The Detective Who Likes To Watch Rainbowsby Regal25ChaptersChapter I – The Letter BurnsChapter II – Is A a Cap?Chapter III – Fake By Six WordsChapter IV – You Should Really Go to the Jim...Chapter V – MoriartyEpiloguePrologueChapter I – The Letter BurnsI’ve read that letter over a dozen times. At first, I wasn’t even sure it came from Twilight, until I saw her seal on the bottom. All the details on this seal are the same as every other seal she sends me; she’s… what’s the word, meticulous? Yeah, that’s the word she uses with these type of things. So that’s how I know it’s her. Now, even though the letter is from Twilight, the whole deal smells fishy to me. I do anything for a friend, but something didn’t seem right. But that matter is gonna have to wait, as I walk on the outskirts of town. I don’t get it; all that’s out here are open fields. No houses or cabins, just open fields. That’s another thing: Twilight never included any address. Plus, no one in town has heard of the guy! So that’s how I spent my afternoon off of work, wandering the outskirts of Ponyville while keeping an eye out for a house that probably doesn’t exist. Wait, I see something. Close to the Everfree Forest, yet far away from Fluttershy’s cottage – there’s a building, underneath a few trees. A dirt path leads to it with a sign next to it. The words are faded. Sighing, that house is my best bet. So I trot over to the house, and stop before the door. An urge comes over to me to describe the place, but not words come that suit the feeling justice. All I can say is that it’s a choice to put a two story house next to a forest. I knock on the door. The blinds on the second story slide left for a second, before sliding back. I huff, and the door before me opens. I inch my head to the left to see if someone was hiding behind the door frame, yet it appears that the door opened on it’s own. I pretty sure I’m about to get murdered, but, there’s a chance that this could be the place I’m looking for. So, I stepped inside and close the door behind me. There’s a door to the right of me, but there’s dust on the handle. A closest to my left, with a staircase leading to the second floor. Seeing how that’s the only route available, I ascend the stairs to find what lay on floor number two. I reach the second floor, where next to me, is another pair of stairs that end at the roof; my assumption being that you could access the roof from there. With walls and only door before me, I take my chance and open it. I swear I didn’t hear music playing from downstairs. I mean, maybe I was caught up the the weirdness of this place, but I know I didn’t hear any classical music. The being before me danced from place to place. A violin rested over its shoulder, while its claw plucks the strings. “Please be quiet,” he instructs, his back facing me. This guy definitely not a pony, as he stands at twice my height. Heck, I bet he and Princess Celestia would be on eye level. I want to impress this guy. I don’t know why, but, the urge just came up. If this is indeed Spike, the he is a creature who stands on two feet, and looks to have scales instead of fur.Spines prod from the top of his head – none along his back, but a few trail along his tail. The first thing that comes to mind is, that Spike is a failed mutation of some kind of lizard. You know, like the stuff you read from the comics where the creature is hit by some kind of ray, and then, it becomes a super creature! …But, we don’t have that kind of technology in Equestria, so I’ll have to throw that aside. Oh, I also forgot to mention he wears clothes. He’s currently dressed with a white dress shirt with a suit jacket over top of it. But yet no pants… Geeze, guy! If you’re gonna wear clothes, than you might as well put on the full package. “Rainbow Dash,” the creature before me says, causing me to flinch. “There is a cup of tea ready for you on the counter.” “But I don’t drink tea,” I say, trying to control my nerves. “You do so on one exception,” he says, “when there is some milk in it, and a lot of sugar.” Wha-how… huh? “Please, take your tea and seat yourself over in that chair; all that walking must of been tiring.” Okay, so am I in a detective’s office? Or a fortune teller’s? Still, I do as I’m told and walk over to the counter. I take sip of tea, and as much as I want to say it doesn’t meet my standards out of spite; the tea is perfect. The surface is thick enough to please the tongue, and sweet enough to be cotton candy. I frown, and bring myself and the tea over to the seat. I sit down and place the tea on the table next to me. I won’t let this guy see me drink it. “So, tell me what happened. And, please, don’t be boring.” The way how this guy turn to look at me, or even how down to me, I now understand why Twilight wanted me to keep calm with him. I just hope I can keep the promise to you, Twi. “First of all,” I say, and I swear I hear him groan. “This matter that I bring up is of the utmost importance.” Did he just stifle a chuckle; I’m pretty sure he just stifled a chuckle! “So, I need to know: is your name Spike?” He finally puts his violin back on its stand, takes a moment to compose himself, and turns around to face me. It was then upon seeing the fangs in his mouth, that my assumption of him being a lizard were wrong. He was a dragon. My legs buckle as the color drains from my face. “You’re… you’re… a dragon…” “What?” he bows forward with a smirk. “Never seen one up close before?” I shake my head. “No… besides the drawings in books… the ones with princess and princes.” “Ah yes!” He stands back erect. “Greedy dragons, all body and no minds. External stimuli over internal, extroverts they are. Hmm.” He strokes his chin. "Who rampage wherever they go, and keep a hoard rich enough to maintain a kingdom," I say, losing my voice. "Ah yes, and we can't forget about the killings! My kind know nothing of compassion and go through only for their desires. Some grow so big that they even eat ponies." He licks his lips, lips open enough to show those fangs. Long enough for blood to drip off. "Tell me, Rainbow Dash, by looking at me, do you think I could become a proper dragon?” I hop over my fear and take a step forward. Sticking out my chest, I know my first impression was just stupid. “The way you look tells me yes. Eh, no offence." "Hmm." "But I can tell you're different. I've never head a dragon play the violin before." "Hmm," go goes once more. "Thanks for that. I guess being different isn't a terrible thing." He taps his upper lip. "Though, if my boredom continues, then I may need change my ways in the future." There’s one more thing I wanted to mention, but you could never pay me to say. Spike is a good looking dragon, and dragons aren't supposed to look handsome. “Now, as to my identity,” he goes. “My name is Spike – Spike the Detective. Or, know to some, as, Spike the Dragon!” He rolls his eyes and takes a seat opposite of mine. “Say, do you always style your mane like that, or are you only doing that for today?” I sit back in the chair. “You know, only mares are suppose to notice things like that.” Spike hums. “I guess I am a bit of an odd fellow then.” He coughed and looked elsewhere for a moment. “Who sent you? Was it Twilight?” “How do you know it was Twilight?” Dang it! I just gave away the answer. “And how did you know my name?” “That’s because–” “Oh wait, I forgot I’m kinda a big deal. You must have heard about me from the papers or something, am I right?” I crack a grin. He nods his head, but his eyes keep studying me. He doesn’t seem like a perverted sort, but he definitely has the weird vibe to him. “So, the letter, do you have it?” “Letter, how—” I stop to compose myself. “Has, Twilight already spoken to you?” “Twilight?” he asks. “No, I haven’t spoken to her in years.” “Wait,” I find myself saying. “How do you know, who I am then, or even that I carry a letter? How did you know I was coming?” Spike didn’t chuckle. Instead, he threw one leg over the other. “Because I saw you coming to my house. Now, you do look like the adventure’s sort, but only around friends – when you have something to prove – would you do something as foolish as walk into a house that looks to be abandoned.” I wanted to cry out that he was wrong. Yet I couldn’t find my voice. “Meaning, that you must of been looking for me in the first place,” Spike says as he places his right leg back on the floor. “Now, when you reached my door; you looked tired and your hooves were muddy. I can judge than, that you’ve been walking around for quite some time, and I can also judge you don’t care much for manners.” He looks behind him at the open door. “As my stairs are quite dirty.” “Sorry,” I say. “All that walking and thinking kinda overloaded my mind. I shouldn’t have let something as small as that slip my mind.” “Not a worry!” he replies. “Now, if you were to look around my flat, you’d come to the conclusion that I don’t mind having it a bit messy.” I look around and, dang it, he was right! Spike’s an oddball, but he’s got something going for him. “Now, I must confess that I’ve heard about you and your gang.” “You mean the Elements of Harmony!” I cry. Just who does this guy think he is? “We’re one of the most important—” “Yeah yeah, I get it.” His words sounded like they were mocking me, yet his tone came with concern. “I deleted the information a while back, but this newspaper showed me the trace back to that memory.” He points to the newspaper on the coffee table. I’m surprised that ponies still read the thing. Anyhow, on the front page, it reads: The Elements of Harmony Have Been Stolen! Below that heading, was a photo of the broken glass, and the stands for our elements. And below that, was a photo of the six of us wearing the Elements. “So that’s how I recognized you and your problem,” he states. “So, the letter?” “How do you know I have a letter?” I ask. He was spot on with anything else, but there’s no way he could know this without having been told. I can catch his lie here and now. “You wearing a satchel that sags on the sides. Now, if you’re visiting a detective; one that you’ve never heard of before, than what could you possibly bring that’s so small to hardly affect a satchel?” “A letter.” I find myself finishing. Now I get why Twilight wanted me to go to this guy. I dig into my bag and retrieve the letter, nibbling on the envelope and placing it on his claw. He opens it up and gives it a read. Then, when he finished, he threw the letter into the fireplace. “Hey!” I shout. “What do you think you’re doing?” “If this is Princess Twilight Sparkle we’re speaking of, and she wants sworn secrecy, then she’ll want that letter burned as soon as it’s been read.” I want to fight back that logic, but he’s got a point. “I thought you hadn’t spoke to Twilight for years.” “And I haven’t. But you reminding me of her triggered my box of her, unlocking all the memories I have of her.” He slams his fist on the chair; I jump in my seat. “Remind me to burn that box!” “H-Hold on,” I say; “how do you know her?” “That’s irrelevant to the matter at hand,” he says, casting his eyes elsewhere. “So, you need my help?” “Not exactly me,” I say. “But the Royal Guard is at a loss on what they should do next. I guess Twilight needs you to give them a hoof.” “And if I refuse?” I open my mouth to speak, but no words come. I didn't expect him to spring that on me. “Dah, I haven’t had a new case for months and I’m running low on tobacco.” He stands up and walks before me. “I’ll take the case on one condition.” “And that is?” “You have to be my partner in crime with this one.” “Me?” I say. “A partner?” “Yes,” he replies. “My pet skull fell and cracked to pieces, so I have no one to converse the case facts with.” “I’m… a… I’m not sure if could.” “Ah, that’s a shame.” Spike walks away to the coat hanger. He picks up a long black coat and throws his arms through it. It falls along his body and ends just above his ankles. He turns to me at the door frame. “Going by the paper alone, I already deduce an overarching plot. One that will have gun fire, sword fighting, probably poison, and someone dead. You know, just the boring stuff you do everyday. Enjoy going back to weather patrol!” He then left the room and proceeded down the stairwell. “Please make yourself at home!” I sit for a moment. My mind is blank, yet my gut is telling me to run out of the room. “Dang it!” I mutter. I rise up and dash out of the room. Chapter II – Is A a Cap?Spike waited for me at the bottom of the stairs, holding the door open. I huff, turning my head so he can’t see my smirk. “Ready to go?” He asks as he puts on a pair of gloves. “Yeah,” I raspe. I walk outside and so does he, closing the door behind him. “So, what’s the gameplan? You look to having something up your sleeve.” He pats his sleeve, his brow shooting up as he looks at me. “That… a figure of speech.” Spike bounce his head right and left. “Ah!” His smile is fake. “Well, first things first, we should probably board the first to Canterlot, shouldn’t we?” “I guess so.” I reply a bit confused. He’s the one in charge here, so why does he wants my input. In fact… “Why do you want me tagging along anyways?” He begins to walk forward and I do the same. “Because I require both your mind and ears,” he says. “Talking to a skull outside has always resulted in weird looks, but to have a mare like yourself coming along with me. Well...” he trails off for a second. “Heh, It certainly won’t destroy my image.” “Ha,” I chuckle. “I guess having me along will make anyone famous.” “Haha,” he dryly laughs. “You know for a dragon, you sure talk a lot.” “Guess I’m just a special kind of dragon then.” “I think our definition of special may be different,” I say. He looks irritated, mad even ! And as much as I hate that squishy stuff, the looks he has is kinda cute. I continue to tease him on our walk, my way of revenge for the way he acted earlier. Though, I don’t say anything about the matter at hoof. Even if I’m not showing it: I’m terrified that the Elements are gone. The Elements of Harmony protected the land; they gave form to our friendship. And now, they’re gone. There’s an emptiness inside of me, but I put on a smirk and pretend not to be bothered. I wish my friends could handle this as well as me, but Pinkie and Fluttershy haven’t said much since the ordeal. With the Royal Guard unable to do anything… and no one admitting to the crime. I just wanna! I just wanna… wanna stop thinking about this whole mess. But with Spike. I don’t know. I feel like I can place some faith in him; that he can lead us somewhere. He may be a prick, but teasing him to no end has been fun. “You ever kiss a mare before?” “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he says. “Too occupied with my mind to focus on others.” “I’m starting to think you don’t care about ponies.” “And I think you should carry on with that train of thought.” Bugging him was fun, but we’ve reached train station. Ascending the three steps, Spike went over to the booth and taps on the glass. “Yes, I would like to purchase two tickets to Canterlot.” He pulls out a pouch from his jacket and places bits from it on a tray. The pony on the other side took the bits and returned with a ticket. Spike takes the tickets and offerers a smile in return. “Here.” Spike holds out the ticket for me. I take it; we’re boarding in five minutes. “Wait, we’re leaving now?” “Yes,” Spike replied; “I’ve wasted enough time on this case thinking someone would expose themselves. Now, we haven’t a minute to lose!” “Spike, I, uh, didn’t pack anything besides the letter. I don’t even have bits to pay you back.” “I had no intention of you paying. Besides, we won’t be long in Canterlot.” He sits down on the bench, and I sit next to him. “So… originally... I wasn’t supposed to be part of this. Meaning, I have no idea how much Twilight’s gonna pay you!” In the distance, I hear the choos of a train. “Payments never been an issue for me,” Spike says as he looks to me. “And I’ll have you know, that I haven’t given you my proper job title. It’s actually Spike the consulting detective. Now, that’s just a fancy way of saying I get to choose my cilents.” “Oh,” I say. “Yes. And I don’t particularly choose boring cases or ones that I’ve already solved in my head; there’s no fun in that. But with this case; I’ve been desperate lately. I’ve been bored, and books aren’t cutting it. So I like to dabble with things I shouldn’t.” I want to ask what it is, but his tone told I wouldn’t get anymore out of him. “So, when a case like this emerges, it’s enough to give me the fix I need.” Now I got what he meant. Now, I being the great Rainbow Dash, I never had to rely on drugs. I need to be strong and quick, and that stuff slows you down. But, I don’t get it, cause Spike looks to be the same with his mind. So why would Spike be fooling with that kind of stuff? The trained halts at the station, chiming as the doors fling open. Spike stands up. “Shall we?” I nod, and together, we enter the train. We managed to steal a booth. I got the better seat, as I get see what comes next, while Spike only gets to see what we’re leaving behind. He coughs into his claw; my eyes went to his. “Now, I’m afraid I—” “You know you don’t have to talk like that,” I say “What?” “All fancy like. I’m sure if you noticed, but with me, I keep everything plain and simple.” “I… um… huh.” Spike eyes look lost. I wonder what was going on in the funny little head of his. “Eh, hmm! Let me, uh, try that again.” He coughs once more and looks back at me. “This… case. I don’t much about it, so you can you feed me some of the details?” “Much better,” I say, a smirk growing on it’s own. What can I say? I feel awesome when I’m awesome. “But, it’s weird that you don’t already know everything about the case.” “I know everything the newspaper has told me, but they like to fluff over the facts. I’d like to hear what you’ve got to say on the matter.” “Oh, alright.” I shake my head to let the thoughts flow. “Five days ago, Princess Celestia paid us a visit.” “You want us to do what now?” Rainbow cried. Princess Celestia stood before the six ponies. Her figure comforting, yet her eyes sparked some kind of terror within. “The Elements have become have become a trademark of this land: showing the power of the magic of friendship.” “Ah get what you mean,” Applejack said, taking a step forward, “Princess. But I don’t see why we gotta put them on showcase for other ponies to see.” “To educate our land, My Little Ponies. There have been many a cry with what the elements look like, or if magic really radiates off them. I think showcasing them for a day at the museum will be an excellent way of showing the world what the Elements really are.” “I understand what you’re getting at, Princess.” Twilight said. “But aren’t photos good enough? Why do ponies need to see them up front?” “Because, Twilight. It’ll give better faith to our ponies and allow them to better connect with their protectors.” Celestia looked to Twilight, something pleading in her eye. Twilight looked away, as she closed her eyes. “I don’t know,” Rainbow said. “I don’t feel like it’s the safest thing to do.” “The museum has already assured me that the Elements will have the highest security. We will also have Royal Guard protecting them.” Celestia lowered her head and offered a smile. “Please girls? It’ll only be for one day, and it would make many a pony happy.” Everyone looked to one-another. Everyone knew what their answer had to be. “Sure, Princess. I guess there’s no harm in that.” “Weird,” Spike says I shake my head and look at him. “Why you say that?” “Nothing I can say as of yet. Please, tell me what happened next.” The train passees over a bump, startling me for just a second. Spike isn’t phased, as the train begins to climb a hill. He has an arm resting on the table, with a claw supporting his chin. Call me crazy, but he looks like those guys in stone that like to think a lot. I inch my head left. The light through the window shines upon his eyes, and I couldn’t help but feel my own eyes grow bigger. A smile forms on my lips, as my tail wags from left to right. His face demands to be handsome, yet every action he does comes off as adorkable. And I don’t know why I thought that. But I do know why he’s staring at me. “Oh, right – the story.” “As soon as girls and I heard about it, I wanted to zap there right away, but Twilight swore us all to keep quiet. I couldn’t understand why at first, but with her bringing you along, I guess there’s a bigger picture I’m missing.” “There may or may not be; we only find out once the case is solved,” Spike says. I feel better after hearing that, some of the emptiness being filled. I start once more. “Five days ago, the museum of Canterlot was going to hold a big show for our Element. Ponies would come and see in them up front, feel the magic and learn their history. This also would also motivate ponies to learn more about Equestria history that was held in the mesuem.” Spike hums. Never taking his emerald eyes off me. Did I mention that they shine? “But, the day before the opening: the Elements were stolen. Officers of the Royal guard were found unconscious, and the staff were the ones who came across the crime.” I expected his expression to change, yet it remained the same. “The glass to the display was broken, but everything else was clean. No forced entry; no hoof prints – nothing. If it weren’t for the unconscious guards and the missing shards, then no one could’ve guessed that someone was there.” “Easy there, Dash,” Spike says to me, raising his eyebrows in concern. “You don’t want to mix yours or anyone else's’ bias into the facts; they tend to mix everything up!” His voice went light with that last part, as if not to make me feel too annoyed. “So, yeah. Come five days later, and no one has made any threats. No one has demanded any bits, nor used the Elements to gain some political power. All we’ve heard is silence.” “Kinda hard to hear nothing,” I hear him mutter. I fix him a kick in the leg, which he promptly caters to with his claws. “Ow!” He shoot his eyes towards mine. “What’s the big idea?” “I’m the one that get’s to be funny, not you. If you want me to tag along, than that’s gotta be our deal.” Spike sighs. “Fine.” He raises a claw. “But I still get to propose—” “Remember the whole talking fancy dealio’?” “I get to joke around here and there,” he states. His words are salty, but that’s just how others are when you win. If anything, I wanna see this guy sulk. Spike sits there for a while, without saying anything. Instead of resting his chin on his claw, his palm now supported his cheek. Eyes absently watching the window, I wonder what he was thinking about. I was also curious as to why I’m so curious about him. Dang it! I think all that fancy talk is starting to affect me too. “So, that’s it then?” Spike asks, eyes still on the glass. “Elements are going to be showcased, then proceeded to be stolen, and now there is fear in the back of everybody’s mind on what’s going to happen next.” “About so,” I say. “But I’m wondering more about the jerk who stole our stuff!” I found myself raising up. “I can understand trying to beat us or something; trying to make a bit or two. But whoever stolen it hasn’t said a thing yet, and it’s starting to bug me!” Spike shuffles in his seat, looking back at me. “I gotta admit: that’s the only reason why I’m taking this case. I like it when the criminal wants to have some fun first; it dismisses the boringness that comes with ordinary cases.” “Spike,” I moan, “try to be serious. This whole taking of the Elements is a pretty big deal.” “Only to certain ponies, Dash,” he says. “For me, it makes no difference what I see when I look out my window. As long as my house is intact, I’ve got nothing else I care for.” I inch my head forward onto my hoof. “You must be lonely.” “Hardly,” he says with the blink of the eyes. “I have my work and I have my mind. Guidelines I follow to ensure my accuracy, and I have a skull at home to keep my company.” I swallow the saliva in my mouth. I feel bad for drake. Even though it’s his own fault he’s living like that, somthing tells me he would like change in his life. Or maybe that’s my own bias getting in the way. Pfft! Yeah right. I’m Rainbow Dash, I’m almost always right. “Skulls don’t talk back, Spike.” “They can if I desire so. Besides, if I need company, I’d closed my eyes and envision me at a party.” “Have you ever been invited to a party?” Spike holds his mouth open a few seconds before speaking. “Eh, not really. But, I don’t have an interest in going anyways.” “D-E-N-I-A-L,” I sing. I suppress the urge to boop him on the nose. Spike sits back in his seat, crossing his arms. “I guess you're right. But, if no one wants you in their company, might as well enjoy your own.” Well that sucks. I wanted to keep teasing him, but now my heart feels bad for the guy. Eh, hay. Should I say something to cheer him up? “Say, Dash,” Spike starts, “we’ve spent the past half-hour talking about me. Don’t you think it’s about time we talk about you? I should know the good and the bad for my temporary assistant.” I raise my eyebrows. “Oh! So I’m an assistant now?” “If the title’s not good enough, I could make you my number one assistant?” “Ha, funny,” I say with the roll of my eyes. “But I’ll keep the title of partner in crime, if you don’t mind.” Hey, that rymed! I’m kinda proud of myself. “As you wish,” he says with a playful smirk. I thought Spike was full of himself at first. But now, I see that he’s is full of himself, but he’s also an alright guy. Antisocial sure, but the type that even I could get along with. “Welp! I could tell you everything you need to know about me, but a good friend of mine (totally not Twilight) gave this advice: show, don’t tell.” “They apply that to writing classes,” Spike states. “Yes,” I agree, “but you could also use that in real life. Now, I could tell you I’m awesome, but you’ve already got the picture by looking at me.” He chuckles, almost laughing. “So, no need to tell you everything about me yet, I’m sure most things will flow when we’ve spent some more time together.” Spike leans over the table. “We’re only together for one case. You know that, right?” “I know, I know.” I say. I lay down in my seat and rest my hooves behind my head. “But, that should be more than enough time for us to get to know each other. Unless you’re that good and solve it in a sec.” “I might.” “Then only the future can tell,” I say as I drift off into sleep. The rays of sun cause my eyes to flutter open. My face feels warm, and the mountains outside my window make me feel come inside. Blah! I’ve gotta stop taking after Spike. Speaking of which, I wasn’t the only to pass out. He’s got his back leaning against the wall with head hanging down. He looks peaceful. Call me creepy, but I finding myself watching him; how his chest rises with each breath, mumbling things that don’t get past his lips. I cock my head left – I really do want to let him sleep. But we’re approaching our stop. I fly up on the table and poke him in the chin. “Hey, Spike buddy? “Meh.” “Time to wake up, ours is stop is next.” “...Coat. My coat.” I inch my ear before his lips. “What’s that?” “My pipe. It’s in my pocket. Can you please place it on my lips?” I sigh and point to the sign. “No smoking on trains.” I drop down to my seat, but not without turning back to him. “Lazy.” He murmurs something, and I pretend not to hear what he said – for, if I were to, he'd be on the floor in less than a second. Once we’re both stretched and ready to go, we do just that: go. We leave the train and embark to land of that: Canterlot. Wooooo! I’m really going to kill Spike for the way he talks. We ascend up the steps of Canterlot. With each case of stairs, it feels like we’re rising to another level of Canterlot society. Ponies wearing more and more; the houses growing bigger. I just want to curse at it all. I turn my head to Spike to find him unimpressed, and I have no clue why. No dragon has ever set foot in Canterlot, one of the cities ponies are most proud of. You’d figure Spike would be rambling about how awesome it all was. But no, he seemed to wrapped up in his mind. Ponies are noticing the dragon amongst they're down. Most look shocked, eyes wide with their mind calling a quits. While others stare at Spike, some even charing their hooves like they were a bull. But what irritates me most were what looks some of the mares are giving him. Spike takes no notice of what an attraction he’s becoming, but I! stand in his place. No mare is giving Spike the bedroom eyes. Unless you got something to say, all you keep your mitts off a Spike! “You’ve been quiet since we’ve gotten off the train, everything alright?” I say. “Still a bit tired after my nap, my mind isn’t working correctly.” He turns his head to mine. “Do you have any sweets on you?” “Uh, no?” I say. “But I do have a friend who bakes sweets!” “Damn,” he swears, “Twilight sent me the wrong pony for the job then.” “Excuse me?” Spike raises his claws as if I were about to strike. Good reflex, Spike. “What I mean to say is, I work best when I am. Whether that be sugar or other such things. It’s been a few days since last high and it’s starting to affect me.” Just what drugs are you taking, Spike? I was about to say those words, but our destination loomed before us. “Hey, that’s the place!” I yell. Spike nods, and I don’t quite know why, but I find myself racing him there. I make it fair by keeping my wings folded. Still, running on four legs gives me the advantage. So why is it then, that Spike just zipped past me? Coat flying up on both sides of his tail, as his talons seem to be kicking off the ground rather than running on it. He makes it to the steps of the museum four seconds before I do – even twirling around and showing me a toothy grin. I reach the staircase, not out of breath, but panting. “No fair!” I slip past my pants. “You cheated.” “How?” he asks. “By being a dragon,” I say. He laughs and turns around. “Not my fault a pegasi didn’t chose to use her wings.” “I wanted to take it easy on you,” I protest. “And that’s why you lost,” he says whilst smirking. “You know,” I say, “you could benefit from learning some lessons about friendship. Maybe then, ah, you’d have some friends?” I exclaim. He chuckles. “What’s the point of friends when I have goals?” Maybe then you wouldn’t be doing drugs? I hold back the words; we’re not close enough to joke with him on that level. The museum slip off into it’s own level. It takes up a giant square, with five steps going all along it to reach its level. Though there were barricades along the steps, to keep ponies from going inside. “Weird,” I say. “I didn’t expect them to keep the museum closed for this long.” Spike doesn’t have anything to add, instead making his way to the barricades. There were at least four ponies – all wearing gold armour – standing on guard. Two raise their spears and slammed it on the cement. “The Museum of Canterlot is closed until further notice,” The Royal Guard says, and not a word more. Yet his eyes travel up and down Spike, and even I can see him thinking. “Say, are you a dragon?” “One of the few that are fine with pony kind,” Spike says, leaning down. “Why?” he plays. “Does that bother you?” “Not at all,” the guard replies. “Though it is odd that a creature like you is coming by the museum, especially after the break in.” I see the smile bloom on Spike face; he looks delighted in the accusation. I raise my brow. “Oh! Do you think I did it, and came back to take in delight of my crime? “I’m not saying that you did,” the guard shoots back, “but it is a possibility.” Spike’s smile turns into a smirk. “Great! Please keep that in mind should my name be called for suspicious characters.” Spike claps his claws together, almost hopping in place. “Now, can one you gentlecolts go fetch me Lestrade?” “Who?” the ones questions. “What do you meanfetch?” the other calls. “Oh come on!” Spike whines. “Surely you don’t spend all the time standing around dulling your minds?” It comes with no surprise that the two guards tackle the drake. I was going to step in and intervene, but seeing Spike getting a dose of his own medicine was pretty entertaining. So I sit back and watch – would’ve been better if I had some popcorn. After a few more punches, both guards throw their heads under his arm, and proceed to drag him into the museum. I ponder for a while, just what the hay I’m supposed to do. Spike’s been in there for a while. I’m starting to grow worried for the guy. I’m not sure if it was his plan to get taken in there, or if acts like a pricky for funsies. Either way, he left me bored and with a choice. Do I break into the museum and save his scaly butt? Or wait outside and hope he get’s released? I flare up my wings and stretch out my back. It’s been awhile since I’ve outrun something – especially the feds. Though it appears my warm-up was for not, as I see something launched into the air. I step back. A second later, Spike lands in front of me. The Guards snicker by the doors, so I fix them a look. Their laughs die and they look serious again, so I avert my eyes and hope not to be thrown in prison. I look down to Spike. “You alright?” “Dandy,” he replies. He places his claws next to his head and shoots his lowers body into the air – once up, he pushes off his claws and lands on his feet. He looks at me as he dusts off his coat. “I didn’t get much while I was in there, but I did get out ticket,” he says. “Didn’t they just take you in there to beat you up – because Lestrade isn’t a pony’s name.” “No, it is,” Spike insists. “Even if the bugger doesn't want to go by it yet.” I’m starting to think the reason why Spike doesn't have friends is because you never understand what he says. “Hey,” I say, taking a step closer to him. “Aren’t you the littlest bit upset that you got your can handed to you?” “Not really,” he says with the shrug of the shoulders. “It hurts less when you're letting them do it. Besides, just seeing how the one is being cheated on, and how the other is lonely, is more than enough to make up for the pain.” “And how did you figure that out?!” I didn’t mean to shout that out. He turns his head towards mine. “It’s elementary, my dear Rainbow Dash” Spike says. He ready to carry out a speech, but a figure approaches us. “Now if it isn’t detective Lestrade!” Spike cheers, almost dancing towards him. “What took you so long?” The orange pegasi approaches us with a smirk. His blue mane spiked up; his eyes sharing the same color. “Someone, not calling any names! Tried breaking into the museum, heh. He even had the nerve to harass my guard.” “Sounds like an ass to me,” Spike says with a clap of the claws. “So, how about getting us into the museum.” Lestrade isn’t paying Spike any attention. I could tell. Why? Because his eyes were on me and I’ve seen that look a million times. Lestrade realzies this as he shakes his head; quick to bow his head. “Sorry, I wasn’t aware Spike had friends,” he says. His brows were up and his head slightly tilted. “Oh,” I shake, “we’re not friends. Just… needed his help with something is all.” Lestrade nods and looks to Spike. “I don’t see why you need me, Spike, if you’ve already got the Element of Loyalty on your side.” “Is Anderson on the case?” Spike asks. “Y—” “Than that’s exactly why,” Spike says as he sweeps a foot. “I’d get nothing but questions and his opinion on the matter.” Spike lets out a heavy sigh. “I swear, everytime he talks it drains everyone in the room of their IQ.” Lestrade can’t stop himself from chuckling, making sure to keep it brief. “Alright, I get it! But try to keep your mouth closed while we’re in there. Not only is the sight off grounds for citizens, but every time you speak, everyone has the nerve to feed your face a hoof.” Spike rubs his cheek, eyes looking elsewhere. “Fine.” Lestrade takes a step forward, then twirls back around. “Oh, and by the way, the name’s Flash Sentry. I don’t know where you get the Lestrade part from!” “You’ve seriously gotta stop changing your name!” Spike exclaims. “Back at the Crystal Empire, you were Lestrade. And before that, you had how many names?” We start walking forwards as two bicker at each other. Something doesn’t feel right. These two obviously know each other, but I don’t think they know each other well. Spike is a weird fella, but something's messing up in his head. “I’ve always gone by Flash Sentry!” Sentry cries. “Not once have I told you otherwise! I’m the only one that’s allowed you onto the scenes of cries–” he stops for a moment “– has anyone granted you permission?” “No.” Spike shakes his head. “I don’t make friends easily, so you’re the only one I rely on.” “Wait, we’re friends?” Sentry flashes, looking way too happy. I know he’s just excited and all; Spike being a distant guy. But someone may get the wrong idea, Flash. Spike recoils back, he left cheek rising to meet his eye. “Eh, I… uh.” He breathes in and out. “I’d say normally, that we’re acquainted. Which, is, already an achievement, as I never make it that far with anypony else.” Spike shakes his head, and I know why. I hope these two aren’t playing for the same team. And I don’t mean detecting crimes. I mean, It’s cool if you’re like that; whatever makes you happy. But I don’t want to watch a bromance happen before my eyes. “Eh, thanks,” Sentry says as he hides his head. He better not be blushing. He turns his head to me. “So Dash—” I want to gag. I can see the pink on his cheek. I CAN SEE THE PINK. ON. HIS. CHEEK! I shake my head, threads of my multi-colored mane swishing past my eye. “– how has everything been since the Elements stolen?” I dismissively wave my hoof. “Meh. Not too hunched over it. I mean, it sucks that they’re gone, but worrying about that fact is kinda stupid. Besides, in most cases, we do don’t even use them. Though if a demon were to appear again, then maybe I’d be running to the hills.” I look to Spike as he chuckles, looking down his own body. “That’s a good answer,” Flash replies, “glad to know there’s still some hope left.” Sentry leads us into the back of the museum, where two giant-size doors stand. The white paint of the door is the same of museum, so if you’re far away, you could miss that there were even doors. It’s going to be cool to see these bad boys open up! Flash then opens two small wooden doors next to it. “Oh,” I look to Spike to see if he shares my disappointment, but he doesn't have any emotion at all. He walked where he was supposed to and kept his head straight, yet his eyes bounced all over the place. Spike has walked through Canterlot, and is now entering the most renowned mesuem of ponykind, and his response to it all is a look of boredom. Just what type of dragon is Spike? Heck, I expected him to take everything in the room and say mine. Is that he could be having internal conflict as we speak, and fighting hard against his greed. Or does none of this actually interests him? Whoa. I got so caught up with Spike, that I forgot where he had entered. I’m not really sure what the word majestic really means, but I’m going to use it anyway. The place looks majestic. The ceilings are as high as they are in the Canterlot Castle, with candles lit everywhere. Spike is sniffing like crazy. Is he allergic to something? I go to ask, but the giant red carpets captures my eye. I’m no Rarity and can’t tell you the difference between fabrics. But this place is crazy. Walking on the carpet, I feel like I’ve won an oscar. Sorry Leo, but this trophy this mine! The display cases on my sides are ponies cheering me on and taking photos. If these boys weren’t with me now, I’d strike a pose or two. The cases look neat. A wand; some stone; a ring to rule them all – big and little things. All with a reason to be here. My eye glances at their history, but only for the ones that look interesting. I know where this carpet leads us. I want to say something yet I keep my mouth shut. Spike isn’t taking notes. I expected him to take out a note pad and pull out a pencil from in-between his frill, and jot every single detail down. Twilight picked him for a reason; he’s capable of something that the Royal Guard isn’t. But what? What is something an individual can do that the highest organized organization can’t? We reached a set of stairs, all which rise to one display piece. There’s a hole in the glass, and within, six stands are missing their jewelry. Even the description for the Elements of Harmony are written over by a green crayon. I OWE YOU SIX. YOU TOOK ONE. NOW I OWE YOU FIVE. I look to Spike. His eyes flare up, eyebrows raised even higher. It’s weird seeing him with some emotion. He hovers his nose over case and sniffs madly – shooting his head to Flash afterwards. “You guys sprayed fresheners over the crime scene?!” Flash surrenders his hooves to the air. “We didn’t do it! The cleaning team that comes in must’ve sprayed it while doing their job.” “Why would you allow a cleaning team in here!?” Spike cries. “Geeze, Spike, they need jobs!” Flash shouts back. “They’ve been working here far too long to be suspected of anything. Think on your feelings for once; ponies need bits to feed their families.” “Feelings are boring, and in this case, relevant,” Spike says, dropping his knees to the ground. “Did they also take the shards of glass.” “No. That would’ve been us.” Spike breathes as he turns his head to Flash. The frills on his head falling a bit to the right. “Why?” “So we might get some hoofprints, you know, the one thing that could help us find the culprit. Beside, it might of contained some additional evidence.” “And did it?” The smile on Flash’s muzzle died. “Ah, no.” I roll my eyes. Spike gets back to work. He went about for a few more minutes. I couldn’t understand what he was up to, but I keep my mouth shut. They way he looks around and paces from spot to spot, he looks like a wild dog. Then Flash steps in. “You’re five minutes are up: what do you have?” Spike directs his attention to Flash, standing erect. Hehe, erect. “You’re dealing with someone cleverer. Someone… who has nothing to lose.” “Could be that someone be dying?” Spike shakes his head. “No. This, thief, has all that they could desire. They don’t care if they lose it all, or don’t think they can lose it all. So this might of been done for fun.” “Spike,” Flash interjects, “I’m not getting just assumptions here, am I?” “Goodness no,” Spike replies, “I do my best to never let baiss affect my deductions. See, my first concern was that the thief was going to steal the Elements and pawn them off. But they couldn’t find anyone to sell them too, so they’re keeping quiet.” “But I doubt that. Someone has the funds and the tools to break into a place like this, without leaving a trace, willing to risk their life away by being shot or put into prison? No sane being would do that unless they already had a buyer.” “The only beings that would want something so grand, is someone seeking power. Someone who has misinterpreted the meaning to the Elements power. But, the probability of that is below two percent. No one would plan for all of this, and not be sure that their items worked.” “Now, you could somone is looking to destroy the bearers, and want all the measures to be taken. With this in mind, you Dash” –he turns to me– “should’ve been dead three days ago. Give or take.” I feel something boil in my belly but I don’t give a voice to it. “But with you alive – and thank goodness for that – it means that no-one has made any attempts. Seeing how the guards have been occupying Ponyville lately, judging by the two guards who were standing at the station back at Ponyville; they should’ve seen something strange by now. Something different. And…” he gestures a claw to Flash. “Nothing out of the ordinary so far.” “That’s unfortunate to hear – makes our jobs difficult. But whoever they are, they aren’t seeking to destroy Equestria just yet. Someone who plans on breaking in would want to take care of the girls while the Royal Guard is in disarray.” “That, and before the girls have time to come up with a substitute plane, which, they are known to do.” Spike gives a little chuckle. “Elements of Harmony or Elements of Luck, I’m not sure which one you girls are.” “What if the thief needs some time to cool down?” “Unlikely. If you’re planning for attack, you’re going to lay everything out in front of you and make sure each chain is solid; dispensing with those that are weak. Once your chain is complete and strong, then you have a plan which you follow straightly.” “But we can’t say for certain that an attack isn’t probable.” “That’s true. But that isn’t my concern, so I leave it to you, to worry about. Now, we have someone who has stolen a powerful weapon that is unique jewlery. But the thief has chosen to not sell it or attack Equertia. No threats; no bids. So why would anyone steal the Elements?” Flash turns his head to the case. “And leave a note.” Spike eyes read the words once again. His right claw twitches as he let’s his behind fall to the floor. I hear his breathing. “Dash, has anyone of you six lost anything important?” I think. “No. Nothing of note besides the Elements.” His breathing is louder. “Damnit. If the air was the same and the shards still here.” I can see Flash getting upset, and even though I’m surprised by his logic, which I would've never thought of, I see Spike is just starting to make excuses. “Spike, you’re not playing the blame game because you can’t figure it out, are you?” I say. It sucks to have to say it. He’s silent, then he speaks. But not to me. “Flash, do you have the log of when this all transpired?” Flashs digs into his satchel and retrieves a clipboard holding some paper. Spike smirks, takes a breath, and closes his eyes. “Dash, I need for you to neither talk or move. Don’t not think a thought and it would help if you were gone.” “Rude,” I say, but he keeps his head the same and doesn’t reply. So I do as I’m told. “Read the list and only give the facts; I don’t want your thoughts.” “Okay,” Flash says. “Guards claim to of heard sounds at two o'clock. Nothing. They resumed duty until the cleaning team arrives. A cry is heard, upon inspecting, the Elements of Harmony are stolen. The team is then detained and searched; nothing again. Thier backgrounds go too far back, and in that little time gap, it’s impossible that they could’ve done anything.” Spike cracks open an eye. “What did I say about opinions?” Sentry sighs and carries on. “The case at this time is shattered; most likely a blunt item was smashed against it. Glass on the carpet, hole in the glass. Six pedestals without their items.” Spike hums. “The guards on duty alert the rest of the Royal Guards; were called in and do the report. Take the glass in for inspection, sweep for prints, ask around town as due protocol. Nothing.” “Who were the first to became aware of this?” “Only those of commanding power in the Royal Guard. Oh, and the Princesses as well.” That makes sense to me. Explains how Twilight knew about it so early and gave me a heads up to warn the girls. She even paid us a visit a day later to explain everything. “What of the note?” “Reported in the second draft.” “What of the first draft?” “Huh?” “Where is it? The notes taken as soon as the guards saw the scene?” “Er, they didn’t take much in notes. They both saw the elements gone and the one booked the crew, while the other ran to go notify the other gaurds. The first guard wrote down what he saw on paper, but a lackey back at the office misplaced the paper.” Sentry stops for a second. “Why? It’s not really important—” “Of course it is!” Spike shouts, opening his eyes. “I’ve watched the event from my mind's eye and things are missing.” “Like what?” “The note!” Spike shouts back. He looks to me. “This is the only reason why you need me. Elementary things! Things that pass by the mind, that you don’t pay any attention you. The tidbits are what lead to your clues!” “Calm down!” Sentry shouts. I wonder if should I get involved? “Spike, the note is here. It’s always been here!” “I don’t think so,” Spike says, catching my full attention. “I think it was written after the Elements were taken. That there was no note when the two guards first came upon the scene.” “That’s impossible.” “It’s improbable,” Spike says. “And if you don’t think so, then let’s test your wits. Prove me wrong.” Flash says nothing with his mouth hung open. He coughs and tries again. “They, um, must’ve of saw it! And written it down, it just, we don’t have the paper.” “That’s not proof.” “Well, hey! When he talked to him, he told us everything.” “Was this before or after you had seen it?” “After, he was questioning the crew.” “And what did he have to say?” “He gave us the same account, broken glass, missing Elements.” “Note.” “Well, no. He said it all happened like a flash, and he was more occupied with the cleaning crew, making sure they didn’t have time to cook up a story. He says he might of seen a note, but he’s not entirely sure. “Not good enough. What did they staff say?” “We asked them if they might’ve known what it meant. But they didn’t have a clue. It was there when they saw the case.” Spike hummed. “So they might’ve written it themselves…” “Impossible!” “Unlikely,” Spike corrects. “To break the glass, steal the elements, then find a way to get them out of the museum, yes. To write with a green marker? Not impossible.” “Then you think the cleaners were involved in a way?” “I do,” Spike replies. “I’m not sure how or why; too many theories to make a proper deduction.” Spike screams and my body cravers. Flash jumps back and gasps. Just what the heck was that? “Sister mine, what, are you doing here?” Sister mine? There’s no one here! Did Spike find a way to take a drug before we came in? I look at Spike, and his face looks… I don’t know! I don’t know what emotion he’s displaying. “Narrow it down? But how? There’s too many possbitles that will be muckered by baisis – I don’t have enough facts.” I step towards him. “Enough! I already know you can solve it, but nothing is as so clear yet.” Silence. Then he strike a claw to the floor, resulting in a large bang. It sounds weird for a bang, almost like he’s knocking on a door. Spike smiles as he rises from the floor. He rushes over to me and envelopes me into a hug – I cry out as I’m raised from the floor and twirled about. His scales feel smooth, but I kick off his chest and fix him a good stare. Though it doesn't help that I’m blushing. “What was that about?” I say. My voice comes off as a little hoarse, as is its nature. But I’m not really upset, I’m kinda pretending to be upset. “Sister mine, you’re only function isn’t just to piss me off.” He looks down to me; it’s like he wasn’t aware what his body had just done. “Come, my dear Dash, we must go book a hotel immediately!” He starts at once for the door, a stray in his stride. “Wait!” Flash shouts, catching up to Spike. “What about the case?” “I’ll have it solved by tomorrow night!” Spike replies. “But I need a favor: I need for you to put the same amount of guards on the day of the break in. They must switch at the same time and and walk the same paths.” Spike leaves out the door. Flash Sentry looks to me as if I know the answers. I shrug, and rush out the door to catch up with Spike. “You going to explain what happened back there?” I say. He looks to me, smirks, and looks back to the road. “What, isn’t it obvilous?” Spike says. “I’ve already stated most of the facts and gave the logic behind them.” “Everything sounded crystal clear after you explain the steps and the logic, but I still don’t see the conclusion.” I bite my upper lip while I sigh. “Look, Spike, I’m no Twilight: I’m not the smartest pony around.” Spike looks at me – he looks genuinely surprised. “Really?” “Yes, really. Rainbow Dash, the althle of the group, is a bit on the dumber side.” I shrug my shoulders. “Anyone can guess that by just looking that.” “I’ve learned never to judge based on appearances; past memories can infuriated what you see. No, I go by what a pony says or does, and so far, nothing has pointed to the stupid side.” “I, uh,” I feel my cheeks warm up, instantly hiding my face. Damn, sometimes I wished I had Fluttershy’s mane. “Thank you, I guess.” He keeps silent as we carry on. I breathe in and out, trying to battle out the pink in my cheek. Though my breathing is doing nothing for my heartbeat, which is doing it’s best to be as loud as possible. “So, what is this all about? And I don’t remember agreeing to share a hotel room either.” Spike smirks again. “Not a worry! You know you can leave whenever you want – I won’t hold it against you.” “I’m not leaving you yet,” I say. All this detective stuff is pretty neat, and watching Spike as he works is a treat. Spike’s... pretty awesome. But I don’t think he knows that. “That’s good,” Spike said, keeping his eye off mine. “I know I’m a repulsive mind from a disgusting kind, so we I’ll order two hotel rooms next to each other.” “I didn’t say—” “Are you afraid of heights?” What? “I’m a pegsi, why would I be afraid of heights?” “No reason, we’ll book the highest floor then.” I’ve got no clue what this dragon is doing. The reason why he has no friends is apparent, but I keep my mouth shut as we walk about for a while. Again, ponies are looking as us, and once a again feel an anger whenever I look at mares. But this time, it looks like some of them are going to make a move. And a few of them are looking at where his coat splits above his tail. Sons of mares are admiring his tail! … And I don’t blame them. Oh what the tartarus is happening to me? Luckily, there are no attempts on my friends tail, and we make it to the hotel. It’s a decent place, probably about fourteen stories high. We go inside and there isn’t much to say. Spike speaks to the innkeep; they’re talking way too friendly with each other. For a guy with no friends, Spike sure knows a lot of acquaintances. Spike slides a pouch across the desk and the innkeep smiles, putting the bag in his own pocket. I step forward in haste. “Wait, Spike! I can’t have you paying for my room as well.” “Oh, don’t worry about that,” the innkeeper says with a smirk I just hate, “this is for something else. Spike helped the owner of the place out on more than a few occasions: he and any partners are welcomed in any room.” He shoots a glance at Spike, his smirk growing. Why do I feel the need to knock this guy out? “Though he likes the same room every time, isn’t that right?” Spike looks away, but he can’t help but nod his head. “Hm, that’s great.” The innkeep leaves for a moment, coming back with a pair of keys. “Here you are.” He places the keys on the table. We both pick our own. Spike sticks his in his jacket and mine in my tail; It’s a neat trick Pinkie taught me. “Forgive me for saying this–” me and Spike both stop and turn around “–but I’m surprised you two aren’t sharing a room. You two aren’t, a-a couple?” I recoil in shock, preparing to shout back. “No,” he says. “Nothing of the sort. I have no friends and there’s no way I’d ever make it that far with anybody else.” “Yeesh,” the innkeeper says, “I get it. You’re a dragon that nobody likes because you chose your mind instead of your body. Just know you’re always welcomed here, buddy.” Spike sighs and turns around. “Have my things sent up as soon as possible.” He makes for the elevator, I gallop in before the bellboy can shut the door. “I hate being bored.” “Righty-oh!” The innkeeper says, as we ascend the hotel heights. We reach the doors to our rooms without either one of us saying a word. Spike had gone quiet and his face looks sad in a way. We coincidentally remove our keys and unlock our doors. I look to him and he looks to me. He exhales, gives me a salute, and enters his room. I do the same. I enter the room and drop the key on the table. Removing my stactel, I let it fall to the ground. The hotel room is that of any hotel room, though it definitely has a high class feel to it. But none of that matters to me, as I throw myself onto the bed. I stretch my limbs until I feel light pop; giving a soft yawn. I scratch my undelly and allow my mane to cover my left eye. The sun is setting outside of my window, and my belly rumbles. Though I’m too lazy to get up. My mind doesn’t stay in the room long, as I wonder what’s happening in the room next to me. Did Spike take of his coat as soon as he got in? And, if he did, is he then going to go take a shower? That would require him to take his shirt off... That’s what’s different about him. Ponies are naked by default, yet Spike wears clothes. No pants; no clue why. But… as weird as it sounds… I’d love to see him without his shirt. It’d be a rare thing to behold. Even with his shirt own, you can see how well his scales display his muscles. Pony fur tends to hide it on ponies, unless you’re super big. I wonder if Spike has a six pack. Bah! I thinking stupid, but I’m curious. Besides, the way how he walks on two legs; it’s so different yet awesome!how we walks on two legs. I think they should put Spike in the museum: he’d make a great display piece. And then I could stare at him all I liked. There’s butterflies in my stomach, which is weird. Don’t get me wrong: I’ve had them before I perform a big trick. But never have I felt it for anypony else. Um, hey. Keep this a secret for me, but, I’ve actually never gotten… close to anypony else. I’ve flirted my fair share and let a stallion buy me a drink, but I’ve never really kissed anypony. I’ve always done my own thing and hung out with the girls, but I’ve never felt a spark for anypony else. I’ve just done me. And I’m not too huge on the dating thing. Farthest thing from a romantic, but someday, when I’m home alone and Tank’s at my bed’s end, I wish I had someone else there. Not to cuddle! But to just talk with, and, hang out. Okay, maybe I wouldn’t mind cuddling. As long as it’s not mushy! I wouldn’t mind dating, as long as it’s not mushy. Okay, it can a little mushy, as long as no one is watching. But the problem is, I don’t really have anyone I want to be mushy with. I’ve just met Spike. All I know about him, is that he’s dragon whose locked himself away from the world. He talks like he knows it all, which... makes you want to punch him! He hasn’t a friend and he’s an antisocial prick. Plus, there’s a good chance he does drugs for fun. Not the best special somedragon you could have. So why is that I want to be mushy with him? He’s jam-packed with problems. Yet I want to help him out with every single one. He may stick to reason and despise feelings, so there’s a chance I’ll get pushed away. And the guy’s already a genius, so I can’t help him with the big things. But helping him with the small stuff is more than enough to make me happy. I hope this case lasts longer than just a day. Or else I don’t have a reason to visit him again. And I really, want to visit him again. Should I get up and see if he wants to share dinner together? Not like in a date, but… something close to it. Just to see if I really like him or not. Before I roll out of my bed, I hear a knock. It’s not at my door. “F..or,..s…” I can’t make out what they’re saying. I hear the door close and more than one set of footsteps. “There is fine.” I hear Spike clearly. He does have a strong voice. “Per…hope….suts...well…” The door opens and I dash out of mine. A fellow Peggy wearing a hoodie with the hood up brushes past my side, my wings flare up instinctively. I cast an eye back, and he glances at me, offering a smirk as he hops onto the elevator. I look to Spike’s door with a frown. I suddenly have the urge to kick his scaly butt. I go over to this door and knock. I hear the opening and closing of a cupboard, and then the door opens. Spike’s expression hasn't changed. “Oh, it’s you. What’s up, Dash?” “Nothing much,” I say as I peer into his room. He closes the door till I can only see his eyes. “You expecting company?” “Not at all,” Spike says, his poker face matching that of Celestia, “just had quick chat with an acquaintance.” “Lots of acquaintances but no friends,” I say with the urge to roll my eyes. I don’t, though, as that kind of conversation won’t lead anywhere. “Anyways, you hungry? I know a lot of places in Canterlot that’ll give me a good discount for being, well, me.” I feel my pride rise. “Sorry, I can’t.” I didn’t know I was smiling until I started frowning. “If I’m going to solve this case by tomorrow, then I’m going to need to spend the rest of today planning for every possibility.” “Oh…” “I’ll be sure to come wake you up early tomorrow to have breakfast: I’ll share my plans then.” “Ah… okay.” Why did I even come over here for? I already knew what answer would be. Besides, what he and his problems are none of my business. I’m tired. My eyes are falling close on me. I go back into my room and bury myself into the pillow. Blue strands of hair are getting into my eye, but I don’t mind. I close my eyes and steady my breath. Maybe a breakfast date wouldn’t be so bad after all. But, having a candlelit dinner with a lit candle, in Canterlot no less. Well, that would have been pretty awesome. It would have been so… awesome. I fall asleep and hope my dreams would be just that. Why is it that I can sleep eight hours and still have trouble getting up for work? But on a day off, when all I can do is sleep, my body decides that few hours are fine. I wake up alert, too. Thanks body, maybe you could switch it that I can wake up ready to work? Prick. I get up and walk about in my room. I can feel the hunger from earlier rising, but I don’t feel quite like eating yet. My mind is working double time and I don’t know why, but I’m aware of it’s thoughts: Spike. What kinda six sense is this? Should I go check on him? It’s still night out; I must’ve been out for no longer than a few hours. So I could go knock on his door, but I don’t want to wake him up or disturb him if he’s thinking. That would be neat, seeing him think. Pacing around the room or sitting still, whispering his thoughts outloud. I’m not a smart pony, but hearing his train of thought outloud was interesting. It made me feel smart as well, even if I’m cheating. I walk over to the sliding doors of the room, which I pause before. The view of the waterfall captures me, and I kinda wished I were an artist. A brush and those cavern things, I would paint that waterfall. I think Spike is starting to be a negative effect on me. Sliding open the door to the balcony, the breeze greets my mane, sending it back flying. I step forward and close the door behind me. The falling water of the waterfall meets my ears, my shoulders relaxing all on their own. I exhale and flare my wings out. Can what I’m about to do be considered peeping? Typically it’s the male peeping on the female, but it’s not only limited to that. Eh. As long as Spike doesn’t press charges, then I should be fine. I jump past the rails and hover over the spot, as I peer into the window of my neighbour. The curtains are drawn but I can steal a peek. Landing on his balcony, I look inside. The room is similar to that of mine, though it’s already a mess. Clothes and other such things littering the ground; bedsheets already in disarray, despite Spike looking like he hasn’t slept. Remember how I was wishing to see Spike with less clothing? Well, my wish kinda came true, as he’s only wearing a shirt which is halfway unbuttoned. Beat that urge to help the buttons reach the bottom, Rainbow Dash. Beat it! Beat it! I don’t think I would’ve beaten that urge if it weren’t for what I saw next. Spike has a blade in his claw. It looks like a knife, but slightly bigger. What the heck is he doing with it… oh. The blade nears his arm, as it slides across his scales. No blood, yet he cutting deeper into his own hide. Wait, what!? Spike, what the heck are you doing?! The blade is getting deeper… is Spike depressed? Suicidal? Just what the heck is it with this guy? First he acts like he has a god complex, then cuts himself when no one's looking. There’s no way I’m going to let this happen. I slam my body again the doors, he can hear the banging. Though he continues to cut. Anymore and he’ll start bleeding. But that’s not happening on my watch; no way. My banging isn’t doing much, but the realization that the door is unlocked does wonders as I slide it open. Stepping into the room, Spike doesn't notice me. He isn’t aware of anything happening in the room; his eyes still yet wandering. Looking at his arm, it wasn’t only a knife he was cutting against it. It was a needle. “What do you think you’re doing!” I shout. He doesn’t notice, still dazed. I’m careful with my steps as I approach him, making sure none of my movements come as a surprise or even hostile. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. The needle is prodding out of his arm – begging to be yanked out. I meet its request and earn a groan from the drake. That should subside for a good slap across the face. “What the heck is going on here, Spike!?” I cry. He looks at me, he knows I’m here, yet he doesn’t say anything. I look at his emerald eyes with a hint of red, while he stares into mine. I wonder what he’s thinking Just who did Twilight send me to? “Relieving my boredom,” Spike says, exhaling. “So you inject yourself with, with”– I pick up the needle with a blood at the end –“whatever the heck is in this!” “It’s part of the case,” Spike replies. He speaks like it’s nothing, and I hate him so much for it. “It increase my perspective and my imagination by twelve percent; allowing me to place myself when the robbery took place.” “Really?” I ask with the tilt of the head. That’s interesting, and could help. Wait. “My heart spikes, and the world before me is replace with the world in my mind. By Celestia… who needs to do anything else when you can live like this!” “Stop being stupid, Spike!” I shout. “Do you have any idea what effect this stuff has on you? Geez, you really are addict, aren’t you?” “With us on a rock in an indifferent universe, with no meaning to life, expect those self-imposed – I need something to keep me flowing. Boredom is too much for me, but I don’t want to die. Death is the ultimate boredom.” “But think about the negative effect this stuff has on you!” Spike narrows his eyes on me as his next words come out as a hiss. “I’m a dragon that can handle it. What I do my private is worth of none of your concern.” That's not to work with me. “The hay it is! You’re working on a case which the safety of Equestria depends on.” “Not really. You girls have knack for making something up to save the day. After all, doesn’t friendship save everything in the end?” His words are mocking and really want slap him, but, I can’t. I can’t harm him in this state. Plus, damn it, he’s got a point. “A last minute plan doesn't always work. It’s not something we or the land can rely on.” He doesn't have a comeback for that. Instead, he relaxes his back into the bed post. He doesn’t say anything, as it looks like his mind begins to wonder. We’re not done yet. “Hey,” he looks to me, “can you pass me the needle? I’ve spent so much money on it, and it’s be a shame not to see it used fully.” I picked up the needle and he smiled. I threw the needle against the wall and he stopped smiling. “Why cut your arm?” I ask. “Enjoy the pain?” “Not at all,” he replies, “scales at too thick for a needle to pierce. Gotta make it’s job easier somehow.” He shuffles, his eyes brightening. “See, I cut it just enough to dig into my scales, never enough to bleed. Think to the point where ponies are able to receive needles. Then, I inject the needle as the scales are weak enough.” I sigh and look around the room to find something patch up his arm with. “As interesting as that is Spike – you being the only dragon and all – I’d rather I never learn it at the reward of you never being involved with this stuff.” I walk over to the medical cabinet. “A dragon of my caibler has to pass the time somehow. Magic all to the brain, I’ve got nothing but crimes and drugs to interest me. Unfortunately for me, our land is quite the peaceful one.” Explains why you live in the woods, Spike. “Besides, I have a feeling if it weren’t for the drugs, I’d find myself on the other side of the law to relieve my boredom.” He gives a big laugh – he’s definitely gone mad. “I don’t think many would approve of that, so, it’s a good thing I use these instead.” I bite down on the bandage row and close the cabinet. Approaching him, I lay down on my tummy and start rolling the roll around his wrist. He doesn't object, but he inches away from my actions. Never saying anything. “That sounds like an excuse to me,” I say. Not to be hostile, but, just to state my mind. “You’re right.” I shoot my head to his, as his eyes look into mine with an emotions I can’t quite describe. Whatever it is, it’s enough to stall my heart and make me feel sad. “But I’ve got nothing else to do. Knowledge flows too easily to me; others baffle me, and it seems there isn’t a point to most things life. I’m a freak to all. But really, I’m just lost, not sure where to go or what to do. But doing this type of thing alleviates me.” Spike smiles. “Plus it really does allow for me to think better.” “Spike… what if others, y’know, care about you see you do this? Don’t you think it may hurt them to see yourself like this?” Spike chuckles. “I’m alone, Dash. There isn’t pain for me, just boredom. And the only ones that may concern themselves for me are the ones I hate most in this world.” “What about me?” I ask. “What about you?” “Don’t you think I may care about you?” “I doubt it,” he says. “We’ve just met, and if you were to learn more of me, the more you’d want to stray away from me?” “And how do you know that?” “Deduction.” “And what if you’re wrong?” “I’m almost never wrong.” Did... someone... hurt you, Spike? Why are you like this? Please, I want to know. We sit in silence for a while, with no light in the room besides that of the moon. “Hey, Dash?” “Yeah?” “Can I ask for a favor?” “Depends on what it is.” “Whenever I dapple in this type of thing, the aftermath comes with a bit of a shock. And while I’m use to being alone and prefer it to being in company, I feel as I’m going to dread this loneliness.” “So~?” Spike isn’t looking at me, but something tells me he wants to. “Can you hold my claw?” His voice cracks before he can say more. My own heart is going double time; my eyes glue to his being. I say nothing in return, as my actions speak for me. My hoof reaches for his claw, which he in turns grabs with his claw. Giving it a little squeeze, he smiles and closes his eyes. “Thank you. When replace the world with the one in your head, yours fears come with it. And oh Celestia, it’s harder to face them.” We lay against his bedside, and I suppress to joke that this is the closest I’ve been to a guy. I smile to myself, and fall asleep with that thought. A claw in hoof; a hoof in a claw. Together we sleep, to, I hope, a better tomorrow. Chapter III – Fake By Six WordsThe sun is a prick. I’m not saying Celestia’s art is bad or anything; it keeps the land warm and gives us light. But that ball of fire is a prick and it knows it. But... I suppose waking me at early hour isn’t too bad – that is, as long as Spike is still asleep. And I can watch his chest rise and fall with every breath. His faint-green chest expanding. I look down to my hoof on the carpet, frowning as it must of slipped from his grasp. Eh, dang, his claw is curled up, so I can’t even sneak it back in. That blows. But, since Spike is asleep, that means he isn’t conscious of anything I may do. Meaning, I could do almost anything to him. I’d normally say this in the sense of pranks, but, that’s the furthest thing from my mind. His shirt is still halfway down, and the urge to help it meet its end is tempting. But another idea springs to mind, something I don’t expect from myself. Standing up on two hooves, I lean my body forward, and wrap my forehooves around his neck. I press my body against his, and thus, I create a hug! ...what is wrong with me? My eyes wander down his shoulder, where I can see his claws raise for just a moment, before falling back down onto the carpet. I want to squeeze him as hard as I can; to just get that urge out. But there’s no way I’m going to wake up him up like this. After a while, once my heart is satisfied, my hooves come back from his neck and return to the floor. His wrist is still covered by the bandage, with no blood seeping through. I unroll the bandage – being careful not to wake the beast. It comes off without a hitch, and a clean wrist greets me. I blink twice at that. No traces of blood or even a cut. The wrist looks brand-spankin’ new. I look to his face expecting a smirk, yet all I see are those closed eyes. Just when did dragons get healing powers? Meh. I throw away the bandage and let sleeping drakes lie. The hotel room is a mess. I don’t know how, but the sheets are on the ground and the tables are littered with different type of bottles. It doesn't look like he ate, but he sure consumed a lot. I should hide most of this stuff for his own good. And I do just that. It takes me hours at home to get myself to cleaning, but yet when in the service of others, I’m willing to do anything. Oh well – gotta pass the time somehow. As I start cleaning, I hear groans coming from the other room. I peek in, but Spike’s still asleep. “Never… be like you,” his head falls left. “Monster… no.” The grumbles end there, but Spike continues to twitch in his sleep. Should I wake him up? I mean, he hasn’t slept that long, and he probably needs it from all the doses he took last night. Bah! Its his fault for taking those things; livid dreams aren’t always awesome. It isn’t until I straighten out the bedding that I hear a groan, followed by a yawn, come from other room. I huff, giving a little smirk, as I give one final pull the bed sheet. I walk over into the next room with that smirk ever so present. “Sleep well?” I ask with the tilt of the head. He gestures a claw at me and grips his head with the other. “What time is it?” “Close to noon – I let you sleep in.” “Huh,” he says. He moves his back and stretches out his limbs. He yawns, scratches the back of his neck, and then hops up into the air. “Whelp! I’ve already wasted more time than there was to spare. I’m going to hop into the shower, then we’ll head off to this nice shop.” He tries to walk past me: I pin his tail to the ground, resulting in a surprised cry. “You’re not in the clear yet,” I say, “we still need to chat about what happened to you last night.” He gives a laugh and wrestles his tail out from my hoof. “First time I’ve heard that.” I point my head to the kitchen. “What’s with the bottles?” “Medicine to increase my high.” “Why did you get high?” “To solve this case.” “Why do you need drugs to do that?” “It helps me think better. I can place myself in any time period, with any secinaro, and it will play like it would in real-life. It like I’m actually there and away from here. Plus, it helps relieve my boredom.” “Spike,” I say, softening my voice and looking down, “you can talk to me. I know we’ve just met, and, I like to poke fun at you. But I really don’t want see you hurting yourself.” “Dabbling with this stuff doesn't hurt me, Rainbow Dash. It’s quite the opposite; it makes me feel good.” “At a cost.” “Which I’ve already deemed well spent. You’ve been around me long enough to know I think of every detail, yes?” “Spike,” I try again with a soft voice, but look him right in the eyes. “Are you… I don’t know, sad about anything? Depressed? Suicidal?” “Something worse I fear,” Spike says as he leans forward, “I’m bored.” I shake my head. “That’s nothing to do drugs for!” “And why not?” he whines. “Life has no meaning; nothing really to be done. I’ve rejected my dragon roots only to come to that conclusion.” Spike rubs his chin. “Maybe I would’ve done better to just become a dumb brute.” “What about others, Spike?” I reason. “Surely other ponies are hurt at seeing you do this?” “I know of no friends but acquaintances; none close enough to care. That in of itself is an issue I don’t feel like dealing with.” “So,” I look away, playing carefully with my next words, “what if I care about you? What if it hurts me to see you doing stupid stuff?” “Bah.” He waves a claw. “We’ve only just met; you can’t care for me yet. If anything, you may have found astonishment in my prowess, but you know nothing of Spike the being.” “Just because I don’t know you I can’t care about you?” “You can – but it’ll be superficial.” “This is bull,” I say as I walk over to the kitchen. “I’m going to dump all these.” “Please don’t,” Spike says, taking a few steps towards me. “The case isn’t done and there may be a chance we may need those.” Crap. Is he lying or telling the truth? “Then-then, I’ll take them! I’ll be the judge if we need them if the time comes.” I swipe the bottles and place it at the bottom cabinet. I look to Spike and he shrugs. “Alright, I guess that’s fair,” he says. Without another word, he leaves into the next room and closes the door, the running of the shower greets my ears. I know dragons, that when woken up, are grumpy, not that different from ponies, but they sure can be pricks. Sighing, there isn’t much for me to do here. So I leave to my own hotel room and prepare a shower for myself. Maybe it’ll help me think better on what I should do next. Spike has problems, and he’s aware of them too. He’s got so much and throwing it away for so little, and my only question is this: why? “You look nice.” We’re both sitting in a booth on the edge of the balcony. It’s neat place Spike took us to. It being a sandwich shop that has seats going out to the edge, which gives you a pretty good view of Canterlot. I’m surprised they don’t put scopes here and charge ya to look through them. “Thanks,” I say back. Did I mention Spike’s horrible at making small talk? “So, what are we doing here? Besides eating sandwiches and killing time.” “Well, the sandwiches here are like no other, so I always make it a point of coming here; we’re going to need the energy after all. Now, there is another reason why we’re here, care to guess?” “I don’t feel like being played the idiot.” Spike claps his claws. “Oh come on now! It’s not too hard to guess.” I sigh and nod. I look at the seats around us and nothing pops out. Spike wanted us to sit at the edge and I thought for the view, but maybe there was another reason. So I look over the rail and at the city, everything shining under the light, yet nothing catching my eye. I look down and I see it, grinning of course. “We’re overlooking the museum.” “Good!” Spike says with the faintest of a smile. “Now go on.” Crap. I thought that would be enough to satisfy him. “To first plan what we should do next, or, you tell me whatever plan you have. Then judge from up here how the break in might of happened?” “That’s good,” Spike says, leaning forward over the table. “Now, how do you think they broke in?” Snuck in of course. No alarms, past the guards without an alert, zero marks left behind. I have a theory in mind, and I go to answer. “Brother mine, you’ll never find out that way.” The smile dies from Spike’s face as his entire being darkens. I turn my head to the voice and dash towards the source, enveloping Twilight in a big ol hug. Twilight smiles and nuzzles my cheek, I don’t even care that we’re in public as I return it. “Twilight!” I cry. “It’s been way too long since we’ve last saw each other. Celestia, me and the girls have been wondering what’s kept you, seeing how you left after just telling us the news.” “I know,” she says, “I know,” she says more softly. “Telling the public that the world isn’t going to end is quite the task.” “Hehe, ponies and paperwork. Geeze, I know being a Princess must be awesome, but there’s no way I could deal with all the stuff you have to.” Twilight ended the hug and gave me a nod. She then turned to Spike and her smile disappeared. “How have you been, Spike?” Spike went to answer. “Staying away from the drugs I hope?” Twilight says. “Why of course!” Spike says. “Haven’t touched them since the day I was born.” Twilight cocks her head right, lips taking an unusual twist. “Really? Because the way you’ve been scratching at your left wrist tells me something different. Unless, of course, that’s from another nightly session you like to partake in?” I drive my head back. Did… Twilight… adult... joke? Cannot comprehend. “You already know I’d rather do drugs then stoop that low,” Spike says, with a drop of a smile. “Damn. You got me.” Twilight lowers her head and sighs. Her lips become a frown. “Spike, we’ve discussed this.” “Not a worry, I only dabbled in it for a case I’m on.” Spike’s changing the subject and I want to stop him. But the words don’t come out of me. Looking to Twilight, she’s got the same thing on mind. “So… Rainbow convinced you to help out with the Elements?” “Indeed she has; figured with sister of mine in need, I’d give her a helping claw.” “Now aren’t I grateful.” Twilight says with the sway of the mane. “I don’t get any of this!” I shout, both heads turning to me. “Sister mine, brother mine, how do you two know each other?” Spike looks like he’s about to say something, but shoots his head away. “I’m sorry I’ve never told you this before Rainbow, but I’m not the only one in the group with siblings.” Twilight’s persona seems so professional that I’m thinking this is all some kind of play. “Spike here is my adopted brother, the same dragon I hatched for my magical exam. He’s an odd one, strung along with a purpose that the world isn’t ready for.” “Ha,” Spike fakes, “I’m surprised you didn’t say ashamed of.” “Even with out playful relationship, that jokes goes too far!” Twilight shoots back, face almost boiling, “Spike.” “Meh.” He goes back to looking over the city. I turn my attention back to Twilight. “I… I don’t get it. So you and Spike are like adopted brother and sister? But how is that allowed? And, and, just who is Spike anyway!?” “That’s a lot of questions,” Twilight says as she sits down. “Firstly, I hatched his egg when I was a filly, and me and Celestia helped raised him. Some royals had issues with it at first, but Celestia saw to it that no harm came to Spike.” Spike groans and turns back to us. “Can we not talk about this now? When you interrupted us before, you said that I was doing something wrong.” “Indeed you are, little brother,” Twilight says, though her lips did not take on a smirk. “Once again, you more focused with the facts than the bigger picture. Just because you know knowledge doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always needed.” “So I should be more focused on the why of everything?” “Precisely,” Twilight says, “you’re aware of the facts, so what of the picture? Can you paint me the crime?” Just when did Twilight get so… royal? She’s never really been like this around us, yet when Spike is here, I have trouble differentiating Princess Twilight Sparkle and Twilight Sparkle. I look to Spike to see his eyes close. “This isn’t my canvas to paint on, but a piece of art, which I must decipher the meaning.” “Good,” Twilight's says. “Next?” “Well, if all the thief wanted to do was paint a picture, then this is nothing more to him than art.” “You mean all he wants it to put our Elements on some kind of wall?” I say and regret doing so. They both look at me like I have the title idiot above my head. “No… well…” Twilight places a hoof on her chin. “I mean”– Spike looks to Twilight looking concerned –“that could be part of it, right?” Her hoof slides off her chin. “There’s a good chance! I mean, he or she gotta place them somewhere while they wait for you to find them.” They both look to me, their smiles offering me all their pity. I’m not sure if I hate myself or them more. “So, uhm, back to the uh… talky, thingy.” Spike takes a breath. “Whoever is doing this, must be of power or insanity, maybe both. Either way, they’re only doing this to paint some picture in their heads.” Spike sighs, resting his eyes. Twilight places a hoof on his claw. “I know there’s a wall, but don’t stop.” Inhaling and exhaling, Spike continues. “You girls have enemies. But they all would want to attack right away, or at least take claim to their crime. Unless you have someone new, stalking you from the shadows, then I don’t think… this case… involves… the Element bearers...” Twilight scrunches her nose. “Wha– what do you mean, Spike?” “I mean, the thief could of taken anything, so that disproves that theory. Unless, the thief needed a lot of attention, in which case, nothing is more talked about nowadays then the Elements. If this theory is true, then the girls are irrelevant to the thief.” Twilight’s throat makes some weird sounds. And, not only that, but I think Twi’s trying to play a poker face. “Stole-art-pony irrelevant. Guard-useless-power and painting- but what all for?” I look to Twilight and she doesn't look to me. Why is the air now so hard to breath? “It would be so much easier the other way around; someone wants to play a game with still fragile minded pieces. But no, they are of no concern to the thrift. So then, who else is the theif interested in?” I have to interject. “What if, someone just did for the fun of it, and you’re just looking too much into it?” That’s enough to shake him out of his trance. Eyes blinking, he gives me a quick nod before returning to silence. Twilight exhales. “She’s right, Spike. This is a problem you mull over – you can’t deal too much into it.” Spike looks to Twilight and brings his claws together. “You’re smarter than me, Twi. And this case is of a bigger magnitude than finding a murderer or a cheating spouse. You know more than what you’re letting on, so why don’t you just take over?” “I probably would have, if I hadn't found you doing it for me. But someone has to keep the press under control, Spike. Besides, I believe in you.” She smiles at the drake. A true smile, none of that acting stuff from before. “I know you’ll pull something off.” “Alright,” he says. “The case interests me, so I’ll stick along for a bit longer.” “That’s good to hear,” Twilight says as she steps forward, giving the drake a quick hug which he does not return. Though his eyes tell a different story. “Besides, you may find something on the trip worth keeping onto.” “Heh, yeah.” Spike chuckles. “Just like how you left the castle to go oversee some celebrations, and decided to not come back afterwards?” Twilight pulls back from the hug. “That’s because I found friends on my adventure, not acquaintances, as you like to put it.” “Always knew you were an extrovert,” Spike whispers with a half-smile. Twilight giggles and goes to leave, but not without turning to me one last time. “Rainbow, how long do you plan on sticking around with Spike?” “Probably until this case is done.” “That’s good,” she says, her eyes lost in the sky behind me. “Then, please do me a favor, and take care of him?” I give a salute. “I’ll do my best.” “Thank you.” And with that, Twilight Sparkle was gone. My turn my head over to Spike. “So you’ve got more story to you then you let on.” “I suppose.” “Anything you want to share?’ “I think I’ll let your imagination play with what you have.” I chuckle. “I don’t know, I do have knack of coming up with some pretty whacky things.” “My entire life is a whacky mess – I’m sure you’ll figure it out just fine.” “Heh, so with that in the back of the mind, what… are we going to do next?” Spike sighs. “Not to sure. Twilight annulled any theory I might of had, and my mind is still playing with the whys of the case. So, all we can do is go with this plan.” He looks arounds us, confirms no one is within ear shot, and leans into me. “We’re going to break into a museum.” Should I have expected anything different? “Ohh, great.” “And we’re going to do it in the same fashion as the robbers.” I rest my head on my hoof. “I shouldn’t have expected anything less from you.” Spike smiles as he points a claw to the sun. “Here’s to midnight!” It’s midnight and I’m not sure how. Ever get the feeling that something important needs to be done, yet you put if off for another five minutes, and next thing you know: bam! It’s midnight. Well that wasn’t the case. Sure, I got to hang out with Spike, which was pretty awesome. He didn’t say anything more on his history, but getting to know him in the present was enough for me. I’m not sure what I feel for the guy though. Badass when I first met him, gets upset easily, and something plaguing him from within. I guess I’ve seen the best and worst of him. Not sure what judgement to make, but something’s certainly there. I’m going to hang with him a little more, so I can wait until the end of the case to see what I feel. Regardless of the outcome: I hope we can be friends. “Dash… Rainbow Dash?” Claw snap in front of me, causing my conscious to stir. “Wha…” I look up to Spike as he smiles. His coat is done up and he even has a goffy hat on. “I can’t have you phasing out like that. Now, if you don’t think you can handle–” “Oh I can handle breaking into a place just fine, thank you,” I say. My heart is beating nervously as we approach the doors, though that’s the rush that make me feel alive. “Hey, is your heart… racing, by any chance?” He looks at me over his shoulder. “Of course it is,” he says, looking forward. “After all, this feeling is what relieves me of my boredom and keeps me off the druggies.” “Ah, the rush of the action; thinking of a plan!” I say a bit too loudly. I look around to make sure no one heard us. “So, the reason you solve crimes, is because you use it as an alternative to getting high?” “Correcto!” “But, there’s one thing I don’t understand.” “And that is?” “If all of this is a distraction for you, then what are you going to do when it’s time to face your fears?” Spike halts in his step, and with the way he’s standing, I dare not take a step past him. “Absolutely nothing. There’s nothing I can do in the face of my fear; barely any reason to live, but all the reason to not die.” Spike starts to walk and so do I. “But isn’t there more you could do in this world? I mean, there is just so much to do this in this life. Learning new things and meeting other awesome creatures, I don’t know how you could be bored of that.” “What’s the point to doing anything if it doesn’t interest me? Besides, most ponies and I don’t get along, from who I am and what I am.” He sighs for a moment, his shoulders are low but they look so tense. “I made many sacrifices to become me, and I don’t have much to say for it.” The conversation ended there. I wanted to say more, but I don’t think anything I say will be of use; my pep talks phasing through him. And, I’m starting to think, if I do learn more about Spike the Dragon. Then, there’s a chance, that maybe… … I won’t like him. Blargh. I can’t let these thoughts bother my mind. We’re about to break into prestige mesuem of Canterlot, with no excuse if we’re caught. Probably should put some brain power to being focused... ...probably. Though as we walk side by side, we haven’t been hauled by anyone yet. The barricades are still up but no one is at guard. I look around at nearby buildings, maybe someone could be spying on us for afar. That makes sense: a good trap for if the thief were to return. But Spike instructed that everything be the same, so that can’t be the case. “What’s up with the lack of security?” I say. “I don’t know,” Spike grumbles, mind somewhere else. First time I heard him say that, but I keep that thought to myself. We reach the barricade and Spike crouches down next to it. He wipes a claw at the tip of it, then blows a green flame over the surface. I step back in recoil, but my head inches forward. The flame sweeps over the surface, but nothing catches fire. Instead, Spike fingerprint at the tip has a candle light, illuminating his green print. “Weird,” Spike mutters, “someone’s wiped the prints.” He stands up and shoots his head around. He looks to me as if I have something to say about this, but I haven’t a clue. So we continue our quest forward, going up the steps into the museum, where open doors greet us. I go to shout, but Spike places his claw over my lips. Irritated, I understand why, and gulp down that shout as we enter the museum. Once again, we stroll down that red carpet into the heart of the museum. The air hangs over us like a heavy object ready, ready to fall to fall on our heads. Well, not like that. But it does feel like something sinister is about to happen. Sinister, really? Maybe it isn’t a good idea to stick around Spike after this. We reach the glass case for the Elements. And that’s it, I can’t take this anymore! I just want to blather all my questions to Spike in hopes that he’ll have an answer to all of them. Instead of that though, he looks around and proposes his own question. “I don’t get it. There’s no guards and the door was open just for us. With no prints, this place begs the no one has even step foot in here – like we’re the first guests. If that’s the case, where’s the host? I really do want to complain that all my thinking became redundant because of him.” Spike looks at the candles above our heads. All of them lit and guided us down the path to the Elements. But the last two candles remain unlit. Cracking his neck right and left, Spike spits a flame, which splits into and lands on both candles. I clap my hooves at the trick-shot, as the two candles flare up a green light. A wave of air wipes out all the candles except for the two, a thud coming from the entrance. Someone closed the door! Darkness begins to creeps around us, the only exception being the green light, illuminating the space around us with its color. The space around us isn’t the same. Crayon drawing are on the walls. No words, but picture that look to be drawn by little colt. Some of boxes, other of stick figures pushing things; did someone recreate a child’s sketchbook on the wall. And on the wall, behind the Element’s display case, are the words taking up the entire wall: I Owe You 4: Make Yourself at Home. I just don’t understand it. How someone could do this and why? Why why why? Where’s the Royal Guard? Where we let in or was the open door a coincidence? What do these drawings mean? Do they even have any meaning? But none of these questions compared to this one: “What do you make of this, Spike?” He look to me with a look which I can’t describe. “Something more than I expected.” He took a step towards the stairs, which two smiley faces smile at. Dropping to his knees, he knocks on the step; it sounds like he was knocking on a tree. “It’s hollow,” he says, whipping his head around the mesuem. “Stealing wasn’t an issue to thief; he owns place...” “What?” I walk up the steps and look at him. It weird that we’re both at the same eye level. “The thief doesn’t even consider himself a thief. Heck, we can’t even call him a thief. There wasn’t even a break in; he just used the spare door. So, this is neither a game or a work of art, but something else.” Spike stop talking after that, as his eyes wander past me. He looks lost in a away. “Then who is he doing this for, and what does he want in the end? Could I have been right earlier?” Spike said. His voice sounds frail and ready to crack, eyes lost in the light of his own flame. I promptly kicked him in the groin. “Spike, knock it off. Someone’s drawn some pictures on the wall and there’s something weird with the steps. You have some clues; figure it out! You’ll never find out the why unless you catch this guy.” Spike rubs himself in the incited area before casting me a glance. “You’re right. Too caught up in the big picture to look at the facts in front of me.” He chuckles. “You really are a good partner, Dash.” I grin and flare up my wings, hovering over to the picture to see if I can could figure anything out. I’ll describe the what I see as such: A stick figure standing away from a group of stick figures: is he lonely? A stick figure, pushing a stroller, with no kid inside: no clue about this. A stick figure standing with a big head, but a small body: no clue. Then the last one: Two stick figure standing next to each other. The left figure has only a right eye; the right figure only has a left eye. None of them have libs, though the left figure has some sort of tail, while the right has horribly drawn wings. I feel like there’s something here but it's flown over my head. Both figures are different because of the opposite eyes, yet the same because they’re still missing an eye. Wings typically symbolize freedom, but what of that of a tail? Wait. Could this be of me and Spike? No, I doubt it. But it screams of some kind of duo. Dang it, none of this is making sense: I suppose nothing has made sense since the start of this case. Heh, I hope Spike can make something out from all of this. Spike’s eyes dance across the room, until he notices a glass display with a small replica of a olden wagon. He walks over to the display and inspects the case. He then proceeds to push it forward – it doesn't budge and he looks like a idiot. The look in his eyes admits this to me, but I hold back the laugh. The light that comes from the light bulb over Spike’s head contrasts the green light, but quickly disappears. But then Spike places his fist before the glass. I cough, gaining his attention. “You do realize, that breaking the glass, and even, touching, the wagon, will net you the same crime as if you were to steal the Elements?” Spike bounces his head right and left. “You’re right, prison does sound boring.” He retracts his claw by an inch. “But it’s not illegal as long as you don’t get caught!” And with that, the display glass was shattered. I rear back and check my surroundings, expecting an alarm to go off with the entire Royal Army surrounding the place. Or for a magical bubble to encase the both of us, with the Princesses herself to send us away. Second after second, only the sound of the dancing candles fill my ears. No alarms? Seriously! No wonder the Elements were stolen! It’s like a candy shop in here. Spike’s claws run into the glass cabinet, his claw giving the handle of the waggon a little push. It moves an inch, then a click, and all is silent except for the racing steps. My eyes flare open as we run to the newly created opening. The carpet starts to sag, and after a few more seconds, the carpet falls and lands onto the new steps perfectly. For underneath the display of the Elements of Harmony, exists a tunnel. I look to Spike. “I’m starting to think someone either really dumb or really powerful.” On the top of the opening, are words brought to the life with Spike’s green flame: IOU 3: For the hints on the wall. I sigh Spike gives me a nod, as we both descend into the tunnel. The fire continues to burn behind us, but we soon lose sight of it’s existence. The tunnel is dark and cold, my fur almost not enough to keep me warm. Despite the path being straight, I keep bumping off the walls. Spike has no issue navigating through the thick nothingness, with me using his tail as a tourguide. This thing feels like it goes on forever. Maybe it’s the darkness playing with my head, but it feels like there’s no end to this thing. I can’t see the beginning and I’m beginning to doubt there is an end. I want to talk but it feel like something has my throat. My hoof is glued to Spike’s back. He says nothing of it as we press further. I wish he would give me a piggy-back ride, so I could close my eyes, and wait for this to be over. I wish this was over. Wind greets us. Oh great air greets us! If there’s wind, then there’s an opening somewhere. We’ve reached the end! Oh yea, who's awesome!? Making it through a long dark tunnel without muttering one complaint? This mare! We reach the end of the tunnel, only for my spirit to die once more. Now we get to climb a stairway. Isn’t my life great? The climb isn’t so bad. The tunnel drained me but at least I know the stairwell ends. The walls feel old, yet fresh – as if they’re leading me to a familiar place. As we reach the opening at the top of the stairs, I realize that I was wrong. This place is more than familiar, I’ve been in this place more than I can count. Looking around me with suspended breath, I look to Spike, and let it all out. Spike and I are standing in Canterlot Castle. “This isn’t right,” I say, eyes blinking on their own, “this is way too messed up.” A million possibilities run through my head, all leading in different paths I don’t want to think about. “Spike, do you think… Princess Celestia, is she… could she...?” Spike looks as shocked as me. But he shakes his head and facial expression returns to normal. “I-I doubt it. I know she pulls some strings for you ponies, to help you learn your lessons, but she wouldn’t go this far.” I hum in agreeance. “But she knows who did this,” he says with a clutch of a claw. “But she didn’t do anything to stop them.” He places his thumb on the edge of in inner-lip. “Or she can’t do anything to stop him.” My eyes are blinking on their own now as my mind decides to call it a quits. “Someone not only of financial power, but political power as well. Someone more powerful than the Princess... of the land.” “Someone with a magic stronger than the Princess's,” I say, my mind unable to comprehend as my body does things of its own will. “Maybe, but I doubt that as well.” The claw comes off his lip and that becomes my main interest. “Why then not take her place? Someone of that caliber of power should’ve been noticed by now. Some actions or plans should have been carried out by now. I don’t think this being has magic, but a power far greater than it.” “What?” I say. Spike looks down to me. “I’m not sure, and I’m excited and scared to find out.” He takes the lead to the outside, to where the winds of the morrow greet us. A bridge connects all seven towers of the castle. I wonder if Celestia is in one of the towers, raising the sun. I wonder, now, if I could go to her now and ask for help. Cause honestly, it feels like my world is shattering. The wind is strong up here, almost sending us off the edge. For the first time in my life, I’m afraid of heights. As we make it halfway across the bridge, Spike has kept the same composure. Yet his eyes is jumping to every detail of the bridge, until they settle on the tower just up ahead. This one is bigger than the last, with a giant glass chasm above it. We’re close now, and my heart is jumping out of my chest. I hear whispers and steps from ahead, and I can’t quite calm myself down. Spike is faring better than me, but even his claw is giving a little twitch. We walk together and brace whats comes next, together. “These is horse manure,” a voice from within the tower says, “Falco. You zad client would be here, yet no a client. Dangerous here: leave right away.” I and Spike hurl ourselves next to the tower’s entrance, keeping our ears pressed to the wall. “Leave and J will skin you,” another voice says. “After all, we wouldn’t want to disappoint our dear J. All that faith he’s placed in you would burn away.” “Ze two idiots shut up! Working here won’t get ze out being where you shouldn’t. J has promised a lot and done a lot, but I’m growing weary of him. He looked at us last time like we were nothing more than toys.” “Aww! But at least we’re rich little toyses. Besides, with the kind of work we do, this the only coin we’ll ever get. Mmm, better not dissapoint J, for these Elements are quite valuable, and I hate for him smash them out of anger over poor choice of words.” “The Elements!” I shout and wirl out from hiding. Spike bangs a claw against the wall but I don’t care. I see the three thieves in all of their dirty glory. “Who’d are–” The words die in his throat as his eyes realize who I am. “The name is Rainbow Dash, the Element of Harmony. I know I didn’t let you finish, but I knew what you were going to say anyways.” A brown coated Earth pony; one mint green pegasi, and… a griffon with a coat whiter than that of Princess Celestia’s fur. He looks like a holy image that came out of his stained glass. I shake the crazy thought my head. Three thieves, all going on the beating train! “The Elements,” I say, “Give them back. Now.” The ponies laugh, though the griffon looks amused. I continue on forward. “This isn’t my first rodeo, and last time, I took on an army. Taking you three out will be a cinch.” They continue to laugh as I take another step forward. The pegasus steps away from the Earth pony and I feel my heart stop. My legs begin to buckle as my eyes light up; I’m unable to scream at what I see. There’s a sway of the jacket. A small bang resounds off the walls. The pained face of Spike fills my vision; struggling to give me a smile. “You really gotta start planning shit out,” he squeaks out, looking over his shoulder down his back. Then his eyes light up. “Bastard,” he whispers, standing up. “You bastard!” He picks up the bottom of the jacket, displaying a hole with the circle burning. “This a new jacket!” He sprints to the Earth pony, who just finishes reloading his hand cannon. He points it at Spike’s head, but as Spike is a foot away, his hoof shakes; Spike twirls his right leg back, and brings it forward onto the hoof holding the gun; sending both flying. Two talons dig into his shoulder. Spike shrieks as the griffon leans into his ear.“May I have some fun too?” Spike headbutts backwards, but the griffon leans his head left. Raising his left talon up, he smashes it down on Spike’s throat; the back of his head meeting the floor. The griffon chuckles, but his talons are swept by a claw, and he too, meets the floor. Spike charges his body forward, lunging at him with a claw already changed, but the same swept talons land on his belly, and send him flying. The first thing to meet the floor this time is Spike’s claw, as he uses it to propel his body back onto his feet. He’s panting, a claw running down his throat. Both griffon and dragon stand tall, both smiling. Spike wipes his lip; the griffon polishes his feathers. “Have you been bored, Spike?” the griffon asks. “Oh have I,” Spike moans, readying his posture. “Interesting. And, here I am! Thinking dragons were too stupid with themselves to ever get bored.” “Guess I’m different.” “Oh yes you are!” The griffon claps its talons. “You’re a special little snowflake.” I can Spike claw clutch. But the breath in his chest is struggling keep him still. “You’ve gotten my blood pumping, surely you’re not going to keep me hanging.” The griffon smiles. “Oh, I’ll never leave you hanging.” He licks his beak; my lips jump back as the need to vomit arises. The two go at it. claw and talon at each others faces; dragon vs griffon. Spike has the upper edge with his strength, but the griffon is dancing around him. Sweeping past the oncoming claw and giving Spike a little poke on his side, now I really want to punch this guy. But, maybe, I should be punching the Earth Pony going for the gun. “And what do you think you’re doing?” I leap past the oncoming hind legs and give a little BOP on the Earth pony’s snout. Oh boy, he doesn’t like that; his face is steaming. My own blood begins to boil – it’s been awhile since I’ve last been in a fight. Heck. Let’s do it! The guy twirls around, is he stupid? He’s doing the same attack again. So, in honor of Spike’s first move, when I once again dodge the oncoming legs, I let my right hind leg give a good smack across the face. His entire body swirls around, his hoof dropping down and picking up the gun. Oh crap, that was his intention. He strikes the gun in front of my face, but my hoof inches it away before it fires off. It sounds like I was standing next to a canon as it fired. My ears ringing with the world not staying still. A frowny face is before me, next I find myself looking at the roof. The frowny face tries to jump on me, but my hind legs send him flying into the wall. I wouldn’t be a good circus performer. I shake my head, pink and green flying past my eyes. I have a better sense of my surroundings. I look to the right of me, and there’s this holy right creature with blood beautifully painting his coat. Then there’s this purple dragon, who get’s my heart pounding at just the sight of him! I move my lips left as his jacket is torn up; it was a nice black jacket. Maybe Rarity could patch it up. His face looks cool with blood on it, with those serious looking eyes. I’m not sure whose blood is it is. Both are bleeding, so I guess there just sharing blood. The dragon’s face comes out a bit, like you expect from a dragon. But his snout is no bigger than that of a pony; what’s the reason for that? I scratch my head, my mane feeling so soft under my touch. But what get’s me most about the drake’s appearance is his eyes. Such a bright green that they shined even when we were in the darkness of the tunnel or his room. Yet, they look so young. The rest of his body demands that he be seen as mature, yet his eyes show you the child within. Spike is childish and I think he knows it. He tries to sound so smart, yet he does things that of a kid. Maybe Spike is secretly a kid. Kid. Kid. OH SHIT I FORGOT I’M SUPPOSED TO BE FIGHTING. I spring up and look to the earth pony: he hit his face pretty good on the wall. His eyes are closed but his chest rises with breath in them. Spike looks to be struggling, but he’s holding his own. I want help him out, but this is his fight. It doesn’t feel right to take his glory. Wait, there was three of them. Where did the pegasus go? Stairs ascend in the glass casam, the next story filled with shelves of books. The pegasus in hovers over a wooden box, waiting for the glass chasm to open. I fly up behind her, giving a clearing of the throat. She twirls around at me and raises her eyebrows. “I ze someone isn’t dead.” “Faulty weaponry.” “Ah,” she says, “never could rely on a gun to it’z job. I prefer a hoof to za face: more pleasure come from it.” “Mm,” I sway my head, “I kinda prefer magic. It’s easier and can be done from a distance. Besides, since I don’t have magic, that means someone else does the fighting for me.” “Zah!” she goes, “then this shall be easiest!” I chuckle. “Don’t count on it.” We both stand up onto two hooves and each throw a punch. Both miss and we dance past each other, not before using our fist to twirl our bodies around. The fists meet, zapping my left hoof forward. That meets too. She cracks a smirk, as I crack her ribs with a kick to the stomach. Her head recoils back with breath taken away from her, but her head flashes forward onto mine. I taste the floor, and see a the shadow of the hoof hovering above my head. I roll right, the proceeding sound a stomp. Her face wheezes back as I could almost hear a pop from her leg; she was counting on my body being a cushion. This is my chance, I wind up and dash right at her; then her head came down onto mine and once again it tasted the floor. My head feels light and my body is sore. I scream out in pain as her next leg comes down unto my back. I can hear something pop and wings flare up out of pain. The action startles her, as I struggle to get up. I barely get up one leg before she’s coming at me. Though a griffon collided with her as both flew into a wall. Footsteps are behind me and the touch of the claw is around my neck. “Da-sh, y...okay?” I shake my head and try looking at him. Heh, he’s always looking stoic or confused. Now he looks like a baby ready to cry. A really bloody baby ready to cry. I hold out my hoof and he takes it, supporting my weight as I get back onto my hooves. I didn’t really need the help – a few more seconds and I would be standing tall – just wanted an excuse to hold his claw. I stand on my own and he let’s go of my hoof. I frown, but I see he’s about to place it on my back. Then a griffon collided with him, flashed me the biggest smile, and lifted Spike across the room. I hear a smash, the glass is broken, and the in the distance two bodies hurdle to the ground. A few seconds later, I feel the world shake. My pained is removed as my worry for Spike takes over. I looks past the hole in the glass and I can’t see them in the distance. I look over to that green pegasus bitch, wearing a smirk that I’m about to rip off. “What?” she says, as I’m on her in less then a second. A punch to the face – she wasn’t expecting that. I gave her another, than another. She tried to dodge, but kick to the side puts her in the perfect place. I wish I had a million hooves so I could punch her a million times. But as I think about how hard I want to punch her, I realize now none of my punches are making contact with her. She’s on my left, and now I’m on the ground. The world is nothing but a blur to me now, but I recognize Spike’s coat next to me. I grab a special something offa it. Then a shadow looms over me. “Za stupid, bike!” she screams, once again raising a hoof. I never fall for something twice; Momma raised no fool! I roll under the floor and look up her belly. I rise up past and grab a certain something I threw up on the left side of her. I tighten the deal and back away into the the railing. The knocked out Earth pony looking so far down. My flank is against the railing. I slide my back against it; those head blows are starting to get to me, as I have to wheeze my every breath. “Tired already, ze stupid filly?” I nod my head, putting on a frown that beggs for forgiveness. “Then I zall put you asleep for all of eternity!” She charges back her hoof and I make no attempt to dodge. I saw every inch the hoof traveled before it met my face, I sigh, and proceed with my master plan. I slide down the railing until my flank meets the floor. I look up to her as she looks down angrily at me, of balanced, she trips over my hoof and flies past my head and over the railing. “Fool!” she calls. “I have wing–” a bang sounds throughout the tower. I get up and lean lazily over the railing, my head swaying all over the place. But the picture of both ponies laying knocked out on the ground is clear to me. Spike’s jacket already has a bullet hole, so I hope he doesn’t mind my taking of a string. “Not enough for you to notice, but enough to keep your wings held for a second or two. Now who's the genius!” I say. They don’t respond; they can’t: they’re unconscious. I sway over the the chest, the world loading a bit better for me. Still, I lay down, inch my hoof forward, and unlock the latch and open the chest. My smile lazily stretches to my cheeks, as all my collected stress is vanishes. My eyes feel wet and I exhale, for below me is the Elements of Harmony. My cutie mark is calling to the Element of Loyalty. “The case is solved, Spike,” I say. “We did it. Got letter, found you, took a train, pissed of some guards, stayed at a hotel, snuck into a museum, solved a puzzle, and got yourself one heck of a fight!” Silence. “Spike, aren’t you happy?” I ask no one. Oh yea, there’s a chance he may be dead. Horsefeathers. My body cries out as I stand up, but I have no choice. Spike may need my help, he may be dead, he may be alive. Spike needs me. I need to find him. I cast out my wings and take off in the same way that griffon did. “Please be okay, Spike.” I fly out of the tower in the same fashion as that griffon. Up ahead is another tower, with a lower chunk missing from it. Oh wait, it fell down to grass below; doesn’t look like anypony was hurt. I place myself in the chunk and kick off from there. My eyes light up, I already aware of where they went next: the stained glass of the castle depicting the six of us is smashed. I double time into the castle and stick the landing. I look around me. Spike and the griffon are fighting. Shining Armor and Troops rush in. The griffon screams, Spike has him by the throat. His eyes narrow, yet the biggest grin on his face. His claw’s getting tighter; the griffon’s turning blue. Then there was a cannon, an explosion. Spike began to fly back, as the griffon became free. My head follows Spike, as he slowly passes by me. Eyes wider than mine, with lips that admit defeat. The world at the world around me but never at me. My head refuses to turn anymore, as I hear the loudest thud of my life. What just happened? I blink. What just happened? The griffon retreats up the steps to the throne, where he takes a seat and wipes his beak. He wipes the blood off his feathers and gives it a lick. Moaning in delight as the Royal Guard charge in the direction of Spike, with spikes in their hooves. I jump in their way. My throat is too shaky to talk, my legs buckling under my emotions. I simply blink to rid the wetness out of my eye. They all look at me, not sure what to do, as I’m ready to cry. Then a laughter eruptes from the throne. “Well, tis been fun.” His tongue flicks around his beak. “Buuut, I have to places to go and ponies to play with. So, this is goodbye for now, and Jim. Sends. His. Regards!” The Royal Guard didn’t do anything. They looked to Shining, who still hadn’t processed what had occurred. He looks past my shoulder and I swear I see a tear in his eye. “Arrest that–” My eyes burn and my ears ring. The Royal Guard suffer the same pain, as most start to tear off their own armor. “rising...sun…” I twirl around to find the source of the voice, but my eyes are ruined by the sun. The ringing is killing me, and my body feels so warm. Then, the light fades from my eye but the buzzing stays. I look to the empty throne, and sigh at my defeat. Good fight, Spike. IOU 2 Cannon to the chest isn’t a good 3, is it? I’m going to kill both that griffon and J. But, first I have… check on… ah. I turn my head, inhaling till my chest is full, and look at the mess behind me. My shoulders fall as I release the breath, and stand over the drake. “Spike?” He exhales, eyes fluttering open on his dopey head. “S...up.” I giggle to myself as I wipe the tears from my eyes. “So,” he says, the back of his head plastered to the floor. “How bad is it?” I scan over his body. His face is covered with scratch marks, none meeting the eye. His arms look they were put to good use, but his jacket is torn. It’s a good thing he doesn't wear pants or they would’ve been painted red and brown. His scales are still purple. That’s good. Though the extra purple around his chest isn’t so good. “You’re jacket still kinda on fire, but I bet you’ll still look great without it.” “Oh,” he wheezes, some air making it to his lungs, “so you wanna see me without my clothes.” “Oh yeah,” I can’t suppress the giggle that came with the statement, “it’s weird to see anypony wearing clothes; it’ll be unique view to see you without them.” “Careful Dash,” he says, wheezing but breathing, “you cried over me – now you’re saying stuff like that.” He chuckles, gripping his chest as he does so. “Ponies may get the wrong idea that you like a freak.” Is it really a wrong idea to like someone like Spike? He’s different because he’s a dragon. He’s weird because of his mind. He’s an ass because of his past. But does not everypony have similar sins? Multiple hoofsteps are behind me, and a pair reach the side of me. “The Elements,” he breathes out. “Yeah.” I drop down and bring my face close to his, placing my hoof under his head. “We found them, they’re safe.” “No,” he says, and my heart skips a beat. The Elements looked real to me, my cutie mark even called out to it. Was there something I missed? “You’re an idiot for confronting them like that,’ he jokes, cracking a small smirk. Maybe I should drop his head onto back to the floor. But part of me thinks he’s not joking. “You’re right,” I say, “I let the thrill steal our security. We could’ve learned more about them and even captured the griffon, plus, you wouldn’t have been shot by a cannon.” “Yeah,” he dances his claws over his chest, wincing whenever his claws glossed over the sour spot. “My scales took most of the damage, though I should get checked for any broken ribs or internal bleeding. But, I think I’ll be alright.” I nuzzel my head against his cheek. I feel something wet but I don’t care. “Boy am I glad you’re a dragon.” He chuckles, nuzzling back quick before dropping his head back to the floor. I take back my hoof. “For the first in a while, I’m glad to be a dragon.” He chuckles, while I laugh. The stressful past seeming like a distant memory. Yet our future looks non-existent. “Twilly's going to kill me,” the voice sighs next to me. I turn my head right and was ready to give Shining Armor a slap with the back of my hoof. “You better get ready to survive the same spell-blast she used on Triek, Shining,” I say, the anger escaping past my teeth. “I take it you know Spike as well?” “Yeah.” He swoops down next to Spike, his horn glowing blue. The same aura appears over Spike’s chest. “Here, that should freeze any internal bleeding and keep the ribs as they are. We’ll have to get you loaded up into a stretcher and hauled to the medical bay.” Mist came out of Spike’s mouth, as his body seemed at peace. “You know, Shinning; that if you keep finding ways to kill me, Twilight actually going to kill you.” “I know,” he drops his face with a frown. “You wearing that stupid hat with the jacket; I couldn’t see your face while you held a griffon in deathlock. I had to make a call.” “You suck at poker,” Spike joke. “Yeah,” Shining gives a small laugh. “But, if I didn’t shoot you, what was going to happen next?” And with that, Spike exhales and closes his eyes. “I’m not sure. Probably something I wouldn’t have been proud of.” Shining sighs along with them, as a silence takes over. Everyone with their own thoughts, wondering different things. Though it was Spike who broke the chain. “But, since you did hit me with a cannon…” Spike eyes trail off, starting to look nervous. “Um, do you remember? That one time, when me and Twi came to visit, and I, you know, kinda burned your comic collection.” Spike coughs, a small blush occupying his cheeks. “Um, can we, ah, call it a truce?” Shining erupted with laughter, so much, that his own guard looks at him like he were a freak. “That! You’re still mulling over that!?” “Well, kinda,” Spike says, “you were so mad, and I didn’t see you till next year, after my power demila thing.” “Spike, I completely forgot about that! You were so young, you didn’t know any better.” “So… we’re cool?” Shining holds out his hoof. Spike smiles as he raises his claw. The two brofist. “We’re cool,” Shinning says with a bright smile. “Besides, we’re brothers, aren’t we?” Spike moves his lips and looks to the ceiling. “Hm, I wouldn’t call us that yet.” “Ha! I see someone hasn’t changed.” Shinning looks to me, that smile never dying. “I’ve known him almost since birth, so has Cadance, and he refuses still to this day to even call us family!” He laughs. “Twilight had to beat him in some debate in order for him to call her sister, and even then, they have a weird way of saying it.” “Sister mine is a perfectly normal way of saying it,” Spike groans. I shoot a hoof to him as he tries to sit up on his own, but he does so without my assistance. “Yet I never hear Twily say brother mine to me,” Shining cocks his head left with a smirk this time. “That’s because she likes me more.” Pfft! My shoulders are shaking uncontrollably as my mouth spurs laughter. When Spike wants to, he can be a funny fellow. Shinning is chuckling as well, but his face is wondering if what Spike said may be true. Soon the Guard approaches Spike, each bearing a face of concern or worry, some even guilt. Together they stand in speak. “Spike the Dragon!” Spike winced at hearing that. “We sincerely open firing at you. We take all the responsibility for the shot, and are willing to bear the punishment Celestia and Princess Twilight will have on us. Any punishment is just when firing on a member of the Royal Family.” Royal Family? Did I hear the right? Spike, a dragon living in the neck of the woods belongs to the Royal Family? I mean, Spike and Twilight must be close, but never full fledge siblings. The whole brother mine sister mine, I thought that was some kind of gag they had or something. Shining is the brother of Twilight, so of course he may know of Spike. The whole cannon thing took my mind off just who is Spike. Spike the dragon – Spike the detective. Spike. D. Spike of the Royal Family. “Just who is Spike?” I say out loud and cover my lips. Spike chuckles as he looks to me. “I’m not really sure myself. Here, mind giving me a lift?” I keep my mouth shut as I comply, passing my head over his arm and past his side. I think my fur is tickling him, as he can’t help but giggle. “Here,” Shining goes by his other side, and together, we help lift him. A pop comes from Spike’s back, but he struggles to stand up. With a little help from us, he’s on his own two feet. We take a few steps together, and slowly, but surely, is Spike walking again. The smooth scales of Spike side battle with the fur of my coat, and I realize all too soon that Spike’s arm is over my neck. He’s relying his weight on me, holding me close even. I cough as my cheeks become hot. Just a little closer and me and Spike would be side by side. But how? Oh yeah, I can just take advantage of that. “Hey Shining, the Elements of Harmony,” I construct my words carefully, “they’re safe in the tower with the hole in it. But there’s a chance that griffon may go back there and try to steal them.” Shining stops and causes all of us to halt. “You’re right. I better go and make sure they’re secure. Someone take over he–” “That’s fine,” I interject, inches Spike foot right so that he falls into me. My legs start to buckle but I carry the weight, he gets his feet back into place, reliving some weight. But still, having Spike lean into me feels... pretty good. “Alright,” Shinning says, bowing his head. His eyes look up to me as offerers a smirk; the guy knows what I’m up to! I look back at him, mouthing a ‘thank you’. He smiles. “Alright boys, I want this place cleaned and the area free of any hostiles. Anyone suspicious is to be brought to me immediately. Two of you escort the detective and Element of Loyalty to the infirmary, and the rest of come with me to recover the Elements.” “Sir!” They call. And one by one, they left. Walking behind the two guards, Spike remains quiet while he limps. I could hear his every breath. Each were light, as he closes his eyes and smiles. He looks so happy, and without the use of drugs this time. “Can we stop for a moment,” he asks. We stop, and he stands on his own. I’m stand next to him incase he falls. He brings a claw to his chest and tears off his shirt and jacket, which were filled with holes from the fight. Casting it behind him, he once again enlist my help as we walk side by side. And I finally got my wish. He looks so special, without any clothes on. His body is slim yet not too ripped. Slender, asking a hoof to gloss over it. Seeing Spike naked for the first time makes me want to fly around the room. The image burned into my head for the rest of my days. And here I am, supposed to be happy that we recovered the Elements. I laugh, Spike raises a brow but I keep laughing. And together, with Spike limping and me standing tall, we walk out of the last scene of the Elemental case. The next few days fly by. Newspapers bringing relief to those read them, that once again, Equestria was defended. Joy came to those who were interested by the case, and more faith was placed in the guard and myself. Elements Are Safe, All Thanks To Rainbow Dash and the Royal Guard. The articles went as far as call me a sluth, finding the small things that organizations tend to miss. With a larger mass, overconfidence becomes a problem, and small little details elude the mind. That’s the case sometimes when it comes to mysteries. That’s why the world needs consulting detectives; they look for everything. You could almost call it their job elementary. Although I love seeing my name in the papers; with the word around town being my name, I don’t feel like I deserve the headway. Sure I helped, but I wasn’t the one who solved the case. It was Spike. But no where is he mention by the article, though a weird dragon hanging around the mesuem pops up once. The truth is being held, and I know why. But, what bothers me the most is this: Is the why good enough? I sigh before the flashes, popping a smile at the shutters of the cameras. I’m on a stage and everypony is before me at tables, eating away in honor of our victory. I can see the girls in the front, all looking excited for me. Afterall, I was the one who solved the case and came back alright. Fluttershy is smiling brightly, Applejack’s grinning, Pinkie is jumping, and Twilight has a half-smile, her eyes lost in the background. Once the flashes are over and I shake a few hooves, a medal is placed over my neck and once again a few flashes go off. I’ve always wanted my life to be about this; everything about me and everyone wanting to know about me. Now I just want to know what Spike is up to. But he’s no-where to be seen. I doubt he was invited, and even if he was, he hates crowds. I like that my friends are here and are happy for me, but I would love for Spike to be sitting next to them. I guess with the case done, I should get use to that. He’s already disappeared, and he already made it known that he not returning home. Oh, crap. Celestia’s giving me a speech. Awesome. Cool. Honored. Thanks, Celestia. The speech seems so hollow, and my respect for Celestia is missing. So many questions about the tunnel and how this Jim fellow had access to the mesuem. But even more so, why Spike, an apparent member of the Royal Family, isn’t gaining any recognition. I bet he wouldn’t want the attention anyways. The speech is done and I give my bow. I leave the stage and descend the steps, preparing to go to my friends and receive even more attention that I don’t feel like returning. Then something catches my eye. Off in the distance, on a roof high enough to oversee the celebration, was a dragon with an apple in his claw. He tosses it in the air. Once he see’s that I see him – he smiles. He catches his apple, points it at me, and takes a bite. He turns around and holds the apple to the sky, and with a wave, he walks away. Is this the last time I’m going to see Spike the dragon? “Oh hell no.” I skip past my friends and get into a dash. I’m wearing my rainbow dress – the same one from the gala – so I can’t fly. But you sure as heck bet on me getting it dirty: I’m seeing Spike tonight even if it kills me. I hear my friends call for me, but I run. The guard call to see if everything is alright, but I’m already out the door. The dark streets only lighted by the streetlamps come into view, as I run into the darkness and briefly saved by the light. The wall running along with me on the left, and buildings of those who live here on my right. I run to go see Spike the dragon. “Looks who's trying to get out of bed early?” “It’s only a bruise, the bandages overqualified for the job. I just want to get out of here as fast as I can.” I turn the corner, the road getting darker. Fewer lamps are here, but I keep running; nothing's stopping me. “You’re free to be free, Spike my buddy. Say, I brought the newspaper with me, wanna read it together?” “I’ve glossed over it, but please, read it over to me.” Another corner, barely any lights. I gotta keep going, even if I run into a pole! “This is horsefeathers! Just because you’re a dragon you can be awarded?” “More to it than that, Dash. By my being involved, the faith in the Royal guard dimminses. Dragons are dumb foes around here, so for one to do their job better than them, then we’ll see an uprising.” “That’s still not fair!” “Most things aren’t Dash. My life has always been like that; away from the masses, and lately, by those close to me. I prefer my solitude because I can be think and live as I wish.” “Even at the cost of your health.” “I don’t care for life Dash; whatever keeps me entertained.” Next street, slim and no lights. I trudge on through the darkness. “So, this is it, eh? Hm, even though I dislike the title, it was a lot of fun being you number one assistant.” “After that fight, I think partner in crime suits you best. But as with all good things, they must come to an end. Heh, it’s been fun, Rainbow Dash. Meeting you and going on this case has been a lot of fun, plus it made me think to.” “Think, eh? Did it m-make you think about... making friends?” “I’m afraid I’m still heartless. Even if we aren’t friends, we’re still partners. And it was of the greatest pleasure of knowing your existence – thanks to you, I talk a bit more simple now.” “Is that a compliment?.” “It is. Thank you, my dear Rainbow Dash. You hold so much wisdom that you aren’t even aware of yet. But hey, maybe one day, in the future, if we meet again, you can show me a better way to live my life.” “Goodbye Spike. And even though you’re already gone, you’ll always be more than a partner on a whacky case to me. You’ll always be my friend.” The darkness offers no support in slightest, but I can see the building from whence Spike stood on. Maybe he’s still up there, eating his dumb apple. And maybe, we’ll— Chapter IV – You Should Really Go to the Jim...“I don’t get it, Spike,” my pegasus companion says; “aren’t you hero types supposed to stick together?” I laugh as I walk past him, taking a bite out of my apple. “Hero? Heck, I barely cover the detective field.” “Still doesn’t explain why you aren’t down there.” “Politics. Besides, seeing their happy from up here… that’s more than enough for me.” “Eh,” he groans, “something still seems effy about it. I mean, you go through all this effort, deal with the Royal Guard pestering you, get into and fight, and then shot by canon from your own side, and you don’t get any reward at all?” “The knowledge of this case may be useful for another, so it isn’t a waste. Plus, it was a good distraction.” “Which reminds me,” he turns to look at me, “you down to smoke a blunt?” I look into my apple and sigh into it. Taking a bite, I toss the apple over my shoulder. “Why not? Not like I got anything else to do.” We leave the rooftop and head back to the hotel. There’s a limp in my step, as we enter the elevator. We go up, and my companion takes off his hood, displaying his black mane. I swear he smoked on the way here because his eyes are already baked. We reach our floor, and I can already tell the mates in room 709 are having sex. A bad breakup in 708, and a pony jerking it in 704. But most can come to that conclusion, as his dance moves shake the floor. I pause in front of room 706. I know she’s not in there, but part me wishes Rainbow Dash was laying on that bed. Heh, mane covering her left eye as she lies there. That would be really cute. I shake my head and unlock the door to my room, entering and tossing my coat to the bed. At least Celestia covered for the cost of my coat and shirt. Heck, mom looked ready to give an entire closets worth. Heh. I guess I do wear the same stuff too much. My ‘guest’ walks in and I’m reminded of why we’re here. So I head over to the kitchen and swoop down to the cubert. I’ll montoir your drug use from here on out, kapeesh? I open the cabinet and my companion is all too eager to grab a hooful. I grab the rest and we walk into the next room over. I don’t even know where he got the bong from, but he’s lighting up like no tomorrow. The bong is unevenly tilted due to muscle damage in his left hoof. Which I imagine comes from an outrage or teaching some customers a lesson. Either way, he clears the bong like a pro, blowing the smoke out the window. He passes me the bong. Should I really be doing this? What’s the point? My body's tired and I don’t feel like it. Yet I light the match and inhale the whole thing. I blow the smoke out from my lungs, and I feel lighter, but not good. I pass the bong back over. “Say, B?” “Hm?” He looks away for a moment, tilting his head left and right. “Yeah, well, only my first name.” “Ah.” B starts to fill the bong. “Hey,” I say again, “you ever like a girl before?” He pauses his lips before the bong. “What kinda question is that?” “A weird one, so you know it's from me.” “Heh. Then, yeah. I mean, I haven’t loved a girl in a while, but diffently liked a girl before.” He clears the bong and passes it to me. “What’s the difference between the two?” I start to load the bong. “Well, when you like a girl, then you got a month before that stops. I’ve had tons of hoes around these blocks, and we hang and chill and smoke a blunt. Talk about ourselves and life, then we grow bored, and look for other ponies.” “And love?” I light a fire. “That’s the stuff the comes after the month. If you two are still together, then you got some good stuff going on. Them nice girls from outta town always stay with me longest, someone of them actually make my heart skip a beat. But alas! no one sticks with a druggie.” “Hmm.” I inhale the smoke once again. Holding it, feeling it flow within my lungs, I exhale. Passing the bong once more. “I get you. It’s kinda like… you care for each other. Once you get over the sexual stuff and learn more about each other, you kinda look forward to the stuff you’ll do. Having someone by your side to talk to, or even hug. Just not being alone, I guess.” “You got a girl on your mind, Spike?” “Mm,” I squint my eyes, “not really. I don’t have friends – but this girl on my mind, she came really close to being one.” “Ah,” B says. “Dragon girl or pony girl?” “Pony.” “He-he-ey!” B cheers with a laugh. “My boy growing into a proper dragon?” “Not at all,” I say, then nod to the bong. “Hurry up with that.” “Right,” he says, and hits it like it were a block. He coughs, some smoke escaping, then exhales it all. He passes it back to me. “So, you going to go for it?” “Nah,” I say. “You know me, and you know I like to be alone. Besides, I think she’s going to have an issue with me smoking.” I go to fill the bong, but a black hoof stops me. “Which reminds me, Spike. I’m not sure you know this, but your customer that I hang with. Heck, you’re the only pony or dragon I do hang out with. Always paying your stuff back on time, real chill to talk to.” He gives a little laugh, looking down on his hoof over my claw. “I’m kinda like you, a drifter. Everyone looks the same to me and doing the same stupid stuff. But you Spike, you’re different, that’s like ‘ya. Even if you have no friends, I still consider you one.” I choke something back, as my chest feels weird. B is the only pony I hang out with often, not talking about a personal problems, but just chilling. He should be the type of pony you call an acquaintances, yet he’s the closest male that’s come to be my friend. “You being a dragon has no affect on me, if anything, I gotta supply you with more to get you high! Heh, I guess the relates to my next question.” He looks up at me, with the slight tilt of the head, along with lips trying to smile, but fall close to becoming a frown. “But, I’ve got question to ask.” “Shoot.” “Why the heck are you messing with this stuff?” he asks. “That’s a bad business question.” “Spike,” he tries once more, a little more strain on his voice, “you’re mind is like no other. You remember almost everything you see, and you can tell who's served in the army by the look of their face alone. Solving cases, surviving on bare minimal. Your youth saves you from your mistakes, but don’t you ever think of the future my drag?” “Not really. The past flows to me, the present happens. But the future is empty, nothing really to look forward to there.” “So aren’t you wasting your life then?” “I’ve never really value life. I just live to live, doing my best not to be bored.” “What does that princess sister think of you? Or heck, you’re mom, Princess of all the land.” “Decently I hope. Twilight and I used to be close. Reading stories under the sheets, trying to figure out who ate the last cookie. Heck, just talking about the world and what we wanted be so. I once truly consider her a sister, that was, until she came back one day, telling me she was moving into some town.” I give a little laugh, as the memory plays clearly from my mind’s eye. “She begged for me to go along. We had a bit of a dispute, arguing that you only need one close friend, not multiple ones. The idea of so many ponies has friends just frustrated the hell out of me!” I sigh and continue on. “It takes only one friend to discuss the world with, but she argued that it wasn’t possible. Multiple friends bring out the magic of friendship. Blah! Don’t make me hurl. So, that was it, her and I were destined to take different paths.” “Sound rough,” he says. “How did it end?” “With her leaving for good, and I vowing to live the rest of my life in solitude. It was a bet in a way, whoever lived the better life won.” B chuckles. “Ah, so she won then?” “No,” I fix him a brow, “my just life without fine without friends.” “Riiight. So, you don’t like ponies having friends?” “Ponies can have friends,” I say, “I just don’t get involved. Friendship doesn’t seem like my kind of thing, but solving cases is.” The problem is that they’re all so boring. This case was the biggest one I’ve tackled so far, and I hardly did a thing. Kinda hate Jim for that. “As well as smoking, injecting, and kinds of harmful stuff. You know, Spike, that if I could even read, I would stop doing all of this.” I remove his hoof and stuff the bong. “Then learn how to.” I take the hit, and the world feels lighter. The walls fading in and out. “Look at me,” he says and I comply. Black pegasus wearing a white hoodie, a mane looking like he came out of a wind tunnel; nothing too special to note, but a chill dude to chill with. “Who’d teach me?” “I would,” I say. “And when the time comes for me to go, you can take my place. Solve mysteries and actually be praised for it, heck, you may even become a hero and get to go to special little parties.” “Hurray!” he says. He takes the bong and takes a hit. We don’t talk much after that. We just smoke the world out from our heads. Ah, buggers. I don’t recall passing out. The world became dim, until I couldn't see anything anymore. Since when did I become a light-weight? Eh, the world’s slowly loading back to me. My eyes adjusting, I want to vomit. The ringing in my head does nothing to ail that feeling. I had been walking through a frozen forest, relived some of my childhood, and then got murdered by my mother and thought about how she would hide the body. I don’t even recall B leaving, though it looks like I’m alone in here.Looking at my wrist, my eyes shoot past it to the needle on the floor. Heck, so much for the lightway title; I must of used the entire dose. B would never had let that happen, so he must of left a little earlier. Feather… had I been a pony, I would’ve been dead by a heart attack. I wonder if I have anymore of it in the cabinet? As I go to get up, I realize I’m not alone. “I see the call for bad habits as returned, brother mine.” I sigh and rub my head. “Twilight, what are you doing here? How did you find– oh wait, I forgot! You pretty much run the government. And, that you know everything about everyone.” “Not this time, Spike.” She gets off from her seat and sits before me. “Sisterly concern brought me to you, and for a good reason. Didn’t we discuss overdoses?” “Find me a case or something that’ll stimulate the mind in the same way, and I’ll stop. But I’ve already solved that last case you sent me and now the whole world is a peace. “I lay down on the ground. “Yippy!” “Sent you?” Twilight moves her lips left. “I did no such thing this time.” “Why of course you did. You sent Dash a letter to come find me.” Twilight squints her left eyes as her mind is as work. “I sent everyone a letter saying to keep calm, do you mean that one?” “No,” I say, sitting back up, “the letter that asks Rainbow to come fetch me. It bore your exact hoof writing and seal.” Twilight’s eyes widen. “What happen to the letter?” “I burned it, as we always do.” “Spike,” Twilight says, coming closer towards me. “I never sent a letter. I had no intention of you getting involved in this case, but were glad when you were here.” I place a claw on my upper lip. “This doesn’t make sense…” “Spike, please, do you remember what the letter said?” Of course I did, and recited word for word. Twilight eyes grew and grew, until they were wide as could be. “No. No!” She stepped back. “There is a plot that we have missed.” I sigh. “The case is solved, Sister mine. Surely I can leave this matter in your hoof as I take my time off?” “Spike,” she says with the shake of the head, “you don’t understand: Rainbow Dash is missing.” “Missing! For how long?” “Two days,” Twilight says. “She was supposed to ride the train home that night with us, but she never showed. We assume she was staying another night with you, but yesterday we got no mail. No one has seen her for two days, Spike.” I cover the right of my face with a claw; I understand now Twilight was watching over me. I’d overdose and been out for two days! Ahh, I gotta lay of this stuff. My left eye wanders to the writing on my window. “Twilight, you’ve only been watching me sleep, right?” “Only to make sure you don’t vomit in your sleep.” And then everything made sense. “This case, is wasn’t about the Elements or even the bearers. Not about the bits or even a piece of art. This entire case has been about me.” “Spike, what are you…” she looks to where I’m looking, her jaw drops. IOU1 Hope you enjoyed the extra ‘tip’ Please don’t make me wait. At that place that makes Apples. For a new apple is coming! One that taste like the Rainbow. with a Dash of salt! –J.M. “Looks like keeping me out of the papers didn’t do much good,” I say. “IT looks like I have a fan who wants to play.” Twilight looks to me. “Spike. Whoever is doing this, has gone through extraordinary lengths to get to you, which suggest?” “Criminal intent.” “Which also suggests?” I breath and close my eyes. “Murder.” “Whoever is doing this knows of your existence, their access to the castle also means access to knowledge about you. Your cases and your being.” “Which reminds me—” “You know Princess Celestia doesn't have complete control over the land. Our system isn’t as clean as ponies think it is. You know better than this. But by finding out who this is, then we can purge him.” “He may even be out for your power, Spike.” I look away and groan. A frown creeps up on my lips. “I doubt it. If he wanted it, he could have had it easily. No, I think this gentlecolt is different, in that, he and I may be… alike, in a way.” “What’s your reasoning?” “He left the Elements in poor hooves and no attempts to take them back. Instead, he takes Dash, the one mare I’ve grown closer to next to you.” I cast Twilight a glare before she can comment. “So he wants me. But, if it was for power, he would already have me. No, he wants are a reason for me to come and sit down.” “Someone really wants to meet you then,” Twilight says, looking away. “Perhaps he’s as bored as I am,” I say as I get up. Throwing on the jacket, I give Twilight a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll go get your friend back.” Twilight raises up onto two hooves and comes towards me. I’m confused until two hooves circle around me. It’s been awhile since we’ve last hugged. “I want you to come back as well. No hero stuff, Spike.” I attempt to look away, but she brings my face back. “Please Spike. Even if you don’t mind the pain, it still kills me to see you hurt. Your loss would break my heart.” Twilight begging at this point, and I’ve never seen her do that before. I’m touched, and arms hug her without a command. I go to say something smart and heroic. “Thank you, Twilight.” I hug harder. Baff! “And, if it worth and consolation, you right about our bet.” So much for sounding smart and being right. I end the hug and stumble to the door, almost walking into it. My high isn’t quite over, as a magical aura unlocks the door. I flash Twilight a guilty smile as I proceed out and head into the elevator. I mull over the events. So Jim was there to see me eating an apple. Could he have also been at the party? Bah, irrelevant. For now, I gotta find Rainbow Dash. I’m just lucky that case about the poisoning in the apple factory is finally going to be of some assistance. I leave the hotel in search of the missing mare. It doesn’t take me long to get to the Apply Factory with the boarded up windows. I stop at the entrance and look around me, no signs of being followed. The place is coated with dust, so at a glance, you would assume no one has been here for quite some time. I kick the door off the hinges, sending it flying. I duck under the doorway and enter the factory, where only the broken glass of the ceiling allows light to shine. I walk forward, everything looking as it should. Then I came to the center of the stage. Looking around, I lick my lips and wait. My eyes are blinded by a light, two of them in fact, as I step back and raise a claw. “Thought you might’ve knocked, as it’s the polite thing to do,” a voice says, but the words sail from his lips, as if he were singing them. “Ohh well! I suppose I shouldn’t expect manners from a dragon.” “I’m sorry,” I say, looking up at my host, “but griffons aren’t the nicest bunch either. I thought you and I could just be ourselves here. A griffon with the whitest, most beautiful feathers, looks down at me. He smirks and closes his eyes. “I guess you and I are alike in that way, Spike. D.” “I guess we are, Jim.” “Please please please! The name is Jim... Chapter V – Moriarty… Moriarty, though you didn’t know that the first time around.” “You’re right,” I say as lean left, “we were too caught up fighting to, sit down, and, have a little chit-chat.” “Hmm.” Moriarty inches his beak right. “So no matter how hard we deny our origins, it still corrupts us in the end.” He claps his talons as his eyes open wide. “I’m glad I’m not alone in that battle then.” “Say, did you like that letter I sent you?” His head leans left, his face displaying some kind of pity. “But I have no letter by which you have signed for.” Jim stands up straight. “Ohh, come on now; I know you’re not that dumb. After a while, it must of became apparent to you, no?” “Figured it out today, actually.” Jim steps back and raises a tallon to his beak, his face filling with sadness. “Oh no, no. No. No! You can’t be like the other toys, you’re supposed to be different! Someone I can relate to, please tell me you’re joking?” “Afraid not,” I reply, “I had to limit my drug use because of a mare, and I got caught up in the moment myself. I found myself enjoying somebody else's presence, which brought down my deductive power.” “Oh,” Jim says, “then this should make it a whole lot easier then.” With a whistle, I hear a crane move. Next to the railing which Jim stood on, came Rainbow Dash, clutched within the crane. I curl my right claw as the crane looks to be almost crushing her. She has binds around her legs and one covering her mouth. “You wouldn’t believe my luck with mares, my boy.” Jim walks along his stage, admiring his right talon as he does so. “I typically have to find a way to have mares come to me: Oh, Jim! Will you please murder my husband and or father? Lovely mares those are, but quickly does fun run out.” “Now, you have a bit of a stronger type. Like Dash here, these mares are special, in which, they are like no other. So much harder to corrupted, but the feeling when you do so is tremendous. Now, while playing with Dash here would be so much fun! I have a greater thing before me, something changes someone.” I sigh as I keep looking at the griffon, my eyes doing their best not to look at Dash. “So, why are you doing this all this for? Just for fun and games?” Jim continues to lean over the railing, giving me a smirk “Why do you think I’m doing this all for?” “You want me to tell you what you already know?” “No. I want you to prove you know.” I narrow my eyes and look to Dash. “You’re not doing it for her. You’re not doing it for the headway. You’re doing it to meet someone, someone who interest you great. Or perhaps, someone you think of as the same.” “Bravo!” Jim says, pulling back from the railing. “You hit all the major points! Mind you, you forgot the why to my how.” “So. Why then, are you doing this? Jim begins to smile. “I’m doing this because I’m bored. Life is too easy! Ponies always arguing, saying things to sound smart.” He jumps right. “Look daddy! I read books; I perform a basic function.” He jumps left. “No, daddy loves me more! Because I worked really hard to impress him, and that’s all it takes, right? Hard work to be loved?” Moriarty looks to me. “Waste of space, aren’t they?” “A hundred percent,” I say. “Hmm.” Jim yawns, patting over his beak. “See, boredom wasn’t an issue for me at birth, and I assume it wasn’t for you either. We had things to look forward to, things to achieve and make. Though, I didn’t have family there to direct me onto the right path.” “No worries, I took the wrong path anyways.” Moriarty shakes his head. “No you haven’t. You’re still on the side of the angles – the, boring side. Now–” he licks his beak “–I became a master of crime. Honestly, beatings were pleasure and the bits were worthless. I rose so high that I became king of it in only a few years. And, oh honey, you should see me in a crown.” I smirk. “I think I can borrow one off a Celestia for you.” “Oh Celestia!” Moriarty moans, “how she is so much fun to play with. But, the problem with her is, that, if I get too involved, then everyone will know of my interaction within the system, and just how much I own. Celestia is a good toy, but only one I can play with sparingly.” Jim clenches his talon and snaps his head to me. “With so little toys to play with, I can’t tell you how bored I’ve been!” He shouts, darting around like a madman. “I know how everything’s going to play out. Ponies falling for the same tricks, ponies wanting the same things. It’s not only ponies, my own race is bunch of pride-ridden fools. And dragons, ha! To easy over there. I truly thought I was alone in this world.” “But then, I learned of your existence, Spike. Oh, how I wasn’t alone anymore! Here was a dragon that used his power not achieve strength, but instead placed it all in his mind! How you remember so much, figure out everything, just knowing. MmmmMM!” “Someone who was like me! Someone who was alone in their own mind as a kid.” Jim sighs, taking a moment to calm himself. “I’m too smart for my own good; let’s be honest, I’m a freak, Spike. And not because of my nature, but because griffons aren’t supposed to reach this state of mine.” “And neither was I supposed reach mine,” I say. “Exactly. And just like me, you’ve felt distant from all other. Family is just an annoyance, ponies and friends are looking at you weird. You try to be yourself BUT IT DOESN’T WORK. So we remove our hearts and become this. And ohhh my, is insanity just a delight!” “That it is,” I say as I take a step forward, “but I don’t dabble in it too much. I find drugs to be a great alternative, and solving crime and even greater fix.” “You should try crime, Spike my boy,” Moriarty says, “I find it to be much more fun.” “Maybe one day, if I get bored enough. But I’m on a case right now, and that’s bringing her home.” “Ah, yes.” Moriarty walks over to Dash, looking over her features like he’s about to dissect her. “The mare. So this is the one that almost turned you into something you’re not.” “Eh, I don’t like that; I don’t like it! But…” he turns to me. “IOU one, so I guess I don’t have a say in your next choice.” “What do you mean by that?” “Well,” Moriarty starts, “I consider us to be brothers from different species, Spike. We both hate our origins, smarter than almost everyone else in the world, and bored out of our guts. You claim to be a sociopath, while I’m just a plain psychopath. But hey, half brothers is close enough.” “Is the point-thingy starting now or later?” “Oo! That’s clever, very clever. But yes, we’re about to test who you really are.” Moriarty produces a vile from out under his wing and closely inspects it. Smiling, he tosses it to me. I catch it, and inside the vial is a pure black liquid. Damn it, Moriarty has his bases covered. “Now, can I get you opinion on something, Spike?” I nod my head. “This yellow crane… it would look so mucher better with bloody red on it, wouldn’t you agree?” A cry passes through the folds on Dash’s mouth, as the crane is dangerously tight on Dash. My claw reaches out to her on it’s own. “Ah, so you do have something placed in this mare.” Moriarty shakes his head. I wish I could crush it under my claws and throw the body over the damn railing. “Oh well!” “Now, normally for the game, you would’ve drank that poison, and my crane would’ve looked far nicer. But alas! you have one favor left.” I inspect the bottle, bringing it before my eye. Again nothing jumps out at me. I sigh and look up at the holy-beast. “So either you drink that poison and I’ll let the mare live. Or, the far better option, destroy that nasty vile and we’ll kill the mare togher. Than you and I can have many more fights that will relieve our boredom. What’cha say? Number two looks so-so tempting!” Bastard. I twirl around, looking for anything I could use to get me out of the situation. But another cry from Rainbow Dash keeps me in place. I sigh and admit defeat in my heart, while the vile burns in my claw. For the first, I’ve been beaten. I want to drop the vile. Let it shatter and walk away. To be alive. Free. Death means ultimate boredom and I don’t want that. Besides, Dash has a smaller lifespan, so she’s lived a good chunk of life anyways. It wouldn’t be fair to die now and leave my imaginary future in ruin. Besides, Twilight will miss me! She said it herself, right? That she wanted us to both tocome back. I’m allowed to live, right? I really want to live. I know I complain about being bored, but I really enjoy life even for what is it right now. I look up to Dash. A weak smile spreads across my face, as I feel a tear drip from my right eye. I look at her and she stares back at me with those beautiful rose color eyes. She’s shaking her head, while tears trace down her cheek. Oh, how I want wings just to fly up there and wipe those tears away. Everyone wants me to live. Before, not a soul truly cared about what I did; I’m just that distant cousin you forget about. But today, everyone wants me for some reason or another, and it feels pretty good. It feels like I have a reason– no, a purpose to live. So, in looking to Dash, I smile. I smile until it reaches my ears, until it starts to hurt. Then I looked to Moriarty, uncap the vial, and drain its contents past my lips. He looks so disappointed. He shrugs his shoulder calls out something which my ear cannot hear, and Dash is released. I fall to the ground, with everything becoming black. I try to look up, to hold a claw out to something, but my body is weak. So I close my eyes. Everything will be alright. Dash will go and catch the griffon, beat the daylights out of him, and turn him into the Royal Guard. Equestria will be a safer place with him locked up, and a better place with me gone. It sounds like the perfect plant to me. So then, why the heck is Dash helping a dying, useless dragon stand up!? “Ge-t him… you fool.” I can’t hear her. I don’t even see what’s happening. I can feel my body moving, the change of air tells me I’m outside. I want to go to sleep. “...royal guard...freeze!…” “please...help him!” “...Dash?” “Twilight! Spike...poison...please help…” “No...Spike!...Guard...Find...Moriarty…” My neck could no longer support my head. My blank eyes unable to keep open, I close them and drift into sleep. I hear voices by my side. Some are crying, some are shouting. My arm feels it’s been pierced by a sword, and the world is fuzzy to me. Still, better than complete blackness. My eye slithers over to Twilight and Dash, along with some other ponies. I imagine that this is the group that Dash was talking about, and funny enough, the same one Twilight left me for. I’ve always had a hatred in my heart for them, but now, I think that flame’s died out. An orange earth pony nods her head at me, while a butterscotch pegasus studies me. She doesn’t get too close to me. A pink mare is frowning, and a white one is looking most curious. They don’t know I’m awake and I don’t have the energy to make it known that I am. They chatter amongst themselves, leaving the room. Rainbow Dash pauses at the door, pays me one last glance, then leaves. I guess that confirms my fate. Though I thought it would’ve come quicker. My heart spikes – I’m about to die. It’s not the loss of life that I’m scared of, but the boredom of nothingness that is to ensure. Dying wouldn’t be so bad if it were endless dreams, spanning all of eternity. Oh wells. Whatever happens, happens. Might as well clear my mind and kick it back. My time is gone and it’s time to say farewell. I did some pretty cool stuff and even my existence was unique. Even in my hour of death, I feel sympathy for Moriarty. From the way he spoke to the way he thought, we are alike in a way. Just, I never acted on those thoughts in the back of my head – while he performs them. You know what the funny thing is? If Moriarty just asked me to sit down with him for lunch one day, to just talk about anything, I would’ve done it without hesitation. None of this stealing and none of this mess. All he had to do was ask. Now how funny is that? Though, I am glad to know of his existence, because now, I know I’m not the only one of my type in this world. And Dash. If only she could know how wise she is. She’s got potential, and not only for the Wonderbolts. She can become something great one day, so it’s a shame I’ll never see her on that day. But hey! At least I can say I knew Rainbow Dash before she became the Dash. Oh wait, I’ll be dead. Shit. And, shit, so much for clearing my mind! Oh well. There’s a click at the door, and something hovers over me. I look up, to see a snow white coated griffon with glasses on his face and a lab coat as white as he. “Now, patient number– who cares!” He throws up his clipboard and laughs. Producing a needle from his jacket, he takes out the IV from my left arm and injects the needle in its place. The liquid shoots in my arm as my body uncontrollably shakes . “That should hold you off for a little while,” he says, disposing of the needle along with the others. “Now, my dear Spike, I’m afraid I’ve come to a mistake about you. But I’m not the only one making mistakes.” I keep looking at him. “When I looked at your file,” he sits on the bed and inches closer to me, “you looked like a replica of me except in dragon form. Before that, I thought I was truly alone in the world. But you came along and made me feel something.” “So many come after me, but all end up in the same way. It’s a process now really, a boring one. Imagine my delight when I found out about you. And for the little time we spent together, I really did enjoy it. But I don’t want the game to end just yet.” “I wanna learn more about you and you wanna learn more about I. We can’t exactly do that if you’re dead. The many battles we’ll have, the distractions that’ll take place. Boy, can’t I wait!” “So…” I mutter, “you’re going to let me live?” “Not that easy, Spike chap! I realize, that for all future endeavours I’ll place upon you, that it’s okay if I owe you one more favor. The problem with that is, I’ve already injected the serum to stave off your death, so we’re even. But there’s one more requirement for you to make a bounceback.” “And that is?” “It’s something that’s going to prove that I’m alone in this world.” He backs away and present his claws to the ceiling. “Alas! At least it’s worth the pain to help a friend find out who he really is.” I burst out laughing, clutching my belly as I do so. “Heh, all my life, I’ve considered everyone else to be just acquaintances.” I grip Moriarty wrist, looking into his brown eyes. “But you, Moriarty, are the only one in the world I can call my friend.” Moriarty moves a talon to his chest. “I’m touched Spike, I really am! You more than just toy, you’re a friend as well. A friend that I’ll one day skin.” “And you’re a friend that I’ll one day lock up behind bars.” We both lean forward and smirk, a fire dancing in both of our eyes. He pulls back and claps his talons. “Now isn’t this great! Now we both have something to entertain us. But this deal isn’t over yet, Spike. I only owed you one, the next you have to do yourself.” Moriarty turns his head to the door. “I hope you brushed your teeth, because you don’t want bad breath on your first kiss.” I turn my head and see Rainbow Dash at the door. “Dash…” I utter, she in such a mess. Coat all messy, mane going in different directions – actually, her mane looks pretty badass that way. She looks to me, then the griffon. “What’s going on here?” “Hm!” Mortality chuckles, “I may be the one dressed up as a doctor, but you're the one that’s going to save the life. You see, I’ve injected Spike with his cure, but it needs a kick to beat out the poison before it’s too late.” Mortality leans on my bed. “And none of us want that.” Dash sprints forward and knocks the griffon down onto the table, two hoofs secured around his neck. “Whoa!” he playfully pleas, laughing all the while. “What is it, that I need to do, to save Spike’s life?” Dash grinds the words out from her teeth, her eyes just before his. Moriarty sticks out a tongue and points to his neck. She releases some pressure “Quite the grip you got there!” he jokes with his newfound air. “To answer your question, I have an odd answer. Only with pegasus saliva, can the antidote work at twice the speed, and thus, beat out the poison that’s already accumulated close to his heart.” Dash lets go and backs away, her eyes filled with horror. My own heart is beating furiously against my chest; shoot a cannon at me and I’m fine. But put me close to a mare and… Dash looks to me and I look to her. We say nothing but in our minds ask everything. Moriarty backs into the corner of the room. “Now, you can’t get mad at me, Spike. I did give you chance to kill her, but you didn’t take it~. Now why so grim? It’s just a kiss, Spike, which should be nothing to a highly-functioning sociopath.” “And Dash, a kiss is nothing special, am I right? Only ponies like Rarity would think their first kiss is something special – only mushy ponies think like that, right?” I dart my head to Dash. “You’ve never kissed anypony before!?” She rolls her eyes. “I’m not the type to be in the lovey-dovey stuff. And besides, it not like you’ve kissed anyone before.” “Well, yeah. That’s true.” She sighs and closes her eyes. Her body relaxes, the wings on her sides stop fidgeting. “But, it’s not like we have any choice in the matter.” “You mean… you’re okay… with—” Dash exhales. “Spike, kissing you isn’t that big of a deal.” She chuckles. “I mean, you’re not that ugly.” I chuckle as Dash steps forward. “Are you sure, Dash? I mean, you could run out quickly and find a handsome stallion to smooch. You don’t want to be telling your friends down the road that your first kiss was with a dragon.” “Why not?” she says, chest prodding out. “It sounds kinky and it’s unique. Besides, if I’m with the same dragon years later, then it won’t come as a surprise.” Her face is in front of mine, those rose colored eyes taking up my entire view. She smiles, though she also trying to hide under what mane she has. I giggle and she flares up. Finally, I compose myself and ask her a question that can change our future. “Dash, did you mean that… as a joke?” She pauses for a second, then shakes her head. “That wasn’t a joke.” I smell her breath. Muffins. Heh. Probably from the cafeteria. My cheeks burn. My heart is thumping faster and faster, and not because of the poison. I start to lean forward. “ Are you sure you want to stick around, Dash? I am the greatest prick you could have the displeasure of knowing.” “I agree that you’re a prick,” she leans forward, “but knowing you has been a pleasure. And besides, you’ll be my prick.” I dare to move an inch forward, and my entire body tenses up as my lips meet her soft furry ones. Each strand of fur brushes my lips, almost tickling me. My entire body melts, as all my pent up stress leaves my spirit. My body feels at peace, while my mind is in heaven. She kisses me and I kiss back. Cocking my head left, I deepen the kiss. To hell with thoughts, I’m letting my body act on it’s own. My body just want to be contained in my lips, so I could feel more of her. I raise my claw to the back of her head, rubbing it and bringing her closer. I’m in heaven; I could handle that eternal boredom as long as I have this memory. Both are lips are coated, and unfortunately, we break, gasping for air. We broke it too soon, I think, becuase I just want to go in for more. After regaining her breath, Dash opens her eyes and looks at me in wonder. “That was… pretty awesome.” “My life is complete,” I say. I hate when ponies say stuff like that, but my heart made me. It’s been awhile since I’ve felt anything down there. I look back to her. “I didn’t mess that up at all, did I?” “It is my first kiss,” she says, “so I have no way of knowing. But I liked it though.” “Oh Celestia, I’m the luckiest dragon to have ever lived.” Dash giggles and flashes me a grin. “So, you’re just not going to leave me hanging again, are you?” I sit up in my bed with my body in my full control. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Besides, I know we’re going to have many more cases to solve.” I look to Molarity, who hides his laughter behind his talon. “Oh, pathetic, Spike my boy. To know that a girl can win you over so easily. And that dialogue, please! Be glad I know of your past, or else I would’ve bombed this Hospital for the disappointment that it is.” Moriarty steps away from the corner, darting his eyes into me. “Oh, and by the way? There was absolutely no reason for you two to kiss! Why in Tartarus would kissing a mare make a antidote work faster! You know better than this, Spike. I know you know better.” He leans forward. “I guess this means you’ve had a desire to kiss her for a while now, huh?’ I stare daggers into his chest, but he laughs it off. I sigh; getting caught up in the moment always being an issue for me. But this is the first time I’ve let it affect me, and cloud my judgement. “Congratulations,” I say, “you won.” Moriarty pushes his beak left. “And why is that? Your friends have their Elements back.” “You did all of this for me. This case? All for you to prove I was something else, and in that, you’ve succeeded. Even with the Elements back, you still win this.” “Huh.” He shakes his head, tilts his head slightly left, then bows forward. “Thank you for that, Spike. And for playing my little game.” The griffon hangs up his coat and takes off his glasses. “You better make the future worth it to me, Spike, as you owe me one.” He walks to the door, and Dash tenses up. I grab her by the hoof, she looks to me, and I shake my head. He pauses at the door, sighs, and looks to me. His body is slouching, his face tired. “This case has taught you many things my friend, but has taught me one: that I am truly alone. Goodbye, Spike – let’s play again soon.” He leaves the stage, like a tragic hero. My body falls back into my bed, as a pensive sadness takes hold. “Spike,” Dash says, hovering over me. “You’re seriously not upset over him, right?” “I am upset,” I say while I stare at the ceiling. “He and I are alike in a way; we even thought the same. I never opted in for feelings, but they were still there. So many times I was close to acting on them.” I sigh, taking a moment to compose my thoughts. “I think he and I viewed the world in the same way, and now, we don’t. He proved that I could never act on those feelings for my own gain, and that I’m not truly a sociopath.” “I think, that those days I spent alone when Twilight had left, if I were to meet him then, that we would’ve been the best of friends.” Dash sighs and slowly moves her head around. “Spike, I don’t, understand what your feeling… but I kinda get it. You guys were kinds the same and now you’re not.” I nod my head. “But, hey! At least you’re going to live life for the better now. That’s gotta be an improvement from the slunk you were in.” “I hope so,” I say. “But still, I feel a bit empty. It’s kinda like the aftermath of a drug overdose, when at the end, there is only darkness. Where you’re forced to face all your fears alone.” “Well, just like in the hotel, you’ll have me.” She beams, giving me a smile. I return the smile. But I soon raise a brow, as her smile turns seductive; her eyes closing slowly. She hops up onto my bed and climbs up my body until she reaches my chest. “And just think of all the stuff we could do alone, together.” Annnd my nose is bleeding. See, while I can never understand another ponies feelings, I can tell at a glance what they are feeling, and in most cases, thinking. So ponies require I look a little harder, but in the end, I could tell tell you someone’s life story by what they wear. But my Celestia, I haven’t a clue what Dash is thinking right now! I want to scream, but a hoof covers my mouth. I take hold of that hoof, and yank Dash down. She gasps, as I throw a claw around her neck, bringing her in for good hug. In reality, I don’t have my blanket. But fur will do just fine pressed against my body. She steals a peck against my cheek, and I return the favor. Both of us yelp, not used to the sensation of being kissed. But we’re both laughing like kids as we cuddle close. If me and Dash had been friends when we were kids, then I wouldn’t have become friends with Moriarty as a teen. Oh well! I have her now, don’t I? “Hey Spike?” Dash says, as she wraps two hooves behind my head. I look to her. “When we first met, I had two thoughts on my mind, care to guess what they are?” “This guy is weird and probably going to kill me?” She giggles, laying her belly on top of mine. Her legs reaching half down of mine. “The first one is true, but the second isn’t; I know I could’ve kicked your butt easily. But no, my second thought was this: I wonder what that dragon would look without clothes on.” “Oh?” “And now, this is the second time seeing you without them.” “And I how do I look.” “Enough to make me hot.” And I’m dead. Yep. Died and left. Just a corpse now. Dead dead dead. “But please keep do wearing cloths, then when I see you without them, well, it makes it my rarity.” “Um, Darling?” A shaky voice asks, as I look to Dash and she looks to me. Both mortified, we turn to look at the doorway, which is filled with all her friends. Everyone has eyes as big as saucers, though funny enough, it’s Twilight who passes out. “I-I take it the dragon fellow is feeling better?” Rainbow Dash slaps me the world goes back to being black, the sound of the slap bouncing off the walls as Dash jumps off me. We have a lot of explaining to do. EpilogueSpike sits in his arm chair, smoking his pipe. It took a lot of arguing, but I convinced him to stay off the drug train. Though sometimes he smokes a pipe, whenever a big problem is set before him or a case requires long thinking hours. But I know he still has a stash of weed around the house. I’m not sure where, but I’ll let that slide. Beside, maybe one day, we’ll just, chill, out. I write the last word to theElemental case and lean back into my chair, letting out the biggest breath of air. I’m not much of a reader, but I love to write. I hope to submit my work one day, under fiction of course. I hope then, that through my works, that maybe Spike can be seen as a hero one day. I get up from my seat and stretch out my back. Spike’s eyes are still lost beyond the window, so I take the opportunity to sneak up on him. And then, without a sound, I peck him on the cheek. He jumps, turns to me, sighs and collapses. “Really?” He asks. I kiss him again, leaning over the chair with the help of my wings. “Really,” I say. Walking away, I give the sway of my tail; he’s watching it like a clock. I laugh and he blushes. “So, any word from Shining?” I shake my head. “Nothing yet, apparently no one has ever heard of Jim Moriarty. But ask any of the higher ups, and they refuse to answer…” “Oh!” Spike laughs; “I’m not worried about that. I mean Twilight: has she gotten better?” “Oh,” I mutter. “She’s fine, still bed ridden. When we told her that you had made a friend, she passed out. When I told her you and I were drake and mare friend, she passed out for more than a few days. I don’t think her mind is capable of you accomplishing such a thing.” “Heh, well I am pretty lucky.” “Hmhm,” I sound. “Though my friends are okay with the idea. I think they have the same idea as Twilight, but once you meet them, I’m pretty sure you’ll win them over easily.” “Normal ponies hate me.” “My friends are the furthest thing from normal. Especially Pinkie.” “Huh,” he sounds, “then we should get along greatly.” I walk away from Spike and hide my face. “Spike, I have a bit of a problem.” He looks so nervous. He’s no use to ponies being so close to him, so it’s understandable. I’ll never toy around him on that deep of level, but still, his twildding of the claws is adorable. “I’m bored.” Silence. The laugher. I laugh, he laughs. Soon the forest is shaking, are laughter so loud and happy. Soon it stops, but my smile remains. “Say, Spike, I’ve finished writing about the case.” He comes up to me and places a claw along my neck. “That’s great, can’t wait to give it a read.” “Not until the second draft,” I say. “But, with that case gone, I have nothing new to write about.” “Is that so?” He raises a brow. “I guess that means we need embark on a new adventure.” I laugh internally; Spike gets me and I kinda get Spike. He rushes over to the coat hanger and retrieves his third coat; the other two pershing in the quest. Throwing it own and swishing it back, he picks up the hat from hanger and is about to put it on, until he looks to me. A smile forms, and he puts the hat ontop of my head. I stare at him, but smiles. I shrug my shoulders. We make it to the door, and together, we open it, in search of our next case. My name is Rainbow Dash, and I’m the number one assistant and partner to Spike. Spike the detective or Spike the dragon, either way, you’re sure to hear from us soon enough. For if you have a mystery in the need of solving, look further no than us. Thus concludes the tale. Thank you for reading. PrologueDear Rainbow Dash: I write to you in my greatest distress. As you will come to learn later today, the Elements of Harmony have been stolen. No demands have been made, nor any threats been declared. In all honestly, we haven’t a clue on why someone would take the Elements. All the obvious reasons have been exhausted, and nothing else remains. The Royal Guard are at their wit’s end, and due to certain reasons, I myself cannot get involved in the matter. I fear this case is above even the five of you girls. Working together this time won’t bring an answer, but suspicion from others. This is why I write to you in secrecy, and hope you keep it this way. Five days from now, I'll need a favor from you. There is a detective who lives on the outskirts of Ponyville who you will have the misfortune of knowing. An unlikable character, but one that plays his part well. Enlist in him this mystery and you’ll have it solved; as long as you’re willing to put up with him. And I ask you must, not for only your’s and I’s sake, but for that of the world. Please, Rainbow: find Spike the detective and solve this case. I can rely solely on you. Your friend, Twilight Sparkle.
Chapter I – The Letter BurnsI’ve read that letter over a dozen times. At first, I wasn’t even sure it came from Twilight, until I saw her seal on the bottom. All the details on this seal are the same as every other seal she sends me; she’s… what’s the word, meticulous? Yeah, that’s the word she uses with these type of things. So that’s how I know it’s her. Now, even though the letter is from Twilight, the whole deal smells fishy to me. I do anything for a friend, but something didn’t seem right. But that matter is gonna have to wait, as I walk on the outskirts of town. I don’t get it; all that’s out here are open fields. No houses or cabins, just open fields. That’s another thing: Twilight never included any address. Plus, no one in town has heard of the guy! So that’s how I spent my afternoon off of work, wandering the outskirts of Ponyville while keeping an eye out for a house that probably doesn’t exist. Wait, I see something. Close to the Everfree Forest, yet far away from Fluttershy’s cottage – there’s a building, underneath a few trees. A dirt path leads to it with a sign next to it. The words are faded. Sighing, that house is my best bet. So I trot over to the house, and stop before the door. An urge comes over to me to describe the place, but not words come that suit the feeling justice. All I can say is that it’s a choice to put a two story house next to a forest. I knock on the door. The blinds on the second story slide left for a second, before sliding back. I huff, and the door before me opens. I inch my head to the left to see if someone was hiding behind the door frame, yet it appears that the door opened on it’s own. I pretty sure I’m about to get murdered, but, there’s a chance that this could be the place I’m looking for. So, I stepped inside and close the door behind me. There’s a door to the right of me, but there’s dust on the handle. A closest to my left, with a staircase leading to the second floor. Seeing how that’s the only route available, I ascend the stairs to find what lay on floor number two. I reach the second floor, where next to me, is another pair of stairs that end at the roof; my assumption being that you could access the roof from there. With walls and only door before me, I take my chance and open it. I swear I didn’t hear music playing from downstairs. I mean, maybe I was caught up the the weirdness of this place, but I know I didn’t hear any classical music. The being before me danced from place to place. A violin rested over its shoulder, while its claw plucks the strings. “Please be quiet,” he instructs, his back facing me. This guy definitely not a pony, as he stands at twice my height. Heck, I bet he and Princess Celestia would be on eye level. I want to impress this guy. I don’t know why, but, the urge just came up. If this is indeed Spike, the he is a creature who stands on two feet, and looks to have scales instead of fur.Spines prod from the top of his head – none along his back, but a few trail along his tail. The first thing that comes to mind is, that Spike is a failed mutation of some kind of lizard. You know, like the stuff you read from the comics where the creature is hit by some kind of ray, and then, it becomes a super creature! …But, we don’t have that kind of technology in Equestria, so I’ll have to throw that aside. Oh, I also forgot to mention he wears clothes. He’s currently dressed with a white dress shirt with a suit jacket over top of it. But yet no pants… Geeze, guy! If you’re gonna wear clothes, than you might as well put on the full package. “Rainbow Dash,” the creature before me says, causing me to flinch. “There is a cup of tea ready for you on the counter.” “But I don’t drink tea,” I say, trying to control my nerves. “You do so on one exception,” he says, “when there is some milk in it, and a lot of sugar.” Wha-how… huh? “Please, take your tea and seat yourself over in that chair; all that walking must of been tiring.” Okay, so am I in a detective’s office? Or a fortune teller’s? Still, I do as I’m told and walk over to the counter. I take sip of tea, and as much as I want to say it doesn’t meet my standards out of spite; the tea is perfect. The surface is thick enough to please the tongue, and sweet enough to be cotton candy. I frown, and bring myself and the tea over to the seat. I sit down and place the tea on the table next to me. I won’t let this guy see me drink it. “So, tell me what happened. And, please, don’t be boring.” The way how this guy turn to look at me, or even how down to me, I now understand why Twilight wanted me to keep calm with him. I just hope I can keep the promise to you, Twi. “First of all,” I say, and I swear I hear him groan. “This matter that I bring up is of the utmost importance.” Did he just stifle a chuckle; I’m pretty sure he just stifled a chuckle! “So, I need to know: is your name Spike?” He finally puts his violin back on its stand, takes a moment to compose himself, and turns around to face me. It was then upon seeing the fangs in his mouth, that my assumption of him being a lizard were wrong. He was a dragon. My legs buckle as the color drains from my face. “You’re… you’re… a dragon…” “What?” he bows forward with a smirk. “Never seen one up close before?” I shake my head. “No… besides the drawings in books… the ones with princess and princes.” “Ah yes!” He stands back erect. “Greedy dragons, all body and no minds. External stimuli over internal, extroverts they are. Hmm.” He strokes his chin. "Who rampage wherever they go, and keep a hoard rich enough to maintain a kingdom," I say, losing my voice. "Ah yes, and we can't forget about the killings! My kind know nothing of compassion and go through only for their desires. Some grow so big that they even eat ponies." He licks his lips, lips open enough to show those fangs. Long enough for blood to drip off. "Tell me, Rainbow Dash, by looking at me, do you think I could become a proper dragon?” I hop over my fear and take a step forward. Sticking out my chest, I know my first impression was just stupid. “The way you look tells me yes. Eh, no offence." "Hmm." "But I can tell you're different. I've never head a dragon play the violin before." "Hmm," go goes once more. "Thanks for that. I guess being different isn't a terrible thing." He taps his upper lip. "Though, if my boredom continues, then I may need change my ways in the future." There’s one more thing I wanted to mention, but you could never pay me to say. Spike is a good looking dragon, and dragons aren't supposed to look handsome. “Now, as to my identity,” he goes. “My name is Spike – Spike the Detective. Or, know to some, as, Spike the Dragon!” He rolls his eyes and takes a seat opposite of mine. “Say, do you always style your mane like that, or are you only doing that for today?” I sit back in the chair. “You know, only mares are suppose to notice things like that.” Spike hums. “I guess I am a bit of an odd fellow then.” He coughed and looked elsewhere for a moment. “Who sent you? Was it Twilight?” “How do you know it was Twilight?” Dang it! I just gave away the answer. “And how did you know my name?” “That’s because–” “Oh wait, I forgot I’m kinda a big deal. You must have heard about me from the papers or something, am I right?” I crack a grin. He nods his head, but his eyes keep studying me. He doesn’t seem like a perverted sort, but he definitely has the weird vibe to him. “So, the letter, do you have it?” “Letter, how—” I stop to compose myself. “Has, Twilight already spoken to you?” “Twilight?” he asks. “No, I haven’t spoken to her in years.” “Wait,” I find myself saying. “How do you know, who I am then, or even that I carry a letter? How did you know I was coming?” Spike didn’t chuckle. Instead, he threw one leg over the other. “Because I saw you coming to my house. Now, you do look like the adventure’s sort, but only around friends – when you have something to prove – would you do something as foolish as walk into a house that looks to be abandoned.” I wanted to cry out that he was wrong. Yet I couldn’t find my voice. “Meaning, that you must of been looking for me in the first place,” Spike says as he places his right leg back on the floor. “Now, when you reached my door; you looked tired and your hooves were muddy. I can judge than, that you’ve been walking around for quite some time, and I can also judge you don’t care much for manners.” He looks behind him at the open door. “As my stairs are quite dirty.” “Sorry,” I say. “All that walking and thinking kinda overloaded my mind. I shouldn’t have let something as small as that slip my mind.” “Not a worry!” he replies. “Now, if you were to look around my flat, you’d come to the conclusion that I don’t mind having it a bit messy.” I look around and, dang it, he was right! Spike’s an oddball, but he’s got something going for him. “Now, I must confess that I’ve heard about you and your gang.” “You mean the Elements of Harmony!” I cry. Just who does this guy think he is? “We’re one of the most important—” “Yeah yeah, I get it.” His words sounded like they were mocking me, yet his tone came with concern. “I deleted the information a while back, but this newspaper showed me the trace back to that memory.” He points to the newspaper on the coffee table. I’m surprised that ponies still read the thing. Anyhow, on the front page, it reads: The Elements of Harmony Have Been Stolen! Below that heading, was a photo of the broken glass, and the stands for our elements. And below that, was a photo of the six of us wearing the Elements. “So that’s how I recognized you and your problem,” he states. “So, the letter?” “How do you know I have a letter?” I ask. He was spot on with anything else, but there’s no way he could know this without having been told. I can catch his lie here and now. “You wearing a satchel that sags on the sides. Now, if you’re visiting a detective; one that you’ve never heard of before, than what could you possibly bring that’s so small to hardly affect a satchel?” “A letter.” I find myself finishing. Now I get why Twilight wanted me to go to this guy. I dig into my bag and retrieve the letter, nibbling on the envelope and placing it on his claw. He opens it up and gives it a read. Then, when he finished, he threw the letter into the fireplace. “Hey!” I shout. “What do you think you’re doing?” “If this is Princess Twilight Sparkle we’re speaking of, and she wants sworn secrecy, then she’ll want that letter burned as soon as it’s been read.” I want to fight back that logic, but he’s got a point. “I thought you hadn’t spoke to Twilight for years.” “And I haven’t. But you reminding me of her triggered my box of her, unlocking all the memories I have of her.” He slams his fist on the chair; I jump in my seat. “Remind me to burn that box!” “H-Hold on,” I say; “how do you know her?” “That’s irrelevant to the matter at hand,” he says, casting his eyes elsewhere. “So, you need my help?” “Not exactly me,” I say. “But the Royal Guard is at a loss on what they should do next. I guess Twilight needs you to give them a hoof.” “And if I refuse?” I open my mouth to speak, but no words come. I didn't expect him to spring that on me. “Dah, I haven’t had a new case for months and I’m running low on tobacco.” He stands up and walks before me. “I’ll take the case on one condition.” “And that is?” “You have to be my partner in crime with this one.” “Me?” I say. “A partner?” “Yes,” he replies. “My pet skull fell and cracked to pieces, so I have no one to converse the case facts with.” “I’m… a… I’m not sure if could.” “Ah, that’s a shame.” Spike walks away to the coat hanger. He picks up a long black coat and throws his arms through it. It falls along his body and ends just above his ankles. He turns to me at the door frame. “Going by the paper alone, I already deduce an overarching plot. One that will have gun fire, sword fighting, probably poison, and someone dead. You know, just the boring stuff you do everyday. Enjoy going back to weather patrol!” He then left the room and proceeded down the stairwell. “Please make yourself at home!” I sit for a moment. My mind is blank, yet my gut is telling me to run out of the room. “Dang it!” I mutter. I rise up and dash out of the room.
Chapter II – Is A a Cap?Spike waited for me at the bottom of the stairs, holding the door open. I huff, turning my head so he can’t see my smirk. “Ready to go?” He asks as he puts on a pair of gloves. “Yeah,” I raspe. I walk outside and so does he, closing the door behind him. “So, what’s the gameplan? You look to having something up your sleeve.” He pats his sleeve, his brow shooting up as he looks at me. “That… a figure of speech.” Spike bounce his head right and left. “Ah!” His smile is fake. “Well, first things first, we should probably board the first to Canterlot, shouldn’t we?” “I guess so.” I reply a bit confused. He’s the one in charge here, so why does he wants my input. In fact… “Why do you want me tagging along anyways?” He begins to walk forward and I do the same. “Because I require both your mind and ears,” he says. “Talking to a skull outside has always resulted in weird looks, but to have a mare like yourself coming along with me. Well...” he trails off for a second. “Heh, It certainly won’t destroy my image.” “Ha,” I chuckle. “I guess having me along will make anyone famous.” “Haha,” he dryly laughs. “You know for a dragon, you sure talk a lot.” “Guess I’m just a special kind of dragon then.” “I think our definition of special may be different,” I say. He looks irritated, mad even ! And as much as I hate that squishy stuff, the looks he has is kinda cute. I continue to tease him on our walk, my way of revenge for the way he acted earlier. Though, I don’t say anything about the matter at hoof. Even if I’m not showing it: I’m terrified that the Elements are gone. The Elements of Harmony protected the land; they gave form to our friendship. And now, they’re gone. There’s an emptiness inside of me, but I put on a smirk and pretend not to be bothered. I wish my friends could handle this as well as me, but Pinkie and Fluttershy haven’t said much since the ordeal. With the Royal Guard unable to do anything… and no one admitting to the crime. I just wanna! I just wanna… wanna stop thinking about this whole mess. But with Spike. I don’t know. I feel like I can place some faith in him; that he can lead us somewhere. He may be a prick, but teasing him to no end has been fun. “You ever kiss a mare before?” “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he says. “Too occupied with my mind to focus on others.” “I’m starting to think you don’t care about ponies.” “And I think you should carry on with that train of thought.” Bugging him was fun, but we’ve reached train station. Ascending the three steps, Spike went over to the booth and taps on the glass. “Yes, I would like to purchase two tickets to Canterlot.” He pulls out a pouch from his jacket and places bits from it on a tray. The pony on the other side took the bits and returned with a ticket. Spike takes the tickets and offerers a smile in return. “Here.” Spike holds out the ticket for me. I take it; we’re boarding in five minutes. “Wait, we’re leaving now?” “Yes,” Spike replied; “I’ve wasted enough time on this case thinking someone would expose themselves. Now, we haven’t a minute to lose!” “Spike, I, uh, didn’t pack anything besides the letter. I don’t even have bits to pay you back.” “I had no intention of you paying. Besides, we won’t be long in Canterlot.” He sits down on the bench, and I sit next to him. “So… originally... I wasn’t supposed to be part of this. Meaning, I have no idea how much Twilight’s gonna pay you!” In the distance, I hear the choos of a train. “Payments never been an issue for me,” Spike says as he looks to me. “And I’ll have you know, that I haven’t given you my proper job title. It’s actually Spike the consulting detective. Now, that’s just a fancy way of saying I get to choose my cilents.” “Oh,” I say. “Yes. And I don’t particularly choose boring cases or ones that I’ve already solved in my head; there’s no fun in that. But with this case; I’ve been desperate lately. I’ve been bored, and books aren’t cutting it. So I like to dabble with things I shouldn’t.” I want to ask what it is, but his tone told I wouldn’t get anymore out of him. “So, when a case like this emerges, it’s enough to give me the fix I need.” Now I got what he meant. Now, I being the great Rainbow Dash, I never had to rely on drugs. I need to be strong and quick, and that stuff slows you down. But, I don’t get it, cause Spike looks to be the same with his mind. So why would Spike be fooling with that kind of stuff? The trained halts at the station, chiming as the doors fling open. Spike stands up. “Shall we?” I nod, and together, we enter the train. We managed to steal a booth. I got the better seat, as I get see what comes next, while Spike only gets to see what we’re leaving behind. He coughs into his claw; my eyes went to his. “Now, I’m afraid I—” “You know you don’t have to talk like that,” I say “What?” “All fancy like. I’m sure if you noticed, but with me, I keep everything plain and simple.” “I… um… huh.” Spike eyes look lost. I wonder what was going on in the funny little head of his. “Eh, hmm! Let me, uh, try that again.” He coughs once more and looks back at me. “This… case. I don’t much about it, so you can you feed me some of the details?” “Much better,” I say, a smirk growing on it’s own. What can I say? I feel awesome when I’m awesome. “But, it’s weird that you don’t already know everything about the case.” “I know everything the newspaper has told me, but they like to fluff over the facts. I’d like to hear what you’ve got to say on the matter.” “Oh, alright.” I shake my head to let the thoughts flow. “Five days ago, Princess Celestia paid us a visit.” “You want us to do what now?” Rainbow cried. Princess Celestia stood before the six ponies. Her figure comforting, yet her eyes sparked some kind of terror within. “The Elements have become have become a trademark of this land: showing the power of the magic of friendship.” “Ah get what you mean,” Applejack said, taking a step forward, “Princess. But I don’t see why we gotta put them on showcase for other ponies to see.” “To educate our land, My Little Ponies. There have been many a cry with what the elements look like, or if magic really radiates off them. I think showcasing them for a day at the museum will be an excellent way of showing the world what the Elements really are.” “I understand what you’re getting at, Princess.” Twilight said. “But aren’t photos good enough? Why do ponies need to see them up front?” “Because, Twilight. It’ll give better faith to our ponies and allow them to better connect with their protectors.” Celestia looked to Twilight, something pleading in her eye. Twilight looked away, as she closed her eyes. “I don’t know,” Rainbow said. “I don’t feel like it’s the safest thing to do.” “The museum has already assured me that the Elements will have the highest security. We will also have Royal Guard protecting them.” Celestia lowered her head and offered a smile. “Please girls? It’ll only be for one day, and it would make many a pony happy.” Everyone looked to one-another. Everyone knew what their answer had to be. “Sure, Princess. I guess there’s no harm in that.” “Weird,” Spike says I shake my head and look at him. “Why you say that?” “Nothing I can say as of yet. Please, tell me what happened next.” The train passees over a bump, startling me for just a second. Spike isn’t phased, as the train begins to climb a hill. He has an arm resting on the table, with a claw supporting his chin. Call me crazy, but he looks like those guys in stone that like to think a lot. I inch my head left. The light through the window shines upon his eyes, and I couldn’t help but feel my own eyes grow bigger. A smile forms on my lips, as my tail wags from left to right. His face demands to be handsome, yet every action he does comes off as adorkable. And I don’t know why I thought that. But I do know why he’s staring at me. “Oh, right – the story.” “As soon as girls and I heard about it, I wanted to zap there right away, but Twilight swore us all to keep quiet. I couldn’t understand why at first, but with her bringing you along, I guess there’s a bigger picture I’m missing.” “There may or may not be; we only find out once the case is solved,” Spike says. I feel better after hearing that, some of the emptiness being filled. I start once more. “Five days ago, the museum of Canterlot was going to hold a big show for our Element. Ponies would come and see in them up front, feel the magic and learn their history. This also would also motivate ponies to learn more about Equestria history that was held in the mesuem.” Spike hums. Never taking his emerald eyes off me. Did I mention that they shine? “But, the day before the opening: the Elements were stolen. Officers of the Royal guard were found unconscious, and the staff were the ones who came across the crime.” I expected his expression to change, yet it remained the same. “The glass to the display was broken, but everything else was clean. No forced entry; no hoof prints – nothing. If it weren’t for the unconscious guards and the missing shards, then no one could’ve guessed that someone was there.” “Easy there, Dash,” Spike says to me, raising his eyebrows in concern. “You don’t want to mix yours or anyone else's’ bias into the facts; they tend to mix everything up!” His voice went light with that last part, as if not to make me feel too annoyed. “So, yeah. Come five days later, and no one has made any threats. No one has demanded any bits, nor used the Elements to gain some political power. All we’ve heard is silence.” “Kinda hard to hear nothing,” I hear him mutter. I fix him a kick in the leg, which he promptly caters to with his claws. “Ow!” He shoot his eyes towards mine. “What’s the big idea?” “I’m the one that get’s to be funny, not you. If you want me to tag along, than that’s gotta be our deal.” Spike sighs. “Fine.” He raises a claw. “But I still get to propose—” “Remember the whole talking fancy dealio’?” “I get to joke around here and there,” he states. His words are salty, but that’s just how others are when you win. If anything, I wanna see this guy sulk. Spike sits there for a while, without saying anything. Instead of resting his chin on his claw, his palm now supported his cheek. Eyes absently watching the window, I wonder what he was thinking about. I was also curious as to why I’m so curious about him. Dang it! I think all that fancy talk is starting to affect me too. “So, that’s it then?” Spike asks, eyes still on the glass. “Elements are going to be showcased, then proceeded to be stolen, and now there is fear in the back of everybody’s mind on what’s going to happen next.” “About so,” I say. “But I’m wondering more about the jerk who stole our stuff!” I found myself raising up. “I can understand trying to beat us or something; trying to make a bit or two. But whoever stolen it hasn’t said a thing yet, and it’s starting to bug me!” Spike shuffles in his seat, looking back at me. “I gotta admit: that’s the only reason why I’m taking this case. I like it when the criminal wants to have some fun first; it dismisses the boringness that comes with ordinary cases.” “Spike,” I moan, “try to be serious. This whole taking of the Elements is a pretty big deal.” “Only to certain ponies, Dash,” he says. “For me, it makes no difference what I see when I look out my window. As long as my house is intact, I’ve got nothing else I care for.” I inch my head forward onto my hoof. “You must be lonely.” “Hardly,” he says with the blink of the eyes. “I have my work and I have my mind. Guidelines I follow to ensure my accuracy, and I have a skull at home to keep my company.” I swallow the saliva in my mouth. I feel bad for drake. Even though it’s his own fault he’s living like that, somthing tells me he would like change in his life. Or maybe that’s my own bias getting in the way. Pfft! Yeah right. I’m Rainbow Dash, I’m almost always right. “Skulls don’t talk back, Spike.” “They can if I desire so. Besides, if I need company, I’d closed my eyes and envision me at a party.” “Have you ever been invited to a party?” Spike holds his mouth open a few seconds before speaking. “Eh, not really. But, I don’t have an interest in going anyways.” “D-E-N-I-A-L,” I sing. I suppress the urge to boop him on the nose. Spike sits back in his seat, crossing his arms. “I guess you're right. But, if no one wants you in their company, might as well enjoy your own.” Well that sucks. I wanted to keep teasing him, but now my heart feels bad for the guy. Eh, hay. Should I say something to cheer him up? “Say, Dash,” Spike starts, “we’ve spent the past half-hour talking about me. Don’t you think it’s about time we talk about you? I should know the good and the bad for my temporary assistant.” I raise my eyebrows. “Oh! So I’m an assistant now?” “If the title’s not good enough, I could make you my number one assistant?” “Ha, funny,” I say with the roll of my eyes. “But I’ll keep the title of partner in crime, if you don’t mind.” Hey, that rymed! I’m kinda proud of myself. “As you wish,” he says with a playful smirk. I thought Spike was full of himself at first. But now, I see that he’s is full of himself, but he’s also an alright guy. Antisocial sure, but the type that even I could get along with. “Welp! I could tell you everything you need to know about me, but a good friend of mine (totally not Twilight) gave this advice: show, don’t tell.” “They apply that to writing classes,” Spike states. “Yes,” I agree, “but you could also use that in real life. Now, I could tell you I’m awesome, but you’ve already got the picture by looking at me.” He chuckles, almost laughing. “So, no need to tell you everything about me yet, I’m sure most things will flow when we’ve spent some more time together.” Spike leans over the table. “We’re only together for one case. You know that, right?” “I know, I know.” I say. I lay down in my seat and rest my hooves behind my head. “But, that should be more than enough time for us to get to know each other. Unless you’re that good and solve it in a sec.” “I might.” “Then only the future can tell,” I say as I drift off into sleep. The rays of sun cause my eyes to flutter open. My face feels warm, and the mountains outside my window make me feel come inside. Blah! I’ve gotta stop taking after Spike. Speaking of which, I wasn’t the only to pass out. He’s got his back leaning against the wall with head hanging down. He looks peaceful. Call me creepy, but I finding myself watching him; how his chest rises with each breath, mumbling things that don’t get past his lips. I cock my head left – I really do want to let him sleep. But we’re approaching our stop. I fly up on the table and poke him in the chin. “Hey, Spike buddy? “Meh.” “Time to wake up, ours is stop is next.” “...Coat. My coat.” I inch my ear before his lips. “What’s that?” “My pipe. It’s in my pocket. Can you please place it on my lips?” I sigh and point to the sign. “No smoking on trains.” I drop down to my seat, but not without turning back to him. “Lazy.” He murmurs something, and I pretend not to hear what he said – for, if I were to, he'd be on the floor in less than a second. Once we’re both stretched and ready to go, we do just that: go. We leave the train and embark to land of that: Canterlot. Wooooo! I’m really going to kill Spike for the way he talks. We ascend up the steps of Canterlot. With each case of stairs, it feels like we’re rising to another level of Canterlot society. Ponies wearing more and more; the houses growing bigger. I just want to curse at it all. I turn my head to Spike to find him unimpressed, and I have no clue why. No dragon has ever set foot in Canterlot, one of the cities ponies are most proud of. You’d figure Spike would be rambling about how awesome it all was. But no, he seemed to wrapped up in his mind. Ponies are noticing the dragon amongst they're down. Most look shocked, eyes wide with their mind calling a quits. While others stare at Spike, some even charing their hooves like they were a bull. But what irritates me most were what looks some of the mares are giving him. Spike takes no notice of what an attraction he’s becoming, but I! stand in his place. No mare is giving Spike the bedroom eyes. Unless you got something to say, all you keep your mitts off a Spike! “You’ve been quiet since we’ve gotten off the train, everything alright?” I say. “Still a bit tired after my nap, my mind isn’t working correctly.” He turns his head to mine. “Do you have any sweets on you?” “Uh, no?” I say. “But I do have a friend who bakes sweets!” “Damn,” he swears, “Twilight sent me the wrong pony for the job then.” “Excuse me?” Spike raises his claws as if I were about to strike. Good reflex, Spike. “What I mean to say is, I work best when I am. Whether that be sugar or other such things. It’s been a few days since last high and it’s starting to affect me.” Just what drugs are you taking, Spike? I was about to say those words, but our destination loomed before us. “Hey, that’s the place!” I yell. Spike nods, and I don’t quite know why, but I find myself racing him there. I make it fair by keeping my wings folded. Still, running on four legs gives me the advantage. So why is it then, that Spike just zipped past me? Coat flying up on both sides of his tail, as his talons seem to be kicking off the ground rather than running on it. He makes it to the steps of the museum four seconds before I do – even twirling around and showing me a toothy grin. I reach the staircase, not out of breath, but panting. “No fair!” I slip past my pants. “You cheated.” “How?” he asks. “By being a dragon,” I say. He laughs and turns around. “Not my fault a pegasi didn’t chose to use her wings.” “I wanted to take it easy on you,” I protest. “And that’s why you lost,” he says whilst smirking. “You know,” I say, “you could benefit from learning some lessons about friendship. Maybe then, ah, you’d have some friends?” I exclaim. He chuckles. “What’s the point of friends when I have goals?” Maybe then you wouldn’t be doing drugs? I hold back the words; we’re not close enough to joke with him on that level. The museum slip off into it’s own level. It takes up a giant square, with five steps going all along it to reach its level. Though there were barricades along the steps, to keep ponies from going inside. “Weird,” I say. “I didn’t expect them to keep the museum closed for this long.” Spike doesn’t have anything to add, instead making his way to the barricades. There were at least four ponies – all wearing gold armour – standing on guard. Two raise their spears and slammed it on the cement. “The Museum of Canterlot is closed until further notice,” The Royal Guard says, and not a word more. Yet his eyes travel up and down Spike, and even I can see him thinking. “Say, are you a dragon?” “One of the few that are fine with pony kind,” Spike says, leaning down. “Why?” he plays. “Does that bother you?” “Not at all,” the guard replies. “Though it is odd that a creature like you is coming by the museum, especially after the break in.” I see the smile bloom on Spike face; he looks delighted in the accusation. I raise my brow. “Oh! Do you think I did it, and came back to take in delight of my crime? “I’m not saying that you did,” the guard shoots back, “but it is a possibility.” Spike’s smile turns into a smirk. “Great! Please keep that in mind should my name be called for suspicious characters.” Spike claps his claws together, almost hopping in place. “Now, can one you gentlecolts go fetch me Lestrade?” “Who?” the ones questions. “What do you meanfetch?” the other calls. “Oh come on!” Spike whines. “Surely you don’t spend all the time standing around dulling your minds?” It comes with no surprise that the two guards tackle the drake. I was going to step in and intervene, but seeing Spike getting a dose of his own medicine was pretty entertaining. So I sit back and watch – would’ve been better if I had some popcorn. After a few more punches, both guards throw their heads under his arm, and proceed to drag him into the museum. I ponder for a while, just what the hay I’m supposed to do. Spike’s been in there for a while. I’m starting to grow worried for the guy. I’m not sure if it was his plan to get taken in there, or if acts like a pricky for funsies. Either way, he left me bored and with a choice. Do I break into the museum and save his scaly butt? Or wait outside and hope he get’s released? I flare up my wings and stretch out my back. It’s been awhile since I’ve outrun something – especially the feds. Though it appears my warm-up was for not, as I see something launched into the air. I step back. A second later, Spike lands in front of me. The Guards snicker by the doors, so I fix them a look. Their laughs die and they look serious again, so I avert my eyes and hope not to be thrown in prison. I look down to Spike. “You alright?” “Dandy,” he replies. He places his claws next to his head and shoots his lowers body into the air – once up, he pushes off his claws and lands on his feet. He looks at me as he dusts off his coat. “I didn’t get much while I was in there, but I did get out ticket,” he says. “Didn’t they just take you in there to beat you up – because Lestrade isn’t a pony’s name.” “No, it is,” Spike insists. “Even if the bugger doesn't want to go by it yet.” I’m starting to think the reason why Spike doesn't have friends is because you never understand what he says. “Hey,” I say, taking a step closer to him. “Aren’t you the littlest bit upset that you got your can handed to you?” “Not really,” he says with the shrug of the shoulders. “It hurts less when you're letting them do it. Besides, just seeing how the one is being cheated on, and how the other is lonely, is more than enough to make up for the pain.” “And how did you figure that out?!” I didn’t mean to shout that out. He turns his head towards mine. “It’s elementary, my dear Rainbow Dash” Spike says. He ready to carry out a speech, but a figure approaches us. “Now if it isn’t detective Lestrade!” Spike cheers, almost dancing towards him. “What took you so long?” The orange pegasi approaches us with a smirk. His blue mane spiked up; his eyes sharing the same color. “Someone, not calling any names! Tried breaking into the museum, heh. He even had the nerve to harass my guard.” “Sounds like an ass to me,” Spike says with a clap of the claws. “So, how about getting us into the museum.” Lestrade isn’t paying Spike any attention. I could tell. Why? Because his eyes were on me and I’ve seen that look a million times. Lestrade realzies this as he shakes his head; quick to bow his head. “Sorry, I wasn’t aware Spike had friends,” he says. His brows were up and his head slightly tilted. “Oh,” I shake, “we’re not friends. Just… needed his help with something is all.” Lestrade nods and looks to Spike. “I don’t see why you need me, Spike, if you’ve already got the Element of Loyalty on your side.” “Is Anderson on the case?” Spike asks. “Y—” “Than that’s exactly why,” Spike says as he sweeps a foot. “I’d get nothing but questions and his opinion on the matter.” Spike lets out a heavy sigh. “I swear, everytime he talks it drains everyone in the room of their IQ.” Lestrade can’t stop himself from chuckling, making sure to keep it brief. “Alright, I get it! But try to keep your mouth closed while we’re in there. Not only is the sight off grounds for citizens, but every time you speak, everyone has the nerve to feed your face a hoof.” Spike rubs his cheek, eyes looking elsewhere. “Fine.” Lestrade takes a step forward, then twirls back around. “Oh, and by the way, the name’s Flash Sentry. I don’t know where you get the Lestrade part from!” “You’ve seriously gotta stop changing your name!” Spike exclaims. “Back at the Crystal Empire, you were Lestrade. And before that, you had how many names?” We start walking forwards as two bicker at each other. Something doesn’t feel right. These two obviously know each other, but I don’t think they know each other well. Spike is a weird fella, but something's messing up in his head. “I’ve always gone by Flash Sentry!” Sentry cries. “Not once have I told you otherwise! I’m the only one that’s allowed you onto the scenes of cries–” he stops for a moment “– has anyone granted you permission?” “No.” Spike shakes his head. “I don’t make friends easily, so you’re the only one I rely on.” “Wait, we’re friends?” Sentry flashes, looking way too happy. I know he’s just excited and all; Spike being a distant guy. But someone may get the wrong idea, Flash. Spike recoils back, he left cheek rising to meet his eye. “Eh, I… uh.” He breathes in and out. “I’d say normally, that we’re acquainted. Which, is, already an achievement, as I never make it that far with anypony else.” Spike shakes his head, and I know why. I hope these two aren’t playing for the same team. And I don’t mean detecting crimes. I mean, It’s cool if you’re like that; whatever makes you happy. But I don’t want to watch a bromance happen before my eyes. “Eh, thanks,” Sentry says as he hides his head. He better not be blushing. He turns his head to me. “So Dash—” I want to gag. I can see the pink on his cheek. I CAN SEE THE PINK. ON. HIS. CHEEK! I shake my head, threads of my multi-colored mane swishing past my eye. “– how has everything been since the Elements stolen?” I dismissively wave my hoof. “Meh. Not too hunched over it. I mean, it sucks that they’re gone, but worrying about that fact is kinda stupid. Besides, in most cases, we do don’t even use them. Though if a demon were to appear again, then maybe I’d be running to the hills.” I look to Spike as he chuckles, looking down his own body. “That’s a good answer,” Flash replies, “glad to know there’s still some hope left.” Sentry leads us into the back of the museum, where two giant-size doors stand. The white paint of the door is the same of museum, so if you’re far away, you could miss that there were even doors. It’s going to be cool to see these bad boys open up! Flash then opens two small wooden doors next to it. “Oh,” I look to Spike to see if he shares my disappointment, but he doesn't have any emotion at all. He walked where he was supposed to and kept his head straight, yet his eyes bounced all over the place. Spike has walked through Canterlot, and is now entering the most renowned mesuem of ponykind, and his response to it all is a look of boredom. Just what type of dragon is Spike? Heck, I expected him to take everything in the room and say mine. Is that he could be having internal conflict as we speak, and fighting hard against his greed. Or does none of this actually interests him? Whoa. I got so caught up with Spike, that I forgot where he had entered. I’m not really sure what the word majestic really means, but I’m going to use it anyway. The place looks majestic. The ceilings are as high as they are in the Canterlot Castle, with candles lit everywhere. Spike is sniffing like crazy. Is he allergic to something? I go to ask, but the giant red carpets captures my eye. I’m no Rarity and can’t tell you the difference between fabrics. But this place is crazy. Walking on the carpet, I feel like I’ve won an oscar. Sorry Leo, but this trophy this mine! The display cases on my sides are ponies cheering me on and taking photos. If these boys weren’t with me now, I’d strike a pose or two. The cases look neat. A wand; some stone; a ring to rule them all – big and little things. All with a reason to be here. My eye glances at their history, but only for the ones that look interesting. I know where this carpet leads us. I want to say something yet I keep my mouth shut. Spike isn’t taking notes. I expected him to take out a note pad and pull out a pencil from in-between his frill, and jot every single detail down. Twilight picked him for a reason; he’s capable of something that the Royal Guard isn’t. But what? What is something an individual can do that the highest organized organization can’t? We reached a set of stairs, all which rise to one display piece. There’s a hole in the glass, and within, six stands are missing their jewelry. Even the description for the Elements of Harmony are written over by a green crayon. I OWE YOU SIX. YOU TOOK ONE. NOW I OWE YOU FIVE. I look to Spike. His eyes flare up, eyebrows raised even higher. It’s weird seeing him with some emotion. He hovers his nose over case and sniffs madly – shooting his head to Flash afterwards. “You guys sprayed fresheners over the crime scene?!” Flash surrenders his hooves to the air. “We didn’t do it! The cleaning team that comes in must’ve sprayed it while doing their job.” “Why would you allow a cleaning team in here!?” Spike cries. “Geeze, Spike, they need jobs!” Flash shouts back. “They’ve been working here far too long to be suspected of anything. Think on your feelings for once; ponies need bits to feed their families.” “Feelings are boring, and in this case, relevant,” Spike says, dropping his knees to the ground. “Did they also take the shards of glass.” “No. That would’ve been us.” Spike breathes as he turns his head to Flash. The frills on his head falling a bit to the right. “Why?” “So we might get some hoofprints, you know, the one thing that could help us find the culprit. Beside, it might of contained some additional evidence.” “And did it?” The smile on Flash’s muzzle died. “Ah, no.” I roll my eyes. Spike gets back to work. He went about for a few more minutes. I couldn’t understand what he was up to, but I keep my mouth shut. They way he looks around and paces from spot to spot, he looks like a wild dog. Then Flash steps in. “You’re five minutes are up: what do you have?” Spike directs his attention to Flash, standing erect. Hehe, erect. “You’re dealing with someone cleverer. Someone… who has nothing to lose.” “Could be that someone be dying?” Spike shakes his head. “No. This, thief, has all that they could desire. They don’t care if they lose it all, or don’t think they can lose it all. So this might of been done for fun.” “Spike,” Flash interjects, “I’m not getting just assumptions here, am I?” “Goodness no,” Spike replies, “I do my best to never let baiss affect my deductions. See, my first concern was that the thief was going to steal the Elements and pawn them off. But they couldn’t find anyone to sell them too, so they’re keeping quiet.” “But I doubt that. Someone has the funds and the tools to break into a place like this, without leaving a trace, willing to risk their life away by being shot or put into prison? No sane being would do that unless they already had a buyer.” “The only beings that would want something so grand, is someone seeking power. Someone who has misinterpreted the meaning to the Elements power. But, the probability of that is below two percent. No one would plan for all of this, and not be sure that their items worked.” “Now, you could somone is looking to destroy the bearers, and want all the measures to be taken. With this in mind, you Dash” –he turns to me– “should’ve been dead three days ago. Give or take.” I feel something boil in my belly but I don’t give a voice to it. “But with you alive – and thank goodness for that – it means that no-one has made any attempts. Seeing how the guards have been occupying Ponyville lately, judging by the two guards who were standing at the station back at Ponyville; they should’ve seen something strange by now. Something different. And…” he gestures a claw to Flash. “Nothing out of the ordinary so far.” “That’s unfortunate to hear – makes our jobs difficult. But whoever they are, they aren’t seeking to destroy Equestria just yet. Someone who plans on breaking in would want to take care of the girls while the Royal Guard is in disarray.” “That, and before the girls have time to come up with a substitute plane, which, they are known to do.” Spike gives a little chuckle. “Elements of Harmony or Elements of Luck, I’m not sure which one you girls are.” “What if the thief needs some time to cool down?” “Unlikely. If you’re planning for attack, you’re going to lay everything out in front of you and make sure each chain is solid; dispensing with those that are weak. Once your chain is complete and strong, then you have a plan which you follow straightly.” “But we can’t say for certain that an attack isn’t probable.” “That’s true. But that isn’t my concern, so I leave it to you, to worry about. Now, we have someone who has stolen a powerful weapon that is unique jewlery. But the thief has chosen to not sell it or attack Equertia. No threats; no bids. So why would anyone steal the Elements?” Flash turns his head to the case. “And leave a note.” Spike eyes read the words once again. His right claw twitches as he let’s his behind fall to the floor. I hear his breathing. “Dash, has anyone of you six lost anything important?” I think. “No. Nothing of note besides the Elements.” His breathing is louder. “Damnit. If the air was the same and the shards still here.” I can see Flash getting upset, and even though I’m surprised by his logic, which I would've never thought of, I see Spike is just starting to make excuses. “Spike, you’re not playing the blame game because you can’t figure it out, are you?” I say. It sucks to have to say it. He’s silent, then he speaks. But not to me. “Flash, do you have the log of when this all transpired?” Flashs digs into his satchel and retrieves a clipboard holding some paper. Spike smirks, takes a breath, and closes his eyes. “Dash, I need for you to neither talk or move. Don’t not think a thought and it would help if you were gone.” “Rude,” I say, but he keeps his head the same and doesn’t reply. So I do as I’m told. “Read the list and only give the facts; I don’t want your thoughts.” “Okay,” Flash says. “Guards claim to of heard sounds at two o'clock. Nothing. They resumed duty until the cleaning team arrives. A cry is heard, upon inspecting, the Elements of Harmony are stolen. The team is then detained and searched; nothing again. Thier backgrounds go too far back, and in that little time gap, it’s impossible that they could’ve done anything.” Spike cracks open an eye. “What did I say about opinions?” Sentry sighs and carries on. “The case at this time is shattered; most likely a blunt item was smashed against it. Glass on the carpet, hole in the glass. Six pedestals without their items.” Spike hums. “The guards on duty alert the rest of the Royal Guards; were called in and do the report. Take the glass in for inspection, sweep for prints, ask around town as due protocol. Nothing.” “Who were the first to became aware of this?” “Only those of commanding power in the Royal Guard. Oh, and the Princesses as well.” That makes sense to me. Explains how Twilight knew about it so early and gave me a heads up to warn the girls. She even paid us a visit a day later to explain everything. “What of the note?” “Reported in the second draft.” “What of the first draft?” “Huh?” “Where is it? The notes taken as soon as the guards saw the scene?” “Er, they didn’t take much in notes. They both saw the elements gone and the one booked the crew, while the other ran to go notify the other gaurds. The first guard wrote down what he saw on paper, but a lackey back at the office misplaced the paper.” Sentry stops for a second. “Why? It’s not really important—” “Of course it is!” Spike shouts, opening his eyes. “I’ve watched the event from my mind's eye and things are missing.” “Like what?” “The note!” Spike shouts back. He looks to me. “This is the only reason why you need me. Elementary things! Things that pass by the mind, that you don’t pay any attention you. The tidbits are what lead to your clues!” “Calm down!” Sentry shouts. I wonder if should I get involved? “Spike, the note is here. It’s always been here!” “I don’t think so,” Spike says, catching my full attention. “I think it was written after the Elements were taken. That there was no note when the two guards first came upon the scene.” “That’s impossible.” “It’s improbable,” Spike says. “And if you don’t think so, then let’s test your wits. Prove me wrong.” Flash says nothing with his mouth hung open. He coughs and tries again. “They, um, must’ve of saw it! And written it down, it just, we don’t have the paper.” “That’s not proof.” “Well, hey! When he talked to him, he told us everything.” “Was this before or after you had seen it?” “After, he was questioning the crew.” “And what did he have to say?” “He gave us the same account, broken glass, missing Elements.” “Note.” “Well, no. He said it all happened like a flash, and he was more occupied with the cleaning crew, making sure they didn’t have time to cook up a story. He says he might of seen a note, but he’s not entirely sure. “Not good enough. What did they staff say?” “We asked them if they might’ve known what it meant. But they didn’t have a clue. It was there when they saw the case.” Spike hummed. “So they might’ve written it themselves…” “Impossible!” “Unlikely,” Spike corrects. “To break the glass, steal the elements, then find a way to get them out of the museum, yes. To write with a green marker? Not impossible.” “Then you think the cleaners were involved in a way?” “I do,” Spike replies. “I’m not sure how or why; too many theories to make a proper deduction.” Spike screams and my body cravers. Flash jumps back and gasps. Just what the heck was that? “Sister mine, what, are you doing here?” Sister mine? There’s no one here! Did Spike find a way to take a drug before we came in? I look at Spike, and his face looks… I don’t know! I don’t know what emotion he’s displaying. “Narrow it down? But how? There’s too many possbitles that will be muckered by baisis – I don’t have enough facts.” I step towards him. “Enough! I already know you can solve it, but nothing is as so clear yet.” Silence. Then he strike a claw to the floor, resulting in a large bang. It sounds weird for a bang, almost like he’s knocking on a door. Spike smiles as he rises from the floor. He rushes over to me and envelopes me into a hug – I cry out as I’m raised from the floor and twirled about. His scales feel smooth, but I kick off his chest and fix him a good stare. Though it doesn't help that I’m blushing. “What was that about?” I say. My voice comes off as a little hoarse, as is its nature. But I’m not really upset, I’m kinda pretending to be upset. “Sister mine, you’re only function isn’t just to piss me off.” He looks down to me; it’s like he wasn’t aware what his body had just done. “Come, my dear Dash, we must go book a hotel immediately!” He starts at once for the door, a stray in his stride. “Wait!” Flash shouts, catching up to Spike. “What about the case?” “I’ll have it solved by tomorrow night!” Spike replies. “But I need a favor: I need for you to put the same amount of guards on the day of the break in. They must switch at the same time and and walk the same paths.” Spike leaves out the door. Flash Sentry looks to me as if I know the answers. I shrug, and rush out the door to catch up with Spike. “You going to explain what happened back there?” I say. He looks to me, smirks, and looks back to the road. “What, isn’t it obvilous?” Spike says. “I’ve already stated most of the facts and gave the logic behind them.” “Everything sounded crystal clear after you explain the steps and the logic, but I still don’t see the conclusion.” I bite my upper lip while I sigh. “Look, Spike, I’m no Twilight: I’m not the smartest pony around.” Spike looks at me – he looks genuinely surprised. “Really?” “Yes, really. Rainbow Dash, the althle of the group, is a bit on the dumber side.” I shrug my shoulders. “Anyone can guess that by just looking that.” “I’ve learned never to judge based on appearances; past memories can infuriated what you see. No, I go by what a pony says or does, and so far, nothing has pointed to the stupid side.” “I, uh,” I feel my cheeks warm up, instantly hiding my face. Damn, sometimes I wished I had Fluttershy’s mane. “Thank you, I guess.” He keeps silent as we carry on. I breathe in and out, trying to battle out the pink in my cheek. Though my breathing is doing nothing for my heartbeat, which is doing it’s best to be as loud as possible. “So, what is this all about? And I don’t remember agreeing to share a hotel room either.” Spike smirks again. “Not a worry! You know you can leave whenever you want – I won’t hold it against you.” “I’m not leaving you yet,” I say. All this detective stuff is pretty neat, and watching Spike as he works is a treat. Spike’s... pretty awesome. But I don’t think he knows that. “That’s good,” Spike said, keeping his eye off mine. “I know I’m a repulsive mind from a disgusting kind, so we I’ll order two hotel rooms next to each other.” “I didn’t say—” “Are you afraid of heights?” What? “I’m a pegsi, why would I be afraid of heights?” “No reason, we’ll book the highest floor then.” I’ve got no clue what this dragon is doing. The reason why he has no friends is apparent, but I keep my mouth shut as we walk about for a while. Again, ponies are looking as us, and once a again feel an anger whenever I look at mares. But this time, it looks like some of them are going to make a move. And a few of them are looking at where his coat splits above his tail. Sons of mares are admiring his tail! … And I don’t blame them. Oh what the tartarus is happening to me? Luckily, there are no attempts on my friends tail, and we make it to the hotel. It’s a decent place, probably about fourteen stories high. We go inside and there isn’t much to say. Spike speaks to the innkeep; they’re talking way too friendly with each other. For a guy with no friends, Spike sure knows a lot of acquaintances. Spike slides a pouch across the desk and the innkeep smiles, putting the bag in his own pocket. I step forward in haste. “Wait, Spike! I can’t have you paying for my room as well.” “Oh, don’t worry about that,” the innkeeper says with a smirk I just hate, “this is for something else. Spike helped the owner of the place out on more than a few occasions: he and any partners are welcomed in any room.” He shoots a glance at Spike, his smirk growing. Why do I feel the need to knock this guy out? “Though he likes the same room every time, isn’t that right?” Spike looks away, but he can’t help but nod his head. “Hm, that’s great.” The innkeep leaves for a moment, coming back with a pair of keys. “Here you are.” He places the keys on the table. We both pick our own. Spike sticks his in his jacket and mine in my tail; It’s a neat trick Pinkie taught me. “Forgive me for saying this–” me and Spike both stop and turn around “–but I’m surprised you two aren’t sharing a room. You two aren’t, a-a couple?” I recoil in shock, preparing to shout back. “No,” he says. “Nothing of the sort. I have no friends and there’s no way I’d ever make it that far with anybody else.” “Yeesh,” the innkeeper says, “I get it. You’re a dragon that nobody likes because you chose your mind instead of your body. Just know you’re always welcomed here, buddy.” Spike sighs and turns around. “Have my things sent up as soon as possible.” He makes for the elevator, I gallop in before the bellboy can shut the door. “I hate being bored.” “Righty-oh!” The innkeeper says, as we ascend the hotel heights. We reach the doors to our rooms without either one of us saying a word. Spike had gone quiet and his face looks sad in a way. We coincidentally remove our keys and unlock our doors. I look to him and he looks to me. He exhales, gives me a salute, and enters his room. I do the same. I enter the room and drop the key on the table. Removing my stactel, I let it fall to the ground. The hotel room is that of any hotel room, though it definitely has a high class feel to it. But none of that matters to me, as I throw myself onto the bed. I stretch my limbs until I feel light pop; giving a soft yawn. I scratch my undelly and allow my mane to cover my left eye. The sun is setting outside of my window, and my belly rumbles. Though I’m too lazy to get up. My mind doesn’t stay in the room long, as I wonder what’s happening in the room next to me. Did Spike take of his coat as soon as he got in? And, if he did, is he then going to go take a shower? That would require him to take his shirt off... That’s what’s different about him. Ponies are naked by default, yet Spike wears clothes. No pants; no clue why. But… as weird as it sounds… I’d love to see him without his shirt. It’d be a rare thing to behold. Even with his shirt own, you can see how well his scales display his muscles. Pony fur tends to hide it on ponies, unless you’re super big. I wonder if Spike has a six pack. Bah! I thinking stupid, but I’m curious. Besides, the way how he walks on two legs; it’s so different yet awesome!how we walks on two legs. I think they should put Spike in the museum: he’d make a great display piece. And then I could stare at him all I liked. There’s butterflies in my stomach, which is weird. Don’t get me wrong: I’ve had them before I perform a big trick. But never have I felt it for anypony else. Um, hey. Keep this a secret for me, but, I’ve actually never gotten… close to anypony else. I’ve flirted my fair share and let a stallion buy me a drink, but I’ve never really kissed anypony. I’ve always done my own thing and hung out with the girls, but I’ve never felt a spark for anypony else. I’ve just done me. And I’m not too huge on the dating thing. Farthest thing from a romantic, but someday, when I’m home alone and Tank’s at my bed’s end, I wish I had someone else there. Not to cuddle! But to just talk with, and, hang out. Okay, maybe I wouldn’t mind cuddling. As long as it’s not mushy! I wouldn’t mind dating, as long as it’s not mushy. Okay, it can a little mushy, as long as no one is watching. But the problem is, I don’t really have anyone I want to be mushy with. I’ve just met Spike. All I know about him, is that he’s dragon whose locked himself away from the world. He talks like he knows it all, which... makes you want to punch him! He hasn’t a friend and he’s an antisocial prick. Plus, there’s a good chance he does drugs for fun. Not the best special somedragon you could have. So why is that I want to be mushy with him? He’s jam-packed with problems. Yet I want to help him out with every single one. He may stick to reason and despise feelings, so there’s a chance I’ll get pushed away. And the guy’s already a genius, so I can’t help him with the big things. But helping him with the small stuff is more than enough to make me happy. I hope this case lasts longer than just a day. Or else I don’t have a reason to visit him again. And I really, want to visit him again. Should I get up and see if he wants to share dinner together? Not like in a date, but… something close to it. Just to see if I really like him or not. Before I roll out of my bed, I hear a knock. It’s not at my door. “F..or,..s…” I can’t make out what they’re saying. I hear the door close and more than one set of footsteps. “There is fine.” I hear Spike clearly. He does have a strong voice. “Per…hope….suts...well…” The door opens and I dash out of mine. A fellow Peggy wearing a hoodie with the hood up brushes past my side, my wings flare up instinctively. I cast an eye back, and he glances at me, offering a smirk as he hops onto the elevator. I look to Spike’s door with a frown. I suddenly have the urge to kick his scaly butt. I go over to this door and knock. I hear the opening and closing of a cupboard, and then the door opens. Spike’s expression hasn't changed. “Oh, it’s you. What’s up, Dash?” “Nothing much,” I say as I peer into his room. He closes the door till I can only see his eyes. “You expecting company?” “Not at all,” Spike says, his poker face matching that of Celestia, “just had quick chat with an acquaintance.” “Lots of acquaintances but no friends,” I say with the urge to roll my eyes. I don’t, though, as that kind of conversation won’t lead anywhere. “Anyways, you hungry? I know a lot of places in Canterlot that’ll give me a good discount for being, well, me.” I feel my pride rise. “Sorry, I can’t.” I didn’t know I was smiling until I started frowning. “If I’m going to solve this case by tomorrow, then I’m going to need to spend the rest of today planning for every possibility.” “Oh…” “I’ll be sure to come wake you up early tomorrow to have breakfast: I’ll share my plans then.” “Ah… okay.” Why did I even come over here for? I already knew what answer would be. Besides, what he and his problems are none of my business. I’m tired. My eyes are falling close on me. I go back into my room and bury myself into the pillow. Blue strands of hair are getting into my eye, but I don’t mind. I close my eyes and steady my breath. Maybe a breakfast date wouldn’t be so bad after all. But, having a candlelit dinner with a lit candle, in Canterlot no less. Well, that would have been pretty awesome. It would have been so… awesome. I fall asleep and hope my dreams would be just that. Why is it that I can sleep eight hours and still have trouble getting up for work? But on a day off, when all I can do is sleep, my body decides that few hours are fine. I wake up alert, too. Thanks body, maybe you could switch it that I can wake up ready to work? Prick. I get up and walk about in my room. I can feel the hunger from earlier rising, but I don’t feel quite like eating yet. My mind is working double time and I don’t know why, but I’m aware of it’s thoughts: Spike. What kinda six sense is this? Should I go check on him? It’s still night out; I must’ve been out for no longer than a few hours. So I could go knock on his door, but I don’t want to wake him up or disturb him if he’s thinking. That would be neat, seeing him think. Pacing around the room or sitting still, whispering his thoughts outloud. I’m not a smart pony, but hearing his train of thought outloud was interesting. It made me feel smart as well, even if I’m cheating. I walk over to the sliding doors of the room, which I pause before. The view of the waterfall captures me, and I kinda wished I were an artist. A brush and those cavern things, I would paint that waterfall. I think Spike is starting to be a negative effect on me. Sliding open the door to the balcony, the breeze greets my mane, sending it back flying. I step forward and close the door behind me. The falling water of the waterfall meets my ears, my shoulders relaxing all on their own. I exhale and flare my wings out. Can what I’m about to do be considered peeping? Typically it’s the male peeping on the female, but it’s not only limited to that. Eh. As long as Spike doesn’t press charges, then I should be fine. I jump past the rails and hover over the spot, as I peer into the window of my neighbour. The curtains are drawn but I can steal a peek. Landing on his balcony, I look inside. The room is similar to that of mine, though it’s already a mess. Clothes and other such things littering the ground; bedsheets already in disarray, despite Spike looking like he hasn’t slept. Remember how I was wishing to see Spike with less clothing? Well, my wish kinda came true, as he’s only wearing a shirt which is halfway unbuttoned. Beat that urge to help the buttons reach the bottom, Rainbow Dash. Beat it! Beat it! I don’t think I would’ve beaten that urge if it weren’t for what I saw next. Spike has a blade in his claw. It looks like a knife, but slightly bigger. What the heck is he doing with it… oh. The blade nears his arm, as it slides across his scales. No blood, yet he cutting deeper into his own hide. Wait, what!? Spike, what the heck are you doing?! The blade is getting deeper… is Spike depressed? Suicidal? Just what the heck is it with this guy? First he acts like he has a god complex, then cuts himself when no one's looking. There’s no way I’m going to let this happen. I slam my body again the doors, he can hear the banging. Though he continues to cut. Anymore and he’ll start bleeding. But that’s not happening on my watch; no way. My banging isn’t doing much, but the realization that the door is unlocked does wonders as I slide it open. Stepping into the room, Spike doesn't notice me. He isn’t aware of anything happening in the room; his eyes still yet wandering. Looking at his arm, it wasn’t only a knife he was cutting against it. It was a needle. “What do you think you’re doing!” I shout. He doesn’t notice, still dazed. I’m careful with my steps as I approach him, making sure none of my movements come as a surprise or even hostile. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. The needle is prodding out of his arm – begging to be yanked out. I meet its request and earn a groan from the drake. That should subside for a good slap across the face. “What the heck is going on here, Spike!?” I cry. He looks at me, he knows I’m here, yet he doesn’t say anything. I look at his emerald eyes with a hint of red, while he stares into mine. I wonder what he’s thinking Just who did Twilight send me to? “Relieving my boredom,” Spike says, exhaling. “So you inject yourself with, with”– I pick up the needle with a blood at the end –“whatever the heck is in this!” “It’s part of the case,” Spike replies. He speaks like it’s nothing, and I hate him so much for it. “It increase my perspective and my imagination by twelve percent; allowing me to place myself when the robbery took place.” “Really?” I ask with the tilt of the head. That’s interesting, and could help. Wait. “My heart spikes, and the world before me is replace with the world in my mind. By Celestia… who needs to do anything else when you can live like this!” “Stop being stupid, Spike!” I shout. “Do you have any idea what effect this stuff has on you? Geez, you really are addict, aren’t you?” “With us on a rock in an indifferent universe, with no meaning to life, expect those self-imposed – I need something to keep me flowing. Boredom is too much for me, but I don’t want to die. Death is the ultimate boredom.” “But think about the negative effect this stuff has on you!” Spike narrows his eyes on me as his next words come out as a hiss. “I’m a dragon that can handle it. What I do my private is worth of none of your concern.” That's not to work with me. “The hay it is! You’re working on a case which the safety of Equestria depends on.” “Not really. You girls have knack for making something up to save the day. After all, doesn’t friendship save everything in the end?” His words are mocking and really want slap him, but, I can’t. I can’t harm him in this state. Plus, damn it, he’s got a point. “A last minute plan doesn't always work. It’s not something we or the land can rely on.” He doesn't have a comeback for that. Instead, he relaxes his back into the bed post. He doesn’t say anything, as it looks like his mind begins to wonder. We’re not done yet. “Hey,” he looks to me, “can you pass me the needle? I’ve spent so much money on it, and it’s be a shame not to see it used fully.” I picked up the needle and he smiled. I threw the needle against the wall and he stopped smiling. “Why cut your arm?” I ask. “Enjoy the pain?” “Not at all,” he replies, “scales at too thick for a needle to pierce. Gotta make it’s job easier somehow.” He shuffles, his eyes brightening. “See, I cut it just enough to dig into my scales, never enough to bleed. Think to the point where ponies are able to receive needles. Then, I inject the needle as the scales are weak enough.” I sigh and look around the room to find something patch up his arm with. “As interesting as that is Spike – you being the only dragon and all – I’d rather I never learn it at the reward of you never being involved with this stuff.” I walk over to the medical cabinet. “A dragon of my caibler has to pass the time somehow. Magic all to the brain, I’ve got nothing but crimes and drugs to interest me. Unfortunately for me, our land is quite the peaceful one.” Explains why you live in the woods, Spike. “Besides, I have a feeling if it weren’t for the drugs, I’d find myself on the other side of the law to relieve my boredom.” He gives a big laugh – he’s definitely gone mad. “I don’t think many would approve of that, so, it’s a good thing I use these instead.” I bite down on the bandage row and close the cabinet. Approaching him, I lay down on my tummy and start rolling the roll around his wrist. He doesn't object, but he inches away from my actions. Never saying anything. “That sounds like an excuse to me,” I say. Not to be hostile, but, just to state my mind. “You’re right.” I shoot my head to his, as his eyes look into mine with an emotions I can’t quite describe. Whatever it is, it’s enough to stall my heart and make me feel sad. “But I’ve got nothing else to do. Knowledge flows too easily to me; others baffle me, and it seems there isn’t a point to most things life. I’m a freak to all. But really, I’m just lost, not sure where to go or what to do. But doing this type of thing alleviates me.” Spike smiles. “Plus it really does allow for me to think better.” “Spike… what if others, y’know, care about you see you do this? Don’t you think it may hurt them to see yourself like this?” Spike chuckles. “I’m alone, Dash. There isn’t pain for me, just boredom. And the only ones that may concern themselves for me are the ones I hate most in this world.” “What about me?” I ask. “What about you?” “Don’t you think I may care about you?” “I doubt it,” he says. “We’ve just met, and if you were to learn more of me, the more you’d want to stray away from me?” “And how do you know that?” “Deduction.” “And what if you’re wrong?” “I’m almost never wrong.” Did... someone... hurt you, Spike? Why are you like this? Please, I want to know. We sit in silence for a while, with no light in the room besides that of the moon. “Hey, Dash?” “Yeah?” “Can I ask for a favor?” “Depends on what it is.” “Whenever I dapple in this type of thing, the aftermath comes with a bit of a shock. And while I’m use to being alone and prefer it to being in company, I feel as I’m going to dread this loneliness.” “So~?” Spike isn’t looking at me, but something tells me he wants to. “Can you hold my claw?” His voice cracks before he can say more. My own heart is going double time; my eyes glue to his being. I say nothing in return, as my actions speak for me. My hoof reaches for his claw, which he in turns grabs with his claw. Giving it a little squeeze, he smiles and closes his eyes. “Thank you. When replace the world with the one in your head, yours fears come with it. And oh Celestia, it’s harder to face them.” We lay against his bedside, and I suppress to joke that this is the closest I’ve been to a guy. I smile to myself, and fall asleep with that thought. A claw in hoof; a hoof in a claw. Together we sleep, to, I hope, a better tomorrow.
Chapter III – Fake By Six WordsThe sun is a prick. I’m not saying Celestia’s art is bad or anything; it keeps the land warm and gives us light. But that ball of fire is a prick and it knows it. But... I suppose waking me at early hour isn’t too bad – that is, as long as Spike is still asleep. And I can watch his chest rise and fall with every breath. His faint-green chest expanding. I look down to my hoof on the carpet, frowning as it must of slipped from his grasp. Eh, dang, his claw is curled up, so I can’t even sneak it back in. That blows. But, since Spike is asleep, that means he isn’t conscious of anything I may do. Meaning, I could do almost anything to him. I’d normally say this in the sense of pranks, but, that’s the furthest thing from my mind. His shirt is still halfway down, and the urge to help it meet its end is tempting. But another idea springs to mind, something I don’t expect from myself. Standing up on two hooves, I lean my body forward, and wrap my forehooves around his neck. I press my body against his, and thus, I create a hug! ...what is wrong with me? My eyes wander down his shoulder, where I can see his claws raise for just a moment, before falling back down onto the carpet. I want to squeeze him as hard as I can; to just get that urge out. But there’s no way I’m going to wake up him up like this. After a while, once my heart is satisfied, my hooves come back from his neck and return to the floor. His wrist is still covered by the bandage, with no blood seeping through. I unroll the bandage – being careful not to wake the beast. It comes off without a hitch, and a clean wrist greets me. I blink twice at that. No traces of blood or even a cut. The wrist looks brand-spankin’ new. I look to his face expecting a smirk, yet all I see are those closed eyes. Just when did dragons get healing powers? Meh. I throw away the bandage and let sleeping drakes lie. The hotel room is a mess. I don’t know how, but the sheets are on the ground and the tables are littered with different type of bottles. It doesn't look like he ate, but he sure consumed a lot. I should hide most of this stuff for his own good. And I do just that. It takes me hours at home to get myself to cleaning, but yet when in the service of others, I’m willing to do anything. Oh well – gotta pass the time somehow. As I start cleaning, I hear groans coming from the other room. I peek in, but Spike’s still asleep. “Never… be like you,” his head falls left. “Monster… no.” The grumbles end there, but Spike continues to twitch in his sleep. Should I wake him up? I mean, he hasn’t slept that long, and he probably needs it from all the doses he took last night. Bah! Its his fault for taking those things; livid dreams aren’t always awesome. It isn’t until I straighten out the bedding that I hear a groan, followed by a yawn, come from other room. I huff, giving a little smirk, as I give one final pull the bed sheet. I walk over into the next room with that smirk ever so present. “Sleep well?” I ask with the tilt of the head. He gestures a claw at me and grips his head with the other. “What time is it?” “Close to noon – I let you sleep in.” “Huh,” he says. He moves his back and stretches out his limbs. He yawns, scratches the back of his neck, and then hops up into the air. “Whelp! I’ve already wasted more time than there was to spare. I’m going to hop into the shower, then we’ll head off to this nice shop.” He tries to walk past me: I pin his tail to the ground, resulting in a surprised cry. “You’re not in the clear yet,” I say, “we still need to chat about what happened to you last night.” He gives a laugh and wrestles his tail out from my hoof. “First time I’ve heard that.” I point my head to the kitchen. “What’s with the bottles?” “Medicine to increase my high.” “Why did you get high?” “To solve this case.” “Why do you need drugs to do that?” “It helps me think better. I can place myself in any time period, with any secinaro, and it will play like it would in real-life. It like I’m actually there and away from here. Plus, it helps relieve my boredom.” “Spike,” I say, softening my voice and looking down, “you can talk to me. I know we’ve just met, and, I like to poke fun at you. But I really don’t want see you hurting yourself.” “Dabbling with this stuff doesn't hurt me, Rainbow Dash. It’s quite the opposite; it makes me feel good.” “At a cost.” “Which I’ve already deemed well spent. You’ve been around me long enough to know I think of every detail, yes?” “Spike,” I try again with a soft voice, but look him right in the eyes. “Are you… I don’t know, sad about anything? Depressed? Suicidal?” “Something worse I fear,” Spike says as he leans forward, “I’m bored.” I shake my head. “That’s nothing to do drugs for!” “And why not?” he whines. “Life has no meaning; nothing really to be done. I’ve rejected my dragon roots only to come to that conclusion.” Spike rubs his chin. “Maybe I would’ve done better to just become a dumb brute.” “What about others, Spike?” I reason. “Surely other ponies are hurt at seeing you do this?” “I know of no friends but acquaintances; none close enough to care. That in of itself is an issue I don’t feel like dealing with.” “So,” I look away, playing carefully with my next words, “what if I care about you? What if it hurts me to see you doing stupid stuff?” “Bah.” He waves a claw. “We’ve only just met; you can’t care for me yet. If anything, you may have found astonishment in my prowess, but you know nothing of Spike the being.” “Just because I don’t know you I can’t care about you?” “You can – but it’ll be superficial.” “This is bull,” I say as I walk over to the kitchen. “I’m going to dump all these.” “Please don’t,” Spike says, taking a few steps towards me. “The case isn’t done and there may be a chance we may need those.” Crap. Is he lying or telling the truth? “Then-then, I’ll take them! I’ll be the judge if we need them if the time comes.” I swipe the bottles and place it at the bottom cabinet. I look to Spike and he shrugs. “Alright, I guess that’s fair,” he says. Without another word, he leaves into the next room and closes the door, the running of the shower greets my ears. I know dragons, that when woken up, are grumpy, not that different from ponies, but they sure can be pricks. Sighing, there isn’t much for me to do here. So I leave to my own hotel room and prepare a shower for myself. Maybe it’ll help me think better on what I should do next. Spike has problems, and he’s aware of them too. He’s got so much and throwing it away for so little, and my only question is this: why? “You look nice.” We’re both sitting in a booth on the edge of the balcony. It’s neat place Spike took us to. It being a sandwich shop that has seats going out to the edge, which gives you a pretty good view of Canterlot. I’m surprised they don’t put scopes here and charge ya to look through them. “Thanks,” I say back. Did I mention Spike’s horrible at making small talk? “So, what are we doing here? Besides eating sandwiches and killing time.” “Well, the sandwiches here are like no other, so I always make it a point of coming here; we’re going to need the energy after all. Now, there is another reason why we’re here, care to guess?” “I don’t feel like being played the idiot.” Spike claps his claws. “Oh come on now! It’s not too hard to guess.” I sigh and nod. I look at the seats around us and nothing pops out. Spike wanted us to sit at the edge and I thought for the view, but maybe there was another reason. So I look over the rail and at the city, everything shining under the light, yet nothing catching my eye. I look down and I see it, grinning of course. “We’re overlooking the museum.” “Good!” Spike says with the faintest of a smile. “Now go on.” Crap. I thought that would be enough to satisfy him. “To first plan what we should do next, or, you tell me whatever plan you have. Then judge from up here how the break in might of happened?” “That’s good,” Spike says, leaning forward over the table. “Now, how do you think they broke in?” Snuck in of course. No alarms, past the guards without an alert, zero marks left behind. I have a theory in mind, and I go to answer. “Brother mine, you’ll never find out that way.” The smile dies from Spike’s face as his entire being darkens. I turn my head to the voice and dash towards the source, enveloping Twilight in a big ol hug. Twilight smiles and nuzzles my cheek, I don’t even care that we’re in public as I return it. “Twilight!” I cry. “It’s been way too long since we’ve last saw each other. Celestia, me and the girls have been wondering what’s kept you, seeing how you left after just telling us the news.” “I know,” she says, “I know,” she says more softly. “Telling the public that the world isn’t going to end is quite the task.” “Hehe, ponies and paperwork. Geeze, I know being a Princess must be awesome, but there’s no way I could deal with all the stuff you have to.” Twilight ended the hug and gave me a nod. She then turned to Spike and her smile disappeared. “How have you been, Spike?” Spike went to answer. “Staying away from the drugs I hope?” Twilight says. “Why of course!” Spike says. “Haven’t touched them since the day I was born.” Twilight cocks her head right, lips taking an unusual twist. “Really? Because the way you’ve been scratching at your left wrist tells me something different. Unless, of course, that’s from another nightly session you like to partake in?” I drive my head back. Did… Twilight… adult... joke? Cannot comprehend. “You already know I’d rather do drugs then stoop that low,” Spike says, with a drop of a smile. “Damn. You got me.” Twilight lowers her head and sighs. Her lips become a frown. “Spike, we’ve discussed this.” “Not a worry, I only dabbled in it for a case I’m on.” Spike’s changing the subject and I want to stop him. But the words don’t come out of me. Looking to Twilight, she’s got the same thing on mind. “So… Rainbow convinced you to help out with the Elements?” “Indeed she has; figured with sister of mine in need, I’d give her a helping claw.” “Now aren’t I grateful.” Twilight says with the sway of the mane. “I don’t get any of this!” I shout, both heads turning to me. “Sister mine, brother mine, how do you two know each other?” Spike looks like he’s about to say something, but shoots his head away. “I’m sorry I’ve never told you this before Rainbow, but I’m not the only one in the group with siblings.” Twilight’s persona seems so professional that I’m thinking this is all some kind of play. “Spike here is my adopted brother, the same dragon I hatched for my magical exam. He’s an odd one, strung along with a purpose that the world isn’t ready for.” “Ha,” Spike fakes, “I’m surprised you didn’t say ashamed of.” “Even with out playful relationship, that jokes goes too far!” Twilight shoots back, face almost boiling, “Spike.” “Meh.” He goes back to looking over the city. I turn my attention back to Twilight. “I… I don’t get it. So you and Spike are like adopted brother and sister? But how is that allowed? And, and, just who is Spike anyway!?” “That’s a lot of questions,” Twilight says as she sits down. “Firstly, I hatched his egg when I was a filly, and me and Celestia helped raised him. Some royals had issues with it at first, but Celestia saw to it that no harm came to Spike.” Spike groans and turns back to us. “Can we not talk about this now? When you interrupted us before, you said that I was doing something wrong.” “Indeed you are, little brother,” Twilight says, though her lips did not take on a smirk. “Once again, you more focused with the facts than the bigger picture. Just because you know knowledge doesn’t necessarily mean it’s always needed.” “So I should be more focused on the why of everything?” “Precisely,” Twilight says, “you’re aware of the facts, so what of the picture? Can you paint me the crime?” Just when did Twilight get so… royal? She’s never really been like this around us, yet when Spike is here, I have trouble differentiating Princess Twilight Sparkle and Twilight Sparkle. I look to Spike to see his eyes close. “This isn’t my canvas to paint on, but a piece of art, which I must decipher the meaning.” “Good,” Twilight's says. “Next?” “Well, if all the thief wanted to do was paint a picture, then this is nothing more to him than art.” “You mean all he wants it to put our Elements on some kind of wall?” I say and regret doing so. They both look at me like I have the title idiot above my head. “No… well…” Twilight places a hoof on her chin. “I mean”– Spike looks to Twilight looking concerned –“that could be part of it, right?” Her hoof slides off her chin. “There’s a good chance! I mean, he or she gotta place them somewhere while they wait for you to find them.” They both look to me, their smiles offering me all their pity. I’m not sure if I hate myself or them more. “So, uhm, back to the uh… talky, thingy.” Spike takes a breath. “Whoever is doing this, must be of power or insanity, maybe both. Either way, they’re only doing this to paint some picture in their heads.” Spike sighs, resting his eyes. Twilight places a hoof on his claw. “I know there’s a wall, but don’t stop.” Inhaling and exhaling, Spike continues. “You girls have enemies. But they all would want to attack right away, or at least take claim to their crime. Unless you have someone new, stalking you from the shadows, then I don’t think… this case… involves… the Element bearers...” Twilight scrunches her nose. “Wha– what do you mean, Spike?” “I mean, the thief could of taken anything, so that disproves that theory. Unless, the thief needed a lot of attention, in which case, nothing is more talked about nowadays then the Elements. If this theory is true, then the girls are irrelevant to the thief.” Twilight’s throat makes some weird sounds. And, not only that, but I think Twi’s trying to play a poker face. “Stole-art-pony irrelevant. Guard-useless-power and painting- but what all for?” I look to Twilight and she doesn't look to me. Why is the air now so hard to breath? “It would be so much easier the other way around; someone wants to play a game with still fragile minded pieces. But no, they are of no concern to the thrift. So then, who else is the theif interested in?” I have to interject. “What if, someone just did for the fun of it, and you’re just looking too much into it?” That’s enough to shake him out of his trance. Eyes blinking, he gives me a quick nod before returning to silence. Twilight exhales. “She’s right, Spike. This is a problem you mull over – you can’t deal too much into it.” Spike looks to Twilight and brings his claws together. “You’re smarter than me, Twi. And this case is of a bigger magnitude than finding a murderer or a cheating spouse. You know more than what you’re letting on, so why don’t you just take over?” “I probably would have, if I hadn't found you doing it for me. But someone has to keep the press under control, Spike. Besides, I believe in you.” She smiles at the drake. A true smile, none of that acting stuff from before. “I know you’ll pull something off.” “Alright,” he says. “The case interests me, so I’ll stick along for a bit longer.” “That’s good to hear,” Twilight says as she steps forward, giving the drake a quick hug which he does not return. Though his eyes tell a different story. “Besides, you may find something on the trip worth keeping onto.” “Heh, yeah.” Spike chuckles. “Just like how you left the castle to go oversee some celebrations, and decided to not come back afterwards?” Twilight pulls back from the hug. “That’s because I found friends on my adventure, not acquaintances, as you like to put it.” “Always knew you were an extrovert,” Spike whispers with a half-smile. Twilight giggles and goes to leave, but not without turning to me one last time. “Rainbow, how long do you plan on sticking around with Spike?” “Probably until this case is done.” “That’s good,” she says, her eyes lost in the sky behind me. “Then, please do me a favor, and take care of him?” I give a salute. “I’ll do my best.” “Thank you.” And with that, Twilight Sparkle was gone. My turn my head over to Spike. “So you’ve got more story to you then you let on.” “I suppose.” “Anything you want to share?’ “I think I’ll let your imagination play with what you have.” I chuckle. “I don’t know, I do have knack of coming up with some pretty whacky things.” “My entire life is a whacky mess – I’m sure you’ll figure it out just fine.” “Heh, so with that in the back of the mind, what… are we going to do next?” Spike sighs. “Not to sure. Twilight annulled any theory I might of had, and my mind is still playing with the whys of the case. So, all we can do is go with this plan.” He looks arounds us, confirms no one is within ear shot, and leans into me. “We’re going to break into a museum.” Should I have expected anything different? “Ohh, great.” “And we’re going to do it in the same fashion as the robbers.” I rest my head on my hoof. “I shouldn’t have expected anything less from you.” Spike smiles as he points a claw to the sun. “Here’s to midnight!” It’s midnight and I’m not sure how. Ever get the feeling that something important needs to be done, yet you put if off for another five minutes, and next thing you know: bam! It’s midnight. Well that wasn’t the case. Sure, I got to hang out with Spike, which was pretty awesome. He didn’t say anything more on his history, but getting to know him in the present was enough for me. I’m not sure what I feel for the guy though. Badass when I first met him, gets upset easily, and something plaguing him from within. I guess I’ve seen the best and worst of him. Not sure what judgement to make, but something’s certainly there. I’m going to hang with him a little more, so I can wait until the end of the case to see what I feel. Regardless of the outcome: I hope we can be friends. “Dash… Rainbow Dash?” Claw snap in front of me, causing my conscious to stir. “Wha…” I look up to Spike as he smiles. His coat is done up and he even has a goffy hat on. “I can’t have you phasing out like that. Now, if you don’t think you can handle–” “Oh I can handle breaking into a place just fine, thank you,” I say. My heart is beating nervously as we approach the doors, though that’s the rush that make me feel alive. “Hey, is your heart… racing, by any chance?” He looks at me over his shoulder. “Of course it is,” he says, looking forward. “After all, this feeling is what relieves me of my boredom and keeps me off the druggies.” “Ah, the rush of the action; thinking of a plan!” I say a bit too loudly. I look around to make sure no one heard us. “So, the reason you solve crimes, is because you use it as an alternative to getting high?” “Correcto!” “But, there’s one thing I don’t understand.” “And that is?” “If all of this is a distraction for you, then what are you going to do when it’s time to face your fears?” Spike halts in his step, and with the way he’s standing, I dare not take a step past him. “Absolutely nothing. There’s nothing I can do in the face of my fear; barely any reason to live, but all the reason to not die.” Spike starts to walk and so do I. “But isn’t there more you could do in this world? I mean, there is just so much to do this in this life. Learning new things and meeting other awesome creatures, I don’t know how you could be bored of that.” “What’s the point to doing anything if it doesn’t interest me? Besides, most ponies and I don’t get along, from who I am and what I am.” He sighs for a moment, his shoulders are low but they look so tense. “I made many sacrifices to become me, and I don’t have much to say for it.” The conversation ended there. I wanted to say more, but I don’t think anything I say will be of use; my pep talks phasing through him. And, I’m starting to think, if I do learn more about Spike the Dragon. Then, there’s a chance, that maybe… … I won’t like him. Blargh. I can’t let these thoughts bother my mind. We’re about to break into prestige mesuem of Canterlot, with no excuse if we’re caught. Probably should put some brain power to being focused... ...probably. Though as we walk side by side, we haven’t been hauled by anyone yet. The barricades are still up but no one is at guard. I look around at nearby buildings, maybe someone could be spying on us for afar. That makes sense: a good trap for if the thief were to return. But Spike instructed that everything be the same, so that can’t be the case. “What’s up with the lack of security?” I say. “I don’t know,” Spike grumbles, mind somewhere else. First time I heard him say that, but I keep that thought to myself. We reach the barricade and Spike crouches down next to it. He wipes a claw at the tip of it, then blows a green flame over the surface. I step back in recoil, but my head inches forward. The flame sweeps over the surface, but nothing catches fire. Instead, Spike fingerprint at the tip has a candle light, illuminating his green print. “Weird,” Spike mutters, “someone’s wiped the prints.” He stands up and shoots his head around. He looks to me as if I have something to say about this, but I haven’t a clue. So we continue our quest forward, going up the steps into the museum, where open doors greet us. I go to shout, but Spike places his claw over my lips. Irritated, I understand why, and gulp down that shout as we enter the museum. Once again, we stroll down that red carpet into the heart of the museum. The air hangs over us like a heavy object ready, ready to fall to fall on our heads. Well, not like that. But it does feel like something sinister is about to happen. Sinister, really? Maybe it isn’t a good idea to stick around Spike after this. We reach the glass case for the Elements. And that’s it, I can’t take this anymore! I just want to blather all my questions to Spike in hopes that he’ll have an answer to all of them. Instead of that though, he looks around and proposes his own question. “I don’t get it. There’s no guards and the door was open just for us. With no prints, this place begs the no one has even step foot in here – like we’re the first guests. If that’s the case, where’s the host? I really do want to complain that all my thinking became redundant because of him.” Spike looks at the candles above our heads. All of them lit and guided us down the path to the Elements. But the last two candles remain unlit. Cracking his neck right and left, Spike spits a flame, which splits into and lands on both candles. I clap my hooves at the trick-shot, as the two candles flare up a green light. A wave of air wipes out all the candles except for the two, a thud coming from the entrance. Someone closed the door! Darkness begins to creeps around us, the only exception being the green light, illuminating the space around us with its color. The space around us isn’t the same. Crayon drawing are on the walls. No words, but picture that look to be drawn by little colt. Some of boxes, other of stick figures pushing things; did someone recreate a child’s sketchbook on the wall. And on the wall, behind the Element’s display case, are the words taking up the entire wall: I Owe You 4: Make Yourself at Home. I just don’t understand it. How someone could do this and why? Why why why? Where’s the Royal Guard? Where we let in or was the open door a coincidence? What do these drawings mean? Do they even have any meaning? But none of these questions compared to this one: “What do you make of this, Spike?” He look to me with a look which I can’t describe. “Something more than I expected.” He took a step towards the stairs, which two smiley faces smile at. Dropping to his knees, he knocks on the step; it sounds like he was knocking on a tree. “It’s hollow,” he says, whipping his head around the mesuem. “Stealing wasn’t an issue to thief; he owns place...” “What?” I walk up the steps and look at him. It weird that we’re both at the same eye level. “The thief doesn’t even consider himself a thief. Heck, we can’t even call him a thief. There wasn’t even a break in; he just used the spare door. So, this is neither a game or a work of art, but something else.” Spike stop talking after that, as his eyes wander past me. He looks lost in a away. “Then who is he doing this for, and what does he want in the end? Could I have been right earlier?” Spike said. His voice sounds frail and ready to crack, eyes lost in the light of his own flame. I promptly kicked him in the groin. “Spike, knock it off. Someone’s drawn some pictures on the wall and there’s something weird with the steps. You have some clues; figure it out! You’ll never find out the why unless you catch this guy.” Spike rubs himself in the incited area before casting me a glance. “You’re right. Too caught up in the big picture to look at the facts in front of me.” He chuckles. “You really are a good partner, Dash.” I grin and flare up my wings, hovering over to the picture to see if I can could figure anything out. I’ll describe the what I see as such: A stick figure standing away from a group of stick figures: is he lonely? A stick figure, pushing a stroller, with no kid inside: no clue about this. A stick figure standing with a big head, but a small body: no clue. Then the last one: Two stick figure standing next to each other. The left figure has only a right eye; the right figure only has a left eye. None of them have libs, though the left figure has some sort of tail, while the right has horribly drawn wings. I feel like there’s something here but it's flown over my head. Both figures are different because of the opposite eyes, yet the same because they’re still missing an eye. Wings typically symbolize freedom, but what of that of a tail? Wait. Could this be of me and Spike? No, I doubt it. But it screams of some kind of duo. Dang it, none of this is making sense: I suppose nothing has made sense since the start of this case. Heh, I hope Spike can make something out from all of this. Spike’s eyes dance across the room, until he notices a glass display with a small replica of a olden wagon. He walks over to the display and inspects the case. He then proceeds to push it forward – it doesn't budge and he looks like a idiot. The look in his eyes admits this to me, but I hold back the laugh. The light that comes from the light bulb over Spike’s head contrasts the green light, but quickly disappears. But then Spike places his fist before the glass. I cough, gaining his attention. “You do realize, that breaking the glass, and even, touching, the wagon, will net you the same crime as if you were to steal the Elements?” Spike bounces his head right and left. “You’re right, prison does sound boring.” He retracts his claw by an inch. “But it’s not illegal as long as you don’t get caught!” And with that, the display glass was shattered. I rear back and check my surroundings, expecting an alarm to go off with the entire Royal Army surrounding the place. Or for a magical bubble to encase the both of us, with the Princesses herself to send us away. Second after second, only the sound of the dancing candles fill my ears. No alarms? Seriously! No wonder the Elements were stolen! It’s like a candy shop in here. Spike’s claws run into the glass cabinet, his claw giving the handle of the waggon a little push. It moves an inch, then a click, and all is silent except for the racing steps. My eyes flare open as we run to the newly created opening. The carpet starts to sag, and after a few more seconds, the carpet falls and lands onto the new steps perfectly. For underneath the display of the Elements of Harmony, exists a tunnel. I look to Spike. “I’m starting to think someone either really dumb or really powerful.” On the top of the opening, are words brought to the life with Spike’s green flame: IOU 3: For the hints on the wall. I sigh Spike gives me a nod, as we both descend into the tunnel. The fire continues to burn behind us, but we soon lose sight of it’s existence. The tunnel is dark and cold, my fur almost not enough to keep me warm. Despite the path being straight, I keep bumping off the walls. Spike has no issue navigating through the thick nothingness, with me using his tail as a tourguide. This thing feels like it goes on forever. Maybe it’s the darkness playing with my head, but it feels like there’s no end to this thing. I can’t see the beginning and I’m beginning to doubt there is an end. I want to talk but it feel like something has my throat. My hoof is glued to Spike’s back. He says nothing of it as we press further. I wish he would give me a piggy-back ride, so I could close my eyes, and wait for this to be over. I wish this was over. Wind greets us. Oh great air greets us! If there’s wind, then there’s an opening somewhere. We’ve reached the end! Oh yea, who's awesome!? Making it through a long dark tunnel without muttering one complaint? This mare! We reach the end of the tunnel, only for my spirit to die once more. Now we get to climb a stairway. Isn’t my life great? The climb isn’t so bad. The tunnel drained me but at least I know the stairwell ends. The walls feel old, yet fresh – as if they’re leading me to a familiar place. As we reach the opening at the top of the stairs, I realize that I was wrong. This place is more than familiar, I’ve been in this place more than I can count. Looking around me with suspended breath, I look to Spike, and let it all out. Spike and I are standing in Canterlot Castle. “This isn’t right,” I say, eyes blinking on their own, “this is way too messed up.” A million possibilities run through my head, all leading in different paths I don’t want to think about. “Spike, do you think… Princess Celestia, is she… could she...?” Spike looks as shocked as me. But he shakes his head and facial expression returns to normal. “I-I doubt it. I know she pulls some strings for you ponies, to help you learn your lessons, but she wouldn’t go this far.” I hum in agreeance. “But she knows who did this,” he says with a clutch of a claw. “But she didn’t do anything to stop them.” He places his thumb on the edge of in inner-lip. “Or she can’t do anything to stop him.” My eyes are blinking on their own now as my mind decides to call it a quits. “Someone not only of financial power, but political power as well. Someone more powerful than the Princess... of the land.” “Someone with a magic stronger than the Princess's,” I say, my mind unable to comprehend as my body does things of its own will. “Maybe, but I doubt that as well.” The claw comes off his lip and that becomes my main interest. “Why then not take her place? Someone of that caliber of power should’ve been noticed by now. Some actions or plans should have been carried out by now. I don’t think this being has magic, but a power far greater than it.” “What?” I say. Spike looks down to me. “I’m not sure, and I’m excited and scared to find out.” He takes the lead to the outside, to where the winds of the morrow greet us. A bridge connects all seven towers of the castle. I wonder if Celestia is in one of the towers, raising the sun. I wonder, now, if I could go to her now and ask for help. Cause honestly, it feels like my world is shattering. The wind is strong up here, almost sending us off the edge. For the first time in my life, I’m afraid of heights. As we make it halfway across the bridge, Spike has kept the same composure. Yet his eyes is jumping to every detail of the bridge, until they settle on the tower just up ahead. This one is bigger than the last, with a giant glass chasm above it. We’re close now, and my heart is jumping out of my chest. I hear whispers and steps from ahead, and I can’t quite calm myself down. Spike is faring better than me, but even his claw is giving a little twitch. We walk together and brace whats comes next, together. “These is horse manure,” a voice from within the tower says, “Falco. You zad client would be here, yet no a client. Dangerous here: leave right away.” I and Spike hurl ourselves next to the tower’s entrance, keeping our ears pressed to the wall. “Leave and J will skin you,” another voice says. “After all, we wouldn’t want to disappoint our dear J. All that faith he’s placed in you would burn away.” “Ze two idiots shut up! Working here won’t get ze out being where you shouldn’t. J has promised a lot and done a lot, but I’m growing weary of him. He looked at us last time like we were nothing more than toys.” “Aww! But at least we’re rich little toyses. Besides, with the kind of work we do, this the only coin we’ll ever get. Mmm, better not dissapoint J, for these Elements are quite valuable, and I hate for him smash them out of anger over poor choice of words.” “The Elements!” I shout and wirl out from hiding. Spike bangs a claw against the wall but I don’t care. I see the three thieves in all of their dirty glory. “Who’d are–” The words die in his throat as his eyes realize who I am. “The name is Rainbow Dash, the Element of Harmony. I know I didn’t let you finish, but I knew what you were going to say anyways.” A brown coated Earth pony; one mint green pegasi, and… a griffon with a coat whiter than that of Princess Celestia’s fur. He looks like a holy image that came out of his stained glass. I shake the crazy thought my head. Three thieves, all going on the beating train! “The Elements,” I say, “Give them back. Now.” The ponies laugh, though the griffon looks amused. I continue on forward. “This isn’t my first rodeo, and last time, I took on an army. Taking you three out will be a cinch.” They continue to laugh as I take another step forward. The pegasus steps away from the Earth pony and I feel my heart stop. My legs begin to buckle as my eyes light up; I’m unable to scream at what I see. There’s a sway of the jacket. A small bang resounds off the walls. The pained face of Spike fills my vision; struggling to give me a smile. “You really gotta start planning shit out,” he squeaks out, looking over his shoulder down his back. Then his eyes light up. “Bastard,” he whispers, standing up. “You bastard!” He picks up the bottom of the jacket, displaying a hole with the circle burning. “This a new jacket!” He sprints to the Earth pony, who just finishes reloading his hand cannon. He points it at Spike’s head, but as Spike is a foot away, his hoof shakes; Spike twirls his right leg back, and brings it forward onto the hoof holding the gun; sending both flying. Two talons dig into his shoulder. Spike shrieks as the griffon leans into his ear.“May I have some fun too?” Spike headbutts backwards, but the griffon leans his head left. Raising his left talon up, he smashes it down on Spike’s throat; the back of his head meeting the floor. The griffon chuckles, but his talons are swept by a claw, and he too, meets the floor. Spike charges his body forward, lunging at him with a claw already changed, but the same swept talons land on his belly, and send him flying. The first thing to meet the floor this time is Spike’s claw, as he uses it to propel his body back onto his feet. He’s panting, a claw running down his throat. Both griffon and dragon stand tall, both smiling. Spike wipes his lip; the griffon polishes his feathers. “Have you been bored, Spike?” the griffon asks. “Oh have I,” Spike moans, readying his posture. “Interesting. And, here I am! Thinking dragons were too stupid with themselves to ever get bored.” “Guess I’m different.” “Oh yes you are!” The griffon claps its talons. “You’re a special little snowflake.” I can Spike claw clutch. But the breath in his chest is struggling keep him still. “You’ve gotten my blood pumping, surely you’re not going to keep me hanging.” The griffon smiles. “Oh, I’ll never leave you hanging.” He licks his beak; my lips jump back as the need to vomit arises. The two go at it. claw and talon at each others faces; dragon vs griffon. Spike has the upper edge with his strength, but the griffon is dancing around him. Sweeping past the oncoming claw and giving Spike a little poke on his side, now I really want to punch this guy. But, maybe, I should be punching the Earth Pony going for the gun. “And what do you think you’re doing?” I leap past the oncoming hind legs and give a little BOP on the Earth pony’s snout. Oh boy, he doesn’t like that; his face is steaming. My own blood begins to boil – it’s been awhile since I’ve last been in a fight. Heck. Let’s do it! The guy twirls around, is he stupid? He’s doing the same attack again. So, in honor of Spike’s first move, when I once again dodge the oncoming legs, I let my right hind leg give a good smack across the face. His entire body swirls around, his hoof dropping down and picking up the gun. Oh crap, that was his intention. He strikes the gun in front of my face, but my hoof inches it away before it fires off. It sounds like I was standing next to a canon as it fired. My ears ringing with the world not staying still. A frowny face is before me, next I find myself looking at the roof. The frowny face tries to jump on me, but my hind legs send him flying into the wall. I wouldn’t be a good circus performer. I shake my head, pink and green flying past my eyes. I have a better sense of my surroundings. I look to the right of me, and there’s this holy right creature with blood beautifully painting his coat. Then there’s this purple dragon, who get’s my heart pounding at just the sight of him! I move my lips left as his jacket is torn up; it was a nice black jacket. Maybe Rarity could patch it up. His face looks cool with blood on it, with those serious looking eyes. I’m not sure whose blood is it is. Both are bleeding, so I guess there just sharing blood. The dragon’s face comes out a bit, like you expect from a dragon. But his snout is no bigger than that of a pony; what’s the reason for that? I scratch my head, my mane feeling so soft under my touch. But what get’s me most about the drake’s appearance is his eyes. Such a bright green that they shined even when we were in the darkness of the tunnel or his room. Yet, they look so young. The rest of his body demands that he be seen as mature, yet his eyes show you the child within. Spike is childish and I think he knows it. He tries to sound so smart, yet he does things that of a kid. Maybe Spike is secretly a kid. Kid. Kid. OH SHIT I FORGOT I’M SUPPOSED TO BE FIGHTING. I spring up and look to the earth pony: he hit his face pretty good on the wall. His eyes are closed but his chest rises with breath in them. Spike looks to be struggling, but he’s holding his own. I want help him out, but this is his fight. It doesn’t feel right to take his glory. Wait, there was three of them. Where did the pegasus go? Stairs ascend in the glass casam, the next story filled with shelves of books. The pegasus in hovers over a wooden box, waiting for the glass chasm to open. I fly up behind her, giving a clearing of the throat. She twirls around at me and raises her eyebrows. “I ze someone isn’t dead.” “Faulty weaponry.” “Ah,” she says, “never could rely on a gun to it’z job. I prefer a hoof to za face: more pleasure come from it.” “Mm,” I sway my head, “I kinda prefer magic. It’s easier and can be done from a distance. Besides, since I don’t have magic, that means someone else does the fighting for me.” “Zah!” she goes, “then this shall be easiest!” I chuckle. “Don’t count on it.” We both stand up onto two hooves and each throw a punch. Both miss and we dance past each other, not before using our fist to twirl our bodies around. The fists meet, zapping my left hoof forward. That meets too. She cracks a smirk, as I crack her ribs with a kick to the stomach. Her head recoils back with breath taken away from her, but her head flashes forward onto mine. I taste the floor, and see a the shadow of the hoof hovering above my head. I roll right, the proceeding sound a stomp. Her face wheezes back as I could almost hear a pop from her leg; she was counting on my body being a cushion. This is my chance, I wind up and dash right at her; then her head came down onto mine and once again it tasted the floor. My head feels light and my body is sore. I scream out in pain as her next leg comes down unto my back. I can hear something pop and wings flare up out of pain. The action startles her, as I struggle to get up. I barely get up one leg before she’s coming at me. Though a griffon collided with her as both flew into a wall. Footsteps are behind me and the touch of the claw is around my neck. “Da-sh, y...okay?” I shake my head and try looking at him. Heh, he’s always looking stoic or confused. Now he looks like a baby ready to cry. A really bloody baby ready to cry. I hold out my hoof and he takes it, supporting my weight as I get back onto my hooves. I didn’t really need the help – a few more seconds and I would be standing tall – just wanted an excuse to hold his claw. I stand on my own and he let’s go of my hoof. I frown, but I see he’s about to place it on my back. Then a griffon collided with him, flashed me the biggest smile, and lifted Spike across the room. I hear a smash, the glass is broken, and the in the distance two bodies hurdle to the ground. A few seconds later, I feel the world shake. My pained is removed as my worry for Spike takes over. I looks past the hole in the glass and I can’t see them in the distance. I look over to that green pegasus bitch, wearing a smirk that I’m about to rip off. “What?” she says, as I’m on her in less then a second. A punch to the face – she wasn’t expecting that. I gave her another, than another. She tried to dodge, but kick to the side puts her in the perfect place. I wish I had a million hooves so I could punch her a million times. But as I think about how hard I want to punch her, I realize now none of my punches are making contact with her. She’s on my left, and now I’m on the ground. The world is nothing but a blur to me now, but I recognize Spike’s coat next to me. I grab a special something offa it. Then a shadow looms over me. “Za stupid, bike!” she screams, once again raising a hoof. I never fall for something twice; Momma raised no fool! I roll under the floor and look up her belly. I rise up past and grab a certain something I threw up on the left side of her. I tighten the deal and back away into the the railing. The knocked out Earth pony looking so far down. My flank is against the railing. I slide my back against it; those head blows are starting to get to me, as I have to wheeze my every breath. “Tired already, ze stupid filly?” I nod my head, putting on a frown that beggs for forgiveness. “Then I zall put you asleep for all of eternity!” She charges back her hoof and I make no attempt to dodge. I saw every inch the hoof traveled before it met my face, I sigh, and proceed with my master plan. I slide down the railing until my flank meets the floor. I look up to her as she looks down angrily at me, of balanced, she trips over my hoof and flies past my head and over the railing. “Fool!” she calls. “I have wing–” a bang sounds throughout the tower. I get up and lean lazily over the railing, my head swaying all over the place. But the picture of both ponies laying knocked out on the ground is clear to me. Spike’s jacket already has a bullet hole, so I hope he doesn’t mind my taking of a string. “Not enough for you to notice, but enough to keep your wings held for a second or two. Now who's the genius!” I say. They don’t respond; they can’t: they’re unconscious. I sway over the the chest, the world loading a bit better for me. Still, I lay down, inch my hoof forward, and unlock the latch and open the chest. My smile lazily stretches to my cheeks, as all my collected stress is vanishes. My eyes feel wet and I exhale, for below me is the Elements of Harmony. My cutie mark is calling to the Element of Loyalty. “The case is solved, Spike,” I say. “We did it. Got letter, found you, took a train, pissed of some guards, stayed at a hotel, snuck into a museum, solved a puzzle, and got yourself one heck of a fight!” Silence. “Spike, aren’t you happy?” I ask no one. Oh yea, there’s a chance he may be dead. Horsefeathers. My body cries out as I stand up, but I have no choice. Spike may need my help, he may be dead, he may be alive. Spike needs me. I need to find him. I cast out my wings and take off in the same way that griffon did. “Please be okay, Spike.” I fly out of the tower in the same fashion as that griffon. Up ahead is another tower, with a lower chunk missing from it. Oh wait, it fell down to grass below; doesn’t look like anypony was hurt. I place myself in the chunk and kick off from there. My eyes light up, I already aware of where they went next: the stained glass of the castle depicting the six of us is smashed. I double time into the castle and stick the landing. I look around me. Spike and the griffon are fighting. Shining Armor and Troops rush in. The griffon screams, Spike has him by the throat. His eyes narrow, yet the biggest grin on his face. His claw’s getting tighter; the griffon’s turning blue. Then there was a cannon, an explosion. Spike began to fly back, as the griffon became free. My head follows Spike, as he slowly passes by me. Eyes wider than mine, with lips that admit defeat. The world at the world around me but never at me. My head refuses to turn anymore, as I hear the loudest thud of my life. What just happened? I blink. What just happened? The griffon retreats up the steps to the throne, where he takes a seat and wipes his beak. He wipes the blood off his feathers and gives it a lick. Moaning in delight as the Royal Guard charge in the direction of Spike, with spikes in their hooves. I jump in their way. My throat is too shaky to talk, my legs buckling under my emotions. I simply blink to rid the wetness out of my eye. They all look at me, not sure what to do, as I’m ready to cry. Then a laughter eruptes from the throne. “Well, tis been fun.” His tongue flicks around his beak. “Buuut, I have to places to go and ponies to play with. So, this is goodbye for now, and Jim. Sends. His. Regards!” The Royal Guard didn’t do anything. They looked to Shining, who still hadn’t processed what had occurred. He looks past my shoulder and I swear I see a tear in his eye. “Arrest that–” My eyes burn and my ears ring. The Royal Guard suffer the same pain, as most start to tear off their own armor. “rising...sun…” I twirl around to find the source of the voice, but my eyes are ruined by the sun. The ringing is killing me, and my body feels so warm. Then, the light fades from my eye but the buzzing stays. I look to the empty throne, and sigh at my defeat. Good fight, Spike. IOU 2 Cannon to the chest isn’t a good 3, is it? I’m going to kill both that griffon and J. But, first I have… check on… ah. I turn my head, inhaling till my chest is full, and look at the mess behind me. My shoulders fall as I release the breath, and stand over the drake. “Spike?” He exhales, eyes fluttering open on his dopey head. “S...up.” I giggle to myself as I wipe the tears from my eyes. “So,” he says, the back of his head plastered to the floor. “How bad is it?” I scan over his body. His face is covered with scratch marks, none meeting the eye. His arms look they were put to good use, but his jacket is torn. It’s a good thing he doesn't wear pants or they would’ve been painted red and brown. His scales are still purple. That’s good. Though the extra purple around his chest isn’t so good. “You’re jacket still kinda on fire, but I bet you’ll still look great without it.” “Oh,” he wheezes, some air making it to his lungs, “so you wanna see me without my clothes.” “Oh yeah,” I can’t suppress the giggle that came with the statement, “it’s weird to see anypony wearing clothes; it’ll be unique view to see you without them.” “Careful Dash,” he says, wheezing but breathing, “you cried over me – now you’re saying stuff like that.” He chuckles, gripping his chest as he does so. “Ponies may get the wrong idea that you like a freak.” Is it really a wrong idea to like someone like Spike? He’s different because he’s a dragon. He’s weird because of his mind. He’s an ass because of his past. But does not everypony have similar sins? Multiple hoofsteps are behind me, and a pair reach the side of me. “The Elements,” he breathes out. “Yeah.” I drop down and bring my face close to his, placing my hoof under his head. “We found them, they’re safe.” “No,” he says, and my heart skips a beat. The Elements looked real to me, my cutie mark even called out to it. Was there something I missed? “You’re an idiot for confronting them like that,’ he jokes, cracking a small smirk. Maybe I should drop his head onto back to the floor. But part of me thinks he’s not joking. “You’re right,” I say, “I let the thrill steal our security. We could’ve learned more about them and even captured the griffon, plus, you wouldn’t have been shot by a cannon.” “Yeah,” he dances his claws over his chest, wincing whenever his claws glossed over the sour spot. “My scales took most of the damage, though I should get checked for any broken ribs or internal bleeding. But, I think I’ll be alright.” I nuzzel my head against his cheek. I feel something wet but I don’t care. “Boy am I glad you’re a dragon.” He chuckles, nuzzling back quick before dropping his head back to the floor. I take back my hoof. “For the first in a while, I’m glad to be a dragon.” He chuckles, while I laugh. The stressful past seeming like a distant memory. Yet our future looks non-existent. “Twilly's going to kill me,” the voice sighs next to me. I turn my head right and was ready to give Shining Armor a slap with the back of my hoof. “You better get ready to survive the same spell-blast she used on Triek, Shining,” I say, the anger escaping past my teeth. “I take it you know Spike as well?” “Yeah.” He swoops down next to Spike, his horn glowing blue. The same aura appears over Spike’s chest. “Here, that should freeze any internal bleeding and keep the ribs as they are. We’ll have to get you loaded up into a stretcher and hauled to the medical bay.” Mist came out of Spike’s mouth, as his body seemed at peace. “You know, Shinning; that if you keep finding ways to kill me, Twilight actually going to kill you.” “I know,” he drops his face with a frown. “You wearing that stupid hat with the jacket; I couldn’t see your face while you held a griffon in deathlock. I had to make a call.” “You suck at poker,” Spike joke. “Yeah,” Shining gives a small laugh. “But, if I didn’t shoot you, what was going to happen next?” And with that, Spike exhales and closes his eyes. “I’m not sure. Probably something I wouldn’t have been proud of.” Shining sighs along with them, as a silence takes over. Everyone with their own thoughts, wondering different things. Though it was Spike who broke the chain. “But, since you did hit me with a cannon…” Spike eyes trail off, starting to look nervous. “Um, do you remember? That one time, when me and Twi came to visit, and I, you know, kinda burned your comic collection.” Spike coughs, a small blush occupying his cheeks. “Um, can we, ah, call it a truce?” Shining erupted with laughter, so much, that his own guard looks at him like he were a freak. “That! You’re still mulling over that!?” “Well, kinda,” Spike says, “you were so mad, and I didn’t see you till next year, after my power demila thing.” “Spike, I completely forgot about that! You were so young, you didn’t know any better.” “So… we’re cool?” Shining holds out his hoof. Spike smiles as he raises his claw. The two brofist. “We’re cool,” Shinning says with a bright smile. “Besides, we’re brothers, aren’t we?” Spike moves his lips and looks to the ceiling. “Hm, I wouldn’t call us that yet.” “Ha! I see someone hasn’t changed.” Shinning looks to me, that smile never dying. “I’ve known him almost since birth, so has Cadance, and he refuses still to this day to even call us family!” He laughs. “Twilight had to beat him in some debate in order for him to call her sister, and even then, they have a weird way of saying it.” “Sister mine is a perfectly normal way of saying it,” Spike groans. I shoot a hoof to him as he tries to sit up on his own, but he does so without my assistance. “Yet I never hear Twily say brother mine to me,” Shining cocks his head left with a smirk this time. “That’s because she likes me more.” Pfft! My shoulders are shaking uncontrollably as my mouth spurs laughter. When Spike wants to, he can be a funny fellow. Shinning is chuckling as well, but his face is wondering if what Spike said may be true. Soon the Guard approaches Spike, each bearing a face of concern or worry, some even guilt. Together they stand in speak. “Spike the Dragon!” Spike winced at hearing that. “We sincerely open firing at you. We take all the responsibility for the shot, and are willing to bear the punishment Celestia and Princess Twilight will have on us. Any punishment is just when firing on a member of the Royal Family.” Royal Family? Did I hear the right? Spike, a dragon living in the neck of the woods belongs to the Royal Family? I mean, Spike and Twilight must be close, but never full fledge siblings. The whole brother mine sister mine, I thought that was some kind of gag they had or something. Shining is the brother of Twilight, so of course he may know of Spike. The whole cannon thing took my mind off just who is Spike. Spike the dragon – Spike the detective. Spike. D. Spike of the Royal Family. “Just who is Spike?” I say out loud and cover my lips. Spike chuckles as he looks to me. “I’m not really sure myself. Here, mind giving me a lift?” I keep my mouth shut as I comply, passing my head over his arm and past his side. I think my fur is tickling him, as he can’t help but giggle. “Here,” Shining goes by his other side, and together, we help lift him. A pop comes from Spike’s back, but he struggles to stand up. With a little help from us, he’s on his own two feet. We take a few steps together, and slowly, but surely, is Spike walking again. The smooth scales of Spike side battle with the fur of my coat, and I realize all too soon that Spike’s arm is over my neck. He’s relying his weight on me, holding me close even. I cough as my cheeks become hot. Just a little closer and me and Spike would be side by side. But how? Oh yeah, I can just take advantage of that. “Hey Shining, the Elements of Harmony,” I construct my words carefully, “they’re safe in the tower with the hole in it. But there’s a chance that griffon may go back there and try to steal them.” Shining stops and causes all of us to halt. “You’re right. I better go and make sure they’re secure. Someone take over he–” “That’s fine,” I interject, inches Spike foot right so that he falls into me. My legs start to buckle but I carry the weight, he gets his feet back into place, reliving some weight. But still, having Spike lean into me feels... pretty good. “Alright,” Shinning says, bowing his head. His eyes look up to me as offerers a smirk; the guy knows what I’m up to! I look back at him, mouthing a ‘thank you’. He smiles. “Alright boys, I want this place cleaned and the area free of any hostiles. Anyone suspicious is to be brought to me immediately. Two of you escort the detective and Element of Loyalty to the infirmary, and the rest of come with me to recover the Elements.” “Sir!” They call. And one by one, they left. Walking behind the two guards, Spike remains quiet while he limps. I could hear his every breath. Each were light, as he closes his eyes and smiles. He looks so happy, and without the use of drugs this time. “Can we stop for a moment,” he asks. We stop, and he stands on his own. I’m stand next to him incase he falls. He brings a claw to his chest and tears off his shirt and jacket, which were filled with holes from the fight. Casting it behind him, he once again enlist my help as we walk side by side. And I finally got my wish. He looks so special, without any clothes on. His body is slim yet not too ripped. Slender, asking a hoof to gloss over it. Seeing Spike naked for the first time makes me want to fly around the room. The image burned into my head for the rest of my days. And here I am, supposed to be happy that we recovered the Elements. I laugh, Spike raises a brow but I keep laughing. And together, with Spike limping and me standing tall, we walk out of the last scene of the Elemental case. The next few days fly by. Newspapers bringing relief to those read them, that once again, Equestria was defended. Joy came to those who were interested by the case, and more faith was placed in the guard and myself. Elements Are Safe, All Thanks To Rainbow Dash and the Royal Guard. The articles went as far as call me a sluth, finding the small things that organizations tend to miss. With a larger mass, overconfidence becomes a problem, and small little details elude the mind. That’s the case sometimes when it comes to mysteries. That’s why the world needs consulting detectives; they look for everything. You could almost call it their job elementary. Although I love seeing my name in the papers; with the word around town being my name, I don’t feel like I deserve the headway. Sure I helped, but I wasn’t the one who solved the case. It was Spike. But no where is he mention by the article, though a weird dragon hanging around the mesuem pops up once. The truth is being held, and I know why. But, what bothers me the most is this: Is the why good enough? I sigh before the flashes, popping a smile at the shutters of the cameras. I’m on a stage and everypony is before me at tables, eating away in honor of our victory. I can see the girls in the front, all looking excited for me. Afterall, I was the one who solved the case and came back alright. Fluttershy is smiling brightly, Applejack’s grinning, Pinkie is jumping, and Twilight has a half-smile, her eyes lost in the background. Once the flashes are over and I shake a few hooves, a medal is placed over my neck and once again a few flashes go off. I’ve always wanted my life to be about this; everything about me and everyone wanting to know about me. Now I just want to know what Spike is up to. But he’s no-where to be seen. I doubt he was invited, and even if he was, he hates crowds. I like that my friends are here and are happy for me, but I would love for Spike to be sitting next to them. I guess with the case done, I should get use to that. He’s already disappeared, and he already made it known that he not returning home. Oh, crap. Celestia’s giving me a speech. Awesome. Cool. Honored. Thanks, Celestia. The speech seems so hollow, and my respect for Celestia is missing. So many questions about the tunnel and how this Jim fellow had access to the mesuem. But even more so, why Spike, an apparent member of the Royal Family, isn’t gaining any recognition. I bet he wouldn’t want the attention anyways. The speech is done and I give my bow. I leave the stage and descend the steps, preparing to go to my friends and receive even more attention that I don’t feel like returning. Then something catches my eye. Off in the distance, on a roof high enough to oversee the celebration, was a dragon with an apple in his claw. He tosses it in the air. Once he see’s that I see him – he smiles. He catches his apple, points it at me, and takes a bite. He turns around and holds the apple to the sky, and with a wave, he walks away. Is this the last time I’m going to see Spike the dragon? “Oh hell no.” I skip past my friends and get into a dash. I’m wearing my rainbow dress – the same one from the gala – so I can’t fly. But you sure as heck bet on me getting it dirty: I’m seeing Spike tonight even if it kills me. I hear my friends call for me, but I run. The guard call to see if everything is alright, but I’m already out the door. The dark streets only lighted by the streetlamps come into view, as I run into the darkness and briefly saved by the light. The wall running along with me on the left, and buildings of those who live here on my right. I run to go see Spike the dragon. “Looks who's trying to get out of bed early?” “It’s only a bruise, the bandages overqualified for the job. I just want to get out of here as fast as I can.” I turn the corner, the road getting darker. Fewer lamps are here, but I keep running; nothing's stopping me. “You’re free to be free, Spike my buddy. Say, I brought the newspaper with me, wanna read it together?” “I’ve glossed over it, but please, read it over to me.” Another corner, barely any lights. I gotta keep going, even if I run into a pole! “This is horsefeathers! Just because you’re a dragon you can be awarded?” “More to it than that, Dash. By my being involved, the faith in the Royal guard dimminses. Dragons are dumb foes around here, so for one to do their job better than them, then we’ll see an uprising.” “That’s still not fair!” “Most things aren’t Dash. My life has always been like that; away from the masses, and lately, by those close to me. I prefer my solitude because I can be think and live as I wish.” “Even at the cost of your health.” “I don’t care for life Dash; whatever keeps me entertained.” Next street, slim and no lights. I trudge on through the darkness. “So, this is it, eh? Hm, even though I dislike the title, it was a lot of fun being you number one assistant.” “After that fight, I think partner in crime suits you best. But as with all good things, they must come to an end. Heh, it’s been fun, Rainbow Dash. Meeting you and going on this case has been a lot of fun, plus it made me think to.” “Think, eh? Did it m-make you think about... making friends?” “I’m afraid I’m still heartless. Even if we aren’t friends, we’re still partners. And it was of the greatest pleasure of knowing your existence – thanks to you, I talk a bit more simple now.” “Is that a compliment?.” “It is. Thank you, my dear Rainbow Dash. You hold so much wisdom that you aren’t even aware of yet. But hey, maybe one day, in the future, if we meet again, you can show me a better way to live my life.” “Goodbye Spike. And even though you’re already gone, you’ll always be more than a partner on a whacky case to me. You’ll always be my friend.” The darkness offers no support in slightest, but I can see the building from whence Spike stood on. Maybe he’s still up there, eating his dumb apple. And maybe, we’ll—
Chapter IV – You Should Really Go to the Jim...“I don’t get it, Spike,” my pegasus companion says; “aren’t you hero types supposed to stick together?” I laugh as I walk past him, taking a bite out of my apple. “Hero? Heck, I barely cover the detective field.” “Still doesn’t explain why you aren’t down there.” “Politics. Besides, seeing their happy from up here… that’s more than enough for me.” “Eh,” he groans, “something still seems effy about it. I mean, you go through all this effort, deal with the Royal Guard pestering you, get into and fight, and then shot by canon from your own side, and you don’t get any reward at all?” “The knowledge of this case may be useful for another, so it isn’t a waste. Plus, it was a good distraction.” “Which reminds me,” he turns to look at me, “you down to smoke a blunt?” I look into my apple and sigh into it. Taking a bite, I toss the apple over my shoulder. “Why not? Not like I got anything else to do.” We leave the rooftop and head back to the hotel. There’s a limp in my step, as we enter the elevator. We go up, and my companion takes off his hood, displaying his black mane. I swear he smoked on the way here because his eyes are already baked. We reach our floor, and I can already tell the mates in room 709 are having sex. A bad breakup in 708, and a pony jerking it in 704. But most can come to that conclusion, as his dance moves shake the floor. I pause in front of room 706. I know she’s not in there, but part me wishes Rainbow Dash was laying on that bed. Heh, mane covering her left eye as she lies there. That would be really cute. I shake my head and unlock the door to my room, entering and tossing my coat to the bed. At least Celestia covered for the cost of my coat and shirt. Heck, mom looked ready to give an entire closets worth. Heh. I guess I do wear the same stuff too much. My ‘guest’ walks in and I’m reminded of why we’re here. So I head over to the kitchen and swoop down to the cubert. I’ll montoir your drug use from here on out, kapeesh? I open the cabinet and my companion is all too eager to grab a hooful. I grab the rest and we walk into the next room over. I don’t even know where he got the bong from, but he’s lighting up like no tomorrow. The bong is unevenly tilted due to muscle damage in his left hoof. Which I imagine comes from an outrage or teaching some customers a lesson. Either way, he clears the bong like a pro, blowing the smoke out the window. He passes me the bong. Should I really be doing this? What’s the point? My body's tired and I don’t feel like it. Yet I light the match and inhale the whole thing. I blow the smoke out from my lungs, and I feel lighter, but not good. I pass the bong back over. “Say, B?” “Hm?” He looks away for a moment, tilting his head left and right. “Yeah, well, only my first name.” “Ah.” B starts to fill the bong. “Hey,” I say again, “you ever like a girl before?” He pauses his lips before the bong. “What kinda question is that?” “A weird one, so you know it's from me.” “Heh. Then, yeah. I mean, I haven’t loved a girl in a while, but diffently liked a girl before.” He clears the bong and passes it to me. “What’s the difference between the two?” I start to load the bong. “Well, when you like a girl, then you got a month before that stops. I’ve had tons of hoes around these blocks, and we hang and chill and smoke a blunt. Talk about ourselves and life, then we grow bored, and look for other ponies.” “And love?” I light a fire. “That’s the stuff the comes after the month. If you two are still together, then you got some good stuff going on. Them nice girls from outta town always stay with me longest, someone of them actually make my heart skip a beat. But alas! no one sticks with a druggie.” “Hmm.” I inhale the smoke once again. Holding it, feeling it flow within my lungs, I exhale. Passing the bong once more. “I get you. It’s kinda like… you care for each other. Once you get over the sexual stuff and learn more about each other, you kinda look forward to the stuff you’ll do. Having someone by your side to talk to, or even hug. Just not being alone, I guess.” “You got a girl on your mind, Spike?” “Mm,” I squint my eyes, “not really. I don’t have friends – but this girl on my mind, she came really close to being one.” “Ah,” B says. “Dragon girl or pony girl?” “Pony.” “He-he-ey!” B cheers with a laugh. “My boy growing into a proper dragon?” “Not at all,” I say, then nod to the bong. “Hurry up with that.” “Right,” he says, and hits it like it were a block. He coughs, some smoke escaping, then exhales it all. He passes it back to me. “So, you going to go for it?” “Nah,” I say. “You know me, and you know I like to be alone. Besides, I think she’s going to have an issue with me smoking.” I go to fill the bong, but a black hoof stops me. “Which reminds me, Spike. I’m not sure you know this, but your customer that I hang with. Heck, you’re the only pony or dragon I do hang out with. Always paying your stuff back on time, real chill to talk to.” He gives a little laugh, looking down on his hoof over my claw. “I’m kinda like you, a drifter. Everyone looks the same to me and doing the same stupid stuff. But you Spike, you’re different, that’s like ‘ya. Even if you have no friends, I still consider you one.” I choke something back, as my chest feels weird. B is the only pony I hang out with often, not talking about a personal problems, but just chilling. He should be the type of pony you call an acquaintances, yet he’s the closest male that’s come to be my friend. “You being a dragon has no affect on me, if anything, I gotta supply you with more to get you high! Heh, I guess the relates to my next question.” He looks up at me, with the slight tilt of the head, along with lips trying to smile, but fall close to becoming a frown. “But, I’ve got question to ask.” “Shoot.” “Why the heck are you messing with this stuff?” he asks. “That’s a bad business question.” “Spike,” he tries once more, a little more strain on his voice, “you’re mind is like no other. You remember almost everything you see, and you can tell who's served in the army by the look of their face alone. Solving cases, surviving on bare minimal. Your youth saves you from your mistakes, but don’t you ever think of the future my drag?” “Not really. The past flows to me, the present happens. But the future is empty, nothing really to look forward to there.” “So aren’t you wasting your life then?” “I’ve never really value life. I just live to live, doing my best not to be bored.” “What does that princess sister think of you? Or heck, you’re mom, Princess of all the land.” “Decently I hope. Twilight and I used to be close. Reading stories under the sheets, trying to figure out who ate the last cookie. Heck, just talking about the world and what we wanted be so. I once truly consider her a sister, that was, until she came back one day, telling me she was moving into some town.” I give a little laugh, as the memory plays clearly from my mind’s eye. “She begged for me to go along. We had a bit of a dispute, arguing that you only need one close friend, not multiple ones. The idea of so many ponies has friends just frustrated the hell out of me!” I sigh and continue on. “It takes only one friend to discuss the world with, but she argued that it wasn’t possible. Multiple friends bring out the magic of friendship. Blah! Don’t make me hurl. So, that was it, her and I were destined to take different paths.” “Sound rough,” he says. “How did it end?” “With her leaving for good, and I vowing to live the rest of my life in solitude. It was a bet in a way, whoever lived the better life won.” B chuckles. “Ah, so she won then?” “No,” I fix him a brow, “my just life without fine without friends.” “Riiight. So, you don’t like ponies having friends?” “Ponies can have friends,” I say, “I just don’t get involved. Friendship doesn’t seem like my kind of thing, but solving cases is.” The problem is that they’re all so boring. This case was the biggest one I’ve tackled so far, and I hardly did a thing. Kinda hate Jim for that. “As well as smoking, injecting, and kinds of harmful stuff. You know, Spike, that if I could even read, I would stop doing all of this.” I remove his hoof and stuff the bong. “Then learn how to.” I take the hit, and the world feels lighter. The walls fading in and out. “Look at me,” he says and I comply. Black pegasus wearing a white hoodie, a mane looking like he came out of a wind tunnel; nothing too special to note, but a chill dude to chill with. “Who’d teach me?” “I would,” I say. “And when the time comes for me to go, you can take my place. Solve mysteries and actually be praised for it, heck, you may even become a hero and get to go to special little parties.” “Hurray!” he says. He takes the bong and takes a hit. We don’t talk much after that. We just smoke the world out from our heads. Ah, buggers. I don’t recall passing out. The world became dim, until I couldn't see anything anymore. Since when did I become a light-weight? Eh, the world’s slowly loading back to me. My eyes adjusting, I want to vomit. The ringing in my head does nothing to ail that feeling. I had been walking through a frozen forest, relived some of my childhood, and then got murdered by my mother and thought about how she would hide the body. I don’t even recall B leaving, though it looks like I’m alone in here.Looking at my wrist, my eyes shoot past it to the needle on the floor. Heck, so much for the lightway title; I must of used the entire dose. B would never had let that happen, so he must of left a little earlier. Feather… had I been a pony, I would’ve been dead by a heart attack. I wonder if I have anymore of it in the cabinet? As I go to get up, I realize I’m not alone. “I see the call for bad habits as returned, brother mine.” I sigh and rub my head. “Twilight, what are you doing here? How did you find– oh wait, I forgot! You pretty much run the government. And, that you know everything about everyone.” “Not this time, Spike.” She gets off from her seat and sits before me. “Sisterly concern brought me to you, and for a good reason. Didn’t we discuss overdoses?” “Find me a case or something that’ll stimulate the mind in the same way, and I’ll stop. But I’ve already solved that last case you sent me and now the whole world is a peace. “I lay down on the ground. “Yippy!” “Sent you?” Twilight moves her lips left. “I did no such thing this time.” “Why of course you did. You sent Dash a letter to come find me.” Twilight squints her left eyes as her mind is as work. “I sent everyone a letter saying to keep calm, do you mean that one?” “No,” I say, sitting back up, “the letter that asks Rainbow to come fetch me. It bore your exact hoof writing and seal.” Twilight’s eyes widen. “What happen to the letter?” “I burned it, as we always do.” “Spike,” Twilight says, coming closer towards me. “I never sent a letter. I had no intention of you getting involved in this case, but were glad when you were here.” I place a claw on my upper lip. “This doesn’t make sense…” “Spike, please, do you remember what the letter said?” Of course I did, and recited word for word. Twilight eyes grew and grew, until they were wide as could be. “No. No!” She stepped back. “There is a plot that we have missed.” I sigh. “The case is solved, Sister mine. Surely I can leave this matter in your hoof as I take my time off?” “Spike,” she says with the shake of the head, “you don’t understand: Rainbow Dash is missing.” “Missing! For how long?” “Two days,” Twilight says. “She was supposed to ride the train home that night with us, but she never showed. We assume she was staying another night with you, but yesterday we got no mail. No one has seen her for two days, Spike.” I cover the right of my face with a claw; I understand now Twilight was watching over me. I’d overdose and been out for two days! Ahh, I gotta lay of this stuff. My left eye wanders to the writing on my window. “Twilight, you’ve only been watching me sleep, right?” “Only to make sure you don’t vomit in your sleep.” And then everything made sense. “This case, is wasn’t about the Elements or even the bearers. Not about the bits or even a piece of art. This entire case has been about me.” “Spike, what are you…” she looks to where I’m looking, her jaw drops. IOU1 Hope you enjoyed the extra ‘tip’ Please don’t make me wait. At that place that makes Apples. For a new apple is coming! One that taste like the Rainbow. with a Dash of salt! –J.M. “Looks like keeping me out of the papers didn’t do much good,” I say. “IT looks like I have a fan who wants to play.” Twilight looks to me. “Spike. Whoever is doing this, has gone through extraordinary lengths to get to you, which suggest?” “Criminal intent.” “Which also suggests?” I breath and close my eyes. “Murder.” “Whoever is doing this knows of your existence, their access to the castle also means access to knowledge about you. Your cases and your being.” “Which reminds me—” “You know Princess Celestia doesn't have complete control over the land. Our system isn’t as clean as ponies think it is. You know better than this. But by finding out who this is, then we can purge him.” “He may even be out for your power, Spike.” I look away and groan. A frown creeps up on my lips. “I doubt it. If he wanted it, he could have had it easily. No, I think this gentlecolt is different, in that, he and I may be… alike, in a way.” “What’s your reasoning?” “He left the Elements in poor hooves and no attempts to take them back. Instead, he takes Dash, the one mare I’ve grown closer to next to you.” I cast Twilight a glare before she can comment. “So he wants me. But, if it was for power, he would already have me. No, he wants are a reason for me to come and sit down.” “Someone really wants to meet you then,” Twilight says, looking away. “Perhaps he’s as bored as I am,” I say as I get up. Throwing on the jacket, I give Twilight a smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll go get your friend back.” Twilight raises up onto two hooves and comes towards me. I’m confused until two hooves circle around me. It’s been awhile since we’ve last hugged. “I want you to come back as well. No hero stuff, Spike.” I attempt to look away, but she brings my face back. “Please Spike. Even if you don’t mind the pain, it still kills me to see you hurt. Your loss would break my heart.” Twilight begging at this point, and I’ve never seen her do that before. I’m touched, and arms hug her without a command. I go to say something smart and heroic. “Thank you, Twilight.” I hug harder. Baff! “And, if it worth and consolation, you right about our bet.” So much for sounding smart and being right. I end the hug and stumble to the door, almost walking into it. My high isn’t quite over, as a magical aura unlocks the door. I flash Twilight a guilty smile as I proceed out and head into the elevator. I mull over the events. So Jim was there to see me eating an apple. Could he have also been at the party? Bah, irrelevant. For now, I gotta find Rainbow Dash. I’m just lucky that case about the poisoning in the apple factory is finally going to be of some assistance. I leave the hotel in search of the missing mare. It doesn’t take me long to get to the Apply Factory with the boarded up windows. I stop at the entrance and look around me, no signs of being followed. The place is coated with dust, so at a glance, you would assume no one has been here for quite some time. I kick the door off the hinges, sending it flying. I duck under the doorway and enter the factory, where only the broken glass of the ceiling allows light to shine. I walk forward, everything looking as it should. Then I came to the center of the stage. Looking around, I lick my lips and wait. My eyes are blinded by a light, two of them in fact, as I step back and raise a claw. “Thought you might’ve knocked, as it’s the polite thing to do,” a voice says, but the words sail from his lips, as if he were singing them. “Ohh well! I suppose I shouldn’t expect manners from a dragon.” “I’m sorry,” I say, looking up at my host, “but griffons aren’t the nicest bunch either. I thought you and I could just be ourselves here. A griffon with the whitest, most beautiful feathers, looks down at me. He smirks and closes his eyes. “I guess you and I are alike in that way, Spike. D.” “I guess we are, Jim.” “Please please please! The name is Jim...
Chapter V – Moriarty… Moriarty, though you didn’t know that the first time around.” “You’re right,” I say as lean left, “we were too caught up fighting to, sit down, and, have a little chit-chat.” “Hmm.” Moriarty inches his beak right. “So no matter how hard we deny our origins, it still corrupts us in the end.” He claps his talons as his eyes open wide. “I’m glad I’m not alone in that battle then.” “Say, did you like that letter I sent you?” His head leans left, his face displaying some kind of pity. “But I have no letter by which you have signed for.” Jim stands up straight. “Ohh, come on now; I know you’re not that dumb. After a while, it must of became apparent to you, no?” “Figured it out today, actually.” Jim steps back and raises a tallon to his beak, his face filling with sadness. “Oh no, no. No. No! You can’t be like the other toys, you’re supposed to be different! Someone I can relate to, please tell me you’re joking?” “Afraid not,” I reply, “I had to limit my drug use because of a mare, and I got caught up in the moment myself. I found myself enjoying somebody else's presence, which brought down my deductive power.” “Oh,” Jim says, “then this should make it a whole lot easier then.” With a whistle, I hear a crane move. Next to the railing which Jim stood on, came Rainbow Dash, clutched within the crane. I curl my right claw as the crane looks to be almost crushing her. She has binds around her legs and one covering her mouth. “You wouldn’t believe my luck with mares, my boy.” Jim walks along his stage, admiring his right talon as he does so. “I typically have to find a way to have mares come to me: Oh, Jim! Will you please murder my husband and or father? Lovely mares those are, but quickly does fun run out.” “Now, you have a bit of a stronger type. Like Dash here, these mares are special, in which, they are like no other. So much harder to corrupted, but the feeling when you do so is tremendous. Now, while playing with Dash here would be so much fun! I have a greater thing before me, something changes someone.” I sigh as I keep looking at the griffon, my eyes doing their best not to look at Dash. “So, why are you doing this all this for? Just for fun and games?” Jim continues to lean over the railing, giving me a smirk “Why do you think I’m doing this all for?” “You want me to tell you what you already know?” “No. I want you to prove you know.” I narrow my eyes and look to Dash. “You’re not doing it for her. You’re not doing it for the headway. You’re doing it to meet someone, someone who interest you great. Or perhaps, someone you think of as the same.” “Bravo!” Jim says, pulling back from the railing. “You hit all the major points! Mind you, you forgot the why to my how.” “So. Why then, are you doing this? Jim begins to smile. “I’m doing this because I’m bored. Life is too easy! Ponies always arguing, saying things to sound smart.” He jumps right. “Look daddy! I read books; I perform a basic function.” He jumps left. “No, daddy loves me more! Because I worked really hard to impress him, and that’s all it takes, right? Hard work to be loved?” Moriarty looks to me. “Waste of space, aren’t they?” “A hundred percent,” I say. “Hmm.” Jim yawns, patting over his beak. “See, boredom wasn’t an issue for me at birth, and I assume it wasn’t for you either. We had things to look forward to, things to achieve and make. Though, I didn’t have family there to direct me onto the right path.” “No worries, I took the wrong path anyways.” Moriarty shakes his head. “No you haven’t. You’re still on the side of the angles – the, boring side. Now–” he licks his beak “–I became a master of crime. Honestly, beatings were pleasure and the bits were worthless. I rose so high that I became king of it in only a few years. And, oh honey, you should see me in a crown.” I smirk. “I think I can borrow one off a Celestia for you.” “Oh Celestia!” Moriarty moans, “how she is so much fun to play with. But, the problem with her is, that, if I get too involved, then everyone will know of my interaction within the system, and just how much I own. Celestia is a good toy, but only one I can play with sparingly.” Jim clenches his talon and snaps his head to me. “With so little toys to play with, I can’t tell you how bored I’ve been!” He shouts, darting around like a madman. “I know how everything’s going to play out. Ponies falling for the same tricks, ponies wanting the same things. It’s not only ponies, my own race is bunch of pride-ridden fools. And dragons, ha! To easy over there. I truly thought I was alone in this world.” “But then, I learned of your existence, Spike. Oh, how I wasn’t alone anymore! Here was a dragon that used his power not achieve strength, but instead placed it all in his mind! How you remember so much, figure out everything, just knowing. MmmmMM!” “Someone who was like me! Someone who was alone in their own mind as a kid.” Jim sighs, taking a moment to calm himself. “I’m too smart for my own good; let’s be honest, I’m a freak, Spike. And not because of my nature, but because griffons aren’t supposed to reach this state of mine.” “And neither was I supposed reach mine,” I say. “Exactly. And just like me, you’ve felt distant from all other. Family is just an annoyance, ponies and friends are looking at you weird. You try to be yourself BUT IT DOESN’T WORK. So we remove our hearts and become this. And ohhh my, is insanity just a delight!” “That it is,” I say as I take a step forward, “but I don’t dabble in it too much. I find drugs to be a great alternative, and solving crime and even greater fix.” “You should try crime, Spike my boy,” Moriarty says, “I find it to be much more fun.” “Maybe one day, if I get bored enough. But I’m on a case right now, and that’s bringing her home.” “Ah, yes.” Moriarty walks over to Dash, looking over her features like he’s about to dissect her. “The mare. So this is the one that almost turned you into something you’re not.” “Eh, I don’t like that; I don’t like it! But…” he turns to me. “IOU one, so I guess I don’t have a say in your next choice.” “What do you mean by that?” “Well,” Moriarty starts, “I consider us to be brothers from different species, Spike. We both hate our origins, smarter than almost everyone else in the world, and bored out of our guts. You claim to be a sociopath, while I’m just a plain psychopath. But hey, half brothers is close enough.” “Is the point-thingy starting now or later?” “Oo! That’s clever, very clever. But yes, we’re about to test who you really are.” Moriarty produces a vile from out under his wing and closely inspects it. Smiling, he tosses it to me. I catch it, and inside the vial is a pure black liquid. Damn it, Moriarty has his bases covered. “Now, can I get you opinion on something, Spike?” I nod my head. “This yellow crane… it would look so mucher better with bloody red on it, wouldn’t you agree?” A cry passes through the folds on Dash’s mouth, as the crane is dangerously tight on Dash. My claw reaches out to her on it’s own. “Ah, so you do have something placed in this mare.” Moriarty shakes his head. I wish I could crush it under my claws and throw the body over the damn railing. “Oh well!” “Now, normally for the game, you would’ve drank that poison, and my crane would’ve looked far nicer. But alas! you have one favor left.” I inspect the bottle, bringing it before my eye. Again nothing jumps out at me. I sigh and look up at the holy-beast. “So either you drink that poison and I’ll let the mare live. Or, the far better option, destroy that nasty vile and we’ll kill the mare togher. Than you and I can have many more fights that will relieve our boredom. What’cha say? Number two looks so-so tempting!” Bastard. I twirl around, looking for anything I could use to get me out of the situation. But another cry from Rainbow Dash keeps me in place. I sigh and admit defeat in my heart, while the vile burns in my claw. For the first, I’ve been beaten. I want to drop the vile. Let it shatter and walk away. To be alive. Free. Death means ultimate boredom and I don’t want that. Besides, Dash has a smaller lifespan, so she’s lived a good chunk of life anyways. It wouldn’t be fair to die now and leave my imaginary future in ruin. Besides, Twilight will miss me! She said it herself, right? That she wanted us to both tocome back. I’m allowed to live, right? I really want to live. I know I complain about being bored, but I really enjoy life even for what is it right now. I look up to Dash. A weak smile spreads across my face, as I feel a tear drip from my right eye. I look at her and she stares back at me with those beautiful rose color eyes. She’s shaking her head, while tears trace down her cheek. Oh, how I want wings just to fly up there and wipe those tears away. Everyone wants me to live. Before, not a soul truly cared about what I did; I’m just that distant cousin you forget about. But today, everyone wants me for some reason or another, and it feels pretty good. It feels like I have a reason– no, a purpose to live. So, in looking to Dash, I smile. I smile until it reaches my ears, until it starts to hurt. Then I looked to Moriarty, uncap the vial, and drain its contents past my lips. He looks so disappointed. He shrugs his shoulder calls out something which my ear cannot hear, and Dash is released. I fall to the ground, with everything becoming black. I try to look up, to hold a claw out to something, but my body is weak. So I close my eyes. Everything will be alright. Dash will go and catch the griffon, beat the daylights out of him, and turn him into the Royal Guard. Equestria will be a safer place with him locked up, and a better place with me gone. It sounds like the perfect plant to me. So then, why the heck is Dash helping a dying, useless dragon stand up!? “Ge-t him… you fool.” I can’t hear her. I don’t even see what’s happening. I can feel my body moving, the change of air tells me I’m outside. I want to go to sleep. “...royal guard...freeze!…” “please...help him!” “...Dash?” “Twilight! Spike...poison...please help…” “No...Spike!...Guard...Find...Moriarty…” My neck could no longer support my head. My blank eyes unable to keep open, I close them and drift into sleep. I hear voices by my side. Some are crying, some are shouting. My arm feels it’s been pierced by a sword, and the world is fuzzy to me. Still, better than complete blackness. My eye slithers over to Twilight and Dash, along with some other ponies. I imagine that this is the group that Dash was talking about, and funny enough, the same one Twilight left me for. I’ve always had a hatred in my heart for them, but now, I think that flame’s died out. An orange earth pony nods her head at me, while a butterscotch pegasus studies me. She doesn’t get too close to me. A pink mare is frowning, and a white one is looking most curious. They don’t know I’m awake and I don’t have the energy to make it known that I am. They chatter amongst themselves, leaving the room. Rainbow Dash pauses at the door, pays me one last glance, then leaves. I guess that confirms my fate. Though I thought it would’ve come quicker. My heart spikes – I’m about to die. It’s not the loss of life that I’m scared of, but the boredom of nothingness that is to ensure. Dying wouldn’t be so bad if it were endless dreams, spanning all of eternity. Oh wells. Whatever happens, happens. Might as well clear my mind and kick it back. My time is gone and it’s time to say farewell. I did some pretty cool stuff and even my existence was unique. Even in my hour of death, I feel sympathy for Moriarty. From the way he spoke to the way he thought, we are alike in a way. Just, I never acted on those thoughts in the back of my head – while he performs them. You know what the funny thing is? If Moriarty just asked me to sit down with him for lunch one day, to just talk about anything, I would’ve done it without hesitation. None of this stealing and none of this mess. All he had to do was ask. Now how funny is that? Though, I am glad to know of his existence, because now, I know I’m not the only one of my type in this world. And Dash. If only she could know how wise she is. She’s got potential, and not only for the Wonderbolts. She can become something great one day, so it’s a shame I’ll never see her on that day. But hey! At least I can say I knew Rainbow Dash before she became the Dash. Oh wait, I’ll be dead. Shit. And, shit, so much for clearing my mind! Oh well. There’s a click at the door, and something hovers over me. I look up, to see a snow white coated griffon with glasses on his face and a lab coat as white as he. “Now, patient number– who cares!” He throws up his clipboard and laughs. Producing a needle from his jacket, he takes out the IV from my left arm and injects the needle in its place. The liquid shoots in my arm as my body uncontrollably shakes . “That should hold you off for a little while,” he says, disposing of the needle along with the others. “Now, my dear Spike, I’m afraid I’ve come to a mistake about you. But I’m not the only one making mistakes.” I keep looking at him. “When I looked at your file,” he sits on the bed and inches closer to me, “you looked like a replica of me except in dragon form. Before that, I thought I was truly alone in the world. But you came along and made me feel something.” “So many come after me, but all end up in the same way. It’s a process now really, a boring one. Imagine my delight when I found out about you. And for the little time we spent together, I really did enjoy it. But I don’t want the game to end just yet.” “I wanna learn more about you and you wanna learn more about I. We can’t exactly do that if you’re dead. The many battles we’ll have, the distractions that’ll take place. Boy, can’t I wait!” “So…” I mutter, “you’re going to let me live?” “Not that easy, Spike chap! I realize, that for all future endeavours I’ll place upon you, that it’s okay if I owe you one more favor. The problem with that is, I’ve already injected the serum to stave off your death, so we’re even. But there’s one more requirement for you to make a bounceback.” “And that is?” “It’s something that’s going to prove that I’m alone in this world.” He backs away and present his claws to the ceiling. “Alas! At least it’s worth the pain to help a friend find out who he really is.” I burst out laughing, clutching my belly as I do so. “Heh, all my life, I’ve considered everyone else to be just acquaintances.” I grip Moriarty wrist, looking into his brown eyes. “But you, Moriarty, are the only one in the world I can call my friend.” Moriarty moves a talon to his chest. “I’m touched Spike, I really am! You more than just toy, you’re a friend as well. A friend that I’ll one day skin.” “And you’re a friend that I’ll one day lock up behind bars.” We both lean forward and smirk, a fire dancing in both of our eyes. He pulls back and claps his talons. “Now isn’t this great! Now we both have something to entertain us. But this deal isn’t over yet, Spike. I only owed you one, the next you have to do yourself.” Moriarty turns his head to the door. “I hope you brushed your teeth, because you don’t want bad breath on your first kiss.” I turn my head and see Rainbow Dash at the door. “Dash…” I utter, she in such a mess. Coat all messy, mane going in different directions – actually, her mane looks pretty badass that way. She looks to me, then the griffon. “What’s going on here?” “Hm!” Mortality chuckles, “I may be the one dressed up as a doctor, but you're the one that’s going to save the life. You see, I’ve injected Spike with his cure, but it needs a kick to beat out the poison before it’s too late.” Mortality leans on my bed. “And none of us want that.” Dash sprints forward and knocks the griffon down onto the table, two hoofs secured around his neck. “Whoa!” he playfully pleas, laughing all the while. “What is it, that I need to do, to save Spike’s life?” Dash grinds the words out from her teeth, her eyes just before his. Moriarty sticks out a tongue and points to his neck. She releases some pressure “Quite the grip you got there!” he jokes with his newfound air. “To answer your question, I have an odd answer. Only with pegasus saliva, can the antidote work at twice the speed, and thus, beat out the poison that’s already accumulated close to his heart.” Dash lets go and backs away, her eyes filled with horror. My own heart is beating furiously against my chest; shoot a cannon at me and I’m fine. But put me close to a mare and… Dash looks to me and I look to her. We say nothing but in our minds ask everything. Moriarty backs into the corner of the room. “Now, you can’t get mad at me, Spike. I did give you chance to kill her, but you didn’t take it~. Now why so grim? It’s just a kiss, Spike, which should be nothing to a highly-functioning sociopath.” “And Dash, a kiss is nothing special, am I right? Only ponies like Rarity would think their first kiss is something special – only mushy ponies think like that, right?” I dart my head to Dash. “You’ve never kissed anypony before!?” She rolls her eyes. “I’m not the type to be in the lovey-dovey stuff. And besides, it not like you’ve kissed anyone before.” “Well, yeah. That’s true.” She sighs and closes her eyes. Her body relaxes, the wings on her sides stop fidgeting. “But, it’s not like we have any choice in the matter.” “You mean… you’re okay… with—” Dash exhales. “Spike, kissing you isn’t that big of a deal.” She chuckles. “I mean, you’re not that ugly.” I chuckle as Dash steps forward. “Are you sure, Dash? I mean, you could run out quickly and find a handsome stallion to smooch. You don’t want to be telling your friends down the road that your first kiss was with a dragon.” “Why not?” she says, chest prodding out. “It sounds kinky and it’s unique. Besides, if I’m with the same dragon years later, then it won’t come as a surprise.” Her face is in front of mine, those rose colored eyes taking up my entire view. She smiles, though she also trying to hide under what mane she has. I giggle and she flares up. Finally, I compose myself and ask her a question that can change our future. “Dash, did you mean that… as a joke?” She pauses for a second, then shakes her head. “That wasn’t a joke.” I smell her breath. Muffins. Heh. Probably from the cafeteria. My cheeks burn. My heart is thumping faster and faster, and not because of the poison. I start to lean forward. “ Are you sure you want to stick around, Dash? I am the greatest prick you could have the displeasure of knowing.” “I agree that you’re a prick,” she leans forward, “but knowing you has been a pleasure. And besides, you’ll be my prick.” I dare to move an inch forward, and my entire body tenses up as my lips meet her soft furry ones. Each strand of fur brushes my lips, almost tickling me. My entire body melts, as all my pent up stress leaves my spirit. My body feels at peace, while my mind is in heaven. She kisses me and I kiss back. Cocking my head left, I deepen the kiss. To hell with thoughts, I’m letting my body act on it’s own. My body just want to be contained in my lips, so I could feel more of her. I raise my claw to the back of her head, rubbing it and bringing her closer. I’m in heaven; I could handle that eternal boredom as long as I have this memory. Both are lips are coated, and unfortunately, we break, gasping for air. We broke it too soon, I think, becuase I just want to go in for more. After regaining her breath, Dash opens her eyes and looks at me in wonder. “That was… pretty awesome.” “My life is complete,” I say. I hate when ponies say stuff like that, but my heart made me. It’s been awhile since I’ve felt anything down there. I look back to her. “I didn’t mess that up at all, did I?” “It is my first kiss,” she says, “so I have no way of knowing. But I liked it though.” “Oh Celestia, I’m the luckiest dragon to have ever lived.” Dash giggles and flashes me a grin. “So, you’re just not going to leave me hanging again, are you?” I sit up in my bed with my body in my full control. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Besides, I know we’re going to have many more cases to solve.” I look to Molarity, who hides his laughter behind his talon. “Oh, pathetic, Spike my boy. To know that a girl can win you over so easily. And that dialogue, please! Be glad I know of your past, or else I would’ve bombed this Hospital for the disappointment that it is.” Moriarty steps away from the corner, darting his eyes into me. “Oh, and by the way? There was absolutely no reason for you two to kiss! Why in Tartarus would kissing a mare make a antidote work faster! You know better than this, Spike. I know you know better.” He leans forward. “I guess this means you’ve had a desire to kiss her for a while now, huh?’ I stare daggers into his chest, but he laughs it off. I sigh; getting caught up in the moment always being an issue for me. But this is the first time I’ve let it affect me, and cloud my judgement. “Congratulations,” I say, “you won.” Moriarty pushes his beak left. “And why is that? Your friends have their Elements back.” “You did all of this for me. This case? All for you to prove I was something else, and in that, you’ve succeeded. Even with the Elements back, you still win this.” “Huh.” He shakes his head, tilts his head slightly left, then bows forward. “Thank you for that, Spike. And for playing my little game.” The griffon hangs up his coat and takes off his glasses. “You better make the future worth it to me, Spike, as you owe me one.” He walks to the door, and Dash tenses up. I grab her by the hoof, she looks to me, and I shake my head. He pauses at the door, sighs, and looks to me. His body is slouching, his face tired. “This case has taught you many things my friend, but has taught me one: that I am truly alone. Goodbye, Spike – let’s play again soon.” He leaves the stage, like a tragic hero. My body falls back into my bed, as a pensive sadness takes hold. “Spike,” Dash says, hovering over me. “You’re seriously not upset over him, right?” “I am upset,” I say while I stare at the ceiling. “He and I are alike in a way; we even thought the same. I never opted in for feelings, but they were still there. So many times I was close to acting on them.” I sigh, taking a moment to compose my thoughts. “I think he and I viewed the world in the same way, and now, we don’t. He proved that I could never act on those feelings for my own gain, and that I’m not truly a sociopath.” “I think, that those days I spent alone when Twilight had left, if I were to meet him then, that we would’ve been the best of friends.” Dash sighs and slowly moves her head around. “Spike, I don’t, understand what your feeling… but I kinda get it. You guys were kinds the same and now you’re not.” I nod my head. “But, hey! At least you’re going to live life for the better now. That’s gotta be an improvement from the slunk you were in.” “I hope so,” I say. “But still, I feel a bit empty. It’s kinda like the aftermath of a drug overdose, when at the end, there is only darkness. Where you’re forced to face all your fears alone.” “Well, just like in the hotel, you’ll have me.” She beams, giving me a smile. I return the smile. But I soon raise a brow, as her smile turns seductive; her eyes closing slowly. She hops up onto my bed and climbs up my body until she reaches my chest. “And just think of all the stuff we could do alone, together.” Annnd my nose is bleeding. See, while I can never understand another ponies feelings, I can tell at a glance what they are feeling, and in most cases, thinking. So ponies require I look a little harder, but in the end, I could tell tell you someone’s life story by what they wear. But my Celestia, I haven’t a clue what Dash is thinking right now! I want to scream, but a hoof covers my mouth. I take hold of that hoof, and yank Dash down. She gasps, as I throw a claw around her neck, bringing her in for good hug. In reality, I don’t have my blanket. But fur will do just fine pressed against my body. She steals a peck against my cheek, and I return the favor. Both of us yelp, not used to the sensation of being kissed. But we’re both laughing like kids as we cuddle close. If me and Dash had been friends when we were kids, then I wouldn’t have become friends with Moriarty as a teen. Oh well! I have her now, don’t I? “Hey Spike?” Dash says, as she wraps two hooves behind my head. I look to her. “When we first met, I had two thoughts on my mind, care to guess what they are?” “This guy is weird and probably going to kill me?” She giggles, laying her belly on top of mine. Her legs reaching half down of mine. “The first one is true, but the second isn’t; I know I could’ve kicked your butt easily. But no, my second thought was this: I wonder what that dragon would look without clothes on.” “Oh?” “And now, this is the second time seeing you without them.” “And I how do I look.” “Enough to make me hot.” And I’m dead. Yep. Died and left. Just a corpse now. Dead dead dead. “But please keep do wearing cloths, then when I see you without them, well, it makes it my rarity.” “Um, Darling?” A shaky voice asks, as I look to Dash and she looks to me. Both mortified, we turn to look at the doorway, which is filled with all her friends. Everyone has eyes as big as saucers, though funny enough, it’s Twilight who passes out. “I-I take it the dragon fellow is feeling better?” Rainbow Dash slaps me the world goes back to being black, the sound of the slap bouncing off the walls as Dash jumps off me. We have a lot of explaining to do.
EpilogueSpike sits in his arm chair, smoking his pipe. It took a lot of arguing, but I convinced him to stay off the drug train. Though sometimes he smokes a pipe, whenever a big problem is set before him or a case requires long thinking hours. But I know he still has a stash of weed around the house. I’m not sure where, but I’ll let that slide. Beside, maybe one day, we’ll just, chill, out. I write the last word to theElemental case and lean back into my chair, letting out the biggest breath of air. I’m not much of a reader, but I love to write. I hope to submit my work one day, under fiction of course. I hope then, that through my works, that maybe Spike can be seen as a hero one day. I get up from my seat and stretch out my back. Spike’s eyes are still lost beyond the window, so I take the opportunity to sneak up on him. And then, without a sound, I peck him on the cheek. He jumps, turns to me, sighs and collapses. “Really?” He asks. I kiss him again, leaning over the chair with the help of my wings. “Really,” I say. Walking away, I give the sway of my tail; he’s watching it like a clock. I laugh and he blushes. “So, any word from Shining?” I shake my head. “Nothing yet, apparently no one has ever heard of Jim Moriarty. But ask any of the higher ups, and they refuse to answer…” “Oh!” Spike laughs; “I’m not worried about that. I mean Twilight: has she gotten better?” “Oh,” I mutter. “She’s fine, still bed ridden. When we told her that you had made a friend, she passed out. When I told her you and I were drake and mare friend, she passed out for more than a few days. I don’t think her mind is capable of you accomplishing such a thing.” “Heh, well I am pretty lucky.” “Hmhm,” I sound. “Though my friends are okay with the idea. I think they have the same idea as Twilight, but once you meet them, I’m pretty sure you’ll win them over easily.” “Normal ponies hate me.” “My friends are the furthest thing from normal. Especially Pinkie.” “Huh,” he sounds, “then we should get along greatly.” I walk away from Spike and hide my face. “Spike, I have a bit of a problem.” He looks so nervous. He’s no use to ponies being so close to him, so it’s understandable. I’ll never toy around him on that deep of level, but still, his twildding of the claws is adorable. “I’m bored.” Silence. The laugher. I laugh, he laughs. Soon the forest is shaking, are laughter so loud and happy. Soon it stops, but my smile remains. “Say, Spike, I’ve finished writing about the case.” He comes up to me and places a claw along my neck. “That’s great, can’t wait to give it a read.” “Not until the second draft,” I say. “But, with that case gone, I have nothing new to write about.” “Is that so?” He raises a brow. “I guess that means we need embark on a new adventure.” I laugh internally; Spike gets me and I kinda get Spike. He rushes over to the coat hanger and retrieves his third coat; the other two pershing in the quest. Throwing it own and swishing it back, he picks up the hat from hanger and is about to put it on, until he looks to me. A smile forms, and he puts the hat ontop of my head. I stare at him, but smiles. I shrug my shoulders. We make it to the door, and together, we open it, in search of our next case. My name is Rainbow Dash, and I’m the number one assistant and partner to Spike. Spike the detective or Spike the dragon, either way, you’re sure to hear from us soon enough. For if you have a mystery in the need of solving, look further no than us. Thus concludes the tale. Thank you for reading.
PrologueDear Rainbow Dash: I write to you in my greatest distress. As you will come to learn later today, the Elements of Harmony have been stolen. No demands have been made, nor any threats been declared. In all honestly, we haven’t a clue on why someone would take the Elements. All the obvious reasons have been exhausted, and nothing else remains. The Royal Guard are at their wit’s end, and due to certain reasons, I myself cannot get involved in the matter. I fear this case is above even the five of you girls. Working together this time won’t bring an answer, but suspicion from others. This is why I write to you in secrecy, and hope you keep it this way. Five days from now, I'll need a favor from you. There is a detective who lives on the outskirts of Ponyville who you will have the misfortune of knowing. An unlikable character, but one that plays his part well. Enlist in him this mystery and you’ll have it solved; as long as you’re willing to put up with him. And I ask you must, not for only your’s and I’s sake, but for that of the world. Please, Rainbow: find Spike the detective and solve this case. I can rely solely on you. Your friend, Twilight Sparkle.
