Guardian

by BronyG

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Luna, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Romance, Adventure, King Sombra, Twilight Sparkle, Discord, Alternate Universe, Sad
Length: 9518

Spike and Twilight have always had a strong connection, but neither of them realize how deeply their fates are connected. Spike will embrace his true destiny after an alteration at his 17th birthday

Spike has made it to 17, a time when a colt becomes a stallion, at least for ponies. The same goes for our Dragon as he realizes what being a man truly means. After an altercation during his Birthday, spike will face his fate and possibly his doom at the hooves of a dark, and demented tyrant. It will be up to him to protect Twilight, to be her Guardian in the upcoming war against the shadows....

Image and Story belong to me, all character rights (if not oc's) go to Hasbro and the hub. I hope that you all enjoy
If you like my art, you can check out my deviant art acount, ask for commissions, requests, you name it
http://bronyofgalifrey9.deviantart.com/

Published 2014-02-15 00:30:03 UTC
Last updated 2014-07-21 21:31:34 UTC

Chapter 1 - Black outs and Ballroom dances

It was a big day for a certain purple and green dragon, bigger than he could possibly have anticipated. Today, many of his friends would come together to celebrate his birth, and his official transition into Stallionhood, or whatever term would describe a Dragon’s coming of age. The festivities were being held in Canterlot this year due to the responsibilities of a certain purple Alicorn. Spike wished that the celebration could have been held in Ponyville, like in previous years, however circumstances prevented their ability to return to the Library that he and Twilight had come to know as home. Spike liked attention, but seeing the amount of ponies that were entering the building, he was beginning to miss the intimate celebration with his six best friends. Spike was able to recognize some of the guests that entered, while others were invited due to royal affiliations. Twilight greeted the guests as was befitting of a host, while spike sat near a window on an overlooking balcony, mentally recalling many of his life experiences. Only now 17, he had survived a changeling invasion, saved a lost empire, watched his closest friend transform into a goddess, and entered a strange parallel world.

He smiled as the adventures played out in his head, and was excited of the prospect that many more adventures most certainly lay ahead in the future. He looked himself over in the window that he stood in front of and noted for the umpteenth time that day his impressive size, putting a sly smirk on his face. He was considerably taller than Twilight; in fact, he nearly rivaled the height of Princess Celestia. His spines had begun to take on a slightly sharper edge to them, and his muzzle had elongated, loosing much of the baby chub that previously enveloped it. He looked the older dragon he had become. However, the drudgery of the current situation returned as he pulled himself away from the window, to greet the multitude of guests who waited to hear his appreciation for their presence. Twilight moved aside and gave him a reassuring wink as he passed her to make him feel better. Recalling his lessons in etiquette, he cleared his throat, straightened his jacket and bowtie, and started to speak.

“Thank you all for attending this evening,” He had almost forgotten how deep his voice had gotten, this transformation was the newest of his attributes and the alien sound that was emitted from his throat threw him off every so often. Quickly recovering, he continued. “Twilight and I are greatly honored by your presence and hope that we may prove as worthy hosts and…”

This time his words were caught in his throat, the walls around him began spinning and he started loose sensation in his arms and legs. Then his vision blacked out. He backed away shakily from the guests to try and clear his head unsure of what was happening. Twilight looked back concernedly at her friend wanting to help him, however she knew that she couldn't ignore the guests. So she stepped forward and quickly tried to finish the speech.

As Twilight concluded, the sound of low chatter was heard as the “party” began. Twilight rushed over to Spike, putting a hoof on his shoulder and gently shaking him.

“Spike, Spike, are you alright?”

Spike could hear her but was unable to respond, all he saw was blackness, all he could feel was a cold numbness. Spike’s eyes looked glazed over and almost dead, Twilight fearing for him put her ear to his heart, a loud, yet very slow beat resonated in his chest. “That’s far too slow for a Dragon’s heart beat”, she thought to herself. Beginning to panic, she shouted “SPIKE!”

The entire room looked up on the balcony to see what the commotion was and the ball room grew silent.

Spike quickly snapped out of his trance shaking his head violently, a ringing slowly subsiding in his ears.

“Huh, sorry Twilight, kind of zoned out there”

“Spike, are you alright?” Twilight asked, a look of true concern in her eyes as she let out a pent up breath.

“Yeah, never better” he replied flexing his claws to make sure the numbness had left his extremities.

“But your heart…”

“Twi, I’m fine, really” he sported a goofy grin which showed his rows of now fearsome looking fangs.

She giggled to herself and hugged him, “Sorry, you just kind of scared me a little, that’s all”

Spike smiled down at her and was about to return the hug when he noticed the multitude of eyes staring up at them. Blushing, he whispered to Twilight “I think we are kind of making a scene here”

She quickly disengaged from him blushing as well, “Sorry” she smiled up at him. Assuming everything was alright, the guests turned back to their previous activities. Seeing all the ponies below, a frown started to creep across Spike’s face.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“I just wish the girls could have been here too” Spike sighed. Earlier that day, Spike had received a letter which almost broke his heart. His five closest friends from Ponyville were unable to attend the celebration. Each had reasons as to why and they gave their deepest apologies. Spike may have been disappointed, but he didn't blame them; he knew they all had their own lives to live. “Sometimes not everything can work out, that’s just life” Spike mentally told himself.

“I know Spike, I do too, but things just happen sometimes”, she hugged him again to try and lift his spirits up. As he hugged her back, she could feel the developed muscles of his shoulders and chest stretch and move against her fur. A light blush fell on to her cheeks. “Tell you what”, Twilight said, “tomorrow, we will go back to Ponyville and have a little get together with the gang, like old times”.

Spike’s eyes lit up “Really Twi? You mean it?”

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye” Twilight giggled.

The giggle was contagious as they both started to laugh at the phrase. To Twilights disappointment Spike broke out of the hug first and started to walk toward the crowd. Watching him, she sighed. She would do anything for her lit-, no now her very large (and handsome) assistant.

From the moment he was hatched, she had instantly connected to the drake. However even from a young age, she realized the macabre reality of their friendship, “He is going to outlive me. He’ll watch as I grow old and wither away”. This fear had rooted itself in the back of her mind for many years, up until that fateful day, the day that she too became immortal. She then knew that she could always be there for him, and he for her. “Why can I never seem to be able to tell him?”

“Think we can take them?” Spike joked looking back at Twilight, snapping her out of her thoughts.

Composing herself, she giggled back, “Probably”

“I’ll take the left flank, you take the right” Twilight blushed at said word like a foal, her mind apparently not completely cleared.

Spike noticed this and teased her saying “Ew Twi! Get your mind out of the gutter!” She blushed harder and looked away, apparently the teasing had done more than he intended. Feeling a little guilty, he walked back beside her and offered his arm to the Alicorn, smiling, offering to be her escort.

Twilight accepted and two descended into the throng that awaited them, however they were unaware of the guest that watched them descend, plotting, and a devious gleam in his eyes…

“Hurry up Dashie! We want this place to look Absotively Posolutely Perfect for when they get back!” Pinkie said as she bounced excitedly finishing up the decorations at Spike and Twilight’s abode in Canterlot.

“Pinkie, the Party just started, we have plenty of time to finish the place” Rainbow Dash retorted, lightly laughing at the over enthusiastic pink pony.

“I know, but this is such a big day for him and I want him to be really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really…”

Rainbow rolled her eyes and finished putting the streamers on the ceiling. She then went to help Apple Jack and Rarity in the kitchen with the food for their surprise “after birthday party”.

“Hoowee, Pinkie sounds more excited than a star spider in a parasprite swarm!” Apple Jack observed while mixing the batter for Spikes Cake.

“And why shouldn't she be darling?” Rarity questioned, “After all, this is one of the largest surprises that she has ever pulled off. Oh, I can't wait to see the overjoyed look in little Spikey's face” she cooed as she used her magic to replace a set of baking pans in the oven.

“Well Ah know that y’all” Apple Jack replied, “Ah’m just as excited.”

“Yeah, I guess it is a pretty big day for the little guy, but still one thing bothers me. Shouldn't he have grown wings by now, I was hoping I could teach him to fly for his birthday” Rainbow Dash inquired while sticking a hoof in the batter. Rarity used her magic to slap the thieving Pegasus’s hoof with a spatula then looked back at Apple Jack with a saddened look in her eye. The cowgirl nodded her head and Rarity returned her gaze to cyan pony.

“Rainbow Dash darling…” Rarity began,

“Spike will never be able to fly.” Apple Jack finished.

“WHAT?!” Rainbow Dash shot into the air with a dumbfounded look on her face.

“Twilight broke the news to us the other day” Apple Jack explained, “She was wonderin’ about it too, so she performed some sort of spell that would tell her if he would eventually get ‘em while he was asleep”.

“It is rather tragic really” Rarity sighed sadly, “She decided not to tell him until after his birthday. She didn't want to ruin his big day”

Rainbow Dash slowly descended from the air and landed with her head slightly lowered. “Poor guy” Rainbow whispered. The thought of not being able to fly was unimaginable to her. She could only imagine how disappointed the drake would be. After years of waiting, fate would be cruel enough to pull this slight of hand.

“REALLY SURPRISED!” Pinkie skipped into the kitchen, “Hey, why is every pony such a frownie downy?”

Spike was listening to a long winded anecdote from a middle aged pony he didn't even know. The earth pony ranted on and on about “Cherishing your youth and making good decisions in your life”. Not wanting to be rude Spike smiled and nodded to the Stallion all the while trying anything to keep his brain from imploding with boredom. As if an answer to his prayer, a clumsy grey Pegasus accidentally spilled her drink on the Earth Pony’s waist coat, causing him to turn his lecture into a tirade against the inconsideration of the mare.

Spike used the distraction as his getaway. Once he was sure the older colt could not locate him, he began looking for somepony, anypony that he recognized. Finally he found a familiar face. Lyra Heartstrings was considered a mad pony by many of the citizens of Ponyville due to her constant obsession with the mythical notion of humans. Spike didn’t believe her himself until he actually encountered the funky looking apes several years ago with Twilight. He always enjoyed recounting the tale of “Canterlot High School” to the eccentric aquamarine unicorn. As he approached, he could see that she was preaching the word of homo sapiens to an extremely annoyed Canterlot unicorn.

“…and it’s amazing all the things they are capable of, and get this, without wings or magic. They don’t need to control the weather, they make all these really cool gadgets, and they always talk about… oh hey Spike!” The stuffy unicorn made a quick getaway as Lyra walked over to the bored looking dragon.

“Hey Lyra, at least there is one pony that I can talk to who isn't completely mind numbing”

Lyra chuckled, “Looks like someone isn't having fun at his party”

“If you can call this a party” Spike said while gesturing at the mass of elite ponies whose presence made the atmosphere completely dull.

“No kidding, now if Pinkie were here…” Lyra put a hoof to her mouth, she already new about the absent elements and watched as a hurt expression went across Spike’s face, “I’m sorry Spike, I didn’t mean to…”

Spike waved it off, “No, don’t worry about it Lyra, I’m not too upset. It’s just, I wish I could have experienced this day with them”. Spikes ears spines shot up as her heard the distant giggling of several young mares in the distance. He rolled his eyes and let out an exaggerated huff as Lyra looked over his shoulder to see where the sound had come from.

Trying, and failing, to be inconspicuous, was a group of elite unicorn mares, all of them blushing and giggling at the sight of the dragon. A mischievous smile crept across Lyra’s face. “Friends of yours?”

“Hardly" he rolled his eyes. "Unfortunately, being the personal assistant to a princess automatically makes you Canterlot’s second most eligible bachelor” Spike said, his voice dripping with annoyance.

As he looked back, one of the mares, a rather pretty sky blue unicorn with lilac hair waved to him with a handkerchief in her hoof. Spike forced forced a grin and gave a small wave back. The little group began to giggle again while spike hissed through his teeth, “How I wish I could wipe those silly grins off their faces”. Lyra was in hysterics the entire time. “Who’d of thought that you would become such a mare’s man Spike”

“I wish Rarity could see that” Spike thought to himself. Even though the school filly crush had passed, Spike always had a small area in his heart that he felt belonged to the fashionista. Out of the friends who couldn't come, he was most disappointed in her absence. He was hoping that tonight, she could see him as more than just the cute little baby dragon who always trailed at her hooves in adoration. Maybe she could see that there could be love now he was older, possibly even share a slow dance or two…

“Hello Equestria to Spike! You in there?” Lyra waved a hoof in front of the day dreaming dragons snout, waking him up from his second zone out that evening.

“Sorry Lyra, I seem to be absent minded tonight”

“Well I’m glad I didn’t have to hug you to wake you up” Lyra deviously smirked while nudging the drakes shoulder scales.

Spike immediately blushed, “Twilight only hugged me because she was concerned, and that is not what snapped me out of it” he said huffily crossing his arms.

Lyra decided to be cruel for a little longer and continued torment the crimson dragon. “Uh huh, and you hugging her back didn't mean anything either?”

Now Spike was just getting mad, he really did love Twilight, but only as an extremely close friend. Whenever somepony teased about them being an item, he would become surprisingly agitated. Why was that? It wasn't like he like, liked Twilight, Right? Lyra had caught on to this little trigger years ago and would occasionally wedge her way underneath his scales.

Seeing she may have taken it a bit far Lyra giggled “Hey, I was only teasing tough guy, everypony already knows that you have a crush on…” All of a sudden, the room became quiet as the Canterlot orchestra began to play a slow song. The lead cellist Octavia made her instrument sing the prelude to a well-known love song as Whitney Horseton stepped up to the microphone.

“Now fillies and gentlecolts, everypony find sompony you hold near and dear to your hearts, cause we about to kick off the first slow dance of the evening in celebration for a certain dragon we all know and love”.

“Spiiiiiiiiike!” Every scale on Spike’s body stood on end as he heard the small stampede of smitten mare’s begin to call his name and ask for the first dance.

“Hey, hate to leave on such short notice but I gotta’ dash!” He snaked his way into the throng of ponies trying his best not to attract the silly fillies that now hunted him down; a rather difficult task considering his height and the refractive properties of his scales.

Lyra stepped out of the way of the mares as they tried to follow their pray into the crowd. “Go get ‘em Tiger!” she shouted after him. She turned around and made her way toward Bon Bon who, standing on her tippy hooves, was clearly looking for her. Sneaking up on the cream earth pony, Lyra held a hoof out and asked in a formal voice, “May I have this dance?”

Bon Bon whipped her head around and smiled at the unicorn. Half lidding her eyes, she replied, “I would be honored”. The couple made their way to the middle of the ballroom where many ponies had already partnered up.

Twilight walked around the ball room deep in thought, “What exactly happened with Spike on the Balcony. He was in a catatonic state, that much was obvious, but what could have triggered it? He seemed fine all day long; could it have been a stroke, low blood pressure, CANCER?” Her mind was so preoccupied thinking the worst she barely avoided walking into a column in the middle of the ballroom. The close encounter was enough of a distraction to prevent her from going into one of her bouts of paranoia.

She giggled to herself “Or I could be completely over reacting. I just can’t imagine anything happening to him, especially on a day like today. I could never forgive myself if something…”

“Now fillies and gentlecolts, everypony find sompony you hold near and dear to your hearts…” Whitney Horseton spoke into the microphone.

“What? Is it really that time already?” Twilight had scheduled this party out to so that the slow dances would be timed out equidistant from each other so that the evening wouldn't become too monotonous. But the first dance wasn't scheduled until… She looked at the great clock over the entrance to the ball room. “Wow, did I really lose track of that much time?”

Twilight took a deep breath to calm her nerves. She reassured herself that Spike was going to be alright. He was a growing dragon after all. And nopony new exactly what is or isn't normal in their growth cycle. Putting the worry to the back of her mind, Twilight decided she might try her hoof at a slow dance. She was about to ask a rather attractive looking golden Pegasus with blue hair to dance, but she arrived a hoof step too late as he sauntered off with a pretty young unicorn who beat Twilight to him. She then decided to ask an Earth Pony who was near her but was disappointed when she saw his date trot up to him and they both went off holding hooves to dance. She tried several more times with similar results. “Is there really no pony for me to dance with?”

Tears began to form in her eyes as Twilight walked away, her head held low. It had always been like this, she was the book worm, the egghead, the nerd. Even as a princess, she always came across as unappealing or intimidating to almost every stallion she met. This instance just proved that this was true. A tear fell from her cheek as the song officially started.

“If I should stay, I would only be in your way…”

She felt a familiar claw lightly tap her shoulder, looking back, she saw Spike looking compassionately at her. Holding out his claw, he asked in a sweet voice, “I'll dance with you Twi”.

Twilight quickly wiped away the tears and smiled, warmth began to fill her chest. Spike shifted his weight so he could stand on two legs, then helped Twilight to do the same, holding her close as to help her keep her balance. As the instruments began to accompany the sweet singing, Spike led the dance, turning in small circles, stepping in time to the music and drifted alongside the other couples in the ballroom. Twilight looked up at her friend and could see his eyes were closed, as he took in the music. Blushing, she rested her head against his stomach, nuzzling into the soft scales a little. Spike looked down at his friend, a smile gracing his face. This is what he lived for, making the quirky little unicor-, Alicorn smile.

Looking over his shoulder, he could see Lyra and Bon Bon happily dancing together, their noses softly leaning into the other’s shoulder. Spike continued to smile as he took his eyes off the two and watched as many, many other couples were doing likewise. Looking back he could feel Twilight’s soft warm breath against his scales, and he decided “Why not?”

Sinking down onto all fours, he braced his chest against Twilight's and wrapped his neck behind her head. Twilight was pleasantly surprised by the change in dancing position.

“And I-ee-I, will always love you…”

Twilight nuzzled into Spike’s shoulder in complete happiness. She knew that he was doing this as a friend, but she cherished the moment all the same. Spike may one day find out about her feelings for him, or they might live on as simply friends. But right now Twilight was just enjoying this tender moment between her, and her assistant.

Spike felt her nuzzle into his neck and let out a soft sigh, causing a rumble to resound in his chest as he discovered that he too was truly enjoying the moment. Closing his eyes, the melodic saxophone added an atmosphere of romance in the room. Reopening his eyes, he could see several of the couples sneaking quick kisses, or press their noses together. Lyra and Bon Bon were intermittently switching between the two.

Spike closed his eyes again when he felt Twilight’s head shift, surprised he found himself face to face to her. Their chests still touching, she looked up at him, a tiny twinkle in her eyes and a sweet smile on her face. Spike’s heart melted, there she was. Twilight, the mare that had always been there for him, looking very beautiful in the dimmed lights of the ballroom, her eyes slowly closed and leaned up toward spike. Spike’s heart was beating fast in his ears and he felt his head, as if by some unseen force (probably gravity) begin to lower down closer and closer to the mare.

“AND I-EE-I, WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!”

He closed his eyes, as their snouts and foreheads pressed against each other and they both began to breathe deeply as both of their hearts went a pitter patter. They continued to dance, but it was more of a rocking motion than the previous sweeping circles. Twilight nudged spike and he lifted his head up to see a smile on her lips and a blush on her cheeks. The song slowly began to conclude and their heads began to get closer and closer, soon he could smell the lavender aroma of her hair, and she could feel his hot breath sweep over her face, warming her entire body.

Both of their eyes were closed, they lingered there for a moment as the song ended. Then they began to close the small gap. Time seemed to stand still for the dragon, at first he was hesitant, but he thought the same thought occurred to him, “Why not?” and continued forward.

Before their lips made contact, a bright flash emanated in the sky followed by a loud and hollow BOOM!
High pitched screams were emitted from many ponies, stallions included, as the entire ball room began to erupt into chaos. Spike protectively positioned himself in front of Twilight and let out a low, loud growl. Then they heard it echo through the halls. A deep, maniacal chuckle that sent shivers down the spines of every pony in the room.

Chapter 2 - Deep thoughts and Ominous fears

Author's Note

Hey, yeah I did done did it. Chapter two for you! Sorry it took so long, had a bit of a writers block period, but hopefully chapter three will go along faster. That is where things will really start to get interesting.... but please this is always a continuing work in progress, so feel free to proof read and let me know any mistakes, and let me know what you think and how I can improve. I hope you all enjoy and I look forward to continuing the story :)

Proofread by SpikeSupreme13
Thanks man for all that you do!

Chapter 2 - Deep thoughts and Ominous fears

“AH HA HA HA! Oh, you should have seen the looks on all of your faces. It was priceless!”

“DISCORD!” Twilight screamed at the Draconequus, “You promised you would behave tonight!” Beside the god chaos scaring the living daylights out of the guests, he had also interrupted her and Spike just before they were about to… “Oh my” Twilight blushed, “Was Spike really about to k-kiss me?” Her eyes looked up at Spike dreamily, with a light blush on her cheeks.

“Well I would have kept to my word if this party wasn't such a Boooore!” Discord groaned. “I mean come on Twilight, I know that you’re no Pinkie but for Celestia’s sake, this is the boy’s 17th Birthday. There needs to be games! There needs to be drinks! There needs to be sexy mares dancing on…”

“Discord, it’s fine, really” Spike interrupted, laughing a little at the combined look of embarrassment and rage that was now on Twilight’s face. Over the years, Spike had eventually gotten over his fear of the Draconequus and the two surprisingly had become good friends. Most likely due to that fact that they shared a commonality; they were the odd men out.

After his journey on the great dragon migration, Spike had given up any and all hope of ever reconnecting with his species. They were just too wild, too brutish, and too cruel. And despite the loving friends he was surrounded by, there was always a part of him that felt completely alone.

Spike guessed that Discord was in a similar predicament, because it wasn't long before they were able to find solace in each other’s loneliness. Much of what Spike had learned about dragons came from Discord’s unusual, yet vast knowledge; how to control greed without hindering his natural growth, how to control fire, even, when the time was right, how to fly. In return, Spike taught Discord how to behave tolerably around other ponies, as well as putting up with his tricks from time to time.

Discord descended to the ground receiving many an angry glare from the surrounding ponies. He ignored them and walked up to Spike saying, “Oh pooh, Spike. You just don’t want to hurt princess grumpy-pants’ feelings” This brought about another scowl from the Alicorn, Discord replied by snaking his forked tongue out at her. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a party to save”. Discord snapped his fingers, and then everything was enveloped in a blinding white light. When spike opened his eyes, the entire venue was transformed.

The once formal atmosphere had been entirely changed to emulate a nightclub. Discord had completely outdone himself. The room was darkened so that the beams of multicolored strobe lights were clearly visible. The entire ballroom was cleared to make way for an enormous dance floor, and in all four corners of the room there were three bars and a DJ station. Each bar served a different item. The first was for cider, the second for food, and third was for, “Is that cotton candy?” Spike thought to himself.

Discord appeared in what Spike assumed was supposed to be the modern attire. His hair was stylishly ruffled and a pair of golden Aviators was perched on his snout. He wore a burgundy, white and black piebald hoodie that read Equestrian Eagle across the front in wonky letters, and a black V-neck underneath. Stroking his chin, Discord seemed to be contemplating whether or not the atmosphere matched the celebration.

“Eh, too new age” Discord croaked, and then proceeded to snap his fingers. The room was again enveloped in the chaos maker’s white light as he felt the room begin to rise in temperature. Significantly!

“Feliz Cumpleaños!” a small group of ponies sang out. The entire room somehow seemed to be transformed into a desert. Then the mariachi band played forth a jovial serenade.

“Too hot” Discord stated, wearing a black poncho and extremely large brimmed sombrero.

Snapping his fingers, Spike felt the heat cool somewhat as a ukulele began to be strummed. The room remained indoors this time, as palm trees and angry looking tiki faces screamed Luau. Discord was dancing the hula with a group of mares wearing a coconut bra and grass skirt.

“To tropic” Discord laughed as he spun one of the mares around. Discord snapped his fingers again, “MAZEL TOV!”

Spike’s head began to swim as Discord’s snapping progressively became faster and faster, offering a multitude of venues from all over Equestria. “See anything you like yet old chap?”

Looking back at Twilight, any irritation that she had held for the Draconequus’s interruption had transformed into complete dismay. He could see it in her eyes, she returned his gaze, apparently holding back her tears she beamed a watery smile toward her friend. “Spike, if you want a different venue, it’s alright with me. I know that my party planning skills are nowhere near as good as Pinkie’s and I want this day to be special for you. You’re not going to hurt my feelings” she said with an almost inaudible tremble in her voice, almost.

Spike knew she was lying for his sake. She had spent so much time getting all of this ready just for him, even with the ridiculously busy schedule he personally knew she had to deal with on a daily basis. Spike began to turn back toward the Draconequus but caught something in his peripheral vision; a single tear fell from Twilight’s eye. Spike felt his heart drop with the tear, “She must feel so worthless right now, all of her hard work and every time Discord snaps his fingers, he effortlessly outshines her. I should know what it is like to be unappreciated…” His subconscious briefly drifted toward the memories of his servitude to the white unicorn. Finally making up his mind called out to the chaos maker, “Discord”

“Yes Spike?” Discord floated down garbed in a kilt and holding a bagpipe, “Make up your mind?”

“I have. I want you to return this room to exactly the way it was before” Spike said to him, not unkindly, but with a sternness in his voice.

Twilight’s head snapped up. Had he really just said that? Here he was being offered the dream party, yet he still wanted the venue that she put together? Twilight’s heart began to warm as she witnessed the kindness her assistant was showing towards her. “Maybe it’s more than just kindness…”

Spike had always been like this, self-sacrificing, willing to put his own happiness aside for the sake of his friends. This was probably the characteristic Twilight liked most about him. However because of his nature, Spike could, and had been taken advantage of, even by some of their closest friends…

“Ah, ho ho ho. You have got to be joking Spike. That venue was absolutely horrible, even you were about to die from boredom. Now really, tell me what you want, for tonight, your wish is my command” The Draconequus made a low sweeping bow, causing the back of his kilt to lift high enough to show his nethers. Two stallions were unfortunate enough to catch a glimpse and, immediately turning green, ran off toward the nearest area to purge themselves of their memory and the contents of their stomach.

“Spike, this is about what you want, don’t do this for my sake” Twilight said behind him.

Without hesitation Spike replied “Very well then, my wish remains the same”

Discord gave a deadpan stare at Spike, “You’re serious?” all mirth completely lacking in his voice.

“Deathly” Spike replied, a little irritation becoming evident.

Discord let out a disappointed sigh and groaned “Very well”. Snapping his fingers, the room returned to the elegant ball it was before the chaos maker had made his entrance. “But at least allow me to choose the music”

Spike could see that next to the Canterlot Royal Orchestra was the world renowned DJ, Vinyl Scratch had materialized. “Alright Everypony, who is ready to get their funk on?”

A small cheer emanated from the group as the white unicorn began to fill the room with some of the hippest and most dance enducing songs known to ponydom. All the while receiving a death stare from her grey roommate.

“I guess it’s a fair deal” Spike smiled up at the Draconequus

Discord disrobed from the kilt and discarded the bagpipe unceremoniously. He teleported right next to Spike, leaning an elbow on his shoulder. Turning his head around a full 180^o, similarly to Owliscious, the Draconequus addressed Twilight. “You don’t mind if I borrow him for a bit? I promise I’ll have him back by the next slow dance” an evil grin escaped his lips as he guided Spike away from the blushing and stammering Alicorn.

Using his lion paw to turn his head in the right direction, he directed his conversation toward the dragon. “Soooooo, you gonna tell your old pal what went on during that dance, I only appeared just before you two were about to lock lips but…”

Spike turned beet red, “Oh my goddess! Was I really about to kiss Twilight? What was that all about? Am I… falling for her now?”

“That’s what I would like to know!”

Spike nearly jumped out of his scales and let out a frightened yelp as the Discord’s voice echoed inside his head.

“How many times do I have to tell you? Stay out of my head!” Spike glared at the smirking Draconequus.

“Oh, but it is so much fun to see what goes on in that mind of yours. You have the strangest thoughts you know, like that one time that you were day dreaming about Rarity being covered from horn to hoof in…”

“And that is right where I am going to stop you pal!” Spike halted in his tracks, positioning himself in front of his teasing friend, looking directly into his eyes. “I really don’t like it when anypony else is able to read my thoughts, I feel like my privacy is being invaded”

“Well it’s not my fault you make it so easy” Discord huffed, sticking his nose into the air.

“What are you talking about? What do you mean I make it so easy?” Spike looked confusedly at Discord.

“What I mean is you don’t even put up a fight! You just let me walk right into your mind like I own the place. I would have expected a barrier if not an alarm at the least that would let you know your mind was being invaded…”

“Wait, so what you’re telling me is that I can prevent magic users, even you from getting into my head?”

“Isn’t that what I have been saying all along? Geez, no wonder Twilight is the brains between you two love birds”

“We are not love birds, we are just friends” Spike hissed between his teeth, a small plume of smoke rising from his nostrils.

“Ouch, friend zoning Princess grouchy, that’s got to burn”. Discord accentuated his statement by causing a plush version of Twilight to burst into flames.

Spike rolled his eyes, “Getting back on topic, how do I do it? Is it a form of magic, or an incantation I have to recite?”

Discord levitated into the air, staring down at Spike, “Not at all my dear boy, it’s actually more of a discipline that you acquire. Let’s see, how can I put this in a way that your walnut of a brain can understand” Discord moved to the left as a green stream of fire sizzled by where his body once floated.

Discord looked down at the dragon and chuckled lightly to himself. Being the spirit of Disharmony, he had to vent his chaotic anxieties somehow. By some unspoken agreement, Spike had become that outlet, probably due to his care free and jovial nature, Discord could joke around without driving the dragon mad. “But it is such fun to see him lose his temper”

“Well, as I was saying, try to imagine this. Your mind is a chest, filled with memories, thoughts, emotions, and knowledge. Now, how do you typically keep prying eyes and hooves out of valuable chests?” Discord asked, waiting for the dragon’s response.

“Well, typically with locks” Spike replied, not understanding what Discord was getting at.

“Precisely! Oh thank Celestia’s Beard; there is hope for you yet!” Discord threw is arms into the air dramatically as a triumphant chorus sang out behind him, Spike simply dead panned at the Draconequus. Discord remained in this position even after the chorus had stopped singing. Nothing was said between them for a while as Spike began to lose patience. Sighing he asked “So what does any of this have to do with protecting my mind?”

Discord descended slightly, assuming a floating Zen position. “Well, essentially, you have to create a lock for your mind, a series of numbers, a specific image, or even a riddle that only you know the answer to. The lock is mentally manifested through years of practice, but once you get the hang of it, you can guard even the deepest of your secrets”

Spike looked up stupefied at the Draconequus, “Can you teach me how to do it?” he asked excitedly.

Discord smiled down approvingly at Spike, “My boy, I thought you’d never ask”

Twilight looked on as Discord walked off with Spike, still trying to come out of the stupor the Draconequus put her in. Just as she began to relax, a welcome voice called out from the crowd, “Twily!”

Coming to, Twilight turned around and beamed up at the white stallion she knew and loved.

They embraced, and lightly laughed with joy at seeing one another. Being the prince of the Crystal Empire, as well as her own royal duties, Twilight and Spike rarely had the chance to find any real time to spend Shining Armor. They were both ecstatic to discover that he was more than happy to come to the celebration, unfortunately unaccompanied by his wife. Cadence had to remain in the Crystal Empire to maintain order, much to all of their disappointment.

Shining Armor looked Twilight up and down lovingly then noted “Wow, you seem to be growing taller! My tittle of BBBFF might have to be changed to LBBBFF”

Twilight looked quizzically at him, “LBBBFF?”

“Little big brother best friend forever”

They both laughed hard at his joke, “Yeah, but not as much as Spike has” Twilight replied while still chuckling.

“Really?” Shining looked surprised at her, “How much bigger?”

“You’re going to have to talk to him and see for yourself” she teased, then turned around to call for him, but was unable to locate the large purple dragon in the crowd. She was about to begin searching for him when she hear another pair of hoof steps come behind her. Turning around she beamed up at her mentor and friend Princess Celestia. Shining Armor bowed as she passed smiling humbly while Twilight Ran up and embraced the goddess.

“Princess Celestia, I so glad you were able to make it!”

“So am I dear Twilight, you and Spike are like family after all” Looking up at the stage, she smirked at the DJ station. “I can take it that Discord has already arrived ahead of me?” she giggled lightly.

Twilight let out a frustrated sigh, “Yeah. No offence princess, but I just don’t get what you see in him. He is not at all attractive, lacks any and all maturity, and thrives on the discomfort of others” she complained, blushing a little at their most recent conversation.

Celestia looked off distantly in the crowd, a small and loving smile gracing her lips. “He may seem to be out of control, but he can be a real sweetheart once you get to know him. He was so looking forward to arriving here; you do realize that Spike is like a little brother to him”

“Yeah, but I am just afraid that he may be a bad influence on Spike” Twilight replied softly

Celestia giggled omnipotently “You have not need fear of that dear Twilight. In fact, I believe it to be Spike who is the influence between the two of them”

Twilight beamed, it was true that Spike's hard working attitude, humor, and generous nature could be contagious. “I’m sorry for my doubts about him, it’s just that I still haven’t quite been able to associate the term ‘friend’ to him yet” she confessed.

“Twilight, I know that you still harbor feelings of anger and mistrust towards Discord, but you have to see him for who he is today. He may seem juvenile and malicious, but it’s his way of saying that he cares for you”

Twilight looked doubtfully at her mentor, but decided to drop the matter for the present. “Well even if you are in the company of the Lord of Chaos, it is still good to see you here”, she said giving her mentor another compassionate hug.

Twilight then noticed Shining Armor waiting patiently for her off to the side. After excusing herself from the princess, she joined her brother and the two of them went off in search of Spike.

Watching the two ponies walk off, Celestia felt the familiar touch of a lion paw on her left shoulder. Smiling mischievously, she turned her head to the right to catch the Draconequus. A look of confusion replaced the smirk, as she continued to look from left to right and even making a small circle trying to locate the owner of the paw. Finally she looked up as she heard cheeky laughter.

“That’s not playing fair” Celestia whined

“My dear, with me, you should know that I never play fair” Discord descended from his superior position and landed on all fours in front of her. He leaned in and rubbed his snout against hers causing her to scrunch her nose and tightly close her eyes grinning.

“So, were you able to talk with Spike?” Celestia asked, separating their contact.

“Why yes, as a matter of fact, I tried to convince him to change the venue but he was sooooooo concerned about Princess Prissy’s feelings that he persuaded me to leave things the way there were… mostly” He smirked at the last word while observing an animated tiki mask scamper along in the back ground chasing a Pegasus filly.

“Was that all, it seemed you were gone longer than that?” Celestia inquired.

This time, a more serious expression could be seen on the Draconequss’s face “No, I also… shared some of my knowledge with him”

“What did you teach him this time?” Celestia looked sceptically at the Draconequus.

“Oh, nothing much, simply cerebral manifestation and telepathic defense” the Draconequus spoke quickly and in a lower tone

“WHAT?” Celestia yelled at him, “I told you not to teach him anything concerning his mind. One it’s his birthday, and two you and I both know that he still requires prerequisite training before he could even attempt to accomplish such a high level of mental discipline, you know that…”

“He’s already mastered it” Discord interrupted her flatly.

“He, what?” Celestia looked disbelievingly at him.

“I was able to work with him for a short time, but to my surprise, he was able to barricade me from his mind. Who would have thought that Dragons are such skilled riddlers?” Discord asked rhetorically

Celestia could only look at him with a dumbfounded expression. “He was able to keep even you out?”

“Yes” the Draconequus beamed at the Alicorn

“But that still doesn’t excuse you from risking his mind like that; he could have accidentally locked his own consciousness in there. Then no pony would have been able to set him free!” Celestia scolded, her anger starting to reemerge.

“If the boy was not capable of the task, I would not have offered to teach him” the Draconequus replied heatedly, turning his back to her.

All of a sudden, it dawned on Celestia, “You had another Nightmare didn’t you?”

Discord rotated his body back toward her but his eyes only make contact with the ground, sadness and fear clearly visible in them. By his appearance, Celestia did not need a verbal affirmation. Extending her wings to hold him close to her, she whispered, “What happened this time?”

Spike roamed around, a proud and ecstatic grin on his face. He had done it, now nopony, or Draconequus, would ever be able to invade his mind again. This assurance brought a sense of what spike believed to be inner peace inside of him. The peace was interrupted when a thunderous rumble coursed through his gut. Spike put a claw to his stomach, giggling lightly to himself “Now I know why Twilight asked me to make her so many snacks when she was studying, who knew that concentrating so hard could be so energy consuming?”

As he made his way to one of the buffet tables, his eyes widened at what he saw. Twilight may have had a bad taste in party planning, but her catering instincts were killer. From rubies, to diamonds, to amethyst, there was a spread of every kind of jewel known in Equestria. Spike rapidly approached the table and was about to dive into the delectable stones when he heard a small gasp, he looked down from where the sound emanated and saw a young unicorn filly, looking up at the gems excitedly. Spike’s heart melted as the magenta filly with curly cyan hair eyed the jewels with absolute wonder. Returning to the table, he selected a pink sapphire that was in the shape of a heart.

He then bent down to eye level with her, and smiled saying “Would you like a gem?”

At first she was slightly scared by Spike's intimidating presence, but when she saw the gem he held out to her in his claw, she lit up brighter than Celestia’s sun. She timidly grabbed the gem and was about to run off when she looked back at the kind smile that was on Spike’s face. Losing some of her timidity, she went back and hugged his forearm, saying “Thank you mistew dwagon”
He patted her lightly on the head and she ran off giggling, excited to show her mother the treasure she was gifted.

That reaction always brought warmth to his cold blooded heart, pure and innocent happiness. The warm fuzzies were pushed aside when a painful gurgling groaned as to remind him of his original purpose

“Yeah, yeah, I was just getting to that”

Spike had already shoveled a few claw-fulls of topaz into his maw when his ears picked up an eerily familiar group of gigglers. With his cheeks full and gem dust covering his bottom lip, he almost spit the contents of his mouth out when he turned around and visually identified his followers. Swallowing hard, he backed himself against the table as the throng of mares blocked him from escape on all sides.

“That had to be the sweetest thing I have ever seen. I never knew dragons could be so generous and tenderhearted” the same sky blue unicorn from earlier doted at him.

“You would make an amazing father someday!” Another one blushed from behind her.

“And an even better boyfriend” A third mare, an emerald earth pony with lime and lemon streaked hair said as she placed a confident hoof on Spike’s chest.

“That’s it; I have to lose them, for GOOD this time!”

“Well gee, t-thanks ladies!” He stammered, trying to find a means of escape. This was virtually impossible however due to the semicircle of adoring bachelorettes and the table of gems behind him, there was no way for him to-

“Wait, the gems!”

Leaning back farther, Spike was able to place both of his claws onto the edge of the table and held tightly. Just as the mares were about to pounce on him (or at least that’s what it looked like they were going to do), he pretended to lose his balance and fell down, taking the table with him. The gems dispersed in every direction giving him the perfect cover. This time, his scales would be able to hide him from his stalkers. The mares backed away from the spillage as he had anticipated and he carefully slithered away with the scattering gems as the ladies tried to recompose themselves. Once he saw the confused looks on their faces from a safe distance, he knew that he had fooled them. But he didn’t hesitate to put some more distance between him and his pursuers.

Rainbow Dash finished putting the last of the decorations in place, just as Rarity, Apple Jack and Pinkie finished the confections in the kitchen. Floating to the floor she stepped back to admire her work. The decorations were no easy task, but Rainbow was proud of how it had come out. From the ceiling hung purple and green streamers and a large banner reading “Happy Birthday Spike” was stretched across the length of the back wall of the abode. Party games were scattered around the room as well as a table with Punch and an ever increasing assortment of deserts coming from the kitchen.

Fluttershy sped in through the door, breathing heavily. “So sorry I’m late every pony!” I was caught up in some wind and, oh, you’re already done?”

“You bet sugar cube, but it was a pretty quick job to do so don’t feel too bad” Apple jack said as she placed the last pie on the table.

“Oh, but I feel so useless, I might as well not be at the party if I didn’t do anything to help” She was about to leave when a shimmer of blue magic caught her tail.

“Nonsense darling!” Rarity chided from the kitchen door using her magic to hold her timid friend in place. “As Apple Jack said, it wasn’t that much to do. And besides, Spike would be heartbroken if you were the only one to not be here”

Fluttershy turned around and faced her friends with a look of understanding on her face “I suppose you are right, but are you sure that it wasn’t too much trouble?”

“Cross our hearts and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in our eyes!” Pinkie recited beside Rarity.

Fluttershy smiled as she walked into the room, closing the door behind her. “I really am sorry, it’s just that Angel was so very anxious before I left. I finally had to sing him to sleep in order for me to even think about leaving”

“Ya sure do let that little critter run your life sometimes Fluttershy” Applejack said while approaching the yellow Pegasus.

“Well typically I don’t anymore. It’s just that he seemed really against my coming here tonight”.

“Well one never can truly understand what goes on in an animal’s mind, even you darling” Rarity spoke across the room while refolding the napkins with her magic.

Fluttershy was about to refute the fashionista’s previous claim but decided she did not want to get into an argument.

“Well, Fluttershy is here right? So now all we have to do is wait for Twilight and Spike to get back, does anypony know what time the party ends?” Rainbow Dash said while hovering in the middle of the room.

“Well the invitation says that the event would end somewhere between one and two in the morning, which means that we have about another two to three hours before they get back, perhaps even longer if there is a delay” Rarity responded while levetating the purple invitation in front of her eyes.

“Ugh! Two or more hours! I don’t think I could wait that long, maybe if I had a Daring Do book or something then maybe…”

“Ooh, ooh, OOH! We could play some games while we wait for them. That would be a super duper way to pass the time!” Pinkie Pie chimed.

“Great idea sugar cube” the cowgirl replied. “What ya’ll reckon we should play?”

“How about truth or dare” Rainbow grinned slyly. Off to the side the farmer and the fashionista looked at each other with a worried look in their eyes.

“Are you sure that’s such a good idea?” Rarity began, “I mean, Fluttershy may not be too comfortable playing such a… social game” she said as an excuse to her own discomfort with the game.

“I don’t mind Rarity, I’ve never played before so it might be alot of fun” The Pegasus beamed softly.

“Then it’s settled!” The pink earth pony declared. Grabbing all of her friends, she deposited the four equines and herself in a circle next to the fire place. “So who wants to start?”

“I will” the cyan Pegasus grinned evilly. “Apple Jack, truth or dare?”

“Dare”

Rainbow had anticipated this response from the cowgirl and chuckled as she issued the challenge. “I dare you to preen Fluttershy’s feathers”

“WHAT!?!?!” both Apple Jack and Fluttershy screamed.

“That’s the dare, no exceptions!” Rainbow Dash smirked crossing her hooves.

Apple Jack timidly looked back at Fluttershy. The now beet red Pegasus was trembling slightly as she tried to compose a coherent sentence.

“T-t-t-that’s not v-very, f-f-f-fair Rainbow” she started to bring her tail in front of her as a blanket of protection. “That’s t-technically a d-d-dare for the t-two of us”

“Agreed!” Rarity spoke up, “As seeing that Rainbow Dash’s dare was a double dare, I move that she retract her challenge and forfeit her turn. All those in favor…”

“Aye!” both Apple Jack and Fluttershy responded immediately.

“Aye,” the unicorn said composedly.

“Well that settles it, three to two” The farm pony interjected.

“You guys are no fun” Rainbow Dash pouted.

“Alright, I guess it means that it’s my turn” Apple Jack said after a slight pause. “Pinkie Pie, truth or dare?”

“Dare, dare, dare!” the excitable pink pony proclaimed.

Apple Jack thought for a minute then she smiled. “I dare you to not move a muscle for an entire minute”

The pink pony looked petrified, “You fiend!” she whispered, but she tucked her hind legs to chest, securing them with her fore legs and held her breath.

“One apple fritter, two apple fritters, three apple fritters…” the orange pony counted off

Rarity smiled, then looked off into the distance, her mind elsewhere. Like Rainbow Dash, Rarity was looking forward to the time of Spike and Twilight’s arrival. Up until the last two years Spike had always pursued her, doing favors to win her heart. She did not realize how much she missed the help and attention until Twilight’s responsibilities had dragged the little drake away from her. A lot of thing went unsaid two years ago, her appreciation, his feelings for her, and her now conflicting feelings for him…

“Rarity, truth or dare?” the Pinkie asked, sounding somewhat winded.

“Pardon?” the unicorn asked after being snapped back to reality.

“I said and I quote” the pink pony cleared her voice, “‘Rarity, truth or dare?’”.

Rarity smiled then replied “Truth darling”

“What were you just thinking about that caused you to look all” Pinkie recreated the dreamy and excited look that was just on her face a second ago.

Rarity blushed, “Oh, w-well you see darling, my mind was on… other things”. She rubbed that back of her neck and giggled awkwardly.

“What kind of things?” the Apple Jack asked probingly

“I bet it was about a staaaaaaliooooon!” Pinkie teased while nudging the unicorn lightly in the side

“I suppose you could say that” the fashionista sighed.

Fluttershy let out a light gasp, “Oh, do tell us Rarity, is it somepony we know?”

“Sorry girls, but you only asked why I thinking, not who I was thinking about” Rarity replied, “Besides if I told you who, it would make it all the more difficult whether or not to accept or deny his love…”

Chapter 3 - Premonitions and Dark Nights

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.