Si Lupis Estby GojirasaurusChaptersThe LegendThe ChoreLonelyPredatorThe WolfRiverbankTimberStrangerThe LegendThe soft cool air drifted lazily throughout the land. Home were alight with a soft glow, the creatures of the night dancing about in the forest nearby. Near the forest, a loud ruckus could be heard, the sound laughing children echoing out throughout the cottage. A man gave loud growling sounds as he followed the two children, making them scream in delight. "Oh! What are these two little munchkins doing in my house?! I am going to gobble them up!" The man suddenly scooped up the two youngsters, blowing raspberries on their tummies. He chuckled as they squealed in delight, before flashing them a fanged smile, letting them grip onto his shirt. "Spike, it's time for the little ones to head to bed." A soft voice spoke, making the two younger ones groan in protest. The beautiful Fluttershy walked up, her pink hair flowing down her back, her wings tucked against her back. Her yellow sweatshirt hung loose around her frame, her jeans hugging her rather thick bottom. "Aww, but dad!" The son tried to argue, grumbling loudly in his fathers arm. "Yeah, can we stay up a little longer? Pleeeeeeeease?" The daughter asked, flashing her own fanged smile back at the father. Said father was the young Spike. His emerald hair was messy, his tan body covered with a purple shirt, the young lad wearing some sweatpants that he liked to relax in that were a rather dull shade of green. His long tail curled behind him, his fangs being flashed to the two. "Well...how about a bed time story?" Spike offered, making Fluttershy smile, walking back downstairs to make herself and him some tea. "Yeah, a story!" "Tell us!" "Now, hold on, hold on! We gotta tuck you two pups into bed. Then, I'll tell the story." He walked over to the twos room, opening the door with his tail, and pushing it open with his rump. Spike set the two down, ignoring their scale covered tails trying to hold onto him for a bit longer, and sat down on the edge of their bed. "So, which story would you like? How I met your mom? How I saved the Crystal Heart? How your mom saved me from a hydra? How about-" "Dad, I want a new story." The son spoke, sitting up a bit in the bed. The daughter nodded in agreement, making Spike sigh, then smile softly. "Well...how about the Legend of the Lycan?" "Lie...can?" "Dad, cans don't talk, how can they lie?" "No, the Lycan is a mystical, mythical beast, a man with the spirit of a wolf. They would have incredible strength, sense of sight, smelling, and hearing." He told them, before adjusting a bit. "The legend begin long ago, back when Equestria was young, and your grandmother was but a child." Spike adjusted, giving a soft noise when he felt his daughter poke him, peering down at her. "This won't be a scary story, will it?" "Oh, no, it won't be a scary story. It starts in the winter, far from here, in a forgotten place. Deep in the woods-" "Wait, if the place is forgotten, how do you know about it?" "Yeah! That doesn't make any sense." "What are you two, critics?" He jokingly spoke, giving them each a noogie, before continuing on. "Now, where was I? Right! In the forest lies a...nearly forgotten village. It once had many people in it; guards and warriors, farmers and bakers, even people who threw crazy parties." "It sounds like our town, Ponyville." Spikes daughter spoke, her big green eyes staring up at her fathers. "Yes, it does! It was once like our town. However, unlike our town, there once lived a hunter. She was a large woman, who could fight a manticore with nothing but her bare hands. Now, this woman, let's call her..." Spike searched around the room for a quick moment, before pulling a stuffed bunny out and handing it to the son, the young half blood happily taking it and cuddling with it. "Leni." "Leni? Leni isn't much of a story name. I would have called her...wingatron!" "That sounds more like a robot, Dawn Star." "Nobody asked you, Solar Flare!" The daughter, Lily, snapped back, making Spike chuckle, catching the twos attention. "Now, Leni," Spike continued, the two settling back into their spots, their argument already forgotten. "She was an amazing hunter, and often brought home game for the whole village. She would never hunt for fame or for trophies, nor the thrill, she simply wanted to help her people." "Wow, she sounds so cool..." "Once day, she comes back to find the village has been raided by bandits. She takes off to the town to see her friends hurt, but alive, and her family having lost their house." The woman ran to the village, her blood pumping as she saw smoke in the distance. Her heart sank as she watched a friend bandaging up one of the guards, his face and body covered in new wounds. She walked over to the bakers to find the man strung up in a sick display, blood dripping down the walls of his once beautiful business, everything ransacked and tossed around inside. She slowly walked around to see the wife of the baker, crying as she held her only daughter in her arms, slowly rocking her as she sobbed with her child. The hunters hand clenched, before looking towards her own home, seeing smoke rise that direction. She walked through the town, seeing friends and neighbors slain, injured, or mourning their losses. She gave a heavy breath as her fears started creeping up on her. Did her family suffer the same fate? Were they mourning, thinking she had died? Did they...? No, she can't think about that now. She heard a scream of help, rushing towards a burning house. The door was wedged, making it stuck in the frame. The hunter adjusted, then suddenly twirled her body around, bringing her boot onto the door. It nudged, cracking loudly, though did not falter. She did it again and again, making it nudge more and more. Her leg ached, her foot was sore, even with the heavy boot on. However, she unleashed a heavier kick, bashing down the door, freeing those inside. A fisherman and his family spilled out, coughing, the hunter helping their two children up. "Strong Claw! Thank goodness you are okay, we had feared the worst!" "Steady Line, what happened?" "Raiders attacked the village. We refused to give them anything...we heard your family were putting up a fight, but we haven't heard anything since they set fire to our home." Steady Line spoke, resting against a snow covered wall. "Steady Line...you home." "It is a home. We will rebuild, luckily no one in our family was hurt." Strong Claw looked up, towards her own house, seeing smoke rise from it. She started to run that direction, ignoring Steady Line's calls. When she got there, she saw... "So, she decided that...it was bed time for two little hatchlings." "Aww, but dad!" "No butts! Now, go to bed, I'll tell you the rest of the story tomorrow." Spike said, before kissing Solar Flare and Dawn Star on the foreheads, ignoring their sleepy words of argument and tucking them into their blankets. "Good night, my little flames." He walked out their door and gently shut it behind him, giving a soft sigh. Fluttershy walked up with a cup of tea in her hands, Spike giving her an appreciative smile. They shared a soft kiss, before walking back downstairs, Spike rubbing his shoulder, feeling the scarred up marks on it. "You haven't told them, have you?" Fluttershy asked him, making the dragon blood sigh and shake his head. "You really should, it would help clear your mind." "They don't need to know about that...not yet." Spike said, taking a sip from his tea. He sat for a moment and stared off into nothing, absentmindedly rubbing the scars on his shoulder. Fluttershy sat next to him, running her hands over his chest, pulling him into a hug. She gave a soft hum that soothed Spikes mind, planting a soft kiss on his head. "It would be easier for them to start learning when they are younger...so they can control it later on." "Maybe. I'll tell them soon, I just...don't know if I am ready." The ChoreThe Everfree forest. The name held with fear in the day. Monsters and mysteries were heard from pony to pony about the forest. Most ventured in, only a few returning to tell tales about the mystery forest. Things as cute and as harmless as a butterfly to and fierce and dangerous as a dragon lived in this forest. Small birds flittered across the trees, giving loud calls to each other, their songs filling the forest. Crickets chirped their nightly harmonies, the forest at peace. Suddenly, a loud yelp of pain stopped everything, while a loud, malformed barking followed after it. Spike panted as he burst through the bushes, large claw marks on his left shoulder, panting louder at each passing moment. Branches whipped at his naked chest, as he heard the sound of howling slowly getting closer. He bit back a cry of pain as he hit a root, tripping over it, tumbling down a hill, hidden by branches and foliage. He clutched his ribs, giving a gasp of pain, before looking up, seeing glowing, blue eyes staring back. A growl rose from the bushes, causing Spike to get up, holding his bruised ribs, snarling back, showing his fangs, only to earn a strange, roaring bark back. He quickly grabbed the closest thing, which was a stick, and threw it, the sound of it hitting flesh and a few pained whines made Spike smile, before the growling returned, now sounding angry. He began to run again, dashing his way through trees and dense forest. His eyes caught a large tree, almost appearing like a mangrove tree, the roots being shown in a sort of cage like structure. He dove to the right, avoiding a blur or fur and some claws, gasping for air, and ducked into the roots, squeezing through them. His lungs screamed for air, his legs burning, the claw marks on his shoulder were bleeding. He looked around, his breathing now brought down to a quiet level. He strained his ears, only to hear the sounds of the forest, birds chirping, crickets in the background. He then heard a twig snap to his left, causing him to look, fear filling through his body. His fight or flight instincts kicked in, making him claw around. Feeling a pointed object, then grabbed it, hearing the bushes rustle, before edging himself further back in the cage of roots. Sweat dropped down his body, the salt stinging his wounds, but he ignored the feeling, his eyes scanning the root system and forest beyond. Suddenly, the thing exploded out of the bushes, springing onto the cage of roots. It's body was too large, making it snarl as it couldn't fit, so it bit and clawed at the roots, causing Spike to edge himself further back. Spikes It glared at him for a moment, as if to study him. It's ears flattened, it giving a growl, before a distant howl was heard, making Spike cower in fear. It's ears flicked up, making it look around. It raised it's maw, howling into the air, as if responding to the cry. It's ears twisted around, before another howl met it, making it...grin? It looked down at him, saliva going down it's bottom jaws, waiting a moment, before roaring, striking the cage, causing dirt and pieces of bark to fall onto Spike. He hissed in pain, grabbing his shoulder, trying to shield it from any more dirt. He looked up, seeing the creature open it's jaws a little, the smell of rotten meat to reach Spike, who gagged at the smell. It suddenly grabbed a nearby branch, attempting to kick the roots. However, it's efforts were in vain, making it roar angrily, then pull the branch out, throwing it a few meters away. The beast started to claw and bite, tearing out the roots Spike's shield, tearing away pieces and flinging them away. It finally ripped a hole big enough, reaching it's long arm in, snarling and giving barks of anger. It's glowing blue eyes glared at him, clawing and drawing deep gashes into the dirt. It fit it's jaws around another root, pulling more off, roaring at Spike, who realized his cover would not last long, and quickly started to go through pros and cons of any plans he could think up. Spike clutched onto the rock, praying quietly to every and any Goddess he knew, and even prayed to Discord, hoping this would work. It's claws suddenly planted near his foot, giving him his chance. He, with the speed of a striking snake, slammed the sharp rock into the creature's claws, making it roar in pain. It attempted to pull it's clawed hand out, only to find the rock stabbed into it and pinned the beast to the dirt. Spike quickly jumped out, grabbing the torn branch off of the ground, hissing and showing off his fangs. Seeing was stuck, it gave a loud snarl, glaring at him, before raising it's maw, howling into the air. Spike felt a battle cry rise into his throat as he ran towards it, the branch high above his head, ready to strike. "AHHHHHHHHH!" ---------------------------8 HOURS AGO----------------- Spike sighed, putting the last book into it's shelf in the massive library. He looked up, seeing the crystal walls holding shelves upon shelves of books, making him smile, proud he had finished reshelving. His stomach growled at him, making him pat the organ in reply. It was mid-afternoon, might as well get lunch. He stared to slide down the ladder, before landing on his feet. He scratches his green, spikey, messy hair, yawning. He stretched quietly, walking out the door, his stomach growling at him again. He walked through the empty halls, his steel toed boots echoed through the halls, making him feel peace. His stomach made itself known, making him sigh softly, entering the kitchen. The sounds of rustling metal made him, making him smile, seeing his adoptive sister rummaging through a pantry, her face scrounged up in confusion before turning, smiling at Spike. "Afternoon." She greeted, causing him to wave a little, scratching his back. "Making lunch, Twi?" "Yup. Done with the books?" "Yup." "This is weird." "Indeed." Spike couldn't help but smile, hugging his adoptive sister close, she gave a light giggle, before patting his head, his emerald green hair spiking back up when her hand was removed. "So, what do you want for breakfast?" "So, what are we gonna do today?" The young Spike spoke through the cereal with gems sprinkled in, making his older adoptive sister roll her eyes. "Well, we still have to go to Applejack and buy some cider, then we have to go to Quills and Sofas," A snort of annoyance was ignored by the older woman, counting off the items on her triple checked list, "then we have to go to Zecora to pick up the potions I asked for, then-" "I could go to Zecora." Spike spoke, gaining a confused glance from his older sister. "I promised to help her with some potions, take out two things at once." Twilight opened her mouth to object, but closed it then sighed, looking at the dragon blooded boy. "Just...be careful." Spike rolled his eyes, taking another bite out of his cereal, "Twilight, it's me. When have I gotten in something I can't handle?" LonelySpike hummed in a merry tune, it's origins forgotten but fondly sang on such good days as this one. His hand wrapped around a scroll, having talked Twilight into splitting the chores up. Thankfully, his chores were quite simple; he had to buy some cider from Applejack, place an order for a cake at Sugarcube Corner, check in on Fluttershy and get some medicine for Owlowiscious, then head out to Zecora's home to pick up potions for Twilight. Spike nodded to himself, commiting it to memory. He looked around the marketplace, trying to find the blonde haired earth woman, his tail waving to and fro. He scanned the audience, before walking over, spotting the signature stetson she wore. He made to run over, only to stop when he saw Rainbow Dash talking to Applejack, the latter giggling when the former flexed in a joking way. He sighed softly, his heart aching at the sight. Even though he was happy for them, being around the two made him sad and lonely. It was then that Applejack spotted Spike and waved him over, smiling at him. Spikes thoughts were waved away, making Spike smile as he walked over. "Well, howdy Spike! What can I do for ya?" "Hey AJ, RD, how are you two doing?" Spike asked, walking up to the stand. "Oh, pretty good little dude. Doing some shopping for Twi?" "Yeah, I need a barrel of cider delivered to the castle." Spike said as he read the list, his emerald eyes scanning over it. "And...a apple fritter for your favorite dragon." Applejack chuckled, before humming softly, rubbing her chin, before looking down at her stand. "Well, I could get Bic Mac to deliver the cider later today, but I'm afraid we're out of apple fritters at the moment." Spike sighed, before grasping the bag of bits, the young dragon blood mumbling something about ponies and their sweets. He put quite a bit more than the required amount on the table, ignoring the look from the couple. Applejack opened her mouth, before Spike gave her a look, making her shut her mouth and sigh. Rainbow Dash then looked at Spike, giving a smile, "Hey, Spike, you got any idea when your wings come in?" "You'll be the first to know, Dashie. Anyway, I got more stuff to do, good luck!" Applejack watched Spike walk off, making Rainbow Dash sigh. "Ya know, ya could help me sell apples instead of flirtin wit me." "Where's the fun in that?" Spike hummed softly, walking down the road, peering at the list again and again, as if the contents would change. He peered up at Sugarcube Corner, seeing ponies mingle about outside and in. His tail waved to and fro, flashing a fanged smile at a few pony bloods he recognized, though quickly grew self conscious about them when a younger boy pointed at them. He walked inside, sliding his long tongue across his teeth. Why couldn't he have normal teeth? That was the fourth time this week someone pointed it out. Perhaps he should shave them down? No, no, the others said it added to his looks...but still, canine teeth are fangs, some people would be...unnerved. He recognized the chubby mom working at the counter, flashing her another fanged smile, his self conscious thoughts being brushed away. "Hey, Mrs. Cake! I thought Pinkie was working the counter today." "Oh, Spike! Hello deary! I'm afraid Pinkie has the cold, so I'm up front." Mrs. Cake replied, giving the dragon blood a warm smile. "What can I do for ya, sweetie?" "Well, Twilight wants to order a cake for Rarity's birthday, said she placed an order a few days ago." "Rarity's cake?" Mrs. Cake mumbled to herself, peering back at the kitchen, rubbing her chin. She walked into the kitchen, humming softly. Spike tapped his strong fingers on the desk, careful not to crack the glass with his fingers. Fun fact about dragon bloods, their bones and skins are insanely hardened and can withstand extreme temperatures. It is said that dragon bloods can swim in lava with no issues and suffer no ill effects. It also helps with digging, having hardened bones and skin. Spikes fingers tapped the counter, only for his eyes to wander. He saw couples of different sizes, shapes, ages...his heart ached with loneliness. He sighs softly, lifting at his hand and staring at his palm, slowly bringing his other hand up and rubbing his palm with his thumb. The door opened, disrupting his thought process, making Spike smile at the distraction. Mrs. Cake walked out, a box in her hands, Spike adjusting on his feet, his boots tapping on the ground. "Here ya go dear!" Spike grasped onto the cake, giving her some gems in return. Of course, she opened her mouth to argue about the payment, but Spike shrugged. "A tip for good service." Mrs. Cake only shook her head, but kept the gems, sighing softly. "Well...thank you." "Of course!" Spike grasped onto the box, being careful with the contents. "It's no problem." Mrs. Cake then grasped Spikes shoulder, giving him a soft look, Spike giving a confused look in return. "Are...you sure you don't want to talk about the whole...Rarity situation?" Spikes heart was jammed with an ice cold pick, the boys eyes dimming a bit at her words. "There...is nothing to talk about. She is happy with someone else...and I should be happy for her." "You should be...but are you?" Spike stared right through Mrs. Cake, who decided that she really shouldn't have brought it up. She opened her mouth, only for Spike to turn, a cold feeling going through Mrs. Cake as he started walking away. "See you later, Cup Cake." He spoke, making Mrs. Cake sigh and rub the bridge of her nose. She shouldn't have brought it up. She knew she shouldn't have brought it up, but she did, and now look at what she did. Carrot Cake (or Mr. Cake) walked out and noticed the sad expression on his wife, turning his head to see Spike open the door with his tail and close it shut behind him. "He isn't taking it well." Mr. Cake remarked, Mrs. Cake nodding in agreement. "Do...you think he'll be okay?" "I don't know, hun...he is hurting. He just needs space right now." After dropping the cake off at the castle (and avoiding multiple ponies), he walked over to Fluttershy's house. It would take maybe an hour if one was walking normally. However, it took a bit longer, due to Spikes troubled mind, and to be honest, it did nothing but help his loneliness manifest itself further into his heart. Of course, he was a dragon blood in a town of pony bloods and griffon bloods. He always felt lonely around the others...and today, it really pushed down onto him. He stared at the path, frowning at the boots. The only shoes he had ever worn that didn't break from his feet. He sighs, a plume of smoke erupting out of his nostrils. He looked up, seeing Fluttershy's cabin, walking up to her door. He held a hand out, raising a hand up to knock on the door. He faltered, doubts racing in his mind, before he heard soft humming from inside. The doubts and self hatred were brushed from his mind, making him smile. He knocked on the door, hearing the hum stop, the door opening a crack for Fluttershy's blue eye to peer out. She smiled and opened the door, her tan skin, oversized yellow sweater, beautiful pink hair, and soft smile being revealed to the world. "Oh, hello Spike!" She said, her soft voice making Spike smile. You see, even at her lowest volume, Spike was able to hear her. Another up of being a dragon blood, sensitive hearing. "Hey Fluttershy. How are you today?" "Oh, I'm fine. Angel refuses to eat his carrots though." Fluttershy looked back at the bunny in question. Spikes eyes narrowed at the little bunny and a growl, inaudible to Fluttershy, poured out of his throat. Angel gave Spike a look and scampered off, Spike returned to Fluttershy, who gave him a smile. "I thought carrots are bad for rabbits." Spike mumbled out, giving her a confused look. "Something about...really high in sugar?" "Oh...that would explain it." Fluttershy's eyes returned to Spike, studying him for a moment. "Are...you okay?" Spike opened his mouth for a moment, before clamping it shut. He was about to lie to her. She would not push it. She would just walk away and get the medicine, and would never bring it up. But...his heart felt heavy, he needed to vent. "Is...it okay if I come in?" "Of course, Spike. I'll make some tea." Spike was ushered in, avoiding being smacked by Fluttershy's wings as she walked in. Spike closed the door behind him, then sat down on her very comfortable couch. She started boiling the water in the kettle, sparing a glance towards Spike. He clutched his own hands, staring into them, his tail curling around himself. She could tell he had something heavy on his mind. She opened her mouth, before giving him another look, giving him soft eyes. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she watched him, his beautiful eyes seeming so dim, that green hair, the few scars her had gotten from his adventures nothing more than small, white marks on his tanned skin. Sure, he looked young for his age, as the older he got, the slower he would age. She didn't quite understand the explanation Twilight gave her for that, but by the time he was a hundred, he would barely look past twenty years old. He was definitely handsome, which made Fluttershy blush. He seemed so young at heart, but he would surprise them with how old his soul seemed. He was a very caring person, often worrying over friends, helping out those in need, and was generous to a fault. Sure, at times he could be greedy and sometimes hurt others feelings without realizing it. And the one time he destroyed half of the town when he turned into an actual dragon...she shivered at that memory. He had helped the town rebuild, and they figured out what had caused the "Greed Growth", but some people still looked at him with fear. Fluttershy wasn't one of them, she thought Spike was a wonderful boy...well, wonderful man. He wasn't a perfect person, and he didn't need to be. He was just...Spike. A whistle echoed out, making Fluttershy panic for half a second. She shut off the stove and grasped two cups. "Your favorite tea?" Spike was broken out of his thoughts and looked at the woman, "Oh...uh, green tea. Honey, please." She smiled, grasping the tea bags and setting them in the boiling water. After a few minutes, the tea was ready, Fluttershy setting down the tea with a spoon for him. He started using the spoon to swirl around the tea, half heartedly mixing the honey into it. Fluttershy was sipping on some jazmine tea, with honey and a little bit of sugar herself. She lowered the cup and stared expectedly at Spike, who was staring into his cup. "I...well, I just...I..." Spike struggled to find the words to properly express how he felt. How dark his thoughts were. His eyes stared into the cup, as if he was trying to find answers in the tea. How could he explain these feelings, these thoughts, without being judged? "Spike." Spike looked up into Fluttershy's eyes, seeing nothing but love and understanding in her eyes. His dark thoughts were blown away as easily as they had settled into his mind. "I...have...been having these thoughts lately. Feelings, really." He started, looking back down at the tea. He took a sip, the boiling hot liquid bringing peace to the dragons mind. "About myself." He paused, waiting for Fluttershy to say something. He looked back up at her, seeing her take a sip, not saying anything. She was there to listen to a friend in need, not to judge. Not that she would judge. She was far too kind to do anything like that. He continued after another sip of his tea, "I...feel so alone in Ponyville. I am the only dragonblood here, I'm always stared at and thought of as a freak. I even destroyed the town once during a birthday because you guys gave me a lot of gifts! I eat rocks, I can take a bath in lava, I can breathe fire!" His mouth couldn't stop spilling his feelings. "I can do things that would get most ponybloods and griffinbloods killed! I was raised amongst them! They...they..." Spike finally stopped and slumped in his seat, setting the teacup on the plate. Fluttershy patiently waited for him to continue, keeping her gaze. On the outside, she was calm and collected, her stare unflinching. On the inside, she was scrambling all over the place. How long had Spike felt this way?! Did he not tell anyone before her?! What about Rarity or Twilight, surely they would have heard this from him! Oh my Celestia, he is so cute. She blushed at that last thought, before she cleared her throat, seeing Spike collect himself. She sipped her tea and waiting, the hot brew calming down those thoughts. "They look at me like I'm some sort of monster." Spike finished, staring at his lap. Fluttershy's gaze turned into a frown as she saw Spike's eyes watering. Spike felt a weight shift onto the couch and looked up, tears brimming on his eyes. Fluttershy hugged him, burying the young dragonblood into her breasts. Spike blushed brightly, before closing his eyes and hugging her tight. He heard a soft humming sound as her nails gently scratched his scalp, his tail curling around them. "It's okay, Spike." Fluttershy cooed into his ear, making him smile. "You don't need to worry about that sort of stuff. You have me..." Fluttershy then caught herself and quickly added, "And the girls, of course. I mean, we'll be with you, and you know we won't abandon you. We don't think of you as a monster, you're our friend, our Spike." After she said that, Spike felt a warmth in his chest, hugging her tighter. She planted a soft kiss on Spikes forehead and smiled, her cheeks tomato red. I can't believe I just did that! Spike cleared his throat and Fluttershy let go of him, making him smile up at her. "Thank you, Flutters. I can always count on you to lift my spirits." She only smiled, before standing up, Spike staring at her round, squishy rump for a moment, before he looked away, blushing brightly. "So, Twilight mentioned she needed medicine for her poor owl?" Spike sipped his tea and nodded, wiping his eyes clear of any stray tears, before standing up. "Thank you, Flutters." "Of course. I'm afraid that I am currently out of the herb, Zecora might have it. I'll need that herb to finish the medicine." Spike nodded and got up, Fluttershy's back to him. She would have faced him, had she not been red faced the entire time, not believing she had kissed the dragonblooded youngster. "Well, I have to head to Zecoras to pick up some stuff for Twilight." Spike walked towards the door, giving Angel a dirty glare as he passed by, his tail waving to and fro. Fluttershy turned, and, once Spike left, gave a loud sigh. "Oh horsefeathers." Fluttershy mumbled to herself, sitting on the couch. "I kissed him." PredatorA low bellow echoed throughout the forest, before a deer walked in. A buck, with beautiful antlers branching out of his head, stepped out into the open air. He sniffed loudly, twisting his head to and fro, walking into the suns welcoming rays. His ears flicked as he watched, his eyes scanning the brush and trees. Once he was satisfied, he leant his head down and started grazing on the sweet grass, his tail flicking a bit as he let his guard down for a moment. A shadow slunk in the bushes, its paws silently slinking around leaves and sticks. A soft sniff told it all it needed to know: its prey was close. It slowly crept forward, sniffing the ground, spotting the bucks tracks in the low light of the forest floor. The thoughts filled the hidden predator, making it lick its chops, tongue sliding over its fangs. Its thoughts were filled with blood and meat, the deers lifeless corpse strewn on the ground, its entrails in his jaws, its flesh torn and blood spilling everywhere. It grew excited and quickened its pace, eyes hardened on the deer. A mistake. A twig snapping made the buck pause and shoot his head up, head twirling to the direction of the sound, ears up and pointed towards the creature. The bucks eyes scanned the bushes and treeline, giving a loud snort as he stared, sniffing the air. The wind blew away from the buck, to his misfortune, and carried the scent towards his hidden fiend. The buck stayed there for another few minutes, eyes and ears straining as it peered though the forest. Coming back with nothing, the buck snorted and returned to his grazing. The shape moved again, much slower this time, its claws slowly cutting into the roots it clambered over, its belly aching for flesh, for meat. The buck lifted his head and flicked his ear, unaware of the danger he was in. Luckily for the buck, fate had other plans. A loud noise was heard, spooking the buck into bolting the opposite direction, the loud singing of a young man echoing out in the forest. The shadow snarled in quiet anger and twirled around, staring at the boy. Its eyes wandered down the boys frame, its gaze softening as it watched him walk though. Although its belly ached, a plan formulated in the creatures mind. It slunk after him, far quieter, Spikes doing air drums as he walked. He stopped his singing and smiled, looking around the forest. After all the adventures he and the girls had, this place wasn't so bad. Sure, it had the timberwolves and the dragonblood who nearly barbecued him as a youngster and...the whole ancient castle stuff, but on the way to Zecoras, it was quite a lovely place. Peaceful. Quiet. One could really hear themselves think out here. Really think. Think. That's when Spikes thoughts turned to Rarity, his tail drooping and a frown coming across his face. He really did like her, but...she was happy with someone else. And here he was. Alone. Again. Now, Spike may not look it, but he was 18 years of age, his dragonblood slowed down his ageing, would make him look this young for a few centuries, if not a few millennia. He wasn't ugly, by any means, but he wasn't drop dead handsome or anything like that. He was just a good looking guy. Yet, Rarity never gives him the time of day. They are still friends, of that he was sure...but that deep, icy feeling in his chest just twisted its cold grip. He should be happy for her. He was, but that small part of himself hissed angry, hateful thoughts towards the person she was sweet on. That wasn't who Spike was, and he knew that, but those thoughts just wriggled into his mind. He stopped in his tracks, sniffing the air, his nose crinkling a bit, smelling...rotten meat? He looked around, the hairs at the back of his neck raising up. He heard a twig snap, twirling his head to the sound, his instincts heightened, a small plume of flame erupting out of his mouth. He covered his mouth, scolding himself internally. An errant flame could set a good portion of the forest on fire, and being scared right now wouldn't help anyone. He strained his ears, clutching his bag, looking around. He lifted his head and sniffed the air, the wind blowing towards him. He smelt it. A predator. Close...very close. Spike bared his teeth, showing off his fangs and hissed, before slowly backing away, his eyes training one direction. A twig snapped, making Spike jump and twirl around, roaring towards that direction, trying to intimidate them. He may be raised by pony bloods, but he still had the blood of a dragon, and wouldn't be afraid to defend himself if he needed to. A bunny jumped out, making Spike jump back. He sighed softly, his tail uncurling around himself. He gave a chuckle, then sniffed the air, not smelling the predator. He brushed his chest, chuckling and letting his guard down. A mistake. "Hey little buddy, were you the one following me?" The bunny stared up at him, before suddenly jumping back into the bushes. Spike gave a confused look, before his world was struck with pain. His shirt and bag were ripped away by some massive claws, his shoulder was struck in the attack, the claws digging deep into his flesh and spilling blood. Spike screamed and unintentionally released a flame breath, striking the beast, causing it to roar in pain and anger. It let go of his shoulder, tearing the lads shirt to shreds, spilling blood on the ground. It howls in pain and started batting its own shoulder, trying to quell the flames. Spike started running into the bushes, using the precious time he had unintentionally gave himself to make a break for it. The beast finally quelled the flames and snarled as it watched Spike run for it. It clawed into the tree and howled, starting to follow the dragon blood. Fluttershy sat on her porch, staring off into the forest. She heard a loud howl and grew concerned, her beautiful blue eyes scanning the treeline. Spike should have been back by now, what was taking him so long? She looked to see the sun slowly getting ready to set, her worry growing more and more with each passing minute. She peered back at the forest, her mind running with thoughts. What if he got lost? What if he was hurt? What if the Timberwolves found him? What if he was stopped by that mean old cockatrice? What if the dragonblood found him?! What if Zecora gave him snack and gave him a tummy ache?!?! Well, that last one wasn't likely, but the first few could be! She got up and hummed softly, before grabbing a jacket. Her pet bunny, Angel, stared at her and gave an disapproving sound. Fluttershy looked at him, the look in her eyes cutting through his aggressive feelings and cutting his argument down before he could even make it...if he could talk, that was. "Angel, Spike should have been back by now. I have to go in and see if he is okay. Don't wait up for me, eat your vegetables." She pulled on her jacket, giving a soft, worried hum. "Be good." She walked out of the door, closing it behind her, and started down the path Spike took, activating her flashlight. Her body was filled with fear, and it almost stopped her in her tracks. Until he heard a roar, then a howl follow after. Her original fear was replaced with a fear for Spikes safety, almost as if an invisible force took her legs and started running with them. She wouldn't like what she would find. Author's Note Went back and rewrote the first chapter cuz I disliked it. It's much better now. The WolfSpike slammed the massive branch into the beast, sending its head twirl to one side. He slammed it against the beast again and again, unwittingly loosening the rock out of the beasts paw. It bit onto the branch, tugging it out of Spikes hand, then roared at him. Spike decided now would be a good time to run and sprinted away, clutching the wound on his shoulder. He stumbled into the pathway, blood dripping down his arm, grimacing at the marks on his shoulder, deciding he should burn it to close it shut. He was interrupted by a loud howl, not too far behind him, and growled to himself, before looking down the path, seeing a river to the side of the path, a few tress on the other. He decided to scramble down the path, blood trailing behind him. It wasn't soon after that the creature scrambled onto the path, sniffing the ground. In the sunlight along the path, it was finally seen...a giant, wolf like beast. It stood on two legs, its massive claws scratching out gouges into the dirt, its grey fur dotted with some scars, its shoulder blackened with some burnt flesh instead of hair, and its hand having blood drip out of it. It snarled as it looked around, its blue eyes scanning the path, spotting some blood on the ground. It sniffed the ground and kept following the trail, slowly lowering onto all fours, its nose pressed against the ground. The beasts fluffy tail whipped to and fro, until the trailed of blood stopped. The beast stood back up, twirling its head around, like a confused puppy, then twirled its large ears around, trying to listen. Birds. Lizards. A deer in the distance. Breathing. What the wolf beast did not see was the blood trailing up a tree, and onto a thick branch. Spike sat there, panting a bit, watching the wolf look around. He hissed quietly and grasped his shoulder, trying to slow down his bleeding. He looked down, then gazed in horror as his finger dripped some blood down the branch, then directly onto the beasts head. It stopped its movement, wiping its head, gazing at its own palm at the wet, red streak, then looked directly up at Spike, it lips curling back into a snarl. Spike pressed up against the tree, seeing it walk over, his mind racing through escape plans. It stabbed its claws into the tree, then started slowly clambering up, snarling up at the dragon blood. Spike decided on one plan, it was insanely dumb, but he could do it. Once the beast was close enough, he jumped down, smashing his boot into its face. It gave a gargled growl, before Spike jumped again. He grasped onto the beasts back, digging his fingers in, and tugged the beast, catching it off balance, it trying to dig in and save itself. Spikes shoulder screamed at him in agony, and he came to the conclusion that this plan was horrible. Spike opened his jaws as wide as he could, then suddenly slammed his mouth onto the beasts shoulder, biting down hard, blood spilling into Spikes mouth as the loud snapping of bones filled Spikes ears. The beast gave an unholy shriek of pain, falling to the ground, slamming Spike into a few branches on the way down, before both fell to the ground. The beast rose, Spike held on, biting even harder, giving a disgusted look as he accidentally drank some of the wicked beasts blood. It finally hit Spike against the tree, dislodging the dragon from it, and walked around him, snarling in hatred and pain. Spike looked up at him, swallowing some blood (a mixture of the wolfs and Spikes own), then spat out the rest, giving a bloody, fanged grin as he slowly stood up. "So...what now?" He asked, the creature getting up and giving a low, threatening growl. "You're pretty hurt...I am pretty hurt. How about we call it a night and go our separate ways?" The beast only stood up, flashing its left claws, the right arm hung limp from Spikes bite, its shoulder crushed in, bloody flesh and bone visible from Spikes bite, the dragon blood spewing out some fire to clean his mouth of blood. Spike rolled his shoulder and took a stance, "So...we finish it then." The beast rushed forward, making Spike blow a concentrated flame at its face, blinding the beast. It roar and swung its arm, catching Spikes chest, leaving four long claw marks across it, the blow sending Spike into the tree, making Spikes world spin. The wolf howled and snarled, rubbing its face in the dirt, leaving a trail of ash in the grass, rubbing and wiping its face with its hands after. Spike, being dazed, walked a bit, balling his hands into fists. "Gonna take down to the pain train station in train town..." Spike mumbled out, only to slip and fall into the river, the current dragging the barely conscious dragon along. The beast rubbed its face, clearing its vision, before looking around. It gave a snarl, before deciding to give up the hunt. It was far too wounded to chase after the dragon blood, and needed to heal. It lifted its injured hand up, flexing it, seeing the wound had nearly closed, the burned hair on its shoulder starting to regrow. It rolled its shoulder and started to slink off into the trees, ready to lick its wounds. Fluttershy walked through the path, her mind muddled as she walked, her flashlight going back and forth. She was extremely worried now, she should have come across Spike by now, it didn't take that long to get to Zecora. "Maybe Zecora asked Spike to stay the night? She is rather lonely." Fluttershy said to herself, her flashlight scanning across the ground. "Well...I should go back and...and...and..." Her words died in her throat as she she saw something bloody on the ground. He gripped her flashlight, her fear of Spike being injured overriding her self preservation. She ran over, seeing a familiar purple shirt, long claw marks running through it, dried blood on the shoulder. She lifted her flashlight up and saw a blood trail, leading deeper into the forest and off the path. She gently lifted the shirt, slowly clenching it, before looking back at the blood trail, her eyes tracing over the trail. Her instincts told her to run. Her instincts told her to turn around and get Twilight, or Rainbow Dash, or someone else...but the vision of an injured Spike flooded through her mind. He heart hardened at the sight, her eyes turning downwards in a glare. Whoever hurt HER dragon boy was gonna get it, and get it good! She started off into the forest, following the trail of paw prints and claw marks, the blood trail slowing down as she walked along. Eventually, she came across another trail and gave a gasp, seeing the aftermath of the battle. There was a tree near the river, blood covering some branches and along its body, with long claw marks trailing up the body. On the ground, there was long claw marks and soot, some ash spread across the ground, as if something was dragged along. She gave a circular motion, seeing the trail of blood had ended here, but the claw marks continued onto the trees a bit further, as if the beast was upset after the fight. No body. No bones. Plenty of blood but no limbs lost or anything like that, which meant Spike escaped. Fluttershy held onto the shirt, balling it a bit in her hands. "Don't worry, Spike. I'll grab the others and we'll find you." She promised to the open air. She noticed something on the ground, giving a curios sound. She knelt down, staring at the object. A tuft of fur? This was getting very interesting. RiverbankFlutershy's foot tapped impatiently as she stared at the apple farm, waiting for her two friends to come out. She saw Rainbow Dash race by, her wings outstretched as she zipped about, before skidding in front of Fluttershy, her brow quirking up as she saw the pink haired pegasus blood. Applejack walked out after, a confused look on her face, adjusting her Stetson ln her head. "Alright, Fluttershy, you got us up this early on our off day. What's going on?" Rainbow Dash asked, staring at her soft spoken friend. "Fluttershy...you look like you been in a two day rodeo." Applejack stated, noting Fluttershy's disheveled and tired appearance. "Ya okay? Did ya need Granny's special tea?" "Girls, I really need-" "Ya know, if you wanted to check up on Tank, I could just bring 'im down." Rainbow leaned back a bit and stretched in a nonchalant way, interrupting poor Fluttershy. "No, I just need-" "Well, I've been meanin to get Winona a playdate with Tank, since Spike had such an easy time wit 'em both. Maybe Angel would like to join up." "No, girls I really need-" "Angel? Angel hates Tank. I swear, every time we hang out with the little guys, Angel glares at Tank hard enough to practically poke holes into his shell." "True. That bunny sure is...somethin." "Ya know, Spike told me when Peewee was little, he would-" "GIRLS!" Fluttershy screamed out, her fear overriding her normal, calm, shy demeanor. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash stared at her in surprise, Applejack taking a step back and Rainbows wings flying out in surprise. "Spike is missing!" "Well, why didn't you say something?!" Rainbow Dash yelled out, not noticing Fluttershy's glare. The soft spoken woman suddenly grabbed Rainbows ear and tugged on it, making the rainbow haired woman squeak out in pain. "Ow ow ow ow ow!" "Well, did ya tell Twilight?" "She was the first I told. She is getting Rarity and Pinkie Pie." Fluttershy said, letting go of Rainbow Dashes ear. She rubbed the side of her ear and gave a pout, Fluttershy continuing, "I told where Spike was last I saw him. We have to go there first, perhaps we could pick up his trail?" "Alright, lemme grab some medical stuff from Granny Smith, then we'll go look for Spike." The gently lapping of waves was the first thing Spikes mind registered. The next was how wet his pants felt. He slowly opened his eyes, giving a hiss as the sun assaulted them and gave him the headache of a life time, his slitted pupils constricting once the light hit them. He closed his eyes and nursed his head, giving a loud grunt, before looking around, his eyes slowly opening bit by bit as he turned his head. His whole body ached, his shoulder gave a dull throb and his chest felt like someone had run a flame over it. He was about to stand, however, his legs gave out and he fell down hard onto the peddle covered beach below, his world going topsy turvy. He took a moment to gather his bearings, releasing an unsteady sigh, then slowly sat back up. He looked around, rubbing his shoulder, feeling the scabs on his shoulder. He sat up a bit more, clicking his tongue, looking around, his mind in a haze. "Man, Rainbow Dash, you throw the greatest pranks...now would be a good time to pop out." Spike said, chuckling, not believing last night actually happened. He looked around, before rubbing his shoulder again, a twinge of pain erupting out, making him hiss. "Guess I'll have to drink my stockpile of cider by myself!" The birds chirped whilst floating in the breeze, the trees rustling a bit in the peaceful, midmorning sun, some butterflies and bees floating by, looking for flowers. "Okay, well...too hurt to be a dream, and it isn't a Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie prank. Which means...last night actually happened." He ran bis fingers across his chest, feeling the scabbed over wounds, then licked his fangs. He was confused, raised around vegetarians, he never really considered eating any living animal. Ignoring eggs, Spike definitely loved scrambled eggs. However, now, he was surprised by the memory of biting the beast and drinking its blood. He found the experience rather...pleasant. In fact, he loved the taste of the beast. This thought disturbed him, he needed to talk to Twilight. He looked around, trying to see if he could make out any land marks, or perhaps a tree type he recognized. Having an egghead for a sister certainly helped. He recognized nothing, though something caught his eye: claw marks on a tree. He hummed to himself and walked over, silently comparing his wounds to the tree; not an exact match, but pretty close. He dug his hands into the tree and started clambering up, his tail curling behind him as he did so. He grasped onto branch after branch, before grabbing onto one which wiggled under his strength. He looked around, his eyes scanning the horizon, trying to spot something recognizable. He heard a howl in the distance, his head snapping that direction, and strained his ears a bit. He waited a few moments, before the creature howled again, making Spike relax. Timberwolves. Thank Celestia. Spike started scanning the treeline again, when he spotted the familiar mountain of his former home, Canterlot. His slitted pupils scanned the mountain, before he made his way back down, slipping a time or two, leaving some drag marks in the bark of the tree. "Well, it looks like a long walk ahead of me. I better find some food for the journey. If I didn't leave my bag with my shirt, this would be easier." Spike started walking towards Canterlots direction, giving a loud chuckle. "Man, Twilight is going to freak when she realizes I fought a wolf monster and walked away. I bet I'll look extra badass to some people!" A bead of silence. "Man, I gotta stop talking to myself." Twilight walked along the path, giving worried glances around, her eyes scanning the treeline. She heard the howls, though such matters traveled in one ear and out the other. She was worried about her baby brother, and she wasn't the only one. Pinkie, the normally happy and cheery pony blood, was currently scanning the ground, trying to find any trace of Spike she could. No jokes, no giggling, no singing, just determination.however, the sniffles and throat clearing may clue into why she was so quiet, a mask around her face as she peered at the ground, with cute balloons etched on it. Rarity, as beautiful as ever, was looking around, holding a bag full of medical supplies (and, to no ones surprise, some kits to help sew some clothes), peering through the underbrush. Twilight stopped, giving a sniffle, making both Pinkie and Rarity stop and look back at her. Rarity whispered something into Pinkie's ear, Twilights eyes welling up with tears. Pinkie nodded and continued on, Rarity walking back towards Twilight. Rarity, without question, suddenly scooped Twilight up in a hug, tears finally coming loose from the Princess. For once in Rarity's life, she didn't care that her clothes were getting dirty, stained by her friends tears. "It's okay, dear, just let it out." She murmured to the princess, the womans body racked with sobs as she returned the hug. "It'll be fine, we'll find Spike and we'll all get to go home and drink some tea, yes?" They sat like that for a little while, Rarity holding onto Twilight, gently rocking her in her arms. She did nothing but just be there for Twilight. Rarity could think of nothing to say, not that she needed to, being there was enough for Twilight. "I'm scared..." Twilight finally admitted, her voice broken and her eyes red from her. "Spike's my little brother, Rarity. If anything happened to him, I just...I wouldn't..." "Twilight Sparkle." Rarity spoke, Twilights face shifting to her, the fashionista giving a soft smile. "Spike saved a kingdom from an eternity of darkness, and he was able to take on multiple dragon bloods to save a baby bird. He'll be fine. I'm more worried about our clothes out here than Spike." "GUYS!" Pinkie yelled out, to the best of her ability due to her sore throat. "Pinkie, I know you want to help find Spike, but you really should have stayed home." Rarity said as she and Twilight walked over, before stopping at a tree. "Though, uh...it is probably better that you were with us, dear." On the tree was a blooding hand print, but definitely not human. The palm was far too large to be a humans, resembling a mixture of a hand and paw. The claw marks in the tree were massive, making Twilight hum in thought. "Looks like a bear had some berrys. Ha, bear-ry, get i-" Pinkie Pie started, before some coughs racked through her body, finishing off with a sniffle. "This isn't a bear." Twilight spoke, running her hand across the dried blood. "This isn't juice from berries either. This is blood. As for the paw print, can't be manticore either, it isn't lion like either. Look kind of...wolf-ish, though stretched out to resemble a hand." "How ghastly." "Wait...what is that?" Twilight asked, though mostly to herself. She bent down, peering at something shiny. She moved the bush out of the way, only to gasp loudly, falling to her knees. She reached in, grasping the object out. Both Pinkie and Rarity gasped, Rarity covering her mouth with her right hand as she stared. A scale. A bloody, purple scale. It looks like it was loosened in the scuffle, and there was only one dragon blood in town with purple scales. Speaking of blood, half of the scale was caked in it, though it definitely was not Spikes. Twilight sighed in relief, no body, no bones, just some blood and claw marks. She stood up, clutching the scale close, then smiled at her friends. "Spike put up one Tartarus of a fight with whatever tried turning him into lunch. Looks like he won, or got away." "Oh thank Celestia." "Wait, if Spikey won, or got away, where is he? Shouldn't he be back by now?" Pinkie asked, adjusting her mask a bit. Twilight hummed in thought, then stood up. Perhaps Zecora would help them out. "Maybe Zecora has seen Spike. We should head to her house and talk with her." Fluttershy stopped at the spot she had spotted Spikes shirt, clutching it in her hand. Applejack scratched behind Winona's ear, the pup giving a happy whine of approval, Rainbow Dash inspecting the blood trail, humming softly. "Man, whatever did a number on this tree got a serious butt whoopin." Rainbow Dash spoke, seeing the torn roots and blood prints on the ground. "Spike put up a decent fight, and no bodies, so he got away." "Winona is a pretty good tracker, right Applejack?" Fluttershy asked, making the farm girl nod. "Pretty darn good at it too. Now, bring dat cloth over here, we'll see if Winona can pick up tha scent and track our little dragon boy." Fluttershy walked over, her hand gripping onto the torn, bloody shirt, then gently held it out to the loyal farm dog. Winona peered at Fluttershy happily, before trotting over and sniffing the shirt. Winona started sniffing the ground, slowly following the trail, Fluttershy putting the bloody rags back into her backpack. As Winona walked, Applejack and Fluttershy grew more uneasy. Applejack bumped Fluttershy with her elbow and pointed, seeing bloody claw prints on the trees and ground. Fluttershy grimaced, though Rainbow Dash just walked, bored out of her mind. Of course, in Rainbow Dashes mind, she knew Spike had won the fight. No body. No bones. No ripped up limbs. No nothing. Though, that did beg the question, where was Spike? Rainbow Dash gave a surprised noise when she bumped into Applejacks back. She made to scold her girlfriend for stopping so suddenly without a warning, only to see the sight of the path. "Uh, Fluttershy...ya said this is where ya lost tha trail?" "Yes, but...I didn't know it was this bad when I got here. It was dark and I..." "Oh, Spike, dude, what the heck did you fight?" In the afternoon sun, the full carnage that was the fight was shown. The ground had a trail of blood up it, ending to a tree, covered in bloody hand marks, the branches having dried blood covering them. In the middle of the path, a piece of fur and flesh was sitting there. The ground was covered in rough marks, clearly something big rubbed against it, and the burnt bits of grass and charred ground clearly had shown a fire had ended the fight. The tree, covered in blood, did have the bloody print of a back caked on it, along with long claw marks, though, it seemed the trail ended there. Winona ran around, sniffing the ground, before suddenly stopping at tree. She raised onto her back legs, sniffing up the trees base, before walking over to the side of a river. She sniffed the river bank, then gave a whine, sitting there. "Well, looks like Spike went into the river. Probably had to lose that things trail." Rainbow Dash said, walking over to the bank and peering in. "Can't see the bottom, but the current seems pretty fast. He may have rode it down stream." Applejack whistled, Winona bolting back to her master, Applejack rubbing and scratching her head. "Who's a good little pup! You are, you are!" She baby talked the farm dog, who gave soft whines of happiness, before reaching into her pocket and grabbing a treat out, feeding it to Winona, who sat down and chomped it down. "Sweet Celestia..." Fluttershy said as she knelt down, looking at the fur and flesh. "Looks like Spike...bit whatever was chasing him." "Pretty dang hard too." Applejack confirmed, pulling a knife out of her bag, moving the flesh with her knife. "Winona, c'mere." The dog wagged her tail, excited by treats or perhaps new things to track, she walked over to her master. Winona peered at the piece.of flesh, then sniffed it once. Then twice. Winona suddenly flung herself back and gave a scared whine, surprising Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "Hey, it's okay girl." Rainbow Dash tried to calm Winona down, though took a step back when a growl erupted from the poor girls throat. Her hackles raised up, making her appear larger, growling and having a stare down with the piece of fur and meat. Finally, she huffed and started to calm down, Applejack walking over to brush the raised hairs down with her hand. "That's just the craziest thang. Never seen Winona act like before." Applejack mumbled to Fluttershy, who nodded in agreement. "We should take her back. Rainbow Dash, can you follow the river and see if you can pick up Spikes trail?" "Sure, but I'm tellin ya, Spike is fine. He'll come into town with some badass scars, and the chicks'll be all over him." Rainbow Dash spoke, before zipping off in a rainbow streak of light, wings flared out. Fluttershy turned to Applejack, who gave a soft hum, "After we drop Winona off at the farm, we should get some medical supplies. I have a feeling that Spike bit off more than he could chew," Fluttershy peered at the chunk of flesh and fur, giving a disgusted look."literally, in this case." TimberSpike rubbed his chest and shoulder, confused at the feeling. Or, rather, the lack thereof. It was strange, when he woke up, his whole body ached, his chest and shoulder felt like they were on fire, and his legs felt like lead. Now though, there was only a slight twinge in his legs and a dull throb that appeared every once in awhile in his shoulder and chest. Rather, he felt sort of...good? No, not good. Different. It felt like the world had changed to him somewhat, though he could not place his finger on it. His stomach decided to growl and make itself known, making Spike grunt. He needed food. He kept walking, giving soft hums as he looked around. He came across a rock, knocking on it with his fist, before giving it a lick. Seemingly unsatisfied, he walked off, the songs of birds to keep him company as he walked. He tried another rock, knocking on it again. Seemingly satisfied, he suddenly started digging into the dirt with his hands, planning to take a nice shower once he got home. He pulled a ruby out, his tail sweeping the dirt into the hole, biting into it like an apple. His body was covered in gem stuff, dirt, and some dried blood. He made a vain attempt to wipe it off, though only managed to get his pants dirtier in the process. "Man, Rarity would be upset if she found me now." Spike mumbled out, biting into the ruby again, walking forward, scratching his chest. "I think Twilight may kick my ass for being gone this long." He heard a twig snap, his head snapping that direction, his mouth opening and aglow with green light. When nothing happens, he took another bite of the ruby, continuing to walk off, rumbling softly. Another twig snapped, making Spike throw the last of his ruby at the noise, booking it another direction. He jumped over a fallen tree, hearing barking and growling behind him, cursing his luck. Zecora paced back and forth in her home, looking at the potions on her wall. She was worried sick, she had not heard from Twilight since yesterday, she was supposed to pick up the potions then. The beautiful brown woman perked up, her black and white colored mohawk a little frazzled from lack of care, hearing the door open. "Ah, Princess Twilight! I have been worried since last night!" Zecora spoke, smiling warmly at her friends. "I have your potions right here...but why are your friends so near?" "Spike's missing." Twilight said, walking over to Zecora, searching through her pocket to pull out the blood scale. "We were hoping you saw him or heard from him." Zecora peered at the blood on the scale, the slowly took the shed scale, as if it would crumble at the slightest miscalculated force, and hummed softly, looking over it. "This is clearly from Spike, but the blood does not resemble his like. Where did you find the scale, perhaps it could help us end this tale?" "We found it in the bushes on the main path here. We also found big claw marks, like a bears, but much larger. A lot of blood too, but no bodies." Twilight explained, Rarity and Pinkie sitting down, though Rarity gave Pinkie enough room to not touch her, even by accident. "Spikey-wikey put up a fight, from what we could tell. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Applejack are trying to track him down now, but we thought you might be able to help." Rarity explained, Pinkie rubbing her throat and nodding in agreement. "Well, I shall brew some tea. I assume you would need some, Pinkie?" Zecora offered, making Pinkie nod, sniffling loudly under her mask. "This scale may give us the answers we need. However, the process is not known for speed." Zecora said, not seeing Twilight raise her hand to object to the tea, though Twilight lowered her hand and sighed after hearing that. "Twilight, perhaps you should stay here, deary. I will go outside and see if I can catch the others." Rarity spoke, getting up and smiling at Twilight. "Thank you, Rarity." Zecora grabbed the pot of hot water, pouring it into a cup of of tea, grasping some bags and putting them in the cups. "I apologies about the tea, it appears all I have for sweetness is honey." Rarity stood outside, before letting her head droop. "Oh, Spikey-wikey, I hope you're okay..." Rarity mumbled out, using all of her strength to not burst into tears. She sat down, not caring about her pants for once in her life, and waited. It wasn't long after when Fluttershy and Applejack were seen, talking to each other. Rarity smiled and waved them over, standing up and wiping some dirt off her pants. "So, any luck?" "Spike was injured in the fight, but got away." Fluttershy said, making Rarity sigh in relief. "Best we can tell, he was headin' downstream and washed up somewhere along tha other side somewhere. Dashie is lookin' for 'im." Applejack said, before giving the zebra bloods home a soft look. "How is Twi takin it?" Rarity sighed, then looked away, crossing her arms. "Not well. Even with this news she'll be worried sick." Rarity leaned against the house, looking back at Fluttershy. "How are you taking this news?" Fluttershy gave her a confused look, then looked at Applejack, who gave a knowing grin. Applejack walked over to Rarity, Fluttershy asking, "What do you mean?" "Ya noticed it too, huh? I told Rainbow that Shy is horrible at hidin it." "Hiding what?" "Your feelings for Spike, dearie." Oh. That. Fluttershy suddenly turned as bright as a tomato, her mouth opening in shock as she stared at her two friends. She shrunk in herself a bit, before clearing her throat a bit, mumbling something so soft that not even Winona could hear it. If that dog had been there, of course. "I noticed whenever we have our spa days, you bring up Spike quite a bit. No earth bloods or air bloods or even magic bloods, nothing in the romance department. However, when we have our spa days, I bring up Spike helping me and you go on and on about him." Rarity said, making Applejack lean against the wall, chuckling a bit. "Of course, to speak nothing of the looks you give him." "Looks?" Applejack took her moment to pipe in, raising a hand up from her leant on shoulder, "Rainbow Dash noticed ya tend to come by fer visits when Spike is 'round. She also mentioned that ya stare at Spike when he takes his shirt off after a hard days work. I only noticed on Hearts and Hooves day, when ya gave him a gem when he was down after receiving nuthin. You were blushin more than Big Mac when I mention Sugar Belle." "Oh dear..." "Don't you worry your little head, I haven't told Twi nuthin." "Neither have I. A lady never kisses and tells." Fluttershy sighed in relief, before giving a look out to the forest around them. She crossed her arms, returning her gaze to the two ladies in front of her. Rarity cleared her throat, making both look at her, "Not that I am judging, I would like to know something. Why Spikey-wikey?" "Yeah, I'm itchin to know that one." Fluttershy gave a soft smile, then looked at her feet as her blush grew. "It actually happened awhile back when I noticed I liked him. It was after his birthday, when he actually turned into a dragon. Afterwards, he was far more helping of everyone, far more generous, and would often help me out with my animals. He wasn't any good at helping me out-" The trio giggled at that, Fluttershy brushing her hair out of her face, then continued, "he kept trying though. And, eventually, I started to notice that his heart was...well, I don't know how to explain it. I just kind of saw him differently. He seemed like a kind, generous, seems young, but he has an old soul, often giving out wisdom in the darkest times. He even didn't abandon us when Discord messed with our heads, and saved an entire empire, but he acts so humble about it. One day, he even made me breakfast in bed when I had the flu and helped feed the animals, even Angel. I think that's when I started to like him." "Shy, I think you got it bad for him." Timberwolves. Of course, timberwolves! It couldn't be coyotes, or regular wolves, or dogs, or even diamond dogs! Timberwolves! Spike slid under a branch, the wolf smashing against the branch in a vain attempt to catch him. He jumped up and over some roots, feeling the gust of wind against the back of his neck as he narrowly avoided some wooden jaws. He huffed out some smoke, looking around for any clear option to escape. He felt something in the back of his head, a strange sensation, it almost felt like it was a warmth. Spike chanced a look back, unintentionally slowing himself down a bit, and saw three timberwolves following him, though not close enough to breathe on him. Spike made an unfortunate turn and came face to face with a clearing and rock wall. He stopped suddenly to keep himself from slamming into it. That warmth was starting to heat up, the back of his skull feeling hot as he heard the timberwolves turn. They circled around Spike before he could turn to run, and snarled at him, snapping their jaws, sap like saliva spilling from their jaws. Their breath, as bad as ever, made Spike gag, before he returned a growl. The bushes to the right rustled, a pair of brown eyes moving apart the branches of the bushes, peering curiously at the scene before them. It spotted Spike and hummed softly, watching the scene unfold. That heat in Spikes skull turned into an raging inferno, Spikes pupils constricting and turning into slits. He didn't feel scared, much to his surprise, but there was something there. Anger, he definitely felt angry, but also happiness? Yeah, he felt happy. There was something else...the rage? No....bloodlust. He was hungry. Hungry for a fight, for the first time in his life, he felt perfect, energizing rage and bloodlust. His hands clenched a bit as he bared his fangs and released a throaty hiss, making the larger timberwolf, the leader, adjust itself. It flung itself forward, before Spikes hand shot out, grasping the wooden wolfs head in his hand. Were his arms larger now? No, no time for silly questions, now was the time to act. Spike flexed his hand, crushing the wooden wolfs skull, then grabbed the still clawing body. Spike threw the body down and slammed his fists into it, roaring at the other two wooden abominations as a challenge, his mind escaping into a fog of instincts and thoughts of survival. Fight. Survive. KILL! Spikes head felt like it was on fire, the dragon blood cracking his knuckles as he flexed them. The next timberwolf charged, Spike slamming a fist into its head, dazing the poor beast. He grabbed the poor wooden creatures throat and smashed it in his fists, the body turning into splinters as its head fell off. Spike felt great, his emerald eyes turning to the last beast, licking his fangs hungrily. It gave a loud, rough, bark, before charging at him. Spike raised his arm, before the wolf bit into it, making Spike roar in anger. The timberwolves last mistake. Spike grabbed the top half of its skull and tugged it off, throwing the poor beast on the ground. Before it could get its bearings, Spike was already upon it, jumping on its back and snarling as it tried to buck him off. He smashed its head a few times with his fists, before grabbing its head. He pulled with all of his strength, ripping the poor beasts head clean off, its wooden body slumping to the ground, turning into twigs and splinters. Spike raised the broken, wooden head and roared into the sky, a deep, throaty sound that sounded more like a distorted howl than anything he could normally make. He dropped the wooden head, before feeling an ice cold chill run down his back, shivering like he was in a snow storm with no clothes on. Spike gave a soft groan, losing his footing, feeling nauseous as he stumbled into the clearing near the cliff. He released his lunch, half digested ruby bits, onto the ground with a wretching sound, his thoughts returning to him post battle. "Oh Celestia...I don't feel too great..." Spike finally said, before slumping onto the ground soon after, smashing into a pile of wood and sticks, his vision going blurry. However, before his vision was gone, a hooded figure walked into his sight, humming softly. "Curious. Very curious. Rest now, pup." Then, it went dark. StrangerRainbow Dash raced through the sky, giving a grunt as her wings ached, stretching them out as she stopped and started to glide in the wind. She lifted her hand up, shading herself from the suns glare, scrunching up her nose as she peered down at the river below her. She stretched out, peering down, spotting a nice, pebble covered shore, slowly gliding down to it. "Spike, you are one hard guy to find." Rainbow Dash said, landing onto the pebble covered shore. She stretched her aching wings and limbs, rotating her shoulders. "You better have some badass scars." Rainbow Dash rested her wings a moment, before looking around, giving it a more critical look, she then looked down, seeing scuff marks on the rocks. She knelt down, brushing the pebbles away, seeing a boot print in the soil, humming in thought. "Alright Rainbow, what would Daring Doo do in this situation...?" Rainbow asked herself, before looking up, seeing boot prints on the ground, leading into the forest, trailing them with her eyes. "Okay, Spike, you...climbed up a tree? Maybe to see the land a bit better." She jumped and flapped her impressive wings, getting to the top of the tree rather easily. She trailed the tree with a finger, then flew next to it, looking around. She stopped when her finger landed on Canterlot, the mountain just barely hiding most of the city, only the top of the castle could be seen. "Canterlot is that direction, which means Ponyville is...that direction. Looks like Spike got out of the river and started heading this direction." Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin, before fluttering back to the ground, humming loudly. "Then...why didn't I see Spike or the thing he fought on the way here?" Rainbow Dash was startled out of her thoughts by a distant howl, making her shoot up. When she realized there were no bad smells, she relaxed and sighed, realizing the wolf was far away. Good. Last thing she needed right now was a timberwolf attack. She looked down, following the boot prints, her own shoes leaving a trail. Eventually, she saw wolf prints and shards of wood, making her grimace. She quickened her pace, her thoughts turning to Spike. Yeah, the dragon blood was tough. Heck, she could throw him in a volcano and he'd be perfectly happy, safe and sound. Burnt clothes and nude, but still, safe. However, the thing that attacked him had to be pretty strong to get through his skin. Couldn't have been a Ursa Minor or Major, no broken trees. Sure, plenty of clawed ones, but nothing broken. Plenty of blood, and seeing as Spike was no longer leaving a trail and would have bled out before then, it couldn't be a timberwolf that attacked him before. She stumbled into a clearing, her eyes widening as she saw the bundle of wood, and the wooden head of a timberwolf. "Layin the smack down, Spike, very impressive." She stood up, humming softly as she peered at some new boot prints on the ground, her eyebrow raising as she followed them into the bushes...though Spikes own footprints disappeared. "Spike, you're in a whole heap of trouble." She mumbled to herself, rubbing her chin. "I gotta stop talking to myself." Spike awoke again, the searing heat in the back of his mind nothing but a dull warmth now. He clicked his tongue, slowly opening his eyes, reaching his hand up to rub his forehead. When did the ground get so soft? And...so warm? He heard the crackling of a fire and shot up, fear striking through his body. Did he do that? How long had to he fire been going? He needed to put it out! He looked around, before realizing he was in a home of some sort, wooden, much like a cozy log cabin. He looked down, seeing fur blankets on himself, bandages around his arm and shoulder, flicking his tongue out. He smelled something delicious cooking. Spike sat up, bearing footsteps behind him, making him twirl around and stare at the mystery person. Said person had a hood on, moving towards the fire. When the hooded figure was aware he was awake, it pulled its hood away to show a woman, around her 40s. Her hair was long, dark brown, and three long scars ran across her face, her blue eyes staring holes into him, as if studying him. She gave a smile, showing off her sharp canines, walking over to him, holding her hand up. "Well met, kinsman!" She spoke, her slitted pupils revealing her identity. A dragon blood. "Uh...hi there." Spike spoke, confusedly, taking her hand and giving it a shake. "Name's Spike." "Spike? Well met, Spike! I am Dym!" She said, giving it a hearty shake, before walking over to to the fire, checking on the stew. "I saw your forest fight. Impressive, but you almost lost control." "Against the timberwolves?" "Of course. What else could I mean?" "Sorry...head's a little foggy." Spike sat up a bit and rubbed his head, looking around a bit. "Where am I?" "In my home. In the...what do the pony bloods call it...Everfree Forest?" Dym explained, scratching her cheek, peering into the stew. "Supper is almost ready, Spike, would you like some? It is a recipe from our homeland." "Thanks. I'm starving." Spike sat up a bit, rotating his arm a bit to get the cricks out of it, rubbing it a bit. "You're a dragon blood? Like Ember and Smolder?" "Dragon Lord Ember! A great warrior and diplomat! If I am not mistaken, a young drake gave up the title for her." Dym scratched her chin, before stirring up the stew. She pulled two bowls out, pouring some into one and handing it to the lad. "Eat, regain your strength, young one." "Thanks. None of the dragon bloods I know talk like you." Spike mentioned, sipping the broth down. He hummed happily and drank more, the warmth spreading through his body. The dull warmth at the back of his head calmed down as he drank it. He blinked as he tasted something squishy and swallowed it, the taste of said squishy item was really good, making his chew the next one that went into his mouth, he pulled away his bowl and cocked his head at some of the items. He recognized carrots and potatoes, however, the strange darker masses in his broth, he did not recognize them. They did smell...rather delicious though. "I come from the north, from a place much colder than here, though with many dragons who are far less greedy than most of our kin." Dym scratched her cheek, pouring herself a bowl. She drank it much slower than Spike, giving him a smile, then saying, "I rather liked this place when I passed by, a century or two ago, and decided to stay here. It is much better than the cold up north, and I hear to the big mountain city each month for supplies." "A century? Wow, you barely look over thirty." "Aha! A young blood things he has the flame to handle me!" "Th-that's not what I meant! I mean, you are a beautiful lady, you just aren't-" "Calm yourself, kin, I jest. You are rather handsome, but far too much trouble, seeing the wounds on yourself." Dym smiled good heartedly, before swallowing another bit of her soup. "You must like my cooking, you are nearly finished with your bowl." "Yeah, but, what are these dark shapes? I recognize the potatoes and carrots, but not this tasty thing." "Oh, it is hjort!" Spike looked at her as she scratched her cheek, seeing the lads puzzled expression. "Erm...what was the word...deer! It is deer." Spike swallowed thickly, looking down at the empty bowl. A sickening feeling filled his stomach, a dark pit of disgust swelling in his innards. He hated the fact that he ate meat. MEAT! Something that would get him glared at in most of pony blood society, he ATE MEAT! He hated that he ate deer. He hated that this woman had killed some poor animal and fed it to him, and...and...he hated how much he liked it. Wow...meat tastes amazing. That thought raced through Spikes mind, cutting that sickening feeling in half, though the look that crossed his face concerned Dym. "Do you not like it?" Dym asked, her mind alight with worry. "I can get rid of the meat." "No, no, it's okay. Just, uh...I've heard dragon bloods are more omnivorous than pony bloods, but I have never...eaten meat." Spike finally said, his appetite quite destroyed at the moment. He handed her the bowl, smiling, before rubbing his chest a bit. "So, you've lived out here a long time, have you seen anything...strange lately?" Dym looked at him, confused, before pouring herself a bowl, a small part of Spikes mind still wanting some meat, though it was snuffed out. "Well, there were the two pony bloods who woke up the star bears. There was also the incident with a hydra. And the time a God of Chaos popped by for a chat. Otherwise, no." "No...giant wolf monster or anything?" Dym perked up, her eyebrow raising as she stared at the young lad. "Wolf monster?"
The LegendThe soft cool air drifted lazily throughout the land. Home were alight with a soft glow, the creatures of the night dancing about in the forest nearby. Near the forest, a loud ruckus could be heard, the sound laughing children echoing out throughout the cottage. A man gave loud growling sounds as he followed the two children, making them scream in delight. "Oh! What are these two little munchkins doing in my house?! I am going to gobble them up!" The man suddenly scooped up the two youngsters, blowing raspberries on their tummies. He chuckled as they squealed in delight, before flashing them a fanged smile, letting them grip onto his shirt. "Spike, it's time for the little ones to head to bed." A soft voice spoke, making the two younger ones groan in protest. The beautiful Fluttershy walked up, her pink hair flowing down her back, her wings tucked against her back. Her yellow sweatshirt hung loose around her frame, her jeans hugging her rather thick bottom. "Aww, but dad!" The son tried to argue, grumbling loudly in his fathers arm. "Yeah, can we stay up a little longer? Pleeeeeeeease?" The daughter asked, flashing her own fanged smile back at the father. Said father was the young Spike. His emerald hair was messy, his tan body covered with a purple shirt, the young lad wearing some sweatpants that he liked to relax in that were a rather dull shade of green. His long tail curled behind him, his fangs being flashed to the two. "Well...how about a bed time story?" Spike offered, making Fluttershy smile, walking back downstairs to make herself and him some tea. "Yeah, a story!" "Tell us!" "Now, hold on, hold on! We gotta tuck you two pups into bed. Then, I'll tell the story." He walked over to the twos room, opening the door with his tail, and pushing it open with his rump. Spike set the two down, ignoring their scale covered tails trying to hold onto him for a bit longer, and sat down on the edge of their bed. "So, which story would you like? How I met your mom? How I saved the Crystal Heart? How your mom saved me from a hydra? How about-" "Dad, I want a new story." The son spoke, sitting up a bit in the bed. The daughter nodded in agreement, making Spike sigh, then smile softly. "Well...how about the Legend of the Lycan?" "Lie...can?" "Dad, cans don't talk, how can they lie?" "No, the Lycan is a mystical, mythical beast, a man with the spirit of a wolf. They would have incredible strength, sense of sight, smelling, and hearing." He told them, before adjusting a bit. "The legend begin long ago, back when Equestria was young, and your grandmother was but a child." Spike adjusted, giving a soft noise when he felt his daughter poke him, peering down at her. "This won't be a scary story, will it?" "Oh, no, it won't be a scary story. It starts in the winter, far from here, in a forgotten place. Deep in the woods-" "Wait, if the place is forgotten, how do you know about it?" "Yeah! That doesn't make any sense." "What are you two, critics?" He jokingly spoke, giving them each a noogie, before continuing on. "Now, where was I? Right! In the forest lies a...nearly forgotten village. It once had many people in it; guards and warriors, farmers and bakers, even people who threw crazy parties." "It sounds like our town, Ponyville." Spikes daughter spoke, her big green eyes staring up at her fathers. "Yes, it does! It was once like our town. However, unlike our town, there once lived a hunter. She was a large woman, who could fight a manticore with nothing but her bare hands. Now, this woman, let's call her..." Spike searched around the room for a quick moment, before pulling a stuffed bunny out and handing it to the son, the young half blood happily taking it and cuddling with it. "Leni." "Leni? Leni isn't much of a story name. I would have called her...wingatron!" "That sounds more like a robot, Dawn Star." "Nobody asked you, Solar Flare!" The daughter, Lily, snapped back, making Spike chuckle, catching the twos attention. "Now, Leni," Spike continued, the two settling back into their spots, their argument already forgotten. "She was an amazing hunter, and often brought home game for the whole village. She would never hunt for fame or for trophies, nor the thrill, she simply wanted to help her people." "Wow, she sounds so cool..." "Once day, she comes back to find the village has been raided by bandits. She takes off to the town to see her friends hurt, but alive, and her family having lost their house." The woman ran to the village, her blood pumping as she saw smoke in the distance. Her heart sank as she watched a friend bandaging up one of the guards, his face and body covered in new wounds. She walked over to the bakers to find the man strung up in a sick display, blood dripping down the walls of his once beautiful business, everything ransacked and tossed around inside. She slowly walked around to see the wife of the baker, crying as she held her only daughter in her arms, slowly rocking her as she sobbed with her child. The hunters hand clenched, before looking towards her own home, seeing smoke rise that direction. She walked through the town, seeing friends and neighbors slain, injured, or mourning their losses. She gave a heavy breath as her fears started creeping up on her. Did her family suffer the same fate? Were they mourning, thinking she had died? Did they...? No, she can't think about that now. She heard a scream of help, rushing towards a burning house. The door was wedged, making it stuck in the frame. The hunter adjusted, then suddenly twirled her body around, bringing her boot onto the door. It nudged, cracking loudly, though did not falter. She did it again and again, making it nudge more and more. Her leg ached, her foot was sore, even with the heavy boot on. However, she unleashed a heavier kick, bashing down the door, freeing those inside. A fisherman and his family spilled out, coughing, the hunter helping their two children up. "Strong Claw! Thank goodness you are okay, we had feared the worst!" "Steady Line, what happened?" "Raiders attacked the village. We refused to give them anything...we heard your family were putting up a fight, but we haven't heard anything since they set fire to our home." Steady Line spoke, resting against a snow covered wall. "Steady Line...you home." "It is a home. We will rebuild, luckily no one in our family was hurt." Strong Claw looked up, towards her own house, seeing smoke rise from it. She started to run that direction, ignoring Steady Line's calls. When she got there, she saw... "So, she decided that...it was bed time for two little hatchlings." "Aww, but dad!" "No butts! Now, go to bed, I'll tell you the rest of the story tomorrow." Spike said, before kissing Solar Flare and Dawn Star on the foreheads, ignoring their sleepy words of argument and tucking them into their blankets. "Good night, my little flames." He walked out their door and gently shut it behind him, giving a soft sigh. Fluttershy walked up with a cup of tea in her hands, Spike giving her an appreciative smile. They shared a soft kiss, before walking back downstairs, Spike rubbing his shoulder, feeling the scarred up marks on it. "You haven't told them, have you?" Fluttershy asked him, making the dragon blood sigh and shake his head. "You really should, it would help clear your mind." "They don't need to know about that...not yet." Spike said, taking a sip from his tea. He sat for a moment and stared off into nothing, absentmindedly rubbing the scars on his shoulder. Fluttershy sat next to him, running her hands over his chest, pulling him into a hug. She gave a soft hum that soothed Spikes mind, planting a soft kiss on his head. "It would be easier for them to start learning when they are younger...so they can control it later on." "Maybe. I'll tell them soon, I just...don't know if I am ready."
The ChoreThe Everfree forest. The name held with fear in the day. Monsters and mysteries were heard from pony to pony about the forest. Most ventured in, only a few returning to tell tales about the mystery forest. Things as cute and as harmless as a butterfly to and fierce and dangerous as a dragon lived in this forest. Small birds flittered across the trees, giving loud calls to each other, their songs filling the forest. Crickets chirped their nightly harmonies, the forest at peace. Suddenly, a loud yelp of pain stopped everything, while a loud, malformed barking followed after it. Spike panted as he burst through the bushes, large claw marks on his left shoulder, panting louder at each passing moment. Branches whipped at his naked chest, as he heard the sound of howling slowly getting closer. He bit back a cry of pain as he hit a root, tripping over it, tumbling down a hill, hidden by branches and foliage. He clutched his ribs, giving a gasp of pain, before looking up, seeing glowing, blue eyes staring back. A growl rose from the bushes, causing Spike to get up, holding his bruised ribs, snarling back, showing his fangs, only to earn a strange, roaring bark back. He quickly grabbed the closest thing, which was a stick, and threw it, the sound of it hitting flesh and a few pained whines made Spike smile, before the growling returned, now sounding angry. He began to run again, dashing his way through trees and dense forest. His eyes caught a large tree, almost appearing like a mangrove tree, the roots being shown in a sort of cage like structure. He dove to the right, avoiding a blur or fur and some claws, gasping for air, and ducked into the roots, squeezing through them. His lungs screamed for air, his legs burning, the claw marks on his shoulder were bleeding. He looked around, his breathing now brought down to a quiet level. He strained his ears, only to hear the sounds of the forest, birds chirping, crickets in the background. He then heard a twig snap to his left, causing him to look, fear filling through his body. His fight or flight instincts kicked in, making him claw around. Feeling a pointed object, then grabbed it, hearing the bushes rustle, before edging himself further back in the cage of roots. Sweat dropped down his body, the salt stinging his wounds, but he ignored the feeling, his eyes scanning the root system and forest beyond. Suddenly, the thing exploded out of the bushes, springing onto the cage of roots. It's body was too large, making it snarl as it couldn't fit, so it bit and clawed at the roots, causing Spike to edge himself further back. Spikes It glared at him for a moment, as if to study him. It's ears flattened, it giving a growl, before a distant howl was heard, making Spike cower in fear. It's ears flicked up, making it look around. It raised it's maw, howling into the air, as if responding to the cry. It's ears twisted around, before another howl met it, making it...grin? It looked down at him, saliva going down it's bottom jaws, waiting a moment, before roaring, striking the cage, causing dirt and pieces of bark to fall onto Spike. He hissed in pain, grabbing his shoulder, trying to shield it from any more dirt. He looked up, seeing the creature open it's jaws a little, the smell of rotten meat to reach Spike, who gagged at the smell. It suddenly grabbed a nearby branch, attempting to kick the roots. However, it's efforts were in vain, making it roar angrily, then pull the branch out, throwing it a few meters away. The beast started to claw and bite, tearing out the roots Spike's shield, tearing away pieces and flinging them away. It finally ripped a hole big enough, reaching it's long arm in, snarling and giving barks of anger. It's glowing blue eyes glared at him, clawing and drawing deep gashes into the dirt. It fit it's jaws around another root, pulling more off, roaring at Spike, who realized his cover would not last long, and quickly started to go through pros and cons of any plans he could think up. Spike clutched onto the rock, praying quietly to every and any Goddess he knew, and even prayed to Discord, hoping this would work. It's claws suddenly planted near his foot, giving him his chance. He, with the speed of a striking snake, slammed the sharp rock into the creature's claws, making it roar in pain. It attempted to pull it's clawed hand out, only to find the rock stabbed into it and pinned the beast to the dirt. Spike quickly jumped out, grabbing the torn branch off of the ground, hissing and showing off his fangs. Seeing was stuck, it gave a loud snarl, glaring at him, before raising it's maw, howling into the air. Spike felt a battle cry rise into his throat as he ran towards it, the branch high above his head, ready to strike. "AHHHHHHHHH!" ---------------------------8 HOURS AGO----------------- Spike sighed, putting the last book into it's shelf in the massive library. He looked up, seeing the crystal walls holding shelves upon shelves of books, making him smile, proud he had finished reshelving. His stomach growled at him, making him pat the organ in reply. It was mid-afternoon, might as well get lunch. He stared to slide down the ladder, before landing on his feet. He scratches his green, spikey, messy hair, yawning. He stretched quietly, walking out the door, his stomach growling at him again. He walked through the empty halls, his steel toed boots echoed through the halls, making him feel peace. His stomach made itself known, making him sigh softly, entering the kitchen. The sounds of rustling metal made him, making him smile, seeing his adoptive sister rummaging through a pantry, her face scrounged up in confusion before turning, smiling at Spike. "Afternoon." She greeted, causing him to wave a little, scratching his back. "Making lunch, Twi?" "Yup. Done with the books?" "Yup." "This is weird." "Indeed." Spike couldn't help but smile, hugging his adoptive sister close, she gave a light giggle, before patting his head, his emerald green hair spiking back up when her hand was removed. "So, what do you want for breakfast?" "So, what are we gonna do today?" The young Spike spoke through the cereal with gems sprinkled in, making his older adoptive sister roll her eyes. "Well, we still have to go to Applejack and buy some cider, then we have to go to Quills and Sofas," A snort of annoyance was ignored by the older woman, counting off the items on her triple checked list, "then we have to go to Zecora to pick up the potions I asked for, then-" "I could go to Zecora." Spike spoke, gaining a confused glance from his older sister. "I promised to help her with some potions, take out two things at once." Twilight opened her mouth to object, but closed it then sighed, looking at the dragon blooded boy. "Just...be careful." Spike rolled his eyes, taking another bite out of his cereal, "Twilight, it's me. When have I gotten in something I can't handle?"
LonelySpike hummed in a merry tune, it's origins forgotten but fondly sang on such good days as this one. His hand wrapped around a scroll, having talked Twilight into splitting the chores up. Thankfully, his chores were quite simple; he had to buy some cider from Applejack, place an order for a cake at Sugarcube Corner, check in on Fluttershy and get some medicine for Owlowiscious, then head out to Zecora's home to pick up potions for Twilight. Spike nodded to himself, commiting it to memory. He looked around the marketplace, trying to find the blonde haired earth woman, his tail waving to and fro. He scanned the audience, before walking over, spotting the signature stetson she wore. He made to run over, only to stop when he saw Rainbow Dash talking to Applejack, the latter giggling when the former flexed in a joking way. He sighed softly, his heart aching at the sight. Even though he was happy for them, being around the two made him sad and lonely. It was then that Applejack spotted Spike and waved him over, smiling at him. Spikes thoughts were waved away, making Spike smile as he walked over. "Well, howdy Spike! What can I do for ya?" "Hey AJ, RD, how are you two doing?" Spike asked, walking up to the stand. "Oh, pretty good little dude. Doing some shopping for Twi?" "Yeah, I need a barrel of cider delivered to the castle." Spike said as he read the list, his emerald eyes scanning over it. "And...a apple fritter for your favorite dragon." Applejack chuckled, before humming softly, rubbing her chin, before looking down at her stand. "Well, I could get Bic Mac to deliver the cider later today, but I'm afraid we're out of apple fritters at the moment." Spike sighed, before grasping the bag of bits, the young dragon blood mumbling something about ponies and their sweets. He put quite a bit more than the required amount on the table, ignoring the look from the couple. Applejack opened her mouth, before Spike gave her a look, making her shut her mouth and sigh. Rainbow Dash then looked at Spike, giving a smile, "Hey, Spike, you got any idea when your wings come in?" "You'll be the first to know, Dashie. Anyway, I got more stuff to do, good luck!" Applejack watched Spike walk off, making Rainbow Dash sigh. "Ya know, ya could help me sell apples instead of flirtin wit me." "Where's the fun in that?" Spike hummed softly, walking down the road, peering at the list again and again, as if the contents would change. He peered up at Sugarcube Corner, seeing ponies mingle about outside and in. His tail waved to and fro, flashing a fanged smile at a few pony bloods he recognized, though quickly grew self conscious about them when a younger boy pointed at them. He walked inside, sliding his long tongue across his teeth. Why couldn't he have normal teeth? That was the fourth time this week someone pointed it out. Perhaps he should shave them down? No, no, the others said it added to his looks...but still, canine teeth are fangs, some people would be...unnerved. He recognized the chubby mom working at the counter, flashing her another fanged smile, his self conscious thoughts being brushed away. "Hey, Mrs. Cake! I thought Pinkie was working the counter today." "Oh, Spike! Hello deary! I'm afraid Pinkie has the cold, so I'm up front." Mrs. Cake replied, giving the dragon blood a warm smile. "What can I do for ya, sweetie?" "Well, Twilight wants to order a cake for Rarity's birthday, said she placed an order a few days ago." "Rarity's cake?" Mrs. Cake mumbled to herself, peering back at the kitchen, rubbing her chin. She walked into the kitchen, humming softly. Spike tapped his strong fingers on the desk, careful not to crack the glass with his fingers. Fun fact about dragon bloods, their bones and skins are insanely hardened and can withstand extreme temperatures. It is said that dragon bloods can swim in lava with no issues and suffer no ill effects. It also helps with digging, having hardened bones and skin. Spikes fingers tapped the counter, only for his eyes to wander. He saw couples of different sizes, shapes, ages...his heart ached with loneliness. He sighs softly, lifting at his hand and staring at his palm, slowly bringing his other hand up and rubbing his palm with his thumb. The door opened, disrupting his thought process, making Spike smile at the distraction. Mrs. Cake walked out, a box in her hands, Spike adjusting on his feet, his boots tapping on the ground. "Here ya go dear!" Spike grasped onto the cake, giving her some gems in return. Of course, she opened her mouth to argue about the payment, but Spike shrugged. "A tip for good service." Mrs. Cake only shook her head, but kept the gems, sighing softly. "Well...thank you." "Of course!" Spike grasped onto the box, being careful with the contents. "It's no problem." Mrs. Cake then grasped Spikes shoulder, giving him a soft look, Spike giving a confused look in return. "Are...you sure you don't want to talk about the whole...Rarity situation?" Spikes heart was jammed with an ice cold pick, the boys eyes dimming a bit at her words. "There...is nothing to talk about. She is happy with someone else...and I should be happy for her." "You should be...but are you?" Spike stared right through Mrs. Cake, who decided that she really shouldn't have brought it up. She opened her mouth, only for Spike to turn, a cold feeling going through Mrs. Cake as he started walking away. "See you later, Cup Cake." He spoke, making Mrs. Cake sigh and rub the bridge of her nose. She shouldn't have brought it up. She knew she shouldn't have brought it up, but she did, and now look at what she did. Carrot Cake (or Mr. Cake) walked out and noticed the sad expression on his wife, turning his head to see Spike open the door with his tail and close it shut behind him. "He isn't taking it well." Mr. Cake remarked, Mrs. Cake nodding in agreement. "Do...you think he'll be okay?" "I don't know, hun...he is hurting. He just needs space right now." After dropping the cake off at the castle (and avoiding multiple ponies), he walked over to Fluttershy's house. It would take maybe an hour if one was walking normally. However, it took a bit longer, due to Spikes troubled mind, and to be honest, it did nothing but help his loneliness manifest itself further into his heart. Of course, he was a dragon blood in a town of pony bloods and griffon bloods. He always felt lonely around the others...and today, it really pushed down onto him. He stared at the path, frowning at the boots. The only shoes he had ever worn that didn't break from his feet. He sighs, a plume of smoke erupting out of his nostrils. He looked up, seeing Fluttershy's cabin, walking up to her door. He held a hand out, raising a hand up to knock on the door. He faltered, doubts racing in his mind, before he heard soft humming from inside. The doubts and self hatred were brushed from his mind, making him smile. He knocked on the door, hearing the hum stop, the door opening a crack for Fluttershy's blue eye to peer out. She smiled and opened the door, her tan skin, oversized yellow sweater, beautiful pink hair, and soft smile being revealed to the world. "Oh, hello Spike!" She said, her soft voice making Spike smile. You see, even at her lowest volume, Spike was able to hear her. Another up of being a dragon blood, sensitive hearing. "Hey Fluttershy. How are you today?" "Oh, I'm fine. Angel refuses to eat his carrots though." Fluttershy looked back at the bunny in question. Spikes eyes narrowed at the little bunny and a growl, inaudible to Fluttershy, poured out of his throat. Angel gave Spike a look and scampered off, Spike returned to Fluttershy, who gave him a smile. "I thought carrots are bad for rabbits." Spike mumbled out, giving her a confused look. "Something about...really high in sugar?" "Oh...that would explain it." Fluttershy's eyes returned to Spike, studying him for a moment. "Are...you okay?" Spike opened his mouth for a moment, before clamping it shut. He was about to lie to her. She would not push it. She would just walk away and get the medicine, and would never bring it up. But...his heart felt heavy, he needed to vent. "Is...it okay if I come in?" "Of course, Spike. I'll make some tea." Spike was ushered in, avoiding being smacked by Fluttershy's wings as she walked in. Spike closed the door behind him, then sat down on her very comfortable couch. She started boiling the water in the kettle, sparing a glance towards Spike. He clutched his own hands, staring into them, his tail curling around himself. She could tell he had something heavy on his mind. She opened her mouth, before giving him another look, giving him soft eyes. Her heart fluttered in her chest as she watched him, his beautiful eyes seeming so dim, that green hair, the few scars her had gotten from his adventures nothing more than small, white marks on his tanned skin. Sure, he looked young for his age, as the older he got, the slower he would age. She didn't quite understand the explanation Twilight gave her for that, but by the time he was a hundred, he would barely look past twenty years old. He was definitely handsome, which made Fluttershy blush. He seemed so young at heart, but he would surprise them with how old his soul seemed. He was a very caring person, often worrying over friends, helping out those in need, and was generous to a fault. Sure, at times he could be greedy and sometimes hurt others feelings without realizing it. And the one time he destroyed half of the town when he turned into an actual dragon...she shivered at that memory. He had helped the town rebuild, and they figured out what had caused the "Greed Growth", but some people still looked at him with fear. Fluttershy wasn't one of them, she thought Spike was a wonderful boy...well, wonderful man. He wasn't a perfect person, and he didn't need to be. He was just...Spike. A whistle echoed out, making Fluttershy panic for half a second. She shut off the stove and grasped two cups. "Your favorite tea?" Spike was broken out of his thoughts and looked at the woman, "Oh...uh, green tea. Honey, please." She smiled, grasping the tea bags and setting them in the boiling water. After a few minutes, the tea was ready, Fluttershy setting down the tea with a spoon for him. He started using the spoon to swirl around the tea, half heartedly mixing the honey into it. Fluttershy was sipping on some jazmine tea, with honey and a little bit of sugar herself. She lowered the cup and stared expectedly at Spike, who was staring into his cup. "I...well, I just...I..." Spike struggled to find the words to properly express how he felt. How dark his thoughts were. His eyes stared into the cup, as if he was trying to find answers in the tea. How could he explain these feelings, these thoughts, without being judged? "Spike." Spike looked up into Fluttershy's eyes, seeing nothing but love and understanding in her eyes. His dark thoughts were blown away as easily as they had settled into his mind. "I...have...been having these thoughts lately. Feelings, really." He started, looking back down at the tea. He took a sip, the boiling hot liquid bringing peace to the dragons mind. "About myself." He paused, waiting for Fluttershy to say something. He looked back up at her, seeing her take a sip, not saying anything. She was there to listen to a friend in need, not to judge. Not that she would judge. She was far too kind to do anything like that. He continued after another sip of his tea, "I...feel so alone in Ponyville. I am the only dragonblood here, I'm always stared at and thought of as a freak. I even destroyed the town once during a birthday because you guys gave me a lot of gifts! I eat rocks, I can take a bath in lava, I can breathe fire!" His mouth couldn't stop spilling his feelings. "I can do things that would get most ponybloods and griffinbloods killed! I was raised amongst them! They...they..." Spike finally stopped and slumped in his seat, setting the teacup on the plate. Fluttershy patiently waited for him to continue, keeping her gaze. On the outside, she was calm and collected, her stare unflinching. On the inside, she was scrambling all over the place. How long had Spike felt this way?! Did he not tell anyone before her?! What about Rarity or Twilight, surely they would have heard this from him! Oh my Celestia, he is so cute. She blushed at that last thought, before she cleared her throat, seeing Spike collect himself. She sipped her tea and waiting, the hot brew calming down those thoughts. "They look at me like I'm some sort of monster." Spike finished, staring at his lap. Fluttershy's gaze turned into a frown as she saw Spike's eyes watering. Spike felt a weight shift onto the couch and looked up, tears brimming on his eyes. Fluttershy hugged him, burying the young dragonblood into her breasts. Spike blushed brightly, before closing his eyes and hugging her tight. He heard a soft humming sound as her nails gently scratched his scalp, his tail curling around them. "It's okay, Spike." Fluttershy cooed into his ear, making him smile. "You don't need to worry about that sort of stuff. You have me..." Fluttershy then caught herself and quickly added, "And the girls, of course. I mean, we'll be with you, and you know we won't abandon you. We don't think of you as a monster, you're our friend, our Spike." After she said that, Spike felt a warmth in his chest, hugging her tighter. She planted a soft kiss on Spikes forehead and smiled, her cheeks tomato red. I can't believe I just did that! Spike cleared his throat and Fluttershy let go of him, making him smile up at her. "Thank you, Flutters. I can always count on you to lift my spirits." She only smiled, before standing up, Spike staring at her round, squishy rump for a moment, before he looked away, blushing brightly. "So, Twilight mentioned she needed medicine for her poor owl?" Spike sipped his tea and nodded, wiping his eyes clear of any stray tears, before standing up. "Thank you, Flutters." "Of course. I'm afraid that I am currently out of the herb, Zecora might have it. I'll need that herb to finish the medicine." Spike nodded and got up, Fluttershy's back to him. She would have faced him, had she not been red faced the entire time, not believing she had kissed the dragonblooded youngster. "Well, I have to head to Zecoras to pick up some stuff for Twilight." Spike walked towards the door, giving Angel a dirty glare as he passed by, his tail waving to and fro. Fluttershy turned, and, once Spike left, gave a loud sigh. "Oh horsefeathers." Fluttershy mumbled to herself, sitting on the couch. "I kissed him."
PredatorA low bellow echoed throughout the forest, before a deer walked in. A buck, with beautiful antlers branching out of his head, stepped out into the open air. He sniffed loudly, twisting his head to and fro, walking into the suns welcoming rays. His ears flicked as he watched, his eyes scanning the brush and trees. Once he was satisfied, he leant his head down and started grazing on the sweet grass, his tail flicking a bit as he let his guard down for a moment. A shadow slunk in the bushes, its paws silently slinking around leaves and sticks. A soft sniff told it all it needed to know: its prey was close. It slowly crept forward, sniffing the ground, spotting the bucks tracks in the low light of the forest floor. The thoughts filled the hidden predator, making it lick its chops, tongue sliding over its fangs. Its thoughts were filled with blood and meat, the deers lifeless corpse strewn on the ground, its entrails in his jaws, its flesh torn and blood spilling everywhere. It grew excited and quickened its pace, eyes hardened on the deer. A mistake. A twig snapping made the buck pause and shoot his head up, head twirling to the direction of the sound, ears up and pointed towards the creature. The bucks eyes scanned the bushes and treeline, giving a loud snort as he stared, sniffing the air. The wind blew away from the buck, to his misfortune, and carried the scent towards his hidden fiend. The buck stayed there for another few minutes, eyes and ears straining as it peered though the forest. Coming back with nothing, the buck snorted and returned to his grazing. The shape moved again, much slower this time, its claws slowly cutting into the roots it clambered over, its belly aching for flesh, for meat. The buck lifted his head and flicked his ear, unaware of the danger he was in. Luckily for the buck, fate had other plans. A loud noise was heard, spooking the buck into bolting the opposite direction, the loud singing of a young man echoing out in the forest. The shadow snarled in quiet anger and twirled around, staring at the boy. Its eyes wandered down the boys frame, its gaze softening as it watched him walk though. Although its belly ached, a plan formulated in the creatures mind. It slunk after him, far quieter, Spikes doing air drums as he walked. He stopped his singing and smiled, looking around the forest. After all the adventures he and the girls had, this place wasn't so bad. Sure, it had the timberwolves and the dragonblood who nearly barbecued him as a youngster and...the whole ancient castle stuff, but on the way to Zecoras, it was quite a lovely place. Peaceful. Quiet. One could really hear themselves think out here. Really think. Think. That's when Spikes thoughts turned to Rarity, his tail drooping and a frown coming across his face. He really did like her, but...she was happy with someone else. And here he was. Alone. Again. Now, Spike may not look it, but he was 18 years of age, his dragonblood slowed down his ageing, would make him look this young for a few centuries, if not a few millennia. He wasn't ugly, by any means, but he wasn't drop dead handsome or anything like that. He was just a good looking guy. Yet, Rarity never gives him the time of day. They are still friends, of that he was sure...but that deep, icy feeling in his chest just twisted its cold grip. He should be happy for her. He was, but that small part of himself hissed angry, hateful thoughts towards the person she was sweet on. That wasn't who Spike was, and he knew that, but those thoughts just wriggled into his mind. He stopped in his tracks, sniffing the air, his nose crinkling a bit, smelling...rotten meat? He looked around, the hairs at the back of his neck raising up. He heard a twig snap, twirling his head to the sound, his instincts heightened, a small plume of flame erupting out of his mouth. He covered his mouth, scolding himself internally. An errant flame could set a good portion of the forest on fire, and being scared right now wouldn't help anyone. He strained his ears, clutching his bag, looking around. He lifted his head and sniffed the air, the wind blowing towards him. He smelt it. A predator. Close...very close. Spike bared his teeth, showing off his fangs and hissed, before slowly backing away, his eyes training one direction. A twig snapped, making Spike jump and twirl around, roaring towards that direction, trying to intimidate them. He may be raised by pony bloods, but he still had the blood of a dragon, and wouldn't be afraid to defend himself if he needed to. A bunny jumped out, making Spike jump back. He sighed softly, his tail uncurling around himself. He gave a chuckle, then sniffed the air, not smelling the predator. He brushed his chest, chuckling and letting his guard down. A mistake. "Hey little buddy, were you the one following me?" The bunny stared up at him, before suddenly jumping back into the bushes. Spike gave a confused look, before his world was struck with pain. His shirt and bag were ripped away by some massive claws, his shoulder was struck in the attack, the claws digging deep into his flesh and spilling blood. Spike screamed and unintentionally released a flame breath, striking the beast, causing it to roar in pain and anger. It let go of his shoulder, tearing the lads shirt to shreds, spilling blood on the ground. It howls in pain and started batting its own shoulder, trying to quell the flames. Spike started running into the bushes, using the precious time he had unintentionally gave himself to make a break for it. The beast finally quelled the flames and snarled as it watched Spike run for it. It clawed into the tree and howled, starting to follow the dragon blood. Fluttershy sat on her porch, staring off into the forest. She heard a loud howl and grew concerned, her beautiful blue eyes scanning the treeline. Spike should have been back by now, what was taking him so long? She looked to see the sun slowly getting ready to set, her worry growing more and more with each passing minute. She peered back at the forest, her mind running with thoughts. What if he got lost? What if he was hurt? What if the Timberwolves found him? What if he was stopped by that mean old cockatrice? What if the dragonblood found him?! What if Zecora gave him snack and gave him a tummy ache?!?! Well, that last one wasn't likely, but the first few could be! She got up and hummed softly, before grabbing a jacket. Her pet bunny, Angel, stared at her and gave an disapproving sound. Fluttershy looked at him, the look in her eyes cutting through his aggressive feelings and cutting his argument down before he could even make it...if he could talk, that was. "Angel, Spike should have been back by now. I have to go in and see if he is okay. Don't wait up for me, eat your vegetables." She pulled on her jacket, giving a soft, worried hum. "Be good." She walked out of the door, closing it behind her, and started down the path Spike took, activating her flashlight. Her body was filled with fear, and it almost stopped her in her tracks. Until he heard a roar, then a howl follow after. Her original fear was replaced with a fear for Spikes safety, almost as if an invisible force took her legs and started running with them. She wouldn't like what she would find. Author's Note Went back and rewrote the first chapter cuz I disliked it. It's much better now.
The WolfSpike slammed the massive branch into the beast, sending its head twirl to one side. He slammed it against the beast again and again, unwittingly loosening the rock out of the beasts paw. It bit onto the branch, tugging it out of Spikes hand, then roared at him. Spike decided now would be a good time to run and sprinted away, clutching the wound on his shoulder. He stumbled into the pathway, blood dripping down his arm, grimacing at the marks on his shoulder, deciding he should burn it to close it shut. He was interrupted by a loud howl, not too far behind him, and growled to himself, before looking down the path, seeing a river to the side of the path, a few tress on the other. He decided to scramble down the path, blood trailing behind him. It wasn't soon after that the creature scrambled onto the path, sniffing the ground. In the sunlight along the path, it was finally seen...a giant, wolf like beast. It stood on two legs, its massive claws scratching out gouges into the dirt, its grey fur dotted with some scars, its shoulder blackened with some burnt flesh instead of hair, and its hand having blood drip out of it. It snarled as it looked around, its blue eyes scanning the path, spotting some blood on the ground. It sniffed the ground and kept following the trail, slowly lowering onto all fours, its nose pressed against the ground. The beasts fluffy tail whipped to and fro, until the trailed of blood stopped. The beast stood back up, twirling its head around, like a confused puppy, then twirled its large ears around, trying to listen. Birds. Lizards. A deer in the distance. Breathing. What the wolf beast did not see was the blood trailing up a tree, and onto a thick branch. Spike sat there, panting a bit, watching the wolf look around. He hissed quietly and grasped his shoulder, trying to slow down his bleeding. He looked down, then gazed in horror as his finger dripped some blood down the branch, then directly onto the beasts head. It stopped its movement, wiping its head, gazing at its own palm at the wet, red streak, then looked directly up at Spike, it lips curling back into a snarl. Spike pressed up against the tree, seeing it walk over, his mind racing through escape plans. It stabbed its claws into the tree, then started slowly clambering up, snarling up at the dragon blood. Spike decided on one plan, it was insanely dumb, but he could do it. Once the beast was close enough, he jumped down, smashing his boot into its face. It gave a gargled growl, before Spike jumped again. He grasped onto the beasts back, digging his fingers in, and tugged the beast, catching it off balance, it trying to dig in and save itself. Spikes shoulder screamed at him in agony, and he came to the conclusion that this plan was horrible. Spike opened his jaws as wide as he could, then suddenly slammed his mouth onto the beasts shoulder, biting down hard, blood spilling into Spikes mouth as the loud snapping of bones filled Spikes ears. The beast gave an unholy shriek of pain, falling to the ground, slamming Spike into a few branches on the way down, before both fell to the ground. The beast rose, Spike held on, biting even harder, giving a disgusted look as he accidentally drank some of the wicked beasts blood. It finally hit Spike against the tree, dislodging the dragon from it, and walked around him, snarling in hatred and pain. Spike looked up at him, swallowing some blood (a mixture of the wolfs and Spikes own), then spat out the rest, giving a bloody, fanged grin as he slowly stood up. "So...what now?" He asked, the creature getting up and giving a low, threatening growl. "You're pretty hurt...I am pretty hurt. How about we call it a night and go our separate ways?" The beast only stood up, flashing its left claws, the right arm hung limp from Spikes bite, its shoulder crushed in, bloody flesh and bone visible from Spikes bite, the dragon blood spewing out some fire to clean his mouth of blood. Spike rolled his shoulder and took a stance, "So...we finish it then." The beast rushed forward, making Spike blow a concentrated flame at its face, blinding the beast. It roar and swung its arm, catching Spikes chest, leaving four long claw marks across it, the blow sending Spike into the tree, making Spikes world spin. The wolf howled and snarled, rubbing its face in the dirt, leaving a trail of ash in the grass, rubbing and wiping its face with its hands after. Spike, being dazed, walked a bit, balling his hands into fists. "Gonna take down to the pain train station in train town..." Spike mumbled out, only to slip and fall into the river, the current dragging the barely conscious dragon along. The beast rubbed its face, clearing its vision, before looking around. It gave a snarl, before deciding to give up the hunt. It was far too wounded to chase after the dragon blood, and needed to heal. It lifted its injured hand up, flexing it, seeing the wound had nearly closed, the burned hair on its shoulder starting to regrow. It rolled its shoulder and started to slink off into the trees, ready to lick its wounds. Fluttershy walked through the path, her mind muddled as she walked, her flashlight going back and forth. She was extremely worried now, she should have come across Spike by now, it didn't take that long to get to Zecora. "Maybe Zecora asked Spike to stay the night? She is rather lonely." Fluttershy said to herself, her flashlight scanning across the ground. "Well...I should go back and...and...and..." Her words died in her throat as she she saw something bloody on the ground. He gripped her flashlight, her fear of Spike being injured overriding her self preservation. She ran over, seeing a familiar purple shirt, long claw marks running through it, dried blood on the shoulder. She lifted her flashlight up and saw a blood trail, leading deeper into the forest and off the path. She gently lifted the shirt, slowly clenching it, before looking back at the blood trail, her eyes tracing over the trail. Her instincts told her to run. Her instincts told her to turn around and get Twilight, or Rainbow Dash, or someone else...but the vision of an injured Spike flooded through her mind. He heart hardened at the sight, her eyes turning downwards in a glare. Whoever hurt HER dragon boy was gonna get it, and get it good! She started off into the forest, following the trail of paw prints and claw marks, the blood trail slowing down as she walked along. Eventually, she came across another trail and gave a gasp, seeing the aftermath of the battle. There was a tree near the river, blood covering some branches and along its body, with long claw marks trailing up the body. On the ground, there was long claw marks and soot, some ash spread across the ground, as if something was dragged along. She gave a circular motion, seeing the trail of blood had ended here, but the claw marks continued onto the trees a bit further, as if the beast was upset after the fight. No body. No bones. Plenty of blood but no limbs lost or anything like that, which meant Spike escaped. Fluttershy held onto the shirt, balling it a bit in her hands. "Don't worry, Spike. I'll grab the others and we'll find you." She promised to the open air. She noticed something on the ground, giving a curios sound. She knelt down, staring at the object. A tuft of fur? This was getting very interesting.
RiverbankFlutershy's foot tapped impatiently as she stared at the apple farm, waiting for her two friends to come out. She saw Rainbow Dash race by, her wings outstretched as she zipped about, before skidding in front of Fluttershy, her brow quirking up as she saw the pink haired pegasus blood. Applejack walked out after, a confused look on her face, adjusting her Stetson ln her head. "Alright, Fluttershy, you got us up this early on our off day. What's going on?" Rainbow Dash asked, staring at her soft spoken friend. "Fluttershy...you look like you been in a two day rodeo." Applejack stated, noting Fluttershy's disheveled and tired appearance. "Ya okay? Did ya need Granny's special tea?" "Girls, I really need-" "Ya know, if you wanted to check up on Tank, I could just bring 'im down." Rainbow leaned back a bit and stretched in a nonchalant way, interrupting poor Fluttershy. "No, I just need-" "Well, I've been meanin to get Winona a playdate with Tank, since Spike had such an easy time wit 'em both. Maybe Angel would like to join up." "No, girls I really need-" "Angel? Angel hates Tank. I swear, every time we hang out with the little guys, Angel glares at Tank hard enough to practically poke holes into his shell." "True. That bunny sure is...somethin." "Ya know, Spike told me when Peewee was little, he would-" "GIRLS!" Fluttershy screamed out, her fear overriding her normal, calm, shy demeanor. Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash stared at her in surprise, Applejack taking a step back and Rainbows wings flying out in surprise. "Spike is missing!" "Well, why didn't you say something?!" Rainbow Dash yelled out, not noticing Fluttershy's glare. The soft spoken woman suddenly grabbed Rainbows ear and tugged on it, making the rainbow haired woman squeak out in pain. "Ow ow ow ow ow!" "Well, did ya tell Twilight?" "She was the first I told. She is getting Rarity and Pinkie Pie." Fluttershy said, letting go of Rainbow Dashes ear. She rubbed the side of her ear and gave a pout, Fluttershy continuing, "I told where Spike was last I saw him. We have to go there first, perhaps we could pick up his trail?" "Alright, lemme grab some medical stuff from Granny Smith, then we'll go look for Spike." The gently lapping of waves was the first thing Spikes mind registered. The next was how wet his pants felt. He slowly opened his eyes, giving a hiss as the sun assaulted them and gave him the headache of a life time, his slitted pupils constricting once the light hit them. He closed his eyes and nursed his head, giving a loud grunt, before looking around, his eyes slowly opening bit by bit as he turned his head. His whole body ached, his shoulder gave a dull throb and his chest felt like someone had run a flame over it. He was about to stand, however, his legs gave out and he fell down hard onto the peddle covered beach below, his world going topsy turvy. He took a moment to gather his bearings, releasing an unsteady sigh, then slowly sat back up. He looked around, rubbing his shoulder, feeling the scabs on his shoulder. He sat up a bit more, clicking his tongue, looking around, his mind in a haze. "Man, Rainbow Dash, you throw the greatest pranks...now would be a good time to pop out." Spike said, chuckling, not believing last night actually happened. He looked around, before rubbing his shoulder again, a twinge of pain erupting out, making him hiss. "Guess I'll have to drink my stockpile of cider by myself!" The birds chirped whilst floating in the breeze, the trees rustling a bit in the peaceful, midmorning sun, some butterflies and bees floating by, looking for flowers. "Okay, well...too hurt to be a dream, and it isn't a Rainbow Dash or Pinkie Pie prank. Which means...last night actually happened." He ran bis fingers across his chest, feeling the scabbed over wounds, then licked his fangs. He was confused, raised around vegetarians, he never really considered eating any living animal. Ignoring eggs, Spike definitely loved scrambled eggs. However, now, he was surprised by the memory of biting the beast and drinking its blood. He found the experience rather...pleasant. In fact, he loved the taste of the beast. This thought disturbed him, he needed to talk to Twilight. He looked around, trying to see if he could make out any land marks, or perhaps a tree type he recognized. Having an egghead for a sister certainly helped. He recognized nothing, though something caught his eye: claw marks on a tree. He hummed to himself and walked over, silently comparing his wounds to the tree; not an exact match, but pretty close. He dug his hands into the tree and started clambering up, his tail curling behind him as he did so. He grasped onto branch after branch, before grabbing onto one which wiggled under his strength. He looked around, his eyes scanning the horizon, trying to spot something recognizable. He heard a howl in the distance, his head snapping that direction, and strained his ears a bit. He waited a few moments, before the creature howled again, making Spike relax. Timberwolves. Thank Celestia. Spike started scanning the treeline again, when he spotted the familiar mountain of his former home, Canterlot. His slitted pupils scanned the mountain, before he made his way back down, slipping a time or two, leaving some drag marks in the bark of the tree. "Well, it looks like a long walk ahead of me. I better find some food for the journey. If I didn't leave my bag with my shirt, this would be easier." Spike started walking towards Canterlots direction, giving a loud chuckle. "Man, Twilight is going to freak when she realizes I fought a wolf monster and walked away. I bet I'll look extra badass to some people!" A bead of silence. "Man, I gotta stop talking to myself." Twilight walked along the path, giving worried glances around, her eyes scanning the treeline. She heard the howls, though such matters traveled in one ear and out the other. She was worried about her baby brother, and she wasn't the only one. Pinkie, the normally happy and cheery pony blood, was currently scanning the ground, trying to find any trace of Spike she could. No jokes, no giggling, no singing, just determination.however, the sniffles and throat clearing may clue into why she was so quiet, a mask around her face as she peered at the ground, with cute balloons etched on it. Rarity, as beautiful as ever, was looking around, holding a bag full of medical supplies (and, to no ones surprise, some kits to help sew some clothes), peering through the underbrush. Twilight stopped, giving a sniffle, making both Pinkie and Rarity stop and look back at her. Rarity whispered something into Pinkie's ear, Twilights eyes welling up with tears. Pinkie nodded and continued on, Rarity walking back towards Twilight. Rarity, without question, suddenly scooped Twilight up in a hug, tears finally coming loose from the Princess. For once in Rarity's life, she didn't care that her clothes were getting dirty, stained by her friends tears. "It's okay, dear, just let it out." She murmured to the princess, the womans body racked with sobs as she returned the hug. "It'll be fine, we'll find Spike and we'll all get to go home and drink some tea, yes?" They sat like that for a little while, Rarity holding onto Twilight, gently rocking her in her arms. She did nothing but just be there for Twilight. Rarity could think of nothing to say, not that she needed to, being there was enough for Twilight. "I'm scared..." Twilight finally admitted, her voice broken and her eyes red from her. "Spike's my little brother, Rarity. If anything happened to him, I just...I wouldn't..." "Twilight Sparkle." Rarity spoke, Twilights face shifting to her, the fashionista giving a soft smile. "Spike saved a kingdom from an eternity of darkness, and he was able to take on multiple dragon bloods to save a baby bird. He'll be fine. I'm more worried about our clothes out here than Spike." "GUYS!" Pinkie yelled out, to the best of her ability due to her sore throat. "Pinkie, I know you want to help find Spike, but you really should have stayed home." Rarity said as she and Twilight walked over, before stopping at a tree. "Though, uh...it is probably better that you were with us, dear." On the tree was a blooding hand print, but definitely not human. The palm was far too large to be a humans, resembling a mixture of a hand and paw. The claw marks in the tree were massive, making Twilight hum in thought. "Looks like a bear had some berrys. Ha, bear-ry, get i-" Pinkie Pie started, before some coughs racked through her body, finishing off with a sniffle. "This isn't a bear." Twilight spoke, running her hand across the dried blood. "This isn't juice from berries either. This is blood. As for the paw print, can't be manticore either, it isn't lion like either. Look kind of...wolf-ish, though stretched out to resemble a hand." "How ghastly." "Wait...what is that?" Twilight asked, though mostly to herself. She bent down, peering at something shiny. She moved the bush out of the way, only to gasp loudly, falling to her knees. She reached in, grasping the object out. Both Pinkie and Rarity gasped, Rarity covering her mouth with her right hand as she stared. A scale. A bloody, purple scale. It looks like it was loosened in the scuffle, and there was only one dragon blood in town with purple scales. Speaking of blood, half of the scale was caked in it, though it definitely was not Spikes. Twilight sighed in relief, no body, no bones, just some blood and claw marks. She stood up, clutching the scale close, then smiled at her friends. "Spike put up one Tartarus of a fight with whatever tried turning him into lunch. Looks like he won, or got away." "Oh thank Celestia." "Wait, if Spikey won, or got away, where is he? Shouldn't he be back by now?" Pinkie asked, adjusting her mask a bit. Twilight hummed in thought, then stood up. Perhaps Zecora would help them out. "Maybe Zecora has seen Spike. We should head to her house and talk with her." Fluttershy stopped at the spot she had spotted Spikes shirt, clutching it in her hand. Applejack scratched behind Winona's ear, the pup giving a happy whine of approval, Rainbow Dash inspecting the blood trail, humming softly. "Man, whatever did a number on this tree got a serious butt whoopin." Rainbow Dash spoke, seeing the torn roots and blood prints on the ground. "Spike put up a decent fight, and no bodies, so he got away." "Winona is a pretty good tracker, right Applejack?" Fluttershy asked, making the farm girl nod. "Pretty darn good at it too. Now, bring dat cloth over here, we'll see if Winona can pick up tha scent and track our little dragon boy." Fluttershy walked over, her hand gripping onto the torn, bloody shirt, then gently held it out to the loyal farm dog. Winona peered at Fluttershy happily, before trotting over and sniffing the shirt. Winona started sniffing the ground, slowly following the trail, Fluttershy putting the bloody rags back into her backpack. As Winona walked, Applejack and Fluttershy grew more uneasy. Applejack bumped Fluttershy with her elbow and pointed, seeing bloody claw prints on the trees and ground. Fluttershy grimaced, though Rainbow Dash just walked, bored out of her mind. Of course, in Rainbow Dashes mind, she knew Spike had won the fight. No body. No bones. No ripped up limbs. No nothing. Though, that did beg the question, where was Spike? Rainbow Dash gave a surprised noise when she bumped into Applejacks back. She made to scold her girlfriend for stopping so suddenly without a warning, only to see the sight of the path. "Uh, Fluttershy...ya said this is where ya lost tha trail?" "Yes, but...I didn't know it was this bad when I got here. It was dark and I..." "Oh, Spike, dude, what the heck did you fight?" In the afternoon sun, the full carnage that was the fight was shown. The ground had a trail of blood up it, ending to a tree, covered in bloody hand marks, the branches having dried blood covering them. In the middle of the path, a piece of fur and flesh was sitting there. The ground was covered in rough marks, clearly something big rubbed against it, and the burnt bits of grass and charred ground clearly had shown a fire had ended the fight. The tree, covered in blood, did have the bloody print of a back caked on it, along with long claw marks, though, it seemed the trail ended there. Winona ran around, sniffing the ground, before suddenly stopping at tree. She raised onto her back legs, sniffing up the trees base, before walking over to the side of a river. She sniffed the river bank, then gave a whine, sitting there. "Well, looks like Spike went into the river. Probably had to lose that things trail." Rainbow Dash said, walking over to the bank and peering in. "Can't see the bottom, but the current seems pretty fast. He may have rode it down stream." Applejack whistled, Winona bolting back to her master, Applejack rubbing and scratching her head. "Who's a good little pup! You are, you are!" She baby talked the farm dog, who gave soft whines of happiness, before reaching into her pocket and grabbing a treat out, feeding it to Winona, who sat down and chomped it down. "Sweet Celestia..." Fluttershy said as she knelt down, looking at the fur and flesh. "Looks like Spike...bit whatever was chasing him." "Pretty dang hard too." Applejack confirmed, pulling a knife out of her bag, moving the flesh with her knife. "Winona, c'mere." The dog wagged her tail, excited by treats or perhaps new things to track, she walked over to her master. Winona peered at the piece.of flesh, then sniffed it once. Then twice. Winona suddenly flung herself back and gave a scared whine, surprising Applejack and Rainbow Dash. "Hey, it's okay girl." Rainbow Dash tried to calm Winona down, though took a step back when a growl erupted from the poor girls throat. Her hackles raised up, making her appear larger, growling and having a stare down with the piece of fur and meat. Finally, she huffed and started to calm down, Applejack walking over to brush the raised hairs down with her hand. "That's just the craziest thang. Never seen Winona act like before." Applejack mumbled to Fluttershy, who nodded in agreement. "We should take her back. Rainbow Dash, can you follow the river and see if you can pick up Spikes trail?" "Sure, but I'm tellin ya, Spike is fine. He'll come into town with some badass scars, and the chicks'll be all over him." Rainbow Dash spoke, before zipping off in a rainbow streak of light, wings flared out. Fluttershy turned to Applejack, who gave a soft hum, "After we drop Winona off at the farm, we should get some medical supplies. I have a feeling that Spike bit off more than he could chew," Fluttershy peered at the chunk of flesh and fur, giving a disgusted look."literally, in this case."
TimberSpike rubbed his chest and shoulder, confused at the feeling. Or, rather, the lack thereof. It was strange, when he woke up, his whole body ached, his chest and shoulder felt like they were on fire, and his legs felt like lead. Now though, there was only a slight twinge in his legs and a dull throb that appeared every once in awhile in his shoulder and chest. Rather, he felt sort of...good? No, not good. Different. It felt like the world had changed to him somewhat, though he could not place his finger on it. His stomach decided to growl and make itself known, making Spike grunt. He needed food. He kept walking, giving soft hums as he looked around. He came across a rock, knocking on it with his fist, before giving it a lick. Seemingly unsatisfied, he walked off, the songs of birds to keep him company as he walked. He tried another rock, knocking on it again. Seemingly satisfied, he suddenly started digging into the dirt with his hands, planning to take a nice shower once he got home. He pulled a ruby out, his tail sweeping the dirt into the hole, biting into it like an apple. His body was covered in gem stuff, dirt, and some dried blood. He made a vain attempt to wipe it off, though only managed to get his pants dirtier in the process. "Man, Rarity would be upset if she found me now." Spike mumbled out, biting into the ruby again, walking forward, scratching his chest. "I think Twilight may kick my ass for being gone this long." He heard a twig snap, his head snapping that direction, his mouth opening and aglow with green light. When nothing happens, he took another bite of the ruby, continuing to walk off, rumbling softly. Another twig snapped, making Spike throw the last of his ruby at the noise, booking it another direction. He jumped over a fallen tree, hearing barking and growling behind him, cursing his luck. Zecora paced back and forth in her home, looking at the potions on her wall. She was worried sick, she had not heard from Twilight since yesterday, she was supposed to pick up the potions then. The beautiful brown woman perked up, her black and white colored mohawk a little frazzled from lack of care, hearing the door open. "Ah, Princess Twilight! I have been worried since last night!" Zecora spoke, smiling warmly at her friends. "I have your potions right here...but why are your friends so near?" "Spike's missing." Twilight said, walking over to Zecora, searching through her pocket to pull out the blood scale. "We were hoping you saw him or heard from him." Zecora peered at the blood on the scale, the slowly took the shed scale, as if it would crumble at the slightest miscalculated force, and hummed softly, looking over it. "This is clearly from Spike, but the blood does not resemble his like. Where did you find the scale, perhaps it could help us end this tale?" "We found it in the bushes on the main path here. We also found big claw marks, like a bears, but much larger. A lot of blood too, but no bodies." Twilight explained, Rarity and Pinkie sitting down, though Rarity gave Pinkie enough room to not touch her, even by accident. "Spikey-wikey put up a fight, from what we could tell. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Applejack are trying to track him down now, but we thought you might be able to help." Rarity explained, Pinkie rubbing her throat and nodding in agreement. "Well, I shall brew some tea. I assume you would need some, Pinkie?" Zecora offered, making Pinkie nod, sniffling loudly under her mask. "This scale may give us the answers we need. However, the process is not known for speed." Zecora said, not seeing Twilight raise her hand to object to the tea, though Twilight lowered her hand and sighed after hearing that. "Twilight, perhaps you should stay here, deary. I will go outside and see if I can catch the others." Rarity spoke, getting up and smiling at Twilight. "Thank you, Rarity." Zecora grabbed the pot of hot water, pouring it into a cup of of tea, grasping some bags and putting them in the cups. "I apologies about the tea, it appears all I have for sweetness is honey." Rarity stood outside, before letting her head droop. "Oh, Spikey-wikey, I hope you're okay..." Rarity mumbled out, using all of her strength to not burst into tears. She sat down, not caring about her pants for once in her life, and waited. It wasn't long after when Fluttershy and Applejack were seen, talking to each other. Rarity smiled and waved them over, standing up and wiping some dirt off her pants. "So, any luck?" "Spike was injured in the fight, but got away." Fluttershy said, making Rarity sigh in relief. "Best we can tell, he was headin' downstream and washed up somewhere along tha other side somewhere. Dashie is lookin' for 'im." Applejack said, before giving the zebra bloods home a soft look. "How is Twi takin it?" Rarity sighed, then looked away, crossing her arms. "Not well. Even with this news she'll be worried sick." Rarity leaned against the house, looking back at Fluttershy. "How are you taking this news?" Fluttershy gave her a confused look, then looked at Applejack, who gave a knowing grin. Applejack walked over to Rarity, Fluttershy asking, "What do you mean?" "Ya noticed it too, huh? I told Rainbow that Shy is horrible at hidin it." "Hiding what?" "Your feelings for Spike, dearie." Oh. That. Fluttershy suddenly turned as bright as a tomato, her mouth opening in shock as she stared at her two friends. She shrunk in herself a bit, before clearing her throat a bit, mumbling something so soft that not even Winona could hear it. If that dog had been there, of course. "I noticed whenever we have our spa days, you bring up Spike quite a bit. No earth bloods or air bloods or even magic bloods, nothing in the romance department. However, when we have our spa days, I bring up Spike helping me and you go on and on about him." Rarity said, making Applejack lean against the wall, chuckling a bit. "Of course, to speak nothing of the looks you give him." "Looks?" Applejack took her moment to pipe in, raising a hand up from her leant on shoulder, "Rainbow Dash noticed ya tend to come by fer visits when Spike is 'round. She also mentioned that ya stare at Spike when he takes his shirt off after a hard days work. I only noticed on Hearts and Hooves day, when ya gave him a gem when he was down after receiving nuthin. You were blushin more than Big Mac when I mention Sugar Belle." "Oh dear..." "Don't you worry your little head, I haven't told Twi nuthin." "Neither have I. A lady never kisses and tells." Fluttershy sighed in relief, before giving a look out to the forest around them. She crossed her arms, returning her gaze to the two ladies in front of her. Rarity cleared her throat, making both look at her, "Not that I am judging, I would like to know something. Why Spikey-wikey?" "Yeah, I'm itchin to know that one." Fluttershy gave a soft smile, then looked at her feet as her blush grew. "It actually happened awhile back when I noticed I liked him. It was after his birthday, when he actually turned into a dragon. Afterwards, he was far more helping of everyone, far more generous, and would often help me out with my animals. He wasn't any good at helping me out-" The trio giggled at that, Fluttershy brushing her hair out of her face, then continued, "he kept trying though. And, eventually, I started to notice that his heart was...well, I don't know how to explain it. I just kind of saw him differently. He seemed like a kind, generous, seems young, but he has an old soul, often giving out wisdom in the darkest times. He even didn't abandon us when Discord messed with our heads, and saved an entire empire, but he acts so humble about it. One day, he even made me breakfast in bed when I had the flu and helped feed the animals, even Angel. I think that's when I started to like him." "Shy, I think you got it bad for him." Timberwolves. Of course, timberwolves! It couldn't be coyotes, or regular wolves, or dogs, or even diamond dogs! Timberwolves! Spike slid under a branch, the wolf smashing against the branch in a vain attempt to catch him. He jumped up and over some roots, feeling the gust of wind against the back of his neck as he narrowly avoided some wooden jaws. He huffed out some smoke, looking around for any clear option to escape. He felt something in the back of his head, a strange sensation, it almost felt like it was a warmth. Spike chanced a look back, unintentionally slowing himself down a bit, and saw three timberwolves following him, though not close enough to breathe on him. Spike made an unfortunate turn and came face to face with a clearing and rock wall. He stopped suddenly to keep himself from slamming into it. That warmth was starting to heat up, the back of his skull feeling hot as he heard the timberwolves turn. They circled around Spike before he could turn to run, and snarled at him, snapping their jaws, sap like saliva spilling from their jaws. Their breath, as bad as ever, made Spike gag, before he returned a growl. The bushes to the right rustled, a pair of brown eyes moving apart the branches of the bushes, peering curiously at the scene before them. It spotted Spike and hummed softly, watching the scene unfold. That heat in Spikes skull turned into an raging inferno, Spikes pupils constricting and turning into slits. He didn't feel scared, much to his surprise, but there was something there. Anger, he definitely felt angry, but also happiness? Yeah, he felt happy. There was something else...the rage? No....bloodlust. He was hungry. Hungry for a fight, for the first time in his life, he felt perfect, energizing rage and bloodlust. His hands clenched a bit as he bared his fangs and released a throaty hiss, making the larger timberwolf, the leader, adjust itself. It flung itself forward, before Spikes hand shot out, grasping the wooden wolfs head in his hand. Were his arms larger now? No, no time for silly questions, now was the time to act. Spike flexed his hand, crushing the wooden wolfs skull, then grabbed the still clawing body. Spike threw the body down and slammed his fists into it, roaring at the other two wooden abominations as a challenge, his mind escaping into a fog of instincts and thoughts of survival. Fight. Survive. KILL! Spikes head felt like it was on fire, the dragon blood cracking his knuckles as he flexed them. The next timberwolf charged, Spike slamming a fist into its head, dazing the poor beast. He grabbed the poor wooden creatures throat and smashed it in his fists, the body turning into splinters as its head fell off. Spike felt great, his emerald eyes turning to the last beast, licking his fangs hungrily. It gave a loud, rough, bark, before charging at him. Spike raised his arm, before the wolf bit into it, making Spike roar in anger. The timberwolves last mistake. Spike grabbed the top half of its skull and tugged it off, throwing the poor beast on the ground. Before it could get its bearings, Spike was already upon it, jumping on its back and snarling as it tried to buck him off. He smashed its head a few times with his fists, before grabbing its head. He pulled with all of his strength, ripping the poor beasts head clean off, its wooden body slumping to the ground, turning into twigs and splinters. Spike raised the broken, wooden head and roared into the sky, a deep, throaty sound that sounded more like a distorted howl than anything he could normally make. He dropped the wooden head, before feeling an ice cold chill run down his back, shivering like he was in a snow storm with no clothes on. Spike gave a soft groan, losing his footing, feeling nauseous as he stumbled into the clearing near the cliff. He released his lunch, half digested ruby bits, onto the ground with a wretching sound, his thoughts returning to him post battle. "Oh Celestia...I don't feel too great..." Spike finally said, before slumping onto the ground soon after, smashing into a pile of wood and sticks, his vision going blurry. However, before his vision was gone, a hooded figure walked into his sight, humming softly. "Curious. Very curious. Rest now, pup." Then, it went dark.
StrangerRainbow Dash raced through the sky, giving a grunt as her wings ached, stretching them out as she stopped and started to glide in the wind. She lifted her hand up, shading herself from the suns glare, scrunching up her nose as she peered down at the river below her. She stretched out, peering down, spotting a nice, pebble covered shore, slowly gliding down to it. "Spike, you are one hard guy to find." Rainbow Dash said, landing onto the pebble covered shore. She stretched her aching wings and limbs, rotating her shoulders. "You better have some badass scars." Rainbow Dash rested her wings a moment, before looking around, giving it a more critical look, she then looked down, seeing scuff marks on the rocks. She knelt down, brushing the pebbles away, seeing a boot print in the soil, humming in thought. "Alright Rainbow, what would Daring Doo do in this situation...?" Rainbow asked herself, before looking up, seeing boot prints on the ground, leading into the forest, trailing them with her eyes. "Okay, Spike, you...climbed up a tree? Maybe to see the land a bit better." She jumped and flapped her impressive wings, getting to the top of the tree rather easily. She trailed the tree with a finger, then flew next to it, looking around. She stopped when her finger landed on Canterlot, the mountain just barely hiding most of the city, only the top of the castle could be seen. "Canterlot is that direction, which means Ponyville is...that direction. Looks like Spike got out of the river and started heading this direction." Rainbow Dash rubbed her chin, before fluttering back to the ground, humming loudly. "Then...why didn't I see Spike or the thing he fought on the way here?" Rainbow Dash was startled out of her thoughts by a distant howl, making her shoot up. When she realized there were no bad smells, she relaxed and sighed, realizing the wolf was far away. Good. Last thing she needed right now was a timberwolf attack. She looked down, following the boot prints, her own shoes leaving a trail. Eventually, she saw wolf prints and shards of wood, making her grimace. She quickened her pace, her thoughts turning to Spike. Yeah, the dragon blood was tough. Heck, she could throw him in a volcano and he'd be perfectly happy, safe and sound. Burnt clothes and nude, but still, safe. However, the thing that attacked him had to be pretty strong to get through his skin. Couldn't have been a Ursa Minor or Major, no broken trees. Sure, plenty of clawed ones, but nothing broken. Plenty of blood, and seeing as Spike was no longer leaving a trail and would have bled out before then, it couldn't be a timberwolf that attacked him before. She stumbled into a clearing, her eyes widening as she saw the bundle of wood, and the wooden head of a timberwolf. "Layin the smack down, Spike, very impressive." She stood up, humming softly as she peered at some new boot prints on the ground, her eyebrow raising as she followed them into the bushes...though Spikes own footprints disappeared. "Spike, you're in a whole heap of trouble." She mumbled to herself, rubbing her chin. "I gotta stop talking to myself." Spike awoke again, the searing heat in the back of his mind nothing but a dull warmth now. He clicked his tongue, slowly opening his eyes, reaching his hand up to rub his forehead. When did the ground get so soft? And...so warm? He heard the crackling of a fire and shot up, fear striking through his body. Did he do that? How long had to he fire been going? He needed to put it out! He looked around, before realizing he was in a home of some sort, wooden, much like a cozy log cabin. He looked down, seeing fur blankets on himself, bandages around his arm and shoulder, flicking his tongue out. He smelled something delicious cooking. Spike sat up, bearing footsteps behind him, making him twirl around and stare at the mystery person. Said person had a hood on, moving towards the fire. When the hooded figure was aware he was awake, it pulled its hood away to show a woman, around her 40s. Her hair was long, dark brown, and three long scars ran across her face, her blue eyes staring holes into him, as if studying him. She gave a smile, showing off her sharp canines, walking over to him, holding her hand up. "Well met, kinsman!" She spoke, her slitted pupils revealing her identity. A dragon blood. "Uh...hi there." Spike spoke, confusedly, taking her hand and giving it a shake. "Name's Spike." "Spike? Well met, Spike! I am Dym!" She said, giving it a hearty shake, before walking over to to the fire, checking on the stew. "I saw your forest fight. Impressive, but you almost lost control." "Against the timberwolves?" "Of course. What else could I mean?" "Sorry...head's a little foggy." Spike sat up a bit and rubbed his head, looking around a bit. "Where am I?" "In my home. In the...what do the pony bloods call it...Everfree Forest?" Dym explained, scratching her cheek, peering into the stew. "Supper is almost ready, Spike, would you like some? It is a recipe from our homeland." "Thanks. I'm starving." Spike sat up a bit, rotating his arm a bit to get the cricks out of it, rubbing it a bit. "You're a dragon blood? Like Ember and Smolder?" "Dragon Lord Ember! A great warrior and diplomat! If I am not mistaken, a young drake gave up the title for her." Dym scratched her chin, before stirring up the stew. She pulled two bowls out, pouring some into one and handing it to the lad. "Eat, regain your strength, young one." "Thanks. None of the dragon bloods I know talk like you." Spike mentioned, sipping the broth down. He hummed happily and drank more, the warmth spreading through his body. The dull warmth at the back of his head calmed down as he drank it. He blinked as he tasted something squishy and swallowed it, the taste of said squishy item was really good, making his chew the next one that went into his mouth, he pulled away his bowl and cocked his head at some of the items. He recognized carrots and potatoes, however, the strange darker masses in his broth, he did not recognize them. They did smell...rather delicious though. "I come from the north, from a place much colder than here, though with many dragons who are far less greedy than most of our kin." Dym scratched her cheek, pouring herself a bowl. She drank it much slower than Spike, giving him a smile, then saying, "I rather liked this place when I passed by, a century or two ago, and decided to stay here. It is much better than the cold up north, and I hear to the big mountain city each month for supplies." "A century? Wow, you barely look over thirty." "Aha! A young blood things he has the flame to handle me!" "Th-that's not what I meant! I mean, you are a beautiful lady, you just aren't-" "Calm yourself, kin, I jest. You are rather handsome, but far too much trouble, seeing the wounds on yourself." Dym smiled good heartedly, before swallowing another bit of her soup. "You must like my cooking, you are nearly finished with your bowl." "Yeah, but, what are these dark shapes? I recognize the potatoes and carrots, but not this tasty thing." "Oh, it is hjort!" Spike looked at her as she scratched her cheek, seeing the lads puzzled expression. "Erm...what was the word...deer! It is deer." Spike swallowed thickly, looking down at the empty bowl. A sickening feeling filled his stomach, a dark pit of disgust swelling in his innards. He hated the fact that he ate meat. MEAT! Something that would get him glared at in most of pony blood society, he ATE MEAT! He hated that he ate deer. He hated that this woman had killed some poor animal and fed it to him, and...and...he hated how much he liked it. Wow...meat tastes amazing. That thought raced through Spikes mind, cutting that sickening feeling in half, though the look that crossed his face concerned Dym. "Do you not like it?" Dym asked, her mind alight with worry. "I can get rid of the meat." "No, no, it's okay. Just, uh...I've heard dragon bloods are more omnivorous than pony bloods, but I have never...eaten meat." Spike finally said, his appetite quite destroyed at the moment. He handed her the bowl, smiling, before rubbing his chest a bit. "So, you've lived out here a long time, have you seen anything...strange lately?" Dym looked at him, confused, before pouring herself a bowl, a small part of Spikes mind still wanting some meat, though it was snuffed out. "Well, there were the two pony bloods who woke up the star bears. There was also the incident with a hydra. And the time a God of Chaos popped by for a chat. Otherwise, no." "No...giant wolf monster or anything?" Dym perked up, her eyebrow raising as she stared at the young lad. "Wolf monster?"
