Chapters A Shadow Beyond the Twilight
Uoy ereht, no eht rehto edis fo eht neercs. Sey uoy, era uoy bmud ro gnihtemos? Nac uoy neve daer siht? Nac uoy neve daer?...Ho I ees, ruoy dnim si ton neve ydaer ot dnatsrednu siht. Eht Nailyh egaugnal si rehtar xelpmoc dna neve retfa gnitrevnoc ym hceeps ot hsilgne uoy llits nac't dnatsrednu em? Citehtap, Wolla em ot pleh.
Snap
(You there, on the other side of the screen. Yes you, are you dumb or something? Can you even read this? Can you even read?... Oh I see, your mind is not even ready to understand this. The Hylian language is rather complex and even after converting my speech to English you still can't understand me? Pathetic, allow me to help.)
Si taht retteb, nac uoy ta tsael daer taht? Won uoy nac dnatsrednu em nac't uoy?
Doog won taht uoy nac yllautca erugif tuo tahw I'm gniyas...erehw did uoy dnif eseht txet? I edam erus ot laes siht eritne erutnevda fo enim nihtiw a dercas ecrof. Rof ti ot tsuj...pop pu, uoy dah ot eb gnipoons. Tahw's taht? Uoy'er gnidaer no emos epyt fo etisbew? I nod't eveileb uoy, I delaes siht eritne ecneirepxe dniheb a niatnuom fo cigam...ho llew neht. I esoppus uoy'er gniog ot daer ti yawyna.
Netsil, I'm ton emos dnik fo rotarran, ron ma I a rettisybab, uoy dessecca eht txet, won uoy tsum daer meht. I'll evig uoy ecivda hguoht...hctaw ruoy wodahs...ylhguoroht.
Won I dias daer eht yrots, tub I nevah't etiuq nettog ot taht trap. Siht si...tahw' uoy'd llac...a eugolorp. I'll kcolnu eht tser fo txet noos, eht tsrif retpahc ni siht gnol dna egnarts erutnevda. Litnu neht tis thgit, eht thgiliwt lliw syawla eb ereh.
Author's Note
I dlot uoy ot tiaw ndid't I, Ro did uoy piks taht tsal trap? Uoy'er ykcul I ydaerla dekcolnu eht tsrif retpahc erofeb dnah, derugif uoy'd teg derob tsuj gnitiaw no taht lautneve etadpu. Nod't ekat ti sa na tca fo ssendnik hguoht, I tsuj tnaw ot ees eht kool no ruoy ecaf nehw uoy ezilaer tahw uoy'ev tog flesruoy otni.
Dna gnimussa uoy'er ton yletelpmoc niarb daed, siht elttil lobmys ereh snaem eht txen retpahc si dekcol dna I evah tey ot laesnu ti. I'm suoires, trats gniksa em tuoba ti dna I'll part uoy ni eht Thgiliwt.
A Shadow Beyond the Twilight
➖Daer ti dna rednow, I'll eb ysub gnilaesnu eht txen retpahc elihw uoy od taht➖
(Read it and wonder, I'll be busy unsealing the next chapter while you do that)
“Is it morning already?” Spike couldn’t help but let out a yawn. His eyes drifted toward the digital clock sitting on his dresser. 7 AM. He sighed falling back on his bed and wiping his face in pure exhaustion. “Celestia, I did it again. I really got to stop staying up all night, but I’ve been grinding this same level for that stupid bow part and it’s just not dropping.” He sighed again. “I’m gonna fall asleep at work again, I just know it.”
Spike couldn’t help but wonder when everything had become so…advanced. Like the literal point in which someone said, let's invent electricity, network connections, everything. How did the first unicorn feel when he or she first played online with other people? How did everyone feel when the first cell phone was invented? Spike couldn’t help but question himself how he felt when he looked out the window and saw the sophisticated homes of ponies, the engine powered carriages, and even the little boys and girls walking down the street ranting about the newest update to their favorite game or listening to their favorite songs with their headphones. Equestria was much different than it used to be, and it showed heavily. He wasn’t the same to begin with either. It had been quite a while since those days, when they were just kids running around solving friendship problems and starting a school of all things. Nowadays things have changed, the mares he once knew were older and had their own lives.
That’s for another time though, he had work in an hour and he was still being lured to his bed for sweet sleep. He yawned and stretched as best he could, trying to draw some kick of energy out of him, to no avail. “Maybe a cold shower will do me some good.” Spike said with another yawn. Being fast to the shower was one thing but for some reason, the cold water lured him into even more of a drag. He almost lost himself in the feeling despite it being cold, then it popped…literally, some kind of magic bubble in front of his face that sent him to the cold shower floor with deep and quick breaths. “You’re going to be late again Spike.” A voice said from outside the door.
He took a deep breath, letting his adrenaline stop pumping. “Twilight, I told you about that.”
“It’s knocked you out of your trance didn’t it?”
“I mean yea but—”
“Then my work here is done. I don’t drive 20 minutes over here just to watch you sleep, you got a library to manage after all.”
“Yea, I know.” Spike said turning off the shower and grabbing the towel off the rack. “It’s not like I’m an expert at this whole waking up on time thing.”
“You should be, I taught you better after all.”
“You taught me science, math, all those other subjects, and how to organize. None of those prepared me for waking up on time.”
“And those video games you play every night aren’t helping the cause.”
“Hey, those are important.”
“A Kill death ratio isn’t important Spike, now hurry up.”
“We both work at your school Twilig—”
“You’re a grown drake Spike, taller, mature, you can get there yourself now.”
“Taking independence to a whole new level.” Drying off the last of himself, he slipped out of the door and into his room. Being a bit older sure did have its pros and cons. Sure while he was taken a bit more seriously, that almost meant he had to dress the part too. A simple white dress shirt, the top of the collar unbuttoned a bit to reveal his chest only slightly, sleeves rolled up, and holes on the back for each draconic spine would get it done just nicely, but to finish the outfit he slipped on a black vest over it. Spike questioned it before, even had a few ponies ask the question themselves, why no pants? Pants have never been a priority for anyone before, so why now? Dragons downright hate the invention of something so uncomfortable, he was no exception. Now looking at himself in the mirror, It’s almost as if he worked at some kind of fancy bar he would think on numerous occasions. “Alright ready to roll.”
A few minutes passed before he exited his apartment, quickly jogging down the stairway. As he did, the usual ponies were also exiting their home. 5 th floor. “Oh, morning Spike.”
“Morning to you to Ms. Cherilee, in a hurry.”
4 th floor. “Heya Spike.”
“How’s that cat, Mr. Trainer?”
“Doing better now that darn dog is terrorizing her.”
2nd floor. As Spike turned the corner of the stairway to go around, his face suddenly became enveloped in something soft, It felt as if it belongs to a—He jumped back in embarrassment as he realized what it was. “M-Ms. Peg, I’m sorry about that, I didn’t mean to—”
“Calm yourself Spike, you’re quite ok. I should’ve have been watching where I was standing.”
“Sorry I’m just in a bit of a hurry.”
“Oh?” She giggled then turned to let Spike by. “You should know we both work in the library Spike, I can always vouge for you.”
“I-it’s ok Ms. Peg, I promise.”
“Very well.”
Spike was quick to shoot by like a bullet down the steps and out the door to his carriage. “Whew.” Spike couldn’t help but let out that deep breath he’d been holding in the entire time. Ms. Peg Pete was…something else in terms of social interaction. Short brown hair, gold hoop earrings and this sort of innocent motherly look made everyone on the block fall for her. Not to mention that, and this one isn’t exactly for the young ones out there that have seen her and started crushing, she’s been divorced for a year and a half, some jerk of a guy who only really cared when he was trouble. Ever since then, she often gives off very…interesting vibes to most ponies, especially Spike when he tries to hold a simple conversation. It doesn’t help that she works in the same library as him either. “Breath Spike, got to get there on time at least, the mental breakdown can come later.” He hopped in his carriage and flipped on the engine, immediately pulling onto the road unannounced to the other drivers. “Sorry sorry.”
“Watch where you’re going!”
“My bad, I’m in a hurry.”
With a little time and a few visual eyeballs from law enforcement, Spike was able to regain his driving composure, taking it as easy as possible down the roads. As he drove along the route, he took note of everything along the way, the police station, the fire station, the various shops, and even the amount of space that was now available. Equestria really had changed. It used to be wide open areas of green and nature, and while it's still rather vibrant, it’s now often accompanied by said stores and businesses and some kind of road right next to it. About 50% of that open space is now being rented, built upon, and owned by anyone and everyone who has bits. Spike arrived a few minutes before the first bell of the school day, sprinting like a mad drake down the hallway to make it the library on time. “What’s up Spike?”
“Morning Dash can’t talk.”
“Spike darling.”
“Morning Rarity can’t talk.”
As soon as that bell went off, Spike dove through the doorway like an Olympic pony. To his surprise, he didn’t exactly coordinate that dive as good as he hoped, landing directly on a cart filled with books and tumbling over a few feet. “…Owww…”
“Spike dear.” Rarity said with concern. “Are you ok?”
“Fine…”
“That was a hard-crash Spike,” Rainbow added. “Awesome, but it looked painful.”
“I’m fine…just tried to get here on time.” Spike said sitting up.
Rainbow coughed a nervous cough. “Spike you still have about five minutes before you’re actually late, plus you just organize books, it’s not really a job you need to be here extra on time for.”
“W-what?”
“Yes darling.” Rarity chimed in. “Don’t you remember, students get a 5-minute passing period before classes start.”
Spike groaned in pure frustration, his body dropping in defeat back to the floor as a book suddenly dropped onto his face signaling yet another groan.
8:30 AM
“Whew. Good thing I can organize like a beast, else that would taken me all day to put all those books back up. Guess I can chill until someone brings a book back now. Speaking of chilling, that slacker must be sleeping somewhere. I can’t for the life of me figure out how she gets away with all of it.” Spike scoured the library from front to back, nothing, hiding in one of the dark corners of the Library, nope, maybe sleeping under one of the tables, not a chance. Where was she? “Ms. Peg, have you seen Smolder?”
“As a matter of fact, dear, I haven’t. I was just about to ask you the same thing.”
“Well she isn’t in any of her usual spots, even the ones she uses for sleeping.”
“How odd, she must be running late th—”
“S-sorry I’m late.” Smolder said bolting through the doorway. “I got held up at the Dragon Lands for a while.”
“Speak of Tirek. No need to apologize I suppose, just get to work and I’ll let it slide.”
“Thank you…Ms. Peg.” She said in-between breaths.
“There’s still a cart of books here you two.”
“B-but,” Spike began, “I just got done putting up the last cart I saw.”
“This one just got here.”
“W-when…how?”
“I’m not quite sure myself.”
“I’m starting to think Twilight checks them out just to give me more work. Come on Smolder.”
“R-right.”
As Spike and Smolder walked through the isles setting books in their desired places, Smolder began to whisper. “Hey, you’re not going to believe the reason I’m late today.”
“Oh really, is it any different from the last time or the time before that?”
“You can’t talk, you’re struggling to get here on time too.”
“But at least my excuses are better. I don’t think a bugbear attack on dragons is believable, let alone constitutes as a valid excuse.”
“It could.”
“Could it?”
Her eyes dropped to the floor in defeat. “It couldn’t.”
“Smolder, you know how hard it is to get from the Dragon Lands to here just visiting, but on a schedule, it’s downright impossible. I don’t want to force it, but it seems like a better option to move down here.”
“And where would I go, It’s not like Dragon Land funds work here?”
“Uh hello.” He says pointing to himself. “I’m you drakefriend for Celestia’s sake, I’d be devastated if you just went to go live in some random place, move in with me.”
“Spike, I know we’re dating and all…and it’s great…but that seems like a big commitment, for you and me.”
“How so?”
“We’ll both have to change our entire lives around to cater to the other.”
“Who says I wasn’t prepared for that?”
“I know you are, but I don’t If I am. Leaving my home to live here in Ponyville central its…”
“Different I know. Don’t worry, I understand how it feels sometimes, It’s like I’m some kind of alien whenever I visit the Dragon Lands and to just up and live there when you don’t know anybody…take your time on it Smolder, I’ll accept whatever choice you want.” Spike said pulling her into his embrace.
“Thank you, Spike, really.” She said hugging him back. “Now that that sobfest is over, you wanna know the reason I’m late today or not.”
“I’ll bite.”
“Well, Lord Ember was allowing entry to the Royal Library today for specific studies and her guards were obviously blocking entry to the secret archives in the back.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing serious, let me finish. So, I get passed the guard—” Spike groaned in annoyed suspicion. “Hear me out will ya? I get passed the guard like I always do and do some in-depth studying of a couple of things not everyone should know, the usual. But something was different this time.”
“Different from any other time?”
“Ember keeps her private stash of special books back there, magic, history, and even a few naughty things if you catch my drift. But one stood out…literally.”
“Sounds literal.”
“No like, it was floating in midair surrounded by some type of black wind.” She removed a book from the satchel she always carried, revealing to me the strange book.
“What...is it?”
“A book.”
“No no, I meant like what kind of book?”
“Uh…an ancient one?”
“You have no idea, but you still grabbed it?”
“I was curious ok.”
“So, did you read or something then.”
“Actually no, the pages are blank.”
“Come again?”
“I opened it up, blank blank blank blankity blank after blank. There’s no words, no pictures, no nothing.”
“So, what’s so interesting about this book?”
“You of all people should be interested like there’s no tomorrow.”
“Twilight maybe, didn’t transfer to me all that well.”
“Think about it Spike, secret magical book that I don’t even think Ember knows about, surrounded by strange black wind?”
“What makes you think she doesn’t know about it?”
“You know how Ember is, she takes no chances with anything. Remember when that cult of ponies was threatening to invade the Dragon Lands? She closed the borders so fast, the wendigos would have been shocked. So, it’s not crazy to think that if this book looked as intimidating as it did, she would’ve taken extra precautions to make sure it was locked away or sealed up until she could figure it’s purpose out.”
“You actually have a point there. But wait, what did you expect to do with the book then?”
“That’s where you come in. I need you to help me research this book, if not, the symbol at least.”
“I suppose we can take a look at all these books after school’s out.”
“Thanks a million Spike.”
“As long as Ember isn’t storming in here to kill me, you’re welcome.”
3:40 PM
Those hours flew like the slowest slug in existence, every aching minute of waiting, organizing, waiting again was like a year to Smolder and Spike. He couldn’t help but mentally admit, he was intrigued by the book’s origin, especially that symbol. It was nothing he’d seen before in all the years Twilight had been teaching him, and trust anyone when they say, she’s quite the egghead when it comes to ancient civilizations. Spike’s surprised she chose to completely pursue her career in the friendship school versus being some widely popular historian over at Canterlot. Again, and again, both of them would hopelessly eye that clock like it was their life at stake. And each time, it would seemingly move slower and slower until finally, that final bell rang at 3:50 PM. The students began to pile out of the classrooms and into the hallways like animals ready to escape. Ms. Peg would patiently await the students turning in some end of the day due books while Spike and Smolder took to their jobs organizing said books. After a while, the school was finally quiet, and peace was about as audible as the kids staying after in clubs and what not, not a lot of noise. Ms. Peg let out a sigh and finally closed the tab on her computer to check in and out books. “I’m beat. You kids headed home?”
Spike was quick to shoot the excuse. “Actually, we got to talking a lot about the griffon history and wanted to do some reading on it.”
“Oh, interesting. I’ll take my leave then, make sure to lock up when you can. And Spike,”
“Hmm?”
“I want to talk to you when you get back to the apartment building, it’s about that strange man next door to me.”
“Him again? No worries, I’ll be there.”
“Thank you. Bye now Smolder.” She said walking out.
“And to you too, Ms. Peg.”
“Ready?”
“Oh yea. And oh, by the way, if Ms. Peg tries anything, I'll gladly be there to show her how dragons operate.”
“What is your issue with her I swear.”
5:30 PM
Spike and Smolder must’ve searched for hours, the symbol was elusive, impossible to find. History of griffons, nothing, the king of griffonstone, nothing, Tales of water and flight hippogriff majesty, nothing, even the history of Ponies showed no sign of the strange symbol. It was as if the book didn’t need to exist in this world in the first place, and that made them ever the more curious. Smolder let out a plume of smoke as she lazily sat down at a table. “What was that, like 7 dozen different books and still nothing on this symbol?”
“Just about. You would think there’d be at least one book with a hint or something, but every single book is completely useless to this situation, not to mention there are about 7 dozen more books to go.”
“Ugh, now I regret even taking that book from the Dragon library. No way I’m reading another word of anything until I get something to eat.”
“Same. Let’s go hit up that pizza place 2 blocks down.”
“You read my mind.”
“Say, can I borrow the book?”
“That was the idea in the first place, you are kinda the smarter nerd of us two.”
“Maybe Twilight’s library in her castle has something on it, something that a school library can’t have for whatever reason there is.”
“I’ll simultaneously check the dragon library while I’m at it since that is where I found it.”
9:30 PM
Pizza, glorious pizza, it would cure any ailment of sleep, tension, or even sadness, at least that’s what Spike and Smolder thought until they were at there predetermined libraries, on the floor, internally crying. Spike held his phone with what little strength he could, Smolder on the other side doing the same. “Anything?” He uttered.
“Not a single thing. For Ember’s sake, who’s the evil person who created this freaking book.”
“I’m too tired to even think about it. Maybe Twilight will know something, but…I gotta get some sleep first.”
“Seconded, see ya tomorrow.”
“Bye.” With a tap of the button, the call ended, spike rising to his feet as best he could. “Going home Twilight, thanks for letting me do a little research.”
“No problem Spike just make sure to go to bed on time this time.”
“Trust me, way to close to just falling asleep right here.” Driving…parking…lots and lots of yawning. He exited the vehicle slowly making his way upstairs until he reached Ms. Peg’s room. “Oh, that’s right, she wanted to talk to me about the guy next door, didn’t she?”
Spike gave a couple of knocks to the door in which a shuffle could be heard from inside. “Who is it?”
“Spike Ms. Peg.”
“Just a moment.” Spike took note of the door unlocking slowly making his way to his ears, he was dead tired if had to try to actually to hear something, hopefully that wouldn’t mess up his conversation with Peg. “Hello Spike, glad you could come.”
“Sorry about the long wait Ms. Peg, I kind of got caught up with that research.”
“You and Smolder were researching for that long? Don’t tell me you two did something naughty in my library did you?”
“N-no no, nothing like that honest. We’re not even…at that stage.”
She giggled. “I’m just pulling your leg Spike, please come in.”
Spike entered the apartment allowing his claws to take him to the living room before stopping. It was a simple yet beautiful sight, The walls a brown tan that matched Peg’s coat color, and a few dozen pictures accompanying it. “Wow, I’ve never really been in your apartment before. It smells sweet.”
“Oh, that’s just the candle on the table, I get them from a special seller who only shows up once a month in town.”
“What kind of candle does he sell to make him special?”
“Long lasting, and a stronger smell, just like I like it. Do you want coffee, you seem dead tired?”
“I would adore some right now.”
“Coming right up.”
Spike made his way to the sofa, taking a seat as Peg handed him a mug of the brown wake up juice. “So, you wanted to talk about the guy ne—”
“It’s not exactly that…”
“Then what did you want to talk about?”
“Smolder and you, you are…happy together?”
“Uh yea.” Her eyes shifted toward the mug she was holding only, she never even glanced in Spike’s direction. The look on her face was something of nervousness yet regret. She seemed as though she was guilty of something. “Are you ok?”
“Y-yes I’m fine dear.”
“You don’t seem ok?”
“…tell me, what would you do for her?”
“For Smolder? Everything I could.”
“Even in dire times?”
“I’d give my life for anyone who deserved to live, Smolder more than others.”
“Spike, can I…tell you something?”
“Uh sure.” I don’t like where this going.
“My husband only ever did one memorable thing for me, it was the entire reason I stayed with him for as long as I did.”
“A-and that was?”
“He gave me a child…I always wanted one, I just didn’t know if I was ready to be a parent. Then he reassured me and 9 months later, Pistol was born. I loved that child like every day was my last and, in the end, he got her in the divorce.”
“Ms. Peg, I’m…sorry I…”
“Spike, do you love children?”
“I’m great with kids, me and Sm—”
Suddenly his words were trapped in his throat, a surprise attack from non-other than the mare that invited him in. In in a split second, she lunged forward planting her muzzle against his draconic lips and pulling him in even deeper without a second thought. Spike was quick, to jump away as fast as possible. “I-I’m sorry Spike I—”
“What in Equestria was that?”
“I just was in the moment and…”
“Ms. Peg, I’m kind of with Smolder, I can’t just go kissing every mare like I’m every pony’s dream dragon.”
“Spike please, you must understand I—”
“I’m gonna go Ms. Peg, see you at work tomorrow.”
“Spike!” she said grabbing hold of his claw with her hoof. “Please…please just stay…I need to explain.”
Spike looked at her with disgust yet…concern. “Alright then, explain.”
“Look, I must apologize. My relationship with him wasn’t healthy. He was controlling…arrogant and stubborn…he had to have his way always and it would impact me both mentally and physically. I couldn’t work, I couldn’t sleep, I was being drained from the inside out. I was looking for escape…any escape…I found what small sliver of it I could in divorce, but he still had that hold on me.” She said tightening her grip. “That controlling hold on my very soul…that is until I met you. You were…such a kind and gentle soul that I had to have that in my life…I couldn’t resist after all that man put me through.”
“Ms. Peg.” She looked up with a nervous and sad hum, her eyes full of tears at this point. Just as suddenly as he was pulled into that kiss, she was pulled into his embrace of a hug. It was this strange feeling of warmth for her that she had never experienced before, something new, so new and special that she began to tear up even more in his arms. “I can’t promise a relationship, considering you’re like ten years older than me, but I can promise to be there for you always just like I do with Smolder. You’re a beautiful mare Peg, I just know there’s someone out there who cares for you as much as I do for Smolder.”
“T-thank you Spike…thank you s-so much.”
A few minutes passed before things calmed down. Peg brewed another batch of coffee, since the original had kind of been spilled all over the carpet and boy did she regret that. Spike was quick to clean it up though, his Rarity mentality taking over at that point. “Ms. Peg, that stallion is too stubborn.”
“You’re telling me.”
“Most ponies would assume that hey, plumbing is out, and I need to call a plumber because I can’t do that work, but him, he’s a special case.
“Thought he could do everything if it saved him a quick bit.”
“And because of that, the house flooded?”
“Like some kind of indoor swimming pool yes.”
“Geez, I’d hate to have to pay for all those repairs.”
“Call it the one time he actually regretted not listening to his wife, because he had to pay every single bit to repair our house.”
“Hahaha, now that’s payback on a lovely scale.”
“I thought so to, especially when I added a few personal things for me and Pistol to the list.”
“You’re like some kind of cute evil genius Ms. Peg.”
“I try my best hon. So, tell me what you and Smolder were really doing that Library?”
“Researching?”
“Griffons, right? Because I don’t believe we have enough material on griffons to constitute an hour and a half in the library?”
“Wait what?”
“And this symbol you two keep talking about, what was it?”
“Wait…were you listening the entire time?”
“Oh religiously.”
“Dang busted.”
“Don’t be shy.”
Spike removed the book from his person, showing the cover to her. “Can you keep a secret?”
“Honey, My husband didn’t find out about the divorce until it was time to sign, I can handle it.”
“Well, Smolder kind of found this book in the back of the dragon library and it doesn’t like even ember knew it was there.”
“Where exactly?”
“The secret archives.” He said with nervousness in his voice.
“I told that girl about this kind of thing. Well either way, this symbol of the front is what you’re searching everywhere for correct?”
“Yep, we’ve checked virtually everywhere except for the Canterlot Library.”
“Hmm?” She said taking the book in hoof and looking it over, she swiped through the pages and immediately cocked an eyebrow. “it’s empty.”
“I was just as shocked. She said it was floating surrounded by some kind of magical black wind.”
She gasped, immediately jumping up and running to a stand-alone closet a few feet away. As she dug through it something caught Spike’s attention, a whisper…inaudible but it was there. He shook it off as Peg appeared with a small book, blowing the dust off as she wiped it in unison. “I haven’t touched this type of stuff in years, this is so exciting.”
“Um (cough) What is it?”
“Back in my younger days I used to be, what’s the word, a traveler of sorts. I made my way to various regions of the land and with that found a variety of adventure.”
“Like Daring do?”
“I guess you could say that. My adventures weren’t as action packed but they were still something. This journal is proof of that.”
“A journal?”
“Yes, a journal of a very old, and very unknown adventurer known as Jade Discover. Jade detailed herself within this journal as not very experienced in her line of work, she always fell for the traps, always got stuck, but persisted through her adventure. She did nothing to note of grand reward except for one thing, and no pony believed her. She took notes of a certain phenomenon that happened wherever she went, and only where she went. No one else ever reported seeing anything of that sort, only her.”
“Like what?”
“Well let’s see.” She said opening the journal. “There were rifts of un-explainable time distortion in certain areas. One minute she was exploring, the next she had been in her exploration for hours, and she never remembered it. Other times, it was as if the world would glitch, a strange 1-second sight of weird black lines appearing all over the place, fading in and out of reality and even suddenly being sent back to a spot to after already passing it. She dubbed the effect of this phenomenon, Twilight as it only ever happened at the dead of night.”
“So, what does that have to do with this symbol?”
“When she traveled to the ruins of an ancient underwater city, The Twilight Effect glitched her deep into the heart of some ruins. She noted the markings were all different, she couldn’t make out what they said despite having studied dozens of languages for years. It was as if the ruins themselves weren’t apart of the world she was just in. In that exact chamber, she was able to catch a glance of a particular symbol just before glitching back into the water. She almost died down there but was able to barely make it to the surface and record her findings.”
“Let me guess, she drew—”
“Correct.” Peg said turning the book toward him.
“It’s a match, almost detail for detail.”
“I figured my life before my husband would come in handy in the long run.”
“Can I borrow that journal Ms. Peg.”
“Why certainly, it is your research after all.”
“Thanks a ton Ms. Peg really.”
“Glad I could help, it’s the least I can do after jumping you like that.”
“Spike almost bolted to the door before stopping himself. “And hey, If you want to hang out this weekend, I’m not against it.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve been out like that.”
“Don’t worry, who knows, you might find the man of your dreams right?”
“I suppose that’s valid reasoning. All right then, Saturday at 1:00 PM, don’t be late.”
“Yes mam.”
Spike was insistent on staying up as long as he could researching Jade’s journal. She spoke in great detail of the glitches and time distortions, what it felt like, how it affected her life, what treasures she could have obtained had it not been for the Twilight Effect. It was as if she had been moving almost unconsciously through two worlds. Spike was Twilight’s amount of curious at this point, but sleep was even more powerful. He downright fainted where he laid leaving the journal to rest across his face and the mysterious book to sit front cover down on the desk next to him. It was quiet, peaceful, the wind came through the open window letting a slight breeze send the fabric of curtains swaying ever so slightly. Although what was out of place, a slight hissing sound in the night, as if the pages of a book were quickly being flipped. It was indeed true, the mysterious book had opened against the wind’s supposed direction and turned suspiciously to the first page. A blank page, then a symbol, then nothing, then four words.
On the other side
Author's Note
Did uoy yojne taht sa hcum sa ruoy niarb dluow wolla uoy ro ma I gniog ot evah nialpxe gnihtyreve niaga? Tahw, uoy tnaw ot wonk woh I wonk os hcum tuoba siht dlrow? Ym egdelwonk fo eseht stneve si enon fo ruoy nrecnoc ron dluohs ti eb retal ro reve. Uoy'er eht eno ohw "wohemos" dnuof eseht txet taht I'm erus I delaes htiw a nezod tnereffid sepyt fo cigam. Nod't klat ot em litnu eht txen retpahc si delaesnu tog ti?
(Did you enjoy that as much as your brain would allow you or am I going to have explain everything again? What, you want to know how I know so much about this world? My knowledge of these events is none of your concern nor should it be later or ever. You're the one who "somehow" found these text that I'm sure I sealed with a dozen different types of magic. Don't talk to me until the next chapter is unsealed got it?)
A Shadow Beyond the Twilight
More Enigma's than answers
Spike yawned as his consciousness slipped back to him, the usual cracks of his bones filling the air as he stretched and contorted his body to get the satisfying relief. It was then that he noticed Jade’s journal effectively draped over his face to which, he could only giggle in his realization. “Twilight’s curiosity sure is hard to shake, got so lost In Jade’s notes that don’t even know what time I fell asleep.” He peeled the book off his eyes and opened them for a second, stretching once again. “I’m not late, am I?” He peered at his alarm with a lingering nervousness then he cocked a scaly eyebrow. “It’s off?” He checked the plug, it was plugged in, odd considering how he dedicated himself to at least trying to get to work on time. “Maybe it’s broken.” He shrugged it off, wondering exactly how it could’ve broken overnight, but continued to pay it more attention as he made his black bed…wait. “My bed isn’t this color, where’s the purple and green, the cool gold design that usually compliments it?” He turned around. Now that he thought about it, everything seemed to be strangely colored for that matter, The walls were a blinding white with black shadows being cast over the corners and that’s about it, as was the same for half the items in his room. “What in the world is—” He blinked. The effect is gone. The walls were back to a normal dull white, the bed was now purple and green and with that gold design over it.
What in the world just happened?
8:30 AM
“Now you’re just making stuff up.” Smolder said as she leaned on an empty book cart, staring at Spike with an unpersuaded expression. “How’d you even get this supposed Journal?”
“Well… I was kind of at… look, it doesn’t matter, all I know is, I wasn’t hallucinating, at least I think I wasn’t. It was like someone took all the colors out of my room and topped off the saturation on the blacks and whites.”
“Like an unfinished drawing?” Ms. Peg chimed in from behind a bookshelf.
Smolder sighed. “I told you about doing that Ms. Peg, it’s creepy.”
“Am I not involved now? I did hand over the journal to Spike last night.”
“So that’s how you got the journal? Wait, what do you mean last night?”
Spike tripped over his words like a world champ. “W-well you see…I um, meant to tell you before I came in.”
“Spike helped me move around some heavy furniture in my house is all.” Ms. Peg interrupted.
Smolder’s cocked a suspicious scaly eyebrow to that response. “Moving furniture huh?”
“Yep, that’s all I was doing.” Spike quickly shot off like a speed round. “She needed some help, I helped her out simple as that.”
Smolder let a puff of smoke escape her nostrils as her annoyed eyes scanned Spike for any signs of guilt. “I’m just gonna say I believe you and get frustrated later. Anyway, the whole no color thing you just explained?”
“Oh, well yea, it was just like Ms. Peg said, like someone had drawn out the world detail for detail with no color. Shouldn’t be a surprise that the minute I checked the book, this phrase appeared on the first page.” He said as he removed the book from his person.
Both Smolder and Ms. Peg stared in curiosity as the book opened upon the first page, and then their expression widened. It’s…blank?” they said in unison.
“What do you mean blank? It’s clear as day right there on the first page.”
“Spike,” Peg said with a bit of concern. “Did you get enough sleep last night?”
“Come again?”
“I know Twilight’s curious nature is contagious sometimes, you may need to get some actual sleep before we can think about this.”
“What in Equestria are you talking about, I slept fine last night. I’m not crazy or hallucinating, it’s literally right here on the first page clear as day, ‘on the other side.’ ”
Smolder took her time humoring Spike, viewing the book from different angles as if the words would suddenly pop up. “On the other side of the page or what?”
Spike had to mentally review the page in his mind. He could see the words “on the other side” clearly depicted upon the paper. He was hallucinating nor was he just tired, they were there, they existed. So why can’t Smolder and Ms. Peg s—
“Spike, you’re late again.” Ms. Peg’s voice called from just beside him.
“Sorry sorry but something crazy happened, you’re not gonna believe what jus—” Wait wait wait, didn’t I already say this? Spike looked around in disbelief, he was at the entrance to the library again, but he was just standing next to Smolder and Ms. Peg in the isles, how did he get back here?
“Believe what dear?”
“U-um…” he stammered before scratching his head in confusion. “Where’s Smolder, you both need to hear this.”
“I believe she’s already begun organizing the books for today.”
“Now you’re just making stuff up.” Smolder said as she leaned on an empty book cart, staring at Spike with an unpersuaded expression. “How’d you even get this supposed Journal?”
“Well… I was kind of at… look, it doesn’t matter, all I know is, I wasn’t hallucinating, at least I think I wasn’t. It was like someone took all the colors out of my room and topped off the saturation on the blacks and whites.”
“Like an unfinished drawing?” Ms. Peg chimed in from behind a bookshelf.
Smolder sighed. “I told you about doing that Ms. Peg, it’s creepy.”
“You already said that?” Spike added.
“What?”
“You called her creepy not even a few minutes ago.”
“No, I didn’t, I literally just thought of that.”
“No, you didn’t…or did you?”
“You ok Spike? Did you get enough sleep after all that research last night?”
“He was a bit shocked at something when he came in this morning?” Peg added with sudden concern.
“What do you mean this morning?” Spike asked.
“Finally!” Smolder exclaimed as she rushed Spike with a hug. “I was so worried, I thought you might be dying or something.”
Spike just sat in confusion. “W-what are you talking about, I’m fine see.”
“Spike, you haven’t moved in over an hour, and I’m not talking like in deep thought not moving, you were like a static picture the entire time, you didn’t even breath.”
“An hour? But it’s only 7:30 right? Opening time for the school and everything, I literally got in not even 5 minutes ago, told you guys about that crazy weird vision I had 10 minutes before that, and that’s literally what happened.”
Ms. Peg placed her hoof to Spike’s forehead causing spike to make questioning eye contact. “You must be getting a fever or something because it's 8:30, the time we usually open up the library. You came in and just stopped for a long time."
Spike was lost for words both mentally and verbally. Not once but twice had he suddenly been displaced in his judgment. He was sure he came in and told the girls about his experience, only to be just arriving at his job for the second time, then suddenly after revealing his experience once more, had been standing in place motionless, breathless, for a full hour. Smolder was crying into his shoulder as he moved his arms to comfort her. “Guys, something weird is going on here. I can’t figure it out, but I think—”
Snap!
“Spike? Spike?” Smolder’s voice came accompanied by loud snaps from her claws.
“W-what? What’s going on?”
“Am I going to have to drive you home because you just showed us a blank page then went completely silent for a few minutes.”
Spike looked around trying to gauge his placement now. The back isle, Ms. Peg and Smolder staring at him with concerned eyes as he held up the blank book to them. “I’m fine…I think. I just really need some more sleep is all cause I am apparently really out of it.”
“Is it ok If I take him home Ms. Peg?” Smolder asked.
“Please dear.”
Smolder and Spike walked out of the library together, Smolder doing her best to comfort Spike in his confused state. They stood within the doorway of Twilight’s office, her mature eyes looking up to greet them as she placed a pen down and stretched. “To what do I owe the pleasure you two?”
Smolder was about to explain, that is until Spike bolted to her desk and quickly shot out, “Something’s wrong.”
Twilight just sat in shock as her muzzle was only mere inches from Spike’s. “S-Spike, what’re you talking about?”
“Smolder, we have to let her in on it, everything.”
“You can’t be serious?” Smolder quickly shot back. “She’ll tell Ember for sure, then I’ll really be in trouble.”
“Smolder, this isn’t just about some weird book, something is happening.”
Smolder just ignored Spike for that moment, taking her spot by pushing Spike back into a chair. “Ms. Twilight, Spike here is a bit off his flame if you know what I mean, is it ok if I take him home?”
“H-hey!” Spike chimed in. “I’m am not crazy ok? I’m telling you, something is up here.”
“He’s just so tired, he can’t seem to—”
Twilight let her magic do the work as Smolder’s muzzle was suddenly closed. “Just hold you two before you turn this into something truly annoying. What is going on? Some pony and only one of you, tell me what exactly has got you in my office interrupting both mine and your work.
“Smolder trust me on this one.” Spike said taking Smolder’s hand and looking her deep in the eyes. “I’m not crazy, you have to trust me.”
Smolder stared back, seeing the desperation his eyes to be heard and believed. Spike could also feel the desperation he was showcasing, and so early too. But he had been pulled through two different instances in which his mind was put to the test, he was not backing down to figure this out. Smolder sighed, kissing Spike on the forehead and taking a step back. “Better be right about this hon.”
Spike nodded pulling out the book and placing it on the table. Twilight just stared at the book, her face more confused than anything. “What is this?”
“Twilight, you should know, I wasn’t in your library looking for griffon history.”
“Darn, and I thought you were truly interested in the griffons. I mean there was that one time you kissed Gilda in—” A large growl from Smolder caught her attention making her clear her throat in fear. “N-nevermind.”
“Could you maybe avoid getting me killed?” Spike uttered in a whisper. “(Cough) anyway, Smolder found this book—”
“In Ember’s secret library?”
“Wait, how did you guess that?" Smolder said with surprise in her voice.
“I’m not dumb, Ember informed me a long time ago about your secret adventures. She asked me to return anything I see you with as soon as you’re done reading it.”
“Oh buck… no wonder she’s never mad at me, she already knows.”
Twilight giggled as she placed a hoof on the book. “So what tale of time did you steal this time?”
“I have no idea.” Smolder uttered.
“No idea? Must be from her secret stash then. I’ll inform her that… wait… there’s no name on this book?” Flipping to the first page, her eyes widened. “It’s… blank. Are you sure it’s a book for reading and not some type of journal?”
Spike and Smolder looked to each other with curious glances. “I hadn’t thought of that?” Smolder confirmed. “It could be a magical journal for all we know.”
“How magical are we talking here?” Twilight asked as she placed a cup of tea to her lips.
“Oh yea, I never tell any pony that part, I found it in the back of her library floating and surrounded by some weird black wind.”
Twilight nearly spit out the tea in surprise to those words. “Black wind?”
“Yep, just kind of floating there nice and quietly.”
“Kids, this might be something completely out of your league, dark magic is usually associated with black wind and black themes.”
Smolder laughed at that. “I figured we can handle it if it came to down that, I mean you guys have handled worse, Tirek, Queen Chrysalis like three times, the storm king, etc.”
“But that was unavoidable kids, you can avoid this. Who knows what will spawn from this book if you were to uncover its secrets.”
Spike and Smolder nodded in unison. “We’re willing to take the risk, it’s an adventure of sorts after all.” Spike added.
Twilight looked at both of them with concerned eyes, then she sighed. “Just like the gold old days then. So what do you know so far?”
They both began to speak, then stopped, realizing at best, they knew near to zip about the book. “Nothing at all.” They said in unison.
“Wait really? Nothing at all? Not even a name?”
“Not a clue.” They both continued.
“But we have searching high and low to locate this symbol and figure out something. The only lead we have so far is a journal written by an adventurer named Jade Discover.” Spike said placing the journal alongside the book.
“Jade…Discover? Hmm, that name does not ring any bells for me.”
Smolder gasped. “The greatest mind of our society, Twilight Sparkle, hasn’t heard of Jade Discover?”
“H-hey!”
Smolder laughed. “Don’t beat yourself up Ms. Twilight, she wasn’t a popular discoverer if it makes you feel any better.”
“I still feel like I should know her, I mean I know everything there is to know about history, all those famous and low explorers, I’ve done my research.”
“Well, it should be noted that this is the only living evidence of Jade Discover ever existing, at least in this reality.” Spike added.
“Come again?”
“Just read it.”
Smolder was quick to join Twilight as she opened the journal to the first page. “Hey, I didn’t get a chance to read it either, scooch over Ms. Twilight.”
9:10 AM
Twilight had to readjust her entire mindset in the event any of this was actually true, both hers and Smolder’s expressions were confused, then surprised, then confused even more. “This Jade Discover may have discovered something truly interesting. In the event that this is true, could it be possible that some pony developed enough prowess to master time and space manipulation?” Twilight said still trying to process it all.
“Besides the princesses, I doubt it.” Smolder added it. “Maybe Star swirl figured out something?”
“But then why would he follow around some random pony and cause her grief. You read it correctly that she almost drowned in those underwater ruins thanks to the anomaly.”
“Far as we’re concerned, this Jade Discover is the only connection we have to the Book’s origins, and she’s super dead.”
Twilight rubbed her temples with her hooves trying to wrap her head around any logical idea, magical or not, but nothing came to mind. Teleportation is one thing, time magic is not uncommon thanks to Starlight, but the way Jade described them were as if they were effortless tasks. Concentration is needed to teleport things, a large bounty of magic is needed to open any portals of time, but to do them together, rapidly, in different areas and situations, and even affect the way in which a person sees the world. “I don’t think this phenomenon is of this world.” Twilight uttered.
Spike happily clapped as he gave a thumbs up. “You and me both Twilight.”
“Like, it sounds like magic, but it’s so much more fluid and mystical than anything any old pony could conjure up, at least I think.”
“What about—” Spike paused, his eyes seemingly stopped in their tracks as he stared around at the office. When did… not again? He turned, taking one step into the once colorful hallway and staring at the blankness he was now experiencing. Everything was once again stripped of its color; the portraits and awards were now an exhaustingly blank white with a black outline. The walls were now stripped of any character except for the white they now wore; the shadow’s being cast by anything now harsh and sitting there as if they were a void. “G-guys, you have to see this, this is what I was talking about.” No answer, only the sound of a strange technical sounding wind. It wasn’t a normal wind, it sounded distorted, strange and ominous. “Guys?” He repeated. “Twilight, Smolder?” He continued. “What’s going on with you two?” he said re-entering the office only to jump back in fear. “W-what the?” What the hell is going on? His eyes had to be playing tricks on him he thought because all he was staring at, was two black silhouettes. No color, no features, no eyes, mouth, anything, just black shadow’s standing there looking straight in his direction. It was then that he noticed, their attention was sort of following him. He couldn’t make out any eyes to track, but without a doubt, the shadow’s tracked his every movement with soul-crushing accuracy. “Ok, I’m officially freaked out, that is not cool. Guys? Guys come on? Are you playing some kind of prank because it’s working a little too well?”
Still there was no response from them, instead they seemed to completely ignore anything that wasn’t their non-existent eyes following him. He wasn’t crazy, this was real, this was happening. And he couldn’t turn it the hell off. It was creepy enough that the color suddenly disappeared from the room, but now these shadows of his closest friends, completely void of life are just watching him with extreme dedication. He had to at least figure out something. “Smolder, Twilight?” He uttered etching closer and closer as the top half of his body leaned back in preparation for anything. “You guys alright in there?” He reached the desk; the tips of fingers began to slide closer to touching the strange shadow’s and boy did he regret that decision. As soon as he made physical contact with Smolder’s shadow, his thoughts were instantly focused on running. Twilight’s shadow cried out in an almost blood-curdling scream that should’ve belonged to a demon of all things as it downright slammed the desk through the wall with fearful strength. Spike was quick to back up to just outside the door, his lungs literally rushing to compensate the lack of reaction at that moment. “W-what the hell?” The shadow’s stared at the desk for a moment, before turning their heads In the most jagged way possible towards Spike, cracking as if they hadn’t been turned in a while. “T-Twilight can you he—” With speed unlike anything Spike’s ever seen before, even from rainbow dash, Both Smolder and Twilight rushed the door at an illogical acceleration, Spike quick to close the door on his attackers. “What the hell, what the hell, what the hell…” He repeated over and over again. “This isn’t happening…this isn’t happening?”
“Enoemos sah deppils otni ruo dlrow niaga... ” A voice whispered.
“H-hello, is anyone there?”
“Uoy nod’t gnoleb ereh, evael... ” It continued.
“I don’t know what you’re saying, please can you help m—”
“Spike? Spike?!” Twilight’s voice drifted in as his vision suddenly faded to black. “Spike wake up, come on!”
Like a bullet, spike jumped back in his chair and instantly flew out of it, sliding himself to the wall as he hyperventilated. “W-wha, n-no…”
“Spike honey.” Smolder said as she approached him. “It’s ok, you’re ok, we’re here.”
“You…” He had to take a moment to compose himself. “You just tried to kill me… both of you.”
“What? Spike no, you literally zoned out again for like a full five minutes.”
“I was… it happened again. I was in that strange colorless world again, and you two, were like shadows or something.”
“Spike, I don’t think you’ve gotten enough rest today, you need to go home and clear your head.” Twilight suggested with a concerned voice.
“Twilight, Smolder, you don’t understand, this journal, this Jade Discover, she was onto something.”
“Who?” Twilight asked.
“What do you mean who, I just told you about her.”
“No, you walked into my office and Smolder asked if you could go home for the day, right Smolder?”
“Yea that’s about right.”
Spike was at a loss of words, his reasoning and understanding of the current situation was fading so badly, he was beginning to question reality in the smallest sense, then it hit him, look at the clock. 8:40 AM. It was ten minutes after nine when he was suddenly thrown into the strange vision of a world, he was beginning to understand only slightly, what was happening. He was being displaced in time and space as Jade was all those years ago. But why? He couldn’t think, he was all out of patience for this today, he had to get home. “Twilight, I’m going crazy, just let me go home alright.”
“If you say so Spike, but you’ll both have to make up the work on Monday after this weekend.”
Smolder scoffed. “We stack books, what work could we possibly be missing out on.”
“Ms. Peg has informed me of a few different tasks actually that you’ve been neglecting.”
“Crap.” Smolder uttered.
“Now run along, you look like you need the rest bad.”
“Thank you…” Spike uttered before getting up and walking out.
As quick as walking could get him, he was at the parking lot in under a minute, Smolder hot on his tail. “H-hey, wait for me.”
“S-sorry, just in a hurry to clear my head is all.” Spike said with a slight frown.
“Hey, none of that frowning mister, we already get that enough from Ember. I’m gonna drive with you home, you’re gonna get some sleep, and I’m going to keep you company got it?”
“Yes mam, so bossy.”
“Ember is a great teacher…sometimes.”
The day went by in fast forward, Spike and Smolder made it to Spike’s apartment in record time, with Spike taking to his bed as fast as he could and Smolder watching quietly over him as she ruined his kill death ratio. Spike woke up in a surprised state, it was dark outside, and his body felt like he had worked out for an entire day. “Wow, I’m sore, I didn’t do anything did I? No no, I’ve been sleeping here, all day apparently.” He tried to move but realized wrapped around his chest were Smolder’s claws, her face pressed firmly into his chest. “Someone got tired.” He said caressing her gentle scales. As he caressed however, he could feel the grip of her arms suddenly tightening around his back. “Oh wow, she’s strong. Must be having a nightmare. Smolder? Hon wake up?” Again, her grip tightened. “Oh ok, that’s starting to hurt, um Smolder, wake up now.” Again, her grip became tighter. “S-Smolder.” he said beginning to shake her gently. “You’re hurting your drakefriend, please wake up. Oh god, she just keeps going. Smolder?! Smolder?!” With these words, he was now viciously shaking her as hard as he could, no response. He tried to slip out of the hold, contorting his body to worm his way through her arms but to no avail. He looked up praying to anything he could to wake her up, but when he looked back, there it was again. It wasn’t Smolder, it wasn’t the girl he’d grown up with since the friendship days, it was a black mass in the shape of Smolders following his eyes with that same extreme dedication and threatening to squeeze the very life the out of him. “S-Smolder! Let go!”
He tried to power through, flex whatever little physique he had to break her hold, but her arms felt like solid concrete against his back, never moving, never budging an inch and every second seemed to slip him closer to the inevitable. At this point, the strange mass had now made a complete cocoon of strength around him, she wasn’t some ten-ton bodybuilder, but man did it feel like it, and with every second, it was getting harder to breathe. Each breath was shorter and shorter until he felt his muzzle touch its black imitation of one. Then he realized, he couldn’t breathe anymore. Whatever it was had completely cut off his source of air, both by lungs, and by the black inky substance that was spreading over his face. “MMMMM!” He cried out, his eyes watering as no air passed through his lungs.
“Spike, Spike!”
He jumped up in a fit, heavy breathing with a tone so loud, it sounded like the loudest speaker system known to pony kind. Spike breathed and breathed until he couldn’t cherish that feeling anymore, then hugged Smolder with all the fear he could muster. “I don’t want to sleep anymore…”
“Spike, what happened?”
“I-I was sleeping…and I-I couldn’t breathe… you were... squeezing so tight and…I just don’t want to sleep… I just don’t.”
“Calm down Spike, I’m here, no shadows, no crazy alternate world, just me, you’re ok.”
"Just you... just... you."
"Er’uoy no eht rehto edis... " the whisper uttered directly into his ear.
Spike's eyes widened.
Author's Note
Eht rehtraf uoy og, eht erom uoy ezilaer tsuj woh tuo fo ecalp gnihtyreve smees huh? Evah uoy reve denoitseuq tahw's no eht rehto edis fo sgniht, erehw eht ralop etisoppo sediser ecno gnihtemos si detaerc. Ti's ton ekil I eveileb uoy'er yllautca trams hguone ot dneherpmoc hcus sgniht tub I'll evig uoy eht tifeneb fo eht tbuod, sediseb, uoy'er ton annog teg yna retrams tuohtiw ym pleh yawyna.
A Shadow Beyond the Twilight
Spike remained in his bed for the entirety of that morning, his head hidden underneath that purple and gold blanket. He made no sound whatsoever, not a peep nor a huff or a puff. Contrary to what he had informed Smolder of, he wasn't asleep, hadn't been to sleep at all, his mind was too concerned, too afraid of what might happen next. At first, it was subtle, a simple loss of all color in the world. Then it was threatening, his friends contorted into beings of strange blackness, with the power only the deadliest of demons might possess. Then, last night, it was pure evil. The closest dragon in his life shifted into something he can now only describe as evil incarnate, latching onto his face and sucking the life out of him. He shivered at even the subtle thought of it, his eyes closing and his breaths heavy as it came back to his mind each time. After a few hours of sitting in his bed, overheated by the blanket and nervous to no end, he sat up, appearing from under his blanket and closing and reopening his eyes to adjust them to the now blinding light. "It wasn't real...it wasn't real." A phrase he constantly repeated to himself throughout the long sleepless morning. He wanted to believe it wasn't real, he wanted to believe that that near-death experience, the sight of his two closest friends rushing him like a scene straight out of a horror movie wasn't real. And he had every reason to do just that, believe it wasn't real, because if it truly wasn't, it was too damn near realistic to be normal.
"Spike hon? You up yet?" Smolder's voice trailed through the closed door, her light taps breaking Spike out of his slight trance. "Come on hon, you sleep like a ton of charcoal."
"S-sorry sorry, I'm up now, just needed a minute."
"A minute turned into how many hours might I ask?"
"Uh...one?"
"Nope."
"T-two, that number?"
"Closer but no spark."
"Maybe 3--"
"You've been asleep all morning. There are literally 12 hours in a morning and you slept through all 12 of them."
"I slept through the entire morning?"
"Like a boulder."
"Oh man, I need to get up and--wait, 12 hours?"
"That's what I said hon."
Spike's eyes darted to the alarm clock, his body rushing to snatch the thing up and bring it up to eyes. "12:55?!"
Without a second thought, Spike rocketed to his closet, throwing open the doors and hooking his claws onto the first nice looking shirt he could find, a white short sleeve polo. He tossed it on the bed and sped through the door with reckless abandon, almost crashing muzzle first into Smolder who was more than confused. "What the--Watch where you're going would ya?!"
"Sorry sorry, I'm just really late right now."
"Late?" she said with a curious tone as she followed him to the bathroom.
Spike piled a glob of dragonpaste onto of his toothbrush and began brush with one hand as he simultaneously applied deodorant to his underarms with the other. "Well see," he said before he spit the paste into the sink. "Me and Ms. Peg kinda have plans to hang out in about 5 minutes that I forgot about."
With that, he put the toothbrush back in his mouth and put the deodorant away. "Wait what do you mean, you have plans with Ms. Peg?"
"Well, I can't get too much into detail," He muttered through bubbles before spitting the paste out. "But she may have jumped me with a kiss and I may have promised her to hang out today."
"What?!"
"Wait wait wait, you need context, my bad my bad. She was feeling lonely and still had issues with her husband, so she kinda jumped me in her apartment with a kiss."
Smolder began to visibly turn red with anger, smoke pouring from his nostrils and growl shaking what little confidence Spike had left. "And did you do anything else, hon?"
"No no no, nothing at all. I told her sternly that I am with you and you alone. But still, I couldn't just leave her to deal with that alone you know."
"This isn't some type of date is it?" Smolder asked, slowly calming down.
"Knowing pretty well that you'd probably kill her, I made sure this was just a friendly hang out between two friends. Now that I think about it, she never goes anywhere, never really gets out of the house."
"Kinda like you, ya video game nerd."
"Hey, maybe I just enjoy indoors, you ever think about that. Bottom line is, she needs a friend, I offered, can't be late."
"Well, then you might want to keep up that pace you had a second ago."
"Oh damn, you're right." Spike quickly said upon washing off his brush and dashing back to his room. He slipped the polo on and made sure to quickly perform any other hygiene-related acts before he forgot. "Well, do I look presentable?"
"Presentable enough, although you could without the big glob of scale gel on your ear there."
"Are you kid--" he uttered wiping the gel off. "Better?"
"Better. Have fun and at least bring me something back."
"No problem."
"But not too much fun," she said letting out a snort of smoke. "Anything other than a hug and I will personally hand you your butt understand."
"Ok ok geez, I'm not that bad a drakefriend."
"No you're not, but you have a tendency to throw a lot of mixed signals and that makes me concerned for all those girls safety."
"Please don't hurt anyone while I'm gone."
"No promises."
"Man, Ember really is rubbing off on you."
"What was that?"
"Nothing gotta go, bye!"
Spike smashed through the door and down the steps faster than he thought he could ever do, his resolve to beat the clock stronger than ever as he made his way down and finally stopped at Ms. Peg's door. He took a second to catch his breath before knocking on the door. "Coming." her voice uttered back, the sound of her soft hoofsteps getting closer as the latch on the door began to unlock. "Oh Spike, you're...exactly on time. A little odd if you ask me."
"A good friend is always on time right?"
"Well, I wouldn't say you needed to be here exactly on time, I'm actually not even ready myself."
"R-really, well maybe I should just go back up to--"
"No need to waste your time going back upstairs, come in come in."
Spike could almost immediately feel the power of Smolder's threat, imagining her storming down those stairs and ripping Ms. Peg's door and-- He shivered. "Um...you sure about that, I mean, I can just stand out here it's fine really."
"Nonsense dear, what kind of pony would I be if let you stand out in the hallway like a bum, get in here."
Spike was hesitant at first, but within a few seconds, obliged and entered the apartment. He nervously took a seat on the couch, the same couch he was on when Ms. Peg laid one right on his lips. "Take a load off Mr. Dragon, I'll only be another few minutes."
As Ms. Peg returned back to her room, Spike couldn't help but eye her plump rump swaying side to side. Once again, he shivered at the thought of Smolder tearing down that door only to see Spike partaking in her worst nightmare. He sighed letting his body sink into the soft fabric of the couch. "I'm thinking too much about this. You are faithful Spike, I am faithful, simple as that. Smolder won't kill me and this will be a good day."
"What was that Spike?"
"N-nothing, just um...thinking out loud you know."
"Oh, sorry again for the wait dear, this dress just won't fit over my--"
"It's quite ok Ms. Peg, take your time!" Spike quickly said with a hot blush on his face.
"Um...ok then." As the silence faded in once again, Spike opted to stand up, his body apparently not used to the idea of playing it cool as he was still undoubtedly nervous. His eyes floated around the apartment, once more to the walls colored in Ms. Peg's beautiful coat, to the interior design that represented her sense of taste, and eventually, to the picture frame sitting on the shelf just beside the couch. It was a picture of her and her filly, presumably the only one she owned of them without her husband in it. He couldn't help but picture his future, him and Smolder, elders of the dragon kingdom, possibly even Dragon King and Queen, with at least 2 children, both as mischevious as they are right now. Twilight would have probably used some aging spell on everyone so that they could at least see the wedding He thought with an audible chuckle. Returning the frame back to its shelf, his attention was drawn to another, a casual photo of the daughter in a sundress. "She looks just like her mother."
"Cute as a button isn't she?"
"Dear Celestia!" Spike jumped back, fumbling the picture a bit before gripping it with two claws and sighing. "What are you, some kind of secret ninja?"
"You have a mischevious little filly who loves to sneak the cookies out of the jar at night combined with a two-timing husband, you learn to just a tiny bit quieter than normal."
"Well, it works." He said taking a deep breath. "Maybe a bit too we--" His voice began to trail off as he finally opened his eyes to view Peg in full. She wore a stunning light blue dress that perfectly complemented her tan coat and dark brown mane. "Um..."
"What's the matter Spike, you look unwell? I didn't mess up my mane did I?"
"N-no no, not at all. You look good, like really good."
"Oh you smooth talker you, don't make an older gal blush like that, people might get the wrong idea." She said back with a rather confident chuckle which made Spike tug at his collar in embarrassment, an imaginary puff of smoke escaping the confine of his shirt. "Now, we only have an hour until the movie starts correct?"
"Y-yea, and even then, like 20 minutes of commercials. I think maybe we should grab some food before then, you know how expensive the theater food can get."
"Great idea. Ooh ooh, and maybe," She uttered, her tone heightening like a teenager begging for her parent's permission. "We could, maybe, sort of...go to Emily's diner."
Spike's expression turned that of disgust. "Ugh, Emily's diner..."
"What's wrong with Emily's diner?"
"It's...well...it's...kinda...isn't that for like you know...couples?"
"Well yea but--"
"And not even normal couples either, lovey-dovey first date couples."
"Don't be a square, at least come try it."
"Square?"
"Yep, S, Q, uare."
"H-hey, I am not square, just...not into watching everyone make heart eyes for an hour straight..."
Spike could feel the pleading in Ms. Peg's eyes. "Come on Spike, Pleeeeeeease Mr. Dragon?" Peg cooed in a tone only worthy of a daughter pleading to her mother. "It won't even be that bad. We'll get in, eat, go to our movie, simple as that. Besides, they have some of the best food in the city, we can't pass this up."
"You really wanna go there, like really?
"You have no idea."
Spike could feel the determination in her eyes as she stared him down, trying her best to bend his will to her own. "Ugh...fine."
"Yay!" she said a little hop.
"You're like a filly with a sweet tooth problem."
"It's been forever since I've actually been out to enjoy myself so yes, I might be a little giddy."
Spike happily hummed to those words. "Well then, let's get going. But if anybody asks us to take any pictures, I'm flaming someone."
"Be nice Mr. Dragon, they won't steal your treasure or anything."
She giggled as Spike gave a playful pout to that. "...They better not."
Spike and Peg slowly made their way outside, Spike being the gentle dragon he is and helping Ms. Peg up to her seat before running around and taking his. "And off we go." he uttered as he flicked on the engine pulled out onto the road.
Within seconds, they were down the road, a few blocks here, a dozen turns there, the carriage sailed smoothly down the streets toward their destination as they made enjoyed the evening atmosphere, the wind, the air, and surprising absence of traffic. The carriage halted to a stop as Spike pulled into the parking area. "Oh my, I'm so excited, I've never been inside before."
"What? But made it seem like you'd been here before."
"Well in theory, and pictures. It's embarrassing but, I've haven't been out like this in a while. "
"Wait really? I was just kidding when I thought that earlier but you, a shut-in?"
Her gleeful attitude turned to sorrow for but a moment. "After I filed for divorce with my husband, I didn't really have a lot of reasons to get out of the house. Most of the time, it was to get away from him and now, to see pistol when I can. But no, that's the old me, I don't want to be the sad old lady who screams at anything that even remotely annoys her. No, tonight is the night I can have fun, really let loose."
"Let loose? What were you planning on doing, going to a club?"
"No no, nothing of that sort. Well maybe, it would be fun to do a little dancing."
Spike could only let out a nervous cough as the idea of Ms. Peg dancing passed through his head. "Maybe invite a few people, make it less Smolder lethal."
"Even without your warnings, everyone is quite aware of your drakefriend's...temper. She's almost as bad as--"
"Ember?" He shot out as if he already knew what she was going to say. "Yep, everyone tells me that exact thing. But as nice as it is to stand out here in this nice breeze, the faster we get in there, the faster we get out."
"As long as you promise not to flame the staff if something happens." Spike crossed his arms and looked away in disagreement. "Spike? Promise me?"
"...Fine. I promise not to flame all the staff."
"Spike," she said as if asking the question again.
"Ok ok, just one staff member then."
"You're a goof, Mr. Dragon."
The two of them made their way inside the restaurant, noting the elegance of the interior before a young mare clad in a frilly pink and red dress. "Greeting and salutations Sir and Madam, table for two I presume?"
"Yes, mam." Peg happily responded.
"Right this way." the young mare motioned as she made her way past the greeting pedestal and toward a booth. The two slid down into their seats on opposite sides of the booth, the young lady now looking at them with a confused expression before gasping in realization. "Oh my god, I can't believe I didn't notice you before Ms. Peg."
"Um...you'll have to remind me deary, I see so many faces every day, I practically forget to memorize them."
"Oh, it's fine, Violet meadow, Tulip garden's older sister."
"Oh little Tulip, how could I possibly forget that one. She practically begged to check out those gardening books without a library card, how is she by the way?"
"Hasn't put down those books since she got them hehe. Oh, terribly sorry for taking your time, I know this must be a personal night for you. But If I may," she said leaning with a hoof to her muzzle, as if to shield the sound from Spike. "Who's the hunk, looks mighty young?"
Ms. Peg could see the visible blush form on Spike's already nervous face as those words made their way over to him. "This is Spike, one of my co-workers."
The girl formed a smirk that of which only a way too curious teen would often do. "Wow, Ms. Peg, way to fight the system."
"I'm sorry, what do you mean?"
"You're lucky to have such a...enticing," she said with a quick glance over to Spike. "man to treat you this evening. And even though you're a little bit older than some of us, you still managed to get this under your paw. Meow girl, way to pounce on this one."
As soon as that last line hit both of their ears, Spike was quick to jump in to correct the situation. "Oh no no, this isn't what you think it is."
"Don't be nervous Spike, it's not a crime to want a bit of a more mature relationship."
"Trust me, it's not like that, this is just a friendly night out among co-workers."
"H-he's right." Ms. Peg quickly cut in. "This is just a friendly outing among co-workers, that's all it is."
The girl took that into thought for a moment, looking back and forth between the duo for a moment before sighing. "Darn, would've been a really cute couple too. If anything, I'm just glad you ended up here instead of a bar or something."
Ms. Peg gave that overexaggerated chuckle, the one that tried to seem accepting of the situation but was really a signal to cease anything on the current subject. "As am I, although the idea doesn't disgust me."
"Oh Ms. Peg, you bad girl you. I'll be along momentarily with your menus." Violet said with a smirk as she left.
"The idea doesn't disgust you?" Spike asked with a questioning eyebrow raised.
"Well you know, sometimes its fun to do something a little...risky."
"I don't know about that."
"Any average pony likes a little excitement in their lives, but in your situation, Smolder and Ember for sure deter any risk in your life."
"No kidding, I'm surprised Smolder even let me come out here tonight."
"Well I'm glad you were able to, all things considered."
"I am t--" Spike was stopped the sight of a faint light in the window of the booth they were sitting at. The light had an ominous green glow too as it stood still in the pitch black night. Wait. "Hey, Ms. Peg?"
"Just call me Peg dear?"
"O-oh right. Ms. pe...I mean Peg, it's still like 1:30 right?"
"I believe so."
"Well then why is it so dark outside?"
"What do you mean, the sun is still high the sky dear."
Spike had to do a double take at that comment. He removed himself from his seat and looked out another window. It was clear as day, weirdly enough, that is wasn't day time anymore. The streets were lit up with street lights all down the road which argued night time, but the sky absent of any light whatsoever made Spike question other possibilities. "Did Luna perform an unscheduled eclipse?"
"Spike honey, what are you talking about? It's clear as day out there, the sun won't be down for another 4 or 5 hours."
He looked away for only a second to question back, that's when a ray of light from the same window he was standing by shone through and he was forced to re-evaluate his argument. Spike could only chuckle at his assumption, taking his seat once more. "I must still be tired after last night, I'm seeing things."
"What do you mean last night?" she said, a concerned look on her face. "You're not secretly doing dr--"
"No no no, I wouldn't even dare, Twilight would kill me, then bring me back to life so Smolder and Ember could kill me."
"Oh thank goodness."
"Actually, I think it was a nightmare."
"A nightmare?"
Spike's ears twitched ever so slightly, the sound of something rickety making its way down the street. He continued and paid it no mind. "Well see, after I went home yesterday, I had opted to sleep in a little more." Once again, that rickety sound began to catch his attention, the sound of heavily rusted wheels clicking in the silent streets, and once again, he continued. "Smolder thought she would keep me company and I needed the comfort anyway, so we slept--"
Peg gasped before putting on a curious smile. "Oh my Spike, did you make her night?"
This made Spike harshly blush but he did sort of expect this with the way he worded it. "H-hey, we didn't do anything like that. We just slept together, literally."
"Darn...I wanted to hear that juicy tale."
Spike raised one eyebrow in a questioning gaze. "I'm beginning to realize a lot of things about you Ms. Peg."
Peg giggled at that comment, rubbing her head in embarrassment."I am sorry dear, I guess I've been trying to live vicariously through others lately, please continue." Before Spike could even get a word out, the sound of that rusted clicking made his ears twitch once more, this time so close and audible, that he turned his head slightly to the direction it was coming from. The street was relatively empty save for the carriages parked outside, not a moving vehicle in sight. But that was distinctly the sound of rusted wheels, he couldn't mistake it after he bought his first carriage, which was more than 10 years old and hadn't been used since then. But where was it coming from, it sounded close yet there's nothing out there. "Spike?"
"Hmm? Oh sorry."
"Are you seriously ok, you seem out of it all of a sudden."
"Oh no, I'm fine re--" The clicking resumed, this time spike immediately spun his head toward the window and realized the sky was pitch black again, no, everything was pitch black this time, he couldn't see out of the window even a foot. "What in the..."
"Spike, you're scaring me, what's wrong?"
Spike focused his eyes, an ominous green light shining in the distance once again. He began to put two and two together when the clicking began to seemingly cooperate with the light's motion. It would cease upon the light's stop and continue upon its movement. "What in the hell is going on?"
"Sp..ke."
Spike turned his head toward Ms. Peg, who had her head downward, muzzle first into the table. "Ms. Peg, are you ok."
"F...ne"
"Why are talking like th--The hell!" Spike was forced to hop out of his seat when she turned her head upward, those light blue eyes now replaced with a blank white stare, devoid of any pupils or irises. It was made worse when his gaze fell upon others in the restaurant, including violet. They all had the same symptoms, blank white eyes, but now, spreading from their white eyes was a black color, slowing spreading over their body until they nothing but a, "No no, not again not again!" Spike cried out as he began to run toward the entrance. Within seconds, a crowd of ponies, covered in black, eyes blinding white, and mouths now like a dragon's glowing with that same blinding white, covered his escape. He was forced to turn his attention toward another exit, only to see that blocked as well. In fact, the crowd seemed to surround him at this point. "No no no no no no..." As the sea of black ponies seemed to inch closer, he back up toward his table, immediately planting a foot on the table to dive out of the window. It was then he forgot of Ms. Peg, who was assumed to now be apart of the endless fear he felt right now. She latched onto his foot with unimaginable strength and pulled him to the ground, his struggle strong and fierce but immediately useless as the table toppled to the ground under him. "Sh--"
His words were cut off by Ms. Peg straddling his waist, her inky black muzzle coming ever so closer toward his own. "Whatsssss da matter Sssssspike?" She said with a hiss. "Not loving the atmossssspehere."
"G-get off of me!"
"Oh don't you worry Mr. Ssssssspike." she hissed while beginning to move her hips along his waist. "I'll be gentle."
With no hesitation, she latched her muzzle on onto his with a kiss. It was exactly the same, the same inky black substance spreading over him like a vacuum sealed box. He couldn't breathe and it once again because of someone he thought was his friend. He began to struggle, tried to fight back, kicking, punching, nothing, he could feel no progress being made whatsoever. Only made worse when the crowd began to join in, fusing like a liquid to Ms. Peg and beginning to form a black sea of whatever the hell they were around him. He could feel his limbs beginning to go numb, the lack of breath beginning to take a toll on his consciousness. As the blackness completely encased him, he forced his limbs through to move against the thick substance, desperately clawing at his mouth to get any morsel of air, but it was no use. He cried out in agony as he began to slow down, everything suddenly fading to black.
Si siht elttil pup tsol...
Spike felt his eyes twitch...He could hear the faint sound of the wind, but...it sounded off, almost distorted.
Ekaw pu pup...
His eyes twitched a bit more, but he was so tired, all he could muster was a yawn. He began to slowly stretch his two...no four legs? That's when he was forced to stand and open his eyes. the sight was unlike what he had expected. He was in a cell of unknown origin, light flooding from a nearby window and illuminating his situation. The bars were thick, but they looked rusty, easy enough to knock down. Unfortunately, there was something holding Spike to the ground, the sound of a chain gave him a good guess. The walls looked old and decrepit, and he could partially see through a hole in the wall to another cell. Upon getting close and trying to place his to the hole, he realized his muzzle was a bit longer than normal. As a matter of fact, why am I standing on four legs? "Woof!"
What in the...why did I just bark? Wait four legs, barking? I couldn't be a... He looked for any reflective surface he could, spotting a small piece of mirror on the floor and trying to pick it up. He could only fiddle with it and push it around as he flexed his paw around the edges with no success. No way... I'm a He desperately pushed the small piece of glass up toward a wall, angrily yipping as the glass knicked his paw. After a few dozen tries he finally succeeding in standing the piece of mirror on a wall. When his eyes finally met his own, given the clues, he shouldn't have been surprised, but he was. Staring back at him was a white wolf, it's eyes shining purple like crystals and symbol upon his forehead shining with the same radiance.
Krab krab elttil pup...
Author's Note
Tahw si eht thgil tuohtiw ssenkrad, woh od eht owt yltnatsnoc yortsed tey etaerc hcae rehto? Ti's yllautca ton a rettam fo woh...tub yhw, yhw od eht owt kees noinimod revo eht rehto? Si ti rewop? si ti emos leurc tca fo rehtom erutan, na tcnitsni. Ew llahs dnif tuo elttil pup...
A Shadow Beyond the Twilight
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