Dust Bowl Dance

Chapters

Changes
Sort of Order
Can You Live
Traitorous King
Aftermath and Reunions

Changes

He stood on the hill and surveyed the town in front of him, nostalgia hitting him hard. A soft smile reached his scaly lips as he shuffled his pack higher on his shoulder. He missed this quiet town.

He walked through the town, glancing around at the familiar sights. Something disturbed him though, the town was in need of a good fix up, and it seemed devoid of life. He pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind as his destination came into view, Golden Oaks Library.

The library was an old hollowed out tree with just a few meager rooms for living. Not quite the castle most princesses lived in. She would probably beat him once she saw him, but it would be worth it to see her again.

He stopped short as he noticed the door hanging on only by one hinge and books scattered all over the floor. Now he knew something was wrong.

He felt a hoof press into his leg. "Excuse me two legger. I hate to bother you but could you spare a few bits for a poor pony?"

He glanced down at the poor excuse of a pony in front of him. He was starved for sure, every bone showed through his taunt skin, hair falling out from malnutrition. He had seen this before, if he ate too much he would die, if he didn't eat soon, he wouldn't last more than hours. He pulled out some bread from his pack and lowered the hood to his cloak.

The ponies eyes nearly came out of their sockets when he saw what manner of creature stood before him. "Drakos invasion!"

He put his hand on the ponies shoulder. "It's ok, it's me Spike."

The pony calmed down and gasped. "It is you! You have been gone quite a long time my boy!" He ate the offered bread with vigor.

A chuckle escaped Spike's lips. "And in that time it seems your first name fits you better than your last Filthy Rich. Not too fast, ok." He pulled out some more bread and a canteen of water for the starved pony. "What happened here?"

Filthy stopped his attack on the sustenance before him. "A terrible ordeal, and I fear that it is the fault of my family. No, it is our fault and I am terribly sorry my friend."

With a shake of his head, Spike knelt down and looked into the pony's eyes. "If my time away has taught me anything, it's that family does not condemn you, only you can do that."

Filthy shook his head and stood. "You are right but I still feel responsible. Come, we will talk as I walk you out of town."

Spike smiled sadly. "I will decide on that last bit."

They walked in silence for a moment, as Filthy tried to gather his wits to begin his tale. "When I was young, my grandpa died, leaving his estate to my father and his older brother. My uncle was a very bad man, he had his hoof in drug dealings, gambling legal or not, and prostitution, the little market it had anyway. He was a thug in every sense of the word, you did not pay your debts, you did not walk home on four hooves. You crossed him, well they did not always find the bodies. His name was aptly named Bloody Rich.

"My father was not the brightest of ponies but he knew something was wrong, and with my business coaching, we were able to corner and takeover all his legitimate business. My future wife at the time had a cousin on the C.P.D. who I was more than happy to help bring my corrupt uncle to justice. After all of that life went on, and when my father past, I inherited the Rich estate."

He paused and began to cry. "He managed to get out of jail not too long ago and came here seeking revenge against me."

Spike scratched his head. "But you are still alive, barely, and what does this have to do with Ponyville?"

Filthy stared intently at the rocks at his hooves. "Bloody is a smart pony, scum but still smart. He produced deeds and papers claiming him as legal owner of the lands and my stores. Only a few business and homes were not under his now legal ownership. Rent was demanded and those who were unlucky enough to not be under new management, were bullied into leaving. Ponyville is only kept alive so that Bloody has a base to conduct his new under world."

"What of you and your daughter? How did you end up like this?"

"Any pony caught helping me gets a beating, I scape by on the mercy of strangers, the few who get through his blockade. He has cut off all incoming and outgoing traffic to the town, and as for my daughter, well she was spared my fate and allowed to live but as his personal servant. Come, I will show you out of the town, maybe the princess could help us."

Spike shook his head, he blamed himself for everything over the past couple of years, adding the desolation of his home was now added. "The war is a top priority, where are the Elements at?"

"The Apples were the first to be kicked out, thugs were tearing up their carts and trees, constantly contaminating their stall. With Macintosh gone, they could not last. They left for Canterlot and I know not what happened after all that. Twilight was away and has not been seen since. Fluttershy was bullied constantly until Pinkie Pie forced her to leave with her and the Cakes." Filthy paused, anger and sorrow filling his mind.

"What about Rainbow? Is Rarity alright?"

"Rainbow Dash lives on the outskirts of town and comes in every now and then to cause a riot or some sort of trouble, trying her best to free the town. Rarity was not so lucky. Her business and home was taken, her family was stuck so she moved in with them to try and help. Her father has caused quite a stir, and my uncle aims at him pretty hard to make him an example."

Spike raised his hand. "You hear somethin?" Looking around, he spotted a crowd gathering at the town center.

"Please do not get involved, it will end badly for you my friend. I do not wish to bring my punishment on any more innocents."

Sorrow filled Spike's eyes. "I haven't been innocent in a long time. Take it slowly on the bread, it will kill you if you eat too fast." With that, he raised his hood back up and went to investigate what was going on.

He walked through the crowd to get a better view of what was the commotion, and what he saw angered him to the point fire coming out with every breath. There stood four ponies, kicking the curled form of Rarity's father. Two more stood to the side holding her and her mother back as they screamed out for her beaten father. "What was that old man?"

He laid in a ball on the ground but his voice was defiant. "We gotta fight back and send Bloody and his men packin, dontcha see what they've done already! I say no more, get out hooligans!" The four stallions picked up the ferocity in their kicks, that is until a heavy duffle bag landed on the head of one of them.

Everypony stopped to stare at the strange cloaked figure that assaulted the thug. Spike lowered his hood and growled. "This town and it's inhabitants are under my protection. Harm any of them and I will rip your throats out." Everypony stood and stared on in fear, everypony except one white coated mare.

A whisper escaped her beautiful lips. "Spike."

A soft clapping was heard and everyone turned to an old grey pony. He had a black mane and a stack of bits as his mark. "Impressive display and threat young drakos, the question is can you keep it." Dozens of stallions surrounded him and two large griffins stood on either side of him. "Your race is strong, but can you take on all of us?"

Spike shot out a burst of flame. "Easily."

Before he could attack, a white pony stood before him. "Please mister Rich, allow me to speak with our new guest and send him away. We want no trouble sir."

Bloody smiled. "If you fail, your family will pay. While you are at it, learn to control your father's loose tongue before I take it." With that said, he walked away, followed by his men. Soon the rest of the ponies left, giving one last look at the scene.

Filthy walked up next to Spike now on all fours as they lifted the injured pony onto Spike's back. With a sorry to Rarity's father, he left again to beg for bits and food. Spike turned to meet the angry face of Rarity. With a huff he spoke. "I have some explaining to do, but first let's get your dad home."

With a huff she tossed her mane back and held her head high. "Fine, follow me. Oh, and if I am displeased with any part of your explanation, I will kick your front teeth out." With her peace said for the moment, she trotted off with him smiling and following behind. Almost like the old days, almost.

They managed to get the stallion in his bed while he whined on about how he was fine and how he needed a good pair of boxing shoes to wipe the floor with those hooligans. Spike laughed with him, trying to give pointers, while Rarity stared disapprovingly at both of them. When everything was situated, Spike turned to leave but stopped as he felt a hoof on his back. "Hold on a moment dragon boy."

Spike sighed. "I'm not a dragon, I'm a drakos." He turned to face Rarity's father.

"Don't matta to me none. Give us a moment girls." Rarity gave a pleading look to Spike before leaving after her mother. He could hear soft sobbing through the door as soon as it closed. "Oh man I hurt so bad, I got a few pills in the bottom of tha dressa. Can you get em for me?"

Spike dug through the dresser till he came across the bottle and gave them to the aching pony. "Be careful with those, I knew a pony who got hooked on those. Didn't end well for her."

He lift the bottle to his eyes, a glare on his face. "Hate em, but they keep me alive for now. Gotta be strong for my family ya know. Now," He turned to Spike. "I want ya ta know my daughta cried for months when ya first left. Ya not plannin ta hurt her again are ya?"

Spike hung his head. "No sir. I never actually wanted to hurt her the first time. I just had to do something very important."

"I know what you were doin, the question is will ya tell her? She needs ta know just who her Spiky Wiky is." He grinned at the now blushing drakos.

"She still calls me that?"

"Only in her sleep. When she's awake, she tries not to think about ya, hurts too much."

"I'm sorry sir."

"Tell her."

"Um, how do you know what I was doing?"

The white pony grinned sadly at the young drakos. "Stories do reach this little town, and I take a personal intrist in all things involvin my girls. I didn't know nothin about sowin, now I can make shirts, just not as good as my little filly. And you can forget about me singin but I know all about sheet music." He laughed loudly, and Spike could almost hear the love in his voice. "I got the best family evah." His eyes turned serious and he looked down at his hooves. "I need ya ta promise me somthin kid."

"Anything sir."

"Watch over my family. I'm not gonna last much longa if Bloody gets his way. Even if I live through all this, my body won't be the same. So look after them, you've been a great friend to my daughters and I thank you for that."

Spike looked at the stallion with sorrow. "I've only wished for the best for your family, but I don't think that's me anymore."

He slammed his hoof into Spike's side. "That kinda self pity ain't good for ya. I'll tell ya a secret. She thinks so, why don't you. I can already tell you gonna do it. Take care a my girls ok. Go on, I need a rest. Plus you owe my angel an explanation." He waved Spike out the door with a smile on. Spike tried to smile back but it was weak. He did manage to wear it till he was out of sight of Rarity's mom just outside of the door. After that, a troubled look crossed his face.

Rarity sat on the steps in front of her parents home. She missed her own home, but a part of her was glad to be back in her old home. She smiled as stared at the old swing set her dad use to push her on. At that moment, she wanted those old days back.

Spike walked out of the door and smiled as he saw the mare of his dreams. He sat next to Rarity and nudged her hoof. "Will the madame allow this peasant to be seated next to her?"

She turned to him, her smile replaced by wet eyes and a trembling lip. "Does any part of this situation amuse you? I can tell you, I am sad, angry, confused, and definitely not amused."

Spike rubbed a claw across his face. "No, but sometimes we all need to escape our sorrows."

"So what sorrow made you leave all of the ponies that loved you?"

"Sorry, if I can, that secret will follow me to the grave."

Rarity dropped her head down. "Ah, I see. Sorry if it was my fault in any way."

Spike gargled and Rarity thought he might be growling until she noticed he was trying not to laugh. "Rarity, you could beat me blue and tell me you hate me, and all I would want is to make you happy."

"Do not say such things. We all would have done anything to have kept you here."

Sorrow, a familiar friend, crossed Spike's face. "That's why none of you could know anything. You could have just told me no and I would have stayed. I needed to do this, still do."

"Then why come back after three years, why no letters? What took so long that you are still not done, will you leave again? Will you every come back to stay? We missed you so much, I can not speak for the rest of us but I missed you every day. Every day I hoped to see you come walking back into our lives, but you never did. Now that you are here, I do not know what to think. I am mad you left, sad we missed all those days that could have been, happy you are back, I do not know."

He put a claw on her back hoof and smiled sadly. "I'm deeply sorry to have caused you so much pain. I came back to see you and tell you, once all of this is over, I'll never leave again. Unfortunately I still have work, and if Big Macintosh hadn't made me take a break, I would still be out there."

"Why did you bring him and not us?"

"I needed help, help he had and I could never ask of any of you. It's too dangerous and if anything happened to you, I would have just died."

Silence passed between the two of them for a moment. It was a comforting silence as their old friendship began to bloom again. Rarity looked over at Spike, a small smile on her lips. Something had been burning on her mind and just had to come out. "You have grown dear. You have not let your greed get the better of you, have you?"

Spike chuckled. "In a way, but not really." He scratched the back of his neck and smiled awkwardly. "The whole thing works on getting bigger to protect what's yours. One day I just realized what was mine, and that it was worth protecting. I woke up the next morning this size, kinda like not having to look up at everypony." He was a little shorter but longer than Big Macintosh on all fours. On two legs, he felt like a giant. "You on the other hand look just as beautiful as the day I left.

Rolling her eyes, she huffed at him. "You flatter, but there is absolutely no reason to lie to me. My mane is frizzy, my coat is dirty and matted, and do not mention how my mane does not curl or how I have not worn make up in ages!" Spike flat out laughed at her rant, causing her to glare at him. "I do not find that funny."

Settling down, Spike smiled warmly at her. "I just missed your over dramatic rants. It's natural beauty silly girl. All that other stuff is simply decorations on a masterpiece. I could shave your mane off and you would still be gorgeous. Inside and out.".

She stared wide eyed at him. "You would not dare little Spikey. I would bring a world of pain upon you silly dragon." She was smiling and soon was giggling.

Kicking his side, she glanced over at her friend. "You do not hold your tongue like you use to. Not that you had any problems speaking your mind, but you had a problem, ahem, correcting your ramifications. I much prefer this new you, you always knew what to say."

The smile he wore could not have been more depressing if he tried. "I had great verbal sparing partners. Hoity Toity is quite the philosopher. He taught me about mental imagery and how it can affect our perception of the world. Good example, dragons are scary, but drakos are evil. Don't forget, I'm an evil drakos, not a scary dragon."

She sighed as she stood. "You were never evil to us, nor will you ever be. Come on, I will walk you out of town."

"I'm not leaving."

She spun on him, a slight glare in her eyes. "Yes you are Spike. There is nothing for you to do here. Do not try to be a hero, I do not want more of the ponies, or drakos, I care for hurt." Her head dropped and tears began to fall down her cheeks.

Powerful arms wrapped around her and gently pressed her face into a solid chest. "Don't worry about me, I can take care of these guys no prob. I care more about taking care of my family." He raised her chin up till she was looking him in the eyes. It was then she noticed the claw marks on his cheek. "I think it's high time Ponyville had a defender. Macintosh is on his way, after he gets his family to come back with him. Him and me, we'll have these guys running scared, wishing they never knew the town Ponyville. Come on, let's go inside." Spike led her inside the house but stopped and gave the town one last look. "For your sake and mine, I hope you leave Bloody."

Author's Note

Trying out a new writing style and thinking of a story I'm writing and just thought, this would be awesome pony style. Plus it fits with some other pony story ideas I had. It is different than my original story so, I don't know if that can count as plagiarism. Any who, enjoy the story and criticize away.

Sort of Order

It had been a few days since Spike had come back to town. He had managed to quell a few incidents and Bloody's men had quieted down considerably. The denizens of Ponyville had lost all fear of Spike, most still remembered when he was little. Slowly they were also losing fear in Bloody. All of the good the town has been doing mixed with the wonderful sunshine made it such a good day.

Spike was escorting Rarity into town for food and supplies. They were laughing and joking, having just a good time, when they heard fighting.

He put a claw on Rarity's shoulder. "Stay close but away from the fight." With that said, Spike sprinted away on all fours. Four of Bloody's thugs had backed a young pegasus mare into a wall. The light blue coated mare was an old friend, and Spike's rage built at the sight. "Get away from her!" He slammed into the first with his shoulder. His tail lashed out and wrapped around the second's neck, before flinging him at the third. Seeing her chance, as the last was distracted by the sudden sight of the drakos, she tackled him to the ground before slamming her hooves into his head.

With the thugs running while dragging away their companion, Spike turned to Rainbow Dash before finding a hoof slammed into his jaw. "Ow. What was that for?" He rubbed his jaw as he glared at the now crying mare.

She jammed her hoof in his face, letting all her rage out on her old friend. "What was that for! Let me guess. Was it the three years of worry? How about abandoning your friends? Oh, oh, I think I know, is it because you didn't even write to us? You left, no goodbye, no letter saying 'hey guys I'm alive', no nothin. Now get away from me before I get mad." She turned around so fast, her tail slapped him across the face.

Grinning like a mad man, Spike pounced on her. He tickled her until she wad roaring with laughter, than he tickled harder. She finally managed to push him off and stand back up. "I missed you too Dash."

"Well I have never seen such a more undignified display in public. Shame on you two."

The two turned around to find Rarity looking on with disapproval. Rainbow Dash nudged Spike. "I'm sure our scaly friend wouldn't mind being undignified with you as well. What do ya say big guy, on three?"

Rarity just rolled her eyes. "Do it and you will make me angry. Our precious little Spike would not like that, would he?" She glared playfully at Spike as she hugged Rainbow Dash. "I am just glad that we do not have to bandage you up today dear. Maybe we can even enjoy a quick lunch together."

She shook her head. "Nah, too much to do. Plus I'm still mad at scaly over here." She turned to Spike, a glare in her eyes. "You're not off the hook yet fire boy. But I did miss you and still wanna be friends." With that said, she took off.

Spike smiled as Rainbow Dash vanished from view. "Same old Dash. I missed you guys so much."

Rarity placed a hoof on his side, sorrow in her eyes. "Than why did you leave us?"

A small bit of anger, and large amount depression, entered his eyes. "Nothing you can say or do will get me to tell. You're better not knowing." Spike walked slowly away from her. The sky still shone, all of the other ponies were still happier, but for Rarity, the world seemed a little grey.

Bloody sat at the end of his large dining table. The table was covered with bowls and plates filled with food of all kinds, most untouched. He sat there nibbling on a carrot when the two griffin bodyguards came in.

One of them was big and burly with a mean look about him. The other was more interesting. His feathers had a red tint to them instead of his brothers brown. He was smaller but his muscles were harder. Unlike his larger but younger brother, who had quite a lot of small scares, he had no blemish on his body save one scar that ran from his shoulder to his hip.

The bigger one, Zeem, saluted. "Sir. We have your report from about."

Skrilla, the older and smaller one, slapped his brother's hand down. "He's a client, not a superior officer. Be respectful but remembered to treat him like an equal. Clientele that feel superior tend to mistreat and back stab." He raised a folder in his hand. "We've got your reports. I've taken the liberty to highlight the sections where my men were used and figured out an appropriate sum for our services."

Bloody motioned for one of the servant ponies at the table. "Dispose of the rest. Do not let those begging scum get a hold of it. I would not like to get rid of another servant for inviting more trash near my new home." As the servant fearfully cleared away the table, Bloody turned to the two griffins. "Leave the reports on my desk. As for your pay, that is for me to decide."

Skrilla growled. "Yes, and it's my decision on wether or not to pull my men out and let you rot. All you have are a bunch of thugs who couldn't even kill a puppy. I provide the soldiers that allow you to be in charge."

Bloody snarled. "You mercenaries are all the same, pay me, pay me. If you do not do a satisfactory job, no pay. I decide what is satisfactory."

"And I decide wether or not to kill you. We can work together, or make new enemies. We don't need this job, we have customers in the drakos nobility. This job is just safer for my new recruits."

"Fine, but do not think for a moment that this is over."

"Before you leave, what about the drakos here in town. He means business and I don't think we have the ponies or the equipment to take him on. Plus the ponies in town trust him and soon I think they will riot. I believe-"

Bloody slammed his hooves down on the table, scarring the servants. "I am not worried about one simple dragon wanna be! As for the ponies, well." He wore an evil smile. "I think it ir about time they knew just what I will do to disobedience, crush it."

"But sir, I can tell he is a soldier and the Traitorous King is the only pony loving drakos warrior. If that is him, we need a lot more than we have just to scratch him. Maybe a more docile approach to the town would be appropriate?"

"My dear Skrilla, I did not know you believed such fairytales. Sure he is real, but not to the extent they make him out to be." He waved of the mercenaries worries.

"But-"

"No buts, you work for me. Like you said, you can leave if you are scared. If he bothers you so much, kill him tomorrow at noon. I will be dealing with the ponies then and have no need of you."

Stomping away angrily, Bloody left the room. The griffin brothers stared at each other with different looks.

Zeem grinned mischievously. "He told you, huh."

Skrilla on the other hand looked sad, as if he was just given his death warrant. "After tomorrow, we leave Ponyville, with all of our men. Send out the message, we no longer work for this idiot of a pony."

Zeem was shocked. "We going to work with the drakos? You said that you were never going back to those guys."

Skrilla shook his head sadly. "I'll ask Celestia if maybe she'll take us. If not, than we tell the boys to start pinching bits."

"You would put all of our men out of work because of one drakos scaring you, or is it that Bloody hurt your pride?"

Skrilla shook his head as he started to leave. "One day when you have my experience, you'll understand. It's because this is not our fight and I don't wanna die because of a pony's silly revenge or lack of caution."

After he left the room, his brother snorted. "Easy money, simple work, I don't see the problem. Just because the war scared him doesn't me it scares me." He walked out, with plans of a change in leadership of the Poison Wings mercenaries.

Spike looked lovingly at the rose he held. Memories filled his mind from before his departure from Ponyville. He usually thought of his home at night, nights like this where the stars shone bright and the wind blew softly. The only difference was on this night he sat under, he was happy because he was home. The longing was gone. He still missed his missing friends, and wished for his home to return to its original state, but when Macintosh got there, it would be.

"If I did not know better, I would think you would kiss that flower. Only it would hurt your tough guy exterior, and you would not like that."

Brought out of his thoughts, Spike turned to the beautiful voice. "Why dear Rarity, haven't seen you since we got home. For a second there I thought the water turned back on and you decided that a long bath was necessary."

She sat next to the young drakos. "I wish it had. I dearly need a bath, not to mention you and my father who have the stench of sweat following you. It was amusing for awhile but my nose can only take so much torture."

"Aww, you don't like my smell?" He raised his arm and sniffed himself, cringing. "Actually you may be right. I guess I'll take a dip in the river tomorrow."

She waved a hoof in front of her nose. "Please do, that was horrendous."

They laughed for a while, just happy to be back with old friends. When they settled down, Spike turned to the mare. "How's your dad?"

She sighed heavily. "He is getting better everyday, but now he speaks such nonsense."

"Like?"

"Well, he said that good guys that do bad things for good reasons, and hate themselves tend to laugh and smile. Also that they make good fathers."

Spike seemed to choke on the air in his lungs. "What!?"

Rarity did not notice his reaction as she continued. "Yes, weird that he would say such things. He also said, and I quote. 'Nopony is good enough for my baby. Do not marry anypony, but I would love to walk you down the isle of your wedding.' You have any clue what he means, it just does not make any sense."

He looked over at her beauty as she wrinkled her nose and rubbed her chin. He found the scene both amusing and cute. He was falling for her harder than ever. That was when he started to feel worst. "Why not?"

She looked over at his grinning face. Puzzlement all over hers. "How can I marry anypony if I can not marry anypony?"

He laughed but his heart sank even further at her unknowing stab. "He doesn't have to agree with it, just that he wants to be there."

She shook her head. "He did not sound like that was what he ment. He sounded more like I would never marry anypony, than he would not let me marry anypony."

Spike hung his head. "Maybe he's just loopy from pain."

"Maybe." She stared at her companion, a wishful look in her eyes. "There is a chill in the air. Are you not cold?"

He reached his arm around her and pulled her close. She realized that he was burning hot, and that his warmth was now keeping her quite warm. "Most reptiles with fire of some sort tend to have a heater of sorts on the inside."

She smiled as she leaned into his was scales. "So other drakos and dragons do not mind the winter than."

Anger crossed his face, surprising her. "Nah, just me and dragons. The drakos are land dragons, if you will. I'm special though. My fire is actually magical, not natural like a dragon's. That's why it's green."

Rarity felt herself getting drowsy and shook her head in an attempt to keep awake. "So you are like the drakos version of Twilight? Have you ever tried to learn to do more than burn things and send letters?"

Spike tensed as he thought of it. "Yeah, but sending letters is what we need to leave as all I do with it. Nothing comes out pretty."

She was having more and more trouble keeping her eyes open. "Nonsense, my little Spiky Wikey is smart enough to find some other uses."

Spike looked down at her and realized that she had fallen asleep next to him. He smiled sadly. "Thanks wittle Wawity, but some tools are just for breaking. It's a miracle I even found a good use for it at all." With that he picked her up and brought her inside, but not before yelling out softly. "Night Rainbow Dash." A light blue streak zoomed away from the tree and off into the clouds.

Can You Live

Spike sighed as he stared at his empty plate. His head laid on the table as he glared at the emptiness. "Man I'm hungry." He jerked his head up, panic in his eyes as he gazed at Rarity and her mother. "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude! It just came out and my minds been wondering and I let it slip! The meal was wonderful and delightful and gracious and wonderful! Couldn't ask-"

Rarity's mother raised a hoof as she laughed. "Don't worry bout it dear. We all got the same complaint. Rarity's a good cook an all but we just don't got the money for more. Bloody's been almost as bad on my husband as he is ta his own family. It's our own fault though, everypony else talks riot under their breath. Nope, not my husband. He says he has ta talk loud enough so that maybe they will quit mumblin and do somethin. I agree but I just wish he would calm himself so I don't have ta bandage him back up so much. Rarity here keeps tellin him to be quiet but he just goes on yellin."

Rarity raised an eyebrow at her mother. "Mother, he acts like he is yelling at the postmare for her silly mistakes, not to criminals who have legs the size of my head!" She turned to Spike. "One of those brutes almost pulled a tree out of the ground!"

Spike chuckled. "Almost? So they can't pull it all the way out? Doesn't sound so impressive to me."

"I agree, they ain't so impressive. Can't even keep an old colt like me down!" They all turned to Rarity's father as he limped into the room.

"Dad! Get back into that bed!" Rarity was frantic. She stood up as she slapped her hooves on the table.

Spike smiled as he reached out and touched her shoulder. "Calm down girl. Walking around helps recovery."

She glanced skeptically at him than back at her father. "But-"

Spike raised his hand. "Are for sitting. Your dad's up, meaning he's getting better. Spend some family time together. The Apples are going to be here in two days with Sweetie Bell and with Macintosh's help, Bloody's going to be gone. When that happens, you'll be back in your own home. Use this time for some quiet nonworry filled time." He smiled at her hung head. "Now, I have to go get me a bath. I'll be back before our daily thug crunch around noon." He got up and left, but before he shut the door all of the way, he peeked in at the laughing family, a smile on his lips.

Rarity smiled as she thought about Spike, he gave her a chance to have a good day with her parents, something she had not had in a long time. She smiled as she went from washing dishes to answer the knock at the door. She did not stop smiling until the door flew off the hinges from the kick on the other side.

Spike shook the water off of himself. He was feeling good after his dip in the water. It was had been a long time since he was able to enjoy a good bath. Apparently he would not get to enjoy this one for long. He heard a rustling in the trees. From the sound he knew it was bigger than a pony, griffin maybe. He acted if he didn't notice, element of surprise and all. He figured it was likely one of the two next to Bloody the one time they met, or both.

The one he heard, the larger of the two, jumped from the tree tops with a bat firmly in its claws. Spike got up on his feet, instead of all fours, and side stepped. Inches away from him, the bat jammed into the ground. Spike almost laughed as his fist landed on the roughly on the griffin's neck. He was too wide and left a big gap in his defence, laughable in Spike's opinion.

The second was anything but. If he had not been prepared for the attack, Spike would have gotten more than a scratch on his scales. He turned to face his opponent, and recognized him. "Skrilla, how's it been? See you still have the scar I gave you. Bet the ladies love it too."

Skrilla winced. "So it is you. Well you'll be happy to know, I learned that lesson."

Spike growled. "By oppressing helpless ponies? Sorry bro, no go."

"Bloody's other jobs are what me and my men deal with. This nonsense in town is why we are leaving his employment. Innocent ponies are going to get hurt and it's going to be his own fault. We're warriors, not killers."

"Is there a difference?"

"Standards."

Spike kicked the unconscious griffin next to him. "Who's this guy?"

"My brother Zeem. He's young and inexperienced. Bloody's jobs are relatively simple for us. We fight the competition, so what better way to get real work experience than to fight dumb thugs."

"Well there's the way I learned but that's incredibly dangerous. Don't want little birdy bro to die, right?"

"Yes. Oh, Bloody said we were ment to distract you, so something is probably going on in the town. I would head back. He's lost his mind over his revenge against a town that did nothing to him."

"The town is built around his family's legacy. He probably thinks it's his birth right or somthin." Spike dropped to all fours and began to run towards the town. "Don't forget this time, clientele with morals you like."

Spike ran hard, knowing that whatever was going down, could not be good. He stopped when he heard his name being screamed out. Not far ahead of him was Rainbow Dash speeding up toward him. "Dash! Right here!"

She practically crashed into the ground I front of him. "Bloody has Rarity's dad! There's talk of an execution!"

Spike paled in fear but was quickly over come with anger. "Not if I have any say. Try and stall them, you're faster and can get there first. Hurry!" She was gone before he even finished speaking, but so was he.

Rarity was frightened. She laid on the ground while some brute kept his hoof on her head. Her mother was in the same position as her. What scared her even more was not that the crowd had been cleared away, leaving them in a ring of ponies, or even that all of these ruffians had weapons. What scared her was two of them held her father down as a third held a knife to his throat.

Bloody stood off to the side of the group. He was glaring at the crowd. "I have suffered through this insolence long enough! No longer will you pathetic lot speak of rebellion against me! I am the law in this town for now on! No longer will I stand for back talk or even talk about back talk. You are insignificant peons. I am the ultimate authority here. This peon here dared to question my superiority and spoke of revolt. Watch his fate and know what happens to rebels." He nodded to the pony with the knife, who advanced on the helpless stallion.

He pulled his head back, knife poised in his teeth. He did not get any farther. As soon as he went to strike, he went flying and Rainbow Dash stood in his place before flying up higher. "Nopony dies today. Spike's on his way." She turned towards Bloody, rage in her eyes. "You're on his list bucko."

Nopony saw him, but they all heard his advancing rage. Spike was angry and the resounding roar told all around that very fact.

Rainbow Dash attacked the thugs with reckless vigor. When she was freed, Rarity joined in the violence, and by the noise she heard, so did everypony else.

Another roar and cheers erupted from the crowd. They were winning! She was going to save her dad! The town was listening to what her dad had been saying and fighting back. Maybe it was Spike, who in a few short days back, almost rid the town of Bloody and his men. Whatever the reason, they were winning. Hope filled her veins as another roar erupted, closer still. Her father would be safe, her sister and Applejack would be back! Spike was back so Twilight would come home soon! Pinkie Pie would bring back Fluttershy! Spike had come home and everything would be good again, maybe even better!

Than she heard the scream.

Everything stopped as she turned around and saw the knife in Bloody's mouth. It was hidden by her father's neck, and what was all of that red liquid staining her father's coat? The reality of the situation hit her as Spike jumped over the crowd in to the center.

Spike caught the disheveled mare as she fell. He held her close as she sobbed into his scales. His eyes weren't on the mare, they were on the hideous thing before him, the thing that dared touch his perfect town.

Rainbow Dash landed next to them and he handed over Rarity to her. A sad, but grateful smile on his lips. The crushed girl taken care of for now, he turned toward the one responsible. His voice was low and calm as spoke to the smug pony. "I warned you and I warned you. I gave you plenty of chances to leave. Told every thug I beat to say the same thing, get out before I get pissed. Now I am. You have one day to get as many ponies as you can. Tomorrow, at noon, in this spot, I'll kill you and everypony that stands with you. I give you this day as a sign that I am not a monster like you and your kind. After tomorrow though, they will think that I am one. If you run, I will have the advantage, less men to protect you and more to help me, and as my fury grows, so too will the pain in your death." A plume of smoke escaped his maw. Visions of monsters and demons that even Tartarus would find revolting appeared. Spike's scales darkened and his spines greyed. "Trust me when I say, come tomorrow, you want the quickest death possible." His scales returned normal as he picked up Rarity and turned to leave. "I'll be back for him so leave quickly."

For a moment Bloody was scared, but it vanished as his ego returned. He had twenty ponies in town, and with an extra day, he would have triple that. The drakos was an idiot. They had no need for the body, so might as well give it to the soon to be dead drakos. Too bad that afterwards, he would have to kill the pretty mare with him. Such a shame to dispose of such beauty.

He left confident and sure that he would be victories.

Skrilla stormed into Bloody's office. "What is the meaning of this!?" He held up the letter sent to all of his men. His brother and Bloody just sat there amused. "To all Poison Wings mercenaries. I Bloody and second leader Zeem have decide to split from Skrilla's band. For all that wish to join with us, there will be a significant increase in pay as well as constant work. Come to Ponyville if you wish to accept, there is a nuisance we must remedy." He slammed the letter into Bloody's desk. "Are you stupid Zeem!? Bloody, you're as good as dead! Don't even think different! I warned you so lie in the bed you've made! Plus, none of my soldiers would even think of leaving me!"

Zeem and Bloody shared a smile. Zeem turned towards his brother, smiling as he sipped on some red wine. "Thirty three so far. That leaves you with only twelve. The same twelve you had to start over with after your failed attempt in the war. Oh, and yes, we made sure they got your letter. The one about losing their jobs and fearing one enemy while we have a small force. They know how weak you are now! It is my turn to give orders."

Rage filled Skrilla's eyes, before it dissolved and was replaced with intense sorrow. "Your going to fight the drakos again, aren't you?"

"Yeah, and this time we will be ready. We will have the soldiers armed as such. No more thugs with bats and small knives. We will have swords, lances, bows, armor! He doesn't stand a chance!"

Skrilla hung his head as he left. "I once thought the same way. Then I was knocked down a few pegs. You are going against the Traitorous King, the one who gave me my scar and left me and my troops to rot alone. Me and only twelve others of over one hundred survived. Last chance. Please come with me brother, I don't want you to die."

Zeem laughed. "He had an army with him then! Now he is all alone! Easy if you ask me!"

Skrilla shook his head as he left. "You know the story better than that. I'm gone, find me if you somehow live." With a heavy heart, he looked back one last time at his brother, he knew it would be the last time to see him alive.

Spike closed the bedroom door with a sigh, Rarity's mom finally gone to sleep. She had grabbed onto him and refused to let go when they had gotten back to her house. Rarity on the other hand, was silent as she stared into empty space. Every now and then she would burst into tears and grabbed onto whoever was closest. Rainbow Dash stayed next to her until Spike came back out. He let her go without a word, she needed a cry and needed it alone.

Spike stood next to the absent, cooking Rarity. Spike could tell she was still in shock, it's not every day you experience trauma like that. Tears were falling from her into the cooking pan and fizzled away. It broke his heart. He was suppose to protect the whole town and he couldn't even protect the one he loved most. He placed his hand on the back of her head and pulled her into a hug. She sobbed gently, before her dams gave way. Her body shook from the force of her sobbing.

She calmed down a bit and pushed herself off of him. She hung her head and went back to cooking. Spike grabbed the pot handle, disrupting her magic. "It's ok, you don't need to eat. Wait until breakfast, or even lunch. You'll make yourself sick forcing it down."

She shook her head. Her voice was choked and a little hoarse. "No, it is not for me. You need something to eat. You said you were going to fight all of them, and you need to be fed a good meal. You've taken care of us these past few days, let me take care of you, please."

Spike shook his head. "Don't worry about that. I've survived worst. You need rest."

She pressed her hooves against his chest and laid her head against him. "I could not sleep knowing you were going out there to fight. Knowing you might die. I just got you back, I can not lose you again. Please do not do it. We can survive, go to Canterlot and bring back the police, or the armed guard. We do not have to come back, just run away. I do not like camping, but if it means keeping you alive, I would do it for the rest of my life." Tears were leaking from her eyes, her voice wavered as more emotion poured through. "We can start over somewhere else until this whole mess blows over. Please," Her voice broke and great sobs escaped her throat. "I don't wanna lose anyone else!"

Spike stroked her mane as she spoke. He smiled sadly at her sobbing, shaking form. He loved her dearly, and was tempted to take her offer. He wouldn't though. "What about the rest of your family, your mom and Sweetie Bell? What about the rest of our friends? Macintosh and the rest will be here soon and they should not have to see these monsters. What would happen if they followed us?" With a claw, he raised her head so that he could look into her eyes. "I couldn't stand seeing you giving up so much for deplorable me."

She hugged him tighter. "It is mine to give."

"Not all of it. I would once again be the cause of pain, of those who loss you. This has to end." Her head fell and he caught her cheek. He raised her face again. "Don't worry, I've dealt with worst. I'm more worried about afterwards." He let her go and she hesitantly did the same. He grabbed his bag from by the door and opened the gateway to a life he saw without her. "I need to prepare for tomorrow, so I'll leave your couch open. I'll make sure Rainbow Dash uses it. See you later fair Rarity." That was all, they both knew that they would never get to talk again. No more hope for gem hunts, no more adventures together, no more parties, no more friendly gatherings, just gone.

Rarity broke down and cried. She fell to the floor and sobbed, taking no notice of her friend coming in, or that she had been moved to her bed. She only knew one thing. First it was her father, now it was Spike again, she was losing the ones she loved.

Spike stared into the night sky. The time was set, Dash would make it pour for him, his enemy would be there, he had cut ties that needed cut, he was dressed to kill, he just needed his mask on. So why was he crying as he stared at the stars.

Traitorous King

He stood in the pouring rain, in the spot he had been only a day ago. His tattered brown cloak covered his body, a light chain mail covered him underneath. On the chest of the cloak was an emblem of a black crown, twisted and bent, and the seal of the Equestrian guard. Those where not what all of the ponies noticed though, it was the mask and sword he carried. On his face was the skull of a drakos, the two back facing antlers standing tall in defiance of death. On his hip in plain sight was a monstrous weapon. It was not a real sword, but a machete with a bone handle, the back was jagged. Blood stains were permanently rusting the weapon. Nopony could guess, but Spike spent hours trying to keep is weapon in good condition, but it was a losing battle.

No longer did the ponies of Ponyville cheer or smile at his presence, only gaze in fear at the monster before them. Children were ushered away from his nightmarish appearance, and adults cursed their luck for just catching a glimpse.

When noon arrived, Spike saw Bloody's men. They had appeared at every side, trying to surround him. He smiled under the skull as he noticed a few stationed on the rooftops, trying to hide with their bows armed. Bloody and Zeem stepped in front of their men. "Well well Zeem. It seems our drakos friend was not lying. I figured it was a bluff to try and scare us, but maybe that is what the outfit is for. What did you do, dig up some poor saps grave? What do you plan to accomplish here?"

Spike raised his head and spewed fire into the raining sky. "Any members of the Poison Wing, last chance to leave! Same for any of you who work for this devil! Only he has to die! I will kill those who attack me! I am the Traitorous King, run or die!"

His opponents shifted in fear, and than an arrow was loosened. The rain didn't bother Spike's vision like it did the rest, so he saw it coming. He stepped back and bit the arrow mid shot, not so hard when he had all of the advantages.

That broke the dam. Every archer dropped their bows and ran, they couldn't see and now he was plucking their arrows out of the air. That was about ten of the enamy, the rest charged. Ponies and a few griffin swung swords, jabbed spears. Wether held by magic, claw, or mouth, they charged

The first weapon to reach him was a magic encased spear. Spike grabbed it and blew fire on the magical aura, dissipating it. With the hold on the spear gone, he twirled it around and chunked it back at the unicorn it had belonged to, dead on contact. A sword swung at his head, lean forward as tail snapped back and broke the neck. A jab, sidestep with a claw to neck. Another jab, grab the spear, pull than claw to the face.

They all backed up, to regain their position and composure. The machete was in his claw, ready, as a mighty roar came from his maw.

Rarity was devastated. She needed to see Spike but she could not bear to see him leave again, not like this. She knew he would die, just knew it. She could not even get herself out of her bed. Luckily for her, her blue friend did not care.

Rainbow Dash burst through the door. "Get your big flank up prissy!" A sob was her only answer. "Sorry, but you need to get out here. Look, no mater if he wins or loses, he's fighting for you. I know that there maybe the town and the rest of use, but your the driving force behind him. His head cheerleader. He needs you! Plus if anypony can get him to stay, it's you. So even if you don't think he needs you, I need you to go out there and make sure my friend don't leave. Please Rarity!" Another sob. "Fine! But if he dies, wether you're there or not, it's gonna hurt. At least he won't die alone if you're there. And you never know, the sight of you could be that burst of energy that saves him."

After Rainbow left, Rarity sulked for awhile before steal entered her eyes. "He is not going to leave us. Not without me giving him a piece of my mind." She stood, determined to make sure he lived, determined to tell him everything she felt. No more walking on eggshells.

She bolted through the rain, straight into the crowd of spectators, and right up to the front to watch her Spike fight for their town and her friends.

She saw Spike roar and the thugs attack. She saw the massacre before her and her resolve faltered. She saw Spike stab a pony straight through, and another get roasted. It sickened her. Her Spike was no longer a cute chubby assistant, but a cold blooded killer. The skull on his face spoke as much. She now knew where he went and what had happened those three years. Bile came through her throat and now coated the ground. Little Spiky Wiky had left her and all of their friends to go fight in the war, to kill his own kind. He was killing other drakos just to keep ponies everywhere safe, no, her safe. Her and her friends. Spike had claimed them as his, and he was willing to die to protect his hoard.

She stood tall, her resolve back. "Spike, you had better live or I will bring you back just to kill you myself!" Ponies all around her were stunned at the out burst and began cheering him on.

Spike cringed. He knew that Rarity was trying to help, but he also knew it would make what he was about to do all the more sickening. He dodged a sword and sliced the griffin claw clean off.

At this point he had thinned out more than half of his enemies, and the rest were just about to run scared. A burst of flame and the they did run.

Zeem was yelling and screaming at his men. He snapped a sword up off of the ground. "Fine you weaklings! I will deal with him my self." He jumped at Spike who simply side stepped away. Zeem's assault was relentless, but sloppy. Spike would just side step or lean away, he wasn't even trying. Finally after a few minutes, Spike slapped the sword away before slicing his chest. Zeem fell to the ground, the mud and rain mixing with his blood.

Spike nodded up at the clouds and took off the skull. The rain let up a bit, letting eveypony get a better view of just what happened. He turned to Bloody, rage in his eyes as he advanced slowly.

Bloody was scared. He never had fear of this kind. He was rooted into place, trembling. The demonic reptile advanced upon the pony, death was near. He made a dash to escape but the drakos was faster.

Spike grabbed a hold of the pony's mane and yanked him to the ground. He dragged the screaming, crying pony into the center of the street. "Please! Don't do this! I have money! Anything you want is yours! I'll give you my servants! How bout the town!? I'll put the town under protection! I'll put the whole thing in your name! Please don't kill me!" Spike just dragged him in silence.

He stopped, and pulled Bloody up. A sadness was in his eyes as he spoke. "I'm glad you didn't run. Less died, and yours will be relatively painless." He grabbed the pony's neck and squeezed. Lifting the dying pony up as he choked the life away.

Most ponies had turned away, they knew what was coming, but Rarity looked on with horror. She hated Bloody, but this was not even a casualty of war, this was murder. She cried as she realized that Spike had fallen a long way from grace and peace. She cried for his losses. She cried for her friend. She cried for her father. She cried for the dying Bloody. She cried just to cry.

Spike remained stoic as Bloody's face stilled and the life left his eyes. He unceremoniously dropped the corpse and looked to the towns ponies. His eyes wondered over each and every face until he saw her beautiful one. "He was given a second chance and blew it. Now you have no more need to worry about him." He placed his mask inside his cloak and raised his hood. "Maybe one day, you can forget this day and live normally again." He turned and walked away, as far away from the his old home. He had no right to be there anymore, he was a stain on their peaceful lives. He walked away and didn't look back.

Rarity panicked as she saw him pick up his bag and left. He was leaving again. She had to go after him, now legs! She tried to force herself to move, to chase him, but her eyes wondered down to the many corpses on the ground. More bile, more tears. She could not move. Her mind screamed to run after him, but her body would not budge. A scared and crying Rainbow Dash landed next to her, legs wrapping around her neck. "He's a beast. I knew when he came back, he was different, but this is evil. Why, why did he do it?"

Rarity returned the hug, tears slowing, but the sorrow greater. "To save us dear."

Rainbow's head snapped up. "I don't wanna be saved! We could have figured out a way! We always do!"

Her voice was soothing as she did her best to be strong. "Not just now, but in the war. He use to watch us go off and find danger, unable to do much to help. Now he has found away to keep us safe, but it is a horrible way. He thinks we will hate him, reject him, but he pushed through it just to keep us safe. He use to hide to keep safe, now he has to hide so he is not seen. If we hate him, it would kill him. That is why he is leaving again."

Rainbow pushed Rarity away. Anger mixed in her eyes with her sorrow and hate. "Than go after him! You can bring him back! Not just to Ponyville, but back to himself! Back to the baby dragon assistant!"

Rarity shook her head. "He is a drakos, not a dragon. He will never be like he was again." She stood tall and steel entered her eyes. "But he will be our friend, now and forever! I cannot allow him to leave without knowing that!" She sprinted past a surprised Rainbow Dash, who looked a bit happier. She ran through the town until she reached its edge. She could still see the distant figure of her friend.

She reared up and yelled. "Spike!"

He turned at the calling of his name.

"Spike, I still love you! We all will! Come back when you finish! We all will be waiting for you! I will get Pinkie to throw you the biggest return party ever!"

Spike smiled, maybe it could end happily for him. "No promises my fair Rarity." He turned back around and waved to her, hope, something he had not had in a long time, filled his heart. He pulled out a picture from his cloak. It was worn and creased, but it was invaluable. The picture was of him, surrounded by six ponies. A pink pony was flinging confetti with a goofy grin on, a yellow one rubbed her leg as she smiled, an orange one sat proudly with a hoof on his shoulder. A blue pony was leaning on his head, a purple one was hugging him, and a white one laid in front of him. It was the day before he left, he wanted a picture with his girls, and they happily obliged, they didn't need a reason. They just loved him. Quietly he whispered. "I change my mind. I promise, I'll be back!"

Aftermath and Reunions

A day had past and Rainbow Dash was helping to clean up the town. The bodies had been buried, Filthy himself had seen to that. He still blamed himself for bringing Bloody to the town. Diamond Tiara was being helpful too, she looked worn out, and a little wrecked but happy as she worked side by side next to her dad.

Rarity was in her boutique, Rainbow worried about her at first but smiled as she heard her prissy frustrations and joyful cry of inspiration.

The town was mainly just trying to get back to the way it was, not a whole lot of damage, but Rainbow Dash felt she needed to do something, so her, Filthy Rich, and Diamond were were going from place to place to see if they needed some help.

She was eating at a little restaurant, who decided that since she tried to help and was friends with Spike, she got to eat for free. Her thoughts drifted to the drakos. She was scared of him at first, he was a killer and a soldier. She had a chance to think about everything, and what scared her now, was not getting a chance to see her friend again. She looked over at the outskirts of town, down the road he took when he left. That's when she noticed them, the soldiers.

Coming down the street was a small platoon of soldiers, and just about to be in the town was a single pony, a scout in the Equestrian guard. Rainbow zoomed out to him and stood in his way. "Hey dude, what's with the army?"

He gave a quick salute and stood proudly. "Ma'am, have you seen a purple drakos in town. He maybe wearing a cloak so he would just appear as a strange two legger."

She grabbed him by the front of his uniform. "You know Spike!?"

The young stallion broke from her grip. "You know the Captain!?"

They stared at each other till he broke the silence. "Private Sunrise, we received word that Captain Spike was in need of assistance in liberating the town of Ponyville!"

Rainbow Dash sat in the road. She was stunned that a whole platoon was here to save her town. "You just missed him. He left about a day ago, after he, well liberated the town."

The Private rubbed his face. "Captain Apple will be upset with that." He looked at the mare in front of him. He blushed as he extended a hoof. "Sorry about the yelling. I was so exited to be getting to work with both of the legendary Captains. My name is Sunrise, what's yours?"

He was a russet color with a red mane, besides his over eager attitude, he look like a regular earth pony. "Rainbow Dash. Look, I can tell you everything, if you want."

He smiled. "That would be lovely."

Rainbow smiled at everything in front of her. All of her friends were back together, sorta. They stood before the grave of Rarity's dad. Everypony was tearing up except her. Rarity was next to her crying, but she had a smile on as well. "I miss him Rainbow, he was my father after all." They both looked up at the devastated Sweetie Bell, surrounded by her friends and mother. "But he was got what he wanted in the end. We are safe, and all back together. Now nothing will tear us apart!" She nudged her friend. "When Spike gets back, I will never let him leave again."

Dash smiled at the white mare. "How do you plan on doing that?"

Rarity smiled. "My father told me not to marry anypony, that is what I plan to do! Even if I have to fight my friends!" She began to walk back into town. "Come Rainbow Dash, we have to be gracious host and see the soldiers off.

Rainbow Dash scratched her head and followed behind. "Ok, I'm lost. Do what now?" She looked back at the grave and nodded at the old stallion who fought for his town. "Your daughter's a little loopy, but thanks for her." She gave a grin to her other four friends. They were confused at how quickly Rarity seemed to be over her father's death. They didn't know Rainbow Dash had to stay at her house at night, holding her as she cried. The good thing was they were back, and Rarity was getting better. By the time Spike got home, it would be home again. "Hey A.J. we need to go say bye to your brother. Come on."

Applejack nodded as she put her hat back on. "I'll be back y'all." She stepped away as she nodded to eveypony. She caught up to Rainbow Dash and nudged her. "Now what in tarnashions was going on with Rarity?"

Rainbow Dash smiled. "She just doesn't want anypony worried over her. I think she thinks that's what Spike did. Ya know?"

Applejack nodded with understanding. "I understand. But it tain't right. Big Macintosh was tellin me that Spike blames his self for the war. He probly just saw this as his fault too."

"Why would he blame himself for the war?"

"Dunno, maybe cause we're fightin his own kind, the drakos. He's more pony than drakos though. Buncha killers, they are."

Rainbow Dash teared up as she looked down. "I donno A.J., he looked like a drakos yesterday. I'm glad poor Fluttershy didn't see, she would have been scared of him for the rest of her life."

"All I got was a quick run down an I'm happy I didn't see. Did Spike really kill all them ponies?"

"With a cold face."

They walked in silence for a moment before Applejack spoke back up. "He must a been real different than."

Rainbow Dash shrugged. "Not really, a little sadder, a little madder, but the same old Spike until yesterday. When he said he was going to do it, I didn't believe him. I figured it was a bluff, but he kept his word. He killed more than thirty ponies and griffin."

"What about the griffin in the hospital?"

"Oh, that's Zeem, his older brother is the red one around town. Skrilla, the brother, tried warning eveypony. He got that scar from Spike in the war. He's a merc, and he switched sides after he fought Spike. He tried to get out of working for Bloody, but Zeem took over. Skrilla said Spike probably just spared his brother as a warrior's courtesy."

Applejack shook her head. "I find it mighty hard, seein lille old Spike as some warrior."

"He's bigger than us now."

"Well I gotta see that." Applejack hesitated a moment. "Macintosh won't tell me nothin bout how they doin. Did that lille fella, Sunrise, tell ya anything?"

"They're both captains, and legends in the guard. Apparently even the drakos are scared of them. Got the names Traitorous King and Silent Blade. He said he dreams of being on their squad, like it's an elite guard or something."

"They ain't gonna be the same after all this."

"Twilight said her brother got depressed after his first tour in the guard, but got better over time. She said now that he's married, he's only a bit more aggressive to threats."

"Yeah but Twilight don't know about the nightmares. I got up early last time we were at the Crystal Empire and saw Cadence tryin to calm him down. She told me it happens, they sometimes do bad things, and it never goes away."

"Yeah, well they both have all of us to help em out. For now, let's just worry about making sure they know we love em."

They looked up and smiled as Rarity talked Big Macintosh's ear off. He wasn't complaining though, he was smiling as if he knew a big secret. "Oh excuse me darling. I forgot the most important thing. Give him this letter for me, and make sure he writes to us this time. I will not have him disappearing like that again. Both of you need to remember to take the time to bathe every now and again, helps with the stress. Do not forget to make sure he eats those gems I send to him, it will do some good for his complexion. I will send you some apples with them too. Do you like carrots as well? Good, I will send them as well. Make sure he writes to Twilight about his magic as well, he has to have some other use for it, and do not forget he has to tell Pinkie Pie what kind of party he wants. A big ordeal with the whole town or just a few of us. Oh and make-"

Applejack butted in. "Ah think my brother can handle Spike, Rarity. Now let's let him get on his way." She began to push her friend away from the stallion.

Rarity stopped and turned, head low. "One more thing please. Tell him to be careful for me. We still need him, and you too." She backed up, a sad smile on her face. "And we miss him."

Applejack turned to her grinning brother. She lightly hit his shoulder. "Stop that you dog. Don't go getting ideas. Be careful you hound." They hugged and she backed up.

Macintosh nodded to Private Sunrise, who straightened up and shouted out to the platoon. "Attention! Forward March!" The platoon began to march in synch. Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash watched as they disappeared out of sight.

Rarity sighed. "We need to head back, they are probably worried about us."

Rainbow Dash smiled. "Yeah, we'll see em again."

They went back and joined their friends. Things were different now, a little sadder, a little harder, a little more strained, but it would be fine in the end, maybe.