Breath of Dragons 2

Chapters

Jobs and Friends
Here Piggy, Piggy
The Journey Begins
Revelations
Rescue
Helping Others
Double Trouble
Reunion and Truth
The Real Quest Begins
Buy Some Apples!
Queen takes King
Earth and Sky
Family Matters
The Resistance
Truth
The Gates of Everfree
Sacrifice
Memories and Beginnings
Backtracking
Of Dragons and Ponies

Jobs and Friends

Spike and Pip raced over to the Ranger's Guild, running down the stairs into the Elder's office. "We're here!" they said together, panting for breath.

The Elder looked at them over the desk coldly, her fingers steepling as she glared at them. "The Great and Powerful Trixie is unamused by your antics," she said, speaking in third person. "The Great and Powerful Trixie expects her Ranger's to be efficient and punctual. The Great and Powerful Trixie dislikes tardiness."

Spike pointed at the clock. "But we're on time!" he complained.

"The Great and Powerful Trixie was making a point!" she said bluntly. "The Great and Powerful Trixie also dislikes complaining. The Great and Powerful Trixie has a job for you two today." She pulled out a scroll and placed it on the desk. "You are to find a missing pet."

Spike and Pip stared at her disbelievingly. "Boss, is there something you're not telling us?" Spike asked. "I mean, the jobs you've been giving us are well paying and of good difficulty, but they've never been the kind we can show our real stuff and get advancement." Spike started ticking the jobs off on his claws. "Replenishing the town's food supply through hunting..."

"Aiding the town guard in repelling wandering monsters," added Pipsqueak.

"Guiding in lost travelers," Spike continued.

"Finding a missing kid, who turned out to have fallen asleep under the bed," Pip reminisced, groaning at the trouble of that one.

"Gem Hunting with Lady Rarity from the White Magic academy," Spike said with a smile.

"Wait, what?" Pip demanded. "When?"

Spike grinned. "Three weeks back, two weeks back, and three days ago while you were busy making goo-goo eyes at Princess Sweetie Belle," he teased back.

"You lucky git!" Pip groused, giving Spike a playful punch on the arm.

Spike turned back to Trixie. "And now finding a pet. Easy to difficult jobs, with no possibility of advancement. Are you deliberately trying to hold us back?"

Trixie stared at them both for a time, then sighed. "Trixie is going to be honest with you both. You are two of Trixie's most skilled Rangers. For some of the most dangerous jobs, you are the first ones Trixie thinks of. However, you are also the most uncontrollable people Trixie has ever met, and rub every noble in town the wrong way. Higher ranked Rangers go to noble's parties and socialize. Trixie likes having the noble's favor, as that comes with the noble's backing, which keeps the Ranger's Guild open. So yes, Trixie has been deliberately keeping you both at the lowest rank, where you can be most effective without pissing off the upper crust."

Spike and Pip blinked. "I didn't think we were that bad," Pip said.

"The other day, Blueblood bumped you out of the way when you were staring at Sweetie and you called him a barmy nancy muppet and told him to stuff his manky arsehole with a monster's bloody knob," Spike reminded him.

Pip blinked. "Overreaction a bit?" he asked nervously.

"Not where Blueblood is concerned," Trixie admitted. "Trixie isn't sure whether to be upset she missed seeing his face or glad Trixie wasn't there to laugh at it. Even so, Trixie needs his backing, and that of the other nobles." She sighs. "Trixie much prefers dealing with Fancy Pants, to be perfectly honest."

Pip sighs. "Alright, alright, we get the point. So, who's pet is it we're looking for?"

The door opens. A unicorn filly a little younger than Pip walks into the room, her white coat and pink-and-purple mane making a nice contrast to her pale yellow sundress. Her appearance of a totally ordinary filly was belied by the presence of two Unicornian Royal Guards standing watch at the entrance to the office. "Are these the Ranger's who will find my dear Hamlet?" she asked worriedly.

"No worries, Princess Sweetie!" Pipsqueak said eagerly, saluting. "We'll find your pet if we have to scour the land from here to Caponitan!"

Sweetie giggled. "Thank you, Pipsqueak. I'm sure somepony as skilled as you won't let me down."

Pip's eyes glazed over. "She knows my name..." he mumbled happily.

Spike spoke up. "What manner of creature is Hamlet, exactly? So we know what we're looking for."

Sweetie smiled. "Hamlet's just the cutest little piglet you've ever seen!"

Spike nodded. "Don't worry, Your Highness. We'll bring him home safely."

"Thank you so much!" she replied happily, bowing as she left.

Trixie turned to the two of them. "It seems you two do know how to behave around the nobility...as long as they're pretty girls." She clicked her tongue. Reaching into the drawer of her desk, she handed Spike a bag. "You are right that you both deserve more recognition for your skills, so I will give you what I can. Though unmarked, that is an expert Ranger's bag of holding, with no known limit to capacity. It should aid you somewhat."

Spike nodded, taking his novice Ranger's bag (with only forty spaces for gear) and emptying the contents into the expert bag. "Thank you," he said. "I'll just load this up at my storage locker." He turned and went to load all his stuff into the bag.

Having finished doing so, he turned to Pipsqueak. "Any idea where to look for Hamlet?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "If he's not been found yet, h's probably wandered off somewhere out of town."

Spike nodded. "Then let's head out." Outside town, he drew his sword and tested the edge. The razor sharp steel flickered with blue light as the razor sharp edge seemed to cut the air. The weapon smith had called it an EmpireSwrd.

Pip chuckled. "I still can't believe you found that in a fishing hole on our way here," he said enviously. He carefully drew a throwing knife from the bandolier he wore around his chest. It glimmered with blue light, and the point was almost too small to see. "And I can't believe the town smith letcha make these for me that time we wound up in Gutz when he got on the wrong boat. These are awesome!"

Spike smiled. "I learned a lot from that guy. He said my fire added some magic to those blades, so I'm glad you've kept hold of them." He resheathed his sword.

Pip also sheathed the knife. "Hey, there's a circus over there. Maybe someone inside has seen Hamlet?"

Spike thought for a time, then nodded. "Can't hurt to check." He followed Pip into the circus tent.

Inside, Spike paid the 100 bits to get a ticket. He personally found that price a little high for a sideshow. As a result, he wasn't surprised to find almost no customers, and those who were there completely ignored him and Pip, keeping their eyes on the caged monsters in the exhibits. Spike continued in to the deepest part of the tent.

Inside the largest cage, he could barely make our a pink-haired head hiding behind a large rock. There was a chain attached to the rock, leading around to behind it. A yellow coated unicorn stallion in rather colorful attire stood glaring at the cage. "Come on now, girl!" he complained. "If you don't step out from behind that rock, no one can see you! If no one cans see you, I don't get any money! If I don't get any money, you and your friends out front don't get fed."

The pink hair shivered and remained behind the rock. The stallion groaned. "Maybe I should see about finding something rather vicious to throw in with you," he said. He grinned. "Bet the right people would pay big money to see a pretty thing like you ravaged."

As a squeak of fear echoed from inside the cage, Spike noticed the stone around his neck darken in response to the stallion. He stepped forward. "So all you want is money?" he asked, stepping towards the stranger. "How about selling her?"

The stallion turned. "I don't believe we've met. Name's Flim. And you are?"

Spike shrugged his shoulders. "I don't think that really matters." Reaching into his bag, he pulled out some of the high quality gems that Rarity had let him keep from their hunts, when he'd helped her retrieve more than she'd needed. "This is what matters, I'd say."

Flim stared at the gems. "While that is interesting, what if I don't want to sell her?"

Spike grinned at him. "The way I see it, you have three options. One, you sell her to me. Two, I make the guard aware of this. If you aren't a law enforcement officer, you'll be brought up on charges of unlawful imprisonment. That, and slavery is illegal in the Hometown region." Spike drew his sword. "Option three, I act on my authority as a Ranger to rescue imperiled individuals, and kill you where you stand." Spike thought for a bit. "Actually, I think you only have options two and three to choose from at this point. I'm not paying you a bit."

Flim stared at Spike, his lips curling into a snarl. Then he saw Pip drawing his throwing knives, and scoffed. "You haven't heard the last of me!" he snapped, rushing out of the tent.

Stepping forward, Spike swung his sword. The ancient, powerful steel sheared through the bars of the cage, and he kicked them out of the way. He then brought the sword down on the chain, shattering it. "It's alright now," he said with a smile. "You're free."

The pink hair moved, revealing a voluptuous yellow Pegasus mare with bright blue eyes, her only garb looking like a bikini made of white silk. Her Cutie Mark of three pink butterflies was plainly visible on her flank. "Thank you for saving me," she said happily, pulling Spike into a tight embrace, burying his face into her cleavage.

"Lucky bugger!" Pip grumbled out. "When am I gonna get any?"

The mare then stepped back. "My name is Fluttershy."

Spike smiled back. "I'm Spike. This is my friend Pipsqueak."

Pip saluted. "Pleased to meetcha. I don't suppose you'd know where we'd find a piggy named Hamlet?"

Fluttershy grinned broadly. "He's crossed the mountains to the south. If you follow, I'm sure you'll find him." She bowed to them both. "Thank you for your aid. I'll just go help my friends out there, and I'll see you when you get back!" she then walked into the main part of the tent to free the caged monsters. "It's okay friends, we're free now. We can all live freely now, yes, that's it..."

Pipsqueak blinked. "She talks to monsters?"

Spike shrugged his shoulders. "Apparently. Let's go get Hamlet."

As they walked out of the tent and away, they suddenly heard a call. "WAIT!"

They both turned to see Fluttershy running up to them. She came to a halt in front of them, leaning over to pant somewhat heavily. "My friends said I should help you, and they're right. I'm a little scared of the mountains, but I'm sure I can be of assistance." She stands back up, holding up a whip. "I know how to fight, and I can convince most of the critters we meet to leave us alone. Will you accept my help?"

Pip glanced over at Spike. "She saw you as her hero," he grumbled quietly, "she's barely dressed, she can talk to monsters, has a figure like that, and uses a whip? You bloody, lucky git! How come you have all the luck?"

Spike grinned sheepishly at Pip, then smiled at Fluttershy. "We'd be happy to have your help," he said happily.

Fluttershy smiled radiantly.

Fluttershy joined the party.

Author's Note

Well, that's chapter 2. Was a bit harder to write then I thought it would be. Should be able to produce chapters a bit faster now that I'm into the swing of things.

I'm also going to start including 'battle data' if you will, explaining any major changes of the game's workings as far as the story. For those who've never played the game, you can ignore this part. For those who have, though, enjoy.

Battle Data:

Spike

Attack - sword
Eager - dragon greed and battle frenzy increases offense and defense, and makes Spike berserk. Each additional usage increases chance of inflicting confusion as well. Chance goes down for every battle where it's not used.
Magic-
Since Spike isn't a unicorn, he doesn't learn healing or offensive magic. He does, however, have a basic fire breath spell.

Pipsqueak

Attack - Throwing daggers; can only throw so many per battle
Vitals - targets an enemies vital points. If hit, deals damage equal to target's current hp. If miss, Pip takes damage. Does not work on bosses.
Pipsqueak is not a unicorn, so he does not learn magic

Fluttershy

Attack - whip
Commune - try to convince a monster to not fight. Can result in monster running away, attacking Fluttershy, or befriending Fluttershy. Befriended monsters often leave items or bits before leaving. Does not work on pony based enemies or bosses.
Call - summon a befriended monster. Costs MP based on strength of the monster called and the effect. Monsters can attack enemies, heal party, or inflict some form of status boost/reduction-effect on party/enemies.

Here Piggy, Piggy

Spike, Pip, and Fluttershy made their way over land until they reached the base of the mountain. What few monsters they did encounter took one look at Fluttershy and immediately left them alone. Some left with a smile, others with a look of abject fear. Spike couldn't understand that part. Fluttershy wasn't that scary, was she?

At the mountain, Spike looked up the steep face. There was a long, winding path that looked like it meandered up, over, and through the mountain, with plenty of easy ambush spots. After thinking for a bit, he turned to Fluttershy. "Do you think you could fly up there and have a look around? Scout us a safe path?"

Fluttershy, however, was staring up the mountain with an expression of abject fear. "It's so...steep..."

Spike blinked. "You're...afraid of heights?" Fluttershy nodded. "I don't mean any offense, but...how did that happen?"

Fluttershy gulped. "Well...I used to live up in the clouds like most other pegasi - you've noticed you don't meet many pegasi down on the ground, right?" Spike nodded. "Well, one day, I fell off the clouds, and couldn't get my wings to work. I fell, and fell, and fell..." She shivered. "If I hadn't landed in a friendly pile of G. Slimes, I probably would have died. Ever since, I've been scared of heights...and scared of flying." She looked pleadingly at Spike. "Do you...think less of me for being scared?"

Spike shook his head. "Not in the least." He patted her shoulder. "Fear's not something that you can control. Besides, you're confronting your fear enough to climb the mountain with us." He smiled reassuringly at her.

She smiled in return, the crystal on his pendant glowing brighter in response. "Thank you, Spike. You're so kind."

"If you two are done flirting," Pip grumbled, "do you think we could try to climb this mountain before sunset? I don't relish scaling in the dark."

Spike and Fluttershy both jumped. "Right," they said together. The three began walking up the path. After a time, the path leads them into a cave.

Inside the cave, a spring is being continuously filled from a fountain of water pouring from the mouth of a stone dragon head. Fluttershy gasped in joy. "A health spring!" she said happily.

"Health spring?" Spike and Pip asked in confusion. They'd seen springs like this in their travels, but never understood their purpose.

Fluttershy nodded. "These springs are blessed by the Dragon God to rejuvenate travelers. Do you mind if I..." She pointed towards the spring.

Spike and Pip glanced at each other and shrugged. "Go ahead," Spike said.

Squealing happily, Fluttershy ran forward and dove into the spring. As Pip and Spike glanced from each other to the spring in confusion, bubbles formed a trail revealing that Fluttershy was swimming around the bottom of the spring.

After a time, she shot back to the surface. She threw her head back as she broached, her mane flying back over her head as her wings fanned out behind her. Her arms hung loosely at her sides as her back arched, an expression of pure bliss on her face. The weight of the water made her coat cling tightly to her body, and her white silk bikini was made almost completely transparent by submersion. The water drops flying off her mane and wings warped the light around her, creating a shimmering golden halo effect.

Spike and Pip both stared, completely transfixed.

Fluttershy is completely refreshed.

Spike and Pipsqueak are fully energized.

Fluttershy stepped out of the spring with a beatific smile on her face. "Ah!" she said happily. "I haven't felt this clean since Flim captured me." She hugged Spike close. "Thank you!"

"Lucky bugger!" Pip shouted yet again.

Giggling, Fluttershy released Spike. "Shall we go?"

Spike blinked, swallowing convulsively. "B-but you're kinda..." He gestured towards her still see through clothes.

She looked down at herself. "Oh, don't worry. I'll dry as we walk. And as a Pegasus, the cold really doesn't bother me. I'm built for high altitudes after all...even if they scare me..."

Gulping, Spike led the way further up the path. Remarkably, Fluttershy did indeed dry quickly as she walked, her outfit also shedding the effects of the water rapidly, so that by the time they reached the end of the cave she was - relatively - decent.

As they came out of the cave, however, they could hear giggles coming from nearby. They looked around, but could see nothing. "Is anyone else getting nervous from that?" Pipsqueak asked. Both his companions nodded in reply.

As they continued to climb, the giggling - now more like sniggering - came again. "I think we're being watched," Spike murmured, his claw finding its way to his sword.

As they climbed higher, Fluttershy's wings shivered. "Get down!" she cried suddenly, diving for the path. Spike followed her lead. However, Pipsqueak wasn't quite fast enough, and as he dove for the path something swooped by overhead, seizing him and dragging him upwards, screaming.

Spike and Fluttershy pursued immediately. As they caught sight of Pipsqueak's captors, she cried out in fear. "Harponies!"

High up the Cliffside above them, in a nest at the bottom of a series of terraces coming down from the top of the cliff, Pipsqueak had been deposited between two figures. Both somewhat resembled the ponies of Hometown, except that - instead of legs ending in hooves and arms ending in hands - they had proportionately large wings and legs of a bird of prey, complete with talons. The mare to his left was bright pink with a swirl of lilac and white mane cascading down her back, with bright blue eyes. The one two the right had a silver body with a gray and white mane combed straight and tied in a pigtail, with silver eyes. Both also appeared to be about his age group generously curved if you ignored the bird portions...and stark naked.

"Look at this one, Silver Claw," the one on the left said, smiling coyly. "Doesn't he look just yummy?"

"Oh yes, Diamond Crown," the other - Silver Claw, presumably - replied. "Looks young and strong, probably quite virile. And can you smell?" She sniffed Pipsqueak closely. "Smells nice and eager. We're going to have fun with this one."

Pipsqueak blinked, blushing. "Uhh..."

Down below, Fluttershy moaned. "Oh no! He's fallen under their spell!"

"Fluttershy, what are harponies?" Spike asked in confusion. He'd never encountered them before.

"They're birds of prey with the heads and torsos of mares," she replied. "They're all female, so they capture males - preferably ponies - to mate with so they can lay fertile eggs."

Hearing this, Pipsqueak started to settle down. Doesn't seem so bad, he thought to himself.

"And then," Fluttershy continued, "after two weeks of continuous mating, or whenever the male runs out of stamina-"

Hope I can last that long.

"-they eat him to provide nourishment for the developing egg."

"What?" Pipsqueak shouted. "I don't want to get eaten!" He starts to run out of the nest, but sees it's too high a fall to survive. "Spike! Fluttershy! Help!"

"You're not going anywhere!" Diamond Crown said, stepping forward. "You can't escape from us!"

"Just relax and enjoy it," Silver Claw added in a seductive almost purr...marred only by her baring a mouth full of razor sharp teeth. "You'll love it while it lasts."

"I don't want to get eaten!" Pipsqueak yelled in terror.

Spike rushed forward, trying to scramble up the cliff, but he couldn't get a claw hold. "Damn it!" he snarled. "I'm coming buddy!" He continued to try and climb.

"Spike..." Fluttershy whispered out. She started to walk forward, but then she looked up at how high it was, and started to get dizzy. Then Pipsqueak let out another scream of fear. Steeling herself, she spread her wings.

As Pipsqueak continued to dodge the pounces of the two harponies and struggled for his knives, he eventually found himself pinned beneath Diamond Crown. "Nice chase," she said, grinning widely to reveal a mouthful of needle sharp fangs. "Now for the main event." She started to reach for him.

"Leave. Him. Alone!" Fluttershy snapped.

"Huh?" Silver Claw asked as both harponies turned.

Fluttershy hovered there at the edge of the nest, flapping her wings to stay afloat. "You have three chances to put my friend back on the ground and leave us be."

Diamond Claw smirked. "What'cha going to do if we don't? Tattle?" The two harponies laughed.

Fluttershy settled down to stand on the rocky edge of the nest. "That's one chance."

Silver Claw laughed. "Looks like the fraidycat's trying to be intimidating!"

The two harponies laughed together and started a chant.

"Fluttershy, Fluttershy,
Fluttershy can't hardly fly!"

They laughed together as they chanted.

Without warning, Fluttershy pulled out her whip and lashed them both across the cheek, drawing blood. "That's two," she said calmly.

Diamond Crown lifted a feather to her cheek. "My face..." she whispered. When she saw the blood spot on her feather, she let out a shriek of rage. "You'll pay for that, you ground pounding slut!" she screamed, lunging towards Fluttershy, Silver Claw beside her.

Fluttershy sighed as she put her whip away. "And that's three," she said. Putting her fingers into her mouth, she let loose a shrill whistle. "Angel!" she called out.

There was a loud thump several terraces above. Diamond, Silver, and Pip all looked up.

Staring down at them from an upper terrace was a somewhat lagomorphic figure. From a distance, one might simply call it a 'big bunny'. However, up close, several things could be seen that immediately changed that impression. First, it's right paw ended in a massive set of claws, looking not unlike a massive armored gauntlet. Second, its left arm had no paw, and ended in a massive bone blade that erupted from where the flesh of the arm abruptly ended. Third, it's mouth hung open, revealing several rows of razor sharp teeth that moved like an inverted rotating saw. Fourth, it had four glowing red eyes. Fifth, blood dripped from its claws, its bone blade, and mouth.

Finally, and most noticeably...it was somewhat in excess of 15 feet tall. It sniffed the air and roared, lunging for Diamond and Silver. The two harponies screamed and tried to fly away, but before long they were caught, Silver through the stomach by the bone blade and Diamond with the claws through her chest. The bunny like creature then dragged them both to an upper terrace, where he could be heard messily devouring them while they still lived.

Pipsqueak could only stare in fear. Fluttershy, however, smiled beatifically. "I did warn them," she said in satisfaction.

After a time, the creature leaped down into the nest, landing heavily. Pipsqueak immediately scooted back, but Fluttershy raced forward.

"Such a good boy, Angel," Fluttershy said happily, reaching up to scratch the figure between the ears and under the chin, which it bent over accommodatingly to allow. "Mama's so proud."

Pipsqueak stared up at 'Angel', a bit surprised to see that - instead of the four glowing red eyes he saw before - he now had only two beady little black eyes. "So...how'd you tame this bonzer bloke?"

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh, I raised him from a kit. He used to be a Greater Dire Killer Rabbit, but a demon tried to do bad things to me once, and Angel killed him. However, when he ate the demon's flesh, it warped him a little. So now...he's a Greater Dire Accursed Killer Rabbit...I think."

Pipsqueak gulped. "So...he's friendly?"

"Only to me," Fluttershy replied, "although I don't know why." She blinked, seeing Angel glancing down out of the nest and hearing Spike yelp. "Spike?" she called, staring out over the edge...

...and promptly curling up in a ball at the back of the nest. "Top high, too high, too high, too high..."

Angel seemed to sigh in resignation and roll his eyes. He then grabbed Pipsqueak in his claw, extended his cotton ball tail to full prehensile length, wrapping it around Fluttershy, and then leaping to the ground next to Spike with a crash. He then set them both gently down before leaping away again.

Fluttershy managed to calm herself down, and stood up with a smile. "He's such a sweetheart," she said happily. "Shall we move on?"

Pip gulped and nodded. Spike got to his feet. "Sure...let's go."

Smiling happily, Fluttershy continued down the path, the others rushing to catch up to her. Before long they were down the mountain. "So," Spike began, having gotten over his scare with Angel somewhat, "any idea where we should look for Hamlet?"

"Well," Fluttershy began, "it's getting on towards night, so he probably went looking for someplace warm. He's a pet, so probably a house."

"Right," Pip said, quickly scaling a tree. "Look for a house." He pulled out his spyglass, sweeping around once her reached the top of the tree. He then shimmied down rapidly. "Spotted a house, but looks like there's trouble. There's a big hole in the wall."

Nodding, Spike drew his sword and rapidly followed Pipsqueak, Fluttershy panting as she tried to keep up. Reaching the house, Spike leaped in through the hole in the wall...and immediately backed away.

The porcine creature was massive. It was easily twice Spike's size, had beady red eyes that seemed filled with rage, massive upward pointing tusks coming to a razor sharp point, and bristling brown fur that covered its entire body.

From behind the great beast, an ancient figure of indeterminate species raised his head. "Oh please...have you come to rescue me?"

The beast turned away from the old man to face Spike, who instinctively backed up. Pipsqueak soon jumped through the hole. "Cor Blimey!" he shouted out, drawing two of his knives. "That's one bonzer porker! How'd it get that big?"

"Good eating, probably," Spike said nervously.

"What do you think it eats?" Pip asked nervously.

The massive boar stepped forward with one massive hoof, snarling at them. Fluttershy caught up. "I'm...here..." she gasped out.

"Stay back Fluttershy!" Spike cried out, stepping protectively between her and the beast.

Fluttershy looked up...and smiled. "Hi Hamlet!" she said, waving at the boar.

Spike and Pipsqueak's lower jaws hit the floor as the boar let out a happy "Bwee!" in response to her greeting.

The Journey Begins

Sweetie Belle let out a happy squeal as Spike and the others led the large boar into the Ranger HQ. "Hamlet!" she yelled happily, racing forward to embrace the enormous face. The boar let out its own happy noise, nuzzling her and managing - through careful tongue placement - to only lick her face.

Pipsqueak, feeling rather exhausted from the adventure, smiled as he watched Sweetie embrace her pet. Despite everything, that beautiful smile made it all worth it.

Sweetie turned to the group. "Thank you all so much for returning Hamlet to me!" she said happily, giving a graceful curtsy. Her eyes fell on Fluttershy. "A new friend?"

Fluttershy smiled widely. "Hamlet's told me a lot about you," she said softly. "He's very happy to be with you and your care, but wonders if you might put a few less hard nuts in his feed. They give him indigestion, which causes him to rampage a bit."

Sweetie's eyes widened. "You can understand what he says?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I can understand all animals," she replied. "It's my special talent...and why I've spent most of my life amongst my monster friends in the wild."

"Wow!" Sweetie said in amazement, her eyes flicking to Fluttershy's cutie mark. "I wish I knew what my special talent was." Turning, she lifted the hem of her dress, revealing her well formed but still blank flank.

Pipsqueak fell backwards into a chair. "Umuguwhimumble..."

Sweetie sighed, letting her dress fall back down. "I wish I could stay and talk to you all more, but I have to return to Unicornia now." She climbed up onto Hamlet's back. "Come on, Hamlet. Let's head home."

"Bwee!" With that, Hamlet proceeded to leave.

"Bu..." Pipsqueak began, but hung his head as Sweetie was lost to sight.

Trixie clicked her tongue. "It seems you two have done well. Sweetie Belle already left your reward with me." She set a bag of bits on her desk, which Spike claimed. Trixie then turned to Fluttershy, pulling out a Ranger Badge. "Are you planning to join Spike's team on a more permanent basis, as a member of the Ranger's Guild?"

Fluttershy lowered her head. "Well, Spike's a really nice guy, as is Pipsqueak. They saved me from the bad pony who was holding my friends and I prisoner, and my friends said I should help them in return. So...I guess?"

Trixie nodded. "Very well." She pulled out a clipboard. "We'll just fill out a few pertinent details and induct you in. Name?"

"Fluttershy."

"Race Pegasus, gender female, age?"

Fluttershy blushed. "Umm...22."

Spike blinked. Six years older than him? Not as big an age gap as he'd thought.

Trixie nodded, filling in a few more details from what she could see. "Will you be needing a Ranger Suit?" she asked.

"I'd really rather not," Fluttershy admitted. "I don't really like feeling constricted by my clothes. It makes me feel trapped."

Trixie filled out a few notes. "Very well. Sign here." She handed the clipboard to Fluttershy.

Fluttershy signed. "And now I'm a Ranger?"

"Not entirely," Trixie replied. "Trixie still needs to pin your badge to your chest." She paused, looking at Fluttershy's wardrobe. "Though perhaps hanging it around your neck might work better for you."

Fluttershy nodded, blushing. Trixie put the badge on a thin silver chain and hung it around Fluttershy's neck.

"There you are," Trixie concluded. "You are now a Ranger. Now, about housing-"

"Umm," Fluttershy interrupted, "if it's okay with him, could I stay with Spike?"

Trixie turned to Spike, who nodded in affirmation. "Very well. Get some rest, all three of you. It's getting late."

Nodding, Spike led Fluttershy and Pipsqueak to their apartment. It was a small place, just a room with two beds, a couch, a fireplace, and a water closet. "We usually eat in the Ranger's Cafeteria," Spike explained, "so there's no need for a kitchen in here." Spike stretched. "You can take my bed, Fluttershy, and I'll take the couch-"

"Oh no!" Fluttershy insisted. "I couldn't take your bed from you! That wouldn't be right!"

Spike blinked. "But the couch isn't all that wide. Would you really be comfortable there with your wings?"

Fluttershy shrugged her shoulders. "I'm used to sleeping on the ground or in trees. I can be comfortable almost anywhere. But..."

Pipsqueak tilted his head. "But?"

Fluttershy hung her head. "Before I fell to the ground, I always slept with a large stuffed animal, almost bigger than me. Once I was down here, I always had one of my friends to cuddle with. I...I don't know if I could sleep alone."

Both Pipsqueak and Spike had a sudden mental image of Fluttershy curled up to and cuddling Angel, the Greater Dire Accursed Killer Rabbit. It was both adorable and terrifying. "I'm afraid we don't have any stuffed animals..." Spike managed to say.

"Well...I was thinking..." Fluttershy blushed brightly. "Spike...could I...share your bed? If it's not too much trouble, that is."

Spike struggled to control his bodily reaction to the notion of spending the entire night cuddled up to Fluttershy's soft, warm, curvaceous, scantily clad body. "...no problem..." he managed to say.

Smiling, Fluttershy hugged Spike tight. "Thank you."

If looks could kill, Pipsqueak's glare would have taken all nine of a cat's lives. "You lucky bugger!" he growled, climbing into his own bed and curling up with a 'huff'.

Chuckling nervously, Spike clambered into his own bed after Fluttershy as she pulled him close, his back to her as she wrapped arms, legs, and wings around him before resting her chin on the top of his head. They both slowly drifted off to slumber.

During the night, Spike's sleep was disturbed as he heard Pipsqueak moving about and talking to someone.

"What?" Pipsqueak's voice was saying. "You want me to..." There was some whispering. "Yeah, I can do that, but..." There was more unidentifiable whispering. "Okay, I understand. You can count on me."

There was more whispering, and then the door closed. There was pacing. "No, I can't take Spike," Pip was saying. "He was never as good at this as I was, or fully comfortable with it. Besides, that would entail waking and bringing Fluttershy..." Pip chuckled. "Yeah. I'm definitely doing this alone." The door opened and then shut again.

Spike sat up in shock as his door was slammed open violently, startling Fluttershy into leaping up to cling to the ceiling. "What have you done?!" Trixie demanded in barely contained fury.

Spike blinked. "Umm...what?"

Trixie snarled, her nostrils flaring frenziedly. "Blueblood is in an uproar, claiming his mansion has been burgled. And witnesses name your partner Pipsqueak as the culprit!"

"What?" Spike shouted in shock. "He wouldn't! Blueblood's the most vengeful guy around. Pip would never do anything that would put anyone in danger."

Trixie continued to glower, then sighed. "Trixie knows this. However, if Blueblood hears of this, he will raise a cry against the Ranger's Guild as a whole, and Pipsqueak in particular."

Spike nodded. "I know. I'll get to the bottom of this."

Trixie blinked, then smiled. "Indeed!" she proclaimed. "That you shall. I can take no action against Pipsqueak until he returns to the Guild - Guild policy - but Trixie can assign his partner to bring him in once the truth has been found. The Guild's flank is covered, and I'm only assigning you to do what you would do anyway." Trixie glanced around, then walked up and laid a hand on Spike's shoulder. "I don't believe Pipsqueak would do something like this," she said quietly, "so make sure I don't see him until you've captured the true culprit."

Spike nodded, shocked that Trixie dropped out of her usual third person speech. Trixie smiled, then left, closing the door behind her. Spike then sat down on the bed.

"Pipsqueak wouldn't steal from someone, would he?" Fluttershy asked as she fluttered to the floor. "I just can't believe it."

Spike chuckled. "I can believe it. I'm pretty sure half of what we subsisted on as orphans before we got this job was stolen from the rich who wouldn't miss it. But I know Pipsqueak isn't to blame here, because I can't believe he'd ever get caught!"

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "He's a thief?" she asked, shocked.

Spike smirked. "I'd call him a wealth redistribution artist. I once saw him switch a diamond tooth with a cubic zirconia while it was in the minotaur's mouth, and the bull never noticed. He never does anything that would risk hurting someone."

"Well, it's good to hear you still believe in me," Pipsqueak said as he slipped otherwise silently in through the window.

"Pip!" Spike almost shouted, rushing up to him. "Tell me you didn't get caught robbing Blueblood's mansion!"

Pip sweatdropped. "Well...I did get caught in the mansion when it had been robbed...but I didn't steal anything." He looked up at Spike. "You believe me, right?"

Spike looked his friend in the eye, then nodded. "I believe you. You'd never lie to me. So tell me the whole story." He almost didn't notice his mother's pendant glowing brighter as he said this.

Pip sighed happily. "Well, it happened like this..."

"Fancy Pants hired me to steal something from Blueblood's vault, a magic hood. At first I said no way, too risky for us. But Fancy Pants told me that the hood itself was stolen, so Blueblood would never report it missing, so as long as I made it out undetected I'd be home free. In the end I agreed, since Fancy Pants was trying to return the hood to the original owners. Everything was going swimmingly..."

Pipsqueak carefully slipped into Blueblood's mansion through an open window, nary a sound escaping as he landed softly inside. After giving a quick look around, he silently made his way over towards the vault, carefully evading each and every guard on patrol. Damn, he thought silently, Blueblood must be paranoid if he has guards roaming his halls at night. How does he sleep with the rattling of their heavy armor?

Eventually, he reached the hallway that led to the vault and walked up towards the door. However, before he could open it, it swung open and a young pegasus raced out. He had just enough time to see the pegasus was female, about his age, with a brightly colored mane, and wearing a skin tight body suit before she slammed into him, knocking them both over. He landed heavily on his back, with her splayed out on top of him, practically straddling him. The loud noise attracted the guards. She stood up, stomped on his stomach, and leapt out a nearby window before racing off into the night.

Pipsqueak staggered to his hooves just as the guards rounded the corner. He desperately pulled himself out the window, doing his best to hide from all the lights being turned on.

"But I knew they'd seen me, so I had to stay hidden," Pipsqueak concluded. "So I stayed in the shadows until I made it back here, and-"

"How did you let her get the drop on you?" Spike demanded. "I've seen you in action, Pip. Last time something like that happened, the guy who ran into you wound up on his stomach, with his arm behind his back, your knife at his throat, and gagged with his own money pouch!"

"Oh...my," Fluttershy murmured.

Pipsqueak blushed. "Well, she was my age, like I said. And she might have been, well, young," he said, cupping his hands on his chest indicating a small bust size, "but she had a killer flank, and with that skin tight catsuit I could see everything!" His blush - along with Fluttershy's - brightened. "And then when she landed astride my lap like that...well..." He rubbed the back of his head. "I was...distracted...which might be why she stomped my stomach."

Spike groaned. "I guess that Pegasus was the one who was the real thief."

Fluttershy smiled. "At least we have a description: slim build, brightly colored mane. Shouldn't be too hard to track her down."

"Doesn't sound like much of a description to me," Spike pointed out.

"With how few pegasi leave the clouds," Fluttershy pointed out, "it's an excellent description. We could probably just ask around if anyone's seen a pegasus other than me and track her down."

Spike nodded. "Alright, I see your point. So we track down the real thief once we find Pip somewhere to hide out. We can't bring him with until we clear his name."

"Maybe with the bloke we saved from Hamlet?" Pip suggested.

Spike shrugged. "It's as good an idea as any."

"But how will we sneak him out of town?" Fluttershy asked. "The guard is sure to be on high alert, right?"

All three lowered their heads in thought. Spike raised his head. "I have a cunning plan!" he said, raising his hand into the air.

"It's not going to involve me dressing up as a dog so you can take me for a walk, is it?" Pip asked. "Because I said I was only doing that once and never again!"

As Fluttershy giggled cutely, Spike held the pose for a bit. "I have another cunning plan!" he announced.

Pip nodded. "So what are you gonna do?"

"I'm going to take the garbage out," he said, walking over to the room's trash can and dumping it out.

"How is that going to he-whoa!" Pip tried to say before Spike grabbed him by the scruff of his neck.

"Good thing you're so small and light weight," Spike commented as he stuffed his friend into the trashcan before slamming the lid on. "Now don't move or make a sound until we get there." Picking the can up, he left the apartment, Fluttershy following along.

Once they reached the front gate of town, he was stopped. "What's in the can?" Flash Sentry - the young town guard recruit - demanded.

"Pipsqueak," Spike said calmly, as both Pip and Fluttershy froze up.

Flash bit his lip. "Sneaking him out?" he asked. "Well...I didn't see you."

Spike nodded. "Thanks."

Flash chuckled. "I wouldn't believe anything bad of Pip anyway. Besides, after he saved my little sister when she fell off the cliff, I owe him big time."

Nodding, Spike carried the can out of town. Fluttershy followed, feeling rather mystified.

After an uneventful crossing of the mountain range, they reached the small hut on the southern peninsula. Spike set the can down. "We're here," he told Pipsqueak.

"Finally!" Pip replied as he climbed out of the can. "Think he'll let me stay?"

"We can ask," Fluttershy said worriedly.

Pip blinked for a bit. "Bet there's no way he'd refuse if you asked him, Fluttershy."

Fluttershy blinked. "Well...I'll try..."

The three friends walked into the hut. The old man of indeterminate species looked up from attempting carpentry. "Oh, it's you two and the pretty lady that saved me from the big piggy!" he said happily, stomping over. "Name's John Smith." He held up a pocket watch, shaking it. "Do you know what time it is? My watch is broken."

"It's about 2200," Fluttershy replied. "Umm...that's-"

"I know pegasus time, pretty lady," he replied. "What can I do for you?"

"Umm...my friend here is in a bit of trouble, not his fault..." Fluttershy began. "He needs somewhere to stay until we find the real culprit. Can-"

"If he can fix the house up, sure."

Pip shrugged. "I guess I can do that."

Spike nodded. "Now we just need to find that pegasus who stole from Blueblood."

"I've heard tale of a pegasus at the Hoarsair Coliseum!" John mentioned.

Spike looked at Fluttershy and shrugged his shoulders. "It's as good a lead as any," he admitted.

"Guess we're on our way to Hoarsair," Fluttershy agreed.

Pipsqueak left the party.

Revelations

The trip to Hoarsair was rather uneventful, with only the occasional battle with zomponies to ease the tedium. Given how easily undead burn, however, even that proved to be of little interest. After Spike held Fluttershy's hand so she could cross the bridge - and then carried her after she made the mistake of looking down - they reached Hoarsair just as night fell.

Fluttershy hung her head as they arrived. "I'm sorry to be such a burden, Spike-"

"You aren't a burden," Spike interrupted. "Your fears are perfectly justified, and nothing we can't handle. Besides, you've already shown that you can face and conquer your fears should the need arise. Besides, while I've traveled a good portion of the world, you've lived in the wilderness most of your life. Your skills and knowledge of the world will surely be invaluable."

Fluttershy blushed in pleasure as they approached the inn. "Thank you, Spike."

Spike nodded, pushing the door open as they entered the first floor of the inn, which right now was plainly the pub. "Now, we just need to figure out how to get to see the pegasus competing in the arena-"

"Tickets are all sold out!" a pink mare said from a bar stool as she slammed a cider glass down before wiping her lips. "Only one getting into the arena now is her opponent, Snowflake. Course, all anyone knows about him is that he's got his name engraved on his battle ax. Rumors say he lives in Tail Woods to the northwest, but no one is willing to go and look for him in a monster infested forest. Another!" This last was directed at the barkeep, who plopped another cider down in front of her.

Blinking, Spike immediately turned around and left the inn, much to Fluttershy's confusion. "Spike? Why are we leaving already?"

"We're going to Tail Woods," he replied. "We're going to find this Snowflake, convince him to let me enter the arena in his place, and I'll meet the Pegasus in the ring."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "How clever!" she said happily. "But what if he doesn't want to cooperate?"

Spike smirked, his hand on his sword hilt. "Then I find some other way to convince him."

Fluttershy nodded, now looking a little nervous.

As the pair reached Tail Woods - just as the sun rose - Spike growled in frustration. "This place is a maze! How are we supposed to get through here?" He turned. "Any ideas Flutters-"

Fluttershy was talking to a monster that looked like a giant, floating pollen spore. After a bit of quiet talk, the spore bounced happily and started to float off. Fluttershy turned to Spike. "He'll show us the quickest way to Snowflake's hut. It's not a well walked path, so we should be able to see what we're getting into before we're quite there."

Spike grinned. "Told you I couldn't manage without you, Shy."

Fluttershy blushed in pleasure, let out a quiet, "Eep," then turned to lead the way. Spike followed closely.

As they were nearing their destination, Fluttershy spoke up. "So what do you think Snowflake is going to be like?" she asked curiously.

Spike shrugged his shoulders. "With a name like Snowflake, I imagine he'll probably be rather delicate. Should be easy to get the drop on him."

Fluttershy peeked through the trees. "That must be his big brother, then," she whimpered.

Stepping up, Spike was able to see a huge, excessively muscled white pegasus with tiny wings. Slung over his shoulder was a battle ax nearly as big as Spike. Spike was able to read 'Snowflake' engraved into the handle near the blade.

Spike gulped. "Teach me to judge by names. That's Snowflake."

"Oh...my..."

Spike sat back in thought. "Well, we've got three options. First, I try to convince him with words. Unlikely to succeed. Second, I try to convince him in battle...and I'm not sure I could beat him." Spike thought for a time.

"What's the third option?" Fluttershy asked curiously.

Spike looked at her. "The third option...is you trying to convince him with words."

Fluttershy blushed, hiding under her long mane. "C-couldn't you do it? I-I don't like meeting new ponies..."

Spike shook his head. "You have certain advantages over him I distinctly lack. He's far more likely to be nice to you." Spike shook his head. "I won't force you, Fluttershy. If you don't want to-"

"I'll do it," Fluttershy whispered. "Just...stay close to me?"

Spike nodded. Taking one last deep breath, Fluttershy stepped out into the clearing, immediately catching Snowflake's attention. Judging by Snowflake's reaction, Spike knew this had been the right approach. Obviously, Snowflake hadn't spoken to a mare in quite some time, let alone been so close to one as pretty - or as scantily clad - as Fluttershy.

"Umm...excuse me...Mister Snowflake?"

"...Yeah?" Snowflake barely managed to say.

"I-I'm Fluttershy. I was wondering if you might...do something for me?"

"Yeah?"

"It's just a little favor...I'd be really grateful if you would..."

"Yeah!"

Fluttershy took a deep breath. "Could my friend borrow your ax so he could enter the Hoarsair arena in your place?" she said quickly.

"YEA-wait, what?"

Spike winced. So close, he thought quietly. He stepped out from behind Fluttershy. "Hi."

Snowflake stared down at him. "You want to enter the arena in my place? Why?"

Spike sighed. "I'm trying to track down a thief who got my friend in trouble. All I've got to go on is that she's a brightly colored pegasus. Given how few pegasi come out of the clouds-"

"You're investigating every pegasus you can find?" he finished. "You realize that might have you traversing the length and breadth of the world, right?"

"If that's what it takes to help Pipsqueak," Spike said bluntly.

Snowflake looked down at Spike. "...kid, I like you. I want to help you. But..."

"But?" Spike asked.

Snowflake hefted his ax. "This is the ax of a warrior. If it's to be wielded in the arena, it needs to be by a warrior. I won't see it dishonored. So I'm going to have to test you first."

Spike nodded. "Alright. I'll do what I have to do."

Turning, Snowflake hurled his ax. It whirled through the air before embedding itself deep in a massive boulder, the hilt quivering. "Free my ax from that boulder, and give your word that none but you will handle it until you return it to me, and we have a deal."

Spike nodded. Walking over to the ax, he grabbed the hilt and tried to pull it free, but it was stuck fast.

Snowflake turned to Fluttershy. "You can help your friend, if you like, as long as he's the only one to touch the ax."

Nodding, Fluttershy approached. "Anything I can do to help?"

Spike released the shaft, shaking his claws. "Hmm..." He thought for a bit. He stepped around to examine the boulder itself. Slowly, an idea rose in his mind. "Can any of your friends use cold based magic?" he asked.

Fluttershy blinked. "The little Spore from earlier can use an ice breath," she replied.

"Could you call him? And ask him to aim his breath at the boulder?"

Fluttershy nodded. She let off a whistle, and the Spore floated up. "Could you use your ice breath on the boulder?" she asked him.

The Spore nodded, floating into position. Nodding, Spike took a deep breath, and exhaled, blasting the boulder with his fire breath. At the same time, the Spore exhaled his ice breath.

After a time, the continuing temperature fluctuations on the boulder between intense heat and intense cold caused the stone to become brittle as numerous cracks ran over the surface. When Spike ran out of fire, he grabbed hold of the ax shaft and slammed his shoulder inward, pushing it further into the boulder. The entire boulder crumbled, leaving Spike holding the freed ax.

Snowflake glowered at Spike for a time, his face unreadable. Then he pumped his fist into the air. "YEAH!" he shouted enthusiastically. "Now that's a warrior! Takes more than strength to win a fight."

Spike managed to sling the ax over his shoulder, but staggered under the weight. He managed a salute, though.

Snowflake laughed. "What happened to those brains, kid? You've got a bag of holding, use it!"

Nodding, Spike managed to stuff the ax into his satchel, relaxing as the enchantment took the brunt of the weight. "Thanks, Snowflake."

Snowflake held up a hand. "Until the tournament ends, you're Snowflake."

Spike nodded. "Alright." He turned to Fluttershy. "Let's go, Shy."

She nodded as the Spore left. "Right...Snowflake."

The three chuckled as Spike and Shy turned to leave the woods.

Spike and Fluttershy made it back to Hoarsair, but they were both exhausted from staying up all night. After a good day's rest at the inn, however, they were ready to head to the arena. Spike pulled out the ax, managing to balance it over his shoulder as they climbed down the stairs.

The pink mare from the previous night was there, chugging another cider. She took one look at Spike and gasped. "Snowflake!" she squealed eagerly, glomping onto him.

Spike struggled to breathe under the mare's crushing embrace, not to mention the influence of her rather curvaceous form. "Mumph!" he managed to say into her bosom.

The mare then released him and he was able to take in her appearance. Her mane was a darker pink then her coat, and very poofy. She was also wearing a pitch black ninja style body suit and a bright white chef's apron that read 'Kiss the Cook Like You Mean It'. Neither did anything to conceal how...bouncy she was.

"I'm Pinkie Pie!" she said happily. "Come on! I'll show you to the arena and-" She gasped as she saw Fluttershy. "You must be here to cheer him on! Sorry, but they don't allow cheer squads in the ring, so you'll need this ticket." She handed Fluttershy a ticket.

Fluttershy blinked. "But...you said that the tickets were sold out yesterday."

"Yeah! That's because I've got ten of them stashed around for Arena Ticket emergencies." She then grabbed Spike's hand and dragged him towards the arena, leaving a very confused Fluttershy to make her own way there.

Spike managed to get himself a little under control. "Excuse me, Miss Pie-"

"Call me Pinkie!" Pinkie Pie interrupted. "So why's your ax so big? You compensating for something?"

Spike blinked. "Huh?"

Pinkie grinned, then pushed Spike up against an interior wall, since they were already inside the arena. "What I mean," she said quietly, pressing her entire body against him, "is if your ax is so big because-oh!" She suddenly smiled widely. "No codpiece on your armor, so you're definitely not compensating. Say...if I help you win, will you make it worth my while?"

"Wha?" Spike asked, completely poleaxed.

"Would you please stop molesting the champion, Miss Pie?" a male voice spoke. "I need him in top form."

Pinkie turned and pouted at the stallion. "You're no fun anymore!" she complains. "Then again, you were never much fun." She then flounced off.

Spike turned to look at the stallion. He looked identical to Flim, who had been imprisoning Fluttershy, except for a mustache that had to be real. "Name's Flam, Snowflake," he said, shaking Spike's hand. "Come, we have much to talk about."

Spike blinked. "I'm just going to fight in the arena, right?" he asked, a little nervous. When Flam had approached, Spike's pendant had taken a shade he'd never seen before, and it made him nervous. That dark shade frightened him.

Flam grinned. "Not entirely," he said as he led Spike into a private office. "See, you're going to fight her for a while...and then we're going to shoot her with poison darts."

Spike struggled to school his expression as the pendant darkened. "R-really?"

Flam nodded. "Yes. Once she's hit with that dart, she'll be completely helpless." The pendant darkened again. "Completely unable to defend herself from anything you might want to do to her." As Flam smiled, the pendant darkened even further. "She's young, attractive...flexible...quite possibly a virgin." The pendant became even darker. Spike began to feel nauseous as Flam continued speaking, noticing a dark aura gathering around him. "After you've had your fun with her in any way you want, and left her battered and broken, then you cut off her head with your ax."

At this point, the pendant was pitch black, and Spike felt like he was going to throw up. "Really?" he managed to ask.

Flam nodded. "That's the kind of show we want. That's what will really rake in the dough. So what do you say? You in? Of course you are." Flam patted him on the shoulder. "Your pay is in your prep room. Should be more than enough, right?" Flam guided Spike to a changing room with a bed and a large chest in it. "You have fun now, you hear?" Flam then turned and left.

Spike sat down on the bed, breathing heavily, struggling not to vomit. Taking deep breaths, he manages to calm himself down somewhat as the sick feeling at the thought of what that unicorn had suggested passed. He took hold of his pendant. "What do I do, Mom?" he asked the charm. "What do I do?"

The jewel glowed faintly between his claws, cycling through brighter colors. Eventually, Spike stood up, his inner emotional turmoil more at rest. Shouldering the ax, he walked into the arena.

"In this corner," Flam's voice announced, "we have the challenger, Snowflake!" There was a huge cheer, interspersed with a few boos. Spike could see Fluttershy in the back, sitting next to Pinkie Pie. "And in this corner," Flam continued to announce, "we have the Prismatic Pegasus, the Speed Demon herself...Rainbow Dash!"

The pegasus that stepped out onto the log that spanned the pit had a deep cyan coat and a rainbow colored mane and tail. Her wings were full and well cared for, and her magenta eyes glowed with youthful vigor. She had a more modest figure as compared to Fluttershy or Pinkie, more of an athletic build, and she didn't look much older than Spike himself. She had a hand carved, well cared for quarter staff slung over her shoulder, and was dressed only in a dark blue sports bra and matching spandex shorts.

"Hey!" she greeted Spike with a grin. "You ready to rumble?" She swung her staff into position.

Spike unslung the ax from over his shoulder...and buried its blade into the side of the massive log they stood on. This caused a stir of surprise from the crowd.

Rainbow Dash blinked. "You want to go hand to hand?" she asked with a grin. "Fine by me." She tossed her staff over her shoulder to land gently against the wall before charging in.

Spike managed to hold his own rather easily. Rainbow wasn't able to put much power behind her blows, since she was mostly focused on speedy movements, and his own scales and armor were able to absorb most of the force of the impact. Although she was fast enough to dodge most of his blows, his longer reach and denser musculature meant that what few blows he landed - the first to her stomach, the second to her left shoulder, and the third a tail strike to her right knee - hit with enough force to make her back up and regroup. However, he still felt the few kicks she managed to land, which put him a bit off balance as well.

Rainbow was grinning from ear to ear as she staggered a bit. "You put up a good fight," she boasted, "but it's over!" She charged in for one last strike.

Spike was about to respond in kind, but his ear twitched as he heard the sound of a blow dart gun, mostly concealed by the cheers of the crowd. Catching her thrown punch, he rolled backward until he landed on all fours braced over her.

"Hey!" Rainbow complained. "What's the big-" Her voice fell silent as she heard several sharp objects embed themselves in the log. She also saw several ping off of Spike's scales - the points were only designed to penetrate hide, after all - and more embed in the log. She reached a hand out to grab one nearby and took a whiff. "A paralytic?" she asked, her eyes wide and fearful.

Spike growled deep in his throat as he felt his rage building. One though echoed in his mind. How dare they...how DARE THEY! As rage fueled strength filled him, his tail lashed out and wrapped around the ax haft. Yanking it from the wood, he spun it around a few times before hurling it, sending it spinning through the air to shatter the alcoves the darts were being launched from. The apparent attack on the audience sent the watching ponies fleeing for their lives. As the darts ended, Spike stood up to catch the ax as it returned to him, stuffing it into his bag once more.

Rainbow stared up at this show of strength in awe. "Whoa..." she breathed, a slight blush on her cheeks.

Spike managed to reign in his rage a bit. "You alright?" he asked, leaning over to help Rainbow to her feet.

She let Spike help her to her feet. "Yeah, I'm good. That was pretty awesome there. But what was up with the-"

"Rainbow!" a normally quiet voice shouted as a yellow and pink blur slammed into Rainbow, knocking her onto her back as Fluttershy proceeded to squeeze her tight.

Rainbow gasped for breath. "F-Fluttershy?" she asked, shocked, before trying to hug her back. "Where have you been? No one in Cloudsdale's seen you for years!"

"I fell out of the clouds," Fluttershy whimpered. "I've been living on the ground for all this time, amongst the monsters, once I learned I could talk to them. I missed you so much!"

Rainbow blinked away tears. "Missed you too, Flutters...but could you maybe let me go? It's getting hard to breathe."

"Oh!" Fluttershy immediately released Rainbow. "Sorry. I don't know my own strength anymore."

Rainbow grinned widely as she stood back up. "Damn, girl. You got strong!" She glanced towards Spike. "You hear with Snowflake?"

"Spike, actually," Fluttershy corrected. "And yes."

Rainbow looked Spike up and down speculatively. "I notice he doesn't have your feather," she said suggestively.

"Rainbow!" Fluttershy yelped, blushing brightly. "It's not like that!"

Rainbow turned to Fluttershy, glancing at her skimpy attire. "Really? Huh." She glanced back towards Spike. "Mind if he gets mine, then?"

Fluttershy whimpered, giving Rainbow pleading, puppy dog eyes.

Seeing this, Rainbow winced. "...too?" she suggested.

Fluttershy blushed even brighter.

"I'm completely lost," Spike complained.

"It's a pegasus thing," Rainbow pointed out.

Spike nodded. "Alright. For now, how about we go make Flam pay for his plan?"

"What was his plan anyway?" Rainbow asked. "Why was he trying to hit me with a paralytic poison? I'm on a contract here!"

"He wanted to make a show where you were rendered helpless, and then raped and murdered by your opponent," Spike said quietly, his rage building.

Both pegasi gasped. Before Rainbow could speak, Fluttershy interrupted. "That...big...dumb...meanie!" Her eyes practically glowed with her rage, and she yanked her whip out and cracked it in the air. "Let's make him eat his own fill it in yourself!"

Rainbow gasped. "Damn, Flutters! Didn't know you had it in-"

"He's just like that bastard Flim! I'll hang him up by his entrails!"

Spike blinked, just as shocked by Fluttershy's rage. "Let's go get him, shall we?"

The three raced out of the arena towards the entrance, seeing Flam trying to run away. They pursued him, only to see him stop short as he was...run over by a chocolate camel?

Pinkie Pie leaped down from the moving confection, brandishing a cleaver and filet knife. "Told you I'd help you win, Spike!" she said happily.

"How'd she know his real name?" Fluttershy asked, confused.

"It's Pinkie Pie," Rainbow said, face palming. "Don't question it."

"Hey Dashie!" the pink pony called, waving.

Flam slowly got to his feet. "You're going to regret this," he growled.

"Let's make them regret it together, brother!" Flim called out, dropping down from the ceiling.

"There you are, brother!" Flam said happily. "It's about time we showed them what for!"

"Indeed! They won't close our businesses anymore!"

"Why do you even do this?" Spike complained. "What's the point?"

Flim and Flam grinned widely...and began to sing. Flim led the first lyrics

"Why wouldn't you know, my brother and I, found the same in every town
Ponies with a hunger for blood and not a bit of such sport to be found.
So we made them aware that there was no reason to despair"

Flam spoke up with his own line.

"And the key to sate their dark thirsts my brother and I would share!"

They then sang together.

"Yes we found opportunity
In this very community!"

"He's Flim!"

"He's Flam!"

"We're the world famous Flim Flam Brothers!
Demonic agent ponies nonpareil!"

Spike blanched. "Demonic agents?" he asked in shock.

Flim and Flam glanced at him. "Look kid," Flam pointed out, "the song only works if you ask about nonpareil."

"But I speak Prench. It means without compare."

Flim and Flam both glared at him. "You know what? Fine!" Flim snapped. "Spoil our musical number!"

"We'll just eat you!" Flam groused.

"See how you like it!" they said together, dark auras surrounding them as they transformed.

Flim took on the form of a massive yellow lizard with bulging eyes and huge claws. Flam became some sort of yellow pterodactyl, and quickly took to the air. "You can't possibly fight us both!" they said together. "You will fall!"

Rainbow Dash eagerly spread her wings and took to the skies to harry Flam, Fluttershy close behind her. Spike drew his sword. "So Pinkie Pie, ready to show them what you're made of?"

"I'd rather see what they're made of, actually," Pinkie said. "That means we're cutting them open, not the other way around."

Spike laughed at this before taking a stance, ready for battle.

Flim started his assault with a blast of poison gas from his mouth. Spike managed to leap to the side of it to slash at Flim's side, turning to check on Pinkie...who had donned a gas mask out of nowhere and lunged in to cut out Flim's tonsils, neutralizing his ability to breathe poison gas as the transformed pony reared back in pain.

Up above, Flam was trying to dive bomb Rainbow and Fluttershy, to no avail. Fluttershy led him around easily, striking each cheek with her whip. While she wasn't doing much damage, it was keeping his focus on her while Rainbow came in for infrequent fast strikes with her staff to his head.

Taking a brief glance upwards from the fight with Flim, Spike realized something. "His wings are bat like, membrane. A hole in even one wing and he'd crash."

Flam slammed a massive claw down, Spike barely dodging. "Too bad you can't tell them!" he snarled, spitting out black blood.

Pinkie promptly pulled out a megaphone. "Aim for his wings!" she shouted skywards into it.

Rainbow nodded at the message. Diving in at high speeds, she slammed her staff into Flam's left wing, managing to just barely tear the membrane. Fluttershy slammed into the right wing, tearing at the membrane with teeth and nails.

Down below, Spike managed to gouge deep into Flim's side, while Pinkie got her filet knife embedded in his eye, making him roar in pain. Flam started to fall from the sky, spiraling towards Flim. Pinkie suddenly grinned widely, and pulled out a large blue cannon. "Spike! In here!"

Trusting Pinkie's judgment, Spike climbed into it. "This is safe right?"

"No idea!" Pinkie replied happily. "Dashie! Catch!" She pointed the cannon straight up and pulled the cord, rocketing Spike upward.

Getting the idea, Rainbow matched Spike's upwards ascent, seizing hold of him just as his momentum ended. She then turned around and dove for the ground as fast as she could go, Spike held close to her to cut wind resistance. Spike held his sword out, pointing straight down. Just as Flam landed on top of Flim, knocking them both to the ground, Rainbow and Spike impacted, driving Spike's sword through both of them with the full force of a Sonic Boom. With a last shared shriek of agony, both demons burst into black smoke, the twin clouds giving an insectoid hiss before fading away.

Rainbow and Fluttershy landed gently, setting Spike down. "What a rush!" Rainbow said happily.

"I know!' Pinkie yelled happily, scooping up her filet knife. "So now you're going to make it worth my while, right Spikers?"

Spike blinked. "Uh...how, exactly?" he asked nervously as Rainbow and Fluttershy both raised eyebrows..

"By taking me with you, of course!" she screamed excitedly. "I haven't had so much fun in years, and I can tell you're starting on a real epic adventure! Take me along, please?" She proceeded to give Spike her cutest begging face.

Spike smiled. "Glad to have another friend along," he said easily.

"Make that two!" Rainbow piped up. "No way am I letting Shy out of my sight after finally finding her after all these years. The whole point of coming down to the surface for me was tracking her down." She blushed a bit. "Besides...after that whole arena fiasco, I owe you one."

Spike smiled. "Well, you know what they say: the more the merrier."

Rainbow Dash joined the party.

Pinkie Pie joined the party.

Author's Note

Battle Data:

Pinkie Pie

Attack - cooking utensils of various sorts
Cook - utilize cooking based techniques learned from equipping various cooking tools (cleaver teaches chop chop, filet knife teaches Skin, etc). Techniques are mastered through gaining experience while weapon is equipped. Skill can be used if a weapon that teaches it is equipped or if it has been mastered.
P. Cannon - if targeting enemy, chance of one hit KO. If targeting allies, automatic flee from battle (neither effect works during a boss fight).

Rainbow Dash

Attack - staff
S.Boom - three turn attack. First turn, Rainbow leaves the battle area, rendering her untargettable. Second turn, strikes all enemies for wind damage based on her Speed stat. Third turn, cool down, and can take no action.
Fly/Land - Rainbow takes to the air. Speed, evade, and critical hit rate increase. Power, defense, and critical hit resist decrease (Rainbow is more likely to both deal and receive a critical hit, if hit.)

Rescue

After disentangling himself from Luna's embrace, Spike turned to face his entire group. "Alright, we need to get to those mines as fast as possible." As Pinkie lit up, Spike held up a hand. "Without using the Party Cannon."

Pinkie pouted. "But why?"

"Because this is a rescue mission," he replied forcefully. "Which means we need to be stealthy. Otherwise the Diamond Dogs will use Rarity and Sweetie as hostages against us."

Luna nodded sagely. "Verily, a wise decision. Tell me, is their a town closer to the mine entrance than here that you have been to?"

Spike blinked. "Well," he said, pulling out the map, "Hoarsair is pretty close, but without the cannon-"

Luna's horn glowed, and they vanished in a flash of light, reappearing outside Hoarsair.

"-I don't see...how..." Spike glanced around. "How?"

Luna grinned. "Teleportation is a basic unicorn spell. With enough power behind the spell, one can warp an entire group of ponies to a distant location or out of a deep dungeon. Unfortunately, it will only work to take you places you've been. It has been many centuries since I traveled the world, so I had to draw knowledge of locations from your mind, as major locations must be used as reference points for the warp across great distances."

Spike blinked a bit, then nodded. "Well that's certainly useful." He looked from the map to the bridge. "Alright everyone. This way, and stay silent." Everyone nodded in response.

Spike led the group across the bridge and towards the slightly mountainous region the mine was located in. They saw that the main entrance was watched by a single guard. "What now?" Rainbow whispered.

Spike held up his hand for silence, then crept around towards the entrance, to behind the guard. While he wasn't quite as good at this as Pipsqueak, he knew how to walk silently. As soon as he was behind the Dog, he grabbed him, pulled him back into shadows, and had his sword at his throat, all in one fluid motion. "I'm going to ask you some questions," Spike hissed quietly. "You're going to answer. If you hesitate, it will be-"

"Rarity and Sweetie Belle are deep inside the mines," the dog replied readily. "In the main central chamber of this branch of tunnels. Don't wander too much, as the tunnels branch out all across the continent, and you could get lost forever. Stick to the well traveled roads."

Spike blinked in confusion. "Why help us?"

"A few months ago, Fido changed. Before, he was a good dog, never would have hurt anyone, a good pack leader. Then one day, he changed. Got angry, started ranting. Said ponies were enemies, and dogs should take what we want. Brought in other dogs who agreed with him to join pack. New dogs have scary green eyes, and strong. Old pack can't fight back well, so obey. Besides, Fido still Alpha." The dog shook his head. "I no like hurting little pony girl or nice pony lady. She never begrudged us a gem or two when digging with you, dragon boy. ...could dragon boy knock me out so I not get in trouble?"

Spike nodded. "Alright." Spike promptly struck his 'prisoner' near the temple with the hilt of his sword. It wasn't actually hard enough to knock him out, but the guard evidently knew how to 'play dead' quite well. Spike then signaled the rest of the group to join him. Once they arrived, he informed them of what he'd learned.

Rainbow Dash smacked her clenched fist into her palm. "So what's the plan?"

"We'll see once we get in there," Spike replied. "For now, stealth." He quietly lead them towards the entrance, but paused. "...Pinkie, why are you in an oversized cardboard box?"

Pinkie popped her head out. "Shh! You'll blow my cover! You said this was a stealth mission!"

Spike blinked. "And...won't a cardboard box stand out in a cave system?"

Pinkie blinked for a bit. "...you know, it probably would." She climbed out of the box. Rainbow rolled her eyes as she chuckled.

Nodding, Spike led them inside. The paths all seemed rather well worn, making it difficult to find the right path. Spike began to worry they'd be too late.

"The walls," Luna spoke up. "Their are gems in the walls."

"Considering who lives here, I'm not surprised," Rainbow snarked.

"Some have been marked by unicorn magic."

Spike's head shot up. "Can you follow the marks?"

Luna nodded. "Indeed."

"Lead the way," Spike directed.

Nodding, Luna led them down the path she could see. There journey was interrupted several times as they encountered groups of Diamond Dogs with glowing green eyes. Each group seemed to be able to identify exactly where they were, and fought with far more discipline then normal Diamond Dogs did. Luna was able to aid in dispatching the groups with blasts of high level magic, but each time, Spike froze after the fight, waiting to see if it had drawn attention. When silence remained, they continued to follow the trail.

Eventually, they reached the central chamber, where they saw many green eyed dogs and several normal dogs gathered as green eyed ones pushed Rarity forward towards a larger than normal Diamond Dog on a crude throne. The group crouched down to watch what happened.

"Unhand me you filthy brutes!" Rarity snapped, pulling her arms free of the dogs as she approached the throne. "Where is my sister, Fido?" she demanded.

The large dog on the throne - Fido, presumably - grinned widely. "That not how slaves talk to Master," he growled.

Rarity turned her nose up at him. "I am no slave, and you will never be my Master!"

Fido chuckled. "Pony should reconsider-" He gestured, and another dog walked into the room, dragging Sweetie Belle with him. She looked scared out of her wits, and was bound and gagged. "If pony expects sister to stay in one piece."

Rarity gaped. "Sweetie Belle!" She rounded on Fido. "What did you do to her?"

"Nothing yet," Fido countered. "But she make much noise and fuss, so we make her be silent. Now, pony lady will swear unbreakable oath to be my slave, or she go to dungeon while dogs have fun with little pony, and then she can reconsider."

"No!" Rarity wailed. "Please, don't harm Sweetie Belle! I'll do anything!"

Fido grinned widely. "Then kneel before new Master, and swear unbreakable oath!"

Shaking, Rarity slowly began to walk towards the throne.

Spike thought quickly and formulated a plan of action. "Rainbow, build up as much speed as you can and take out the dog holding Sweetie, then get out of there. Fluttershy, is Angel nearby?" At Fluttershy's nod, he continued, "Then as soon as Rainbow's clear with Sweetie, join her and call him. The three of you will keep Sweetie safe." As Rainbow took off, he turned to Luna and Pinkie. "Luna, energize my sword with a shockwave type spell. Pinkie, get your canon out. As soon as Rainbow has Sweetie clear, shoot me right into the center of that group of dogs just behind Rarity. The both of you join me as soon as you can."

Luna immediately energized his sword as instructed, impressed at his tactical acumen. "While all dragons have potential for great strength, Spike, few have shared your talent for tactics. I must say, seeing your mind at work so truly moistens my nethers."

Spike blushed. "Didn't need to know that," he grumbled as Pinkie giggled.

"Speak, pony!" Fido shouted. "Speak your oath!"

"I..." Rarity hesitated. "I..."

As all the dogs leaned in, Rainbow struck. The blur of cyan and prismatic color slammed into the guard hard enough to embed him in the opposite wall, and Rainbow turned the momentum into a quick turn as she snagged Sweetie's bonds with her staff, zipping back out with her.

Seeing Sweetie safe, Rarity shot to her hooves, drawing her mace. "I will never bow to you, you unclean beast!"

As Fido roared in rage, and the other dogs closed in, Pinkie fired her cannon with an echoing explosion. Spike shot forward, slamming sword first into the ground in the center of the dog formation, releasing the shockwave spell and sending the whole group tumbling.

"Spikey-Wikey!" Rarity said happily. "You came to save me?"

"And not alone," Spike replied as Pinkie blurred into position beside him as Luna swooped in.

"I have had enough!" Fido roared, lunging towards Rarity.

Spinning, Rarity brought her mace around, slamming hard into Fido's chin...and taking his head clean off. Rarity and the others gasped as they saw this...and then gagged a bit as the body began tramping after the head.

"You're no Diamond Dog!" Luna proclaimed. "You are a demon beast!"

Fido grabbed his head and put it back on as the regular Diamond Dogs turned against the green eyed ones. "You ruined everything!" he snarled as his body warped, becoming a massive purple blob with waving limbs and a long tongue. "I will feed! I hunger! I-" His rant was cut off as a massive discharge of explosive magic went off over his entire body, courtesy of Luna.

"You talk too much," she complained.

Rarity walked up to the collapsed, scorched, smoking body. "Is it dead?"

"No..." the beast growled. "I still function..."

Rarity pulled back her mace like a golf club, the gems glowing as the head of the mace expanded to massive proportions. "Not for long." She swung.

The collapsed body shot into the air as it screamed in agony, smashing into the roof of the cavern before dispersing into hissing black smoke. Each green eyed dog also burst into black smoke, dissolving away.

"Rarity!" Sweetie shouted out happily, running up to embrace her older sister.

"Sweetie Belle!" she shouted in reply, kneeling to pull her into her arms. "What happened? Where are your guards? Where's Hamlet?"

Rainbow flew up, accompanied by Fluttershy. "Did we win?"

Spike grinned. "No contest!"

"That was not Fido," one of the dogs said. "So...where Fido?"

At that, there was a loud "BWEEE!" as Hamlet came busting in through a wall, shaking himself off before running up to Sweetie. He looked a bit bruised and battered, and there was a long, deep gash in his side, but he was alive. As Sweetie embraced the massive hog, Rarity went to work healing him.

"What's this you've got in your mouth?" Sweetie asked, managing to get Hamlet to drop a massive treasure chest.

"Loot?" Rainbow asked excitedly.

"Is pack treasure!" one of the dogs complained. "Only Fido may open."

As the chest shook from inside, Spike blinked. "I wonder..." Drawing his sword anew, he swung, shattering the chest's lock.

The chest immediately popped open, a dog eerily similar in appearance to the fake Fido gasping for air. "Freedom!" he gasped out. "Never thought Diamond Dog could get claustrophobic!"

"Fido?" the outspoken dog gasped.

"I thought I recognized the name," Rarity spoke up, walking up to the dog. She leaned over as she examined his collar. "I made this for you, didn't I?"

Fido's head shot up. "Miss Rarity? What you do here? Where is not-Fido that stuff Fido in chest and steal treasure?"

"It's alright," Rarity replied soothingly. "He's been dealt with."

"Thank you! Thank you!" Fido replied, bowing deeply. "Is anything dogs can do for Miss Rarity? More gems? Across sea fabrics? Treasures?"

Rarity chuckled. "None of that, Fido. You needn't put yourself to such effort on my behalf. Right now, I just need to get my sister back home to Unicornia."

Fido's eyes lit up. "We take there! Tunnels go that far, come up under castle! Full safe, no bandits, brigands, or monsters!"

Rarity smiled widely. "How very kind of you!" she said happily. She turned to Spike. "Won't you accompany me, Spikey-Wikey?"

Spike nodded. "I'd be happy to, Lady Rarity."

"In that case," Rainbow groused, "we'll be coming along as well."

Rarity nodded as she glanced over the group. "New friends, Spikey-Wikey?" she asked sweetly, although she seemed slightly green as she looked over Luna, and especially Fluttershy.

Spike nodded. "Yeah, they've been a big help."

"What's wrong, Sweetie Belle?" Fluttershy asked softly, bending over the slightly perturbed filly.

"Well," she mused, "when I first got foalnapped by the Diamond Dogs, I thought for sure this would be like all of Rarity's story books, and my Prince Charming would come and rescue me." She sighed a bit, then angrily stamped her foot. "But I don't see Pipsqueak anywhere!" she pouted. This caused both Rarity and Spike to laugh uproariously, knowing what they did.

After a long journey through the tunnels, during which Spike told Rarity about his journey, the reasons for it, the demons they'd fought, and how they all came together, they eventually came up under Unicornia castle. "We go no further," Fido intoned. "If dogs come up into castle, tunnels compromised and dogs get hurt."

"I understand," Rarity replied, "and thank you for all your help."

"Diamond Dogs owe Miss Rarity and friends much," Fido insisted. "If need anything ever, just ask. If can, we do." Before Rarity could insist it wasn't necessary, Fido turned around and led his dogs back into the maze of tunnels.

Rarity chuckled. "He's such a good dog," Rarity said with a smile as the group headed up into the castle.

As they came up the stairs, a large group of guards awaited them. "Halt!" The leader of the formation proclaimed.

A pink mare with a bright purple mane stepped out, garbed in a royal gown and tiara. "Who is this that has entered our castle?" she demanded.

"Mommy!" Sweetie called happily, racing up to hug her. "Big Sis brought me home! Isn't that wonderful? Can she stay for a visit, please?"

The Queen's eyes hardened. Rarity sighed as Hamlet put one hoof over his eyes. "Your princess found herself waylaid, Queen Pearl," Rarity said sadly.

"We thank you for returning her," Pearl replied. "Guards, please gently escort our guests out of the castle."

As the guards moved in, Sweetie stamped her hoof. "Not this again!"

As the group was politely pushed out the front door of the castle, Rainbow turned on Rarity. "Alright, what's the deal? Sweetie Belle's a princess, which means you're one, too. So how come you were treated like some kind of leopard?"

"You mean leper," Rarity absently corrected.

"Answer the question!" Rainbow snapped.

"I'd like to know too...if you don't mind, that is," Fluttershy asked.

Rarity winced. "Well, it happened when I was four. I'd just discovered the spell I use to detect gemstones..."

20 years ago...

All was quiet in the cliff side kingdom of Unicornia. It looked to be a beautiful morning. All of a sudden, there was a huge shock as the ground shook, and a windmill - thankfully empty - tumbled into the sea along with a good sized amount of the cliff side. Investigations began immediately, eventually discovering the source being a large surge of magic...from the four year old Princess.

As her parents glowered down at her, Princess Rarity looked up at them from the huge pile of gems she had unearthed, held one up in each hand, and offered, "Pretty rocks?"

As Rarity finished her story, Rainbow was laughing uproariously. "You demolished a good portion of your own kingdom gem hunting?"

Rarity winced. "I got in serious trouble. It was only the monetary value of the gems managing to cover the damage that saved me from summary execution as a threat to the kingdom. Instead, I was stripped of my royalty and sent to the White Mage Academy in Ponyville to learn responsibility, compassion, and an understanding of consequences. The kingdom then pretended I didn't exist...except for Father, who told Sweetie about me, and she then made regular trips to Ponyville to visit me."

Luna rested her hand on Rarity's shoulder. "I am sorry to hear of your troubles, dear friend," she consoled.

"Yeah," Spike added, placing his hand comfortingly over hers. He knew what it was like to lose his home and family. As he thought that, his mind wandered. The description he had of Scootaloo seemed so familiar...

As Fluttershy glared Rainbow into submission to make her stop laughing and Luna consoled Rarity, a rope snaked out from a rooftop to wrap around Spike. With a startled yelp, he was yanked off his feet and up to the rooftop, where a rag was pressed against his mouth, and a sweet scent pushed him into slumber.

When Spike returned to consciousness, he found himself tied to a chair with a gag stuffed in his mouth. He was in a dark room, and could only make out shadows and shapes. He saw a most definitely feminine shape plant itself in his lap.

"Sorry about snagging ya like that," a accented voice apologized, heat heavy in her voice. "But I couldn't risk approaching ya in the open. I didn't think I could control myself."

Spike struggled a bit, glad to discover he was still in his armor. He didn't know what was going on, but the eldritch glow in the stranger mare's eyes made him nervous.

"It's alright," the mare tried to reassure him. "It'll be fun. I'd rather it not be like this, but I ain't got no more choice. Can't hold myself back anymore." She panted a bit as he felt her grinding her hips in his lap. "All those mares around you...you must be nice. You'll be understanding, right? You won't hate me?" Her hands trailed down his body, and paused. "Aww, shoot!" she said, her voice more level. "How am I supposed to get the armor off without untying you?"

Right at that moment, the door burst open, and a wave of force knocked the mare flying before he could see clearly. "Spike!" Fluttershy called, rushing to his side and began untying him.

"You dare do such things to our noble hero?" Luna demanded, enraged. Stepping forward, she raised her hand, power gathering.

Spike bit through his gag, his eyes falling on the mare who had captured him, seeing an orange mare with blonde mane and tail, green eyes, and dressed in rather scanty jungle garb. "Luna, wait!" he called, shaking himself free of his ropes. "Her eyes were glowing! I think she might be ensorcelled."

The mare fell to her hands and knees. "Please, just kill me! I can't live like this anymore!"

Luna paused, leaning over to examine the mare, her own eyes glowing white. "...I see. Rarity, would you aid us? We know the spell shaping, but we lack skill in white magic. 'Twas always our elder sister's specialty."

Nodding, Rarity came over. Following Luna's guidance and borrowing her power, she poured her magic into the mare. A red, sparkling mist slowly lifted out of the mare's body before dispersing. The mare slowly sat up. "Wha...what happened?"

"Your bloodline was under a rather insidious curse," Luna explained. "One of my own crafting, though twas my wayward younger sister that cast it on your line. Whenever a mare of your line became fertile, the curse caused them to experience a violent heat, compelling them to mate with any available male. With Rarity's help - and Spike's, for spotting the curse - I was able to cleanse it from you and all your living relatives."

The mare raised her head. "For real? I'm cured? I don't have to keep taking those pills to make me barren to keep from mounting any stallion I see?"

Luna smiled. "The fact that you weren't doing so - that you executed a plan on a specific target - says much of your strength of will."

The mare bowed low in reply. "Thank y'all, very kindly. I owe y'all my life." She stood up. "Name's Applejack. Is there anything I can do to repay you all?" She turned towards Spike, her face lowered with a blush. "And make it up to you?"

Spike smiled. "I could never hate someone for actions beyond their control, especially when under the influence of mind altering magic."

Applejack smiled widely. "You are a real nice fellow, ain'tcha?" She pulled him into a one armed hug, nuzzling the top of his head. "But I still feel like I need to repay you. So I'm gonna go with you."

Spike blinked. "Go with me...where?"

"Wherever you're going," she replied. "Until I've repaid you in full, I'm sticking right by your side. Maybe after, too."

Spike smiled. "Well, sure. We've likely got a long journey ahead of us, and the more help we have, the better." He smiled at Applejack. She returned the smile.

Spike completely missed Rarity and Fluttershy's pouts, Rainbow's glower, and Luna and Pinkie's chuckles.

Rarity joined the party!

Applejack joined the party!

Author's Note

Battle Data:

Rarity

Attack - uses a mace, with various enchanted jewels inset for various effects.
Flirt - can be used against non-boss civilized enemies (ponies, canids, griffons, etc.) Charms target, either causing a skipped turn or to attack other enemies.
Magic - Rarity is a white mage, learning healing spells, a few stat buffs, some anti undead magic, but no offensive spells,

Applejack

Attack - uses a combination of bare handed attacks and her rope. All attacks have a chance of rendering the target immobile for a period of time, plus extra status effects based on equipped rope.
Rodeo - Applejack uses various maneuvers to inflict status effects or damage to all enemies.
Shield - Applejack takes a defensive stance, intercepting single target physical attacks targeting her allies.

Helping Others

Applejack stretched easily as she walked out of Unicornia with the rest of the group. "So, anyone care to tell me what I've signed myself up for? Figure I can be more of a help if I know what I'm doing."

Fluttershy smiled softly. "Well, Spike's friend Pipsqueak is in trouble because he's being blamed for a theft performed by Scootaloo, the Thief Queen. We're going to track her down, bring her back to Ponyville, and thus clear Pipsqueak's name."

The orange mare grinned widely. "So it's a brigand hunt, eh? Sounds like fun." She flexed her arms a bit.

Rarity turned back to the two mares. "Excuse me you two, but I was wondering if...either of you might consider a change of wardrobe?"

Fluttershy's ears fell. "Do you...not like my clothes?"

"Yeah!" Applejack countered pugnaciously. "What's wrong with our outfits?"

"Well, there's not much of it, for one thing," the white unicorn pointed it out. "Both of you are practically naked?"

"And what's wrong with that?" AJ countered. "Nothing wrong with a mare unafraid to show a little coat."

"No arguments there," Rarity replied calmly. "But you both are showing rather a lot..."

"I'm comfy," the earth pony affirmed. "I'm sure Fluttershy's too. That's the end of it."

"Umm...Applejack's right," Fluttershy whimpered, not liking having a confrontation over something so insignificant.

Rarity sighed in defeat. "Alright, I suppose you have a point."

AJ threw her arm companionably around Rarity's shoulders. "Sides," she whispered, "gives us better chances at giving our little hero the hint, know what I'm saying?"

Fluttershy meeped and blushed brightly. Rarity's cheeks gained a slight pink tinge. "I'm sure I have no idea what you're-"

"You can't honestly tell me you don't like being 'Spikey-Wikey's fair lady when he plays knight in shining armor," AJ interrupted. She then leaned in. "Also, I saw those bodice rippers in your bag, and I recognized that first one. It's about a fair princess and her knight protector-"

"I'm certain I have no idea what you're talking about!" Rarity snapped, quickening her pace to get ahead of the more down to earth mare, who laughed uproariously. Her laughter was also joined by Rainbow's, who shared a fist bump with AJ..

Spike chuckled as he heard the girls getting along well. At least there weren't any lingering hard feelings over how AJ joined the group. He figured if anyone would be giving AJ a hard time, it would be Rarity or Fluttershy, seeing as those two seemed to be the most possessive of him. Not having anything much to say to everyone, he pulled out his map to consult.

A nearby explosion shook his concentration, and he looked up just in time to evade a hail of rotten flesh chunks. "Zombies?" he asked Luna and Pinkie, who were taking point.

"Zombies," Luna replied.

"Zombies!" Pinkie crowed happily.

Spike chuckled again. "Well, at least we're all having fun on this trip." With Fluttershy along, the only monsters that approached the party - besides the mindless undead - ran right up to her to chatter before giving a present or running off. And given the undead weakness to fire and, as Pinkie put it, "Sploding!" putting Pinkie and Luna on point meant no real battles had to be fought. He once more examined his map. "The next major settlement is Caponitan, and that's the last settlement on the continent. If we don't find any clues there, I don't know where we'll go from there."

Rainbow flew up and gently nudged his shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll find her. Or at least a way to clear your friend's name."

Spike smiled. "Thanks Rainbow."

Several more miles of such companionable travel later, they reached the port town of Caponitan. The first thing they noticed, however, was that the town was empty. "Where is everypony?" AJ asked, confused. "Shouldn't a port town at least have, you know, a dock worker or something? Or at least a boat?"

Luna pointed. "There's someone over by the well." The group walked over.

The mare was walking back and forth, wringing her hands. "Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear," she kept mumbling to herself.

Spike stepped forward. "Excuse me, Miss, but where is everyone?"

"That idiot colt of mine thought he should go play in the well, and got lost," the mare replied, leaning on the well to look down into it. "Everyone else has gone to look for him, but no one's returned." She began to pace, now getting angry. "If my husband doesn't show his face with my boy soon, then I'm going to go down there and show him I know more spelunking than what he thinks he does in the bedroom!"

As most of the party blushed at that, Luna coughed uncomfortably. "We shall go into the depths and see what is keeping everyone."

The mare smiled. "Thank you. If you see my son, tell him he's so grounded when he comes back up. And if you see my husband, tell him he's sofaed."

Luna nodded. "We shall convey your messages."

Spike moved forward, leading the way down into the well. As soon as he reached the bottom of the ladder, he was caught off guard as a large, white creature leaped at him. He raised his sword to defend himself as Fluttershy screamed in terror.

A blast of magic hit the creature in the side, sending it flying against the wall to burst into white paste. "Are you alright, everyone?" a voice called.

Spike turned, and saw a large red dragon in priestly armor, his claws still glowing from magic discharge. He stood about two feet taller than Spike himself. "Yeah," Spike said calmly. "Caught him just in time, umm..."

The dragon bowed. "I am Sir Garble, Holy Knight of the Church of St. OZ, from Ozrai. I was here spreading the Holy Word when I heard of a child in danger. I thought to aid him, but I cannot handle the entire swarm of these creatures on my own. Have you perhaps come to aid me?"

"The colts mother sent us down. My name's Spike."

Garble nodded. "A pleasure to meet you, Spike." He shuddered. "That mare up there is quite a monster when she gets riled. Let us save her child before she comes down after him. This way." He turned, quickly leading the group deeper into the cave system under the well.

Luna walked by Spike as they followed. "Are you sure we can trust him?" she asked.

"Until he gives us reason not to, I'd rather trust him," Spike pointed out. Luna only nodded in response.

Another creature pounced Garble as they passed through into another cavern. "I've got this!" he yelled as he pushed up with his legs, flipping the creature off him. "Keep going! Find the kid and save him!"

Spike nodded. "Good luck!" he shouted as he led the others away from the fight.

After a time, they reached a very large cavern half full of water, with various rock platforms scattered around. A dark brown stallion ran back and forth in a tizzy. "Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear..." he worried. "How am I going to get to my son? I can't swim!"

Spike looked across the water. On a distant platform, a dark brown colt sat there, dripping and shaking out his propeller beanie. Spike looked up at the stallion. "Your wife says you're sofaed," he said calmly.

The stallion looked down at Spike, looking rather crushed. "Dammit...but can you please help me get Button?"

"I'll have him in ten seconds flat!" Rainbow said happily, quickly flying over the water to the platform in question.

"This game reeks," the colt complained. "I want to go home!"

"Your Mom says you're grounded as soon as you come up," Rainbow commented drily as she lifted the colt, ready to flap back to the 'shore'.

The colt paled. "Maybe I'll stay down here a little longer."

Right at that moment, a massive white creature that looked a bit like a far too large termite queen broached the surface of the water, roaring.

"GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT GET ME OUT!" Button yelled, flailing in Rainbow's grip.

Spike paled. "Luna! Your strongest lightning spell into the water, now!"

Nodding, Luna gathered massive quantities of mystic electricity between her hands and horn before hurling it into the underground lake. The creature reared back in shock and pain as it was electrocuted, giving Rainbow time to fly back with the colt.

"AJ, I need a good sized rock, one that will fit into Pinkie's cannon! Luna, once AJ has the rock, energize it with your strongest explosion spell. Pinkie, once the rock's energized, load it into the cannon and fire it at that thing where the thorax meets the abdomen!"

AJ ran to the wall of the cavern, managing to smash out a good sized boulder. Rarity came to help, shaping it to the right size with her magic. Luna then applied her spell before helping Fluttershy and Pinkie load it into the cannon. As the creature roared, Pinkie pulled the string.

The makeshift cannon round blasted out, striking the creature right on target. However, the combined efforts gave the round more explosive capacity then predicted. The ensuing explosion tore the creature completely in half, shredding most of the upper body and leaving a huge chunk of the abdomen vaporized. The two pieces sank into the water, very dead, before dissolving into nothingness.

Luna grinned widely. "You never cease to amaze, Spike," she whispered, gripping his shoulder.

"Hoo-wee!" Applejack shouted, pulling off her Stetson to wipe her forehead. "Now that's what I call a show stopper!"

"Wowee Zowee!" Pinkie shouted happily. She started to say more, but then froze. Her ears flopped, her flank twitched, and her hips shimmied.

Luna blinked. "I presume that is not a new form of courtship I am unaware of?"

Rainbow shook her head. "That's the Pinkie Sense. Pinkie can predict some things before they happen, though it can take a bit for her to make sense of the signals sometimes."

Luna smiled. "Ah! It has been some time since we encountered a pony whose magic lent itself to prophecy. Is her foresight long or short-"

"We gotta get out of here!" Pinkie shouted. "The water's coming back!" Grabbing Fluttershy, Button, and the stallion, she dashed out.

"...short term, I see," Luna commented drily as they raced out.

They met up with Garble. "I see you've saved the-" His eyes widened as he saw the onrushing water. Racing past them, he raised a barrier to hold the water back. "I can't hold this long," he grunted. "Get everyone out!"

Luna ran to his side, raising her hands. "With my strength, the barrier should last longer." She poured her magic into the wall of light, making it shine brighter. "Husband your strength and let me take a share of the burden."

Spike nodded. "The rest of us are on evac duty. Search the entire system and get-"

"Caves empty!" a voice said from nearby. A Diamond Dog stuck his head out of a nearby wall. "Pack gets water from here when on long hunt. Water gone, so investigate. Find creepy creatures, and creepier ones hugging pony faces. Smash face huggers, ponies fine. All out. Come this way, we get you all out dry after sealing tunnel."

Spike blinked, then smiled. "Alright! Come on, the Diamond Dogs will get us out!"

The group made their way into the tunnel, Luna and Garble angling the barrier so that the water rushed by harmlessly while the dogs expertly sealed the entrance. "Thanks fellas," AJ said in relief, petting the nearest Diamond Dog on his head. "We owe you one."

The dog shook his head, though he obviously enjoyed being petted. "We still owe much much. We help any way we can."

Another dog spoke up. "Scout saw Thief Queen take boat to other continent. Say something about ancient weapon in Canterlot."

"Canterlot?" Rarity squealed, starry-eyed. "I've always wanted to go there!"

"Looks like we shall be going," Luna admitted, looking a little unwell.

After a bit, the Diamond Dogs led them all back to the surface and into Caponitan once more. Garble smiled gently at Spike. "I must thank you and your friends for your assistance. I would not have been able to save the child and the others alone."

Spike smiled. "Happy to help. We couldn't turn our backs on anyone in need."

"I still feel I should reward you somehow." Garble tapped his chin in thought, then smiled. "I know! I shall grant you the blessing of St. OZ, gifting you the power of magic." He leaned over Spike, his hands glowing.

Spike backed up a bit. "Uhh...will it hurt?"

"No," Garble replied. "It will merely unlock spells that fit your character, allowing you to gain new spells based on your nature." He placed his hands on either side of Spike's head.

Spike felt warm energy flowing into his body, as something inside his mind seemed to unlock. He also felt something trying to anchor itself in his mind, but something inside him blocked it.

Spike learned Scan!

Spike learned Cure 1!

Spike can now learn healing and tactical magic!

Garble smiled as he pulled his hands away. "And there we have it. Quite unique magic." He then bowed. "May St. OZ watch over you." With that, he turned and left.

Luna watched as he walked into the setting sun. "Who is this St. Oz? I do not believe I have heard of him."

"Let's get to the inn," Rarity said, taking Luna's hand, "and I'll explain what I can.

Once everyone was checked in at the inn - four rooms in total, with Luna and Rarity taking one, AJ and Pinkie taking another, Rainbow and Shy taking the third, and Spike left with the fourth - Spike let everyone know he'd be out around town for a while. Unlocking magic inside him had left his brain fuzzy, and he felt the need to clear his head.

Once outside the inn as the moon began to rise, however, he heard a voice call out to him. "Hey there, handsome."

He turned and gaped. Standing under a torch set up for night safety was a unicorn mare. Her coat was somewhere between yellow and orange, leaning more towards yellow. Her mane and tail were red with golden yellow stripes. Her eyes were a brilliant green, shining as she smiled predatorily at him. Every inch and curve of her body just screamed sensuality and lust, helped along by the fact she was garbed in only a black thong bikini and sarong. Her flame cutie mark was plainly visible on her hip, just under where she rested her hand.

Spike swallowed convulsively. "Are...are you talking to me?"

"Who else would I be talking to?" she asked seductively. "Not tired?" She stretched casually, thrusting out her chest as she did.

"Got a lot of nervous energy," Spike admitted, his cheeks turning red. "What about you?"

She smiled widely. "Well, I need a big, strong man to help me with something back at my place." She lowered her head, looking seductively at him through her lashes. "What do you say? Think you could lend me a hand?" Walking up, she ran a finger down the center of his chest. "I'll make it worth your while."

Spike stepped back, stammering a bit. "I'd be happy to help. You don't need to do anything for me."

The mare bent over, smiling happily. "Well aren't you such a sweetheart." She took his hand. "This way. My place is just out of town." She gently tugged him along after her towards a large cottage to the north.

"So what will I be helping with?" Spike asked curiously.

"Don't worry so much about it," the mare replied heatedly as she led him in the door.

Inside, an ancient green earth pony mare was rocking back and forth in a rocking chair, clutching a staff. She let out a loud snore.

The unicorn smiled at Spike. "Past her bedtime," she said by way of explanation. She then turned and shouted, "Yo, Granny! I brought someone!"

The elderly mare shot awake. "Huzzah? Whozat? Sunset? You finally got someone?" The mare got to her hooves. "So you know what's up here, right?" she asked Spike.

"Umm...not exactly," Spike admitted.

Granny rounded on the unicorn. "Sunset Shimmer! Did you just flirt him over here again?"

Sunset shrugged. "Yes, I did! You see how desperate you get after nearly 12 hours of not getting any volunteers to be a 'guinea pig'. I even shed most of my clothes in the hope someone might do anything for a scantily clad mare."

"Wait, guinea pig?" Spike asked in confusion, backing up.

Granny glowered at Sunset. "Explain it to him."

Sunset sighed. "Yes, Granny Smith." She turned to Spike. "It's no big deal, really," she said, pressing up against him. "We're experimenting with combining," she whispered seductively. "Two people becoming one. Doesn't that sound like fun?"

"Sunset!" Granny Smith snapped. Groaning, she turned to Spike. "Sunset Shimmer is the shaman of fire. Through an ancient ritual, she can merge herself into a being from another tribe, gifting them with her power. We just want to test make sure the ritual works!"

Spike blinked. "Oh. ...uh..."

"Just get your patootie into the center of that circle there afore I wallop it with my cane!"

"Right!" Spike raced into the middle circle. Sunset stood on the smaller circle to his left, winking at him and blowing him a kiss.

Granny Smith rolled her eyes and raised her cane. She started murmuring something, and Spike felt energy gathering around her. Light shot up around Sunset, setting her sarong to fluttering, giving him an unhindered view of her shapely flank before her entire body turned into light. That light then shone down onto him, and he felt a fire burning inside him as something immense erupted from within.

When Spike came to, the cottage was destroyed, the land around it for several yards was scorched black, and Granny Smith was whacking him with her cane. "Why didn't you say you were of the dragon clans!" she snapped. "Your power's too strong for shamans!"

Spike blinked up, struggling not to complain about his dragon blood being obvious. After all, Luna apparently didn't see it until he breathed fire. "...I didn't know it would be a problem," he said at last.

"Welp, we did bring out the dragon power inside you. So it was a partial success." The ancient mare leaned on her cane. "Now, since you did destroy our home in the process, get us a new one!"

"It doesn't need to be much," Sunset added soothingly, kneeling beside him. "Smooth wooden floors, nice windows, a hot bath, a stocked kitchen, somewhere to perform combination experiments...and a warm bed with silk or cotton sheets for performing other sorts of experiments." She gave Spike another wink.

Spike sat up, managing to smile. "Pretty sure I know the perfect place. Come on, we'll head back to Caponitan and I'll ask Luna to warp you to Dutchcolt. Pinkie can tell you which house you should use."

"You're so kind," Sunset said happily.

Granny Smith snorted. "I'll wait at town edge till she's ready to send us off."

Nodding, Spike led them back to town and towards the inn...where he found all the mares waiting for him. "And where have you been, Spikey...Wikey?" Rarity asked, her voice fading as she saw the scantily clad mare with him. The rest of the mares were silent.

"Uhh...helping someone in need?" Spike replied, scratching the back of his head as he glanced around, taking in the environment.

Applejack seemed to be smirking understandingly, while Pinkie was struggling not to laugh about something. Luna had her eyebrow raised curiously, while Rainbow was glowering angrily. Rarity was pouting, and Fluttershy looked to be on the verge of tears.

Sunset stepped in. "I know those looks. I'm not a hooker, I'm a shaman. And all I did was bring out his inner dragon."

Luna nodded understandingly. The rest looked shocked. "You're a dragon?" they all said in shock.

Spike blinked. "...what?"

Spike learned DragonFire!
Spike learned DragonFrost!
Spike learned DragonBolt!

Author's Note

Battle Data:

Spike

Magic - Spike has gained the ability to use magic. In addition to white magic and tactical magic - Scan lets him know an enemy's health, magic power, level, and elemental weaknesses and resistances - Spike has gained the ability to tap his Dragon blood for strong blasts. These spells are quite draining.

DragonFire turns his scales red as he releases a massive gout of flame that strikes a single target, which is far stronger than his normal fire breath spell.
DragonFrost turns his scales a pale blue as he releases a blast of bitter cold that strikes a single target.
DragonBolt turns his scales a dark blue as he releases a blast of lightning that strikes a single target.

Double Trouble

Twilight smiled, her satchel slung over her shoulder, as she led the group back towards the carriage dock. She had spent most of the trip badgering the entire group with endless questions, and taking notes of their answers. While Twilight didn't show any nervousness at learning Spike was, in fact, a dragon, she instead began badgering him with questions about how a dragon was different from a pony. Having grown up with Pipsqueak, Spike felt confident in answering them. When she paused in her questions, however, Spike looked up at her. "Is there anything else?"

"Well, there is one question I've been meaning to ask, but I'm not sure how to ask it or if I should," Twilight admitted.

"Go ahead," Spike assured her.

"Well, I've read some data that says dragons have two. Is it true?"

Spike blinked. "Two wha-"

"It's true!" Pinkie said happily. "At least, it's true with Spikers!"

Rarity's eyes narrowed. "And how would you know-"

"If you press real tight up against him, he starts to poke through his armor," Pinkie explained, leaving numerous blushing faces.

Spike groaned, recognizing what the inquiry was about now.

"So why do you have two?" Twilight asked. "Do they both perform all the same functions? Do they experience different levels of sensitivity? Are they in fixed positions, or can you move them independent of each other? Can-"

"I would say that these sorts of questions are more appropriate for the bedroom," Luna interrupted, "but I can tell that it is true academic interest that drives them for you, without a hint of lust. Rather unnerving in its own right, I admit. Also, I believe you are making Spike uncomfortable."

Twilight blinked. "I am?" She looked at Spike's flustered face. "Oh, sorry! I tend to get carried away learning new things."

"Like how you didn't want to be uncursed because you were busy taking notes about walking on all fours?" Rainbow quipped. Twilight chuckled nervously in response.

"So," Rarity posed, trying to defuse the situation, "you can get us into Canterlot?"

"Certainly!" Twilight said happily, walking up to a carriage. "Climb aboard! I'm sure Mom and my baby brother would be happy to meet you all!"

Pinkie grinned widely as she bounced into the carriage. "This is going to be so much fun!" The others climbed on the carriage as well. Twilight shaped a rune in the air over the front of the carriage, and it moved easily across the lake and through the magic curtain towards the castle in the center of the lake.

As they settled down at the dock, Twilight stepped out. "I'll be right back," she said quickly. "I want to let everyone know I'm okay." She turned to run into the castle.

"Wait!" Spike called out. "You forgot your satchel!" Shaking his head, he scooped it up, rushing after her.

When they entered the castle, however, they saw a confused Twilight Sparkle being led away by a large group of guards, and a pony who looked very similar to Twilight except for slight color variations - her coat was pink rather than purple, and her mane and tail were white with a purple stripe rather than purple with a pink stripe - wearing an elegant royal gown. "My apologies," she said to Spike and the group. "It appears you have been badly misled by an imposter. I am Princess Twilight Sparkle. That imposter has caused any number of problems for Canterlot, stirring up rebellion in the countryside. She actually believes she's me. While I would offer you welcome and refreshment as thanks, I'm afraid the castle is under lockdown. I must ask you to leave immediately. You understand, don't you?"

"Of course," Luna replied coldly before anyone else could speak. "We understand the necessity of protecting one's citizenry."

"Thank you," the 'princess' replied. "A reward has been placed in the carriage you came in on." She then turned to walk back into the palace as the group stepped back outside.

Spike was the first to speak up. "Did anyone believe for a moment that the dressed up one was the real princess?"

"Nope," Rainbow insisted.

"Nuh-uh!" AJ affirmed.

"Not really," Fluttershy added.

"Not for a moment," Luna affirmed.

"Nopey-dopey!" Pinkie proclaimed.

"Well...no, not at all," Rarity admitted finally. "As regal as she acted, she seemed...hollow. Like the fake Fido."

Spike nodded. "So we're going to help our friend Twilight clear her name, get her position back, and save the day?"

"Yup!"

"Oh yeah!"

"Umm...yes?"

"Of a certainty!"

"Yuppers!"

"But of course! Just imagine the scandal!"

Spike grew thoughtful. "But we'll take the fake's money anyway, right?"

"Of course!"

"We could always use it."

"I suppose..."

"There weren't any strings attached."

"Yes, yes, yes!"

"We could always use the extra resupply."

"Oh," a small voice said from inside the carriage. "So that's why Twiley won't let me play D&D." A white unicorn colt with a blue mane and tail and bright green eyes stepped out of the carriage. He was wearing a purple smock with a golden crown embroidered above the left breast pocket, and black pants. He looked to be about six.

Spike was unsurprised when the immediate reaction of all the mares present - save Fluttershy - was to squee happily, pull the colt into a tight five way hug, and yell, "So cute!"

"Umm...could you let me go please?" the colt requested. "Difficult to breathe." The mares immediately released him, mumbling apologies. "Thanks. So you're going to help my BSBFF?" When they all stared at him, he groaned. "Big Sister Best Friend Forever. Twiley."

"Ah!" the group replied in unison.

"You must be the baby brother she was looking forward to seeing so much and introducing us to," Spike pointed out.

The colt nodded. "Yup. My name's Shining Armor. Pleased to make your acquaintances."

Once introductions were concluded, Shining Armor handed them each a rune worked in metal on a chain. "These are ward passes. They'll let you walk through the various wards that block off certain areas, like the path to the jail where they're holding Twiley."

Spike nodded as they each took one. "Right." Once Shining pointed them in the right way, they took the outside path into the kitchens, and from their the path to the dungeons.

Once there, they were stopped by a guard. "Halt! You shall not-"

"PASS!" Pinkie shouted at the top of her lungs, launching AJ out of her cannon at the guard.

AJ flipped in midair, impacting the guard in the stomach with both hooves, adding the strength of her thrusting legs to the momentum of the cannon blast, sending the guard slamming into the wall and unconsciousness.

Shining Armor peeked around from behind Fluttershy. "Cool!" That said, he ran ahead...and paused. "I was wondering why Twiley hadn't busted her own way out," he sighed.

The group followed him around the corner...and found Twilight in a cell that had been converted into a library. Twilight herself had several books floating around her, as she was obviously researching something.

"Twiley..." Shining groaned.

"Oh hey Shiney," Twilight replied absently. "Be right with you. Just trying to determine a volume equation regarding the maximum containment capacity of the cod piece area of standard leather armor, to see how much would be needed to 'poke out' noticeably. It's a lot harder than it looks, and the figures I'm getting are rather intimidating compared to the standard volume of a mare's nether regions, so I need to research an appropriate spatial modification spell or something..."

Shining Armor blinked, obviously completely lost. Spike stepped up. "Do I want to know why you're researching that?"

"Well it's what Pinkie said, Spike, about how you-" She shot up. "Spike!" she said happily. "You haven't met my baby brother Shiney, have you?"

"Yup," Shining sighed in resignation. "That's definitely the real you." He stood up straight. "Now we need to unmask the fake in front of Mom so you can get your position and life back!"

"But I've almost finished compiling my notes on my time as a quadraped, and I'm sure that information will be a serious addition to Canterlot's Esoteric Eccentricities wing!" Twilight whined.

"If there's even a single title there that lacks her name on it on the first three shelves, I will be pleasantly surprised," Luna muttered.

"Twiley!" Shining yelled. "Stop thinking about your research for ten seconds and think about your responsibilities to your kingdom! I don't want a fake for a big sister!"

Twilight froze. "Wait...someone has taken my place here?"

Shining blinked. "Why did you think you were thrown in the dungeon upon arrival?"

"I thought it was Mom's way of saying I was grounded for staying out too late," Twilight replied sheepishly.

"Twiley!" Shining complained again. "The fake you is changing everything! She changed the decorations of your room, she's been flirting with that guard your diary said had a cute butt but wasn't your type, and she messed up your stuffed animals!"

"Even...even Mr. Smarty Pants?" Twilight asked, tears in her eyes.

"And she won't pay the overdue fees for your library books!" Shining added. "The librarian's debating revoking your library card-"

Twilight shrieked. "I'm overdue!" she cried out, rushing from the cell.

Shining sighed. "Should have started with that." The group pursued Twilight up through the castle, eventually catching up to her in the throne room.

Upon seeing the regal white alicorn mare sitting on the throne, Luna flinched back at first. However, after a second look, she groaned and relaxed.

Twilight raced up to the throne. "Queen Celestia, Mom, I'm so so so so sorry! I didn't realize my trip would take so long, and now my library books are overdue! I'm so sorry!"

"Silence!" the fake Twilight demanded, stepping out from behind the throne. "Do not speak so familiarly to the Queen of Canterlot! You shall-"

"Shut up!" Shining yelled. "You aren't Twilight! You're a phony!"

The fake Twilight sighed. "Shining Armor, it disappoints me that you still pursue your childish fantasies, associating with this fake over your own flesh and blood. Will you not listen to reason until the fake lies dead at your feet?"

Shining gasped. "Mom!" he cried. "You can't let her do that! Capital punishment is illegal in Canterlot!"

Queen Celestia nodded dumbly. "Twilight has my utmost confidence," she replied in a monotone manner.

Shining gulped as the fake Twilight grinned. "You have to believe me, Mom! How can I convince you?"

"Trust your gut, Shining Armor," she replied.

Shining blinked, then nodded. "Before you do anything," Shining said to the fake, "could you make me my favorite lunch? You remember it, right?"

"Of course," the fake replied warmly. "Daffodil sandwiches and celery soup. I'd never forget my baby brother's favorite foods. I'll make it for you right away."

"Ha!" Shining shouted eagerly. "That proves you're the fake! The entire castle knows Twilight can't even toss a salad without burning it! She won't go anywhere near the kitchen!"

Twilight blushed. "While that's true, did you have to shout it for everyone to hear?"

The fake blanched and cursed. "So close," she muttered.

"So what are you going to do with this fake, Mom?" Shining asked.

"Central Vault holds secrets," Celestia replied.

Spike blinked. "Is she senile?"

"If only it were that simple," Luna groaned.

The fake Twilight grinned. "If I can't take the role of Princess here, then I shall take the power of the treasures!" She raced off into the castle, Spike and his group in hot pursuit.

Once they reached the vault, Rainbow dashed ahead to cut off the fake's path. "Not just yet," she snarked.

"You won't get what you want until you get through us," Spike added as the group spread out.

The fake Twilight snarled, then grabbed Shining Armor from where he had followed them. "Nobody move, or I rip out his throat!"

Before anyone could react, a flash of light appeared right in front of the fake, followed by the sound of snapping bone. Shinning staggered back as the real Twilight - her coat now white, her eyes now red, and her mane and tail now made of living fire - proceeded to tear the fake apart with magic enhanced bare fists. "Keep your filthy mitts off my baby brother you bad words in seven different languages suggesting inappropriate things regarding the fake's breeding, sexual preferences, diet, and the threat of anatomically improbable tortures to be inflicted with a bucking boat!" With her last shouted word, she brought her fist down hard in the fake's solar plexus. The surge of magic caused the fake to explode into black smoke, hissing in rage and pain before it dispersed.

Twilight continued to breathe heavily as she slowly calmed down. A nearby wall rose, revealing a secret compartment within the vault. "The ancient weapon!" Shining gasped in shock.

Luna stepped forward to the revealed pedestal, examining what sat upon it. She lifted it up, examining it fondly. "I remember this," she said nostalgically. "When the Goddess of Desire was released by the keys, another Dragon Warrior rose to battle her. I aided him in that battle. This was one of his favorite weapons."

Rainbow flew up to examine the curved strip of red metal. "It's...a boomerang," she said, nonplussed.

"He called it the Tri-rang," Luna corrected. She handed it to Spike. "Give it a try," she offered.

Taking it, Spike shrugged and hurled it. It scythed through the air with a 'sffthin' sound, flying at high speed around the vault. It sheered through the metal door without slowing down, ricocheted off several stone pillars - leaving a divot in each - and sliced a statue cleanly in half before flying back towards Spike, who managed to catch it in midair. The deceptively innocent seeming weapon wasn't even warm.

AJ examined the statue. "Whooee! This cut's as smooth as perfect butter! Even the sharpest steel don't cut that cleanly without a lot of strength behind it!"

Spike grinned up at the weapon. "Spike want," he whispered eagerly.

"Then consider it your reward for saving the kingdom," Twilight said happily.

"Twiley!" Shining complained. "You can't just give away one of our kingdom's treasures!"

"Shiny, that weapon was left to our kingdom in trust until such time as it was needed again. Since it was wielded by a previous dragon warrior, it's only fitting that the current one wield it in battle again." Twilight grinned. "Besides, you heard Mom: she has utmost confidence in me."

Shining looked up at her, then sighed. "I know that look. You're leaving again."

"Shining, the way the fake dispersed into smoke...it resembled demonic banishment." Twilight frowned. "A demon was trying to take over our kingdom, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't an isolated incident."

Spike nodded. "We've encountered three other such creatures. Two were unicorns named Flim and Flam, and the third was pretending to be Fido, leader of a pack of Diamond Dogs."

Twilight nodded. "As Princess of Canterlot, it's my duty to investigate these matters to preserve the kingdom." She smiled as Shining sighed. "Besides, even at your age, you're a much better leader than I."

Shining nodded. "Alright." He turned to Spike. "Before you and my sister leave, is there anything more we can do for you?"

Spike nodded. "We came here looking for Scootaloo, the Thief Queen. She was after this." He lifted up the Tri-rang. "Any idea-"

"She's in the dungeons behind the kitchens!" Shining said happily. "Follow me."

Spike got the Tri-Rang!

Shining led the group to the dungeon in question, and pointed them to the occupied cell. "She's right there. I'm going to go check on Mom. Something's off with her lately." He turned and left.

Spike walked up to the cell, looking at the pony within. The mare was young, a few years younger than himself. She was still clad in a black body suit, although her face and wings were exposed. Her coat and feathers were orange, and her mane purple, as had been described to him. But she still looked so familiar.

She looked up at him, opening her eyes. "What?" she asked. "Going to laugh at me?"

As soon as Spike looked in her eyes, he staggered back. Could it be? "...Citrine?" he asked desperately.

She blinked. "You've got me mistaken for someone else. I'm Scootaloo." She stood up. "Now what do you want?"

As Spike staggered back, Luna stepped forward. "A friend is being pursued for your crimes in Ponyville. You will come with us to clear his name."

Scootaloo shrugged as Twilight unlocked the cage. "Fine!" she groused, stepping out of the cell. She then brightened. "But if Rainbow Dash is taking-"

"I want my blanket back," Rainbow interrupted, glaring.

Nodding, Scootaloo pulled out a satchel - where she'd been hiding it was anyone's guess - and fished out a rather colorful blanket, looking like it was hand crocheted by a foal. It had rainbows, clouds, and bunnies on it. As Rainbow took it back, Fluttershy gasped. "Is that...the one I made you?"

Rainbow blushed. "I said she took my favorite blanket," she mumbled, resulting in Fluttershy squealing happily and hugging her.

As the group got ready to leave, Spike found himself walking behind Scootaloo. Seeing her undersized wings, he found himself saying, "I see they're still ornamental."

Rainbow and Fluttershy gasped in shock. Scootaloo flinched, then spun. "Dammit, Spike!" she shouted in rage, delivering a hard right cross to his chin, knocking him back against the wall.

As everyone stared at the frozen tableau, AJ was the first to speak. "Kid, how'd you know his name was Spike?"

Scootaloo blinked. "What? I..." She shook her head. "I don't..." She clutched at her head. "It hurts..."

Twilight ran forward, her hands and horn glowing. "Hmm...looks like someone messed with your memories...huh? This is a self imposed memory block! You sealed your own memories away...and then some malevolent force made you forget you did it! That force no longer has a grip on you, so I'll just remove the block like so..."

Scootaloo's eyes glowed briefly. Then she shuddered. "I..." She then turned to Spike as he stood up. She then ran up to him, throwing her arms around his chest. "Spike!" she wailed, burying her face in his chest and weeping.

"Citrine?" he asked again. When she nodded, he pulled her close to him, holding her tight as he, too, cried, much to the confusion of his friends.

Upstairs, Shining Armor was making his way to the throne room when a white light flashed before him. The light revealed a casually dressed white alicorn. She stretched. "That was a fun vacation," she said happily.

Shining Armor blinked. "Mom!" he yelled angrily. "Did you leave a simulacrum in your place while you went on vacation again?"

Celestia waved her hand dismissively. "Don't be such a stick in the mud, Shiny. Nothing important ever happens here, anyway, and between you and your sister, you can handle anything short of the return of one of my sisters." Walking into the throne room, she dispelled the simulacrum before plopping herself on the throne. "It's not like I missed anything important, right?"

Author's Note

New Weapon Data:

Tri-Rang: a boomerang type weapon. Attack power 150. Hits all enemies.

To put that in perspective, the EmpireSD Spike is currently equipped with - the strongest sword in the game - has an attack power of 160. (Tri-Rang was a weapon in Breath of Fire 1.)

Reunion and Truth

After a time of Spike and Scootaloo simply clinging to one another, Luna warped the group out of the castle and to the campsite adjacent to the carriage dock at the edge of the lake. "This should give them some privacy for their reunion," she said softly.

"Why couldn't we have gotten them a room in Canterlot Castle for privacy?" Rarity demanded. "It would certainly be more comfortable than out here."

"Three reasons," Luna replied. "One, Scootaloo is a known thief, so I doubt the guards would leave us alone." Twilight nodded confirmation. "Two, the longer we stayed, the more likely someone would come up with a reason to force Twilight to stay, when she obviously wants to come with us." Another nod from Twilight. "And third and most important, someone had...returned to the castle who...I don't exactly get along with."

"You mean someone who doesn't like you?" Pinkie asked in shock.

"No," Luna replied. "In fact, just the opposite." She shuddered.

"Umm..." Fluttershy began, unsure how to ask what she wanted to know.

"The sooner we get back to Ponyville, the better for Pipsqueak. If I'd met up with her, we'd be stuck in Canterlot for at least a month."

"Ah," Applejack replied. "Gotcha."

Meanwhile, Spike and Scootaloo continued to cling to each other. "I...I was beginning to think it had all been just a fantasy," Spike whispered. "That I didn't ever have a little sister...or a father..."

Scootaloo sniffled, rubbing her eyes before burying her face in his chest. "Even when I couldn't remember, I knew something was missing...it hurt so much..." She blinked, then looked up at him. "What do you mean, think it was a fantasy?"

Spike sniffled a bit, trying to wipe away the unending tears. "When I woke up from my nap under the dragon, no one in town knew who I was. They didn't know you, or Dad...and everyone was saying that Sister Crystal had always been the pastor."

Scootaloo blinked, her eyes narrowing. "How long was your nap?"

He shook his head. "Not long." He looked closely at her. "Why?"

She looked away. "No reason."

"Citrine..."

"Could you call me Scootaloo?" she requested. "I haven't been Citrine since I lost my memory...and I don't want to go by that name again until we find out what happened to Dad."

Spike nodded. "Alright...Scootaloo." He chuckled. "That name feels like it suits you better, anyway. Citrine is far too much a proper lady's name."

Scootaloo chuckled. "Damn straight." She then yawned.

Without thinking, Spike wrapped Scootaloo in his cloak and held her close against him. "Sleep well, sis," he whispered, starting to fall asleep himself.

Luna smiled as she watched the pair. "It has been a rather trying day for them," she said softly. "Let's camp here for the night." The others - all doing their best to hold back squeals over how cute Spike looked taking care of his little sister - nodded in agreement.

"Scootaloo," Spike said for the seemingly umpteenth time, "are you sure you're okay with it? Turning yourself in to clear Pip's name? I mean, I'm pretty sure we could come up with another way-"

"Relax, Spike," Scootaloo groaned. "You act like this is my first time getting thrown behind bars. It's like the seventh or something." She patted his shoulder. "I'll be fine. The guards will take me in, ask some questions, put me in jail, and I'll be out before tomorrow morning. Just like always."

Spike winced. "You realize I'll likely just be sent after you again, right?"

Scootaloo grinned as she walked with him and the rest of the group to the gates of Ponyville. "Good. That'll mean we get to see each other again."

As they entered the town, the town guard was waiting. Spike spoke up. "This is Scootaloo, the Thief Queen. She's the one who stole from Blueblood, not Pipsqueak."

Scootaloo raised her hands. "I surrender myself freely. I still have the stolen goods, and will return them...temporarily." The last word she whispered, nearly silent.

The guards immediately surrounded Scootaloo to leave her away. Flash Sentry stayed nearby, smiling at Spike. "I knew Pip wasn't that sort," he affirmed. "By the way, Trixie's waiting for your report."

"Right," Spike said, his eyes glancing after Scootaloo before heading towards the Ranger HQ. "Luna, think you could head to Dutchcolt and get Pip?"

Luna nodded. "Certainly." She warped away.

Up above the group, on the rooftops, Pipsqueak shook his head. "Still as naïve as ever, bro. Didn't you read all the town laws? If somepony steals from a noble, the noble gets to decide their punishment." He looked after where Scootaloo - now handcuffed - was being taken. "Way you were looking after her, I know you wouldn't have handed her over if you knew. So while you report, I'll keep an eye out." He then leapt from rooftop to rooftop, following after, ducking into Blueblood's mansion the same way he got in the first time.

Spike sat nervously in Trixie's office as he gave his full report on everything that transpired on his journey to find the real thief. Trixie seemed especially concerned as she heard the reports of the ponies and others who turned out to be demons. "This is quite the report, Spike," she said at the end. "You have made Trixie quite proud of you. You have also put Trixie in a bind, as she is forced to promote you now, and then you will be attending the noble's parties, and then Trixie will lose her funding for the Rangers because you will say or do something that offends Blueblood." She groaned a bit. "Trixie is not amused."

Spike chuckled. He was the only one giving the report. The rest of the group was outside, waiting for Luna to come back with Pipsqueak. "You can keep the promotion, really," he said. "A pay raise would be fine. Anyway, I'd like to get going to the guardhouse."

Trixie tilted her head. "Why would you want to go to the guardhouse?"

Spike blinked. "I want to make sure they're treating Scootaloo right."

"But she would not be at the guardhouse."

Spike paused. "What?"

Pipsqueak managed to follow Blueblood into his secret basement behind the mirror. Before he went down below, though, he set up a remote crystal controlled device attached to the mirror, just in case he would need it. He then crawled across the ceiling of the basement level. Seeing the cells below, he shuddered. He recognized a few of the people in them, and knew they were innocent, ponies Blueblood had managed to get locked up for obviously trumped up charges to work towards his own gain.

Reaching the end of the hall, he saw Blueblood chain Scootaloo to the wall. "Well, well, well," Blueblood said with a wide grin. "I wonder how I'll punish you? I don't suppose you'd steal for me?"

"Yeah, sure," Scootaloo replied much too quickly.

"And you'll agree to that with a blood oath?" Blueblood asked.

Scootaloo sighed. "Yeah, you got me. Wouldn't steal for you if my life depended on it."

Blueblood chuckled wickedly. "Oh...not your life. Your punishment is up to me, and I intend to make sure you live for a long time...at least until you agree to the oath." Blueblood's eyes roved up and down over Scootaloo, paying careful attention to how her body suit hugged her athletic figure.

Scootaloo flinched away from his lecherous gaze. "You keep away from me, you dirty old bastard!"

Blueblood chuckled. "You stole from a noble, whelp," he stated, starting to walk towards her. "As far as the law is concerned, I own you." He started to reach towards her.

Pipsqueak knew he had to act right now. He triggered the device he'd planted, causing it to explode loudly, shattering the mirror.

Blueblood cursed, pulling back. He then smirked at Scootaloo. "Don't go anywhere, I'll be right back." He then turned and stormed up the hall muttering imprecations under his breath, not looking up.

As soon as he was around the corner, Scootaloo started struggling wildly in her chains, trying to get away. Pipsqueak leapt off the roof and ran to her as soon as Blueblood reached the stairs. "Hold still," he said, quickly getting to work on the chains.

Scootaloo blinked. "You're the one I saw that night here in the mansion," she said, the first manacle clinking open as she spoke. "...you're pretty good. Pipsqueak, right?"

Pipsqueak finished with her other wrist and moved on to her leg chains. "One of the best," he said proudly. "How'd you know my name?"

"Spike told me about you," she said, bending to work at the chain on her other leg. Within moments she was free, but a little wobbly. "Dammit, that last manacle had a sedative needle trap, and I tripped it."

"Don't worry," Pip insisted, slipping under her arm. "I'll get you out."

"I don't think you will," Blueblood said, coming around the corner. "I've truly caught you red handed now, Pipsqueak."

Pipsqueak glowered, drawing one of his daggers. "And what makes you think a nancy like you can stop me from getting out if I want to?"

Blueblood smirked. "You seem to forget who - and what - you're dealing with." Blueblood's horn glowed as he gathered his magic.

Pipsqueak grinned widely as he reached into his pocket. "I didn't," he said, holding up a small object with a crystal in the center between thumb and forefinger. "In fact, I was counting on it." He released it.

The device was one of his own creations, a set of cantrips he made to give himself an advantage against other kinds of ponies. This particular one was an explosive that, once primed, would be drawn to any actively gathering magic...like a unicorn's horn.

The device flew through the air towards Blueblood, impacting against his horn and exploding. "RAGH!" Blueblood shouted out, his head rocking back, his horn scorched and cracked.

"Come on!" Pip insisted, doing his best to race away as he helped Scootaloo along, who was quickly losing consciousness.

"You aren't going anywhere!" Blueblood roared, his body warping into a massive yellow worm. "No one escapes me! If I can't torment her how I wish, I shall settle for feeling her struggle in my belly as she is slowly digested over a thousand years!" A large tongue shot out towards Scootaloo.

In desperation, Pip shoved Scootaloo forward, blocking the tongue with his body as he was pulled into the worm.

"What?" Spike roared. "She was handed over to Blueblood?"

Trixie at first believed Spike's muscles bulging with his rage was simply a metaphor and a trick of the light...until she saw his armor straining against his arms. "Spike, what has gotten into-"

"That's my little sister!" he roared, spinning and leaping out of the house, coming down in the middle of the street as many ponies ran in fright, his scales slowly turning red.

Trixie gasped. "Oh gods..." She shook her head. "So much for the Ranger's Guild. He'll tear the whole town apart." Sighing, she shrugged her shoulders before grabbing a staff from her closet. "Well, Trixie was Great and Powerful once. She can be again." Grabbing a favored hat and cape, she turned to follow Spike. "Besides, Trixie will enjoy putting Blueblood in his place!"

Spike, meanwhile, charged right towards Blueblood's manor. A rather foolish guard got in his way. "Halt!" the guard shouted. "You are-"

"One side!" Spike snarled, backhanding the poor guard halfway across town. He then continued right up to Blueblood's mansion and - not bothering to slow down - crashed right through the door and door frame before carving a swath of destruction straight towards the broken mirror and down the stairs.

When he got there - with the rest of the group and Trixie close behind - he saw the massive worm raised over Scootaloo. "Sis!" he roared.

Scootaloo looked up. "Spike!" she wailed. "Blueblood ate Pipsqueak!"

Spike's eyes glowed red. Rounding on the worm, he exhaled a massive torrent of flame, engulfing the worm, which screamed in agony. However, when the flame died down, the worm was still whole.

Blueblood laughed. "You think your flame will quench my lust for power and wealth? You cannot..." He trailed off as twin spots of glowing red light appeared near the center of his body. "What is-"

He was cut off as a red spiral of light arced out of him, cutting him completely in half. Pipsqueak - whole but rather messy - leapt from the hole, his blades glowing with red dragon fire. "Eat this, bugger!" he snarled, driving one knife into the worm's eye shoulder deep, gouging its brain.

With one last scream, the worm exploded into black smoke.

Trixie blinked. "Blueblood was a demon?" Trixie asked in shock.

"It seems my suspicions were accurate," Fancy Pants said as he walked in. "The town council will certainly hear reason now. In the meantime, I believe the Blueblood estate will be divided up to recompense those he's wronged and to build up the town's defenses...including expanding the Ranger's Guild."

Trixie pouted. "And Trixie was looking forward to adventuring again."

Twilight chuckled as she used a water spell to clean Pipsqueak off as Spike returned to normal size and coloration. "Well done, Pipsqueak."

"Yeah," Scootaloo said, managing to get to her hooves with Rainbow's help. Leaning over, she gave Pip a kiss on the cheek. "That's for saving me."

Pip grinned sheepishly as Spike glared. "Just doing what any friend would-OW!"

Scootaloo had promptly punched him hard on his arm. "And that's for copping a feel when we first met!"

Spike twitched violently. "What?"

Pipsqueak chuckled. "Uh...you see..."

"When I fell on him as I ran out of the vault, I wound up with his right hand on my left breast and his left hand on my ass," Scootaloo griped. "It's why I stomped on his gut. The punch was because he squeezed."

Spike growled deep in his throat, his scales turning red again. "You felt up my sister?" he snarled.

Pip blinked. "Wait, you're Citrine?" he asked, staring at Scootaloo in surprise. Seeing her nod and the fire growing in Spike's mouth, he turned tail and fled. "I didn't know, bud! I didn't know!"

Spike pursued Pip angrily, scorching the ground near his hooves, the rest of the group there laughing.

Luna glanced around Dutchcolt in confusion. "Now where could Pipsqueak be?" she demanded in confusion.

Author's Note

Battle Data:

Pipsqueak has gained a new command!

MagSword - Pips knives become energized by a spell (black magic, white magic, stat magic, or dragon magic) for the remainder of the battle. This has varying effects/

Black magic - Pips attack damage increases and takes on the element of the energizing spell. Damage influenced by enemies elemental weakness and resistance.
White magic - Pips attack restores health equal to 1.5 times normal damage. Deals damage to undead. Exception is anti undead spells like Zom and Requiem. Zom functions like a black magic technique, but gaining the Holy element. Requiem does not influence damage at all, but physical attacks will instantly kill undead.
Stat magic - In the case of buffs, Pips stat related to the buff will increase 1/10 of the damage dealt with each attack. In the case of debuffs, the enemies stat will be decreased that amount every attack.
Dragon magic - Pipsqueak's regular attack gains the selected element. Each attack command inflicts two attacks of equal strength, one dealing physical damage, the other magical.

Technique availability is based on spells available for casting by party members.

The Real Quest Begins

Scootaloo opened her eyes slowly. She remained immobile as she took a few moments to get her bearings. After Blueblood was slain, and Spike stopped trying to torch Pipsqueak - stopped by Luna's return from not finding him - the group had gone to Spike and Pip's room in town, all of them taking various spots around to sleep. Trixie had told the group to report to her for important news come morning. Scootaloo had no intention of getting caught up in whatever the Ranger's Guild was doing...or getting Spike involved in her own quest. She carefully slipped out from Spike's embrace - he'd insisted on cuddling her like he did when they were kids, not that she was averse to it - and carefully made her way over the sleeping bodies scattered around the room as she headed for the window.

As she passed the foot of the bed, however, a familiar voice spoke up. "Do you know why dragons always walk with their tails raised in the air?"

Scootaloo did her best not to jump, turning to see Pipsqueak sitting at the foot of the bed, his hand near Spike's tail. Once she was no longer hyperventilating, she asked, "Why?"

"Because there's a spot, right here-" Pipsqueak pointed to the underside of Spike's tail at the narrowest point, just before it flared out into the spade tip "-that's really sensitive to touch. They hate it coming into contact with anything. Dragons are normally deep sleepers - I've personally seen Spike sleep through an earthquake in the middle of a thunderstorm - but the slightest touch to that spot will wake 'em right up. Get what I'm saying?"

Scootaloo nodded slowly. "Why say all this?"

"Because I've been watching Spike these past ten years, ever since we met. I've seen what missing you and your Da has been doing to him, seen him slowly waste away inside, each day having less and less hope he'd ever see you again. He promised your old man he'd always take care of you, shortly after you lost your Ma. He told me about that." Pipsqueak smiled. "When I saw him hugging you tonight as he drifted off, I barely recognized him. He was healthy, whole, happy...and I'm not letting you ruin that without damn good reason."

Scootaloo cursed internally. "Don't suppose I could...convince you otherwise?" she asked suggestively.

"Not the way you're saying. That'd be a clear violation of the bro code." He chuckled. "Which is a real shame, cause if you weren't my best bud's little sis, you'd be just my type."

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. "Could have sworn I heard you were into Princess Sweetie Belle."

"I can have more than one type!" he said defensively.

She chuckled. "So what do you want?"

"Simple," he replied calmly. "You can either slip back into Spike's hug and sleep well, or tell me why you're leaving."

Scootaloo sighed, shaking her head. "Why did my big brother have to have a best friend who was at least as good a thief as me?" She leaned against the window. "How much do you know about what's been going on?"

"I know Blueblood turned into a demonic worm and ate me," he replied glibly. "I know he's not the first demon the group's encountered. And I'm pretty sure it's somehow connected to the demon that nearly killed Spike and I back when we first left Everfree."

Scootaloo frowned. "Demons in Everfree...more confirmation."

"Confirmation?"

She looked him right in the eyes. "I'm the primary financial support for a intercontinental group dedicated to investigating the Church of Oz, and possibilities of darker dealings behind the scenes. After what I've seen involving Blueblood and a few other things - and what I remember now of when I was driven from Everfree - I'm now convinced there's a direct correlation between the activities of the Church of OZ and the demons."

Pipsqueak nodded. "I see. So you plan to return to your group and lead an assault on the church?"

"No. We don't have the horse power, information, or resources to do something like that. The group will keep investigating a way to get onto the island of Ozrai - the entire outside is sheer cliffs, so approach by boat is impossible - and I'm going to investigate and put a stop to any and all demon activity I can." Scootaloo shrugged her shoulders. "That's all I have to say."

Pipsqueak nodded. "Then I'm sorry to say I can't let you leave."

Scootaloo glowered. "Why not?"

"You want me to look Spike in the eye tomorrow and tell him I let you go off to hunt demons alone?"

She chuckled. "Point. But-"

"And besides that, there'd be no point. We'd just have to track you down after we spoke to Trixie on the morrow."

"Where do you get that idea?"

Now it was Pip's turn to chuckle. "Look at the group here. Even without Pinkie's crazy talk, it's obvious this is an epic assembly of heroes. We'd be going after the demons even if it wasn't the job of the Ranger's to hunt dangerous monsters - like demons - to protect the citizenry. I'd bet you bits to bagels that Trixie puts us right on the demon problem during our meeting tomorrow. She's already said we're her best ranger team, after all, and with Blueblood gone she's got no reason to keep us from getting promoted. We never rubbed Fancy the wrong way."

Scootaloo sighed. "You're probably right. Which means I'll be travelling with you lot whether I like it or not?"

Pip shrugged. "Pretty much."

She rolled her eyes and chuckled. "Might as well get a full night's sleep, then." She began to walk back towards the bed, but paused beside Pip. Bending over, she gave him a peck on the cheek. "It really is a pity you're my big brother's best friend...cause you're just my type, too." With that, she crawled back into Spike's embrace.

Pip gaped a bit, made a few strangled noises, then pulled his blanket tighter around himself. "Lucky bugger," he grumbled, whimpering a bit.

Neither Pip nor Scootaloo noticed Luna's amused titter.

Scootaloo joined the party!

The next morning, the group stood at attention in Trixie's office, waiting as she read through a few reports. She then looked up at them. "Trixie imagines you assume you will all be put on the case of investigating the demons. You are only partially correct. Another event connected to demonic activity has been reported, and I imagine it is one you will want to investigate. The trees of the Everfree region are dying without explanation, and a large red demonic centaur has been spotted in the region."

Spike shuddered, remembering the feeling of that beast's claws digging into his chest.

Trixie nodded. "It seems you are familiar with this creature. I want you to investigate what is killing the trees...but to stay away from the Everfree region until you have more information. For all we know, whatever's killing the trees could be killing every living thing in the region. ...Trixie doesn't suppose any of you have an idea how to do this?"

"Umm..." Fluttershy began. "The...forest elder might be able to tell us. He lives southwest of Serpent Cove. He's ancient and wise, if a bit abrasive at times."

Trixie nodded. "Very well then. Make your way to the forest elder and find out what he knows."

Spike nodded. "Luna, start off by warping us to the Canterlot carriage docks. We can head south from there."

Luna nodded, gathering her magic. "Here we go."

In a flash of light, they reappeared before the docks. Spike then turned to Fluttershy. "Lead the way." Nodding, Fluttershy led the way south through the trees. Before long, she lead them to a large tree that reached all the way to the heavens. Spike stared up at the immense oak in awe, then turned back to Shy. "So..."

"Umm...we're here."

Pip blinked. "You can talk to trees, too?" he asked, shocked.

"The tree's the Elder?" Scootaloo interpreted.

"Oh, no. Not the tree," Shy hastened to assure them.

"Then where's the elder?" Rainbow demanded.

"Up here, stupid heads!" a high pitched, small voice exclaimed in irritation.

Everyone looked up. Floating down to them was a blue, pony like creature with a bright pink mane, tail, and eyes, gossamer wings, two long antenna, and wearing a black bodysuit with white sable cuffs at neck, wrists, and ankles...and who stood at an inch high.

Fluttershy bowed to the small creature. "Elder Seabreeze, we come seeking your counsel-"

"I know this!" the tiny pony interrupted. "I am of the Breezies, with magic beyond your ken! The winds themselves speak to me and my kin, telling us of all that goes on throughout the world as we are carried on the flow of truth! I know you seek the cause of the decay of the trees of Everfree!"

"So what can you tell us?" Twilight asked eagerly. "What's causing the decay?"

Seabreeze hesitated. "I forget."

The entire group face faulted.

"It's not my fault!" Seabreeze complained. "There's a demon in my head eating up my memories! You must acquire the dream pillow from Harmonia so you can enter my dreams, slay the demon, and recover my lost memories before I can tell you what you must do to save this world from...from..." Seabreeze rubbed his head vigorously. "I can't remember!"

Fluttershy gently stroked his back. "Don't worry, Seabreeze. We'll get the dream pillow soon."

Spike nodded. "So how will we get to Harmonia? Most boats don't sail that far these days, and we can't wait for the next one. And even then, boats go too slow."

Scootaloo smirked. "Leave that to me. Let's head to the beach by serpent cove."

Spike nodded. "Lead the way."

After a time, they reached the beach Scootaloo had mentioned. "I hope you don't intend fer us to swim," AJ complained.

"Not even close," Scootaloo snarked, stepping into the water. Pulling out a large horn, she blew, releasing a loud noise that echoed across the water. She then stepped back.

Spike blinked. "Umm...what was that-"

A huge purple coil erupted from the water, followed by several others, and then a massive purple head surmounted by the bushiest orange moustache any of them had ever seen. "Scootaloo!" the massive sea serpent bellowed. "It's been so long since you called! I've missed you!"

Scootaloo laughed. "Hey Steve! I got my memory back!"

"Oh that's wonderful!" the serpent cheered. "Ever since you woke me up after losing your memory, I'd been hoping you'd remember your past. You looked so lonely-" He gasped. "And who's this handsome devil?" he asked, leaning in towards Spike. "Is he your boyfriend?"

Scootaloo gagged. "No! He's my big brother!"

"Oh, my apologies. Steven Magnet, at your service!" The serpent extended a claw, which Spike shook as best he could.

"We'll have time for introductions later," Scootaloo said quickly. "Can you take us to Harmonia Isle?"

"Certainly!" Steven proclaimed. "All aboard! We'll be there in two hours, tops!"

"Sweet!" Rainbow cheered, pumping her arm. "We'll have that dream pillow in no time!"

"I assume one of you has an instrument of highest quality? The ponies of Harmonia can only speak or understand speech if accompanied by music."

Rainbow blinked a bit. "Damn..."

"Anyone know where we can find such an instrument?" Luna asked curiously.

"...there's a lute in Applefort we could use," Applejack replied slowly. "It...it'll be nice to see home again, I guess..."

Steven thought for a bit. "That trip will take about four hours, but I'll need to stop for lunch. Okay with a furlough in Gutz?"

Spike grinned. "That'd be great! I can put my smithing skills to use again, and maybe let Eichichi know about that machine under Dutchcolt's well."

Steven nodded. "All aboard!"

The party climbed onto the serpent's back, and he sped out across the surface of the sea. While Rainbow Dash probably could have kept up with him in the air, he was plainly the fastest thing in the sea. Spike and the others barely had time to grow bored of the racing waves - except Rainbow, who didn't get bored for a moment - they reached a moderate sized island with a single town on it. "Here we are at Gutz!" Steve announced. "Unless you know how to breathe underwater, I'd recommend disembarking while I get lunch."

As everyone clambered off, Spike made a beeline for the town. "Come on, Scoot! There's someone I want you to meet!"

The group ran along with into the town. Spike then made a beeline for the house at the top of the hill, where the loud clanging of a hammer striking metal could be heard. Spike ran right into the house. "Uncle Iron!" he yelled happily.

A massively built minotaur set his hammer aside as he heard that shout. "Spike!" he yelled happily, pulling the dragon into a crushing bear hug. "It's been too long!"

Grinning from ear to ear, Spike pulled Scootaloo up. "I found her, Iron Will."

Iron Will grinned widely. "Like I told you: find the right team, conquer your dream!" He rustled Scootaloo's mane. "Good to see you calmer now. I've got a present for you, but it needs a bit of your fire to bring it to life."

Smiling, Spike stepped up to the forge. "I've got a surprise of my own," he said, his body swelling as his scales turned red. Much to Iron Will's amazement, he unleashed a massive torrent of flames into the forge.

The minotaur pulled the metal in the forge out as soon as Spike's flames subsided. He then doused it in a bucket heavily inlaid with magic runes. When the steaming stopped, he pulled out a full body plate armor, sized roughly to Spike's body. "Try it on, my boy!"

Grinning, Spike shrugged out of his leather armor before slipping the metal plate on. "Feels kind of light-" he began, before the armor shifted to fit to his body like a second skin. "Whoa!"

Iron Will grinned. "Living metal armor! Fits like a glove, light as a feather...and strong enough to repel most physical or magical assaults."

"Sweet!" Spike replied with a grin, shifting around to get a look at himself.

"Spi~kun!" a voice shouted out. From the basement stairs, a rather bouncy, naked, minotaur girl about Spike's age raced out, glomping onto Spike hard enough to send them both slamming into a nearby wall.

"Eichichi!" Iron Will yelled. "We have guests, so get yourself dressed!"

Eichichi stuck her tongue out at Iron Will. "Shut up, Oji-san!"

Spike groaned. "Hey, Eichichi."

"Spi-kun, I've told you to call me Ecchi-chan," she pouted, forcing Spike's face into her breasts.

Spike grunted. "New machine..."

Eichichi gasped. "Where?"

"Dutchcolt, our town," Pipsqueak said as he entered. "It's in the well-"

Eichichi squealed happily before racing back into the basement. She raced back out, now dressed, and with a jetpack strapped to her back. "See you there!" she shouted happily, launching herself into the air.

Iron Will sighed. "At least she's getting out of the house for once."

After a time, Steven returned, and the group was on their way to Applefort.

Spike got LifeAR!

Author's Note

Battle Data:

Scootaloo
Attack - Scootaloo's weapons are gem studded tonfa. Her regular attack is a combo strike with the two. Her critical hit is a burst of magic from the gems focused out one end of the tonfa.
Dare/Charm:
Dare targets all foes, and forces them to target Scootaloo during the next round of combat. Scootaloo's physical evasion doubles during the next round.
Charm targets a single opponent, and can have one of three outcomes. One, enemy's attack power drops to zero until next combat round. Two, enemy becomes infatuated with Scootaloo and takes no action unless Scootaloo is attacked, at which point it gets an automatic critical counter on the one that attacked her (wears off if attacked). Three, the enemy gets a critical counterattack on Scootaloo.
M. Thief - steals a rare drop item from the target.

LifeAR - armor made of living metal that actively protects the wearer. Defense +80, agility -0, reduces magic damage by half.

Buy Some Apples!

As the group climbed the cliffs to Applefort, Applejack grew quieter and quieter, plainly withdrawing into herself. "What's bothering you?" Spike asked in concern.

AJ sighed. "I...didn't exactly leave home on the best of terms. As much as I look forward to seeing my family again...I'm kinda afraid of how they'll react to my return." She shook her head. "It's probably nothing, but...well, the Highland Apples are mercenaries. So we're all pretty tough fighters in our own way. Things might get...rough."

Spike smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure things won't be that bad. It's your family, after all."

AJ nodded. "I can only hope." Reaching the entrance to the fort, AJ pulled out her rope. Swinging her lasso around her head, she looped it around a crenellation on the front gate. With a tug, the door lowered, becoming a drawbridge, granting entrance over the wide gorge that surrounded the fort on all sides. "By the way: Rainbow, Shy, Luna, I'd suggest not flying while in the fort. Anything that goes beyond a certain height over ground level gets targeted by the crystal lasers."

Rainbow laughed. "And why should I be scared of-"

Applejack tossed a rock into the air. When it reached 6 feet above their heads, several turrets swiveled at the peak of the wall and fired focused beams of light from crystals inside. The rock was vaporized instantly.

"...lasers?" Rainbow finished, whimpering.

The highland mare chuckled. "There's a reason we've never been conquered here. Oh, and most of the interior structure has been designed to absorb magical discharge, so everyone be on your best behavior, okay?"

Everyone nodded quickly. AJ then led them inside.

A earth pony stallion in a guard uniform stepped forward. "Halt! Who goes-AJ?"

AJ smiled. "Yeah, Braeburn, it's me."

The guard lifted the visor of his helmet, revealing a blonde coat, orange and blonde mane, happy green eyes, and a huge smile. "You're back!" he cried happily, racing forward and bowing.

"Braeburn! What have I told you about that?" AJ was obviously uncomfortable. "I'm an Apple just like you! You shouldn't be bowing to me."

"But Applejack, you are the queen!" Braeburn insisted. "Well...at least until the ceremony."

The orange mare blinked. "Ceremony?"

"Princess Apple Bloom is going to be wed to Whopper, the new general. He's a highland stallion with a sound tactical mind."

AJ blinked. "Well I'll be...my baby sis...getting married? Never would have thought..." She stepped away. "Would y'all excuse me?" she asked the group. "I need to do some thinking. Why don't you all go get the lute we came for, and then come get me." Before they could respond, she headed down some nearby stairs.

Braeburn shook his head. "Didn't think she'd be so happy about this. I know Apple Bloom isn't."

Pipsqueak tilted his head. "Why is she getting married if she isn't happy about it?"

"Cause Whopper's the first highland stallion to make it into Applefort who isn't an Apple. What with every Apple mare going into that weird super heat when they come in season, we need to marry Apple Bloom to a non-relative so's she can mate and have healthy kids." Braeburn shrugged. "Since the docs say her first season will be tomorrow evening - a bit late, since she's already 14-"

"She's my age and getting married?" Scootaloo wondered aloud.

"-we were kinda desperate for any stallion to pair her off to. Even if he is a bit egotistical, has weird ideas on where to take the Apple family, and Apple Bloom can't stand him." Braeburn chuckled. "She said if he tried to touch her without her permission, she'd blow him away. I believe her."

Spike nodded. "Well, we're here to get the lute. We need it to talk to the ponies of Harmonia. Who should we talk to about that?"

Braeburn winced. "Unfortunately, you'll have to talk to Whopper about it. Apple Bloom's gone into seclusion with her oncoming season so she doesn't end up jumping her brother or anything like that, so Whopper's pretty much running everything." He pointed north. "Cross the bridge and head for the throne room."

Spike nodded. As they were crossing the outside bridge, Rainbow spoke up. "So...how much does anyone want to bet this Whopper is another demon?"

"No bet," Spike replied. "That's pretty much a sure thing."

"So, we're going to kill him so Apple Bloom doesn't have to marry him, right?" Scootaloo asked.

"We'd have to force him to reveal himself, or we'd get thrown in the dungeon," Luna pointed out.

"Maybe we could enchant one of my knives with holy magic?" Pip offered.

"The crystalline structure's within the walls would absorb the magic before it could reach your blades," Twilight pointed out.

"So how exactly are we going to make the demon reveal himself?" Fluttershy asked. "Assuming he is a demon."

"I could throw him a party and launch him out of my party cannon!" Pinkie offered.

"Rather crass, darling," Rarity pointed out. "Perhaps we could just ask?"

Spike paused. "You want me to walk right up to General Whopper and ask, 'Are you a demon?'"

"Diplomacy has to succeed somewhere," Rarity pointed out. "You never know. He might make things simple for us and say 'yes'."

"And if he says no, we can ask him for the lute so we can kill the demons!" Pinkie replied. "And if he gives it to us, we can tell him that Apple Bloom doesn't need to get married because Luna and Rarity purged the curse on the Apple line that makes the mares go into the super heat back when we first met AJ."

Spike thought for a bit, then nodded. "Right. Definitely save that bit for last." He then led them through to the throne room.

Sitting on the throne was a large orange stallion with a blood red mane and red eyes, garbed in demonic battle armor. "I don't care if we have to burn the place to the ground and sow the fields with salt!" he proclaimed, slamming his fist down on the throne. "We will claim that territory in the name of the Apple Clan!"

"But sir," one of the ponies he was talking to complained, "what good will conquering that province be if nothing grows there?"

"It will show others that we will brook no opposition, and that nothing will stop our advance!" He grinned widely. "Besides, the wealth we will accrue in the conquest will easily defray the cost, and grant us the strength to conquer many others."

One of the other ponies looked nervous. "But General Whopper-"

"Do not question me!" Whopper roared. "Simply do as I tell you, and the Apple clan will be not mercenaries, but conquerors!" He leaned back. "That will be all. Dismissed!"

The addressed ponies left the room, not looking happy. Spike and the others immediately advanced.

Whopper stood up, staring at them, his hand resting on a crenellation in the wall. "Who are you all? What do you want here? And how much did you overhear of this classified war meeting?"

Spike crossed his arms. "Are you a demon?"

Whopper twisted the crenellation. The floor dropped out from under the group before any could react, and they dropped down into a dungeon.

Rainbow sat up from where she had landed. "Well, that could have gone better."

"Confirms what we thought, though," Rarity pointed out.

"So much for diplomacy," Twilight complained. "Oh, and thanks for catching everyone, Spike. Are you okay?"

Spike sat up from having positioned himself to absorb most of the impact of the fall. "I'm okay," he replied. "My new armor absorbed almost all the damage. I'm just a little stiff."

"That's some good armor," Pipsqueak marveled. "Now how do we get out of here?"

Spike looked over at the door, and saw it was covered in crenellations like nearly every other door and wall they'd encountered. "I'm guessing one of these opens the door."

"Alright!" Scootaloo reached for the door. "Let's try them all until-"

"I wouldn't!" Pipsqueak said, pointing to a nearby sign.

One of these switches opens the door. All others bring death. Only an apple knows the secret.

The group all stared at the sign. "Buck," Rainbow said at last.

Applejack, after a long time thinking, finally stood up. "What's taking them so long?" she muttered. "I'd better go check on them." She made her way back up the stairs and onto the bridge towards the throne room, but paused. She could feel angry eyes on her. "...I know that silent gaze," she said aloud. She looked up to the top of the tower she was approaching. "Big Mac? That you?"

A massive red stallion - a near mirror image of Whopper - stood on the roof of the tower, staring down at her. He had a blood red coat, an orange mane, piercing green eyes, and was dressed in the armor of a paladin. "Eeyup!" he barked.

Applejack sighed. "And you're upset with me."

"Eeyup."

"Is it because I left without saying goodbye?"

"Eeyup."

"And didn't come back for over five years?"

"Eeyup."

"And left you and Apple Bloom to run things?"

"Eeyup."

"And now you want to take your anger out on me?"

"Eeyup."

"And you ain't gonna give me a chance to explain?"

"Eenope."

Applejack sighed. "Alright. I'll wait down here for you." Seeing him bending his knees, she readied her lasso.

Big Macintosh leapt from the tower roof onto the bridge. His landing shook the bridge, causing it to fall out from under the two of them. Big Mac braced himself on a falling piece of rubble, ready to fight as they fell...only to see no sign of Applejack. He splashed heavily into the water below.

Applejack slowly lowered herself on her rope, reaching the ground safely before freeing the rope from the broken end of the bridge. She then used it to pull Big Mac to shore. "Still leaping before you look?"

"...eeyup..."

"Gonna give me a chance to explain now?"

"...eeyup..."

Applejack sighed. "I left because I wanted to find a cure for the crazy heat thing the mares of our family go through. I bumped into a zebra who gave me some pills that made me sterile as long as I took them, as well as teaching me how to make them, but that was a temporary solution at best. But a couple friends of mine I met recently found a permanent cure and fixed me right up!"

"Then how come you didn't come back sooner?" Big Mac asked, finally saying more than one word at a time.

Applejack sighed. "I was...scared. Scared you and Apple Bloom couldn't forgive me for running off. Scared of having to take the reigns again and make all the decisions. Scared I wouldn't be good enough..."

Big Mac shook his head. "Applejack, I admit I was angry, but I never hated you. You're my sis, and I miss you. And so does Apple Bloom." He pulled her into a tight embrace. "Let's go see Apple Bloom so you can give her a hug. Then we can get your friends to remove her curse so she don't have to get married."

AJ pulled back. "Wait, have to? You mean she don't love this Whopper guy?"

"Can't stand him!" Big Mac replied. "Only reason for the wedding is her first in season time is coming up, and he's the only stallion for miles who wasn't family."

Applejack leapt to her feet. "But when they removed the curse from me, it purged it from all the mares of my family! Apple Bloom won't go into heat like I did."

Big Mac rose with the inexorable force of the tides. "Then let's go tell her, so we can kick that Whopper out of our home!"

"We'll come at him from both sides," AJ directed. "Let's go!" They both took off along two separate paths through the castle towards the tower peak.

Halfway there, AJ encountered Whopper, hassling a yellow earth pony filly who plainly wanted nothing to do with him. "Ah told you what I'd do to you if you laid a hand on me!" she snapped at him.

Whopper chuckled. "You'll be singing a very different tune by day's end. When your heat kicks in-"

"You keep your filthy, goat buggering hands off my little sis!" Applejack snapped, stomping up to him, cracking her knuckles as she prepared to rip him limb from limb.

"Applejack!" Apple Bloom shouted happily.

Whopper turned with a snarl. "What are you doing back here?"

"Kicking you off my throne!" Applejack stomped forward, her fist drawing back.

Whopper stomped on a tile, causing the floor beneath Applejack to open up, dumping her into the void as she shouted, "Dag Nabbit!"

"Applejack!" Apple Bloom shouted after her.

Applejack let out an "Oof!" as she landed in Spike's arms. "Nice catch, sugarcube," she said, leaning into him.

"So how do we get out of this prison without dying?" Rainbow demanded. "The sign says only an apple knows the secret, so what's the secret?"

Applejack hopped out of Spike's arms, walked up to the sign, and pushed the hidden switch under the word 'apple'. The door creaked easily open.

Scootaloo and Pipsqueak both facepalmed. "I can't believe I missed that!" they said together.

"Apples open doors and make paths," AJ explained. "All other switches trigger death traps. Now let's go! Whopper's got my little sister!"

The entire group followed her as fast as they could as she raced upwards, taking every possible shortcut. Eventually, they found Big Macintosh collapsed near a wall. "That door..." he groaned. "It's got a strong barrier..."

"What is the password?" the door inquired.

Spike charged forward, his body expanding as his scales turned red. He leapt forward, turning his head back, and used his fire breath to propel himself forward, smashing through the door and knocking it off its hinges.

"...ow..." the door complained. The rest followed.

As they reached the upper floor, they heard Whopper speaking. "You really should just cooperate, Apple Bloom. Soon, your heat will kick in. Once I have you hooked to the machine, your surge of lustful emotion and sexual frustration will make Applefort the flying fortress it once was." Whopper was walking towards a darkened room.

"Ah warned you, bastard!" Apple Bloom swore from inside the room. Her words were followed by a chicka-ka-click sound.

Applejack's eyes widened. "She's not...get down!" She threw herself to the floor. Everyone else immediately threw themselves to the floor as well.

BANGA-BANG-BANG-ANG-BANG-BANG-ANGA-BANGA-

An endless stream of shotgun blasts tore through Whopper's body above the waist, and he eventually dissipated into black smoke.

BANGA-BANG-BANG-ANG-BANG-BANG-ANGA-BANGA-

The shots continued, as the focus swept back and forth, blowing holes in the walls, tearing through stone, crystals, and machinery with equal alacrity.

BANGA-BANG-BANG-ANG-BANG-BANG-ANGA-BANGA-

Most of the group kept low, holding still so as not to be hit by the blasts. Pipsqueak, however, crawled forward quickly towards the room.

BANGA-BANG-BANG-ANG-BANG-BANG-ANGA-BANGA-BANG!

The sounds and blasts ceased. The group slowly stood up.

"Thanks," Apple Bloom said from the darkened room. "Guess I still need to tweak the recoil on that."

"What is that thing?" Pipsqueak asked, staring at the mounted weapon that looked like a cross between a bazooka and a minigun.

"That's my Rolling Thunder Automatic belt fed shotgun!" Apple Bloom said happily. "It's my favorite gun. Made it myself! Packs quite a wallop, though."

As the rest of the group approached, Pipsqueak replied. "Well, as long as you're okay, Apple Bloom."

"How'd you know my name?" she asked, shocked.

"I'm a friend of Applejack's."

"Really?" Apple Bloom asked seductively. "Well, if she vouches for your character, think you could keep me company? I'm going to go a little crazy later, and if you hadn't knocked me off my gun, I might have blown the top of the tower clean off. You saved my life...so..."

"Apple Bloom!" Applejack called, charging into the room. "The curse is broken! You won't get that crazy heat like I did!"

"Really?" Apple Bloom asked, surprised. She cuddled closer to Pip in her position where he'd tackled her off the mounted gun. "Can I have him anyway?"

"Hey!" Scootaloo complained, grabbing hold of Pipsqueak's other arm. "I saw him first!"

"What do you think you're doing to my little sister?" Spike, Big Mac, and AJ demanded of Pipsqueak simultaneously.

Pipsqueak had twin waterfalls of tears running tracks down his face. "Not fair..."

"So...about the Lute?" Fluttershy asked nervously.

"Right," AJ replied, remembering why they came here. "Big Mac, we need the family lute so we can talk to the ponies of Harmonia, so we can get the dream pillow, so we can restore Seabreeze's memory, so we can learn how to stop the demons and save the world. You've still got it, right?"

"Nope!"

There was a strumming. Apple Bloom had the lute in her lap as she strummed it. "Big Mac gave it to me as a birthday present last year," Apple Bloom explained, "and I've been learning to play it. If you want to take it along, you'll have to take me too! I want an adventure!"

Applejack groaned helplessly.

Apple Bloom joined the party!

Author's Note

Battle Data:

Apple Bloom

Attack - Apple Bloom's primary weapon is a pair of six shooters, a gift from Applejack when she was just old enough to go armed. She's so well practiced with them that she can reload them between shots without breaking stride or movement.
ARMS - Apple Bloom can use any number of other guns she has acquired or built. Each has a different targeting setup, different ammo types, and a different cost to use. Her strongest, the Rolling Thunder, also has a chance of going out of control and targeting the party as well.
Mix - Not long after AJ left Applefort, Apple Bloom met a kindly shaman who taught her the art of Alchemy. Apple Bloom can use premade alchemic brews, or mix her own mid battle to create various effects.

You know, I'm almost sorry I'd decided to make Apple Bloom a gunslinger/alchemist before I wrote this chapter and went looking for pictures to put into the story. Because Apple Bloom makes an awesome looking barbarian.

Queen takes King

Spike and the others disembarked from Steve as they reached the island of Harmonia. Apple Bloom immediately began strumming her lute. "So, as long as I play this, the locals will understand us, right?"

Luna nodded. "That is so."

"Why?"

"The magic of Harmony is part of what allows our world to function," Luna explained. "It allows for magic, pegasus flight, even the more unique earth pony abilities. It is also the cause of some ponies spontaneously breaking into song. This energy is focused in points across the globe. The Isle of Harmonia happens to be one of the strongest focal points. As a result, those born and raised here are imbued with its power, and can only communicate through song. Playing an instrument is a shortcut around this limitation for casual conversation."

Apple Bloom looked perplexed. "Wow. I seriously wasn't expecting a valid explanation for that."

"Yeah," Scootaloo added. "I always thought it wasn't so much being unable to communicate as a local law passed a long time ago by an eccentric ruler."

"Assuming we even got an explanation," Pinkie added.

Spike shrugged. "It's not like the why is important, really. We have the lute, so we'll be able to communicate."

"As long as my hands don't get tired," Apple Bloom grumbled. Her mood lightened considerably when Pipsqueak smiled reassuringly at her, despite Applejack's glower.

Deciding to ignore this, Spike led the group into the city. Spike and Pipsqueak were immediately caught off guard as they walked in, discovering that the entire population of the island - which was about 75% mares - walked around in swimsuits. Bikinis seemed to be the preference for mares, and there were few stallions in sight. Needless to say, Spike and Pip were distracted, much to the mares frustrations.

"Quit staring at the scenery," Applejack complained, punching Spike on the shoulder.

"Sorry," Spike apologized, rubbing his arm.

Pipsqueak, meanwhile, was on the receiving end of a double dose of sad puppy dog eyes. "I thought ya liked me," Apple Bloom whined.

"You said I was just your type," Scootaloo complained, getting a growl out of Spike. "And I'm wearing a skin tight cat suit here!"

"And I'm wearing nearly as little as most of those mares!" Apple Bloom continued. "What have those mares got that we don't?"

Scootaloo's eyes went flat. "Apple Bloom, as much as I'm upset with Pip too, even I can answer that one." She gestured to how much more 'developed' the mares of the island were as compared to the two of them.

Apple Bloom sighed, glancing down at her chest. She glanced towards Applejack, who was just taking a drink. "Applejack, when I get older, will I have boobs as big as yours?"

Applejack wound up spitting her water all over Spike, much to Rainbow Dash's amusement. Spike shook himself off. "Let's just find out where we can get the dream pillow."

Apple Bloom nodded, returning to strumming her lute. Asking one of the locals - Twilight took over, since she didn't trust Spike not to stare - they learned that the dream pillow was a royal treasure, and the only way they would have a chance of getting it was by talking to the Queen. They then proceeded to the palace.

As they entered the throne room, it was obvious who the queen was. Lounging on the elevated throne that was the literal center of attention was a pure white unicorn with a pink and white mane, pale purple eyes, and a body that looked like it was crafted by a perverted god. From her generous bosom to her thin waist and flat stomach to her shapely hips...all enhanced by the fact she was garbed in only a tiara crafted from a single piece of solid green jade. She glanced towards the visiting group with a bored expression as young, buff stallions surrounded her, waving fans, peeling grapes, and overall worshipping her. "Who approaches the throne?" she asked in a bored tone, extending a hand to examine her perfect manicure.

Spike stepped forward, accompanied by Apple Bloom, who continued to play the lute. "Your Majesty, we-"

"I am completely capable of conversing with outsiders without the use of music," she interrupted. "Your young companion can cease her amateur strumming. It grates on the ears and is an offense to call it music."

Apple Bloom whimpered, tears in her eyes as she nearly dropped the lute. Pipsqueak, Scootaloo, and Applejack were immediately at her side to comfort her. Applejack glared at the unicorn. "You had no call to go insulting my sister's playing! She does the best she can! Just who do you think you-"

"I am Fleur de Lis, Queen of Harmonia," the mare interrupted. "More specifically, I'm the one who is currently more concerned with the state of my manicure then the well being of rude foreigners. Do you have any actual business with me, or are you just wasting my time?"

"We're here for the dream pillow," Spike replied, barely containing his anger. He did not like this queen.

Fleur looked at him for a time, then burst into peal after peal of bell like laughter. "You amuse me, foreigners. You barge into my throne room without an appointment, lecture me, and then demand I hand over one of the kingdom's royal treasures? Give me one good reason not to have you all thrown off my island into the sea."

"My friend Steve the Sea Serpent will save us and then lay waste to your island," Scootaloo said calmly, standing up and putting her hands on her hips. "It's pretty plain we aren't going to get along, but we didn't come asking for charity. You have something we need. I would explain that it's in your own best interest to help us save the world, but we don't have time to make you listen to reason. So what do you want for it?"

Fleur stared at Scootaloo. "Nopony's ever spoken to me like that before...interesting." She sat up, which got shocked murmurs from the pretty boys who stood around worshipping her. "You seek to buy a royal treasure? I hope you don't think money holds any interest for me."

"Quite doubtful," Rarity said, stepping up. "You have all you could want for wealth and power, and anything wealth or power could get you, you can get easily. It seems what you might want is something not so easily acquired."

Fleur stared at Rarity for a time, her half lidded gaze calculating. "Your words intrigue me." She lay back on her throne. "There is one thing I have wanted for my court that none have ever been able to retrieve me. ...bring me an Uparupa, and I will hear your request."

Fluttershy gasped a bit, but stayed quiet. Spike nodded. "We'll get back to you." He turned to leave, leading the others out.

"Return without an Uparupa," Fleur called after the group, "and you will see the inside of the dungeons." Her voice was consumed completely with apathy.

The group shuddered as they stepped outside. Spike turned to Fluttershy. "You know something about Uparupa?" he asked.

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes. They're very rare creatures, and they don't live well outside their native environment. I'm not sure a royal court would be the best place..."

"What is their natural environment?" Twilight asked eagerly.

"There's a cave at the base of a seaside cliff near Horsair. The Uparupa live deep in the cave. If we're going to get one to come with us, we'll need to bring some Owl Fruit. It's their favorite food. We can find it deep in the woods between Unicornia and Caponitan, north of the cave to Everfree." She paused. "However, when the fruit is ripe, a dryad seeks to find men to mate with, and drives women away with strong blasts of magic. We'll have to...fight her."

Rainbow smirked. "No we won't. I'll make an aerial surveillance flight, spy out the Owl Fruit, then swoop in and snatch them in 10 seconds flat!"

"Oh, I hope she won't mind," Fluttershy fretted. "She's normally so nice, but when she enters mating season..."

Spike patted Fluttershy's shoulders. "Don't worry." He turned to Luna. "Is that an accurate enough location to warp us to?"

Luna nodded. "I know the Owl Fruit glade well. I can take us a mile south." Luna cast her spell.

As they stood in a clearing south of the woods in question, Rainbow flew upwards. "You all go call Steve to get us to the cave. I'll go fetch the Owl Fruit and meet you at the beach!" She then took off to fly over the woods.

The rest of the group took her advice, heading for the beach. Once Steve was there, they waited for Rainbow's return. After a time, she flew up...topless. "Rainbow, what happened?" Fluttershy asked in concern. Spike ran up as well, tossing his cloak around Rainbow.

Rainbow, for her part, looked up at Fluttershy with a raised eyebrow. "I thought you said she drove away females," she groused. "I'll never look at vines the same way again...especially with those thorns." She shivered. "At least she only got my top."

Rarity pulled a bolt of cloth from her bag and rapidly made a makeshift top for Rainbow. "Not my best work, but it'll do until we have some time to relax."

Rainbow smiled as she tugged it on. "Thanks, Rares."

After a quick ride on Steve, they explored the cavern to its depths, smashing a few imps along the way. Reaching the back, Fluttershy took an Owl fruit and approached an alcove. "Hello little fella," she whispered. "I have a treat for you. Would you like to come get it?"

"...Upa?" a cute sounding voice queried from within the darkened enclosure. Slowly, the Uparupa crawled out. It stood at about shoulder height on Fluttershy, and its bright colors seemed very out of place in the dark cavern.

Fluttershy held the Owl fruit out, and the creature eagerly ate from her hand. "That's a good boy," she said quietly. "I know you like it in this cave, but as beautiful as you are, would you like to be admired sometimes?"

The Uparupa tilted his head this was and that. "Aru?"

"Well, there's this queen who would really like to-"

"Upa!" the creature wailed, beginning to back away.

"Oh no, nothing like that! I won't let her mistreat you, I promise!" Fluttershy began petting it on its back, to one side of the spine fluke.

The Uparupa shivered for a bit, then relaxed. "...upa. Paruru?"

"I'll be sure to let her know. Oh, she might want you to walk around during court so she can show you off. Would that be okay?"

"Pau! Upapa, Rupau."

Fluttershy nodded. "I'll be sure to let her know." Fluttershy stood up. "Luna, can you take us back to Harmonia?"

Luna nodded. "I'll need to rest soon. After this, I think I've only got two more trips left in me."

"It's okay," Twilight spoke up. "I'm pretty sure I've figured out how to boost my own teleportation spell to warp us around the countryside."

As they walked the streets of Harmonia, the populace flocked over to see the Uparupa, walking calmly at Fluttershy's side. At her intense directive - backed by a gaze so intense many flinched - they kept a respectful distance. However, word of their approach reached the palace well before they did. Queen Fleur was waiting for them.

"You have brought my Uparupa!" she said happily, racing forward after leaping from her throne.

"Wait!" Fluttershy commanded, the shock of her shout and the intensity of her tone causing the entire court room to freeze. "He's a little shy, so you need to let him adjust to being in a new place over time, not trying to force him into the spotlight right away. If you wall in three sides of the area under your throne, it'll be a perfect spot for him to sit while he gets used to the hustle and bustle of the court. His preference is to be in warm, dark, enclosed spaces, so any area similar would be a good spot to let him nest, but as he's amphibious he needs to be somewhere with ready access to the ocean. While he is fine with talking even if there isn't understanding, he won't do tricks, so don't try to train him. Owl fruits make excellent treats for him, but seaweed and fish is his usual diet, which should be easy to get on an island kingdom. Also, if he starts making a beeline for the ocean, don't cage him; he won't be trying to leave, just find a mate, and if he truly enjoys it here, he'll return and possibly bring his mate. Don't touch the whisker feathers, as those are directly connected to sensory organs and are highly sensitive. Same goes for his spinal fluke.

"And I'll have your word of honor that you'll treat him right before I hand him over to your care. He came here of his own will, with my promise that he could make a good home here, and if you make a liar out of me, I'll sick Angel on you."

Spike and Pipsqueak both recoiled at the mention of Fluttershy's 'baby'. Fleur, however, tilted her head. "You...promised him?"

"I can talk to monsters," Fluttershy explained. "It's my special talent."

Fleur nodded. "Alright. You have my word of honor as Queen that I will treat him right, so that he will want to stay."

"Ah ah ah!" Pinkie said, rushing up. "Not gonna cut it. Repeat after me-"

"Cross my heart," Fleur interrupted, doing the motions, "hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." She gave Pinkie a raised eyebrow. "Your reputation precedes you." She turned back to Fluttershy. "My bed is similarly elevated, and my private chambers open onto the tidal pools at the back of the island. Will that be acceptable?"

Fluttershy nodded. "If you wall in all but the side leading to the tidal pools, he'll be perfectly happy." She stepped back, letting the Uparupa walk up to Fleur.

Fleur kneeled down, stroking the Uparupa's back on one side of the spinal fluke. "I hope you'll be happy here," she said calmly, even as her pretty boys began walling in three sides of the open space beneath the throne.

"Upa!" With that happy noise, the Uparupa nuzzled Fleur's face, then dove under the throne, getting quite comfortable, bringing its tail up over the throne to sway over Fleur as she once more reclined.

"So...the pillow?" Scootaloo inquired.

"I said I would hear your request if you brought me an Uparupa," she said, letting one hand hang below the edge of her throne, stroking the Uparupa as she lounged. "So why do you seek the dream pillow?"

As several of the mares groaned or rolled their eyes, Luna stepped forward. "Demons are causing great mayhem in the world and pushing it towards destruction. One has invaded the Forest Elder's mind and damaged his memory. With the dream pillow, we can go into his mind, slay the demon, and get the information we need to stop the demons and save the world."

Fleur blinked. "So you want to save the world? And I'm supposed to help with that?"

"It's...kind of in your own self interest," Rainbow pointed out.

"Only if there was anything in this world I felt was worth saving," she replied, sighing. She thought for a bit. "Leave us!" she commanded the court.

Once the court emptied and only Fleur, the group, and the Uparupa remained, Pip tilted his head. "Is there something...private?"

Fleur sighed. "You, the yellow one-"

"Fluttershy," Spike interrupted.

"Yes, Fluttershy...the way you spoke to me regarding the Uparupa...no one has spoken to me like that since I was 4, when my mother died and I became queen. Since then, my life has been defined by my entire small world revolving around me, and any wants or whims that came to mind. It was so...empty. But when you spoke to me as an equal...I felt a little more whole, better than I have in years. I need someone who will speak to me as an equal, who will tell me when I'm being foolish, or appropriately praise me when I've done well. Someone who will care about me for me, and not because I'm queen."

She sighed longingly. "I need a husband."

Luna, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight all glomped onto Spike. "Mine!" they snarled at Fleur together.

"Uh...what?" Spike asked, totally confused.

Fleur laughed again. "You can relax, girls. He's not my type."

"Mine!" Apple Bloom and Scootaloo yelled, glomping onto Pipsqueak.

"What?" Applejack and Spike demanded angrily.

"What?" Pipsqueak asked fearfully.

Fleur groaned. "He's even less my type," she pointed out. "I want someone older than me, but not too much. Old enough to be experienced, but young enough to be able to take advantage of that experience for a long time coming. Someone cultured and educated, but humble. Someone kind, considerate, compassionate...but not a fool. Someone who will appreciate my body, but be able to see past it to love me for my mind."

Twilight blinked. "Sounds to me like you want a noble who doesn't act like a noble."

Fleur sighed. "Yes. What are the odds of finding such a stallion?"

"I might know one," Pip spoke up. "He's middle aged but vigorous, and he's unafraid to have a full confrontation with other nobles to protect the interests of those he represents."

Fleur's eyes widened. "Really? Is...is he a unicorn? It's not so much a bias, but it will give us a common ground in magic to converse about."

Pip nodded. "He is. Luna, do you think you and Twilight could swing by Ponyville and invite Fancy Pants here? I think he'd like to meet her majesty."

Twilight grinned. "I'll bring him." Twilight popped away.

Fancy Pants was sitting at his desk, composing poetry. With Blueblood a non-issue and the Rangers now addressing the real issues of the world, he found himself with a surplus of time and an absence of things to do with it. With the town he cared for so much taking care of itself and the people moving steadily towards being happy, he found himself without a task for himself or a need for his skills.

"What was it I did last time I felt this way?" he asked himself. "Oh, that's right. I left Canterlot to go adventuring, and wound up settling in Ponyville. I'm a bit old to adventure now."

Twilight appeared in the air before him. "It worked!" she said happily. "I did master the spell!"

Fancy blinked. "You were practicing a teleportation spell naked?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

With a loud "Meep!" Twilight covered herself. "Guess I didn't get it quite right. I either torched my clothes or left them behind. Anyway, are you a dedicated bachelor?"

Fancy blinked. "There are better ways to proposition a-"

"Oh, not for me!" Twilight said quickly. "Queen Fleur of Harmonia. Pip seems to think, based on what she said she wants in a husband, that you're just her type."

Fancy raised his eyebrows. "Really? How about that." He stood up. "A whirlwind romance with royalty? What a wonderful way to fill my time. Now, how will I-"

Twilight warped them back to Harmonia.

"-get there..." Fancy finished his thought. "Well, how convenient." He turned towards the throne. "And you must be her majesty?" he asked courtly, his eyes flickering briefly over her figure appreciatively before returning to her face.

"Yes," she replied. "Fleur de Lis. And you would be...Fancy Pants?"

"Indeed," he replied, "though if you are an indication of local wardrobe requirements, I may have to change my name."

Fleur giggled a bit. "Aren't you amusing?" she said coyly. She lifted a pillow from her divan like throne and patted the now empty space. "Won't you join me up here?" Fancy sat beside her, and she lay her head in his lap, tossing the pillow to Luna.

Luna examined the pillow. "Let's leave them be," she whispered to the others. "We have what we came for."

Luna got Dream Pillow!

Earth and Sky

Having managed to acquire the Dream Pillow at last, the group was ready to make their way back to Seabreeze...once they promised they would be back to attend the royal wedding once all the details had been worked out.

"After all," Fleur commented slyly, "one of you has to catch the bouquet."

Spike wasn't sure why that caused such competitive glances to be exchanged between the mares, or why it caused Pipsqueak to become so terrified.

Once they reached Seabreeze's glade, Seabreeze was waiting for them. "Well, finally found your way back, eh? Sure took you fools long enough. It's hardly my fault if all the important memories are lost forever because you took too long! What took you so long, anyway?"

"Well," Spike began, "first we had to save a kingdom from a demon trying to turn it into a flying battlestation."

"And then we had to fetch a pet and husband for a spoiled queen," Pip added.

Seabreeze scoffed. "I'd accuse you of pulling my leg, but you don't have the imagination to make something that crazy up on your own. Where's the pillow?"

Spike pulled it out. "So how do we use this, anyway?"

"I fall asleep on it, and it sucks you into my dreams. Duh." Seabreeze promptly curls up on the pillow.

Spike sets it down. "I will never understand-"

"-artifacts," Spike finishes as he finds himself and the others in a strange land of bright colors. "I feel funny."

"You look funny," Pip countered.

Turning, Spike saw that he and his entire group had been physically transformed into forms that resembled Seabreeze. Their limbs had become long and lanky, large antenna sprouted from their heads - in some cases in place of horns - and they all had huge gossamer wings...or so it seemed until they saw a leaf bigger than the entire group.

"We're..." Spike began.

"We're Breezies!" Fluttershy squealed joyfully.

"That's right," Seabreeze said from behind them. "In my dreams, you take the form of my people. Welcome to my dream world, the world of my memory."

Surrounding them were buildings that seemed tall, but really only reached four feet in height at the most for the tallest, which resembled skyscrapers from their angle. Pipsqueak mumbled that they were more like 'thighscrapers', which got him a glare from several members of the group. Breezies of many colors and ages flittered between the buildings, going about their tasks. Several other gatherings of buildings could be seen off in the distance.

"This is my home dimension," Seabreeze said sadly. "Or at least, the image of it stored in my memory. Ages ago, all of this was...destroyed, in the Wars of Desire. All the magic of my race and my home dimension was funneled into me, along with the essence of the dimension and my people being implanted indelibly into my memory. That process also gave me flawless recall, so everything I ever saw and heard through the wind would never be forgotten. Each Breezie here is not just the memory of an individual Breezie I knew, but also a repository of important memories."

There was a loud thump, and the breezies all hid. "And now that demon is devouring them, destroying my memory and the hope of my people's resurrection!"

The demon in question...was a bullfrog. It let off a loud croak and shot out its long tongue. A breezie that hadn't hid fast enough was seized, and pulled into its maw.

"No!" Rainbow shouted, dashing forward as fast as she could. She swung her staff, striking the frog's gullet at full speed, causing it to belch and release several breezies.

"The breezies it has eaten are still inside!" Luna shouted. "If we keep hitting it, we should expel them all, and force the demon to reveal its true form."

"Then it's a good thing you got me here," Applejack said, flying up. "Ain't nopony hits harder than me!" She delivered a hard buck to the frog's gut, causing it to belch up more breezies, which flew away to safety.

Apple Bloom, meanwhile, had pulled out what looked like a long tube. "Say hello to my little friend!" she shouted as she laid it on her shoulder. As soon as it was in position, a rocket went off to slam into the frog's side, exploding and releasing more breezies. "Owch, the backfire burned my wing!" Apple Bloom complained.

The group continued to deliver heavy blows to the frog, causing it to belch out more and more breezies...until eventually it exploded. What was left behind was a bird like creature with a writhing mass of tentacles growing from its body instead of wings. "So it is you..." it hissed.

Scootaloo gasped. "You!" she roared in rage. "What did you do with my father?"

"What?" Spike demanded.

"He's the one who attacked Everfree! He's the one who made me forget!" There were tears in Scootaloo's eyes. "He's the one!"

Spike's temper hit a very short fuse. Charging forward, he seized the demon by it's neck. "Where is he? Where is Father Starswirl?"

Twilight's gasp of amazement went mostly unnoticed.

The demon chuckled. "He is with God now..."

Spike blinked, tears forming in his eyes. Throwing back his head, he roared in emotional agony as flames erupted from his very being. The demon cried out in pain...

Spike leaned against a nearby tree, crying his eyes out, as Seabreeze floated up from the dream pillow. "Well," Seabreeze said, "I'd say that you've dealt with the demon, and restored most of my memory. I think I can answer your questions now." He noticed most of the group was ignoring him, clustering around Spike and Scootaloo to offer comfort. Seabreeze sighed. "Look, I know what you learned was painful, but don't give up hope. If you do that, the demons win. They seek to crush hope. I don't know why, but they do. Also, I know to the south are two bastions of unwavering hope that you simply must make contact with. I have faith you will be able to save this world...

"...assuming you idiots get off your asses and get moving!" With that last derision, Seabreeze flew back towards the tree.

"Wait!" Spike called out. "You said something about the hope of your people's resurrection?"

Seabreeze nodded. "A prophecy given by our eldest elder when my home fell: when the dragon rises from the deepest darkness bound by the eternal light, life will return to the fallen, and those destroyed shall fly again. The keys rest in the abyss." Seabreeze shrugged his shoulders. "That's all I know."

Spike nodded. "Alright." He gathered himself, managing to stand up. "Let's head south."

As the group headed south, they crossed a bridge and came to a large canyon they needed to pass through. However, the canyon was filled to the brim with thick, impenetrable fog, to the point where they couldn't even see the end of their muzzles. Even the flapping of wings didn't create eddies in the fog. "How are we supposed to get through?" Spike demanded, his words also muffled by the fog.

"This fog is heavily charged with pegasus magic," Luna spoke up. "With the amount of magic in the fog, the only way we'll get it clear is if we find the source of the fog and disperse it, so the path will be clear."

"In that case, we need to head to Sky Tower," Rainbow pointed out. "It's the only place below the sky that can exert this much control of weather."

"And where's that?" Applejack asked.

"In the middle of the ocean," Fluttershy responded..

"Then that's where we'll go," Scootaloo concluded, turning to leave the canyon.

The group made their way to the nearest beach before calling Steve with the bell. "You seem to be calling me out far more than you ever did before," he says jokingly.

Scootaloo laughs. "Do you know where Sky Tower is?"

He nods. "Climb on." Once everyone was on board, he carried them due north to the Tower rising from the center of the sea.

Inside the tower, the group was met by Seaponies, resting in various basins around the main entrance. "What brings you here?" one asked.

"We need to stop the fog," Spike explained, not sure how else to explain it.

"Oh. Then you need to be at the top of that tower," the seapony replied, pointing to another tower that rose much higher. "The only way in is through this tower, though, and most of it is underwater." She shrugged her shoulders. "But the entire path is underwater, so unless you can hold your breath, fight sea monsters driven mad by the storm, and find your way through the maze of the towers...you're out of luck."

"Or I could just fly over," Rainbow pointed out.

"Except that the Wind Shaman strikes anyone who approaches the tower from the air with lightning," another seapony pointed out.

Rainbow pouted, but Twilight brightened. "Or I could turn us into seaponies. Then we could breathe underwater, right?"

Everyone turned to Twilight. "What?"

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. After spending time as a quadraped, I did some research about spells to transform into other races while in my cell. I found a spell that can work, but it needs a racial sample as a basis. And since there are seaponies here..."

"Wait," Rainbow speaks up. "I thought you were researching a spatial manipulation spell for your nethers."

As Twilight blushed, Rainbow blinked. "Why would she be researching that?"

"Cause she's worried she might hurt herself when she tries to ride the Double-D," Pinkie replied with a titter, jerking a thumb back at Spike.

Spike tilted his head in confusion. "Huh?"

"Anyway," Twilight interrupted eagerly, "I hadn't finished that spell, but this one is ready. So let's get in the water, huh?" She runs over to one of the seaponies and her horn glows. The seapony glows briefly, and Twilight comes back to everyone, her magic flaring as she pushes them all into the water.

As they came to a halt in the water, they all looked over themselves. Two results of the spell became rapidly apparent. First, all of their lower bodies had turned into either fish or dolphin tails. Second, they were all completely naked.

"Well this was unexpected," Twilight said, desperately covering herself.

"Oh...my," Fluttershy added, mirroring Twilight's actions.

"Well, I got all I need," Applejack spoke up, after checking to make sure she still had her hat. Apple Bloom also seemed content with just her ribbon, especially when she saw Pips embarrassed reaction.

"This is going to take some getting used to," Scootaloo commented, trying to get a look at her tail fluke and spinning in circles as a result.

Rarity crossed her arms over her chest, blushing. "So much for ladylike decency," she mumbled.

Rainbow, however, was spinning around in a circle. "My wings! Where are my wings? Where are my wings?"

Luna sighed, not bothering to cover herself. "It appears that your spell pushed all things that would interfere with swimming - anatomical or otherwise - into a subspace pocket of sorts, Twilight. Our clothing would have weighed us down, and feathery wings would have gotten waterlogged and sent us to the bottom." She held out her arms, blinking as webbed fins unfolded from her back like wings to attach to her wrists. "It appears we have been optimized for underwater travel."

Spike nodded, doing his best not to stare at all the floating breasts. "Then let's swim."

"Okie dokie lokie!" Pinkie said happily. "I think I've got a handle on it, so just do what I do!" She started swimming forward, undulating her body for movement forward, beginning to sing. "Swim this way, we'll dance and we'll-"

At that moment, a massive octopus lunged forward, trying to snap Pinkie up in its jaws, its eyes glowing red. Spike swam forward, his sword appearing in his hand as he slashed, driving it away.

Pinkie blinked. "Wow, tough crowd. I didn't think that song was that bad. Who doesn't like finny fun?"

As more giant fish swam by, their eyes glowing red, Luna whispered, "I think our voices attract them. We'd best swim in silence."

Everyone nodded and continued to swim. Since the inside of the linked towers was a real maze, it took quite some time to find their way through. Eventually, after exploring the entire tower, getting caught in several currents and eddies, and nearly getting eaten by giant sea creatures several times - not to mention several embarrassing moments as various mares were pushed up against the stallion or drake they had their eye on (in the case of the stallion, followed by angry glares from protective older siblings; in the case of the drake, followed by the stallion mouthing, "You lucky bugger!") - they eventually reached the top of the second tower.

Laying on the top of the tower and idly redirecting clouds, fog, storms, and just about anything else in the sky, lay a pale green pegasus mare. She had a yellow and orange mane and tail, with eyes that seemed to match both colors. Her athletic yet generous figure was barely contained by a yellow and blue bikini. She stretched out her wings. "Hmm...maybe I could stir up a tornado..."

"Maybe you could move the fog bank south of Canterlot!" Pipsqueak complained.

"Yeah!" Rainbow added. "Just who do you think you are?"

The mare turned to glare at them. "I," she began, "am Lightning Dust, Wind Shaman. From here, all the weather of this world is mine to command, and unless you happen to be the chosen of the dragon clans, I don't have to a thing you-"

Spike broached the surface, shaking water from his spines. "Have we got the fog bank cleared yet?" he asked, blinking water from his eyes.

Lightning Dust froze. "...the Shamans are gathering, aren't they?"

Luna nodded. "Sunset and Lyra have already joined Granny Smith at Dutchcolt."

Lightning Dust's eyes widened. She quickly undid her changes to the weather before spreading her wings to leap into the air, mumbling, "Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap!" the entire time.

Luna chuckled. "It seems our path has cleared. Now we need merely return to-"

"Twilight!" Luna complained as they floated in the lake around Canterlot. "Do you have any idea how disorienting it is to be teleported mid sentence when not in one's own form?"

"Sorry," Twilight apologized, "I just didn't want to have to go through that tower maze again." She swam towards the shore of the lake. The others followed, eager to get back on shore. Once there, Twilight reversed her spell, transforming everyone back.

Rarity stared down at her dripping clothes. "Well, at least there's a camp grounds we can warm up and dry off at," she murmured.

"And once we've rested up," Spike adds, "we go south."

"Yeah," Pinkie mumbled, gazing nervously in that direction. "South..."

Family Matters

The group slowly approached a rather large farmstead. While at first it looked like any normal farm, it was easy to notice one major difference: a total absence of any form of plant life. The entire farm was in shades of gray. It looked like a very dreary place. "Where are all the crops?" Applejack asked, leaning against a rather large boulder.

"You're leaning against it," Pinkie pointed out. "This is a rock farm."

"Is this one of the bastions of hope we're supposed to find?" Rarity asked. "It doesn't look like this place has seen hope in a long time."

"It all depends on where you look," Pinkie countered. "And knowing how to look." She leaned over one particular rock for a time. "This one's ready," she said, giving the rock a few light taps with her hoof. The outer layer of the rock crumbled away, revealing a large, fully charged mana stone.

Everyone let out a loud gasp. Such stones were incredibly rare, and greatly amplified any spellcaster's magic. "Pinkie," Twilight whispered in awe, "how did you..."

"This is my home, where I came from," Pinkie explained. She glanced around. "I lived here for so long, I still know the place by heart." She glanced over to one corner of the farm. "Looks like the black opals are almost mature, and the fire ruby seeds have been planted. A few more cyclings, and we'll have a bumper crop."

Before anyone else could speak, the front door of the main house opened, and a stallion in Templar armor backed out. "I've told you people a thousand times to back off!" an angry voice snarled from within. "There's no way you're ever turning this farm into a church!"

"We just want to spread the word of our god," the Templar complained. "This is just a bunch of rocks-"

A hard right cross struck the Templar on his armored chin, sending him flying into a cliff face. "You insult my livelihood and my faith! This rock farm has and always will follow the teachings of the Dragon God! Come back again, and I'll break you in half!" The door slammed shut.

Pinkie giggled. "Looks like he's still in good shape." She ran up to the door and knocked.

The door swung open. A grizzled, dark brown stallion in work clothes stood there, glaring angrily. "I told you-"

Pinkie threw herself at the stallion. "Daddy!" she said happily, hugging him tight.

The stallion broke into a wide grin. "Pinkie," he said quietly. "You're home." He pulled her into a tight hug. "Where have you been all this time? What have you been up to?" As Pinkie took a deep breath, he covered her mouth with a hand. "Give me the Cliff notes version."

She nodded, giggling. "Okay. World is dying, we're here to save it, the church is the bad guys, and I'm crushing on a big bad dragon warrior! Bad as in cool, he's a good guy."

As other mares giggled or rolled their eyes, Spike looked confused, and Pipsqueak looked jealous, the stallion nodded. "Alright. Since you're on such a dangerous mission, you surely must have a reason for coming here."

Pinkie thought for a time. "Well, Seabreeze said something about making contact with bastions of hope-"

"Ah," the stallion replied. "Say no more. I have a few things around here that will be useful on your quest. But I need to ensure the harvest first. Could your friends help?"

Pinkie gasped. "I haven't introduced you! Daddy, this is-" Pinkie went down the line, introducing everyone by name. "Everyone, this is my Dad, Cliff Pie." She blinked, looking around. "Dad, where's Mom? And Maud? And Inkie and Blinkie?"

Cliff sighed. "Maud...joined the Church of OZ."

Pinkie gasped. "No! There's no way she would do that!"

Cliff shook his head. "She did. Though not before sending Inkie and Blinkie to Onamonapony, the shrine of the Dragon God to the west. The followers of OZ cannot approach there."

"Weird," Applejack commented. "Most followers of OZ have been eager to recruit anyone they know to the faith. Why would Maud send her sisters somewhere beyond the church's reach?"

"And," Cliff continued, "your mother...succumbed."

Pinkie's eyes widened. "But...but I'd been sending money back for the healers every month! Couldn't they help her? Couldn't they save her?"

Cliff shook his head. "She's not dead yet. But she sank deeper into her illness. The Shaman of Onamonapony said that she lacked the power to cure her, and would keep her in the Deathsleep until she recovered. She has an idea of what she might need to cleanse her body and revive her, but I can't perform the crop rotations needed to produce a star ruby alone."

Pinkie nodded. "Then we'll help! We'll work our magic and bring the star ruby to the shrine!"

Cliff smiled. "Thank you Pinkie. Thank you all."

Spike nodded calmly. "We're happy to help."

After a couple of days intense work on the farm - shifting boulders, reshaping them, piling rocks in one place or another, and performing unusual dances - Cliff leaned back with a smile. "Now...as long as lightning strikes any of the boulders in that circle-" he pointed to the formation of massive stone slabs arranged in a circle that they'd been working in "-within the next three days, a star ruby will form on the altar in the center."

Rarity wiped her brow, unused to this level of hard labor. "And if lightning doesn't strike?"

Cliff shrugged. "Then we do it all over again and hope for lightning."

Scootaloo collapsed. "I don't suppose magic lightning would work?"

Cliff nodded. "As long as it comes from the sky and not somepony's hands."

Luna turned to Twilight. "Shall we speed things up, then?"

Twilight nodded. The two raised their hands to the heavens, and fired off a massive blast of lightning into the clouds above. The clouds swirled...and lightning came down, striking the entire formation all at once. There was a massive, soundless explosion of light. When the light faded, the altar in the center of the circle was buried in tiny, blood red stones with flecks of light trapped inside that moved as the stones tumbled, as though each ruby contained a fragment of the night sky.

"Wow," Cliff said, blinking away the spots in his vision. "That's more star rubies than we've ever produced."

Spike walked up. "Then it should be more than enough...to help...the shaman..." His voice trailed off. Up close, the gems looked so...delicious...

Cliff chuckled. "Take 'em all," he said happily. "Feel free to snack on any you want once she's better."

Smiling, Spike shoveled them all into his satchel. "Alright. Let's head to Onomanopony and save your Mom!"

It didn't take them long to make the journey to the shrine of the Dragon God. A rather self important looking pony stood at the gate. "Halt!" he proclaimed. "Only followers of the Dragon God, pilgrims, and other select individuals are allowed to enter-"

Luna stepped forward and leaned forward. "I come at the behest of the chosen Dragon Warrior. I am Luna. Step aside."

Gulping, the stallion leapt to the side. "Proceed!"

The group made their way in. Pinkie looked around. "I wonder where Inkie and Blinkie are-"

There was a sudden, loud, and enthusiastic ringing of bells.

Pinkie grinned as the bells rang. "That's them! They must be the bell ringers." Seeing most of the worshipers heading towards the bells, she sighed. "Guess I won't be able to say hi. They're kind of busy."

"Then let's find that shaman," Spike insisted, heading deeper into the shrine.

In the deepest part of the shrine, an off white, elderly mare lay on a slab of solid stone deeply etched with runes. She wore a plain gown, with half moon glasses resting on her face. She was unmoving, seeming dead. Behind the slab, a zebra stood mixing potions, chanting spells, and drawing runes around the seemingly lifeless body.

Applejack and Apple Bloom's eyes widened in shock. "Zecora?" they both cried in surprise, Apple Bloom's voice filled with joy as well.

The zebra turned with a smile. "If it isn't my two favorite apple mares, no longer burdened by a curse's cares. What a joy it is, you two to see; tell me what brings you all to me?"

Pinkie ran up. "Dad said you needed a star ruby to save Mom! We brought some!"

As Spike came up and started unloading the star rubies, the Apple sisters turned to each other. "How do you know Zecora?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I left home to find a cure to our family curse, not knowing it was magical. She gave me some pills to stop it, and taught me how to make them. How do you know her?"

Apple Bloom giggled. "She stopped by Applefort not long after you left. I needed someone to talk to, and she was nice. She taught me alchemy and potion making. I learned how to make most of my ARMs from her."

Applejack smiled. "Guess we both owe her quite a bit."

Zecora lifted one of the star rubies, examining it. "A magnificent stone, this ruby of star; I should never see its quality, no matter how far." She turned and smiled. "Truly you knew how to accomplish this deed. You also brought me what else I need."

Pinkie blinked. "What else do you need?"

"One is a gem of fire and cold; the other is a dragon both brave and bold."

Spike blinked. "You need me? What do I do?"

"A dragon's fire brings great strife; but with this gem in his gullet, it brings only life."

Spike tilted his head. "Huh?"

"She says yer supposed to eat the star ruby, then breathe fire on the patient," Apple Bloom explains, as Zecora nods. "Not sure how that will work."

Luna nodded. "Certain gems affect the properties of dragon breath. Apparently, star rubies turn it to healing fire."

Spike shrugged. "Well, they do look tasty." Picking up the gem, he popped it into his mouth and chewed. His eyes went wide, and he spat out an intense golden flame that surrounded the mare on the slab.

"If this will succeed, we cannot say," Zecora finished. "All we can do now...is pray."

Spike and company prayed.

Spike and company prayed harder.

As nothing seemed to change, Pinkie suddenly reached into...somewhere and grabbed hold of...something. "Now listen here, buster!" she snapped. "I've already got some idea what's coming, and I don't like it one bit! I'm not going to let this go! Now you do what you have to do and make my Mom better, or I'm going to climb right through that screen and rearrange your reproductive tract!"

"Okay, okay, okay!" a voice said from the other side. "Just don't go Cupcakes on me!"

As Pinkie released...whatever she'd grabbed, the mare on the table absorbed the golden fire and took a deep, shuddering breath. Spike stared at Pinkie. "...who did you threaten?"

"Just the button pushing overlord," Pinkie said, before glomping onto her mother and hugging her tight.

The mare blinked, her arms wrapping around the pink pony. "Pinkie," she said quietly, nuzzling her.

Spike stepped forward. "A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Pie," he said formally.

"Please," the mare replied, "call me Cream." Pipsqueak started snickering, and the mare sighed. "Go ahead and make the joke."

"Your name is Cream Pie?" he gasped out, laughing.

Cream shrugged. "I don't have a problem with that, since Cliff is still vigorous enough to give me one on a regular basis."

Pinkie summed up everyone's feelings on that statement. "Eww! Mom!"

As Cream chuckled, Zecora stood up. "A well done to you all; with the other shamans, I shall await your call." Without a flash of light, puff of smoke, or even a swirl of wind, Zecora vanished right there before their eyes: there one moment, gone the next.

Twilight whistled appreciatively. "I have got to learn to teleport that cleanly."

The group returned to the rock farm - Spike carrying Cream, as she was still somewhat weak - joyfully. However, when they were almost there, Pinkie went pale. "Hey!" she shouted, charging towards a Templar stomping around the fields. "Just what do you think you're doing?"

The Templar turned towards her. "Cliff has seen the light of the teachings of OZ. He has joined the church, and donated the farm to be turned into a church. This letter will explain-"

"Liar!" Pinkie yelled at the top of her voice, slamming her hoof into the Templar's gut, slamming him into the wall. "Where's my father you seriously, you've read this story how long? Did you really think there'd be real curse words under the censor bar?"

The Templar groaned, struggling to sit up.

"May I ask why you are assaulting a member of the faith?" Garble asked, stepping out from behind a corner. "It is my job to protect members of the Church of OZ."

"Father Garble!" the Templar called joyfully. "The owner of this farm, Cliff Pie, joined the Church and donated this farm to be the grounds of a new Church. He left this letter to explain it to his daughter when she returned."

"Lies!" Pinkie proclaimed.

Garble took the letter. "...it seems to be in order," he mused.

"And it certainly is his handwriting, as compared to other letters in the house," the Templar insisted.

"Not quite," Cream said, taking the letter. "This is my handwriting, and I've been in Onomanopony for the past three months."

Garble raised an eyebrow. "While that is compelling, you're asking me to take your word over-"

"My husband never learned to read or write beyond numbers," Cream pointed out. "And he had trouble with numbers, because he's also dyslexic."

Garble's eyes narrowed. "Then there is no possible way this letter can be from him?" he asked dangerously as the Templar began to back away.

"None whatsoever," Cream insisted.

Before anyone else could react, Garble spun, and his sword cleaved clean through the Templar, who dispersed into hissing black smoke. "OZ frowns on deception, and so do I," he growled, obviously quoting scripture. He sheathed his sword. "I will investigate this incident, and ensure the safe return of your father and the deed to this property to you both," he told Pinkie and Cream. "My word of honor."

Cream nodded, but Pinkie frowned. "How do I know I can-"

"Cross my heart," Garble replied, drawing an X over his chest with one claw. "Hope to fly," he continued, flapping his wings. "Stick a cupcake in my eye," he finished, taking out a cupcake and flattening it against his face. "If you can find a way to fly to the island of Ozrai, you can even escort him home yourself. I will personally ensure none will stop you." With that, he turned and left.

Pinkie frowned. "How are we supposed to fly? Only four of us have wings, and we don't even know where Ozrai is!"

"We should return to Unicornia," Rarity spoke up. "There is an artifact there that might help us."

Spike nodded. "Alright." He turned to Cream. "Can you handle the farm until we bring Cliff back?"

She nodded. "Don't worry about me. Get going."

With that, Luna cast her spell.

Rarity led them up the path to Unicornia Castle. "I need to speak with King Magnum," she said simply.

The guard blinked. "And what business do you have with the ki-"

"Let her in," Queen Pearl said softly from behind the guard. "Let them all in." Confused, the guard stepped aside and allowed them entry.

As they filed into the castle, Rarity tilted her head in confusion. "...mother?"

"Magnum is dying," Pearl said sadly. "He's been asking for you." She points up the stairs. "Go to him, my daughter."

Rarity ran up and hugged Pearl, before turning and heading up the stairs. The others followed.

Once in the King's room, Rarity ran to his bed side. "Father, I'm here."

Magnum groaned as he opened his eyes. "Rarity...is that you?"

Rarity nodded. "It is. I'm here."

Magnum smiled. "I've missed you dear. I'm so sorry we had to send you away..."

"It's alright," Rarity replied, nuzzling her father's shoulder.

A priest stepped forward. "Your Majesty, now is the time to spread the teachings of St. OZ, so that God may cure your sickness!"

Magnum glowered at the priest. "Your bile has sullied the air long enough. As I've told you time and again...I will not institute a state religion!"

"Hey!" Twilight spoke up. "The king's not ill! I just did a deep scan, and he's under a death curse...the same one Cream Pie was under, but stronger!"

"What?" most of the group demanded in shock.

"Well, I know how to fix that," Spike spoke up, pulling a few star rubies from his satchel. "If it's stronger, I'll just make the fire stronger." He popped the rubies into his mouth and bit down. He then released a huge blast of golden hued flame which funneled into King Magnum's body even as the priest - and everyone else - leaped back in shock.

When the flames passed, Magnum blinked. "I feel...healthy." He sat up. "I'm well."

"Impossible!" the priest shouted. "Only the will of OZ could-"

Scootaloo confronted the priest. "The only way that could have any truth," she said calmly, "is if it was the will of OZ that he be cursed in the first place. Are you telling me the Church attempted a political assassination of the Unicorn King?" The priest backed away quickly.

"Can I kill him?" Pinkie asked. "Please?" The priest fled.

Magnum smiled as he hugged Rarity tight. "I'm alive!" he proclaimed happily. He turned to Spike. "Noble warrior, how can I repay-"

"Welcome Rarity back as a member of your family," Spike interrupted. "I know what it's like to be separated from my family." He pulled Scootaloo close. "Rarity doesn't deserve that."

The king grinned even wider. "Thank you, noble warrior, for giving me a politically acceptable way to do what I've wanted to do for years!" He pulled Rarity into a tighter hug. "Welcome home, daughter. Welcome home."

Rarity hugged her father back just as tightly. "It's good to be home, father." Her eyes were filled with tears.

After a time of tight, tearful hugs, Magnum pulled back. "So what brings you, Rarity? I know it wasn't my health, since that wasn't publicized."

Rarity sighed sadly. "I...I need to go to the basement."

Magnum's eyes widened. "You...you seek the Sky Sigil?" Rarity nodded. "Why?"

"To save the world," Rarity replied. "The Church of St. OZ is likely to be the source of the demonic activity around the globe, especially as a Templar of the church was a demon beneath his armor. We're on a quest to take down the church and its demons to save the world, but we must fly to reach the main church."

Magnum sighed and nodded. "I...understand. I'll give the order to let you enter the basement."

Rarity nodded. "Thank you father." She turned to the others. "I'll be right back. I need to retrieve the artifact from the basement. Please wait for me in the guest room." She turned and left.

Everyone turned to each other in confusion, but went to wait in the guest room.

Later that night, Rarity returned, holding a small crest. "This is it," she said sadly.

Spike looked up. "So...how will this let us fly?"

"I'd rather not talk about it," Rarity replied. "It will all become clear tomorrow, when I...perform the ritual to activate it. For now, let's just get some sleep."

Spike nodded, and everyone did their best to curl up for sleep.

On towards morning, Rarity awoke. Something felt off. She went to check the drawer she had left the Sigil in...and found it missing. "What? But who..." Her eyes widened. "Sweetie Belle!" She rushed off towards the ceremonial tower. As she expected, she found herself in hot pursuit of her little sister. However, the door to the tower was slammed in her face, and it could not be opened by magic. "Sweetie Belle! Open this door!" Rarity shouted, pounding on the door.

"No, Rarity," Sweetie replied, her voice sad. "You've built a good life for yourself, and even found the one you love. You can have a happy future with Spike. And now that you've been accepted into the family again, I don't need to stay as a Princess; you can do that. I won't let you throw all that away."

"So you'll throw your life away?" Rarity wailed. "Sweetie, if you use the artifact, you will become the vessel of the Qi-lin! You're body will become that of the great sky beast, and all your memories, thoughts, and feelings will be gone forever! Why would you do that?"

"What have I got?" Sweetie asked. "I'm the spoiled Princess. The only times I've left home is to hear your stories of the outside world...and then to get kidnapped. And unlike the stories, I wasn't rescued by a prince, or my true love, or anything like that. I'm just...excess. At least this way, I can help you."

"Sweetie, no!" Rarity wailed anew, banging on the wall.

Sweetie Belle ignored her sister's calls, walking up to the altar. She lifted the Sky Sigil, and its magic awoke. "You always shone brighter than me, sister. I've always been in the shadow. At least this way, from your shadow, I'll be able to help you." She closed her eyes, letting tears fall, as the artifact floated out of her hands.

A thrown dagger shattered the Sigil, destroying the magic and interrupting the ritual. Sweetie Belle spun around to see who had done so.

Pipsqueak stepped out of the shadows. "I can't let you do that to yourself, Sweetie."

"Pipsqueak? What are you doing in here? How-"

"I know the legend of the Sky Sigil," Pipsqueak replied. "As soon as King Magnum mentioned it, I knew what Rarity planned. But if I tried to tell the others, Rarity would force us to let her go through with it, either through persuasion or keeping us under lock and key until it was done. So I came up here, to study the runes of the altar. It was my intention to disable it, so it couldn't be used to activate the Sigil." He chuckled. "Would have pulled it off if I'd had till morning. But when you came in instead of Rarity, I had to know why."

Sweetie hung her head. "But...the Sigil's destroyed...now I can't help-"

"Yes, you can," Pip assured her, stepping forward as the doors opened and the others funneled in. "Come with us. You're stronger than you think, and your skills are greater than you know."

"But...but I'm not a proper healing or combat mage. Just a support..."

"Then be a support mage," Pip insisted. "You have no idea how much of a difference you can make that way. You don't need to be in the spotlight to shine."

Sweetie blinked at Pipsqueak for a time. Then, tears in her eyes, she threw herself into his outstretched arms.

Scootaloo smirked. "Well, that's all for the good."

Pinkie blinked. "Wait...but...how are we going to get to Ozrai if we can't fly?" She seemed especially confused by this turn of events.

Pipsqueak smirked. "From the basement. Dogs dig anywhere."

Sweetie Belle joined the party!

Author's Note

Battle Data:

Sweetie Belle

Attack - Sweetie's weapon of choice is a microphone.
Sing - Sweetie's songs can have any number of effects, from healing/buffing the party, damaging/debuffing the enemy, or calling Hamlet into battle
Magic - Sweetie is a support mage. She learns every support spell - buffs and debuffs - as well as three spells unique to her.
Regen - target gains X health every round, where X = Sweetie's wisdom stat
Quick - target acts twice in the next combat round
Stall - if works, target does not act next combat round
These spells cannot be learned by Twilight through Study.

The Resistance

As the group headed once more towards the lower levels of the palace, Spike turned to Rarity. "Is what you were yelling at Sweetie true?" he asked. "Were you going to...sacrifice everything you were to become the Qi-lin?"

Rarity lowered her head. "Yes...that was my plan. I had thought that it would have been the best way to aid our quest. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make."

"And a really stupid choice!" Scootaloo pointed out. "I mean seriously, Pinkie can launch us through the sky with her cannon, right? All we'd need is some way to ensure a soft landing! Or we could have tried scaling the cliff! Or any number of other options. Like Pip said, it's not worth sacrificing anyone." She hugged Sweetie Belle. "We mean too much to each other to be willing to let anyone go so easily."

Sweetie Belle could only grin. She had bonded rather rapidly with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom once she'd learned that none of them had their Cutie Marks yet. They talked about forming a club together to find their talents once the journey was over...assuming they didn't discover their special talent in "evil slaying". Apple Bloom had suggested possible experimentation in finding a talent in "Pip riding". Pipsqueak was, as a result, currently clinging to the top of Luna's head in abject terror, much to her amusement.

"And if that weren't a good enough reason," Pinkie pointed out, "you're our only white mage. Luna's a black mage, Twilight's a red mage, and Spike's a Dragon Paladin. You're our only healer specialist! And nopony bucks with the white mage!" She paused. "Maybe that's why you haven't gotten anywhere with Spike yet, though." This sent Applejack and Rainbow Dash into uproarious laughter, and set Rarity to blushing.

Spike tilted his head. "I don't get it." Luna, RD, AJ, Rarity, and Twilight groaned. Pinkie rolled her eyes, and Fluttershy pouted.

Eventually, they reached the Diamond Dog tunnels. "Fido!" Rarity called. "Can you help us?"

Several dogs immediately poured out of the tunnels, Fido in the lead. "Happy to assist, Princess Rarity," he said with a bow.

Rarity blushed. "You've heard already?"

Fido nodded. "Diamond Dogs have long ears!" he said playfully, tugging on his ears. "How can assist?"

"Could you perchance dig us a tunnel to Ozrai island?" she asked sweetly.

Fido hissed, wincing. "South not in Fido's territory. That area belong to Rover's pack. Rover tough dog, lead tough pack. Lean and mean. Not help you unless something in it for him."

Rarity sighed. "Well...could you perhaps arrange an introduction, so we can learn what he wants to take us there?"

Fido nodded. "This way." The pack turned and led the group through their maze of tunnels. "But quiet. Rover very intense, not like unnecessary noise. Rover half wolf." Rarity nodded, and the group followed Fido in silence.

Eventually, they reached a huge underground chamber with tunnels branching off in numerous paths. Fido walked into the center and howled. He then backed up carefully.

There was a loud rumble. A huge pack of hounds - all looking much bigger, meaner, and bearing more jewel decorations than Fido's pack - poured out of all the south bound tunnels. One dog in particular caught every eye, as while being twice the size of the other dogs in the pack, he looked incredibly young. His coat was a mix of black and grey, and he had piercing blue eyes. He walked to the center of the area, sniffing. "Why Fido call pack meet?"

Fido bowed. "Rover, friends of pack seek visit to Ozrai island."

Rover sneered. "Ozrai!" he barked. "More fools brainwashed to worship fake god?"

"No," Scootaloo countered. "We go to rescue loved ones stolen from us...and then to tear the church down all the way to the foundation blocks."

Rover looked at Scootaloo. "...talk big. But talk worth dung. Prove words."

"How?" Spike asked, stepping forward.

Rover crossed his massive arms. "Deep inside Thieves Tomb lie treasure of hounds. Make way through and retrieve treasure, then Rover take you to Ozrai."

Rarity smiled winsomely. "Might you show us the way to the Thieves Tomb?"

"Rover show. Pack wait for return." With that, Fido and Rover's packs went their separate ways, and Rover led the party down another tunnel. A good way down the tunnel, he paused, listening. After a bit, he rushed to Scootaloo's side, going down on all fours and resting his head against her stomach. "Rover sorry for angry talk," he whined. "Need keep rep with pack, so have to be tough. Forgive? Rover still Mommy's good boy?"

Laughing, Scootaloo scratched him behind one ear. "Yes, you're still my good boy," she said happily. She then turned to the others. "I raised Rover since I found him as a pup. He grew fast and strong. His pack is actually my primary information network."

Rover frowned. "Still no word of Mommy's Daddy," he whined.

"It's okay," she replied sadly. "I'll find him someday."

"Tomb this way," Rover said, scampering off happily. The group followed.

"I've been in Thieves Tomb before," Scootaloo mentioned. "Never been all the way inside. Rumor goes a weapon from the stars rests in its depths. That's what we'll need to find to prove ourselves to Rover's pack. I know the way past the traps in the outer levels, but I've never been able to get past the last one."

"Lead the way," Pipsqueak replied. "We'll figure it out."

Once inside Thieves Tomb, the group followed Scootaloo into a deeper section of the tomb, past numerous traps. Eventually, they came to what seemed like the innermost chamber, holding a single chest.

"This is where I always get stuck," Scootaloo pouted.

"Why?" Pipsqueak asked. "Is it trapped?"

"No," Scootaloo frowned. "Empty."

Confused, Pipsqueak popped it open, discovering it was indeed empty. "Huh."

"And I know no one got to it first, because that would have gotten around," Scootaloo complained. "And there aren't any switches or traps anywhere around the room, and-" Her tirade was interrupted by a loud rumbling as a door opened at the back of the room. "Huh?"

"Most treasure chests can be picked up," Pipsqueak pointed out. "This one can't, because the switch to open the door is in its base."

Scootaloo stared at him for a time. "I knew that," she said lamely. She went through the door. "And another room with a single chest!" she complained.

Pipsqueak kicked it open. "This one's got the weapon."

"Stop making me look bad!" Scootaloo complained. "I'm the Thief Queen!"

Pipsqueak grinned. "Does that make me the King?"

Suddenly smirking, Scootaloo sauntered slowly to his side. "Not yet," she breathed, pressing up against him.

Pipsqueak fled.

Party got the StarrrSD!

After retrieving the weapon - which, beyond a spell crystal embedded in the blade, was extremely inferior to Spike's own weapons - the group was lead to Ozrai island through underground tunnels. Once there, they made their way to the walled in area surrounding the Church.

"Looks peaceful enough," Spike commented. "Lets split up and search for any sign of Cliff." The group then proceeded to wander around town.

Despite their hopes, all they were able to learn was that everyone there seemed supremely happy to be there. As they regathered at the entrance, only Fluttershy had any news. "Umm...one of the ponies I talked to mentioned that an older stallion had been taken into the main church."

Applejack snapped her fingers. "Cansarn it! That place is like a fortress, and the door looks to be magically reinforced! That guard said only 'True Believers' got to go in."

"We won't be able to bust in with just us," Rainbow Dash added. "We should leave, regroup, get some reinforcements."

"Right," Spike said calmly. He turned to leave through the gate...only to be stopped by an invisible force.

Luna's eyes widened. "A Sombra Wall!" she hissed, staring at the gate. "The entire city is surrounded, trapping the inhabitants in a false joy as all love and hope is slowly drained from their souls. No one who enters can leave."

"Then how are we going to get out of here?' Rainbow Dash demanded in a panicked voice. Fluttershy whimpered in fear.

"A Hail Mary pass," Pinkie said, heading towards the second largest building in town. In desperation, the group followed.

The building was a miniature church, similar to the churches in other towns. At the main altar, a bored looking gray mare in a gray-blue trenchcoat stood, watching the group approach. "All hail the wonderful teachings of St. OZ," she said, her voice completely devoid of emotion.

Pinkie wilted a little. "Maud..."

"Are you followers of St. OZ?" the mare asked.

"No!" Pinkie complained. "I am, and always will be, a follower of the Dragon God!"

Maud stared at her for a time. "Good," she said finally, pulling Pinkie into a tight embrace.

Blinking, Pinkie returned the hug. "Maud..."

"I'm a plant from the resistance," Maud explained. "Since I don't visibly show emotion normally, I was the perfect spy, since the regular practitioners can't see my thoughts on my face."

"If you're a double agent," Spike questioned, "then you must have a way out of town around the Sombra Wall, right?"

Maud nodded. "The wall only goes to ground level," she said, pushing the altar over and revealing a tunnel entrance. "I dug this tunnel to outside the wall. Near the exit is a note you'll need to get to the rest of the resistance. Now go, before someone finds you."

Pinkie gave Maud another tight hug before rushing into the tunnel, followed by the rest of the group. Maud put the altar back behind them.

Once outside the tunnel, Pinkie found the note, pinned to the back of the sign. Reading it, she gasped.

"What is it?" Rainbow asked.

Pinkie pulled out her Party Cannon. "Coordinates!"

"But what about-"

Before Spike could finish his question, Pinkie had loaded them all into the cannon - herself included - and launched them all west.

They all came down on a small collection of buildings. Each of them came in on a soft landing - Luna, AJ, and Fluttershy landed on a haystack; Pipsqueak, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo landed in a deep lake; Spike landed, for some reason, on a giant marshmallow; Rarity, Twilight, and Pinkie landed on Spike - but Rainbow Dash came down on top of a pegasus stallion asleep in his bed. The white stallion had a dark blue mane and tail, was well muscled, and his green eyes snapped open as Rainbow landed on him. "Hello gorgeous," he said with a wide grin. "Did the fall from heaven hurt?"

Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Like I haven't heard that pick up line before." She pushed herself off him before he could close arms or wings around her as he was attempting to do.

He chuckled. "I meant because you crashed through my roof."

Rainbow blushed. "Oh." She shook her head. "Look, Maud sent us to-"

"What's your name, beautiful?" he interrupted.

Rainbow glared. "Rainbow Dash. Who are you?"

The stallion grinned widely. "I'm Soarin', leader of the resistance. What brings such a lovely mare to my side?"

Rainbow glowered. "Stop flirting already. And we're here to lead the assault on Ozrai."

Soarin' snapped to attention. "Who's we?"

"That'd be us," Spike said, stepping in the doorway along with the rest of the group.

Soarin' raised an eyebrow. "Looks like we've got quite a bit of reinforcement for our group. But there's something else I want to get clear first." He turned to Rainbow. "Marry me!"

Rainbow's eyes widened. "Wait, what?"

"It's love at first sight!" he proclaimed. "With you at my side, I could conquer the Goddesses!"

"I almost want to test that," Luna muttered under her breath.

"Be mine, Rainbow!" Soarin' continued, running after Rainbow as she backed away. "We're both single and-"

Smack!

Soarin' froze as the metal glove dropped from where it had impacted his face. It then popped up from the floor to brace on it, leaping up to cover his extended hand, reattaching with the LifeAR Spike was wearing. "Huh," Spike said calmly. "I didn't know it could do that."

Soarin' glared at him. "What was that for?"

Spike glowered. "I take issue with how you're behaving towards Rainbow!"

"What? Are you saying she's yours?"

"And what if she is?" Spike roared, making most of the group back up in shock and making Rainbow blush brightly. "What right do you have to decide her life for her?"

"Then we'll settle this like stallions!" Soarin' roared, charging forward.

Spike leapt into the air and landed lightly, his feet on Soarin's back, his hands over Soarin's face. "Freeze," he ordered. Soarin' froze. "My hind claws are on your flight muscles. All I'd have to do is dig in, and they'd be destroyed. You'd never fly again. My hand claws are at your eye sockets. I dig in, and you're permanently blinded, as no white magic known to modern mages can heal damaged eyes. You'd never fly again. You might be able to stop one assault before I could act, but not both. If you ever hope to fly again, then yield."

"I yield! I yield! She's you-"

"Shut up!" Spike snarled. "I didn't fight you to stake a claim to Rainbow. I fought you because you had no right to stake one of your own! The only one with any right to decide Rainbow's future is Rainbow herself. Understood?"

Soarin' swallowed convulsively. "Y-yes."

"Good." Spike leapt off Soarin', pushing him to the ground as he did. "As long as that's understood, let's get ready to assault Ozrai. I assume you have a plan to get into the main church?"

Soarin' nodded. "Let's get some rest. There's a smaller church to the south that is very important to the followers of OZ. We'll make our way there tomorrow morning, and from there stage an attack on Ozrai."

Nodding, Spike stepped out of the building. He leaned against the wall and put his hand to his head. "What the hell just came over me?" he wondered. Despite what he'd said to Soarin', his initial reaction that had made him issue the slap challenge hadn't been as noble as he claimed. It had been very simple, from the depths of his being.

My mares. MINE!

"What's wrong with me?" he whispered, shaking a bit.

"That's what I'd like to know!" Rainbow demanded pugnaciously.

Spike looked up to see Rainbow glaring at him. "Rainbow...I..."

She slugged him hard on the arm. "Where do you get off fighting my battles for me, huh? Did you seriously think I couldn't take that guy on my own?"

Spike hung his head. "Sorry..."

She sighed. "Still...you coming to my defense like that...it was kinda cool. No one's ever even thought to do that for me before." Leaning in, she gave him a peck on the cheek. "So thanks."

As she walked off, Spike was left with a rather goofy grin.

"I think she likes you," Scootaloo said from behind him.

"I like her too," Spike replied. "She's a very good friend."

Scootaloo groaned. "No wonder you don't wear a helmet."

Author's Note

Battle Data:

StarrrSD - attack +68 (as opposed to the 150 of the Tri-Rang or the 160 of the EmpireSD), and has a spell crystal embedded in the blade. No other known effects.

Truth

As soon as the sun rose, the group gathered with the resistance fighters, waiting on Soarin's instructions. The pegasus stallion didn't keep them waiting long. "The church to the south is unnamed, but for some reason is highly important to the followers of OZ. Pilgrims generally journey there before heading to Ozrai. There also seems to be some sort of connection between that location and Ozrai which we want to explore. Once we find the priest there - a Father Soma - we'll interrogate him, and use what we learn to infiltrate Ozrai and tear the grand church down to the ground!" The listeners cheered. "Move out!"

The two groups made their way to the church separately so as to better catch the priest off guard. However, upon getting there, they found the church completely empty. "What gives?" Rainbow demanded. "Where is everyone?"

"Beats me," Applejack shrugged. "Doubt we're going to find out standing around."

"Then let's look around," Twilight suggested. "Hunt for clues."

They continued to search around the small church, but to no avail. Eventually, Rainbow slammed the back wall of the church in frustration. "What are we wasting our time..." Her voice trailed off. Pulling out her quarterstaff, she slammed the wall a few more times, her ears perked forward. "...hey, AJ! Get over here and give this wall a good hard kick!"

Applejack walked over. "Sure. Why not?" Rearing back, she brought her hoof hard against the wall, punching right through it, revealing a secret passage. "Well I'll be a pickled platypus, how'd you know that was there?"

Rainbow's ears twitched. "I could hear the hollow echo. Now come on, let's see what's down here."

"You go on ahead," Soarin' said, struggling not to look nervous. "We'll stand guard up here in case anyone comes back up."

Rainbow rolled her eyes, and the group made their way down the stairs into the secret passage. "Come on. Let's...let's go."

"Nervous, Rainbow?" AJ asked.

"It's a p-pegasus thing," Fluttershy stammered. "We normally live high up in the air, where everything is open and wide. As a result...we all develop claustrophobia to varying degrees." She shivered. "The faster a pegasus is in the air, generally the stronger the fear is."

"You didn't need to share that much!" Rainbow snapped, her strain showing.

"It's quite alright, Rainbow," Spike spoke soothingly. "I'm not to comfortable being underground either. First time I was ever in a cave, I nearly got disemboweled by a demon."

"I remember that!" Pip added. "Still have nightmares of the blood and the darkness."

"Not helping!" Rainbow snapped again, shuddering as her hoof came down on a pony skull, shattering it. "Can we get some light, please?"

Twilight, Luna, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle's horns all illuminated, filling the room with a mix of lavender, dark blue, pale blue, and pale green light. At the edge of the light, a figure could be seen fleeing.

"That must be the priest!" Spike shouted. "After him!"

As the group started to run forward, a Templar stepped out. "You...shall not...pa-"

Pinkie whipped his helmet off and brought a large frying pan down on his head. "Hey! Otherworld references are my schtick!" The Templar went down like a sack of potatoes, and the group charged right over him.

When they got down to the next level, they saw several rooms barred with strong magic. Spike glowered at the barriers. "Twilight, Luna, you're our arcane experts. Any idea how to get past these?"

Twilight walked forward to examine the barriers, taking careful notes. "Could take a while to circumvent the barrier, or find some way to redirect the magic-"

"Or we could fiddle with these switches over here and see if they open the doors," Pipsqueak suggested.

Twilight blinked. "Well, if you want to be pedestrian about it," she grumbled.

Luna examined the switches and threw one. A wall eyed pegasus promptly staggered out of the first room as the field dropped, crashing headlong into Spike, leaving his face buried in her ample cleavage. "My bad!" the grey Pegasus said, managing to sit up, promptly bringing her hoof down on Spike's - thankfully armored - crotch.

Spike stared in fear at the thick codpiece the LifeAR had shaped just before the hoof had come down. "No problem," he said, slowly and carefully, once he was sure he wasn't injured, Pip's wince to the contrary. "Who might you be?"

The blonde mare staggered backward and saluted. "Ditzy Doo, Holy Shaman, Paladin of the Dragon God...but everyone calls me Derpy." She grinned widely. "I discovered that this was a place of great evil, so I came here to do some smiting...but I knocked myself out and got locked up." She frowned. "I just don't know what went wrong!"

Scootaloo chuckled. "The shamans are all gathering at Dutchcolt," she pointed out. "Maybe they can lend a hand."

Derpy smiled widely. "Yeah! If we all join together, we can really make a difference." She turned and promptly charged through a nearby wall and outside. In the process, the other barriers were dispelled, and several ponies staggered out, looking haggard and wan. They quickly raced out.

"Looks like more prisoners," Spike commented. "Let's find that priest." They continued deeper into the area below the church. They eventually reached a large, open area that seemed ceremonial...and quite creepy.

Standing in the center was a dark grey earth pony, wearing a white robe. "Welcome, pilgrims," he said softly. "What brings you to this house of god?"

"Cut the crap," Rainbow snapped. "We know OZ is a demon trying to kill the world."

"A demon?" the priest asked, stepping back. "I don't know what you are talking about. St. OZ is god, older than we can imagine and born to reign over this world. Surrender unto OZ and live eternally in bliss."

"Bliss?" Luna scoffed. "The ponies of Ozrai are trapped in a false joy shrouding eternal sorrow! We shall not let you and yours spread that to the entire world, Father Soma!"

"...you've been to Ozrai, have you?" he asked, intrigued. "It seems security there is not as good as she thought, if you escaped the Wall. I worked hard on that field."

Luna's eyes widened. "You worked...no, it can't be!"

He smiled widely. "What's the matter, Luna? Didn't recognize me?" His eyes began to glow green, emanating a purple miasma, and a crimson horn slowly grew from his forehead. The white robe turned to black crystal, and a blade of purple fire grew from his hand.

"Sombra!" Luna hissed, backing up. "But how? I saw you fall and die!"

He chuckled wickedly. "Death is not always what it looks like for a General of the Dark Dragon Clan!" His armor shifted slightly, exposing his neck. A black pendant of a horse head with horn and wings, surmounted by a red crystal, caught the eye. "The alicorn amulet gave this body more than enough magic to accept my horn, and trigger my resurrection! And now, I live again!" Raising the blade of flame over his head, his words were accompanied by a flash of black lightning and the rising of several dark crystal formations. "Now, become slaves to our will, and food for our Go-"

His words were cut off as Scootaloo bum rushed him, slamming into his chest and grabbing the Amulet. As her dragon blood stirred, the chain broke. "Yoink!" she said, kicking off his chest and leaping back towards the rest of the group.

As Sombra stumbled backwards, Spike's sword arced through the air, sheering Sombra's horn from his head. "and that takes care of you," he said, as the now mindless body and bodiless horn tumbled backwards off the platform and into a bottomless abyss.

"Well..." Twilight began. "That was...anticlimactic."

"What do you mean, darling?" Rarity asked.

"Well, with how Luna was reacting, I got the feeling this was going to be a really hard fight, and that we might be fighting for our lives...but then, after all that build up, he goes down without even attacking us directly once." Twilight blinked. "Pinkie, where did you get the lampshade, and why are you putting it on my head?" Pinkie merely giggled in reply.

"Treasure!" Pipsqueak said eagerly, pulling a key-like object out of a crystal formation.

Luna came over to examine it. "This is a Path Stone. It is keyed to the Wall around Ozrai. It allows those who possess it to pass back and forth through the barrier at will."

Spike nodded. "Then let's get to Ozrai!"

Got the OzraiRoad!

The group made their way into Ozrai. At Soarin's suggestion, they were disguised as pilgrims, with Soarin' dressed as Father Soma. It was their intention to reconnoiter with Maud, but she was nowhere to be found. Worried but determined, they made their way towards the Grand Church. Each member of the resistance was quizzed on part of the teachings of Ozrai, which they had memorized for just this possibility. When Spike and his friends reached the front of the line, the Templar seemed confused. "More pilgrims? But I'm all out of teachings to quiz you-" He let out a gurgling sigh before dissolving into black smoke.

Pipsqueak calmly wiped his blade clean. "Why didn't we just do that from the start?" he asked.

Spike thought about it. "Good point." The group headed inside.

As they entered, Soarin' gestured to the back row of pews. "Mother Cadenza is about to give her sermon. Let's hear what we're up against."

At the mention of the name 'Cadenza', Luna looked stricken. Her expression then changed to barely controlled fury as she took a seat alongside the others.

As the high priestess of the faith stepped out, Rarity blushed. "Well, this certainly explains how this religion gained followers so quickly...but since when is that considered priestly?"

The scantily clad pink alicorn walked up to the altar, smiling down at her worshippers. "Welcome, my children. Glory to St. OZ." She wasn't putting much effort into her words, seeming rather bored and uninterested.

"Glory to God," the worshippers intoned.

"My children, long have I worked to give you a safe haven here in Ozrai, where the wicked unbelievers might not bring you harm. However, the devil that fights our god is insidious and cruel...and has placed his agent in our very ranks!"

There was a concerted gasp, followed by cries of "Kill the unbeliever!" "Stone them!" "Burn them!" and other calls for blood.

The alicorn held up her hands. "Children, please! We should not have such hate in our hearts. The unbeliever has been captured, and we shall purge the devil from her soul so she can accept God into her heart." She held up her hands.

A glowing cross lowered towards the ground, with Maud strapped to it. Soarin' gasped, and Pinkie whimpered, as most of the others stared in shock...save Rainbow, who ran from the church.

"Now then," the alicorn began, "won't you tell us your name?" Maud remained silent. "You won't speak? Then I shall speak for you. Your name is Maud Pie, and you pretended to be a believer in order to bring our Church down from within."

Maud looked up, raising an eyebrow.

The alicorn chuckled. "With the power God has granted me, your mind and heart are an open book. You are allied with a group of resistance fighters based up my butt and around the-" Cadenza stops. "What? That doesn't make sense? And you-" A look of disgust crosses her face. "Eww! Why would you even think that-I think I'm going to puke!"

Maud had a slight smirk on her face. "You should be more careful what you read," she said smugly. Pinkie couldn't help but giggle.

Cadenza glowered at Maud. "Filling your mind with such vile thoughts will not save your secrets from me...although that last one was pretty kinky." She then smirked. "You're wiser than most who try to combat this power. Others tried to hide their thoughts by suppressing them, making them all the easier to-" Cadenza's face paled. "EWW! Why do you even know what a rhinoceros's...thing...even looks like?"

"Use your imagination," Maud replied blandly. At this point, Pinkie had both hands stuffed in her mouth to prevent herself from busting a gut laughing.

"Even so," Cadenza continued, regaining her composure, "Soarin' won't come to save you. You're just a subordinate to him, no matter how much he may seem to trust you...no matter how much you love him."

Maud just stared back at Cadenza blankly.

Cadenza smirked. "Broken already, are you? It seems I've hit the heart of-"

"Are you done?" Maud interrupted.

"What?"

"Are you done? Because if you are, could you let me down? I need to go to the bathroom, and if I don't get to a toilet I'm going to do it on you."

Cadenza backed away quickly as a good portion of the congregation gave angry grumbles...and others started snickering. Luna's eyes widened considerably. "Her hold - and that of the Wall - is weakening!" she said in shock. "If we are able to hand her a true defeat here - or something equally inspiring - we may break her hold completely!"

Cadenza glowered at Maud. "You dare speak so to me in my own-"

She was cut off by a flying fist to her face. "Leave! Maud! Alone!" Soarin' practically roared as he hovered between Cadenza and Maud.

Cadenza rubbed her face. "So you came to save her after all? The leader of the resistance, based in the mountains to the west. You've given so much away just by showing up...and all for her? Our god is merciful, so you can die together!"

Soarin' charged forward, ready to smash into her again...only to be blasted back against the cross by a powerful force spell. He groaned as he lay there, surprised as he heard a snap and felt Maud's arms wrap around him. "Maud?"

"That took all the strength I had left," she whispered. "I guess she's right...we die together."

Cadenza grinned as she reared back, preparing a massive spell to obliterate them both.

When Rainbow had fled the church, she had immediately taken flight, shooting up into the air as fast as she could go, until she was miles above the church. Inside her mind, two thoughts were at war.

I can do this. I did it once before.

I can't! Last time I did it, Fluttershy...

She's fine now, and Maud's in danger!

But what if someone gets hurt? What if-

"No more second guessing!" she shouted before going into a dive straight down. "Pip was right!" She saw the mach cone forming. "No more sacrifices!" She saw it narrow as the ground rapidly approached. "It's time...to live up to my name!"

As Cadenza launched her spell, there was a massive explosion just outside the windows, shattering them as a wave of Rainbow colored light slammed outward, blasting through the church to cover all of the island of Ozrai.

Luna gasped in shock. "A Sonic...Rainboom?"

A streak of Rainbow light shot in through the window, shattering the cross and tugging Maud and Soarin' away just before the spell hit. As the entire congregation watched in awe, there was a massive glass-like crashing as the Sonic Rainboom shattered the Sombra Wall. The power of the magic filled the entire island with true joy and wonder.

Cadenza hissed in the aftermath, her clothing somewhat torn, as she fled towards the upper levels of the church. As Rainbow arced over the island, Maud and Soarin' in her arms, the rest of the group pursued.

Back at the resistance's base, Rainbow came in for a landing, her rainbow contrail dissipating. "There you two go," she said, setting them down. Seeing them immediately cling to each other, Rainbow chuckled. "You know Soarin', if she means that much to you, you really shouldn't have been proposing to me."

"He did, did he?" Maud asked, her eyebrow raised. Soarin' flinched back. "I'll have to punish min for that." Soarin's ears perked up as his eyes shone eagerly.

Rainbow backed up. "Ooookay, more than I needed to know." She then flew back towards Ozrai.

Rainbow's S.Boom technique has become S.R.Boom!

As the group pursued Cadenza, she turned back to snarl at them. "You...you've ruined everything! I was so close!" Seeing someone coming down the stairs, she smirked. "But you will pay for it! Garble! Show them your true power!"

"Yes, Mother," Garble said calmly as he stepped in front of her. Cadenza then fled up the stairs. Garble stepped towards the group. "Spike, I thought we understood each other somewhat...similar in so many ways...but this day was destined to come. Let me show you what I'm made of." Garble's body glowed, and he grew. Now on all fours and nearly filling the room, he took on the form of a massive, winged beast.

"He's a dragon?" Sweetie Belle gasped in shock.

"We already beat that joke to death!" Pinkie called out, readying for battle.

"Spike!" Garble roared, snaking his tail forward, knocking several of the mares off their hooves. "Show me your greatest power!"

Growling, Spike grew slightly as his scales turned blue. He unleashed a torrent of lightning at Garble.

The blast barely did any damage. "Is that all? This is all my power!" With that roar, Garble released a wave of pure power from his mouth, knocking everyone back.

As everyone groaned, getting to their feet, Spike's body pulsed. Something awoke inside him. With a loud roar, he expanded until he towered over Garble, almost shouldering the room and roof aside. His purple scales shone brightly, his green spines razor sharp. Opening his mouth wide, he released a torrent of green flame-that-was-not-flame. There was a soundless explosion.

When the smoke cleared, Spike had returned to normal size, as had Garble...who was now laying on his back in a crater. "Garble!" Spike called out, running to his side.

Garble smiled. "To awaken a dragon's power...they must be confronted by a power greater than that which they currently possess...I used all my power...to awaken yours..."

The group gasped. "You helped us?" Twilight asked. "But why?"

"I am...of the Dragon Clan. I knew...that OZ was a blight...on the world...but I could not fight against Cadenza. She took me in...raised me...she has been my mother for so long...I could not bring myself to harm her...or stand against her..." Garble coughed. "Spike...we were in the same boat at the start...our family's vanished, and taken in by the church...how is it that...you found the path of light...when I could only walk darkness?"

Spike glanced over to Pipsqueak. "I had a friend by my side."

Garble coughed again. "So...that's how it was...do you think...if I had a friend...I would have turned out like you? Could I have...been the hero?"

Spike nodded. "Yeah..."

Garble coughed up a bit of blood. "Funny...I never thought about friendship...but what I wouldn't give now...to have one..."

Spike gripped Garble's hand in his. "You do now."

Garble smiled as his eyes started to dim. "Thank you...Spike. Don't grieve for me...I made my choices...but I will live on...my strength...is yours..." His eyes went dark, and his body slowly dissolved, leaving behind a small, blood red gemstone.

"A bloodstone!" Twilight said in shock. "I've read about those! They're left behind when a dragon dies, and contain the essence of their power and experience."

Luna picked it up and held it out to Spike. "He said his strength was yours. You should keep it."

Nodding, Spike pocketed the bloodstone. "Let's go." He turned to head up the stairs after Cadenza.

Got G.Stone!

Spike learned G.Dragon!

On the next floor up, they saw Cliff locked up in a cell. Pinkie rushed over to open it. "Dad!" She hugged him tight.

He smiled. "There you are." He hugged her back. "The wall behind me is somewhat weak. One shot from your cannon aught to break it, and then you can go higher."

Nodding, Pinkie pulled out her cannon and fired it at the wall, making it crumble. "Dad, you get back to the farm! Mom's waiting for you!" The group charged upstairs.

Coming to another partially crumbled wall like the one in the back of the cell on the next floor, Pinkie immediately blasted it with her cannon. However, as the group started to charge through, the walls began to slam shut around them. Turning her cannon sideways, Pinkie used it and herself to brace the walls open. "All of you go!" she shouted. "I'll join you in a bit!"

Trusting her, the group headed up the next stairwell.

Pinkie smiled, ready to leap over...when her cannon cracked and she started to get compressed. "Oh...oh dear. And here I thought we'd make it. We'd pull it off...without losing anyone. We saved Sweetie...we saved Mom...we saved all the worshippers who weren't consumed...I thought that...we'd all make it..."

"You will, Sweetheart," Cliff said, coming up behind her.

"Dad?" Pinkie asked. Then her eyes widened. "Dad, no! Don't you dare! Mom's waiting for you back on the farm! You have to go back! Don't do this!"

Cliff smiled, bracing his hands on the wall and pushing, holding it somewhat open. "What kind of parent...would ever want to outlive his children?"

Pinkie's eyes filled with tears. "...Dad..."

Bracing himself, he lifted one leg, ready to push her out. "My only regret...is that I never got to see your grandchildren. You and that dragon boy...make a cute couple."

"I'm kinda going to have to share him with the others," Pinkie pointed out, managing to smile through her tears.

"At some point you're going to have to explain that to me," Spike said from behind her, slipping into the gap between the walls and bracing himself.

"Spike?" Pinkie asked in shock. "What are you doing here?"

"You were taking too long," he replied, pushing against the walls, digging his claws in.

"Spike," Cliff spoke up, "we can't hold this much longer..."

"Then it's a good thing I came back," Spike replied, his eyes glowing. "Garble gave me this power...to save the world. I'm going to start...with my friends!" With a roar, he expanded into immensity once more, shoving the enclosing wall clear out of the building, sending it tumbling towards the ground. Spike then shrank back to normal.

Pinkie blinked. "Wow..."

Cliff nodded. "Looks like you don't need me here any longer. I'm going to head back to the farm." He grinned. "As you said, Cream's waiting for me."

Smiling, Pinkie and Spike ran back upstairs to catch up with the others.

As the group reached the roof, they saw Cadenza. "You!" Luna shouted, charging after her. "How dare you wear her face, and disgrace her so? How dare you besmirch the name of Cadenza!"

The pink alicorn turned. "My, my...I didn't know anyone in this age would remember the name and face of the Goddess of Desire." This brought a shocked gasp from most of the group.

"She was my sister!" Luna roared, shocking the group anew. Her coat turned black as the sun was blocked by a sudden eclipse. "Unlike my elder sister and I, she chose not to descend from heavens, and the loneliness drove her mad. I had to play a part in killing my own flesh and blood for the sake of this world...and now you use her visage, perverted to lust, for your own ends! You shall feel my wrath!"

Scared beyond belief, 'Cadenza' spread her wings, getting ready to fly.

"And where do you think you're going?" Rainbow called from above, having arrived, and blocking 'Cadenza's escape. With no other option, the pink alicorn dove into the empty space going straight down the center of the Church.

"You will not escape!" Luna shouted, diving after her. The rest of the group followed.

Halfway down, the pink alicorn vanished in a teleport.

As they all landed on the bottom floor, Luna's eyes bulged in fury. "Still checking for real curse words? Sorry, not going to happen. Maybe next time I'll include some Vogon poetry."

Spike rested a hand on her shoulder. "You okay?"

Luna took a deep breath, and let it out. "Let's level this church. That will make me feel better."

The group moved forward, exploring the basement level. Eventually, they came to a large room where the only hallway was lined with eyes that watched them. A voice called out to them. "Who's there? Don't approach, you will die!"

Pipsqueak pointed at the eyes. "They shoot lasers," he whispered.

Luna, Twilight, Rarity, and Sweetie Belle quickly combined their magic to form a barrier around the group. "The energy of the church is focused in this chamber," Twilight said calmly. "If we find any machinery here, we should blow it up."

As they walked down the hall, the lasers bouncing off the barrier, the voice spoke again. "I feel the power of your barrier spell. Quite impressive. You aren't followers of OZ, are you?"

"No, we're not!" Pinkie called out. "We're followers of the Dragon God!"

The voice gasped. "Just like her...please, kill me!"

As they came into sight of the voice, the room lit up. A unicorn stallion hung from a large machine, his face obscured by a long, white beard. "If you kill me," he continued, "the machine will shut down, and stop sending energy to the demon." Suddenly, three eyes floated up, energizing for battle. "Hurry! Kill me, before the machine kills you!"

Spike's eyes narrowed. "Pip, you, Sweetie, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom take the eye on the bottom. Fluttershy, Rainbow, Luna, you three take the eye on the upper left. The rest of us will take the eye on the upper right. Go!"

The groups divided, focusing their attacks on their targets. The eye bots were at a significant disadvantage as they were forced to focus on different targets, as they were obviously designed to work together. The eye Spike's group was focused on was the first to fall. "Twilight, Rarity, aid Luna's group!" Spike snapped out. "Use single target spells only, so you don't hit the friendly! Applejack, you're with me!" Their group divided to render aid to the other two groups, and the remaining two eyes quickly fell.

The machine shut down, releasing the old man. He staggered. "I...I did not believe the machine could be shut down without killing me. You are mighty and clever warriors indeed." The building began to shake. "The energy is going into overload. Hold onto me, I will get us to safety." He focused his magic. As everyone clung to him or to each other, he cast his spell.

They found themselves in the empty house in Dutchcolt, next to the old well. "Is this your town?" he asked curiously. "I cannot see...but your thoughts were of this place."

"Yeah," Spike said softly. "We built this place."

"You mean I did, Spike," Pinkie countered with a giggle.

"Spike?" the old stallion demanded. "Did you say Spike was here?"

Spike looked up at the old stallion. "Yeah...I'm Spike."

The stallion's blind eyes stared. "Spike," he began, "don't you recognize me?" As Spike stared in silence, the bearded stallion continued. "Spike, Citrine's gone missing again. You're the only one who can find her when she wanders off. Can you help me look for her?"

Spike and Scootaloo gasped in shock. "It can't be..." Spike whispered.

"Spike...it's me...Starswirl."

Spike ran forward, throwing his arms around the frail old stallion. "Dad!" he cried, tears falling from his eyes.

"Dad!" Scootaloo wailed, also clinging to him.

"Citrine?" Starswirl asked, shocked. "You're here too?" He held them both close. "We're all together again..." He ran a hand over both their faces. "My how you've both grown..."

There were tears all around at the beautiful reunion.

The following day, Eichichi ran up out of the well and right to Spike. "I figured it out! I figured it out! The machine in the well, it turns life energy into magic power to make the town fly!"

Starswirl sat up. "That sounds like...the machine from under the church. Take me to it."

"Dad?" Spike asked. "What do you think you're doing?"

"What I can to help you. My life force is severely drained, and my eyesight is gone completely. No white magic left in this world will be strong enough to restore me." He smiled at his concerned children. "Let me do my part."

Sighing, Spike nodded as Scootaloo cried. Eichichi led Starswirl to the machine and hooked him in. As the machine hummed to life, Starswirl screamed briefly in pain, and the entire town rumbled. The town - and a good portion of the land under it - took to the air.

Starswirl breathed a sigh. "It's not as bad as the machine under the Church. I can handle this."

Luna - who had been alerted to the incident by the shaking of the town - examined the machine and Starswirl. "Hmm...life force becomes motive force, hmm?" A grin crossed her features. "I believe there are two problems here I can solve. Eichichi, take us to Canterlot, and land us somewhere near the city in the lake - gently - where the town can support itself once Starswirl is disconnected from the machine."

Spike turned to her as Eichichi did as instructed. "What are you planning?"

Luna smiled. "It's about time my sister took part in this."

Scootaloo tilted her head. "But I thought...you said Cadenza-"

"My elder sister," Luna corrected. "The one who specializes in white magic."

A royal guard of Canterlot ran into the throne room. "Queen Celestia!" he proclaimed. "A flying fortress has just touched down in the lake next to the city! It had the clearance spells to pass through the barrier!"

Celestia chuckled as she stood up. "She always did like to make a big entrance," she commented drily. "Come along, Shining Armor. It's time to meet your aunt." She led her son out to the dock, where Luna - and the rest of the group - stood waiting. "Hello, Lulu."

"Greetings, Tia," Luna responded. Before she could speak more, she was engulfed in a bear hug.

"How's my wittle Woona doing?" Celestia asked in baby talk. "Is she hungry? Is she tired? Is she having fun?"

Luna groaned. "I am fine, sister. And I am well on my way to aiding the chosen one of the Dragon God in destroying a major threat to the world. And we've come for your aid."

Celestia squealed happily, pulling out a huge mace that was bigger than her entire body. "I get to go on a quest smashing monsters?"

"Not exactly," Luna replied. "We have need of your healing magic and immortal life force."

Celestia frowned. "Like I told the last dragon warrior, immortal does not mean meat shield."

"Not for that," Luna corrected. "Come on."

As Luna dragged Celestia into Dutchcolt, Pinkie leaned over to Twilight. "So...feeling awkward yet?"

Twilight blinked. "Why would I feel awkward?"

"Because yer making a play for the same guy as your Aunt?" Applejack suggested.

Twilight blushed. "Well, I wasn't before."

Luna led Celestia down to the well, where Starswirl had been disconnected from the machine. "Constantly disconnecting and reconnecting him isn't good for him," Eichichi pointed out.

"He won't be reconnected again," Luna replied. "Celestia, can you restore him?"

Celestia kneeled down and examined Starswirl. "Hmm...depletion sickness, blindness, musculature atrophy..." Her hands and horn glowed as she examined him. "Any white mage nowadays would write him off as a lost cause."

"I know this..." Starswirl said softly.

"Can you restore him?" Luna asked.

Celestia chuckled. "I already have."

Starswirl blinked. "I...I can see again!" He moved his arms. "My strength has returned!"

"Now," Celestia asked, "what do you need my immortal life force for?"

Luna pointed at the machine. "This machine uses life force to make the town fly. Starswirl has a limited supply. You don't."

Celestia blinks. "You mean I get to carry you into battle as your flying fortress?" She squealed happily, leaping into the machine. "Turn it on! Turn it on!"

Rolling her eyes, Eichichi activated the machine. Celestia let out a throaty moan as the machine kicked in. Eichichi looked somewhat traumatized.

"So..." Luna began, "can you control it?"

"I think so," Celestia began, her eyes closed. "Hey, this thing's got lasers!"

"No!" Luna snapped. "No lasers!"

"Aw, you're no fun anymore!"

Starswirl, meanwhile, had gone back up to town to see his kids.

Starswirl stared at Spike and Scootaloo. "Wow, you two have grown." He looked over all the mares surrounding Spike. "I never expected you to become a player, Spike."

Spike tilted his head. "...huh?"

Starswirl went flat eyed. "You're kidding, right?"

"He's not kidding," Rainbow groaned. "We've been dealing with this ever since we met him."

"At first I thought he was just a true gentledrake," Rarity brought up. "But recently I think he's just oblivious."

"Or completely ignorant of how guys and gals interact," Applejack piped up.

"Ignorant," Pipsqueak confirmed. "He just doesn't get it."

Chuckling, Starswirl put his arm around Spike. "Son, I think it's time you and I had a talk."

Starswirl joined the party!

Spike lost naivety! Spike got the talk!

Author's Note

Battle Data:

G.Dragon - unleashes a blast of pure force in the form of green fire. Ignores all forms of defensive status or elemental resistance. Uses all MP; deals damage based on Spike's current MP.

S.R.Boom - inflicts non-elemental damage on all enemies. Damage equals Rainbow's speed stat times 20. Rainbow's speed stat goes down by one point each time she uses this; one lost point is recovered for every battle it is not used in.

Starswirl:
Attack - Starswirl's weapon is a staff. He hits things with it. ...it's not very effective.
M.Burst - Releases all magic at once. Deals (Current MP x10) damage to all enemies.
Magic - Starswirl is a sage, and can cast any spell in existence...however, he still suffers from the effects of age and the machine under Ozrai, so not all spells are available every battle. What spells he has available each battle changes randomly.

Starswirl regenerates MP equal to his current HP every round.

The Gates of Everfree

With the Flying Dutchcolt now fully powered and Starswirl once more garbed in his sage's robes, the group was ready to investigate the source of the corruption. As such, Celestia - now in complete control of the fortress - guided them to the forest town of Everfree. Starswirl, Scootaloo, and Spike looked down on the town that had been home for so many years, the home they had longed for for so long.

"So what's the plan?" Celestia asked from the power chamber, communicating via magic. "Scorch it from the sky? Land on it? Aerial bombardment?"

"That's my hometown," Spike growled. "And there are innocent ponies living there. We are not destroying it."

"Aww..." Celestia complained. "I guess you want me to land nearby so you can disembark?"

"...no," Spike said after a moment. "Stay in the air nearby and be ready for fast pick up. We'll teleport down."

Luna nodded. "Get ready everyone." She focused her magic.

Once on the ground, Starswirl staggered a bit. "Been a while since I was teleported by someone else," he muttered, managing to get his balance, bracing himself on his staff. He waved Spike and Scootaloo off as they rushed to his side. "I'm not so old I need my children to hold me up!" he complained. He steadied himself. "Alright. Spike, lead the way."

"Right Dad," Spike replied, doing his best not to stare at some of his companions. The 'talk' he'd had with his father while the fortress brought them here had left him quite a bit more aware of himself and the others, and explained quite a bit about why the mares he had befriended behaved the way they did. It also filled his mind with rather...specific imaginings whenever he looked at them now which made it rather ~~hard~~ difficult to concentrate. Especially when he thought about how Fluttershy looked coming out of the health spring...or how they all looked as topless seaponies...or when he first saw Twilight as a biped - when she was naked - or when she teleported out of her clothes...or when he had Rainbow pinned beneath him back at Hoarsair arena...or the time before this adventure began when he had 'stood guard' while Rarity was sunbathing...or when AJ had been grinding against him, consumed by heat...or when Luna had pressed his face into her cleavage...or when Pinkie had him pinned to the wall and found out about his two...

"Spike?" Scootaloo asked in concern. "Why are you banging your head against the Dragon God statue?"

"No! Particular! Reason!" Spike spoke between head bangs, struggling to make his brain stop filling with such thoughts.

Starswirl chuckled. "Maybe I should have held off on giving him 'the talk' until after the adventure concluded. Just how forward were you all with the poor boy?"

Luna, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, AJ, and Rainbow all rubbed the back of their heads sheepishly. Pinkie giggled wickedly.

Starswirl shook his head. "Poor kid. And I thought I had it difficult with how forward Sarisa was."

Once Spike got himself back under control, he stepped forward. "No one seems to be around. Let's...let's go check on the dragon." He paused. "Not me, Pinkie." Rolling his eyes at the giggling pony, he led the group into the forest behind town.

Near the mountain where the dragon lay, Mother Crysta was goading the townsponies into action. "The devil shadow has fallen over the town, a sign of the power growing here! The demon dragon has stolen the life of our land! Only her destruction can save the land, and us!" Following her directives, three large bombs had been placed: one under each of the dragon's massive fore claws, and one under her face.

Spike and the others came on the scene just in time to see this. "No!" Scootaloo called out, running forward, only to be knocked from her hooves by the force of the three concurrent explosions.

A brief moan of pain echoed over the area, and the dragon's claws slowly lifted. Rune encrusted gates slowly lowered, having been revealed by the moving claws. From out of those holes in the cliffside, a horde of demons flew out, like living shadows, swarming to begin casting an umbra of darkness over the world.

Mother Crysta stepped back, seeming aghast. "How can this be-"

"I think you should drop the act, Crysta," Starswirl spoke up, stepping forward.

Crysta turned and gasped. "You!" she hissed, her face becoming contorted with rage. "How did you escape the machine?"

"You can thank my children and their friends for that, Cadenza," Starswirl replied. "Or should I say...Chrysalis?"

With a snarl, the disguise of a pink unicorn fell away, revealing the Changeling Queen, armed and ready for battle. "How did you learn it was me?"

"You were using me to power the machine that sent the harvested energy to the demon below," Starswirl pointed out. "You also harvested some of it to make yourself and your changelings - disguised as various ponies around the world harvesting energy via means outside the Church - to make them and you stronger, leeching off the world's populace for years."

Chrysalis blinked. "What's your point?" she asked.

"I was privy to your communications."

The changeling queen snarled. "It matters not now! I have everything I need here to accomplish my goal! The Dark One will awaken, the seal broken..." A magic lasso snaked from her hand, wrapping around Scootaloo's neck. "By the life blood of a dragon clansmare!"

"Scootaloo!" Spike and Pipsqueak shouted together in fear and rage.

"Citrine!" Starswirl wailed.

"Question!" Pinkie called out, raising her hand. Everyone turned to stare at her.

Chrysalis blinked. "What?"

"I have a question."

Chrysalis raised an eyebrow. "Are you expecting me to go into a monologue as a distraction so you or others can get the drop on me?"

"Nope! I'm just wondering why you went to all the trouble of wiping the townsponies memories, driving Citrine away with a mental block, and kidnapping and replacing Starswirl."

Chrysalis blinked. "To gain control of the gate and power the machine beneath the grand church."

"But why did you replace Starswirl as Mother Crysta?"

Chrysalis rolled her eyes. "It was my intent to have Spike come to see me as a mother figure, so he could be inducted into the Church like Garble was." She glowered at Pip. "And I would have gotten away with it if not for that meddling brat."

"Does that make me the real hero of all this?" Pip asked in surprise.

Chrysalis ignored him. "I hadn't intended for Citrine to flee. I meant to have access to her as well."

"Why? Is she the only one who can open the gate?"

Chrysalis blinked. "No...any member of the dragon clan would have-"

"Then why not use Garble?" Pinkie asked.

Chrysalis paused, obviously flummoxed. "What?"

"Garble was a good deal older than Spike, which means you had hold of him before trying to nab Spike and Scootaloo. Why didn't you just groom Garble to be a martyr?" Pinkie tilted her head. "For that matter, if you wanted access to Spike and Scootaloo, why not just send one of your Changelings disguised as a Sister here to Everfree, saying that word had reached Ozrai of the loss of Starswirl's wife and that she had been sent to ease his burdens, help with his children, and to help tend to his flock, so that he could have time to properly grieve? That would have given you an agent here to brainwash the townsfolk, made Spike and Citrine inclined to join the faith on their own, and once Spike was old enough to be responsible for Citine - say, a couple more year - you could have sent for Starswirl to journey to Ozrai to be honored by Mother Cadenza for his work in spreading the word of god. You could then have sent word back that he had fallen under attack by monsters/brigands/pirates/whatever en route back, leaving Starswirl in the machine and Spike and Citrine with the Sister Changeling as their only parental figure, primed for indoctrination into being just like Garble, especially as you could always use 'It is what your father would have wanted' to goad them along. Then none of us would have gathered and you would have been able to release the Dark One unopposed-"

"RRAAGGGHHH!" Chrysalis roared, dropping her magic lasso and lunging towards Pinkie, enraged beyond belief at having every hole in her plans and mistake she'd made pointed out by what she saw as an 'empty headed ninny'. She drew bag her fist, gathering massive power to smash Pinkie to atoms.

There was a sudden flash of intense light and heat, and an ethereal howl of agony as Chrysalis' swarm died with her incineration.

"Sorry!" Celestia said with her magic. "I just had to test out the lasers. Seriously, you put me in charge of a battle platform with lasers and expect me not to test them out? I thought you knew me, Luna. But I couldn't figure out the targeting system, so when I test fired it came down in the town. I didn't hurt anyone, did I?"

Luna blinked the spots from her eyes as Pinkie ran off who knew where. "Just the bad guy," she told Celestia. "You kind of...incinerated her."

"Oh. Woo hoo! I did good!"

"Kill stealer," Luna grumbled.

There was a deep sigh of relief. "You have done well, Spike, destined child..."

Starswirl gasped out, but said nothing. Spike looked around. "Who said that?"

"I did," the voice replied. When Spike continued to look around in confusion, the voice continued. "Up here," it said, a hint of sardonic amusement in the tone.

Spike looked up, and found himself staring at the dragon. "You can talk?"

"Of course I can. Did you think I was dead?" The dragon chuckled. "Although...I might be close. I don't have much strength left. And there's a decision you must make-"

The door behind the dragon's head lowered. Pinkie stepped out, shoving her cannon into the doorway so the gate couldn't raise back up. "So are we going after the demon or what?"

Spike nodded. "We'll head down soon, Pinkie. I'm just talking to-"

The dragon glowed and shifted...and a dragoness about Starswirl's size now stood there. She had dark blue scales, and her hair gradiated from deepest lavender to a bright gold from her scalp to the tips. She wore only a backless white gown so her wings could unfold easily behind her. Her amethyst eyes were soft as she smiled at Spike. "It seems you have made a choice, my destined child."

"Mom?" Spike and Scootaloo said in shock.

"Sarasa!" Starswirl called out, running forward and pulling her into an embrace. "I thought I'd lost you...all those years ago..."

Sarasa chuckled. "You should know me better than that, Starswirl," she said, returning the embrace. "You know from experience how hard it is to get rid of me."

As Spike and Scootaloo also embraced her, the small child in Pinkie's arms looked up. "Is...is it safe?" she sniffed.

Luna glanced at the child. "Pinkie Pie...where did you find a...midnight black alicorn filly?" she asked, confused at what she was seeing.

"Through the western gate," Pinkie said. "I used my cannon to get from there to the back of the middle gate so I could open it without paying the life of a dragon. Figure once we're all in, we can let it shut behind us, and open it the same way on our way back up!"

"I...I'm Nyx," the little filly said. "I'm the devil shaman..."

"In that case," Luna replied, "you belong up in Dutchcolt with Granny Smith and the other shamans." She couldn't shake a strange feeling of kinship with this filly.

As the family nearby finally broke their embrace, Sarasa spoke. "I would journey with you...but I lack the strength to make that journey. All I can do to help you...is give you this." Reaching into her dress, she pulled out an ancient sword. "This blade was wielded by dragon warriors of old, forged to bring forth the full strength of dragon blood. You have only the strength of half blood to draw on. This sword in your hand will bring forth the power of a full dragon." She reversed the blade and offered it to Spike.

Spike took the hilt in his hand, lifting it up.

Spike got DragonSD!

Starswirl glanced at Sarasa. "Where were you hiding that?" he asked curiously.

Sarasa smiled. "When you get back, I'll show you. I think Citrine's ready for a little brother." As she giggled wickedly, Starswirl's beard poofed outward as his eyes widened in excitement.

Spike swung the sword a few times. "It feels kind of...unwieldly. Doesn't quite sit right in my palm. And the edge isn't the best it could be." He drew his EmpireSD to compare them. "Hmm...a pity I can't combine these. If the EmpireSD could somehow absorb the boosting influence to my dragon blood from the DragonSD..." His eyes widened. "Luna, take us all back to Dutchcolt. I have an idea."

Upon returning to Dutchcolt, Starswirl went to make Sarasa comfortable while Spike - followed by Pipsqueak, who was carrying Nyx - went right to the Shaman hut. "Granny!" he called out. "Can the combining ritual be used for things instead of people?"

"Eh?" the ancient mare replied. "Whatchu talking about? Combine what?"

Spike laid the EmpireSD and DragonSD side beside in front of her. "Can you use the Combining ritual to take the magic from the DragonSD and put it in the EmpireSD to enhance it, the way the magic of a shaman is imbued into a person from a different clan?"

Granny's eyes widened. "What in tarnation are you suggesting? That would be..." She trailed off. "Huh. Actually pretty clever. Never thought of that. Would need a different circle and some different runes, but I don't see why not. But these two won't be enough. I'd need another sword with a living crystal to act as an anchor for the fusion."

"Living crystal?" Pip asked. Reaching into his bag, he pulled out the StarrrSD. "I found this in the Thieves Tomb. Is it what you mean?"

Granny Smith gasped in shock, her bonnet leaping from her head as she seized the sword. "Well wallop my withers! The Star Bringer Sword! This thing has a chunk of a living star embedded in the blade! If I use this in the ritual, it's sure to work. Come back in a bit, and I'll have your new sword ready!" She took the three swords and stumped eagerly into the back room, muttering under her breath as she thought out loud.

Spike watched her go. "Here's hoping this works," he said calmly.

Pip tilted his head. "Wonder how long it'll-"

There was a massive explosion from the back room. "Light Dragon's Whiskers, it worked!" Granny shouted.

Spike rushed back. In the center of the room floated a sword, gleaming with power. The shape, weight, and edge were all the same as the EmpireSD, but the hilt had the ornamentation of the DragonSD...and the gem from the StarrrSD was embedded as a pommel stone. As Spike took hold of the hilt - which fit the contours of his clawed hand like it was made specifically with him in mind - he could feel the raw power bursting from within.

He knew now, with this sword...he was unstoppable.

Spike got DRKingSD!

Author's Note

Battle Data:

DragonSD - attack power +125. Increases the potency of dragon spells.
(As a reminder, EmpireSD has an attack power of +160, while the Tri-Rang has an attack of +150.)

DRKingSD - attack power +225. Increases potency of dragon spells. Randomly casts Nova (strongest explosion attack magic) (15% chance). Randomly casts Cure4 on wielder (health restored to full) (10% chance). Randomly triggers a level 2 dragon spell at no cost (5% chance). Restores 10 AP every time it deals damage to the opponent. Does physical or magical damage to target when attacking normally, whichever target is vulnerable to.

Sacrifice

Spike and his friends made their way carefully down into the depths, the evil power in the air enough to drive all thoughts from their minds save survival and moving forward. Logically, they knew they had to be going deep into the earth, and yet the way the air around them seemed to warp - and the absence of walls at various points - made it feel like they were descending into another world. The numerous demons they encountered along the way made the journey all the harder, especially as most of their usual tactics - Fluttershy's abilities, Luna's spells, Pip's sniping strikes - proved less than effective, making each fight take longer and longer as they got deeper.

The journey into the depths of the Earth seemed to continue endlessly, far longer than would normally seem possible, and the narrow paths and air of darkness surrounding them wore away on everyone's resolve. At one point, Twilight sank to her knees, shaking her head. "No...this can't...this is impossible..."

"What's wrong Twilight?" Spike asked worriedly, rushing to her side as the others gathered around.

"It's...how deep we've gone..." Twilight stared around in confusion. "I'm...I'm pretty sure we've gone past the center of the planet in terms of pure distance, but there's no spatial warping magic in place I can detect, and gravity hasn't shifted."

"I'd noticed that myself," Starswirl commented as he pulled Twilight to her feet. "However, I think you are overlooking a distinct possibility. I think we may be in an altered dimensional space, where normal laws don't apply."

"You are correct," Luna spoke up, her wings wrapped tight around her body. "We are not on or in the world right now...we are inside the planet's wound, the one inflicted as a result of the war of dragons and the battle to seal Cadenza. The wound is half physical, half spiritual. We are currently inside the damaged portion of the planet's soul."

Pipsqueak shivered at Luna's words. "Blimey...that's a lot ta take in." He glanced around worriedly. "Any idea how much further it is?"

Luna took a breath of relief as they descended a staircase into a large square chamber, fully enclosed with no trace of the sickening atmosphere of further up. "We are halfway there," she murmured. "However, we have reached a point where we can rest." Confidently, she led the way through a door in the far wall.

On the other side, the group was surprised to discover a full town at the bottom of a long stairwell...a town full of dragons. Spike stopped dead at the sight, never having expected to encounter so many of his own kind in one place, if at all. The others gathered around him as he stared down, taking in the sight. Dragons of all ages, sizes, and colors wandering around, whether chatting, pacing, or...arguing. There seemed to be a great deal of arguing going on. As Spike started to make his way down the stairs, the arguments began to become clearer.

"Come on! Rarity's totally going to win out! She saw him first, after all!"

"Fluttershy was the first to start getting affectionate, and would you just look at her!"

"How could he possibly say no to Pinkie? She never judged him for being a dragon!"

"Twilight didn't either, and she certainly seems to know how to go about things, if you catch my drift!"

"Come on, Rainbow all the way!"

"I think he liked being tied up by AJ, actually."

"You really think he's going to pass on a literal Goddess?"

"Why not all?"

"Who cares about them! Think his sister's gonna grab the piebald?"

"No way, bro code dude! Besides, the little Princess was his first crush!"

"But Apple Bloom made the first move on him, and boy what a move!"

"Think they'll share?"

As this conversation floated up to the group, the dragons became clearer, and all could be seen wearing shirts with...various slogans, proclaiming their affiliation with a 'Team' with one of the mares' names on it, or one of the fillies, or 'Team Harem'. A large portion of the dragons below the age of 'Elder' seemed engaged in this debate.

"Uhh...what?" Applejack asked nervously, starting to back up.

"I can explain," a large black dragon, bent with age, told them, beckoning them towards him. "But you'd best come to my hut, quickly and quietly. If that lot find out you're here, you'll never make it to face OZ." Holding a scepter surmounted with a crimson gem, he waved them forward.

Luna quickly stepped forward. "Let's go," she instructed the others, and the group followed, half confused half nervous.

Once they'd made it to the Elder's hut, he gestured them all to seats as he sat in a chair shaped to his body. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. It's a long story." Once everyone was comfortable, he made a beckoning motion. A blue dragoness came in, offering everyone some refreshments. "Some introductions are in order," the Elder intoned. "I am Torch, and this is my younger daughter, Ember." As Spike started to open his mouth, Torch cut him off. "No introductions necessary from your end...even if Sarisa weren't my eldest."

"You're...you're my grandfather?" Spike gasped out, stunned.

Torch chuckled deep in his throat and nodded. "Indeed," he replied warmly. "It is good to see, face to face, just how well you've grown."

Starswirl chuckled nervously. "Well...this certainly isn't how I imagined meeting my in-laws," he admitted.

"I imagine not," Torch agreed. "But then, things are always more complex when the dragon clans are involved." He sighed softly, weariness on her face. "But then...our long vigil is nearly at an end..."

"Father," Ember spoke up diffidently, "perhaps you should explain everything? I'm pretty certain only the Goddess Made Flesh knows the whole story."

"Indeed," Torch agreed. "Thank you, Ember." Sitting up, he gripped the staff, seeming to draw strength from it as he rose to his full height. "The Dragon Wars instigated by the Goddess of Desire did great harm to the world, leaving many a scar upon the surface. Continents reshaped, cities destroyed, mountains raised and leveled...but the greatest scar was here, the place where the final battle took place, leaving a wound in the planet that never healed. And deep inside the wound...a poison left behind. In her madness at being denied the love and adoration she sought, the Goddess of Desire left behind a stain of hate, malice, and sorrow, which suppurated deep beneath the earth into a great demon, one whose true name we do not speak, because the act of speaking the name gives it power, power to break free of its cage to devour the surface, as it was created to do." His eyes closed as he sank into memory. "When the dragons saw what had come of our mistakes, we withdrew into the wound to try and heal it, and set our magic to endlessly watching over the demon, to ensure it could not draw strength or escape.

"However, despite our greatest efforts, the demon's power continued to grow, until it began to rival that of the Goddesses. The power came from the surface, and it was unknown how long it would be until it broke free of its cage. And so I sent my daughter, Sarisa, to the surface to investigate how this had come to pass. We also sent with her the Heartstone, that we could watch over her from down here, and learn...for once she had left the gates, only her life blood could unseal them...something that was not acceptable." He opened his eyes slowly. "Through the Heartstone...we saw everything. And we saw, young Spike, the mark of destiny upon you. Sarisa saw it too, which is why she gave you the Heartstone."

Surprised, Spike brought his claw to the jewel around his neck, that glowed with a shimmering rainbow of colors.

"So that's how you knew about...all of us?" Twilight gasped out, amazed.

"Oh! Oh! And that's what everybody was debating about!" Pinkie squealed out. "It must be super duper boring down here watching over the World Devourer - if you're lucky, anyway - and with nothing new ever really happening, the stuff Sarisa and then Spike went through must have been really enthralling! With nothing else to do, everybody picked which ship they liked best to root for and argue about, just to have something to do!"

"Quite right," Torch admitted as the others tittered, blushed, or shivered, as was their wont in reaction to this news. "Some have even taken to drawing...artistic representations of what they think might, or should, happen."

"I have...fans?" Scootaloo squeaked out in surprise.

"And...art?" Fluttershy whimpered.

"Indeed," Torch confirmed with a soft chuckle. "Which is why I thought I'd spare you meeting them. Some of what they've created...well, let's just say I thought it best to keep actual contact at a minimum. We haven't been able to perceive through the Heartstone since Spike entered the scar, so they don't know you're here."

He then turned to face Spike directly. "However...there's something we need to speak of alone, Spike. Come with me." Extending the staff, he brought it down firmly to the ground, his arm at full extension.

Somehow knowing what he was being instructed to do, Spike reached out and wrapped his hand around the staff below Torch's...and they both vanished.

Spike stared around at the large square chamber he found himself in. The floor was stark white, without any distinguishing features, as was the ceiling and three of the walls. The fourth wall, however, had 13 doors evenly spaced, and above each door was a mark. From left to right he saw a starburst, three apples, a cloud with a rainbow colored lightning bolt, three butterflies, a white crescent moon against a black sky, three diamonds, a swirl of green flame, a swirl of stars, an eagle eye, three shields, the first with an apple and wrench, the second with a music note, the final one with a lightning bolt, and the last door surmounted by three balloons. The central door with the swirl of green flame above it was barred with magic. "W...what is this place?" Spike asked, confused.

"This is the shrine of Anfin," Torch explained from nearby, leaning on his staff. "Here the ultimate power of the dragon clans is enshrined, waiting for the one destined to wield it to save the world, and banish the demon of the wound. The power is sealed beyond the central door. Walk into each door, learn what you can in each one, and then the central door will open for you, and the power will await." As Spike started to turn, Torch banged his staff against the floor to get his attention again. "Be forewarned...this power cannot be yours...without sacrifice."

Nodding Spike went to the far left and entered the door with the starburst above it, only to find Twilight waiting for him. "W-what are you doing here?" he asked in shock.

"Did you think I'd miss this?" Twilight countered eagerly, her eyes shining. "The secrets of our very world...of course I'm going to be here with you!"

Chuckling, Spike walked with Twilight down the hallway, listening as she went on about all she had learned on her journey with him, and how happy she was to know him. Spike found himself smiling widely, her hand in his, as he stepped through the door at the opposite end of the hall...only for Twilight to vanish from beside him to appear on a raised platform in front of him.

"Spike," she began again, her voice more somber now, "I'm a Princess of Canterlot. From my youngest days, I was raised with one precept above all others: the needs of my people come before my desires, and the good of the world before my people. And now...we're going to save the world." She smiled, tears in her eyes. "And...if one of us has to go to make it work...I'm ready for it to be me. If you have to choose someone to lose to unlock Anfin...choose me. I'm ready..." As her voice trailed off, her body slowly turned to stone, leaving only a statue in its place.

Horrified, Spike fled the chamber, racing back to the large room. Staring up, he saw that the starburst above the door now glowed. "Is...is...?" he barely managed to speak up, staring at the glow.

"No decision has been made," Torch promised him. "The light is only to show you have learned what you can behind that door. More doors remain."

Sighing softly, Spike hesitantly stepped into the second door marked with three apples, only to find Applejack waiting for him.

"Howdy, sugarcube," Applejack greeted warmly, instantly taking his hand. "You ready to take out that devil down below?" Spike remained silent as they walked the hall, only listening to Applejack as they walked. "I owe ya so much, Spike. If'n it weren't for ya, I'd still be under that crazy heat curse, and poor Apple Bloom would be strapped inta Applefort's flying machine as little more than a battery. Ah don't think I'll ever be able to repay that...but I'll be right with ya every step until I can."

As he stepped through the door, Spike was unsurprised to find Applejack now up on the pedestal, slowly turning to stone. "So...if'n anyone needs ta go ta give ya the power ta stop the devil...it's gotta be me, okay?" she asked softly. "Ah'm ready...and ah'll always be with you..."

Spike turned away, covering his eyes to keep himself from crying as he left the hall. With another mark glowing, he went to the next door, knowing much the same awaited him.

"Hey Spike! You've done a lot for me, and helped me find Fluttershy even after all this time! I know you won't really get what this means, but...I'm ready to give you my feather. I'm ready to stand beside you forever. ...even if that means giving up my life to become part of you, giving you the strength of Anfin."

"Spike...you saved me from slavery. You taught me to be strong. You never turned your back on me, even though I was so strange. I just want you to know...I'm yours forever. Anything you ask of me, I'll happily give. ...even if its my life, so you can save the world."

"My dear Spikey-Wikey...you've been my knight protector for so long. I admit, early on, I didn't truly consider you in the light you deserved. You were so sweet and gentle and courteous...all the things a proper knight should be! But back then, I was still too wrapped up in how I should have been a Princess, forgetting what that really meant. I am so glad you never abandoned me, Spike...but now I must ask you to do so. I was ready to sacrifice myself to gain the wings of the Qi-lin, and I am still ready to make that sacrifice to save the world. So I must ask you, my knight...let me go."

"Spike, I was once a Goddess with my sisters, watching over how the world took form. Then, when life began to flourish, I descended to the earth with one of my sisters, giving up my divine nature to walk amongst those who lived here. In all the time since then...I have never been happier than in the time I've spent with you. Despite the face that Chrysalis used my lost sister's visage, I've been able to come to terms with her passing now...and I believe she's at peace. And now...I am at peace. I have already sacrificed all for this world. I have no hesitation in giving up my life as well. I have lived a long full life...so let mine be the price, and do not cut the others down in their prime."

"Spike, my son...I am so proud of you. You've come so far, and now you're going to save the world. I'm happy to have been able to play a part in all this, no matter how small. And I have seen how you and Citrine have grown. You have made me truly happy in my old age. ...and I am an old stallion, Spike, far older than my age. My body is already weak, and my mind strained, from what I have been through. I had thought death would claim me for a long time...and I am unafraid of it. Let me do this last thing, and be the sacrifice that powers Anfin, so you and the others can continue to live your lives to the fullest."

"Yo Spike! Boy, we've come a long way, haven't we? Back when I talked you into running off from Everfree with me, I never thought we'd get pulled into such a bonzer adventure! And to top it off, we're gonna save the world! Heh, was kinda funny to learn I was technically the real hero so far, since I'm the reason you turned out the way you did. ...so it's only right I'm the one who becomes a part of you for Anfin, right? I mean, come on, what kind of future do I have? Three smoking hot girls who want to share me, but have overprotective older siblings - you included - who'll gut me if I try anything? Thanks, but no thanks! Just gimme a legacy in legend, okay?" As much as it hurt him, Spike couldn't stop himself from laughing with his oldest friend as he watched him turn to stone.

"Yo Spike! Been quite a crazy trip, ain't it? Ah mean, it was a relief at the start ah didn't end up with that Whopper jerk, even if ah did think at the time ah was gonna go sex crazed anyway. Wouldn'ta been so bad, with Pip right there. Couldn't ya have kept sis quiet just a few minutes longer? Now ah'm never gonna get a chance with him. ...but it's all still been fun, and ah know what's at stake. Ah'm...ah'm ready. Let me be the one ta power Anfin. Let me be the one who dies. Everyone else...still has too much ta live for."

"Hey Spike. Thanks for taking me along with you as far as you have. Until Pipsqueak told me I could contribute, I'd...never left Unicornia except to visit Rarity. I...didn't have much of a life. And...even with everything Pipsqueak, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo tell me...I'm still not sure. I still feel like I'm...extra. So...if someone has to go, it should be me. Just...when you choose me, tell Pipsqueak just how happy I was to know him?"

As Spike hesitantly entered the next door, Scootaloo hugged him tight. "I've missed you so much, Spike...all these years, not even knowing I was missing you...but there was still a hole in my heart. And now we're together at last. And look at you! The Destined Child, the Dragon Warrior...you're going to save the world. I need to do my part, too...and right now, that means being the one whose life gives power to Anfin. I'll always be with you, Spike...and I'm ready to give my all."

Turning, hanging his head like a broken dragon, Spike walked away from the statue of his sister.

"Hey Spike!" Pinkie greeted him as he stepped through the final door, immediately glomping onto him. "Yeah, I know, this whole stretch is getting super duper depressing what with all of us telling you how much we care about you, how much we enjoy being with you, and then telling you how we're the ones you should sacrifice to save the world, especially since we've come so far with no sacrifice, even the ones I thought we'd have to make!" She pranced along with him, towing him towards the room where he knew she would turn into a statue. "Which is why that's not what I'm going to say." As they entered the final room, she appeared on the platform. "I know that you'll make the right decision, and whatever you choose...I'm behind you 100% of the way!" Putting one hand on her hip, she shot Spike a thumbs up with the other hand as she gave him a wink, her body freezing as a statue in that pose.

Spike could only stare at the statue of Pinkie for a time, before finally smiling back at her. Turning, he left the room.

Once back in the main room, Spike saw that the central door was unbarred, the mark of the swirling green flame pulsing with light. Steeling himself, he passed through the door...only to be confronted with a statue of himself.

"Are you prepared?" his own voice asked him. "Have you made your decision?"

"I have," Spike replied, walking up to the statue.

"Good," the statue answered. "Then go to the statue of the one who you have chosen to sacri-"

Spike pulled back his fist and punched the statue right on the muzzle, sending it flying back with cracks along its structure.

"What are you doing?" the statue demanded, the voice warping, becoming ancient and filled with power.

"I'm not sacrificing anyone!" Spike roared. "You can keep the power of Anfin!"

"Do you realize what you are doing?" the voice demanded, enraged. "You must have the power of Anfin, or-"

"Fuck that!" Spike snarled, stalking forward and punching the statue across the room. "I will not sacrifice someone I love for power!"

"If you do not, then the world will be destroyed!" the voice cried out.

"Then let it!" Spike screamed out, lifting the statue over his head. "A world where I have to choose death for someone I love...isn't a world worth saving!" With that last shout, he hurled the statue across the room.

It slammed against the wall...and shattered. Spike staggered back as a blaze of light blinded him. As he sank into the white, he heard his own voice again.

"You have chosen...wisely."

Memories and Beginnings

Spike woke up slowly, stretching as he stepped out of his bed. He started to walk downstairs as he heard someone calling him.

"Spike! Spike!"

Spike groaned. "Coming, Dad!" he called out, staggering down the stairs as he pulled on his clothes, a red tunic and white jeans.

Waiting for him was a brown unicorn stallion, wearing his usual priestly robes. "Spike," He said worriedly, "Citrine's gone missing again. You're the only one who can ever find her when she wanders off. Could you help me look for her?"

Spike smiled happily. "Sure thing, Dad!" he said happily, stepping out of the church into his hometown of Gate. "Citrine! Citrine!" he called out, beginning to search the town.

"Looking for your sister again, Spike?" one of the townsponies asked.

Spike smiled. "Yeah. Have you seen her?"

"Hmm...I think I saw her heading into the forested area behind the town."

"Thanks!" Spike called as he turned to go.

The old man chuckled. "Citrine can be such a handful sometimes, can't she? Father Starswirl is so lucky to have such a dutiful son."

Blushing slightly at the compliment, Spike ran into the forested area. He knew exactly where his sister would be. Following the path, he came out at the mountainside where the great dragon rested its unmoving head. There he saw Citrine, his little sister. Despite frequent urgings by both their father and the townsponies for her to act and dress as a proper young lady, the orange Pegasus filly insisted on dressing in shirts and shorts and running around willy-nilly. Spike saw no problem with it, though. That was just the way his sister was.

As he approached her, however, a blue, spiky monster called a Gong Head appeared out of the bushes to attack him. He knew he stood no chance here. He wasn't nearly strong enough to fight monsters, not when he was only 9. However, he knew if he ran, it would attack Citrine. "RAAH!" he shouted out his battle cry, grabbing a nearby stick to swing at the monster.

It dodged and weaved around his movements, then struck forward with its beak and caught him in the shoulder. "GAH!" he cried out, clutching his wound. Still, he stood boldly, ready to strike.

"THUNDER BOLT!" an angry voice shouted out. A massive bolt of lightning shot from the sky, incinerating the Gong Head. Starswirl ran forward. "Are you alright, Spike? What were you thinking, attacking a monster?"

As Starswirl healed Spike's wound and Citrine ran forward, Spike spoke up. "If I'd run, it would have attacked Citrine. It's a big brother's job to protect his little sister."

Citrine glowered at him. "Idiot!" she said. "I don't need your protection, especially not if you're going to get hurt!" She flared her tiny wings. "You think these are decorative?"

Seeing how he was fully healed, he smirked at her. "At your age? Yes."

"Why you!" she shouted out, pouncing on him as they proceeded to wrestle on the ground.

Starswirl sighed. "Why couldn't Sarasa have had a second son? That surely wouldn't have been nearly as much trouble," he mumbled under his breath. "That's enough, both of you," he said louder. "Behave."

The two young ones stopped wrestling. "Yes, Dad," they said together.

Starswirl then looked down at Citrine. "Why were you out here, anyway?"

Citrine smiled up at him. "When I take a nap under the dragon, Mom talks to me in my dreams!"

Spike unconsciously stroked the gem he wore around his neck, an inheritance from his mother. It always seemed to glow with a strange light, showing how the one he was talking to felt about him. With Starswirl and Citrine, it always flashed in a rainbow of colors.

Starswirl sighed somewhat regretfully. "I suppose she would at that," he said cryptically. "So what does she tell you? Dare I hope she wants you to grow up to be a proper young lady?"

"Nope!" she replied happily. "She says I should be true to myself, and if anyone tries to force me to change, to kick 'em in the nuts!"

As Spike winced, Starswirl laughed uproariously. "Sarasa was always such a firecracker!" he said happily. "I guess you really take after her." He gently ruffled Citrine's violet mane.

Citrine giggled. "Guess so!" she said happily. She turned to Spike. "Hey, Spike! Maybe you should take-" She paused, seeing Spike had already fallen asleep beneath the dragon.

Starswirl chuckled. "Guess he wants to talk to Sarasa, too."

Citrine laughed. "Let's leave him to it, then," she said, walking away with her father.

Some time later, Spike awoke. "Odd," he said. "I only dreamed about a strange eye..." Shrugging his shoulders, he walked back to town. But something was subtly different. Everypony looked at him with distrust and hostility. However, he ignored it, walking back to the church.

A strange woman stood behind the pulpit. "Who are you?" Spike demanded. "Where's my Dad? Where's Father Starswirl?"

The pink unicorn mare looked down at him with a gentle smile. "I don't know what you mean," she said calmly. "I am Mother Crysta. I have always tended this church of St. OZ." She smiled softly at him. "However, the church will always take in orphans. You seem confused. Perhaps a good night's rest will help you."

"What? But-"

Without another word, Crysta bundled Spike upstairs and into a bed. "Sleep well, young one. It will all make sense in the morning."

Spike lay there for some time, trying to make sense of what was going on. A young earth pony colt hops out of the next bed after some time and snatches the candle off the bedside table. "Looks like this place ain't got much worth anything," he said quietly. "Ah well, time to move on."

Spike hopped out of the bed. "Where are you going?"

The piebald colt smiled at him. "I'm leaving this backwater, mate. Gotta find somewhere better to make a livin, when you're an orphan." He grinned widely. "I'm Pipsqueak the Pirate, mate! Who might you be?"

"I'm Spike," Spike replied. "I...I need to get out of here, too."

"Then you can come with me, mate. Two heads are better than one, and us orphans gotta stick together!"

"But I'm not-" Spike started.

"Come on then!" Pipsqueak grabbed Spike's hand and dragged him along. Spike sighed. He'd explain his story later.

As they made their way out of town, it began to rain. "We need to find some shelter," Spike said. "There's a cave nearby."

"Lead on, mate!" Pipsqueak said eagerly.

Spike quickly lead Pipsqueak into the cave, where they lit the stolen candle for light with a brief bout of fire breath from Spike. "That's a neat trick," Pipsqueak said in awe.

Spike rubbed the back of his head. "Can't do it too often yet..."

"Come on, let's go deeper. It's bound to get warmer further in."

The two journeyed deeply into the cave, trying to ignore the sounds that were truly frightening to both of them. They then came to a large chamber. The entire chamber suddenly illuminated, revealing a massive red centaur with curling horns.

"AH!" Pipsqueak screamed, immediately hiding.

"So you are the chosen one?" the creature shouted. It laughed. "Come, dragon! Fight! Fight for God's glory and entertainment!"

Not understanding, Spike leapt forward to attack, only to feel the creature's claws dig into his chest...

Spike shot awake, panting and shivering.

"Geez, mate," Pip said as he sat up in his own bed. "Could you not scream so loud when you have nightmares?"

Spike closed his eyes. "Sorry, Pip. It's the same nightmare. That demon, and my father and sister vanishing..."

Pip walked over and laid a hand on Spike's shoulder. "I know this bugs you, mate, but don't worry. We've got a good life now, and someday we'll find your answers."

Spike smiled. "I know, Pip. Thanks for being there for me all those years."

Pip chuckled. "Hey, I'd have never made it so far without you, mate. Mates stick together." He looked at the time and blanched. "Speaking of our life, we need to get to the Ranger's Guild, pronto!"

"Right!" Spike said, leaping to his feet as he buckled on his sword and helmet. "Let's go!"

Backtracking

As the group walked out of Hoarsair, Spike stretched a bit. "Well, so much for that lead. I'd better head back and let Pipsqueak know it was a bust."

"Pipsqueak?" Rainbow asked in confusion.

"He's a friend of mine," Spike replied. "Back in Ponyville, he got in trouble for a crime he didn't commit. He's hiding out in a small shack to the south until I find the real thief so I can clear his name."

"That's actually what led us to you," Fluttershy added. "All we have to go on is that she's a brightly colored pegasus, so we've been tracking down every pegasus-"

"Oh!" Rainbow interrupted. "You must mean Scootaloo the Thief Queen!"

Spike turned to Rainbow. "Scootaloo the Thief Queen?"

Rainbow nodded. "Yeah. She's a little younger than you, orange coat, purple mane, eyes, and tail, wings kind of on the small side. She's a huge fan of mine. Stopped by for an autograph after the last match before the one I fought you in." Rainbow frowned. "Also stole my favorite blanket."

Spike nodded. "Well, at least we know who we're looking for now," he said calmly. Something about that description nagged at him, but he couldn't quite place it. "Well, might as well head back and report."

"Right!" Pinkie said happily, pulling out the cannon. "And we can get there lickety split with my Party Cannon!"

Spike blinked. "Party Cannon?"

"Yup!" Without warning, she stuffed everyone into the cannon before firing it off.

"AAAAAGGHH!" Spike screamed along with Fluttershy as they flew through the air.

"DAMN IT PINKIE!" Rainbow added.

The three of them flew through the air, over the mountains, arcing down to come in for a landing...on a giant, pink bounce castle just outside the woods where the old man's shack was?

"Enjoy the flight?" Pinkie asked happily.

"No," Spike groaned from underneath Fluttershy and Rainbow, trying not to blush from how they were both pressed against him. "Landing wasn't so bad, though."

Rainbow pushed herself up first. "How'd you get here so-"

"Shh!" Pinkie hissed, rushing up to cover Rainbow's mouth. "If you ask, it stops working!"

Fluttershy blinked in confusion. "O...kay?"

Spike managed to stand up. "Anyway, let's go let Pip know what's going on."

"Okie-dokie-lokie!" Pinkie said happily, glomping onto Spike's left arm. Fluttershy quickly grabbed his right hand. Rainbow, grumbling, followed behind.

As they approached the shack, Pip stepped out. "Hey Spike!" he called. "How'd it-" He froze, taking in his best friend with a smoking hot mare on each arm and another watching his rear as he walked. "You lucky bugger!" he shouted. Right at that moment, a part of the wall of the shack fell inward, making him wince.

Pinkie immediately pushed everyone else towards the shack. "You all talk inside. I'll get things fixed up super duper quick!" Once everyone was inside, she started to race around outside.

Spike sighed, taking a seat. "Well, Pip, our original lead led us to Rainbow here, which was a bust-"

"In more ways than one!" Pinkie shouted from outside, making Rainbow blush.

Spike rolled his eyes. "However, Rainbow is a childhood friend of Fluttershy's, so she's along for the ride now. And Pinkie out there joined in because she thinks we're at the start of an epic adventure."

Pip nodded. "So, do we know anything new?"

"We know who we're after, but not where this 'Scootaloo' is." Spike hung his head back. "Any ideas?"

"You could try checking back in Ponyville for clues," John Smith suggested. "You never know what might turn up."

Spike thought about that for a time, then shrugged. "Well, it's as good a clue as any."

"Hey!" Pinkie shouted from outside. "Come check this out! I found something strange!"

Spike stood up. "Wonder what it will be?" Everyone followed him outside.

Outside, the shack had been completely repaired into a full fledged three story cottage, and six houses had been built, creating a whole town. "You like it?" Pinkie asked. "I'm thinking of calling it Dutchcolt. But that's not what I wanted you to see. It's this way!" Grabbing hold of Spike and Pipsqueak, she dragged them over to a corner of the new town, where an old well stood.

Pipsqeak blinked. "It's a well."

Pinkie giggled. "In the well, silly!"

Shrugging, Spike climbed down to the bottom of the well, followed by Pipsqueak. There, they found a large room filled with technology the likes of which they'd never seen before. "Wow!" Spike gasped. "What kind of place is this?"

"No idea," Pip echoed. "Any ideas what we should do?"

Spike looked around, careful not to touch anything. "I think we should tell Echichi about it next time we're in Gutz. You know how obsessed she is with machines."

"Don't you mean 'Ecchi-chan'?" Pip teased, reminding Spike how flirtatious the female minotaur had been.

"Shut up." Spike turned and climbed back up the ladder out of the well.

After saying their goodbyes, Spike headed back towards Ponyville with Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Pinkie. Once they reached the town, Spike stretched. "Any ideas where we should look for clues?" he asked.

There was the heavy impact of metal against flesh, followed by something smashing through the gates of the White Mage academy, slamming into the back of the item shop.

"How about that?" Rainbow asked, as Fluttershy cowered behind her.

"Nah," Spike said. "I recognize that sound. Someone just tried to be improper with Miss Rarity, so she smacked him with her jeweled mace. She can get some good air with that thing."

"Well, a white mage could be helpful in our search," Pinkie pointed out. "Maybe if you go be her white knight, she'll want to come with?"

Spike blinked, then grinned rather goofily. "Good idea!" He rushed towards the broken gate.

"Dammit, Pinkie!" Rainbow complained. "Do you really want more competition? Especially one he's known a while?"

"I already know what he's packing," Pinkie countered. "There's plenty to go around." She held up two fingers.

Rainbow blinked, her eyes going wide, and then blushed bright red.

"Oh...my," Fluttershy added, blushing as well. The three raced to join Spike.

They found him standing at the gate as Rarity - dressed in the White Mage academy school uniform - swung a heavily jeweled mace into the face of another canid, sending him flying across the lawn. "I gave you three fair warning to keep your distance," she snapped at them, her brow furrowed. "If you do not heed me now, I shall be forced to use lethal force." The gems in the mace glowed as she spoke.

The last standing dog helped his brethren to their feet. "We go now, but we be back!" he said. "Fido want you. Diamond Dogs want you. What Fido wants, Fido gets!"

"Then it's about time he was properly disappointed," Rarity insisted, turning to storm back into the Academy.

Spike stared after her. "Isn't she amazing?" she asked Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy.

Pinkie nodded in agreement. Fluttershy shrugged her shoulders, unsure how to respond.

"Damn!" Rainbow exclaimed. "When'd they start teaching white mages how to kick flank?"

Spike shrugged. "Well, we might as well go ask if she wants to come." The group followed Rarity into the Academy and up to the second floor.

Rarity was meeting with the Headmaster. "I'm terribly sorry about the scene out front, sir," she apologized. "Those Diamond Dogs just won't leave me alone."

"Even so," the Headmaster frowned, "we need to maintain a certain level of discipline here in the school. It's gated for a reason."

"I can take care of the Diamond Dogs for you, Rarity!" Spike spoke up.

Rarity turned. "Spikey-Wikey!" she cried happily. "What a pleasure to see you again. But are you sure you can spare the time? I'd heard about what happened with your friend, and assumed that you'd be dedicating your time to that."

"And leave you when you're in need?" Spike queried. "Hardly."

"Should keep nose to own business, lizard," a voice spoke from behind as another Diamond Dog came up.

"You!" Rarity snarled. "Haven't you gotten my message yet?"

"We hear you," the dog said, smirking. "But Fido still want you. You are real cutie." Walking up, he showed Rarity something in his hand. "Your little sister cute, too."

Rarity stared at whatever he had in his hand. "W...what have you done with Sweetie Belle?"

Spike's eyebrows raised. Princess Sweetie Belle of Unicornia is Rarity's little sister?

"We not do anything...yet," the dog said. "But if what Fido not get what he want...he have to settle for what he have, right?"

Rarity shuddered, tears in her eyes. "Alright. I'll go with you. Just don't hurt Sweetie." She hung her head, following the dog out of the building.

Spike turned to the headmaster. "Where do those dogs hide out?"

The headmaster unrolled a map, showing a mountain range off the path to Hoarsair. "Here. This is where their mines are."

Spike nodded. "Come on, girls. We're going to rescue Rarity and Sweetie Belle from the Diamond Dogs." He turned back to the headmaster. "Think we could ask one of your students to assist us?"

The headmaster shrugged. "I don't see why not. If one wants to go with you, I won't stop them."

Spike nodded as he turned to go down the stairs.

"Hey!" Rainbow demanded. "Why are you going to recruit some white mage? Think we can't handle a pack of dogs?"

"Considering the pack must have taken down Hamlet and several Unicornian guards, I don't want to take any chances," Spike countered.

Fluttershy nodded. "Yeah. Hamlet was really strong. I hope he's alright."

Pinkie's mane wriggled all of a sudden. Rainbow turned to her. "Okay, Pinkie. What did that one mean?"

Pinkie giggled. "Something unexpected is about to happen!"

Spike entered one of the classrooms and glanced around. Seeing something that intrigued him, he walked up to one of the students, looking over her shoulder.

After a time, she turned to him. "Can I help you?" she asked.

Spike nodded. "Yeah. I was just wondering why a pegasus-" he pointed to her wings and absence of horn "-is at a white mage academy-" he pointed to her notes "-studying dark magic?"

The mare giggled a bit. "It seems my disguise was not as perfect as I believed, though the clues were intentional. I had not thought one would find me for some time yet." A bright light cascaded over her, and when it faded, a dark blue alicorn in a flattering pale blue dress stood before him. "We are Luna, ancient sage. We have watched over the world for some time, amassing great knowledge of the combat magical arts. I await the arrival of a hero whom I will aid."

Spike blinked, staring up at her. "I'm Spike. I'm trying to help my friend, and save Rarity and Sweetie Belle from the Diamond Dogs. Does that qualify as heroic?"

Luna looked down at him for a time. "Perhaps. However, due to an ancient oath, while this world is still in infancy as it is, I may only influence events if called upon to do so by one of the Dragon Clans. Tell me, art thou of dragon blood?"

Spike paused, glancing at his scales, his clawed hand, the spines along his back, his spade tail, and his forked tongue. "...yes," he said slowly.

Luna smiled. "Would that I could take thy word for it, but I needs must have proof. Demonstrate the power of-"

At that moment, a mote of dust slipped into Spike's nose. "Ah...ah...Ahchoo!" A gout of flame shot from his mouth as he sneezed, which Luna barely dodged.

Luna grinned widely. "Thou art indeed of dragon blood! Oh wondrous day, adventure awaits us once more!" Happily, she grabbed hold of him and pulled him into a tight embrace, burying his face in her cleavage in the process.

Back in Dutchcolt, Pipsqueak found himself shouting, "You lucky bugger!" for no apparent reason.

As Luna held Spike tight against her, she noticed something that made her blush. "Goodness. The fun has been doubled." This set Pinkie Pie - who was watching - to giggling, and Rainbow and Fluttershy - also watching - to blushing.

Luna has joined the party.

Author's Note

Battle Data, Luna:

Attack - a focused burst of magic, amplified via rings on hands and horn. Can equip up to three different ones.
Dark Moon/Nightmare - Dark Moon casts the battlefield into night, putting all enemies to sleep, and transforms Luna to a darker form, Nightmare Moon (Magic stats up, physical stats down). Command then becomes Nightmare, which inflicts massive damage to a target opponent if they are asleep.
Magic - Luna is a master sage, and knows all black magic spells. Years of training has also given her a vast store of magic power to draw on to cast with.

Of Dragons and Ponies

Spike sat in the boat as they sailed the short channel, fuming. "I still can't believe none of you could tell I was a dragon," he once again complained.

"Well, it isn't exactly obvious," Rainbow pointed out.

Spike raised an eyebrow. "I'm purple."

"Lotsa ponies are purple," AJ countered.

"I'm covered in scales."

"I thought it was a skin condition you didn't like talking about so I didn't ask," Fluttershy whimpered meekly.

"I have claws!"

"I thought it was a beneficial birth defect related mutation," Rarity pointed out. "I didn't want to say anything, and anything so brazenly displayed and useful is a feature, not a bug."

"I breathe fire!"

"To be fair," Luna pointed out, "I'm the only one who's seen that."

Spike blinked. "But Fluttershy, I breathed fire every time we encountered undead on our way to Hoarsair!"

"I hid my face in my mane whenever they approached," Fluttershy explained, "and when I looked up, I saw them on fire. I thought you used Alchemist's Fire or something."

Luna blinked. "It seemeth me that all of you were deliberately ignoring any signs of his heritage in any way possible, as though you did not want to consider the possibility of Spike being a dragon. Is there a particular reason for this?"

None of them - other than Pinkie - were willing to meet Luna or Spike's eyes. "I know why," Pinkie spoke up. "It's the stories of the Hunger Games."

Luna blinked. "I don't believe I'm familiar-"

"In ancient days, when the clans lived in peace under dragon's watchful eyes, a Goddess of Desire appeared. She offered the dragons her power to sate any hunger they might have. They made bloody war on each other and the rest of the world to claim her power, until the Dragon Clans were all but wiped out, and a great hero sealed the Goddess away with six Sacred Keys, which were then hidden away." Pinkie nodded as she finished the story. "Since the stories of those days have been passed around a lot, so dragons kind of have a bad rep as a result, and the few dragons still around are mostly jerks. And since dragons being nice doesn't fit with most pony's idea of them, Spike being so nice made it hard for them to see him as a dragon."

Spike blinked. "So, the reason none of you could tell I was a dragon was because I'm too nice to be one?" he asked incredulously, shocked even more as most of the mares nodded shamefacedly.

"You do not seem to share this idea, Pinkie," Luna pointed out.

"For two reasons," Pinkie replied, hopping to the dock to tie up the boat. "One, I heard the original form of the stories, which included that the hero who sealed the Goddess was the last Warrior of the Light Dragon clan, so I know dragons can be nice and good guys. Second, I didn't see Spike as a dragon because I was too busy seeing him as Spike, although him being a dragon explains why he's hoarding so many hot mares!"

Spike scratched the back of his head in confusion as the mares all laughed. "...I don't get it," he admitted.

"You will someday," Luna reassured him softly.

"Sorry if we offended you, not knowing what you were," Fluttershy apologized meekly.

Spike thought for a bit, then shrugged. "Don't worry about it. Like Pinkie said, who I am is more important than what." Standing up, he clambered out of the boat. "Well, we need to keep going. We need to get through that forest ahead before we can get to Canterlot, so let's get going."

Nodding, everyone followed him into the woods. As they walked through, they noticed some strange shaped tracks. They looked like pony hoof prints...but they were in a set of four, rather than two. "Wonder what kind of creature would leave these?" Fluttershy asked curiously.

"...over here," a voice called from behind a nearby tree.

Curious, everyone followed Fluttershy around to behind the tree, not expecting the sight that awaited them. The small, purple creature staggered around ungainly on four hooves, as though unused to her own form. "Can you...lend me a hand?" she asked nervously. "I...seem to have misplaced mine."

Spike blinked. "What are you?" he asked.

"I am - or was - a unicorn," the lavender female replied. "I think I might still be one, just...a different type? I'm not so sure." She looked over herself. "My Cutie Mark's the same and in the same place, but I'm a quadraped instead of a biped. While the absence of hands is a bit of a difficulty, my telekinesis was always quite strong, which would be of use if I had my scrolls and quills. Argh! How can I take notes about what it's like to be a different creature when I have nothing to take notes with!" The tail end came out in a wail.

Spike blinked for a bit, a little confused. However, he reached into his satchel and pulled out some scrolls, a few quills, and a large inkwell. "Will this do?" he asked.

The mare squealed happily. "Thank you thank you thank you!" She threw her forelegs around his waist in a hug before seizing the supplies in her magic and beginning to take notes. She paused after a time. "Umm...I don't suppose you'd mind breaking the curse on me so I could return to normal? No rush, I'm learning so much after all."

Spike blinked, then nodded. "I'd be happy to break the curse, but how? Who cursed you?"

She smiled happily, her eyes becoming somewhat glazed. "It was my beloved Eupie. He said it was too dangerous for me to remain close to him, and as long as I was in my natural form, I would be uncontrollably drawn to him. So he altered my form and placed me here where I wouldn't be bothered to protect me. He's so dreamy..."

Luna leaned in to Spike. "She seems to be under the influence of a glamour as well as a curse. She is somewhat brainwashed."

Spike nodded. "I saw," he whispered back. "So," he asked aloud, "where can we find this Eupie?"

The mare smiled back. "He lives at the top of a tower on the cliff, above the waterfall to the west."

Spike nodded. "Thanks. We'll go investigate."

"Take your time!" she called to him as the group turned to leave, her nose already buried amongst her scrolls.

Spike shook his head as they walked. "Can you believe that? She wants us to not hurry at getting her back to normal!"

Luna chuckled. "My elder sister would love a student like that. She always valued a scholarly mind."

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Well, whatever, let's just get her changed back to normal. Or maybe head to Canterlot. Isn't there a carriage dock to Canterlot or something to the south?"

Fluttershy nodded. "I've been down there. It's right next to a camping site."

Spike grinned. "Lead the way."

Smiling, Fluttershy lead them around a large lake surrounded by a powerful mystic barrier. "What's that?" Applejack asked, poking the field and jerking her hand back. "Yowch!"

Rarity rested her hand on Applejack's, healing the small burn. "That's Canterlot's Force Barrier, raised only in times of crisis." She frowned. "When it's raised, entry is only possible with a proper pass key spell."

"Which none of us know, right?" Pinkie playfully posed.

Sighing, Rarity nodded. "I've never been, after all."

"I have not explored this part of the world in several centuries," Luna admitted, "so I have no idea what it might be."

"So I guess we go see about finding this 'Eupie'?" Spike suggested.

Rainbow Dash's stomach growled loudly. "Think we could get something to eat first?"

"There's a restaurant in the area built into the cliff," Fluttershy mentioned. "It's called the WildDrake. I've never been, though."

"Sounds like a plan," AJ posed. "We could all use some good grub."

"Alright," Fluttershy said as she led the way to a cave.

Inside, a large stature awaited them beside a large basket. It's eyes glowed, and it spoke. "Please check your bags here," it intoned, pointing into the basket.

"Oh my!" Rarity squealed. "It's a high class restaurant! We simply must dine here!"

"Alright," Spike said, dropping his satchel into the basket as the others dropped a few of their things in. They then went through a wide double doors.

A sign and another basket awaited them. "Please remove your hats before eating," the sign read.

Spike glanced around. Since he went without a helmet, the only one actually wearing a hat was AJ. She glowered, but then her stomach grumbled. "Fine!" she growled, tossing her hat into the basket. "But if it ain't in good condition when I get back, I'm turning the management inside out."

The group then went into the next room, where another sign awaited them. "Please leave all armaments here, and take a plate and fork," the sign read.

Spike shrugged. "Seems reasonable," he said, leaving his sword and shield in the basket. Rarity added her mace, Luna her rings, Rainbow her staff, Fluttershy her whip, Pinkie several dozen cooking knives and her cannon. AJ sighed as she discarded her rope as well.

In the next room, a sign read, "Please wear only 'Dinner Napkins' attire in restaurant proper." Two closets waited, one full of empty hangers and a few drawers, one full of long, white robe like garments.

Rarity blinked. "Well, I've heard of restaurants having a strict dress code, but this is a bit much."

"Shut up," Rainbow said as she began stripping out of her admittedly skimpy outfit. "I'm hungry, so let's just obey the rules and get some food!"

Sighing, Rarity complied as the mares and Spike stripped out of their travel clothes and battle armor, before covering their naked bodies with the 'Dinner Napkins', although Spike struggled to deal with his embarrassment. The group then proceeded into the next room.

Another sign awaited. "Please rub salt and pepper onto your bodies."

The entire group blinked, staring at that directive. "What in tarnation?" AJ demanded in shock. "There ain't no way any of us would-PINKIE!"

Pinkie looked up from rubbing the seasonings into her coat. "What? I bet I'll be delicious!"

They all blinked at her before sighing and mimicking her actions, although only Pinkie did so with equanimity. The group proceeded into the next room.

A sign with buttons beneath it awaited. "Please select desired level of cooking for your food." Three buttons, reading 'Rare', 'Medium', and 'Well Done' rested beneath the sign. They all stared in confusion.

"Umm...any idea what that means?" Rainbow asked.

"Nope," Pinkie replied.

"Nuh-uh," AJ added.

"No clue," Rarity admitted.

"Umm...no?" Fluttershy offered.

"It means nothing to me," Luna concluded.

Shrugging, Spike pushed 'Rare'. "Might as well pick at random, then." Nodding to the others, he lead them into the next room.

They found themselves on a large platform made of metal mesh. "Wonder what this is?" AJ asked.

"It looks like a giant oven," Pinkie piped up. "Or maybe a griddle pan!"

As the door slammed shut behind them, Fluttershy whimpered, "I wish you hadn't said that."

A large opening appeared in the roof, and a massive red reptilian head stuck itself into the room. It blinked a few times, then opened its mouth and released a massive gout of flame.

Luna desperately raised a barrier, trying to shield the group. "I don't know how long I can hold it!" she cried out.

"Yowch!" AJ shouted, hopping from hoof to hoof. "The floor's heating up!"

As everyone began to scream in fear, Spike's eyes glowed as the power washed over him. His body expanded slowly until he was double his normal size, his scales turning pale blue. With a roar, he released a huge blast of icy breath, pushing the fire back, sealing the hole the reptilian head had come through, and cooling the air and floor. He then slumped in on himself as he returned to normal.

"N-n-n-now it's too c-c-c-cold!" Pinkie chattered, shivering.

Spike learned DragonBlaze!
Spike learned DragonBlizzard!
Spike learned DragonStorm!

The group quickly rushed further into the cave. They came across a large restaurant like room dominated by a massive red dragon, looking down at them.

"WildDrake restaurant," Rarity whimpered. "Where...the wild Drake eats?"

The dragon shook his massive head. "I eat the weak. You are strong. And he is of another clan." He pointed to Spike. "You all are his, so I not touch. Apologies. I will give you a gift." He tossed Pinkie a set of chopping knives.

"Ooh!" Pinkie said happily. "I don't have any of these! It looks like I could cut right through any armor or even bone with knives this sharp!"

Pinkie learned Chop Chop!

The dragon chuckled. "And for the rest of you..." He snapped his talons, and numerous golems walked out with platters heaped high with vegetables, hay based foods, and some dishes made with gems.

"Now that's service!" Rainbow said happily, immediately diving into the food.

The dragon chuckled as he watched the others join her, leaning back to watch. Another golem came in, carrying all their belongings. "You may take the shortcut in the back to the top of the waterfall," he said calmly. "I wish you well on your journey."

After they all finished eating, they changed back into their travel attire and retrieved their equipment. They then took the directions to the shortcut to the top of the waterfall, before making their way towards the tower.

Rainbow patted her stomach. "That was some good eating."

"We did have to fight for our food," AJ pointed out.

"Well, Spike did," Fluttershy pointed out.

"And he unlocked more dragon power, so that's all good!" Pinkie said happily. "Hey, I think that's the tower!"

She was pointing to a tall structure that soared into the heavens. From the top of the tower, a voice echoed tragically. "Stay away! Stay away!"

Pinkie blinked. "Sounds like somepony needs a hug!" she said happily, rushing into the tower. Groaning, Spike and the others followed.

They easily made their way up the tower, clearing a few gate and platform puzzles that seemed to serve no purpose. The tower seemed to be full of glaze eyed mares who sighed longingly at the slightest provocation. "This place gives me the creeps," AJ muttered as they approached the final chamber.

Spike shrugged his shoulders. "Well, we'll see what this is all about soon." He pushed the door open.

Inside, slumped over on the edge of a large bed with his face in his hands, was a red and black striped alicorn stallion, built on physically massive proportions, as though someone who didn't truly understand how a musculature system actually worked had tried to design a physically perfect specimen. Wings and horns were unusually large, and every movement of his body caused muscle to ripple, practically bursting out of his skin, and despite the clumsiness of the movements he somehow exuded a supernatural grace as he sobbed uncontrollably.

Spike blinked. "Umm...Eupie, I presume?"

The stallion looked up, his golden eyes glittering with unshed tears. "Yes. That's what she called me. That lovely lavender mare. She's too important to allow to waste away because of me."

Spike blinked. "Uhh..."

"It always happens," he moaned, raising his arms to the heavens in supplication. "No matter where I go, mares flock to me. No matter how unrealistic, they always fall for me. In truth, I'm an abomination that shouldn't exist, and yet all that any man could hope for comes to me without even trying! Beloved wherever I go, the envy of any stallion, a master of anything I put my hand to...but none of it is real!"

Spike blinked in confusion. "Umm..."

"It's why she calls me Eupie," the alicorn continued, throwing his head back so his sparkling mane danced in the air. "She asked me who I was, and I told her my name was unimportant. It's true. No matter what name I use, everyone finds it beautiful! She concluded my name was Unimportant Pony, a testament to modesty, and nicknamed me Eupie. Even when I try to belittle myself, the world is rewritten to give me everything on a silver platter! No matter what I do, this unreal, abhorrent, false paradise is unending! All I want is something real, but I am cursed to endure only the contrived!" We wailed once more, tears streaming down his face. "And now, all I truly want is to die, but even that is beyond me! The story won't let me die-"

There was a shocking SCHINK sound as the alicorn's head flew off his shoulders, bouncing across the floor as his body slumped over, bleeding out. Pinkie wiped her new chopping knife clean of blood. "Hate these guys," she grumbled, her mane and tail flat and her coat a slightly darker color than normal.

Luna nodded. "Indeed." Stretching out her hand, she obliterated the body and head in a burst of magic. "The world has no place for such monstrosities...though he seemed a rare specimen, that he realized it. At any rate, the mares will no longer be under his spell, and his curse on the mare in the woods should be broken now."

"Better bring her this," a mint green unicorn with a turquoise and white mane said, handing Spike a large satchel. "She left her things here. Thanks for breaking that guy's spell, though. Name's Lyra, Shaman of Water."

Luna blinked. "Perhaps you should join Sunset Shimmer, the Shaman of Fire, in Dutchcolt then?"

Lyra blinked. "You're right, I really should!" With that, the mare vanished in a torrent of water.

Spike smiled. "Think you could warp us back to the forest, Luna?"

Luna smiled. "Certainly," she replied, casting the spell.

Once more in the forest, Spike glanced around. "Now where would we find..." He glanced at the nametag on the satchel. "Twilight Sparkle, crown Princess of Canterlot?" he read aloud in shock.

With a loud "Oomph!" the mare in question tumbled out, once more a biped as she fell to the ground...a nude biped at that. "And the curse would break just as I get used to walking on all fours and now need to relearn walking upright." She rolled over onto her stomach, saw Spike, and quickly covered herself. "I...don't suppose you brought my clothes from the tower?" she asked nervously, blushing brightly.

Chuckling, Luna plucked the satchel from Spike's nerveless grasp and tossed it to Twilight.

"Thanks!" she said, quickly pulling out a pair of shorts, a lab coat, a pair of hoof shoes, and a pair of glasses. She pulled them all on quickly, buttoning the lab coat tight, despite it being a bit tight across her chest. "There we go," she said, turning around as she straightened her glasses on her muzzle. "That'll do until I get more clothes from home. Would you all be so good as to escort me?"

Twilight Sparkle joins the party!

Author's Note

Battle Data:

Spike

The new dragon spells are the second level of the fire, ice, and lightning dragon transformations, which targets all enemies.

Twilight

Attack - her weapon of choice is a bracer which focuses her magic into an energy blade.
Study - Twilight skips her turn. Any spell used that turn that she can learn that's within her level range gets added to her spell list.
Magic - Twilight naturally learns white and black magic, and can "Study" to learn any spells other than character specific spells, such as Spike's Dragon Transformations or Pinkie's Cooking Spells.