Chapter 1: Memories and Purpose
Chapter 1: Memories and Purpose (Now edited)
I scratch another line on the wall to represent my weeks within my small dark prison, then scratch a line through it so I will be reminded that a month had passed. I found this task quite superfluous since time meant nothing to those who are imprisoned here. For those who are imprisoned in Tartarus is life until death... and that is if they commit suicide and succeed since most of the inmates are immortal or just have an incredible life span, like yours truly. After marking the passing of another month, I inspected the wall and looked over all the other months that had passed.
I sighed deeply, “That makes twelve months... again... Making it three whole years in this dreaded place."
I clenched my teeth as my emerald green eyes turned into sharp reptilian eyes, I was flowing with pure hatred and rage while tears formed and poured down my face like a waterfall as my mind faded from my current situation and into my memories.
Within the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, Celestia's orb of light had risen into the sky for quite some time, signaling the time of a late afternoon. The princess of friendship and her number one assistant lived and grew together, physically and mentally as their bond of friendship grows stronger. It had been four months since Twilight gained her own castle and has grown so far in life and has learned so much since then... well in other places at least. She still doesn't know how to cook.
“Spike, when will it be ready?” Twilight asked impatiently.
“Just a minute Twilight. My famous nachos only get its title from the hard work and love I put into it,” Spike said as he finished cooking the beans. Then he poured a healthy sauce into two bowls for him and his closest friend just before walking over to her.
“Finally! I've been waiting for this all morning!” Twilight said while drooling some from hunger.
Spike, chuckling from Twilight's actions, brought a big tray full of the toppings and nacho chips he hand-made to the table. “How will you survive while I'm gone Twi?” He asked as he placed the tray on the table in front of Twilight as she marveled at the offering presented to her.
“I will be fine Spike, there is plenty of instant food in the refrigerator and besides," Twilight responded as she slowly looked up at Spike with a warm smile and continued, "You will only be gone for a day and a half, counting today. Now are you ready for your trip to Canterlot?”
“Of course, I got my train ticket and my bag packed ahead of time. It's only the usual Royal Canterlot business that Princess Celestia has me doing. I honestly think she brings me up there on purpose. The work I do has nothing to do with it in my opinion.” Spike said.
Twilight laughed as she still smiled warmly. “Well, it's to be expected. She did raise you Spike and in the few letters she has sent me, she always asks how are your doing. She always knows what happens in my life, but you rarely send her letters.”
Spike sighed. “Yeah... I guess.” He sat down in front of her and then the two began eating. After they finished eating Spike stood up and began to wash the dishes as Twilight stayed at the table and watched him from behind.
She thought back to how far her number one assistant has grown with her. Princess Celestia raised him, teaching him how to cook, clean, be polite, caring and many other domestic skills as well as skills in an art such as painting, drawing and sewing. She was his mother and then what seemed to come out of nowhere, Princess Celestia made her and Spike a team. Spike was to take care of her while she studied. It was as if the princess of the sun raised Spike to be in her life, something that Twilight was forever grateful for. Twilight's thoughts were then interrupted by an outside voice.
“Did you hear me, Twilight? I said I'm off after I'm done here,” Spike repeated.
Twilight shook her head, bringing herself back to the real world, “Oh, yes, sorry Spike, I was lost in thought,” Twilight said with a big smile then continued as she looked down at the table, “I'm just glad that we met.” She said quietly but loud enough for Spike to hear.
“Same here,” Spike, smiled as precious memories flooded through his mind then continued, “If it wasn't for my mother arranging me to be your assistant, my life would have never gotten to be this awesome,” he said as he finished the dishes.
Twilight giggled, “Awesome? You think fighting Nightmare Moon, Discord, Changelings, and Tirek is fun? Rainbow Dash's personality must have rubbed off on you over the years.”
Spike smirked then responded, “Maybe so... and I like it!” He said proudly.
Twilight grinned, “Well, don't let that attitude get you into trouble in Canterlot.”
Spike smiled, “I'm always on my best behavior”. He walked over to the door and grabbed his bag and turned around to face Twilight as she got up and was heading to the door. “I'll see you soon princess, he winked at her, causing Twilight to blush lightly from his action.
Spike stood at the wall with his head low, full of despair and hate. “Friendship is Magic... heh yeah right...” Spike said sarcastically. Then all of a sudden he heard a voice from behind him, just outside of his cage.
“You say friend, I say foe... There can never be a bond with friendship. It is nothing more than a temporary control over another,” Said a cloaked figure.
Spike who was startled by the sudden voice turned around in his cell until he noticed a being standing outside his cage. “Who are you?” Spike demanded with a shaken tone.
“I am the one who hates friendship just as much as you child.” The cloaked figure responded.
“What? You don't know anything about me,” Spike said back.
“I don't have to know you personally to know that you were betrayed by your friends. Don't deny it.” The cloaked figure responded.
Spike didn't respond, but he clenched his fists tightly, non-verbally telling this unknown figure he was right.
“Come... and join me... and I will give you something that is worth far more than.. friendship.” The cloaked figured said the last word with a bit more disgust in his voice.
“And what would that be?” Spike asked curiously as he inspected the cloaked figure.
“Power!" The cloaked figure responded back and then continued, “It's the one thing that won't betray you and can get you whatever you desire, so what do you say, child?”
Spike was silent for a while then grinned and responded, "You got yourself a deal, but tell me, what is in it for you?”
"First off, my freedom, and second is to become powerful once again." The cloaked figured said.
Spike nodded his head, “I see. So you want me to help you regain your former strength?”
"All in due time, but freedom comes first.” The cloaked figure charged up a magic ball in his mouth, putting all the magic he currently contained and then shot the magic on a lock that bonded Spike's cage, making the lock shatter.
Once Spike was set free, the cloaked figure looked up at him then lead Spike to the very edge of the dimension they were in. In this area, contained two large pony statues that were clad in ancient armor, no doubt from Celestia's past. Each statue was on the right and left of the edge of the cliff and then below that was a never ending dark abyss.
Spike walked over to the edge of the cliff and looked down.”Where are we?”
"We are at the junction between this dimension and the world of light, where Equestria resides."
“Interesting, why would you bring me here?” Spike asked curiously.
“This place is guarded by powerful magic that prevents anyone from escaping. The guards and princess are the only ones who are able to open the portal at will and that is where you come in. You're a dragon with a very special dragonic abilites .”
“Hmm... and you need me to use my ability to cut a way into Equestria?” Spike responded.
“Precisely," The cloaked figure said eagerly as freedom is within his grasp the continued, "Do you think you can handle this task?”
Spike studied the statues then held out his claw as emerald green aura emerged from it. “Keep up your end of the deal and freedom is yours.”
The cloaked figure's eyes glowed a dark yellow as he spoke with eager in his voice. “All the power you could ever want will soon be in your grasp. Now do it!”
Spike upon hearing those words slashed out at both of the statues a few feet away. The green aura from his claws went out with the slash, forming a blade of green energy that effortlessly sliced through the heads stone statues. Soon after there was a huge explosion of sound, that rivaled Rainbow Dash's Sonic Rainboom. From the explosion a vortex formed by pulling wind vacuum.
The cloaked figure stood by Spike in amazement. “Magnificent, child!”
Spike nodded then responded to the cloaked figure while looking slightly down at him out of the corner of his eye, “My name is Spike, Spike The Dragon.”
“And you may call me..." the cloaked figure slowly removed the hood of his cloak. "Tirek! And from this day forward we shall gain what is rightfully ours!”
Spike's eyes widened a bit but quickly went back to normal then nodded as he looked at the spiraling vortex, so many things were going through his mind at the moment, but there was one memory that took center stage in his mind.
Deep within Canterlot on a private trial, Spike Dragon lost the against Prince Blueblood and now awaits punishment.
“How many times do I have to say I didn't do it?!”
Spike stood in the center of a pitch black room with the only light coming from a circular light that shined from high above him. Special red glowing chains that are specifically made to contain dragons restricted his moments as the chains were strapped to his wrists with the red chain leading to the ground. All in attendance was The Elements of Harmony, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Prince Blueblood and a group of royal guards who had their spears at the ready.
Twilight and her friends walked up and stood over Spike and looked down at him in disgust. Twilight was the first to speak as Princess Celestia stood in the darkness with her head held down in shame.
“I can't believe you would do something so cruel. I saw you as my closest friend. You helped me get through so much. You bring shame to me, my title “the Princess of Friendship”, to Canterlot and to the royal family.”
“T-Twilight please listen to me.” Tears formed in Spike's eyes as he pleaded with someone he loved as a sister. "I'm telling you, I didn't kill Fleur. I was nowhere near her-"
“Lies!” Prince Blueblood shouted in pure rage as he charged at Spike only to be stopped by two guards who kept him at bay from assaulting Spike. "You filthy beast, you took the love of my life right in front of me and you even tried to kill me too!”
“Spike”, Princess Luna spoke, “her heart was pierced by dragon claws. We even did a DNA test and found your DNA on her”.
“I was with Shin-”
Spike was soon cut off by Twilight. “Stop using my brother's name and stop trying to use him as an excuse!” Twilight said in anger. "Shining Armor did say you were with him, but that was minutes later!"
“S-S-So I couldn't have murdered Fleur. She was in one of the chambers that was a very long walk from where me and Shining-”. Spike was suddenly cut off by a magically enhanced slap from Twilight that was so strong that Spike would have flown back a few feet if it wasn't for the powerful red chains keeping him bounded to the ground.
“Didn't you hear what I just said?! Stop using his name!"
Spike looked at the ground as he winced from the pain and then began to cry. Spike continued to look at the ground as his tears soaked the floor and spoke to the other five girls that surrounded him. “Why are you all so quiet... I-I thought we were friends..."
“What else is there to say to a savage beast like you?” Said Rarity.
“She's right ya know, and talkin' any further is rather pointless. You're getting what you deserve.” Applejack, spoke as she looked down at him.
“I actually believed you were different from the rest of your kind, but Rarity is right. You're nothing but a savage beast!” Fluttershy spoke as she gave Spike her stare.
Both Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash remained silent, not wishing to speak to them. Then suddenly Rainbow Dash finally spoke, not to Spike, but to Twilight. “Can we speed this up? I'm sick of looking at him!” Rainbow Dash said as she looked at him with disgust.
“Not yet Rainbow, the princess wants to have her final moment with him.” Twilight looked back at Celestia as she calmly walked forward in a dignified fashion, causing the other girls to step back to give her plenty of space.
Upon seeing Celestia, Spike rose up from the ground and looked her in the eyes. “M-Mom, please I-”. Spike froze as Celestia placed her hand on his chest.
Celestia looked into Spike's eyes with a cold glare and spoke, “Spike, for the crime against Canterlot, for not only killing Fleur De Lis in cold blood but also attempting murder on royalty, Prince Blueblood, I hereby banish you from Equestria and sentence you to life in Tartarus until death and I hereby remove my link you have connected to me, forever severing the magic bond we had.” Her hand glowed brightly as a bright white light shined through the room, briefly revealing all of the guards who was hidden in the dark with their weapons aimed at Spike, should he attempt escaping or assault. The light faded as the magic bond Spike had with Celestia faded.
Spike winced from the feeling. It felt like a piece of his heart was removed. Princess Celestia removed her hand from his chest then she concentrated magic into her horn as she prepared to send Spike away. Two guards walked up to his sides then one of the guards spoke as he bowed down, “Princess Cadence has sent me and one of the guards in her stead. Her words were that she couldn't bare to watch a once hero of the Crystal Empire get punished for a crime that is unfit for his title.”
Celestia looked down upon the guard and nodded. “I completely understand, this is quite painful. Now then, what is your name, will you remove the chains from the ground?”
The guard stood up with a serious expression. “Flash Sentry, your highness, and I would be honored to." He turned to Spike and looked at him with hate as the other guard removed the chain from the left side of him. "The Crystal Empire looked to you as a hero and savior, but now.... you're nothing but a murderer. You don't deserve your noble title...” Flash then removed the last chain on his right side and stepped back as Celestia covered Spike in her yellow magic and teleported him in a blinding light to Tartarus, but not before giving him her final words.
“I made a grave mistake to mother a creature like you. You were better off living with your own kind. I am truly sorry it had to come to this.”
Spike lost the will to move as those words pierced his heart as the bright yellow light swallowed him, teleporting him into Tartarus and soon was sealed within a jail cell once Celestia's magic wore off. Spike immediately ran for the metal bars in an attempt to break free, but was soon shocked and burned from the metal bars, this threw Spike back as he clenched his hands in extreme pain as a hologram of Celestia appeared in front of him and spoke, “Spike, this is nothing more than a recording I had left. I had this cage made specifically for dragons, as you probably know. The bars are made of a special iron, that is a dragon's poison and the wall behind you is indestructible. I'm sorry such measures had to be taken, but for the sake of Equestria, I must look past bonds I have with others... Nightmare Moon is an example of how far I will go... So good by Spike The Dragon..." She closed her eyes in solemn. "...forever.” The hologram ended and Spike collapsed on the ground with no will to live and cried.
A sinister smirk grew on Spike's face as he looked at the vortex and spoke. “Let's go, there is so much to change and I plan to completely destroy the bonds I once had and I intend to make them truly understand my hatred, pain, and despair...”
“Then from this day forward a new era will fall upon Equestria..."
The two entered the portal and for the first time in years for Spike, he left Tartarus and had a desire. To crush all that he cherished and start anew.
Chapter 2
It has been three years since Spike and Tirek escaped from Tartarus and their whereabouts remained unknown. Not even with all the power Princess Celestia and Luna held could locate them, but that didn't stop them from trying.
“Your highness! I'm sorry, but the search was a failure again.” Shining Armor told Princess Celestia while shaking his head.
“It is okay. I'm sorry for overworking you and your squad. Please have you and your subordinates take the night off.” Princess Celestia spoke as she stood up from her throne.
“Yes, your highness! Thank you.” Shining Armor bowed before leaving.
"I wonder how Lulu's doing?" Celestia thought as her horn glowed brightly, teleporting her into her dimension where she is able to watch all past events of her followers.
“Where art thou....Where art thou!?” An exhausted dark blue alicorn stood in front of several magical TV monitors that showed all of the inhabitants that existed within Equestria. Her eyes were very baggy and red, and her mane laid flat down her back, no longer having that ethereal glow. She squeezed her wrist tightly in a failed attempt to stir her from her creeping sleep. “We failed... again...”
“Luna, you need to get some sleep. When was the last time you went to bed?” Celestia asked as she approached Luna from behind as she kept scanning the magic monitors.
“I can't sleep sister...” Luna turned from the monitor to look at Celestia. “How can I sleep, knowing that Spike and even worse, Tirek are out in the world, doing who knows what... It's been three years since their escape and their location still alludes us.”
“I know... I feel the same, but if we can't locate them through dreams or through these monitors then it means that they... are no longer in Equestria.”
“I have increased the security on the borders of the country, so if they were to be seen, we would know, but there is only so much we can do. That dragon, I can't believe he would do such a thing. I thought him living among ponies would mean his draconic urges would be dulled down. I guess I was wrong. We all were...”
“I understand Luna, but if Spike were to return, we would know,” Celestia said as she placed a hand on her sister's shoulder. “Come on, time for bed. And besides, you need to be well rested for the upcoming wedding. We must make preparations.”
“You don't have to treat me as a filly, sister. I-” Luna yawned deeply then lowered her head. "Fine, I shall rest. Good night sister.” Luna's horn glowed a sparkling blue and she teleported away in a midnight flash.
Celestia stood in the center of her monitors, preparing to leave until one particular monitor caught her attention.
Princess Celestia stood in front of a table that had a large purple egg with darker spots covering it. A smile crept on her face as she prepared to use her magic on it.
“Sister, are you certain you didn't want to leave that egg where it was?"
“Yes Luna, this poor egg was left out in the cold. No one to take of it. No one to fill this unborn child with love."
“I understand your need to guide and nurture Tia, but this is a dragon's egg. Dragons are prone to greed and destruction. Do you think you can change that?"
“Yes, I do. And if things work out, this child could be the bridge between both races and help be a beacon of peace. Now please sister, I must concentrate.” Celestia's horn started to glow as bright as the sun, energy surging off of her horn.
Luna covered her eyes as Celestia's magic shot from her horn and hit the egg dead on. Soon the egg burst open and from it a purple dragon with small green spikes laid there, stretching.
"Aww so cute." Celestia cooed as she lowered her magic to look at the baby dragon, who looked around then started sucking on his tail.
“What shall you name him?” Luna asked as she approached the dragon.
Celestia reached out and picked the dragon up and held him close to her bosom, paying close attention to the green spikes that acted as hair on his head. “I will name him... Spike.”
Luna shook her head and spoke in a sarcastic tone. “That sounds very creative sister. How do you do it?”
“Hush sister, this name suits him well.” Celestia smiled as she watched the baby dragon suck on his tail more. “You will be the jewel of Equestria, Spike. I know you will bring great things to everyone around, and create an everlasting bond.”
As Celestia watched the events of her past she felt tears go down her cheek. ”Spike, where did I go wrong? I really should have left you where you laid. I should have realized you were a danger to my ponies. As you grew, so did your powers. Fighting King Sombra should have been an alarm to me, but I saw you as my son, as family and not as a threat... Next time we meet, I will have to do what needs to be done for Equestria. Spike... please forgive me.”
Far Away
A huge explosion occurred sending powerful shockwaves through the air, creating ash and smoke then leaving red and green flames on the ground.
“Good Spike! Your mastery of fire has greatly improved over the years. But how will you do against this?” Tirek’s horns glowed as red energy sparked around it like electricity as a big orb of red magical energy fired from the center space between them at the dragon, only for a green wave of fire to slice through it, cutting the energy blast in half. The separated energy sphere then hit the ground behind the dragon, causing an explosion. “You're getting stronger day by day. You will soon be ready to erase your past!” Tirek was much stronger and bigger than he was three years ago.
“It's all thanks to you Lord Tirek. Without you, I would have never had gotten this strong.” As the smoke cleared Spike stood there, wearing a black robe. His body grew much bigger, even outperforming Celestia, but with a slight difference. His muscles were more defined, thanks to his training over the years, giving his body a natural proportion.
Tirek smirked at the compliment then replied with another blast of magic, this hit Spike dead on, or would have if Spike didn't hold up his claws to block it. The energy started to burn slightly at his hands as he held the blast back. The force of the energy causing would have made Spike burn terribly by now, but because of his dragon nature and tough scales he was fine. The force made him grind against the stone floor below his feet as he was pushed back.
“I can do this! Just like before!!!” From both of Spike's claws came green fire that swirled around Tirek's energy blast and in an instant it vanished. It reappeared behind him and made its way towards the stone wall behind them, creating a powerful explosion that sent rubble and smoke flying. Spike then inspected his hands and saw the slight magical burns as his wounds slowly started to heal, thanks to one of his magical dragon powers. It would have been worse if it wasn't for his dragon scales.
“Your powers are greatly improving Spike." Tirek crossed his arms and grew a smirk. "Hmph, how ironic, the transportation magic that allows you to send objects across any distance, that was used to send letters between ponies will now be used to destroy them!” Spike turned to Tirek to listen more, he grew to enjoy Tirek's belittlement of his once so called mother and his friends. “Spike, your transportation powers was limited because of that spell Celestia placed on you. Your power was tamed to only transport objects between her and Twilight. But now that her magic is gone, you have taken your powers further, much more than I thought you would in just three years. Your magical power is boiling.”
“Thanks.” Spike stretched, causing a few of his bones to make pop and crack then started to walk off towards the exit of their base. “I'm taking a break for today. That's enough training.”
“Right, you should. We must collect more unicorns that exist outside of Equestria before we confront the princesses. I have a location I will be heading too soon, called Maremiscyra.”
“Maremiscyra? Isn't that place just a myth?” Spike asked quizzically.
“Yes, to those who exist now in this time frame. But thousands of years ago, Maremiscyra was well known. Filled with warrior mares which I know will be a great power boost, but the rest of their history and knowledge is unnecessary. They are nothing but food to me.”
Spike nodded and walked off not responding, going to his room to get a new black robe to put on to replace the worn out one he wore during his training with Tirek. After he was finished he walked out of the room and entered the main room that had a massive purple crystal orb in the center of the floor with purple smoke swerving around in it. The room was also lit with torches and doorways led to different locations within the base. Spike closed his eyes briefly then opened them as he held out his hand, creating a green flame that started to swirl around his body very fast.
“Where are you going, Spike? Tirek asked, but knew as he saw the look on Spike's face.
“I'm going to reconfirm my rage, reminding myself of my ambition.” And with that last sentence, Spike vanished from the lair.
