Set to Burn

It started with a letter. Twilight was in the midst of her usual daily activities when her assistant belched a massive ball of green flame. It was so sudden and out of the blue it even startled Spike himself.

"What's it say?" she asked the little dragon.

"'Dear Twilight Sparkle, I am sending this letter as an urgent request to you and your friends. The very balance of the universe could well be at stake. Please come as soon as you are able. Signed, Princess Celestia.'"

"'Balance of the universe'? What's going on?"

"Sounds like trouble."

"I was hoping to finish shopping for supplies, but it looks like it'll have to wait."

"We'd better hurry. By the looks of it, whatever we're dealing with is more dangerous than anything we've seen before."

"Right."

The pair rushed off to find their friends.

"Princess, what's going on?" Twilight inquired.

Celestia stood before the dimensional mirror. The look in her eyes conveyed it was no laughing matter.

"Thank goodness you've come."

"Please, tell us what's happening."

"Do you remember when I first sent you into the human world to retrieve the crown?"

"Of course."

"Well, when you returned, I found myself curious about the possibility of multiple universes. Upon further examination, I discovered my hypothesis was correct."

"Multiverse theory is true...!?"

"I used my magic to scan for other life forms, and to my surprise, I found them. I've come to regret my decision."

"Why?"

"Tell me, have you ever felt something so evil, it made you sick to consider the possibilities of what it could be?"

"What did you feel?"

"I don't know, and I don't want to, but I realize it can no longer go unchecked."

"You want us to go in and neutralize it, don't you?"

"Not quite."

"I don't understand."

"It's too dangerous to send ill-prepared subjects to an uncharted planet where such darkness waits. Your last exploration was relatively safe, but this...? I can't risk it."

"Then...What should we do?"

"There is one among you who is stronger than the rest. He's standing right next to you."

"Spike!?"

Celestia nodded.

"He's the only one among you with any form of natural protection. Between the seven of you, he's the most likely to survive physical harm."

Twilight grew enraged.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!"

Everyone in the room flinched, including Celestia.

"Twilight, please-"

"I will not let you put the life of an innocent child in jeopardy to stifle your own paranoia!"

"You misunderstand! If I could send anyone else, I would."

"No! That's final!"

"Please. I beg of you to reconsider..."

Twilight snorted hatefully. Celestia hung her head in shame.

"Twilight..."

Spike placed a hand on her foreleg.

"It's all right."

"What...!?"

"Whatever's on the other side of that mirror is dangerous. If it finds its way here, we'll all be screwed anyway. At least I can buy you some time to prepare."

"Spike, in good conscience, I cannot allow you to venture into uncharted territory alone to risk life and limb. I'm your guardian. I have a responsibility to make sure you're safe."

"I know. You would die to protect me, wouldn't you?"

"Of course I would!"

"The only way to repay that love is to do the same for you."

"But...Spike...!"

"I'll be okay. I need you to trust me on this."

"...All right, Spike."

"Promise you'll wait for me?"

"Yeah."

"How much time do I have?" the dragon asked the sun princess.

"If you're unable to return within twenty-four hours, we'll launch a rescue mission."

"Do me a favor. If you have to follow me in, see if you can track down the source of the evil."

"We will."

"Make sure the civilians don't end up caught in the crossfire."

Celestia nodded.

"You'd make a fine soldier." she commended.

Spike took a deep breath to calm his nerves.

"Later, guys. I'll be back before you know it."

A vortex of light appeared in an open meadow. Spike emerged from its recesses. He took a long look around.

"Everything looks the same..."

A gust of wind blew across the field. A foul stench crept into his nostrils.

"Blood. It's coming from town."

Spike began his trek into the alternate Ponyville.

Spike followed the smell to Sugarcube Corner.

"Why is it coming from here? I don't like this..."

He entered the bakery with a cautious gait. A crowd of ponies were ordering pastries at the front counter.

"It's coming from under the floor. Without my enhanced senses, I'd be none the wiser."

"Spike! Just in time!" a familiar voiced said excitedly.

"Pinkie Pie..."

The pink pony bounced toward him with the same amount of energy he was familiar with. He had to avoid raising suspicion. He simply watched as she approached him.

"I'm running low on ingredients! I was wondering if you'd mind sticking around for a bit to help out!"

"Play it cool, Spike." he thought to himself.

"Hello? Anyone up there?"

"Oh, um...Yeah. Sorry. Haha."

"Great! Just let me finish up with the customers!"

"Sure thing."

The dragon took a seat at a nearby table.

It took about half an hour for Pinkie to finish the orders. When the last customer left, Spike approached the counter.

"Before we get the ingredients, can you test this for me?"

"A cupcake?"

"I'm testing a new recipe. I need to figure out how long it'll stay fresh."

"Gotcha."

Spike raised the cupcake to his mouth. Pinkie Pie trotted to the door. She locked the deadbolt.

"Really should've thought this through better, fake."

The alternate Pinkie froze in place.

"If you'd done your homework, you'd know tranquilizers don't work on dragons."

She turned around. Spike repeatedly tossed the cupcake in the air, catching it in his palm.

"How did you know?" she grilled.

"We can smell decay a mile away. I knew it couldn't have been the Cakes' doing. Your bubbly imitation does little to hide the darkness behind your eyes."

"Imitation? What are you talking about!? Why did you call me a fake!?"

"I could tell you, but it wouldn't matter anyway. Your reign of terror is over."

"You're too cocky. I'll roast your flesh just like the others."

"You can try, but I wouldn't recommend it."

The evil Pinkie grabbed a butcher knife off of a nearby rack. She rushed at Spike. He blocked her strike with his free arm.

"Guess you're not listening. Best two out of three?" he taunted.

"Grrrgh!!!"

Pinkie jumped back. The mortal enemies stared each other down...