The Glue of Harmony

Chapters

Reminiscing and a Strange Visit
I made a sequel
Getting Ready
Things start happening
Mental toll on the lonely
Dream Jumping
Things get bad
Talking to a friend
The Journey and the Cave
Fear: Part One
Fear: Part Two
Fear: Part Three: The Truth
True Friendship
The Great Chase
The Glue of Harmony
Happy Hearths Warming

Reminiscing and a Strange Visit

Spike could only look on at the letter Twilight gave him in tears. He was abandoned and the evidence was right in front of him.

"Why would everyone do that to me?" he cried to himself. "I thought I was part of their family." He then started reminiscing about his friends and all the times he was bullied or forgotten by them.

Spike first thought about Twilight, who is the Element of Magic and the Princess of Friendship. She preaches what friendship is all about and how you can be a good friend. Although to Spike, he never felt like she was showing him any friendship. Day in and day out, she always left to be with her friends, always leaving Spike in absolute solitude with a bunch of chores for her to do or to always watch the place while she had fun at Celestia knows where. He then remembered back in Canterlot where he and Twilight were near inseperable. Twilight would almost always work on her studies when she was younger, but then she would almost always make time for Spike and play with him.

"What happened to those days where Twilight showed her care for me?" he asked. His brain gave him the answer not long after, Twilights friends and family.

Spike then thought about Pinkie Pie, who is the element of laughter. Her lifelong goal and everything she lives for is to make other people laugh and smile. She even wrote a song about how much fun she has when making others smile. Spike was always impressed about how far she would go to make somepony smile. But why, why has she never made Spike laugh? Looking back now, watching Pinkie make others smile back then makes him feel really unhappy and sick to his stomach now. She never invited him to any of the parties she threw like Rainbow Dash's party, Maud's visitation, her own birthday party, and she never even threw a birthday party for him since that one where he grew giant and greedy which caused him to destroy Ponyville, which now that he thinks about it, it's kind of understandable that she never threw him a party since. But still, she hasn't been considerate of Spike whenever she throws a party.

"I wanted to be part of those parties. I wanted to be with my friends having fun." Spike cried with tears.

After Pinkie Pie, he thought of Rainbow Dash next, who is the element of loyalty. She works hard everyday to be a good friend to Twilight and her other friends while also training harder to be a wonderbolt one day. Spike sees her fly around every day with friends or to train and he always liked her tricks. She's loyal to all her friends, but never Spike. She was never around to see if Spike was ok or wanted to come along. And whenever he does come along, they barely ever talk. Sometimes, she goes out of her way to bully him like that time she called him a lame dragon just because he wasn't tough like the other dragons, or maybe it was because of his apron. Even most recently, when her pet was going into hibernation, she insulted him by saying, "Well what would you know? You're a dragon." She basically told him to his face that he was stupid and dumb because he was a different creature, and she never apologized to him for being racist.

"Is that why I was left behind and abandoned on Hearths Warming, because I'm stupid and dumb or because I'm a different creature?" Spike asked to himself, feeling more and more sick with each thought.

Spike then thought about Rarity, who is the element of generosity and use to be the love of his life. The moment Spike's eyes laid on her, he instantly fell in love with her. After the defeat of Nightmare Moon, he would always see if Rarity needed any help and if she did, he helped her. Although he helped her, doing so much work for her that he would be sore for days, carried all of her 19 bags on multiple occasions, and even stopped her from being mad with power after she found a relic that turns everything into precious gems, he also never got anything worthwhile in return. Sure she would give him a kiss on the cheek sometimes, but she never gave him anything more than that. Rarity also never invites spike to have any fun with her, only to work for her.

"Heh, makes me think that I should be the element of generosity and not her." Spike scoffed while anger mixed with his sadness and sorrow.

Applejack was next to come to his mind. She is the element of honesty and the hardest worker in all of Equestria. In actuality, Spike couldn't think of too many bad things about her. Most times she and Spike interacted, it was mostly good stuff. She saved his life from being eaten by timberwolves and was mostly nice to him when they interacted. But there are some bad sides to Applejack. She went against everything he's known about her and lied just so she could get him off her back, which is understandable looking back, seeing as how he could've gotten himself killed, but that doesn't excuse her joining in with Rainbow Dash in bullying him and calling him lame, and that certainly doesn't excuse her forgetting Spike and abandoning him.

"Maybe if she never forgot about me, I would actually think I was a friend to her." Spike smiled sadly.

Spike then thought about Fluttershy, who is the element of kindness and in Spike's opinion, has the healthiest relationship to him. He remembered the first time he met her, she was all over him, calling him cute and wanting to know "Absolutely everything" about him and he loved it. But over time, they drifted further and further apart to be with Twilight more.

"I should probably talk to her about how I feel about her and her friends after they get back. She's the only one of them I partially trust." Spike thought to himself

Spike started walking to his room, still sad and still had tears. When he got there, he got into bed and looked at the framed photo of him, Twilight, Shining, Cadence and their parents when they were younger. Tears started coming back strong.

"I just wanted to be a friend, to be part of their friend group. Cadence used to always call me her special dragon. It was like she loved me like her own son." Spike started sobbing. "Why did it have to end? I helped save the empire she rules over today, even if I had to almost fall to my death." Spike is remembering the time he jumped off the top of the castle to get the crystal heart to Cadence. "But I never got invited back just to have fun with her, Shining or my friends. I nearly died trying to save the Crystal Empire, but I only gotten invited back only once and that was only because it was mandatory to be there for the Equestria games. Am I even a friend to them? Was everything Cadence said to him when they were younger a lie? DO ANY OF THEM LOVE ME AT ALL?!" Spike yelled out sobbing. He couldn't take it anymore, and he buried his face into his pillow and started bawling his eyes out. He continues bawling, crying and sobbing until he fell asleep

Outside though, the storm is getting worse

In his dream

His dream started in the center of Ponyville. He was looking for the castle after picking things up for Twilight. He found the castle and started walking towards it, but then he felt himself being hugged. He turned around and saw the pegasus pony he saw earlier in the day, Shooting Star.

"Hello Spike. it's so nice to see you again."

Spike was confused but played along. "Uhh, hi Shooting Star. What are you doing?"

"I'm hugging you. I love hugging others. I heard it helps creatures feel better and relaxes tensed muscles, so how about you enjoy the hug."

Shooting Star continued hugging Spike and rubbing his scales. He felt himself feel warmer and his face started becoming red. He melted into the hug and hugged back. But as he was enjoying the hug, the place got darker and darker until it was just a black void. Shooting Star, everypony and everything disappeared until it was just Spike in the void

Spike started worrying. "Where... Where did everyone go? What's going on?" Spike asked scared

"Hello Spike"

Spike jumped startled at the sudden voice. He turned around and saw a creature that looked like him but with a pitch black color and pure white eyes

"Hey, I think I saw you earlier today near the Everfree Forest. Who are you?" Spike asked

"I'm you Spike, but from a different universe/timeline. I'm actually quite a big fan of you."

Spike was even more perplexed than before. "Really? What makes you want to be a fan of me beside the obvious?"

"Are you kidding me? Of course I would be a fan of you. You saved an entire empire for Faust sake"

"Faust? I heard of Celestia's sake but not Faust sake. What's that?" Spike asked

"She's the great being that watches us and created us" Spike nodded in understanding.

"Wait, didn't you save the Crystal Empire in your universe/timeline? What happened to you, and why are you like this?" Spike asked.

"That's something I'd rather not talk about" Spike also nodded in understanding at that. "But let's talk about you, Spike the Brave and Glorious, Hero of the Crystal Empire. You were abandoned again, weren't you?"

Spike looked down and sighed sadly. "Yeah, Princess Cadence invited all of her family over except for me. She's the princess of love, but recently, she had made me feel more unloved than loved."

"That's rough buddy." He then felt something tingle around him, signaling that it was time to go and leave Spikes dream.

"I best be going now, but solve the riddle I will give you over the next few days. I am a glue, but I don't stick. 2 different creatures will create me. I am 6 gems, but I can't eat them. When all hope seems lost, I rise up and defeat evil. What am I?." And with that, he disappeared and left the dragon's dream.

Shortly after he left, the dream turned back to normal. Everything and everypony returned back to the way they were and Shooting Star was still hugging him. He got out of the hug and started walking.

"Is everything ok Spike? Did you not like my hug?" Shooting Star asked. "Do you not like my hugs?"

Spike turned around and told her, "Of course I liked your hugs Shooting Star, and sorry for getting out of it so abruptly, but I need to get back to the castle. It's really important that I go there now."

"Oh, ok then" She smiled. "Have a good day Spike."

They waved goodbye and Spike continued onward to the castle. After a few minutes, he got to the steps of the castle, He opened up the big golden doors and woke up from his dream.

Author's Note

Spike and Alter-Spike will meet again in the real world.

I made a sequel

I made a sequel before a sequel called "The King Returns." Think of it as a midquel

Here's the link: https://www.fimfiction.net/story/558044/the-king-returns

Have a great day everyone

Getting Ready

Spike yawned as he woke up one morning. He rubbed his eyes and got out of bed. He went over to his bedroom window and saw a sea of white on the grounds of Ponyville. He also saw many ponies out and about getting ready for Hearths Warming.

"Wow, we really got a lot of snow last night. I wonder how much snow as a whole we're gonna get." Spike said

Spike then walked out of his room and into the rest of the castle, heading to the kitchen to make breakfast for himself. He looked into one of the cabinets and found what he was looking for, which was a bowl of ruby and sapphire gems. After he was finished eating breakfast, he looked around to find that Twilight wasn't there and neither were her friends. Spike just assumed that they were somewhere in Ponyville spending time together before the big Hearths Warming party at the castle later in the week.

It was then that Spike got an idea that Twilight and her friends would surely love. "How about I get everything ready for Hearths Warming all by myself. I'll get the tree, I'll hang the ornaments and the lights on the tree and make everything festive and comforting for when they get back. I bet they'll love everything I'll do for them." Spike said while smiling and imagining him enjoying Hearths Warming with his friends. With that, Spike went to the study to get some paper, a quill and some ink to make a checklist for what to do today.

When he got there, it was a mess. Papers were scattered everywhere and it looked like a ghost was in here to mess things up. "Tsk Tsk Twilight, you can't even clean up your own mess. Guess I have to clean up this mess since you're gone." he sighed frustrated. He got to work cleaning up the study. He started with organizing the papers from the blank sheets to the ones that already have stuff written on them and he kept one of the blank papers for himself to make his checklist. He then started checking the ink to see if they needed more. Luckily, they had a lot so that wasn't a problem. Finally, he put the quills back in the places the needed to be. Once the study was clean, neat and organized, he grabbed some ink and a quill to make the checklist, went over to his paper and stated making the checklist.

"Well, that was tiresome, but now I'm finally ready to make my checklist. Now let's see, I need to get a tree, set up the ornaments and lights and decorate the castle." He started writing things down on the paper.

Get a tree for the castle
Hang up the ornaments
Setting up lights
Decorate the castle a little

"That should be it for now, and maybe afterward, I can have some fun outside in the snow." Spike declared. With that set and done, he walked back to his room to put his coat and hat on, not before putting the checklist underneath his hat, then he went to the entrance door before venturing out into Ponyville to find a perfect tree.

As Spike was looking for a tree, he looked around the town and saw that it was quite busy today. He saw various fillies and colts playing in the snow whether it be a snowball fight or just pulling one another an a sled, he saw adults running around getting ready to spend the holidays with their families, but he also saw something else. In the direction of the Everfree Forest, he saw what looked like the silhouette of a baby dragon that looked a lot like him but had pure white eyes and Spike grew curious about it.

"Hey you, You near the forest." Spike called

The creature turned around and saw the purple dragon calling for him. It growled at him from a distance and then disappeared in a bout of dark flames, leaving just ashes behind.

"Ho- How did he do that? Well that was weird. I might have to tell twilight about it when she comes back tonight." Spike said to himself before continuing onward to get a tree.

He walked around Ponyville for a while trying to find a place to buy a tree when he accidentally bumped into a brown stallion with a green tie.

"Oh I'm sorry about that young lad. I was just running around trying to get ready to spend Hearths Warming with my wife Ms. Derpy Whooves." The stallion said.

"It's alright sir. I wasn't looking where I was going either so it wasn't entirely your fault." He looked up at the stallion and saw that he looked quite familiar. "Wait a minute, are you the Doctor? The one who invents things?"

"Indeed I am young lad, and may I ask who you are?"

"My name is Spike, Spike the Dragon, an assistant to Princess Twilight"

"Nice to meet you Spike." The doctor said while shaking his hoof with spikes claw. "Hmm, now that I think about it, you actually remind me of 2 creatures I met before."

"Really? Who might those be?"

One of them was a dragon named Jot. He was an assistant to an important figure just like you are. He used to write things down and was quite useful."

"He sounds pretty cool. Who is the other?" Spike asked

"The other was a dragon named Solaris. He looked a lot like you and he was a warrior. He had the spirit of one too. It's a shame that he went missing quite a while ago."

"Both of them sound really cool. I now kind of wish to meet them one day."

"I bet you'd get along with both of them." The doctor laughed

"Doctor sir, do you know where I can buy a Hearths Warming tree? I want to surprise my friends." Spike asked

"Actually I have a better idea then buying an old worn tree. Follow me and I will show you something better." The doctor said. So Spike followed the doctor to a building and when they got inside said building, Spike looked around and saw that it looked like a lab. The doctor motioned Spike to come near him and they were looking at a small box. "This is an invention I made to save all the hustle and bustle of trying to buy a regular tree. It's easy to carry, it doesn't hurt to pick up and there's also no allergens in it. You just open it up and a tree will appear." The doctor said happily.

"This is exactly what I need Doctor. Um, can I have it sir?" Spike asked sheepishly.

"Yes you can Spike. I was actually thinking of getting rid of it because my wife says that regular non-invented trees are superior. She's actually out looking for a tree right now. I'll gladly give it to you for 10 bits."

"Deal." Spike said while opening up his coat jacket and giving the doctor 10 bits. After the exchange, Spike waved goodbye to the doctor and started to head back to the castle.

As he was walking back, a black and yellow blur zoomed right into him, knocking him back and making his body hit a building. His eyes went blurry for a second before the pony that zoomed into him ran up to him and hugged him.

"Sweet Celestia, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to hit you that hard, I wasn't looking where I was going, It was my fault, I am so so sorry." The pony said while tearing up, thinking she really hurt the dragon.

Spike hugged back and said "Hey hey, It's ok. You don't have to worry about me. I'm just fine, I promise you."

The pony released the hug but wasn't convinced. "I'm still sorry."

"Like I said, I forgive you. It was just an accident, no need to hold grudged over an accident." Spike said. Spike also got a better look of the pony. She was a pegasus that was shorter than the average adult mare but taller than a filly. Spike assumed that she was a teenage pony. She also had black fur with an orange and yellow mane and tail that looked a lot like Rainbow Dash's mane and tail. She also had a cutie mark that looked a lot like a meteor. "Oh, I'm Spike by the way, what's your name?"

"Hi Spike, I'm Shooting Star. It's nice to meet you." Shooting Star said while shaking her hoof with his claw.

"Anyway, I better go. I want to surprise my friends with a decorated place when they get back." Spike told her. Shooting Star's smile faltered a bit at the mention of friends but she didn't show it.

"Alright Spike. Have a good day." She said. Spike and Shooting Star said their goodbyes to each other and Spike continued his way back to the castle.

Spike made his way to the main hall which was still empty. He started wondering where Twilight and her friends could be but he shook that thought aside for now.

"Time to try this portable tree out." He said to himself before opening the box which then started folding a lot before ultimately turning into a tree large enough to make it look like an actual tree but small enough to fit the room appropriately.

"This was definitely worth my time." He cheered as he took out his checklist and crossed out 'get a tree' from the checklist. "Now we have to hang up the ornaments and set up the lights." He went to the storage room to find the ornaments and lights. He turned on the light to the room and lo and behold, he found the ornaments and lights on one of the shelves to his left. He grabbed them and made it back to where the tree was. He put ornament after ornament on the tree until all the ornaments were on the tree.

"Now that the ornaments are taken care of, let's start putting the lights on the tree now." He then started taking out the lights to put onto the tree. After a few minutes of putting the lights on the tree, he plugged the lights into an energy source and the tree lit up in red, green, blue, gold and white colors. He smiled at the sight before taking out his checklist and crossed out 'Hang up the ornaments' and 'Setting up lights' from the checklist.

"Now the last thing I need to do is decorate the castle a little bit. I can't wait for Twilight to see what I did, she'll love it."

Spike then decorated the castle for the next few hours. He made and put a soft carpet on the floor next to the fireplace, he put wood in the fireplace and lit it and he also made his own homemade eggnog with a cinnamon stick in it and also a surprise twist in it too. After a while, it was about sunset and Spike became a bit tuckered out so he sat down on a chair and looked at his work. "I can't wait to them to walk in and see what I did."

2 hours later, Spike was still waiting and Twilight wasn't home yet. He was starting to grow really worried. Normally, Twilight would come home around an hour ago but she still isn't here. He started hyperventilating while pacing worrying that she's in danger and can't do anything. Then, he felt something in his stomach and made its way up to the mouth before burping out a scroll. He picked it up, unraveled it and read it. As he read it, he felt tears coming out of his eyes

Dear Spike

Princess Cadence and Shining Armor invited me, Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity and Fluttershy to the Crystal Empire to spend Hearths Warming there with them. They also invited my parents, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I want you to look over the castle until we get back in a few days.

Thanks, Twilight Sparkle
P.S. The study is also a mess so I want you to clean and organize the room before I get back.

"Sh... She abandoned me on Hearths Warming." Spike said in tears. "Why would she do that? After everything I did for them."

Author's Note

Yes this is a Hearths Warming story in March, sue me

This is also my second attempt at a story. My previous story 'The Phoenix Warrior' was really crappy, didn't go anywhere, and I lost all motivation in it so I deleted it. I hope I do better with this one.

Things start happening

After that dream, and the next morning, Spike woke up and rubbed his eyes, which were still red from crying himself to sleep last night. He was still hurting from the revelation that Twilight and her friends abandoned him to celebrate Hearths Warming at the Crystal empire

"Maybe I should leave them for good. They clearly don't appreciate me or the things I do for them. Either that or they're afraid of either me as a dragon or they're afraid that if I'm with them all the time, others will hate them." Spike bitterly thought. Although he was pondering this thought, it wasn't the only thing on his mind as he looked back on the dream he just had the previous night.

"So that creature I saw yesterday can visit dreams, and he said that he was me from a different universe/timeline. Something feels weird about him. I hope that he isn't evil." he said to himself.

He walked out of his room and to the kitchen and made himself breakfast. As he was eating his breakfast of gems though, he saw a small square piece of paper resting on the counter. He walked over to it and saw that the paper consisted of six small circles which was around one big circle and lines that connected the small circles to the big circle. Another thing Spike noted that one of the small circles was already filled out with a K.

"What is this paper doing here? I didn't write this, so somepony else must have sent this to me, but who?" he asked. He flipped it over and saw some writing that said,

Keep this safe

"So the only clue I have is that ominous message on the back saying that I should keep it safe. Well that's just great, I'm no closer to finding who left this here and why they were here in the first place." Spike sighed and was confused, but he still decided to keep the paper as he thought it was important that he had it if it said he should keep it safe.

"Maybe I should bring this over to the Doctor. He's smart, so he should be able to help me with this." Spike thought as he went to put his coat and hat on, while sticking the piece of paper underneath his hat. He opened the front doors to go outside and he was greeted with a strong breeze along with a bunch of falling snow to his face.

"Looks like the weather team is setting up a snowstorm before Hearths Warming. I hope it doesn't get too bad." Spike said as he walked down the steps of the castle and into the city.

As he walked, he realized that a lot less ponies were out and about today than yesterday, mostly because of the intensifying snowstorm, but that didn't stop him from heading to his destination and after a few minutes of walking, he arrived at his destination, the Doctor's house.

Spike started knocking on the door hoping he would answer. "Doctor sir, can I come in? There's something weird I want to show you." After a few seconds, the door opened to find a grey mare with a blond mane and some bubbles for her cutie mark. She looked at Spike and smiled.

"Hello little dragon. My name is Ditzy Doo, but my close friends and my husband call me Derpy Whooves." she started happily but her tone turning serious and concerned after. "But what are you doing out there in the snow and cold weather? You could have gotten hypothermia or frostbite."

"Hi Ditzy, my name is Spike, but I need to see the doctor as soon as possible. I have something that he might want to take a look at. May I come in?" Spike asked.

"I was gonna make you come in anyway because of the weather. Come in and get yourself warm." Ditzy said while making way for the dragon to come in. Spike sat on the couch while Ditzy gave him a blanket. "I'm gonna go make some hot chocolate for you to warm you up. Stay there and the Doctor will come in shortly to talk to you."

"Thanks for doing this Ditzy. It means a lot."

"You're welcome Spike. Oh, and you can just call me Derpy. I see you enough as a friend for you to call me that."

"Oh, ok then Derpy. Thanks again." Derpy nodded while smiling and headed to the kitchen. Now that Spike was alone on the couch, he took out the piece of paper from underneath his hat and took another good look at it as he got more questions in his head.

"Now, what could the K on this piece of paper possibly mean? And why did it get sent here if Twilight and her friends and family are in the Crystal Empire? Was it sent specifically to me? If so, then I don't know how to react to this. I usually never get anything from others." These questions lingered in his head, but were interrupted when the door opened and the doctor walked in.

"Oh hello young Spike. How are you doing on this snowy day? And I thought you were decorating the castle for you and your friends to celebrate Hearth's Warming." The Doctor asked. Spikes face fell at that.

"I could honestly be better Doctor. Twilight and her friends and family were invited to celebrate Hearths Warming at the Crystal Empire, and they left me here to celebrate it alone in the process, so I'm not doing really good right now." Spike said with a sad look on his face

"Oh... I'm sorry you have to go through that Spike. And I'm sorry I asked and brought up bad stuff." said the Doctor

"It's ok Doctor. It wasn't your fault I was like this, It's theirs. Although I don't really know what to do for Hearths Warming, which is troublesome."

"Well, I can give you an option right now. This is your choice, but since you'll be alone on that day, would you like to come over and spend Hearths Warming with us? I'm pretty sure my wife Derpy won't mind."

As if on cue, Derpy came in with two hot chocolates, one for Spike and One for the Doctor. "I overheard what you guys were talking about, and Spike, I'm so sorry that you got abandoned by your friends. I would love it if you stayed with us for Hearths Warming. No one deserves to be alone on Hearths Warming, especially not you."

"Thanks guys, you're the best. I might just take you guys up on that offer." Spike said happily

Derpy and the Doctor smiled. "You're welcome Spike. Now, what is it that you traveled all the way here in the snow to see me?" The Doctor asked.

"Oh right, need to get back on track." Spike took out the piece of paper from underneath his hat and showed it to the Doctor. "I found this paper on the kitchen counter this morning as I was making myself some breakfast, but I don't know who wrote this or sent this to me, but they did tell me to keep it safe as it is written on the back. I was wondering if you can use something to help me with this." Spike said while he handed the piece of paper to the Doctor to get a good look at it too.

The Doctor looked back at Spike and said, "Spike, this is just a piece of paper. What do you want me to do with it?"

"I know it's just a piece of paper but somepony must have sent me this and I don't even know what the K in one of the circles could possibly mean. I know you're smart with all of these inventions of yours, so I thought you might be able to help me."

"Well the K could mean many many things, like king or kangaroo or keyboard. The abbreviation for potassium is even K." the Doctor rambled.

"How can K be an abbreviation for a word that doesn't even have that letter in it?" Spike asked

"Don't ask me, Ask Clophrey Davy. He's the one that named it. Either way we're getting off topic. I'll try to do what I can but it's still a piece of paper."

"That's all I ask of you, is to try something." Just then, they heard a blood curdling scream coming from outside. The 3 creatures ran out of the house and saw that some wild creatures they never seen before attacking.

"What are those things?" Spike asked.

"I don't know, but they look terrifying." Derpy said scared while hugging the Doctor, to which the Doctor hugged her back to make her feel safe.

"Don't worry Derpy, I'll make sure that those beasts won't hurt you, but to answer your question Spike, I don't know what those creatures are. I never seen them before."

Spike got a better look at them after looking at them again. They looked like wild boars or warthogs, except they were blue and black. Spike guessed that the black parts of the beasts looked like coal or a dark gem of some kind, while the blue part looked like ocean blue diamonds.

"We need to get back inside, quick." Spike told Derpy and the Doctor. The two of them ran back inside and Spike was about to do the same but then he heard a faint "help" come from the town. Spike looked to where the cry for help came from and saw that the teenage pegasus he met yesterday, Shooting Star, was backing away from one of the beasts, clearly scared for her life. Spike couldn't leave her alone when one of those beasts was clearly trying to eat her, so spike ran and sprang into action.

"SPIKE!! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!?!" Derpy yelled.

But the question went on to deaf ears as Spike was focused on saving Shooting Star. Spike arrived at the scene and when the beast was about to pounce on her, Spike blew a big breath of fire at the beast to deter it from attacking.

"You stay away from her you wild beast. Don't you dare attack her." Spike yelled at the beast, but when he didn't hear any cries or scurries of it, and the fire dissipated, the two creatures found nothing but a few black crystals on the ground unmoving.

"You saved me. Thank you so much." Shooting Star said while tightly hugging Spike. The hug was so tight that it could give Pinkie Pie's tight hugs a run for their bits. Spike's face started to get blue after a while.

"Y... You... You're welcome, Shoo... Shooting Star." Spike said about to pass out from the lack of air from the hug. "But you're hug...hugging me too t...tight"

Shooting Star immediately let go of him him while Spike tried to catch his breath. "I'm sorry about that. I guess I got a little overboard with that hug right there."

"It's ok Shooting Star, just not so tight next time. Now I thought that these mysterious creatures were made of diamonds and black crystal, but that isn't diamonds. It's ice, so I can use my fire breath to help defeat these beasts." With that, Spike set out in search of more of these beasts to defeat them and save the town.

Spike went to the marketplace and saw a lot of the beasts destroying all of the stands. All of them were empty due to the snow and wind, much to Spikes relief. The beasts saw Spike and began charging at him, but when they were close enough, Spike blew an even bigger breath of fire than before and incinerated the beasts and just as before, when the fire dissipated, there was nothing but the unmoving black crystals. The other beasts saw this and seeing as they could easily defeated by a baby dragon, ran away from the town, scared that they might be beaten by Spike. Spike gave chase until the beasts were out of town in which, he turned around and went back to the Doctor and Derpy.

When he got there, Derpy was quick to run over to him worriedly. "Spike! Are you ok?" She asked while checking him for any injuries. "You didn't get hurt, did you?"

Spike smiled at her saying, "You don't have to worry about me Derpy, I'm fine. Although I do still feel a little tender in the back from getting hugged by Shooting Star." It was at this moment that the Doctor walked up the the two of them smirking.

"Who is this Shooting Star fellow Spike? Is she gonna be the one you marry someday?" the Doctor asked jokingly

"Doctor." Derpy said, hoofing him in the side. Meanwhile Spike blushed and was embarrassed.

"I only just met her yesterday. I don't even know her really well."

"I'm just teasing, I'm just teasing. However, something happened to that piece of paper while you were away saving the town." Spike grew worried after the Doctor said this.

"Oh don't worry lad, it's still safe but there was a light and, well, I think you should just take a look." The Doctor went over to get it and then gave it to Spike upon returning. Spike took a look at it and saw that along with the K, another circle was filled in with an M. Still, Spike a a bit skeptical.

"Are you sure you didn't just write this M on the paper Doctor?" Spike asked, believing it was a bit of a prank.

"No no Spike. I saw everything along with him." Derpy said. "There was this beam of light and it just filled the circle in with an M. Now that I think about it, that looked like the same kind of beam that hit me and the Doctor when we were swapped between two different universes." She said while looking at the Doctor.

Spike was in awe at the mention of the adventure the two had. "Wow, but in any case, I'll believe you. So a beam of light just filled the circle in with an M?"

"Yes, so there is something more going on here. I want to do some experiments on it, but it's your choice Spike. Do you want me to do experiments that are safe on it or would you like to keep it for safe keeping?" The Doctor asked him.

"I would rather keep it to myself. If the paper has magic, then I should keep it with me if it was meant for me." Spike told him, the Doctor nodded in understanding. "Anyways, since you told me that you two were swapped between universes, can you tell me about it?" he asked hopefully.

The Doctor and Derpy looked at each other smiling and then looked back at Spike nodding. "Sure we can Spike, but the story may last for more than two and a half hours."

"I have nothing to do for the rest of the day so I have all the time in Equestria. Also I forgot to mention this when I first got here, but you have a nice place you 2, it so snug." Spike told them.

"Why thank you Spike. You are quite the gentleman." Derpy told him. "Now then, get comfortable and me and the Doctor will tell you all about the adventure we had." So the three of them got comfortable and the Doctor and Derpy started telling them the story. Meanwhile, outside the Everfree Forest, a figure stood by the edge of Ponyville and watched as the battle between Spike and the beasts ended.

"The dragon is quite strong. My plans will surely be fulfilled soon." The figure said while smirking evilly. The figure then teleported away in a bout of flames.

Author's Note

Ooooooooh, The plot thickens.

Also, what do you guys think of my story. I haven't gotten a lot of comments here and comments help me with progressing the story, so if you like it, then comment and like the story

Mental toll on the lonely

After 2 and a half hours, Derpy and the Doctor were finished with their universe swapping story. Spike was in awe about everything the story was about, including the giant universe eating monster, the 2 cats and the alternate universe doctor and his assistant, who was apparently Twilight. Spike inwardly frowned at the thought that even in an alternate universe, Twilight still abandoned him, but this time permanantly to go with the doctor. He was pretty lonely now, so he couldn't imagine how lonely the alternate universe Spike must feel over there. Although he was a little bit sad, he certainly didn't show it.

"And that was the story where we got swapped from different universes. Pretty cool huh." the Doctor told him. Spike just nodded, not knowing what to say. He didn't want them to see that he was a bit sad for mentioning that Twilight was still able to go on fun adventures in other universes while she abandoned Spike, but even though he didn't want to show it, it still wasn't lost on either the Doctor or Derpy.

"Spike? You're seeming awfully quiet. Are you ok?" Derpy asked a bit concerned for the dragon.

Spike snapped out of his trance and said, "Oh I'm ok Derpy, you don't have to worry about me." he said in a confident tone. Although he sounded confident, Derpy and the Doctor still weren't convinced."

"Are you sure you're ok Spike?" the Doctor asked him. "We both see you as a friend, and as our friend, we want to be sure that you're ok."

"I promise you guys, I'm fine. Trust me." Derpy and the Doctor decided to back off for a while after Spike said this. They didn't want to pry into him or put pressure onto him, because that would only cause him to make him feel worse.

"If you say so Spike. Anyway, it's about lunch time. Me and Derpy are going to go to the Hayburger cafe to get some lunch, so I think it's time you head home. The blizzard is getting a little bit better so I believe you can go out there safe." the Doctor said. Spike quickly looked at the clock and saw that it was already almost around noon, so Spike said goodbye to the Doctor and Derpy and headed out into town.

As he was walking, he saw that more ponies were out and about than there were this morning, mostly because of the blizzard that died down a little bit and also because of those boar beasts made of ice and black crystal. He saw other friend groups playing with each other and having fun and it made him think about how much fun Twilight, her friends, Princesses Celestia, Luna and Cadence and Twilights family (Which he is apparently not a part of) were having at the Crystal Empire without him.

He could bet that the Crystal Empire had a whole party every Hearths Warming with fun, games, food and a happy atmosphere. He could imagine them all laughing with each other while enjoying the treats and desserts Pinkie made for them. He could imagine Rainbow Dash playing some of the hardest games and sports and dominating them, Rarity and Fluttershy working together to make nests and clothing for the critters there, Applejack showing off her lasso and doing a special Hearths Warming rodeo, and Twilight, her parents, brother and the princesses chatting about whatever they chat about. These thoughts about them having all the fun in Equestria started to make Spike feel frustrated and angry with them because while they have fun, he has to wander around Ponyville looking to find something fun and happy to do for Hearths Warming.

His thoughts were interrupted by a loud groaning sound. Spike looked to where the sound came from and he saw a unicorn mare with a fur coat the color of mint green and a lyre harp as a cutie mark. Spike instantly recognized the mare to be Lyra which was one of Twilight's friends in Canterlot before she moved here. He went over to her and saw that she was irritated, like something was bothering her.

"Lyra, is everything ok?" Spike asked the mint green unicorn. She turned around and saw Spike looking at her curiously.

She sighed and told him, "I'm not doing well Spike. I had to deal with a snowstorm this morning and then some strange wild boars. Now to top it all off, I don't have enough bits to buy my very special somepony a very special Hearths Warming gift. I don't know what I'm gonna do and I'm a bit irritated right now." She said to him. Deep down inside, Spike was a little bit irritated because not only he had to go out endure the snowstorm and fight off those wild boars while she stayed in her own house, but she gets to spend Hearths Warming with somepony while his own family left him alone. Despite this however, he was determined to help her out.

"I think I have an idea to help you, but first I need to know. Can gems be pawned off and traded for bits somewhere?" Spike asked Lyra

"Yeah they can, but only a chosen few, like a blue garnet or a diamond." Spike became shocked at that. Those are the rarest gems in Equestria. Spike doesn't have any blue garnets as they're too hard to find, and he also only has one diamond which he was saving for another day. But he knew Lyra was in dire need of bits so he was happy to give his diamond away to somepony who needed it more than him.

"Wait here Lyra, I have a diamond, but it's back at the castle and I only have one ." Spike said before making a beeline for the castle.

Once he was there, he went up to his room and moved his drawer that was next to the bed. Behind the drawer was a safe, so he did the code, opened it and lo and behold, a shiny diamond was there. He grabbed it, put it in his coat pocket, closed the safe, put the drawer back and left his room before going down to the front doors and left the castle.

Upon arriving back with Lyra, he had to sit down to catch his breath and because of the cold and dry air, it was hard for him to do so.

"Are you ok Spike? You didn't have to run." Lyra told him while slightly giggling.

"I'm ok Lyra, and I also was able to get the diamond for you to buy your special somepony a Hearths Warming gift." Spike took the diamond out of his coat pocket and gave it to Lyra. She was dumbfounded when she saw the diamond and she didn't want to take it. "Are you ok Lyra? I got the diamond, so you can take it."

"But that's your only diamond you have. I don't want to take something that may not be able to be replaced."

Spike smiled at her and said, "Hey, you don't have to worry about it Lyra, it's ok. I wasn't gonna use this anytime soon. Besides, you need it more than I do." Lyra smiled at him and took the diamond from his claws.

"Thanks Spike. You certainly are the most generous dragon I have ever known. You will make somepony really happy one day." Lyra said

"You're welcome Lyra." Spike told her. Right after saying this, they both saw that Spike's hat was starting to glow and they grew worried.

"Um Spike, is your hat supposed to be glowing?" she asked.

"Maybe it's not the hat itself." Spike said as he took off his hat and took out the piece of paper. The paper started glowing and after a few seconds a beam of light landed on one of the small circles. Spike and Lyra were almost blinded by it but then the glowing stopped and one of the small circles was then suddenly filled in with a G.

"Wow, the Doctor was right. A beam of light really does fill in these small circles. First it filled one of them in with a K someday before today, then this morning with an M and now one is filled in with a G. Maybe once all the circles are filled in, it'll spell out something." Spike said

"Interesting. Where did you get that magic paper?" Lyra asked. Spike shrugged, claiming that he had no idea where the paper came from. She nodded.

"Anyway, now that you have a diamond to get bits," Spike started. "What are you planning on buying your special somepony?"

"I'm planning on buying her a heart shaped glass decoration with an inscription of her and I on it, showing how much I love her." Spike smiled at her gift idea.

"I can't wait to buy this gift. Thanks for helping me with this and I will make up for what you did ten fold, I pinkie promise. Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Lyra said as she started walking off.

"You don't need to do that Lyra." Spike yelled to her.

"TOO LATE SPIKE. I ALREADY MADE THE PINKIE PROMISE." was all she told him before walking far enough away to the point they won't hear each other anymore. Spike just shrugged and decided to keep walking on.

As he was walking however, something caught his eye. A train coming from the south arrived in Ponyville. He saw many ponies get off, but most of them were the apple family from the town Appleoosa. At this sight, Spike started feeling sad again. The Apple Family has so many family members to play with and have fun, including the adventurous trio which was the Cutie Mark Crusaders and yet all he had was himself as well as a few random ponies. He started feeling apathy in his heart and just couldn't feel happy anymore, so with his head hung low, he trudged all the way back to the castle.

Once he got inside the castle, he went to the main hall and saw that the decorations that he set up yesterday were still up. To Spike, it was like they were insulting him and taunting him, telling him that he set them up all for nothing. So he decided to just take everything he set up yesterday down and back in the storage closet. So he got boxes from the storage closet and started his work. Spike first started with taking down the decorations on the tree, he first took off the ornaments and put them in their respectable boxes, then he took down the lights and put then in their own box. He then took the boxes and he put them back in their spots in the storage closet.

He wondered what he would do with the tree, since that was an invention made by the Doctor and it was made out of cardboard. He remembered it folded it up, but when he tried to fold it up or do anything to it after an hour, he still couldn't get is back to it's original state. Spike was getting angrier and angrier by the second to the point where he just burnt the tree into ashes. Luckily, nothing else was burnt so he just got a broom and swept up the remaining ashes. He then got to work taking down the decoration around the main hall like the garland and the wreath. After another hour of hard work, Spike was finally done.

Spike just sat down in a chair and looked down sullenly. He looked at the clock and saw that it was almost time for dinner, but he was still sad and also didn't feel hungry so he decided not to eat dinner right now. He started yawning and feeling tired, which was weird because he still had another 3 hours before going to bed. He thought is was just from the hard work from taking down the decorations, so he just rested in his chair for a while, but he still felt himself getting more and more tired with every passing second.

He just looked down, closed his eyes and sighed. "I don't want to be conscious anymore." With that he just got up from his chair and started walking to his room. He kept looking down because he didn't want to see the castle interior. It just reminded him of bad memories. Because of this he made a decision. "That settles it. I'm leaving Ponyville and possibly all of Equestria for good tomorrow night. I just don't feel happy living here anymore."

Before long, he arrived at his bedroom door. He opened it up and entered. He looked out the window and saw that it was dark and the blizzard outside was getting much much worse than it was this morning, but right now, Spike didn't care. He just crawled onto his bed and buried his face into his pillow, he wasn't crying, he just didn't feel anything. He didn't even feel like moving a single muscle, so he just laid there until his mind slipped off into the dream realm.

Author's Note

So Spike made the decision to leave for good the next night. This should get interesting because the next day is also Hearths Warming Eve

Dream Jumping

As Spike drifted into the realm of dreams, the howling winds outside seemed to seep into his subconscious. In his dream, he found himself wandering through a vast, snow-covered landscape, the air thick with the same biting chill he had felt earlier. But as he trudged through the snow, he heard faint crying towards a cave not far from where he was standing, which was beckoning him forward.

Driven by a sense of curiosity, Spike pressed on towards the crying sound, his footsteps leaving deep imprints in the pristine snow. He got to where the crying was, but when he looked around, he didn't find anyone there. Feeling a shiver run down his spine, Spike scanned the desolate landscape, his breath forming frosty clouds in the frigid air. The crying persisted, seeming to echo from all directions at once, disorienting him. It was then that a deep voice interrupted the crying, startling Spike.

"Hello brave warrior. I see you've been betrayed."

Spike didn't know if the voice was talking to him or the source of the crying, but his thoughts were put to rest when another, much higher voice talked up.

"Why would they do this to me. I never did anything to them. I didn't kill anyone." The voice said in between sobs.

The deeper voice hummed for a few seconds. "I see. What happened back where you came from?"

"Every creature accused me of treason and murdering someone. I don't even know who was murdered or why they were accusing me. But no one believed any of my pleas, and they tortured me in ways I don't even want to mention. In the end, every creature I had left abandoned my and turned their backs on me. Oh no. Please no. I DON'T WANT TO GO THROUGH THOSE MEMORIES AGAIN!!" The voice sobbed louder like he was going through something traumatizing.

Spike's heart sank as he listened to the anguished voice recount its ordeal. He felt a pang of empathy for whoever was suffering so deeply, as he knows what it's like to be abandoned by creatures he thought were his friends. Tentatively, Spike called out into the darkness, his voice trembling with uncertainty.

"Who's there? Can you hear me?"

But his voice went onto deaf ears as the deeper voice continued to speaking to the crying voice as Spike now calls it because that's all he knows about the crying creature.

"Hmm, that does seem bad. However, I do have a proposition for you. How would you like to rule Equestria and the lands beyond with me?"

"*sob* W-What?!"

"You heard me. You can help me rule all lands. I have an incredible power in my arsenal and I will share it with you and teach you the ways my power works. Once you master it, you will have no trouble getting revenge on those who betrayed and abandoned you and you and I will have no trouble conquering Equestria and all other lands beyond it's borders. Now tell me little one. What is your answer?"

Spike was mortified about the intentions of the deeper voice. He wants to take over Equestria and do who knows what to all that live there. His thoughts were once again interrupted when the crying voice spoke once again.

"What? Of course not. Even though I was abandoned by every creature, that doesn't mean every creature has to suffer for it. I would rather give my life than make anyone who didn't deserve it suffer."

Spike smiled at the crying voice for not giving in to peer pressure and make all suffer, but his smile disappeared after what came next.

As Spike listened intently, the deeper voice let out a chilling laugh that echoed through the darkness.

"Ah, such noble words from such a naive soul. But you see, dear one, it's not about what you want. It's about what I want. And what I want, I get. Quite a shame you didn't join me actually. You would've been quite useful." After this was said, a strong wind blew threw the cave that Spike and the voices were in.

"NO, FAUST. OH NO FAUST PLEASE NO. NO. NO. NOOOOOOOOOO" the crying voice screamed

Spike's heart raced with fear as he realized the true nature of the deeper voice. It wasn't seeking an ally—it was seeking a puppet, some creature to bend to its will and use as a tool for its own sinister plans. He desperately wanted to help, but he couldn't for 2 reasons. The first one is that he couldn't see who he wanted to fight against and the second reason is that he couldn't move because he was petrified with terror

What followed made Spike want to throw up. He heard the crying voice start choking and gagging. This went on for a few minutes until it suddenly stopped. It was then that the deeper voice spoke again.

"No one can know I was here." and with that, Spike heard a low continuous thundering sound until it was silent. Spike realized that they both of the voices were gone. Spike just stood there petrified until a bright light suddenly engulfed him and brought him to another dream.

In the dream that Spike found himself at, he saw he was in a vast, open field bathed in golden sunlight. The air was fresh, and a gentle breeze rustled through the grass. As he looked around, he noticed a figure standing in the distance, but it didn't look inviting. It looked like a giant dark phoenix surrounded by what looked like terrifying monsters. They then charged at him and blocked out the sun with and orange sky and dark brown clouds.

Spike turned to run, but when he turned around, he saw Princess Celestia and what looked like over a few thousand guards and another couple thousand creatures like dragons, changelings, ponies and griffons standing firm, glaring at the giant phoenix.

"KING NAEUS, YOUR TORMENT OF MY SUBJECTS HAS GONE ON FOR LONG ENOUGH." Celestia said in her royal Canterlot voice. "YOU LEAVE ALL OF US NO CHOICE. CHAAAAARRGE!!!" After she said this, every creature that was there charged against the king and his monsters.

Spike's heart raced as he watched the epic confrontation unfold before him. He felt a surge of both fear and determination coursing through his veins. Despite the overwhelming odds, he knew he had to stand with Princess Celestia and her army against the menacing King Naeus and his monstrous minions.

With a deep breath, Spike joined the charge, his feet pounding against the earth as he ran towards the fray. As he fought alongside ponies, dragons, changelings, and griffons, he felt a sense of unity and purpose unlike anything he had ever experienced before, as if all creatures were in perfect harmony.

The battle raged on, with spells flying, claws slashing, and hooves pounding. Spike fought with all his might, channeling his inner courage and strength. He dodged fiery blasts from the dark phoenix and clashed with the terrifying monsters that threatened their land. As he was fighting though, he also saw something incredible. A dragon in orange and red armor with a sword was fighting alongside a griffon who also had a sword, a dark purple changeling male along with a blue-green changeling female, a unicorn mare that had warriors armor, and a pegasus stallion with warriors armor as well. They were fighting along side one another as a bright light engulfed them. Afterwards, a giant rainbow shot out from the light and flew into the air. Spike must have guessed that they were the elements of harmony which also confused him, because he thought Twilight and her friends were the elements of harmony.

The rainbow came back down and landed on King Naeus. When the rainbow subsided, they saw that nothing changed, and Naeus only got angrier. It was then that the monsters started gaining ground against the warriors of Equestria and Spike grew more and more worried.

"What happened?" Spike heard the unicorn mare ask. "I thought the elements were supposed to work against evil."

King Naeus bellowed a terrifying laugh. "FOOLS!! YOU'RE PATHETIC ELEMENTS OF HARMONY ARE USELESS AGAINST ME! YOU CAN'T DEFEAT ME! YOU NEVER WILL!!"

Spike was worried and confused that the elements didn't work, but he was even more scared when the monsters were getting closer and closer. He saw many creatures of Equestria get murdered in cold blood while one of the monsters swat the dragon wearing the orange and red armor away before going to attack the other remaining supposed elements of harmony. Just when it was about to attack the 5 creatures, a blinding light filled the sky along with a thunderous roar of sorts. It was coming at them very quickly before engulfing the 5 elements, many monsters and himself in it.

The dream realm went black for another minute before the images of a small village filled the void in Spike's mind. He looked around and saw that the village rested between some rolling hills. He also saw many creatures living there happily. It had cobblestone streets winding between stone cottages adorned with colorful flowers. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of pine, and a soft breeze whispered through the trees.

Spike got up so he could look around, but when he tried to walk, he instantly fell over onto his face on the cobblestone. He wasn't crying though, after all he was a strong baby dragon. Although at the same time, he was crying in his dream. He didn't know why seeing as it didn't hurt him so much, but he just kept crying.

Apparently, some creature had heard his crying and that creature looked like a dragon that was green and had blue eyes. The dragon picked Spike up and held her close. Spike for some reason found this feeling a little bit familiar. Spike blinked, trying to shake off the confusion. As he gazed up at the dragon holding him, he felt a strange sense of comfort wash over him. Despite the initial shock of being lifted off the ground, he soon relaxed into the dragon's embrace, feeling safe and protected.

"Oh you poor dear, trying to walk but you hurt yourself. Here, let me help you feel better." The dragon said, the voice telling her it was a female. The green dragon crooned softly, her blue eyes full of warmth and understanding. She nuzzled Spike gently, as if trying to soothe his tears without words. Spike couldn't help but feel a connection with her, a sense of familiarity that he couldn't quite place. It was then that she sang a little lullaby while rocking the dragon back and forth.

Don't cry little one
Nothing will happen to you
I will protect you
I'll make sure you're safe all while you dream
You're a strong one, you will do great things
My child, you're safe
From all bad
Drift to sleep now
I'll love you always

Spike stopped his dream crying and listened to the song. He thought that it was the most beautiful song he had ever heard. The soothing presence of the green dragon, coupled with her gentle lullaby, seems to have eased his distress and brought him a sense of security. It was then that he heard another voice.

"My dear wife? Where might you be?" Asked the voice of a male dragon. He got into Spike's eyesight and he looked purple with red spikes on his head. In his arm, he was holding an egg that was purple and had darker purple dots on it. The male dragon's voice held a tone of concern and affection as he called out for his wife, which made Spike realize that this dragon was likely the mate of the one comforting him.

"Oh I'm right over here my dear, I was just helping a baby stop crying." The female dragon said. The male dragon walked over to the 2 before stopping right in front of them. He smiled at the both of them.

"You really seem to have a thing for younglings dear. I can see why you wanted a kid for a while." The 2 smiled at each other before the female dragon looked at the purple egg happily.

"And how is our little Pogum doing here" She asked while putting Spike down and picking up the egg. "I hope you had a great time with your daddy." She said in a silly voice before giggling.

"You're gonna be a great mother one day. You know that, right?" The male dragon asked before giving her a kiss.

"Yes I do and you're gonna be a great father one day." The 2 adult dragons hugged each other before going on their way. Spike smiled at the 2 dragons before he saw another welcoming light engulfed him once again.

Spike then awoke in his bed. He didn't have the blankets covering him as he didn't bother putting them over him last night. He heard the wind howling outside, indicating it was still snowing, but he also knew that he was awake and that the dream jumping, was over.

Author's Note

Those were quite some dreams Spike had, but now it's the big day. Hearths Warming Eve.

Also to those who read my story. I would greatly appreciate it if you commented on my chapters as they help me out a lot. Have a good day everyone.

Things get bad

As Spike blinked his eyes open, he couldn't shake the feeling of lingering unease from the dream. The vividness of it, the sensation of jumping through different realities—it all felt so real, as if these actually happened. Spike was also thinking about other things. Today was Hearths Warming Eve and tonight was the night that he would leave Ponyville and Twilight along with her friends for good.

He swung his legs out of bed, shivering as his feet made contact with the cold hard, crystal floor of the castle. He could hear the wind rattling the windows, and he could hear the snow falling on the castle as it endured the onslaught of the winter storm. Rubbing his eyes, he went out of his room and into the kitchen where he filled up a kettle full of water to boil. He set it on the stove and left it to boil while he get a red ruby from the cabinet and he ate it. He walked back to the table to wait for the the tea to boil.

As Spike waited for the kettle to boil, he couldn't help but let his thoughts drift to the impending departure. It weighed heavily on his heart, knowing that he would soon bid farewell to the place he had called home for the last few years, but he also knew staying here would make him more depressed and unhappy. He believed Twilight and her friends didn't care for him anymore so he should move on from them.

As he was thinking, he heard a crash at the front door. Spike got up to investigate it, and when he got there, he opened the doors to a giant burst of wind and snow. After recovering from that, he looked around and he saw a mailmare he knew as Derpy standing there.

"C-Can I-I C-c-come i-in?" She asked, clearly shivering and freezing. Spike instantly nodded his head and lead her in. He got her to the couch, wrapped her in a blanket and sat beside her.

"Would you like some tea Derpy? I'm currently boiling water right now so it should be ready in due time." Spike asked the grey mailmare.

"Yes please Spike. I could use some, and I'll explain what I was doing out there in the snow." She said. Just as she said this, they both heard a loud whistling noise coming from the kitchen.

"Tea must be ready. I'll go get us a cup." Spike said as he walked to the kitchen where he saw a plume of steam arising from the kettle. He picked up 2 cups, 1 for him and 1 for Derpy, and set them down. He then picked up the kettle and poured the contents into the cups. He then went into one of the bottom cabinets and grabbed some bay leaves and he put them in the tea. After waiting for a few seconds, he brought both cups to the living room where Derpy was. "Here's your tea Derpy. Just be careful as it is a little hot."

Derpy nodded. "Thanks for the tea Spike." She said as she took a sip. Her eyes widened at the taste. "Wow Spike, you can make some really good tea, you know that?"

Spike's face turned red at the compliment as he isn't used to those. "Oh it was nothing. You can just say that I'm a good chef." he said with his face still red, but he quickly shook it away "We should get to the point though. Why were you outside in that blizzard?"

"You may not believe me when I say this, but it's the truth. This blizzard isn't supposed to happen."

Spike was surprised by this. "Why would you say that Derpy? The weather is pretty predictable here as the pegasi in the weather factory make it. Twilight told me all about it."

"That may be true, but all pegasi working there have the day off from work so they could celebrate Hearths Warming with their families, so it shouldn't even be snowing this much. On top of that, The Doctor did some studies of the snow and saw that these weren't made in the weather factory."

Spike's eyes turned to concern. "That sounds bad. Do you believe some powerful magic by some pony could be behind this Derpy?"

Derpy sighed. "I don't really know much about magic since I'm not a unicorn, so I don't use it. However, I do think you may be right and that some powerful being is using magic to create this blizzard." As she said this however, they heard the blowing of the wind stop.

The sudden cessation of the wind left an eerie silence in its wake, punctuating the seriousness of their conversation. Spike and Derpy both exchanged worried glances at each other, both sensing that something significant was about to happen.

"I think the blizzard stopped." Spike whispered worriedly.

"Then that must mean something bad is about to happen." Just as Derpy said this, they heard an ear piercing scream coming from outside, scaring the 2 to their very core. They got up from the couch and sprinted to and opened the doors and what they saw, would have made Rarity super faint

Black goo was rising from the ground in large quantities. It was moving toward the ponies in Ponyville. Spike and Derpy went out the doors just as the mounds of black ooze grew and multiplied. Spike and Derpy stood frozen for a moment, their minds racing to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before them. The black ooze seemed to have a life of its own, undulating and spreading with an ominous intent.

"What is this stuff?" Derpy asked.

"I don't know, but I do know that this stuff is not friendly at all." They then saw ponies all around them be engulfed by the ooze, which made Spike and Derpy even more terrified. They then heard a faint voice calling for Derpy's name. They turned around and saw the Doctor calling out for Derpy.

"DOCTOR!" Derpy yelled out and they both ran to get to him. However, they stopped in their tracks when they saw a mound of black ooze right behind him. Just then, Derpy bolted to her husband to get him away from from the ooze mound, but it was too late. The mound engulfed the Doctor before she could get to him. All he could say before being completely engulfed was, "Derpy, get out of here. Get yourself to safety."

Spike caught up to Derpy only to find her tearing up and hyperventilating as she was filled with panic, fear and despair. "Whatdowedo? Whatdowedo? Whatdowedo? I can't lose my husband like this?" She said while hyperventilating.

Spike just wrapped his arms around her, hugging her. "Derpy. Derpy, listen to me." She turned her head to face him. "Just take some deep breaths. Breathe with me. Breathe in," Spike breathed in deep while Derpy did the same. "And breathe out." Spike breathed out and so did her. They did this a couple of more times before Derpy was calmed down.

"Thanks Spike, I needed that. We still need to find out what's going on and put a stop to it." She said while Spike nodded in agreement.

"How can we help stop this ooze though? I think we can only do so much." Spike exclaimed.

They pondered what to do to stop it when they heard laughing. Spike and Derpy turned their heads and saw a pegasus stallion sitting on a bench laughing at something in the newspaper. They also saw a mound of black ooze slither towards him. They tried to stop him, but when they did, he let out a bellow of laughter. This laughter somehow drove the ooze back underground.

Their eyes widened at what they saw. The stallion's laughter caused the ooze to repel and travel back underground. They ignored the questions about why he wasn't paying attention to anything around him because this was crucial information to what they could do to stop the ooze from destroying Ponyville.

"I know what we need to do. It's just like what Pinkie said a few years back. She said, 'If you're scared by your surroundings, all you need to do is laugh at the ghosties, or black ooze in this case." Spike told Derpy with newfound determination. Derpy listened to what he said before going over to the stallion with the newspaper.

"Hello Sir. Can I see that newspaper for a minute." She asked. The stallion looked up at her for a second and then smiled.

"Of course you can. You just have to see the headline here because it's the funniest thing you will read all day." He gave her the newspaper and she read it. After reading, she laughed a lot before coming back to Spike.

"This really can help us, that was so funny." she said while getting the last of her laughs out and giving the newspaper to Spike. The top headline was...

Griffon Farmer Accidentally Moves Equestrian Border & Sings A Song

After reading this, Spike laughed just as much as Derpy did when she first saw the headline. "Oh Celestia. Derpy, that really was the funniest thing I ever read." he said while getting the last of his laughs out. "We can use this to get rid of the ooze and save Ponyville for the second time in 2 days."

They looked at each other before nodding in determination. They ran to the nearest ooze mound before reading the headline again. Before the ooze could engulf them, they let out a bellowing laugh, which just as planned, repelled the ooze back underground. Once the ooze travelled back underground, it revealed a royal blue pony passed out and barely breathing.

"Derpy, go get the nurse while I continue using laughter to stop this ooze." Spike commanded. Derpy nodded and set out to find the nurse to check on the ponies covered in the ooze mounds. Spike meanwhile set out to go from ooze mound to ooze mound and laughing to get rid of the ooze and freeing all of the ponies that were trapped under the mounds. After about half an hour, he got rid of almost all of the mounds of black ooze.

Spike thought they were in the clear but he didn't see the mound of ooze behind him. When he realized what he forgot to see, it was too late. The mound started engulfing him and it felt like the ooze was literally sucking his soul right out of his body. Before he was fully engulfed in the ooze however, he heard laughter coming from somewhere around him and suddenly, the ooze just disappeared from around him and travelled back underground like what happened to the other ooze mounds. He laid there while looking up at the sky, panting heavily from the encounter. As his heartbeat slowed, he turned his head to see Derpy standing beside him, concern etched on her face.

Derpy knelt beside Spike, her expression filled with worry. "Spike, are you okay? That was too close."

Spike managed a weak smile, though he still felt drained from his encounter with the ooze. "Yeah, just a little shaken up. Thanks for getting rid of that last mound."

Derpy sighed in relief. "No problem Spike. Nurse Redheart is checking up on everypony in the town. I just saw the Doctor being wheeled into the hospital. I know' that he's gonna be ok, but I'm gonna go check up on him. See you tomorrow for the Hearths Warming party, maybe." She then trotted back to the hospital to check up on her husband.

"Wait Derpy." Spike tried to say, but it was too late. Derpy was out of his earshot, so he couldn't tell her about his plans to leave Ponyville. He sighed and decided to walk back to the castle. As he was walking, he saw all of the ponies that were trapped under the mounds of ooze being wheeled into the hospital as they were still passed out.

As Spike made his way back to the castle, the weight of his decision to leave Ponyville settled heavily on his shoulders. He couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt for not telling Derpy or the Doctor about his plans. they had been really good friends to him these past few days, and he hated the thought of leaving them without saying goodbye properly.

Entering the castle, Spike found himself lost in thought. He wandered aimlessly through the halls until he reached his room. Sitting down heavily on his bed, he contemplated his next move. Should he write a letter to Derpy and the Doctor explaining everything? Or should he just leave quietly and hope they understand?

Before he laid his head down however, he saw 2 pieces of paper on the nightstand next to his bed. One was the piece of paper he had since yesterday, only now, 1 of the circles is filled in with an LA. The letters he has now on the paper are a K, an M, a G, and now an LA. He now thinks that he's starting to get all the pieces to solve the riddle that this paper had, but he needed the 2 remaining letters for these remaining circles.

Spike put the piece of paper down and looked at the second sheet of paper. He never saw this paper before on his nightstand. He opened it up and saw what it said. While he was reading it, his pupils shrank and for some reason, he started trembling. The letter read...

Come see me in a cave 3 hours away from you're current location. This is just the calm before the final storm my friend. If you want to see all you care about again, you know to come back to me. -Spike

Spike looked at the paper with wide eyes and trembling body. This somepony was calling himself Spike too even though he was the real Spike. He then got out of bed and trudged to his closet to pack the things he needs when leaving.

Author's Note

Things are getting much more interesting for Spike. He just got a mysterious letter after saving Ponyville for the second time in 2 days.

What do you think will happen next? Post your thoughts in the comments.

Talking to a friend

As he walked to his closet, many things were on Spike's mind right now. He was leaving Ponyville and maybe Equestria for good tonight and he was starting to wonder if he was actually ready. Swimming in his mind was also the fact that he saved Ponyville from weird wild beasts yesterday, and now today, he saved Ponyville from black ooze mounds which caused many to go to the hospital. And now a strange letter gets delivered to him from somepony naming himself Spike, saying that he has to meet him in a cave during, "The calm before the final storm." Spike is starting to think that these attacks on Ponyville are not a coincidence and that this creature calling themselves "Spike" is behind all of it.

Spike's heart raced as he mulled over the events of the past few days. The coincidence of his own name being used by this mysterious figure was unsettling. Could it be some twisted prank, or was there a deeper connection that he hadn't yet uncovered? He reached for the letter, examining it closely. The paper was aged and worn, the ink slightly faded, but the message was clear and unnerving. "The calm before the final storm." What did it mean? Was there some impending danger looming over Ponyville, something even more sinister than the recent attacks?

Spike made a decision that before leaving all he's known, he should see what this "Spike" wants from him. Spike knew that he didn't have a life with Twilight and her friends anymore, nor a purpose with them. They surely wouldn't care or even notice if he was even missing. But what about Derpy and the Doctor? They showed him true friendship unlike Twilight and her friends and he hopes that they will be ok after he leaves.

Lost in thought, he didn't notice he arrived at the closet door until he bumped straight into it. Rubbing his forehead, he reached for the handle of the closet door, his mind still grappling with uncertainty. As the door swung open, a wave of nostalgia washed over him. The closet was filled with memories of his time in Ponyville with Twilight and her friends. There were pictures, his double headed costume for Nightmare Night and several gems and trinkets from gem hunting with Rarity. He grabbed one of the very few pictures with him on it along with some gems from his closet. He closed it, placed the items on his bed and went down to the kitchen to grab things. He grabbed more gems, some bits and some "shaving cream." He went to another closet in the castle and found a walking stick and a bandana of sorts. He got back to his room where his other stuff was, put everything in the bandana, tied the bandana to the walking stick to make a knapsack, and got a firm grip on it.

Spike sighed to himself. "I just have to see what this "Spike" guy wants of me and then I'm leaving to find a better life. But first, I should take a nap and then get something to eat right after." So he put the knapsack right next to his bedside, and settled down in his bed. Spike closed his eyes, seeking solace in the embrace of sleep before facing whatever lay ahead. As he drifted off, thoughts of his friends, some old and drifting away, some new, danced through his mind. Twilight, Rarity, Derpy, the Doctor... Each had left an indelible mark on his life in their own way. He shook these thoughts away however, so he could focus on sleeping before his journey, after a few minutes, his mind drifted off and he fell asleep.

Spike woke up a few hours later, and saw that it was darker outside. Spike assumed that while Celestia and Luna were busy having fun celebrating the holiday at the Crystal Empire, they found time to set the sun and rise the moon. His thoughts were interrupted when his stomach growled. He then realized that he hadn't eaten anything for the last few hours. He grabbed his knapsack and untied it to look in it. He saw 75 bits next to his "shaving cream". He decided to go to the Hay Cafe in Ponyville before leaving for dinner, so he put on his coat and hat, put some bits in his coat pocket, left the room and out of the castle.

Ponyville was quiet at this time. Most families were inside their own homes celebrating Hearths Warming eve with their families and telling their little ones about how Equestria was created 3,000 years ago in which the pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies joined together in harmony after an abnormal blizzard which froze everything, thus it created Hearths Warming. The walk to the Hay Cafe was an easy walk with nothing really stopping Spike. When he arrived, there weren't a lot of ponies in there, so he walked in the smell of hay fries and other goods filled his nostrils. He walked over an empty booth in the corner where he sat and waited for his order to be taken. A few minutes later, a waitress walked over to him.

"Hello puddin', what can I get you on this fine Hearths Warming Eve night?" she asked

"I'll just have some hay fries and a chocolate shake please." he told her.

"Alright puddin'. Coming right up." And with that, she went to the backrooms to get some hay fries and a chocolate shake.

As Spike was waiting, an important thought jumped into his head. He didn't know where this cave was. He was pondering where this specific cave may be for 2 minutes until his thoughts were interrupted by the waitress coming back with his order.

"Here's your order puddin'. That will be 5 bits." Spike opened his coat pocket and took out 5 bits to give to the waitress.

"Why thank you puddin'. Enjoy your food and have an excellent Hearths Warming." With that, she walked away, leaving Spike to his own devices. Spike ate his hay fries and his milkshake while also dipping his fries into the milkshake every once in a while. After he was finished, he got up from his table and left the cafe.

Spike was walking around, trying to figure out where the cave may be, when he heard a choir singing not far from the outskirts of town. The sound of the choir piqued Spike's curiosity. He wondered what could be happening on the outskirts of Ponyville on such a quiet night. With a mix of caution and intrigue, Spike followed the direction of the sound until he reached its source. As he approached, he saw a gathering of ponies illuminated by lanterns and candles, standing on a small stage. They were singing traditional Hearth's Warming carols, their voices harmonizing in the chilly night air. Spike felt a twinge of nostalgia as he remembered past Hearth's Warming celebrations with Twilight and her friends and once again asked himself "Where did that time go?"

He sat down in a random chair, listening to the beautiful song that was being sung by the choir. He looked around the area and saw a few ponies there in the chairs, but there was one pony that caught his eye. He saw the familiar black fur and orange and yellow mane and tail and the meteor cutie mark. Spike knew this pony as Shooting Star. He got a better look at her and saw that she had tears rolling down her eyes while sniffling.

Spike's heart twinged with concern at the sight of Shooting Star's tears. He knew Shooting Star as a usually cheerful and optimistic pony who loved giving hugs, so seeing her distressed was unexpected. Quietly, Spike approached her, trying not to disturb the choir's performance. He went over to her and Shooting Star looked over at him.

"Um, hi Shooting Star." Spike greeted, not knowing what to say.

"Oh, umm... Hi Spike." Shooting Star greeted, like Spike, not knowing what to say.

"Do you mind if I sit down next to you?"

"Not at all Spike. I could actually use some company." So he sat down next to her. Neither of them moved for a minute before Spike just decided to give her a hug. Shooting Star froze up as she was somewhat surprised.

Spike felt her freeze for a minute so he told her, "I feel like you need a hug right now. Besides, you love giving hugs, so I think it's time that the favor was returned and I give you a hug."

Spike's words were comforting, and Shooting Star slowly relaxed into the hug, her body tenseness melting away bit by bit. She leaned into Spike's embrace, feeling the warmth and reassurance it offered.

"Thanks Spike." she murmured, her voice still filled with emotion.

"May I ask why you're crying Shooting Star?" Spike asked.

"It's just that Hearths Warming just brings back pretty bad memories for me. Ever since a few years ago, Hearths Warming has filled me with nothing but dread and made me hate the holiday."

"I don't mean to pry Shooting Star, but what happened that made you dislike Hearths Warming?" Spike asked her, hoping the story isn't too bad.

She smiled at him before saying, "Its ok Spike. I appreciate your concern, but I can tell you." Her face and tone turned serious then. "My father was a very inspirational pony, spreading inspiration to everypony around him. That was how he met her wife and my mother. After 2 years of dating, they eventually got married and a year later, they had me." she told him before continuing.

"Life was perfect for the 3 of us for the next 9 years with my dad being still as inspirational as ever, and my mom showing nothing but love and kindness to everyone around her, especially me and my dad. But all that changed one day when my dad saw a flier for the Canterlot royal guard." Shooting Star paused, her voice trembling slightly as she recalled the painful memories. "He was always passionate about serving Equestria, so he decided to join the Royal Guard. My mom and I were so proud of him, but little did we know that it would be the last time we'd see him." Spike's gut dropped at that, but he still listened with empathy and concern.

"During his first mission, there was an accident," Shooting Star continued, her voice growing quieter, saying in between sobs. "A terrible accident that took his life, and I don't really know the exact details. I was devastated. My mom, she... she couldn't bear the loss. She fell into despair, and it changed her. She became distant, withdrawn, spending nearly every minute of every day in her room either crying or drinking. She stopped spreading her kindness and love and she started acting all hostile towards me as a result of it. And... a few months later, on Hearths Warming Eve, I found her dead in her room. She was hanging on a rope that was hanging on the ceiling, indicating she took her own life. Since then, Hearths Warming has been a painful reminder of what I've lost." She said before ultimately breaking down into tears.

Spike felt his heart ache for Shooting Star as she poured out her story. He couldn't imagine the pain she must have endured losing both of her parents, especially during what was supposed to be a joyous time of year. He tightened his hug around her, offering what comfort he could.

"I... I'm so sorry, Shooting Star. I had no idea you had to go through so much. I can't even begin to imagine what you've been through. Losing both your parents like that... it's just... it's heartbreaking." he said. Shooting Star rested her head on his shoulders and sniffled.

"Thank you so much for being here for me tonight. You really are a kind dragon." Her words were starting to make Spike tear up too. Why couldn't Twilight, her friends or the princesses see what Shooting Star sees in him? He started sniffling too. This wasn't lost on Shooting Star however.

"Spike? Are you Ok?"

"Y-yeah, I-i'm fine." he said. Shooting Star wasn't convinced in the slightest.

"Spike, if you think telling me your problems after me telling you mine will be selfish, then you're wrong. We all should seek comfort in those we trust, and we can trust each other." she told him.

Spike looked down and sighed. "All my friends and family abandoned me again." he told her.

"What do you mean?"

"My friends and family are celebrating Hearths Warming Eve at the Crystal Empire. However, they didn't even bother to bring me. They never bring me along to anything fun, whether it be in the Crystal Empire, Canterlot or literally anywhere in Equestria, they never bring me along to anything. I wasn't even invited to my own caretakers birthday party in Canterlot. They just make me stay at home so I could cook and clean everything in the castle. Guess you could say that I'm basically a slave to them." Shooting Star became shocked at this.

"They never bring you along to anything? Do you remember any time they brought you along to something?"

"There are a few times I was brought along to something, but I was the butt of any joke they threw at each other. Like this one time, I was invited to the dragon migration a few years back, but in the end they just called my lame because I was small and wearing an apron." he said looking down.

Shooting Star was mortified. She couldn't believe the kind and loving dragon could get treated this way by his friends. He deserved better and she knows it.

"I'm so sorry you had to go through that Spike, but I promise you that I will never treat you the same way as your other friends do." she said looking very serious.

Spike smiled. "Thanks Shooting Star, but I'm going to be honest. I'm leaving this place for good tonight." This worried Shooting Star."

"Is it because of the treatment of your friends?"

"Mostly, but there's another reason to it. I got this strange letter from somepony impersonating as me telling me to go to a cave 3 hours away if I want to see all I hold dear again. After I see what's happening, then I'm leaving for good."

"Oh my. Are you gonna be ok?" she asked

"I don't know, but I don't want to see you or anypony else suffer." Spike told her. She then made a decision that she would help Spike figure out what's going on and journey with him to the cave.

"I'm coming with you Spike." This shocked him.

"Wait what? Are you sure? I want you to be safe and I don't want you to be killed because of me."

"I don't want you to get yourself killed either. I'm your friend and a true true friend helps a friend in need and they always look out for each other."

Spike smiled. "Thanks. I was actually going to that cave before I heard this choir singing and talking to you."

"Then this would be the perfect time to get to the cave. Let's go."

"Shooting Star, wait." She stopped dead in her tracks and turned around to face Spike.

"Yes Spike?" She asked

"Before we leave, I wanna be honest with you. A few nights ago, I had a dream about you." Spike said looking away, while Shooting Star's face turned red.

"You... You did?"

"Yeah. I was walking around Ponyville before we saw each other before you greeted me and started hugging me, then everything went dark and a dark version of me appeared and---" his face turned to horror.

"Spike, what's wrong?" Shooting Star asked.

"I think I may know who sent me that ominous letter. A dark version of me appeared and talked to me before leaving my dream. That might be him who sent the letter. He might also be the one responsible for this snowstorm, the weird wild beasts and the mounds of black ooze. If everything I said is true, then... This is worse than I thought. We need to get to that cave ASAP!" Spike said.

"Then we need to go now." With that, Shooting Star and Spike leapt from their seats and away from the small stage. They ran until they were in the marketplace which was all fixed up. "So do you have any idea where this cave might be?" she asked.

"Actually no. I know that the cave is 3 hours away but I don't know which direction the actual cave is in." Spike said sheepishly.

"Seriously?" she asked with a deadpan look. Just then, 2 lights illuminated the air. One was red and one was white. They both travelled to the duo where the white morphed into the paper with circles and letters, only this time there was an additional H to one of the circles, meaning that only one circle was left to be filled before the big one was all that was left, while the red light hit the ground and created arrows that lead straight into the Everfree Forest.

"Well these arrows might lead us to that cave, so we should follow them. Are you ready Shooting Star?" Spike asked.

"Yes I am Spike. Onward and Upward." And with that, they ventured into the Everfree forest, ready for the cave and whatever danger may cross them. They had to get to the Dark Alternate Spike before another plan of his plays out.

Author's Note

I'm not gonna lie, I teared up a little when I was writing Spike's and Shooting Star's conversation.

Also, what do you think the letters on the paper could possibly mean

The Journey and the Cave

The Everfree Forest was eerily quiet as Spike and Shooting Star followed the glowing red arrows deeper into its depths. The thick canopy above blocked out most of the moonlight, casting shadows that seemed to dance and twist among the trees. Despite the darkness, Spike felt a strange sense of determination coursing through him. He had to confront the dark alternate version of himself and put an end to whatever sinister plans it had in store.

"Do you think your alternate self is really a bad creature Spike?" Shooting Star asked.

"If all of these attacks from the past few days are anything to go by, then we might be facing a villain more evil than most. Those attacks actually hurt ponies and put them in the hospital."

"But what about Queen Chrysalis? She and the rest of those parasites trapped ponies of all ages in some icky green goo and left them unconsious during the Canterlot invasion." She pointed out.

"That's why I say more evil than 'most' villains." Spike emphasized 'most'. Shooting Star nodded in understanding, and continued on.

As they ventured deeper, the air grew colder, and a thick fog began to roll in, obscuring their path. But Spike and Shooting Star pressed on, their resolve unshaken. Suddenly, they heard a low growl emanating from the darkness ahead.

Spike's heart raced as he gripped Shooting Star's hoof tightly. "Did you hear that?" he whispered.

Shooting Star nodded, her eyes wide with apprehension. "I think we're not alone in here."

Just then, an awful stench filled the air around them. It smelled like a mixture of rotten eggs, dead fish and smelly basal roots. Spike knew this smell an awful too well. Before he could react, a pair of glowing yellow eyes appeared in the fog, followed by the menacing silhouette of a creature lurking in the shadows. It was a timberwolf, its jagged teeth bared in a snarl as it advanced towards them.

Spike and Shooting Star felt a surge of fear grip them, but they both knew that they couldn't let that fear overcome them. With a determined expression, he stepped forward, shielding Shooting Star behind him. "Stay back, Shooting Star. I'll handle this."

Summoning his courage, Spike let out a fierce roar, surprising both himself and the timberwolf. The creature hesitated for a moment before lunging forward, but Spike was ready. With a swift motion, he unleashed a burst of fire from his mouth, engulfing the timberwolf in flames.

The creature howled in pain before retreating back into the darkness, leaving Spike and Shooting Star unharmed but shaken. They exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the danger that lurked in the forest.

"That was only one timberwolf, there could be a whole lot more coming. We need to move, double time." Spike said

"I agree. We both need to be more careful if more of those wooden creatures are lurking just nearby. And with this fog, there could be any threat just behind that tree over there." She pointed to a random tree with her hoof.

"This fog is either just nature to the Everfree forest or an illusion by my alternate self, and right now, I don't know which one it is." Spike told her.

"That's not important right now though. We need to continue onward. We can't let anything stop us from reaching that cave. Especially not a creature made out of firewood." With a nod of agreement and renewed determination, Spike and Shooting Star looked at the arrows on the ground that were still glowing and illuminating their path. They followed the arrows in hopes of finding the cave as soon as possible.

After a half hour, the 2 creatures came across the ruins of the castle of the 2 sisters. Although it was far away and even with this fog, Spike and Shooting Star could still get a good look at the castle ruins from a distance. Spike just looked at it like it was nothing unusual for him, which it was usual for him. Shooting Star on the other hand, just looked at it with a look of awe on her face.

"THERE'S OLD CASTLE RUINS HERE!?!? HOW COME I NEVER SEEN THESE RUINS BEFORE!?!?" She yelled out.

Spike wasn't fazed by the outburst and casually told her, "That used to be the castle of the 2 princesses before Princess Luna was banished to the moon and Princess Celestia moved to the mountain which is now known as the city of Canterlot. I used to come here with Twilight and her friends before she became a princess. That place is actually more complicated than you think. Maybe after this whole fiasco, I can take you here whenever Twilight and her friends are having fun without me."

"You would actually do that with me Spike?" she asked.

"Of course. You definitely seem interested in those castle ruins, so why not take you one of these days."

"I-I would love that. Thanks." Shooting Star told him.

"No problem." And with that, they stopped looking at the castle of the 2 sisters and continued on their way.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the terrain grew increasingly treacherous. Even though the path got harder and harder to follow, Spike and Shooting Star didn't stop and continued trudging on. They had to do something about alternate Spike before something terrible was going to happen.

After about 2 hours of walking and talking, thorny vines snaked across their path, and twisted roots threatened to trip them with every step. Spike decided to get a closer look at these vines and when he did, his eyes widened in shock.

"How are these vines still here? I thought they were completely eradicated by the tree of harmony over a year ago." Spike said as shooting star looked at the vines too.

"You saw these vines before Spike?" She asked him.

"Yes I did. Over a year ago, these vines grew out of the Everfree forest and into Ponyville. They were as invasive as can be and they seemed to have a mind of their own. They made the Everfree forest completely unlivable and they took over the town of Ponyville and not even the princesses could do anything to stop it.

"Hm, now that I think about it, I think I have heard of these vines before. I was in ponyville when this happened but I couldn't see any of the vines for some reason. All I saw was the sun and the moon in the sky at the same time which halved the sky into day and night." Shooting Star told Spike in a tone that said 'as a matter of fact.'

"These are the same vines as before, but they're not moving. I don't know why, but this has to mean something. They may be dead or something else going on. I'm hoping for the first option.

As Spike and Shooting Star pondered the presence of the seemingly dormant vines, a sense of unease settled over them like a heavy fog. The eerie stillness of the forest amplified their apprehension, and they exchanged worried glances. It was then that they heard what sounded like a war song in the distance.

On the horizon
I can see the storm coming
The enemy is in the forest
Evil like a hurricane

The song chilled Spike and Shooting Star to the core, as if there was another blizzard going on. The war song echoed through the dense foliage, sending shivers down Spike and Shooting Star's spines. It wasn't just the haunting melody that unsettled them; it was the realization that the Everfree forest might soon become a place where something terrible was going to happen. Despite being afraid, they decided to follow where the song was coming from and if they were lucky, the song might be coming from the cave they were looking for.

They silently followed the sounds of the song for over a few minutes. And then they saw it, they saw a giant wall of rock with a gaping hole on the side of it, which looked like it lead to an endless void of darkness The arrows seemed to travel into that void like an army of ants. They did it. They faced the dangers of the Everfree and they found the cave they have been looking for for the past 3 hours

"I think that's the cave we've been looking for Spike." Shooting Star told him. "All the arrows are going into the cave which must mean you alternate self in in there waiting for us."

"Then we shouldn't wait any longer. If he has something terrible planned, then we can't let it happen. Let's go." Spike said

"Onwards and Upwards." Spike and Shooting Star looked at each other, then back at the cave and ventures forth, ready to endure any trial that the alternate Spike may have set up for them.

As they approached the gaping maw of the cave, Spike and Shooting Star couldn't shake off the feeling of impending danger. The air grew thick with tension, and every step felt like a weight pressing down on their chests. Yet, they pressed on, their determination outweighing their fear.

The cave entrance loomed before them, its darkness swallowing the feeble light of the shining moon. Spike took a deep breath, steadying himself for whatever lay ahead, while Shooting Star composed herself to continue trekking into the bowels of the cave. The song growing louder and louder with each trek they trekked. As they continued, the air grew colder, and the darkness enveloped them like a suffocating blanket.

Yet they continued, even when it felt like they were about to suffocate. After a while, everything in the cave around them was so dark that only the glowing red arrows were still able to be seen and it was so silent that only the steps of Spike and Shooting Star could be heard. They followed the arrows until they reached a fork in the road. The arrows split up and went into both of the paths which made Spike and Shooting Star worried. The one on the left led to more darkness while the other one of the right seemed to slope upward if the arrows were anything to go by.

Spike furrowed his brow, contemplating their next move. "Which way do you think we should go?" he asked, turning to Shooting Star.

Shooting Star scanned the two paths, her eyes narrowed in concentration. "I'm not sure," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But something tells me that the one on the left might lead us closer to our goal. If I know villains, then they like darker spaces, especially at night."

Spike nodded in agreement, trusting Shooting Star's intuition. With a shared glance, they veered towards the left path, their steps echoing off the cavern walls. As they ventured deeper into the darkness of the left path, the air grew colder, and the atmosphere more oppressive. Each step they made seemed to echo louder along with the song, amplifying the feeling of isolation in the cavern. Spike and Shooting Star stayed close together for both of their senses were on high alert for any sign of imminent danger.

As they continued down the path, they heard sounds of life in these caves. They both knew that they couldn't be bats because they didn't even sound close to what they were hearing. They followed the arrows again and in the distance, they could see some light. They followed the light for a minute and a half and saw where it lead. When they got there, they looked around and saw arrows turning into one arrow, meaning that both paths led to the same place. They ignored the absurdity of that and turned around. The first thing they saw was a herd of the same wild beasts made out of black crystal and ice Spike fought yesterday.

They looked at Spike and Shooting Star, ready to attack. They were about to attack, but then a familiar tune played which lulled them to sleep. They heard one line and it was all it took to put the beasts to sleep.

Don't cry little one

Spike recognized the song, but didn't pay any attention to it this time as he continued onward along with Shooting Star.

After a while, they also saw something terrifying. The same thorny vines from before they were entering the cave but this time, they were alive and holding another mare still while her soul got sucked away from her using the black ooze from earlier today. She was a pink unicorn, lilac eyes who had a purple mane and tail with a light turquoise streak on them. She was being covered by the mound of ooze except for her head which showed her eyes darkening before going completely black and she slumped over.

Spike shivered at the sight of seeing that mare being tortured like that but they continued onward. They reached the end of the room where he saw something majestic and horrifying at the same time. It looked like a throne of sorts, and it was made out of the same black crystals that the beasts were made out of with the wall behind it being made out of the same stuff.

Just then, the light in the room seemed to turn into an empty and dark void with nothing in it while the sounds of the beasts, torture and music seemed to turn off as well. Now Spike and Shooting Star couldn't see or hear anything. It worried them, but what worried them the most was the voice of an all too familiar creature to Spike.

"I was wondering when you'd show up."

Fear: Part One

Author's Note

These next chapters may be a bit more dark than usual. Read with caution

Fear: Part One

The voice echoed through the empty void, sending chills down Spike's spine. He knew exactly who it belonged to- it belonged to the one who popped up in his dreams. The dark alternate version of Spike.

"What do you think of my little abode here my little creatures?" He asked.

Spike's heart pounded as he heard the familiar voice reverberating through the emptiness around him. It was the voice of his darker self, the one that haunted his dreams and filled him with dread whenever it surfaced.

"So you're the dark alternate version of my friend?" Shooting Star asked while glaring.

"Why that is correct, Shooting Star. I'm sure Spike told you a lot about me."

"How do you know my name?"

"Oh, I know lots of things. Especially considering that I have been watching what you Spike have been doing in the town for the past few days.

"I only told her about the letter and horrible theories about you- uhhh... what should I call you?" Spike asked.

"Oh I go by many names my friend, but since I'm a dark version of you, then how about you call me 'darkness."

"Darkness it is then," Spike replied, his voice quivering slightly. He glanced at Shooting Star, concern etched on his face. "What do you want from us, Darkness?"

The void made by Darkness began to let out a sinister chuckle that almost made them freeze with the chills down their spine

"Oh, just a little chat, my dear Spike. I want to discuss... possibilities."

Shooting Star stepped forward, her expression defiant. "We're not here to entertain your twisted fantasies, Darkness. Whatever you have in mind, we're not interested."

"Oh? Well you haven't even heard what I was about to say. You haven't heard the choices I was going to give you two.

Darkness's words hung in the air, heavy with ominous intent. Spike and Shooting Star exchanged wary glances, bracing themselves for whatever twisted proposition Darkness was about to present.

"What choices?" Spike ventured cautiously, his voice betraying his apprehension.

Darkness's chuckle echoed again, sending shivers down their spines.

"Ah, the choices. You see, my dear Spike and Shooting Star, every decision we make in life branches off into countless possibilities, countless realities. And I'm here to offer you a glimpse into some of those possibilities."

"Well, what are these possibilities?" Spike asked.

"Like I said, there are countless possibilities, countless realities, so I will just name a few. Shooting Star, you can see what would happen if you your father never wanted to be a royal guard. You can see what would happen to you if you never lost your family. And Spike, you can see if you were with you so called "Friends" and not staying behind being abandoned. You can even see what happened to your parents."

As Darkness laid out these unsettling propositions, Spike and Shooting Star exchanged uneasy glances. They could actually see what would happen if they had their parents and for Spike, see what actually happened to them. The main question is if they were ready for it or not. The offer seemed tempting yet foreboding, like a dark path leading into the unknown.

Shooting Star's expression softened, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension clouding her features. "You... you can really show us these alternate realities? What they could have been like?"

"Oh yes, my dear Shooting Star. I can show you all that and more. But remember, once you glimpse these possibilities, there's no going back. You may see things that you wish you hadn't."

Just then, a bright circle of light illuminated this dark void and turned into a bright portal that leads to Celestia knows where. Spike and Shooting Star stared at it with awe and curiosity.

Spike shifted uneasily, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. The allure of seeing what could have been was strong, but he couldn't shake the feeling of dread that coiled in the pit of his stomach.

"C-can me and Shooting Star talk about this first, Darkness?" Spike asked

"Oh of course my little dragon. Take all the time you need. Nothing will change."

Spike and Shooting Star stepped aside, their voices lowered as they deliberated their options. Spike's hands trembled slightly as he glanced back at the ominous portal, uncertainty gnawing at him.

"I don't know, Shooting Star," Spike whispered, his gaze troubled. "It's... it's tempting, seeing what could have been. But Darkness... he's not exactly trustworthy."

Shooting Star nodded in agreement, her expression serious. "I know what you mean, Spike. This feels... wrong somehow. Like we're playing right into his hands."

Spike sighed, running a hand through his spines in frustration. "But what if there's something important we could learn? About our pasts, about ourselves..."

"Or what if it's just a trap?" Shooting Star interjected, her voice tinged with worry. "We don't know what we could be getting ourselves into."

Silence fell between them as they weighed their options, the weight of Darkness's offer hanging heavy in the air.

"But think about it. We could see ourselves living in a happy world with a happy life. You would still have your parents and I would still have my friends." Spike pointed out.

Spike's words lingered in the air, enticing yet laden with uncertainty. Shooting Star chewed on her lower lip, her thoughts racing as she considered his proposition.

"I... I suppose you're right," she admitted, her voice hesitant. "But what if I'm not ready to see what could have been? It might be the life I want to live again, but it could also be something that could be worse than my own worst nightmare."

Spike nodded understandingly, his eyes reflecting the same apprehension. "I get it, Shooting Star. It's a risk we have to weigh carefully. We have to consider if knowing these alternate realities is worth the potential consequences."

"Oh you made such a good point back there Spike. I just want to see if I could be happy again, be loved again." she said

"Me too Shooting Star. Me too."

Spike and Shooting Star glanced at each other, reaching a mutual agreement. They turned to look at the portal and Spike said, "We made a decision Darkness. We will see what these endless possibilities have for us."

"Oh wonderful. You will see quite some things, so head on through and see what those possibilities have in store for you."

As Spike and Shooting Star approached the portal, a surge of anticipation mixed with apprehension washed over them. With one last glance at each other, they stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the unknown.

Shooting Star

Shooting Star was enveloped in a bright light for a few seconds before ending up in what looked like a wide, lush and verdant meadow. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. Birds chirped merrily in the distance, and a gentle breeze rustled through the tall grass.

Shooting Star blinked in astonishment, taking in the serene beauty surrounding her. It was a stark contrast to the desolate void she had just left behind.

"Spike?" she called out, her voice echoing softly across the meadow. But there was no response.

Alone in this idyllic setting, Shooting Star's mind raced with a flurry of emotions. She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that still lingered within her. Was this truly a glimpse into an alternate reality, or was it merely an illusion crafted by Darkness?

But despite her doubts, a small part of her couldn't help but revel in the tranquility of this new world. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to bask in the warmth of the sunlight, the gentle caress of the breeze soothing her troubled thoughts.

As she wandered through the meadow, Shooting Star couldn't help but wonder what other possibilities awaited her beyond this serene landscape. With each step she took, she braced herself for whatever revelations lay ahead, determined to look for anything that this universe or timeline threw her way.

It was then that she saw the town of Ponyville in the distance. The sight of Ponyville in the distance stirred a mixture of emotions within Shooting Star. It was a familiar sight, yet in this new context, it felt like a beacon of hope amidst uncertainty. She knew that wherever she was, Ponyville could offer her what could happen if here parents were still around.

With determination in her heart, Shooting Star made her way towards Ponyville, each step fueling her resolve to uncover the truth behind this mysterious journey. As she approached the outskirts of the town, she couldn't help but marvel at how unchanged it seemed, yet she knew that beneath its familiar facade, there were bound to be differences, subtle or profound, that would reveal the nature of this alternate reality.

When she entered Ponyville, Shooting Star felt quite a few emotions rush into her. She felt a sense of security, since she was in a place she knows quite well, but she also felt a sense of longing. She mainly wanted to go through with this because she wanted to see her loving parents again, and relive the life she lost even if just for a second.

As she wandered through the town, Shooting Star couldn't help but notice the small details that hinted at the divergence of this reality from her own. Perhaps there were faces she didn't recognize, buildings that were constructed differently, or events that unfolded in unexpected ways. But she heard one thing that made her stop in her tracks.

"I DON'T HAVE IT RIGHT NOW! YOU HAVE TO WAIT."

She knew that voice all too well. "Father."

Shooting Star's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her father's voice. It was a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming joy that washed over her. Without a second thought, she followed the sound, her hoofsteps quickening with each passing moment.

After sprinting towards the sound for a minute and a half, she turned a corner and found a stallion with dark grey fur, just a little lighter than Shooting Star's fur with a black and white mane and tail, and he also had multiple meteors as a cutie mark.

He was yelling at a stallion that had royal blue fur, a van dyke brown mane and tail and a bowl of bits as a cutie mark, and there was another stallion behind him. Shooting Star saw that they were in a really heated argument with each other, so she decided to wait for them to calm down.

That didn't happen though as the blue stallion started talking with a snarl. "Meteor Storm, if you don't give me what is rightfully mine, then I WILL BURN YOUR ENTIRE HOUSE TO THE GROUND, KILL YOUR FAMLY AND MAKE YOU A SLAVE IN STALLIONGRAD!!"

"IF YOU DO ANYTHING TO FLYING COMET AND SHOOTING STAR, THEN I WILL RIP YOUR BUCKING EYES OUT!!" Meteor Storm shouted.

Shooting Star stood frozen in place, her heart pounding in her chest as she listened to the tense exchange between her father, Meteor Storm, and the other stallion. Her mind raced with a flood of emotions, torn between relief at finally finding her father and concern over the confrontation unfolding before her. Her thoughts and emotions were interrupted when the blue stallion spoke again

"Woah there is no need to swear buddy. So do you have my money or not?"

Meteor Storm sighed and said, "No."

The blue stallion shook his head and turned to look at the pony behind him. "You know what to do sir."

Just then, the said pony lit up his horn. Using his magic, he lifted Meteor Storm up into the air and slammed him into a nearby tree trunk at a fast rate.

"FATHER!!" Shooting Star yelled as she tried to use her wings to get to her father to see if he was alright, but it felt like some kind of external force was keeping her put, making her watch this horrible scene before her unfold.

"LET HIM GO! HE DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!" Shooting Star shouted with tears in her eyes, but her pleas went onto deaf ears as they couldn't see or hear her.

Just then, the blue stallion lit a wine bottle on fire with his magic before throwing it inside the house. It exploded in the house and burned everything in the room it was thrown into. He also lit a few more wine bottles and threw them in different places of the house. He just watched with a smirk on his face as the house burned in front of him.

Meteor Storm woke up to see his house burning. "YOU MONSTER!!" he said as he charged towards the blue stallion. He detected this though and dodged, then he used his magic to keep Meteor Storm in his grip and made him watch.

Suddenly, they heard a bloodcurdling scream coming from inside the house. It sounded like a mare that was dying a painful death. Shooting Star's blood went cold as she knew who the voice belonged to.

"MOTHER!!!!" She tries so hard to try and move, but she can't as she has to watch and hear her mother scream and cry while she burns to death. She can't bear this scene anymore as she breaks down sobbing as the blue stallion takes Meteor Storm away from the house. Shooting Star continues sobbing until a bright light engulfs her vision.

Fear: Part Two

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Fear: Part Three: The Truth

When the bright light went away, Spike found himself back in the void Darkness made. His eyes still red and puffy from crying, he tried to find Shooting Star, but he couldn't find her anywhere.

Spike's heart sank as he frantically searched the darkness for any sign of Shooting Star. His mind raced with worry and fear, wondering what could have happened to his friend. Was Shooting Star okay? Had something gone wrong during their journey through the bright light?

As he called out Shooting Star's name, his voice echoed into the emptiness, but there was no response. The silence was deafening, and Spike felt a sense of hopelessness creeping over him.

But then, in the distance, a faint glimmer caught his eye. It was a tiny speck of light, barely visible against the vast expanse of darkness. Spike's heart leaped with a flicker of hope as he dashed towards it, his determination driving him forward. He had to be sure she was ok.

As he drew closer, the light began to grow brighter, and soon he could make out the familiar shape of Shooting Star. Along with Spike, her eyes were still red and puffy from crying and she was frantically looking for Spike. Relief flooded through him as he reached out to his friend, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"Shooting Star, you're okay!" Spike exclaimed. "I was so worried about you."

Shooting Star started sobbing. "I never should have gone through that horrible portal."

Spike's tears started anew again. "Why did we ever agree to go into that portal in the first place? I wish I never saw the things I saw, they're too horrible."

Darkness spoke once again.

"I told you that there were some horrible things that you didn't want to see."

Darkness' voice sent chills down both Spike's and Shooting Star's spine. Not only that, but there was some newfound anger in their emotions as well

"WHAT ALTERNATE REALITIES WERE THOSE DARKNESS!?!?!? THEY WERE HORRIBLE!!" Shooting Star said.

Darkness chuckled for a few seconds before the dark void started to dissipate. As the cave started to come back into view, the void itself was being morphed into a creature that looked like Spike and had pure white glowing eyes. Spike and Shooting Star just glared and snarled at the creature that before was a massive void while he just had a smirk on his voice.

"Well, to be honest, you shouldn't have expected anything else."

"Darkness, what do you mean by that?" Spike asked.

"Ah, my dear friends," Darkness replied, its voice echoing through the cavern.. "You see, the alternate realities you witnessed were but reflections of your true importance to existence."

A sense of dread crept over Spike and Shooting Star. The once comforting presence of their friend had morphed into something sinister and foreboding.

"You only saw dark realities because that was all there was when you went through the portal. You never make anypony's life better, as you are completely worthless or ruin their lives further."

The words hit Spike and Shooting Star like a physical blow, leaving them stunned and speechless. They had always believed in the power of friendship and the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of others. But now, faced with Darkness's chilling revelation, they couldn't help but question everything they thought they knew.

Spike's mind raced, trying to make sense of Darkness's words. "But... but we've always tried to help ponies. We've done good things, right?" he stammered, his voice filled with uncertainty.

Shooting Star nodded, her eyes filled with confusion and disbelief. "Yeah, we always help friends when we can countless times. How can that be worthless?"

Darkness gave a big sinister smile to them as he continued explaining while walking around the both of them.

"Shooting Star, the alternate reality that you faced was if your parents never died. They would never be able to support you financially, so they had to resort to getting bits from loan sharks."

Shooting Star was starting to cry again. She never knew this would happen if her parents never died.

"But because of you, they weren't able to pay the loan sharks back, so they burned your home, murdered your mother and made your father their slave. Your parents would still die, but it would be you who sealed their fate."

Shooting Star just broke down sobbing. Spike immediately went over to her to comfort her. As he was comforting her, he glared back at Darkness.

"YOU'RE JUST A MONSTER!!"

"And now we get to you Spike. Unlike Shooting Star, you actually got to see two things happen instead of one."

Darkness's words sent a shiver down Spike's spine. He listened intently, dreading what he might hear next.

"In one reality, Twilight always let you have fun with them. You would get to go to hangouts, get-togethers, parties and many other outings with her and her friends. The truth is however, that they were only looking for bad things you usually do. Deep down inside their hearts, they're scared of you and they will always be scared of you. They always thought of you as a ticking time bomb, so they knew they had to get rid of you before you did something horrible."

Spike's heart sank as Darkness revealed these horrifying alternate realities. The very foundation of his beliefs and relationships seemed to crumble before him.

"But... but Twilight and her friends... they're like family to me," Spike murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. The thought that they could fear him, that they could see him as a threat, was almost too much to bear.

Darkness chuckled darkly, its presence looming over Spike and Shooting Star like a shadow.

"Ah, but appearances can be deceiving, can't they? Just because they treated you kindly sometimes doesn't mean they didn't harbor doubts and fears about you."

Spike felt a surge of anger and betrayal rising within him. He had always trusted Twilight and her friends, believing in the bonds they shared. To discover that they might see him as a danger was like a knife to his heart.

"Eventually, they found you eating some of the crystal of a crystal house in the Crystal Empire because you were starving. They knew that they could finally get rid of you for commiting a crime, so the very next day, the royal guards ambushed you, put you in a jail cell to starve, beat you senseless, broke your arms and legs and ultimately put you to death."

As Darkness's chilling words hung heavy in the air, Spike and Shooting Star were overwhelmed with a mixture of disbelief, horror, and anger. Spike's heart pounded in his chest as he struggled to comprehend the nightmarish alternate realities that Darkness had unveiled.

"NO! That's not true! Twilight and her friends would never... they couldn't..." Spike's voice trembled with emotion, his mind reeling with the implications of Darkness's revelations.

"Then why are you always left behind whenever they have fun anywhere in Equestria? Why is it that they always make you do work so you're never around them. They're scared of you, all of them. Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, even Applejack and Rainbow Dash. You never had a chance around them, around ponies even. And one of these days, they'll find something to get rid of you once and for all."

Spike just dropped to the ground, crying his eyes out. Shooting Star on the other hand has calmed down and she raced over to Spike. She wrapped her hooves and wings around the sobbing dragon as he buried his face into her chest fur and continued sobbing.

Shooting Star glared daggers into Darkness. "That was uncalled for. You should never say anything this terrible to any creature."

"All I'm saying is the truth my little pony-"

"STOP CALLING US THAT!!" she shouted.

"Now let's move on to the second reality, but unlike the first one that might happen soon, this one actually happened in this universe. You got to see your parents."

Spike just covered his ears, not wanting to relive what he saw. Darkness on the other hand, extended his arms into long ropes and grabbed his arms away from his ears.

"Now that we literally got that out of the way, I shall continue. You were an accident Spike, even at birth. Your father hated you from the moment you were born, and while your mother hated you less than your father, it wasn't by much. Both you're parents thought you were worthless, but only your mother didn't believe in killing younglings. But when she defended you from being killed by your father when he proposed the plan to kill you, he took it the wrong way and murdered her in cold blood, literally."

Spike was having trouble speaking due to sobbing from everything being said. "B-but I thought she loved me. She gave her life to defend me."

Darkness' smirk grew even bigger.

"That's where you're wrong Spike. She might have defended you, but that didn't mean she loved you. It was you that ruined both of their lives. It was you that sealed the fate of your mother and father.

When Darkness finished that sentence, he was enveloped in another light, only this time, it wasn't a pure white light, it was a dark light. Spike and Shooting Star could only watch in horror as he was enveloped in the dark light. It lasted for 15 seconds until he appeared in a completely different form, the form of someone Spike knew all too well.

Twilight Sparkle, at least a dark version of her.

"It's finally happening. The ritual for the prophecy of 800 years has finally begun."

Spike and Shooting Star stared in shock and horror as Darkness transformed into a dark version of Twilight Sparkle before their eyes. The implications of what they were witnessing sent shivers down their spines.

The dark Twilight Sparkle smirked wickedly at them, her eyes glowing with an eerie intensity. Spike's mind raced, trying to comprehend the significance of Darkness taking on the form of his closest friend, albeit in a twisted and malevolent way.

"What... what do you mean, the ritual for the prophecy?" Spike stammered, his voice quivering with fear and confusion.

The dark Twilight chuckled darkly, with Darkness' voice echoing with a chilling resonance that seemed to reverberate through the cavern.

"Ah, dear Spike, Shooting Star, you've stumbled into something far beyond your understanding,"

"Wait, why do you still have Darkness' voice?" Spike asked. "I thought that since you changed into Twilight, then you would have her voice as well."

"That would make me sound like a changeling. I am not that type of creature. I am one to spread fear to all of Equestria

The dark Twilight's response only deepened Spike and Shooting Star's sense of unease. The eerie combination of Twilight's appearance with Darkness's voice created a chilling aura that seemed to permeate the very air around them.

"What... what prophecy are you talking about?" Shooting Star asked, her voice trembling with apprehension.

The dark Twilight's smirk widened as she leaned in closer to them, her eyes gleaming with malice.

"You will know soon Spike. Now for the next part of the ritual, let me get some help."

Darkness then charged up her horn to bring in help. This included dark versions of Twilight's friends, the princesses and Shining Armor. They all surrounded Spike as Spike himself couldn't do anything but tremble in fear.

"Oh, and before I forget Spike, I'm afraid that I haven't been completely honest with you."

Spike looked at Dark Twilight, fear present in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

""I'm not you from an alternate universe, I never was. In truth, I am a being of darkness, insanity and evil. I was created by the mighty King Naeus himself, and my true name is... TIMOR!"

The revelation struck Spike like a bolt of lightning, sending a surge of terror coursing through his veins. The name "Timor" echoed in his mind, conjuring images of darkness and malevolence that chilled him to the core.

"Timor..." Spike whispered, his voice barely audible over the eerie silence that enveloped them.

The dark Twilight, or rather Timor, grinned wickedly at Spike's reaction, reveling in the fear and uncertainty that radiated from him and Shooting Star.

"Yes, Spike, I am Timor, the harbinger of chaos and despair. After King Naeus was defeated by Princess Celestia many centuries ago, I was created and sent out to finish his work."

Timor's voice dripped with malice. He chuckles again as his dark lackeys also did the same.

Spike's mind raced as he tried to make sense of the situation. Everything he thought he knew about Darkness, about Twilight, about the world around him, had been shattered in an instant. He felt a sense of betrayal and helplessness wash over him, knowing that they were now at the mercy of this malevolent entity.

With what little courage he had left, Spike said, "I may not be able to defeat you, but me and Shooting Star will find a way to stop you."

Timor had a deadpan look on his face, a look that said, 'are you serious buddy?'

"So confident words Spike, but it's really too bad that you got things all mixed up."

Timor then turned to the dark version of Pinkie Pie before saying, "Do it"

Dark Pinkie took her party cannon out of nowhere and shot cannonballs at Spike. It hit him and blasted him into a wall, earning a painful grunt from the small dragon.

"SPIKE!!" Shooting Star screamed as she tried to intervene, but couldn't because she was frozen in fear.

"Looks like you aren't going anywhere with that type of pain buddy."

"Stop, stop stop stop.. stop. Please don't hurt him, please don't hurt him, I-I" Shooting Star stammered.

Just then, Dark Cadence picked him up in her magic and said, "Oh, but I don't ever want to stop. His screams are like music to my ears, and his form is so helpless and tiny." She then used some type of dark magic to cause pain to Spike's entire body. Spike screamed a scream that reverberated across the entire cave. It scared Shooting Star ten fold in the process and she let out a wheezy squeak.

Dark Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Rarity stepped up the the injured dragon. Dark Rainbow Dash started, "What do you say girls, should we teach this lowly creature a lesson?" Dark Applejack and Rarity nodded and Dark Rarity used her magic to hold Spike down. Dark Applejack and Rainbow Dash then started beating him up and bruising him all over with Spike giving more pained grunts in response.

Shooting Star was crying. She wanted this to stop and for all of this to be a horrible dream. "I-I can't do anything. I can't move, to-too scared. I'm sorry, I'm sorry-y-y." She loudly sobbed.

Dark Celestia and Luna then stepped up to him, making him more terrified than he has ever been in his life.

"This monster should go back to where it came from, rot with the monsters."

"There's no need to be scared, he has gems of all kinds waiting for him.

"Spi-ike." Shooting Star continued crying as Dark Celestia and Luna unleashed on him what felt like the full power of the sun and moon on Spike, making him scream in total agony for 5 seconds.

They continued hurting and causing Spike pain for another minute until suddenly, a bright dark purple light shot up out of Spike and continued shooting up, causing holes in the cave ceiling until it shot into the sky of the Everfree Forest.

Timor was ecstatic. "AT LAST. AT LONG, LONG LAST. THE RITUAL IS DONE. THE PROPHECY OF 800 YEARS HAS COME TO PASS. MY PLAN IS FINALLY COMPLETE!!!"

Spike, still recovering from the onslaught of pain, gruntily said, "What happened? What did you just do?"

Timor turned to look at Spike and said happily, "I fulfilled the prophecy of 800 years. As we speak, that dark light you just emitted is turning into the biggest most massive abnormal blizzard you have ever seen. This Spike, is the final storm. A massive blizzard that will never stop until all life in Equestria is dead. That was my plan this entire time Spike. All life in Equestria will die in this blizzard, and you helped make it happen.

Spike's heart sank. Was this really all his fault?

Thank you Spike. If you never have come to my cave, then this would have never happened. You turned your back on those you love to come to me, even your own friends. Not really loyal of you."

Timor's horn then charged up with dark magic. "This, shall be your final scene."

Spike's eyes widened in horror.

"Magic. Think of it as mercy." Upon saying that, he unleashed a magic more powerful than chaos magic onto Spike. Spike took the full brunt of it and he fell unconsious from a pain overload.

Timor, along with his dark lackeys then shot up into the hole that was created by the dark light that shot out of Spike, leaving Spike and Shooting Star alone.

Author's Note

The name "Timor" actually means something in another language. Whoever guesses it first will get a recommendation from me.

True Friendship

After Timor and the rest of his dark lackeys left the cave and into the massive blizzard set to kill all life in Equestria, Shooting Star raced over to Spike's unconsious form, who lay motionless from the torture and pain Timor released on him.

"Spike, I'm so sorry. I should have helped but I didn't. I let the fear in my body keep me frozen and now you have to pay the price for it. All of Equestria has to pay the price for my fear. I'm so sorry." She said while she was sobbing. She held his head in her hooves as she continued saying, "Please don't die, I won't be able to forgive myself. Please stay, please please please."

Shooting Star's voice trembled with regret and desperation as she pleaded with Spike's unconscious form. The blizzard howled outside, its icy fingers clawing at the cave entrance, threatening to consume everything in its path. Lightning could even be seen and thunder could be heard. But inside, amidst the cold darkness, there was only the faint flicker of hope clinging to Spike's fragile existence.

Shooting Star's tears mingled with Spike's stillness, her heart heavy with guilt and fear. In the dimness of the cave, she felt the weight of her decisions pressing down on her, the echoes of Timor's menacing laughter still haunting her mind.

But as she gazed at Spike's face, battered and bruised yet still somehow resilient, a glimmer of determination sparked within her. She couldn't change the past, couldn't undo the mistakes she had made, but she could choose to fight for the future.

With trembling hooves, she began to softly sing a lullaby, a melody of comfort and hope passed down through centuries and generations. As her voice filled the cave, weaving through the darkness and pain, she felt a warmth growing within her, a flicker of magic that seemed to resonate with the very essence of Equestria itself.

She took a deep breath before continuing the lullaby.

If bad things happen
Know that I'll be by your side
Through the stormy nights
I'll be with you through your darkest fears
Monsters, blizzards, I'll be with you still
You are my light
In endless night
I'll hold you close
Till the morning light

Outside, the blizzard raged on, but within the cave, a different kind of storm was stirring. With each note of the lullaby, Shooting Star poured her love and her strength into Spike, refusing to let him slip away.

Shooting Star's voice echoed in the cavern, a beacon of hope amidst the howling winds of the blizzard. As she sang, a faint glow began to emanate from Spike's form, a sign that her words were reaching him, stirring something deep within his unconscious mind.

Slowly, Spike began to stir, his eyelids fluttering as if trying to break free from the darkness that enveloped him. With each verse of the lullaby, his breathing steadied, and color returned to his cheeks.

The warmth of Shooting Star's song wrapped around Spike like a protective blanket, guiding him back from the brink of unconsciousness. As he struggled against the darkness, her voice became his beacon, leading him through the shadows towards the light.

With a soft groan, Spike's eyes fluttered open, his gaze meeting Shooting Star's with a mixture of confusion and relief. He could feel her presence, her unwavering love, anchoring him to the world.

"Shooting Star..." His voice was barely a whisper, hoarse from the ordeal he had endured. "You... you saved me."

A weak smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he reached out a trembling claw, grasping her hoof with a feeble strength. Shooting Star just put her other hoof on top of his claw and nuzzled his head. In that moment, amidst the chaos of the blizzard and the lingering echoes of Timor's cruelty, there was only the two of them, bound together by a bond that transcended words.

"Although I may ask, where did you hear that song?" Spike asked her.

"Oh that? That lullaby was a song that my family used for centuries, if not a full millennia."

"I know that song because it was in one of my dreams last night." Spike said.

Shooting Star raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Yeah, it was a nice song. And, you have a really beautiful singing voice Shooting Star. You should sing again sometime." Spike suggested. Shooting Star turned away red faced and embarrassed.

"Oh, i-it was no-nothing. You do-don't have to compliment me about it." Shooting Star's cheeks flushed even brighter at Spike's compliment, her heart fluttering with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude. "But thank you anyway, Spike," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll... I'll keep that in mind."

Spike smiled at her, but the smile doesn't last long as the smile turns into a frown. "But all I can do is hope that there will be a next time. That blizzard won't stop until all life in Equestria is dead."

As Spike's smile faded into a frown, his words hung heavy in the air, a reminder of the impending threat lurking just beyond the cave's entrance. Shooting Star felt a shiver run down her spine, the weight of the blizzard's fury pressing down on her shoulders. The reality of their situation loomed large, casting a shadow over their fragile moment of reprieve. Shooting Star's gaze drifted towards the cave entrance, where the blizzard raged with unchecked ferocity, with thunder and lightning mixed into the fray, threatening to devour everything in its path.

"We can't stay here," she said, her voice tinged with urgency. "We have to find a way to stop the blizzard, to save Equestria."

Spike nodded, his expression grave. "But how? Timor and his minions are out there, unleashing this storm with dark magic we can barely comprehend."

Shooting Star's mind raced as she considered their options. "We can't face them alone, that much is clear. But perhaps... perhaps we can rally the ponies of Equestria, unite them against this common threat."

Spike's eyes widened with hope. "You mean... gather the Elements of Harmony?"

"Kind of, do you still have that paper with the circles, lines and letters Spike?" she asked.

Spike nodded and he took out the piece of paper and gave it to Shooting Star. She examined it and her eyes widened.

"This is telling us something Spike, and these letters mean something."

Spike raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you think these letters mean?"

Shooting Star gave the paper back to Spike and told him, " You just need to think about it. When did all of these letters appear on this piece of paper?"

Spike was confused. "Well, they just appeared in a beam of light."

"That was 'how' they appeared," Shooting Star emphasized the word 'how', "But you need to think about 'when' they appeared."

As Spike pondered Shooting Star's question, his brow furrowed in concentration. He retraced the events in his mind, trying to pinpoint the moment when the letters appeared on the paper. Suddenly, realization dawned on him.

"They appeared when I did something nice to somepony in Ponyville," Spike said slowly, the pieces clicking into place. "I forgave you when you bumped into me when we first met, I saved Ponyville twice from those wild beasts first yesterday and then earlier today I saved Ponyville from black ooze type mounds."

Shooting Star's eyes lit up with understanding as Spike made the connection. "Exactly! The appearance of those letters seems to be tied to acts of kindness and bravery. It's like a message, a guide to unlocking some sort of power or solution."

Spike nodded, the significance of their discovery sinking in. "I think I know what these letters mean. The K appeared when I showed kindness to you after you bumped into me. The M appeared after I defeated those wild beasts with my fire breath and saved Ponyville. The G appeared after I gave my last diamond to Lyra so she could use it to trade in for bits so she could buy her marefriend something for Hearths Warming. The LA appeared after I saved the town from those black ooze mounds because me and Derpy laughed them away. The H appeared after I told you what I was going to leave Ponyville when we talked at the stage watching others sing traditional Hearths Warming carols."

Shooting Star listened intently, her mind racing with possibilities. "So, if we follow this pattern, the letters seem to represent different virtues or actions. K for kindness, M for magic, G for generosity, LA for laughter, and H for honesty."

Spike's knew what they were both thinking, but he still had some doubts. "I think I might know what's happening, but I don't even know if it's possible."

"What's on your mind Spike?"

"Based on what these letters told me, I might be a wielder of all 6 elements of harmony. I don't think that's possible though, because Twilight and her friends are the wielders of the elements so how can I be the wielders of all 6 of them?" Spike spoke with uncertainty.

Shooting Star thought for a bit until it clicked on her. "I may not know a lot about you or Twilight and her friends, but I can believe that you're some type of glue that keeps them together. I think you've been the one to help them after they feel like giving up."

Then another thing clicked in Spike's mind. Something Timor told him a few nights ago in his dream.

"Solve the riddle I will give you over the next few days. 'I am a glue, but I don't stick. 2 different creatures will create me. I am 6 gems, but I can't eat them. When all hope seems lost, I rise up and defeat evil.' What am I?"

As Spike reflected on Timor's cryptic riddle, a sense of clarity washed over him. He realized that perhaps his role in Equestria was more significant than he had ever imagined. He wasn't just Twilight's faithful assistant; he was a vital part of the harmony that bound their friendship together.

Shooting Star watched Spike's expression shift from uncertainty to determination, a flicker of hope igniting within his eyes. She could see that he was starting to believe in his own potential, in the possibility that he held a power greater than he had ever dreamed.

"The 'I am a glue but I don't stick' must mean that I keep harmony itself together like glue. The '2 different creatures will create me' must refer the the both of us. The 'I am 6 gems, but I can't eat them' must refer to the elements of harmony themselves and the 'when all hope seems lost, I rise up and defeat evil' part must refer to me rising up and defeating Timor. That's it, that's the answer to the riddle. I am 'the glue of harmony'."

Shooting Star's eyes widened in awe as Spike unraveled the mystery of Timor's riddle. The pieces fell into place with a clarity that sent shivers down her spine. It was as if the very fabric of destiny was weaving itself before their eyes, revealing Spike's true purpose in the tapestry of Equestria's fate.

"That's it, Spike!" Shooting Star exclaimed, her voice filled with admiration and excitement. "You are the glue of harmony, the one who binds us all together in times of need. You possess the strength and the spirit to rise up against evil and restore balance to our world."

Spike's chest swelled with pride and determination as he embraced his newfound identity. "I may not have wings or magic like Twilight and her friends, but I have something just as powerful: the power of friendship, the power to unite and inspire others to stand against darkness." Spike said happily, but then he realized something crucial and he frowned.

Shooting Star saw this and asked with concern, "Spike, what's wrong?"

Spike sighed. "I just realized that we still don't have the element of loyalty here because of my actions. I left Ponyville with selfish desires, not caring who I would affect in the process. You and everyone else must hate me for that."

At this, Shooting Star just shook her head and gave her a hug like the first hug she ever gave him. "Spike the dragon, you stop right there. No one will ever hate you. I will never hate you. You saved my life when I met you." She sighed and her face turned serious. "I never told anyone this, but I was planning to take my own life because I wasn't happy ever since my parents died and Hearths Warming just taunts me. You gave me hope for the first time in years."

Spike was conflicted now. Should he still leave after defeating Timor, or should he stay around and keep that hope alive for Shooting Star? He knew what true friendship was, so he made a decision quite easily.

He sighed and sighed. "Oh, I can't leave Ponyville or you."

Shooting Star was surprised about this. "Are you sure Spike? You were leaving because you were being treated horribly by Twilight and her friends."

"I was mainly leaving because I thought I didn't have any friends in Ponyville. I thought I didn't have anypony to laugh or play with, I thought I didn't have a shoulder or chest to cry on when I'm having a bad day. Now I have you Shooting Star." Spike smiled warmly. "You are a true friend to me, we have a true friendship and true friends are worth suffering for."

This warmed Shooting Star's heart so much that she started crying tears of happiness. "I'm so glad to have met you Spike. You're a true friend to me too." She said while her and Spike embraced tightly.

Just then, Spike's and Shooting Star's eyes glowed a pure white as they both emitted a fiery pink light from their chests. It shot straight up until it was just below the clearing of the hole Timor made. Spike and Shooting Star were in awe as the fiery pink light turned into a heart shape as a small wave of energy was emitted from it, before turning into a full on heart of pink fire.

Spike was still in awe as he tried saying, "That.. That is... It's"

Shooting Star on the other hand, was ecstatic. "DEAR CELESTIA, IT'S THE FIRE OF FRIENDSHIP!! WE CREATED THE FIRE OF FRIENDSHIP FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE EQUESTRIA WAS FOUNDED!!!"

Their thoughts were interruped when the howling wind of the blizzard blew into the cave. They could also hear thunder and lightning.

"The fire of friendship was created when the founders of Equestria came to like each other and stopped the windigos the first time. The fire of friendship didn't stop Timor's blizzarding thundersnow, as I say because there is thunder and lightning too for some reason, so he's stronger than immortal god like creatures. We still need to stop the blizzard ourselves." Spike said with determination.

Spike's determination echoed through the cave, his words a beacon of resolve amidst the chaos of the blizzard. Shooting Star nodded in agreement, her eyes alight with determination.

"You're right, Spike. It's up to us to harness the magic of the elements and stop Timor's rampage." She clenched her hooves, her gaze steely. "We won't let him destroy Equestria, not while we still have a fighting chance."

Spike and Shooting Star gave each other a determined smile before looking up at the clearing.

Spike spoke up. "Shooting Star, since you have wings and can fly, can you pick me up and fly through that clearing above us?"

"I'll try, but it might be a bit hard." With that, she picked up Spike and flew through the clearing, ready to face Timor and especially the blizzard.

Author's Note

Well, it looks like the riddle has been solved

The Great Chase

After a few tries, Spike and Shooting Star made it through the clearing. Upon making it through, they were met with the full force of the blizzard's fury. The wind whipped around them, biting at their skin with icy claws, while the thunder and lightning crashed and flashed overhead, illuminating the darkened sky with jagged bursts of light.

Shooting Star panted, "I finally made it through the hole in the cave, after a few tries of course."

"You did a good job Shooting Star. I just hope I wasn't too heavy for you." Spike said

"You were just a teeny tiny little bit heavy, but it was barely a hinderance in my flight."

Spike chuckled. "Well, I'll try to shed a few pounds next time."

Shooting Star smiled, her determination unwavering despite the fierce storm raging around them. "Let's focus on the task at hand, Spike. We need to find Timor and put an end to this blizzard before it's too late."

Spike nodded, scanning the swirling snow and darkness ahead. "Right. We need to find where Timor is controlling this storm from."

Spike and Shooting Star looked around them to look for any clues to where Timor might be. A minute later, they saw to the west towards where they came from, a giant dark snow tornado.

As Spike and Shooting Star looked towards the west, their hearts sank at the sight of the massive dark snow tornado twisting and churning ominously in the distance. It seemed to stretch up to the heavens, a swirling vortex of darkness and chaos that threatened to engulf everything in its path.

"That must be where Timor is," Spike said grimly, his eyes fixed on the swirling mass of blackened snow. "He's using his dark magic to control the blizzard from within that tornado."

Shooting Star's wings fluttered nervously as she gazed at the imposing sight before them. "But how are we supposed to get to him? That tornado looks... well, terrifying."

"I'm pretty sure we'll find a way. As long as we're together, we can overcome any obstacle. Besides, I believe I know where the exact location that Timor is at right now."

"Where might that be Spike?"

"He's at the castle of the 2 sisters."

Shooting Star didn't say anything, so Spike turned around and saw that Shooting Star's eyes were small like pinpricks.

"Shooting Star?" he asked.

Shooting Star jumped up and down in excitement. "We get to go to the castle of the 2 sisters. WE GET TO GO TO THE CASTLE OF THE 2 SISTERS! I ALWAYS WANTED TO GO THERE AND NOW WE DO!!" Shooting Star then calmed down and stopped jumping around. "I just wish it was on better circumstances."

"Me too, but after Timor is defeated, We can go there and just explore the place without all life in Equestria being on the line." Spike told her.

"I would definitely like that." With that, Spike and Shooting Star made their way down the cliff and back into the forest just as lightning illuminated the sky for a fraction of a second and saw the trees blowing around at a rapid speed.

Spike and Shooting Star pressed forward, their determination unshaken despite the ferocity of the blizzard. The howling wind whipped at their faces, stinging their skin with icy needles, but they pressed on, their hearts set on their mission to stop Timor and save Equestria.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, the trees groaned and swayed under the force of the blizzard, their branches creaking ominously in the wind. The ground beneath their hooves was blanketed in thick layers of snow, making each step a struggle against the biting cold.

"Shooting Star, do you think that some of these branches might fall down on us as we continue walking?" Spike asked with a little bit of worry.

Shooting Star also had a look of worry on her face. "I don't know Spike, but we still need to be cautious around these trees. Who knows when one will just fall without warning."

"No argument from me." With that, they just continued venturing through the forest, hoping to get to the castle before the blizzard gets any worse.

Meanwhile with Timor still in his Twilight Sparkle form, he stood at the heart of the swirling snow tornado in the castle of the 2 sisters, his dark cloak billowing around him as he channeled his magic to control the blizzard. His eyes glowed with an eerie light as he focused his power, a sinister grin curling upon his lips.

"Ah, the power of the final storm," Timor murmured, his voice carrying on the icy wind. "Such raw, untamed energy at my fingertips. With this blizzard, I shall bring Equestria to its knees."

He raised his hooves, commanding the winds to howl louder and the snow to fall thicker, intensifying the storm's fury. But even as he reveled in his dark magic, a nagging feeling tugged at the edges of his consciousness, a sense of unease that he couldn't quite shake.

"What is this?" Timor muttered, furrowing his brow as he felt a disturbance in the magical currents surrounding him. "Someone dares to challenge me?"

With a flick of his wrist, Timor sent a blast of dark energy shooting out into the blizzard, searching for the source of the interference. And there, in the midst of the swirling snowflakes, he caught a glimpse of two figures pressing forward against the storm.

"Spike and Shooting Star," Timor growled, his eyes narrowing with disdain. "So, they survived my attack and now they dare to oppose me again. Those 2 are quite a persistent pair if they can make it through my illusions, survive the absolute brutal beating I gave them both and making it through the blizzard as we speak. No matter. I shall crush them like insects beneath my hoof."

He charged up his horn and spawned in all his dark lackeys, such as all the dark princesses, the dark elements of harmony, and Dark Shining Armor. "Minions, Spike and his pegasus friend are coming to this castle as we speak. I believe you all know what to do, but I'll say anyway. Chase after them and take them out." His dark lackeys laughed maniacally before they bolted out into the blizzard, ready to take out the 2 heroes.

"Good luck getting past my minions Spike." He then gave out an evil chuckle before sitting on his throne.

Spike and Shooting Star pressed onward, unaware of the dark forces Timor had unleashed to thwart their advance. The blizzard raged around them with increasing intensity, but their determination burned bright as they neared the castle of the two sisters.

It was still another 30 minutes until they approached the looming structure, but they still journeyed on. Suddenly a sudden movement caught Spike's eye. He turned just in time to see a horde of dark figures emerging from the swirling snow, their menacing forms illuminated by flashes of lightning.

Spike's heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation. The dark minions of Timor were upon them, ready to strike at any moment. But he refused to let fear paralyze him. With a resolute expression, he turned to Shooting Star.

"Shooting Star, we've got company," he said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "We need to be ready for anything."

Shooting Star looked to where Spike was looking at, and her heart sank too as she realized that they have to get away from Timor's lackeys and to the castle before the blizzard and Timor's lackeys finish them off first.

With the dark minions closing in and the blizzard raging around them, Spike and Shooting Star knew they had to act fast.

"Shooting Star, we need to make a run for it. Stick close to me and we can get to the castle together.

Shooting Star nodded, her wings buzzing with nervous energy as they broke into a sprint towards the looming silhouette of the castle. The dark minions pursued them relentlessly, their sinister laughter echoing through the storm as they closed in on their prey.

They continued running for a minute and a half before they looked behind them and saw that there was nothing behind them.

"I don't see any of Timor's minions behind us anymore, but I know what villains can do in the dark. We need to be on the lookout for anything suspicious." Spike explained. Shooting Star nodded and they continued walking, keeping their guards up for Timor's lackeys.

As Spike and Shooting Star continued their approach to the castle, they remained vigilant, knowing that Timor's minions could be lurking anywhere, ready to ambush them at a moment's notice. The swirling snow and darkness made it difficult to see, but they pressed on, their senses alert for any sign of danger.

Just then, Spike saw a circle of yellow light shining in the distance. It kept getting bigger and bigger until they saw that it wasn't a regular light. It was a magic beam that was ready to kill them both. Spike grabbed Shooting Star and pushed her down along with himself, and the beam shot over them and into a nearby tree, where it exploded and completely destroyed the tree. Spike and Shooting Star ran just in time and they weren't hit by any shards of wood. Afterwards, Dark Celestia spawned in front of them.

"You did some good dodging against my beam of magic, but lets see if you can get away from all of us." After saying that, all of Timor's dark lackeys appeared in front of Spike and Shooting Star. They laughed maniacally and disappeared into the dark blizzard. Lightning crackled again but this time, it illiminated the sky and the forest for a few seconds before thunder roared loudly.

Spike and Shooting Star stood firm, their hearts pounding with adrenaline as they faced the onslaught of Timor's dark minions. Despite the odds stacked against them, they refused to back down, their determination burning brighter than ever in the face of danger.

"We can't let them stop us," Spike said through gritted teeth, his eyes locked on the shifting shadows around them. "We have to keep moving forward."

Shooting Star nodded, her wings buzzing with nervous energy. "Right. Let's show them what we're made of."

With renewed resolve, Spike and Shooting Star braced themselves as they darted through the swirling snow, dodging blasts of dark magic and evading the relentless pursuit of Timor's minions. Every step was a battle against the biting cold and the oppressive darkness, but they pressed on, their spirits unbroken despite the chaos around them.

Dark Pinkie Pie broke through the ground and aimed her cannon at Spike and Shooting Star. The cannonball shot at them, but they were able to dodge it in time and the cannonball hit Dark Fluttershy who was attempting to use her death stare on them. She was knocked out for the count, so Spike and Shooting Star pressed on.

After facing Dark Pinkie Pie, Spike and Shooting Star continued running until Dark Shining Armor smashed through one of the trees close to them. They managed to get out of the way before Dark Shining killed them. What the dark captain didn't know was that the tree was going to fall on him. Spike and Shooting Star watched as the tree fell onto Dark Shining Armor, knocking him out for the count.

However, Spike and Shooting Star didn't realize a fast blue blur coming right at them. Without warning, Dark Rainbow Dash hit Spike and knocked him into a nearby tree. She landed on the ground and started laughing cockily, HA. Try and get up from that, dragon."

Shooting Star did not like that at all, so she bolted towards Dark Rainbow Dash and tackled her to the ground. She punched her with such force and such speed that it knocked her out after a couple of punches. Spike was in awe at the spectacle.

"Ho... Wha... Yo..." Shooting Star went over to Spike to make sure he was ok and saw the look of awe on his face before saying,

"You help you father become a royal guard, you pick up a thing or 2."

"Note to self: Never piss off Shooting Star if you value your life." Spike thought in his head.

Spike chuckled weakly, rubbing his sore shoulder where Dark Rainbow Dash had struck him. As they caught their breath, Spike and Shooting Star knew they couldn't linger for long. The sounds of battle still echoed through the forest, and they could sense that more of Timor's minions would be closing in soon.

"We need to keep moving," Spike said, his voice determined. "We're getting closer to the castle, but we can't let our guard down just yet."

Shooting Star nodded, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger. "Agreed. Let's stay focused and keep pushing forward."

They ran towards the castle when they were stopped by Dark Rarity and Dark Applejack. Dark Applejack bucked trees so hard that it made branches fall down on Spike and Shooting Star. Luckily, they were able to dodge them before the branches fell on them. They continued dodging trees and getting closer to the castle, but one of the branches scraped Shooting Star's side and causing a big cut on it.

"Only one cut was dealt? That is so uncouth, there needs to be more." Dark Rarity laughed with Dark Applejack following suit. Spike just got angry hearing them laugh. He sprinted to them and tackled Rarity.

"You think that's uncouth? Take this as uncouth." Spike then started punching her, clawing her, and after 2 minutes, he knocked her out. "You say you're the element of generosity but you're actually nothing but a greedy coward."

Spikes turned to look at Dark Applejack, only to find her knocked out too. He looked at Shooting Star and gave her a questioning look.

"While you were taking out of the dark white unicorn, I took out the orange pony attacking us. You're welcome, and no need to thank me."

"Ok." They started running towards the castle until they hit a spell like wall. It was then the most powerful of Timor's minions appeared in front of them, Dark Celestia, Dark Luna and Dark Cadence. The air crackled with dark energy as the trio of dark princesses stood before them, their eyes gleaming with malice.

Spike gritted his teeth, his determination unwavering despite the overwhelming odds. "We can't let them stop us," he said firmly, his gaze locked on the imposing figures before them. "We have to find a way past them and put an end to Timor's reign of terror."

Shooting Star nodded, her wings buzzing with nervous energy. "Right. Let's give it everything we've got."

With that, Spike and Shooting Star braced themselves for the battle ahead. Dark Celestia, Dark Luna, and Dark Cadence advanced towards them, their dark magic swirling around them like a malevolent aura.

"Prepare to meet your doom, Spike and Shooting Star," Dark Celestia said, her voice dripping with venom. "You may have come this far, but you shall go no further."

Shooting Star spread her wings, her eyes blazing with determination as she readied herself for battle. "We won't let Timor win," she declared, her voice ringing out with defiance. "Equestria will prevail, no matter what."

With a battle cry, Spike and Shooting Star launched themselves into the fray, facing off against Dark Celestia, Dark Luna, and Dark Cadence with all the bravery and determination they could muster. The clash of magic echoed through the air as spells and projectiles flew back and forth, each side locked in a fierce struggle for victory.

Despite the overwhelming power of their adversaries, Spike and Shooting Star fought with all their might, refusing to back down in the face of adversity. With each spell cast and each blow struck, they drew upon their inner strength and resilience, pushing themselves to their limits in their quest to save Equestria from darkness.

As the battle raged on, Spike and Shooting Star found themselves locked in a desperate struggle against their formidable foes. Dark Celestia's dark sun magic crackled through the air, while Dark Luna's shadows danced menacingly around them. Dark Cadence's illusions of love and friendship twisted and warped reality itself, testing Spike and Shooting Star's resolve to its very core.

But through sheer determination and unwavering courage, Spike and Shooting Star continued to press forward, their spirits unbroken despite the relentless assault of the dark princesses. With each passing moment, they drew closer to victory, their hearts set on putting an end to the blizzard and defeating Timor once and for all.

The battle between Spike, Shooting Star, and the dark princesses raged on, each side unleashing their most powerful spells and tactics in a desperate bid for victory. Spike and Shooting Star fought with all their strength and skill, their determination unwavering as they faced the overwhelming might of Dark Celestia, Dark Luna, and Dark Cadence.

Despite the ferocity of the battle, Spike and Shooting Star refused to yield, drawing upon their bond of friendship and their unwavering belief in the power of good to guide them through the darkness. With every spell dodged, every blow blocked, they inched closer and closer to their goal of defeating Timor and ending the blizzard that threatened Equestria.

The air crackled with magic as Spike and Shooting Star launched a coordinated assault against their foes, their movements fluid and precise as they worked together to overcome the dark forces arrayed against them. With each spell cast and each attack landed, they chipped away at the defenses of Dark Celestia, Dark Luna, and Dark Cadence, weakening their grip on the battlefield with every passing moment. They were all tired. Spike and Shooting Star knew that too. Dark Celestia, Dark Luna and Dark Cadence used up almost all of their magic, so they fell to the ground and tried to catch their breaths. Spike and Shooting Star didn't let this happen as Shooting Star punched them with lots of ferocity while Spike incinerated them with his fire breath soon after.

"Don't you think that was a little much Spike?" Shooting Star asked.

"No, they gave us a really hard time and they were weak after a few attacks against us so I could do it. Besides, this blizzard is getting stronger and stronger by the second. We need to get into the castle and confront Timor before all of Equestria pays the price for it."

Shooting Star agreed before rushing into the dark tornado that held the castle of the 2 sisters and in it, Timor. Once they got in, another flash of lightning and roll of thunder filled the sky.

Author's Note

We're getting close to the end everyone. Are you excited?

The Glue of Harmony

Spike and Shooting Star braced themselves as they entered the dark tornado that surrounded the castle of the two sisters, their hearts pounding with anticipation and determination. The swirling winds whipped around them, threatening to tear them apart, but they pressed on, their eyes fixed on their ultimate goal: confronting Timor and putting an end to the blizzard once and for all.

"Phew, we finally made it out of the blizzard and into the castle. We're safe for now." Spike said, but he got no response. "Shooting Star?" he asked but still no response. He looked around and after some looking, he found her staring at nothing in a look of awe.

"I can't believe I'm actually here, I'm actually in the actual castle of the 2 sisters." She said with glee

"Well, Timor is somewhere is this castle, using some dark magic to control this blizzard, but where do you think he might be?" Spike asked, and that was when he heard some angry roaring.

"RAAAWWWWGGGHHH, THOSE FOOLS HAD ONE FAUST DAMNED JOB, BUT THEY COULDN'T EVEN GET THAT RIGHT!!! YOU GUYS ARE TOTAL FAILIURES!!"

Spike and Shooting Star exchanged nervous glances, their determination strengthening in the face of Timor's anger echoing through the castle halls.

"I think we found him," Shooting Star whispered, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Spike nodded. "He is most likely in the old throne room. Let's proceed carefully. We don't want to alert him before we're ready."

Spike and Shooting Star moved cautiously through the corridors of the castle, their steps muffled by the thick layer of dust that coated the ancient stone floors. Distant lightning and thunder could still be heard in the castle. As they approached the old throne room, the air grew heavier with a palpable sense of dark energy.

"Be on your guard," Spike murmured, his eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. "Timor is powerful, but we can't let fear cloud our judgment."

"Right, so I'm pretty sure you know where the throne room is so go ahead and lead the way." Shooting Star whispered.

So Spike led Shooting Star down the corridor they were in at that current moment, before taking a left down another corridor. After leaving that corridor, they arrived in a large room that had lots of tapestries, a long rug that led to 2 run down thrones. In the blue throne stood the one responsible for their pain induced night. It was Timor still in his Twilight Sparkle form.

"Well, now you're finally here. Those idiots couldn't even stop you guys so I guess I have to take you out myself."

Timor's voice echoed ominously through the throne room, sending shivers down Spike and Shooting Star's spines. Despite the fear creeping into their hearts, they stood tall, their determination unwavering.

"You may have caused this blizzard, Timor, but we won't let you continue to terrorize Equestria," Spike declared, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.

Shooting Star stepped forward, her gaze locked on Timor. "You've hurt innocent ponies and endangered lives with your twisted magic. It ends here and now."

"I just need to speak an enchantment, and then we can get this over with and then I will turn your little bodies into corpses, my little creatures." And with that, his eyes glowed even brighter than before and he spoke in a mysterious language that neither Spike nor Shooting Star has ever heard before.

"⏚⌰⟟⋉⋉⏃⍀⎅ ⏚⌰⟟⋉⋉⏃⍀⎅, ⌇⌿⟒⏃☍ ⏁⍜ ⋔⟒. ☌⟟⎐⟒ ⊬⍜⎍⍀ ⌿⍜⍙⟒⍀ ⎍⌿ ⏁⍜ ⏁⊑⟒⟒. ⟒⍾⎍⟒⌇⏁⍀⟟⏃ ⍙⟟⌰⌰ ⌇⍜⍜⋏ ⏚⟒ ⎅⟒⏃⎅, ⏃⋏⎅ ⏁⊑⟒⋏ ⟟'⌰⌰ ⊑⏃⎐⟒ ⟒⎐⟒⍀⊬⍜⋏⟒'⌇ ⊑⟒⏃⎅." After he spoke this enchantment, it felt like everything was changing. 9 beams of dark energy were approaching Timor before directly going into his body. It lifted him up a few feet off the ground and almost all of the dark energy in those beams were coming into him.

As the beams of dark energy converged on Timor, Spike and Shooting Star braced themselves, ready to face whatever twisted power he would unleash. But instead of attacking them, the energy seemed to be absorbed into Timor, enveloping him in a dark aura that crackled with malevolent power.

Spike narrowed his eyes, his instincts telling him that this was a dangerous development. "What's he doing?!" he whispered to Shooting Star, his voice tinged with concern.

Shooting Star watched with a mix of apprehension and curiosity as Timor floated above the ground, surrounded by the swirling dark energy. "I'm not sure," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But whatever it is, it can't be good."

After 15 seconds, the beams of dark energy stopped going into Timor. He looked at Spike and Shooting Star and gave them this biggest maniacal smile they both had ever seen.

"I just absorbed the spirits of my minions and part of the blizzard itself. The blizzard is still going strong and will last for a long time, don't you worry about that, but now I am truly more powerful than you would ever hope to be." he spoke in a terrifying tone before cackling maniacally.

Spike and Shooting Star exchanged a concerned glance as Timor's laughter echoed through the throne room, his newfound power radiating off him like a suffocating aura. Despite the gravity of the situation, Spike's resolve remained firm.

"We may not be as powerful as you, Timor, but we have something you'll never understand: friendship and the magic of harmony," Spike declared, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at his insides.

"Well that is just ridiculous. You aren't even one single element of harmony. How can you ever hope to defeat me?

Spike and Shooting Star stood their ground, undeterred by Timor's mocking words. Shooting Star stepped forward, her eyes blazing with determination.

"You may have power, Timor, but you lack the one thing that truly makes someone strong: empathy and compassion. You've hurt innocent creatures and caused suffering without remorse. You may be right, we may not be elements of harmony, but we stand here united, fueled by our belief in the power of friendship and harmony."

Spike nodded in agreement, his gaze unwavering. "Together, we'll overcome any obstacle, no matter how powerful you think you are. Because the bonds we share are stronger than any dark magic you can wield."

Timor's laughter subsided, replaced by a look of disdain.

"You're both fools if you think your friendship can defeat me. I am the master of darkness, and nothing you do can change that." Timor started shooting out a big beam of dark magic, but Spike interfered with the beam with his own fire breath.

As Spike intercepted Timor's dark magic with his fiery breath, Shooting Star took advantage of the distraction, swiftly using her wings to fly up to Timor and punching him out of the throne he sat upon.

With a resounding thud, Timor crashed to the ground, his dark aura flickering momentarily before stabilizing once more. He glared up at Shooting Star, his eyes burning with rage.

"You dare to challenge me?!" he snarled, his voice dripping with venom.

Shooting Star stood tall, her wings spread wide as she faced Timor with unwavering resolve. "I dare, because I believe in the power of goodness and light. And I won't let your darkness consume this world."

Spike joined Shooting Star, standing by her side as they faced down Timor together. "You may be powerful, Timor, but you underestimate the strength of those who fight for what's right," Spike declared, his voice steady and determined.

Timor staggered to his hooves, his expression twisted with fury. But then that fury turned into a smirk.

"Well Spike, you should see how happy Twilight and her friends are without you." He then charged up his horn and conjured up a screen showing the Hearths Warming party at the Crystal Empire. It showed Twilight laughing with the princesses and Shining Armor about some type of funny thing. It then showed the rest of Twilights friends eating a banquet of foods from the royal kitchen, saying how Spike should have been there, saying that he would love the party.

Spike started to get sad. He saw how much fun they were having without him, and he wished he was there as well. Timor on the other hand, took advantage of this moment of sadness and charged at him. Spike didn't see this in time and he was headbutted very far into the back wall of the throne room. How does it feel that you are a hero of an entire empire, yet you aren’t even treated like one, let alone invited back to said empire you saved?

As Spike crashed into the back wall, Shooting Star reacted quickly, diving towards Timor with a fierce determination. She tackled him with all her might, knocking him off balance and sending him sprawling across the dusty floor.

"Spike, are you okay?" Shooting Star called out, concern evident in her voice as she rushed over to where Spike lay, still dazed from the impact.

Spike groaned, slowly pushing himself up onto his feet. "I'm... I'm okay," he replied, shaking his head to clear away the fog of pain. "But we need to focus. Timor won't hesitate to attack again." But just as soon as he said this, Timor tackled her to the ground and started beating her up. Timor was much stronger than Shooting Star, so he was able to knock her out quite easily.

As Timor relentlessly attacked Shooting Star, Spike's heart pounded with fear and urgency. He couldn't let his friend be harmed any further. Summoning all his strength and courage, Spike charged forward, leaping onto Timor's back and digging his claws into the dark unicorn's flesh.

"Get off me, you insignificant pest!" Timor snarled, trying to shake Spike loose, but the young dragon held on with all his might.

Spike's determination burned bright as he struggled to pry Timor away from Shooting Star. With a mighty heave, Spike managed to pull Timor off her, sending the dark unicorn crashing to the ground.

Gasping for breath, Spike quickly checked on Shooting Star, only to find her unconsious. Spike glared and charged at Timor. Timor saw this and shot a beam that knocked Spike back and to the floor. He tried to get up, but Timor had other plans. He pinned Spike down with his hooves, leaving Spike defenseless. Spike stared up at Timor scared, only seeing his eyes until a flash of lightning illuminated the room and for a fraction of a second, Spike could see the rest of Timor's face.

"Spike the brave and glorious, reduced to this. You know, you have been a nuisance to me all night, so it would be just glorious for me if I could just kill you right here, right now. I won't do that though, because I have another idea."

"What is that?" Spike asked.

"You're fighting your emotions back Spike. You don't need to do that anymore. Come into my embrace. I will make sure you get the happiness you deserve. You won't feel anymore sadness. You won't have to be neglected anymore. You can stay by my side and you will feel happy for a long time."

Timor's words sent a chill down Spike's spine. The offer of eternal happiness sounded tempting, especially in his current state of despair and loneliness. But deep down, Spike knew that giving in to Timor's offer would mean abandoning everything he believed in, betraying his friends, and succumbing to darkness.

"Your offer sounds tempting Timor, especially in my time of sadness and need, but there's one thing I have right now that already makes me happier than before. I have true friends Timor."

At this, Timor was confused. "Wait, what?"

"I have true friends Timor. I have Shooting Star. I have Derpy and the Doctor. This may be a bit of a stretch, but I have Lyra too. I was going to leave Ponyville on this very night to quench my own desires, but I didn't think about what they all would think if I left. I'm now staying in ponyville with my actual friends."

Timor was more confused. "What about Twilight and the others. You'll still suffer at their hooves."

"You're right Timor, if I stay in Ponyville, then I will continue to suffer by Twilight and her friends. However, since I have true friends now, it won't be so bad since I can go to them if I have a bad day or a good day. As I already told Shooting Star in the cave a few hours ago, true friends are worth suffering for, and even now, I will never leave them hanging."

Just then, a bright white light engulfed Spike as he rose off the ground. A blast of energy from the light slightly pushed Timor back, but mainly, it made him revert back to his normal dark baby dragon form. As Spike looked down at Timor, he saw a look on his face that he never showed before. It was the look of true, genuine fear.

"No, this isn't possible. You're not an element of harmony." Timor was in true fear now.

"You're right Timor, I'm not an element of harmony. These past few days and the trials I endured showed me that I'm really, all of them." Just then, 6 gems began to surround Spike. These were the elements of Harmony. Timor tried to stop this, but he was frozen in fear, like he knew what was about to happen.

"I showed kindness to Shooting Star and forgiving her when she flew into me." The element of kindness started to glow.

"I showed magic when defeating your beasts." The element of magic started to glow too.

"I showed generosity when giving my last diamond to Lyra so she can buy her marefriend a special Hearths Warming gift." The element of generosity started to glow.

"I showed laughter when I used it to save the town from your dark mounds." The element of laughter started to glow.

"I showed honesty when having that heart to heart with Shooting Star before I left." The element of honesty started to glow.

"Finally, I showed loyalty when I chose my true friends over your offer for happiness." The element of loyalty started to glow along with the rest.

Once all 6 elements started to glow, they all released an aura of light and it was going to one spot in front of Spike. Once the auras were in that designated spot, another bright light began to glow. Spike and Timor covered their eyes for 10 seconds before the light faded and revealed a new gem that looked like Spike's head.

"No, no. This can't be. That element doesn't even exist."

Spike smirked. "That's where you're wrong Timor. This new element comes into existence if you can wield all 6 elements of harmony. Since I can wield all 6 elements, this new element appeared, the element of bravery and sacrifice."

"Wh-what are you going to do to me?" Timor asked.

All 7 elements moved until they were around Spike's neck. They merged and formed a hexagon shaped necklace, with the already known elements of harmony surrounding the element of bravery and sacrifice.

"I am the glue of harmony Timor. And it's my job to STRIKE YOU DOWN!!' Upon saying that, 7 colors flew out of the necklace and towards Timor. The rainbow engulfed Timor and after a few seconds of the magic, Timor flew up into the air and the dark magic began to dissapate from him, before he exploded in a beam of rainbow light. 10 seconds later, the blizzard calmed down until it stopped completely. The wind became calm and so did everything else.

After that whole fiasco, Spike fell to the ground, exhausted. He never knew that wielding so many elements could tucker you out so much. Even though he was exhausted, he ran to Shooting Star and found her waking up.

Exhausted but relieved, Spike collapsed beside Shooting Star, relief flooding through him as she began to stir.

"Are you okay?" Spike asked, concern lacing his voice as he helped her sit up.

Shooting Star rubbed her head groggily, blinking as she tried to focus. "I... I think so," she replied, her voice faint but steady. "What happened? Is Timor... gone?"

Spike nodded, a sense of triumph mingling with his exhaustion. "Yeah, he's gone. We did it. We defeated him," he said, a hint of disbelief coloring his words.

Shooting Star's eyes widened in realization, and she turned to Spike with a grateful smile. "We did, didn't we? We actually did it," she said, awe and relief evident in her voice.

Spike returned her smile, feeling a surge of pride and camaraderie. "Yeah, we did. And I couldn't have done it without you, Shooting Star. You were amazing," he said, sincerity ringing in his words.

Shooting Star's smile widened, and she reached out to squeeze Spike's claw. "And you, Spike. You were incredible. I'm so glad we're on the same team," she said, gratitude and admiration shining in her eyes.

Suddenly a mysterious voice said, "I'm proud of you 2."

Spike and Shooting Star began to turn around and he saw a few figure's he never thought he would see in his life. They were the ghosts of Princess Platinum, Commander Hurricane, Chancellor Puddinghead, Clover the Clever, Private Pansy and Smart Cookie. Spike and Shooting Star were shocked and surprised by their visit.

"You're the ones that founded Equestria." Spike mumbled.

Clover the Clever smiled. "Indeed we did young Spike. We were the ones who founded Equestria."

"We know the blizzard that just happened wasn't created by windigos, but something much stronger." Private Pansy said in a quiet tone.

"Yet you stopped the blizzard and saved our nation once again." Smart Cookie said with a big smile.

"AND WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU 2!!!" Chancellor Puddinghead yelled as she ran and hugged Spike and Shooting Star in a tight bear hug. Even though she was a ghost, they could still feel the hug.

Princess Platinum spoke up. "No one in the history of Equestria has ever had bravery like you to face something stronger than windigos head on. And no one has sacrificed so much to make others happy."

"You 2 will be amazing heroes again one day. Just you wait and then you will see that I am right. And I bet you could make the fire of friendship again." Commander Hurricane said with a smirk on his face.

Spike and Shooting Star were smiling big at them. "Thank you founders." Spike and Shooting Star said in unison.

The founders all smiled and said to the duo, "You're welcome Spike and Shooting Star, and one last time, we're so, so proud of you 2." With that, they disappeared, leaving Spike and Shooting Star alone in the castle.

Spike turned to Shooting Star and said, "Since that blizzard is out for the count for good since Timor is defeated, would you like to spend the night at Twilight's castle? I could use some company."

Shooting Star smiled. "I was actually about to ask you if I could spend the night at your place. I'm actually glad you asked first."

So Spike and Shooting Star left the castle ruins and into the forest. Without the blizzard, everything was quiet and they were glad it was like that. After a half hour of walking in the Everfree Forest, they entered Ponyville and saw that it was quiet as well, seeing as everyone was sleeping. After a few more minutes of walking, they walked up to the castle entrance and entered the castle.

"This place is amazing Spike. You get to stay here?" Shooting Star asked.

"Yeah, although I have to stay here because Twilight makes me clean it whenever she's out somewhere having fun."

"Oh." Shooting Star said in a quiet voice, almost feeling bad for asking. This was not lost on Spike.

"Hey, hey, it's ok. Cleaning this place isn't so bad and besides, when I'm done, I get to spend time with you and maybe Derpy and the Doctor. Speaking of which, would you like to come with me to Derpy's and the Doctor's place tomorrow? They're having a Hearths Warming party and they would love it if you went along too."

Shooting Star smiled and said, "Yes I would definitely love that." Spike smiled at the answer and continued walking through the corridors until they got to Spike's room. Spike let Shooting Star have his bed while he slept on the floor. Spike then took the element's necklace off from around his neck and placed it on his bedside drawer. Spike and Shooting Star got into comfortable positions in their respective places in the room, said goodnight to each other and drifted off to sleep where they had nothing but good dreams.

Author's Note

Timor has been defeated and Equestria has been saved. We have one more chapter left until this story is done completely. This will be the end of the story itself, but don't worry. I plan to have this as a multi story series. You will see more adventures from Spike and his friends.

Happy Hearths Warming

The next morning, Spike woke up and he stretched his limbs and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. He turned to look at the clock and saw that it was already half past 10. Spike figured that they would wake up later than usual, seeing as how late it was when they finally defeated Timor and went back to the castle. He then looked back at Shooting Star who was still sleeping in his bed with a smile on her face.

Spike smiled warmly at the sight and admitted to himself, "To be honest, she does look pretty cute when she sleeps like that." Spike then decided to leave the room and cook up some breakfast for Shooting Star when she wakes up.

Spike left the room, being very careful to be quiet as to not wake up Shooting Star, and he walked to the kitchen to start making breakfast. As he reached the kitchen, he contemplated what to prepare for breakfast. He wanted something hearty and comforting, something that would make both his and Shooting Star's day start off right. He decided to go traditional and make pancakes, eggs and orange juice.

Spike gathered the ingredients from the pantry and refrigerator, setting them out on the kitchen counter. He began mixing the batter for the pancakes adding a bit of cinnamon, the rhythmic whisking soothing his mind as he focused on the task at hand. As the aroma of freshly cooked pancakes filled the air, Spike cracked eggs into a pan, the sizzle of the cooking eggs adding to the symphony of morning sounds.

With practiced precision, Spike flipped the pancakes, ensuring they were cooked to perfection, golden brown on both sides. He then plated them up, arranging them neatly on a serving dish. Next, he scrambled the eggs, adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper for flavor, before transferring them to another plate.

Finally, Spike poured two glasses of orange juice, the vibrant color of the juice reflecting the morning sunlight streaming in through the kitchen window. He set the table with care, placing the plates of pancakes and eggs along with the glasses of orange juice, ready for Shooting Star to enjoy when she woke up.

As Spike glanced at the clock again, he realized that Shooting Star might be stirring soon. With a gentle smile, he waited eagerly for her to join him, excited to share this peaceful morning together.

A few minutes later, Spike heard Shooting Star come into the kitchen. "Are you cooking something in here Spike? I smelled an amazing aroma from your room and figured you were cooking something." She said in a curious manner. She then got a look at what Spike cooked up this morning.

"Happy Hearth's Warming Shooting Star. I decided to make breakfast for the both of us when you woke up. I made some traditional pancakes with a sprinkle of cinnamon in it, and I also made some eggs with salt and pepper and 2 glasses of orange juice."

Shooting Star's eyes widened in delight as she took in the spread laid out before her. "Oh wow, Spike! This looks absolutely amazing!" she exclaimed, her stomach rumbling in anticipation. "And Happy Hearth's Warming to you too!"

She moved closer to the table, taking a seat and eagerly reaching for a pancake. The warmth of the food and the care Spike had put into preparing it filled her with a sense of comfort and gratitude. "You really outdid yourself, Spike. Thank you so much for this wonderful breakfast."

As she began to eat, Shooting Star couldn't help but smile at Spike. "You know, waking up to this makes me feel truly happy. It's moments like these that remind me how lucky I am to have you as my friend," she said sincerely, her voice soft with appreciation.

Spike returned her smile, feeling a warmth in his chest at her words. "I'm just glad you enjoy it, Shooting Star. And I feel the same way. You've been an amazing friend, and I'm grateful for every moment we share together."

After Spike and Shooting Star ate their breakfast, they cleaned up the kitchen together and went to the main hall to just relax until it was time to head to Derpy's and the Doctor's place for their Hearths Warming party. When they got to the main hall, Spike and Shooting Star saw that on the ground, there stood 2 gifts.

Spike and Shooting Star exchanged curious glances before approaching the gifts on the ground. They were wrapped in colorful paper with intricate designs, tied with ribbons that seemed to shimmer in the soft light filtering through the windows. In the middle of the 2 gifts, there was a note. The note said,

"Thank you for saving my life."

Shooting Star picked up one of the gifts, turning it over in her hands with a smile. "I wonder who these are from," she mused, her eyes alight with excitement.

Spike nodded in agreement, reaching for the other gift. "There's only one way to find out," he replied, his curiosity piqued.

With a gentle tug, they untied the ribbons and carefully unwrapped the gifts, revealing two beautifully crafted boxes underneath. Shooting Star lifted the lid of hers first, gasping in delight at the sight of a delicate necklace nestled inside, adorned with sparkling gemstones that caught the light.

"Oh, Spike, look at this!" she exclaimed, holding up the necklace for him to see. "It's stunning!"

Spike's eyes widened in surprise and admiration as he looked at the necklace. "Wow, that's amazing," he remarked, his voice filled with awe.

Next, Spike opened his gift, revealing a finely crafted journal bound in leather, with intricate designs etched into the cover. He ran his fingers over the smooth surface, a sense of wonder washing over him.

"This is incredible," Spike breathed, flipping through the pages of the journal. "I always wanted a journal to write things down on. It's perfect."

As they admired their gifts, Shooting Star and Spike couldn't help but feel grateful for the thoughtfulness of their unknown benefactor. "Whoever gave us these gifts must know us pretty well," Shooting Star remarked, a smile playing on her lips.

Spike nodded in agreement, a sense of warmth filling his heart. "Yeah, they must," he replied, his gaze lingering on the necklace and journal before turning to Shooting Star. "I'm just glad we get to share this moment together."

With a smile, Shooting Star reached out and squeezed Spike's claws. "Me too, Spike. Me too."

A few hours later at around 2 pm, Spike and Shooting Star were getting ready to head to Derpy's and the Doctor's place for the Hearths Warming party. Spike was putting his jacket and hat on while Shooting Star put a scarf she found in the closet on around her neck. She then put the necklace she got for Hearths Warming on top of her scarf.

Spike saw the necklace and remembered something. "Oh, I'll be right back Shooting Star. I just remembered something." And with that, he bolted out of the main hall and to his room. A minute and a half later, he came back to the main hall with the necklace he got when defeating Timor the previous night.

Shooting Star didn't notice the necklace though. "Where did you get that necklace Spike?" she asked.

"I got this necklace when Timor was defeated. It consists of all of the elements of harmony including the element of bravery and sacrifice in this hexagonal shape." Shooting Star nodded in understanding.

After all of that was said, Spike and Shooting Star walked into Ponyville to find Derpy's and the Doctor's place. As they were walking, he found that Lyra was running up to him. Spike and Shooting Star stopped and turned to face the mint green pony.

"Morning Lyra, and happy Hearths Warming." Spike told her with a smile.

"Good Morning Spike, and happy Hearths Warming to you as well. I can't believe how nice the weather is right now, seeing as there was a massive blizzard last night. Could you imagine that it came with thunder and lightning too? It was absolutely craaaaazzyyyy." Lyra said.

"Yes, I can imagine, seeing as I saw it too." Spike told her. "And before I forget, Lyra, this is my friend Shooting Star."

At this, Lyra smirked. "Are you gonna marry each other one day?" she asked. Both Spike's and Shooting Star's faces turn red upon her saying that.

"We only just met a few days ago. I think it's too soon for that kind of stuff." Shooting Star muttered embarrassingly.

"I'm kidding guys, and the reason I came to see you Spike is because I wanted to give you a gift from me." This got Spike's attention. Lyra showed him a box and he opened it. Inside the box stunned Spike to the core. It was 10 diamonds.

"How did you get all these diamonds?" Spike asked as Lyra smirked again.

"I have my ways Spike. I made a pinkie promise that I would return the favor ten fold and I did. You don't have to thank me, you deserved it anyway."

With that, Lyra walked away from the duo and they continued walking to their destination.

Spike couldn't believe the generosity of Lyra, as he held the box of diamonds in his claws, feeling a mix of gratitude and amazement. "Wow, this is... incredible," he muttered, still processing the unexpected gift.

Shooting Star looked at the diamonds in awe. "That's so thoughtful of her," she said, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "It's amazing how generous ponies can be during the holidays."

"Yeah, it really is," Spike agreed, tucking the box of diamonds safely into his jacket pocket. "I'll have to find a way to thank her properly."

As they continued their walk through Ponyville, the sun shining brightly overhead, Spike and Shooting Star couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement building within them. The streets were bustling with ponies preparing for the Hearth's Warming festivities, and the air was filled with laughter and joy.

Finally, they reached Derpy's and the Doctor's place, the place already decorated with plenty of Hearths Warming decorations. Spike and Shooting Star walked to the door where they knocked on it 3 times. 5 seconds later, Derpy answered the door and smiled brightly at them.

"Oh hello Spike, thanks for coming to our house. The doctor was able to get out of the hospital after spending only an hour in there and he is feeling awesome. Also, who's your friend there Spike?"

Spike returned Derpy's smile warmly. "Hey Derpy, it's great to see you! This is my friend, Shooting Star. She's new to Ponyville."

Shooting Star waved shyly, offering a small smile. "Hi, it's nice to meet you," she said softly.

Derpy's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she glanced between Spike and Shooting Star. "Well, it's wonderful to meet you, Shooting Star! Welcome to Ponyville," she exclaimed cheerfully. "Come on in, the party's just getting started!"

As Spike and Shooting Star stepped inside, they were greeted by the lively atmosphere of the party. There was music and there was plenty of decoration. The Doctor looked at them and walked over to them.

"Hi Spike, thanks for coming. Who's your friend?"

"Hi Doctor, this is my friend Shooting Star." Spike told him

At this, the Doctor smirked. "I bet you 2 are gonna fall in love one day." he said jokingly.

"Doctor!" Derpy said angrily as she slapped him across the face. "Don't embarrass our guests again. If you do, then you will be sleeping on the couch tonight." Meanwhile, Spike and Shooting Star were red faced again.

"Like I said before, we only met a couple of days ago. It's too early for this." Shooting Star muttered again.

"I'm sorry guys. My husband really likes to tease. Just don't mind it, ok?" Spike and Shooting Star nodded and that was when they noticed the necklaces on their necks. "Those necklaces look really good too. When did you get them?"

"We got them this morning." Spike and Shooting Star said in unison.

"Well I must say, they look amazing. Now let's go enjoy the holiday celebration together." And with that, Spike, Shooting Star, Derpy and the Doctor started partying like no tomorrow. It was pretty safe to say that they had an amazing Hearths Warming.

Author's Note

I honestly can't thank you enough for taking the time of your day to read my story and even more of a thank you to those who commented on the story. You guys are the best. Stay tuned for my next story, "The King's Son" which is coming out sometime in June.

Here's a hint to the plot: An threat from 13,000 years returns. Can Spike, Shooting Star and a third friend help keep equestria safe?