Spike the Dragonby RealityWarperChaptersMeet Spike!Haunted??"Ready to face your fate?"Twilight's NightmareMeet Spike!Spike was annoyed. No, scratch that. He was irritated. The so called 'Grown Up' dragons keep coming to his cave. trying to steal HIS hoard. Technically it was his parents hoard- but he was well inclined to call it his hoard as well. Back to the point though. The dragons had been coming by while his parents were gone, probably thinking along the lines of: "A cave with lots of loot, and only a baby dragon to defend it!? HAH, CHILD'S PLAY! CONSIDER ALL THE LOOT MINES!" After that would probably be an evil laugh. This proved to be their undoing. Of course he hadn't killed them. Just beat them up a little... Okay, some. ... A lot?... Fine, yeah, he beat them into a coma. it wasn't that the Dragon's were weak. Far from, it was that Spike was too strong. You see, Spike wasn't your ordinary Baby Dragon. Due to some unknown 'birth defect', he had tons of physical strength, he could easily lift up something ten times his weight, a good example being where a Dragon was easily towering over a cottage, he treated him like he was nothing and literally threw him out the cave. Oh, that wasn't it, there was more bonus. The defect hadn't just increased his strength, but all of his abilities as well. That included fire. A dragon recently tried using fire breathing against the baby dragon hoping to scare him away. That plan had backfired. Big time. Spike had used his own flames, in hopes of stopping the larger dragons fire. He learned an awesome thing that day... His fire, could burn through ANYTHING. That included dragon scales. Cool huh? And as previously stated, there was NOTHING his fire could not burn. That included the sun. Another one of his 'abilities' was discovered when some of the 'Outsiders' stepped into his cave, they were adventurers by the looks of it, they were covered in armor of types. The flying one was dressed in plate of some sort, the horned one in cloth wearing a strange pointed hat, and the other two looked to be a burly looking plain pony- well, at least ONE of them was burly, the other was female judging by her figure. Another one of the creatures with them appeared to be a...Lion bird. They began looking around the cave... Raven Light was currently puzzled. This labyrinth like cave was filled to the brim with loot.... Yet no dragons. She must have spoke too soon because when she listened she heard padded steps, like a dragon, tensing she silently motioned to her partners to be quiet and they all stared where she pointed her hoof where she heard somepony coming. Clenching her teeth she got into a battle pose ready to take down this dragon like they had done so many others. From that hall where she heard the steps, came a great EVIL- ...Baby Dragon?... She had to stop herself from 'D'awwing'. He looked so precious! She tensed somewhat though when the dragon looked her directly in the eyes, she expected fear from him, and for him to call his parents...She winced as she knew she'd make a baby orphaned, too late to go back now. But instead of reacting in fear...He reacted... differently "You have to be kidding me..." The Baby Dragon groaned behind his face palm. "First Dragons, now we have a bunch of Horses and...Bird Lions invading!? Swell, just swell." He said sarcastically, his half lidded eyes fitting his mood while pointedly ignoring the squawk of protest from said 'Lion Bird'. Raven Light blinked. This was unexpected, both the baby dragon talking AND the fact that other dragons had came to this cave. She frowned and took a step forward. "First off, we're ponies. And he's a gryphon. Second. Where are your parents? If they're not here, why are you? I mean, you ARE a BABY Dragon..." She asked/interrogated him confusedly. The soon to be winged reptilian sighed. "I can take care of myself and trespassers." He rolled his eyes, then narrowed them in suspicion. "And you happen to be trespassing. May I inquire why?" He hissed out threateningly. The unicorn winced at the hiss of the baby dragon, something was wrong about it. Chuckling, she shook her head passing it off as a trick of the mind. "I doubt that, you're a bit too small for self defense." She said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, also ignoring/avoiding his question, which Spike didn't take to kindly to. Spike rolled shoulders. To him it was clear that they were a threat, she was avoiding his question, he'd have to take action then. "You underestimate me 'Pony', don't be fooled by outdoor appearances and silly voices." He cracked his knuckles and grinned. "I happen to have graduated from 'Draconian Barren College', in addition. I got a PHD in ASS KICKING!" With that Spike suddenly disappeared and landed on the Lion Bird's (It sounded better than Gryphon in his opinion) head and put him in a choke hold. "Gotcha!" Spike grinned. The Gryphon.gasped. "Hey! Let go of me Dragon! How did you do that!?" He squawked enraged, it seemed as if he teleported, there was no way that should be possible! Could Dragons use magic!? "Give up, I don't wanna have to hurt you." He warned, then emphasized this by squeezing his arms tighter round the 'Lion Bird's' neck, but leaving enough room to speak. The others were looking around up until that point. The others gasped at the sight and the fighters began to run to the gryphon to help- only to have Raven Light hold her hoof up. If Raven Light was confused earlier, she was downright puzzled now...She wanted nothing more than to rush over and help but... "We don't know what he's capable of, let's wait and see how this goes." The unicorn ~~demanded~~ said seriously, she had never seen him even CHARGE a magic spell if he was even capable of one. This clearly meant he was extremely fast, therefore dangerous she'd need to be cautious and plan her next move carefully. The Pegasus of the group gaped. "But Raven!" She protested. "He could be in some serious trouble- let's just go get that thing off of 'em and give it a good pounding!" She exclaimed heatedly, only to be met by a cold stare from her long time friend and soon hopeful special somepony. She winced. "Okay, sheesh...but if he gets hurt, it's all your fault. She said crossing her forearms and huffing while fluttering off the ground. Raven glanced at the Pegasus off hooftedly, then waved her off. "He's a big colt, he can handle this." She replied without batting an eye. Choking the Lion Bird much harder but still enough to keep him able to talk, he sneered. "Give up. you're only making this harder on yourself!" "NEVER!" He roared defiantly. I sneered myself then started to choke him more and more...I scowled. "Just say it! GIVE UP!" I nearly cut his air supply off. He started gagging. Why I'll normally don't take too much amusement in creatures I hurt, I had to say this one was satisfying due to the sheer stubbornness...or maybe stupidity, probably both though. His eyes started to droop. Just as I was about to assure my victory I saw a light in the corner of my vision. My ~~nonexistent~~ eyebrows shot up, looks like that 'magic' stuff that he learned about awhile back. He snapped his head to attention at where he saw the light. Of course, it was coming from the horned one. He was lit up in a magenta glow (probably the unicorn though.), it looked as if she was putting a tremendous amount of energy on him to blast him away, he tensed and prepared himself to be flung like a rag doll.... Only for it to fail. Miserably Wow, how anticlimactic...You'd think magic users were better. Raven Light gaped, her telekinetic spell didn't work! It ALWAYS worked! It just, went right through him! Like a ghost or something! And he currently looked amused! HOW DID HER MAGIC NOT WORK!? Growling, she ran forward and- Well, that about covers it.... What? You were expecting the whole story? Well, perk up. Maybe another time, right now he was frustrated over the dragons, and trying to figure out a solution. Musing over this for a second, he wondered if he could just learn some magic and just put up a barrier. His ears perked up, the tale-tail sound of flapping Dragon wings in the distance. Spike grinned, it was time for him to get outta here, it was boring. Ever since they had moved into the Everfree Forest it had become a daily thing for them to go places then come back, he was more than capable of handling himself outside the cave walls, and Discord be his witness he was going out today! A roar was heard, that was their greeting, clearly they were tired if they didn't bother actually SAYING anything. Shrugging he decided he was leaving the cave now. "MOM, DAD, I'M GOING OUT- DON'T WAIT UP!" He hollered. He made his way out the cave. Strutting like he owned the place, after all, he felt really good today! You know, considering he hadn't been attacked that day. Not that he couldn't handle them. Twilight was currently hyperventilating and standing outside Everfree forest, Princess Celestia herself had a job for the Element Bearers to complete. Twilight would think of it as a test, not that it really was- she enjoyed challenges AND making her mentor proud! Two task at one time! She was both excited and nervous. Excited at the prospect helping the Princess, nervous at the task that they were presented with... There were apparently more disturbances in the Everfree forest then usual, she had a feeling something life changing would happen in there. Then again they knew almost every creature lurking in there, right? Wrong. The apprehension apparently was very clear on her face besides the hard constant breathing, it was hard to tell what the mare was feeling. "Uh...Twilight?...Ease up on the breathing." Rainbow looked weirded out. "You're going to give US panic attacks." She pointed out. She was right, all her friends were looking at her in concern. Except for Pinkie who was earlier trying to emulate her. "Sorry girls, this is just exciting! Princess Celestia herself has trusted us with a task!" She said excitedly deciding fear could wait. Rainbow rolled her eyes and put her hooves behind her head while floating backwards. "Yeah, we know. We were there too you know." She once again 'helpfully' pointed out. Shaking her head, Twilight decided to focus on the objective. Twilight's once happy face darkened somewhat, something bad was going to happen in there and she knew it, Just not what it was. At the least her pet Owl was with them so they could see in the dark. "Aww, what's the matter Twilight!? Cheer up!" The ever exuberant Pinkie exclaimed. "Don't be a frowny pants!" The pink perky pony said. Twilight smiled. "Yeah, you're right Pinkie, let's go girls! We need to find out what's going on in Everfree and Princess Celestia is counting on us!" She chirped cheerfully. Seeing their friend happy their spirits were lifted and thus went into the dark Everfree forest. Where monsters really DO live. The girls were walking through the forest at a moderate pace, looking for anything that might have been suspicious in the least. Yellow glowing eyes followed their every move, this made them REALLY nervous. After about five minutes of more walking getting across the lake with the assistance of the serpent After after two days of being lost, argument fighting crying and being learning a lesson of friendship, they were still hungry tired and lost, not to mention after it rained they were left sopping wet. They came into a clearing, it was a different way than the first time they entered. It seemed...Empty?... "Hey, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash questioned. "How come that place over there is all gloomy? I mean, Everfree is gloomy and all. But it's more creepy than anything else. That way over there...gives me the chills." She admitted. She was more mellow after all that fighting. Twilight looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure..." She began. "But I have a feeling we don't wanna find out. But we need to check all of Everfree for anything strange. As long as we watch out for the more dangerous animals we should be fine." Twilight said wisely. Fluttershy whimpered slightly. Applejack turned to Twilight. "Twilight, how big IS Everfree exactly?" She questioned curiously. Twilight's eye brows raised. "Nopony knows. But as it's name states, it's an forest not a jungle. Therefore it can't be all the big." She explained. Applejack nodded, satisfied. Just as they were about to walk into the clearing a loud crunch was heard. Everypony jumped at the sound. And looked around for where it might have came from when a voice called from somewhere. "You're wrong ya' know." A coltish child like voice said. The Element Bearers were surprised, what was a foal doing all the way out here? It was dangerous! "Who said that!?" Twilight called out, her voice stern. A chuckle echoed throughout the forest. Twilight's eyes scanned all over the place. "Where are you!?" "Up here." The voice called out almost mockingly, they instantly located where the voice came from. And was surprised If they didn't know any better they'd think that that was- "A Baby Dragon!" Both Fluttershy and Twilight squealed joyously. Said baby dragon was leaning against a tree sitting with a book and apple in hand, looking annoyed trying to read said book. "Ugh, I don't even know why I bothered picking this damn thing up." He said with a scrunched nose. "I don't even read!" He tossed the book over his shoulder- which landed on Twilight's head with audible 'THUMP' followed by an "OW!". Rarity stomped her hoof. "Language! Young dragon!" She said angered. "Oops, my bad." Spike apologized sheepishly. "For the book anyhow." Rarity huffed. Spike then took the rest of the apple and ate it. "Now then, as I was saying. You're wrong about the forest not being bigger-" Spike started, only to be cut off. "Oh my!" The shy Pegasus exclaimed as she rocketed up to Spike, who was confused as he felt no hostile intent from her. Then she craddled him...Like a baby. "Whoa whoa whoa!" Spike exclaimed. "Hooves off sister! And did you just cut me off? I HATE BEING CUT OFF!" Fluttershy was hearing none of it. Too busy saying how cute he was. Twilight looked astonished and then teleported onto the tree that the two were currently on- which now made three. "A Baby Dragon." she muttered interestedly. "Do you live here?" She asked Spike. Who looked rather annoyed, he was being Dragon handled and interrogated, he was supposed to be doing both of those! Well, it looked like it was time for some sarcasm..."None your." He stated. Twilight blinked. None your? "None your?" She inquired, not realizing she was set up. "None your business." He smirked. Twilight groaned. Spike successfully trolling Twilight wrenched himself from Fluttershy's grasp. "Watch your step around here, you're in dragon territory now." He warned. All of their eyes widened, especially Fluttershy's, her lip even quivered. "DRAGON TERRITORY!?" They exclaimed, shocked. Spike merely rolled his eyes. Ponies were so silly, they must loved to be eaten. Then he sniffed the air. "You DO know you have several packs following you, right?" Spike questioned. The girls turned pale. Apparently THOSE were they glowing yellow eyes that were following them. Spike shook his head. "I'm gonna guess not then." Twilight found herself glad the Baby Dragon showed up when he did, otherwise... They would have became food. If they had escaped the wolves, they would have been eaten by the dragons, with the baby dragon here they could say that they were with him, they couldn't do anything anymore, they were tired, hungry, thirsty and lost. There was no way they could have run. And the fact it was on the verge of raining again, they were pretty much done. She was grateful to have found help. Now Twilight was far from weak persee, infact she was rather strong. Magically anyhow. The problem was that there were so MANY, lifting one big object? Hard, but possible. Lifting several hundred objects? And as stated before, they were tired. Yeah, wasn't happening. And even then, they had no real way of escaping this place, the Timber wolves were lurking right outside the clearing, which brought the question, what were they currently doing? "This is awfully dreadful! How will we get home with them blocking our way!?" The ~~prissy drama queen~~ snow white Unicorn questioned in despair. "I don't know, good luck with that though." Spike said boredly, and turned around waddling away in a 'Cool' manner, at least in HIS opinion. To everypony else it was just cute. Twilight looked surprised like everypony else. "You're leaving?" She asked fearfully. They would need his help to get out, without him they'd probably wouldn't get to leave...all in one full functioning piece. No worse yet, at all. This was Dragon territory. The only way to get out was this dragon. He knew they way out more than likely, and him being a Dragon he could get other Dragons to NOT eat them. It was Spike's turn to look surprised "Uhh, yeah?" He asked with a raised eye brow. Why were they concerned? "You're not even gonna help?" Rainbow Dash asked frowning. Now Rainbow was especially proud and would never really ask for help. But she couldn't very well fly here, the forest made it almost impossible to fly very fast or long, so trying to get them out of here was a no go. Her friends came before her pride. She IS the element of loyalty after all.They had a falling out within the forest, and she already felt bad. She wasn't gonna risk anymore. "S'not my problem." He shrugged. Everypony looked at him in an upset manner. Then realized that he WAS still a dragon, baby or not. Twilight frowned. "I barely know you, and what's worse is that you are all Ponies. No offense, but I heard ponies were soft." He explained. "Please, we could really use your help, you could guide us around the forest so we could exit safely!" Twilight pleaded. Spike on one hand was picking the ear wax out of his ear as he measured his choices. Ponies? Or home?... Hmm...Choices choices. Well, it's not like he had anything to do right now, they looked absolutely pitiful in their states. Covered with dirt, grime and looked absolutely exhausted. They obviously had been here for a day or two. Anycreature that wasn't from the forest couldn't just adapt easy. Proven by their dirty states, the one that obviously used to be white was looking pretty upset right now. But even with all the dirt they were all still cute he mused. Sighing he relented. "Fine, follow me and stay close. If other dragons see you here by yourselves you're gonna be the next steak on the menu." He deadpanned. Everypony winced. He looked on Twilight's head, where there was an owl perched there. He raised an eyebrow. "Huh, that's the thing that was on the cover of that book I threw." He mused. Owl's were rare and unknown creatures, he decided to find about it later. Shrugging he trudged off into what seemed to them to be a random area of the forest, he stopped and glanced at them. "Are you coming or what? It might be nightfall soon, and if that happens you guys are screwed. That seemed to get a good reaction because they all scrambled toward him in a hurry. Rolling his eyes he continued onward. "Sooo...what do you do for fun?" Questioned Twilight, usually Pinkie Pie would be asking this question, but she needed something to work with, something to tell her about his personality. Spike stopped completely for a second. Did she really ask that? He then looked her directly in her eyes, searching for something and then half lidded his own eyes. "You just asked a dragon, what does he do for fun?" He started to ask slowly. Twilight blanched at his tone.She was very intelligent. "Do you REALLY you want to know?" He asked with a skeptical eye brow raised. Twilight was going to instantly say "Yes." but thought about it for a second. Dragons were known for their extremely aggressive nature and decided, no. She didn't want to know.She was already nervous about this forest, she didn't need to be nervous about their one way out. As such she shook her head in a declining gesture. Spike rolled his eyes "Yeah, didn't think so." He said dryly. Well, at least now he had some time to think to himself, he was going to take them somewhere where they would be safe over night. He knew a few places and all of them had some pretty good vegetation, he was considering this because they had obviously had no taste for meat. After about one whole minute of silence the pink pony spoke up cheerfully. "So, where are we going?" Spike had to effectively squash the urge to to yell "GRANDMA'S HOUSE!" for some reason. He opted to ignore her. "So what's your name?" She asked cheerfully smiling widely. "Everypony has a name!" She chirped. She'd like to know about the dragon who was helping them when they need help the most, they were currently lost and had nothing but bad luck. Not to mention exhausted. "Well, I'm not sure if you noticed but I'm a dragon, not a pony." He said sarcastically. Pinkie grinned sheepishly. "To your question....Yeah, I have a name, it's Spike. That's all you're getting though." He stated. No further then when he said what they came out into a clearing. Where... There were about three adult dragons, and all of them were staring directly at them. "Ahhh..." That was the sound of Fluttershy fainting. Or trying to, she was so scared that she couldn't faint. "For the love of Discord..." Author's Note I might later make a chapter based around what happened in the Everfree! Haunted?Three dragons had currently been in the area for a little meeting they did every once in awhile, when one of them thought they heard a noise. They were talking about how to take over more of the forest for themselves. After all if they had more territory not many would appose them. There was nothing to lose and everything to gain. Gems, more food and more places to destroy. Rustling was heard from one of the bushes. "Seems we have company." The dragon stated. The all turned their gazes to the ponies coming out the clearing beyond the bushes, looks like lunch had arrived. And would you look, they didn't have to go anywhere! Not only they were small and harmless, the slightest chance to get away was impossible. Why? They looked like they we re beyond just 'tired', hell they may have been pass 'exhausted'. Chuckling one dragon stepped forward, a massive rumble took place on the ground where he moved to. "Looks like lunch is here." He sneered. And the ponies gasped, obviously they weren't expecting this. They desperately turned their gaze to a species of unknown origin smaller than themselves. ...Kinda looked like a Baby Dragon. Would they really think just because one of their kin was there they wouldn't eat them? How ridic- "Find your lunch elsewhere, idiot." A harsh tone rang around them, he blinked. He knew that voice! That was the voice of- "Spike?" Inquired one of the other dragons within hearing distance. "What are you doing with a bunch of ponies? And more than that, why aren't they dead yet?" He asked amused and puzzled. "You must be going-" He snapped his mouth close and he saw the deadly glare turned at him. "You wanna finish that?" Spike hissed. "Because if you do, I can't guarantee your well being." He finished with a deadly glare. Seriously, you'd think these imbecile's would know better than that after he kicked all their asses before AND and all three of them at once. Twilight looked horrified at what the Baby Dragon was saying, she prepared to profusely apologize for the baby dragons words when she saw that they were suddenly all fearful of Spike. Now she was surprised, that certainly was unexpected. The only explanation she could come up was one thing. Royalty. It was the only logical way they would fear a baby. He could still talk and get them in some sort of troubled, they were too scared of what his family might do. They were with royalty. She winced. The others had obviously came with the same conclusion, the unease and slight fear in their eyes gave them away. "We don't want a repeat of last time, do we?" Spike said with a sadistic eerie grin. "I'll do it again if you don't watch your tongues." Spike watched as they were all but silent. "And what are you doing here?" He inquired. They were obviously plotting something. He had no idea what though. Probably something stupid. "We were having a meeting about the territory and what Dragons hold them." The Blue Dragon said. "You might not have been aware but...there was a Black Dragon here not too long ago." He said fearfully, of both the Black Dragon and Spike. Spike's eyebrows raised. "Oh really? Now that's interesting." He muttered it but everyone heard, the ponies because they were close and the Dragons because they have exceptional hearing."So what was he doing here?" He asked interestedly Black Dragons were as powerful as they were rare. And more so than that one of the strongest things to exist.There were in a count a total of twenty Black Dragons, this included the Barrens. The Barrens is a place outside Equestria where all dragons live. There were Millions of dragons, the reason they had not tried to take over Equestria was simple. The Guardians of Equestria, five extremely powerful ponies with a style of magic and fighting, they were immortal and protected the country. Add to the fact that the Princesses were considered Goddess and bang. The Guardians were so powerful that they took a whole dragon army before, who's to say they can't do it again? And to be honest, the more powerful dragons capable of fighting wouldn't touch Equestria, after all of it's history and ponies they'd fought with in the "Tech War", there was no one who didn't remember the great Silver Shade. A great pony who against all odds became the strongest thing in the universe and took down the "Old Ones". Not all dragons wanted to harmonize with ponies though. "We have no clue, he just came and left. Might have just been looking for something." The Red dragon shrugged. They could have been doing just about anything. He eyed the ponies. "But really, what ARE you doing with those ponies?" He asked. "Stuff, and things. Can't forget things." Spike said being snarky. "I'd appreciate it if you cleared out our way, we're going to one of my caves." He said with half-lidded eyes showing he was bored now. "Oh, and word of advice..." He leaned closer. "Don't go into further into Everfree. There are things in there you don't wanna know about." The Blue Dragon nodded. He had already known about this. The others just nodded because they didn't want to risk pissing him off. Rolling his shoulders he moved forward. "Come on Ponies." He huffed. The scrambled after him looking warily at the Dragons, who did nothing but watch as they went by. The Dragons were still watching to see if they were completely gone. Twilight spoke once they were out of earshot of a dragon range. "Y-You didn't tell us you were royalty..." She said softly. Spike for a second blinked then raised a brow. But said nothing. Twilight thought about it, there was no actual proof he was royalty. Theoretically, this would be a hassle, but due to the fact that she had no other theory's, she'd have to go off of it.What was confirming her theory was that he said he had several caves. Her belly growled. She smiled sheepishly once she saw everyone looking at her humorously, Spike included, though she was sure his was more of a mocking on than anything. "So umm...Spike? Would you happen to have anything to eat at where we'll be at?" She asked shyly, she didn't want to ask anything too much of them, but they'd need energy and to be honest this pain in her tummy was quiet distracting and painful. "As long as it's nothing I've never heard of, I'm pretty sure I can get it for you." He said offhandedly. The ponies beamed. Spike noticed something. "Hey, where did that Owl with you go?" Twilight blinked. Where did- The six ponies had to stifle a giggle when they saw where Owlicious was. It was then Spike noticed the extra weight on his spines. Glancing up, he saw the Owl perched on him. He merely shrugged and kept walking forward. Well, they had a few minutes to get to the cave so he'd better figure out on what would he do next. Going over the facts, he'd have to feed them first. Find them a place to sleep, as he was sure that Ponies don't sleep on floors, they were too soft far that. Physically, emotionally and mentally. He scoffed inwardly at that. Soft Ponies were Soft. Looks like they'd be sleeping in there. He briefly noticed the sound of rain falling, all the ponies now looked disheveled. Unkempt even. And just plain upset to the boot, the white one looked somewhat giddy. He raised a brow. "What are you so happy for? You'd look like you'd hate the rain." He pointed out. Rarity merely shrugged. "Normally, yes. But with all this dirt and grime and filth, it's better than nothing." She said with sad smile. "Besides, it's not like there are bath's out here or anything." She finished with a smirk. Spike blinked. "Uhh, yeah. I kinda take baths. So there is." He explained. She gasped, the other looked at him hopefully. He knew he actually had a bath and stuff, but he felt the urge to just pretend like he didn't and annoy them. He squashed it though. "Really!?" She asked with wide eyes. "You better not be pulling my leg!" She warned. Spike merely rolled his eyes. "No, I'm not-" Rarity didn't hear that, she squealed in happiness and hugged him. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She kept THANKING HIM- IT BURNS! AHHH! Outwardly merely coughed. "Yes well, unhand me." She obliged and put him down. "Thank you." They began walking again, within a few minutes of walking, they have reached the cave. One they were in the cave they kept going further until they were almost at the back of it. Twilight see a light in the distance, it led back outside obviously. But didn't Spike say that they were going to be sleeping in a cave? Seeing no answers she decided to get them by asking. "What are we doing all the way back here?" Twilight inquired. They could sleep anywhere in the cave so why all the way back here? "I thought you said we were sleeping in the cave." She half accused. Spike huffed. "Not this cave, ugh... Ponies." Spike was having a hard time trying to be nice, these ponies looked too squishy for anything to be honest. "There's one after this cave. It's a different type." Twilight felt the air leave her chest at the breath taking view, the 'cave; had beautiful trees everywhere, it led to somewhere else within Everfree! It wasn't raining here, infact it was rather sunny. This area seemed to have it's own air, and land scape too! There was something that was down there, something else, she squinted her eyes to see if she could make it out, seeing as she could not, she waited till they got closer. No words were said, everypony was amazed at the place around them. And even if they weren't they were just plain tired and could not really talk. Upon closer inspection she could tell it was some sort of house! It looked to be made out of stone. Twilight blinked. This was completely unexpected, the others were currently gaping themselves. "Welcome to the 'Cave'." Spike said with pride, puffing his chest and putting his fist on it. "It's architecture dates back way back! Yet it more technological based than our current age. Neat huh?" The Dragon said with a cocky smirk. Everypony else was to busy gaping to hear him. He rolled his eyes and went to moving forward. Rarity and Twilight were the first to snap out of their trance. "Why do you call it a cave?" Twilight asked confuzzled. "Because of the inside. It looks like a cave that's been decorated by fancy people in an attempt to salvage any beauty it might have." Spike joked. Twilight chuckled. Spike crossed it arms. "Equestria to girls!" Rarity raised her voice. "Wake up dearies! I'd like to see the inside and preferably get clean." They all snapped out of their stupors and walked to the Baby Dragon. "We're going to be in there?" Twilight asked cautiously. It looked amazing, but who knew what could be in there. Or if it was stable, after all it WAS several years old."Are you sure that's safe?" She asked apprehensively. "Yeah," Spike said casually. "It's safe." Spike then muttered something under his breath. He then scowled. "As long as you don't go to a certain place anyhow. Never go in there. EVER. For anything." Spike glared at them, showing he meant it. Twilight was surprised by the attitude change, but nodded. The others looked somewhat unsure but still nodded. Spike took them down a hill, after admiring the place, he turned to a door, and pointed toward it. Funny thing is, they hadn't noticed it. "Don't.Go.In.Here." Spike hissed out. "You can go anywhere BUT here in this place. But don't go in here." He glared at them heavily. "You'll wish you didn't see what was behind here if you do." He eyed them. "Let this be my warning. I can't guarantee your safety if you go through here." He continued. "You might die." He added hoping to scare them. This itself worked more than his warning if the shrinking of their pupils was any indication, that and their slacked jaws. Nodding in satisfaction he moved forward. "Now I'll be showing you where you'll be staying. The house you saw where you came in." He said nonchalantly. "You'll be able to get some food in there, as well a bath and all that other stuff. I even have...ugh, combs." Spike shivered. He had always hated combs, not that he could use them really. It was just that they seemed to be a girly accessory. Looking back he saw Everypony interested in that, not just Rarity. Surprise, surprise... Rolling his eyes he stepped forward, it had not taken them long to get to the house, something seemed...off about it, something unnatural... He shrugged. "Welcome Ponies. To my 'humble abode/MANCAVE'." He said with a chuckle. They all gasped in astonishment at the sheer size of the building. This was breath taking to them. Twilight blinked. "What's a man cave?" She asked curiously. Spike waved her off. "Forger what I said, I was just being random" He snickered, Twilight just sighed. "Alright, let's get inside." He said boredly. "You can get your hygiene done in there, I'll get something cooking. Don't worry it'll be...Pony Food....Bleh." Spike nearly gagged. Pony food meant no meat, and boy he could use some pork or beef. They rushed inside, eager to get clean, Spike pick locked the door with his claw the pushed the door, it flung open from the strength.Twilight noted that, but passed it off as the door just being fragile.The inside was quite a nice shade of white, with seats and what not everywhere. "Now before you go in, I'd like your er...Hoofs clean." Spike stated. They nodded understandingly. " They all took turns wiping their feet on the welcome mat. Where after they stepped in looking around. "It's rather nice." Rarity complimented. Spike merely shrugged, then wiped his feet on the mat then stepped inside. "I would hope so, I have somecreatures clean it." Spike rolled his shoulders, this time because they were tense. "Alrighty then, I'll show you the bathroom." He said. They walked through the house admiring several things where they came upon the bathroom. They looked surprised by the structure but pleased by the fact there really WAS a bathroom. Rarity squealed and ran into the bathroom, her magic shutting the door behind her. This in turn not only surprised them with the loud sound, but the ones not flying fell onto their flanks. The others didn't look pleased at all, but Spike waved them off chuckling. They. looked at him with, once again not pleased. "What's your guys problem?" He already knew, but he... Spike grabbed a pair of sun glasses off the table next to him. ...Wanted to hear it straight from the from the horses mouth. OOOOOOHHHHHHH!!! Everypony started looking at him funny when a gleeful expression took over his face, the random picking up of sunglasses didn't help either. Well...Everypony except Pinkie. She just fell on her back and started laughing like she heard he pun... She was kinda strange, maybe she did hear it. Spike shrugged. "Well, we know how bad Rarity wanted to go get washed up but this is..." Twilight didn't need to finish it from them to know. Spike waved them off. "It's no big deal." He said. "What makes you say that?" Twilight asked. "That was the hallway bathroom, this whole place has several rooms with their own Bathrooms." He explained, they smiled softy, with the exception of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash who grinned. Even Applejack knew where the mud line was crossed at. He walked them all to their respective rooms, Owlicious flew from his position onto Fluttershy's head (Which she seemed happy about.) and Spike left them to their devices. They could handle themselves.He decided that he'd make some food them, they were probably all starving.Walking down, knowing his own house he quickly found the dining room. Going into the fridge, he raided it for a bunch of vegetables and fruit, not forgetting some juice. He went into the cabinets and grabbed some seasonings. There was also some- Ooo, he hadn't had pasta in a long time. Then again, he wanted some meat in it. Couldn't do it though. Well, it wasn't all that bad. He could add cheese and that would make it several times better than it would have been at first. Smiling he set to the task. He picked up some eggs. It was time to... Making sure his sunglasses were on tight enough he did a back flip. Get cracking. OOOOOOHHHHH!!! After about forty five minutes he was done, and setting down seven plates. He set down the tray in the middle of the table containing the food. Spike heard a sound, he looked down and felt himself shocked. The very reason they weren't supposed to go in that house...was right here. Or at least, part of it. That meant that it had been done. The monster was longer among them. He scratched his head. And flicked a switch on it playing the song. It could be heard throughout the whole house. If the monster was going to die, he probably was just going to stroll around the house for a bit THEN die. That was okay thought, no biggie. He couldn't actually HURT anyone. Shrugging he went about pouring the glasses of juice. Twilight was just getting out of the shower, her throat was feeling quite dry, but she had nothing to complain about seeing as once she got out of here, she'd be able to get something to eat and drink. She found herself appreciating the Baby Dragon more and more by the second. He'd help them several times now, whole reluctant at first, he held up to his word and protected them. He'd given them some food, shelter and was keeping them clean. The only rule he had even set down was "Don't go in here." which even if she wanted to, she'd find herself not doing over how exhausted she was. He was kind, and she was very grateful. He seemed to be rude, snarky, and even downright...well... hateful. Yet he had time to help them, save them when they needed the most. Yet, she found something...odd, about him. She couldn't put her hoof on it though. Well, it didn't matter. She'd wonder about it later. Right now, she and her friends were clean, dry and was about to get something to eat. Twilight smiled. Things were looking up for them. As long as the Spike was with them, chances are they were pretty safe. Twilight found a toothbrush in a plastic wrapper. She opened it with her magic and began to clean her teeth while levitating a comb through her mane. It was heavenly. She could only hope friends were having the same experience. Fluttershy was happy. Very happy. Her friends were no longer fighting, she had met a Baby Dragon, said Baby Dragon had saved them from several types of messy deaths and now they were getting some food and taking care of hygiene. Owlicious was perched on top of her mane, she had cleaned him as well as herself. Thoroughly stroking her mane with the comb she found in the drawer. Sighing contently she looked back in the mirror, only to find somepony standing behind her, it was Rarity. Normally would have been frightened out her mind and would have screamed in terror if that happened but was too tired and just settled for simply squeaking and covering her eyes with her hooves, dropping the comb. Which was grasped in magic before it could hit the floor. Rarity appeared startled. "Goodness Fluttershy! You scared me there!" Rarity then smiled somewhat sheepishly. "Of course I'm sure I scared you ten times as much, correct?" Fluttershy uncovered her hooves from her eyes and nodded but smiled regardless. "It's nice to see you're back to normal Rarity!" Fluttershy chirped in a rather happy manner, this came from the fact that Rarity was clean and looked to be slightly out of it, Rarity nodded, smiling. "Yes indeed! All I'm missing is my nose powder." She pouted. Fluttershy giggled at her. In turn Rarity grinned, she took a step forward examining Fluttershy's hair. "Well well, as beautiful as ever I see!" Fluttershy blushed at the praise. Then smiled lightly. "I could say the same for you." Rarity flipped her hair. "It's true! It's all true!" She cried dramatically. "I try my best after all!" She said grinning. Fluttershy giggled once again. It felt so good to not be fight, like they had when they were in the forest. It was still traumatizing to the both of them though. Rarity peered into the hall, she could have sworn she heard some- Hoof steps went across the floors, wrapped around them was a tight chain she realized while being startled She couldn't see anything beside that though. But the hoof steps...it sounded wrong. Raw even, like raw skin was being used to move. Fearfully she leaned over to see what it was, there from the door, something was glaring at her. It sent tingles of fear down her spine. It looked like a silhouetted Pony... Fluttershy had noticed it too, and froze in shock, disbelief and finally- Fear. What was only two seconds felt like a life time... She could smell iron, it was overpowering, she felt like she had to vomit from the smell. What made things worse was the fact that she could identify it as... Blood. The chains on the Pony look alike jiggled an ominous sound. It continued to glare, it felt like thousands of anguished souls were staring at them, pleading for help. But they could not give it. After a few more seconds it left. ... "What was that?" The two asked at the same time, both fearfully. TO BE CONTINUED ?Hey guys! It's Shaded Silver (Originally Reality Warper)! This is a little P.O.V from one of my stories that's linked to this one and on what the 'monster' is! To grasp the best picture for all the sounds below play them all together in a loop! Headphones will give you the best effect! Note: This is a very short chapter seeing as I've been busy! If the link below doesn't work for photos use this! Well, onto the story! Unknown POV Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Those were the sounds that had been in the halls for all these years. Nothing else...Except when the occasional pony came in. In which he violently ripped their souls from their bodies. The sounds of their agony soothed himself like a lullaby. Their anguish gave him pleasure, it was always a pleasure to end their eternal torment. But that brings the question, why is it a pleasure? Why is anything a pleasure? Luxuries, he could simply roam his castle/mansion without much of a hassle. Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Jiggle. That was the sound of him stopping. The chains that torment HIM stayed with him, even after death. The intense burning heat never ceasing. This is what fueled most of his anger. But if the chains stopped, that means he stopped. Right?... They dragged with him all the time, he only noticed the sound when the noise stopped. What would be so important as to make he who cannot rest stop? Whenever he chased his victims, the sound of his hooves and the chains were all they needed to know he was nearby. There was dragging around his neck, fore legs and front legs. They'd try to run. But he could warp time and space to appear anywhere at anytime. Not that they knew that. As far as they knew, it was because he was some sort of demon. Well, it's not like it mattered anyway. More suffering, more torment. What made it funnier was that he didn't just outright teleport like most magic users. He did most things when they blinked or wasn't looking his way. Amusing, no? To be honest, it didn't matter. More pain. That's all that had ever mattered. That's all that ever will matter. Those insufferable scientist thought they could make a fool out of him. They had mistaken him for a push over. And for that he devoured their souls. Because of that, he was stuck here. He didn't regret it though. He'd do it again. Over, and over again. Jiggle. Turning his head to the door that was always locked, he pondered what the outside world was like. After all, besides for just seeing himself, the mortals wanted oh so badly to back outside this door. Occasionally they managed to escape...The ones who did were clever, witted and could solve puzzles. This castle was one big puzzle, and anyone trying to escape would need to be a genius to get out. He hadn't set it up, someone else did. Likely someone with a motive. But it begs the question... How come he could not escape? Why would he want to leave you ask? Well, simple really. Every mortal who had come here always had wanted to leave, the braver ones thought they could even take him on. They usually ran away after seeing they were outmatched though. What would be outside this place that they'd want to return so badly to? Was it that important to live? Click. Clop. Click. Clop. That was the sound of him moving again, to where? He didn't know, anywhere to get away from this boredom. There nothing to do. No mortal to chase, no body to rip apart or scare. Nobody to get away from him. How long had he been roaming this castle? He could honestly remember it all like it was the back of his hoof. He knew every nook and cranny of this place. It was no different than the way a mortal felt their home was their own. However, being at home all the time gets boring. He wanted to venture. Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Jiggle. He had stopped again, why? CLANK! Lifting his head from his usual dragging motion, he started walking outside the back room and into the front room where he heard noise. It was so strange, no one had been here in years. Had someone come to visit him? It was rather dreary all the time. Perhaps he wouldn't kill them, maybe he could have some company, it was starting to get lonely in here. Dreary even... With that motion in mind, he set himself to looking around the room. Finding nothing but a bowl on the ground that had been there before he gazed around the room once again. Eveything was in place, so what had that noise been? Perhaps it was a trick of the mind... Or perhaps someone had come in here, dropped something and hid. Perhaps even left the room. That in mind, he turned around to leave, something caught his eye in the corner of his vision. Was there was a light seeping through the door into this room? No, no. It was simply too bright. Meaning the door was open... Why was it open? Looking at the room once more he realized that his music box was gone. Someone had stolen it. He'd get it back, and worst of all... They left the door open for him to get it back. Trotting out the door he made his way outside, it was bright. Very bright. He quickly got back inside- The light hurt, It burned worse then his chains. And that was saying something because his chains were made to hurt himself. He figured since he didn't want to get hurt he'd stay out of the light, he'd slink through the shadows to avoid it. Pain was good to avoid, but better to inflict on others. Even from here he saw the mansion. It shouldn't be too hard to get in. He saw a window and started to meld in another to get over there into the shadows. As soon as that thought finished he melded into the ground darting from one shadow to another. After about five times of doing this he found himself in the mansion after jumping into a window. The friendly atmosphere had died as soon as he stepped in, he didn't blame in. His very presence was cold. Trudging forward with his head near the ground, the chains around his neck and legs dragged across the ground. Breathing, he could see his own breath from the cold air. He made his way into the halls where he saw one of the doors cracked, he went over the door. Pinkie Pie was happy! She had a cupcake from the fridge before being shown her room (With Spike's approval of course!) She had a bath and was currently satisfied. She left her door open a crack to show that her friends could come in and talk with her! Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Pinkie perked up at the sound of hoof steps, one of friends was coming to visit her! She needed something to talk about...No wait, something was...off about those hoof steps, they sounded wrong. Like...They sounded raw. And then there was another sound, once she cleared her thoughts she noticed what sounded like a chain of some sort. No...Several. Jiggle. The sound was unnerving, who has chains on them at this time of night!? Or was it still day? Huh... Click. Clop. Click. Clop. The movement stopped all together this time, the chain and the hoofsteps. There...was there something peering at her in the door way? It was silent, but it was there. "Hello!?" Pinkie called out cautiously "Who's there?" She furrowed her brow. "Come out now or no party for you until a later date!" She threatened. It was then that an overpowering stench out blood hit her, it made her dizzy and sick. The room felt like it was spinning as she stared at it's face, it was colder all around her. Not to mention the lights kept flickering. It let out an in-pony breath. The shadow continued standing there. It then turned away. The smell of iron leaving with him. Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Pinkie for the first time in a long time... Was afraid. Very afraid. He had been merely observing the pink pony, it seemed her very presence almost tried to ward him off, not only that but she knew he was here yet was afraid. Impressive, but he had other things to do. Leaving the room, the lights stopped flickering, a habit he had not yet dropped. He made his way to another door that was open down the hall, the lights flickering with him. He pushed it open slightly, watching the mares in the room tense up, the timid looking one looked like she was beyond scared- more like devastated. None of them had his music box, he decided he'd look elsewhere. He could have sworn he heard a "What was that?" He moved on, he needed to digress and get his music box. The lights we're still flickering on and off as I stalked down the hallway. Walking further down the hall he came across a locked door. Locked doors were his weakness, he could teleport, but not behind a locked door, it was so strange. He moved on after not seeing anything happening. Walking into the next room he found though it wasn't cracked upon like the other two it still was unlocked, that made it easier for him. Perhaps they had his box? Pushing the door upon it creaked loudly. "Who's there?" A voice called out. She seemed to have some sort of accent. Country he thinks. It was time to observe once more. Applejack was doing fine, plum tuckered. But fine. She had food, a work out, a bath and a bed to lay in so all was good, Applejack was hungry and thirsty, yes. But Spike was making dinner, she could wait. With all that fighting in the forest, it had occurred to her that her friends were RIGHT on somethings, like overworking all the time. It's not her fault, she was proud to be an Apple. And what's more is that "Always overworking!" was paying for the food on her table and gosh darn it she something to keep her family fed! Big Mac would agree, Big Mac worked so hard that he hardly ever left the farm, infact there was fewer times than she can count the freckles on her face! Apple Bloom was depending on her, and she STILL hadn't made enough bits to Granny that new hip! During her rant, she didn't noticed the opening of her door, very slowly it nudged upon, eventually Apple Jack noticed something. The smell of iron, there was something looking at her in the doorway, it's shadow WAS how it looked.It was a silhouette. Rays of sunlight sparked into the room, the figure hissed and shut the door swiftly that she was surprised however she was slightly scared though. The scent of blood was now leaving, but the memory was imbedded into her head. To her surprise the door tried twice to open. She sat there hoping the door would be enough to hold it up. After a few more seconds the turning stopped. Applejack didn't see anything, because of she walked back to her bed. It was only after she sat down did she hear hoof steps get away from her door. Whatever it was, she had to admit was scary, Maybe that was Pinkie and that was a prank? Wasn't funny. Sighing she supposed she'd go find somepony to tell. "Ready to face your fate?"Hey there guys! The song that is given is played the whole flashback! Enjoy! Spike was a Dragon of many traits, Violence, Anger, Wrath...eh, there were some positive traits somewhere in there...he'd just have to search... Greed, Jealousy, Hate...We aren't going anywhere with this... Power? Eh, that wasn't really a trait. Generosity? Hah! Yes, he could now add this to the list since he was helping these ponies, no? Good, he could still make himself look like the good guy. But even with all these...good traits, he still wasn't the best dragon around. Now power wise? Hell yeah, he was awesome. But he wasn't unbeatable, infact there were many good fighters out there. You'd have to look for them. He knew martial arts but barely got to use them. Why? Because most of everything these days didn't need it. He could just burn all his problems away. He could remember a time where he needed martial arts to fight. It was a few years back... Flashback Spike was walking down a path in one of the caves in one of his old homes. It led out to the open, the breeze was blowing, the sun was up high, the shadow casting in a tree was pointing something at him... Wait, what? Spike's eyes flickered over to the shadow where he saw it pointing some sort of metal weapon at him using magic. The entity let out a quick "tsk!" at being caught before dropping down the weapon of sorts and dropping down from the tree, with a heavy thump and a quick ground shake and he was in front of Spike, and he had to say....For a pony he sure was huge "So, you are but a baby dragon." He said in his weird accent. This guy....this guy was huge, now normally I'm not stunned by big opponents seeing as I beat dragons bigger than houses on a daily, but this guy gave off a feeling of bad ass'ery. "Well...Yeah." I blinked. This guy was something else. His stone cold face never changed. He looked me over. "I don't see how you could give anyone a hard time, you are small. Not that small fighters are bad, you are just...smaller. than I expected." He said in a deep gravel tone of voice. "Well, I don't like to brag...But yeah, I am pretty good." I ~~bragged~~ said modestly. His expression did change this time, he raised a brow. "Well it matters not, I have a job to do. And that is, to make you a dead dragon." I blinked. Whoa, seriously? Who paid him to kill me? Wait, he was a mercenary? Huh, never met one of those, he looked pretty darn tough too if I said so myself. Not that I was pole riding, it was just a fact. "Yeah, I like being a dragon that lives, so I'm going to have to decline." I said coolly. He glares at me (Pretty damn terrifying) before getting into some sort of martial arts stance, he was standing upright on his back hooves while his front hooves were in some sort of weird poster. He pounds his hooves together. "I see, then no more words...Ready to face your fate?" I get on all fours and growl loudly, smoke creeps out of my mouth. It was time to do this. "Let's go!" I roar out as he gets back on all fours to sprint at me, he was in front of me in a blur swinging down at me. Instead of swinging I thought I'd try blocking it. Let me be perfectly clear, whenever I go against a unicorn, they use their little magic to try and beat me, I figured "Hey, since all Unicorns use magic, maybe his muscles are purely for looks?" being the dumbass I was. Guess what? He slammed his hoof against my arms and I was flung across the dirt road like a fucking rag doll. I flew back even farther than I thought because at one point I hit a tree...which fell down from me hitting it. Groaning I stood up, I wasn't hurt much, can't say much about the tree though. That poor, poor tree. I was partly satisfied to have noticed that he wasn't smirking or anything from his success, he did however speak. "I would not try to block if I were you, I am very capable of sending you spiraling across from me." He advised me, I think he was being sympathetic because I'm a baby dragon, maybe. "Duly noted." I grounded out heatedly. What? I was a dragon, you know, fierce?... And unhappy he got that hit off of me. I was somewhat bitter. Did he hurt my body? Not really. Did he hurt my pride, whole 'nother story. I dashed beside him closing our distance in a mere few seconds, I lashed out my left foot going higher, which he blocked. Since I was going higher I lashed out yet another kick, this time with my right. In which he blocked again. Using my momentum I did a flip while I was still air bound, bringing it down heavily- Which he blocked again! I then tried to flutter kick about five times, he still blocked all of them...This guy had an iron defense! I hopped on his outstretched hoof and jumped off of it, doing a back flip kick- he couldn't dodge it in time and thanks to the amount of power in those kicks I send him flying a few inches off the ground which I capitalized on by stomping on him while he was suspended in mid air three times and finished the combo with another flip and bringing all my momentum down and putting all my weight onto my feet. CRASH I back flipped off of him into a place far enough for him to to reach me. And huffed, letting all the air out. I heard a grunt and saw him getting back on his hooves. "Very nice, I'll see to return the favor." He said, still using that gravel tone of his. I frowned, looks like I didn't do much, even with all of that. "You're good." I complimented. "What style are you using?" I inquired curiously. It used a lot of strength, so I had no idea what it was seeing as most styles used speed. "Sambo, a deadly style invented by Brusshian military." He said. Oh, Brusshia. They were a deadly bunch of ponies when it came to fighting, that explained everything. Well, almost. This guy way TOO good. I've taken down Brusshian's before, so I know. "I thought I said no more talking." He pointed out, getting back into stance. I did as well. "You did, I was just curious." I said. He grunted the charged me after getting back onto all fours again, right when he got in front of me and cocked back his hoof- just when I thought I had it figured out, he did something else. He faked me, he actually rolled to the side I jumped to when I thought he was going to try and hit me. Now here's where we come to a problem. When a Brusshian has a hold on you, it means untold pain is about to descend upon you faster than bats flying out of Tartarus. This theory was proved needlessly by none other than the Pony grabbing me. SLAM! SLAM! SLAM! That was the sound of me repeatedly hitting the ground as grabbed me with both of his hooves. He spun around in a circle, I went with him. He sent me flying, I went through several trees that collapsed after I went through them. Suddenly before I knew it, he was on me again. He picked me up once again, he wrapped his hooves around my neck. CRACK It wasn't enough to kill, but sure as hell was enough to hurt. He capitalized by bringing my arm down and slamming me on my face, then rolling onto the ground, and put all of his hooves on my arms and snapped it from it's place. "ARGHHHH!" I cried out in agony. This guy had some strength on him to be able to even do that. He got up and tossed me into the air, bringing both his hooves in a baseball batting position and SLAMMED THE FUCK OUTTA ME! I was sent spiraling through MORE trees and a boulder! Goodie! I stopped after the thirteenth three. "Son...of a bitch..." I groaned out, I stood up. This was the first time anyone was able to kick my ass like this. I twisted my neck back into place wincing. I did the same with my arm, biting my lips. I saw him walking calmly toward me, while his facial expression said nothing, I was pretty darn sure inside he was all "I told you I'd pay you back.", taunting me. Sighing I stood up. He looked pleasantly surprised when he saw me standing. "I thought you'd be down for the count." He said. I rolled my eyes and got back into position. I wanted to hurt so bad. I blurred infront of him. I raised both my hands in the air and put them in a hammer swinging position. He got into a blocking position at first, but then he looked alarmed, his eyes widened. He rolled out the way at the last second as I put a majority of my strength into the swing and in doing so... CRACK! SLAM! BOOM! A crater was forming below us from the impact of the blow, and he was going miles deep. Trees were being knocked away, so were boulders, where as caves just collapsed upon themselves. The wind blew harshly from all the destruction. Even I was thrown back and into a tree that was flying away me attached to is from the force. I rammed through the tree. After a short silence, the destruction was over. I rolled out of a pile of rocks and branches that had piled up on me, grunting. Nearby, I saw a huge rock being lifted, which was then tossed away with a disheveled looking pony who also grunted. He looked up and saw me. "That was...more than I expected." He admitted. "I can see why you are greatly feared." I smiled at the praise. "Yeah, you're pretty good too." I told him. He nodded in acceptance. "Though I have to admit, we both have been holding back. Amateur hour ends here. Step up your game." I grinned. He nodded once again. Suddenly dozens of boulders start floating, covered in a ice blue magic hue. "Then, this is where the real game starts." He remarked. As soon as he said that, several boulders flew at me I got onto two legs and extended one out far and got into a crouching position holding one fist out next to the extended foot and one behind my head. A rock flew at me, and to my eyes... Everything slowed down. The first boulder was shattered by my fist, seeing shattered pieces everywhere, followed by a second rock, then a third. I lashed out my foot and shattered yet another boulder. Lunging forward, I jumped onto one of them, and then another. I stomped a boulder out the air that flew toward the one I was standing on, shattering it too. I flipped onto a different boulder, just as I was about to flip onto another one- WHAM I was being tackled to the ground by the Brusshian. Who slammed his hooves into the ground repeatedly, everywhere he hit was where my FACE used to be. He eventually got tired and just picked me up. OH SHIT! I wasn't having anymore of that and let out a stream a fire which forced him to drop me and roll out the way. Seeing as I had the offensive I continued to breath fire at him. He kept flipping out the way. How he did that with a body set like that is beyond me. Just know he did it. He took something out his vest pocket with his hoof. He grabbed the metal part with his teeth and tore it off and spit it out. He then tossed it at me. I knew immediately what it was, it wasn't the first time it was used against me. I shot the grenade mid air before it could get too close me. With the strength he hurled it at I would be surprised if it went through diamond. My fire being as strong as it was however stopped it, and it blew up mid air. BANG In all this smoke, Bayman couldn't see. He looked around trying to spot a figure. WHAM Bayman was hit hard but not flying. He grunted and looked around again to find the dragon. WHAM! WHAM! That was the sound of scales hitting his flesh, he cried out in pain. And one of his hooves being held up from now touching the ground. As he looked up, he saw green glowing predator like eyes looking him in unrestrained glee before they disappeared. Looks like the playing field was now in the Dragons favor. WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! He fell on his side, after several heavy blows he couldn't stand up for a second. He grunted. What was taking this smoke so long to clear up? The dragon had the advanta- The Dragon had the advantage! That was it! He was using his own smoke as a smoke screen! The grenade was a distraction. He needed to get out of this smoke fast, if he didn't, things would get ugly really quick. He jumped to his hooves, only to be sent back down of the ground. WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! He was striking him on the ground now, not letting him get any time to rest. Grunting, he tried rushing out the smoke after getting up again. WHAM! WHAM! Back to the drawing board, the dragon wouldn't let him escape. He knew that he was aware of his strategy and was milking it for all it's worth. Damn! What's worse is he couldn't breath in this smoke, he was going down soon, he needed out NOW. Spike decided it was time to end this, while he was having fun he needed to stop this before the pony got an idea to get out. "Hey, what's your name?" Spike asked. He was curious, such an opponent needed a name. The pony answered smoothly, clearly trying to stall time to make a plan. "Bayman, and yours?" He asked evenly, he clearly was panicked, he started coughing. "It's like a frying pan in here..." I heard him mutter with my awesome hearing. He just set himself up for a bad joke now. "Spike, and I'm afraid this has to end." I said happily. Just as I said that I zeroed in on him in the smoke, I put a bunch of strength into my arms and swung. WHAM! He flew out and embedded himself into a tree. I jumped in front of him. My bad joke senses were starting kick in. "So, a frying pan huh?..." I mused. "Looks like you jumped right out of the frying pan..." I reared back letting out a loud roar followed by a stream of flames. "AND INTO THE FIRE!" SCORCH "Gahh!!!" He cries out, and finally faints. I grinned. And fell to one of my knees. "It was nice fighting you and all, but I am outta here!" I told the unconscious Bayman. I got up, and limped away to the cave where my parents would be, no doubt worrying. I cast a glance back at Bayman to see him still down for the count, the wind blew, and his hair ruffled from it. Still knocked the fuck out. The breeze felt good. I continued limping away. Not looking back after that. Flashback end Yup, those were the days...The whole reason he was getting into this was because he saw how nice those ponies were, and it made him feel...almost like crap into how evil he was compared to them. Yeah, they had flaws but were in no way purposely cruel. "AHHHHH!!" The loud scream broke me out of my thoughts. I heard and I heaved a heavy sigh, it was time to see what was going on. I walked upstairs and saw the lights flickering, down the hall I saw...something, dunno what it was. Because of that I deducted it was that monster. Not that I wasn't a monster myself of course. I had the music box in hand, a terrified looking Twilight was backed against the wall with the monster/ghost observing her. I called out. "Looking for this?" I asked casually. The thing looked over at me, then the music box then silently trekked over to be, grabbing the box and swallowing it. It stared at me. I stared in return. "Soo..." I asked rubbing my arm, he continued to stare. I took a step back, it took one forward. I frowned, then turned around and started walking away, seeing what it'd do. He followed. "Are you gonna follow me around!?" I demanded. It said nothing. "Oooooh boy..." I groaned. Twilight looked unnerved. "What is that? Is it a ghost?" It was immune to her magic more than likely, therefore she was scared. All the others then came rushing out from the wherever they came from. "Twi'! Are you okay!? Did that...THING hurt you!?" Applejack asked heatedly. Twilight shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Spike came along." She frowned and looked at the ghost and Spike. "He looks like he has it under control." She said grinning. Rainbow Dash frowned. "Sorry we couldn't get here earlier! We uh, well THEY got lost. I was just following them to make sure they'd be okay." She boasted/lied. Twilight rolled her eyes. This was going to be a long day. This was not helped when a "Stop following me!" Followed by nervous laughter and a fainted Fluttershy was presented. She sighed. Twilight's NightmareJust a short story about WHY Twilight is running! Yay! Twilight heaved a sigh, she had gotten away from that monster that had been following her, stalking her every move. Smiling she walked forward, only to hear chains not too far behind her. Her blood ran cold and she shot a look at the corner, where there was an approaching shadow on the wall giving away his position. The strangest part was the shadow looked like it was looking...directly...at her... Twilight bolted down the hall again as fast as she could. Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Still running, she casted a teleport spell and landed was in a closet hiding suddenly. Elsewhere, Spike's bad joke sense tingled. "Someone's hiding in the closet. Come out! Don't worry, I wont judge you!" He snickered. Twilight felt annoyance at that moment for some reason. Jiggle. ...He stopped?... "Hey..." A voice whispered behind her. She now knew true terror. "Where'd he go?" It asked her. Screaming she came out the closet. "Hey look guys! She finally came out the closet!" Spike said with a cruel grin. She kept running, and running, and running. But no matter where she went, he was there walking casually. Or at least menacingly. Her legs gave out, she could run no more. The monster started walking quicker, and quicker. It opened its mouth so wide that it the floor. It's eyes started to glow an eerie shade of red. Roaring it consumed her, she screamed. The Shadow found himself poking at this pony, she seemed to be having a nightmare. Was it his presence? He kept poking her to see if he could wake her. Eventually, she stirred. When she got a good look at him though... "AHHHHH!!"
Meet Spike!Spike was annoyed. No, scratch that. He was irritated. The so called 'Grown Up' dragons keep coming to his cave. trying to steal HIS hoard. Technically it was his parents hoard- but he was well inclined to call it his hoard as well. Back to the point though. The dragons had been coming by while his parents were gone, probably thinking along the lines of: "A cave with lots of loot, and only a baby dragon to defend it!? HAH, CHILD'S PLAY! CONSIDER ALL THE LOOT MINES!" After that would probably be an evil laugh. This proved to be their undoing. Of course he hadn't killed them. Just beat them up a little... Okay, some. ... A lot?... Fine, yeah, he beat them into a coma. it wasn't that the Dragon's were weak. Far from, it was that Spike was too strong. You see, Spike wasn't your ordinary Baby Dragon. Due to some unknown 'birth defect', he had tons of physical strength, he could easily lift up something ten times his weight, a good example being where a Dragon was easily towering over a cottage, he treated him like he was nothing and literally threw him out the cave. Oh, that wasn't it, there was more bonus. The defect hadn't just increased his strength, but all of his abilities as well. That included fire. A dragon recently tried using fire breathing against the baby dragon hoping to scare him away. That plan had backfired. Big time. Spike had used his own flames, in hopes of stopping the larger dragons fire. He learned an awesome thing that day... His fire, could burn through ANYTHING. That included dragon scales. Cool huh? And as previously stated, there was NOTHING his fire could not burn. That included the sun. Another one of his 'abilities' was discovered when some of the 'Outsiders' stepped into his cave, they were adventurers by the looks of it, they were covered in armor of types. The flying one was dressed in plate of some sort, the horned one in cloth wearing a strange pointed hat, and the other two looked to be a burly looking plain pony- well, at least ONE of them was burly, the other was female judging by her figure. Another one of the creatures with them appeared to be a...Lion bird. They began looking around the cave... Raven Light was currently puzzled. This labyrinth like cave was filled to the brim with loot.... Yet no dragons. She must have spoke too soon because when she listened she heard padded steps, like a dragon, tensing she silently motioned to her partners to be quiet and they all stared where she pointed her hoof where she heard somepony coming. Clenching her teeth she got into a battle pose ready to take down this dragon like they had done so many others. From that hall where she heard the steps, came a great EVIL- ...Baby Dragon?... She had to stop herself from 'D'awwing'. He looked so precious! She tensed somewhat though when the dragon looked her directly in the eyes, she expected fear from him, and for him to call his parents...She winced as she knew she'd make a baby orphaned, too late to go back now. But instead of reacting in fear...He reacted... differently "You have to be kidding me..." The Baby Dragon groaned behind his face palm. "First Dragons, now we have a bunch of Horses and...Bird Lions invading!? Swell, just swell." He said sarcastically, his half lidded eyes fitting his mood while pointedly ignoring the squawk of protest from said 'Lion Bird'. Raven Light blinked. This was unexpected, both the baby dragon talking AND the fact that other dragons had came to this cave. She frowned and took a step forward. "First off, we're ponies. And he's a gryphon. Second. Where are your parents? If they're not here, why are you? I mean, you ARE a BABY Dragon..." She asked/interrogated him confusedly. The soon to be winged reptilian sighed. "I can take care of myself and trespassers." He rolled his eyes, then narrowed them in suspicion. "And you happen to be trespassing. May I inquire why?" He hissed out threateningly. The unicorn winced at the hiss of the baby dragon, something was wrong about it. Chuckling, she shook her head passing it off as a trick of the mind. "I doubt that, you're a bit too small for self defense." She said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, also ignoring/avoiding his question, which Spike didn't take to kindly to. Spike rolled shoulders. To him it was clear that they were a threat, she was avoiding his question, he'd have to take action then. "You underestimate me 'Pony', don't be fooled by outdoor appearances and silly voices." He cracked his knuckles and grinned. "I happen to have graduated from 'Draconian Barren College', in addition. I got a PHD in ASS KICKING!" With that Spike suddenly disappeared and landed on the Lion Bird's (It sounded better than Gryphon in his opinion) head and put him in a choke hold. "Gotcha!" Spike grinned. The Gryphon.gasped. "Hey! Let go of me Dragon! How did you do that!?" He squawked enraged, it seemed as if he teleported, there was no way that should be possible! Could Dragons use magic!? "Give up, I don't wanna have to hurt you." He warned, then emphasized this by squeezing his arms tighter round the 'Lion Bird's' neck, but leaving enough room to speak. The others were looking around up until that point. The others gasped at the sight and the fighters began to run to the gryphon to help- only to have Raven Light hold her hoof up. If Raven Light was confused earlier, she was downright puzzled now...She wanted nothing more than to rush over and help but... "We don't know what he's capable of, let's wait and see how this goes." The unicorn ~~demanded~~ said seriously, she had never seen him even CHARGE a magic spell if he was even capable of one. This clearly meant he was extremely fast, therefore dangerous she'd need to be cautious and plan her next move carefully. The Pegasus of the group gaped. "But Raven!" She protested. "He could be in some serious trouble- let's just go get that thing off of 'em and give it a good pounding!" She exclaimed heatedly, only to be met by a cold stare from her long time friend and soon hopeful special somepony. She winced. "Okay, sheesh...but if he gets hurt, it's all your fault. She said crossing her forearms and huffing while fluttering off the ground. Raven glanced at the Pegasus off hooftedly, then waved her off. "He's a big colt, he can handle this." She replied without batting an eye. Choking the Lion Bird much harder but still enough to keep him able to talk, he sneered. "Give up. you're only making this harder on yourself!" "NEVER!" He roared defiantly. I sneered myself then started to choke him more and more...I scowled. "Just say it! GIVE UP!" I nearly cut his air supply off. He started gagging. Why I'll normally don't take too much amusement in creatures I hurt, I had to say this one was satisfying due to the sheer stubbornness...or maybe stupidity, probably both though. His eyes started to droop. Just as I was about to assure my victory I saw a light in the corner of my vision. My ~~nonexistent~~ eyebrows shot up, looks like that 'magic' stuff that he learned about awhile back. He snapped his head to attention at where he saw the light. Of course, it was coming from the horned one. He was lit up in a magenta glow (probably the unicorn though.), it looked as if she was putting a tremendous amount of energy on him to blast him away, he tensed and prepared himself to be flung like a rag doll.... Only for it to fail. Miserably Wow, how anticlimactic...You'd think magic users were better. Raven Light gaped, her telekinetic spell didn't work! It ALWAYS worked! It just, went right through him! Like a ghost or something! And he currently looked amused! HOW DID HER MAGIC NOT WORK!? Growling, she ran forward and- Well, that about covers it.... What? You were expecting the whole story? Well, perk up. Maybe another time, right now he was frustrated over the dragons, and trying to figure out a solution. Musing over this for a second, he wondered if he could just learn some magic and just put up a barrier. His ears perked up, the tale-tail sound of flapping Dragon wings in the distance. Spike grinned, it was time for him to get outta here, it was boring. Ever since they had moved into the Everfree Forest it had become a daily thing for them to go places then come back, he was more than capable of handling himself outside the cave walls, and Discord be his witness he was going out today! A roar was heard, that was their greeting, clearly they were tired if they didn't bother actually SAYING anything. Shrugging he decided he was leaving the cave now. "MOM, DAD, I'M GOING OUT- DON'T WAIT UP!" He hollered. He made his way out the cave. Strutting like he owned the place, after all, he felt really good today! You know, considering he hadn't been attacked that day. Not that he couldn't handle them. Twilight was currently hyperventilating and standing outside Everfree forest, Princess Celestia herself had a job for the Element Bearers to complete. Twilight would think of it as a test, not that it really was- she enjoyed challenges AND making her mentor proud! Two task at one time! She was both excited and nervous. Excited at the prospect helping the Princess, nervous at the task that they were presented with... There were apparently more disturbances in the Everfree forest then usual, she had a feeling something life changing would happen in there. Then again they knew almost every creature lurking in there, right? Wrong. The apprehension apparently was very clear on her face besides the hard constant breathing, it was hard to tell what the mare was feeling. "Uh...Twilight?...Ease up on the breathing." Rainbow looked weirded out. "You're going to give US panic attacks." She pointed out. She was right, all her friends were looking at her in concern. Except for Pinkie who was earlier trying to emulate her. "Sorry girls, this is just exciting! Princess Celestia herself has trusted us with a task!" She said excitedly deciding fear could wait. Rainbow rolled her eyes and put her hooves behind her head while floating backwards. "Yeah, we know. We were there too you know." She once again 'helpfully' pointed out. Shaking her head, Twilight decided to focus on the objective. Twilight's once happy face darkened somewhat, something bad was going to happen in there and she knew it, Just not what it was. At the least her pet Owl was with them so they could see in the dark. "Aww, what's the matter Twilight!? Cheer up!" The ever exuberant Pinkie exclaimed. "Don't be a frowny pants!" The pink perky pony said. Twilight smiled. "Yeah, you're right Pinkie, let's go girls! We need to find out what's going on in Everfree and Princess Celestia is counting on us!" She chirped cheerfully. Seeing their friend happy their spirits were lifted and thus went into the dark Everfree forest. Where monsters really DO live. The girls were walking through the forest at a moderate pace, looking for anything that might have been suspicious in the least. Yellow glowing eyes followed their every move, this made them REALLY nervous. After about five minutes of more walking getting across the lake with the assistance of the serpent After after two days of being lost, argument fighting crying and being learning a lesson of friendship, they were still hungry tired and lost, not to mention after it rained they were left sopping wet. They came into a clearing, it was a different way than the first time they entered. It seemed...Empty?... "Hey, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash questioned. "How come that place over there is all gloomy? I mean, Everfree is gloomy and all. But it's more creepy than anything else. That way over there...gives me the chills." She admitted. She was more mellow after all that fighting. Twilight looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure..." She began. "But I have a feeling we don't wanna find out. But we need to check all of Everfree for anything strange. As long as we watch out for the more dangerous animals we should be fine." Twilight said wisely. Fluttershy whimpered slightly. Applejack turned to Twilight. "Twilight, how big IS Everfree exactly?" She questioned curiously. Twilight's eye brows raised. "Nopony knows. But as it's name states, it's an forest not a jungle. Therefore it can't be all the big." She explained. Applejack nodded, satisfied. Just as they were about to walk into the clearing a loud crunch was heard. Everypony jumped at the sound. And looked around for where it might have came from when a voice called from somewhere. "You're wrong ya' know." A coltish child like voice said. The Element Bearers were surprised, what was a foal doing all the way out here? It was dangerous! "Who said that!?" Twilight called out, her voice stern. A chuckle echoed throughout the forest. Twilight's eyes scanned all over the place. "Where are you!?" "Up here." The voice called out almost mockingly, they instantly located where the voice came from. And was surprised If they didn't know any better they'd think that that was- "A Baby Dragon!" Both Fluttershy and Twilight squealed joyously. Said baby dragon was leaning against a tree sitting with a book and apple in hand, looking annoyed trying to read said book. "Ugh, I don't even know why I bothered picking this damn thing up." He said with a scrunched nose. "I don't even read!" He tossed the book over his shoulder- which landed on Twilight's head with audible 'THUMP' followed by an "OW!". Rarity stomped her hoof. "Language! Young dragon!" She said angered. "Oops, my bad." Spike apologized sheepishly. "For the book anyhow." Rarity huffed. Spike then took the rest of the apple and ate it. "Now then, as I was saying. You're wrong about the forest not being bigger-" Spike started, only to be cut off. "Oh my!" The shy Pegasus exclaimed as she rocketed up to Spike, who was confused as he felt no hostile intent from her. Then she craddled him...Like a baby. "Whoa whoa whoa!" Spike exclaimed. "Hooves off sister! And did you just cut me off? I HATE BEING CUT OFF!" Fluttershy was hearing none of it. Too busy saying how cute he was. Twilight looked astonished and then teleported onto the tree that the two were currently on- which now made three. "A Baby Dragon." she muttered interestedly. "Do you live here?" She asked Spike. Who looked rather annoyed, he was being Dragon handled and interrogated, he was supposed to be doing both of those! Well, it looked like it was time for some sarcasm..."None your." He stated. Twilight blinked. None your? "None your?" She inquired, not realizing she was set up. "None your business." He smirked. Twilight groaned. Spike successfully trolling Twilight wrenched himself from Fluttershy's grasp. "Watch your step around here, you're in dragon territory now." He warned. All of their eyes widened, especially Fluttershy's, her lip even quivered. "DRAGON TERRITORY!?" They exclaimed, shocked. Spike merely rolled his eyes. Ponies were so silly, they must loved to be eaten. Then he sniffed the air. "You DO know you have several packs following you, right?" Spike questioned. The girls turned pale. Apparently THOSE were they glowing yellow eyes that were following them. Spike shook his head. "I'm gonna guess not then." Twilight found herself glad the Baby Dragon showed up when he did, otherwise... They would have became food. If they had escaped the wolves, they would have been eaten by the dragons, with the baby dragon here they could say that they were with him, they couldn't do anything anymore, they were tired, hungry, thirsty and lost. There was no way they could have run. And the fact it was on the verge of raining again, they were pretty much done. She was grateful to have found help. Now Twilight was far from weak persee, infact she was rather strong. Magically anyhow. The problem was that there were so MANY, lifting one big object? Hard, but possible. Lifting several hundred objects? And as stated before, they were tired. Yeah, wasn't happening. And even then, they had no real way of escaping this place, the Timber wolves were lurking right outside the clearing, which brought the question, what were they currently doing? "This is awfully dreadful! How will we get home with them blocking our way!?" The ~~prissy drama queen~~ snow white Unicorn questioned in despair. "I don't know, good luck with that though." Spike said boredly, and turned around waddling away in a 'Cool' manner, at least in HIS opinion. To everypony else it was just cute. Twilight looked surprised like everypony else. "You're leaving?" She asked fearfully. They would need his help to get out, without him they'd probably wouldn't get to leave...all in one full functioning piece. No worse yet, at all. This was Dragon territory. The only way to get out was this dragon. He knew they way out more than likely, and him being a Dragon he could get other Dragons to NOT eat them. It was Spike's turn to look surprised "Uhh, yeah?" He asked with a raised eye brow. Why were they concerned? "You're not even gonna help?" Rainbow Dash asked frowning. Now Rainbow was especially proud and would never really ask for help. But she couldn't very well fly here, the forest made it almost impossible to fly very fast or long, so trying to get them out of here was a no go. Her friends came before her pride. She IS the element of loyalty after all.They had a falling out within the forest, and she already felt bad. She wasn't gonna risk anymore. "S'not my problem." He shrugged. Everypony looked at him in an upset manner. Then realized that he WAS still a dragon, baby or not. Twilight frowned. "I barely know you, and what's worse is that you are all Ponies. No offense, but I heard ponies were soft." He explained. "Please, we could really use your help, you could guide us around the forest so we could exit safely!" Twilight pleaded. Spike on one hand was picking the ear wax out of his ear as he measured his choices. Ponies? Or home?... Hmm...Choices choices. Well, it's not like he had anything to do right now, they looked absolutely pitiful in their states. Covered with dirt, grime and looked absolutely exhausted. They obviously had been here for a day or two. Anycreature that wasn't from the forest couldn't just adapt easy. Proven by their dirty states, the one that obviously used to be white was looking pretty upset right now. But even with all the dirt they were all still cute he mused. Sighing he relented. "Fine, follow me and stay close. If other dragons see you here by yourselves you're gonna be the next steak on the menu." He deadpanned. Everypony winced. He looked on Twilight's head, where there was an owl perched there. He raised an eyebrow. "Huh, that's the thing that was on the cover of that book I threw." He mused. Owl's were rare and unknown creatures, he decided to find about it later. Shrugging he trudged off into what seemed to them to be a random area of the forest, he stopped and glanced at them. "Are you coming or what? It might be nightfall soon, and if that happens you guys are screwed. That seemed to get a good reaction because they all scrambled toward him in a hurry. Rolling his eyes he continued onward. "Sooo...what do you do for fun?" Questioned Twilight, usually Pinkie Pie would be asking this question, but she needed something to work with, something to tell her about his personality. Spike stopped completely for a second. Did she really ask that? He then looked her directly in her eyes, searching for something and then half lidded his own eyes. "You just asked a dragon, what does he do for fun?" He started to ask slowly. Twilight blanched at his tone.She was very intelligent. "Do you REALLY you want to know?" He asked with a skeptical eye brow raised. Twilight was going to instantly say "Yes." but thought about it for a second. Dragons were known for their extremely aggressive nature and decided, no. She didn't want to know.She was already nervous about this forest, she didn't need to be nervous about their one way out. As such she shook her head in a declining gesture. Spike rolled his eyes "Yeah, didn't think so." He said dryly. Well, at least now he had some time to think to himself, he was going to take them somewhere where they would be safe over night. He knew a few places and all of them had some pretty good vegetation, he was considering this because they had obviously had no taste for meat. After about one whole minute of silence the pink pony spoke up cheerfully. "So, where are we going?" Spike had to effectively squash the urge to to yell "GRANDMA'S HOUSE!" for some reason. He opted to ignore her. "So what's your name?" She asked cheerfully smiling widely. "Everypony has a name!" She chirped. She'd like to know about the dragon who was helping them when they need help the most, they were currently lost and had nothing but bad luck. Not to mention exhausted. "Well, I'm not sure if you noticed but I'm a dragon, not a pony." He said sarcastically. Pinkie grinned sheepishly. "To your question....Yeah, I have a name, it's Spike. That's all you're getting though." He stated. No further then when he said what they came out into a clearing. Where... There were about three adult dragons, and all of them were staring directly at them. "Ahhh..." That was the sound of Fluttershy fainting. Or trying to, she was so scared that she couldn't faint. "For the love of Discord..." Author's Note I might later make a chapter based around what happened in the Everfree!
Haunted?Three dragons had currently been in the area for a little meeting they did every once in awhile, when one of them thought they heard a noise. They were talking about how to take over more of the forest for themselves. After all if they had more territory not many would appose them. There was nothing to lose and everything to gain. Gems, more food and more places to destroy. Rustling was heard from one of the bushes. "Seems we have company." The dragon stated. The all turned their gazes to the ponies coming out the clearing beyond the bushes, looks like lunch had arrived. And would you look, they didn't have to go anywhere! Not only they were small and harmless, the slightest chance to get away was impossible. Why? They looked like they we re beyond just 'tired', hell they may have been pass 'exhausted'. Chuckling one dragon stepped forward, a massive rumble took place on the ground where he moved to. "Looks like lunch is here." He sneered. And the ponies gasped, obviously they weren't expecting this. They desperately turned their gaze to a species of unknown origin smaller than themselves. ...Kinda looked like a Baby Dragon. Would they really think just because one of their kin was there they wouldn't eat them? How ridic- "Find your lunch elsewhere, idiot." A harsh tone rang around them, he blinked. He knew that voice! That was the voice of- "Spike?" Inquired one of the other dragons within hearing distance. "What are you doing with a bunch of ponies? And more than that, why aren't they dead yet?" He asked amused and puzzled. "You must be going-" He snapped his mouth close and he saw the deadly glare turned at him. "You wanna finish that?" Spike hissed. "Because if you do, I can't guarantee your well being." He finished with a deadly glare. Seriously, you'd think these imbecile's would know better than that after he kicked all their asses before AND and all three of them at once. Twilight looked horrified at what the Baby Dragon was saying, she prepared to profusely apologize for the baby dragons words when she saw that they were suddenly all fearful of Spike. Now she was surprised, that certainly was unexpected. The only explanation she could come up was one thing. Royalty. It was the only logical way they would fear a baby. He could still talk and get them in some sort of troubled, they were too scared of what his family might do. They were with royalty. She winced. The others had obviously came with the same conclusion, the unease and slight fear in their eyes gave them away. "We don't want a repeat of last time, do we?" Spike said with a sadistic eerie grin. "I'll do it again if you don't watch your tongues." Spike watched as they were all but silent. "And what are you doing here?" He inquired. They were obviously plotting something. He had no idea what though. Probably something stupid. "We were having a meeting about the territory and what Dragons hold them." The Blue Dragon said. "You might not have been aware but...there was a Black Dragon here not too long ago." He said fearfully, of both the Black Dragon and Spike. Spike's eyebrows raised. "Oh really? Now that's interesting." He muttered it but everyone heard, the ponies because they were close and the Dragons because they have exceptional hearing."So what was he doing here?" He asked interestedly Black Dragons were as powerful as they were rare. And more so than that one of the strongest things to exist.There were in a count a total of twenty Black Dragons, this included the Barrens. The Barrens is a place outside Equestria where all dragons live. There were Millions of dragons, the reason they had not tried to take over Equestria was simple. The Guardians of Equestria, five extremely powerful ponies with a style of magic and fighting, they were immortal and protected the country. Add to the fact that the Princesses were considered Goddess and bang. The Guardians were so powerful that they took a whole dragon army before, who's to say they can't do it again? And to be honest, the more powerful dragons capable of fighting wouldn't touch Equestria, after all of it's history and ponies they'd fought with in the "Tech War", there was no one who didn't remember the great Silver Shade. A great pony who against all odds became the strongest thing in the universe and took down the "Old Ones". Not all dragons wanted to harmonize with ponies though. "We have no clue, he just came and left. Might have just been looking for something." The Red dragon shrugged. They could have been doing just about anything. He eyed the ponies. "But really, what ARE you doing with those ponies?" He asked. "Stuff, and things. Can't forget things." Spike said being snarky. "I'd appreciate it if you cleared out our way, we're going to one of my caves." He said with half-lidded eyes showing he was bored now. "Oh, and word of advice..." He leaned closer. "Don't go into further into Everfree. There are things in there you don't wanna know about." The Blue Dragon nodded. He had already known about this. The others just nodded because they didn't want to risk pissing him off. Rolling his shoulders he moved forward. "Come on Ponies." He huffed. The scrambled after him looking warily at the Dragons, who did nothing but watch as they went by. The Dragons were still watching to see if they were completely gone. Twilight spoke once they were out of earshot of a dragon range. "Y-You didn't tell us you were royalty..." She said softly. Spike for a second blinked then raised a brow. But said nothing. Twilight thought about it, there was no actual proof he was royalty. Theoretically, this would be a hassle, but due to the fact that she had no other theory's, she'd have to go off of it.What was confirming her theory was that he said he had several caves. Her belly growled. She smiled sheepishly once she saw everyone looking at her humorously, Spike included, though she was sure his was more of a mocking on than anything. "So umm...Spike? Would you happen to have anything to eat at where we'll be at?" She asked shyly, she didn't want to ask anything too much of them, but they'd need energy and to be honest this pain in her tummy was quiet distracting and painful. "As long as it's nothing I've never heard of, I'm pretty sure I can get it for you." He said offhandedly. The ponies beamed. Spike noticed something. "Hey, where did that Owl with you go?" Twilight blinked. Where did- The six ponies had to stifle a giggle when they saw where Owlicious was. It was then Spike noticed the extra weight on his spines. Glancing up, he saw the Owl perched on him. He merely shrugged and kept walking forward. Well, they had a few minutes to get to the cave so he'd better figure out on what would he do next. Going over the facts, he'd have to feed them first. Find them a place to sleep, as he was sure that Ponies don't sleep on floors, they were too soft far that. Physically, emotionally and mentally. He scoffed inwardly at that. Soft Ponies were Soft. Looks like they'd be sleeping in there. He briefly noticed the sound of rain falling, all the ponies now looked disheveled. Unkempt even. And just plain upset to the boot, the white one looked somewhat giddy. He raised a brow. "What are you so happy for? You'd look like you'd hate the rain." He pointed out. Rarity merely shrugged. "Normally, yes. But with all this dirt and grime and filth, it's better than nothing." She said with sad smile. "Besides, it's not like there are bath's out here or anything." She finished with a smirk. Spike blinked. "Uhh, yeah. I kinda take baths. So there is." He explained. She gasped, the other looked at him hopefully. He knew he actually had a bath and stuff, but he felt the urge to just pretend like he didn't and annoy them. He squashed it though. "Really!?" She asked with wide eyes. "You better not be pulling my leg!" She warned. Spike merely rolled his eyes. "No, I'm not-" Rarity didn't hear that, she squealed in happiness and hugged him. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She kept THANKING HIM- IT BURNS! AHHH! Outwardly merely coughed. "Yes well, unhand me." She obliged and put him down. "Thank you." They began walking again, within a few minutes of walking, they have reached the cave. One they were in the cave they kept going further until they were almost at the back of it. Twilight see a light in the distance, it led back outside obviously. But didn't Spike say that they were going to be sleeping in a cave? Seeing no answers she decided to get them by asking. "What are we doing all the way back here?" Twilight inquired. They could sleep anywhere in the cave so why all the way back here? "I thought you said we were sleeping in the cave." She half accused. Spike huffed. "Not this cave, ugh... Ponies." Spike was having a hard time trying to be nice, these ponies looked too squishy for anything to be honest. "There's one after this cave. It's a different type." Twilight felt the air leave her chest at the breath taking view, the 'cave; had beautiful trees everywhere, it led to somewhere else within Everfree! It wasn't raining here, infact it was rather sunny. This area seemed to have it's own air, and land scape too! There was something that was down there, something else, she squinted her eyes to see if she could make it out, seeing as she could not, she waited till they got closer. No words were said, everypony was amazed at the place around them. And even if they weren't they were just plain tired and could not really talk. Upon closer inspection she could tell it was some sort of house! It looked to be made out of stone. Twilight blinked. This was completely unexpected, the others were currently gaping themselves. "Welcome to the 'Cave'." Spike said with pride, puffing his chest and putting his fist on it. "It's architecture dates back way back! Yet it more technological based than our current age. Neat huh?" The Dragon said with a cocky smirk. Everypony else was to busy gaping to hear him. He rolled his eyes and went to moving forward. Rarity and Twilight were the first to snap out of their trance. "Why do you call it a cave?" Twilight asked confuzzled. "Because of the inside. It looks like a cave that's been decorated by fancy people in an attempt to salvage any beauty it might have." Spike joked. Twilight chuckled. Spike crossed it arms. "Equestria to girls!" Rarity raised her voice. "Wake up dearies! I'd like to see the inside and preferably get clean." They all snapped out of their stupors and walked to the Baby Dragon. "We're going to be in there?" Twilight asked cautiously. It looked amazing, but who knew what could be in there. Or if it was stable, after all it WAS several years old."Are you sure that's safe?" She asked apprehensively. "Yeah," Spike said casually. "It's safe." Spike then muttered something under his breath. He then scowled. "As long as you don't go to a certain place anyhow. Never go in there. EVER. For anything." Spike glared at them, showing he meant it. Twilight was surprised by the attitude change, but nodded. The others looked somewhat unsure but still nodded. Spike took them down a hill, after admiring the place, he turned to a door, and pointed toward it. Funny thing is, they hadn't noticed it. "Don't.Go.In.Here." Spike hissed out. "You can go anywhere BUT here in this place. But don't go in here." He glared at them heavily. "You'll wish you didn't see what was behind here if you do." He eyed them. "Let this be my warning. I can't guarantee your safety if you go through here." He continued. "You might die." He added hoping to scare them. This itself worked more than his warning if the shrinking of their pupils was any indication, that and their slacked jaws. Nodding in satisfaction he moved forward. "Now I'll be showing you where you'll be staying. The house you saw where you came in." He said nonchalantly. "You'll be able to get some food in there, as well a bath and all that other stuff. I even have...ugh, combs." Spike shivered. He had always hated combs, not that he could use them really. It was just that they seemed to be a girly accessory. Looking back he saw Everypony interested in that, not just Rarity. Surprise, surprise... Rolling his eyes he stepped forward, it had not taken them long to get to the house, something seemed...off about it, something unnatural... He shrugged. "Welcome Ponies. To my 'humble abode/MANCAVE'." He said with a chuckle. They all gasped in astonishment at the sheer size of the building. This was breath taking to them. Twilight blinked. "What's a man cave?" She asked curiously. Spike waved her off. "Forger what I said, I was just being random" He snickered, Twilight just sighed. "Alright, let's get inside." He said boredly. "You can get your hygiene done in there, I'll get something cooking. Don't worry it'll be...Pony Food....Bleh." Spike nearly gagged. Pony food meant no meat, and boy he could use some pork or beef. They rushed inside, eager to get clean, Spike pick locked the door with his claw the pushed the door, it flung open from the strength.Twilight noted that, but passed it off as the door just being fragile.The inside was quite a nice shade of white, with seats and what not everywhere. "Now before you go in, I'd like your er...Hoofs clean." Spike stated. They nodded understandingly. " They all took turns wiping their feet on the welcome mat. Where after they stepped in looking around. "It's rather nice." Rarity complimented. Spike merely shrugged, then wiped his feet on the mat then stepped inside. "I would hope so, I have somecreatures clean it." Spike rolled his shoulders, this time because they were tense. "Alrighty then, I'll show you the bathroom." He said. They walked through the house admiring several things where they came upon the bathroom. They looked surprised by the structure but pleased by the fact there really WAS a bathroom. Rarity squealed and ran into the bathroom, her magic shutting the door behind her. This in turn not only surprised them with the loud sound, but the ones not flying fell onto their flanks. The others didn't look pleased at all, but Spike waved them off chuckling. They. looked at him with, once again not pleased. "What's your guys problem?" He already knew, but he... Spike grabbed a pair of sun glasses off the table next to him. ...Wanted to hear it straight from the from the horses mouth. OOOOOOHHHHHHH!!! Everypony started looking at him funny when a gleeful expression took over his face, the random picking up of sunglasses didn't help either. Well...Everypony except Pinkie. She just fell on her back and started laughing like she heard he pun... She was kinda strange, maybe she did hear it. Spike shrugged. "Well, we know how bad Rarity wanted to go get washed up but this is..." Twilight didn't need to finish it from them to know. Spike waved them off. "It's no big deal." He said. "What makes you say that?" Twilight asked. "That was the hallway bathroom, this whole place has several rooms with their own Bathrooms." He explained, they smiled softy, with the exception of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash who grinned. Even Applejack knew where the mud line was crossed at. He walked them all to their respective rooms, Owlicious flew from his position onto Fluttershy's head (Which she seemed happy about.) and Spike left them to their devices. They could handle themselves.He decided that he'd make some food them, they were probably all starving.Walking down, knowing his own house he quickly found the dining room. Going into the fridge, he raided it for a bunch of vegetables and fruit, not forgetting some juice. He went into the cabinets and grabbed some seasonings. There was also some- Ooo, he hadn't had pasta in a long time. Then again, he wanted some meat in it. Couldn't do it though. Well, it wasn't all that bad. He could add cheese and that would make it several times better than it would have been at first. Smiling he set to the task. He picked up some eggs. It was time to... Making sure his sunglasses were on tight enough he did a back flip. Get cracking. OOOOOOHHHHH!!! After about forty five minutes he was done, and setting down seven plates. He set down the tray in the middle of the table containing the food. Spike heard a sound, he looked down and felt himself shocked. The very reason they weren't supposed to go in that house...was right here. Or at least, part of it. That meant that it had been done. The monster was longer among them. He scratched his head. And flicked a switch on it playing the song. It could be heard throughout the whole house. If the monster was going to die, he probably was just going to stroll around the house for a bit THEN die. That was okay thought, no biggie. He couldn't actually HURT anyone. Shrugging he went about pouring the glasses of juice. Twilight was just getting out of the shower, her throat was feeling quite dry, but she had nothing to complain about seeing as once she got out of here, she'd be able to get something to eat and drink. She found herself appreciating the Baby Dragon more and more by the second. He'd help them several times now, whole reluctant at first, he held up to his word and protected them. He'd given them some food, shelter and was keeping them clean. The only rule he had even set down was "Don't go in here." which even if she wanted to, she'd find herself not doing over how exhausted she was. He was kind, and she was very grateful. He seemed to be rude, snarky, and even downright...well... hateful. Yet he had time to help them, save them when they needed the most. Yet, she found something...odd, about him. She couldn't put her hoof on it though. Well, it didn't matter. She'd wonder about it later. Right now, she and her friends were clean, dry and was about to get something to eat. Twilight smiled. Things were looking up for them. As long as the Spike was with them, chances are they were pretty safe. Twilight found a toothbrush in a plastic wrapper. She opened it with her magic and began to clean her teeth while levitating a comb through her mane. It was heavenly. She could only hope friends were having the same experience. Fluttershy was happy. Very happy. Her friends were no longer fighting, she had met a Baby Dragon, said Baby Dragon had saved them from several types of messy deaths and now they were getting some food and taking care of hygiene. Owlicious was perched on top of her mane, she had cleaned him as well as herself. Thoroughly stroking her mane with the comb she found in the drawer. Sighing contently she looked back in the mirror, only to find somepony standing behind her, it was Rarity. Normally would have been frightened out her mind and would have screamed in terror if that happened but was too tired and just settled for simply squeaking and covering her eyes with her hooves, dropping the comb. Which was grasped in magic before it could hit the floor. Rarity appeared startled. "Goodness Fluttershy! You scared me there!" Rarity then smiled somewhat sheepishly. "Of course I'm sure I scared you ten times as much, correct?" Fluttershy uncovered her hooves from her eyes and nodded but smiled regardless. "It's nice to see you're back to normal Rarity!" Fluttershy chirped in a rather happy manner, this came from the fact that Rarity was clean and looked to be slightly out of it, Rarity nodded, smiling. "Yes indeed! All I'm missing is my nose powder." She pouted. Fluttershy giggled at her. In turn Rarity grinned, she took a step forward examining Fluttershy's hair. "Well well, as beautiful as ever I see!" Fluttershy blushed at the praise. Then smiled lightly. "I could say the same for you." Rarity flipped her hair. "It's true! It's all true!" She cried dramatically. "I try my best after all!" She said grinning. Fluttershy giggled once again. It felt so good to not be fight, like they had when they were in the forest. It was still traumatizing to the both of them though. Rarity peered into the hall, she could have sworn she heard some- Hoof steps went across the floors, wrapped around them was a tight chain she realized while being startled She couldn't see anything beside that though. But the hoof steps...it sounded wrong. Raw even, like raw skin was being used to move. Fearfully she leaned over to see what it was, there from the door, something was glaring at her. It sent tingles of fear down her spine. It looked like a silhouetted Pony... Fluttershy had noticed it too, and froze in shock, disbelief and finally- Fear. What was only two seconds felt like a life time... She could smell iron, it was overpowering, she felt like she had to vomit from the smell. What made things worse was the fact that she could identify it as... Blood. The chains on the Pony look alike jiggled an ominous sound. It continued to glare, it felt like thousands of anguished souls were staring at them, pleading for help. But they could not give it. After a few more seconds it left. ... "What was that?" The two asked at the same time, both fearfully. TO BE CONTINUED
?Hey guys! It's Shaded Silver (Originally Reality Warper)! This is a little P.O.V from one of my stories that's linked to this one and on what the 'monster' is! To grasp the best picture for all the sounds below play them all together in a loop! Headphones will give you the best effect! Note: This is a very short chapter seeing as I've been busy! If the link below doesn't work for photos use this! Well, onto the story! Unknown POV Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Those were the sounds that had been in the halls for all these years. Nothing else...Except when the occasional pony came in. In which he violently ripped their souls from their bodies. The sounds of their agony soothed himself like a lullaby. Their anguish gave him pleasure, it was always a pleasure to end their eternal torment. But that brings the question, why is it a pleasure? Why is anything a pleasure? Luxuries, he could simply roam his castle/mansion without much of a hassle. Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Jiggle. That was the sound of him stopping. The chains that torment HIM stayed with him, even after death. The intense burning heat never ceasing. This is what fueled most of his anger. But if the chains stopped, that means he stopped. Right?... They dragged with him all the time, he only noticed the sound when the noise stopped. What would be so important as to make he who cannot rest stop? Whenever he chased his victims, the sound of his hooves and the chains were all they needed to know he was nearby. There was dragging around his neck, fore legs and front legs. They'd try to run. But he could warp time and space to appear anywhere at anytime. Not that they knew that. As far as they knew, it was because he was some sort of demon. Well, it's not like it mattered anyway. More suffering, more torment. What made it funnier was that he didn't just outright teleport like most magic users. He did most things when they blinked or wasn't looking his way. Amusing, no? To be honest, it didn't matter. More pain. That's all that had ever mattered. That's all that ever will matter. Those insufferable scientist thought they could make a fool out of him. They had mistaken him for a push over. And for that he devoured their souls. Because of that, he was stuck here. He didn't regret it though. He'd do it again. Over, and over again. Jiggle. Turning his head to the door that was always locked, he pondered what the outside world was like. After all, besides for just seeing himself, the mortals wanted oh so badly to back outside this door. Occasionally they managed to escape...The ones who did were clever, witted and could solve puzzles. This castle was one big puzzle, and anyone trying to escape would need to be a genius to get out. He hadn't set it up, someone else did. Likely someone with a motive. But it begs the question... How come he could not escape? Why would he want to leave you ask? Well, simple really. Every mortal who had come here always had wanted to leave, the braver ones thought they could even take him on. They usually ran away after seeing they were outmatched though. What would be outside this place that they'd want to return so badly to? Was it that important to live? Click. Clop. Click. Clop. That was the sound of him moving again, to where? He didn't know, anywhere to get away from this boredom. There nothing to do. No mortal to chase, no body to rip apart or scare. Nobody to get away from him. How long had he been roaming this castle? He could honestly remember it all like it was the back of his hoof. He knew every nook and cranny of this place. It was no different than the way a mortal felt their home was their own. However, being at home all the time gets boring. He wanted to venture. Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Jiggle. He had stopped again, why? CLANK! Lifting his head from his usual dragging motion, he started walking outside the back room and into the front room where he heard noise. It was so strange, no one had been here in years. Had someone come to visit him? It was rather dreary all the time. Perhaps he wouldn't kill them, maybe he could have some company, it was starting to get lonely in here. Dreary even... With that motion in mind, he set himself to looking around the room. Finding nothing but a bowl on the ground that had been there before he gazed around the room once again. Eveything was in place, so what had that noise been? Perhaps it was a trick of the mind... Or perhaps someone had come in here, dropped something and hid. Perhaps even left the room. That in mind, he turned around to leave, something caught his eye in the corner of his vision. Was there was a light seeping through the door into this room? No, no. It was simply too bright. Meaning the door was open... Why was it open? Looking at the room once more he realized that his music box was gone. Someone had stolen it. He'd get it back, and worst of all... They left the door open for him to get it back. Trotting out the door he made his way outside, it was bright. Very bright. He quickly got back inside- The light hurt, It burned worse then his chains. And that was saying something because his chains were made to hurt himself. He figured since he didn't want to get hurt he'd stay out of the light, he'd slink through the shadows to avoid it. Pain was good to avoid, but better to inflict on others. Even from here he saw the mansion. It shouldn't be too hard to get in. He saw a window and started to meld in another to get over there into the shadows. As soon as that thought finished he melded into the ground darting from one shadow to another. After about five times of doing this he found himself in the mansion after jumping into a window. The friendly atmosphere had died as soon as he stepped in, he didn't blame in. His very presence was cold. Trudging forward with his head near the ground, the chains around his neck and legs dragged across the ground. Breathing, he could see his own breath from the cold air. He made his way into the halls where he saw one of the doors cracked, he went over the door. Pinkie Pie was happy! She had a cupcake from the fridge before being shown her room (With Spike's approval of course!) She had a bath and was currently satisfied. She left her door open a crack to show that her friends could come in and talk with her! Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Pinkie perked up at the sound of hoof steps, one of friends was coming to visit her! She needed something to talk about...No wait, something was...off about those hoof steps, they sounded wrong. Like...They sounded raw. And then there was another sound, once she cleared her thoughts she noticed what sounded like a chain of some sort. No...Several. Jiggle. The sound was unnerving, who has chains on them at this time of night!? Or was it still day? Huh... Click. Clop. Click. Clop. The movement stopped all together this time, the chain and the hoofsteps. There...was there something peering at her in the door way? It was silent, but it was there. "Hello!?" Pinkie called out cautiously "Who's there?" She furrowed her brow. "Come out now or no party for you until a later date!" She threatened. It was then that an overpowering stench out blood hit her, it made her dizzy and sick. The room felt like it was spinning as she stared at it's face, it was colder all around her. Not to mention the lights kept flickering. It let out an in-pony breath. The shadow continued standing there. It then turned away. The smell of iron leaving with him. Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Pinkie for the first time in a long time... Was afraid. Very afraid. He had been merely observing the pink pony, it seemed her very presence almost tried to ward him off, not only that but she knew he was here yet was afraid. Impressive, but he had other things to do. Leaving the room, the lights stopped flickering, a habit he had not yet dropped. He made his way to another door that was open down the hall, the lights flickering with him. He pushed it open slightly, watching the mares in the room tense up, the timid looking one looked like she was beyond scared- more like devastated. None of them had his music box, he decided he'd look elsewhere. He could have sworn he heard a "What was that?" He moved on, he needed to digress and get his music box. The lights we're still flickering on and off as I stalked down the hallway. Walking further down the hall he came across a locked door. Locked doors were his weakness, he could teleport, but not behind a locked door, it was so strange. He moved on after not seeing anything happening. Walking into the next room he found though it wasn't cracked upon like the other two it still was unlocked, that made it easier for him. Perhaps they had his box? Pushing the door upon it creaked loudly. "Who's there?" A voice called out. She seemed to have some sort of accent. Country he thinks. It was time to observe once more. Applejack was doing fine, plum tuckered. But fine. She had food, a work out, a bath and a bed to lay in so all was good, Applejack was hungry and thirsty, yes. But Spike was making dinner, she could wait. With all that fighting in the forest, it had occurred to her that her friends were RIGHT on somethings, like overworking all the time. It's not her fault, she was proud to be an Apple. And what's more is that "Always overworking!" was paying for the food on her table and gosh darn it she something to keep her family fed! Big Mac would agree, Big Mac worked so hard that he hardly ever left the farm, infact there was fewer times than she can count the freckles on her face! Apple Bloom was depending on her, and she STILL hadn't made enough bits to Granny that new hip! During her rant, she didn't noticed the opening of her door, very slowly it nudged upon, eventually Apple Jack noticed something. The smell of iron, there was something looking at her in the doorway, it's shadow WAS how it looked.It was a silhouette. Rays of sunlight sparked into the room, the figure hissed and shut the door swiftly that she was surprised however she was slightly scared though. The scent of blood was now leaving, but the memory was imbedded into her head. To her surprise the door tried twice to open. She sat there hoping the door would be enough to hold it up. After a few more seconds the turning stopped. Applejack didn't see anything, because of she walked back to her bed. It was only after she sat down did she hear hoof steps get away from her door. Whatever it was, she had to admit was scary, Maybe that was Pinkie and that was a prank? Wasn't funny. Sighing she supposed she'd go find somepony to tell.
"Ready to face your fate?"Hey there guys! The song that is given is played the whole flashback! Enjoy! Spike was a Dragon of many traits, Violence, Anger, Wrath...eh, there were some positive traits somewhere in there...he'd just have to search... Greed, Jealousy, Hate...We aren't going anywhere with this... Power? Eh, that wasn't really a trait. Generosity? Hah! Yes, he could now add this to the list since he was helping these ponies, no? Good, he could still make himself look like the good guy. But even with all these...good traits, he still wasn't the best dragon around. Now power wise? Hell yeah, he was awesome. But he wasn't unbeatable, infact there were many good fighters out there. You'd have to look for them. He knew martial arts but barely got to use them. Why? Because most of everything these days didn't need it. He could just burn all his problems away. He could remember a time where he needed martial arts to fight. It was a few years back... Flashback Spike was walking down a path in one of the caves in one of his old homes. It led out to the open, the breeze was blowing, the sun was up high, the shadow casting in a tree was pointing something at him... Wait, what? Spike's eyes flickered over to the shadow where he saw it pointing some sort of metal weapon at him using magic. The entity let out a quick "tsk!" at being caught before dropping down the weapon of sorts and dropping down from the tree, with a heavy thump and a quick ground shake and he was in front of Spike, and he had to say....For a pony he sure was huge "So, you are but a baby dragon." He said in his weird accent. This guy....this guy was huge, now normally I'm not stunned by big opponents seeing as I beat dragons bigger than houses on a daily, but this guy gave off a feeling of bad ass'ery. "Well...Yeah." I blinked. This guy was something else. His stone cold face never changed. He looked me over. "I don't see how you could give anyone a hard time, you are small. Not that small fighters are bad, you are just...smaller. than I expected." He said in a deep gravel tone of voice. "Well, I don't like to brag...But yeah, I am pretty good." I ~~bragged~~ said modestly. His expression did change this time, he raised a brow. "Well it matters not, I have a job to do. And that is, to make you a dead dragon." I blinked. Whoa, seriously? Who paid him to kill me? Wait, he was a mercenary? Huh, never met one of those, he looked pretty darn tough too if I said so myself. Not that I was pole riding, it was just a fact. "Yeah, I like being a dragon that lives, so I'm going to have to decline." I said coolly. He glares at me (Pretty damn terrifying) before getting into some sort of martial arts stance, he was standing upright on his back hooves while his front hooves were in some sort of weird poster. He pounds his hooves together. "I see, then no more words...Ready to face your fate?" I get on all fours and growl loudly, smoke creeps out of my mouth. It was time to do this. "Let's go!" I roar out as he gets back on all fours to sprint at me, he was in front of me in a blur swinging down at me. Instead of swinging I thought I'd try blocking it. Let me be perfectly clear, whenever I go against a unicorn, they use their little magic to try and beat me, I figured "Hey, since all Unicorns use magic, maybe his muscles are purely for looks?" being the dumbass I was. Guess what? He slammed his hoof against my arms and I was flung across the dirt road like a fucking rag doll. I flew back even farther than I thought because at one point I hit a tree...which fell down from me hitting it. Groaning I stood up, I wasn't hurt much, can't say much about the tree though. That poor, poor tree. I was partly satisfied to have noticed that he wasn't smirking or anything from his success, he did however speak. "I would not try to block if I were you, I am very capable of sending you spiraling across from me." He advised me, I think he was being sympathetic because I'm a baby dragon, maybe. "Duly noted." I grounded out heatedly. What? I was a dragon, you know, fierce?... And unhappy he got that hit off of me. I was somewhat bitter. Did he hurt my body? Not really. Did he hurt my pride, whole 'nother story. I dashed beside him closing our distance in a mere few seconds, I lashed out my left foot going higher, which he blocked. Since I was going higher I lashed out yet another kick, this time with my right. In which he blocked again. Using my momentum I did a flip while I was still air bound, bringing it down heavily- Which he blocked again! I then tried to flutter kick about five times, he still blocked all of them...This guy had an iron defense! I hopped on his outstretched hoof and jumped off of it, doing a back flip kick- he couldn't dodge it in time and thanks to the amount of power in those kicks I send him flying a few inches off the ground which I capitalized on by stomping on him while he was suspended in mid air three times and finished the combo with another flip and bringing all my momentum down and putting all my weight onto my feet. CRASH I back flipped off of him into a place far enough for him to to reach me. And huffed, letting all the air out. I heard a grunt and saw him getting back on his hooves. "Very nice, I'll see to return the favor." He said, still using that gravel tone of his. I frowned, looks like I didn't do much, even with all of that. "You're good." I complimented. "What style are you using?" I inquired curiously. It used a lot of strength, so I had no idea what it was seeing as most styles used speed. "Sambo, a deadly style invented by Brusshian military." He said. Oh, Brusshia. They were a deadly bunch of ponies when it came to fighting, that explained everything. Well, almost. This guy way TOO good. I've taken down Brusshian's before, so I know. "I thought I said no more talking." He pointed out, getting back into stance. I did as well. "You did, I was just curious." I said. He grunted the charged me after getting back onto all fours again, right when he got in front of me and cocked back his hoof- just when I thought I had it figured out, he did something else. He faked me, he actually rolled to the side I jumped to when I thought he was going to try and hit me. Now here's where we come to a problem. When a Brusshian has a hold on you, it means untold pain is about to descend upon you faster than bats flying out of Tartarus. This theory was proved needlessly by none other than the Pony grabbing me. SLAM! SLAM! SLAM! That was the sound of me repeatedly hitting the ground as grabbed me with both of his hooves. He spun around in a circle, I went with him. He sent me flying, I went through several trees that collapsed after I went through them. Suddenly before I knew it, he was on me again. He picked me up once again, he wrapped his hooves around my neck. CRACK It wasn't enough to kill, but sure as hell was enough to hurt. He capitalized by bringing my arm down and slamming me on my face, then rolling onto the ground, and put all of his hooves on my arms and snapped it from it's place. "ARGHHHH!" I cried out in agony. This guy had some strength on him to be able to even do that. He got up and tossed me into the air, bringing both his hooves in a baseball batting position and SLAMMED THE FUCK OUTTA ME! I was sent spiraling through MORE trees and a boulder! Goodie! I stopped after the thirteenth three. "Son...of a bitch..." I groaned out, I stood up. This was the first time anyone was able to kick my ass like this. I twisted my neck back into place wincing. I did the same with my arm, biting my lips. I saw him walking calmly toward me, while his facial expression said nothing, I was pretty darn sure inside he was all "I told you I'd pay you back.", taunting me. Sighing I stood up. He looked pleasantly surprised when he saw me standing. "I thought you'd be down for the count." He said. I rolled my eyes and got back into position. I wanted to hurt so bad. I blurred infront of him. I raised both my hands in the air and put them in a hammer swinging position. He got into a blocking position at first, but then he looked alarmed, his eyes widened. He rolled out the way at the last second as I put a majority of my strength into the swing and in doing so... CRACK! SLAM! BOOM! A crater was forming below us from the impact of the blow, and he was going miles deep. Trees were being knocked away, so were boulders, where as caves just collapsed upon themselves. The wind blew harshly from all the destruction. Even I was thrown back and into a tree that was flying away me attached to is from the force. I rammed through the tree. After a short silence, the destruction was over. I rolled out of a pile of rocks and branches that had piled up on me, grunting. Nearby, I saw a huge rock being lifted, which was then tossed away with a disheveled looking pony who also grunted. He looked up and saw me. "That was...more than I expected." He admitted. "I can see why you are greatly feared." I smiled at the praise. "Yeah, you're pretty good too." I told him. He nodded in acceptance. "Though I have to admit, we both have been holding back. Amateur hour ends here. Step up your game." I grinned. He nodded once again. Suddenly dozens of boulders start floating, covered in a ice blue magic hue. "Then, this is where the real game starts." He remarked. As soon as he said that, several boulders flew at me I got onto two legs and extended one out far and got into a crouching position holding one fist out next to the extended foot and one behind my head. A rock flew at me, and to my eyes... Everything slowed down. The first boulder was shattered by my fist, seeing shattered pieces everywhere, followed by a second rock, then a third. I lashed out my foot and shattered yet another boulder. Lunging forward, I jumped onto one of them, and then another. I stomped a boulder out the air that flew toward the one I was standing on, shattering it too. I flipped onto a different boulder, just as I was about to flip onto another one- WHAM I was being tackled to the ground by the Brusshian. Who slammed his hooves into the ground repeatedly, everywhere he hit was where my FACE used to be. He eventually got tired and just picked me up. OH SHIT! I wasn't having anymore of that and let out a stream a fire which forced him to drop me and roll out the way. Seeing as I had the offensive I continued to breath fire at him. He kept flipping out the way. How he did that with a body set like that is beyond me. Just know he did it. He took something out his vest pocket with his hoof. He grabbed the metal part with his teeth and tore it off and spit it out. He then tossed it at me. I knew immediately what it was, it wasn't the first time it was used against me. I shot the grenade mid air before it could get too close me. With the strength he hurled it at I would be surprised if it went through diamond. My fire being as strong as it was however stopped it, and it blew up mid air. BANG In all this smoke, Bayman couldn't see. He looked around trying to spot a figure. WHAM Bayman was hit hard but not flying. He grunted and looked around again to find the dragon. WHAM! WHAM! That was the sound of scales hitting his flesh, he cried out in pain. And one of his hooves being held up from now touching the ground. As he looked up, he saw green glowing predator like eyes looking him in unrestrained glee before they disappeared. Looks like the playing field was now in the Dragons favor. WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! He fell on his side, after several heavy blows he couldn't stand up for a second. He grunted. What was taking this smoke so long to clear up? The dragon had the advanta- The Dragon had the advantage! That was it! He was using his own smoke as a smoke screen! The grenade was a distraction. He needed to get out of this smoke fast, if he didn't, things would get ugly really quick. He jumped to his hooves, only to be sent back down of the ground. WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! WHAM! He was striking him on the ground now, not letting him get any time to rest. Grunting, he tried rushing out the smoke after getting up again. WHAM! WHAM! Back to the drawing board, the dragon wouldn't let him escape. He knew that he was aware of his strategy and was milking it for all it's worth. Damn! What's worse is he couldn't breath in this smoke, he was going down soon, he needed out NOW. Spike decided it was time to end this, while he was having fun he needed to stop this before the pony got an idea to get out. "Hey, what's your name?" Spike asked. He was curious, such an opponent needed a name. The pony answered smoothly, clearly trying to stall time to make a plan. "Bayman, and yours?" He asked evenly, he clearly was panicked, he started coughing. "It's like a frying pan in here..." I heard him mutter with my awesome hearing. He just set himself up for a bad joke now. "Spike, and I'm afraid this has to end." I said happily. Just as I said that I zeroed in on him in the smoke, I put a bunch of strength into my arms and swung. WHAM! He flew out and embedded himself into a tree. I jumped in front of him. My bad joke senses were starting kick in. "So, a frying pan huh?..." I mused. "Looks like you jumped right out of the frying pan..." I reared back letting out a loud roar followed by a stream of flames. "AND INTO THE FIRE!" SCORCH "Gahh!!!" He cries out, and finally faints. I grinned. And fell to one of my knees. "It was nice fighting you and all, but I am outta here!" I told the unconscious Bayman. I got up, and limped away to the cave where my parents would be, no doubt worrying. I cast a glance back at Bayman to see him still down for the count, the wind blew, and his hair ruffled from it. Still knocked the fuck out. The breeze felt good. I continued limping away. Not looking back after that. Flashback end Yup, those were the days...The whole reason he was getting into this was because he saw how nice those ponies were, and it made him feel...almost like crap into how evil he was compared to them. Yeah, they had flaws but were in no way purposely cruel. "AHHHHH!!" The loud scream broke me out of my thoughts. I heard and I heaved a heavy sigh, it was time to see what was going on. I walked upstairs and saw the lights flickering, down the hall I saw...something, dunno what it was. Because of that I deducted it was that monster. Not that I wasn't a monster myself of course. I had the music box in hand, a terrified looking Twilight was backed against the wall with the monster/ghost observing her. I called out. "Looking for this?" I asked casually. The thing looked over at me, then the music box then silently trekked over to be, grabbing the box and swallowing it. It stared at me. I stared in return. "Soo..." I asked rubbing my arm, he continued to stare. I took a step back, it took one forward. I frowned, then turned around and started walking away, seeing what it'd do. He followed. "Are you gonna follow me around!?" I demanded. It said nothing. "Oooooh boy..." I groaned. Twilight looked unnerved. "What is that? Is it a ghost?" It was immune to her magic more than likely, therefore she was scared. All the others then came rushing out from the wherever they came from. "Twi'! Are you okay!? Did that...THING hurt you!?" Applejack asked heatedly. Twilight shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Spike came along." She frowned and looked at the ghost and Spike. "He looks like he has it under control." She said grinning. Rainbow Dash frowned. "Sorry we couldn't get here earlier! We uh, well THEY got lost. I was just following them to make sure they'd be okay." She boasted/lied. Twilight rolled her eyes. This was going to be a long day. This was not helped when a "Stop following me!" Followed by nervous laughter and a fainted Fluttershy was presented. She sighed.
Twilight's NightmareJust a short story about WHY Twilight is running! Yay! Twilight heaved a sigh, she had gotten away from that monster that had been following her, stalking her every move. Smiling she walked forward, only to hear chains not too far behind her. Her blood ran cold and she shot a look at the corner, where there was an approaching shadow on the wall giving away his position. The strangest part was the shadow looked like it was looking...directly...at her... Twilight bolted down the hall again as fast as she could. Click. Clop. Click. Clop. Still running, she casted a teleport spell and landed was in a closet hiding suddenly. Elsewhere, Spike's bad joke sense tingled. "Someone's hiding in the closet. Come out! Don't worry, I wont judge you!" He snickered. Twilight felt annoyance at that moment for some reason. Jiggle. ...He stopped?... "Hey..." A voice whispered behind her. She now knew true terror. "Where'd he go?" It asked her. Screaming she came out the closet. "Hey look guys! She finally came out the closet!" Spike said with a cruel grin. She kept running, and running, and running. But no matter where she went, he was there walking casually. Or at least menacingly. Her legs gave out, she could run no more. The monster started walking quicker, and quicker. It opened its mouth so wide that it the floor. It's eyes started to glow an eerie shade of red. Roaring it consumed her, she screamed. The Shadow found himself poking at this pony, she seemed to be having a nightmare. Was it his presence? He kept poking her to see if he could wake her. Eventually, she stirred. When she got a good look at him though... "AHHHHH!!"
