The War of Equestria

by JibJibMonkey

Rating: mature
Tags: Dark, Alternate Universe, Sad, Adventure
Length: 8282

King Sombra has declared war on Celestia and Luna, Celestia desperate to find some troops has asked an all grown up Spike to help in the war. Spike accepts but he soon finds that war isn't pleasant nor is it easy.

King Sombra has declared war on Princess Celestia and all of Equestria, Celestia in desperation asks an all grown up Spike to help aid her fight. Twilight agrees and lets Spike go but Spike soon finds out that war isn't very pleasant. Spike has to go through torture, betrayal, and losing the one he loves the most.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2015-05-28 23:46:07 UTC

Chapter 1: Asking For Help

The warm rays and cool breeze signaled another peaceful day in the land of Equestria which has just celebrated its 11th year of peace. As always, Princess Celestia has just risen the sun. But today, that routine was interrupted.

Afar, she saw when she saw a large black cloud slowly approached Canterlot from the horizon. Celestia's heart sank and her body felt cold. It was the feeling of fear all around her. She ran to find her chief commander, Silver Wing. Lucky for her, he and two other guards were patrolling the halls.

"Commander Silver Wing," she approached him until she towered over him, "get everypony out of the city at once!" Celestia urgently demanded.

"Why princess?" Silver Wing inquired. "What’s wrong?"

"I fear that he has returned." Celestia said.

"Who is he your highness?"

There was a moment of silence.

"King Sombra."

Silver Wing's eyes widened. At first, he couldn’t even utter a word but he gathered his courage and turned to his guards.

"Men," he shouted, "we need to evacuate the city, we're under attack! Relay this to any guard or authority you encounter."

They saluted and departed. As the city was being evacuated, Celestia took the opportunity to fly all the way to Friendship Castle, home of her student.

Twilight Sparkle.

Once Celestia arrived at the library, she bursts through the door, startling both Twilight and her assistant Spike. She saw her faithful student, who resembled her and her sister more and more every year and also Spike, whose growth was even more noticeable for he looked more and more biped unlike any other dragons she’s read about or seen. he looked more like a human than anything else. The fact that he had specially-made clothes by Rarity on him made him even more removed from dragons. Still, he sported the traditional dragon features like scaly skin, his back spines, pointy tipped tail, sharp teeth, and wings.

They had grown up so much over the years. If she recalled, Spike had just turned twenty. Twilight has also gotten older, she was now her little sister’s size. She had turned thirty-one last month and now started to wear a crown, necklace, and shoes.

"Twilight," she started, already sounding grave, "I need to talk to you, it's urgent."

"What is it, Princess?" Twilight said, knowing it must have been imperative if Celestia had to barge in like that .

"It's Sombra, he has returned." Celestia said.

"T- that's impossible, Sombra was trapped in ice 12 years ago." Spike reminded.

"Well, now he has returned, and he is attacking Canterlot as we speak!" Celestia explained.

"But why come here? Shouldn't you be in Canterlot, evacuating the city and defending your castle!" said Twilight.

"My guards are taking care of that. I came here because I need someone.”

Twilight gulped and Spike frowned upon seeing her reaction. She was going to have to call upon her friends to defeat the mena-

"To ask Spike to come with me." Celestia said.

The two were dumbstruck, exchanging looks of surprise with one another.

"M- me?" Spike said to Celestia, pointing his sharp finger at himself. "Wait, you want me to fight Sombra?"

"You won’t be alone,” Celestia assured. “That's where Twilight comes in."

"What!?" Twilight exclaimed.

"I need you to send letters to everyone in Equestria asking them all to aid the war effort if they can. Can I count on you to complete this test?"

"Yes of course, I'll send them right away."

Using her magic, Twilight gathered as much paper in the library to her work table where she began writing down:

"Attention all Equestrians. King Sombra has returned and Princess Celestia needs your help to fight and defeat Sombra..."

And ended with:

"The nearest recruiting station is the royal armory in Canterlot Castle."

All on a blank piece of paper. She then used her magic to copy those exact words on to the other pages of paper and teleported them across every corners of Equestria.

"There, the letters have been sent to all citizens." Twilight said.

"Thank you," Celestia turned to Spike, "Now, we must get you outfitted in some proper armor."

"Wait, is my brother fighting too?" Twilight asked.

"Yes he is, but don't worry," she said calmly, "he won’t be fighting on the battlefield. He will be the one who will train Spike and any other recruits who will join the war."

Twilight sighed in relief. "Okay, thank you, Princess."

"Celestia, before we leave, "Spike said, "can I say goodbye to everyone first?"

"Of course. But please, the fate of Equestria is in dire need. I hope to see you two and your friends soon."

And with that, Spike nodded and rushed past Celestia to say goodbye to all his friends back in Ponyville.

Chapter 2: Saying Goodbye

Spike had just left Twilight's castle to say goodbye to his friends and his first stop was The Carousel Boutique, the home of Rarity.

Spike knocked on Rarity's door "Rarity, are you home?"

Spike then heard a voice calling from the other side of the door "Yes Spike, come in."

Spike then opened the door and walked in where he was welcomed by a grown up Sweetie Belle. Sweetie bell now had a cutie mark, It was a pink heart with a black music note and a microphone. She had also grown a few inches as well as

"Hi Spike," Sweetie Belle said " You wanna talk to Rarity I assume?"

"Yes, I actually need to talk to both of you." Spike said scratching the back of his head.

"Okay then," Sweetie Belle then called to her sister "Rarity, Spike needs to talk to you!"

Rarity then trotted out of the kitchen and into the living room where she then approached Spike and Sweetie Belle.

"You need to speak to me Spike?" Rarity asked.

"Yes I do," I'm going to war with Celestia to help fight King Sombra." Spike said.

Rarity and Sweetie Belle then developed a look of shock among hearing what Spike said.

Rarity then started to develop tears "What, but you mustn't go!"

"I have to, I need to fight to make sure none of you get killed."

Rarity took a moment to get her emotions together and she told Spike "Whatever you must do, I support you all the way. Just make sure you come home Spiky-Boo."

Sweetie Belle hugged Spike "I'm with you all the way, go get 'em Spike."

Spike hugged Sweetie Belle back "Thanks guys."

Rarity then walked over to Spike and hugged him as well. Along with him being hugged he was kissed by both Rarity and Sweetie Belle on both cheeks. Spike's faced turned red and he gave Sweetie Belle and Rarity one last hug and he walked towards the door and waved goodbye before walking out.

Spikes next stop was Sugarcube Corner to say goodbye to Pinkie Pie and the Cakes. Spike walked in and was welcomed by a teenage Pound Cake.

"Hi uncle Spike." Pound Cake said with a smile. "What are you doing here?"

"Hey there buddy. I actually need to talk to Pinkie Pie, your sister, and your parents. Do you know where they are?"

"Yeah they're here somewhere, you can come in if you want."

"Thanks." Spike then walked in and took a seat at one of the bakery's tables.

"MOM, DAD, PINKIE PIE, SIS UNCLE SPIKE'S HERE AND HE NEEDS TO TALK TO YOU!!"

Spike then heard Mrs. Cake's voice call "Be right there sweetie."

Spike then saw Pinkie Pie walk in his direction along with Pumpkin Cake and Mr. Cake and Mrs. Cake soon followed behind. Spike also saw Pinkie Pie walking with somepony who didn't expect to see again, the one and only Cheese Sandwich. Spike took a guess that Pinkie Pie and Cheese were dating.

Pinkie Pie then ran over to Spike and pushed him. "Geez Pinkie what was tha..." Spike then saw a large flower pot fall from the ceiling right where he was originally standing. The Pinkie Sense had saved him once again.

Spike let out a sigh of relief "Whew, thanks Pinkie. Good to see you all again and good to see you again Cheese."

Cheese Sandwich then rubbed the bottom of his chin "Hey I know you. Spiked is it?"

"It's Spike and I you should know me, I'm the little dragon that helped you prepare for Rainbow Dash's birthday party."

Cheese then pulled a ruler out of nowhere and put it to the ground next to Spike's feet "Well you're not so little any more."

"You're right when you last saw him he was just a little Spikey-Mitey, or something like that. Man I really gotta work on my rhymes, lets see, what rhymes with Spikey? Mikey, Wikey rhymes but Rarity already calls him that. Likey? That doesn't even make sense..."

As Pinkie continued talking to herself Spike decided to continue.

"Anyways the reason I came here is to tell you that I'm going off to war."

"Lets see, Likey? No that doesn't make sens... WHAT?!?!?!?"

Mr. Cake shushed Pinkie Pie "Pinkie Pie quiet down."

Spike let out a small chuckle "It's alright, Twilight reacted the same way when Celestia told her."

Pumpkin Cake started to cry "But why, why uncle Spike."

"I have to. King Sombra has returned and is threatening all of Equestria with war as we speak."

"Is Princess Celestia the one who asked you?" Mr. Cake asked.

Spike smiled and nodded "You are correct."

Pinkie looked at Spike "Okay let me get this straight, King Sombra has returned from being trapped in ice for 12 years and has attacked Canterlot, Celestia has asked you to join her army to fight Sombra, and you want to go to make sure none of us get killed?"

"Yes."

"Well, all we have to say is good luck, win the war and most importantly, don't get killed." Mr. Cake said with a slight chuckle.

Spike smiled "Thanks guys, I'll see you again."

Pinkie Pie spread her hooves wide and "Group hug." Pinkie Pie and the Cakes then gave Spike a goodbye hug. Spike was released and he then waved goodbye and walked out the door.

Spike's next destination was Sweet Apple Acres to say goodbye to Applejack and the rest of the Apple's. Spike soon arrived at Sweet Apple Acres within a few minutes and there in the east orchard was Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Apple Bloom. Granny Smith had died a few years ago and now Applejack was in charge of the family. Apple Bloom had recently turned 20 years old and had grown and got her cutie mark, It was a red apple being painted by a paintbrush.

Apple Bloom no longer wore her red bow but instead wore the orange apple-print bandanna that Granny Smith had given her on her 19th birthday. Big Mac was now married to Miss Cheerilee and they had 2 baby fillies named Crabby Apple and Sunshine.

"Howdy Spike, whatcha need?" Apple Bloom asked with a smile.

"Hi Apple Bloom, I need to tell you, your sister, and brother something important." Spike said.

"Sure, I'll get them." Apple Bloom said happily.

Apple bloom then called Applejack and Big Mac over.

"Hey there partner, you want to talk to us we presume?" Big Mac said.

"Yes, I'm going to war." Spike said.

Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom all developed a look of shock.

"Wait, what!" Applejack yelled.

"I got that same reaction when I told Pinkie Pie." Spike chuckled.

"Wait, you told Pinkie Pie." Apple Bloom said.

"Yep, Pinkie Pie, the Cakes, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and Twilight." Spike said.

"Well actually Celestia told Twilight." Spike added.

"Did Celestia ask you?" Applejack asked.

"Yes, she asked me at the castle actually." Spike said.

"So who will you be fighting?" Applejack asked.

"King Sombra." Spike said.

"SOMBRA!!!!" Applejack yelled.

"Yep, after 12 years of being trapped in ice, he's back." Spike said.

Apple Blooms eyes teared up and she ran over to Spike and hugged him.

"No, I can't let you leave Spike, he'll kill you." Apple Bloom said as she hugged Spike.

"If I die, then it was for a good cause." Spike said hugging Apple Bloom back.

"Don't talk like that Spike, you won't die!" Applejack said.

"I can only hope that you're right Applejack." Spike said.

Spike then pulled Apple Bloom away from him and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Spike are you sure you wanna go through with this?" Applejack asked.

"I have to, to protect you all from Sombra because he will kill you too." Spike said.

"Well if you feel it's what's right, we support you all the way." Big Mac said.

"I agree, we're proud of you Spike, even if you're making a stupid decision." Applejack said.

"Thanks guys, I'm glad that you are my friends." Spike said happily.

Applejack and Applebloom then gave Spike a hug and Big Mac gave Spike a hoof-bump.

"Thanks guys, I'll see you after the war ends." Spike said.

Spike then left Sweet Apple Acres and flew to Cloudsdale to Rainbow Dash's home.

Spike arrived at Rainbow Dash's home and knocked on her door.

"Dash, you here?" Spike said.

There was no answer for a couple of minutes then the door opened and there stood his friend Scootaloo. Scootaloo had gotten older and had grown and she had her cutie mark. It was a wheel with blue flames coming out of the back. Scootaloo was also wearing black earrings on both ears.

"Wassup Spike, how are you?" Scootaloo asked.

"Hey Scoots, is Dash here?" Spike asked.

"Yeah, let me get her." Scootaloo said with a smile.

Scootaloo walked away and soon after she came back following Rainbow Dash.

"Hey there Spike, how are you?" Dash asked with a smile.

"Good, I need to tell you something." Spike said.

"Sure, what is it?" Dash said.

"I'm going to war." Spike said.

"What, war, why?" Dash said with shock.

"I have to." Spike said.

"Bullshit, you have to give me a better answer." Dash said angrily.

"Sombra has returned and is attacking Canterlot and soon, attack all of Equestria if I don't stop him." Spike said.

"Sombra, you're going to fight Sombra?!" Dash asked with shock.

"Yes." Spike said.

"Hell no, he'll kill you." Dash said.

"I have to do this Dash, if you don't agree with me then that's your problem!" Spike said in anger.

"I think you should at least think about me and our friends before leaving." Dash said.

"Everypony that I have told me has supported me except for you and Fluttershy, and I haven't even told her yet." Spike said.

"And trust me, I'm thinking of you guys and the fact that I might die." Spike added.

"I support you Spike, but I still think you're making a horrible decision." Scootaloo said.

"Damn it fine, I support you Spike." Dash said.

"Thanks Dash and thank you too Scoots." Spike said.

Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash then gave Spike a big hug.

"Go get 'em tiger." Dash said smiling.

Spike was then released and waved goodbye and flew to Fluttershy's cottage.

Spike arrived at Fluttershy's cottage and he knocked on her door. The door was soon answered and the door opened, revealing his friend Fluttershy.

"Hello Spike, please come in." Fluttershy said in her usual soft voice.

Spike entered and took a seat at Fluttershy's dinner table.

"Can I get you some tea?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yes please." Spike said.

"What kind?" Fluttershy asked.

"Jasmine please." Spike said.

Fluttershy then winked and she started making the tea for her and Spike. A little time passed and when their tea was done Fluttershy handed Spike his and then she sat down.

"Fluttershy, I came by to tell you something." Spike said.

"What is it that you want to talk to me about?" Fluttershy asked.

"Well, I'm going to war." Spike said rubbing the back of his head.

Fluttershy then spitted her tea all over Spike.

"Oh my I... I'm so sorry." Fluttershy said apologetically.

"It's alright." Spike said.

Spike then picked up a napkin and started wiping himself clean of all the hot tea.

"I heard what you said and it shocked me." Fluttershy said.

"It's alright Fluttershy." Spike said.

Fluttershy then started crying heavily and she ran towards Spike and hugged him.

"Why, why Spike?" Fluttershy said as she cried.

"Let me explain." Spike said as he hugged Fluttershy back.

Fluttershy then looked up at Spike, still crying she released him and they both sat down.

"Listen, King Sombra has returned and has attacked Canterlot." Spike said.

Fluttershy's eyes shot open and she looked at Spike with horror.

"S...Sombra, y...you're g...going t...to fight Sombra?" Fluttershy asked with fear.

"Unfortunately yes." Spike said as he sipped his tea.

"But Spike, he'll kill you." Fluttershy said.

"Apple Bloom said the same thing, so did Rainbow Dash." Spike said.

"You told Applejack and Rainbow Dash before telling me?" Fluttershy asked in a sad voice.

"You were the only one I hadn't told yet. I told Rarity and Sweetie Belle first, then I told Pinkie Pie and the Cakes, after them I told Applejack, Applebloom, and Big Mac, then I told Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo, and finally I just told you. Spike said.

"Wow, so why did you tell me last?" Fluttershy asked.

"I just wanted to save the best for last." Spike said.

Fluttershy blushed and she hugged Spike.

"But what about Twilight, didn't you tell her too?" Fluttershy asked.

"Actually, Princess Celestia told her and I at the same time." Spike said.

"Really, Princess Celestia asked you to join her army?" Fluttershy asked.

"Yes she did." Spike said.

"What an honor, well, in a way." Fluttershy said.

Spike laughed and Fluttershy soon laughed as well.

"Spike I support you all the way, just remember to come back alive." Fluttershy said.

Spike smiled and said.

"Thanks Flutters."

Fluttershy then flew up and gave Spike a kiss on the cheeks.

Spike gave Fluttershy one last hug then he left and walked back to the castle.

Spike soon arrived back at Twilight's castle and when he entered he was welcomed by all the citizens of Ponyville and some celebrities were there too. The Wonderbolts were there along with Fancy Pants, Fleur Dis Lee, Sapphire Shores, and Daring Do (or A.K. Yearling). Also there was Princess Cadence, Shining Armor and their new daughter, Princess Sunlight Shine, along with Princess Luna.

In the middle of the room hanging from the ceiling was a banner that said "we're so proud of you, good luck". Spike started tearing up.

"Welcome Spike, will you please join us?" Twilight asked.

Spike entered the throne room and on their thrones sat Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash along with their family and friends.

Spike stood in the middle of the room and was applauded.

"Thank you all for coming, we are proud to welcome Spike and congratulate him for how much he has grown and also to wish him luck in the war." Twilight said.

The entire audience applauded and cheered for Spike.

"Thanks everypony, I really appreciate you taking time off your day for this." Spike said as he wiped a tear from his eyes.

"You rock Spike!" yelled Soarin.

"Alright everypony, Spike, Luna and I have to get going, please say your last goodbyes." Celestia said.

Twilight and her friends walked up to Spike and group hugged him.

"Good luck Spike, we are very very proud of you." Rarity said.

"Thanks guys." Spike said.

"Come on Spike, we need to get going." Luna said.

Spike was then released of the group hug.

"Thank you everypony, I will return, I promise." Spike said.

"Good luck big guy." Yearling said.

"Be back soon honey." Sapphire Shores said.

"We'll be waiting." Cadence said.

Spike then waved one last good bye and he, Celestia, Luna, and Shining Armor left the castle and headed to Canterlot.

Chapter 3: War Camp

Today was Spike's first day of war training, Spike outfitted himself in the special armor Celestia had made for him and headed to the camps main training field. Spike's body armor was gold with gold shoulder pads, helmet, and leggings and came with a sword holder and two gun holsters, one on each side of the belt able to hold two pistols.

Shining Armor was in charge of training.

"Alright men, we are going to have a game of capture the flag using these paintball guns. You will be wearing specially made outfits that decrease the pain but not by much." Shining Armor said.

"Are we all ready?" Shining Armor asked.

"Sir yes sir!" Everyone said in unison.

"Everypony in teams of 5." Shining Armor said.

Once everyone had chosen their teams, they all got to their bases on each end of the field.

"3...2...1...start!" Shining Armor said.

Spike and his other teammates started planning their strategy.

"So what should we do?"Spike asked.

"Well we should come up with a plan first." Said a purple Pegasus mare.

"I agree." A silver Pegasus Stallion said.

"Okay first, how about we tell our names." Spike said.

First up was a silver Pegasus stallion with a silver coat and snow white mane, and a grey shooting star cutie mark.

"Good idea, I'm Silver Dart." He said.

Next up was a Pegasus mare with a purple coat and an orange mane, and a bright gold lily cutie mark.

"I'm Lilly Shimmer, nice to meet you." She said with a smile.

After her was a yellow Unicorn mare with a red mane and her cutie mark was a arched solar flare.

"My name's Solar Flare."She said with a smile.

And finally was a Pegasus mare with a light aquamarine coat and a cobalt blue mane, and her cutie mark was a peppermint lollipop.

"Hi, my name is Peppermint Swirl, nice to meet ya." She said.

"Nice to meet all of you, my name is Spike." Spike said smiling.

Spike smiled and he and his teammates then planned their strategy and once they did they were ready to attack.

"Alright everypony, we attack on my signal." Solar Flare said.

"3...2...1...go!" Solar Flare said.

Spike and his teammates then started shooting at the other team. The other team fought back but to no avail, as soon as Spike shot the last pony standing he ran to retrieve the flag.

"Go Spike!" Silver Dart yelled with joy.

As Spike got closer and closer to the flag he imagined victory but suddenly a rival appeared from behind a tree and shot Spike square in his chest which caused him to fall over and pass out thanks to a special chemical in the paint balls.

Spike soon awoke and heard faint screams and the sound of firing paintball guns. He then saw a member of the opposite team capture his teams flag and Spike got up and approached the rival to get a closer look. Spike was surprised to see that his rival was a female dragon, she was a dark blue color and her crest and belly were black and she looked about his age and had a human like stature as well. She then looked around and Spike ducked behind a rock to keep out of her sight.

Spike looked up only to see the barrel of a paintball gun pointed straight at his face. Spike shuffled back in fear.

"Whoa, whoa, you already got me." Spike exclaimed.

She then backed the barrel away from his face and looked at him and said.

"Sorry, here let me help you up." She said in a sweet tone.

Spike started blushing as he looked into her purple eyes, her voice was like an angel. She then helped Spike up, Spike stood and put his hand behind his head.

"Thanks, you're pretty damn good at this." Spike said.

"You're not to bad yourself, handsome." She said.

Spike's face then turned red with blush.

"My name's Spike, what's your name?" He asked her.

"My name is Annabelinda." She said.

"Annabelinda, that's a pretty name." Spike said.

Annabelinda then blushed and she looked at Spike and said.

"We need to get back soon."

Spike nodded and he woke up his teammates and Annabelinda woke up hers.

The two teams then walked back to Shining Armor and Annabelinda showed him the flag.

"Congratulations Annabelinda, you and your team have won the first challenge." Shining Armor said with a grin.

"Thank you sir." Annabelinda said with a smile.

"You are all dismissed, we are done for today." Shining Armor said.

Annabelinda and Spike and their teammates then walked into the barrack's and chose their quarters. Spike chose his bed and he got a picture out from his backpack which had his friends and him on his 19th birthday.

"Are those your friends?" Annabelinda asked.

"Yep." Spike said.

She then sat down next to Spike and hugged him.

"I had to let my family go." Annabelinda said.

Spike started to blush and he hugged her back.

"Trust me, I know exactly how you feel." Spike said with a slight chuckle.

The two looked at each other and both blushed.

"Alright everypony, lunch time." Shining Armor said.

Spike and Annabelinda then walked to get their lunch and then headed to the lunch tables. Spike and Annabelinda sat next to each other.

"So, where are you from?" Spike asked.

"Me, oh I'm from Maretonia, my father sent me here." Annabelinda said.

"Where are you from?" Annabelinda asked.

"I'm from Ponyville." Spike said.

"Wait, are you Princess Twilight's assistant?" Annabelinda asked.

"Yep, that's me." Spike said.

Annabelinda then gasped with surprise.

"Wow, this is such an honor." She said.

"Why?" Spike asked.

"Because you're royalty." Annabelinda said.

"Well I don't consider myself royalty but other people do." Spike said.

"Why don't you consider yourself royalty?" Annabelinda asked in confusion.

"Well its just I don't want to be, I see the shit Twilight has to deal with everyday and I don't want to have to deal with the same things." Spike said.

"Well you're a prince in my eyes." Annabelinda said.

"Thanks." Spike said blushing.

Annabelinda then gave Spike a hug and then the two continued eating.

The next day was weapon training and Spike was picked first to try target practice.

"Okay Spike remember, look down the sight and pull the trigger." Shining Armor said.

"Yes sir." Spike said.

Spike then looked down the gun's sight and he pulled the trigger causing the gun to fire and hit the bulls eye on the target.

"Well done Spike, okay Annabelinda you're next." Shining Armor said.

Annabelinda stepped forward and took her place to fire.

"Let me show you how its done Spike." Annabelinda said smugly.

Annabelinda then looked down the sight and then she looked away and fired a shot into the bulls eye on the target.

"Damn, that was a perfect bulls eye and you didn't even look." Spike said.

"Congratulations Annabelinda, alright Silver you're next." Shining Armor said.

"How did you do that?" Spike said.

"Lots of practice." Annabelinda said.

"Do you think you can teach me how to do that?" Spike asked.

"Sure, how about 7:00 tonight." Annabelinda said.

"Alright, I'll be there." Spike said.

The two watched the other ponies complete target practice and a few hours passed and Spike walked out to the target practice area and Annabelinda was standing at the firing line holding revolver.

"Hey Spike, about time you showed up." Annabelinda said.

"Sorry, I'm a little late." Spike said.

"Only by 5 minutes." Annabelinda said.

"Shall we get started." Spike suggested.

"We shall, okay first you need to come stand on the line." Annabelinda said.

Spike stood on the firing line and Annabelinda gave him the gun.

"Okay first I need you to fire the gun, it's a bit more powerful than the gun Shining Armor had us fire." Annabelinda said.

"What was the gun we used before?" Spike asked.

"A Beretta M92." Annabelinda said.

"What's this gun?" Spike asked.

"A Smith & Wesson .500 magnum." Annabelinda said.

"Wow, you sure know your guns." Spike said.

"Thanks." Annabelinda said.

Spike then looked down the sight and pulled the trigger. The gun shot and caused Spike to stumble back a few inches.

"Holy shit!" Spike said with shock.

"I told you." Annabelinda said with a slight chuckle.

"When you said "it's a little more powerful than the gun Shining Armor let us fire" I expected it to be no problem to fire." Spike said.

"Well I need to get you used to bigger guns so when we practice with rifles, shotguns and machine guns you'll be ready." Annabelinda said.

Spike then got himself back on the line and took another shot which again sent him stumbling back.

"You're gonna break your arm that way, here let me see it." Annabelinda said.

Spike then handed the gun to Annabelinda who then shot the gun which caused only her hand to move.

Annabelinda then handed the gun back to Spike.

"The reason you're stumbling is because your legs are to close together, spread your legs a bit and try putting all your weight on your front foot and then fire." Annabelinda said.

Spike then once again stood on the line and took a shot, this time only Spike's arm moved.

"Good job, do it again." Annabelinda said.

Spike then took another shot and once again only his arm moved.

"Good, now try straightening out your arm and flexing your bicep." Annabelinda said.

Spike then shot the gun with his bicep flexed and arm straight and to his surprise only his hand moved.

"Very good, again." Annabelinda said.

Spike once again shot the gun while flexing his bicep and keeping his arm straight and once again only his hand moved.

"Holy crap, it works." Spike said.

"Of course it works, I'm the one who showed you how to do it." Annabelinda said.

"How long did it take you to perfect this?" Spike asked.

"Only a few days, oh and by the way you really didn't need to flex, I just wanted you to." Annabelinda said.

"Wh...What?" Spike said in embarrassment.

"And may I add that you are quite the looker." Annabelinda said with a wink.

Spike blushed and then Annabelinda got in Spike's face and kissed him. Spike's face turned bright red but he closed his eyes and kissed Annabelinda back.

Annabelinda kissed Spike furiously and started to take off his armor exposing his ripped chest.

"What are you doing?" Spike said still being kissed.

"Don't worry about it." Annabelinda said.

Spike and Annabelinda then shared in a courtship that I did not want to go into detail with.

A few hours later Spike and Annabelinda woke up on the gun range and the two then arose and headed to their rooms.

"Annabelinda, that was the best night I have ever had, Thanks." Spike said.

Annabelinda then gave Spike a kiss on the lips.

"I enjoyed myself as well." Annabelinda said.

Spike and Annabelinda then entered their bedrooms and Spike laid his head down for a well deserved rest.

The next morning Spike woke up to a beautiful sunny day and got out of bed and put his armor on.

"Come on sleepy head." Peppermint Swirl said.

"Spike you have to see this." Annabelinda said.

Spike and the others then walked outside where standing next to Shining Armor was none other than Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadence.

"Look Spike, its Princess Cadence." Silver Dart said excitedly.

"Yeah I know, she's my sister-in-law." Spike said.

Everyone looked at Spike with shock.

"She's your sister-in-law." Annabelinda said with shock.

"Yep, I'll even show you." Spike said.

Spike then waved to Cadence and called her name.

"Spike, what a pleasure." Cadence said.

Cadence then walked over to Spike and hugged him.

"It's good to see you again." Spike said.

"And it's good to see you too Spike." Cadence said.

"Uncle Spike." Said a familiar voice.

Spike then looked up and saw his niece, Princess Skyla.

"Hey there kiddo." Spike said.

Skyla then ran up to Spike and gave him a hug.

"Look at you, you've gotten so big." Spike said.

"Thanks uncle Spike, and guess what." Skyla said.

"What." Spike said.

"I'm turning 9 the end of this month." Skyla said.

"Well then happy birthday." Spike said with a smile.

"Why are you telling me now, won't you be at the party?" Skyla asked.

"Unfortunately no, I have to stay here for a while, unless your father allows me to attend the party." Spike said.

"We'll see, it depends if Sombra decides to attack again." Shining Armor said.

"Very true, but I haven't seen or heard about Sombra since I got here." Spike said.

"And that's why we are increasing the amount of guards in the city." Luna said.

"Luna, you do realize that this would mean you would have to work a lot more than before." Spike said.

"Why aren't you calling them "princess"?" Silver Dart asked.

"We're close enough that I don't have to call them "princess"." Spike said.

"So how's training going?" Luna asked Spike.

"It's actually going very well." Spike said.

"Last night, Spike and I practiced firing higher powered guns." Annabelinda said.

"It's actually a lot easier when you actually learn how to do it, Annabelinda showed me how to fire a S&M .500 magnum." Spike said.

"A Smith & Wesson .500, those thing are super high powered." Celestia said with shock.

Everyone looked at Celestia with confusion, no one knew she was into guns and weaponry.

"What, just because I'm a princess doesn't mean that I can't like guns." Celestia said.

"Sorry Princess Celestia." Annabelinda said.

"I think knowing about things that others see as unexpected is a great attribute to have." Spike said.

"Thank you Spike, well we must be going now." Celestia said.

"Alright sweetie, say goodbye to your uncle." Cadence said.

Skyla then gave Spike one last hug.

"Bye bye uncle Spike, I hope to see you at the party." Skyla said hugging Spike.

"See you later kiddo." Spike said with a smile.

Cadence, Luna, and Celestia then walked over to Spike and one by one gave him a goodbye hug.

"Be safe guys, see you soon." Spike said.

"Until next time Spike." Luna said.

Celestia, Luna, and Cadence then waved goodbye and then flew off.

"Wow Spike, I would never have assumed you and the princesses were that close." Silver Dart said.

"Well you know what they say about assuming." Spike said.

"It makes an ass out of you and me." Shining Armor said laughing.

Everyone then started laughing and soon after everyone walked out to the gun range.

"Actually, Annabelinda, Spike can you show everypony how to fire the S&W .500?" Shining Armor asked.

"Sure." Spike said.

Spike then grabbed the .500 and held it the way Annabelinda said and fired the gun, which hit the middle of the bulls eye on the target.

"Well done Spike." Shining Armor said.

"Okay the trick is to put almost all your weight on your front foot or in this case hoof and keep your arm straight." Spike said.

"Okay then, Silver Dart would you like to go first?" Shining Armor asked Silver Dart.

"S...Sure." Silver Dart said nervously.

Silver Dart then took his place at the firing line and fired the gun which like Spike sent him flying back, literally.

"Holy crap." Silver said with shock.

Spike and Annabelinda then started quietly laughing. Silver Dart then turned around and pointed the gun at Annabelinda.

"What are you laughing at punk?" Silver said with anger.

Spike then ran towards Silver and tackled him to the ground and pinned him.

"Unless you want every single bone in your body broken I suggest you let go of the gun." Spike said with rage.

Silver then released his grip on the gun and Spike took it and handed it back to Annabelinda.

"Make sure that he doesn't hold a gun again." Spike said.

Two royal guards then took Silver Dart and took him to Canterlot Castle's dungeon.

"Sorry Annabelinda, I'm going to take care of the problem at hand." Shining Armor said.

"Thank you sir." Annabelinda said with a smile.

Spike then started walking towards Annabelinda and hugged her.

"Are you okay?" Spike asked.

"I'm fine Spike, thanks though." Annabelinda said.

Annabelinda then gave Spike a kiss on his cheek and everyone then returned to target practice. At the end of the day Spike and Annabelinda were walking back to their rooms when Shining Armor stopped Spike and smiled.

"Spike, I would like to tell you that Skyla's birthday party is tomorrow and you have been invited as the guest of honor." Shining Armor said with a smile.

"Really, I'm able to go?" Spike asked.

"Yeah, we are going at 11:00 hours tomorrow." Shining Armor said.

"Awesome." Spike said with joy.

"I'll let you get your rest, we have a big day tomorrow." Shining Armor said.

"Wait, are Twilight and the others going to be there?" Spike asked.

"Of course, everyone from Equestria is going to be there." Shining Armor said with a smile.

"Shit, that's a big party then." Spike said.

Shining Armor then left and soon after Spike laid his head down and fell asleep.

Chapter 4: Party Crasher

The next morning Spike awoke and standing at the door of his room was Shining Armor who seemed to be holding what looked like a present.

"We're leaving in 10 minutes, I recommend you wear this." Shining Armor said.

Shining Armor then handed Spike a pair of black dress pants, a purple formal shirt with a green tie, a black jacket, and a pair of black dress shoes that were specially tailored for Spike. Shining Armor then left the doorway and Spike arose from his bed and put on the clothes Shining Armor gave him. Spike also carried his 50 cal gold Desert Eagle with his holster which he hid under his jacket just in case. As soon as Spike was dressed he found Shining Armor and they then left for the Crystal Empire. The two arrived and Spike let out a sigh of relief.

Spike smiled "It's great to be back here, especially with no crazy King trying to overtake this place again."

"Same here, we better get to the castle before Cadence and Skyla start to worry."

Spike nodded and they walked to the castle. Once the two arrived at the castle they walked through the huge castle doors. Spike was awestruck when he walked in considering he had only been in the castle once before.

"Wow, it's alot bigger in here than I remember." Spike said.

Shining Armor smiled "Yeah after the whole incident with Tirek Cadence and I decided to have the castle rejuvenated and in the process alot of stuff was removed and given to charity."

"Damn, they sure as hell did remove alot of stuff." Spike snickered.

Shining Armor slightly laughed "They sure did buddy, lets get to the ballroom."

Spike nodded and the two walked in the direction of the ballroom. Shining Armor and Spike soon arrived at the ballroom and when they did they were met by Skyla, Cadence, Twilight and the rest of the gang, and both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

Twilight was wearing the dress that Rarity made her when she and the others went to the Grand Galloping Gala about 16 ears earlier. The others were wearing their gala dresses too, everyone except Pinkie Pie and Rarity who made herself a new dress. Rarity's dress was cobalt blue decorated with white lace, and her hair was curled more at the bottom and she had big blue diamond earrings, and wearing clear crystal slippers. Pinkie Pie was wearing the outfit she wore when she sang her little "sharing is caring" song when they were in Appleloosa.

"Wow! You all look great." Spike said while his face ever so slightly turned red.

Applejack smiled "Thank you Spike, you don't look so bad yourself."

Princess Celestia approached Spike "You do look very handsome Spike." She said.

"My little Spikey-wikey is all grown up and he's a hunk." Rarity said as she cried happily.

"All because of all those books he read about personal fitness." Twilight said with a smile.

"Well I gotta give credit where credit is given, Twilight helped me so much and also I have to thank Rarity, her being my main motivation for working out and I am happy with the results when I was finished."

Spike then unbuttoned both of his shirts and only showed his ripped, six pack abs which caused Rainbow Dash, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna's faces to turn bright red, almost caused Rarity to faint, and caused both Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy to smile widely.

"Applejack why aren't you reacting?" Pinkie Pie asked.

"I already saw it when he was working on the farm with me a week before he left."

"Yep, I decided it was "too hot" so I took off my shirt and you should've seen the look on both Apple Bloom and Applejack's face, it was priceless."

"I was very impressed considering a year before that day he had barely any muscle at all, and I think Apple Bloom was even more impressed than I was because she likes you Spike."

Rarity then smiled "And I'm sure Sweetie Belle would be very impressed as well because she too likes you darling."

"And if Scootaloo saw you, she would flip shit 'cause you know, she likes you." Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie Pie gasped "Watch you language Dashie, you realize that there are kids here."

Spike then developed a look of shock upon hearing his friends, "Wow, I didn't know that they all liked me."

Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head "Right, sorry."

Princess Celestia smiled "Apology accepted now lets get to the party."

Everyone cheered and they all scattered to different parts of the room and the first person Spike approached was Cadence.

"Hi Cadence." Spike said with a smile.

Cadence turned around and when she saw Spike she burst into tears and hugged her favorite dragon. Spike hugged her back and the two were very happy to see each other.

"I'm so very happy to see that you're okay Spike." Cadence said trying hard to fight back tears.

"I'm very happy to see you Cadence and don't worry, Shining Armor is taking good care of all of us."

"He better or else I'll have to kick his flank."

Spike laughed and Cadence soon did so herself. Spike then looked around the room and he soon spotted the pony he was looking for. Cadence saw Spike look over at Rarity and she then said to him "Go get her Spike, steal her heart."

Spike then nodded and smiled, he then walked over to Rarity and said "Hi Rarity." Rarity looked at Spike with a look that compelled him to continue. "Would you um, maybe, wanna dance." Spike struggled to get the words out but when he did, his words caused Rarity to smile and say "Yes, I would love to Spiky-Boo."  Spike then held his arm out and Rarity soon locked her hoof with his (arm) and the two walked out on the dance floor.

"Rarity?"

"Yes Spike, what is it darling?"

"Do you think you can teach me how to slow dance, I kinda don't know how too."

Rarity developed a slightly shocked look "Really, not even Twilight showed you how to slow dance."

"No, at that time I didn't think I would need to ask her."

"Why not darling?"

"Well you remember when you and Fancy Pants were dating."

Rarity's face then turned from confused to angry "Yes I very clearly remember."

"Well around that time I was going to ask you to be my date to the Grand Galloping Gala a couple of months ago but when you showed up holding his hoof, it tore my heart in half so that's the reason why I left that night."

Rarity then hugged Spike with all of her strength "I'm so sorry Spiky-Boo, I just wish I could've known you felt that way." Rarity then pulled Spike's head down and kissed him on the lips. Spike was surprised more than anything but he soon kissed her back.

"This is the greatest day of my life." Spike thought to himself.

Rarity then released Spike and she then looked at him and said "Did you enjoy that Spiky-Wiky?"

Spike then developed a large smile and strongly nodded. Rarity then laughed and then hugged Spike once again but this time she stood up on her hind legs and grabbed Spike's claw (or hand) and put her other hoof on the side of his neck.

"Just follow my lead sweetheart." She said in a very relaxing tone.

"Okay." Spike then followed Rarity's movements and looked down at her hooves and followed her steps. Spike and Rarity shared in a dance and everyone's eyes were on them. Rarity looked around and saw everyone was looking at her and Spike and became nervous (remember, there are about 1,200 ponies in the room and they are all looking at them).

"Spike, everyone's looking at us."

Spike then looked up "Don't worry about them it's just you and me now."

Rarity then blushed and the two continued their dance. When the song ended Spike then lifted Rarity up above his head and gave her one more hug. Rarity then whispered in his ear "Shall we kiss again?" Spike whispered back "We shall." and then Rarity grabbed the back of Spike's head again and pressed her lips forcefully against his. Spike then kissed her back just as hard as she did. They soon released their grip on each other and they shared in one last hug.

Rarity's face turned bright red "Wow, where did you learn to kiss like that Spike?"

Spike shrugged his shoulders "I don't know, I guess it was just instinct."

Spike then set Rarity back down on the dance floor. Cadence then trotted up to the dance floor "Okay everypony it's time to sing happy birthday and open presents." Shining Armor walked up next to her "Okay 1,2,3." Everyone in the room then started singing "Happy birthday to you happy birthday to you happy birthday dear Skyla happy birthday to you." and Pinkie Pie ended with "And many more."

Skyla then began to blush "Thank you everypony for all of this." Cadence then handed the first present to Skyla "Happy birthday sweetie." she said, the present was wrapped in a cerise wrapping paper topped with a royal blue bow. Skyla smiled and unwrapped her present and when she looked inside her face lit up with joy.

"Oh my gosh, look daddy." Skyla then lifted up a pink crown with a blue jewel in the center. "Yep your mother and I..." Shining Armor then cut off and started grunting.

"Shining Armor? Are you okay?" Twilight asked with a worried tone.

Shining Armor then looked up "S...Sombra." He then collapsed on the floor, Cadence and Twilight then rushed to Shining Armor's corpse. Spike looked up and saw King Sombra. "Shit." Spike then removed his gun form it's holster and pointed it at Sombra who was holding a rifle.

"What's going on Spike?" Cadence asked.

Spike looked at Cadence and directed her vision upwards. When Cadence saw Sombra the look on her face turned from concerned to enraged. Cadence then flew up towards Sombra as fast as she could with her horn glowing with magic.

Spike yelled "Cadence no!" but it was to late Sombra had already shot her multiple times.

Sombra looked at Spike with a smug look and he then shot Skyla. "Sombra! Stop this now or I will kill you!" Spike yelled in anger.

Sombra then started laughing evilly "I doubt you know what it is I'm trying to achieve here." Spike cocked his gun and pointed it once again at Sombra "I don't care what you are trying to do. Twilight"

Twilight then looked at Spike still holding her dead brother in her hooves "Yes?" "You need to get everyone out of here." Twilight still sat there looking at Spike "NOW!!" Spike yelled. Twilight then nodded and demanded that everyone leave. "Oh no you don't." Sombra said. he then pointed the gun at Twilight.

"Twilight look out!" Spike yelled. Twilight then looked up and was immediately shot.

"TWILIGHT!!!!" Spike then looked at Sombra with rage and fired his gun straight at his face.

"Ah ah ah you don't want to kill more of your friends." Sombra then opened in a portal in front of the bullet and the other side was opened right next to Rarity. The bullet then entered the portal and then Rarity immediately collapsed. "R...Rarity." Spike then dropped his gun and ran to Rarity's dead corpse.

"Y...You...YOU BASTARD!!!" Spike then flew up to Sombra as fast as he could.

"Tisk tisk you never learn do you?" Sombra then shot spike in his collar bone. Spike then grunted and Sombra then started shooting Spike's spread wings. Spike grunted from the pain and then Sombra came up to him and hit him with the end of the gun. Spike then fell a whole 25 feet and landed straight on his head. Spike could barely open his eyes. Spike could hear the blood curdling screams as Sombra massacred the rest of his remaining friends, Celestia, and every other pony that attended the party. Spike could barely speak "No." He then passed out and was left on the floor to die.