Holy Hearts

Spike and the ghost had scuffled for a good while. Spike was bruised and scratched, but far from beaten. He told Twilight he'd be back, and he intended to keep his word.

"I'm tired of fighting. Someone important is waiting for me. It's time I sent you to the afterlife."

The ghost screeched in response. This was going to be the pinnacle of their feud. Spike grabbed it by the throat and began to repeat the lord's prayer multiple times, each time with increasing ferocity. The ghost grew weaker with every repetition. It eventually stopped struggling and submitted.

"I'm sorry it had to end this way."

When Spike was about to repeat the prayer one last time, the ghost's arms suddenly flew up, and its hands grabbed the unsuspecting dragon by the face. Memory after memory started to flood his mind. He was learning the true nature of these beings that were not ponies, dragons, or any other creature he was familiar with. The spirit's memories revealed it was part of a bipedal species. The species was a self-destructive one that craved industrial satisfaction and blood. As far as this particular being was concerned, she was an adult woman. The cause of death for her and everyone else in her species remained unknown. When the memory transfer was completed, the ghost faded into nothingness. She had moved on to the afterlife. Spike, on the other hand, was alive, but mentally destroyed and inconsolable. It took him at least half an hour before the tears subsided enough for him to see. Once he was able to stand, he made his way out of the house. It wasn't very likely anyone would steal a book of exorcisms or a bottle of blessed water, so he left him there until either he was strong enough or someone able-bodied could retrieve them.

Twilight was sleeping when Spike returned home. Needless to say, when she was awoken, she had the exact reaction he was expecting.

"Oh my god! What happened to you!?"

"It's a long story, but I said I'd explain. Can we get me patched up first, though? I'm kind of in a lot of pain right now."

"Shouldn't we go to a hospital!?"

"That's not an option."

"Why!?"

"Just help me and I'll tell you."

Twilight could see the dragon was serious. This was something for her ears only.

"…Alright."

"Thank you."

Twilight led him to one of the first aid kits in the house. This was going to be a long night.