The Dragon Knight of Canterlot City

by Wildcard25

Into the Camps Woods

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The morning sun rose over Camp Everfree, as the campers were still asleep in their cabins, even Pee-Wee who made himself a makeshift nest on one of the cabins roofs was asleep peacefully. When suddenly the intercoms played a bugle tune waking everyone up. With some like Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Sweetie Belle, Spike, Thorax, and Button waking up with a jerk or spazzing around while lucky they didn't fall out of bed, especially those in a top bunk.

(Bugle Wake up Call)

“Rise and Shine, campers!” Gloriosa's voice echoed through the intercoms, “Hope you all had a good night sleep. But now it's time to greet the new day! Breakfast will be served shortly in the mess hall, so let's get up and get going!”

So all the campers got out of bed, washed up, and changed before heading to the mess hall. The campers and adults grabbed trays and started getting their morning breakfast composed of flapjacks with maple syrup and fresh fruits.

Spike and the girls sat at a table and started eating, “Mm, delicious!” Pinkie beamed.

“I hear ya, sugarcube.” Applejack agreed, as Apple Bloom spoke.

“Just like ma makes 'em.”

“This is certainly the best way to start the day.” Rarity said taking a bite of a flapjack.

“I checked the schedule, and for this morning we're all gonna start the day with a little nature hike.” Twilight explained.

“That's wonderful!” Fluttershy smiled, “Some fresh air, and a chance to see so many woodland animals.”

“And should we run into any bears you'll be there to tame it like you did before.” Drakon nudged Fluttershy who blushed.

“I just wanna get in on some of the more physical activities.” Rainbow sighed in boredom.

“So do I.” Scootaloo agreed.

“Don't worry, we'll have plenty of time for that.” Applejack assured them.

“Come on, everyone. Eat up.” Sunset told them.

“Yeah. It's gonna be a fun day today.” Spike agreed, as they enjoyed breakfast.


After breakfast, everyone got their bags ready and followed Gloriosa, Timber, and the faculty chaperones on the hiking track leading through the woods.

“Remember to stay on the trail.” Timber told the group.

“And speak up if you spot any interesting plant or wildlife.” Gloriosa added.

Everyone nodded, as they kept following the trail while taking in the beauty of nature around them. Fluttershy was particularly happy pointing out several types of birds that were in the trees, squirrels climbing up the tree trunks, some wild rabbits going into their burrows, and some deer in the distance. Spike caught glimpses of Pee-Wee flying around obviously on the hunt for something to eat, and made sure to not draw too much attention to himself.

As Spike continued to follow the group the sound of a giggle caused him to stop. He looked around seeing the other campers were more focused on following the trail and moving past him knowing none of them could've giggled. When Spike heard the giggle again he whipped around looking in all the directions of the woods past the trees, the bushes, and everything trying to see if there was someone out there, or perhaps someone watching him from the trees. He looked up into the trees but couldn't see if there was anybody in them, and if there was Pee-Wee would've alerted him.

“What's the matter?” Drakon asked, as he and Spike were falling behind the group.

“Thought I heard something.” Spike answered.

Drakon looked around before squinting, “You may be onto something.”

“You hear something too?”

“I sense something. But it's not malevolent.”

Spike concentrated, and felt his spirit guide was right, “What do you think it is?”

Before Drakon could answer, Timber called out, “Hey, Spike!” Spike looked back seeing the group further up ahead, “Don't trail too far behind or we might lose you!”

“Coming!” Spike called, as he hurried to catch up with the others as Drakon followed.

When Spike caught up to everyone, Twilight whispered, “What was going on back there?”

“Tell you later.” Spike whispered back, as they continued on with the hike.

As they walked along the hiding trail from behind a tree a figure had been watching Spike and the group, particularly Spike.


After their hike, everyone was back at camp with the campers enjoying the various camp activities. Spike was currently walking around wondering what he should do, before Rainbow ran over, “Spike, there you are!”

“Hi, Rainbow.”

“You're just the guy I was looking for.” she began.

“I am? For what?”

“Come with me!” Rainbow took his hand and dragged him along as he tried to keep up.

Rainbow had brought Spike to the rock climbing wall, where Celestia was supervising the students, as some were climbing while being supported by their spotters on the ground.

“Rock climbing is all about perseverance and trust,” The principal began, “Rarity, you can trust that Applejack will spot you." she instructed Rarity who was strapped into the harness while Applejack was holding the end of the line.

“Of course.” Rarity confirmed, as Applejack smiled.

“Just like I know I can trust Spike to spot me.” Rainbow nudged Spike.

“Right.” Spike nodded.

And so Rainbow and Rarity started climbing up the wall as Applejack and Spike spotted them. Rainbow was climbing up faster, while Rarity was taking it one step at a time.

“Jeez, Rarity, by the time you get up here camp will be over.” Rainbow called down to her.

“Some of us like to take it slow and steady, darling.” Rarity replied, as she went at her own pace.

Rainbow eventually made it to the top, as Spike called up to her, “Well done, Rainbow Dash!”

“Nothing to it!” Rainbow called down.

“You're almost there, Rarity!” Applejack called to her, as the fashionable girl finally reached the top.

“Happy New Year!” Rainbow teased Rarity.

“Har-har.” Rarity laughed sarcastically.

“Ok, girls. Spike and Applejack will bring you both down!” Celestia called up.

Spike and Applejack nodded to each other and pulled on the pulley's to bring both girls down from a top the wall back to the ground safely.

“Well, that was fun.” Rarity said calmly.

“It was awesome!” Rainbow cheered, before getting out of the harness, “Come on, Spike! Your turn!”

“Ok.” Spike replied, as he slipped the harness on as Applejack took the harness Rarity was wearing and slipped it on as well.

“Remember you two. It's all about trust.” Celestia instructed them.

“Yes, Principal Celestia.” the two replied, as Rainbow and Rarity each spotted them.

Applejack and Spike took their positions and started climbing up the wall. Though they were not in a race, they were still trying to move as fast as they can go.

“Looking good, Spike!” Rainbow called to him, “You too, A.J!”

“This is sure some workout, eh, Spike?” Applejack asked, as they climbed side by side.

“Yeah. Really building up my arm muscles.”

Drakon floated by, “Yeah. Build those muscles up and you'll be ready to climb real mountains.”

“Don't think I'm gonna be doing that any time soon.” Spike replied, as he kept on climbing with Applejack following.

Soon the two reached the top, and stood side by side, “Nice climbing, Spike.” Applejack offered him her hand.

“Thanks, you too.” Spike agreed, as they shook on it. The both of them were brought back down and passed off the harnesses to other campers who were waiting their turn.

As Spike continued to wander around camp wondering what activity he should try next, he overheard Gloriosa and Timber, “What do you mean our chef has to leave?!” Gloriosa asked in shock.

Spike hearing that curiously followed the sounds of the sibling camp counselors before speaking to them, “Excuse me, but is something wrong?”

“Oh, Spike.” Gloriosa gasped.

“It's nothing you need to be concerned about.” Timber assured him.

“Please, I want to know what's wrong.” Spike insisted.

The two seeing Spike's insistence decided to let him in, “Well, our chef was called away because his wife suddenly gone into labor, and now we don't have anyone to cook for dinner tonight.” Gloriosa explained.

“We'll have to heat up leftovers.” Timber sighed.

Spike seeing how dismal the two looked knew they wanted to make sure the campers had the best experience yet. And the hero inside Spike took over as he spoke, “If you want, I can help cook dinner tonight.”

“You?” they asked.

“Yeah. I'm a good cook.”

“Spike, we couldn't ask you to do that. Gloriosa replied.

“You're a camper. You should be enjoying yourself.” Timber reminded him.

“I insist. If there's a chance I can help make my fellow campers happy here at camp then I wanna do it. Please, let me help.”

Gloriosa blushed at Spike's pleading face, before answering, “Well, if you really want to. I guess we can allow it.”

“We can?” Timber asked, before Gloriosa shot him a look, “I mean, sure. We can!”

“But we hope you'll be all right cooking for a group as big as this.” Gloriosa said.

“I'll be fine.” Spike assured her.


Spike continued to relax at camp partaking in other activities before it started getting late. So he hurried to the mess hall's kitchen, where Gloriosa and Timber showed him the tools and ingredients he would be using and soon he got right to work. Soon enough he finished the feast with Timber and Gloriosa looking upon he spread looking shocked.

“You did all this?” Timber asked flabbergasted.

“I sure did.” he confirmed.

“Incredible. It looks and smells so good.” Gloriosa looked captivated.

“Thanks. I hope you and the campers will enjoy it.” Spike smiled, as the campers were heading for the mess hall.

Everyone got a plate and started sitting down at the tables with Spike sitting with the girls, “Wow, this looks extra yummy.” Pinkie looked at the food.

“But it looks familiar.” Twilight squinted, before all eyes fell on Spike who smiled sheepishly.

“Spike?” Fluttershy asked.

“I helped out in the kitchen. Gloriosa and Timber said their chef punched out to see his wife who was in labor.”

“How thoughtful of you.” Rarity smiled.

Approaching them was Celestia and Luna with the oldest of the two carrying an empty beer bottle, and spoke, “Alcohol sure feels different when having it out surrounded by nature,” Celestia sighed heavenly, before spotting the delicious food, and looked surprised, “What's all this?”

“I must say this spread looks even better than last nights.” Luna admitted.

“And there's a very good reason for that, ladies,” Gloriosa explained, before addressing everyone, “I would like you all to give a big thank you to Mr. Spike Obsidian who generously decided to cook dinner for all of you while our chef took an unexpected leave.”

This got the campers surprised and curious about Spike cooking for them, but regardless they all started to dig in. And like when Twilight and her friends first tasted Spike's food for the first time, one bite and the campers, and the two counselor sibs announced.

“SO YUMMY!!!”

Spike looked around surprised, as his fellow campers started chowing down, with many going up for seconds or even thirds since there was still so much.

“Well, Spike, now everyone knows how great a cook you are.” Sweetie Belle noted.

“Yeah. Looks like it.” Spike agreed.

“I sure did miss having your cooking, Spike.” Rainbow said, as she ate.

“I'm surprised you took the time to do all this.” Sunset told Spike.

“Yeah. Especially since we're all supposed to be here having fun.” Twilight reminded him.

“I know. But I just couldn't resist helping. It's who I am.”

“And that's one of the things we love about ya, Spike.” Applejack smiled, as the rest of the girls nodded.

“Thanks, girls.” Spike replied, as they enjoyed dinner.

When everyone was finishing up and returning their trays they started heading back to their cabins for the night, but not before giving Spike compliments and thanking him for dinner.

“Goodnight, Spike. Dinner was excellent.” Octavia thanked him before leaving the mess hall.

“We'll see you back at the cabin, Spike!” Thorax called to Spike.

“Thanks for the food!” Button added, before the two left.

Spike smiled, as Timber spoke, “Thanks again, Spike. And don't worry about dishes. Gloriosa and I got it covered.”

“Thank you.” Spike said, as Timber and his sister left.

As Spike and the girls were ready to head out, a tipsy laugh was heard, as they saw Celestia and Luna approach with Celestia sitting beside Spike getting in between him and Twilight, much to the girls annoyance.

“Oh, it was such a great meal, Mr. Obsidian,” Celestia began while sounding smashed, “I wish I could wake up every day to this....or come home every night to a meal such as yours.”

“I'm glad it's to your liking, Ms. Celestia.” he answered.

“Mm. Marry me.” Celestia declared nonchalant.

“Huh?” Spike did a double take.

“WHAT?!” the girls asked in shock, as was Luna who couldn't believe what her sister just asked of Spike.

Celestia leaned closer to Spike continuing, “Please, Spike Obsidian. I need you and want you. All the men I know are just boot lickers at worst and some won't even dare come close to me because they think I'm unapproachable. I'm lonely so please..."

Luna pulled Celestia back, “Celestia, have you taken leave of your senses!?”

“Oh, hush up. You have the hots for him, too.” Celestia accused.

“No I don't!”

Celestia grinned and giggled before reciting, “'I dream about him ripping my clothes-'"

Luna was blushing madly, “HAVE YOU BEEN READING MY DIARY!?” she quickly covered her mouth realizing she let it slip.

“Huh?!” the girls asked still shocked, as Drakon cackled from this.

Spike tried to ease this tension, “Uh, Principal Celestia, I think you might be a tad-” but Spike didn't have chance to finish, as he was suddenly pulled right into Celestia's boobs, as the woman hugged him while laughing drunkenly.

“Marry me, Spike! You will always wake up to these!” She declared still tipsy.

“Oh, God!” Spike muffled as his face was buried into Celestia's mountain peaks, while cutting off his air supply.

Drakon just cackled away, “Oh, yes! Spike, at least consider it! Come on, get a feel!”

“Principal Celestia!” Twilight protested, as she helped Luna pry Celestia away from Spike.

It was a struggle, but they finally separated Spike and Celestia with the boy gasping for air, “Come along, sister. It's time for bed.” Luna ordered.

“Can't Spike sleep with me as my hug pillow?” Celestia pleaded.

“Come along!” Luna ordered, as she helped her sister along, while blushing at Spike whom he and the girls present now know her deep secret before leaving.

“Spike, are you ok?” Fluttershy asked concerned.

“I was not expecting that.” he answered still shocked.

“You know she was drunk, right?” Sunset crossed her arms.

“Of course I did.”

“Good. As long as we're clear on that.” Twilight replied, crossing her arms while bearing a miffed expression.

'Oh great she's pissed now.' Spike thought in concern.

'Not for the reason you think, Spike.' Drakon thought back to him in assurance.


Later that night at the boys cabin, Spike slept peacefully in the top bunk before hearing the giggling sound again like he heard during their nature hike.

“There it is.” Spike said softly to himself before looking around seeing none of the other boys seemed to hear it because they were all fast asleep.

Curiously, he climbed down from the top bunk and grabbed his camper clothes. After changing, he quietly slipped out of the cabin, and snuck around the campground with Drakon following.

“You're really gonna investigate?” Drakon asked.

“Outside you I was the only one to hear it. Which means we're dealing with something not natural.”

“Well, yeah, but remember we both sensed it wasn't malevolent.”

“I know. But still, I need to find out what it was or it'll drive me crazy.” Spike assured, as he got closer to the border between the camp and the woods.

Drakon's head perked up, and spoke, “Spike, I believe we're not alone here.”

“What?” Spike asked, before looking back and saw Twilight and the others startling him, “Girls? What're you doing here?”

“We should be asking you that.” Twilight replied.

“What're you doin' out so late?” Applejack inquired.

“I'm on the trail of something.” he explained.

“Trail of what?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I don't know yet. But there's something out there in the woods that only Drakon and I can sense. We felt it during our nature hike. And I wanna know what it is.”

“Something's out there?” Fluttershy trembled.

“Relax, whatever it is, it's not malicious.” Drakon assured her.

“Well, that's a relief.” Sunset said.

“But if I don't act quick I could lose it's trail,” Spike answered, as Pee-Wee flew in, “You sense it too, huh?” Pee-Wee squawked in response.

As Spike was about to venture into the woods with Pee-Wee, Twilight spoke, “Hold on, Spike. We can't let you go in there alone.”

“Yeah. We're coming with you.” Rainbow said standing tall with the others looking ready.

“What?”

“Well, we're not letting you go it alone.” Scootaloo said.

“Especially this late at night.” Rarity added.

“Even if you do go out late at night on a daily basis, you're not familiar with this area.” Pinkie put in.

Drakon spoke to him, “Better let them join, Spike. Or you'll never get anywhere.”

Spike sighed, “Alright, you girls can come. But we need to stay together and keep quiet.” Pinkie zipped her lip in response, as Spike led them into the woods.

The girls followed Spike as he walked into the woods following his own senses on what he was feeling. As they walked off the hiking trail and into the woods they stayed close while hearing the sounds of critters in the night. This got Fluttershy scared, as Rarity and Sunset walked closer to her keeping her calm.

“Any idea what we're supposed to be looking for?” Rainbow whispered to Twilight.

“No clue. But Spike and Drakon will know when they find it.” she replied.

Spike was up front keeping an eye out with Drakon until they heard the same giggle and stopped, “Spike?” Rarity asked.

“I hear it.”

“What specifically?” Rainbow asked.

“Giggling.”

“Giggling?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Yeah, and it's coming from...” he spotted a glow in the distance, as he and Drakon spoke together, “Over there!” they hurried with the girls following behind.

They ran through the woods following the bright glow before stopping to see little balls of light floating around.

“Pretty.” Pinkie marveled.

“Indeed so.” Rarity agreed.

“So you tracked me?” came a girls voice surprising them.

“Who's there?” Spike asked, as they looked around.

They saw stepping out from behind a tree was a voluptuous woman with dark skin and green hair that looked leafy with a single flower in it. She wore only a dark brown dress that went to her knees. The smile on her face left Spike speechless while the girls were awed by her beauty.

“Who're you?” Spike asked.

“My name's Willow.” she answered.

“And what are you?” Apple Bloom asked.

“She's a dryad.” Drakon answered.

“Correct, dragon spirit.” Willow confirmed.

“Wait. You can see Drakon?” Spike asked confused.

“Of course. Spirits are in tuned with all of the universe and nature itself. And therefore I am capable of sensing him.” Willow explained.

“Amazing. A real dryad from myth.” Twilight gasped.

Willow nodded, “And who may I ask are all of you?”

“I'm Spike Obsidian. This is Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash, Scootaloo, Applejack, Apple Bloom, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy.”

The girls smiled and greeted with nods or waves, as Pee-Wee squawked, “And this is Pee-Wee.”

“Ah, a phoenix. How majestic.” Willow marveled.

“You don't minds a phoenix considering they're birds of fire, and you're a dryad.?” Spike wondered.

“He is still a bird, and all birds have a place in nature.” Willow pat Pee-Wee's head, as the bird made sure not to generate any flames.

“So, Willow, what're you doing out here?” Rainbow asked.

“This is my home. I've lived here for hundreds of years.”

“Wow, that's a long time.” Pinkie said shocked.

“But it makes sense.” Twilight replied.

“I was here even before Camp Everfree was built, and when it was I was glad to see how respectful these people were to these woods,” Willow explained, while pacing, “My best days would be watching campers go on nature hikes and how happy they look to bask in the wonders of nature. The same way you guys felt when you were on your hike.”

“So it was you I had been sensing?” Spike inquired.

“Sure was. Surprised me when you did sense me. But seeing your dragon spirit I now know why.”

“Well, we can assure you, Willow. We're not here to cause harm to your woods.” Twilight explained.

“Yeah. We ain't anything like those land developer varmints who wanna destroy lands just to build condos and what not.” Applejack added.

“I believe you. I sense you all have such kinds hearts. Especially you, Spike Obsidian.” Willow looked to Spike who blushed.

“Really?”

“Oh, yes.” Willow smiled, as she leaned closer only to stop before a look of worry grew on her face.

“Willow?” Sunset asked, as the dryad shushed her while looking around suspiciously.

“Something's wrong. The woods are far too still.”

Drakon and Spike focused and the spirit spoke, “She's right. Something's not right.” this started scaring the girls.

“Something''s close,” Spike added, “It's gonna kill!” Spike, Drakon, and Willow took off into the woods.

“Spike!” The girls cried, as they ran after the three.

Willow ran ahead of Spike and Drakon before coming a halt and gasped, “Willow, what is-” Spike let out a gasp at what Willow saw.

The girls arrived on scene, “What's going on?” Rainbow asked, before the girls looked down and horror grew on their faces.

They saw lying on the ground was a dead stag looking completely withered and drained. This of course left Fluttershy in the worse shock.

“No!” she gasped.

“What did this?” Rarity asked in shock.

“Not a wild animal I'll tell you that.” Twilight answered.

“No. This was the work of something worse,” Willow said before looking around, “But whatever did it seems to be gone.”

“I can't sense a trail or anything.” Spike said looking around.

“What if it comes back?” Fluttershy trembled, as the CMC huddled close to her equally scared.

“Whatever it is I'll deal with it.” Spike answered.

“Spike, are you crazy?” Rainbow asked.

“Whatever did that is not of this world.” Pinkie motioned to the state of the deer.

“Exactly. Which makes me better suited to handle it.”

“But you came on this trip to relax and not worry about needing to be the Dragon Knight.” Scootaloo reminded him.

“Some things just can't be avoided no matter what,” he replied, before turning to Willow, “Whatever did this is probably going to come back again. At nighttime I'll bet.”

“Indeed.” Willow agreed.

“And when it happens. I'll be there. So don't be afraid.” Spike told her.

“Thank you, Spike. These woods mean everything to me, and all that live here. I'd hate to have something dangerous lurking about.”

“Until then, you stay safe.”

“Uh, guys, does anybody even know how we're going to get out of these woods since we wandered off the trail?” Rainbow asked.

This revelation got everyone nervous, before Willow spoke up, “Not to worry, this will show you the way back.” she leaned down and touched one of the flowers that started to glow and soon more flowers started to glow creating a trail leading them through the woods.

“Thank you, Willow.” Twilight told her.

“It's my pleasure. Now you better hurry.” she instructed.

“Bye now. And thanks again.” Spike said, as he, the girls, Drakon, and Pee-Wee followed the trail.

Willow smiled before sighing and looked down at the corpse of the deer putting her hand to it in sorrow. How could anyone kill such a beautiful creature?


Later the group got out of the woods and were back at camp, “We made it.” Rarity said relieved.

“Come on, we better get back to our cabins.” Applejack suggested.

They nodded as the girls headed to theirs, and Spike to his. As Spike walked Drakon followed, “You saw the state of that deer, Spike.”

“Yeah. Completely drained and withered.” Spike confirmed.

“Which only means one thing.” the spirit continued, as Spike nodded.

“We got a vampire in these woods.” Spike looked back at the woods suspiciously before slipping back into the boys cabin to sleep it off knowing he'd return to the woods again real soon.

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