Set to Burn

Spike was discharged from the hospital the next morning. The warmth of the sun stirred his newly awakened powers. He felt more energized than ever.

"Do you want to head home," Twilight asked him, "If you want to rest a little longer, the sword can wait."

"No, that's okay. We haven't seen Shining or Cadance in a while. Being stuck in bed for three days gets pretty boring anyway."

"I know you're probably excited about the idea of becoming a god, but don't let it go to your head. Take it from me, power isn't everything it's cracked up to be."

"It won't happen until after I die, anyway. I have a more important reason to get stronger now."

"What reason?"

"That other Pinkie told me there were others like her. I have to take them out before they reach you."

"How much time do you think we have?"

"Who knows? It could be all the time in the world or none at all."

"Just keep in mind she almost killed you. We can't afford to let you go in unprepared again."

"I'm surprised you're letting me go back at all."

"So am I, but when I saw that sword in your hand, I knew Celestia was right. You're our greatest asset in the war against darkness."

"I just wish I didn't have to leave everything behind..."

Twilight gave her brother a sad stare. He flew into the air, and she soon followed behind.

"Spike! It's so good to see you!" Cadance greeted.

"Hey, Cadance. Is Shining here?"

"He's showering in the other room."

"How's Flurry doing?"

"She's asleep. I'm so glad you're all right."

The princess hugged her brother-in-law.

"So I guess Shining gave me some of his blood too, huh?"

"You were suffering from severe anemia. It's a miracle you made it back at all."

"Come on, you should know me better than that by now. Twilight will tell you I'm harder to get rid of than a cockroach."

"It's true." Twilight said jokingly.

"Why don't you raid the fridge," Cadance suggested, "You must be starving right now."

"Yeah." the dragon agreed.

When Spike left the room, Twilight and Cadance conversed among themselves.

"He seems different somehow."

"Almost dying is a lot to take in. I'm sure there's a lot on his mind right now, but I know he'll be fine."

"How can you tell?"

"The potential for magic was already there, he just needed a little push."

"What did you teach him?"

"A muscle soothing spell."

"Healing magic will come in handy if he goes back to that other world."

"He will, but I have a plan to help him out at least until he's strong enough to fight on his own."

"A plan?"

"I'll be sending Flash in with him."

"Is that such a good idea?"

"Why do you ask?"

"It must feel awkward hanging around the guy dating his sister."

"Somehow I doubt he'll be too concerned about that. Spike's already proven how far he's willing to go. He'll protect everyone at any cost."

"I suppose you're right."

Shining dried his hair with his magic and walked into the kitchen. He saw Spike trying to decide what he wanted to eat.

"Hey, little man."

"Hey, Shining."

"You look like you're back to a hundred percent."

"More or less."

"That was really brave what you did. I would've been scared shitless."

"Did Twilight tell you who I fought?"

"Yeah. I know Pinkie's a handful, but a serial killer? Not in a million years."

"I have so many questions, and I'm scared to know the answers."

"I'm all ears. You're safe with us, bud."

"Is our Pinkie really the original?"

"I don't see why she wouldn't be."

"The first emotion ever felt was fear. It's not unreasonable to think laughter is just a coping mechanism to mask uncertainty."

"It can be, but it's also something else."

"What?"

"It's love, man."

"Love...?"

"You keep that in your heart, you can stare death itself in the face without fear."

"The bad guys you've fought believed they were doing the right thing, but killers are different. They have no sense of morality or conscience. All they want to do is destroy everything they see."

"That's why we have you. Your presence sends a clear message to them they're not invincible."

"Back at the hospital, I tried to put on a brave face, but there's always a chance they'll get me sooner or later."

"Not gonna happen. Dragons are the mightiest race in Equestria, and among them, you yourself are a unique breed. With me and Twilight's help, you'll be the greatest warrior to have ever lived."

"You're gonna train me?"

"Duh! You think I'd leave my little brother to die on another planet? Contrary to what my men might think, I'm not a total asshole."

Twilight entered the room with Spike's sword. It was concealed by a brown sheath.

"You guys headed home?" Shining asked.

"Yeah," Twilight replied, "I want him to take it easy for today. I'll teach him a few basic spells in the morning and drop him off after lunch."

"It's gonna be rough, but compared to nearly bleeding to death, it'll be a piece of cake."

"No kidding. Give Flurry lots of hugs and kisses for us."

"Will do."