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.