The Dragon Knight of Canterlot City

One night at the Purple Nightmares HQ, inside Night Terror's office, the gang leader was sitting at his desk, fuming. For weeks now the Dragon Knight has continuously disrupted his operations left and right, and especially with the deal he made with Chrysalis gone awry he was getting irritated.

'Could this get any worse?' He thought inwardly to himself.

Just then, Riff came in with a nervous on his face, "Er, boss...?"

Night Terror gave him a hard glare, "What is it, Riff? You better have a very good reason to bother me at this time."

Riff gulped before replying, "W-We lost Raven Harbor..."

Night Terror jumped over his desk and ran right up to Riff with a furious look on his face, "WHAT!!!!"

"Y-Yeah, another gang took it not too long ago." Riff explained.

"Who took Raven Harbor?!?" Night Terror angrily demanded, "Was it the Metal Heads? The Children of Sanguine?! I swear to God, Riff, if we lost another turf to those fucking Castlevania cosplayers, I'm gonna-!!!"

"It was neither of them boss!" Riff began to explain, holding his hands up defensively, "It was a new gang!"

"A new gang?" Night Terror exclaimed.

Riff nodded before replying, "Yeah, they just came outta nowhere and started attacking our guys stationed at Raven Harbor. Most didn't survive and those who did were beaten and bloodied. They told us there was something not human about these guys."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Night Terror asked with a raised eyebrow.

"They told us that their skin was as gray as tombstones and their eyes glowed in the dark, I don't know. They were really frazzled when they told us this." Riff explained.

"Do we at least know their names?"

"Yeah, they call themselves... The Bio-Fiends."

“Bio-Fiends?”

“Yes, sir,” Riff confirmed nervously. Night Terror's angry demeanor didn't change which shook Riff, “I'm uh, just gonna give you your space.” he rushed out of the office.

Night Terror alone angrily shoved several papers and stuff off his desk before grabbing his chair and chucked it across the room, “Dammit! And we were expecting a shipment of rare animals we were going to sell to collectors! Whoever these Bio-Fiends are, they'll regret making an enemy out of the Purple Nightmares.”

Meanwhile, Spike in his armor mode save for his mask was flying through the city on route to a familiar location.

“After days of intercepting news of the Purple Nightmares hijacking a shipment of rare imported animals for the city zoo it's finally going down tonight.” Spike said, as Drakon flew at his side.

“Imagine how overjoyed Fluttershy will be when she hears you're doing something for endangered animals.”

“Yeah. She'd definitely be happy to know that,” Spike agreed, “Ok, we're coming up on Raven Harbor.”

Spike flew down closer before ducking behind some crates. He peeked out and surveyed the scene spotting some figures getting ready to hijack the targets.

“Purple Nightmares spotted.” Spike said.

“Spike, I think you may be blinded by your mask.” Drakon replied.

“What do you mean?”

“Those don't look like Purple Nightmares.”

Spike took another good look and saw Drakon was correct the figures were the very people Riff talked about with Night Terror; the Bio-Fiends. And as Riff said their whole bodies were as gray as tombstones and their eyes were glowing green in the dark. But what also stuck out was they were wearing respirators on their faces and within the filters was a green gas.

“You're right, it's not the Nightmares.” Spike realized.

“So who do you think they are?” Drakon wondered.

“'Not a clue. They must be newly established.”

“Newbies or not, looks like they're taking over the Nightmares plan.” the spirit noted.

Spike saw these new guys were in fact carrying out the Nightmares plan and hijacking several cages containing endangered animals big and small.

“You're right. Nightmares or not, they're still committing hijacking. So I guess I'm gonna have to give them a proper greeting.” Spike said, as he snuck closer making sure not to be seen.

One of the Bio-Fiends spoke to the others, “Alright, we got the animals, let's load them into the truck.”

“And let's avoid any mishaps.” another said.

“After taking out those punk Nightmares, this'll be a cinch.” A third member boasted.

Before they were ready to load the animals Spike swung in and kicked one of the Bio-Fiends to the ground, alerting the others. The Dragon Knight got up and addressed the others.

“You guys throwing a Mad Max theme party here or something?” he asked rhetorically.

“Hit the road, Dragon Knight.” one of the Bio-Fiends warned him.

“Not until you step away from the cages and give yourselves up.”

“We're warning you, hero. You don't wanna mess with the Bio-Fiends.”

“Bio-Fiends? So you are new to this whole thing. I was expecting the Purple Nightmares, but I guess I'll have to settle for you guys.”

“Challenging us will be the biggest mistake of your life.” A Bio-Fiend said, as they inhaled some of the gas they breathed through their respirators. Upon doing so their muscles started increasing which shocked Spike and Drakon.

“Ok, those got to be some serious steroids they're taking.” Drakon said.

Spike just prepared himself, as the Bio-Fiends rushed him. As Spike fought one of them, his usual hits nailed his opponents but they were brushing them off.

“They sure can take a punch better than the Nightmares could.” Spike said to himself, before another Bio-Fiend came at him from behind and grabbed him.

“Gotcha!” he proceeded to squeeze Spike.

Spike groaned as he could feel his opponent trying to squeeze the life out of him, 'Jeez he's got some grip! But he's never fought with the power of a dragon before.' he slammed the back of his head back into his captor's face making him let go.

“Oh, my nose!” the Bio-Fiend cried.

“You guys might be my toughest challenge this week.” Spike humored them.

“Don't mock us!” one of them ordered, as he attacked Spike who dodged, but the fiend ended up punching through a crate.

“Missed.” Spike mocked.

“Next one's going for your head!” the Fiend shouted, as he and the others continued to attack Spike who was dodging as best he could but ended up taking some hits. But regardless of how hard they hit him, Spike walked it off even if he recoiled from some of the hits.

“Looks like whatever they inhaled increased their physical strength and such, but did nothing for their brains.” Drakon noted on the Fiends.

Spike blocked one of the hits from a Bio-Fiend and made him run into a pole denting it. Another once again tried to grab him from behind, but Spike intercepted this and side stepped making him crash into a crate.

One of the Bio-Fiends motioned to the others, “Get the cages loaded!”

A Bio-Fiend rushed to the caged animals, and looked among them seeing a white tiger that growled at him, decided not to go for one of the predator types and grabbed a cage containing a falcon that had red feathers.

Spike seeing this flew at the Bio-Fiend punching him in the back before snatching the cage before going to safety. He sat the cage down and spoke to the falcon.

“You wait here, while I deal with these creeps.” he said before going back to stop the gang.

As he left, the falcon watched Spike in awe, as he fought the Bio-Fiends. The bird looked down at the lock to its cage before reaching down and began picking at it with its beak.

Spike had just dodged another punch only to get punched by another Bio-Fiend. The member quickly gave Spike more hits before he could recover or block knocking him to the ground.

“Now to smash him into nothing!” one of the Bio-Fiends was ready to crush Spike, only for screeching to be heard.

The red feathered falcon flew in before plucking the tube connecting the filter to the fiend's respirator. The gas poured out and dissolved.

“NO!” the Fiend cried as he started to lose his strength.

Spike seeing this got up and knocked the de-powered Bio-Fiend away, “That's one smart falcon.” he saw the falcon continued to fly around the fiends pulling the tubes from their filters to their respirators releasing the gas thus making them lose their excess strength.

“Now let's see how you guys fight without your special gas.” Spike said, as he engaged the Bio-Fiends again head on.

Fortunately for Spike without their special gas the Bio-Fiends weren't as strong as they were before and were getting their asses handed to them.

“We gotta split!” one of them ordered.

“But the animals!”

“Forget about them!” the one answered as they got back in the truck and drove off with Spike watching.

“You let them go?” Drakon asked.

“They're going back to their base and explain to whomever leads them their failure. Let this new gang know if they wanna make trouble then they can expect me to be there.” the boy explained.

“Very true.”

Spike looked at all the caged animals, “I'll leave you guys in the care of the authorities.” he took off and was surprisingly followed by the falcon.

As the vigilante flew he could tell he was being followed before landing on a roof and looked to see the falcon perching.

“You helped me. Thank you. But you're free now.” Spike told the falcon who tilted its head.

“Spike, I got a feeling that ain't your run of the mill bird.” Drakon said.

“Well, I know it's a red feathered falcon. It's a rare breed.”

“Not just that, Spike. That falcon's not exactly a falcon.”

“What?” the boy looked as the falcon started to glow with a red flaming aura before covering itself with its wings.

Upon opening them back up the falcon had transformed into a reddish orange feathered bird that squawked while unleashing a fiery glow.

“Whoa!” Spike gasped, “Is that a...”

“Oh, yes,” Drakon nodded, “That, my dear Spike, is a phoenix.”

“Wow!” he marveled, “I mean after seeing dragon spirits and knowing vampires exist I shouldn't be surprised at this. But how does a phoenix get captured like this?”

“Well, some creatures like phoenix's like to blend in by taking on the form of a regular animal they're close to resembling. It's a natural instinct to defend themselves. This guy here must've felt being in a zoo would keep it safe, but I don't think he wants the zoo anymore.”

“What do you mean?” Spike asked, as the phoenix squawked and flew to Spike perching on his shoulder.

“He's taken quite a liking to you.”

“To me?”

“Yes. And like a baby when they imprint you're guaranteed stuck with them.” Drakon chuckled.

“I see,” Spike said before looking at the phoenix on his shoulder, “You really want to be with me?” the phoenix squawked in confirmation.

“Phoenix's are very loyal creatures and will always come when they are needed by their masters.” the spirit explained.

“Well, I never had an animal companion or pet before. Maybe I can make this work. Of course, you'll need a name.” Spike said, as the bird tilted its head.

“Funny thing about this one. Seems like a runt compared to the size of regular phoenixes.” Drakon noticed.

“A runt?” Spike asked, before pondering on the concept, “That gives me an idea. Listen, boy, how about the name Peewee?”

The phoenix pondered on it before giving a squawk of approval, “Seems like he likes it.” Drakon said.

“Peewee it is,” Spike declared as he pat his new pets head, “Come on, Peewee, I'll show you to your new home.”

Peewee squawked as he and Spike flew off into the city heading for home.

Meanwhile at Dr. Grogar's lab, he was standing before the Bio-Fiends who had told him what went down at the docks. Needless to say the doc wasn't pleased.

“You managed to usurp the hijacking from the Purple Nightmares, but were defeated by the Dragon Knight?!”

“Sir, I know we failed but-”

“And even after I made those respiratory devices to feed you smaller samples of Radiation X to increase your strength and stamina!”

“It wasn’t our fault! One of the animals got loose and disconnected the tubes!”

Grogar frowned, before his angry demeanor subsided, “Well, despite your foul up, you proved that Radiation X works in smaller dosages. But even with your extra boost from it, it still wasn't enough for you to handle the Dragon Knight.”

“Next time we see him, sir. He won't get away with it.” one Bio-Fiend promised.

“You hope he won't. Leave me.” he dismissed his men who left.

The doc paced, “It would've been nice to have acquired those animals. Just imagine what larger doses of Radiation X would do to them. No matter. I still have more test subjects to try them on. At least those that survive.”

Back with Spike he returned home and brought Peewee inside, “Well, Peewee, this is where you'll be living from now on. What do you think?” Peewee squawked in approval.

“He likes it.” Drakon confirmed.

“I”m glad. And tomorrow I'm gonna go get you some supplies.” Spike told his new pet who looked excited.

When morning came, Spike got ready for school and before he went out the door he looked to Peewee who was perching on a chair, “Alright, Peewee, I'm off. You behave now.” Peewee squawked before Spike took his leave with Drakon.

When Spike got to school he greeted his girlfriends who were waiting for him, “Morning, girls.”

“Morning, Spike.” they replied.

“We saw the paper this morning. Looks like the city's hero struck again.” Rainbow nudged him.

“I'm so glad you rescued those poor animals,” Fluttershy said gratefully, “The zoo will be sure to take very good care of them.”

“I know. But listen I need your help, Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy got curious, “My help?”

“Yeah. You see I just took in a bird recently.” Spike began, before Fluttershy gasped with excitement.

“You have a pet bird?”

“Uh, yeah.” Spike said taken aback by her excited reaction.

“What kind? A canary? A cardinal? A parrot's a good one.”

“Actually, none of those. I'll tell you all about it later. If you're not to busy I'll introduce you to him after school. At least after I've gotten some materials. Would you help, Fluttershy?”

The girls smiled, “I'm so glad you asked me.”

“Good. Then we'll meet up after school.” Spike said, as they headed for their classes.

Once school let out, Fluttershy took Spike to the nearest pet store where she helped Spike buy a few essentials like a bird perch stand complete with a small water and food dish.

When they were finished they left and met up with the rest of the girls before heading back to Spike's house. Upon arriving Spike turned to the girls, “You all wait out here. I'm gonna explain things to my bird. He may get overwhelmed if he suddenly sees more than one new face without a heads up.”

“We understand.” Fluttershy replied, as Spike took the materials and brought them inside.

“I do wonder what kind of bird Spike has?” Rarity wondered.

“I'll bet it's an awesome one.” Rainbow hoped.

“If all goes well, we should bring our own pets over to meet his.” Applejack suggested.

“That sounds like a good idea.” Twilight agreed.

“But we should probably wait until after we see his pet.” Sunset noted, as they agreed.

“Ok, girls. Come in now.” Spike said, as the girls entered.

They entered the living room and saw perching on his new perch was Peewee who was currently disguised in his red falcon form.

“Oh, my gosh!” Fluttershy gasped, “Is that a rare red falcon?”

“That is awesome!” Rainbow said confirming her claim.

“How did you manage to get such a rare bird for a pet?” Twilight wondered, as did the others.

“Well, it's a long story, but for starters. He's not actually a red falcon.”

“Then what is he?” Apple Bloom asked.

Spike looked to Peewee giving him a nod. Peewee then glowed and returned to his phoenix form surprising everyone.

“My stars!” Rarity gasped.

“Pretty!” Pinkie marveled.

“What is it?” Scootaloo asked.

“That's a phoenix.” Sunset noted.

“An actual phoenix?” Fluttershy asked in awe.

“Ok, that just made him twenty percent more awesome!” Rainbow got more excited.

“That's right. Allow me to introduce you all. This is Peewee; the newest member of my family.” Spike introduced as Peewee squawked a greeting.

“And Peewee, these are my girlfriends. There's Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom.”

“Oh, my goodness he's beautiful,” Fluttershy cooed, “Uh, would it be ok if we pet him?”

Spike looked to his pet, “Is that ok with you, Peewee?”

Peewee squawked in approval before flying off his perch and onto the coffee table. Once he was closer the girls started to pet his head and his wings gently.

“He's such a sweet little thing.” Fluttershy said patting Peewee's head.

“And his feathers are just lovely.” Rarity marveled.

“So, Spike, how'd ya end up with a phoenix for a pet?” Applejack inquired.

“Well, it all started last night,” Spike began explaining what went down at the docks with the Bio-Fiends, “And so Peewee now belongs to me.”

“Incredible.” Sunset gasped.

“Who would've thought among those imported animals was a phoenix in disguise.” Fluttershy said surprised.

“Those Bio-Fiends sure sounded like nasty folk.” Applejack said.

“And you said they were inhaling some gas that gave them super strength and stamina?” Rainbow asked.

“Yeah. They were able to take my blows more than any of the criminals or the Purple Nightmares I faced before.”

“I wonder where they got whatever they were using from?” Twilight pondered.

“So do I. But the next time those Bio-Fiends show, I'll get the answers out of them.” Spike promised.

“Right,” Sunset replied, while petting Peewee, “So, Spike, if you're interested, we'd like to one day bring our pets over and introduce them to Peewee.”

“Yeah, we usually have a pet play date every so often.” Pinkie explained.

“And we'd like you and Peewee to be part of it now.” Rarity added.

“What? Really?” Spike asked as Peewee squawked surprised.

“We are dating, Spike. So it's only right you be involved in something we all do together.” Twilight said.

“Wow. Thanks, girls. I'd really love that.” he smiled.

Peewee squawked happily as he flew around in circles above them, “Looks like he's happy for it too.” Drakon noted.

Peewee continued to fly around before shaking and dropping to each of the girls was a feather each.

“Wow.” Sweetie Belle gasped while marveling at her phoenix feather.

“So divine.” Rarity marveled.

“It's beautiful.” Fluttershy held hers.

Drakon nodded, “You girls should be lucky, when a phoenix shares a feather with someone it means they have their full trust. So cherish it.”

“I feel honored.” Twilight smiled.

“Me too.” Apple Bloom agreed.

“Thanks, Peewee.” Rainbow thanked the phoenix.

“We really appreciate this.” Sunset added, as the mythical bird nodded his head.

Spike smiled seeing how well Peewee is already adapting and making friends with his girlfriends, while also thinking of other matters of use he could be.

'I've always wanted a scouting bird.' he thought.