Burning World

Chapters

Prologue
Missing
Awakening
Denial
Funeral

Prologue

Burning World

Prologue

“Would you hurry up Twilight? My arms are getting tired” Spike said while holding a rainbow glowing stone above his head.

“Just a moment Spike, I’m almost done” Twilight said without tearing her eyes from the book she was reading “Rarity, stand inside the blue circle please. Fluttershy, please pass me the Ursa Major tears jar.” Fluttershy did so “Thanks, now stand inside the black circle. Applejack, have you finished drawing the last diagram I gave you?”

“All done over here!” Applejack replied behind Twilight. “And it looks identical, pretty good job if ya’ll ask me”

“Let me see,” Twilight turned around and examined the diagram for several seconds. “Perfect! Now stand inside the white circle. Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, are you done positioning the candles and the gemstones?”

“Done!” Pinkie said, cheerful as ever. “I even tripled checked them, just like you said I had to!”

“Finished!” Said a hovering Rainbow Dash. “Now what?”

“Pinkie Pie, stand inside the red circle, you stand inside the green one Rainbow Dash.” Twilight pointed opening her book once more, reading the instructions for the uptenth time.

“Soooooo…..care to explain what’s going on now?” Rainbow asked as she landed on her circle. “We did all you told us to do, I think we deserve an answer.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah, that.” Twilight pulled the book down with her magic, checking the numerous gemstones, diagrams and objects spread around her library in very strategic and precise positions. “According to the journal of Starswirl the Bearded, he developed a teleporting system that would, in theory, create a specific, precise, secure and fast teleportation grid web. Thus establishing several portals linked between themselves, allowing ponies and any other creatures small enough to pass through them to travel great distances, say all over Equus, almost instantly, everypony with me so far?” Twilight stopped checking the components to see her friends glancing between themselves confused, she sighed. “Portals allow any creature to ‘teleport’ from one place to another without using magic instantly. Think of a door that once it’s open, it will remain open.”

“Ohhhhhh!” Her five friends exclaimed, finally understanding.

“That sounds mighty useful, Twilight, why aren’t there any yet?” Applejack asked.

“Because Starswirl wasn’t strong enough to keep them open for long, not even with the help of Princess Luna and Princess Celestia.” Everyone gasped in surprise while Twilight examined the circles her friends were standing on, as well as the one she was going to use. “He tried again and again, each attempt managing to open them up for a bit longer but never making them permanent. With each try he wrote down his notes until he created this unique nexus diagram.” She said entering her grey circle. “Sadly, he died a little after the banishment of Nightmare Moon, never being able to test it, but his instructions are clear. Many powerful and talented mages have tried to complete it but all have failed.”

“Then what makes you think you can do it Twilight?” Spike asked, his arms quivering.

“Because this spell requires an incredible amount of magic power, Princess Celestia tried to complete it years after the banishment but couldn’t do it, she tried again after Princess Luna recovered, but failed again. And I finally realized what the error was after reading his entire diary.” She finished her explanation by closing the book loudly “They never once tried to use the Elements of Harmony, fearing that channeling so much power with only two Bearers would be catastrophic, but now we can finish it! The power of the Elements flow between the six of us, we can channel it perfectly AND safely.” Her friends were silent with their mouths hanging open.

“Errrmm, Twilight.” Rainbow began. “Isn’t that, you know, dangerous? I mean, we haven’t even tested this babies yet.” She pointed at her new red tiara with her left hoof “How can we be sure it will work?”

Twilight rubbed her chin for a couple of seconds before answering “You’re right, lets do a little test ladies.” Twilight closed her eyes and focused on the magical connection between the Elements, soon enough her friends closed their eyes, feeling a certain immense yet familiar power flow through them. Eventually, a rainbow began to emerge from the top of their respectives tiaras until they all connected with Twilight’s one. Opening her eyes, Twilight focused long enough to start creating a typhoon of rainbow colors in the middle of the great diagram, then she broke her focus and the connection between the Elements returning to normal. “Everything seems fine to me. Girls?”

“I’m okay, it felt like it always does.” Rainbow said.

“I’m fine...it was, nice.” Fluttershy whispered.

“Never better, partner.” Applejack said.

“All good here!” Pinkie cheered.

“I’m alright, darling, no need to worry.” Rarity said.

“Good then, are you ready for the real deal?” Her friends nodded “Spike, put the Rainbow Stone inside the circle in the middle, carefully”

“Ughhh, finally! I can’t feel my arms anymore.” Spike complained as he lowered the stone slowly to the ground, until it made contact with it, letting it go and rest against the floor “Now what?”

“Step outside the diagram.” Spike did so. “This is our only chance to do it so let’s make it happen!”

“Only chance? How so? Is that the only Rainbow Stone left or something?” Spike asked as he leaned against a wall nearby, ready to watch the fireworks.

“Well, no, this would be our only chance in some years, the next Rainbow Stone will be ready in about three years, but if we are successful then we can start making more of them at the same time.”

“What’s a Rainbow Stone?” Rarity asked looking at the colorful stone, noticing there was nothing stylish or special about it aside from its colors.

“A Rainbow Stone is a powerful magical ingredient, it's only used to perform some of the most powerful and advanced spells in the world. It has no real value aside from that, it’s very fragile and takes years to produce a single one. They are made by throwing a Fire Ruby inside a rainbow fountain and leave it there, it usually takes between five and ten years, depending on the size of the Fire Ruby, the process can be accelerated by adding magic to the rainbow fountain, slowly, too much will destroy the Rainbow Stone in the making.” Twilight explained.

“Are you telling me that, that.” Rarity pointed at the Rainbow Stone in the middle “Was once a magnificent Fire Ruby?”

“Yes, now you know why they are so rare, Fire Rubies are already the rarest gemstone of all to begin with.” Twilight said as Rarity looked at the stone, almost glaring at it. “Now let’s do this ladies, lets write some history!”

“Haven’t we done it…like, several times already?” Rainbow commented, earning some giggles from her friends as Twilight opened the book again.

It took some seconds for Twilight to control her excitement about the whole thing, but finally she began to cast the necessary spells around the diagram, the gemstones began to glow and levitate in the air, spinning around slowly above them, the tears of the Ursa Major began to glow as they slowly began to encircle the Rainbow Stone. Twilight casted spell, after spell until everything was ready for them to begin, she looked around, read the instructions one last time and gently closed the book, levitating it across the room, leaving it next to Spike. Closing her eyes, she started to focus on the connection between the Elements once more, as her friends did the same.

This time whoever, all the objects around them began to close in to the middle or turn to dust above the ever quickening spinning gemstones, the rainbow energy from the Elements emerged from their tiaras, slowly creating the rainbow ring connecting to Twilights one, soon the rainbow typhoon emerged from Twilights tiara and hit the Rainbow Stone with all its might. The gemstones above them suddenly swirled around them faster and faster until they became nothing but a blur of colors, closing in to each other and down to the levitating Rainbow Stone, the other objects remaining around the tornado of colors started to glow and suddenly turn to ashes.

The ashes quickly being absorbed by the typhoon in front of them, the Rainbow Stone inside the pure majestic energy of the Elements of Harmony glowing a pure white light, so intense that it penetrated through the tornado that encircled it. The swirling gemstones above them were now only inches apart from the rainbow typhoon, without warning the gemstones stopped and shot themselves right into the vortex, creating miniature explosions inside it. The whole diagrams of the Nexus began to glow as well, the glowing matching the color of the Rainbow Stone perfectly, for several seconds the glowing only intensified until it came to an abrupt halt, there was an explosion of rainbow colors everywhere and it all finally came to a halt.

Twilight ended the connection, feeling that it had stopped demanding power from her, opening her eyes the first thing she noticed was a white orb in front of her, slowly taking a more slender and oval like form, almost like some sort of vanity mirror. She grinned.

“It worked!” Twilight shouted, making her other friends open her eyes and look at their success. “It worked, we did it!” She shouted again.

“Whoa.” Spike muttered, finally able to close his mouth after the impressive light show left him agast.

Twilight began to rant about how much this would help ponies and everyone in Equus, as the rest of the girls trotted to her, cheering and congratulating each other for their success. As the portal was about to finish its morphing, a small, almost unnoticeable white lightning erupted from its bottom border. The six mares didn't notice, but Spike did.

“Twilight?” He called for her, standing straight without losing sight of the portal, but Twilight didn’t hear him.

The six friends kept on laughing and talking about how great they were and how with their teamwork they had achieved a, yet another, impossible goal. Suddenly Pinkie Pie shut up and began to shudder greatly just as more lightnings started to emerge from the borders of the portal, each passing one thicker, brighter and longer than the last.

“Twilight!?” Spike practically shouted for her, now very scared of the increasingly violent portal. Again she didn’t hear him.

“What was that Pinkie dear, another doozie?” Rarity asked, concerned by both her friend and the doozie, most of the time doozies never meant something good.

“Yup, and a big one too!” The pink mare said smiling just before a loud cracking noise behind them erupted, all six friends turned around to see their ‘success’ shooting out lightnings and morphing back into a ball.

“Ah don’t suppose it should be doin’ that, right Twilight?” Applejack said as she, and the rest of her friends, began to back away from the white orb.

“I-it shouldn’t be doing this!” Twilight said before teleporting next to Spike and lifted the book with her magic, frantically opening it and reading for an explanation. “I don’t understand, we did everything perfectly, this shouldn’t be happening!” She shouted back at her friends, suddenly the biggest lightning yet erupted from the white ball, hitting the nearby horse wood head, turning it into ashes in less than a second.

“And I bet my wings it shouldn't do that either!” Rainbow shouted as she took flight, just before another lightning emerged from the ball and went directly at her, thanks to her agility she was able to dodge it but not entirely. “AARRGG!” Rainbow shouted in pain as some of the feathers from her right wing were brazed by the lightning, sending her to the ground. “Definitely shouldn’t do that!” She shouted again as she crawled for cover behind a bookshelf. “Take cover!”

More lightnings shot out from the now sphere, turning to ashes everything they made impact with, everypony took cover anywhere they could. After some more lightnings everything came to a momentary halt as Twilight created a barrier around the sphere, the barrier hold out for a couple of lightnings before breaking down after a great, bright and loud one, sending her to the ground before it made impact against the pedestal Fluttershy was hiding behind, turning it to ashes and leaving her exposed.

The sphere was now glowing in the colors of the rainbow and it began to shrink and collapse in a beautiful dance and shower of colors all around the interior of the library. For one second the sheer beauty of it captured all six ponies and the young dragon and everything seemed fine. Then, without warning, the already small sphere shattered into oblivion as it shot a massive rainbow lightning directly against Fluttershy. Her friends froze in shock, Fluttershy froze in terror. They couldn’t scream, they couldn’t move. Everything seemed to move in slow motion, Fluttershy was able to see with great detail the gorgeous and deadly lightning heading her way, tears fell down from her eyes as she realized she was going to die.

Then something else hit her from her left side, hard, sending her away from the lightnings trajectory, she turned her head to the side to see what hit her and saw no other than Spike. Still in mid air with his right shoulder facing her, she couldn’t see all his body but she saw enough of his face to notice the expression of pure anger, resolve and fear plastered on it. She tried to open her mouth to shout something, anything, but it didn’t open.

Then the lightning hit.

“YYYYIIIIIAAAAAAARRRGGGGGHHH!” The scream of pure, unadulterated pain, agony and suffering, combined with the sickening sound of the rainbow lightning making impact against his scales was so loud that it shattered the remaining windows of the library.

For five seconds the six mares were tormented with the constant, overwhelming, pain fueled shout of their dragon friend and his spasming body. Then in a final beautiful and, at the same time, sickening rainbow colored light show, he vanished, leaving nothing but a charcoal mark on the floor, right below where the lightning had hit him.

The six mares were frozen in shock, no pony moved, no pony said anything, no pony could believe what just had happen, they simply got up from where they were hiding or laying and stared with disbelief at what they had just witnessed. For several untold seconds, that to them felt like an eternity, they finally turned their heads looking at each other, mouths hanging open, quivering trying to say anything, but nothing ever came out. All eyes rested once more on the charcoal marking on the floor. One by one, in rapid succession, all six pairs of eyes began to moist, their mouths closing and opening as they gasped for air. The first tear to hit the floor belonged to Twilight.

They all screamed in horror.

Prologue end.

Author's Note

*Yeah, I know, another one, but what can I say, this idea didn't leave my mind until i wrote it down, and I'm going to continue it after updating my other stories, Desires last Chapter has already been sent to my proofreader and will be out as soon as she is done with it, Spike's Destiny new chapter is almost done too, be patient please, I would love to write all day long, but daily life, chores and things like that are such a bother*

*I will need an editor for this one, if anyone wants to or knows of anyone who would want to do so, by all means, send me a PM asking me for it*

Special thanks to all those wo read my stories, I love you guys and gals, stay strong and united my fellow Bronies!

Also this chapter called Loss, written by Blood Brandy served as the inspiration to write this fic. (This idea came to me before the mirror world comic came out, which I haven't read, so no inspiration or ideas from there)

Missing

Chapter 1: Missing

“He’s gone, it’s my fault, he’s gone, it’s my fault,” a yellow pegasus whispered, choking in every word again and again holding her head as she shook it violently, tears falling freely from her never blinking eyes as Rainbow Dash And Applejack tried their best to hold her down, while tears fell from their eyes too “he’s gone, it’s my fault, it should have killed me, I killed him, I killed Spike.” Her voice low, fragile and desperate, almost dark.

Pinkie Pie was sitting in front of the circle of ashes the rainbow lighting left on the library ground, her tail and mane straight and her coat devoid of color and brightness, she said nothing and made no movement. She just stared at the center of the ring while tears fell slowly from her eyes.

Rarity was leaning against the stairway trying her best not to hyperventilate after she had vomited once her screaming was done, the smell of burnt scales and meat lingering around the air of the library getting to her fast and swiftly, her eyes red and puffy while tears fell from them creating a small pond below her.

Twilight had her face glued to the journal. “N-no, this wasn’t either, it was perfect, everything was perfect, what the bucking hay went wrong!?” she yelled at the book “There must be a w-way to b-bring Spike back, or a-anything about where he is, there has to be something.”

“Twilight, p-please help us here, Fluttershy lost it!” Rainbow yelled for her attention, her body shaking barely managing to keep a hold of her shy friend, but she got none “Twilight!”

“I killed Spike, I should have died, I killed Spike, he’s gone, it’s my fault, he’s gone, it’s my fault, I’m a killer, I killed Spike.” Fluttershy went on.

“M-my *urk* Spikey-W-Wikey, my poor sweet Spikey-Wikey.” Rarity said once she had calmed down a bit, she fell to the ground putting her hooves over her eyes as she cried her heart out.

Applejack remained silent mainly because she had apparently lost the ability to talk, much like Pinkie who hadn’t move an inch for the last ten minutes after their screams had been suppressed. Of all of them she was by far the most composed, death of loved ones was not strange to her, that didn’t mean it hurt any less.

Twilight was going through the pages of the journal at lightning speed, reading them as fast as she could over and over again, trying her best to find even the tiniest hint of what had lead things to occur the way they did. She found none.

“BUCK IT ALL!” She screamed using the Royal Canterlot Voice “Buck it! Buck it! Buck it!” she tossed the book to the ground only to stomp on it harshly “Tell me what happened to Spike you stupid useless book!” Twilight stomped the book several times in rage before a hoof touched her over the back of her neck, turning her head she revealed the rivers falling from her eyes to Rarity who was not faring any better than her. Twilight’s lips quiver for several seconds before embracing her unicorn friend in a tight soul-wrenching hug, allowing herself to cry as hard as she wanted.

After several minutes the hug ended, Twilight managed to stop her crying enough to look to her other friends, Pinkie was still in the same spot as, somehow, Applejack managed to calm Fluttershy enough to shake her out of her trance, Rainbow was still shaking slightly as she kept looking at her damaged wing. Sniffling hard she got up and called to her friends.

“Girls, I know this is hard, but we can’t give up and a-assume the w-worst just yet,”she tried to sound as calm and serious as possible but, unsurprisingly, that sounded like she was talking more to herself than to her friends “I don’t k-know what went wrong, but I plan to figure it out, and I will *sob* need your h-help to do it,” her friends looked back at her, including Pinkie, a small light of hope shining in their eyes “for all we know Spike could be in the other side of Equus hurt and alone, we have to find him, fast.”

The rest of the Bearers looked at each other trying to comprehend what Twilight was asking them to do, one by one stood up and once they were all up on their hooves they all nodded.

“What c-can we do?” Pinkie asked, her voice flat and almost lifeless.

“I still don’t know, but we’ll figure something out, let’s go down to the Lab.” Twilight said as she trotted to the door leading down her basement followed by her five friends “Please, please be ok Spike, please be ok.” she begged inwardly.

-------------------------------------------------*********************************************

*Canterlot Castle 3 hours later*

Prince Blueblood walked through the vast halls of the castle towards the private chambers of his beloved older aunt, Princess Celestia, all the while a bright smile on his face as he hummed a happy song. Arriving at the entrance of Celestia’s private chambers two guards welcomed him, he stopped a little over a meter in front of the guards as one used a spell on him and the other used his front hooves to search any hidden weapon, Blueblood never losing his smile or stopping his humming. Once the guards were done they moved aside and the gates opened, Blueblood gave the guards a small nod and step inside the room. Blueblood gave a quick shot back catching the guard on the left handing over a small pouch of bits to the one in the right, their expression stoic as ever, causing him to let out a small chuckle.

The doors closed behind him softly just as he saw his dear aunt laying comfortably on her bed using her magic to hold up a quill and a parchment. Celestia noticed her nephew and greeted him with a small smile as she continued writing.

“I’m sorry for calling you at this hour, Blueblood, I’m sure you were busy with something more important.” she said looking at him, never stopping her writing.

“Nonsense my dear aunt, I finished my duties hours ago, I was simply ‘showing around’ the castle to, yet another, hollow noble mare.” he gave her a playful smile.

Celestia sighed “Another one? Are you ever going to stop your ‘despicable’ behavior and actually spend some time with them? Maybe you’d find them to be not as hollow as you think.”

“Oh auntie, are you so angry that you can’t place bets?” Blueblood smirked as she stopped writing for a second before continuing “If it makes you feel better, this one was at least determined, she didn’t stormed off until I showed her my private collection of suits.” he gave out a long heartfelt laugh.

Celestia giggles softly “That long? I can’t recall the last time one of them managed to get that far.” both of them shared a short laugh for several seconds “But in all seriousness, you should try to give at least one a chance, they may not be after what you think they are, dear nephew, remember Rarity?”

“Ah yes, the lovely miss Rarity, I was able to prepare thanks to a very convenient letter a few days earlier prior to the Gala, to be fair auntie, I apologized and explain everything to her during her stay last year, such a lady doesn’t deserve to be treated like I treated her, we even managed to become good friends afterwards.” Blueblood let out an overly dramatic sad sigh and covered his eyes with one of his forelegs “Alas, there is another prince fighting for her heart already, it is not my place to be in the way of love, and I think she doesn’t dream about me like she used to, though I dearly hope her dreams start to be filled with the prince at her side, say a green, purple and scaly prince.” Blueblood gave out a small chuckle as he finished “Speaking of which, how is my dear cousin doing lately? I haven’t received a letter from him in a while.”

“Spike is doing fine Blueblood, thanks for your concern, he is learning and grows with every day at a phenomenal speed, he might be ready faster than I thought.” Celestia smiled warmly as she spoke of her little dragon.

Blueblood clapped his front hooves together in approval, “Excellent! Oh, how I yearn to take him with me on a trip to the south, such a beautiful land Zebrica is, and maybe we can finally find what kind of dragon is he.”

Celestia stopped writing for a moment to look to her right side, her gaze focused on the remains of the egg Spike had hatched out of, it brought her a happy smile every time she saw it “What kind of dragon doesn’t matter to me as long as my little baby can stay with me at my side.” she said as she returned to her writing.

“I agree,” Blueblood nodded “why have you summoned me, auntie? Do you need to find something? Or somepony? Perhaps a map?” Blueblood offered.

“Very cunning my dear nephew.”

“Don’t flatter me, auntie! It’s my special talent after all.” Blueblood smiled at his solar aunt with gusto.

Celestia giggled softly “The Crystal Empire is expanding just as Cadence predicted, you will leave tomorrow morning to help her and Shining Armor create a map of the whole Empire and its surroundings, then I order you to spend some quality time with your sister and her husband.”

“She’s still mad about the wedding, isn’t she?” Celestia nodded “Thought so.” few seconds of silence fell between them “Is there anything else you need me for auntie?” he asked as he pointed to the door.

“That would be all.” she said just as she levitated the quill to her desk and rolled up the letter she was writing, placing a very special royal seal as she did so.

“A letter for princess Twilight Sparkle?” Blueblood asked curious about the letter “Is it something I should worry about?”

“What do you mean, Blueblood?” Celestia asked confused as she finished wrapping the letter.

“Well, usually, and I mean no offence, when you send a letter to Twilight Sparkle its most likely related to the safety of Equestria. The kind that threatens it, to be precise.” Blueblood said thoughtfully.

“........I never noticed, really?” Celestia received a deadpan stare from her nephew “Well, in that case, I assure you this is only a friendly letter, a quick hello if you will.” Blueblood sighed loudly in relief. Celestia focused her magic on a very unique and familiar spell and then casted it on the letter she was levitating.

*Thumpff*

Both Blueblood and Celestia turned their heads to the ground to find the source of the faint sound, there, laying on the ground, was the very letter Celestia had sent just a few seconds ago. An uncomfortable silence fell between the two of them as they only stared at the letter as if something impossible and horrible had occurred.

“I-it seems I’m more tired than I thought, Blueblood, could you send the letter for me, please?” Celestia asked softly to her nephew.

“Of course, auntie.” Blueblood picked the letter with his magic, levitating it in front of him, and focused on the spell his dear aunt had thought him long ago, it was a very unique spell, only those who shared the blood of Celestia could do it, that meant only three ponies (Luna, Cadence and Blueblood of course), aside from Celestia herself, could cast the spell, a direct link to Spike himself. Once the spell was ready he casted it.

*Thumpff*

The letter fell to the ground again unceremoniously, again silence fell between the unicorn and the alicorn as they simply stared back at the letter. Slowly Celestia’s breathing started to become more rapid and harsh, she took the letter with her magic again and re-cast the spell, only for the letter to hit against the floor once more. She levitated the letter again trying to send it away yet again.

*Thumpff*

And again.

*Thumpff*

And again

*Thumpff*

Celestia repeated the process several times, each failure increasing her rapid, harsh, almost painful breathing. Blueblood on the other hoof was not faring any better, but his attention was not focused on the letter, memories of the young days of Spike flashed in front of his eyes, like a movie at sonic rainboom speed. He used to hate Spike, fearing he would take his spot from the heart of his dear aunt, then, as time went by, he began to open to the drake, spending time and playing with him at every chance he got as did Cadence.

Contrary to what many took for granted, mainly because of his own actions, Blueblood was actually a true gentlestallion from mane to tail, with a bit of a pranking side, but still a good stallion at the end of the day. He loved his aunts, sister and cousin to death, before turning into the personal guardian/assistant of Twilight Sparkle, Blueblood made sure to teach Spike as much as he could about honor, duty, family and respect. Spike was to him more than a cousin or a fellow prince, he was the little brother he always wanted, somepony to teach what was right and what was wrong, to be an example for him to follow and thrive to become in the future.

“Hey, cousin Blueblood.” a smaller version of Spike sat at the side of a younger version of himself, all the while looking at the city below the gardens.

“What is it cousin Spike?” Blueblood asked as he passed Spike a pack of orange juice.

“Why ponies hate me? Did I do something whong?” Spike asked back taking the pack of juice.

“Because those ponies are stupid, that’s why.” Blueblood took a sip of his juice “They think because you’re a dragon you are dangerous.”

Spike took a sip out of his juice too “I like ponies, I want to poutect ponies, I want to stay….with you, and cousin Cadence, and Twilagh, and mommy.”

Silence fell for a few seconds before Blueblood spoke “Then stay, those stupid ponies will see what a great little cousin you are,” he placed a hoof a top of his head and rubbed his spines a little, making Spike laugh “and when you’re older, you will show them what a great prince you will be, and if you work hard enough you will be even better than me!” he turned his head and smiled down to Spike, but soon he felt two little arms trying to hug around his neck as much as they could, quickly returning the hug Spike began to whisper.

“Can I stay?”

“Of course you can.”

“Poumise?”

“Promise. I won’t let anything bad happen to you as long as I live and if you are ever in big troubles, you can count on me to help you out.” The tiny arms around his neck hugged him stronger.

“Thanks, cousin Blueblood.” Spike yawned.

“You’re welcome, cousin Spike.”

“Cousin Blueblood?”

“Hmm?”

Spike yawned again “Is it raining?”

“A little, yes, let’s get inside.”

“Ok.”

Blueblood got up, the packs of juice forgotten, as he carried his little sleeping cousin back into the castle without even bothering to dry away the tears falling down his eyes.

Blueblood felt like crying as his dear aunt fell into the floor hyperventilating with tears falling freely from her beautiful purple eyes, the letter forgotten in the ground after countless attempts to send it.

“No, no, no, no, no, y-you can’t be….you….you were meant to be…...you…..you…..please, no, no, no.” Blueblood thought as grief started to get the best of him as well as another emotion flowing fast and uncontrolled inside his body.

“Twilight Sparkle.” He said in a low tone before zapping away in a mighty flash of light, leaving his dear aunt to cry and scream in pain, grief and sadness. He couldn’t accept what that letter was implying, there was simply no way that Spike had died.

---------------------------------------------------------********************************************

*Ponyville-Golden Oaks Library*

In the basement of the Library the six Bearers of the Elements of Harmony were studying every little thing they could think of that may have an explanation, or a lead to the whereabouts of their dragon friend, Spike. And yet after three hours of running numerous tests, theories and spells nothing had worked and every failure only served to dawn the horrible reality of what had happen to Spike.

Suddenly a loud noise upstairs broke them out of their trance, followed by a yell that made their blood turn into ice.

“Twilight Sparkle!!” the voice yelled from the lobby, after a few seconds of rapid and frantic hooves hitting harshly against the wooden floor, several things being broken and the utterly destruction of the door leading to the basement did the Bearers finally see who was the owner of said voice.

“WHERE IS MY COUSIN!?” Prince Blueblood yelled at them with a face of pure rage, bearing out his teeth as tears fell from his eyes, his perfect blonde mane ragged and messy, his suit torn apart as several pieces of paper and splinters adorned him, and his light brilliant artic blue eyes now resembling the eyes of a demon thirsty for blood, their blood.

For several seconds none of the mares moved until Twilight closed the book she was reading and walked towards Blueblood until she was in front of him, there was no use denying the truth any longer, then, with tears falling from her eyes and a face that could be mistaken for one of a corpse, she spoke a single word.

“Dead.”

Chapter 1 end.

Author's Note

Special thanks to all those who read this, you make my day every time!

*Spike's Destiny newest chapter is already in hands of my trusty proofreader, it should be out soon¨*

**Still looking for a proofreader for this story and/or editor, if anyone wants to help me, send me a PM**

Awakening

Author's Note

*A/N: The mane six, Celestia, Luna, Shining Armor, Cadence, Discord, Sombra and Chrysalis look exactly the same in the *Harmony Universe* as they look in the original universe*

**Proofread Version to come!**

Awakening

Burning World Chapter 3

Awakening

??????

Spike groaned as consciousness returned to him for the first time in what felt like forever, he didn’t even got to open his eyes before realising something.

“Everything……. hurts.” He thought painfully as he tried to move his arms, immediately regretting his decision as a wave of pain hit him hard, making him groan painfully, but barely a murmur in terms of volume “Alright, so…..moving is ….bad.” he thought again.

Relaxing himself once the pain died out he then noticed a beeping noise around…...wherever he was. “Probably Ponyville’s Hospital.” And it was then that he remembered what he had done. “The Library, the spell, the portal...I..I saved Fluttershy, and maybe even the rest of the girls, too.” he tried to smile but something soft and slightly tight covering his mouth prevented him from moving it, in fact, he could feel that same thing in almost all of his body, except his eyes.

Slowly he cracked open his left eye, light meting it and instantly blinding him, closing his eye again he waited a few second before daring to open it again, this time alongside his right eye, it took several tries until he could open them without being blinded. Once he was accustomed enough to the light the blurriness he saw quickly began to disperse, what met him was the usual white ceiling and walls of an hospital, looking at his right side he could barely see the beeping machine, to his left was a door and, what he could guess, a small table. Looking down to see his body, he found that all from his chest and below was covered by sheets, while his green bandaged arms rested at his sides, and two white thin tubes made their way between and below his right arm bandages.

“Green bandages?” he thought confused. Spike dared to turn his head to the left side, slowly as he did so, to properly see the table before a sharp pain stung him again making him close his eyes. Breathing slowly to ease the pain he carefully opened his eyes again focusing on the table, finding nothing on it. He felt slightly sad that there were no roses, or balloons, or anything at all that showed his friends or family had come to see him.

“Wait, there’s nopony in here either.” he thought trying to find a chair or anything of the sort next to the table or on that side of the bed, after a few seconds a sudden pang of fear and pain filled him and tears formed in his eyes “D...Did I fail? Did my friends…..No, don’t think like that Spike.” he closed his eyes refusing to let the tears fall from them. “Maybe they’re just injured or are busy with something, or maybe--” Spike opened his eyes as his thoughts were interrupted by the distant sounds of hooves approaching, they became louder each second until he could hear a pair of voices chatting.

“-----racle that the hatchling survived with all those injuries, I don’t want to think what he must had suffered at the grasp of those lunatics.” A masculine voice said.

“You know, I heard a rumor that his scales were regenerating while he was being treated.” A feminine voice said earning a ‘huh?’ from the other voice.

“Are you sure you heard that right?” the masculine voice said as the door knob turned “As far as I know, dragons--” a minotaur passed through the door, cutting himself short as he stared at the eyes of the now awake Spike. “Get the head doctor, the hatchling is awake, now!” the grey minotaur wearing a white coat and a stethoscope around his neck ordered, his answer came in the form of frantic hooves running away.

“Hello little hatchling, I know you must be confused but your body is currently heavily injured so please, don’t try to move and stay calm until doctor Trixie arrives.” the minotaur said before softly closing the door and running off in a hurry.

“Hgrimghie?” Spike murmured softly, barely hearing himself, even his throat was sore and hurt “When did the hospital got a doctor with the same name as Trixie?” he thought confused “Come to think of it, when did a minotaur doctor arrive to Ponyville?……..Why is there a minotaur doctor to begin with, don’t they only have shamans?” his mind trailed on as panic began to surface to his brain “W-What if I went in a coma!? That would explain why nopony is here! Where are the girls? And mom, and Blueblood and Cadence and everypony!? What happened to me, just how much time has passed!?” he screamed inside his mind, the beeping noise, sounding rapid and frantic, only serving to increase his panic and fears.

The door burst open with a loud smack before a blue coat unicorn, wearing only a nurse hat and a fat saddlebag at the sides, trotted towards him placing one of her hooves softly against his forehead.

Almost instantly Spike felt better, his panic attack diminishing greatly. Once he was calm enough he focused on the mare before him, as before he noticed her blue coat and now he could also see her two light blue striped mane and tail, looking down he saw the same cutie mark he remembered Trixie had. Looking up to see her face he saw her two magenta eyes, almost the same shade as his mother’s, for a moment Spike forgot his panic and instead looked at her utterly confused.

“You are safe here with us, whelp.” Trixie said noticing his confusion “Those lunatics won’t hurt you as long as Trixie is near.”

“She has to be the Trixie I know,” Spike thought “she's the only pony I know that speaks in third person, but what's she doing here?”

“Stay calm as Trixie examines you, whelp.” She said and her horn lit up with magic, her saddle bags opened and a series of instruments came out in her magic grasp, many of which he had never seen before. One that had a rectangular shape floated towards him until it touched his forehead, replacing her hoof “Vital ‘Seaweed’ bandages are doing their job properly,” a round soft yellow sphere replaced the triangle “brain function back to full stability,” another strange instrument replaced it “infection threat, 0%,” after several more measures and checkings with the instruments her attention focused to the monitor to his right “internal stability at 85%?” she said surprised “Trixie is pleased and impressed with your recovery speed, whelp, and only after three days.” Spike let out a muffled soft sigh of relief, at least the coma was out of the window. Trixie turned her focus back to him, smiling sweetly “Trixie is happy you survived the operation and the recovery, whelp.”

Trixie leaned in and kissed his forehead, Spike blushed in disbelief before suddenly feeling very sleepy “Sleep and rest now, little whelp, you need to recover fully before Trixie can treat you back to health completely.”

“Is the hatchling awake now, Trixie?” Spike heard a deep and masculine voice coming from the hallway “I wish to see him.” and it sent shivers down his spine, he only heard it twice before but that was two times too many.

“I-it…...can’t be.” He thought fearfully as sleep caressed him so tenderly.

“Forgive Trixie, my Lord, but Trixie has put the whelp to rest, Trixie knows he needs it.” Trixie said turning around and bowing to the open door as a shadow began to enter.

“Well, you are the expert here, so if that’s your diagnosis then I will not question it, Trixie.”

Spike felt his eyes drop and the sound around him fade away quickly as the form of a stallion entered the room, before fading into darkness he managed to see the front of the stallion, especially his face. His fear was confirmed, he knew that face, and the crown and the red and black horn gave away who that stallion was.

“.........Som….bra………” Was Spike’s last thought before falling unconscious.

---------------------------------------------------------****************************************************

Canterlot Castle 7 AM.

Darkness shrouded a seemingly empty room, the only sound coming out in the form of light snores, and a body shifting below the covers of a bed. Soft murmurs soon broke the almost ritmic and peaceful pace of the snores, and then, all sound halted.

Ever so slowly, two brilliant green orbs shone in the darkness of the room, green dragonic eyes ready to search for its meal.

“Sir, I’m coming in.” A very deep and masculine voice said before the sound of a door cracking open was heard “I’m terribly sorry, Sir, but it’s time to get up.” a low grumble was his answer “The day has already begun, Lord Spike.” the sound of hooves hitting passively against the marble floor echoed inside the room, as the two green orbs of draconic might followed the intruder through the darkness, suddenly the room was illuminated by the light of the sun “And there is much work to be done, Lord Spike.” an enormous white pegasus with blonde (yellow like mustard) mane dressed as a butler, and wearing a very classy monocle, said looking at the dragon sitting up in his bed.

A purple dragon with green spikes looked back at the butler with a face that showed utter boredom and his eyes, wielding might and power in the darkness, reflected sleepiness and laziness in the light. The dragon yawned for a couple of seconds before falling back into the bed with a loud ‘thud’, he grabbed the sheets with his claws and brought them up to shield his head from the rays of the annoying sun.

“Five more minutes.” Spike said as he grumbled, his voice was grave but his tone was soft turning into a pleasantly calm, yet serious and authoritative, voice.

“Lord Spike, I insist that you wake up right now, there is much to be done and all require your immediate attention.” The butler pony said and stood in silent for almost a full minute until the dragon began to snore again. “Sir, must I really ask for the aid of Lady Cadence, again?”.

Spike threw out the sheets covering his body and with a single jump he was standing at the side of his bed “I’m awake, I’m awake,” he said half groggily as another yawn escaped him “no need to threaten me that way.” Spike stretched his back popping his joints, he turned to the pegasus butler who had a hoof extended to him with a small stack of papers, a quill and an ink well, sighing, Spike walked past by the stallion, grabbing everything with a purple-green-ish mist coming out of his hands, and headed towards the bathroom in his room.

The stallion bowed as the tall dragon grabbed the materials with his magic and walked to the bathroom, upon reaching it he entered it and then softly closed the door behind, and only then did the stallion got up. It always amazed him the stature of the dragon, a head taller than princess Celestia herself (horn included), combine that with his impugnable purple scales that always shone brightly against the light of the sun or the moon, his green spikes and ear fins prominent as emeralds, his claws dull and short (at least outside of conflict), his powerful tail, his agile form, his legs long yet muscular, like the rest of his body, even his green under scales. Everything about him shouted power and demanded respect at first glance, especially his eyes, beautiful as jade to friends and family and just as deadly to all the rest. Yet his usual attitude betrayed the power his imposing figure deserved.

The butler waited patiently for a couple of minutes until the door to the bathroom opened once more, out came the dragon, now looking awake and refreshed, and walked up to him as he read a paper he was holding with his left hand. The quill floated up until he grabbed it with his right hand and proceeded to sign the paper.

“The last three ones in the bottom are denied.” Spike said as he handed back the stack of papers to the butler “And send one bottle of our finest wine to Fancy Pants, as a personal 'thank you' from me for his efforts in the east.” Spike walked to a manique next to his working desk, the manique had his own image and supported his personal armor and his happuri. He stood in front of it for a couple of seconds before taking only the happuri.

The butler sighed “Only the happuri again, Sir?”

“Yeah, you know I’m not a fan of crowns or tiaras and whatnot, but this,” he said as he put on his happuri and turned around to face his butler with a huge smile “this makes me look cool, how do I look Bulk Biceps?”

“Stunning as ever, Sir.” the pegasus answered taking a look at the happuri, “Truthfully,” he thought, “it wouldn’t look so bad if not for those two horrible horns added to the sides.” and yet, he couldn’t deny it made his lord look more intimidating and, as he had said, more ‘cool’, the only two things he truly liked about the happuri were that it had the same color scheme as his lord’s scales, and that it held the symbol of The Alliance, The Tree of Harmony, on its center.

“Thought so,” Spike said with a smug smile “they really know how to make awesome looking things in Neighpan, don’t you think so?”

“Quite, Sir.”

Spike chuckled a bit “What’s next on the list Bulk Biceps?”

Bulk Biceps took a small parchment out of his suit and unrolled it “First,” he began “breakfast with the rest of the royal family, unfortunately both princess Celestia and Luna are keeping company to our diplomat guests from the north, so they won’t be able to join you today.” Spike hummed in response “Second, after breakfast General Shining Armor wishes to discuss the upcoming tactics and plans, he didn’t specify which region or topic but I believe it will involve the situation in the west,” Spike hummed again “Third, there seems to be growing concerns that….”

After the second point Spike trailed off, humming a cheerful song inside his head, his body automatically responding to his butler until he was done.

“.......take the new charge as commander of our griffon air squads. That would be all, my Lord.”

“How’s Flitter?”

“P-pardon?” Bulk Biceps said, taken aback by the sudden question.

“How’s Flitter?, Good I hope, it’s been a while since I last saw her.” Spike said starting to walk to the exit of his room.

“She is doing fine, my Lord, thank you for your concern.”

“Are you two still trying to, you know, expand the family?” Spike asked looking back with a sly smile at his butler as he opened the door.

Instead of blushing, like Spike was sure he would, the pegasus smiled, truly smiled “We...we just received news yesterday, actually, she’s pregnant.” Bulk Biceps said proudly.

“WHAT!?” Spike shouted, now in the hallway, gaining the attention of some pony, zebra and griffon maids nearby “And you told me this just now?, No wait, better question, what in the hay are you doing here!?”

“Doing my work, Sir.” The mighty pegasus said while bowing in front of the dragon, his sudden shout scaring him a bit. He felt a claw at each of his sides urging him to get up.

“Unacceptable.” Spike said once the stallion was back on his hooves “Completely unacceptable.”

“Sir?”

“Take the day--” Spike began but stopped mid sentence grabbing his chin with one of his hands, his face scrunched in deep concentration for a few seconds “Nah, take this and the next week off,” he smiled down at the pegasus who was about to protest “with triple pay and, when you get back to work, a nice bonus and raise will be waiting for you, my friend.” the stallion was stunned where he stood, even his monocle fell off from its place “Now, go home with your wife and celebrate, you deserve it, both of you. Oh, and tell Flitter I say ‘Hi’ ” Spike flashed his butler with a toothy grin before turning to his left side and walked away, leaving the strong stallion nodding slowly to emptiness.

Spike barely turned around the corner of the hallway, when he heard the frantic hooves of his butler running to the opposite direction as fast as he could. Spike smiled again as he continued his way to the Mess Hall, his stomach demanding food.

After just ten minutes of walking, greeting servants and giving fast commands later, Spike reached the doors concealing the Mess Hall. Upon opening them he was greeted by a very pleasant surprise.

“Spike!” Six voices shouted as he felt a mass of several bodies tackle him, almost knocking him off to the ground.

“Girls!” Spike exclaimed happily, recovering his balance in an instant, and embracing the six mares as best as he could “When did you get back?” Spike asked after a few seconds of silent hugging.

“A few minutes ago actually, it took us longer than expected.” Twilight said.

“Oh?,” Spike ended the embrace after the answer “You must tell me what happened then,” his stomach grumbled “while we eat. I’m famished and I think you are too.” Spike look down at each of his best friends, it took him a couple of seconds before noticing a few bandages wrapped around Fluttershy’s left wing “Does it hurt?” he asked concerned.

Fluttershy looked at her injured wing before answering “Not really, but it was my own fault anyways,” she said as the dragon kneeled down and grabbed her wing “I was overconfident.”

“Shy, I’ve told you to be more careful, I have nothing against you having your fun with traitors and rebels, but remember most of them are trained and are dangerous, even for you, all of you.” He placed his hands around her injured spot and almost instantly some of the strange mist came out and surrounded both his claws and the yellow wing “If I lost any of you, I don’t know how I could live with myself.”

The rainbow pegasus hugged him across his neck, nuzzling him softly “You are so sweet to us, Spike.” she finished by giving him a small kiss on his exposed right cheek “We fight because we want to help you, so what if we get a few scratches here and there, it will all be worth the effort in the end.” she said ending her embrace.

“I know, and you don’t know how happy I am that you do. But still I want you to be careful.” Spike smiled at Rainbow Dash before looking back to Fluttershy “Done.” he said freeing her wing and getting up again.

Fluttershy used her mouth to take away the bandages before extending and testing her healed wing, after a few exercises she smiled and flew up to Spike’s eye level “Thank you, hot stuff.” she said before hugging him by the neck and then kiss him deeply. The yellow pegasus mare stopped flapping her wings as he felt the strong arms of the dragon support her weight, allowing her to enjoy the kiss fully.

After half a minute Spike ended the kiss softly, letting their tongues dance with each other for a few moments as they parted. Giving her a sweet peek he let go of her, smiling happily. Looking down he saw the shared expression the other five mares had. “Now, now girls, don’t be jealous, I promise I’ll make it up to you later, preferably after breakfast.” Spike declared as he, once again, opened the doors leading to the Mess Hall, the six mares either walking next to him or snuggling him in one way or another.

Unsurprisingly, Shining Armor and Cadence were already waiting for him on their respectives seats of the table, Spike motioned the six mares to take their seats as well, he himself taking his place at the head of the rectangular table, at his left side the immediate seat was empty, the next seat taken by Twilight, then Rarity, then Pinkie Pie and then by Shining and Cadence, while on his right side the immediate two seats were empty, the next seat taken by Fluttershy, then Applejack and then by Rainbow Dash.

Spike looked around the table, nodding proudly, before signaling the awaiting servants to approach. After a couple of minutes of deciding what they would be having the table burst out into conversation by Rarity.

“Love, why do you insist on wearing that horrid looking thing, over your forehead of all places, when you have the armors and capes that I made especially for you?” Rarity asked with a hint of jealousy.

“Hey, I really like my horrid looking thing, it makes me look awesome!” Spike said with a toothy grin earning a few laughs and a ‘humpf’ from Rarity “Awwwww, you look so cute when you’re angry. Besides, the armor is suited for battle, not to show off, I really love them all, Rarity, but I rather not spoil them until they are needed.” he said making the white unicorn smile lovingly at him.

“Spike, I was wondering, how did things go with the Buffalo Tribes, are they willing to join Harmony?” Pinkie Pie asked calmly.

“Chief Thunderhooves is willing to join, and so is the rest of his tribe, the other nine chiefs can’t seem to decide.” Spike answered, resting up against the back of his seat with his arms crossed “I might need to send Blueblood.”

“Why not simply force ‘em to join?” Applejack said, her stetson hat resting at the top of her seat.

“Because, my lovely Applejack, they are not opposing the expansion of Harmony, they wish, for the most part, to remain neutral, it’s only a matter of time until they realize they are either with us or against us. And I personally want them on our side, it would be a true shame if they join the rebel forces.” Spike said before resting his elbows against the table “Speaking of scum, how did things go on Sylteria?”

The six mares smiled creepily before sharing a low laugh.

“It was entertaining,” Twilight began “most of those traitors and rebel scum fled, but some actually stood and fought us.”

“And what a fight it was,” Rainbow continued “changelings, griffon and pony traitors, diamond dogs, minotaurs and even ursas, ursas!, our army clashing against them, upbringing holy fire upon them, it was glorious.” she licked her lips “I even captured some pets for later.”

“Lucky you,” Fluttershy chuckled “I couldn’t keep a single one, some killed themselves before I was finished, except for that bastard of a griffon that injured my wing.” she chuckled again “I think I over did it at the end, though.”

“Ya think?” Applejack said “Ah could barely figure out it was a griffon after ya’ were done with it.” suddenly she smiled proudly “Ah prefer to take things slow, enjoy mah time with mah pets, try to see how much they can take before disposing ‘em. I got mah hooves on one of those minotaur boys, Ah’m gonna enjoy playing with mah new pet.”

“Applejack darling, once again you have proven to have no taste whatsoever when choosing new toys, or at any refined activity as it were.” Applejack just glared at her “I, for example, simply disposed of those unworthy brutes and instead caught myself one of those ungrateful traitors, a crystal traitor to be precise.” Rarity smiled smugly as her five friends, and even Shining and Cadence, gasped in surprise.

“Can I please join you Rarity? I wish to deliver at least a bit of punishment to traitorous scum like that for betraying….--” Cadence fell silent for a second.

“It’s a her, darling.” Rarity offered.

“Thank you,” Cadence cleared her throat “ for betraying her princess and her king.”

“Uhmm, Cadence, technically speaking I’m not a king, remember? I’m just the leading figure of Harmony, nothing else.” Spike said just as their breakfast arrived.

Cadence turned to face Spike with a serious expression “Everyone in the alliance sees you as their true and definitive leader, even above their own kings and queens, they follow your every command, we follow your command, you decide what must be or mustn't be done. You gave birth to Harmony, you alone are the inspiration and moral we need. Without your leadership Harmony is doomed to fall, and with it, all of our struggle and sacrifice over these last ten years.” Cadence said wisely, earning a round of nods from everypony present, even by the servants, guards and maids standing nearby “If that doesn’t represent the power and authority of a king, then I don’t know what it means.”

“Point taken.” Spike said “But still, I don’t consider myself as a king or emperor or any of that. If our troops, servants and citizens see me that way, then so be it, but I am no king to my own family.” Spike smiled at all of them, they returning the smile in turn, except for Pinkie Pie. “So, Pinkie, you captured any pets?”

“Yes.” Pinkie answered calmly, her maniacally looking smile betraying her tone, licking her lips she continued “They were delicious.”

“Good to hear.” Spike said looking down to his breakfast, roast beef and some gems on the side, he leaned over to catch a good smell of his meal “Ahhhh,” he sighed loudly while a bit of drool escaped his mouth “tell Gustav he has outdone himself once again.” he told to no one in particular picking up his knife and fork, as he cut a piece of the tasty meat he looked up to see his companions, all of them being served their breakfast choices, some of them already half way through it, he smiled contently at the scene.

Spike was about to take the first mouthful of meat, when the doors to the Mess Hall opened revealing a tall white unicorn stallion, with a blonde mane brushed to perfection, his tail in the same conditions. Combined with his coat groomed to equal standards as his mane and tail, and his hooves polished and shiny made him look like a proper member of the royal family, an image of gallantry and proper etiquette.

“GluePhloof!” Shining Armor called angrily standing up from his seat, his mouth filled with the salad he was eating, swallowing his meal he continued “Where in Tartarus were you yesterday? I was forced to entertain the Emissaries of Saddle Arabia by myself!, I’m a general, not a goofball like you, for Celestia’s sake!”

And yet he managed to destroy said image with the tropical shirt, sunglasses (that acted more like a necklace for him since he never even put them on) and his seemingly permanent relaxed look on his face.

“That was yesterday?” He asked surprised before putting a somewhat apologetic face “Sorry bro, I mixed the dates again.” Shining Armor growled angrily as he resumed his meal.

“Blue!” Spike said waving at him “How’s my favorite cousin doing this morning? I was starting to wonder if you would come today.”

“Chilling the chill, mega bro,” Blueblood said as he sat down on his seat, the second empty one to Spike’s right, a zebra maid approached him but he held a hoof up stooping her “nothing for me babe, I already ate some nachos on my way here.” the maid bowed and retired “I just came here tah see if my mega bro needs me tah bring the chill tah someone.”

“In the name of Luna, Blueblood! Can’t you act serious for once in your life?”

“And be unchill like yah, bro? Nah, I’ll pass, yah should come tah the party I’m planning for tonight, live a little!”

“I am General Shining Armor, I don’t desire to waste my time in pointless parties.” He barked at Blueblood.

Blueblood ignored him and turned his attention to Cadence “Woah sis, yah really need tah cut your hubby some leash.” The seven mares and dragon at the table giggled.

“I’m going to murder you.” Shining sneered.

“So,” Blueblood turned to Spike “is there anything yah want me tah do, mega bro?”

“Not really, I haven’t decided yet,” Spike ate another piece of his meat while adding a gem to it “but now that Shining mentioned it, where were you yesterday, I tried to find you but you weren’t in the castle.”

“Just chilling out on the beach, yah know, surfing, playing volleyball with some babes, partying.” He said leaning back against his seat.

“You’re always partying your flank somewhere.” Cadence said.

“Yah know it, sis. Chilling the chill, that’s what I do.” He said proudly, well, as proudly as he could sound with that mellow and relaxed voice of his.

“What about the party you’re planning, Blue, what’s the occasion?” Spike said halfway through his breakfast, suddenly stopping for a second sensing someone behind him, looking back he saw some pegasus and griffon servants coming from the staff room behind them and started to clean the windows.

“None mega bro, it’s a party for the troops that just came back; tah cheer them spirits ip, welcome them back home, comprende?” Blueblood turned to see his cousin, catching him turning his head back to his food “Is something wrong, mega bro?” he said making the rest of the presents interrupt their breakfast to look curiously at Spike.

“Nah,” Spike declared “for a moment I felt like--”

“DIE MONSTER!” One of the griffon servants cleaning the windows, with a dagger in claw, suddenly lunge down as fast as he could, catching by surprise everyone in the room. It took him less than three seconds to reach his target and strike him in his exposed neck. The griffon, smiling victorious, looked up to see the, what he was certain, would be the terrified expressions of the lunatics and monsters sitting in the table, for a moment all eyes were focused on him. his smile turned into a content one, he knew he was done for, but at least he managed to cut the head of the serpent.

Then, to his disbelief, the rest of the ponies sitting on the table returned to finish their breakfast and talk among them, except for Blueblood, who was looking at him with a very indifferent look on his eyes.

“Dude, not cool, yah interrupted mega bro here, that’s very rude.”

“Very rude indeed.” Spike said in a chillingly calm voice “If you’re going to give me a neck massage, at least try to do it harder.”

The griffon looked down to see his dagger (the tip at least) pressed against his neck scales, he applied more strength into it but the dagger didn’t dug into his scales, it just simply stood there. Looking up and around the room he saw all the servants, even the guards, were still standing where they were or doing their chores. Incredulous he reared back his dagger and stabbed the dragon again, this time with greater force, earning the same results.

“Yeah, that’s more like it.” Spike gave out a little sigh of relief as the dagger clashed against his scales “As I was saying,” he cleared his throat “for a moment I felt like there was a breezie behind me, strange isn’t?” he said nonchalantly as the sound of metal meeting scales echoed around the room.

“Aren’t those things extinct by now? I mean, I personally saw to it, could I have missed one of their hidden villages?.” Twilight said thoughtfully.

“Who cares?” Rainbow said “they weren’t even tough to begin with, only annoying.”

A sudden crack followed by the clang like noise metal made when hitting the floor was heard “Yo, bro,” Blueblood said igniting his horn to life “try with this.” a shining white sword floated above the table and their heads until it was caught by the very confused, and slightly panting, griffon.

“What the-? Dammit Blueblood, that’s my sword!” Shining protested and ignited his horn ready to get his sword back, but a single look from Spike made him fell silent.

The griffon grinned at this foolishly given opportunity, before swinging the sword as hard as he could against the neck of Spike, only earning an even louder clang of metal against his scales and a, disturbingly pleasured, moan from Spike. Enraged, the griffon swinged the sword again and again, trying to kill the purple monster in front of him.

“Die!” another swing “Die!” another “Die!” another “Die!” another “Why won’t you just fucking die already!” this time he even used his entire weight and an extra boost of power thanks to his wings, swinging away with all the strenght he had left; the result was the snapping sound of the sword splitting into two upon making contact with his scales. The griffon stumbled backwards, panting heavily and holding half a sword while the other half landed in front of a stunned Shining Armor, his mouth hanging open in shock.

“Why won’t *pant* you *pant* die *pant*?” the griffon said looking up at the still sitting figure of Spike.

“I still have much to do, I can’t allow myself to die right now.” Spike answered in a low, almost dark tone, as small tendrils of mist emerged from his body. Getting up, causing the griffon to back up as best as he could, he turned around to see the griffon with his shiny green eyes as more and more mist came out of his body, cloaking it, until it indistinguishable to make out where his scales and facial features from the mist surrounding him, even his happuri seemed to be mixed with his body, the horns only making him look all that more intimidating, he raised his hand, as if ready to strike down, making the griffon close his eyes and shake in fear.

“Guards, take him away and throw him in the dungeons. He gave me an excellent massage so make sure he is well feed and safe from the other dangerous prisoners, understood?”

The griffon opened his eyes to see Spike’s back, once again normal, and two unicorn guards at his side, to stunned to even think properly he just let the two guards drag him away as they said in unison ‘As you command, my Lord’.

“Well, that was fun.” Spike said once the griffon and the guards were gone “Oh drat!, it’s already late, Shining Armor, let’s go, we have much to discuss,” he got no answer back “Shining?” he turned to see his most trusted general, only to find him holding his sword (the top half of it anyways) in his hooves “Is…..everything alright?” he said making the rest of the presents look at Shining with concern, except for Blueblood who was humming a cheerful tune.

“.......The fuck?” Shining finally said “It…..it was made of the purest mythril. Mythril! How the fuck do you break mythril!?” he exclaimed loudly before looking up at the dragon at the other side of the table “Just how tough are your scales, Spike?”

“That’s a pretty good question, actually,” Spike said, as if suddenly struck by the realization of it while Cadence, and the rest of the girls, glared at Blueblood, who in return paid them no attention whatsoever “but hey, if I can take a full powered blast from Sombra to the face, and come out with just a few scratches, then I can safely assume they must be pretty tough.” He said joyfully, managing to calm down the seven mares who looked ready to rip Blueblood apart “Now, quit stalling around Shining, I’ll buy you a new one, okay?” Shining only sighed as he got up from his seat and kissed Cadence before saying his goodbyes “Now’s my turn.”

Spike walked around the table kissing passionately each of the girls, except for Cadence and Fluttershy, the later protested at the lack of affection.

“Where is my kiss, mister?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.

“You already got yours, Shy.” He smiled smugly at her, making Fluttershy huff angrily and the rest of the girls giggle “You’re free to do whatever you want for the rest of the day, unless I need you for something, bye Cadence, you know what to do,” she nodded as Spike approached and kissed her on the cheek “bye Blue.”

“Cya mega bro, catch yah later.” He said as he played a banjo he got from…….somewhere.

Spike walked up to where Shining was waiting, nodding once to each other, they exited the Mess Hall and made their way to their destination.

Their walk was filled with small talk about current plans, battles, attacks and whatnot when, turning on a hallway cross, Spike stumbled upon a pegasus maid carrying a tray with a glass of something, said something wetting him from his waist and below. The pegasus maid recovered fast, rubbing her snout tenderly, but upon seeing the dragon and his lower half covered in a thin layer of wine, she immediately entered into a bombardment of apologies and pleas of mercy.

She felt the one of the claws of her Lord upon her and swallowed loudly, her body trembling in fear. Then, to her surprise, that claw wrapped around one of her front hooves gently pulling her up, out of shock, she obliged until she was properly standing again. Looking up she saw her Lord looking down at her concerned, at his side general Shining Armor remained with a neutral expression.

“Are you alright?” Spike asked.

“Y-yes, my Lord, I’m terrible s-sorry for---”

“Shhh, it’s alright, it’s alright.” He said smiling at her “Now go back to the cellars and grab another glass of wine, if the one who sent you asks why you were so late, just tell them you were running an errand for me, alright?” the maid nodded slowly as she picked up the tray and the glass of spilt wine “Good, now, fly along.” The mare bowed while expressing her gratitude, before turning around and flying off from where she came from.

A few seconds later Spike unleashed some of his fire to dry himself up, as well as the stains on the floor. Once he was done, both Shining and himself resumed their walk.

“I don’t understand why do you forgive insolences like that so easily, Spike.” Shining huffed “It makes you look weak.”

“Are you saying I should execute her?” Spike said without looking at Shining “Banish her to Tartarus? Throw her into the hydra pit?”

“Of course not, but maybe a lashing would be sufficient to make an example.”

“An example of what precisely?”

“That you must be properly respected.” Shining said as he looked at a couple of changeling maids cleaning the floor in the furthest way of the hallway “It’s already bad enough that you allowed some of those insects into our territory.”

“Shining Armor.” his tone dropped suddenly but still refused to look down at the general “While I understand your personal hate for changelings, I will not allow you to focus your hate on those who have seen and accepted the truth that is Harmony, the few changelings that have joined us became members and citizens of the alliance.” Spike waved and smiled at the two maid changelings who blushed and bowed in respect “They deserve to be treated as such. Save and focus your hate and energy for our enemies.”

“I apologize, it was…..unprofessional of me to talk like that.” Shining said guiltily before recovering his serious face “That still doesn’t answer my question though.”

“Shining, please, it was just a simple accident, nothing bad came out of it; why, the only victim here was a glass of wine, nothing more.” Spike let out a chuckle “And I know far too well that kind of accidents, remember when I was younger? Boy, I could hardly spend half a day without breaking or burning something.” Spike laughed softly at the happy memories.

“That’s not the point,” Shining insisted “the point is what she did, even if was by accident, is still an insult to you.”

Spike sighed tiredly “It was a glass of wine, a simple, harmless, and probably delicious, glass of wine, she wasn't trying to kill me or anything, then why, in all your wisdom and logic, should I punish her for something so silly and utterly harmless?”

Shining tried to find something to say to that but couldn’t “You’re impossible,” Shining sighed tiredly, giving up on the subject ”speaking of that, what are you going to do with that griffon that tried to kill you?”

“The same as all the treacherous scum and rebels, he shall be executed in the main plaza three days from now.”

“Well, at least you don’t hold back against them.”

“My force, rage and focus is reserved for my enemies only. You know this.” Spike said reaching their destination, his private study. “Let’s continue our talk inside, will you?”

“As you command, Lord Spike.” Shining said closing the door behind him.

---------------------------------------------------------------***************************************************

???????

In the darkness of a hospital room a small bulge covered by the sheets of a bed moved. Spike opened his eyes slowly, not really having to adjust to the darkness thanks to his nocturnal vision. He looked down to his body again and clenched a fist slowly, the pain he felt the last time he was awake being now tolerable.

He moved his arms up slowly, trying his best not to hurt himself too much, until he reached the bandages wrapped around his mouth. He had many questions, where was he and how did he got...wherever in Tartarus here was, but that didn’t matter compared to seeing a villain, who was presumed as dead, suddenly back to life. First things first, he had to warn his mom and his friends about Sombra’s return, then he had to escape this place and finally, once he was safe, he could freak out as much as we wished.

Tearing the bandages off of his mouth with what little strength he had he took a mouthful of fresh air, his lungs thanking him for it. The next problem now was finding something to write on and something to write with, looking around the room he soon focused his eyes on the table, now noticing it had a small drawer on its front. Slowly, he moved to it until he was able to reach the drawer handle with his left hand, grabbing it he opened it as far as he could.

The opening he left was big enough for his hand to fit and search the insides of the drawer, it took him just a few second until he touched an object similar to a tube.

“Perfect.” He thought as he grabbed it and brought out a pencil from the drawer, passing it to his right hand, reaching inside again he searched for some more time until he touched something almost in the back of the drawer. Putting more effort, and a whole more pain, he reached the end of it and grabbed what he hoped was something paper related, to his joy what came out was a small note book; opening it he wrote as best as he could muster over the first blank page.

“SOMBRA IS BACK”

Forgetting the pencil, Spike tore out the page and brought it up to his face, he inhaled charging up his very peculiar ability and then breathed out a weak stream of green fire that burned the paper away, closing his eyes, both happy for warning his family and friends and trying to think how he was going to get out of there.

His train of thought was interrupted, however, when something light and somewhat warm landed on his face, opening his eyes he saw his vision was blocked by the same paper page he just had sent. Confused he took it again before breathing fire over it, this time he saw how the paper sheet was consumed by his fire, turned into ashes and dust, float around for a second or two above him and then rematerialize falling all so gently over his face, paralyzing him instantly.

He never even noticed the door creaking open.

Chapter 3 End.

Denial

Ponyville-Golden Oaks Library-

Blueblood opened the door of Golden Oaks Library to see it illuminated by the rays of the sun. Nothing had changed in three days since he library was off-limits to anypony but him. Stepping inside the great hollowed tree, Blueblood walked up to the scorched area where Spike had been hit by the rainbow colored lightning that killed him in his attempt to save Fluttershy.

The prince glared at the spot for minutes on end until he used his magic to pull couple of large bags and crates inside the library placing them randomly across the floor. He then closed the door of the library and sat on his haunches.

“...” Blueblood stared at the mark for several more minutes before he used his magic to pull a lens, a small fine brush, a mortar, a quill and a parchment out of one of the crates that was labeled ‘Equipment’. “Begin recording. Evidence number one. Subject A, also known as Spike Dracone Solaris, was struck by an unstable magical bolt inside the Golden Oaks Library when Princess Twilight Sparkle and the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony were trying to create a portal grid with the instructions left by Starswirl the Bearded.” Blueblood took a moment to take out the diary of said unicorn from another crate labeled ‘Evidence’. Meanwhile the quill wrote down everything he said on the parchment on its own. “According to the notes of his diary and those of Princess Twilight Sparkle, all the materials and diagrams needed were gathered, placed and positioned in the perfect order and quantity.”

“There is no evidence that suggests an error from either party, and with the testimony of both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, everything was as it should be. Despite this, however, the event turned catastrophic when, after what was perceived as a success, the created portal destabilized sending jolts of lightning across the library hitting and destroying several artifacts including pedestals, shelves, books, decorations...and Subject A.” Blueblood took in a deep breath. “The portal imploded in a violent manner sending a deadly jolt of rainbow colored lightning towards Subject B, also known as Fluttershy Breeze. In a moment of desperation, Subject A pushed Subject B out of the way saving her life, but this action proved to end his own in the process.” Blueblood then snarled. “Or so it seems.”

“After being hit by the lightning, Subject A reportedly vanished in a flash of rainbow colored light, leaving only a scorched floor and the lingering smell of burnt flesh and scales. What’s strange is that there is no physical remains of Subject A to be found, this has led me to believe that Spike...Subject A was not disintegrated. On a related note, the scorched area left doesn’t resemble the figure of Subject A. It instead has a circular form that was produced by what I can only deduce by simple eyesight as a massive and single source of light and extreme heat.”

Blueblood then picked what little traces he could from the floor using the brush and the mortar.

“This theory needs to be confirmed but it is also supported by the fact that the other objects struck by previous lightnings also share this characteristics. Subject C, also known as Rainbow Dash, was partially struck by one of these lightnings, rendering some of the feathers on her right wing to ashes. The injuries on the wing were...disturbing. Not so for a horrid nature, but for the lack thereof. Subject C presented no severe injury or burn, but did present a surprising amount of magical discharge that turned her wing numb for two whole days. Subject C is recovering normally as of today. Whether this is caused by her being a Element Bearer or not is yet to be determined.”

“Further analysis to support my claim that Subject A is still alive, somewhere, somehow is needed. Today, marked as Day Zero, shall begin with the analysis of what little physical evidence I can inspect.”

Using his magic, Blueblood began to unpack everything he was going to need to start with his search.

“I’m going to find out what happened to you, Spike. And if you indeed died, then all I can do is recover your remains, if there are any at all, and give them a proper resting place.” Blueblood whispered to himself before he got back to work.

<><><><><><><><><><><>Canterlot Castle- Royal Gardens-<><><><><><><><><><><>

Twilight and the rest of her friends were sitting below the shadow of a great oak in relative silence. The day was sunny and bright by order of Celestia herself even though the weather team had scheduled a misty day. She would not allow anything to dampen her sorrow further.

Twilight had tried to speak with Celestia after the funeral was over, but her mentor had enclosed herself inside her private chamber behind several layers of magic shield to ensure she would not be disturbed.

The lavender alicorn didn’t understand why would Celestia prohibit the six of them from leaving the castle. Was it punishment or something else? Did she intend to banish them for killing the dragon she had adopted as her own son? She didn’t know. She didn’t care. Any punishment would be too light and merciful on her.

“I don’t deserve to be the Princess of Friendship. I don’t deserve to be a Princess at all.” Twilight said making her five friend look at her. Twilight sniffled while holding an old picture of her and Spike when they were younger. They were hugging each other, a big smile on their faces and pieces of frosting and cake all over them while Celestia covered her mouth with a hoof trying to suppress a giggle.

“You don’t really mean that, Twilight.” Rainbow said sitting at the left side of the lavender mare.

“Of course I do, Rainbow. Spike and I were really close before I embraced my studies in full. After that he was my assistant first and my friend second. I thought I knew Spike, but it turns out I didn’t know anything about him at all...even when he called me his best friend.” Twilight foreleg hug her by the neck gently. A momentary glance let her know it belonged to Rarity. “Princess of Friendship my flank.”

“We are all at fault here, darling. I--we...we never appreciated dear Spikey-Wikey like he deserved.” Rarity said resting her head against Twilight’s.

“We never took him seriously.” Pinkie Pie sniffled while Applejack held her close and Fluttershy, sitting at the other side of the farm pony, extended a wing to softly caress her back. “We...I...I never bothered to ask him about his life in Canterlot.”

“I did when he arrived to Ponyville.” Fluttershy’s whisper was louder than a thunder. “But he only told me about him being Twilight’s assistant.”

“He never felt the need tah tell us, and we never bothered to know more about the lil’ fella.” Applejack said with a solemn expression. “Some friends we turned out to be, huh?” She spat with a hint of anger and disdain.

“And now we have his blood on our hooves because I was so damn STUPID!” Twilight shouted the last word with anger while a hot tear landed on the photo. “Spike...my best friend...my little brother is gone. We used to sleep, play, take baths, get in trouble, study, and annoy Cadance and Shining Armor together. And I barely even knew him at all!” Twilight sobbed some more. “I...I get the whole royal secrecy around his relationship with Celestia, but he never told me anything.” She sniffled closing her eyes tight. “Or maybe he did and I ignored him like always after I focused on my studies?” Her voice, cracked and full with sorrow, made fresh tears appear on the eyes of the five other mares.

“Why the long faces, ladies?” A new voice called in front of them. The six mares looked at the ground before them turn to strawberry jelly before Discord himself climbed up the jelly using a pickaxe. “Ain’t ya happy to see lil’ old me?” He asked fluttering his eyelashes.

“Go away Discord, please.” Twilight implored shifting her gaze from the chaos God to the photo again.

“So cold. So distant. You wound me, Twilight!” Discord said holding his chest tight and a sly grin. His grin dropped, however, when he saw no reaction from none of them. He was about to say something else but Fluttershy beat him to it.

“Now’s not the best time, Discord. Please, leave us alone.”

Discord felt a shiver run down his spine by the sheer lack of sentiment in the shy mare’s voice. With his curiosity piqued, Discord snapped his fingers making a comfy looking bean bag sofa appear behind him. “Hey now, what’s with the waterworks? Jeez, you all look like someone just died.”

That made Twilight look up to him with teary eyes for a few seconds before she grabbed Rarity and hugged her tight for dear life. All the while crying and sobbing uncontrollably against her shoulder.

“...Oooohhh…” Discord said after seeing Twilight’s reaction, feeling the teary glares of four teary eyes mares, seeing Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie imitate Twilight by using Applejack for support. His gaze traveled to the tear stained photo laying on the short grass. Discord rubbed the back of his head with his tail. “The dragon boy, huh?” Discord cleared his throat. “May I ask what happened?”

It took almost one hour before the mares, mostly Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Applejack, told Discord what they were trying to do, how Spike died, the aftermath with Blueblood and Celestia, and the following funeral. During that time, Discord remained silent, but would occasionally gaze at the castle.

“So that’s why I couldn’t teleport near Celestia.” Discord muttered to himself. He then rubbed his chin. “Hey wait a minute, if you wanted to know how to create portals, why didn’t you ask me instead of doing all that nonsense, best friend?” Discord pulled out from his chest his half of the pendant he had ‘honored’ Twilight for searching a cure for his fake illness. His half mocking, half serious question caused Twilight, whom had calm down enough during their explanation, to look at him with open-wide eyes. The draconequus then snapped his griffon arm’s fingers and a portal appeared at his side letting the lavender princess and company see Fluttershy’s cottage and two mares taking care of her various animals nearby.

The two mares noticed the portal and waved at the group with uncertainty. Discord snapped his fingers again and the image changed to see Manehattan in the short distance; they could even hear some of the busy activity within the metropolis. Another snap of fingers and Cloudsdale appeared. Another snap and this time it was Las Pegasus. Another snap later showed Trottingham. With a final snap of his fingers the portal collapsed.

The six mares were silent while Twilight’s left eye twitched.

Suddenly, Discord jumped out of his seat and stretched. “Well! It was nice chatting with you ladies, but I’m afraid I must bid you all adieu!” Discord then tore open a violet colored fissure in the air with his lion paw. “I have things to do, places to to be, and maybe a dragon whelp trapped in between dimensions to save!” Discord slithered back into the portal until only his lips and eyes were visible. “Since I’m now reformed and one of the good guys, I may as well do something nice for a change. Ta-ta~!” He said closing the fissure with a needle and thread.

Five seconds later Twilight Sparkle fainted.

<><><><><><><><><><><>????????<><><><><><><><><><><>

Spike continued to glare at the Trixie that stood at the end of his bed while four armed ponies pointed spears at him.

“Trixie will ask again, whelp. What were you planning to do with this note?” Trixie showed the messily written note.

Spike didn’t answer.

This is bad, I can’t move much without hurting myself and those guards don’t let up. Arrggg, my fire breath is too weak right now and I can’t send anything through it! Th-they must have a magic barrier or something around this room, Spike thought gulping.

Trixie frowned before the door opened again. She turned to see a big stallion wearing black armor, a thick red mantle, and a crown made out of iron enter the room. The stallion ordered the guards to lower their spears while Trixie stepped aside.

Spike felt his stomach do a somersault when he laid eyes on Sombra himself. The dragon was trembling and his heart was pounding faster than ever now that he was face to face and at the mercy of Sombra. Spike looked directly at his eyes as Sombra did the same. For several moments they both shared an uneasy exchange of gazes until Spike noticed something odd about Sombra’s eyes.

Where is the black magic aura around his eyes? Spike thought in confusion. Still, that didn’t do anything quell his fear. The horn is there, the voice is the same, those red eyes are a giveaway, and the shadowy mane can only belong to Sombra!

“Ah, I see you have awoken, hatchling. I’m glad to see your recovery has been outstanding and unbelievably fast, considering you were on the brink of death when you were found.” Sombra finished by offering a sincere smile. “If you don’t mind me asking, little whelp, can you please tell me who you are and where you come from?”

Spike gulped in fear and slight confusion. His lips moved and quivered but no words were uttered.

Sombra then took a couple of steps forward making Spike try to back away from him. “Do forgive me, little whelp, where are my manners? My name is Sombra, King Sombra,” Trixie then passed Sombra the note. The stallion looked at it for a couple of seconds. “But I guess you already know who I am.” He said raising an eyebrow. “May I change my question to who you are and what’s your name, hatchling?”

He doesn’t know who I am? “...Y...You’re not Sombra.” Spike managed to say in a low, aching tone. At least he could talk again, despite it hurt him to do so. “Who are you? Where am I? Where are my friends?”

“You were found by a couple of my soldiers in the city of Sylteria on the brink of death three days ago, little whelp.” Sombra answered. “As I said before, my name is Sombra and this is the head doctor of this hospital, Doctor Trixie Lulamoon.” Sombra introduced himself again and Trixie while said mare gave an uneasy stare to the dragon. “As for your friends, I’m afraid I don’t know who you are talking about, hatchling. My soldiers found you alone and severely injured.”

Sylteria? But that city is in minotaur territory! Spike screamed in his mind for a moment. Th-this doesn’t make any sense, if he’s Sombra then why doesn’t he recognize me? And Trixie is a stage magician, not a doctor. What the hay is going on? Spike asked himself before he remembered something.

“What year is this?” Spike asked with a tactful tone.

Sombra hummed. “That is a good question. If you were in Harmony territory it would be the fifteenth after the creation of Harmony. The rest of the world use the old Equestrian calendar out of convenience, so this would be the one thousand and fourth of Celestia’s rule. Or the fourth after Luna’s return.” The stallion shrugged.

Okay, so I didn’t fell into a coma, Spike didn’t miss the anger that flashed on the faces of the four guards present, all of them earth ponies, when Sombra said the names of his mother and aunt. But something else the Sombra look-alike said confused him even more.

“H-Harmony?”

Sombra and Trixie exchanged a short glance at his question.

“How old are you, whelp?” Trixie asked narrowing her eyes.

“Sixteen…” Spike answered with some hesitation and watched the two ponies in front of him exchange another glance.

The door opened again and a changeling stepped inside. The changeling, apparently a stallion, saluted.

“Sorry to interrupt you, sire. But we have an emergency on our hooves, General Fancy Pants is attacking one of our command centers in the east and our allies are requesting assistance. HQ is asking for your orders, sire.”

Sombra’s friendly attitude turned sour and his expression changed to one of seriousness. “I’ll be there in a moment.” The changeling saluted once more before leaving. “We’ll talk later when you’ve recovered in full, little whelp.” With that said, the stallion turned around and left the room followed by the guards.

Now that Trixie and Spike were alone, the mare stepped forward until she was next to him.

“Trixie is watching you, whelp,” she warned before leaving the room.

Spike sighed in relief moments later the door shut. His muscles ached and hurt, although he could feel the discomfort was diminishing with haste. He could barely move without his bones feeling like burning. Even so, that didn’t stop his mind.

I have to get out of here fast and warn everyone Sombra and the changelings are back! I bet they’re using some kind of mind-control magic on everypony. But why didn’t Sombra or Trixie recognize me at all? And what was that nonsense about Fancy? It has to be some kind of trick, I just know it, Spike thought as he wriggled his fingers a little below the sheets, finding it didn’t hurt as much as it did a few hours ago when he wrote the note. Don’t worry you guys, Spike is coming!

End.

Author's Note

Special thanks to anyone that read this!

This chapter is short because I forgot quite a bit of the plot I had thought on when I started witting it, but not to worry, most of it I remember clearly. The next chapters will be more substancial.

Funeral

Chapter 2: Funeral

Blueblood stood there motionless after receiving hearing the answer for Twilight Sparkle, he forgot how to think, move and talk, it was a miracle he was still breathing albeit slowly. For a full minute the basement was more silent than a graveyard until Twilight spoke.

“I’m sorry.”

Rage filled the prim and proper unicorn upon hearing those words. Blueblood let out an enraged scream as he tackled Twilight to the ground, the rest of the ponies present shocked by his sudden outburst. Before any of her friends could act again Twilight felt a tremendous pain on the left side of her face almost sending her right into unconsciousness, she barely made out a scream from her friends before seeing a blurry rainbow streak hitting against the mad stallion on top of her.

It took her some seconds for her head to stop pounding and a few more for the buzzing around her to stop. The moment Twilight regained full conscious she found herself on her hooves again supported by Rarity and Pinkie Pie while in front of her Rainbow Dash and Applejack were struggling to keep the prince down. The left side of her face hurt and burned like nothing she had ever experienced before, she had her fair share of scars and bruises thanks to all her adventures, experiments and whatnot, but this pain was something new for her. Thankfully her eye was fine and thus was able to see in full detail the face of the prince. Twilight flinched in fear when she saw nothing but hate on his eyes and wondered for a moment if she was truly alive, those eyes held nothing but death for her, slow, painful death.

“RELEASE ME!” Blueblood roared trying to get up but was firmly held in place, he couldn’t use his magic as Rainbow bit down his horn “RELEASE ME I SAY!”

“Not until ya’ll simmer down!” Applejack ordered while using her lasso to hold his two back legs and one of his forehooves together “Just look what ya did to Twilight.”

“And I’m not finished yet, release me, NOW!” Blueblood commanded again struggling even harder against the two mares “I’M GOING TO MURDER YOU, TWILIGHT SPARKLE!” he roared again and for a brief second he regained enough movement just to move a few inches toward his target.

“I’m sorry.” Twilight said again despite the pain, her words only enraged the stallion even further.

“Don’t you DARE say that.” Blueblood hissed “Don’t you bucking dare.” he tried using his magic despite the cyan mare biting on his horn, the result was shocking pain all over his form but he barely showed any signs of it. “R-release me!” he ordered once again, his voice sounding a bit broken.

“I-it was an accident, we didn--.” Rarity began but was cut off.

“An accident?! How can a DRAGON die from an accident, EEHHHH!?” Blueblood snapped at Rarity harshly but his question was left unanswered, just a look of guilt flashing through the faces of the four mares he could see, specially on the yellow one told him enough “What in the name of Celestia were you doing!?”

“I’m sorry.” Twilight said, tears falling from her eyes, some mixing with the blood still dripping for her left cheek “I’m so, so, so sorry. I’m sorry Spike.” Twilight murmured and Pinkie hugged her as best as she could without harming her.

Blueblood charged his horn again, this time with far more power than the last time, ending in the same result but also shocking Rainbow with his magic as well. His body shocked violently as muffled screams escaped his muzzle, when it was finally over he just laid there with his face against the floor. Rainbow was stunned for a moment thanks to the raw magic power of the prince but soon recovered, she was about to bite his horn again when she felt him relax under her. Curious she looked down at the white stallion and then to Applejack, who also noticed it, both of them looked closely at Blueblood to see if he was planning something.

“He chose to be your assistant, did you know?” Blueblood asked against the floor, his voice barely understandable “He chose to be with you when he had better things to do, some of them even vital, but he turned them away, you know why?” the six mares were now looking down at the unmoving prince, confused “Just because he was able to send things to aunt Celestia and she to him, just because it would make things easier for you as her student, he wanted to help you during your studies because you were his ‘best friend’, nothing more nothing less.” Blueblood gave out a hollow chuckle.

“I begged my aunt to reconsider, that it was too dangerous, that is was pointless for him! But she convinced me saying it was good for Spike, that didn’t stop me or Cadence from keeping a close eye every now and then.” Blueblood sniffled “He was very smart, you know? Ever since he was little he was aware just how different he was and how others treated him, just because he is…..was a dragon, and yet he was kind, helpful and nice. Spike...he, he was destined for greatness.” in a sudden jolt of movement he snapped his head up only to pierce swords against Twilight, his eyes filled with tears and his face showing the same anger and hate as before. “He was to become a symbol of peace and unity, a sign that harmony is for all, no matter who or what you are.” His voice voice began to break down, almost choking himself between sentences.

“The Crystal Empire already saw him as a hero, maybe even as a symbol. Buck it all,“ Blueblood gave out a long growl like sound followed by sobbing as he began to hit the ground with his free hoof “Spike was going to be b-better than me, he was going to s-stand *sob* proud and s-s-strong at our side!” Blueblood slowed his free hoof as he shot one last death glare towards the mares in front of him “And you took him away from us.” his face slowly morphed from anger to sadness as he cried softly.

“L-look pal, just because Spike was your friend too doesn’t give you the right to want to kill somepony!.” Rainbow said looking down at Blueblood, her own eyes filled with sad tears.

Blueblood stopped his wailing with an almost somber laugh “Friend? You think Spike was my friend?” He looked at each mare (Rainbow and Applejack as best as he could) noticing their confused stares and faces, he focused his gaze on Twilight for a few second and then gave out a very hollow laugh, one that made the six mares feel very uncomfortable. “Oh, this is too rich.” he laughed some more as tears kept on falling from his eyes, his laugh loud and eager managing to send shivers down the spines of the mares “I don’t know if I should feel pity or amusement, even after all this time you never figured out, did you? Princess Twilight Sparkle.” he said with venom upon her title and name.

“Figure what out?” Applejack asked, suddenly dreading where this conversation was heading.

“Cadence and I are the niece and nephew of princess Celestia and princess Luna. Our only living family members.” Blueblood smiled a little as he chuckled darkly while the mares stared at him nervously “And Spike is my ADOPTIVE cousin,” the mares felt something inside of them suddenly paralyze as he continued “but since aunt Luna was in the moon at the time Spike was hatched,” Blueblood locked his gaze with Twilight as he smiled softly at her, making Twilight feel light headed “I firmly believe the answer is pretty obvious, don’t you think?” Blueblood said mockingly at the mares, but the sudden feeling of dread and realization made the air in the basement so thick that breathing turned into a challenge “You think I was bad, that I was dangerous? You think you are safe from punishment? Better start praying, all of you, aunt Celestia will be here soon.”

As if invoked by Blueblood himself there was a flash of golden light so intense entering through the broken door, that illuminated the entire basement blinding the ponies inside for a moment, after the light faded slow and weak steps of something metallic hitting against the wooden floor echoed all over the basement. The six mares started to shake in fear, Rainbow and Applejack releasing Blueblood and slowly backing away to where their friends were as a multicolored, flowing mane began to make its way inside the basement.

Seconds later the almost ghastly and wet face of princess Celestia met them, her eyes closed as a small trail of tears fell from their corners, ever so slowly she walked in a steady collected pace until she was besides her nephew, who was already up on his own accord, Blueblood nuzzled his aunt before stepping back. Celestia opened her eyes slowly revealing a pure golden light emerging from them. The six mares were frozen in place by fear.

“Where is my baby?” Celestia asked softly.

----------------------------------------------------********************************************************

*3 Days Later, Canterlot*

Twilight and the rest of her friends sat in silence on their seats waiting for the ceremony to begin.

They were sitting in the front row, almost directly in front of the empty coffin and the smiling picture of Spike. Twilight turned her head to the right ignoring the lingering pain of her injury and the itching of the bandages to see her friends wearing a black veil over their faces, except for Applejack who wore a black stetson hat. Up until now Twilight had enclosed herself in her own thoughts, ignoring the world around her, but now she could hear the murmurs and the sobbing inside the room.

Turning her head to the left she saw some of the high ranking officers of the Royal Guard without their armors, and instead wore a suit similar to that of Shining Armor, despite everything their faces remained as stoic as ever. Behind them she could see some of the important figures, celebrities and nobles of Equestria, some of the ones she could recognize were members of the Wonderbolts, Fancy Pants and his wife Fleur, Hoity Toity, Sapphire Shores and more. Behind them were some ponies she didn’t recognize except for Pony Joe and some of the staff members around the castle she barely remembered.

Looking behind her she could see her parents and some residents from Ponyville, mostly family members of her friends, most of them looking sad except for her parents, especially her mother who was crying hard against the chest of her husband as he held her tightly. Twilight dreaded looking to the front once more, this time looking past the empty coffin and directly to the royal family sitting just a little behind the coffin. She saw Cadence crying her heart out against her brother who held the same stoic expression the other officers had, then she locked her gaze with Blueblood for a split second, suddenly feeling even worse than she already had been for the past three days.

“Where is my baby?” The way princess Celestia had asked that question and her subsequent answer pained her heart, but the reaction of the princess was something that would haunt her as long as she lived.

It felt like hours before Celestia reacted, at first she had giggled, then she chuckled and lastly she laughed hard and loud, a laughter colder than ice and emptier than space, she laughed for minutes barely stopping to breathe, and as she went on the laughter slowly turned into cries and screams of sadness, her eyes stopped glowing, the river of tears cascading from them increasing as she dropped to the ground letting her crown slip off of her head. Her voice sounded harsh and painful, almost like she had already screamed and cried before coming to the library (Blueblood later confirmed it). Even so, the pain was so evident in her actions and in her face it was impossible not to cry just by seeing her as destroyed as she was.

For minutes nopony did anything until Fluttershy stepped forward, gently nuzzling the princess making her cries softer, after a couple of seconds Celestia looked up and saw the great pain, shame, guilt and sadness in the eyes of the shy pegasus. Celestia nuzzled back at Fluttershy sweetly.

“H-h-how?” That came out of Celestia’s mouth barely louder than a murmur and so lifeless that it only made the six mares feel even worse, if that was even possible at that point.

Explaining what they were doing and what happened took almost an hour in between cries, sobbing and lectures, not from Celestia but from Blueblood, Celestia was devastated, that much was clear, on the other hoof Blueblood held not only sadness but hate in his heart, Twilight had felt it. None of the mares could blame him for that. When they finally reached the part of Spike’s sacrifice Celestia stopped crying and did the unthinkable. She lunged to Fluttershy and hugged her, hard. The shy mare returned the hug as she cried over the white coat of the Sun Goddess. Then she got up and signaled Blueblood to leave with her. Blueblood protested, angrily demanding justice or some kind of punishment but Celestia said nothing, she just ignored her nephew and kept on making her way out of the basement and the library, Blueblood following her shortly after but not before he shoot another death glare towards the bearers.

The six friends left the library hours later, Rarity insisting to take Twilight to her home. The very next day news that princess Celestia had fallen into a deep depression spread like wildfire across Equestria but the cause was, thankfully, unknown. Celestia refused to come of her room for two whole days until the morning of the third day as many ponies across the land received private summonings to attend to the castle immediately, including the Bearers, the why was explained inside the contents.

And so here they were now, waiting for Celestia to arrive and begin the funeral of Spike Dracone Solaris, Prince of Equestria.

For ten more minutes everypony waited patiently before the sound of opening doors behind them was heard, in walked both the princess of the day and the night, the latter wearing a transparent black veil and the former wearing nothing at all except for her crown. Both walked in slowly making the ponies inside go silent as they passed, all of them bowing as best as they could before their rulers. Finally, the sisters arrived at their destination at the back of the podium placed at the right side of Spike’s picture, Luna shared a nuzzle with her big sister murmuring something at her, Celestia nodded softly before taking her spot in the head of the podium.

Celestia closed her eyes and breathed deeply before speaking “Many believe that, after seeing so many ponies pass away, whatever the circumstance, has prepared me and my sister throughout all these millennia. Making us immune to the pain of said loss.” Celestia’s eyes snapped open “My little ponies, I can assure you this is untrue, the loss always hurts, it’s always there, it’s a reminder to all that we cannot enjoy the company of those who were once close to us, especially that of our friends and family.” she took a moment to steady herself and breathe before continuing “I have seen the passing of thousand of my beloved subjects, I have seen the pain on each one of them when somepony dear to their hearts pass away, I too have suffered that same pain, my father and mother, my uncle and aunt, countless friends and one hundred and fifty eight generations of Blueblood’s, the descendents of my dear brother.”

Celestia stopped to scan the room quickly, she smiled tenderly before speaking “All of you knew Spike in one way or another, but very of you had knowledge of Spike’s rank and title.” She took a deep breath trying to calm her pounding heart “When Spike was hatched, a miracle on its own accord, I took him in and cared for him, I-I tended to him with w-what little free time I had, I----h-he made me feel truly needed, his laughter always m-making me s-smile after a long day, a-and I---” Celestia stopped bringing one of her wings to cover her mouth as tears finally began to fall from her eyes “P-pardon me, I-I can’t….I ….I just can’t.” Celestia sniffled loudly trying her best to control herself, Luna got up from her seat but the free wing of Celestia flared, signaling her to stay put.

“H-he was six months old when he first spoke, ‘Mommy’, that was his very first word, and he said it to me with that oh so adorable smile of his.” Celestia whimpered as she smiled looking at her left, directly to the smiling picture of the young dragon “M-my little baby, he became *sniff* my little baby that exact moment and I h-his mommy, I--I--oh my dear sweet baby.” Celestia couldn’t take it anymore, she broke down and cried against the podium, none of the presents moved, mostly because they were crying themselves or to shocked to see their princess in such a state, for a full minute this didn’t changed a bit until Celestia got up and looked directly at the six Bearers, who had their eyes filled with sour tears, just as she was.

She took a deep breath to steady herself before continuing “ ‘N-nothing c-can p-prepare you for the loss of a child’. *sniff* Mothers say that, and now I k-know *sniff* I know w-what it m-means. I had a speech ready, b-but I c-can’t do it, my little baby is g-gone, but there is s-something I can take great pride in.” Celestia smiled tenderly, as best as she could in her current state, and gave a low bow to the Bearers “My son was still young but he sacrificed himself *sniff* to save a friend without a second thought, and for t-that, and so many reasons more, I am proud to say he was my son.”

Celestia looked at the picture again, tears filled her eyes once more before walking towards it and kissed the picture right on his forehead, then Luna walked next to her, supporting the white alicorn as best as she could to her seat, once she was near it Cadence launched herself against Celestia and hugged her tightly, finally Celestia broke down completely and began to wail and sob against her dear niece.

Twilight vision was blurry with tears but decided to look around the room again, unsurprisingly most of the presents were also crying in silent respect, even the stoic guards were crying. One of them, another Captain if she remembered correctly, got up and walked to the podium, the eulogies began with him.

For almost two hours the six Bearers were bombarded with heavy doses of pain, regret, guilt and shame. For each passing eulogy only served to make them realize just how little they knew about their dragon friend, the firsts ones were some of the heaviest because it made them realize, especially Twilight, that they knew nothing of him while they were living in Canterlot, aside from him being Twilight’s personal assistant. Worst of all, it made them see that even after three years of ‘knowing’ him they hadn’t asked him even once about it.

All of the officers had told how Spike became the influence or their motivation to enter into the Royal Guard or to reach the rank they were at know, including Shining Armor. The most emotive of all was of the Grand General of the Guard, he told he was about to commit suicide, jumping from the secluded part of the Royal Garden into the bottom of the mountain before Spike walked into him, Spike was only six years old at the time, he hadn’t even started his training as an assistant but still he just went and sat next to the him. The stallion broke down as he told how he had open up to the little hatchling, revealing him how his father thought of him as a failure for not passing the rank of private, how his brother and sisters blamed him for the death of their mother and just how sick and tired he was of life. The dragon had just told him “Mommy says that choices are difficult and many ponies take the easy ones but not the right ones.” The dragon got up with a jump and extended his claw to him “I don’t know much about choices, but I think all you need is a friend, can I be your friend?”. It had taken only those words and the true offer of friendship to save him and help him achieve the place he was now at.

How could they ever imagine Spike had done so much? He may not be a symbol of protection, of a hero on his own accord to Equestria like they were, but the little things he had done were mind boggling.

Spike was the responsible for making Fancy Pants who he was today simply because, by telling him the truth of how bad idea an investment in gem digging, especially in diamond dog territory, really was while almost all of the other nobles encouraged him on doing so. Fancy decided to take his advice and, much to his displeasure, received news how the other ones who invested on the project went to bankruptcy in less than a month, while the nobles who had encouraged them suddenly grew in wealth. For listening the truth of the ten year old dragon he was saved from ruin and just a couple of year later, made his way into the noble houses. With that simple act Spike had not only teach him that honesty was important, but that by giving a chance to others something wonderful could come out of it.

Not only that, but he had helped Pony Joe open up his shop, being the only time he pulled his rank to take bits from the royal treasury and, in a generous act, donate them to him. No wonder he was so well received by the donut pony.

Hoity Toity was saved by Spike in a different manner. Spike had saved him from being robbed and probably murdered by a diamond dog, thus gaining a friendship with the, at the time, novice fashion designer.

Sapphire Shores met the drake after one of her failed auditions, she had decided to quit her dream of becoming a singer, but after bumping into him and a few words of encouragement from the drake and an improvised performance in the middle of the plaza, also encouraged by him, earned her first step into becoming a superstar, in his words “You just need to show your talents to those willing to see it, well, hear it in your case, hehe.” She had also learned a lesson of kindness that day.

Spike had touched almost every single one of these ponies in a deep and meaningful way, of course, not all could say what they wanted to say, some broke down before they could say anything, others in mid-euloge and some just left without saying anything escorted by the royal guards posted outside the room.

Twilight wanted to say her own eulogy but after hearing so many depicting her once number one assistant as a personal hero or great friend, she felt so tiny and insignificant compared to them, and by the looks of it her friends felt the same. Finally, she saw Blueblood walk to the podium, him marking the last eulogy.

“I don’t have anything epic or grand to say, after hearing such great tales and stories about my dear cousin has made me smile even in this dark times, all I have to say is that, no matter where he is now, we must continue on and strive to live as happily as we can, I’m sure that thats what he would wish for. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for taking your time to come and give your last goodbye to a wonderful friend, a magnificent dragon and an unforgettable prince, may his memory never fade from our minds.”

And with that Blueblood ended the funeral, slowly the guests began to leave, some of them taking a few moments to touch, kiss of confess something to the picture of the dragon, the last to give their good-byes being Celestia, Luna and Cadence along with her husband. After almost half an hour the only ones left in the room were Blueblood and the six Bearers. Blueblood walked until he was in front of the mares, he waited until the six of them looked up to him.

“If you have come to laugh at us for our ignorance, please darling, don’t, you can’t possibly make us feel worse even if you tried.” Rarity said with an almost raspy voice, consequence of her crying throughout almost all of the ceremony. The rest of the mares visibly cringed a bit at her words.

“No, I have no desire of humiliating you any further, I will let your conscience do that for me.” The mares looked away in shame “I just have come to inform you that you will be staying at the castle for a prolonged time,” none of the mares said anything “aunt Celestia believes you must spend some time here before returning to your normal lives. Also, regretfully, you won’t be punished for anything since it was, an accident.” he remarked almost hissing the words “I will also leave in a few hours to Ponyville, there I will stay in your library, Twilight Sparkle. I have already discussed this with my aunts and they have granted me permission, you are also off-limits until I say so, understood?” the princess nodded slowly, barely looking at him “Don’t worry about your jobs, it has been already taken care of too.” he walked past them, making his leave “I will leave this thought with you though. How much do you think Spike cares for you all to put his own life in the line without a second thought like he did?” then, the prince left the room, letting the six mares alone.

Only the faint sounds of crying was heard for the rest of the evening.

**************************************************-------------------------------------------------------------

*3 Days Earlier, ????????*

“Retreat! Retreat!” a changeling clad in blue and green armor screamed through the air, making ponies, minotaurs, mules, donkeys and other changelings wearing similar uniforms run away from the city and their positions “The Murderous Six are coming! Retreat!” the changeling screamed again making the troops below him run double time.

“Sombra dammit!” a griffon cursed from behind a can of trash in a lonely alleway “we were so close to take the city back.” he said picking up a ballista and bolts “C’mon we have to get out of here before those lunatics arrive!”

“I know, I know!” a female changeling responded “Help me get this thing ou-”

*KKRRRRRROOOOOOAAAAMMMMM*

The sudden sound of something similar to a thunder and a blinding flash of light emerged a few meters behind them making them take cover instantly. A few seconds later both griffon and changeling stepped out from their hiding spots.

“What in Tartarus was that!?” the griffon shouted.

“Keep it down, idiot, do you really want to get caught by any of them?” the changeling said glaring at her partner “It doesn’t matter, we gotta go, now.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” tanking his ballista and bolts up again he spread his wings open, but before he took flight he smelled something “Hey, you smell that?”

“What are you doing, we have to go now!” said the changeling already in mid air.

“It smells like…..burning meat.” the griffon paled looking back at where the noise and flash had come from “By Chrysalis.” the griffon dropped the ballista and the bolts and ran inside the alley.

“You idiot!” the changeling hissed as she flew behind him “What do you think you….are……..sweet hive mother.” the changeling descended as she saw the remains of the alleyway, it was mostly burnt to a crisp but now she could smell it, the smell of burnt meat hit her hard, making her almost throw up.

“By Sombra, it can’t be.” the griffon said pulling the changeling out of her trance “A baby hatchling.” upon hearing those words the changeling flew next to her partner a few meters more inside the alleyway and, true to his words, there was an almost completely charred baby dragon, she knew this was the source of that foul smell but now mixed with the sight of a twisted limb, several missing scales and almost completely destroyed spines made her throw up this time.

“B-by Chrysalis, I thought all hatchlings were killed years ago.” the changeling said cleaning some of her vomit with one hoof, a sudden explosion in the distance made them both jump in terror “They’re here already!?” she screamed in fear.

*......uuuuuunnggggggggghh*

The changeling looked down to the remains of the baby dragon esceptically.

“The hatchling is still alive!” the griffon said grabbing him as carefully as he could, earning another painful moan. “C’mon, let’s go, now!” another explosion, this time closer panicked him “Now dammit!” he spread his wings and took flight, carefully holding the drake against his chest.

The changeling wasted no more time after hearing another explosion followed by screams of pain and terror, she buzzed to life her wings and took off behind his partner, leaving yet another city to burn behind them.

Chapter 2 End.

Author's Note

Here it is! Hope you like it!

Also, sorry for the delay, something bad came up and I had to be away for two days, its fixed now, but yeah, sorry.

I'm still searching for an Editor or a Proofreader for this story, if anyone wants to take the job, PM me plase!

Special thanks to all who read this, I love you all.