal pens. When one of the Squid Khan tried to follow her through it got stuck inside the swing and struggled to get out.

Fluttershy whipped out her fish medium and chanted the spell before blasting at the Squid Khan destroying them. When all was clear, the animals came out from hiding to see if all was well.

“It's ok, they're gone.” Fluttershy cooed, as she hugged one of the baby goats.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash arrived on scene and saw more Squid Khan trying to terrorize some of the guests.

“Come on, A.J, let's put these guys back in the ocean.” Rainbow said, as the two went in for the attack.

Applejack bucked some of the shuffleboard pucks at the Squid Khan to get their attention. When they felt the pucks nail them in the back they turned and went for the two ponies. Rainbow flew around dodging before her hooves were ensnared by two Squid Khan's tentacles.

“You'll be sorry.” Rainbow said, as she flew around them at super speed and when she stopped both Squid Khan's were tied together by each others tentacles.

Applejack ran to gain speed before jumping on a beach chair allowing her to jump higher and came down bucking two more Squid Khan making them go poof, “Yee-haw!” Applejack cheered.

As Twilight and Rarity were defending the sections of the yacht they went to search, Spike arrived at the pool area and saw more Squid Khan were terrorizing the ponies who took cover under chairs and tables.

“Not on this cruise!” Spike flew in and used his heat beams on one of the Squid Khan making it go poof.

Another Squid Khan jumped Spike from behind wrapping its tentacles around his body as they landed in the pool. As the two sank deeper the Squid Khan was ready to take Spike through a portal only for Spike to use the Monkey talisman power to change himself into an electric eel and shock the Squid Khan destroying it. Spike changed back and flew out of the pool.

Spike shook some water off and heard the cries of mares in trouble. He looked to see the mares who flirted with him at the pool were surrounded by several Squid Khan. The shadow minions all linked their tentacles together boxing the mares in.

“Leave those ladies alone!” Spike shouted, as he started using his fish medium to blast chi magic at the Squid Khan destroying them, “Take cover!” he instructed the mares who went for cover as more Squid Khan gathered close to attack Spike.

As they tried to grab Spike with their tentacles, Spike flew around while firing blasts of chi magic. Several of the Squid Khan evaded the blasts and they all wrapped their tentacles around Spike making him drop his fish medium.

Watching from the Squid Khan's vision was Shendu who saw Spike struggle, “Yes! Finally, my powers will be mine again!”

Before the Squid Khan could open a portal and take Spike with them, they were all blasted by the girls each using their fish mediums. When the Squid Khan were all destroyed, Spike levitated down to the deck safely.

“Are you ok, Spike?” Applejack asked.

“Never better. How's the rest of the ship?”

“Shadowkhan free.” Pinkie answered proudly.

“That's good.” Spike said in relief.

At Shendu's cave, the imprisoned dragon growled, “Foiled once again! I swear to you, Spike. I will never stop until my talismans are returned to me!”

Sometime later that night back on the yacht, the crew had successfully cleaned up all the damage done by the Squid Khan, with some help from Spike and the girls, of course.

And now they were partying on deck as DJ Pon3 was mixing beats with all the passengers dancing and partying hard. Many of the passengers were especially happy when thanking the girls and Spike for defending them.

Through a picture taking montage it showed the girls and Spike dancing close and partying. With picture after picture it suddenly showed the group of mares Spike saved getting closer and closer before they all kissed his cheeks and head. The pictures following showed Spike blushing while looking sheepish, as Twilight and Fluttershy were surprised, Pinkie, Applejack, and Rainbow smiled cheekily, while Rarity was frowning in jealousy before trying to launch herself at the group of mares only for Applejack and Rainbow to restrain her.

It was quite a spectacle on the Luxe Deluxe cruise for everypony there. But it all worked out well in the end. Especially for Spike and his friends.

Park Fight

One afternoon Spike and the girls exited the Maneway station in Manehattan and looked around at the busy but beautiful city.

“Oh, Manehattan. It feels like it's been so long since I've been here.” Rarity said in joy.

“Uh, Rarity, it's only been a couple months since we came here.” Applejack reminded her of their Friendship mission to the city.

“Really? Well, it feels like it's been a lot longer than that.” Rarity replied.

“I'm just glad we had the chance to come back here.” Rainbow said.

“Especially if it's to have a nice picnic in the park.” Fluttershy admitted.

“Even though we could always do that in Ponyville.” Twilight reminded them.

“Yeah, Twilight, but Manehattan's got one of the biggest parks in Equestria.” Spike countered.

“Ok, you got me there.” Twilight admitted sheepishly.

“Plus this also gives me a good opportunity to look into finding a place to open up a shop here.” Rarity put in.

“Ya just built a shop in Canterlot, Rarity. Why do you need to suddenly look for another place to open a shop?” Applejack asked.

“It's called 'expanding' Applejack,” the fashion pony answered, “With two shops I'll be making twice as much as usual which will help me in finding an affordable place to open up shop here.”

Applejack rolled her eyes, “If you say so.”

“Come on, girls. Let's not talk business here.” Spike suggested, as they all agreed and headed for the park.

Meanwhile in Shendu's cave, the dragon was able to sense the location of his talismans and knew exactly where to send his minions.

“I think for this task I will need real muscle.” Shendu's eyes glowed as Shadowkhan emerged from the shadows.

These Shadowkhan were twice as tall and five times as wide as regular ponies, while looking incredibly muscular.

“My minions, go to the city of Manehattan and bring me the dragon whelp Spike.” the dragon ordered, as the Shadowkhan took their leave.

Back in the city, the group entered the park while admiring it's beauty and noting several other ponies relaxing in their own way, from having picnics themselves, playing, and sailing swan boats in the river.

As the group walked they stopped at a clearing, “This looks like a good spot,” Twilight inspected.

“Then let's set up here.” Applejack said.

“All over it.” Pinkie said, as she set the picnic up just like that.

“Now this is awesome.” Rainbow said, as she dawned some sunglasses and proceeded to kick back.

“After dealing with nothing but Shadowkhan for awhile it's nice to finally take a break.” Rarity said in relief.

“Tell me about it.” Spike agreed, as he tossed a sapphire up before it landed in his mouth and ate it.

“So as long as we're here in Manehattan, and while Rarity decides on where she'd like to set up another shop anything else we should do?” Twilight asked opened for suggestions.

“Well, I heard there's a new comic shop here in the city,” Spike spoke up, “I could use the chance to see what they have to offer compared to the comic shops in Canterlot.”

“As long as it's not a magically enchanted comic.” Twilight squinted at Spike.

“You're never gonna let it go, are you?” Spike scowled.

Their moment of tranquility was suddenly interrupted by the sounds of ponies screaming in a panic. They saw the other ponies in the park running for cover, while some mares were keeping their children close.

“And here I thought today was going to be a time to relax.” Rarity whined.

“Well, what can ya do?” Applejack shrugged.

“Let's check it out.” Rainbow said, as the group hurried to find the source of the commotion.

They stopped and saw the Sumo sized Shadowkhan were pushing down trees and breaking gazebos, all while the ponies were taking cover and running in fear.

“Shadowkhan?” Twilight asked.

"Big Shadowkhan.” Spike said in shock.

“Those boys must've really been hittin' the gym.” Applejack said in equal shock.

The Sumo Khan noticed the appearance of Spike and the girls, and immediately turned their attention towards them.

“Well, guys, you know what they say,” Rainbow began, “The bigger they are...” she flew right at one of the Sumo Khan only to crash right into its stomach and fall to the ground with the Shadowkhan not even budging from her tackle.

“Ooh!” the ponies groaned at how that had to hurt, “The more bones they break!” Pinkie finished.

As the Sumo Khan was about to stomp on Rainbow Dash, the pegasus rolled to the side and flew back to her friends, “That thing was hard as a wall.”

“I'm surprised ya needed to crash into it to know that.” Applejack noted.

“Yeah, I mean you see the size of these guys?” Pinkie asked rhetorically.

“Criticize later,”Twilight replied, “Let's take care of these guys before they do more damage.”

“I'll stall them,” Spike said, as he zipped at one of the other Sumo Khan and punched it in the chest, but it didn't even recoil, “I put all I had into that punch!” he said in shock, before dodging a punch from the one he attacked.

Spike dodged more punches before he met with the Sumo Khan in a grapple with both of them looking evenly matched.

“Even with the Ox talisman's strength, Spike is still evenly matched.” Twilight gasped.

“Probably compared to that Shadowkhan Spike just feels like a very strong mouse.” Pinkie added.

“Please no animal puns.” Fluttershy said feeling uncomfortable.

“Let's take 'em!” Rainbow called, as they went on the attack with Rainbow flying circles around the Sumo Khan who tried to grab her but was too slow.

“They may be strong, but they're not fast.” Rainbow said, as she continued to fly circles around the Sumo Khan making it dizzy enough to fall over leaving behind a body imprint on the ground.

Twilight blasted one Sumo Khan with her magic and while it made it stumble back it still wasn't strong enough to make it go poof. Rarity tried the same, but it didn't matter either.

“Not even our magic can subdue them.” Rarity told Twilight.

Spike managed to break his grapple with the one Sumo Khan and tried to use his levitation to pick it up, but was proving difficult for the talisman powered young dragon, “These guys weigh a ton!” he strained before eventually dropping it to the ground once again putting a small crater in the grass.

Applejack and Pinkie galloped or in Pinkie's case hopped around the Sumo Khan making them try to grab them but ended up toppling into each other.

The group watched as the Sumo Khan struggled to pick themselves up, as Fluttershy spoke, “It's no good. Nothing seems to work on them.”

“Well, we gotta do something.” Applejack replied.

“If only they were something lighter.” Pinkie said.

“Something lighter?” Spike asked, as he got an idea, “Of course!”

“You got something, Spike?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah. Don't know why I didn't think of it before.”

“Well, whatever you have planned, ya better do it now.” Applejack warned him as the Sumo Khan finally got back up.

Spike stared the Sumo Khan down before extending his palm at them with the image of the Monkey Talisman glowing in his eyes. Suddenly he blasted at the Sumo Khan who all suddenly transformed into cute cuddly helpless little bunnies. The former Shadowkhan now bunnies looked around in perplex and sniffed around.

Fluttershy's eyes lit up, as she flew over and scooped the bunnies up and hugged them, “They're so cute now!”

“Well, that's one way to get rid of them.” Applejack admitted.

“Good thinking, Spike.” Twilight commended him.

“Thanks. Since it was nearly impossible to make them go poof and not even my super strength could overpower them, I simply changed them into something that couldn't fight us.”

“And you picked a winner.” Pinkie added, while hugging a bunny.

“As much as I'd hate to admit it, but those were the toughest Shadowkhan ever.” Rainbow confessed.

“No kidding. We were all lucky this time.” Twilight added.

Spike nodded, “I know. But no matter what kind of Shadowkhan Shendu sends our way, I'm not going to back down.”

The girls smiled, as Applejack spoke, “And we won't either, Sugarcube.”

“I suggest we put this whole thing behind us and continue to enjoy our trip.” Rarity suggested.

“Sounds good to me.” Spike said, as the rest of the girls agree and decided to pick up where they left off.

At Shendu's cave, the dragon growled, “Not even Shadowkhan with ten times the strength as an army of earth ponies could get the job done! Well, I'm not beaten yet, Spike. I will have my powers back, mark my words!”

Dangerous or Not

One day in Froggy Bottom Bogg, Spike and the girls were heading right over to a pond area with Fluttershy carrying a case which held a few frogs in it.

When they reached the water, Fluttershy opened the case allowing the frogs to hop out and into the water.

“There you all go,” she began, “You'll feel much happier here.” the frogs ribbited happily to Fluttershy before swimming along.

Fluttershy turned back to the others, “Thanks for coming with me, everypony.”

“No problem, Fluttershy.” Spike replied.

“The last thing we needed was another possible chance of you running into a hydra.” Twilight added, recalling the memory of last time.

“Well now that we successfully relocated Fluttershy's frog friends can we get going?” Rarity asked hopefully, before spraying herself with bug spray, “Not only are the insects here a problem, but the climate itself isn't doing my mane any favors.” Applejack and Rainbow rolled their eyes expecting these complaints from Rarity.

“Don't worry, our work here is done.” Fluttershy assured Rarity.

“Then let's go.” Twilight said, as they all started back only for Pinkie to stop.

“Um, problem. I'm getting pinchy knees.” the party pony gasped which got the group alerted.

“Oh, no.” Twilight said, as the group huddled together checking out all their surroundings.

“See anything?” Spike asked.

“Nothing yet.” Rainbow replied.

“Then what's that?” Rarity gasped, while hoof motioning to something.

The group looked and saw shadows on the ground coming right for them, “Moving shadows?” Fluttershy asked.

Spike squinted, “Shadowkhan.”

“On your guard, everypony,” Twilight warned them, “We have no idea what type of Shadowkhan we could be dealing with.”

The shadow stopped before the group and they saw rising up from the shadows were another type of Shadowkhan. These ones walked on two stubby legs, and had V-shaped mouths.

The group would've been incredibly worried had it not been for the fact these Shadowkhan were actually no bigger than a simple parasprite.

“They're so. So...” Spike began, until Pinkie and Fluttershy squealed.

“Cute!”

Applejack stared at the tiny Shadowkhan in disbelief, “Ya gotta be pullin' mah leg.”

The little Shadowkhan looked up at the ponies and Spike making their mouths look like they were squinting at them, before jumping right for them. Fortunately for the group the little Shadowkhan bounced right off them and landed on their backs upon hitting the ground.

The ponies and Spike watched as the little Shadowkhan wobbled around trying to get back up but to no avail, “Well, that was just sad.” Rainbow said.

“These Mini Khan sure don't do much.” Pinkie said.

“I got this.” Spike said as he levitated the group of Mini Khan up before flicking them one by one into a tree trunk making them go poof, until he was down to one.

Before Spike could flick it, Twilight stopped him, “Hold on, Spike. This could be important. We've never had the chance to study an actual Shadowkhan before.”

“You wanna study this thing, Twilight?” Applejack asked in confusion.

“Why not? It could help us in better understanding them.” she replied.

“And let's face it there's no way we could study any of the other types of Shadowkhan.” Pinkie added.

Twilight levitated a small jar out of her bag, as Spike dropped the Mini Khan into the jar with Twilight sealing it shut with the lid.

“I don't get why Shendu would send such weak Shadowkhan after us?” Rarity asked curiously.

“He probably ran out of all his toughest ones and is forced to rely on weaker ones.” Rainbow chuckled.

“Well, we won't know for sure until we study this back at the castle. Come on.” Twilight said, as they headed off for home.

As they left, they were unaware of a Ninja Khan who had been hiding in the water and watching them leave.

It's vision was seen by Shendu who watched the ponies and dragon leave. He chuckled to himself, “They've taken the bait, now all that's left is to watch and see.”

By the time the group returned to Ponyville, they all entered the castle, “We appreciate you letting us bunk here tonight, Twilight.” Applejack yawned.

“Yes, it's been a long day.” Rarity agreed feeling just as tired.

“No problem.” Twilight said, as they went into the library, and the alicorn placed the jar with the Mini Khan inside on a desk, “We'll get to studying this thing in the morning when we're all rested.”

“Good for me.” Spike said, as they were ready to hit the hay.

Pinkie however stayed behind to look at the Shadowkhan who was banging its small head against the glass. It didn't do any damage, as Pinkie spoke, “Sorry, little guy. You may be cute but you're not getting out of there.”

The party pony started feeling hungry and reached into her mane pulling out a box of cookies. As she began eating, she heard grumbling coming from the Shadowkhan. It looked at her and jumped up and down as if pleading for a cookie.

“Eh, I guess even Shadowkhan have to eat,” Pinkie said, as she carefully dropped a cookie into the jar and watched the little Shadowkhan reach down and nibble into it, “Aw, you like that?”

Pinkie suddenly looked and noticed her shadow cast onto the table by the candlelight had some holes in it, “What's wrong with my shadow? It's like Swiss cheese.”

Suddenly the Mini Khan's mouth started showing signs of teeth, before finally opening it's mouth and started sucking in Pinkie's shadow.

“Hey, that's not...” Pinkie began only to start groaning and collapsed to the floor.

Twilight and Spike came rushing in, “Pinkie, is everything ok?” Twilight asked, as the two saw Pinkie laying on the floor.

“Pinkie?” Spike asked.

“I guess she must've fallen asleep.” Twilight suggested.

Spike looked at the desk with his eyes widening in shock, “Hey, Twilight.”

Twilight looked over at the desk seeing the jar that held the captured Shadowkhan in it and saw the glass was breaking because what was inside started looking cramped. Suddenly the jar broke and the Mini Khan that was inside was suddenly about the size of an average pony. It had two additional legs, and it's mouth suddenly looked like the equivalent of a shark's mouth.

The two screamed in shock, which was enough to alert the rest of the girls, “What's with the screaming?” Rainbow asked, before they saw the captured Shadowkhan was out and bigger than before.

“Whoa, nelly.” Applejack gasped.

The Shadowkhan lunged at the girls who screamed, but got blasted by Twilight's magic. It wasn't a direct hit but the Shadowkhan landed on the ground looking at its behind feeling singed before growling.

“We got a pest situation in the castle,” Spike told the girls, before his eyes glowed red, “And I'm the exterminator.” he began blasting the Shadowkhan with his heat beam blasts.

The Shadowkhan continued to scurry along the floor dodging the attack, before diving into a nearby shadow escaping.

“It got away.” Spike grumbled.

“Well, at least it's gone, so everything's fine.” Fluttershy said in relief.

“I wouldn't be so sure of that, Fluttershy.” Twilight said while standing over the comatose Pinkie.

“What's wrong with Pinkie?” Rarity asked.

“And why did that little Shadowkhan suddenly triple in size?” Applejack asked.

“I might know why.” Twilight said, as she looked down at Pinkie who was laying in the light. The group saw Pinkie's body was no longer casting a shadow which surprised them.

Twilight eventually grabbed Lo Pei's book and read from a certain section, “According to this, shadows contain our yin; one half of our chi. And it's apparent this tribe of Shadowkhan grows stronger by feasting on ponies shadows. And without this part of our life force we're doomed to a state of limbo.”

Spike thought back and it dawned on him, “It was all set up.”

“Spike?” Rarity asked.

“Shendu made us think this tribe was weak and allowed us to capture one knowing we'd bring it back to Ponyville where it could start stealing our shadows.” Spike gritted his teeth.

Applejack frowned, “Why of all the lowdown...”

“Take it easy, everypony,” Twilight calmed them, “What's done is done, and now we got to fix this.”

“So what can we do?” Fluttershy inquired.

“We have to find that Shadowkhan and stop it before it feasts on more shadows,” Twilight explained, “Only then can we save Pinkie.”

“I don't think we have enough time too,” Rainbow spoke up, “The pegasi's forecast tomorrow is clear skies with lots of sunshine.”

The ponies and Spike looked horrified knowing with sunshine there'd be shadows. And with all the ponies in town at risk, the Shadowkhan they captured would be feasting like crazy.

The Shadow Devourer

That night after realizing they played right into Shendu's claw, Spike and the girls minus the comatose Pinkie headed out into Ponyville to find the shadowkhan that stole her shadow. They trotted and flew all around town hoping to find some lead to its whereabouts.

Spike suddenly stopped and called out, “Girls, over here!” Twilight and the others hurried over to where Spike was and they saw Lyra and Bonbon lying unconscious underneath one of the lit lamps.

“They don't have shadows.” Rarity noticed.

“Our little big Shadowkhan was just here.” Rainbow said.

Fluttershy looked behind her and her eyes widened, “And it's not alone!”

They all turned around to see a swarm of Mini Khan in their minuscule state, “Stay out of the light!” Twilight ordered, as they got out of range from the lamps light.

The Mini Khan swarmed around the group like insects, “Get them off! Get them off!” Rarity panicked while trying to swat them away.

Spike was picking several off him, “These things are like leeches!”

A swarm of the Mini Khan came together and picked Applejack up, “Hey, what're you?” they tossed Applejack against the lamp post putting her in its glow with her shadow visible.

“Applejack, get out of there!" Twilight called.

Applejack saw the little Shadowkhan were about to suck her shadow dry, until Spike started blasting at them with his combustion driving them away.

“Phew, thanks, sugarcube.” Applejack said in relief.

“No problem.”

Twilight and Rainbow used their fish mediums to blast chi magic at the Mini Khan destroying them, “That takes care of them.” Twilight said.

“Yeah, but we still need to find the one that had Pinkie's shadow, and theirs.” Twilight motioned to the comatose Lyra and Bonbon, whom Spike and Applejack picked up and sat on a nearby bench.

“And if we can't get them back by sunrise then all of Ponyville is in trouble.” Rarity added.

“Then we search all over town.” Applejack said, as they all agreed and went off looking.

As Fluttershy looked around in worry, she suddenly saw three more ponies laying on the ground lifeless under another lamp post, “Oh, dear,” she hurried over and checked on them, “This is getting very bad.”

Suddenly a growling sound was heard making her tense up, “Uh, is somepony there?” she asked nervously before looking in an alley and saw the Shadowkhan that escaped was even bigger than before. As it bared his teeth at Fluttershy the pegasus screamed alerting her friends.

When they arrived they saw Fluttershy and the Shadowkhan they were looking for. Much like Fluttershy they were also surprised at the creature's recent growth spurt.

“Somepony's been getting a late night snack.” Applejack said.

“And I thought Tirek was a consumer.” Spike said in shock.

The Shadowkhan roared at them, as Twilight called, “Spread out and stay out of the light!” they split up, as the Shadowkhan went after them.

As Rainbow flew around something black suddenly started dropping on her. When she looked on her flank she saw it was more Mini Khan, and more were dropping on her from one of the building's roofs, “Guys, our little buddies are back!” Rainbow called, while shaking the Mini Khan off.

Twilight flew around the big shadow eater blasting it with her magic, but kept dodging. As it got closer to Twilight it tried to chomp at her, only for Twilight to teleport away from it.

She reappeared close to Rainbow who had Spike help her take care of the miniature ones, “Spike, can't you turn that big lug into a harmless animal like you did those Sumo Khan?”

“If I did that then we won't be able to get the ponies shadows back.” Spike voiced the flaw.

“Spike's right, our only hope is to destroy the big one.” Twilight agreed.

“Well, that's proven easier said than done!” Rarity called from below, while using her magic to blast at the Mini Khan that kept coming after her and Applejack.

The big shadow eater stopped in place and started sniffing around before leaving, “Where's it going?” Fluttershy asked.

“Probably looking for its next meal.” Spike suspected, as they took off after it.

When they caught up to it, they saw standing close to another lamppost was a couple more ponies staying out late.

“All of you get out of here!” Twilight called out to them.

The ponies heard Twilight's shout, looked and saw the big shadow eater coming right for them. They screamed in panic and tried to make a run for it. Unfortunately the smaller shadow eaters swarmed together and kept them in the light and began feasting on their shadows making them grow bigger reaching about the girls heights.

“We're too late!” Spike gasped, before frowning. As the girls were keeping the biggest one at bay, Spike flew at the medium sized ones before unleashing his combustion on them. It was hot enough to destroy them, and Spike watched as little black wisps flew over to the comatose ponies before entering through their nostrils and suddenly their shadows returned and they woke up.

“What happened?” one of them asked, before they looked and saw the big shadow eater fighting Twilight and her friends.

“Hurry, go!” Twilight called, as the ponies took off for safety.

Spike flew in and joined the girls in fighting the big shadow eater, “If I could defeat those smaller ones, then we can beat this one together.” Spike told them.

Rainbow looked behind them and her eyes widened, “Guys, we got a problem!” every pony and Spike looked and saw the sun coming up.

“It's morning.” Twilight gasped.

The group looked down seeing the sun's glow washed over them exposing their shadows, which the giant shadow eater grinned at.

“Take cover!” Spike called, as they hurried to find shade.

The Shadow Eater tried to grab them, but they each found shade somewhere making the creature unable to snack on their shadows.

“We can't just stay in the shade forever.” Applejack reminded them.

“Especially now.” Fluttershy added, as ponies started stepping outside.

The colossal Shadowkhan looked at all the ponies and sunk into the shadows on the ground and traveled along the road with the tip of its head sticking out making it look like a shark swimming.

“After it!” Rainbow called as they hurried to catch the Shadowkhan.

As the ponies walked around the streets of town, they suddenly saw a dorsal fin shaped objects coming right for them. The ponies screamed in fright and tried to run for safety, only for the big Shadowkhan to emerge from the ground and assimilated many ponies shadows in one gulp. Because of that the already big shadow eater grew even bigger making him tower over the buildings in Ponyville.

Spike and the girls skidded to a halt seeing their problem just got even bigger, “Ok, now this is worse.” Spike said.

“Mediums ready!” Twilight ordered, as they whipped out their fish mediums and started blasting at the enormous shadow devourer.

The giant shadow eater roared in pain from the chi blast hits, it wasn't enough to make it go poof. Applejack spoke to the others, “It's no use, we're pretty much tickling that thing.”

“It would take a tremendous amount of power to defeat it.” Twilight realized.

Spike hearing that while recalling how he was able to defeat the few Mini Khan that devoured those ponies shadows last night, and suddenly got an idea.

“Girls, I know what to do!”

“What?” Twilight and Rainbow asked.

“Just keep stalling it, and I'll do the rest.” he instructed, as the girls continued to attack the colossal Shadowkhan keeping it in place.

Spike concentrated, as the dragon talisman symbol glowed in his right eye, and the ox talisman in his left eye. Suddenly Spike was engulfed in flames and flew right at the giant shadow eater.

“Spike!” Twilight called, as he was heading right for their enemy.

The giant Shadowkhan saw Spike coming right at him and opened its jaws. Spike flew right into the mouth and the shadow devourer closed its mouth.

“Spikey-Wikey!” Rarity cried.

“Is he?” Fluttershy asked in worry.

The giant shadow consumer licked its lips feeling satisfied, until it looked down at its belly in concern as it was started to bubble. Suddenly something fiery shot right out of its stomach. The girls saw it was Spike who was unharmed. They then saw the giant Shadowkhan had a hole in its stomach and suddenly went poof releasing all the shadows it ate.

Spike touched down and powered down his flaming form, “Spike, that was awesome!” Rainbow cheered, as the girls surrounded him.

“I didn't know you could do that.” Applejack said.

“I wasn't sure if it was going to work or not.” Spike confessed.

“Well, I'm glad it did.” Twilight said in relief, as they watched shadows return to the ponies they belong to allowing them to wake up.

Spike looked up seeing some of the shadows flying off, “Think one of those belongs to Pinkie Pie?”

“Only one way to find out.” Twilight replied, as they all headed back to the castle.

When they arrived they ran into the library, “Pinkie!” the asked before stopping to see Pinkie was wide awake enjoying the cookies she was eating last night.

“Hi, guys. What's up?” she asked casually.

“Pinkie, are you ok?” Rarity asked in concern.

“Never better, why?”

“That Shadowkhan devoured your shadow and you fell into a coma.” Applejack told her.

“Huh, I did feel strange. But I'm ok now.”

“That's because we took care of the problem.” Spike explained.

“Well, that's good,” Pinkie smiled, “So it's a bright new day, and we're all wide awake. What do you wanna do?”

Spike and the girls only response was to drop on the floor and fall asleep. They had been up all night dealing with the shadow gobbling Shadowkhan they never got any sleep. Pinkie looked at them before turning to the fourth wall.

“Not what I was expecting.”

The Exchange

One afternoon in the outskirts of Ponyville, Spike and the girls were once again facing off against another tribe of Shadowkhan. These ones had mantis-like arms and four legs that have spikes on them all over. They are completely black with a dark red, triangle-shaped top covering. They have one, glowing, red eye.

Spike flew around with Rainbow Dash dodging the Mantis Khan's pincer arms, before Spike used his heat beams against it. Twilight and Rarity were blasting at some using their magics, while Pinkie used her party cannon to blow confetti at a few Mantis Khan distorting them allowing Applejack to lasso them up and swing them around before knocking them into a tree making them go poof.

“These Mantis Khan sure are buggy, huh?” Pinkie asked her friends while bounding around avoiding the Shadowkhan's pincers.

“They're certainly pests, that much I can say,” Rarity said, as she blasted away more Mantis Khan with her fish medium. When one of them tried to swipe its pincer at her mane, she dodged and blasted at it, “If any one of you tries to cut my mane or tail, there will be consequences!” she warned them.

“And here's what they'll be!” Spike announced, as he used his combustion to wipe out the remaining Mantis Khan.

The group relaxed and caught there breath, “That's the ninth type of Shadowkhan we've dealt with.” Twilight told her friends.

“Wonder what number ten will be like?” Pinkie asked.

“Don't tempt it.” Spike warned her.

“What most things always go up to ten.” the party pony reminded him.

“For Shadowkhan less is more.” Spike replied.

“After, this I could sure go for a Hayburger.” Rainbow said.

“Same here.” Twilight agreed.

“So let's go get a bite,” Spike said, as they headed back towards town, “You know fighting Shadowkhan may be dangerous but I feel so much better knowing you girls are right there beside me to help.”

“Not a problem, Spike.” Applejack replied with a smile.

“We'll always be there for a friend,” Fluttershy smiled, “Especially if it's you.”

“And that's a promise.” Twilight finished, as they kept on walking.

As they did, a Ninja Khan had been watching them, and been relaying this to Shendu who heard everything.

“So that's always been his weakness, friends,” he told himself, “In that case I think it's time I stopped sending my Shadowkhan to him to retrieve my talismans, and rather have him come to me, and give them to me himself.” he snickered. The Ninja Khan who had been watching them dove into Twilight's shadow where it would be undetected.

That night, as every pony was asleep in bed, something was afoul in the town. At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was asleep in bed, until she heard a noise. She got out of bed and looked out her window seeing something sneaking around outside.

“A trespasser.” Applejack gasped, before dawning her hat and hurried outside while making sure not to wake her granny or sibs.

As she made it outside she called out, “Alright, varmint, you're trespassing on private property. Now I suggest you get on out of here before I make ya!”

The trespasser who was hidden by the dark of the night looked back at Applejack before stepping into the moonlight to reveal it was a Crab Khan, “Whoa, nelly.” Applejack gasped having not anticipated it was a Shadowkhan. Before she could respond the Crab Khan jumped her and dragged her into the shadows.

At Fluttershy's cottage, the pegasus was sleeping peacefully, until there was a loud banging on her door which woke her up, “Oh, my. Who could that be at this hour?” she wondered in concern before heading downstairs while listening to the pounding on the door.

When she reached her door and slowly opened it. When she did she saw standing in the doorway was a Sumo Khan looking down at her. Before Fluttershy could scream, the Sumo Khan grabbed her and dragged her into a shadow.

Up at Rainbow's home in the clouds, the pegasus was sprawled out on her bed snoring away, and mumbling in her sleep, “Oh, yes. I accept this award of awesomeness.” there was a knock at her door that woke her up, “Huh? Ugh, what is this?” she groaned, before flying down to answer her door.

She opened and saw no pony was even there, “Great, now I'm being punked.” she was about to close the door only for a Bat Khan to reach down and grab her before she could say anything or get away.

At Carousel Boutique, Rarity was fast asleep, until there was tapping on her window. At first she ignored it, until the tapping started more and more irritable.

“Oh, does anypony understand the concept of a goodnight sleep around here?” she removed her eye mask, and walked to her window. She opened it up and stuck her head out, “Will whoever is making that noise kindly...” she didn't finish her sentence as two katana swords cross at her neck. Her eyes darted back and forth seeing two Samurai Khan sticking out of shadows had her at sword-point and knew if she made a sound or movement they would strike.

At Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie had came down to the kitchen and was grabbing stuff from the fridge, “Nothing like a good late night snack to get you to fall asleep.” she held a tray filled with sweets before bringing them up to her room.

Inside her room, Pinkie downed all the treats she brought up, before wiping her chin, “Tasty,” she then looked out her open window and smiled, “What a beautiful night.” suddenly something black dropped onto her muzzle. She focused on it to see it was a Mini-Khan looking right at her with a grin. Before she could scream, more Mini-Khan dropped onto her from above covering her whole body before dragging her into the shadows.

Finally at Twilight's castle, Spike was already in bed while Twilight herself was still up looking over a few books. When she realized how late it was she spoke to herself, “Is it that late already? Time sure goes by when you're engulfed in a good read.” she was prepared to douse her candle, until she saw her shadow on the wall change into something else. Before she could scream, the Shadowkhan emerged from her shadow and grabbed onto Twilight taking her own into the shadows.

Soon all six ponies who were engulfed in darkness suddenly found themselves inside a cave, “Girls!” Twilight gasped, “What happened?”

“We were all jumped by Shadowkhan.” Applejack answered.

“So was I.” Twilight admitted.

“How were you jumped when you have spells used to keep them out of the castle?” Rainbow asked.

“One hitched a ride inside my shadow and got inside past the barrier.” Twilight answered.

“So where are we?” Fluttershy trembled.

“It sure is dark in here.” Rarity noted.

Suddenly Pinkie gasped, “Girls, I don't think we're alone here.”

They were suddenly taken by surprise as laughter echoed around them, “Who's there?” Twilight asked defensively.

“Show yourself!” Rainbow demanded.

“As you wish.” a hissing voice answered, as red eyes glowed in the darkness.

Twilight used her horn to project some light and to hers and the girls shock saw the chained and shackled withered dragon hanging from above looking down at them.

“Welcome, everypony. So nice of you to join me.” he greeted them.

“Twilight, is that who I think it is?” Applejack asked nervously.

“No doubt about it, Applejack,” Twilight answered, “That's Shendu.”

“He looks a lot different compared to how he looked in the book.” Pinkie noted.

“We can take that chump. He can't even move.” Rainbow was about to fly up to Shendu, only for Bat Khan to drop in and attack her pinning her to the ground.

Before the girls could help Rainbow, they were suddenly surrounded by swarms of all types of Shadowkhan. Mini, Mantis, Sumo, Razor, Bat, Samurai, Crab, Squid, and Ninja.

“If you value your friends life, you will stand down at once.” Shendu warned the girls who knew there was no way they could fight this many Shadowkhan at once, and without their mediums they couldn't cast chi spells. With no other option they stood down in defeat.

The next day, Spike woke up and headed for Twilight's room, “Hey, Twilight, you up yet?” he noticed Twilight's room was empty, “She's not here,” he noticed the candle on her desk was burned all the way down as if it had been lit all night, “Twilight would never let her candles burn that down. I wonder where she is?” he asked, before flying all around the castle checking every room, but saw no sign of his closest friend.

“She's not here. Maybe she went into town.” And with that, the young dragon flew out of the castle to look in Ponyville.

As Spike flew around he saw no trace of Twilight anywhere, “I've been all over Ponyville and haven't found a trace of Twilight. Maybe I should get the girls to help.” he flew for Rarity's place.

When he arrived at the boutique, he knocked on the door, “Rarity. Hey, Rarity, it's me Spike!” when she didn't answer, Spike was concerned.

“I shouldn't do this, but it's not breaking and entering if I'm not breaking in.” Spike closed his eyes and concentrated as the Sheep Talisman power activated. Spike's astral self left his body and floated above it.

Astral Spike flew into the boutique and searched all over finding no sign of Rarity at all. Seeing the place was vacant he flew outside and returned to his body. When he woke up he was more concerned.

“Rarity's not home. Maybe I should ask the others.” Spike flew off to Sweet Apple Acres, where he saw Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac looking around the orchard, “Morning, Apples.”

“Morning, Spike.” Apple Bloom greeted.

“Is something wrong?” Spike asked.

“Ya haven't seen Applejack have ya?” Granny Smith inquired.

“Me? I was actually coming here to see her. She's not here?”

“Nnope.” Big Mac shook his head.

“She wouldn't leave without letting us know where she was going.” Apple Bloom said in concern.

“Well, this can't be coincidence. I can't find Twilight or Rarity.” Spike said, much to the Apples surprise.

“Ya don't think Rainbow, Fluttershy, or Pinkie are missing to, do ya?” Apple Bloom asked more concerned than before.

“I'll go check.” Spike answered, as he zipped over to Fluttershy's cottage where he saw her door open and Angel and the rest of the animals were looking around in worry for their caretaker.

“Fluttershy,” he gasped, before flying up to Cloudsdale and found out Rainbow wasn't at home either, “Rainbow Dash.”

Spike flew back to Ponyville praying nothing has happened to Pinkie Pie. When he arrived at Sugarcube Corner, he went inside seeing the Cakes working, “Mr and Mrs. Cake, have you seen Pinkie?”

“Not since last night.” Mrs. Cake answered.

“And she wasn't up in her room this morning either.” Mr. Cake added just as concerned.

“That is definitely not like her.” Mrs. Cake put in.

“Oh, no.” Spike gasped, before flying out of the sweet shop before flying all around Ponyville.

He soon returned to the castle, “No one around Ponyville has seen them. What could've happened to them? I better send a letter to Princess Celestia.” he was ready to grab a parchment and quill, only for a Ninja Khan who had been hiding while aiming an arrow in a bow close to the dragon. He released the arrow that shot close to Spike but not hitting him. He looked to see who almost shot him with an arrow, but soon saw something rolled up on the arrow.

He unrolled it and saw it was a message.

Dear, Spike, if you wish to see you pony friends again, you will come to the edge of the town and wait for my Shadowkhan to pick you up. Should you try to be a hero and send a message to your precious Princess, I cannot guarantee your friends will be in one piece by the time you get here.

Signed, Shendu

Spike's eyes tightened, “Shendu. I should've figured he'd be behind this,” he looked at the parchment he was going to use to send a message to Princess Celestia, but remembered Shendu's warning about trying to send for help. He sighed, “I can't risk their safety.” he put the parchment away, before heading for the edge of Ponyville.

When he arrived he looked around before suddenly being surrounded by several Ninja Khan, “Alright, I'm here. Now where are my friends?” In response, the Shadowkhan surrounded Spike, and they disappeared into the shadows.

The next thing Spike knew he was in the same cave the girls had been brought to, “What is this place?” he looked around.

“Spike!” came the girls voices.

Spike looked over and saw his friends all trapped in a black iron cage, “Girls!” he cried, as he tried to get to them, only for Sumo Khan to surround him.

“That's as far as you go!” came a hissing voice.

Spike looked and saw Shendu himself, “You!” Spike squinted.

“Yes, me. We finally meet face to face.” Shendu answered.

“Shendu,” Spike frowned, “You made a big mistake in kidnapping my friends.”

“And you made a bigger mistake by taking something that doesn't belong to you!” Shendu retorted.

“Say what you want because I'm not afraid of some withered old dragon chained and shackled.” Spike stood his ground only for lightning to strike the ground around him making him jump back in shock.

“Why so nervous?” Shendu taunted, “It is as you say, in my imprisoned state I am powerless. Yet see how the elements of this realm shudder in my presence.”

Spike still stood tall, “Yeah the elements may shudder at you, but I won't. So either you let my friends go, or I use your own powers on you.”

“An amusing proposition, but here's my counter proposal. You hand over my talismans, or your friends become my Shadowkhan's new playthings.”

Spike tried to keep his brave face up, but looked back and forth between his friends and Shendu. While it's true with the talismans he could take on the Shadowkhan, but seeing as how there were so many more of them than he was used to fighting, and didn't wanna risk the safety of his friends, he lowered his head and spoke.

“Ok, I'll do it.” Shendu smirked, as the ponies were shocked.

“Spike, don't do it!” Rainbow called.

“This is just what he wants!” Twilight reminded him.

Spike looked back at her, “You think I don't know that? But what else am I suppose to do? Twilight, you gave up all your magic to Tirek for me, and everypony else. Now it's time I do the same for my friends.” The girls felt moved by Spike, but couldn't help but feel this wasn't right.

Spike looked up at Shendu and spoke, “If I relinquish the talismans to you, you have to swear on the Noble Dragon Code you'll leave my friends alone!”

“But of course. After all, what are we without our dragon code?” Shendu asked.

Spike sighed, as he levitated himself before the dragon. The two dragons eyes crossed, and suddenly Spike started straining much to the girls shock.

“Spikey-Wikey!” Rarity cried, as Spike continued to cry in pain.

Being pulled right out of his body were the twelve talismans that were levitated before the old dragon. Without the talismans, Spike fell from above and landed on the ground.

“Oh, I forgot what it was like to not have them.” Spike groaned, before he looked up and saw the talismans levitate before Shendu.

“Yes. Time for me to reclaim what is rightfully mine!” Shendu bellowed, as the talismans started cracking and soon they were destroyed.

Spike and the girls watched as twelve magical essences were released from the destroyed talismans and were getting assimilated into Shendu's body. They saw the old dragon started getting buffer and fit, and his scales started growing darker. Soon the restraints on his wrists broke off and the dragon landed on the ground looking just the way he was depicted in the book Celestia showed Spike and the girls.

“Yes! At long last! My powers restored! Speed, invisibility, astral projection, and my personal favorite. Combustion!” Shendu unleashed a massive fireball at the cave wall rocking the entire cave.

“Watch it, buddy you'll bring the house down on all of us!” Rainbow shouted.

Shendu continued to marvel at himself, “Oh, I haven't felt this good in centuries.”

“Hey!” Spike called from below, “I did what you asked, Shendu. You got your powers back. Now let the girls go!”

“Hmm? No, don't think so.” Shendu answered, much to the Equestrians shock.

“But you swore on the dragon code!” Spike bellowed.

“I may be a noble dragon. But I'm also a demon sorcerer. And not known for keeping promises.” he answered.

Spike growled, “You'll pay for that!” Spike ran up to Shendu and tried punching his leg, but the taller dragon felt nothing.

Shendu levitated Spike up to him and spoke, “Not so tough now, are you, little whelp?” he flicked Spike away as the Shadowkhan caught him and placed him in the same cage as the girls.

“You backstabbing two timing!” Applejack called to Shendu.

“This is the price you pay for making a deal with me. And now that I have what I wanted, it's time I remind this world of its true master!” Shendu levitated up, “And I shall start with your little town.”

“You leave Ponyville alone!” Pinkie shouted.

“And who's going to stop me pink one? You and your powerless dragon?” he asked rhetorically.

At the sound of that, Spike's head lowered knowing he was right. Shendu spoke to the Shadowkhan army, “You all stay here and keep an eye on my prisoners.” he flew out of the cave and off into the sky with his first destination in mind.

“He's gone.” Fluttershy gasped.

Twilight looked to Spike who hugged his legs, “Spike?” the girls looked at him with equal concern.

“I failed.” he shed some tears.

Dragon in Despair

As nighttime was rolling in, the ponies in Ponyville were still walking about and ready to return home, until a shadow cast down on them from the sky. The ponies looked up and saw Shendu flying above them before landing on the ground surprising them.

“Greetings, everypony!” Shendu announced as the ponies were frightened at the sight of the dragon who continued, “As of this moment, this town shall be under new management. With me as your new ruler!” he declared.

The ponies were confused, until Mayor Mare approached, “And what gives you the right to come into our town and just assume leadership?”

Shendu hissed while glaring down at the mayor, “You madame, clearly have no idea who you're talking to.”

Mayor Mare and the ponies despite terrified stood their ground as the dragon announced, “I am the once and future Lord of all dragons and soon all of Equestria. And if you will not surrender your town to me, then I will take it by force!” he summoned several ninja, samurai, sumo, razor, and bat Shadowkhan that all started capturing pony after pony while Shendu watched in satisfaction.

Back at Shendu's former cave prison, Spike and the girls were still in a cage with the Shadowkhan keeping watch over them.

“There's got to be a way to get out of here.” Applejack said, as she tried bucking the cage but it didn't break.

“With this cage nullifying magic I can't get us out.” Twilight reminded them.

“Well, we gotta do something.” Rainbow retorted.

“By now Shendu's already in Ponyville.” Rarity added.

“And I can't imagine what he's going to do.” Fluttershy trembled.

“I have several ideas.” Pinkie replied, only for the girls to glare at her.

Twilight then noticed Spike sitting with his back turned to them and head down, “Spike?”

“It's all my fault.” he said.

“Huh?” the girls asked.

“It's my fault we're trapped here.”

“Spike, it ain't your fault.” Applejack tried to reason with him.

“It kinda-” Rainbow was cut off by Twilight who put her hoof over her mouth.

“I stupidly believed Shendu would keep his word!” Spike cried.

“Shendu didn't give you much choice, Spike.” Twilight reminded him.

“You did it to save us,” Rarity added, “It's not your fault Shendu was far from being a noble dragon.”

“Still. I gave him his powers back and now he has the means to conquer Equestria,” Spike replied as he looked up at them with tears, “Maybe things would've been better if I never found the talismans at all.”

“Spike, you've done so much with the talismans,” Twilight reminded him, “You finding them was a blessing. Like Celestia and Luna said, if it were any other dragon would they have been as noble and honorable with how to use them like you did?”

“Twilight's right, Spike. You used the power for good rather than evil.” Fluttershy agreed.

“And that is what being a noble dragon is about.” Applejack gave him a smile.

Spike felt moved, until the cage was rattled courtesy of the Shadowkhan who were trying to mess with them, “Do you mind?” Rarity asked, “Can't you see we're trying to make our friend feel better?”

“I don't think these guys care, Rarity.” Rainbow replied.

Suddenly the group heard a familiar chant being spoken, “Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao.”

Suddenly the Shadowkhan started dissolving into nothing much to the groups surprise. They saw approaching was Lo Pei using a lizard medium to cast his chi spell. Accompanying him was Celestia and Luna.

“Princess!” Twilight gasped in relief.

“Lo Pei?” Spike asked.

“Are you all ok?” Celestia asked.

“We will be once we're out of here.” Rainbow replied.

“Stand back.” Luna said, as she and Celestia combined their magic and blasted the cage destroying it allowing the group to get out.

“Thank you so much.” Rarity said gratefully.

“What're you doing here?” Spike asked.

“And how'd you know where to find us?” Pinkie wondered.

Lo Pei answered, “I got the willies when I felt a great chill descend upon the land.”

“We were worried it might have to do with all of you, but when we first went to Ponyville you were all gone.” Luna explained.

“Luckily Lo Pei had a locator spell to track Spike using a dragon scale of his.” Celestia added.

Lo Pei spoke, “What's happened?”

“It was Shendu,” Twilight explained, “His Shadowkhan kidnapped the six of us and brought us here. Then he forced Spike to give up the talismans or risk our safety.”

“So now he's out and about with his powers restored.” Rainbow put in.

“And he said he was going for Ponyville.” Fluttershy added.

The Princesses and chi wizard were worried, “This is indeed bad.” Lo Pei said.

“Bad or not, he must be stopped.” Celestia reminded him.

“Well, what can we do?” Rainbow asked, “You think Spike was tough with the talismans, with Shendu using them he'll be even tougher.”

"Not to mention he has a whole army of Shadowkhan." Fluttershy put in.

“Not necessarily,” Lo Pei replied, “I have a special chi spell I've been working with that may put an end to Shendu.”

“Really?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, but we must act fast or all of Equestria will be enslaved.” Lo Pei said, as he cast a portal in the form of a ring and they could see Ponyville on the other side of it.

“We better hurry.” Applejack suggested, as they were ready to step onto the other side only to see Spike was staying put.

“Spike?” Celestia wondered.

“You should all go without me.” he answered.

“Why should we do that?” Luna asked in confusion.

“I'd just be a burden.”

“Say what?” Rainbow asked.

“Without the talismans I'm back to the way I was before. Weak and useless.” Spike sighed.

“Spike, you are not weak.” Twilight tried to reason with him.

“Oh, who're we kidding, Twilight?” Spike snapped, “I no longer have the speed, strength, or anything to match what you and the girls have. I am nothing without them.”

“Now just a cotton picken' minute, Spike,” Applejack spoke up, “I'm sorry ya lost your powers, but this is no time to be givin' yourself a pity party.”

“Yeah, we don't even have ice cream for it.” Pinkie said, only for Twilight to shush her.

Applejack continued to speak to the small dragon, “You really think it was the talismans that made ya special? Well, it wasn't. You've done plenty of good without them before ya got them.”

“Like what?” Spike crossed his arms.

“I'll give ya good example,” Applejack said poking his belly with her hoof, “You saved the Crystal Empire twice without using the talismans before. You saved me from a timberwolf without them. And you saved all of us from a comic book villain when you were made to think you were just a powerless sidekick. And now you're gettin' all depressed just because you lost some power you've only had for awhile? Well, that sure ain't the Spike I've come to love and respect.”

Spike hearing that looking confused, “What?”

Applejack sighed, “Spike, the point I'm makin' is you don't need Shendu's talismans. You're stronger than you know. Stronger than Shendu could ever know.”

“I am?” Spike asked.

“Absolutely, darling.” Rarity agreed.

“The talismans did make you cool, but even without them you're still cool.” Rainbow admitted.

“And Shendu can never take that away from you.” Twilight put in.

“We all care about you, Spike. And right now we need you more than ever.” Pinkie said.

Celestia nodded, “They're all correct. You are a part of this group of friends, Spike. Even when you cannot see it.”

“It's going to take all of us to beat Shendu,” Luna added, “And he needs to know his place. Wouldn't you agree?”

Spike started pondering on everything they told him while letting it sink in. Finally his dismal look started turning into confidence before he spoke up, “Let's go get this treacherous dragon.” The girls smiled in joy, as they followed the royal sisters and sorcerer into the portal to Ponyville to stop Shendu.

Shadows in the Empire

On board the train was Spike and the girls heading for the Crystal Empire, “Oh, I can't wait to see Shining Armor and Cadence again.” Twilight said feeling all excited.

“Especially, since they got a little one on the way.” Applejack noted.

“I just hope Cadence is doing ok,” Pinkie said, “When Mrs. Cake was pregnant it was tough for both Mr. Cake and I to help her and run the shop.”

“As long as Cadence has Shining Armor, and all of the attendants, I'm sure she'll manage.” Twilight assured Pinkie.

“We're here!” Rainbow said looking out the window.

The train pulled into the station and the passengers got off. As Spike and the girls walked through the empire's arch entrance, Rainbow spoke to Spike.

“Now might be a good time to use that invisibility power, Spike. You know to avoid the fan mob and all?”

“Actually, I don't think I'm going to go in disguise or make myself invisible.” Spike replied, as he continued to walk.

“But you always have before.” Fluttershy reminded him.

“Another change up in my life.” Spike replied, as they walked through the town.

As they strolled, Spike casually waited, until a pony's voice called out, “It's Spike the Brave and Glorious!” suddenly the girls were bumped aside as several crystal ponies surrounded Spike.

“It's so good to see you!” one of the crystal ponies held his claws.

“What brings you to our kingdom?” another inquired with excitement.

As more crystal ponies continued to bombard Spike with questions or words of admiration, the dragon played it cool and answered, “Alright. Alright, take it easy, everypony. I'm just here visiting friends. Nothing too big.”

“Oh, you're amazing Spike.” another crystal pony beamed.

“I am what I am.” Spike replied, as he made his way out of the mob allowing him and the girls to press on.

“Well, you handled that well, without getting a big head.” Twilight noted.

“Considering how you'd boast about your accomplishments here.” Rainbow put in.

Spike shot her a dry look, “Like you've never boasted about your own?”

Rainbow suddenly looked embarrassed, “Ok, you got me.”

As they approached the castle, they were greeted by two crystal guards, “Princess Twilight Sparkle, welcome.” one began, as the second spoke to Spike.

“And a big welcome to you too, Great and Honorable Spike.”

“Thanks, guys.”

“Please, right this way.” the guards showed the group inside.

Once inside they were shown to the throne room where Shining Armor and Cadence were waiting, “Shining Armor, Cadence!” Twilight cheered, as she trotted over and embraced the two.

“Twily, it's so good to see you.” Shining hugged his sister.

“And how's your foal to be?” Twilight motioned to Cadence who was already starting to show signs of pregnancy.

“Coming along just fine.” Cadence assured her.

“And how about you?” Applejack asked Cadence.

“Oh, I'm doing just fine. Although Shining Armor won't stop insisting he helps me with every solitary thing.” Cadence playfully squinted at her husband who looked sheepish.

“Just making sure my wife and child to be are all right. That's what being a good husband and dad is all about.” he replied.

Cadence turned to Spike, “And, Spike, we learned from Twilight you've obtained some new abilities.”

“Did you now?” Spike squinted at Twilight who grinned sheepishly.

“Well, I may have said something about the talismans to them in my last letter before coming here.”

“Based off what she told us you were capable of now, you're like a one dragon army.” Shining said.

“Indeed so,” Rarity confirmed, “If you had seen the way Spike dealt with those ninja brutes, you would be in awe just as I was.”

“I'm just glad Twilight was able to put a spell around our castle to keep them from entering should they decide to come back.” Spike said in relief.

“Well, as long as we have the Crystal Heart in place, no outside threat like them could get inside here.” Shining Armor assured them.

“Come on, let's go break for lunch, I am famished.” Cadence said.

Shining whispered to Twilight cheekily, “You won't believe how much she's been eating as of late.”

“What was that, Shining?” Cadence asked overhearing.

“Nothing, dear!” Shining replied nervously, as he followed his wife, as Spike and the girls chuckled to themselves.

Outside the Crystal Empire, the Shadowkhan appeared holding the seeking device out indicating the talismans within Spike was right there. When one tried to step forward into the Empire, it was repelled. Another tried but got repelled as well. The Shadowkhan felt the barrier around the empire and knew trying to get in was not going to be easy.

When one Shadowkhan saw another pony heading to the entrance, it jumped into the pony's shadow and hid. When the Shadowkhan saw the pony walk past the barrier and into the empire, the Shadowkhan hiding in its shadow made it through. Seeing this the other Shadowkhan hitched a ride on other incoming pony tourists and such by hiding in their shadows allowing them to bypass the barrier.

Once inside, the Shadowkhan left the ponies shadows and regrouped on a roof top. The one holding the seeking device held it out and saw one of the dragon heads pointing in the direction of the castle. With their objective clear, the shadow ninjas took off for the castle making sure they weren't seen.

When they arrived they were about to slip inside, until one stopped and saw the rotating Crystal Heart in place. Looking at it intently, the Shadowkhan had an idea.

Back inside the castle, the group was in the dining hall chowing down. Twilight and the rest of the girls couldn't help but glance at Cadence who was munching away more than Pinkie Pie was.

“I'm kind of losing my appetite here.” Rarity whispered to Applejack.

“Well, I'm not.” Pinkie replied, as she had another helping.

They continued to eat peacefully, until Rarity spoke up, “Is it me or is it starting to feel a little drafty?”

“I feel a bit cold too.” Twilight agreed.

Rainbow looked out the window and her eyes widened, “And that's why!” The group looked out the window, and to their shock saw the weather of the Frozen North rolling in.

“The weather's coming in!” Twilight gasped.

“But how?” Applejack asked in confusion.

“The Crystal Heart's supposed to keep the weather at bay.” Shining Armor recalled.

“Unless something's wrong with it.” Cadence suspected.

“Um, we got more trouble!” Fluttershy cried, as they saw rising from from the shadows on the floor were the Shadowkhan.

“Whoa nelly!” Applejack gasped.

“The Shadowkhan!” Twilight gasped in shock.

“How did they get in?” Spike asked in confusion.

“Doesn't matter we have to deal with them.” Twilight replied.

One of the Shdowkhan pointed behind the ponies and Spike. They looked back seeing another Shadowkhan holding the Crystal Heart.

“It's got the Crystal Heart!” Cadence gasped.

“I'll get it!” Spike dashed forward tackling the Shadowkhan only for the shadow ninja to vanish with the dragon.

“Spike!” Twilight cried.

“Where'd they go?” Rainbow asked.

“Um, might I suggest we deal with them?” Rarity reminded them of the Shadowkhan present.

“Cadence and I will provide our own barrier to keep the weather out.” Shining Armor said, as he took his wife to safety.

The girls got ready as did the Shadowkhan before they engaged. Shining Armor and Cadence activated their magics and crossed their horns providing a protective barrier around the whole empire to keep the frozen weather out.

“We just have to keep this barrier up until Spike can get the Crystal Heart back.” Cadence told Shining Armor.

“Let's hope it's soon.” Shining Armor said, as the two watched Twilight and the girls fight the Shadowkhan.

Twilight and Rarity were blasting at the Shadowkhan with blasts of magic. Some got hit and poofed, while some dodged and were ready to strike the two. Rainbow flew in and tackled them to the side making them crash into the wall.

Applejack bucked a few until one came up behind her, until Pinkie popped in before it, “Surprise!” she shoved a cupcake in its face blinding it. Fluttershy floated around trying to avoid the confrontation, but shrieked while avoiding the throwing ninja stars.

Meanwhile, Spike and the Shadowkhan thief exited a shadow portal and found themselves out in the empire square, were the Crystal Ponies were getting inside in fear the weather would cause their rulers barrier to collapse. The two stood in a stand off, as Spike got ready.

“There's no way you're getting away with the Crystal Heart.” Spike warned the shadow ninja.

Suddenly to Spike's surprise, the Shadowkhan thief's eyes glowed more red, as a raspy voice came out from it, “So, you are the dragon whelp that gave my minions so much trouble.”

“Huh?” Spike asked in confusion.

“You're even smaller than I imagined you'd be.” it continued.

“So you guys can talk?” Spike asked.

“Not necessarily. I am merely projecting my voice through my minion to communicate with you.”

“Who are you?”

“I am the keeper of the talismans. I am the apocalypse of which legend speaks. And I am, for once and for all... Your executioner!” he hissed.

“The keeper of the talismans?” Spike asked, before it dawned on him, “No way! You're... You're Shendu?!”

“Precisely.” Shendu hissed through the Shadowkhan.

“But how're you alive? You lived millenia ago!” Spike said in shock.

“It was my strong will and desire for revenge against Equestria that kept me going all these years in my imprisonment. When my talismans were reactivated again I sent my Shadowkhan to seek them out. And here you stand wielding power the likes of which Equestria has not seen for millenia.”

Spike said nothing, as he allowed the ancient dragon to keep speaking through his minion, “Feels good doesn't it? All that powerful magic inside you.”

“I'll admit it does make me feel better than I've ever felt my whole life.” Spike confessed.

“And yet you haven't even begun to realize the untapped potential the talismans are capable,” Shendu said, “In order to truly use them to their full capacity, you would need the wisdom of one who has experience with them. Namely me.”

“What?”

“Join me at my side, little one. Together with my knowledge and your use of the talismans. We can do extraordinary things.” Shendu tempted Spike.

Spike finding himself swayed by Shendu's words and tone was almost willing to comply, until he remembered what Princess Celestia told him.

“Magic like that is very tempting, especially to the young. Do not let your new powers consume you and make you feel you can do anything that you please. Otherwise you will end up no different than Shendu.”

Remembering his promise to Princess Celestia, Spike frowned at Shendu, and answered, “No!”

“What?” Shendu asked.

“I won't betray my friends and Equestria for the likes of you!”

Shendu growled, “Then I will take my talismans from you by force!” the Shadowkhan and Spike fought the shadow ninja using its martial arts skills against Spike who zipped around to avoid the hits.

'I got to get the Crystal Heart from it,' Spike thought to himself, before realizing, 'Of course.' Spike concentrated and used the power of the Rooster to levitate the Crystal Heart off the Shadowkhan's possession.

“You little!” Shendu hissed, as he was about to use his Shadowkhan to attack, only to narrowly miss a shot of magic.

Coming over was Twilight and the girls, “Spike, are you ok?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, and I got the Crystal Heart.” Spike showed them.

“Well, we took care of those Shadowkhan back there.” Rainbow boasted.

“Which leaves this one left.” Applejack motioned to the last one.

Shendu saw the girls through his minion's eyes and spoke, “A dragon associating with ponies? I never thought I'd see the day.”

“Wow, that one's got some voice on him.” Pinkie said.

“That's not the Shadowkhan talking, Pinkie,” Spike replied, “That's Shendu.”

“Shendu?” the girls asked.

“That's right,” the evil dragon confirmed, “The true keeper of the talismans! And mark my words, dragonling. No matter where you go I will find you. You cannot escape.” the Shadowkhan vanished leaving the group in shock.

“He's gone.” Fluttershy gasped.

“Uh, we might wanna get the Crystal Heart back in its place?” Applejack suggested. The group agreed, as Spike and the girls hurried back to castle.

They arrived to see Shining and Cadence waiting for them, with Cadence's magic fading, “Cadence, are you ok?” Twilight asked.

“Fine, but my magic won't hold out much longer due to my pregnancy.” Cadence said sounding tired.

“Good thing we got this back.” Spike said, as he placed the Crystal Heart back in it's place which unleashed its magic causing all the ponies in the empire and Spike to gain that crystal shine to their bodies, while also pushing the weather back.

With the relic back in place, Shining Armor and Cadence powered down their force field much to their relief.

“All in a day's work.” Spike told the girls who nodded.

Later on, Cadence and Shining Armor stood before their subjects with Spike and the girls at their side. Cadence announced to the crystal ponies, “Today we once again honor the heroics of my fellow Princess Twilight Sparkle and her friends, but especially to our very own Spike the Brave and Glorious who successfully recovered the stolen Crystal Heart and returned it to where it belongs.”

The crystal ponies cheered, while some were waving around flags and banners with Spike's face on them. Spike smiled and waved to his fans, as did the girls.

When the commotion died down, the group met back up in the throne room to discuss what happened, “So this evil dragon Shendu is after the talismans that now reside inside Spike?” Shining asked.

“That's correct.” Spike confirmed.

“And apparently he knows how to track him.” Twilight added.

“This is troubling.” Cadence feared.

“So what can we do?” Fluttershy asked.

“Until we figure out a way to find Shendu and neutralize him completely, we'll just have to play it carefully. Especially you, Spike.” Twilight warned her assistant.

“I understand.” Spike nodded.

To diffuse the tension, Shining Armor spoke up, “So, Spike, since we didn't get to see your abilities during the fight. How about showing them to Cadence and I now?”

“I would like to see them.” Cadence agreed.

“Well, ok.” Spike said, as he presented himself and started showing the royal couple his talisman abilities from levitation, invisibility, super speed, shapeshifting, and super strength. The group enjoyed Spike's performance using it as a good distraction from the attack Shendu recently pulled. They knew they would cross paths with his Shadowkhan again, but until then chose to stay in the moment.

Dragon vs Dragon

As the Mane Six, Spike, Celestia, Luna, and Lo Pei stepped through the portal they found themselves in Ponyville, but to their shock was not the way they left it.

The ponies of the town were chained and shackled while the Shadowkhan were leading them around, “This is just like with Trixie all over again.” Twilight feared.

“Where's Shendu?” Spike wondered.

“Found him.” Pinkie said while looking around a corner.

The group looked and saw Shendu sitting on a throne while Big Mac held a big tray filled with apples on it up to him. Just below him were five ponies dressed in court jester outfits dancing for him. Two of them dance hoof in hoof, one was jumping and kicking their hind hooves together, another was down on one knee while moving their front legs together in a wavy motion, and the final one was doing an exotic dance.

“Dance, my jesters! Dance!” Shendu roared, as he fired heat beams from his eyes at them.

One of the beams almost singed one of the ponies tails, “Ow! Hot-hot-hot!”

“Dance!” Shendu ordered, as he looked ready to fire another beam of heat.

The ponies reluctantly stood side by side and performed a river dance. The group watched this, as Applejack spoke, “This just ain't right.”

“I know,” Rarity agreed, “Those jester outfits are just appalling.” Rarity received looks from the group and smiled sheepishly.

“Oh, children!” Shendu called, as the group looked and saw the CMC approach Shendu looking nervous.

“Applebloom.” Applejack gasped.

“What does he want with them?” Rarity asked in worry.

“Yes, Master Shendu?” Applebloom asked nervously.

“I have a very special task for you three little ones.” Shendu said.

“And that would be?” Sweetie Belle asked, as a Ninja Khan appeared holding three pairs of clippers.

“My talons need some trimming.” Shendu said sticking his feet out to the CMC.

The three fillies looked at Shendu's feet and talons horrified, while Scootaloo started to look green in the face, “I'm think I'm gonna be sick.” she told her friends.

“Do it!” Shendu hissed.

The CMC reluctantly took the three clippers, and were about to give Shendu's talons a trim, until, “Hold it!”

Shendu and the others looked seeing Spike, his friends, the royal sisters, and Lo Pei glaring in his direction, “You!” he hissed.

“Keep those disgusting talons away from our sisters!” Rarity demanded, as she and Applejack frowned at the bad dragon.

“Applejack!” Applebloom cheered.

“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle smiled.

“Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo called.

Shendu got off his throne and stomped over to them, “Clearly you haven't learned your lesson about meddling in the affairs of those stronger than you.”

Spike stepped forward, “I've learned plenty. Like I don't need the talismans to fight you. All I need is my friends.” the girls stood by Spike proudly.

“A very amusing sentiment,” Shendu replied, “Sadly it will not matter.” he fired a blast of combustion at them, but they all dodged.

Lo Pei spoke to the others, “I'll need plenty of help to get my spell ready.”

“Then we'll free the captives.” Applejack offered.

“Leave the Shadowkhan to us.” Twilight said on behalf of herself, Celestia, and Luna.

Spike spoke, “Then I'm going for Shendu.”

“Not alone, you're not,” Rainbow flew at his side, “Let me be your wings here.”

Spike smiled, “Thanks, Rainbow.”

Lo Pei levitated the girls and Spike each a blow-fish medium to use, before they split up. Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, and Fluttershy were freeing all the captive ponies, while the three princesses were flying around blasting at any of the Shadowkhan that were trying to stop them.

Spike got on Rainbow, “Let's take him!”

“On it!” Rainbow flew around Shendu who tried blasting her with heat beams and combustion, “Sorry, scaly, but you're looking at the fastest flyer in town.”

“Care to put that to the test?” Shendu said as he flew up and started flying after Rainbow.

Spike aimed his medium at Shendu and started blasting chi magic his way. Shendu dodged some of the blasts before finally getting nailed.

“Bulls-eye!” Spike cheered. Shendu regained altitude and growled, before firing more heat beams at the two, only to dodge.

Back on the ground Celestia and Luna used their combined magics to obliterate the Shadowkhan, giving the ponies a chance to rest.

“That's the end of them.” Luna told her sister.

“Yes, but we better act fast because Shendu becomes aware of the situation.” Celestia reminded her.

Twilight and her friends gathered the ponies together, “Listen up, everypony,” Twilight told them, “Lo Pei here has a way to defeat Shendu, but he'll need all of our help to do it.”

“What can we do?” Mayor Mare asked the wizard.

“Pass these around.” Lo Pei levitated white robes.

Back with Spike and Rainbow, the pegasus kept flying around as Spike blasted chi magic at Shendu. The bad dragon kept getting more irritated, “Enough of this!” he picked up speed and flew faster before appearing before the two.

Rainbow tried to pull up, but Shendu swatted her away causing Spike to fall off, “Spike!” she cried.

As Spike plummeted he was afraid of going splat, until suddenly he froze in mid air. At first he was relieved, until he saw the one keeping him from falling was Shendu who had had claw above Spike and used the rooster power to keep him airborne.

Shendu landed on the ground and spoke to the smaller dragon, “I never did properly thank you for returning my powers to me. Because now that I have them back I have so many ways to make you suffer.”

Spike was worried, until the two heard chanting approaching them. They saw Lo Pei, Celestia, Luna, the girls, and several Ponyville citizens wearing white robes. Some were carrying white waving flags, while three were banging on drums.

“Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao. Yu Mo Gui Gwai Fai Di Zao.” the ponies chanted.

“Wha-what is this?” Shendu asked in confusion.

Spike taking advantage of Shendu's confusion, spat fire at his eyes making him cry and lost focus on keeping Spike levitated. Spike landed on the ground as Shendu stumbled around covering his eyes. The purple dragon looked around before seeing one of Ponyville's banners laying down. He rushed over and grabbed on end tugging it tightly turning it into trip rope.

Shendu still blinded stumbled backwards and tripped over the rope and fell onto his back, “Yes!” Spike cheered.

Lo Pei whipped out two parchments with symbols written on them that began glowing as he chanted. The wizard sent a blast of chi magic from the parchments that struck Shendu who started glowing.

“What is happening to me?!” Shendu hissed.

“What is happenin' to him?” Applejack asked Lo Pei, as Spike and Rainbow joined them.

“Wait and see.” he answered.

They watched as Shendu's body started twisting, and suddenly the dragon was transformed into a circular statue of his body absent of his limbs and wrapped up in a swirl with his head in the center, leaving twelve slots in a semicircle under his head.

“NO!” Shendu hissed, before the statue fell over and twelve objects were flung from it.

The ponies cheered, as Twilight spoke to Lo Pei, “What happened?”

“I re-tweaked the spell the dragons and ponies used to defeat Shendu, by turning him to stone, and separated his powers into twelve talismans.”

The group looked and saw Lo Pei was right, on the ground were twelve new talismans possessing the powers like before.

As they approached the statue, Pinkie looked down at it, “This could make for a good decoration.” the statue's eyes glowed and hissed making her back away.

“I swear I will have my revenge, even if it takes another millenia!” Shendu hissed from his statue.

Spike scoffed, “You're a statue now, and this is a much better prison than your last one.”

“And for good measure.” Lo Pei used a paintbrush and black ink to write a symbol on the statue, “This will keep you from summoning any Shadowkhan in the future.

Celestia spoke to some guards, “Take it away.” the guards nodded, as they grabbed the statue and carried it off.

Spike sighed in relief, “We did it. All of us.”

“Like we always do.” Twilight smiled along side the rest of the girls.

“So now that Shendu is a statue, what about the talismans?” Rarity wondered, as they looked down at them.

“Should we hide them away again?” Fluttershy asked.

“It's the most logical thing to do,” Lo Pei confirmed, “However, they do belong to one who truly knows how to use them for the right reasons. To protect, not to harm.” he looked to Spike.

Spike looked flabbergasted, “What, really?”

“You've proven you are worthy of the talismans powers, Spike. I could think of no dragon better to have them. If you want them, that is.” Lo Pei answered.

Spike looked at the girls and the princesses who smiled letting him know they support his decision. Coming to one, he spoke to the wizard, “I accept the responsibility as their new wielder.”

“Very well.” Lo Pei said, as he used his magic on the talismans levitating them up.

The talismans formed a ring and glowed with magic before flying closer to Spike getting smaller and smaller until it was a mini ball of light that entered his body. Spike started glowing, as he spoke, “Yes!” he levitated up, “Together again!” he breathed his combustion fire above.

Spike touched down, as the girls gathered around him, “Congratulations, Spike.” Applejack nudged him.

“You were wonderful, darling.” Rarity pecked his cheek.

“That was awesome!” Rainbow cheered.

“Yay!” Fluttershy cheered.

“I'm so proud of you, Spike.” Twilight smiled.

“Same.” Spike replied.

“Shendu's defeated, and Spike's got his powers again. Let's party!” Pinkie cheered, until they noticed Ponyville was still a mess.

“Perhaps after we've cleaned up?” Celestia suggested.

“Quite so.” Luna agreed.

“Come on, we got work to do.” Twilight said, as they all pitched in to clean the town up.

After the clean up and partying, Spike and the girls returned to the castle for a sleepover after such a long day.

As the girls slept, Twilight noticed Spike looking out the window, “Spike. Are you ok?”

“Oh, hi, Twilight. I'm good. Just thinking about all that's happened today.”

“I know what you mean,” Twilight agreed feeling what Spike felt, “Shendu was a nasty enemy, but he never counted on our teamwork and friendship would be his downfall.”

Spike smiled, “Yeah. And with him gone, there's one less problem for Equestria.”

“With Shendu and the Shadowkhan gone, what might you use the talismans for now?” Twilight inquired.

“Mostly to help out my friends and others, while also keeping Ponyville and Equestria safe as well.” he answered.

Twilight smiled and hugged him, “The true words of a noble dragon.” Spike smiled, as he hugged her back.

Meanwhile in Tartarus, Shendu's statue was set up inside a cage among the various other cages housing some of Equestria's most dangerous of beasts and villains.

“SPIKE!!!!” Shendu roared.

Author's Note

And that's a wrap here. Hope you enjoyed this little nostalgia trip to one of my old favorite cartoons with MLP.