//-------------------------------------------------------// Spike's Quest for power -by Destroyershy96- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// A unforgiving world //-------------------------------------------------------// A unforgiving world Spike was doing his regular work when Twilight shows up and tells him, “Hey I will be out, make sure everything is done by the time I get back.” Twilight said as she was at the door. “Don’t worry. You can trust me.” Spike said with a smile. Twilight smiled and left and as she did, Spike went back to work. He finished in an and he spotted something. He thought it might be a gem so he tried to reach it and as he did something hit him and was knocked out. Spike woke up and saw everything was normal at first. He felt something was off and went to check outside only to find everything destroyed. He was shocked and scared but then realized a book right in front of the door that wasn’t there before. He read it aloud. “Quest for power?” Before he read any further he decided to check if his friends were around. "Applejack? Fluttershy? Twilight? Rainbow Dash? Pinkie? Ra-“ He was cut off by a dragons roar and hid from it. He went back out and realized that nopony responded and again heard a dragon’s roar but this time there were a lot more dragons around. Spike grabbed the book and went inside. He started to read but something caught his attention and went to see what to see what it was. He saw around fifty or so dragons flying around. He decided to ignore it and go back to reading the book, “I wonder what’s in this book.” Spike said to himself and continued to read aloud. “If you are interested in power, this quest is for you.” Spike had no idea what the book meant but he read on. “All you have to do is eat this gem and we can continue.” Spike didn’t see the gem and was wondering if the book was lying, but then he saw the gem. Spike picked it up but did not eat it. He was too scared to he looked at the book but no further pages were displayed then he thought, “Do I have to have to eat this gem to continue reading?” Spike didn’t see any other choice as nopony was around to help. So he ate the gem and saw new pages show up. He saw some rather unpleasant sight of Twilight. He saw that her horn was broken, cut up and blood and guts everywhere. He also saw something white on her but didn’t know what it was and a demonic face to her. Spike threw up at the sight and almost didn’t want to finish but he had to push on, or rather he forced himself to. The next picture wasn’t any better as he saw Applejack this time there was a shadow hovering over her and again saw some white stuff covering most of her. He noticed that it looked a lot like his shadow but denied it. “There’s no way that’s me.” Spike said as he continued to look at the pictures. He went on and saw another picture and this one was Rainbow Dash. Her wings were cut off face cut up like a dragon’s claw scratched her and again guts everywhere and some white substance on her. At this point he stopped reading and threw the book outside. He cried for a few minutes but again he had no other choice since nopony was around he had to find out what was going on and why this is happening. He went to get the book and continued on only this time he saw a pic of himself or rather a grown up version of himself and no harm to him from what he could tell but felt unsteady. He read, “Spike the deadliest dragon wanted for the death and rape of multiple ponies!” Spike was scared and confused but, as much as he hated to do this, he looked back at the previous pictures and saw two things in common: First thing was the marks matched Spike’s claws, and second, a shadow in all the pictures there was a shadow that looked very close to his own. Just as he saw that the book shook and he dropped the book. “Yes this is you a few days after an argument.” The voice said. Spike at first was reluctant to accept this but with the evidence pointed to him his fears came true. “But why? Why me?” He asked. The book didn’t respond. How did I turn out like this?!” He yelled trying to seek answers. Again the book said nothing, but as he was about to the book finally responded and said, “Because you lost your anger and transformed into this.” The book said with a dull voice. Spike looked at the book but refused to believe it. “That’s me?” He asked. The book stood itself up and said, "Yes you lost yourself and there for when on a quest to get power that at first you meant no harm but changed when you got what you needed not knowing the risk.” The book explained. Spike had realized he want power but not like this. “It is true. I always wanted to have power but not to hurt anypony.” Spike said worried The book didn’t respond, and then there was a knock at the door. At first he thought it was the dragons but then heard a voice. He knew that voice it was Fluttershy, but he knew there was no way that was possible but decided to see. He opened the door and at first saw nothing, but then looked down to see a recording. He questioned how it got here but proceeded to play it. “If anypony gets this, please help me. I’m trapped in a cave.” The message ended with a roar. He knew very well he couldn’t just show up she would run if he showed up and knowing that didn’t help. He had to think of a way to help her, he had two problems: the first one was he was an enemy to anypony that was still alive, and the would ether tried to kill or run from him if was seen. The second problem was the dragons. He knows that he is a dragons but what if they would attack him? He didn’t have a choice since there was nopony around and anypony that was would fear him. He grabbed a bag and the book and went outside but before he could get two feet from the house a dragon stopped him. He had a red scale body and he had two others with him, one was purple and skinny, and the other one was white and fat. Spike was worried that this was the end but to his surprise the three looked at Spike confused. "Hey boss don’t you recognize us? It me Garble we have been looking allover for you. Why do you look small thought?” He said. Spike was confused but didn’t have time to mess up so he said the first thing that came to mind. "Well… It was so I can trick the ponies of course. It wouldn’t help if I was a giant dragon now would it?” He said. They were confused by this but they just shrugged it off. “Oh well, that makes since but listen we reporting that we found a pony and we have her locked up.” Garble said as he looked back. Spike was surprised. Not only did they save him a lot of trouble to get there, but they may have found Fluttershy. “Ok. Let me to her I will see to this.” Spike demanded. Garble nodded and let him there. They arrive to a cave and to his surprise it was Fluttershy. "Thank you boys. I will take it from here and let me know if anything else happens.” Spike said. They nodded and left and Spike looked back at Fluttershy. She back up and Spike had to figure out how to get her out without scaring her. Fluttershy then said, “W-what are you going to d-do to me?’ She said scared. Spike had to think carefully on his next move or she would run the sec she was let free. He then said, "It’s ok it’s me Spike.” He said Fluttershy was more scared then before. “I-I know who you are, why did you kill our friends? What did we do to hurt you?! You even killed Rarity!” Fluttershy said backing up to the cage. Spike then had a shocked look on his face. “I killed Rarity?” He said horrified. Spike was about to start crying and Fluttershy notice this and spoke in a kinder voice. "Spike… is that really you? The Spike we all knew? She asked. The looks of depression feel on her. "I’m not the Spike from this time. I’m from the past.” He said still sad. Moments passed with no words then Fluttershy said, “I believe you… The Spike I know would never lie.” She said with a faint smile. Spike was still sad but at least he knows that she believes him. At that point Fluttershy decided and said, “Ok I will help you. I believe Pinkie may still be alive but a can’t promise anything.” She said worried. Spike looked at her and saw she was a mess. “How long have you been in here?” He asked and showed her the recording. Fluttershy was surprised to see it and whispered, “So he did it…” Spike was confused as to who she was talking about. “Who did it?” He asked. She looked back at him and said, "Angel. And from what could tell he’s not with you so that could only mean…” Spike had to think of something fast before she starting crying. Then he thought of something and said, "I saw a rabbit on my way here but it moved to quickly to see.” He knew that was a lie and felt bad for doing so since she just said he didn’t lie. But he only lied to help her for now. "Really?” She said wiping her tears away. She smiled, Spike was worried but he got the problem solved for now. Just then the three dragons came back and Garble said, "SIR, we have news.” Spike was interested as to what it was so he said, “Go ahead.” "We spotted two ponies nearby but they got away.” Garble said. Spike was surprised by this news but stayed calm and asked, “What did they look like?” Garble responded with, “One was pink and the other one had purple main.” Spike and Flutterhsy gasped by the news. "Where are they? “Spike asked. Garble sighed then said, “Last we saw them, they went into the forest. We were unable to follow them, we failed you boss.” Spike found his luck. Not only is Rarity still alive along with Pinkie. He saw his chance and said, “No you guys did a great job and for your reward, you guys get to relax and eat all the gems you want.” The three dragons cheered for him and they left. Spike looked back and said, “What luck they are both alive. But didn’t you say I killed Rarity? He asked. Fluttershy was just as confused but she answered hm. "Well… I saw you or “other” Spike kill her.” She said with worry. No words were said for a few minutes. Spike looked at Fluttersh and knew she wasn’t lying but was confused as to why it is. He shrugged it off he was just happy that they were alive. “Let’s go look for them.” Spike said happily. Fluttershy nodded and Spike broke the lock. "Um… Sorry about what I said earlier.” Fluttershy said still sad. She looked down and Spike just smiled. “No it’s ok. You didn’t know you’re not at fault here.” He said. She smiled and tried to fly but fell as she did. Spike saw one of her wings were broken and Fluttershy said nothing. “Why didn’t you say anything?” Spike asked worried. She looked away. “I didn’t want you to worry.” She said still in pain. He saw a few leafs and vines. He wrapped it around her wing. “You feel better?” He asked. She looked back at him. “Yes thank you.” She said Fluttershy smiled as they carefully walked down the mountain and they entered the Everfree forest. As they entered Spike asked, “So… What happened to ponyville and everywhere else?” Fluttershy was at first reluctant to say. She looked at Spike and saw he needed answers. “Well while we were outside hanging out when you and Twilight showed up. Then as you guys showed up pinkie showed up as well and you made a mistake and pinkie said something but can’t remember what she said. You got mad and said, I’ll show you! I’ll show you all!! and ran off.” She said. Spike didn’t say anything and Fluttershy continued. "Rainbow Dash and I went after you but somehow lost you in the forest.” Spike was thinking about what she said but it didn’t match up. Then again this may not have happened yet so it was still possible but it wasn’t known as what day it would happen. “So… It was because of me why everything is the way it is…” Spike whispered. Fluttershy didn’t hear him so she went on. “You came back three days later you weren’t the same. You were cut up and injured when Rarity found you. She brought you back to Twilight’s house but you got there you attacked her and from what I saw you killed her on the spot. I didn’t get involved I went and told Twilight. She went and got Applejack, Rainbow Dash I went with them. They were killed quickly and I fled. I don’t know what happen after that.” Moments passed and no words were said and then Spike asked, “And where was Pinkie during all of this?” She thought about this but then answered, "That’s the thing nopony was able to find her for days shortly after you left. We assumed she went out to find you." Spike looked surprised but wasn’t fazed. “She did?” He asked Spike knew that she cared about him but to put herself in danger just to find him was a whole different story. They saw Zokroa’s house and looked around as they waited a few minutes before entering. They heard a dragon’s roar and they bolted inside and hid. The dragon looked around and saw Spike’s tail and grabbed him. Spike then realized something was off about the dragon and pulled the head off and noticed it was Rarity. “Rarity?!” Spike yelled in surprised. She screamed and jumped back. Fluttershy came out of hiding but before she could start her sentence the back of the dragon or rather costume jumped out and to Spike’s surprise it was Pinkie. Pinkie didn’t notice Spike at first as her attention was on Fluttershy. "Fluttershy are you ok?! What happened to your wing? Who did this?" Pinkie asked worried. She pointed to Spike and Pinkie tackled Spike crying. “Oh Spike I missed you. I’m so sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean to hurt you." Pinkie said still crying. Spike was shocked. Not only did she hug him but she didn’t try to kill him or run away. Spike also Busted into tears as well. “It’s ok I know you didn’t mean it.” He said still hugging her. Fluttershy smiled and hugged them as well. Rarity remained unmoved by this only looking at them. Spike saw Rarity and he knew she wasn’t happy. "H-hey Rarity I’m glad you’re still alive.” Spike said nervously. He went to hugged her but she put her hoof on his chest. “Rarity?” He asked worried. She walks to the door ignoring him. “I’ll go and see if there are anypony is still alive.” Rarity said coldly and left slamming the door behind her. Fluttershy grew worried and said, “I’ll go talk to her and see what’s wrong…” Pinkie stopped her and said, “NO! I’ll go after her. You rest I’ll be back.” She said that with a grim smile and left. Fluttershy saw that Spike was heartbroken. "Don’t worry… I’m sure she not mad at you.” She said trying to cheering him up. Fluttershy kind of knew it wasn’t true but it was better then seeing him sad. “I don’t blame her. After all, she only sees me as a monster and nothing more…” Spike said being close to crying again. Fluttershy put her hoof on his back and said, "I’m sure she will be fine. Just give her time.” Spike looked at her. “Yea…” He said still depressed. He felt slightly better knowing she was trying to make him feel better. Few minutes when by and Pinkie came back with Rarity. “You find anymore survivors?” Spike asked not really expecting an answer. Pinkie looked at him and said, “Sadly no.” Her hair was back to being puffy Fluttershy asked Rarity, “Why didn’t you respond to Spike? He’s the reason I’m still alive.” Rarity pointed to him and said, “HE’S ALSO THE RESON WHY OUR FRIENDS ARE DEAD AND KILLED ME… or I would be dead if it wasn’t for Pinkie.” Spike didn’t respond and Fluttershy stepped up and said, “This isn’t the same Spike you. He’s not from this time.” Rarity calmed down a little but was still angry. “Where’s your prove?” Rarity asked. Then Spike’s bag shook and jumped out the bag. “Right here.” Spike knew who it was and completely forgot it was there. “Who are you?!” Rarity demanded. The book just laid there. A second later the book responded. I’m the reason for all of this madness is happening. I’m also the reason why Spike is here.” It explained. Everypony widen their eyes. Rarity was the most surprised. “What are you talking about?” She asked. Spike then put two and two together and realized something. “ARE YOU THE REASON WHY I GOT KNOCKEOUT?!” he yelled. The book didn’t respond. Spike asked again. “WELL ARE YOU?!” Again the book said nothing and Fluttershy noticed something near its mouth. It was fur and she asked, “W-what is that on your mouth?” “Oh this? Its rabbit fur. Didn’t realize there was some left.” The book said dully. Fluttershy instantly started to cry and ran out. Pinkie ran after her. “HAhaha oh I’m sorry was that her pet or something?” The book said not caring. Rarity was beyond angry at this point. “You’re a monster!” She said loudly. The book just simply yawned. “Oh you’re too kind.” The book said. Spike remained quiet and just watched. “You’re going to tell us how to fix this or I-“ The book stopped her. “Or what? You can’t destroy me or you will lose your only key to fixing the problem.” Rarity stopped what she was going to say and said, “What do you want?” The book flew up and transformed into what they thought was a dragon but it had multiple parts. A goat, dragon, lizard and some other parts. My name is Discord and yes I am part of the reason why this is happening. However a better question would be why I brought you here?” He asked. Discord snapped his fingers and a couch popped out from under him. He lay down on the couch and said, “It’s nothing really. Just a small quest.” Rarity was getting annoyed. “Spit it out already!” She yelled. Discord didn’t move nor was he fazed by her. “Well somepony doesn’t have manners. Ok I‘ll tell you. I need you to go find this gem but not just any gem the rarest in Equestia it won’t be easy seeing as it’s in where the other Spike is. It won’t be easy seeing as the cave has a lot of traps are in it and as you knowing the other Spike; you already knew this did not you not?” He said. Rarity said nothing but knew he was right. Pinkie came back with Fluttershy and led her into another room. She came back and joined in. “Oh? And you must be Pinkie am I right?” Discord said smiling. Pinkie was surprised but went on and asked, “Yes. But how do you know my name?” Rarity answers her question. “This is Discord. He’s the reason why all this is happening.” She said. Discord sighed but didn’t change his mood. “Well I’m not the whole reason. Don’t forget who killed all your friends.” Discord said smirking. Spike wasn’t about let some creature say what he did. “Hey I’m not fully to blame here. You’re the one who brought me into this nightmare!” Spike yelled. Rarity let him finish then said, “Why don’t you get it yourself Discord?!” Discord yawned not caring about what she said. “Because it wouldn’t be fun now would it? May I need to remind you that you’re in no position to be calling the shots here…? I’m your only way out and if you don’t do as I ask, I won’t help you simple as that.” Discord said seriously. They could tell he wasn’t joking about this. Rarity saw no other choice so she agreed to his terms. “Now if I remember right you can find gems with your horn correct?” Discord asked. “Yes…” Rarity mumbled as her voice trails off. “And seeing as Spike being the only dragon here, you’re going to need his help.” Discord added. Spike then saw his chance. “Yes this is my chance to patch things up.” He thought. Discord then looked at Pinkie. “Pinkie… Be a dear and bring Fluttershy out here.” He asked. Pinkie was about to say no way, Discord looked at here with more serious face and said, “I’m not going to ask again.” Pinkie saw that he wasn’t joking around and went to get Fluttershy. A minute later Pinkie came back with Fluttershy. “Oh dear Fluttershy remember how I ate your little rabbit friend?” Discord asked. Fluttershy remained silent as she was about to cry again. “Well here he is.” Discord added. Her expression changed quickly. “Oh Angel I’m so glad you’re ok. Um thank you…” Fluttershy said still a little scared. “The names Discord by the way.” He said “Thank you Discord” Fluttershy said happily. The other three were surprised by this. “Why you do that?” Spike asked. Discord sighed. But he did answer his question. “I may be mean but even I have a heart.” Spike knew this wasn’t to be a lie but wasn’t about to argue with him. Fluttershy went to the other room and put her pet in bed. She comes back a few seconds later and Discord asks her, “Now could you join them as well? Because they could use your help as well.” Fluttershy nods and Rarity still ignoring Spike tells them, “Ok but I’ll lead and what I say goes is that clear?” Fluttershy looks at Spike but answers. “Yes.” Pinkie then realized she hadn’t been called or anything. “Wait what about me?” Pinkie asked. Spike notice this and came up with an idea. “Well I suppose you can try to liven up the place while were gone.” Spike said smiling. Pinkie was about to object but Spike gave her a wink to go along with it. She nods and turned to Discord. “Ok but on one condition.” Pinkie demanded. “And that is…?” Discord asked curious. He was interested in what it was. “Bring back all our friends that di-“ Pinkie was interrupted. “No.” Discord said the second she was about to finish what she was going to say. “I may be the ruler of chaos, but even I can’t bring back the dead. The only one who MAY be able to is Twilight and she’s dead so your out of luck though I must say I was rather surprised by your request.” Discord added. Pinkie said nothing after that. Spike, Rarity and Fluttershy left and started to head to the cave. “Well it’s going to be a while before we get there.” Spike said hoping to get a response. Rarity said nothing and Fluttershy noted this but also said nothing. “So Fluttershy how’s your wing?” Rarity asked looking at it. “It’s a lot better now thanks for asking. It’s thanks to Spike that my wing feels better.” Rarity started to walk faster and Fluttershy decided to stop this. “We aren’t going anywhere until we resolve this problem.” Rarity looked at her confused as she didn’t understand. “What problem dear?” Rarity asked confused. Spike looked at Fluttershy realizing what she was doing. “You haven’t once talked to Spike since we meet up and I am not the only that has notice this ether. He risked his life to save me even after I hurt him mentally.” She said not backing down. Rarity didn’t seem fazed and she glares at Spike then looked back at her. “You do know he’s the whole reason why everything the way it is right?! If not for him our friends… our friends…” She looked back at Spike and then sent a beam directly at him. Fluttershy pushed him out of the way and the beam pierced her leg. Rarity was shocked and was on the break of tears. “You ok dear?” Rarity said nervously. Spike was about help her up, Rarity pushed him back. “Don’t touch her you monster!” She yelled. Spike looked in surprise and backed up. Rarity use a healing spell on Fluttershy’s leg but it wasn’t working very quickly. “I-I’m ok…” Fluttershy said before she fainted. Rarity sighed and said, “Ok fine but I’m only doing this for Fluttershy.” She took a deep breath before she was going to say something but before she could a dragon’s roar interrupted her. The three from before showed up. “Hey you caught them good job boss.” Garble said. This looked back for Spike it was bad enough rarity was mad at him but now on top of that they show up at the worse time and made it worse. Garble told the other two to throw the two ponies into the cage. Then Gable told them to get Spike on his chair and fly them there. Rarity glared at Spike and he shivered. They arrive at a cave and Garble told the other two dragons to put the prisoners and the chair down. “We will leave them in you care.” Garbel said. Spike nodded and they left. Spike had to think of a way to solve this problem before things got worse. Rarity was still glaring at Spike and he knew she was and did not blame her. “Look I will think of something don’t worry.” Spike said. Rarity looked back at Fluttershy and said, “Don’t bother.” Spike had no choice he had to go get Pinkie to help since this time the look was break-proof and he couldn’t break it. “I will be back.” Spike said. Rarity didn’t look back nor did she say anything. She was still looking at Fluttershy still healing her and said, “Don’t worry dear… I make sure you are taken care of.” Spike went off and made haste to get Pinkie. As he did, he ran into her knocking him back. “Pinkie I need your help. Fluttershy and Rarity got caught and are locked up and I can’t break them out.” Spike said out of breath. Just as Pinkie was about to respond Discord interrupted her. “Oh? How ironic we were looking for you for that reason.” Discord said laughing. It was Discord except this time he was back into his book form. “DISCORD! And why is he here?” Spike asked with anger in his tone. “You seem to forget that I know where everything is and what happens.” Discord said still laughing at Spike. Spike was getting angrier at him. “Don’t laugh at me!” Spike yelled. Pinkie was getting annoyed by this. “STOP!” Pinkie yelled. Discord fell silent and Spike smiled at the fact he stopped. “Now’s not the time to be arguing. We need to rescue them.” Pinkie said worried. Spike nodded and they ran there. It took them a few minutes but sure enough they arrived. Discord was standing on a rock. “Took you long enough… I was getting bored.” He said yawning. Pinkie looked at the back he was in and just noticed that he wasn’t in there. They were baffled by this. “Well that explains why I felt lighter but how did you get here before us? Pinkie asked. “I teleported here of course.” Discord said joking around. Spike was getting impaction and said, “Why didn’t you teleport us then?” Again Discord just shrugged off what Spike said and responded with, “Because where’s the fun in that?” They saw Rarity and Fluttershy still in their cages but some white stuff was on Rarity and from what they could see Fluttershy remained untouched. Rarity gasped out these words, “Don’t… say… a word.” She said on the urge of tears. Spike didn’t understand what happened but he knew he didn’t like it. Discord laughed and said, “Wow they took a liking into you.” Spike didn’t get it but Rarity understood him completely. “Shut up… I don’t want to hear it. Not from you. NOW get me out of here before they come back.” Rarity said gasping. Before they could the three dragons’ came back and were more aggressive. Discord snapped his fingers and transformed Pinkie and himself invisible. “Hey we never said we were finished.” Garble said. Spike had no idea what was going on but he then saw three dogs. Spike remembered them all too well it was the Diamond dogs. “Wait why are they here? Spike asked confused. Garble looked at Spike and said, Don’t worry they are with us. There not here for the gems, they are here for that pony over there.” Garble said and pointed to Rarity. Spike had to do something but what he didn’t know. As they were about to take her Spike intervened between them. “No let me since I got them I will take care of them.” Spike said realizing something was off about that. Somehow he knew that it didn’t sound right but he had to go along with it. “Ok fair enough we will take the yellow one instead.” Garble said as he walked towards her instead. Spike was caught by surprise. He completely forgot to take Fluttershy into account. “Wait!” He said just barley stopping him. Garble sighed. “Boss you can’t hog them all.” He said slightly annoyed. “Well…” Spike was puzzled and had to think fast. Then something came to mind and he said, “Well it wouldn’t be fun if she was awake would you agree?” Rarity glared at him. Spike knew he had said something bad but it was last second effort. “Yea I can understand that. Ok we will leave them be for now.” Garble said slightly disappointed. The Diamond dogs were angry but weren’t about to leave empty-handed. As one of them were about to object one of them realized Spike and said, “Hey isn’t that the same dragon who stopped us before?” Spike didn’t realize that they would remember him. “Yea it is they had also helped him.” Garble looked at Spike with a shock expression and asked, “Is this true?” Spike was at a loss of words. “Yes but...” Before he could get another word in Garble roared and more dragons showed up. “GET THEM!” Garble yelled. He breathed fire causing the cage below Rarity and Fluttershy to melt. They fell and Fluttershy woke up from the fall. “What happened?” Fluttershy asked as she came to. As the Dragons were about to attack Discord snapped his fingers and teleported them back to Zokora’s house. They could hear the roar from here. “Thank you Discord.” Fluttershy said patting his head. Rarity went outside to wash off all the stuff on her. “Don’t bother me. I will be washing up.,” She said coldly and walk out of sight. Pinkie looked at Discord and asked, “Why did you save us?” Discord snapped his fingers and lay back on his couch. “Well I need you alive of course. The others were expandable.” He said calmly. Pinkie didn’t like that response. “Don’t talk like they are useless.” Pinkie said angrily. Spike just watch as this was going on. “True not everypony was useless. Twilight to be more exact but everypony else were.” Discord said not caring. He was amused by her response and laughed. “Don’t laugh at my friends!” Pinkie yelled angrily. “Oh please you don’t scare me.” Discord said yawning. Pinkie then fell into depression and left and Spike said, “That was uncalled for.” Discord ignored his concern and said, “In the end you’re the only one who can fix this problem.” Before Spike could asked what he meant by that Discord snapped his fingers and disappeared. Now Spike was left with more questions than answers. He wanted to get out of this nightmare and fast before it got worse. Just then Rarity came back in all washed up but made no eye contact with Spike as she was heading to where Fluttershy is. Spike follows her but keep his distance so he wouldn’t be notice. She entered the room and started to talk to Fluttershy. “Hey are you ok?” Rarity asked. “I’m ok… But is Spike ok” Fluttershy responded. Rarity didn’t answer her. “Rarity… Is Spike ok?” Fluttershy asked again. Rarity finally responded. “Yes he’s fine… As much as I hate to say it he is the reason we are alive well that and that Discord. But I can’t forgive him even if it is the Spike I once.” She sighed as she said that. She was about to burst into tears but then Spike fell in and Rarity gasped. “Ow!” Spike said as he fell. He got up and said, “I understand why you are angry with me Believe me I do. If somepony I knew did this I would be in denial as well but if you want I’ll leave…” Spike then handed her a gem the same gem from his birthday and started to walk away. As Spike was about to leave Rarity stopped him and busted into tears. “I’m so sorry for acting the way I was acting. Can you forgive me?” Spike saw that she was serious. “Don’t worry about it.” Spike said smiling. Rarity kissed him on the head and as that happened Discord teleported in. “Sorry to break up this love fest but the dragons are still looking for us remember?” He said annoyed. Rarity looked at Discord. “So why don’t you teleport the house?” She asked. Discord sighed and said, “I could… but where would could I teleport it? There are dragons everywhere so even if I did they would find us in seconds.” As he finished saying that Pinkie came back in. “…I know a place.” Pinkie said this but didn’t make eye contact with Discord. She walked to Spike and whispered where. He responded with, “Not a bad idea.” “What is it?” Discord asked. Spike told him. “We can teleport to Twilight’s house. They w-“ Discord interrupted. “No. If we could have, believe me I would by not. As I last checked there were dragons there as well. There only one thing we can do is end this.” He said not letting Spike finish. “And that is…?” Spike asked wondering. “We have to get the gem and bring it to me.” Discord said. Moments passed with no words exchanged then Spike said, “Ok. If it’s to end this nightmare then we will do it.” Discord snapped his fingers and teleported them into a cave. Spike saw the gem and pointed to it. Pinkie then said, “Well that was easy.” Rarity looked around. “To easy…” As Rarity said that a big dragon appeared behind them. The dragon looked like Spike and Rarity put up a shield and blocked the dragon’s attack. Rarity started to get weaker so Spike had to do something so he ran to where the gem was. “Spike!” Rarity yelled. She couldn’t drop her shield but Spike got the gem. The other Spike switched targets and went after him. Spike ran back to Rarity but fell and dropped the gem. He then lunged at the gem and ate it. To Spike surprised he started to transform and looked a lot like the other dragon. The other dragon again switched targets and said, “If you don’t want your friends dead you will cough up that gem right now!” He demanded. Spike was about to but Rarity yelled back, “”Don’t give up that gem!” The other dragon looked at Rarity and smacked the barrier sending Fluttershy, Pinkie and Rarity flying to a wall. “Shut up you useless pony.” The dragon said annoyed. Spike saw his friends hurt and lost control of himself. “Don’t…You…Dare… Insult my friends!!” Spike lungs at the other dragon and the two fought and then Discord showed up and separated the two. “Why thank you my dear Spike. You saved me all the trouble from getting it.” Discord said smiling. Discord then punched Spike in the gut and grabbed the gem and ate it. The other dragon charged at him but Discord snapped his fingers and paused him. He then said, “You had done a very good job. Now thanks to you I no longer have to worry about being turned into stone later on.” Spike when back to his original size and was tired from the struggle. “We helped you get what you wanted now get me out of this nightmare!” Spike demanded. Discord ignored his comment and said, “I will after this.” He turned the other dragon around and faces it toward Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rarity. “What are you doing?! We had a deal!” Spike said worried and angry. “Well that is true but at a cost of somepony else’s life.” Discord said calmly. He then un-paused the dragon and he was lunging towards them. Spike had to think fast but he was to hurt to do anything and they were too injured to get out of the way. With all of Spike’s remaining strength he ran towards them but then he started to glow causing him to transform again. Discord was surprised by this but didn’t stop him. Spike hit the monster sending it flying but because of this Spike suffered internal bleeding and started to cough up blood after transforming back to his original size. Rarity ran towards Spike and the Pinkie and Fluttershy followed. Spike hold on I will heal you!” Discord stepped near them but Pinkie stood between them and he stopped. It’s too late. He can’t be helped no matter how much magic is used.” Discord said emotionless. Rarity looked back at Discord still trying to heal Spike. “Well it never hurts to try!” Rarity said still healing Spike. Spike coughed but managed to say these last words. “Don’t worry about me. At least now I know you guys are safe…” He died right after that. Rarity cried along with Fluttershy and Pinkie. Discord looked and then said, “Not bad… You proved that you show promise.” He teleported into his mind where he was barely alive mentally. “You show promise. I will now keep my end of the deal and teleport you out of here.” Discord said with a bit of sadness in his voice. Spike said nothing. “What have you learned from this?” Discord asked. Spike then responded with, “I learned that I’m not as weak as I think… I have to show everypony that I’m more than an errand boy.” Discord nodded and teleported out of Spike’s mind. Next thing Spike knew he was in the hospital and their friends were there. “He should be fine as long as he stays in bed for a bit longer.” The doctor said. Twilight then noticed that he woke up. “Hey you ok?” Twilight asked. Spike realized that he was back and everything was normal. “What happened?” Spike asked. Twilight grabbed a book from her bag and said, “You hit your head on this book and you weren’t responding so I brought you here.” Twilight hugged him and so did the rest of his friends all but one. Rarity looked at Spike but didn’t say anything. He looked at her eyes and noticed the same look before he “died” and realized that she had the same memories as him. She smiled and left. “Everything ok?” Twilight asked. Spike looked at Twilight and said, “Everything is fine…Just fine.” Spike smiled and was happy to be home.