Chapters The Frendship of a Dragon
Spike looked around the crumbling castle. It never really settled with him no matter how many times he came here with twilight and the others. Even with their recent restoration on the castle there was only so much they could truly do seeing how the castle had been laid to ruin long ago and abandoned shortly after.
“Spike? You’re still not scared are you?” Twilight asked shaking her head slightly.
Spike whipped around to face her laughing nervously and waving his hand around as if to wave the question off.
“What of this silly place? Course not.” he laughed again though shrunk some, “I mean we’re just in a crumbling creepy castle in the middle of the Ever free forest, full of trap doors and corridors, and a shadow pony made from nightmare moons leftover magic. Who would be scared of that?”
Twilight rolled her eyes as she continued forward. Spike watched her for a second before running after her.
“Spike you know that story is just an old ponies tale. Plus even Luna said that it was impossible for that to be true.” She said in her usual skeptical tone.
“I know but, still the story had to come from somewhere Twilight.”
“It came from a frightened pony whose imagination galloped off from them.” she stated simply as the walked into the library. “Ah books how I’ve missed them. We have to make sure to bring more back to the castle.”
Spike inwardly groaned knowing when she said them she mainly meant him. He wasn’t really complaining he would do anything for Twilight. She was his only family after all and that meant more to him than his own comfort. Sighing quietly he followed her into the large room with ceiling to floor bookshelves.
Suddenly he saw a shadow move quickly out of the corner of his eye. Gasping he jumped back looking for the cause of the shadow.
“C-calm down spike you’re just seeing things . Yeah just seeing things.” he whispered to himself trying to calm himself down.
Looking around one last time he quickly rejoined Twilight’s side. It always felt safer around her which was understandable Twilight was always great with magic and now she was a princess. Don’t mess with me was practically buzzing in the air around her.
Smiling as he felt a small bit of comfort return to him he began to help Twilight pull books from the shelves and organize them into piles varying by genre. In all honesty he rather enjoyed the quiet of when they worked on cleaning or organizing. Granted it could get boring and tiresome but, that could be said for practically everything.
Hours seemed to fly by as they worked though neither really minded. As Spike was reaching for a book on one of the higher shelves he nearly lost his balance when Twilight let out a small squeal of delight.
“Spike! Come check this out!” she yelled clapping her hooves together excitedly.
“What is it?” he asked carefully making his way down rolling his eyes when he saw the thick book next to her hooves.
“I found this amazing book that talks about some history I never even heard of!” she beamed beckoning him closer.
Spike rolled his eyes again but smiled as he came closer gulping slightly at a picture of a strange creature caught his eye on the page.
“Listen to this.” she said smiling as she tapped her hoofs happily. “Long ago after the fall of Discord there was a hideous monster that came to Equestria.”
“Um how is that good?” Spike asked not understanding.
“Well it’s not it says the monster destroyed villages and enchanted ponies. Even went as far as nearly burning this place and the forest to the ground.”
Spike blinked at her then tilted his head giving a shrug. “Still not seeing why you’re so excited.”
“Well that’s just it the monster was very unique it had the head of a horse, neck and front legs of a dragon then it’s hind legs were that of a horse and the tail was like a fish! Can you believe it! This creature was even more strange and confusing than discord.” She chuckled before continuing, “Anyways apparently Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in order to protect the ponies used their magic to vanquish the beast but, it wasn’t enough to completely stop the monster instead the two sisters enchanted a gem that would contain the beast and the magic within the creature. Isn’t that amazing?”
“Uhhh...sure?”
Twilight’s smile fell before huffing and turning back to the book. Spike sighed as well knowing twilight was upset at him for not really finding an interest into the story. Well the whole thing with a dragon body was cool and stuff but, it was sort of terrifying also. Taking another look around he listened as his stomach growl slightly.
“Hungry?” Twilight asked smirking a bit, “I told you to grab something before we left.”
“Yeah, yeah. Hey do you think there are any gems still in this castle?”
Twilight tilted her head a bit in thought before thinking. “It’s possible why don’t you go look for some and maybe you’ll find more books along the way!” she smiled at him.
“Wait...let me get this right you want me to go exploring in this weird castle full of traps and stuff by myself?”
“Yep. Though you don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” she said turning to him. “I know that you’re scared of this place and i don’t want you to get hurt if you panic or something.”
She smiled fondly at him draping one of her wings over him as a hug. Spike smiled at her hugging her back before stepping back and puffed his chest out bravely.
“Don’t worry I can go on my own besides what could go wrong?” he chuckled as he left the room.
The Frendship of a Dragon
Mood Swings Make Horrible First Impressions
“Can clichés stop happening to me please!” Spike whimpered quietly as he looked through the darkness blindly.
After leaving Twilight earlier, he was looking through the castle when he triggered one of the numerous trap doors only for it to dump him here in the dark.
“Ugh how am I ever going to find my way out without any light.” he grumbled annoyed with himself and the endless black hall.
“You could use your fire if it’s such a problem.” came a voice right behind him.
“Ahh!” he yelled jumping and backing away a bit, “Who’s there!”
“Someone who didn’t eat you while you wandered around blind and completely unknowing.”
Spike opened his mouth to answer when the room burst to light blinding him.
“First off ow, second warn somebody when you're going to do that.” he said rubbing his eyes trying to get the spots out of his vision.
“Sorry.” the voice said timidly.
Blinking Spike sort of wished he was blind again. Standing before him was a mare but, she wasn’t natural. Sharp fangs stood out from her narrow, square like snout, and instead of the normal ears ponies have hers were like his own, forming from fur to scale and membrane. Even stranger was her main and tail, while one resembled a wild flame the other was like and endless ocean abys not even her coat color of sea foam green matched. She even towered over him seeming to beat Princess Luna in height.
“Staring is rude you know.” she snapped jarring him out of his thoughts.
“I-I’m sorry.” he said shaking a bit as he looked into her eyes which were tinted a fiery red. “Please don’t hurt me.”
“Hurt you! Is that what you think! Just because I look different I’m going to attack you!” she snapped again stomping one of her pitch black hooves inches away from him.
Spike yelped as he stepped back quickly looking back frantically when he hit a wall blocking his escape.
“Of course the strange looking mare must be a monster intent on killing the helpless little dragon! That’s what I am to you isn’t it? A monster!” The mare continued to yell at him as her hair started to flicker and wave just like a flame even giving the illusion of embers coming off of it.
At least Spike hoped it was an illusion.
“Look I’m sorry. Please I’m just scared and in a place I don’t know; please I just want to go back to Twilight.” he said pleadingly as he curled in on himself not sure how to prevent her from further anger.
The mare looked down at him before sighing, “I won’t hurt you." she said backing up a few steps, "I’m sorry as you can see the matter of my looks is fragile.”
Spike looked up at her surprised watching as her eyes slowly turned from red to a light amethyst color.
“Uh if you follow that path of lights it will lead back to the library where your friend is.” she smiled nervously at him, “Well bye I guess.”
“Wait how do yo know we were in the library?”
“Well I was watching you.” she said giving a weak chuckle as she played with the ground slightly. “It’s just I see you both come in here a lot. Taking those...uh…” she tapped her hoof against her chin before sighing.
Her amethyst eyes looked at her hoofs putting them together and taking them apart repeating it several times.
Spike blinked at her before slightly raising an eyebrow at her.
“Um...Do you mean books.?”
“That’s it!” she shouted happily clapping her hooves together. “Books those weird things with scribbles on them.”
“Wait, wait, wait are you telling me you didn’t know what books are called let alone read?”
She smiled sheepishly as she looked at the ground scraping one of her hooves on the stone and gravel ground. Spike was astounded it was so odd to find a pony who couldn’t read let alone not know what a book was. Twilight probably would have flipped out at just that alone.
Gasping quietly his eyes shot wide open as a thought occurred to him.
“Do...Do you live here?”
The mare looked at him slightly glaring as she turned to leave. “I refuse to answer that.” she snapped.
“So you do then.”
“I said I wouldn’t answer. Now go back to your master! She probably misses her slave.”
“What Twilight is not my master nor am I her slave. Also don’t you dare talk that way about her!” Spike snapped at the strange mare not going to let her say such things about Twilight.
“Ha! Don’t try lying you are a dragon and the ponies only shun and try to enslave those different then them.”
Spike flinched as he saw her eyes turn back to red.
“You can be as kind and as gentle as you wish but...forget it. Just go back to her.” the mare said dismissively and hung her head as her eyes faded back to the light amethyst. .
Spike looked at her confused, this mare had more mood swings than anyone he had seen before, even more than Ratiy. One minute she was yelling at him about him staring then to being timid about yelling at him. Then called Twilight a slave master now she was looking like someone had just trampled her into the ground. Just how confusing can she get?
Sighing and shaking his head Spike turned to leave not wanting to get mixed up with her unpredictable swings. Nearing the stairs he glanced back at the mare trying to see if she was tricking him in anyway. Though stepping on another trap tened to really hinder such things as the walls shifted and closed off the stairs.
“Oh come on!” he groaned nearly shouting.
“Smooth move.” he heard the mare chuckle behind him.
“You planned this didn’t you?”
“Nope I didn’t even know that was there.” she said plainly before going over to him. “Come on I know another way to get back to the library.”
“And why should I listen to you?”
“Do you know how to get back?”
Spike sighed as he knew she was right. His day just go better and better didn’t it? Giving another extra long sigh he nodded for her to lead the way.
“My name’s OceanFlame by the way.” she said glancing back to him and giving a small apologetic smile.
“Little late for names don’t you think?” Spike asked raising an eyebrow slightly.
He wasn’t expecting the clear sound of laughter coming from the pony in front of him. Seriously this mare just owned the crown of confusing ponies.
“Yeah I guess it is.” she said smiling at him before continuing leading the way.
Spike looked at her even more confused. How can she switch moods so quickly, or maybe he just caught her on an off mood when they first met. Twilight has always said since the poison joke incident to give every book and pony a chance before judging them. Giving the pony another once over he sighed deciding he may as well try to play nice since he did need her to get out of the maze of a castle.
“Spike, my name is Spike.”
The Frendship of a Dragon
Silence is a Good Conversation Starter
Silence, Spike had never known how awkward or suffocating it could be. It wasn’t even the fact of the silence, but the fact that it was so present. Only Oceanflame’s hooves and Spikes clawed feet on stone filled the empty space. It was driving him mad, he expected at least some attempt of a conversation when he gave his name to her not this silence. Sure him and Twilight don’t always talk when the go somewhere, but that was comforting and familiar. This was neither of those things it felt forced like they were desperate not to speak at all.
“Agh! I can’t take it anymore!” he finally shouted pulling on his ears slightly.
He didn’t see how his outburst had startled Oceanflame only hearing the slight stumble of her hooves upon the stone floor. Looking up he slightly glared at her blaming her for the maddening silence. She was the one who had asked for his name so she should’ve started the next possible conversation not leave the air so thick and suffocating.
Deepening his glare Spike was about ready to snap when she looked back at him confused. How dense could you get? It was like she didn’t even feel how heavy the atmosphere was.
“Um...What can’t you take anymore?” she asked her eyes blinking confused.
“Seriously? How can you not feel the atmosphere it’s so thick it could even make Pinkie Pie frown!” he snapped back waving his arms dramatically.
“Who’s Pinkie Pie?”
“That’s not the point! The point is you not making conversation!”
Oceanflame blinked again a bit shocked by his outburst. Spike just continued to glare at her tapping his foot impatiently. Although he knew he made no effort to actually ever start a conversation either he found that wasn’t his responsibility. Oceanflame was the one who asked his name it was her job to continue after that no matter what anyone else said.
“I’m sorry. I figured since I yelled at you and stuff when we first met that you wouldn’t want to talk to me. So I just stayed quiet I didn’t know you actually wanted to talk to me.” She said looking away so her fire like mane hid her face.
Spike looked at her shocked; she was staying quiet because of him? That had never really occurred to him. Arguing really wasn’t exactly a good first impression to have let alone did it make people want to talk to you. What kind of conversation can actually be made from that anyways?
“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it I didn’t exactly try to make conversation either.” He sighed.
Giving a small smile he nodded for her to continue leading the way. Oceanflame returned her own barely visible smile before turning back to the hallway and walking on.
“So why exactly are you here?” Spike asked deciding to actually try and talk with the strange mare.
“I don’t really want to talk about that. It’s not something I’m terribly proud of.” she said shaking her head a bit when Spike gave her a quizzical look. “Let’s just say it has to do with this necklace.”
Spike looked at her even more confused before noticing the golden band around her neck which held a small bloodstone in the center. How the heck had he not notice it before was beyond him, but it made him question even more about what really went on to make her live in this place.
“What about you? Why are you and this...T-Twilight? Why are you and her here?” she asked obviously trying to shift the subject away from herself.
Spike squinted at her slightly before deciding to follow along and drop it.
“We came to get some more books to bring back to our home in Ponyville. Twilight can get a little overzealous about them at times though. Heck she could get overzealous about almost anything.” he chuckled.
Oceanflame just hummed in response her eyes never leaving the ground. Spike looked at her a little worried that he had said something wrong. She, from what he had seen, was a bit unstable at times and could be hard to predict.
“Spike how can you actually spend time with her? You’re a dragon and she’s a pony, it’s unnatural.” she said quietly.
“What? Why does that matter? Besides Twilight is actually a bit more than a friend. She is a bit more like a sister than a friend. See Twilight was able to use magic to hatch my egg and as her first lesson was told by Princess Celestia to raise me.” he smiled. “I guess I never left her since.”
“Wait Celestia? As in the princess who rises the sun and stuff?” she asked pointing up to the ceiling with her hoof.
“Yeah. Twilight was her apprentice before becoming an alicorn herself.” he beamed.
“Wonderful. Another princess to torment me.” she mumbled huffing through her snout.
“Wait what? What do you mean torment you?”
“Nothing besides it looks like we are already at the library.” she said pointing ahead of them where the doors of the library were wide open Twilight barely visible from where they stood.
Spike smiled as he saw the familiar pony about to run off and greet her, before hesitating and looking to Oceanflame who was already walking back the way they came.
“Wait won’t you join us? I’m sure we could find a better home for you than this place.” he said running up to her and pleading slightly.
Oceanflame may have a bit of a temper, but no pony should live in a decaying building. Besides he was still very curious about the gem on her neck as well as her past. It wasn’t everyday you met a strange pony living in a crumbling castle.
“I don’t think that’s for the best. It was nice talking though.” she smiled at him before moving past him.
“Wait!” Spike called surprised when she actually stopped. “Can I at least come back sometime and visit or something?” he asked trying to come up with some reason to learn more about her.
“I don’t see why not. Just come to the castle anytime and tap the wall three times.” she smiled at him before continuing on her way.
Spike smiled happy he at least would have a chance to learn some more about the strange mare. Beaming Spike practically pranced his way back to Twilight.
“Wow those must have been some good gems you found.” Twilight chuckled seeing Spike’s new chipper attitude.
“Oh yeah! They were great.” Spike laughed nervously wanting to keep Oceanflame a secret.
He knew Twilight would get a bit too excited and probably force Oceanflame to answer questions or something. He didn’t want that, he was hoping to find out himself before anyone and maybe even make a friend of his own. Sure their was Twilight and the others, but it always felt like he was the third wheel, well seventh wheel technically.
Giving another smile to Twilight he went back to work already planning how to meet Oceanflame again.
The Frendship of a Dragon
Excitment, Panic, and...Magic?
Spike smiled as he ran out of the castle excited he finally found an excuse as to why he needed to leave Twilight’s side. He’ll make sure to grab more books from the old library on his way back as his surprise to Twilight. Granted nothing special was really happening, but it was the only excuse he could think of quickly when Twilight had caught him trying to sneak away without saying where he was going. Twilight always being the suspicious pony she was instantly began to question him.
Glancing back quickly Spike smiled when he didn’t see anyone following him as he reached the edge of the Everfree forest. He still didn't want any pony to know about Oceanflame fear of her exploding at them, since she didn’t seem to really like ponies. That and of course for his own selfish reasons. Twilight had many friends all around Equestria sure they saw Spike as a friend as well, but they only did so because he was with Twilight. If he could get Ocean to open up to him she would be his friend like Pee wee was before Spike had to give him up cause he kept setting fire to Twilight’s books.
Sending one more glance backwards as an assurance that no one was following him he quickly resumed his walk. The forest lost a lot of it’s fright when him and Twilight visited often to either see Zecora or visit the old castle. Sure there was still dangers like the timber wolves and cockatrice, the tree of harmony though seemed to keep most of the forest in check now though. Something Flutter shy was very grateful for seeing as she was the closest to the once dangerous forest. Spike never really understood why such a shy and scaredy pony would willingly live that close, but he just guessed she found it easier to reach her animal friends that way.
Speaking of friends Spike couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face as he saw the castle in the distance. Checking his surroundings quickly again he began to run the rest of the way nearly tripping and falling a couple of times before reaching the entrance. He never really knew how excited he was about the visit until he was at the entrance practically bouncing up the steps and over to one of the many walls. Tapping it three times like he was told he smiled as he patiently waited for Oceanflame’s appearance.
Minutes passed and Spike was starting to worry that Oceanflame had set him up. She never did say she wanted to see him again let alone be friends. Panic began to set in as Spike began to think more and more about what was taking her so long. Without even noticing it he began to chew on his claws out of nervousness.
“Keep chewing your claws like that and you’ll have nothing, but tiny stubs.” Oceanflame smiled as she came into the room.
“Ocean!” Spike smiled trying to rid his face of the small dust of pink at being caught chewing at his claws, “I was beginning to think you had set me up.”
“Why would I do that? It’s not often I get visitors and besides I only took so long because I was trying to get everything ready for when you showed up.” She said tilting her head slightly confused. “Also where did the nickname come from?”
Spike blushed a bit more not even noticing he had used a nickname for her. He was just messing everything up today wasn’t he. First he doubted Oceanflame now he was already using nicknames when it was only the second time meeting her.
“Sorry I didn’t noticed that I had used it. Guess I’m just a bit nervous. I want today to go better than the first time we met you know?” he asked.
Oceanflame smiled and nodded.
“Yeah I understand. Same goes for me and I don’t mind the nickname Oceanflame doesn’t exactly roll of the tongue.” she chuckled before turning around waving for him to follow her. “Honestly I’m surprised you came back especially since i made such a horrible first impression, but granted you fell on my head first.”
“Oh so that was what I hit on my way down. Sorry.”
“It fine it’s not like you meant to do it.” Ocean chuckled again as she lead him to a staircase that headed down.
Spike looked down the darkened stairwell hesitantly. Darkness and stairs didn’t always mix let alone when he could see tiny bits of rubble on some of the stairs. Shaking his head he glared down into the darkness not wanting Ocean to think he was some coward. Anyways the stairs had to be stable if Ocean was using them.
Ocean looked back at him curiously confused as to why he wasn’t following her. Spike sent her a reassuring smile before following her timidly. He would test each step before continuing down no such thing as being too safe right?
“Are you okay Spike you’re going a bit slow don’t you think?” Ocean asked tilting her head in confusion again.
“Yeah it’s just I don’t want to wind up falling.” Spike sighed deciding it was better to tell her the truth than be prideful.
“Oh! Sorry I forgot the lights silly me.” she said lightly hitting her head, “Let me fix this.” she smiled as closed her eyes.
Spike watched mesmerized as her mane began to wave and flicker as the bloodstone on her necklace glowed lightly. The torches bursted to life trailing down the stairwell showing how deep it went. He blinked in surprise as he watched Ocean open her eyes, the gem losing its glow and her hair it’s flicker, beginning to pant slightly.
“How did you do that? I thought only unicorns could use magic like that?” Spike asked in awe.
Oceanflame chuckled some as she continued on. Spike blinked at her still horribly confused before looking back to the torches. Ocean just kept getting more and more strange.
Shrugging himself Spike hurried after her wondering just where she was leading him.
Author's Note
Sorry the title for this chapter sucks I couldn't really think of anything.
The Frendship of a Dragon
Spike watched in awe as Ocean and him delved deeper under the castle. Every few steps they took new torches would light just ahead of them. Every time they lit it was in a small flash of swirling color only to shirk and begin a strange dance like motion. It was so different from the magic he saw the ponies use around town. Compared to Ocean’s the ponies magic looked more controlled and balanced. Not to say that hers didn’t either but, there was a free spirited feeling to hers, as if the flames themselves lived.
“I’m sorry that we are taking so long.” Ocean said interrupting his thoughts, “With you all coming to the castle more and more I've been needing to hide deeper into the castle.”
"But why? I get you don't like ponies all that much, but none of us would hurt you or mean any harm."
"I don't wish to discuss it Spike. My reasons are my reasons no one else's and I will choose whether to share them or not." she said stomping her hoof firmly on the ground, emphasizing the topic was to be dropped.
Spike crossed his arms scoffing some. He wants to be her friend but, it seems impossible with how she acts and ends conversations with out giving answers. Then again, it's her past he can't force her to share such memories. He might have to ask twilight on why someone would like to keep there past to themselves. She might even have some advice to how to help him befriend Ocean, so long as he didn't accidently reveal who it was.
"Spike, Spike, hey are you listening?" Ocean said her magenta eyes staring into his own.
"Huh? Oh uh sorry must've not have been." he joked shrugging his shoulders idly .
Ocean smiled chuckling some at him before moving out of the way and pointing to the cavern ahead of them. Spike looked at her cautiously before continuing on. Needless to say he was astonished. Before him was a cavern filled with crystals and gems all glowing like stars. Just a little farther in was a small pool filled with clear shining water, reflecting the glow of the crystals perfectly. Just above the pool was a ledge covered with pillows and blankets assessable by a path leading to the pool. I was just outstanding, almost like a small piece of the night sky had come down and settled into the cavern.
"Wha-What is this place?" Spike asked stilled dazed by everything.
Ocean chuckled again as she walked past him and onto the ledge. "This is my home. I found this cavern a long time ago, back then it only had the pool but, I fixed it up and added the crystals to light up the place." she said as she laid down onto the pillows, "The pillows and blankets obviously came from the castle."
"You did all of this?" Spike asked racing up to the ledge as well.
She just nodded giving a proud smile at Spikes amazement. "Yep. It wasn't easy either the crystals alone where tasking. Though that's enough about my home I'm more interested to learn about you. Why are you always with those ponies?"
"Oh that's easy! I was raised by Twilight when she cast a spell to hatch my egg. It was like having a big sister." he said going to tell her all about twilight raising him and their move to Ponyville.
They continued this pattern of Ocean asking him question and him giving answers. Sometimes Ocean would answer his own question giving him little glimpses of her life in the castle. Though she mainly would redirect them or just give simple answers that just brought more questions to light. Still they enjoyed the conversation and even decided to splash around the pool for awhile.
"This is the most fun I've had in a long time." Ocean laughed as she splashed Spike playfully, from their spot of the shore.
They had been sitting there for a while now letting their coat and scales dry off some. Though what Ocean said made him look at her more closely. He never really noticed it but, she did look more calm and relaxed. Like some weight was lifted and she was just truly being herself, her true self with no wall or barriers to keep others out.
"Really? How come?" he asked figuring she would at least have some things she found fun.
"Spike, I've told you I don't leave the castle usually if I do it's just for food and other things." She said rolling her eyes at him. "Come on we best get you back up there. As much as I enjoy your company I'm guessing you would like to get back to your...um...friends?" she asked still feeling weird to refer to ponies in such a way.
"Oh, yeah I guess your right. I still have to find something to surprise Twilight with."
"I can help with that!" Ocean said excitedly as she raced up to the ledge and began to rummage through the pile of pillows, before picking up something and racing back down. "Here, I may not like the ponies but, I'll gladly help you anytime. It's... uh... a book. I can't read it but, I liked the pictures in it and well maybe she'd enjoy whatever it has to say." she smiled a little timid.
Spike beamed up at her as he took the blank cover book. "This is perfect! She loves books, I should know I had to help her organize the library on more than one occasion. Thanks Ocean, I'll try to visit again soon!" he yelled as he raced back the way the came sending her a small wave before disappearing into the still lit staircase.
The Frendship of a Dragon
Dragon's and Flower Crowns
Spike whistled mindlessly as he entered the Everfree forest once again. It had been a few weeks since he had met Oceanflame and it was amazing how they were getting along. Sure Ocean was a bit rough on the outside and still held plenty of secrets but, since their first meeting she has opened up greatly. He could see the care she put into things like her little cavern, even small projects she had shown him. What he loved most was the magic she would show him. It took some convincing but, she finally explained and showed more of her magic could. It was stunning; she could do basic things like levitation but, that was nothing compared to what she could do with fire and water. Not even Twilight could do anything she could. It was almost like the elements themselves were part of her very soul and being. Spike couldn't understand why she was hiding such skill, then again she was hiding a lot. He just wished he could get her to tell him more about herself.
"Spike?" Twilight asked confused to see him in the forest.
"Twilight! What are you doing here?" he asked frantically not expecting her to be in the forest at all.
It was rare for any of them to come to the forest, the most they usually came for was visits to Zecora. Though it wasn't as often as it probably should be. Honestly Spike thinks one of the ponies that keeps a more constant contact with Zecora is Apple Bloom. Twilight being the new princess she was always busy with things Celestia wanted her to learn. Apple Jack was always working on the farm, Rarity was busy with her store and getting close to owning her own place in Canterlot. Pinkie Pie was hosting parties or helping Mr. and Mrs. Cake with their foals. Rainbow Dash was busy training at the academy and helping control the weather of Ponyville, and Fluttershy, well, Fluttershy was just to scared of the forest sometimes. The event's from the summer soloist and the forest sort of invading Ponyville didn't really help.
"I was on my way to visit Zecora and get some new tea. Plus it would be nice to catch up with her a little bit. What are you doing here Spike?" She asked looking at him slightly skeptical.
"I...uh...was on my way to the castle of the two sisters." He said looking everywhere but, at her, "To...um...get some more...uh...tapestries for Rarity. She wants to restore a few more."
"Oh, well that makes sense. Just be careful okay, maybe I'll come later on and help you get them down." she smiled rubbing his head playfully. "Oh and if you are going to read any of your comics please just be extra careful. I don't want you sucked into one again like with the power ponies." she joked before continuing on.
"No worries, I don't even have one with me this time." he said waving to her before running off in his own direction.
When Twilight was finally out of sight, Spike sighed wiping the sweat from his fore head. That was closer than he ever wanted, besides Ocean wouldn't be happy if Twilight was to suddenly show up. He may not know why but, he was smart enough to know Ocean has a very strong 'opinion' when it comes to ponies. He definitely didn't want an explosion from her if that happened. Then again what if she saw Twilight and just never came out, and then never came out again for him. Spike stopped walking some shuddering at the thought of her just leaving like that. Ocean was one of his few personal friends, with no ties to Twilight. It frightened him to think of Ocean leaving him alone; though strangely not frightening to him personally but, of what could happen to Ocean. She has explained, several times, that she has been in the castle for many moons, with no one for company. Just the thought of being alone for that long with out anyone scared Spike. Clenching his fists Spike swore he wouldn't let that happen to her and raced the rest of the way to the castle.
On arrival he was confused to see Ocean out and about, it was rare for her to leave the walls of the castle. The stranger thing is she was picking flowers, she never does things like that. It was, to a degree, terrifying to see; Ocean had always struck him to be sporty and well more like apple jack or rainbow dash. Spike just imagined her to enjoy anything other than picking flowers. Taking another confused look at the scene before him Spike walked over to her tapping on a tree trunk three times just like with the castle walls. Though once he did he had to reel backwards because of how fast she turned around.
"Spike! There you are come on we don't have much time!" she smiled at him as she quickly pulled him back into balance.
"Hi Ocean, and not much time for what?" he asked still greatly confused.
"For the gathering of the hippocampi." she said clapping her hooves together.
Spike blinked at her not understanding anything she said. "What the heck are hippocampi?" he finally asked.
"Oh right, you probably know nothing about them." Ocean said her excitement diming some, "Hippocampi are horse fish hybrids. They can be very reclusive and never visit the surface. The only time they come to the surface is to sing and dance, once every ten moons."
"I'm still very lost but, alright." Spike said smiling at her. "What's the flowers then?"
"Oh I bring them to the celebration all the time. The point of the celebration is to bring vitality back to the oceans." she said nonchalantly before going back to picking the flowers.
"Mind if I help? We'll cover more ground that way." Spike said trying to be as helpful as he could.
"Of course Spike. Just pick the healthiest looking ones." she smiled at him.
Spike smiled back as he quickly got to work. He was intrigued by what Ocean had told him of the hippocampi, though not because of the creatures themselves. Ocean's eye during her description of this ritual they went through shinned, as if she was reliving memories. Even her very presence next to him seemed a flame with joy and excitement. He couldn't help but, join in the merriment even going as far as playing some tricks with her. Tricks like swiping her flowers or gently shoving her over and even having Ocean return such pranks. Having do this for at least few hours did grow tiring at some point and it just dissolved it to lazily laying down in the bed of flowers and talking.
"So when does this gathering take place?" Spike asked as he sat next to Ocean carefully weaving a small flower crown for her.
"It start's just as the moon rises. So if you don't have time to come I'm fine with that." she said flicking him her tail at him jokingly.
"Hmm...depends if I can get away. What do you say in meeting at the castle at sunset then if I don't show up you can go ahead by yourself?"
"Sounds fine to me." she smiled at him flicking her tail again.
Spike sputtered some as it hit him in the face though quickly recovered to blow a spark of fire at her. Chuckling as she coughed slightly at the smoke it left, before continuing his work on the flower crown. He was sort of glad Rarity should him how to weave such a delicate object and was a big help at the winter wrap up since he could help make more nests; when Twilight didn't need him of course. Picking the last flower and weaving it perfectly he smiled as he looked it over. Another thing he has learned from being with Rarity so often was what colors went well with others. Enjoying the darker flowers her had chosen for it to go with Ocean's bright eyes and colorful mane. Carefully Spike turned to her, making sure the crown didn't tear from the movement, then gently placed it on her head mindful of her ears. Ocean looked at him slightly confused with what he was doing but, let him mess with her head and mane.
"There all done!" Spike announced triumphantly.
"And what pray tell have you done?" Ocean asked jokingly.
"I just weaved you the flower crown and put it on your head like to see another dragon do that." he boasted back at her chuckling some.
"Oh yes you truly are the master of all dragons great and honorable Spike." she teased right back at him.
"Yeah, yeah, no need to get jealous." he said before looking back into the Everfree forest. "I better get going. Twilight said she might come around so it's best i go try and stop her. I'll see you at sunset okay?"
"Sure Spike." she smiled at him as he raced back into the forest.
Spike sent her one final wave before disappearing completely into the thick brush. He was really looking forward to seeing this gather of Hippocampi. Thinking back he was sure he heard something about them before but, just couldn't quite put his claw on it. Well he was going back to the castle maybe he could look again, or just ask Twilight if she knew anything about them. Unknown to him Ocean was gazing at the small crown he had made her. A loving smile capturing both her lips and eyes as she carefully stroked the delicate gift. Small tears formed just at the corner of her long lashes as her hoof fell back to the ground.
"Spike you ridiculous dragon. If you only knew." she whispered as one lone tear feel into the pool she had been gazing into.
Author's Note
I know the title sucks please forgive me. T~T
The Frendship of a Dragon
Author's Note
Okay so I make up the info of the hippocampi to better fit my story. I'm not entierly sure of the mythology of them. And before anyone asks yes there are references to Equstria girls rainbow rocks. But it's really small.
Finding the Truth?
Spike had to say he was loving his string of luck so far. When he was leaving Ocean he was expecting to run into Twilight at any chance but, was pleasantly surprised to find her still at Zecora's house. Then when he joined them for their conversations it was just as easy to divert their question or lie right out of them. In any other circumstance he would have felt a little more remorse for doing so but, Ocean wasn't exactly the best influence. He just sort of guessed he was picking up a few bad habits from her but, nobody is ever perfect so why should he try to be. After saying their goodbyes Twilight and him started back to the castle. It was a pretty uneventful walk other than the flock of cockatrice they nearly ran into. Luckily they got out unscathed though it was sort of funny to talk about and joke with one another.
"Man spike I haven't had this much fun in a while." Twilight laughed as she opened the door to the castle.
"Yeah I can't believe we got out unscathed." Spike responded laughing as well. "Especially when you accidently tripped on that root."
"I'm telling you it came out of nowhere." she joked as they head towards the library.
Spike just rolled his eyes as he closed the door before following her. It amazed him how much the castle had changed from their first few weeks in it. There were more vases full of flowers and other simple decoration line the halls. It certainly made it more homely and he was glad Twilight didn't feel to out of place anymore. Though he still missed the old library he couldn't say he completely minded the change. He got his own room and a bit more freedom now, because he wasn't always taking care of the books anymore. Sure he still had a bunch of chores but, it wasn't anything he couldn't handle.
Noticing he was falling behind a bit he sped up his pace a bit. Twilight seemed to be lost in her own thought as well so he just let her be. If she desired to share her thoughts she most definitely would. He supposed that's why he like Ocean so much as well, she never held back an opinion with him especially if it was about ponies. Thinking back on Ocean he remembered how he wanted to ask Twilight about the hippocampi. Hopeful it might bring some answers to his endless amounts of questions.
"H-hey Twilight?" he asked a little nervous.
"Yes Spike?"
"Do you have any books about exotic beings?" he asked fidgeting with his claws slightly.
"Of course we do Spike," Twilight chuckled as she began to pull several books from the shelves. "What type of creature do would you like to research?"
Spike smiled as he joined her at the table she began to put the books on. "I was wondering if their was any um..." he hesitated a little bit unsure if he should use the word hippocampi, "if there was any like mer-ponies or something like that."
"Mer-ponies huh? Well I can't recall anything like that but, maybe it's in a book I haven't gotten to yet." she smiled at him as she opened a book to begin searching. Spike grinned back at her before opening his own book.
After about two hours Spike was ready to give up. Ocean had told him they weren't well know but, he thought there would be at least something. A legend, myth, pony tale, at least some whisper of them but, no he had found nothing. Until of course Twilight gave out a shout of excitement. Instantly he was by her side wanting to see what she found.
"Did you find something? Tell me! tell me!" he exclaimed bouncing all around her.
"Calm down Spike." Twilight chuckled at him before showing him the book, "It talks about these creatures called hippocampi. They're mer-ponies just like you asked. Actually it's quite fascinating, these creatures are very rare. So it's not much info but, it's something."
Spike just nodded to her as he began to read what was on the page. Twilight just shook her head as she continued to speak.
"They mainly stay in deep waters and out of sight but occasionally come close to shore. They have pony bodies but, the hind legs are replaced with a fishtail. This allows them a great deal of mobility in the water and are supposedly strong enough to smash though sunken ships." she smiled going into her teacher like voice.
"What's this about the Sirens?" Spike asked interrupting her as he pointed to a picture encompassed with text.
"Oh, apparently hippocampi have this power with their voices that allows them to entrance ponies. The sirens were three hippocampi that would feed off the chaos their voices would cause. That is until the absolute best unicorn ever got rid of them!" she proclaimed. "Isn't Starswirll amazing!"
"Sure whatever but, only the sirens did that right?" he asked nervously.
"Well...it doesn't exactly say. They aren't a well known species Spike everything here is mostly about the Sirens. Though if I was to make an educated guess it would make sense for other hippocampi to use their voices as well. It would just be the same as a unicorn using their magic. Hippocampi might have very well used their voices to lure food to them. The book makes a quick mention to them having meat in their diet from time to time."
Spike just slumped some unsure how he should react. Looking over the text again he snorted annoyed that it made hippocampi seem like just simple beasts. Ocean had expressed such joy talking about them. It wasn't like she would just lie to him.
What if Ocean had been lying to him?
Slowly just building his trust only to feed him to the hippocampi. The book makes it very clear they eat meat just as much seaweed. Gulping he looks to Twilight giving her a quick excuse as he ran out of the room. He had to get to Ocean he needed answers and he needed them now. No more dodging his questions, she would answer him or else.