What are you willing to Sacrifice?

Chapters

Terrors Begin
Visions
Memories
Trials of the ancients: The spark
Memories past light the present, and foretell the future
Shadows on the sky

Terrors Begin

Light faded as the sun set over Ponyville. With the twilight drawing to a close, the business end of town was starting to hang it up for the day. Food vendors gathering up unsold produce, cook wear sellers locking up their products, and mostly all taking their proceeds of the day home with them. Yes the rather busy day had come to a almost tranquil close. A familiar stand is also closing up shop for the day. The orange mare with a tied straw mane wiped a bit of sweat from her brow as she adjusted her stetson hat. She smiled to herself after a hard days work and kicked the stand. The side corners flopping to the side and compressing slightly as it was now ready for transport.

“Woo-wee, we got quite the hall come in tahday, didn' we spike?” she asked turning her head. To her right, adjusting the straps of the stand over his newly broadened shoulders, stood a young dragon. He was roughly the same height of a stallion while standing on his hind legs. His natural purple scales gave way to the lime green on his underbelly and muzzle. His reptilian eyes, a emerald green with light lime tinting around the corneas. On his back were folded wings which matched the purple scales on his back. He smiled having finished the straps over his shoulder and directed his gaze towards the freckle faced mare.

“Yeah, it sure was a good day Aj,” he said in agreement. His voice had matured and so did his manners as the years came and went. He was no longer the adolescent who rode on the new princess' back, but a young drake who was respected by all of Ponyville. “Well the sun is almost gone. Lets head back to the farm so we can drop this bad boy off,” he said jokingly. Aj smiled and laughed lightly

“I reckon that's a bang up idea partner,” she said turning and heading toward the rode. Spike soon followed after her. The two walking and talking on their way back to Aj's home at Sweet Apple Acres. “So how is Twilight now that she is officially moved into Canterlot with Princess Celestia? Ah haven' heard from her in what feels like a year,” the farm pony asked wondering about her dear friend.

“You know Twilight, wrapped up in her studies and hardly comin' up for air. She sent me a letter a few days ago saying that she would be coming by to visit. I already asked Pinkie if we could set up a party at the library for her, and naturally she said yes,” Spike recalled stroking his chin with his free claw.

“Well ain' that the bee's knees. Seein' Twi for the first time in a while, ah can't wait! Yeehah!” she shouted jumping in the air. Spike smiled softly seeing Aj so happy.

“Yeah, once I drop this off at the farm, I have to head back to the library to start the set up for the party,” the dragon said looking at the sky. The two continued to talk a while longer. Almost at the barn, Spike smiled knowing that once the cart was dropped off, he could give his wings a good stretch and head back home in no time. He yawned slightly and looked to the turning leaves. Autumn had set in quietly and seemingly suddenly. He held one of his claws up and caught a golden leaf as it swayed from the tree to the beaten dirt path. He smiled softly and let it fly from his hand.

“You alright there sugarcube?” Aj asked looking back at him.

“hmm? Yeah I'm fine. Just admiring the scenery,” he said with a pleased smile. Aj smiled, but her smile swiftly contorted to a look of distress as she heard something hard drop to the ground. Spike had in the blink of an eye had fallen to the ground to his knees. His mouth a gap as if screaming at the top of his lungs. His wings snapped to attention with his claws tightly clamped to the fins on the sides of his head where his ear holes were. His eyes closed tightly as if searing pain was shooting through his entire body. “SPIKE!! SPIKE CAN YOU HEAR ME?!?” Aj shouted putting her hooves on his shoulders shaking him wildly. He thrashed his head back and forth as if pleading for something to stop. His mind was ringing with pulses of what felt like malevolent magic and malice. The pain that ravaged his body, through the spikes on his back and head to every single scale was like being pierced by thousands upon thousands of small knives. Each one meant to kill, maim, and torture his body with endless suffering and death.

“You are the one that stole from me my kingdom.....I will find you dragon.....and I will rip everything you love from your miserable pathetic hands....” a dark foreboding voice called from all directions. Spike tried to scream but his voice was gone. He felt helpless, small, and weak. The same way he had felt quite often when he was smaller. His eyes snapped open with feral eyes. His voice returned with one thunderous results.

“NO!!!” he screamed. He reared his head back and let loose a stream of emerald flames into the air that changed the color of the leaves to emerald and lime in the blaze. Aj backed away slowly. Her eyes staring at the dragon and his display of raw emotion. He panted. The pain was gone. His hands dropped to the ground as he stared at the dirt. Trying his best to figure out what in the world just happened to him just now. His eyes were wide as he looked up at the now distant mare who was now further down the road. “Aj?” he asked. His voice horse and weak. He felt his body grow heavy from his dragonic outburst. He raised and attempted to extend his arm, but fell short as he lost consciousness.

“....ik.....spi......SPIKE WAKE UP!!!” he heard someone call. His eyes flickered open slowly. Looking up the first thing that entered his sight was the bright light that hung above his head. He felt his eyes dilate, gradually adjusting to the new light. His eyes shifted to a young mare sitting next to him. Her yellow coat shined lightly in the light. Her red hair lightly covers her face as she screams his name over and over again.

“...Applebloom...I'm awake,”he grunted out lightly. The mare dropped onto his chest lightly crying.

“Don't y'all scare me like that Spike!” she shouted pounding his chest lightly. He sat up slowly looking around. He was in the barn.

“How did I get here Applebloom?” he asked slightly confused.

“After you collapsed, Applejack came an' got Big Macintosh, an' they carried ya here,” she said wiping tears from her damping fur. He smiled softly and placed his hand on her head and stroked her mane a little. She looked up at him with large eyes as she sniffed back her tears.

“As far as I can tell, I'm ok now,” he said looking at her. She smiled from ear to ear and wrapped her hooves around him. He smiled but soon felt that dark foreboding feeling creep back up on his mind. He knew this was an omen of sorts, but he had to keep it under wraps until he could figure it out.

“I should send a letter to Twilight about this,” he thought to himself. He stood up and put Applebloom on the ground. He got a better look at her now that he was standing. She was up to his chest in height, her long red main no longer was tide in her signature bow, but now flowed naturally. Around her neck was a green bandana she used while wood working around the farm. On her flank was her coveted cutie make. It resembled a flower in full bloom with a couple pieces of 2 x 4 on both sides of it. He smiled and looked around. “At any rate, I should get back home now. Tell your sister and brother thanks for looking out for me,” the purple dragon said waving to the yellow mare. She looked at him like he was crazy.

“What?! You can't leave! You just woke up!” she shouted in protest.

“Applebloom, I will be fine. I promise,” he said smiling. He gave her a warm hug before heading for the big barn door. Bloom protested a little more but soon realized she wasn't making any headway. He turned and waved before stretching his wings to their full span. He crouched down and leaped. His legs like springs propelling him into the air at a break neck speed. He tilted his wings and began to glide. He looked down at the farm and smiled lightly as he circled. He then flew at near top speed back to Ponyville. He descended and slowed his approach as he neared Sugarcube Corner wondering if they were still open. He landed and checked the operation hours. He was greeted with the door to his face. He grunted in pain and slide down the door to the ground. On the other side, the happy go lucky party mare looked out.

“That's weird, I got the 'beware of open door' combo, but I don't know why....oh hey Spike! What are you doing on the ground?” she asked looking at him on the ground. He slowly sat back up rubbing his head.

“You got a combo huh? That makes sense,” he said with a light chuckle. He stood up and rubbed his head still. “Hey, you guys still open?” he asked.

“Uh-huh! Just for the next 10 minutes,” she confirmed. He smiled and walked in with her bouncing behind him. “I take it you want your usual Sapphire Milkshake?” she asked.

“You can read me like a book Pinkie,” he said with a smile closing his eyes. Pinkie smiled wide and ran into the back to prepare his drink. He sat with his arms on the counter. His mind kept recalling the voice. It sounded so familiar to him. Like something that he felt he was never suppose to experience. He growled to himself and sighed blowing out a puff of smoke. “Geez. This is getting frustrating,” he said low placing a claw over one of his eyes. He heard the sound of quick hoof steps running towards him. He straightened up and saw Pinkie with a tray on her back. She smiled and slide it onto the counter top for him.

“Here ya go! That'll be 3 bits,” she said. Spike pulled out his pouch of bits and tossed 6 onto the counter top.

“Thanks Pinkie. I'll see ya later tomorrow ok?” he asked taking his shake with him. Pinkie smiled but then looked slightly concerned.

“Um Spike, you don't look too good. You should get lots of sleep tonight,” she said with concern in her voice. He looked back to be met by her baby blue eyes which were rather large.

“I'm fine. Swear to Celestia I'm as fit as a fiddle,” he said pounding his chest lightly. The pink mare smiled and nodded as he left the store. Walking through the streets he slurped down his milkshake. His mind soon wandered to his friends. Pinkie and Aj were just the same as always, Dash was away at Wonderbolt training, while Fluttershy was still living in her cottage on the edge of the Everfree Forest. Then there was Twilight, who moved to Canterlot a about a year and a half ago after becoming an Alicorn. Then there was Rarity. He breathed a sigh of happiness laced with a slight bit of depression. She had also moved to Canterlot to further her fashion carrier. And even though his heart begged for him to stop her, his mind knew what was best for the love of his life. He encouraged her to pursue her goal of climbing the social ladder. With a final embrace he sent her on her way. His friends were scattered slightly, but he still felt it in his heart that they would always remain connected.

He found his walk at its end once he had reached the Golden Oaks Library. He walked in and yawned ascending the stairs slowly. His long tail dragged and thudded against the stairs as he reached the bathroom. He looked into the sink of water and slapped his face with the water. He sighed and looked into the mirror. As he looked at his reflection, his eyes widened seeing a jet black unicorn instead of his own. The eyes glowed with green and malevolent magic. His mane wild and just as black as his soul. His horn was curved upward, black half way up till it faded into a bloody crimson. His red eyes fixated on Spike.

“I will kill them all. And you are the reason they will all DIE,” he said cold and tauntingly. He smiled as a fist smashed the mirror. Spike's eyes were bugged out and feral once more. He panted, sweating heavily as he pulled his trembling fist from the glass. His hand was bleeding. His eyes examining the damaged he had done to himself and the fragmented glass shards that now resided in his fist. He left the bathroom and slid along the wall to the ground. He continued to pant until his heart finally started to calm. He stood up. The silence in the library was deafening. He couldn't stand it right now. He headed to Twilight's old room and sat at her desk. He grabbed a quill and dipped it in ink and began composing his letter.

“Dear Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Twilight,

It has been some time since I have written to you all and I hope you are all doing well. The reason I am writing this letter is because I am starting see things. Images of the long defeated king Sombra. I don't know why, but I feel as if he is still alive. And is possibly going to return. I can't really explain it, but I think he blames me for his lose at the Crystal Empire those years ago. I'm not sure what to do. Please let this letter arrive to you swiftly.

Your loyal subject,

Spike Draco Sparkle”

He finished his quick letter and proceeded to roll it up. After sealing it with a red ribbon and gold wax seal, he shot a small emerald flame that engulfed the letter and incinerated it. Teleporting the letter to the fireplace of the celestial monarchs. He sighed and turned the light out. Crawling into his bed he looked at the ceiling as the looming darkness of his drowsiness took him.

“RUN!!! EVERYPONY RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!!” the screams of a mare rang through the air of fire and destruction. Spike was air born, soaring through the falling waves of crystal like projectiles that were raining from the heavens. Spike shot bursts of flames to try and destroy some of the larger pieces, but was only adding to the problem. As he destroyed the large ones they broke into smaller fragments that could not be stopped by him. He watched as his efforts worsened what was happening to his beloved Ponyville. He swooped in and scooped up as many ponies as he could. Taking them to a protective bubble that surrounded the library. He repeated this process over and over and over. Each time returning with a few less scales then the last time. He panted as his blood from ripped off scales trickled down his chest and head. Several of his spikes ripped off and left as open wounds. He saw the mare he was holding on this trip. Her white mane now stained with her rescuer's blood.

“Spike you have to rest! Please you can't keep leaving the barrier!” she cried out. She didn't get a response from him as he landed just outside the bubble.

“Go!” he shouted at her. She grabbed his arm and tried to pull him with her.

“No Spikey, I won't leave you!!!” she cried out. Her royal purple mane a mess from the flying. She squeezed his arm trying to drag him along.

“THIS ISN'T UP FOR DEBATE!!!” he shouted. He beat his wings. The gust swept the mare up and into the barrier. She beat on the barrier calling out to him. The tears would not stop running down her face. On his was a smile. 'She's safe. They are all safe,' he said thought content. His smile faded and was replaced with a ear shattering scream as several crystals slammed into his wings and pinned him to the ground. He screamed louder feeling even more pierce his limbs and tether him to the ground permanently. He reared his head back and forth trying to free himself. “NO!! DONT YOU DARE TOUCH THEM!!!” he screamed in protest. He felt a hoof firmly plant itself on the top of his head.

“No, you will watch as they die,” the same voice he had been dreading for what felt like months called down to him. Leaning in just enough for the dragon to see his eyes. They were half closed and on his muzzle was a very smug smile. “You fought to protect them. Much like I fought to reclaim my kingdom that you help steal from me. And now, just like my kingdom, you will lose every,” he said with his face now looking towards the library. From underneath the ground crystals shot forth. The sounds of screaming mares and colts alike rang louder then any cry of agony the dragon could muster in that one instance.

“Spike! You must awaken!!” he heard but ignored, his pain felt so real. His cries of agony and depression rang louder and louder.

His eyes snapped open and screamed at the top of his lungs. He panted hard. His eyes nearly bugged out of his skull. His claws were ground into the sheets and mattress. He looked around. The room was intact. Nothing was destroyed. He felt his chest and limbs. Checking his wings lastly he sighed heavily and dropped back to his bed in a cold sweat. He looked to his left and saw a letter from the princess.

“To our faithful subject Spike

We have received your letter and grow concerned for you. Tonight when you dream, Luna will visit you to try and aid you any way she can. Please receive this in good health.

Sincerely

Princess Celestia”

The dragon read this over and over again. He looked out the window.

“This will not end well...not in the slightest,” he said grimacing the thought of what felt like a on coming threat

Author's Note

Got this idea while waiting in the doctor's office a few days ago. if you want me to continue it, let me know

P.s quick shout out to Megabird for the edits ^_^

Visions

Scolding hot water cascaded down now damp scales. Spike stood under the shower head with his hand against the wall. His eyes staring blankly at the drain at the bottom of the tub. His body lightly trembled as if it couldn't stand it's own weight. He inhaled a deep breath and corrected himself. Closing his eyes he exhaled just as deeply. He felt his left arm tremble. As if still recalling the searing pain of crystal invading flesh. He clutched the trembling arm swiftly. Looking at it as if trying to will it to stop. He couldn't stop this fear.

“Gotta get this under control,” he muttered. As he released his arm, his eyes fixated on a black mark that had appeared. “What the?” he asked aloud examining it. It was moving, morphing into a shape. His eyes widened in fear as it took the shape of a horn. Black with a blood red tip. He panted heavily as fear began to take hold again. He darted out of the shower and grabbed the nearest piece of cloth he could find. Ripping it into strands he tied it around the image. His panting started to slow as he looked down at the now wrapped arm. “Whats happening to me??” he asked louder then he should have. He looked back to the broken mirror, then to his bandaged hand. His mind racing with the several thoughts. Why him, why now? He turned the knobs and turnied the water off. He toweled off, and handled his hygiene for the morning. Breathing a deep sigh he opened the door to the bathroom to be greeted by the princess of the night. Her deep navy blue mane and tail swayed ethereally with her constant flowing magic. Her wings were pressed against her midnight blue fur. Her navy blue eyes locked on the dragon with a look of worry and concern. She could not contain herself. She wrapped her hooves around him and pulled him into a tight embrace. The young dragon felt his cheeks start to burn with a deep blush as this was one of the last things he thought he would experience this morning.

“P-p-p-princess Luna, what are you doing here?” he wondered through stammers. He simply heard her constant sniffing.

“We apologize for not being able to reach you in your moment of need,” she said softly. She released him and wiped some tears from her muzzle. “Please forgive this intrusion as well. We were concerned about your well being. Never have we seen such frightening imagery inflicted upon one of our subjects.”

“Yeah, it felt so...real,” Spike said grabbing his trembling arm once more.

“We must go to our sister,” the night ruler said after calming herself. Spike cocked an eyebrow. He smiled softly,

“My sister or your sister?” he asked. She looked at him and tilted her head to the side.

“What do you mean? Of course we are referring to our...” she stopped mid-sentence and realized what she had been saying. She held in her laughter and smiled. Even in this kind of strain and stress on his mind, Spike was still ever the joker. “We shall meet my sister, as well as Twilight,” she clarified.

“So both of our sisters,” Spike said with a wink. Luna smiled laughing a little more. Seeing as how her traditional vernacular was indeed correct in this manner of speaking.

“Indeed. Shall we go?” she asked. Spike was about to say yes when he had a small realization.

“Wait, I have to help Applejack set up shop. As well as visit Fluttershy to go into the forest with her,” Spike recalled. Luna frowned. She knew that what she saw in his dreams were nothing to scoff or joke about and required immediate attention. However over the years she also knew of the drake's willingness to uphold promises and prior engagements above anything else.

“Very well, when you have attended to your business, please send word to my sister, and she will send for you immediately,” Luna said. She looked the dragon over. Her eyes widened as she saw light scaring on several patches of spikes and scales, as if they had regrown. That's when she noticed the bandaged claw, and the wrappings around his arm. “Spike what is this?” she asked. Placing a hoof on the claw.

“Oh that? Yeah I kinda broke my mirror last night. I gotta get it replaced,” he said rubbing his wrapped up claw. Luna's eyes darted to the wrapping.

“And that?” she asked. She was about to put her hoof on it. Spike jerked his arm and body out of the way and wrapped his free claw around it.

“That is nothing. Just another scrape,” he said. 'Why am I lying? She can help. Celestia can help. But...' he thought silently. Luna looked into the dragon's tired eyes and saw he was no where near 100% ready to tackle what seemed to be a busy day or that he was being truthful. “Spike, are you sure you will be alright for the day?” she asked softly.

“You don't have to worry about me, Princess. I will see you later today for sure,” he said with a thumbs up and a wink. This didn't help alleviate the mare's frown, but she breathed a bit softer then before hand.

“Alright then. Until we meet later this day then,” she said. Her horn ignited and in a surge of light, she was gone. Spike released his arm. He felt a surge of pain in that one spot as if it was waiting for Luna to leave. He immediately re-clutched it and fell to one knee. Within his mind the voice echoed once again.

“You bare my mark. When my power is matured, I will come for you and all that you care for,” it called once again.

“Shut up,” Spike grunted out.

“You will watch me take their lives”

“Shut UP!”

“And you will listen to their dying”

“SHUT UP!!”

“And the most sweetest pleasure I will relish from it all, is knowing that you are too weak and helpless to stop it”

“SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!” Spike screamed. From his core he commanded his flames to erupt from his mouth. But nothing came. His feelings of weakness consuming his body like a plague of unrelenting locus. Ready to devour his soul and being. The voice was silent once more. He panted lightly trying to regain some sense of balance. He stood against the wall just waiting. Wondering and dreading if the voice would return again. He looked around and sighed. He felt tired. He felt weak, but he had jobs to do. Heading down the stairs and to the door, he headed to the streets

As he walked the streets he kept feeling the darkening presence of the once powerful unicorn king. His eyes narrowed tiredly trying to stay awake. When his eyes closed his mind immediately raced to the night terror he had. His eyes snapped open and he shuddered. He sighed and tried and what felt as heavy as 3 manticores. He was so distracted he didn't feel the mare infront of him crash against his chest and fall off of her scooter.

“Ow! Spike watch where your going!!!” the orange mare called shaking her hoof at him. He looked up from his daze and ran over to her.

“Sorry about that Scootaloo. I guess I wasn't paying attention,” he said looking her over. She was sitting up now. Her deep magenta mane flowed down the back of her neck while the front was wild from the wind constantly blowing on it. Her dark orange coat was now slightly mudiled by the dirt she had now found her self in and gave her overall coat a dulled tint to it. She glared up at her with magenta eyes that hadn't really registered the condition of the blunt object she had hit. Once she stopped glaring and got a good look at the drake in question, her expression changed to that of confusion and possible concern.

“Jeez Spike, you dont look too good. You feelin' alright?” she asked. Spike held his claw over his right eye massaging it slightly. It had started to throb like an optic migraine.

“Yeah, i'm fine I think,” he said unconvincingly. He lowered his claw and Scootaloo immediately shuddered. His eyes was now had a lime green tint around the iris, and the iris itself was now blood red. He stared down at her. “What?”

“What's wrong with your eye?!” she asked startled. Spike cocked an eyebrow at her, looking at her like she was crazy.

“There is nothing wrong with my eye. Its just a little irritated because I didn't sleep well last night,” he said blinking. He rubbed his eyes again and looked down at the mare. “Did I rattle you when I knocked you over?” he asked. She grunted and grabbed his claw by her teeth. She lead him to a near by water barrel for passers by near the market place. She stood on her back hooves, pressed her front hooves on both sides of his head and forced him to look down. Spike looked, once again his reflection resembled the dark king. He glared at his reflection and slapped the water. “I don't see anything,” he said coldly turning his back on the mare. His voice grew colder with a sense of malice.

“Spike, seriously. Something is wrong with you, and its kinda obvious,” Scoots said putting her hoof on his shoulder. Spike felt his anger swell.

“I said it's nothing Scoots. Just drop it,” he said colder then before. The fearless mare wouldn't back down despite the clear warning he wanted to drop the subject.

“No Spike. I've known you too long to just drop it. Come on, maybe Zecora can help you out,” she said wrapping her forehooves around his arm. His head snapped to look back at her. Once again his eyes feral with primal rage. His wings snapped open and separated her from him. She fell back again and this time was overcast by his now daunting shadow. He glared down at her.

“I said, drop it,” his voice a little over a deep growl. His eyes snapped open wide as he looked down at her. She was shivering with eyes wide open staring at the daunting figure now before her. “Oh my gosh! Scoots I'm sorry! I-” he began. He reached down to attempt to touch her, but once he saw her shudder away from his claw he quickly withdrew it. He withdrew his claw and backed away slowly. He felt his head starting to swirl. “No...” he said softly. The ambient whispers of ponies going about their usual daily lives became whispers of hate and disdain.

“Look at that poor filly. She is terrified. That dragon is so cruel. Why do we let that monster stay in town? Such a savage creature. We should drive that beast out of this town! Lets do it! Kill the vile creature!” the voices all calling from all angles. He slammed his claws to the side of his head and backed up. His eyes slammed shut as he hunched forward trying his best to reclaim some manner of sanity. He was screaming in his head for the voices to stop, but they continued to hammer away at him. Scootaloo had recovered and looked at him. She and now several passers by were staring at the dragon flail his head back and forth. His jaw was clenched tightly and his fangs were bared as if being threatened.

“Stop it stop it stop it!” he shouted at the top of his lungs. Then there was simply silence. His eyes opened timidly then fully. He looked around. He saw nothing. No ponies. No Ponyville. Nothing. Only darkness.

“It will never stop. Not until I have returned,” came the whisper he dreaded most. He saw green and red flames shoot up from the ground. The frantic dragon looked around seeing Ponyville in flames again. Black Crystals jaggedly sticking out of houses and the ground. His eyes were drawn to where flames were brightest.

“Dear Luna no,” he whispered. His eyes wide and glued to several mares. Black crystals pierced through their bodies. He dredged towards them. White hot tears rolling down his face. The mares got clearer as he drew closer. Recognizing the cutiemarks on severed flanks. He tried to swollow a growing lump in his throat. He felt his progress stop just shy of the first mare. His legs were pinned down. His body falling forward. His wings and arms now impaled from more crystals.

“Oh yes. I will do this to them, and you. I will haunt you till you break. I will torment you with these images till you bleed from your eyes. I will twist your perception of the ones you love to that of hate. I will not stop until I force this glorious and beautiful sight to become your worse reality,” the whisper said once more. He tilted his head to the side a saw the dark king he had seen in his reflection. “I will plague you till the day you die at my hooves. Try as you might to escape. Try as you might to hide. There is no escaping,” he said. He stomped the ground and the last feeling Spike felt, was a crystal guiding its way through the bottom of his jaw and straight through his own skull.

Spike's eyes snapped open. He screamed. The pain feeling so real. His claws tore down his face peeling scales off in the sudden force of his own claws. Leaving 3 long scratch marks on his face. His scream rang through the entirety of Ponyville. His scream came to an abrupt halt as he felt his lungs empty and a feeling of nausea sweeping over him. He dropped to his knees and planted his claws into the ground. His eyes were bugged out. His body trembling. He looked to his left and right quickly. The looks of concern shifted faster to dark silhouettes with illuminated white eyes glaring at the drake. All their voices taunting the young dragon constantly. The words monster, disgusting, and beast kept swirling around him in a cyclone of hate and loathing. In the back of his mind he knew that this was Sombra trying to break him. But that voice was so drowned out by the words he feared the most to be called, it remained only but a whisper to the suffering dragon

“Spike?” Scootaloo asked softly. Her look of terror was now replaced by one of total worry and concern.

“I'm not a monster!” he shouted. Tears streaming from his eyes. “I'M NOT!!!” he screamed. In one motion his wings opened and he propelled himself off the ground. The quake of wind left by his sudden burst left a strong whirl wind in its wake. Causing everypony in the area to attempt to cover their stands and faces. Scoots, who had been closest to the source, was scooped up and thrown into the air. She screamed flapping her wings franticly. Flailing her limbs she started to fall like a sac of apples. She looked towards the dragon.

“SPIKE!!!” she screamed at the top of her lungs shutting her eyes tightly. Spike heard his name. Turning his head he saw the falling mare. His eyes widened. Stopping in mid-accent he closed his wings and forced his body to turn. Opening them once to scoop as much air in as possible and propel himself forward. He gritted his teeth and pressed his limbs tightly to his body. Nothing else mattered in these brief few seconds. The wind around him began to focus on a single point in front of him. He was gaining speed too quickly. His eyes focused on his goal; save Scootaloo. He was closer now. He reached out extending his claw as far as he could reach. He could feel the bottom of her right hoof. They were so close to the ground. He wouldn't have time to open his wings. Finally he had fully caught up a good 100 feet from the ground. There was no time to think about what he had to do. He took the pony into his arms and held her against his chest. Rotating himself just on impact. He roared out. Searing pain shooting through his body. He clutched the mare tightly protecting her. Several ponies ran to the scene, including one of the mares he was suppose to be helping.

“Oh no,” the soft whisper of a butter yellow pegasus came in disbelief. She as well as Applejack gazed into the dragon shaped impression on the ground. Spike's body was outstretched except for his wings, which were now broken from the impact, and his arms, that tightly held Scootaloo. The young mare opened her eyes tentatively .

“I'm alive?” she asked. She felt her wings being held down. She looked up to the now lightly grunting drake who had literally risked his body to save her. “Oh Celestia! Spike! Spike, can you hear me!?” she screamed out. His head moved slightly as if in acknowledgment of her at least calling to him. “Somepony help! Please!!” she screamed again as tears flooded her eyes. Spike's eyes opened. They were normal once more.

“I'm..ok, Scoots. Can you stand?” he asked. His voice was strained. He released her from his grip, but she remained on his chest.

“Spike, don't move. We have to get you to the hospital,” Scootaloo said between choking on tears. He smiled.

“Good...you're ok,” he said contently. He moved his arms, pushing himself up slowly.

“No you have to stay still!” a mare said running into view. Before the two was the yellow pegasus. Her peach pink mane covered her right eye. Her sky blue eyes gazing down at them, worried out of her mind. “Please, Spike. We need to get you ether to the hospital or my cottage to get you medical attention. Your wings look broken in several places,” she said looking him over. He grunted loudly trying to unfold his wings. It hurt. A lot. He looked at shy. Flashes of that disturbing image showed her mutilated as well as his closest friends. He shuttered at her getting close. He took a step back. She looked at him confused. His face was bleeding from his own claws. He looked back at her. He took another step back.

“Shy...I'm sorry!” he shouted. He turned on his heels and ran.

“Spike, no! SPIKE!!” the pegasus called out to the now distant drake. He sprinted in pain. His body was raked with torment from his fall. He panted and coughed, grunting. He found himself at the edge of the Everfree forest. Leaning against a tree he finally stopped. His breath stagnant as he inhaled sharp breaths. From his mouth was a steady trickling stream of blood.

Memories

Heavy panting and grunting rang through the immediate area of the Everfree Forest. A small trail of blood was smeared into the ground by an overly heavy tail. The dragon continued trying his best to just remain awake.

“This is by far, the worst way to start the day,” Spike said panting. He spat lightly. A nice wad of blood shot from his mouth and hit a nearby tree. He sighed and grunted, holding his stomach.

SNAP!

“Oh Celestia, not now,” he said, looking to his side. Thick growls sounded through the brush. Wood clanking against wood was steadily growing closer and closer. Spike's half-closed eyes glanced at the bushes. A creature he could only describe as “environmentalist nightmare fuel” walked steadily towards him. Wooden fangs bared at wounded pray. “Timberwolf,” Spike said in a huff. He let out a growl of his own to try and intimidate the lone wolf. It seemed to work for a moment or two, until more stalked into view. Each one oozed a purple saliva from their mouths as they licked their chops. The roars and growls surrounding him, the drake had little choice to make. He inhaled sharply and bolted into the trees. He moaned in pain as he maneuvered through the trees, the barking and howling of the wolves constantly at his heels. Through heavy huffing and puffing the barking got quieter and quieter. The drake sighed a breath of relief as he slowed his pace. His back and legs were burning from pain. He looked back to check his progress. Now clearly off the beaten path, he tried to form some kind of plan.

“Running won't save them,” the whisper called on the wind. Spike slammed his eyes shut and pressed his claws to his head once again.

“Why are you doing this to me!? ANSWER ME!!!!” he shouted to the whispers in his head.

“You really want to know that badly, wyrm?” the whisper came again. Before Spike answered, the voice simply whispered one last thing: “Watch your step.” Spike opened his eyes just in time to feel his footing fall out from under him. He had come to a cliff while his eyes were closed. With that one step he saw the world rush downward as he fell. He screamed in terror and attempted to fly. His wings rebelled against his will, remaining tightly clamped to his back. He willed them open, but at a terrible price. The strain of forcing them out snapped his wings out of their sockets. The pain of the dislocations were almost too much to bear. With his last bit of energy, he reached for the cliff near him. Claws sank into stone as he realized what was about to happen. His body swung mercilessly into the rock face. The last thing he felt was his head striking a jagged stone. His world went black as he plummeted to the unforgiving ground below. With a sickening thud he made contact with the gravel below. Blood slowly escaped from the back of his head. He lay motionless, breathing softly.

Canterlot

Around the bustling city, ponies went about their daily lives. Many were going about normal lives. The rather mild hustle and bustle was quite charming in its own way. A rather busy place for this time of day was the fabric store. Several large bolts of fabric were levitated by the clerk.

“These colors are exception for you new line miss,” he said with a smile. He rubbed his hooves together as the mare in front of him examined the fabric. Her azure blue eyes glanced over the cloth with a critical eye. She stroked her chin with her ivory hoof.

“Hmm, I'm not sure. Have you anything in amethyst and emerald?” she asked. He looked at her cocking an eyebrow. He looked about and pulled the closest colors he could find.

“The closest we have seems to be violet and a forest green. Are these enough for you?” he asked. The mare sighed lightly. She looked at the colors and simply nodded.

“They will have to do sir,” she said with slight lament. She placed a small satchel of bits on the counter and levitated the bolts above her. She trotted out with her new bolts and smiled softly. She looked towards the sky. “Such a lovely day,” she mused to herself. She continued her trot back to her boutique. She looked up at the two story building. The large sign in the front which simply read “Rare Fashions”. She smiled to herself as she entered the shop. Setting the newly acquired bolts in racks near her work table. She looked over some designs. They were elaborate and very well constructed to emphasize traits of mares and colts alike. As she went over them, she felt her eyes draw towards a picture frame that she kept on the corner of her table. She smiled softly and felt her heart ache slightly. The image contained in the frame was of her, wearing a gold necklace with a heart shaped fire ruby. Standing next to her, with deep crimson colored scales on his cheeks stood amethyst dragon as if frozen in place. His eyes wide as he had pursed white lips press against his cheek. She smiled remembering that day

Ponyville: 1 year ago

Rarity stood in the center of her boutique. Bolts of cloth and lace zooming around her head as she used her levitation spell. She was packing. After quite a bit of chiding on the end of Fancy Pants, she had finally came to a decision to move her business to Canterlot. Though one thing kept tugging at her heart strings. She lowered her head slightly and the spell faded. Causing quite the loud thud to ring out in the almost empty room. Her luggage was almost packed except for a few things. She looked around, just taking in what she was leaving behind her when she would inevitably depart. She trotted over to her desk and placed a hoof on it. Running it across the finished surface. Her trance was broken when a knock on the door assailed the room. Her ears perked and she trotted over rather quickly to the door.

“Coming!” she shouted. Once there she used her magic to turn the knob. Before her stood a young drake who was smiling from ear to ear. He was eye level with her with a pair of newly formed wings on his back. His emerald eyes looking directly at her own.

“Hey Rarity, just wanted to see if you needed any help,” he said with a jovial tone.

“Oh Spiky, just the dragon I wanted to see,” Rarity said smiling softly. She raised a hoof and welcomed him in.

“Woah, the place looks almost new. I guess you're almost done packing then huh?” he asked looking back at her.

“Why yes. It seems that way. Though I would like to go gem hunting you one last time. The gem selection in Canterlot isn't quite as diverse as it is in the fields we usually frequent,” the fashion mare said looking over some saddle bags she used for gem hunting. Spike smiled brightly at this invitation.

“Sure thing! I'd be more then happy to go out one last time!” he exclaimed running up to her.

“If that is the case, then lets not waist anymore time,” the marshmallow mare proclaimed. The two headed out the door and in the direction of the fields on the outskirts of Ponyville. All the while conversation about how Spike was now in charge of the library and the growth of his new wings.

“Yeah, Rainbow said she would teach me how to use 'em when they grew in a little more,” the dragon said scratching the back of his head. “though I will admit, I'm a little nervous about it,” he confessed.

“Darling, there is nothing to be afraid of. I'm absolutely positive that Rainbow Dash will take excellent care of your flight training,” Rarity said confidently to help ease Spike's nerves. He smiled a little relived at her. She met his smile with one of her own. The duo made it to their normal excavation site and set to work. Rarity locating the gems, and Spike dug them up. Unlike when he was younger, he easily restrained his want to eat every gem he dug up. Loading up a cart they used often, they soon had a massive hoard of gems. The sparkled and glistened in the evening light as the sun slowly crept to the horizon.

“Well, I do believe that is enough gems, Spiky What say we call it a day?” she asked looking over her shoulder. Spike was dusting himself off as he grabbed the harnesses of the cart and pulled them over his shoulder.

“Sure thing, will this last you a while?” he asked curiously.

“Well I am sure to make good use of them all. As for how long I will have them, it all depends on the order,” she said thinking about it. Spike looked at the pile and reached in. grabbing two gems that seemed stuck together. He gazed at them. The first a very rough cut sapphire, and the other an amethyst. He studied the two gems. As if it was telling him, it was his last chance. He stopped. Looking up at the mare in front of him. The twilight sky cast its orange glow on himself and Rarity, dying her coat a radiant gold. She looked back to see him overcast slightly by his shadow against the sky. His emerald eyes shining through his darkened outline.

“Is there something wrong darling?” she asked. She stopped as she looked at him closer. His eyes were down cast. Sad and vulnerable. He looked up at her. He let the straps down from his shoulder and stepped forward. He stood not but a foot away from her. His shadow falling just shy of her.

“I love you,” he spoke softly. The words shot into Rarity like an arrow through her heart. Her eyes opened wide as if to pop out of her head. She opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by a raised claw. “I love you so much Rarity. Ever since I first saw you when Twi and I moved to Ponyville. I always cared for you with every fiber of my being. And now, you're leaving. You're going away and I won't be able to see you every day anymore,” he confessed. He lowered his head but continued his confession. “I... I want you to stay. I never want to be apart from you. Without you here, my life would grow dull and mundane. And it was hard enough when Twi left to live with the princesses. But now you're leaving me too.”

“Spike, I-” the mare started, but was once again cut off.

“But, I know you will be successful in Canterlot. And you can live out you're dream. And I have no right to tether you to this place,” he said. His body was shaking lightly as if fighting itself. He looked up at her smiling through his tears. “So with that said. Please, go and be happy,” he said softly. The fashion mare was speechless. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she listened to such a heartfelt confession of love, and release. He was releasing her from the only thing that could have made her stay. With a simple nod she silently agreed to his terms. His smile wavered as he wiped his tears. Readjusting the cart, he began to walk in silence. They said not a word to each other all the way back to the boutique. Once there, Spike deposited the gems into her bag and gave her a wave goodbye. With the dragon gone, she broke down. She had waited so long for him to say those words to her. And now, just as she was making the biggest choice of her life, he finally said it, and subsequently, let her go to pursue her dreams. The tears wouldn't stop. Her faint whimpers of sadness echoed in the empty room through out the night.

Day came soon for everyone in Ponyville. Applejack and Big Macintosh were accompanying Rarity to the train station with all of her belongings.

“Ya sure ya go it from here Rare?” Aj asked setting down one of the bags in the storage car.

“Positive Applejack. I really must thank you and Macintosh for helping me to the station,” she said with a slight smile. Mac placed the last few. “Well, I do believe that this good goodbye for now,” Rarity said lowering her head lightly. She felt Aj's hooves wrap around her in a tight embrace.

“Don't be a stranger Sugarcube,” Aj said hugging her friend tightly. Rarity opened her mouth to say something when they saw a shadow pass over. Rarity looked to the sky to see Spike, his wings extended to their full length as he slowly glided down to them.

“Thank Celestia I made it in time,” he said panting. He was winded from flying. He hunched over trying to catch his breathe. His claws pressed together holding something wrapped in a cloth. He looked up and smiled. “I have one last thing for you to have,” he said. He extended his claws and presented the object. Rarity levitated it and unwrapped the item. She gasped and pressed her hooves over her mouth. Tears immediately welling up in the corners of her eyes. In her magical grip was the amethyst and sapphire, forged together in the shape of a heart. The purple of the amethyst swirling in the middle where it met the sapphire. A swirl of sapphire blue could also be discerned within the amethyst.

“Its beautiful...I love it,” she said softly as tears ran down her cheeks. She sniffed and started to cry. Her faint whimpering halted by the feeling of scales pressing against her cheek. Spike had wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled at her.

“I will see you soon,” he said softly pulling the mare into a hug. She couldn't move in the slightest. She was frozen from the over stimulation of her emotions. She sniffed back a few tears and looked over his shoulder. There was a unicorn with a Polaroid camera. She got an idea. Once Spike had let go, she straightened herself out and cast another levitation spell. Snagging the camera. She looked at Spike and smiled. He smiled back at her and noticed the camera coming towards them. He turned to look at it. With his attention diverted, Rarity took the chance. She pursed her lips together and pressed them to his cheek. His reaction was immediate. The scales under her lips began to burn like a white hot fire. His body locked upright and his pupils grew small in shock. The flash went off, immortalizing that one moment in time. Rarity pulled away slowly. Looking at the young drake with wanting eyes. He looked at her still shocked out of his mind. She smiled softly and whispered to him.

“The feeling, is mutual,” she said before disappearing onto the train. Spike looked at her through her window in wide eyed amazement. He stroked his cheek and watched as her train pulled away.

Canterlot: Now

Rarity smiled softly touching the picture. Around her neck she wore the diamond amethyst gem in a silver pendent. She closed her eyes and levitated it from around her neck and onto a hook made just for it. Hanging next to it, was a fire ruby in a gold chained pendent. The first gift of love her drake gave her.

“Oh Spiky, I hope you are doing well,” she thought aloud. She smiled at her necklaces thinking fondly of her Spiky Wikey. Her thoughts drifting back to work after her quick trip down memory lane. She prepared some bolts of various colors on her cutting board as she looked over the template she had drawn out. The dress was layed, simple, but regal at the same time. Its color scheme demanded violet and gold trimmings. “Twilight is going to love this,” she mused to herself as she began to work.

As Rarity worked on this project for her good friend, the friend in question, Princess Twilight Sparkle, was deep in her research in the basement of the Canterlot archives. With only simple candle light to ward off darkness, she was combing through tome after tome. Learning, comparing, and analyzing variant forms of magic. One tome struck her fancy after her long night of research.

“I've never seen this one before,” the magic princess said lifting the book with her normal violet levitation spell. The book was old, and was mostly damaged. The cover was written in an ancient dialect that she readily didn't comprehend. She stared at this book as if it was taunting her. As if to say “you don't have the guts to find out what I know”. Twilight decided to take this one with her, sliding it into her saddle bag she usually carried when exploring the archives. With a slightly contented sigh, the princess trotted up the stairs to the main hallway. The bright light stung her eyes with its oppressive force. Forcing her to cover her eyes with one of her hooves and hope they adjust quickly.

“How was your excursion Princess Sparkle?” a guard asked near the door to the archives. He was Twilight's personal guard, Dawn Bringer. A unicorn stallion who's near midnight black fur contrasted his name. His eyes, a light orange gazed down at his charge seeing her with saddle bags full.

“Why yes Dawn, I'd say it was a excellent expedition,” the purple Alicorn said cheerfully. “Especially this piece right here,” she noted. Her horn began to glow a light lavender and levitated the old book from the bag. Dawn examined it. His eyes darting up and down the tome.

“I see, this book is written in the dragon language,” he said after his examination. Twilight's eyes widened at this information.

“Dragon language!? Are you sure??” she asked. Her face now in Dawn Bringer's. He looked into those deep violet eyes that thirsted for knowledge. It was both awe inspiring, and terrifying at the same time.

“Yes, I do believe it is Dragon language. There have been many findings on Draco-culture over the past few months. And these symbols are strongly reminiscent of some of the books that have been found,” he confirmed. “The new Dragon wing of the library is also almost finished, seeing as how we have more information on the creatures,” he said looking out the window. Outside was several construction stallions hard at work building a new wing to the Canterlot library. Twilight beamed at this new information.

“I can't wait to transcribe this then! Do you know what this means for pony-dragon relations?” she asked overly excited.

“I would imagine it would help bridge the gap between the two your highness,” Dawn said rather flatly. Twilight shot him a half silly glare.

“You're no fun,” she said teasingly. The two began to walk towards Twilight's chambers. Dawn catching her up on what she missed out on while she was down in the bowels of the the archives. Simply put, castle life was not entertaining in the slightest. Twilight's thoughts however began to drift. Back to a simpler time. When she simply lived in a library with her #1 Assistant.

“You know,” she began getting Dawn's attention. “I have to wonder how Spike is doing,” she said. Her eyes half open remembering him. “It's been quite some time since I moved to the castle. I hope he and my friends are doing well,” her voice trailed on. Dawn looked down at her.

“If I do recall, you are to be going to Ponyville in a few days are you not?” the guard asked. The princess' head shot up remembering. She had completely forgotten that she was going to Ponyville. “you forgot didn't you?” he asked not surprised. The princess's lavender fur turned a nice shade of crimson and laughed lightly.

“I guess so,” she said softly in embarrassment. She was about to ask a question when a very disgruntled lunar princess ran down the hall. Twilight looked at Luna as she barreled towards the main chamber. Twilight shot a look at Dawn, and the two ran in pursuit. The doors to the main chamber slammed open by the force of the moon princess' magic.

“Sister! Has there been any word yet!?” she asked frantically. Sitting atop the throne sat the alabaster sun princess. Her eyes concentrated on a single letter that she had in her magical grip.

“I do not know what news you are looking for sister. But we have more pressing matters. King Sombra is returning,” her mauve colored eyes looked now fixed on her sister.

“But have you heard from Spike?” she asked. Her face showing more concern for the drake then the returning king.

“What about Spike?” Twilight asked from behind Luna. Luna turned to face the newer princess.

Everfree Forest; Riverbed

The sound of nature created a soothing melody in the forest. The water flowing near by lapped against the edges of the river. Continuing its flow down stream. Several birds chirped off in the distance. All these things however were simply irrelevant to the unconscious dragon. His breathing was normal now. His head was only slightly bleeding. But he had a restful look on his face. Not plagued by the constant torment of the dark king, but actually sleeping peacefully. Within his mind, he felt his body lighten and float. His eyes opened. Seeing nothing but a maroon light engulfing him.

“Where...where am I?” he asked softly. As if to answer him, a new voice called to him

“Goraan lir, aus lot faaz naal vul hokoron,” the voice called.

“Didn't catch that,” Spike called out weakly.

“Naar suleyk nol kruziik doh,” the voice boomed this time. Spike snarled weakly.

“What are you saying? I can't understand you,” he said growling.

“For you not know your true nature. You are Dovah, you carry power to face the dark,” it called in equestrian. Spike nodded slightly.

“How do I get this power? And when I get it, how will I use it?” he asked.

“To obtain this power, you will harness your fekiw. In your current tongue, it is Avarice. Greed”

Trials of the ancients: The spark

“You want me to do what?!” Spike shouted angrily. It was out of the question and ridiculous in every meaning of the word. “You want me to give in to my greed!? The last time I became an uncontrollable monster who simple took whatever he wanted!!” Spike screamed at the omnipotent voice.

“SILENCE GORAAN!” the voice boomed. The young dragon was silenced. His fear of this unknown creature snatching his voice. “Mastery is not the same as falling victim to one's nature. To understand your fekiw, your greed, you shall learn of true desire,” the voice called. “In the coming days, your opponent will plague you with vicious assaults on your mind and body. Seek to destroy your possessions. You will learn to defend them,” the voice said now in one central area. Spike looked at the location of the voice. Within the darkness he saw glowing lime green eyes approaching him. As it drew closer to the light suspending the young drake, he caught a glimpse of it. An elongated snout, dark violet scales with an emerald green underbelly, long horns that jutted from its head backwards, and several long fangs that hung from its mouth.

“You're...”Spike began. The dragon before him spoke once more.

“When you have found your precious treasure, you will obtain the knowledge of the spark. A immediate knowing of that which is yours and yours alone. When that treasure is bartered for, you shall gain to be ice. Freeze your heart to the one trying to persuade your treasure away. Finally, when you feel that your treasure is threatened, you will release the force, to drive the would be threat away. Remember these words Goraan,” the dragon said backing away into the darkness once more. Spike reached out and attempted to call for him. But as he did, the area went as white as snow. Spike's eyes snapped open and shot up from his impression in the ground. His head snapped back and forth trying to get a fix on where he was. Pain instantly shot through his back and head as the feeling of his wings being out of joint came rushing to the forefront of his mind. His body lurched forward, curling up in pain. Silent tears of agony dripped down his muzzle. Through heavy pants he started to regain some level of composure.

“Wait, isn't Zecora's place around here somewhere?” he asked looking around. He stood up slowly. He groaned loudly and sighed trudging along the river side. While he walked the undefined path to Zecora's home, in Ponyville, a group of mares were searching high and low for the missing dragon. From the center of town, Applejack and Pinkie were trying to find some clues as to what was happening to Spike. Applejack even constructing a letter to send to Twilight to send assistance. On the outskirts of the forest were Fluttershy and former C.M.C members Scootaloo and Applebloom.

“I know I saw him head in this direction,” Scoots said. She was driving her scooter pulling a red wagon along behind it. Inside were Applebloom and Shy. The orange speedster skidded to a stop and hopped off, borderline running to the forest. She was stopped short by a yank on her tail. She looked back to see Bloom holding her back.

“We have to stick together if we are going to find him,” Fluttershy said sternly. Scootaloo looked the most concerned. She blamed herself for what happened. The image of spike wrapped around her groaning loudly in pain still fresh in her mind.

“We gotta get to him fast. Who knows how much pain he is in,” she said looking back at the forest. Her head slowly slumped down. “It's my fault he's hurt,” she said softly. A tear tried to escape the corner of her eye. She noticed it and quickly wiped it away. While her head was tilted downward, she saw a trail of dried blood. Her eyes snapped open and screamed immediately. “SPIKE!!!” she shouted. With no hesitation what so ever she dove into the forest. Her heavy trotting drowning out the screams of Bloom and Shy to stop. Applebloom cursed loudly and turned toward Ponyville, sprinting.

“Applebloom, where are you going?” Shy asked louder then normal.

“Tah get mah sister! Iffin we're goin' into that there forest, we're gonna need her!” she shouted back. In the Sugarcube Corner, AJ and Pinkie were writing a letter. Pinkie wrote while Aj dictated to her.

“Princesses. We got ourselves ah humdinger of a problem here in Ponyville. Spike has up and run from town after a brutal fall savin' Scootaloo. She told us that there was somethin' not quite right about that dragon. So we humbly request immediate help in trackin' him down. Sincerely, Applejack Apple,” she proclaimed. Pinkie took the note down feverishly.

“Oh this is super duper not good,” she said writing nervously. “I saw Spike last night and he was not good. He looked upset and bothered,” Pinkie said.

“That ain't nothin' compaired to what happened while we were headin' back to the farm,” Aj said remembering Spike's first outburst. She shuddered at the thought of his powerful scream and display of dragonic power. “At any rate, we gotta wait fer the princesses to get back to us....ugh, how are we gonna send this here letter?” Aj asked. Pinkie smiled.

“I got it covered!” she shouted. In the blink of an eye she had disappeared and reappeared with a gift box. She stuffed it full of cake and cupcakes and put the letter on top. Wrapping the box up she ran outside. Aj followed her as Pinkie pushed a pot out of place to reveal a button. She stomped her hoof on it and the ground began to quake. From the middle of the street the ground sank and then parted. The heavy sound of gears turning brought forth the rising of a massive cannon. It was light blue with balloons painted up and down the sides. Aj stared wide eyed at the cannon. Two thoughts going through her mind; the first, where did this behemoth come from, and the second, what was it used for. Pinkie shot around back and loaded the present into a box shaped slot. She hopped to the top and manned a gunner station. Adjusting the angle and trajectory. Aiming straight for the royal throne room.

“Party Cannon Max! FIRE!!!!!” she shouted hitting the launch button. The cannon physically recoiled as it let out an earth shattering boom. The present flying at sonic rainboom speeds towards Canterlot. “That should get to them in a manner of minutes,” Pinkie said hopping down. She pressed the same button again and the cannon lowered into the ground once more.

“Umm, Pinkie Pie?”AJ asked still dumbfound at the sight of the cannon.

“Yeah?” she asked looking back at the stunned farmer.

“What was that?” Aj asked. Pinkie just smiled.

“That's the ulti-party canon max! For making parties way away from here!” she said bouncing around. Aj just decided to roll with it an not question the matter further. As her thoughts drifted from the cannon, the area was assailed by the high pitched scream of the youngest apple.

“APPLEJACK!!! SCOOTS WENT AFTER SPIKE INTO THE FOREST!!” Applebloom screamed a good 50 feet from her big sister. She skidded to a halt with Fluttershy right on her hooves. The two panting heavily from the sprint.

“Now hol' on there, Sugarcube. What's goin' on?” Aj asked looking at the still wheezing Bloom.

“Scootaloo saw Spike's blood trail going into the forest. She screamed and ran after 'em. We gotta save her!” Applebloom cried out. Aj nodded understandingly.

“Pinkie, you stay here and wait for the princesses to respond. Bloom, Shy, we're goin' in after Scoots,” Aj said giving the orders. The three mares nodded and the group split. Within the forest, Scootaloo was following the blood trail that Spike had left behind. It was dry at this point. Denoting it had been quite some time since he had past through. She stopped in her tracks when she saw Timberwolf prints near the end of the trail.

“Oh Celestia please let him be ok,” Scootaloo said to her self looking around. She tried to determine which way he went next, though the trail had gone cold. She picked a direction and ran. In another part of the forest, the amethyst dragon trudged tiredly. His eyes scanning the area for a familiar hut. His pants were low and coated with agony and pain. He felt a rush of pain shoot through his body as Sombra began another mental barrage.

“You're weak. Pathetic. Worthless. You will never survive what I plan for you,” the echo called on the passing wind. Spike tried to ignore it.

“It's just in my head, its just in my head. He isn't here. He isn't here,” he told himself in a almost mantra like chant. The gale of insults soon swayed away like the wind they arrived on. With renewed silence, the dragon sighed a breath of relief. His breath cut short as he felt something pierce his scales and slide into his flesh. His eyes widened seeing a black crystal jutting from his stomach from the ground behind him. He gasped audibly as blood trickled down the grotesque wound. He felt his vision blurring. He was losing consciousness. His mouth began to stream blood as he watched the forest become engulfed in flames. He chocked on his own life blood as he slowly faded into darkness.

“There has never been anything you could do to stop me. I reside in your mind. It is my play thing now. What you feel. What you taste. What you think. I control. I will toy and contort your senses until I am satisfied. And only when I rip your beating heart from your pathetic chest will you know peace,” the dark king called. His glowing eyes fixated on the dragon. Spike coughed up more blood as he soon felt the ground beneath him shift and his eyes closed for what felt like the last time. The last sensation he recognized, was the sound of hoof steps approaching him. Then there was nothing. His nose twitched. Smell. He could smell something. Something burning. His eyes flickered open. His gaze fixed on the wooden roof that sit above him. Sensation returned as powerful shocks and jolts to his back, neck and chest. His upper body was a wreck. He tried to sit up, but his body bluntly said no. he sighed in reassignment as he stared at the ceiling. From his right side he could hear a door open and close. Hoof steps began to drown out the crackling of the fire beneath a black cauldron.

“It would appear you have begun to wake, though bringing you here was not a piece of cake,” he heard call out to him. He instantly recognized the dialect and inflection of the voice and smiled softly.

“Hey Zecora,” Spike said lightly to the zebra as she came into view. She smiled softly looking down at him.

“Your wounds indeed were quite severe, on your death's bed was my greatest fear. For a few days it will take your body to heal, for the wounds you carry are very deep to feel. Damaged wings and broken ribs abound, you are quite lucky that you were found,” she continued.

“Yeah, I guess you could say that,” he grunted loudly. He looked down at his body. It was taped heavily with bandages. Underneath were many healing salves that Zecora made for healing wounds and ailments. His wings were sore, but at the least reset in their sockets. He sighed contented for the moment and tried not to think of anything. Or more simply, just trying to put those daunting images out of his mind. His eyes closed, trying simply to relax. He let the ambient nose fill his thoughts as if in meditation. He began to slowly but surely release built up tension from the strain of Sombra's relentless assaults. Within this realm of subconsciousness, a new sensation made itself known. At first, it was a pulse. A single wave of what felt like sound, resinating from his body outward to the world around. The drake's eyes reopened and he looked around. There was only the sounds of Zecora working on potions. He shrugged slightly and closed his eyes once more. He felt the pulse once more. This time, he let it flow, much like waves on the shore. This pulse echoed through his being. The feelings that arose were intresting to say the least. He felt as if his body was in tuned to the forest itself. Every sway of the branches, the way the current carried objects down stream, and even the movement of animals. All these things became more apparent to the dragon.

'What is this feeling? It feels so...natural,' was the only way he could rationalize the sensation in his thoughts. In this realm between conscious thought and unconsciousness, he felt total peace with his surroundings. The calm waves washed over his tattered body in a soothing rhythm. Then, the rhythm became violent. It became terror filled. Spike didn't break his trance, but felt his consciousness fly from his body. His essence now flowed along the pulse waves through the forest. After just a few seconds, he found the source of the disturbance. A orange Pegasus was running through the forest.

“Scootaloo?” he asked aloud. His trance was broken, and his awareness of the forest faded. He looked back and forth. “Zecora? Has Scoots been here?” he asked. A ting of worry was in his voice. He had sensed something else wrong.

“Scootaloo has not come by for a 'how are you' for quite a while. Tell me Spike, has your meditation caused you to sense something vile?” she asked curiously. He sat up. Gritting his teeth as he forced his body to bend.

“Yeah, I don't know what, but I think she may be in danger,” he said through clenched teeth. He held his stomach and groaned louder. The pain was intense.

“Very curious it is to see, for one such as yourself to feel the pulse that flows so free,” the zebra said approaching him once more.

“The 'pulse'? What is it?” he asked.

“The pulse is the force that moves us all, everypony has it, large or small. It resides in the heart and causes our flow, but surely this you already know. Compared to a pony or dragon, it is of a large scale. For this pulse you feel is much larger the a whale. The planets life is what is eternal, but for a normal being to feel it, is normally futile,” she explained.

“So, I was feeling the planet's heart beat?” he asked. She nodded.

“More likely then not, it is as you say, but somehow you sensed something different about this day,” she said looking down at him. He looked at his claws.

“Scoots...where are you?” he asked himself. Just about a 100 yards from Zecora's hut, Scootaloo was running full blast through the forest. She couldn't let herself stop until she found Spike. Her pace slowed as she felt herself run out of breath. With one last push she plopped against a tree. Her magenta main flopped in front of her eyes due to he wild running. She sucked in as much air as she could and released it just as fast. Her throat burned from lack of water. Her eyes barely slits as she struggled to keep them open.

“Feels like I've been running for hours,” she said rather annoyed at the lack of head way she was having. She stood up slowly and bucked a rock that was sitting next to her. “Ugh! Where is he!?” she shouted. The rock sailed through the air like a homing missile. Its arch and trajectory spelling out pain as I made contact with the head of beast. Its lion like mane adorned its neck. Its body hardened muscle under a thick coat of dark orange fur. Its long scorpion like tail swaying back and forth as he stood. Spread lazily were a pair of bat like wings that flapped as it rose. The creature growled in annoyance and turned its massive frame to face the cause of his disturbance. There he saw the mare. Tired, breathless, vulnerable. The perfect target. It narrowed its gaze cold black eyes at the tired out mare. Its wings folded against his sides as it began to stalk her. Its steps slow and methodical as he approached her from behind. He licked his chops and prepared to lunge. His final step was a grave miscalculation. The snap of a tree branch he had been so careful to avoid sounded from under his massive paw. Scootaloo's head snapped to attention and twisted to look behind her. Her pupils grew small as she was now face to face with the hungry beast. It roared out in slight frustration at alerting its target. To which, Scootaloo reacted in the most civil way possible. She screamed at the top of her lungs and ran.

“HELP!!!” she screamed darting between trees. Constantly watching the Manticore keep pace with her. Another ear shattering scream let loose from her mouth. Spike felt his body convulse. As if his entire being was throbbing. His eyes grew wide as he seemed to sense what was happening.

“Scootaloo...” he said softly. He felt her. Her fear and panic. “How can I?” he asked. Zecora looked at the dragon.

“Spike?” she asked simply. He looked at her.

“Scoots in trouble!” he shouted. His body moved, ignoring the shooting pain. With one bound he reached the door and took off running. In the distance he could hear Zecora screaming for him to come back. That was not important now. Nothing else was. He had to find Scoots now. He ran on all fours. His body, now running on pure adrenaline screamed through the forest at break neck speeds. Bounding off of trees simply to change direction on a dime. “Where is she!?” he cried out. As if on command, a small shock hit his body like static. His head whipped in the direction of that nudge and headed that way. More shocks nudged him on the proper path until he saw the orange Pegasus running for her life. “SCOOTALOO!!!” he screamed. She couldn't hear him over the sound of the beast charging at her.

“You can't save her,” a familiar whisper called. Spike gritted his teeth.

“Screw you!!” he shouted. “I will save her!!!” he screamed. His speed increased as more shocks seemed to hit his body with each lunge forward.

“The beast has claimed her for his meal. There is nothing you can do to protect her. She will die to keep it alive,” Sombra said bluing the dragons vision with images of Scootaloo being eaten. Spike gritted his teeth and narrowed his eyes. His pupils became slits from anger.

“NO SHE IS MINE!!!!!!” he screamed. Instantly his vision cleared. His iris' turned from their lime green to pail gray. The sparks now became full on bolts as he dashed. He let loose a feral roar that shook the forest to its core. The Manticore turned its head to see what dared release such a roar. To its horror it saw a large bolt of lightning barreling towards it. It veered to the side as it past. When it faded, it's pray was gone. Looking back and forth the beast tried to locate the pony. Its eyes fixed on a bright being standing 30 meters from it. There was its pray pressed tightly in the arms of a dragon. Its body was glowing a light blue aura that streamed off small streaks of lightning. Its eyes were transfixed on the beast in front of it. Scootaloo opened her closed eyes slowly. Taking in the bright sight of the dragon that held her tightly.

“S-s-s-spike?” she asked timidly. He looked down at her. His feral expression softened. Hoping to somehow give her a sense of calm. He smiled at the mare. Her cheeks felt warmer now. Her heart beating faster in his embrace.

“Wait here,” he said softly. He set her down and began to walk to the beast. It recoiled slightly, but realizing that to get his meal it would have to kill the dragon, it growled and lunged. Spiked growled and charged it as well. The two collided, Spike holding the Manticore back by its front paws. The beast roared and spread its wings to try and scare it. Spike tried to release his own wings to show his lack of intimidation, but his body was till heavily taped. He looked up and the Manticore grinned a fanged smile. It bared down harder and started to force the dragon back. Spike gritted and tried pushing back. His adrenaline was running out. Pain was steadily creeping back to the forefront of his mind. The beast roared and swung its scorpion tail forward. The barbed end jamming itself into right pectoral of the drake. Spikes eyes widened and his body crumpled under the beast. It proceeded to stomp violently on the dragon. Scootaloo watched in horror as spike was pummeled before her eyes.

“Scootaloo!” She heard someone call from behind her. Her head turned to see Aj, Shy, and Applebloom come running into view. The Manticore heard the call and shifted his attention to the new ponies.

“NO STAY BACK!!!” Scootaloo screamed. The Manticore roared and lumbered over the now bleeding dragon towards new pray. Spike lay motionless in a small pool of his own blood. The 4 mares began to back away slowly. Applejack getting in front to server as a shield for the others. The Manticore was now upon them. Its tail primed for a strike. In the darkness that was Spike's mind, one thing cut through the darkness. It was a scream. A scream that came from a delicate mare who was important to him. More screams. His friends. They needed him. They needed him now. His eyes snapped open. In the time it took to blink, the Manticore's tail was halted. It turned back to see the dragon holding it by its tail with a death grip. Blood streams were apparent on the abdomen and mouth of the dragon. His eyes now colder then before as he stared at the beast. It growled and pulled its tail. The dragon's grip tightened. His body was now radiating that same aura again.

“Get the hell away from my friends!!!” he screamed. He gripped the tail and pulled hard and fast. The sudden force ripped the tail from the beast completely. It screamed loud recoiling in pain and agony. It doubled back in pain, screaming. Spike looked at Fluttershy.

“I know all animals are important to you Shy, but this beast had no reservations about killing you all. And for that...it must die,” he said looking at the beast. He growled and roared. Leaping onto the beast's back and jamming the barbed tail into it's eye. Spike repeatedly jammed the tail into its body until it slowly stopped moving. With one last bellow the lightning he was releasing formed a bolt and shot at the Manticore's body. The beast let loose one last pained howl before it's life finally ended. The four mares looked on as Spike stood over his kill. He panted looking down at the chard corpse now before him. He looked over at his friends. “You're safe....thank Celes...ti...” he trailed off before slipping into a unconsciousness once more. His body flopped to the ground unceremoniously. His stomach had started bleeding again. He was weak. And now, all was quiet. No Sombra, no manticores, nothing. Only the darkness that now filled his mind

Author's Note

These chapters are getting longer. damn. shout outs to captainnana for editin this chapter. hopefully the next chapter will be out by monday or so

Memories past light the present, and foretell the future

Movement. Slow movement. Senses were beginning to flood back to the weakened drake. He felt his battered body being dragged through tough soil. His eyes opened weakly, to only catch glimpses of his surroundings. The forest was steadily vanishing. Orange and blonde, yellow and red, as well as a darker orange and magenta blurs were taking him somewhere. Indiscriminate noises filled the air as his eyes slowly closed once more. His mouth was moving, but making no real noise. The noises grew louder. Crying and screaming were the most prevalent. He felt lighter soon after the medley of screams started to cease. Wind. A light, but powerful sensation rushing past his scales, making a slight chill go up his spine. It felt nice on his overheated body. This feeling was short lived. Soon, sensation in his body and mind faded again. Darkness loomed over his body, suspending him in nothingness once more.

“Well done Goraan,” he soon heard by a familiar voice. His eyes opened slowly. The pain was gone, though his movement was still restricted by numb limbs.

“It's you again,” the young dragon weakly mumbled to the familiar voice. Spike's inner voice was starting to regain strength. The amber light shined down on him once more, the elder dragon making his presence known to the young one once again.

“You have learned the 'spark' quite quickly, an impressive feat for one of your tender age,” it complimented. Spike simply closed his eyes.

“What is the 'spark', and why did I shoot lightning from my body?” he asked tiredly.

“In our tongue, it is referred to as Zov. As dovah, we carry the very essence of the world around us. This 'spark' is the ability to use the world's own pulse to create the fire of the heavens. Reik, or Lightning as you would say,” the elder called.

“So you're saying, that not only can I sense the world's heartbeat, but use it to create lightning?” the young drake asked to clarify.

“That is correct. There are many ways to use Reik. It is up to you to find their advantages and disadvantages,” the old dragon said.

“Awesome. I have one more question for you. What language were you speaking before?” Spike asked opening his eyes to see the elder dragon staring down at him.

“It is the ancient tongue of your tribe. The tongue of dovah. The dragons,” he said gazing at the young one. Spike smiled.

“Wow, there is still so much I don't even know about my own tribe. I must look pathetic to you,” he said preparing to let his consciousness fade once more.

“No. most dovah have forgotten the ancient ways. To one such as I, you are pure. Ready to learn, to do what you must to protect what you care for. And for that, I grant you a gift,” he said. The dragons mouth opened and released a dark emerald flame. The blaze swirled and circled Spike. Slowly consuming him. The young dragon opened his eyes and beheld the beauty of the flames that enclosed him. “I give you our tongue to speak and read. May it help you in your future,” the old one said. Those were the last words it spoke before darkness' grip took Spike once more. His eyes soon snapped. His body shot up from his resting place.

“SCOOTS!!” he shouted as the memories rushed back. His head whipped around looking for the scooter riding mare. Finally spotting her and Fluttershy sleeping in chairs next to each other. “Oh thank Celestia, she's ok,” he said breathing a huge sigh of relieve. He looked down at himself. He noticed the abundance of bandages wrapped around his chest and torso. “Oh, I'm alive, bonus,” he joked to himself. He looked around again. This was definitely not the Everfree forest. It was all white and clean. Everything in order and sparkling. His eyes were soon drawn to a massive mural of the royal pony sisters. “Am I in the hospital?” he asked.

“You are in a sort of hospital,” a voice called from the door at the far end of the room. In walked the solar monarch herself. Her beautiful white coat was the first thing the drake noticed. Next, the multi-colored mane and tail that flowed from the overflowing power of her magic. Her white wings pressed rather loosely to her body as she entered the room. Last, was the soft eyes that he had the greatest respect for gazing directly at him. “You're currently in the medical ward of Canterlot Castle,” she clarified walking up to the bed he was sitting in.

“I thought I was in the Everfree forest. How in Equestria did I get here?” he asked. Celestia sat in the chair near his bed as she prepared to tell him.

“Well, while I was talking with my sister and Twilight about the return of King Sombra, a present burst through one of the stain glass windows and into my throne room. I instructed one of the guards to open it. Once open, a balloon and confetti shot out of the box. Our immediate response was,” the solar princess began. However spike already knew the answer based souly on that description.

“That sounds like something Pinkie Pie would do,” he said with a heavy sigh. He smiled to himself thinking of the pink mare and her usual crazy antics

“Yes. It does rank high with her usual antics,” she said confirming with a light laugh and smile. “However, what else was in the box brought a great deal of alert to us all,” the princess continued. Her voice had changed from kind hearted to stern. This caught Spike's attention. He looked back up at the now very concerned Alicorn princess. Her eyes transfixed on the drake. “There was a letter addressed to us that said that you were in a great deal of danger. That you were in some sort of trouble and had fled Ponyville to the forest. They requested immediate help,” the princess said softly. She grimaced remembering the sight that greeted her when she arrived in Ponyville. “When myself and Twilight arrived, Applejack and Applebloom were dragging you out of the forest. Your chest and head were bleeding profusely. You were also very unreceptive to anything we attempted to do. We rushed you here as fast as Pegasus wing could carry us,” she said finishing. Spike looked at the concerned princess.

“Well, I guess its a good thing you guys came when you did,” he said giving her a big smile, doing his best to just try and play it off. Celestia shot him an intense look that made Spike's eyes widen.

“This is no laughing matter Spike. You foretold of Sombra's return Not even a day after you seemed to go insane in Ponyville, and we find you a total mess. There is something seriously wrong,” she said. Her hooves slammed on the dragon's shoulders. He physically flinched and looked at her very much scared. “Spike what do you know?” she asked, with a stern voice.

“Princess, you're hurting me,” he managed to squeak out. This only intensified her grip.

“Spike this is important! What do you know!?” she borderline screamed. Spike started to recoil in fear. He wanted to get away now. His eyes darted back and forth as he felt a magical grip slide long his neck.

“So help me dragon! If you are aiding him I will kill you now!!” she screamed. Spike screamed as loud as he could and shot a blast of fire at the princess. Her screams of terror and pain sounded through the room. Alerting every manner of guard to run to her aid.

“You attacked the princess! Kill the vile creature!!” the lead guard shouted. Spike watched as guard after guard piled into the room. Each throwing spear after spear at the weakened dragon. His body pierced over and over by the rush of sharp objects invading his flesh. He grunted and panted heavily, lucky to have survived this long under the current conditions. Soon the princess raised herself up from the royal floor. Her face twisted and contorted into a evil smile. Slowly, flakes of her face peeled away, showing the dark muzzled face of the former King Sombra.

“The price for attacking one of the rulers of Equestria,” he began. His horn levitated a spear and placed it at the dragon's heart. Spike mouthed out the word “no” as Sombra got in nice and close. “Death,” he whispered in the drake's ear. Jamming the spear into the dragon's chest and ripping his heart out the other side.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!” Spike screamed shooting up from the bed he was laying in. He looked around quickly. The hospital room he was just in. Scootaloo and Shy sleeping in the same chairs he had seen them in. His head snapped back and forth looking for a way out that he knew he would need. His head turned towards the door. It was enveloped in a bright yellow glow. Celestia's trademark aura of magic. The images of his terror rushed to the forefront of his mind. Spike looked at the window nearest to him. As the door slid open, he made his choice. He inhaled and shot a fireball at the window, weakening it slightly. With one last glance back, he saw Celestia peek her head through the door. She saw the look of total fear on his face.

“Spike, wait!” she shouted. Spike didn't plan on waiting. He propelled his body through the weakened glass. His forearms took the brunt of the glass breaking, but his body did get cut on the exposed edges. Doing his best to rip the bandages off of his torso, he freed his wings enough to at least slow his decent. He slammed onto the courtyard ground, hard. An audible crack in his left arm caused him to scream in agony. It was a good two story drop. From his right side he could hear the guards approaching quickly. He gathered himself up as quickly as he could and began to hobble from the courtyard. He panted heavily dragging his unresponsive arm as he tried to escape. His escape was short lived as a swarm of guards flooded the courtyard area.

“Halt, Spike!” a voice boomed from above. He looked up to see Princess Luna descend from above. “Spike, please, you are hurt and confused,” she said, in an attempt to calm him down. She approached him slowly. Spike naturally recoiled. His trust in her was paper thin. He couldn't tell if it was Sombra once again or the real Luna. He couldn't trust his memories of the dark blue princess to help him, or her word.

“How do I know its you!? Can you tell me that!?!” he shouted, borderline snapping. Luna's soft gaze never wavered.

“Spike, you can trust us. We have never meant you harm. And we shall prove it. Guards; stand down,” she called. Each guard now stood at attention. She continued her slow trot towards the mentally distraught dragon. He flinched, frightened by what would happen next, as she drew near. Her horn glowing softly as she casted a spell on Spike's arm. He looked at her. She was now inches in front of him. “Allow me into your mind,” she said softly, in an attempt to comfort him. She leaned forward and pressed her forehead lightly against his own. In a matter of seconds, his memories of the past 24 hours transferred into her. She instantly began to weep slowly, his emotions sinking into her. “By the moon Spike. I'm so sorry,” she said softly. Spike looked at the teary-eyed princess. The soft expression in her eyes proved that it was Luna. Spike's body started to relax finally. He felt even more exhausted then before, collapsing under all of the built up stress. He felt Luna wrap her forelegs around him gently and carry him back to the medical wing. This time however was different. Luna stayed with him to try and act as a calming agent. The dragon lay silently sleeping on the bed. The stress of this entire ordeal weighing heavy on the dragon's mind was plain to see by the lunar princess.

“How is he?” Celestia asked entering the room quietly. Luna looked up at her sister. Her gaze shifted back to the sleeping dragon.

“Not well in the slightest, my sister. It would seem that Sombra's magic resides deep in his mind. And also, this,” she said, looking at her worried sibling. Her horn began to glow and pull the now very tattered and dirty wrapping from Spike's arm. Showings both princesses the mark of the evil king.

“How?” Celestia asked. “After all this time, how could Sombra be doing this? It makes little sense,” she wondered aloud.

“I think I know how,” a familiar voice said entering the room. It was violet Alicorn, and Spike's surrogate sister. Twilight approached the sleeping drake. Her eyes transfixed on him. She gently placed her hoof to his cheek and stroked softly. “It was when we were in the Crystal Empire, when you asked us to help the Crystal ponies,” she began, remembering the events of that adventure.

Crystal Empire: 6 years ago

“WOOOOO HOOOOOO! I studied anti-gravity spells thinking it would be on the test! Turns out I was right!!!” Twilight screamed happily. She and spike were sliding along the underside of the stairs in the crystal tower. The little amethyst dragon holding onto the lavender mare for dear life. He screamed bloody murder as they kept sliding down. Once at the top, she reversed the spell. Herself and spike slammed to the ground below and slowly picked themselves up. Twilight looked up, seeing the glowing Crystal heart floating in the center of the room. Her eyes grew large, as did the smile on her face. She trotted over quickly, knowing full well that once she had it in her possession, she would be able to help Cadence and the rest of the Crystal Ponies. Once she her hoof touched the outer ring on the floor below the heart, an alarm blared loudly. Her head darted back and forth quickly. With no time to think, she lept and reached for the heart. Mistakenly pushing it out of reach as several black crystals sprang form the ground. Trapping the mare within the circle.

“Where is it? Where is the Crystal Heart?” Twilight asked panicked.

“Here. It rolled over to me when you dropped it!” Spike confirmed. He looked around. The protection spell Cadence had around the empire was fading quickly, the sight of a deep orange sky flicking in and out against the calm blue skies of the barrier. Twilight peaked through a parting in her crystal cage, catching a small glimpse of her young assistant and the heart. She watched as Spike moved around the floor gingerly. Black crystals started jutting out of the ground slowly. “Ow!” he shouted as on stabbed into his tail. His tail flicked around a bit attempting to ward off the pain. Twilight lit up her horn, focusing on where she wanted to go. In an explosion of light, she teleported out of her prison. Within seconds of her release, black magical sparks surrounded her, causing her to vanish in a cloud of dark purple smoke and force her back into her prison.

“How could I have been so foolish?” Twilight chastised herself. “I was just so eager to get it when I saw what what was going on out side”. She pressed her body against the crystal walls and tried pushing against them. “Spike are you ok?” she asked looking through the cracks.

“Yeah, I'm fine. A crystal stabbed my tail, but its nothing. Don't worry about me, you have to get out of there and get the heart to Cadence,” spike called back to his sister. “If you don't, you're gonna fail Celestia's test,” he reminded her of her mission.

“Sombra's already attacking the empire. It's only a matter of time before he gets to the Crystal Ponies and everyone else,” she said looking at the constantly flickering skyline. Her gaze shifted to spike once more. “You have to be the one to bring the Crystal heart to Cadence,” she said with a serious tone.

“Me? But Twilight--” he began before being cut off.

“Go! There is no time!” she shouted. Spike nodded pulling his hands from his armpits. They were drenched in sweat (Side note: how do dragons sweat?)(editor: Don't question MLP logic! xD). He ran over to the heart and scooped it up. More crystals were erupting from the ground. Moving as fast as his little legs could carry him, he jumped out to the outer walkway of the room. Once out, the room was soon over run with the black crystals. Spike whimpered slightly as he knew the only real way out was to jump. Spike hopped back, shooting small flames at the oncoming crystals, doing his best to ward them off. Another pillar of crystal shot out of the tower, creating a make shift walkway. Spike hopped onto it and started his decent. Running with the Heart above his head. He looked down to see his friends on the balcony of the throne room.

“Hey guys! Up here!! I got the Crystal heart!!” he shouted down. He continued running at full speed. Looking out over the horizon he saw the ethereal form of Sombra slam into the ground. The dark shadow racing towards the tower with black cryst als emerging from its wake. Sombra caused one more massive crystal to emerge from the ground, riding it towards the dragon. Spike freaked out at the sight of the dark king. So much so that he tripped and lost his footing and the Heart. Beginning to fall with the Heart in front of him. The heart began to shine brightly. Sombra's ethereal from forced to convert back into his original body. He smiled a fang filled grin. Licking his chops as the heart fell towards him. He looked into the eyes of the frightened dragon. He saw one of his crystals lodged in his tail. His smiled widened and his horn began to glow with a deep green tint. The small crystal in the drake's tail began to melt into his skin, discoloring one of the scales slightly. Spike looked only at the heart. Reaching for it with everything he had. With only seconds away from impact with the king, Spike and the heart were snatched from Sombra's grasp in the blink of an eye. The baby dragon and the heart were now with Cadence as she flew past, making their way back to the Heart's true resting place. With it in place, the Crystal Ponies put all of their love in. fueling the Heart and creating a powerful wave of magic.

“No! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!” the dark king screamed. He looked towards the heart and the dragon that sat on the Crystal Princess's back. He smirked happily, and his horn lit. The dragon heard something. It forced his attention to the evil king. Things around them fell silent as if it were just the two of them. “Mark these words, wyrm. I will return. And you will be my herald,” Sombra for told. Spike's eyes widened. Just as he was about to ask what he meant, the world returned just as swiftly as it had parted. Sombra screamed bloody murder and was once again hurled back into the ice. Trapped in the frozen prison from wince he came. Cheers erupted as the Crystal Ponies celebrated the defeat of the tyrant. Spike looked around wondering if anyone else heard the king's final words. Spike climbed off of Cadence's back and went to his friends where he was greeted with both concern and happy greetings. Twilight rejoined the group having finally escaped her Crystal cage.

“You did it Spike!” she called out running up to the baby dragon. She wrapped her hooves around him and hugged him tightly. The group of friends celebrated with the rest of the ponies over the victory, the Crystal Fair now in full swing. During the festivities, Spike pulled Twilight aside to speak in private.

“Something wrong? You look nervous,” Twilight noted examining her assistant.

“Umm I don't know if anyone else heard him, but I'm pretty sure I heard Sombra say that he would be back,” Spike said discreetly. “And he said that I would be his herald,” he said the last part grimacing.

“Spike, Sombra is banished in the ice again. There is no he can get to you or anyone else. I promise everything will be fine. Just you wait and see,” Twilight reassured. Spike sighed a little more relieved then before hand.

“Yeah, you're right. Besides, its not like he can get me from out here,” he said grinning. The two returned to the festival, rejoining their friends.

Canterlot: Now

Silence fell once Twilight had finished her tale. Fluttershy and Scootaloo had awoke during the story and were now standing near the bed where spike laid.

“I didn't think that it was worth noting. I even preformed a check up on him just to be certain when we got home just to help ease his worries, and now all this happened,” the lavender Alicorn said looking at her brother. He had remained asleep the entire time, his nose twitching from time to time.

“At any rate, this only confirms what we have learned,” Celestia spoke, breaking the silence. “If Sombra is in fact returning, then the place he will most likely strike first will be the Crystal Empire. No doubt he will want his kingdom back,” she concluded. Luna and Twilight nodded in agreement.

“Then we must make haste in sending word to Princess Cadence. We shall send word on our fastest of Pegasus,” Luna commented. Celestia nodded, but just as she was about to speak, Twilight's voice caught her attention.

“If we need to deliver the message fast,” she began. “Then I think we will need the fastest flier in all of Equestria,” she said with a grin. Celestia smiled in understanding.

“Guard,” Celestia called out. One of her guards stepped forward at attention. “We require you to send word to the Wonderbolt's Academy. And tell them we need the fastest Pegasus they have,” she requested. The guard nodded and headed for the communications room.

Author's Note

this weeks release is up. hope you enjoy, and be sure to head to captainnana's page to find out when she is editing this beast

Shadows on the sky

It had only taken a few minutes to get a quick telegram out to the nearest courier service. In fact, the response back came just as quickly with word that one of their employees was within the area. Things were moving smoothly, all things considered. The situation, King Sombra’s confirmed return and his unknown agenda, was the only thing that mattered at this moment. Iron Shield, captain of Celestia’s branch of the royal guard, simply observed as the communication specialists worked almost tirelessly, transcribing information from mores code to Equestrian [NOTE: It just flows better] in what seemed like seconds. He felt his dark emerald eyes glance back and forth over the room.

“Look lively, fillies and colts, we will be receiving a visit from one of the princesses in a few moments,” he called out, his gruff voice commanding respect from the younger ponies. There was no reply, but the simple sound of increased work flow was all the conformation he required. The door behind him opened steadily, revealing Dawn Bringer, who stepped forward and saluted the older stallion. To which, Iron Shield saluted back. Dawn lowered his hoof and stepped to the side.

“Announcing Princess Twilight Sparkle,” he called out to the room. The room fell silent, save for the sounds of chairs scooting across the tiled floor. The 20 or so ponies in the room bowed at the arrival of the lavender Alicorn.

“As you were everyone,” she spoke in a calm and collected manner. “Captain Iron Shield, has the courier arrived yet?” she inquired. The dark brown earth stallion approached his princess as she asked her question.

“My apologies, Mi'lady, but sadly no word has been sent on the courier’s arrival time. We are still awaiting the message that will be sent as well your highness,” he said. He bowed once more in a show of apology. He raised his head and looked the princess in the eye. “Is there anything else we can do for you, your highness?” he asked. Twilight nodded and looked back at Dawn Bringer. He nodded in understanding and stepped forward. On his back hung a messenger saddle bag with Twilight’s cutie mark covering the fastener. The lavender mare’s horn began to glow, it’s magic encasing the bag in its light purple radiance. The front flap opened and folded back behind the bag, revealing a slender wooden case. Twilight’s magic grasped the case and levitated it to her side.

“Yes, this must be sent with the courier. I understand that communication with the Crystal Empire at present is not the most ideal. So I have enchanted the quill inside with a low level teleportation spell. It can transport letters and notes instantly to areas that can intercept the frequency it emits,” she explained. “It is highly important that this get to Princess Cadence,” she said sternly. Iron Shield raised his hoof at attention.

“I will see to it your highness. We will send a word via code to the Empire to let them know that the package will arrive within the next few days,” he said remaining at attention. Twilight smiled softly.

“Thank you, Captain. As for the message, I have already composed it and it is now in the case with the quill. If anything, simply attach a note that simply instructs the commander of the Wonderbolts to open the case for the message,” Twilight said. Iron Shield nodded and looked at one of the scribes.

“You heard the princess. Get to it,” he commanded. The scribe nodded and quickly drafted up a note in a manner of seconds. “Is there anything else we can do for you here, Mi' Lady?” he asked ready to continue serving.

“Actually, could you send a guard out to retrieve the seamstress Rarity? I was suppose to have tea with her today, but with the circumstances, I would like to keep her in the loop about this,” she said lowering her head. A look of worry started to creep over her face steadily. The brown stallion nodded.

“We will send for her immediately. I will get one of the rookies to get her,” he said.

“Permission to speak,” Dawn Bringer said abruptly. Both Twilight and Shield looked at the young stallion quizzically.

“Permission granted. What is it Dawn?” Twilight asked. Her eye brow slightly cocked wondering what he was going to say.

“Seeing as how Miss Rarity knows me, I would like to request retrieving her. Odds are high she will want to be informed along the way, or at the least given the gist of what has happened,” he stated. Twilight raised a hoof to her chin thinking about it.

“That is true. She dose know you, and you have been by my side all day. Alright Dawn, you will go get Rarity,” she said giving him his request. Dawn nodded and saluted. He turned to the door and headed off to Rarity’s store. No sooner had he left, a message came from the northern gate.

“Sir! We have word that the carrier has arrived. Orders?” a mare called from near the center of the room.

“Let them in. I will meet them with the package,” he said turning to the door as well. He bowed once more to Twilight and sprinted to the foyer. He stopped suddenly mid-stride, turning around quickly and going back to the communication room. Twilight was smiling a rather amused smile. Shield smiled slightly embarrassed, grabbing the case and placing it in his chest plate.

“Do me a favor your highness, never get old. You forget things a lot,” he joked. Twilight simply giggled and nodded. Once again he took off for the foyer. Her arrived shortly, slowing his sprint to a trot. The first thing he noticed was a pair of guards standing at attention. Their gold armor shining flawlessly in the light of the sun. the next thing he saw was a light gray Pegasus standing between the two. Her sandy blonde mane a mess from flight. He approached the mare steadily.

“Greetings ma’am. I am Iron Shield, captain of Princess Celestia’s guard and leader of the communications staff. Are you the courier we sent for?” he asked.

“Yup! I’m Derpy Hooves. Its nice to meet you!” she said rather loudly. Shield examined the mare in more detail. She was a slender mare, her gray fur offsetting her blonde mane. Her cutie mark consisted of several bubbles that grew larger as they raised up her flank. Hanging around her neck was a messenger bag that was currently unlatched. The last thing he looked at were her eyes, or at least the one that was focused on him. The other looking skyward. Shield felt his shoulders slump slightly at the Pegasus.

“Well Miss Hooves, as I’m sure you know, we need you to get this case to the Wonderbolt’s academy as soon as possible. With today’s weather conditions, it shouldn’t take you more then quarter of a day. The package is to go to the commanding officer of the Wonderbolts. Can you do that for me?” he asked. Derpy smiled brightly and nodded, giving the weathered stallion a salute of her own. Her foreleg extended to far, smacking the guard on her left in the snout. With the same momentum, the bag hanging around her neck swayed from the sudden movement. Another quick movement from her hoof slamming against her forehead sent the bag into the knee of the other guard.

“You can count on me!” she announced proudly. She blinked a couple times and then looked at the two guards. “Oops, my bad,” she said sheepishly. Shield lowered his head.

“Celestia help us,” he muttered. He raised his head inhaling deeply. “At any rate, Miss Hooves I can not stress the importance of this task. Please be sure to get this to the academy in a timely manner,” he said sternly. The gray mare nodded smiling. Shield handed over the case, praying to the celestial ruler that she didn't break it. Surprisingly enough, Derpy handled the wooden case with care. Sliding it into her bag and fastening the latch. She saluted him once more before taking to the sky. Shield sighed heavily looking at the recovering guards. “I'm getting too old for this shit,” he said rather bluntly.

Steadily walking through Canterlot, Dawn Bringer made his way to Rarity's home and business. He noted the large sign that read “Rare Fashions” and assumed he was in the right place. He knocked on the front door several times and stepped back. From the other side he could hear a voice call out to him.

“Just a moment please!” the voice called over what sounded like a sewing machine. The sound was silenced quite shortly after her call. Next came the sound of trotting hooves against the hard wood floor of the shop. Eventually the doorknob was enveloped in in a baby blue glow of magic, causing it to turn and the door to open inward. In the doorway stood Rarity, her eyes looking at the guest who had assailed her door with knocks. Her work glasses still placed upon her muzzle.

“Good morning Miss Rarity,” Dawn said with a light grin. Rarity returned the grin in kind and examined the guard.

“Why good morning Dawn Bringer What brings you to my door this morning?” she asked curiously. “Aren't you suppose to shadow Twilight's every move?” she joked. Dawn let a few chuckles pass his lips.

“Yeah, that dose seem to be the only thing I do nowadays. However,” he said looking at her. His expression hardened slightly to show her this was a serious matter. “Princess Sparkle has requested you to the Castle. I am your escort. So if you would please, we must go there now,” he said. His seriousness took Rarity by surprise. She remembered whenever she and Twilight would get together, Dawn would always joke and have fun with them, but this. This level of seriousness from such a laid back stallion was something to take note of. With a simple nod, Rarity stepped out of her shop and followed Dawn. The two walked in silence most of the way to the castle.

“So, what has happened? Is there something wrong with Twilight?” Rarity asked, concern laced in her speech.

“Princess Sparkle is fine. However, there was an incident that occurred in your home town of Ponyville this morning. Leaving the resident dragon in very bad physical and mental condition,” Dawn said continuing his pace. Rarity's eyes widened.

“Umm I don't suppose you mean-” she began. Her voice already trembling at the thought. Dawn Bringer looked over his shoulder at her with a serious stare

“Spike,” the stallion said. The deafening sound of glass shattering filled Rarity's ears. Hearing the name of the gentledrake she had left behind used to identify a victim of a vicious attack was way more of a blow than anypony else would know. She felt her heart stop for a few seconds. If her fur showed any color in her face, it was gone at this moment.

“What happened!? You have to tell me now!!” Rarity shouted jumping in front of Dawn. She was panting lightly, her worry in every word she said. To his credit as a guard, Dawn Bringer remained steadfast and offered her no real emotion.

“As far as I know, he saved a handful of your friends who would have been killed,” Dawn said. “Now, we need to get to the castle now. Please, let's keep moving,” he said continuing his walk. Rarity looked at him and nodded, holding in her emotions. The pair walking silently the rest of the way. Upon reaching the Castle, the two were greeted by Twilight herself. She smiled slightly, but it was quickly washed away after seeing Rarity's look of worry.

“Hello, Rarity. Dawn, thank you for bringing her here,” she said looking at the two. Dawn bowed slightly, then took his place at Twilights side. “Rarity, I know you must have a million questions, but for right now, I think seeing is the best way to answer any of them. Please, come with us,” she said. With a silent nod from the white mare, the trio now made their way to the medical wing. Once there, they saw several nurses walking out of the room with carts of medical supplies. As they passed, Rarity saw bloody bandages and gauze. As well as what looked like amethyst scales dyed a light crimson from dried blood. Her worries worsened more then before now, borderline beside herself with worry. Twilight approached the door, before opening it, she looked back at Rarity.

“He is in rough shape. Are you ready to see him?” she asked. Rarity wiped the forming tears from her eyes and nodded. Trying her best to steel herself for what she was going to see. Twilight nodded once in acknowledgment and opened the door. The light sound of grunting greeted the three as they entered. Rarity's eyes wandered the room briefly. Spotting Scootaloo and Fluttershy standing by the bed that lay in the corner of the room. On the edge of the bed, seated in a chair, sat Princess Luna. Her horn aglow with magic. Levitating a warm cloth along the forehead of the unconscious drake in the bed. His body was atop the blankets. Most likely due to the changing of his bandages. He had fresh white wrappings around his waist and chest, a thick cast wrapped around his left arm down to his claws, and both wings wrapped up in plenty of tape to keep them from getting free. Rarity, now fixated on the dragon in the bed, felt her body moving towards him.

“How...” Rarity began. Her strength and resolve seemingly melting away with each forward step she took. The mere sight of the wreaked creature before her was driving her to tears. “How did this happen to my Spikey Wikey?” she asked. Her voice was beginning to crack. Several hot tears dripped from her eyes and down her cheeks. She was now standing in front of him in the gap between Scootaloo and Luna. Her right hoof placed just in front of her mouth as she stared at the kindest, sweetest, most special dragon in the entire world lying on a bed covered in wounds.

"I know why he is injured,” Scootaloo said looking up at the older mare. She faced Rarity and began to tell her the story. How Spike had rescued her when she was falling to the ground. Risking his life fighting the Manticore. And blacking out after killing the beast.

“After we carried him back to Ponyville, that was when Twilight and Princess Celestia came and brought him here. Though,” the orange mare said looking at Spike. “His arm wasn't broken when he came here though,” she said slightly puzzled at it.

“That we can explain,” Luna said looking up. “Upon his arrival, Spike regained consciousness and leaped out the window. His wings were still taped and he couldn't fly, causing him to land on his arm to break his fall,” she explained.

“Why? Why would he do that!?” Rarity asked starting to get frantic. Luna looked back at Spike.

“Because, he saw my sister murder him,” she said deadpan. Rarity placed both her hooves over her mouth. As did Fluttershy who had remained quiet during the retelling. “Spike is currently connected to King Sombra, who has been using his dark magic to manipulate all of Spike's senses. Forcing him to see what he wills him to see, and feel what he wants him to feel,” Luna explained. Luna looked at the seamstress. More tears were falling uncontrollable from her eyes, her blurred gaze locked on the sleeping dragon. In a show of over dramatics, she threw herself onto the bed crying loudly. Luna, as well as the others, were taken aback by the display.

“My poor Spikey Wikey!” she cried over and over. She pounded her hooves against what she presumed was bedding as he wondered loudly why it had to be him. Luna raised her hooves rather cautiously trying to find the best way to approach Rarity.

“Umm Miss Rarity, we, I mean, I have to request you stop doing that,” she said politely.

“Why?!” Rarity asked whipping her head at the lunar princess. “Am I not allowed to show my frustration and pain over whats happened?!” Rarity yelled smashing both hooves into the bed. A very audible grunt of discomfort and pain cut through the theatrics. Rarity's head snapped forward. Her hooves were planted firmly in the chest of the already wounded drake. His face contorted into a look of pain.

“Ow,” he said raising himself up slowly. He hunched forward clutching his abdomen and groaned. “Well that's one way to wake up,” he said groaning. He looked around the room at the mares surrounding him. He blinked a couple times through half closed eyes. The gears in his head slowly starting to turn again.

“Spike?” Twilight asked softly breaking the silence. The tired dragon shifted his gaze to the lavender Alicorn.

“Oh, hey Twi. Is it time for me to cook breakfast already?” he asked clearly not all there. Twilight's expression softened greatly.

“No Spike. Its almost lunch time, but I want you to stay in bed, ok?” she asked sweetly. Spike smiled softly and nodded.

“Can do. Wake me if you need me,” he said yawning loudly. And with that, his tired body dropped back to the bed unceremoniously. His eyes fully closed as he drifted back into a state of sleep. The others all just looked puzzled at what just happened.

“Umm what?” Scootaloo asked. Twilight smiled knowingly.

“Give him a minute,” she said. The mares once again directed their stare at the drake. And sure enough, not a few seconds later his body shot up. His head snapping back and forth frantically trying to figure out what was going on. He pressed his body against the nearest wall as he eyed each pony in the room. His breathing was deep and panicked as her recalled the first two times he had woken up within the past few hours

“Whats going on!? Where am I!! Is this real?!?” he asked in rapid succession. A midnight blue hoof touched his claw, causing his head to snap in the direction of the feeling. He stared at Luna, who was simply smiling at him.

“Fear not young Spike, for this is not a dream, nor nightmare. You are among friends,” she said quietly. His breathing began to slow steadily, his heart also slowing to it's normal tempo.

“Thank Celestia,” he said placing his claw over his heart, feeling his heart rate slow back to normal. His face contorted into a pained wince as he felt his ribcage throb in pain. “Why dose it feel like somepony has been punching me in the chest?” he asked clutching his ribs. All eyes focused on the overly dramatic drama queen, who was smiling nervously as she backed up from the bed slowly. Spike's eyes fell onto the seamstress and his face immediately flushed deep crimson. “Oh.. hey Rarity,” he said putting on an embarrassed smile. “I didn't expect to see you here,” he rubbed the back of his neck with his good claw, removing it from Luna's grasp. Rarity's expressing softened greatly seeing he was still the adorable drake she had always known.

“Hello Spike,” she said, her cheeks burning slightly as she blushed. Her pure white coat did nothing to hide this. “Are you feeling any pain darling?” she asked looking him over. Spike pulled himself from the wall and was now sitting down. He looked himself over a couple times before answering.

“I guess I've been better. Kinda hurts all over,” he said looking behind him now. His wings still heavily tapped to his back. “Feeling a bit confined with my wings like this though,” he groaned. He laid back slowly and stared at the ceiling. “That jerk,” he muttered under his breath. Everypony frowned slightly looking at the battered up drake.

“Spike,” Twilight said breaking the silence. “I actually have a couple questions for you, if you're up for answering them,” she asked stepping forward. Spike sat back up and looked at his surrogate sister.

“Sure Twi, go ahead,” he said looking at her curiously. She smiled slightly and thought of the first question.

“Scootaloo says that you rescued everypony from a Manticore. How did you beat it?” she asked. Spike looked to away from her for a moment before answering. His face held a look of regret as he opened his mouth to speak.

“I was forced to kill it,” he said softly. The two Alicorns and Rarity's eyes opened wide.

“You what?!” Twilight asked thoroughly surprised.

“I had to. It was gonna kill them. It left me no choice!” Spike shouted. His head snapped to the direction of Twilight. His eyes never meeting her's for the shame he felt in ending the creature's life. His features softened after seeing he wasn't being scolded. “I did what I had to do to keep them safe,” he said after his outburst. He looked at his claws and closed them slowly.

“We do not mean to intrude in the questioning,” Luna started looking at Spike. His eyes shifted slowly to the lunar princess. “But we must know, how did thou defeat it? A Manticore is among the strongest of creatures in the land. Coupled with your injuries, even though thou be a dragon, thou should not have prevailed against it,” she said curiously. Spike was a bit taken by the question. She was right, he should have lost to the Manticore in a fight given the circumstances. Then, like a flash of lightning he remembered.

“Tol los ges! Zu'u nuft qo tokmaar/ That's right! I used the lightning ability,” he said aloud. Luna looked at him wide eyed, her mouth hanging open in immediate realization of the language he spoke.

“Hi vis tinvaak dovah sahkren/you can speak the dragon tongue?” she asked in response. Spike's eyes widened and he looked at her. Twilight and the others looked extremely confused at the two.

“Umm I didn't quite catch that,” Twilight said looking at them. Luna looked at the confused Twilight with a knowing expression.

“He can speak the dragon language. It has long since been lost in the passage of time,” she said. Twilight looked at spike with a cocked eyebrow.

“How in Equestria did he learn that?” she asked. All eyes once again looked to the drake in the bed.

“Umm an ancient dragon in my brain taught me. I guess I should explain all of that” he said looking confused.

Everypony gathered around him as he began to recount all he knew of the ancient dragon. As he explained, in the skies above Equestria, the gray courier was flying happily without a single care in the world, occasionally reaching into her bag to grab a muffin to keep her strength up. Her mane blew recklessly as she ascended a high mountain. Once at the peak, stood the training facility she had been looking for. The long landing stripe was the first thing she noticed, followed soon by cadets in training uniforms running aerial drills, flying through cloud hoops, stomping out larger clouds, and overall just flying as fast as their wings could carry them. On the ground were more cadets doing wing ups and wing lifts, as well as doing sprints around the track. Derpy trotted the grounds, looking at all the ponies training.

“Wow! This place is amazing! I wonder where Rainbow Dash is?” she wondered out loud. Her trot was interrupted when she walked into what felt like a brick wall. She looked up and smiled from ear to ear.

“Hi Roid! I didn't know you were in the academy!” she shouted flying around the muscle bound stallion. He looked over at her. His dirty blonde mane cut into a Mohawk that ran down his absurdly muscular neck, his eyes a subtle red as he turned to look at the mare calling to him.

“That's right. I wanted to prove myself a true Wonderbolt,” he said with a grin. His tiny wings flapping happily. Derpy smiled and landed in front of him.

“Can you tell me where the commander is? I am here with important business from the princesses” she asked, looking at the mound of meat in front of her. He raised a hoof to his chin, trying to think.

“Commander Spitfire should be in her office,” he said with a contemplative look on his face. “Her office is over there,” he said pointing to the office building. Derpy smiled and nodded.

“Thanks, Roid! I'll tell Feather Weight that you said 'hi' when I get home,” she said, cheerfully trotting past him, as if without a care in the world. He smiled. His face contorted to one of pure emotion, his eyes dilating as he released a loud scream.

“YEEEEEEEAH!!!!!” he shouted, then waved happily. The gray mare entered the office and asked around for Spitfire's office. Sure enough, she got lost in an instant.

“Hmm I thought it was over this way. I just don't know what went wrong,” she wondered looking around slightly helpless.

“Can I help you?” a stallion's voice called out. Derpy turned to see a white stallion standing behind her. His dark blue main was wild and unruly from constant flight, his lime green eyes looking over the mare in front of him. He wore a button up shirt with a tie pinned to it, his sleeves rolled up, and on his collar was the emblem of a Wonderbolt.

“Hi! Special delivery for Commander Spitfire. It's very important,” Derpy said, with a grin and saluting. The white stallion smiled.

“At ease, soldier, I got ya covered. Come this way, I was just headin' to see her right now,” the stallion said. Derpy smiled wider, and nodded following after him. They soon approached an office where the sound of a hoof against wood could be heard from the other side of the door. The stallion pushed the door open and walked in casually.

“Yo, Spitz, we got a delivery for ya” he said gesturing to the mare with the messenger bag. Behind the desk, with a stack of papers sitting next to her, was a light brilliant orange mare with a two toned mane. The first tone, a bright amber color, and the second a shade darker orange then fur. She wore a Sargent jacket, button up shirt with a black tie pined to it, several badges, and a pair of black rimmed sunglasses with lavender tinted lenses. Her orange eyes peered over her sunglasses at the two who were interrupting her work.

“Soarin, this better be important. I have a mound of paper work with your name on it here and you have been slacking off...again,” she said, a slight bit of disdain seeped from her mouth with the last word she uttered. Soarin just chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck with his hoof.

“Be that as it may, I think she has something important,” he said. With that, Derpy walked up to the desk and gave Spitfire a stern salute.

“Hi ma'am, I'm here on official Canterlot business with a delivery” she said. Her hoof came down and she started digging into the bag, grabbing the sealed envelope and wooden case, and gave them to Spitfire. The orange mare eyed the items for a second, then took them. Cracking the seal, she examined the letter. Her eyes narrowed reading the letter. She then opened the wooden case to see the second letter. Reading this letter as well, Spitfire's eyes narrowed behind her sunglasses.

“Soarin, get on the P.A and get Rainbow here now,” Spitfire said looking up at Soarin. He nodded and exited the room. Spitfire got up from her desk and walked over to a glass case that sat in the corner of the room. Pulling a key from her jacket, she unlocked one of the drawers on the bottom if it. Inside was a large wooden box with a seal on it that read “For authorized use only”. Pulling the box from the draw she sat it in front of her desk. She returned to her seat and patiently waited. Over the loud speaker, Soarin's voice rang throughout the complex.

“Paging Senior Cadet Leader: Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash to the commander's office. Repeat: Senior Cadet Leader: Rainbow Dash to Commander Spitfire's office. That is all,” he said. And with that the P.A cut off. In the cadet's dorms a pair of mares looked at each other then at the sleeping sky blue mare in the bed on the far end of the room. The two looked at each other again, the pale cerulean mare trotted over and poked the sleeping Pegasus.

“Hey Rainbow, they are calling you over the P.A,” she said nudging the pony. The pony in question sat up. Her rose colored eyes scanned the area through half closed eyelids. She ran a hoof over her multi-colored mane and yawned rather loudly, stretching her wings and popping her back a couple times.

“What did you say, Cloud Chaser?” Rainbow asked.

“They called you To Commander Spitfire's office. I think its important,” Cloud Chaser said looking a little concerned. With that Rainbow flapped her wings and was off in a heart beat, out the nearest open window. Leaving nothing but a rainbow trail and dust behind her. She flew swiftly through the training ground, having enough time to not only bob and weave through ponies training, but also give some pointers in the same stride. Her flight halted once she reached the office building. Pushing the doors open, she headed straight for Spitfire's office. Raising a hoof she knocked on the door a couple of times.

“Rainbow Dash, requesting permission to enter,” she announced.

“Enter, Rainbow,” she heard Spitfire say. With that she opened the door and was immediately taken off guard by a spine crushing hug from Derpy. The gray mare's eyes closed tightly as she squeezed her rainbow maned friend.

“RAINBOW DASH!!!! IT'S SO GOOD TO SEE YOU!!!” the gray mare shouted. Rainbow grunted loudly as all the air was forced from her lungs by sheer force of Derpy's hug.

“Derpy...can't breath,” she stammered out. Derpy opened her eyes and let go.

“Oops, my bad,” she said with a smile. Rainbow rubbed her wings and checked them for damage. She smiled slightly and then looked at her commanding officer.

“You wanted to see me Ma'am?” she asked standing at attention. Spitfire slide the letter across her desk, prompting Rainbow to read it.

“Dear Commander of the Wonderbolts,
A new threat is on the horizon. King Sombra, the long defeated ruler of the Crystal Empire, has shown signs of a return. With communications to the empire sub par to say the least, we, the Princesses of Equestria, have come to you with a mission to deliver the enclosed enchanted quill to the empire. This item is very important and sadly time is of the essence. We request your fastest cadet to deliver this item to the empire in a timely manner. We patiently await word from the empire to show that you have completed this task.
Warm regards

Twilight Sparkle”

Rainbow finished reading the letter, then looked at her commanding officer. It didn't take but a second to see why the rainbow maned mare was asked to come to the office and read this message. She put on a cocky smile and nodded in acknowledgment.

“Understood ma'am. I will make the necessary preparations and head out ASAP,” Rainbow said, saluting again. She turned her back and proceeded to the door.

“That won't be needed Rainbow Dash. We already have your suit ready for you,” Spitfire said pointing her hoof at the box that sat in front of her desk.

“My 'suit'?” Rainbow asked turning back around.

“Yes. Considering this has the potential to be a dangerous mission, I am authorizing you to use the Wonderbolt Combat Suit,” she said pushing it towards her. Rainbow's face showed simply a look of acknowledgment, but her mind was screaming, 'OHMYGOSHOMYGOSHOHMYGOSH!!!'

“Inside you will find suit itself. It comes outfitted with a magically insulated interior to keep you warm, right and left flank pockets that will house your armaments as well as a side pocket on your forehooves for smaller items, and is the latest in aerodynamic design, and of course has the trademark Wonderbolt insignia and design in a dark navy for stealth flight,” Spitfire explained. Rainbow opened the box and looked at the dark navy suit. Pulling it from its box she started to put it on. As she dressed in the new attire, something the commander said caught her attention. Her head raised after a few seconds.

“Wait, weapons?” she asked slightly confused. Spitfire walked over to a safe that sat in the corner of the room. Taking a different key from her jacket, she opened it. The sound of thunder ripped through the room, catching Rainbow and Derpy off guard

“These are your weapons,” Spitfire said looking at Rainbow. Inside was several small thunderclouds, a rectangular box, and a couple of glass viles that seemed to contain the same liquid. Spitfire reached in and scooped up one of the thunderclouds. “Pocket bolts. These are small thunder clouds that you can quickly buck and discharge a rather intense lightning bolt from,” she began. She pushed the cloud over to her desk, reaching back into the safe she pulled out the box and rattled it around a couple times. “Fog pellets. These are condensed clouds that disperse quickly when you smash them with your hooves or on the ground. And lastly,” she said putting the box on her desk and then grabbing one of the glass flasks. “In case things get too rough, this is a flight stimulator. Princess Sparkle developed these with her ongoing research into the nature of Pegasus magic. It will temporarily double your current speed output at that moment. So you better be going full blast when you use it,” Spitfire said explaining the tools Rainbow would be using. Rainbow, now fully in the new suit had walked up and loaded up her flank pockets with the small arsenal and the wooden case containing the quill.

“Thank you, ma'am. I won't let you or the princesses down. Derpy, can you head back that way and let them know I'm on my way?” Rainbow asked. Derpy nodded and saluted one more time. As the sky blue mare walked towards the door she stopped and looked back with a cocky smirk. “Oh and if you see Spike flying around, tell him I'll be back in Ponyville to drill him when I get some down time,” she said exiting. Derpy nodded once more and smiled. With that, Rainbow left the room and headed to the runway. Dash stood outside the office building and inhaled deeply. She looked at a map of Equestria that was kept up to show where everything was in relation to the academy. She found her destination, north by northwest, about 600 or so miles away. She smirked and headed for the runway. She was about to take off when her head snapped to the dorms. She flew over quickly and went in. Going straight to her trunk and fishing out the one thing she couldn't seriously fly without. Clutched in her teeth was the strap to her father's old flight goggles. She smiled looking at them and wrapped them around her neck. Flying back to the runway she checked her flight path one more time.

“Fastest way from one place to another is a straight line!” she shouted snapping the goggles on over her eyes. She crouched into a fliers position. Her wings started to beat feverishly until they seemed to be transparent, kicking up massive back wind as she flapped. Her back hooves raised off the ground, her front hooves the only thing keeping her attached to the ground now, as if waiting for a signal to set her off. Her eyes narrowed and saw a single pony blocking her path. As soon as that pony moved, here eyes widened and her front hooves raised off the ground. Her body shooting forward with the total force of a hurricane. Her body screaming down the runway, leaving nothing more then a rainbow flame trail in her wake. Once the ground was cleared from under her, she nose dived, gaining more speed. Her wings pressed tightly to her body as her body plummeted at the straight shot. Her front hooves firmly stuck out in front of her as she felt the air pressure around her get more intense, soon seeing the all too familiar mach cone form in front of her, the final barrier of resistance she was looking for. She smirked and pushed faster and faster the cone becoming more and more narrow as her speed increased. As the ground grew closer and closer, streaks of multi-colored lightning shot from her mane and tail. Her body breaking the final restraint, creating a thunderous boom. From the epicenter of the sound came a wave of color that ripped through the surrounding area, the Sonic Rainboom. Her wings spread open, letting her turn on a hard 90 degree angle and shot forward just above the forest.

With this unreal speed she flew faster then some ponies could register. Flying over anything and everything earthbound. With the occasional flap she maintained her current speed with relative ease. It didn't take more then an half hour for her to enter the airspace of the Crystal Empire. The skies around the empire were crystal clear for a change. Not the usual snow storm that surrounded the area

“Please, this is a cake walk. Why where they so worried?” she asked. As if to answer her question, a dark foreboding feeling swept over her, prompting the mare to stop dead in her tracks. “OK... What was that?” she asked. At the same time, miles away in Canterlot, Spike was just finishing his explanation of what had been happening to him when a shooting pain shot through his mind. His head felt like it had exploded and was continuing to explode over and over again. He hunched over and grabbed his head hard. Luna placed her hooves on his shoulders and tried to talk to him, but he couldn't hear her over the sounds of thunderous roars in his head. His eyes clutched tightly as the all to familiar voice began to speak.

“So, you believed your friend could invade my dominion without me noticing? Cute worm. Very cute,” a voice called. Spike's eyes opened into a rage induced glare. The look not only caused the mares in the room to shudder in surprise, but also cower slightly in fear. The dragon's eyes were blood red iris' on a lime green.

“Sombra,” Spike said coldly, deep throaty growls resonating from his mouth. In his mind he was staring the unicorn king dead in the eye. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

“Why to show you a funny little scene that will play out quite...deliciously,” the king said licking his chops. His horn began to glow with a blood red aura. Opening a window to the snowy wasteland that Rainbow was now hovering over. Spike looked at Sombra then to the window he created. Through the window, Rainbow was hovering, steadily descending to the ground. Once close enough she began to cast a shadow. She looked back and forth and shrugged, taking flight once more to the empire. Something drew her attention though, like a whisper on the wind. Telling her to look down. With no real reason to object, Rainbow looked at the frozen ground below. Her shadow was moving just as quickly as she was, though something was off about it. Rainbow slowed and narrowed her eyes at the shadow. Examining it a bit. That was when she saw what was so off putting. It was looking at her. Where her eyes were suppose to be, were a pair of blood red orbs. Rainbow's eyes widened as the shadow shot from the ground and at her.

"WHAT THE?!” she shouted spinning to the left to avoid the creature. She looked back at it as it started to chase her down. The two leaving both a rainbow and dark trail behind them as they flew.
“Rainbow!!” Spike shouted. He was now fully focused on the window. Sombra smirked, his horn glowing once more. Through the window, Rainbow pulled every manuver she knew to dodge the creature. It slowed and seemed to back off. With a sigh, Rainbow looked behind her to check to see if it was gone. Nothing. It was gone without a trace. She breathed easier and directed her gaze forward. Her eyes widened and her pupils grew small as she watched several dark crystals break through the ground in front of her. Forcing her to attempt a stop. She slammed hard into the crystal and dropped to the ground. Her wings were sprawled out as she laid in a mound of dirt. Recovering slowly she raised her head from the snowy floor. In front of her stood the dark Pegasus. Its red eyes glaring down at her. Rainbow looked at it with a growing sense of fear. Unaware that another had started to form behind her. Creeping slowly, the new shadow bared fangs, and with the speed of a rattle snake, bit into her neck. Rainbows eyes opened wide and her scream was deafening. The shadow in front of her stepped forward and dug its own fangs into her flesh. Spike watched, screaming and pounding on the window, as one of his best friends was ripped apart and eaten by her own doppelgangers.

“What a shame, you couldn't save her,” Sombra said. He slowly began to trot towards the sobbing dragon. “What a shame indeed, that you could not witness it in person”. With that statement, something in Spike snapped. His head whipped at the dark king who was laughing like a mad mare. His deep laugh ringing through the entire dark void Spike found himself in.

“Zu'u fen Krii hi/I'll kill you,” Spike muttered. His eyes narrowed to a dark glare. The king looked at the dragon once more.

“You will what now?” he asked.

“Zu'u fen Krii hi!!” he shouted.

“One more time. I don't speak 'pathetic wretch',” Sombra said. That did it. Spike's eyes in the real world turned pale gray and his scales started to flicker with light blue sparks. His pain was gone replaced with anger. His wings burst out of their bindings and flared. He hunched forward onto all fours and screamed as his body became a living lightning bolt again.

“I'LL KILL YOU!!!!” he roared. His body lighting up like a sudden flash of lightning. Everypony in the room looked in horror as the dragon displayed raw, emotion driven power. He roared once more. This time, shaking the castle to its core. His head turned to the window. He lurched forward toward it. His progress was stopped by a combined aura of every magic user in the room. Luna, Twilight, and even Rarity were attempting to hold the wild drake back. Scootaloo was now cowering in absolute fear behind Fluttershy, who was standing with her back to Spike, attempting to protect the younger Pegasus.

“Spike! Thou must calm thyself! Sombra is playing tricks on thee!” Luna shouted.

“Spike! Try and listen to us!! Your wounded and confused!” Twilight shouted as well, trying to get some level of sense back into Spike. His head snapped to the trio holding him back.

“HE KILLED RAINBOW!!! HIS HEAD IS MINE!!!” he roared threateningly.

“Ganog/Enough!!” a new voice called over the shouting. Spike's head snapped to the direction of the new voice. It belonged to the Solar Monarch herself, Celestia. Her eyes were commanding and hardened. Her voice now using the royal whine to assert her authority. “ Stiildus hinmaar goraan dovah.Wah stig nu fund drun hin siifur dinok/Calm yourself young dragon. To act now would bring your own death,” she called to him. Spike's eyes remained glued on the Princess.

“She is correct goraan,” another voice called. Spike recognized the voice immediately as the elder dragon. “You are being fooled once more. Remember your Zov, your spark. It can reach great distances. And see what your mind can not,” the dragon called within his mind. Spike's eyes grew less feral. His body starting to relax. A rush of pain shot through him, blinding pain that he could not readily take. His consciousness faded to black. Hearing only his name be called as his senses failed him.

Ba-bumb.....ba-bumb.....ba-bumb

What? What is that? Spike thought. His world was black once more. I guess it's my heart. Makes sense I could feel it, he thought to himself. The steady thumping started to grow louder and louder. Wait...this isn't my heart...its...Zov, he said steadily opening his mind's eye. He could feel and see the waves of the planet's heart flow steadily. It was calming to say the least. He felt his and body calm greatly as he payed attention to the cascading waves of natural energy. He looked around. Seeing everything that there was to see within this realm of existence.

Wait...I can sense everything in the world like this, right? He asked himself curiously. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Releasing the breath he began to focus. The energy waves sweeping over him as he concentrated. A single name replaying over and over in his mind. Rainbow Dash. Find Rainbow Dash, he called in a mantra like state. The waves of energy ceased momentarily, replaced with the sound of beating wings. The beating grew faster and faster as if panicked. His brows frowned as he started to “see” what was going on. He saw one of his best friends and flight couch flying for her life. Her eyes bugged out as she tore through the sky, doing every maneuver in her tricktionary to evade the shadow doppelganger, the shadow matching her move for move.

“Gotta do something! Something something something, wait that's it!” she shouted. She reached a hoof around and dug into her flank pocket and tossed one of the pocket thunder clouds ahead of her. She smirked looking back and swooped over it quickly. As her body was about to pass over it, her torso lurched forward in a quick spin. Her extended back hoof bucking the cloud with an ax kick, shooting a bolt of lightning at her attacker. The bolt hit hard and the shadow dissipated almost immediately. Rainbow smiled and changed course for her original destination. Her flight quickly halted when she saw several more shadow mares shoot up from the ground.

“OH COME ON!!!” Rainbow shouted. She gritted her teeth and shot into the air, The shadow mares quickly ascending after her. The cyan speedster looked back at her pursuers and glared. “That's it! You want it? Then let's do it!” she shouted. Her wings snapped to her side, her hooves shot into her flank pockets as she began to drop. The shadows were now about 100 feet and climbing fast. Her hooves flung out of her pockets, a swarm of pocket thunderclouds accompanying the release of her hooves. The shadows past her and flew into the small clouds. Rainbow's wings flew open and halted her decent. With one swoop she flew after the shadows. The shadows barely had the time to react as she was now no less then a few feet away. Dash curled up, propelling herself into the nearest shadow, kicking off the cloud that was still on its chest. The cloud erupted with lightning, obliterating the shadow in a heartbeat. With the momentum from her kick off, she smashed her front hoof into the next cloud, resulting in another destruction of a shadow. The last had seen the first two and threw the cloud to the side. It flew towards Rainbow, fangs bared, but Rainbow had other plans. Her hoof dug into the pocket quickly and came out with a pellet. Throwing it just in front of her as the shadow was about to make contact, the pellet exploded into a very thin gray cloud and surrounded the two. The shadow stopped feeling no pony beneath its hooves. The air around it started to circle fast and violently, causing it to get swept up in the cloud. Outside the veil of fog, Rainbow continued to increase the speed of her flight, making the tornado encasing the shadow spin faster and faster. Once it was at the desired speed, Rainbow flew after the thundercloud, scooped it up, and flew to the top of the tornado. She threw it up over the rim of the tornado, she twisted her body flying after it, slamming her back hoof on the cloud hard. The resulting bolt shot into the tornado, hitting the shadow and causing the tornado to explode in a flash of lightning and a clap of thunder.

“That will learn ya!!” she shouted triumphantly. She looked to the empire again and took off at top speed. She pressed on hard, her wings now starting to burn from the stress of the fight. Her eyes remained narrowed into a glare in concentration. As she neared she felt that creeping feeling approach again. She looked back to see a wave of dark magic start seeping into the sky from the ground below, an evil bellowing accompanying the it as it started to form a massive wave. Rainbow's eyes widened in terror as she flew skyward. The wave, now a massive blob shot into the air after her, nipping at her hooves, threatening to swallow her whole. She gritted her teeth and tried manuvers once more. The blob of dark matter following just as quickly. The mass grew tired of her constant movements and shot several dozen small tendrals after her. Each rocketing after her with great percision and aim. One of which nicked her wing.

“Gahh!” she shouted in pain. Her wing started spazzing out, tired and bruised now. She looked back at the blob glaring at it. She flapped hard trying to shake off the pain. “Come on Rainbow! Come on!!” she shouted fighting through the pain. She looked forward to see another blob in front of her. She rolled to the side avoiding it by just a few feathers. She panted and forced herself to fly faster. She needed to get the empire now. She felt the pressure start to build around her again. She gritted hard and shot through the sound barrier. The blast dissipating the dark blobs momentarily with her Sonic Rainboom. She flew hard to the empire.

Along the Empire's outer perimeter a guard trotted slowly and lazily along the border. He yawned rather loudly and scratched the back of his neck.

“Yup, another boring day indeed,” he said looking out over the snow covered land. His lazy glance turned to a look of horror and panic. A sea of dark magic was washing over the landscape at an alarming rate. He reacted as one could expect. He turned back and began sprinting as fast as his hooves could carry. “ACTIVATE THE HEART!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!” he screamed at the top of his longs. Every pony in the area heard his call and made a mad dash for the crystal heart. Once enough had gathered, they began to focus their love into the heart, causing it to rotate in its resting place and stir with magic and begin to glow. The glowing grew more radiant with more love poured into it. Eventually shooting a massive coloum of light into the sky. Like a gyser, the light rained down over the city in an all purpose shield to keep anything and everything out. Rainbow saw the shield begin to form. Her eyes narrowing to a glare as the burning in her wings grew more intense.

“I'm not gonna make it!” she shouted trying desperately to fly faster. Like another bolt of lightning slapping her in the face, she remembered her last tool. She unlatched her right forehoof pocket and pulled the vile of flight stimulator from it. She inhaled sharply and downed it in a single gulp. Her eyes widened as it coursed through her body aat what felt like a god like speed. Her body shoot forward at a damn near blinding speed. A second shock wave exploding behind her as her speed once again doubled, propelling her just past the barrier as it landed on the ground. Stopping the encroaching dark blob from entering the empire. The rainbow maned flyer sped out of control until she hit the ground and skidded to a halt, her wings burning from exhaustion. Several guards had seen her crash into the city and had approached her.

“We need a medical unit now!” the lead guard shouted. Before anypony could lift her, Rainbow dragged herself to her hooves and saluted on the verge of collaps.

“Senior Wonderbolt Cadet: Rainbow Dash reporting from the Wonderbolt's academy. I have an urgent deliverly to the rulers of the Crystal Empire from the Royal Pony Sisters in Canterlot,” she said lowering her hoof. With what strength she had left, she reached into her flank pocket one last time and pulled the wooden case from it, handing it to the guard, and then collapsing, tired and worn out. The guard looked at the case and then back at Rainbow.

“Contact Princess Cadenza and Prince Shining Armor and get a stretcher. Get this pegasus to the infirmary,” he commanded. The other guards looked at each other trying to piece together what had happened with the black blob. The leader snapped his head back at the others and roared his orders. “What are you waiting for!? An engraved invitation form Celestia herself!!? Move your asses!!!” he barked.

Author's Note

chapter 6 rewrite is now live. thanks for captain nana for helping with the editing. chapter 7 may take a bit because im going to try more planning for each chapter. so please just stay with it