Love for a Shattered Soul

It has been over three weeks sense Spike was place in this hell. He was locked in a dark clay and sand room with a single torch for light. His neck had a heavy metal collar around it with a short chain connected to the wall with shackles around his wrist and ankles, but the most eye catching thing about him was the large obsidian clamp that went through his rib cage that connected jus below his lungs and heart. Dry blood stain his dirty green T-shirt with some fresh blood dripping from the bottom. His once bright emerald eyes that used to be filled with joy and wonder, where now dull and bloodshot and filled with fear, confusion and sadness. Why? Was the main question that went through his mind. One moment he’s at home just thinking about his trip to Canterlot that was in few days the next second he’s being thrown into this room by a giant skeleton thing.

For the last three weeks that thing that referred to itselfi as Lex would come in and take things from him more specifically blood,flesh,hair and other things. Or as it put it “Gathering samples of the new subject.” , but other timees it would come in and place down strange plants on the floor of the room everyday. The plants were lime green in color with soft electric blue and silver petals that were in the shape of water droplets. Spike didn't understand at the time why this would happen ,but the plants would randomly wilt then bloom back to life. Overtime he notice they would wilt whenever he was agitated and would come back to life when he would calm down. Curious he decided to try something, so one day he stuck out his left hand with his palm facing forward. Focusing all his negative emotions and dark thoughts that he had bottled up to this point to his surprise the entire length of his left arm was engulfed in black and green fire.

The flames started to form a clawed hand. The claws themselves seemed a bit disfigured with them being twisted in screw like fashion. The hand itself seemed to be incredibly muscular and bulky. At that moment the temperature in the room felt extremely cold,but to Spike it felt strangely comforting but with sense of authority. The plants started to wilt away and decayed with some parts even turning to dust. Cutting of his negative emotions he stared at the plants with his emerald eyes wide open. Blinking his eyes a few times he decided to try something else. Lifting his right arm this time and focused all his positive emotion his am was engulfed in white and green flames. And as he expected the flames form a clawed hand, but the hand looked more slender and feminem with the claws being straight and prestien.

The coldness of the room was replaced with a comforting warmth. Instantly the plants bloomed back to life and regained their beauty. Spike was in awe so much so that he forget to cut his emotions off from his arm and placed it on the ground. Suddenly the ground split wide open and six white blurs leaped out and landed in front of a shocked Spike. He then turned extremely pale when he realized that the blurs were a group of six ivory colored skeletons he flinched and went to cover himself, but stopped himself when he realized that these weren't the same skeletons that Lex commanded wich were usually very large and bulky and seem to use brute strength. But these skeletons were tall slender and looked like they made for speed. Another thing that was different them. That was the skeletons that stood in front of him were extremely spiky. On their arms they had long spikes that jutted out the top side of their arms and curved back. They also had spikes on the back of their legs that pointed back. There also multiple smaller spikes all over their bodies another key difference were their eyes while Lex’s skeletons had intimidating crimsons eyes these ones had gentle hazel ones. Before Spike could do any one of the skeletons actually spoke!!

“Child of The Goddess of Light why have you summoned us.“ It said in a calm and gentle tone. Spike couldn’t tell if the voice was male or female it’s not like he couldn’t understand what it said the voice just didn't have an exact gender to it. Then he realizes what it said. Child of who??? Was it talking about him? No it must be thinking of someone else. He nervously pointed at himself.

“M-m-me?” He asked shakily. Another one spoke in a more compassionate tone.

“Yes you young one you are the child of our creator.” It stated in a matter of fact way.

“Uuuhhh I think you have me confused with someone else.” Spike mumbled. Another skeleton spoke in a joyous tone while shaking its head vigorously.

“Nope your definitely her child it’s clear as crystal as I stare through you!“ Okay, Spike was thoroughly confused. A. Skeleton that was slightly taller then the rest spoke up in a loving tone that reminded him of his mother’s.

“I think the young one is not aware of his parentage. Am I correct young one?” It asked, Spike nervously nodded his head. The last two spoke in unison with zero emotion to their voices. But it was clear that one was male and the other was female

“Then just explain it to him.“ They say.The calm toned one nodded its head...or would it still be called a skull? Anyway it was about to speak when it stopped and looked towards the iron door to his cell.

“It’s coming we must go young one remember to summon us when you can we’ll explained everything then.” All six skeletons suddenly lunged at the emerald eyed boy. Spike flinched away waiting for pain, but it never came. Slightly confused he turn too where the skeletons once stood. To his surprise and disbelief there was nothing, not even a grain of sand was shown to be out of place.

The metal door creaked open drawing Spike’s attention to it. There in the door was Lex stood with a chained linked leash in one hand and a needle in the other.

“It’s time for your first test.” It said with a monotone voice. He walked over to the shaking child and without warning stabbed the needle into his neck causing the Dragon Blooded boy to instantly fall unconscious.

First thing Spike noticed was that he was laying on something cold and metal. Cracking his eyes open he instantly shut them closed because of a very bright light. After a few seconds he attempted to open his eyes again after a while that felt like hours, but in reality were a mere ten seconds his vision finally started to focus. He looked around and took in his surroundings. The room resemble an operating room and a laboratory mashed together. The room didn’t seem to fit in with what he assumed to be a mostly sand and clay structure. The walls were grey with a metallic shine to them there were also tables full of beaker and tubes a large computer monitor hooked up to what looked like a red and gold cube that has purple glowing runes of sorts around it sat atop a tall cart. Finally, getting his bearings Spike realized he was laying on a operating table with all the restraints removed except for the large clamp allowing a slow stream of blood leaks down onto the table. He also noticed that his shirt was gone there were several markings all over his torso where his vital organs were he also felt something cold and moist on his right eye that didn’t prevent him from opening it though, and he could tell something was watching him. Slowly turning his head spike saw one of Lex’s skeleton standing by the double doors of the room. It wasn’t the same one that brought him to this place. This one was a dull white and had a blood red color on its shoulders and hands. Another difference was while he black one that brought him here had an obvious aura of apathy and malice the skeleton watching him had a hidden aura of pity and sorrow.

Shaking his head of these thoughts Spike attempted to sit up, but before he could the skeleton was by his side and gently placed its bony hand on his chest and shook its head. As quickly as it appeared next to him it quickly returned to its post by the door, not really seeing a reason to argue with a skeleton ten times his size Spike just laid down and waited. After several agonizingly long minutes the double doors opened and Lex walked in with a cart with many sharp instruments. He pulled the cart to the the side of the operating table. He picked up a syringe filled with a blue liquid.

“This is a numbing agent but don’t worry it wont put you to sleep it’ll just prevent you from moving around and screaming. Unfortunately, for you however it won’t stop you from feeling the pain so just bare with it.” He said stabbing the syringe into the poor boy’s neck. Spike istantley felt his body go numb and heavy. Lex picked up a surgical knife and placed it where his gut was.

Very slowly he began to cut into his flesh and carved around the vital areas. Spike’s mind was roaring at him to scream in attempt to drown out the pain. Sadly, his body remained unresponsive he squinted his eyes and gritted his teeth with minimum result.

“Silly me in my excitement I almost forgot to get a Opthalm sample.” At first Spike was confused until he felt two ice cold fingers force his right eye open. Terror quickly replaced his confusion as he found himself on the receiving end of a scalpel

“W-wait!”

He felt the cold steel touching the delicate surface of his eye.

“P-please...”

Lex applied a little pressure.

“D-don’t..”

*SQUELCH*

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!”

Spike sat in a large circular room that didn’t seem to have a visible entrance with torches along the walls. His tattered blood stain green shirt was replaced by a plain white tank top that hung loosely on his body the large clamp was also gone. Spike’s hair was slightly held down by white bandages that grow redder until they were completely crimson directly where his right eye should be and his left was red and puffy. If you looked closely you’d see more bandages around his torso that were also dyed in varying shades of red.

“Hello.” A calm and reserved voice said out of nowhere. Startled the poor boy shook and turned to see who the voice belong to. Turning his head to the left he saw a young man with spiky white hair that covered his left eye his right was greenish grey. The young man wore a dark grey button up dress shirt with a black neck tie and he also wore a black vest, shoes , and pants. His skin was ghostly pale he also had a blank expression on his face. Spike was a little scared, but also relief to see someone other than Lex or his skeletons.

“H-hi.” He said timidly. The man sat down bringing his knees up to his chest and hugged them closer to himself similar to how Spike was sitting.

“The wind says you're in destress. I’ve decided to come here and comfort you.” He said flatly. He than patted Spike’s head the way you would while petting a dog. Spike was a little confused by this, but still grateful for the gesture nonetheless.

“Uhh t-thanks my name is Spike by the way what’s yours?” The young Dragon Blood asked.

“Max.” He said his lips curving into a smile. His nose than twitched. “You have the deoxyribonucleic acid of a dragon.”

“What???” Spike tilted his head.

“You have dragon DNA.” He said simply.

“Oh. Umm yeah I’m a Dragon Blood i-if you don’t m-mind me asking what are you are you a Dragon Blood too.” He said wishing he had his mother’s large wings to hide in.

“No I'm a -“ Suddenly a doorway appeared on one of the walls. Having his attention drawn away from the strange man Spike. Looked towards the door and saw the same white and red skeleton holding a collar that has a relatively short chain.Turning back to where the man was only to see nothing. Shaking his head Spike looked back to the skeleton.

Slowly the skeleton walks toward the boy. The skeleton crouched down to the child and carefully fastened the collar around the boy’s neck. Yanking on the chain lightly the skeleton began to walk towards the exit. Not the biggest fan of being dragged around like a rag doll Spike walked closely behind the skeleton. The young drake follow it to a dark room with a little sun light shining in through a small window. It connected the end of the chain to a heavy metal ball. It then stood up and walked out the room, but before it left it spared one final glance at the boy then walked out. Spike just sat in the room and waited. After while Lex walked in with a set of keys. He than unlatched the collar.

“I’m placing you in a field test to see if your worth keeping around.” He said walking away. “Sense you’ve been so cooperative I guess I’ll wish you luck in the fight.” He said exiting the room. As soon as he cleared the entrance way it closed.

Lex was heading to the coliseum stands to watch the fight. The boy was very interesting he had massive reserves of ethereal energy coursing through him. The boy would be an excellent patient. Sadly, if the boy continued to live he could pose a problem down the road. Lex arrived at his seat in the coliseum which was located on the north side of the coliseum. The north side was different than the others because all the seats were replaced by steps that led up to five throne like chairs. His was located in the middle it was ivory white and had black cushions with a skull like design on top with the eyes being rubies. The one on his direct left was sky blue with white cushions with a lion head design on top with the eyes being amber. The one on his furthest left was forest green with black cushions and a bear head design on top with obsidian eyes. The throne on his direct right was black with grey cushions and a dragon design on top with pearls as eyes. Finally, the throne on the furthest right was bright orange with yellow cushions and a phoenix on top with copper eyes.

Lex took his seat on his throne and watched as people began to come in. Two men walked up the steps. One was bald and had a long white beard with cold black eyes. He wore a black kimono with silver swirls decorating it the man took his seat on the black throne. The other had short slicked back black hair with a short goatee his eyes were a vibrant green filled with pride and arrogance. He wore a black business suit with a light blue tie he took his seat on the blue throne.

“Korudo.“ Lex said referring to the man on his right. He turned to the man on his left. “Hokori.”

“Greetings Lex.” Hokori said pleasantly.

“Hello Oni.” Korudo said bitterly.

“Is Val or Chell coming?” Lex asked ignoring the tone of the old assassin.

“I don’t believe they are. Once they found out your new ‘champion’ was a child they lost interest in coming.” Hokori said crossing his legs over each other.

“I don’t blame them. Honestly Oni why did you pick a mere boy to be your new subject.” Korudo scoffed. Lex remained silent and decided get this over with and start the match.

Spike sat in silence dreading what he could only assume to be his impending death. He didn’t want die like this alone in a unknown place. He wanted to just wake up from this nightmare. His thoughts were halted by a doorway opening leading to the outside. Taking a shaky breath he stood up and staggered out into the open air. The sunlight assaulted his eyes he covered them. The young Dragon Blood continued to the center of the arena. Once he reached the center of the arena he looked around there was a lot of people murmuring amongst themselves. He saw Lex sitting on throne like chair in between two men on similar chairs. Quickly averting his eyes Spike just stood their and waited. Then directly across from him a huge doorway opened. Glowing red eyes glared directly at him. Soon a giant man walked out. He was absurdly muscular with a shaven head with medium sized ponytail hung from the back of his head. He wore arm braces and a loin cloth around his waist. However, the only thing Spike noticed were the four large arms that petruded from his sides. Up where the three men sat Lex remained silent while the two men’s eyes widen in shock. Hokori was the one to break the silence between them.

“L-lex what the hell you usually send a Tarkatan or one of your skeletons for the newbies, not a god damm Shokan!!” The man exclaimed.

“Why am I not surprised at this?” Korudo mumbled to himself bitterly. Lex just sat their and watched the impending carnage.

Back down in the aren Spike just stood their in terror completely frozen. He was broken out of his thoughts by th creature letting out a roar and charging at him. Thinking fast the boy dodged out of the way and start to run away. The Shokan gave chase and began to throw punch after punch at the child as it stomped after him. Spike started to get tired and his short leg began to give out. Suddenly, a large hand grabbed his right leg and began to slam Him into the ground repeatedly. Finally, the behemoth threw at a wall causing the young Dragon Blood to cough up some blood. Falling to his hand and knees the boy coughed up more blood and breathed heavily, but before he could do anything the man kicked him in the side sending the boy rolling across the arena floor. Throwing up a large glob of blood out onto his chest Spike slowly turned his head to the side he watched as the large reeled his head back and leg a stream of fire flow towards him. Closing his eyes tight Spike let a stream of tear roll down his left cheek.

“This is it...”

”How pathetic.”

Spike snapped his eye back open and found himself standing In a plain that looked somewhat like space with stars and astroids floating by. Suddenly, loud booming footsteps echoed through the plain. Spike heard them coming from behind quickly turning around he saw something that garnered multiple reaction. There infront of him stood a humongous dragon. It’s body was made of royal purple scales with a forest green underbelly and spikes that went down its head to its tail. It’s wings seemed to be made of white flames while its arms and legs were coated in black flames. One of its most defining features were its eyes they were black with glowing white slit in the center. Spike wasn’t sure how to react one part of him was in awe of the magnificent creature while another part was petrified by the massive creature. He was snapped out of his thoughts as the dragon snorted.

”That’s it!?“ It growled as it lowered its head down to the boy.

“Huh?” The boy tilts his head to the side.

“You’re just giving,up!?” it said angrily. Spike furrowed his eyebrow.

“What can I do I’m no strong like Twi or mom I’m just an assistant not a fighter!” He said sadly. The dragon slammed its claws down and growled louder.

WRONG! YOU’RE A DRAGON!! WE GRIT OUR TEETH AND BARE THROUGH THE COLD STEEL OF THE WORLD AND ROAR THROUGH IT ALL!!” Its voiced boom out shaking everything around it.

“B-b-but-“ however he was cut off as the dragon roared out again.

“NO BUTS!! Let me put it this way what makes you think after you die that thing will stop after that. What’s stopping it from going after one of your friends.” Visions of his friends being subjugated to even worse procedures started playing through his head. ”Or even your family.” Then more vision’s of his mother and aunt being mutilated in horrific way played through his head. Hot tears began to stream down his cheek. The dragon seemed to grin menacingly. ”So what will you do boy. Will you roll over and die like a dog, or will you raise your head and roar like the dragon you are.” More tears began to roll down his cheek. He balled his fist up and looked down.

“No. I won’t let him touch them.” He raised his head and stare dead into the dragon with a fire blazing in his eye. “I don’t care what I have to do I won’t let him touch them even if I never get to see them again I won’t let him touch them. “ He said firmly. The dragon’s grin grew wider.

”Then roar!!” It said breathing a large blaze of green, black , and white flames on the boy. Back in the arena no time had passed as suddenly the down boy’s body exploded in an inferno of green, black, and white flames. Slow.y, the boy staggered up to his feet and threw his head let out a roar that shook the entire coliseum.

“RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!“ Spike roared as flames spewed from his mouth.

While everyone was in a stupor the Shokan wasted no time in rushing towards the boy and slamming his fist towards him. However, to its surprise the boy countered his punch with his own that was covered in flames. The bandages over his left eye began to unravel revealing a new eye with black sclera was black with a white slit. In anger the giant man pushed the boy back causing him skid back. Spike growled and looked to his side and saw an old rusted spear. Picking it up Spike charged towards the man aiming for his chest. Throughout the coliseum there was one collective thought that ran through everyone’s mind.

“He won’t follow through.”

*SQUELCH!!*

Spike eyes widen as he felt something dripping on him. He realized the spear was More than halfway through the man’s chest as his dripped on him. He let go of the spear and backed up in shock he looked around everyone was staring at him. However, he did feel scared or disgusted with himself for killing the man. He felt exhilarated it was so much....fun! Watching as th light fade from the man’s eyes. He heard the dragon from before chuckling in his head.

“That’s right boy savior the kill revel in their sorrow draw joy from their screams.”It chuckles insanely. Spike let out a ew Weak chuckles of his own before passing out. He woke up a few minutes later in a prison cell with a bed with thick medal bars. He heard footsteps approaching him sitting up straight Spike saw the bastard himself standing in front of him. He slid a tray with a cup of water and a few slices of bread under the the bars.

“You did adequately. I have a feeling you’ll be one of my favorites.” He said walking away. Spike could feel his mocking smile. Spike just sighed and got up. He walked up to the tray and sat down while nibbling on a piece of bread.

“He’s wrong you did fantastic.” Spik jumped a little and turned his head to see Max sitting on his bed.

“Uh thanks.” He said unsure how to responded. Max got up and walked over to the boy and took a seat next to him.

“The wind tells me you’re confused why?” The man ask tilting his head.

“Um you still haven’t told me what you are.” He said

“Oh I’m a-“ *static*

“That’s enough for now.”