Chapter 1: Knock At The DoorView OnlineLife Without PoniesChapter 1: Knock At The DoorChapter 1: Knock At The Door IT WAS A cold winters eve, and the snow fell lightly from the sky down onto the house tops of Ponyville. Looking over the sea of roof-tops the snow pilled high. Beneath the windows of most of the houses were empty of lights, and with the foggy sky not much was seen. One place had lights flowing out of every windows, spilling into the streets around. A wall of light keeping safe those inside. This place was not, in fact, a building but a tree. The Golden Oaks Library was the only source of light in all the town. From one particularly bright window came the shadow of a perching owl. Owlowiscious watch the snow drifting down and thought to himself that it would be a much nicer if the homes and buildings had lights. Or ponies, but, but he pushed that thought away. Inside was warm and cozy, and he almost felt at peace. He was drifting off when a loud crash came from the kitchen and he heard the sound of yelling. It was the that noise became clear, it was Spike yelling, saying: "Angel! if you don't---" and another crash and Angel Bunny shot out the kitchen walk-way. Dangling from his lips was a bundle of carrots. Spike, wearing a chef's hat and apron, dash out after him, and the two started to run circles around the library. Spike was right behind Angel, then Angel took a flying leap on to a near by table, and Spike came to a dead-stop. The table wobbled, but Angel managed balanced himself. Now no this table was a small memorial: a large framed picture of Twilight and spike, a smaller framed picture of the mine six, and a candle, often lit with practiced ceremony. Angel turn to at Spike and stuck his tongue out. He tired to hop once more, but the table fell from under him. SMASH! Owlowiscious Shuddered. Angel was pilling himself off the floor and rub his temples where a rather nasty bump was forming. The framed photo on spike's memorial was broken and glass shards littered the floor (it was a miracle Angel was seriously unharmed.) Angel recovering from his daze, took the carrots and ate them in one mouth full. Spike walked over and picked up the picture, his where eyes tearing up. Angel was proud of himself, winning over Spike wasn't an everyday occurrence. "How could you..." said Spike, his voice quivering. Angel was alarm." you, you little---" Angel nervously smiled and started to move back; spike became progressively more angry, tears on his face. Owlowiscious flew down from his perch. "Angel that is it! you're out of this house! get out right this---" But there was interruption. A loud abrasive knocking at the door, and a voice crying out:" Spike the Dragon, His Majesty King of Griffonland, RULER of Equestria, COMMANDS your presence!"
Chapter 2: In The New Throne RoomView OnlineLife Without PoniesChapter 2: In The New Throne RoomChapter 2: In The New Throne Room IN THE COURT room that had before belonged to the Celestia, the beloved ruler of Equstria, many flapping wings and squawks were now heard as the court of King Roi Feather came to session. Noble Griffons of every description had gathered to petition His Majesty for all manner of complaints. There was many a Grifs who came from the lower end of their society, who, having taken in part of the relocation to Equstria, fond fortune beyond anything in Griffonland . With wealth came status, and those who were poor farmers a few months ago, now enjoyed as much access to the court as any of the 'Old Feathers.' Much to their chagrin. Soon, even the smallest hobble in Canterlot would have with a Griffon claiming that they had thrown open the vaults to anygrif who came. King Roi slouched on his new throne. Board with the proceeding and waiting for anything else to distract from the long procession of court. Beside him stood Claudius Quill, who's name will forever be remembered in Griffon history as the who to one suggested moving to the vacated Canterlot castle. His suggestion had met with no objection from king Roi, who had been raised by the adviser. Nor any from the Old Feathers, whose only concern was 'what if the ponies return?' and 'what if their not really gone?' Claudius squished any resistance to the idea; which upset a lot of nobles who thought of him as still nothing more than the kings nurse-maid. So tight was his grip on the kings ear that nothing threaten him, say, but a little purple dragon. "His Majesty would be pleased to know," stated a one of the misters." That the cost of maintaining golden lamp post through out His new holdings, would, in the long run, be much more---" "Claudius," sighed the king. Claudius spoke up:" His Majesty is at this time is not interested in the services of Hadden, Hadden & Dipp Lamp.inc. Further more--- " The Griffon guard, who stood at the entrance to Celestia's old throne room, bellowed out: "Spike the Dragon of Equestria, request an audience with His Majesty, King of Griffonland Ruler of---" "Yeah, yeah," Spike said." He called me here, I think he can see!" The train ride had not improved his mood since indecent with Angel last night. "Spike!" Roi setup. "Hey." Spike had no-idea how much fascination the king had for him. Spike thought of him as just friend, but king Roi would have given him the kingdom if asked, and this it what worried Claudius. When the Griffons first arrived, there was little resistance from Equstria's non-pony denizens. the Old Feathers had sought the king to have them removed, and he might have, but for Spike. Since childhood the king had always wanted a dragon for a friend, like the heroes in his story books, And now, here was a dragon, plopped right in the middle of his new kingdom. Spike was frighten, at first. When the griffons arrived, he was in Canterlot looking for anything lead to the missing Twilight and the others. Griffon guards had cot him and put him in a cell . More alone the he had ever been, spike give up. He was brought to the throne room by request of Roi. Claudius not being there to advise against it, start to talk with Spike. He ask him all sorts of questions about Equestra, the ponies, if he ever went on any quest with young Grifs to fight pirates and save fair maidens. Through answering questions, Spike came to a friendly alliance with Roi, who made no end of promises about helping to find the missing Equestrians, much to Claudius' annoyance. "Spike you'll never guess what has happened" "What?" "Guess." "No really, I couldn't." "Guess, guess, guess!" "Umm...new haircut?" "No! tis," He spat out the last part." I did it, Spike!" Claudius rolled his eyes. "Did what?" "I fond one! I fond a pony! Just like you ask me to!" Spike couldn't find the words, he couldn't think, he dumbstruck; he'd never given up hope, but after so long, he would finally... "Unhand me at once, your cold talons hurt you dunce!" Said Zecora shouted. Zecora? thought Spike. What is she---Oh. The Zebra was let down by the two griffon guards who brought her in. "See, see?" said Roi." I tolled you I'd find out where the Ponies went! I--- oh, is this the wrong thing?" Spikes look tolled Roi that something was not right. It wasn't that Spike was unhappy to see Zecora, but it was a little disappointing, to say the least. "No it not...Um, sorry but...Um," Spike tried to find the words. "Pardon His Majesty but we must continued the morning court," said Claudius Quill. "Oh...yes, you're right." Roi replied. "And Spike the Dragon, we, the king and I, would like to hold conference with after the proceedings. Your presents here will not a complete wast, at least." He add the last part under his breath." Would you and the Zebra wait outside? Thank you." The court doors closed behind them leaving Zecora and Spike in the hall be alone. "Spike, it is good to see you unharmed, it would be best if we left now with out raising the alarm." "They no were I live, and besides, the king is my friend. No ones gonna hurt a scale on my head!" "That maybe true, but I rather bid them adieu!" "Zecroa where have you been? Have you heard anything about the others!" "Deep in the Everfree, I came out to see, if Twilght would join me, for a cup o' tea. When to my shock, nopony any where not even under a rock. So I left to find, any pony left behind. To manehatten I headed, what I might find there I dreaded." "Did you find anypony?" Zecora looked down and shock her head." I have spied nopony, even before they took me." Spike chocked. He felt a little more helpless. "Spike, if we stay, will your friend, help us get away?" "Who, Roi? Oh yeah he and me are a great pair; why---" The doors of the throne room opened out and past Zecora and spike came the Griffs of court, who spilled out into hall and left. This left the two guards by the entrance, who called Spike and Zecora to come up to the throne.
Chapter 3: The ExpeditionView OnlineLife Without PoniesChapter 3: The ExpeditionChapter 3: The Expedition SPIKE AND ZECORA where lead up to the throne by the two guards from before; the name of the one, who spike had interrupted, was HeartFeather. HeartFeather was a slender griffon, with light-brown plumage, and who looked as if he was about to faint all the time and was a little on the weak side of things. The other was Darkplume, whose feathers were as black as his name suggest. He was on the older side and had a noticeable scare above his cheek. The griffons lead the two them up the stairs of the throne room, siting up right on his throne was His Highness with Claudius to his right. "YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS PRESENTING HIS DRAKENESS, SPIKE THE DRAGON AND...um... A ZEBRA!" Called out HeartFeather. Clearing his ears out, "So," Spike addressed Roi," what did you want to see us about?" Roi started,"Well, I—" but Claudius cut in: "His Highness and I, have a most urgent matter we'd like your help with. It concerns a vast vault underneath this very castle, indeed, underneath mountain its self. I place that was here long before its former occupants built there castle. I believe it to have once been the home of some ancient species long, long forgotten to time. We, no doubt, have a lot to gain from the unearthing of what ever lies down there." Spike folded his arms, Give me a brake, he thought. Then he said," Yes... Well, what does this have to do with me?" "Well, Spike the dragon, a curious feature of this the vault door is that it can only by accessed by the flame of a dragon." "Okay then, then i guess my next question is why should i help you." Claudius almost flinched (almost.) King Roi wouldn't make the drake do anything the drake didn't feel like doing; Claudius's power over the king was a shore thing, but he still he thought it best not to unduly upset His Highness, and Claudius needed the dragon to open up on the door. So: "From my studies I've found that in this vault is a large pile of treasurer—" Figures, thought Spike. "—And among this collection, is a very special magical item named the Clerical orb. The uses of which are numerous, but what you might like to know about this orb is that it helps with the locating of lost things." Spike grasped his meaning," This orb can it be used to find, say, ponies?" Claudius chuckled,"Well, there is only one way to find out." "Okay, fine, I'll help you open the door." "Doors, plural. One at the opening of the labyrinth and the other at it's end. You'll need to go the full way." "Okay then!" said the king, very existed," If it works will be able to find your old friends in no time, Spike!" Claudius rolled his eyes. "Well, we will be off at then, and I'll of course will—" "NO!" cut in Claudius," I mean—Your Highness will not be accompanying us...FOR your safety. Of course." "And why is that oh royal crow, is there something lucking below?" Zecora grin. "w-w-well," Claudius stammered," There is the little question, of the...Monster." "Monster?" Cried Roi and Spike in unison, HeartFearth fainted. "Yes, well, not exactly. something described very much like a monster. A creature said to have] been the protector of this dungeon, is mentioned in a few old passages, but this of no consequences to us. If this thing ever did existed it has long sense expired. You shall have no trouble." "Well, we can not let Spike go down there alone! Send a division of guards too!" "Why of course I would never think send him in there...alone." "And you'll be going with them, right?" Quill shifted,"Err...yes of course i am going myself too...eh." "And as will I, you'll need the extra eye." add Zecora. "Sir," said Darkplume,"If it pleases His Highness, I will start preparing the guards. If such a thing lurks down there, it will be no difficulty for my griffons. Sir." "Yes, you assemble the troop." "Thank, your Highness." He saluted, and waking HeartFeather, both walked off to the barracks. "Well, seeing that all is settled, Spike, Miss. Zebra, why don't you two take leave walk around the gardens till ever thing is ready?" "Yes, you two do that," Claudius said," but, don't go very far. We'll be leaving shortly." Spike did not like the way he said that.
