Warriorby The-DerpSideChaptersChapter 1: awakeningChapter 2: The path of my ancestors Chapter 3:The Battlecruiser Chapter 4: Peace talks and scarsChapter 5: Ponyville-part 1Ponyville: part 2Chapter 1: awakeningSpike was known around Ponyville as a "baby" dragon. He himself did not know why he wasn't growing-after all; he was only around 4 years younger than his adoptive older sister Twilight Sparkle. He had tried to find out who he was on a dragon migration, but only ended up getting a baby phoenix as a pet. It was only afterwards that Twilight did some research and found out that Spike was an Earth Dragon-who had a completely different migration schedule. Right now though, he wasn't bristling with energy anymore. His scales had dimmed and he had dark rings around his eyes from a lack of sleep caused by nightmares. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// As he was standing outside Carousel Boutique with Twilight-who was talking to Rarity, a flash of blue caught his eye. It was just the tail of another pony, but Spike's slitted pupils narrowed and he crouched down, growling out something that sounded like "Wort wort wort". "Spike? Is something the matter?" Twilight answered. "My….head….MAKE IT STOP!" Spike yelled out before he gave off an aggressive roar and dashed off into the Everfree forest, ignoring Twilight and Rarity's cries for him to stop. He was driven by instinct-ignoring everything around him as the shadows hid him from sight. "What on earth is going on with little Spikey-Wikey?" Rarity asked. "I'm not sure…maybe it's his time to migrate…" Twilight said, lowering her ears to her head, "I hope we see him again……" ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Months passed by, and everyone was feeling the loss of the little dragon. But right now, everyone had a bigger problem to deal with. Chrysalis and her changelings had attacked during Shining Armor and Princess Cadance's wedding, having disguised herself as Cadance and weakened Shining Armor's barrier. Not only that, she used Shining Armor's love to strengthen her spell and defeat even Princess Celestia. Weakened, cornered, and without the Elements of Harmony, the "Mane 6" as well as the due-to-be-married couple felt helpless, until everyone's sharp hearing picked up a sound. A sound of something whistling through the air up the stairway and changelings falling to the floor with a heavy thud. "Who DARES to interfere with MY Victory?" Chrysalis growled out, getting into an attack position. Right then, the doors flew open and a pile of changelings were thrown into the room where they landed unmoving. Some had sharp, needle-like, pink gem shards embedded in them, others had what looked like a something sharp had sliced into them and burned the wound shut at the same time. Others just had burn marks. That's when a figure approached the stairs. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// He stood on two legs, and was as tall as Shining Armor, including his horn. He wore silver-white armor with a chest piece that surrounded his torso and was bulkier at the back and shoulders. A black bodysuit was covering most of the body, while a purple dragon's tail that ended in a spade waved warningly behind him. There was white armor on his upper arms and lower arms, and upper legs and lower legs. The helmet jutted backwards like a shark's fin, only it had two similar "fins" either side of the top fin, while blue glass covered his eyes. His mouth remained visible, and a snout with two fangs jutted out that was purple with a light-green underside snarled at Chrysalis. He had two things in his hand. In his left hand was a purple handle attached to a long object that had a triangular body and a long barrel at the end with pink needle-like gem shards sticking out of it. In his right hand was a one-handed, dual-bladed sword made up of green flames. Twilight was the first to snap out of her shock. "S-Spike?" She asked, causing the figure's head to look towards them. "Hey, you all miss me?" He asked, in a slightly deeper voice, "Migration was a pain, but I finally know about my species history…who I am…" He squeezed the handle of the sword and the flames went out. He breathed some more fire into it, and a little light came on. He stuck the handle on his right leg-where it attached itself almost magically and moved the handle of the other object into his right hand and supported it with his left. "You will be nothing but history when I'm through with you!" With that, Chrysalis fired a magic blast at him, but no one was prepared for when green flames burst out from the back of the bulky shoulder armor and sent him into the air. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Spike flew using the green-flamed jet-pack dodging the blasts with practiced ease and fired a few of the pink shards from the object he held in his hands, and the shards flew in a fast, straight line and into Chrysalis's shoulder. When she turned to look at the objects that had struck her, Spike landed and quickly lit up the flame-sword, and cut through Chrysalis's twisted horn. He then grabbed her by the throat and slammed her back-first into the ground, holding the sword so that it was aimed just above her eyes as her spell holding Celestia vanished-with the focus point of the spell-her horn-no longer in use. Behind the glass, Spike's pupils narrowed. "There is no honor in claiming victory through deceit." With that, he thrust the blades into Chrysalis's head and pulled them out quickly; shutting them off before letting out a roar similar to the one he gave before the migration. He turned back to his friends, to see awed stares and Shining Armor being fueled by Princess Cadance while he performed his barrier spell. Watching with a smirk as the other changelings were flung off into the distance, he gazed out over the forest. "Spike?" A familiar voice that caused his heart to do flips called out to him as he pulled off his helmet, causing the green head spikes to pop back up and his slitted green eyes gazed out over the white unicorn mare-Rarity. "This isn't a greed-growth, is it?" She asked. "No. It was finally time for my body to age-and I needed to migrate to the place of my ancestors to do so. Not all Earth Dragons grow to monstrous sizes-only the ones that abandon our ancestor's path and follow the path of greed do so." With a smile, she leaned over and kissed his cheek, causing Spike's face to blush as he seemingly tripped over his own two feet with hearts in his eyes. "You were my hero-again I might add." She said with a smile. His sister Twilight trotted up to him. "Spike. I heard you finally discovered who you were!" Spike nodded. "Indeed. I am a descendant of the Sangheili-honorable warriors. I walk the harsh path of honor, but glory and honor guide our ascension!" Chapter 2: The path of my ancestors Chapter 2: The path of my ancestors Please note that Spike’s “Last Name” is an actual name used by an Elite according to Halopedia. Also, the suffux “-ai” added to the end of Spike’s last name is used to denote swordsmanship. “This is talking” ‘This is thinking’ ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Princess Celestia stood up after hearing Spike’s last declaration. Inwardly wondering the differences between the Dragons Spike had originally tried migrating away with, and the “Earth Dragons” of which Spike actually was, she filed the information away for later review in her head. “Well My Little Ponies, I don’t know about you, but this has been a very eventful day.” Princess Celestia said, causing Spike to smirk slightly. He had fought his way through all of Canterlot to reach the Palace, yet it was to be expected that the non-combat trained ponies would think running across an enemy-infested castle would be difficult…he would have too before the migration. “And Twilight, I was wrong to doubt you when you came to me with your suspicions.” Now this was news to Spike, Celestia doubting Twilight Sparkle? Even the other five bearers of the Elements of Harmony were saying similar things! ‘What did I miss?’ Spike thought to himself. Placing his helmet back onto his head, he thought of the pros and cons of his current mission. It had allowed him to return to Ponyville, only to learn that the girls were at Canterlot for the wedding between Twilight’s brother-Shining Armor, and Princess Cadence. On the other hand, he would have to return to the Covenant Battlecruiser his ancestors crash-landed on to deliver the news to the Grand Councilor when he was finished. A journey he would have to take alone again…unless…. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Dropping to his knee in front of Princess Celestia, Spike spoke in front of everypony. “Ruling Princess of the Pony civilizations, I come on a mission from the Grand Councilor of the Earth Dragons. I am Spike ‘Kusovai, Major Rank.” This earned more than a few raised eyebrows from the ponies that were slowly making their way back into the castle. Except from Derpy Hooves, who was waving happily at him, causing Doctor Whooves to shake his head in amusement and disbelief. Even Princess Celestia tilted her head slightly. “And what is this mission.” “The Grand Councilor would like to meet with you with a few representatives-some Earth Dragons on his side and ponies on your side-to discuss an alliance.” Spike said, causing whispers among the audience. “An…alliance? Between dragons and ponies?” Celestia asked, going through her mind wondering if an alliance like what he was suggesting already existed. “No. Between Earth Dragons and Ponies. We Earth Dragons have militaristic strength, but without something to guard it is useless and letting our skills rot is shaming our ancestors.” Spike explained slowly, Rarity and the others hanging onto every word and…was Twilight taking notes? He was glad to see some things never changed. “And besides” Spike continued, “with everything that happened to Ponyville alone after your student Twilight Sparkle arrived, it can ensure the towns and cities are protected without straining the numbers of the Royal Guard.” Shining Armor, who had opened his mouth to speak, shut it immediately after Spike said this. “Anyways, we can discuss this…after the wedding” Celestia said, turning her head to Cadence and Shining Armor. At this, Spike’s eyes widened dramatically. “And I don’t have anything to wear besides this armor!” He said, running to the window. He was about to leap out of it until a lilac and blue aura surrounded him, holding him in place. “And where do you think YOU’RE going?!” Twilight Sparkle and Rarity said at the same time, not wanting Spike to run away…again. “To a tux rental.” Spike said flatly, pointing out a window to a shop down the road. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Spike, now out of his armor and in a tuxedo his size-which had not been easy to find- stood watching the carriage containing the newly wedded couple move out into the distance. He glanced at the Castle-where his armor and weapons were now stored temporarily in Celestia’s room. He was broken out of his thoughts by a soft-familiar voice that echoed through his dreams. “Um..Spike…well…I was wondering…um…if…” Rarity stuttered slightly as Spike turned around and his emerald green eyes shone in amusement. “Relax, Rarity. I don’t bite. Now take a deep breath and tell me what you want. You’re sounding like Fluttershy right now.” Spike said, brushing a claw through her stylized mane trying to soothe her. “I was wondering if you wanted to dance…you know…with...me.” She finally said, causing him to give a wide grin. “Gladly. Mi Lady.” He said with a bow, right before a photographer snapped a picture. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// “So tell me about this…alliance.” Princess Celestia said, casually munching on an apple. Normally, she would be formal, but it was Spike she was talking to-someone she had known since he was hatched. Princess Luna, on the other hoof, was listening with formal attention, as were most of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. Twilight was slightly less formal, since she was taking notes left and right while levitating a drink to take a sip of occasionally. Pinkie Pie was……Pinkie Pie. “As I mentioned earlier, We Earth Dragons have military strength, but our code doesn’t allow us to go to battle unless we are insulted or are given a command from our Grand Councilor.” Spike explained. “Keep Prince Blueblood out of the meeting then” Celestia stage-whispered to Luna, earning a smirk from Rarity-as she had not forgotten the awful time at the Grand Galloping Gala she had with him. “Now, letting our skills rot seems like a waste, especially after adapting our weapons to be recharged from our flames instead of plasma. Now” Spike said but was interrupted yet again when Twilight spat out her drink and shouted: “Plasma?!” “Our vehicles run off plasma.” Spike said, “Our weapons had to change to dragon-flame based weapons due to the inability to recharge those weapons and no access to newly produced ones. We basically supply tools and military while asking only for the ability to the opportunity to fight on the front-lines if the time comes.” “And the fighters won’t harm the ponies, not even threaten them with their weapons?” Princess Luna asked, since this alliance seemed awfully one-sided…in the ponies benefit. “No. In our society when a weapon is drawn it must ‘demand blood’ so to speak, so it can’t be drawn for show. The only time you’ll see an Earth Dragon draw a weapon is in battle, sparring, or when their honor is insulted. One piece of advice: do not insult our ancestors and family.” Spike explained, nervously tapping a claw in what he had to say next. “Well, I would like to meet this ‘Grand Councilor’ very much then!” Princess Celestia said, unfurling and stretching her wings before stretching her legs. “Just send the message right away” “About that. For some reason my flame messages only go to you or are received by you, meaning I have to go back myself…and I’m not allowed to take others.” Spike said, receiving shouts of protest from Twilight and her friends. It nearly brought a tear to his eyes seeing how much the others were worried about him. “Unless…” Spike said, causing all of them to quiet immediately. “The Grand Councilor was very interested in meeting the six ponies representing the ‘Elements of Harmony’ that defended the pony’s lands. He has allowed me to bring the six ponies of those elements to meet with him directly when I report in. Now, I must remind you that this is the Earth Dragon’s most sacred land…hidden deep in the Everfree Forest.” As Fluttershy was about to quietly voice her inability to go, Rarity of all ponies stuffed a hoof in Flutttershy’s mouth to quiet her and spoke up “When can we start.” This caused everyone to look at her, and she blushed slightly in embarrassment, “I mean, a lady must never be kept waiting after all.” “We must arrive back to Ponyville tonight. It will be easier to reach the lands from there.” Spike said, standing up and clicking his jaws together. “Now Twilight, if you can teleport us to the library…” He never got a chance to finish as a lilac aura surrounded him and the six ponies before a blinding light entered his vision. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// In a blinding light, everypony appeared in the middle of the library, startling Peewee the Phoenix and Owlicious the owl. “Hey Peewee!” Twilight greeted, and the phoenix just spat out some flames into her face. “Still got personal space issues, I see…” Twilight muttered, coughing out smoke. At this sight, Spike let out a loud laugh, which got Peewee’s attention. With a loud trill, the couple month old phoenix glided over to Spike and perched on his right shoulder. Spike walked to his room and pulled out his old basket which he slept in with his “infant form”. Pulling out his pillow, he set the pillow on the ground and put Peewee’s perch in the basket. Nodding to himself as Peewee flew off and roosted on his perch, he got to work peeling off his armor. Now the “Mane Six” had been used to Spike as an infant, so they had expected to know what he looked like underneath the armor. They, were not, however, expecting the large, slightly discolored portion of scales on his chest going from his right shoulder to his left hip in a single slash mark. Or the fact that there were so many slash marks on his left shoulder that even Twilight doubted that the scales would regain their original color. “What did he go through?” Rarity whispered as Spike settled on the ground of all places-head propped up on the pillow-and drifted to sleep. She quietly made her way to the door and snuck her way out. As she walked back home, she thought back to the experiences she and the others shared with Spike. The small, cutesy dragon with (as she put it) “chubby-wubby wittle cheeks” had grown into what had appeared to be a futuristic knight with a strong sense of honor and family. It reminded her of the Samurai of…neighpan was it? She was broken from her thoughts as she literally walked into the door. “My…how ungraceful of me.” She said quietly, moving her head around to see if anyone spotted her doing such an embarrassing thing. Pulling her hidden key out of its hiding spot and re-hiding the key after unlocking the door, she entered her home/boutique and shut and locked the door. Staring at a curtain in the room, she used her magic to pull back the curtain revealing her latest work. On a ponyquin was a purple knight-like tunic with green highlights. She had ended up accidentally designing it when trying to relax after Spike ran off on his migration. Her mind had been so wrought with worry that she had not noticed her design until halfway through, when Sweetie Bell pointed it out. Gazing at it, she realized that there was no way Spike would fit in it now. Suddenly, her eyes widened and a huge grin appeared on her face. “Idea!” She said in an almost signing voice as she used her magic to pull out purple, gold, and green fabrics. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Now Spike awoke the next morning after everyone else arrived. ‘After sleeping on the floor of the Battlecruiser, the wooden floor feels like a luxury bed’ Spike thought to himself before opening his eyes… And staring directly into Pinkie Pie’s party cannon. His eyes widened as he let out a shout of surprise and rolled to the right just in time to avoid being hit with the confetti it spat out. It was then Spike decided to voice his displeasure. "Ghis Rhan Ju Uon Puch! Fyur Udonk’han Su!" Now this got confused looks from all six ponies in the room. It was then Spike realized what he said. “Sorry. I kind of learned my ancestor’s language during my migration. I said ‘Don't aim that at me. I could’ve attacked.’ Sorry about the confusion.” Spike said, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment before putting on his armor. Spike checked the triangular weapon, which he described was known as a gem needle rifle and saw that its ammo was low. He pulled out a glowing pink gem and sliced it with his claws, shaping the sliced gem into needles and putting them in the canister he pulled out. Placing it back into the weapon, he pumped the loading slide and 18 shards stuck out of the weapon around the canister-nine on each side. He also breathed fire into the handle of the two–bladed, one handed sword he used, which Spike explained to them was known as the Flame Sword, until three lights came on indicating a full charge. Without warning, Spike pulled of the armor of his left shoulder and slashed his own left shoulder and jammed the pointed needles of the Gem Needle Rifle into it, earning cries of surprise and protest. Stifling back a grunt of pain, Spike once again explained “Once drawn, the weapon demands blood.” Placing the handle of the sword, which he shut off, on his right leg armor-the handle stuck to the armor and Spike placed the Gem Needle Rifle on his lower back armor, where it also stuck to the armor. Returning his shoulder armor where it belonged, he turned to the door and asked “I trust Pinkie Pie and Applejack have our food?” Gaining nods from the two ponies in question. “You don’t have ta worry ‘bout a thing sugarcube.” Applejack said, and Spike nodded at his six friends. “We must go. We are already behind schedule.” Spike said, and Twilight’s eyes widened in alarm. “TARDY?!” //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// As the group winded through the Everfree Forest, Fluttershy was literally leaping behind and pony close to her at the slightest movement in the forest. “So…Spike, you said the Earth Dragon’s sacred land was where your ancestors-what you call Sangheili-arrived…what are Sangheili?” Twilight Sparkle asked the dragon who took not only the role of her number one assistant, but her adopted younger brother…perhaps even…son. “To say it bluntly: aliens.” Spike said in a quiet voice. “Don’t joke with us, Spike.” Rainbow Dash said; hovering in the air with her front legs crossed. Spike turned around and they could see the bored expression on his face even with his helmet on. “Does it look like I’m joking? To prove my point, near our sacred ground-a Sangheili scout encountered a cockatrice and was turned to stone. I will take you there.” With that, Spike suddenly veered to the right and the other ponies scrambled to keep up with their guide. After what seemed like days through the winding forest, Spike suddenly stopped and moved some bushes away. In front of the ponies behind those bushes was a stone statue of a weird…..creature. It had a diamond-shaped helmet that had side coverings that had armor plating that covered the sides of its four open mandibles that revealed dog-like teeth. It had a bulky chest plate and rounded shoulder guards, and no covering on its arms. It held a black, rusted, triangular object and its knees bent forwards. It appeared to have been crouching-and if what Spike had said was true-investigating a Cockatrice. Its beady eyes were at the sides of its head, staring in front of it at their spot a little above the mandibles. It had two toes in the front of its feet and one in the back-in what looked like an alien hoof. As the ponies stared at it-with Twilight taking notes Spike put the bushes back and shook his head. “We’re close now. We must go, before any manticore locks onto our scent.” //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// After a few more minutes of walking, Spike suddenly stopped and turned to his friends. “Make sure your jaw doesn’t dislocate when you see our ancestor’s Battlecruiser…how they arrived on this planet.” Before walking through the foliage out of sight. The girls followed him, and their jaws nearly touched the ground. A gigantic, purple spaceship that had started to rust in some places that seemed to stretch out for miles laid on the ground in front of them-some spots embedded into the thick mud. There were a couple of holes in the sides scattered across the ship, and the entire ship was leaning with the front of it upwards-like an airplane in descending position, revealing the large metal bars under the front. The engines were buried in the ground. Spike walked to one of the holes and placed a hand on the side of the ship. “This entire ship is 1,782 meters long: or 5,850 feet long. It is also 862 meters wide: or 2,830 feet wide.” Spike said, running his scaled hand across the metal of the ship. Another dragon, with grey scales and clad in gold armor walked forward and said something in that growling language that Spike had shouted at Pinkie Pie earlier, and Spike responded in that same language. The dragon nodded at him and walked through the large hole and into the ship. “You six now have permission to come inside the ship with me. He has gone ahead to inform the Grand Councilor of our arrival.” Spike said, as Twilight turned to her fellow ponies and said: “Okay girls; let’s be on our best behavior here. We are representing all of Equestria in this initial meeting. Pinkie Pie, that means NO PARTY CANNON! We don’t want to accidentally start a war.” At this Pinkie Pie let out a loud sigh of disappointment and put away her party cannon…somewhere. It even baffled Spike to where it disappeared to. “Well, here goes nothing.” Spike said, as the group turned and headed into the Battlecruiser, his claws echoing on the metal floor. Author's Note To make up for the slow update, I revamped me second chapter-greatly changing it from the original-and doubled its size for all of you! Here are some pictures to help explain things: Covenant Battlecruiser > http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/CCS-class_battlecruiser Sangheli Minor (scout described) > http://www.halopedia.org/Sangheili_Minor A video of a Sangheili pre-battle speech (where I got the idea of Spike's outburst)> http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=AV_WUspniMo Chapter 3:The Battlecruiser Chapter 3:The Battlecruiser Spike's past is revealed in this chapter. Trust me, I hated myself writing it. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// The group followed Spike into the battlecruiser, their hoof steps echoing from the metal floor and down the long hallway. Twilight Sparkle's mind raced with many unanswered questions. What did Spike go through? How did he grow? How did he survive whatever injuries gave him those terrible scars? But two questions caused her to worry the most. Did he find his....family? Did he still need her? As if sensing this, Pinkie Pie of all ponies asked "Hey Spike, did you find your parents? Cause if you did, I want to throw a super-amazing 'Family Reunion' party!" Spike paused and his shoulders shook slightly. He answered with a trembling voice. "Y-yes, I did. I'll.....introduce you to them after the meeting with the Grand Councilor." None of the other ponies really thought of his answer, but Rarity-who had an eye for the tiniest details-noticed something. Something that raised more questions than answers. 'If he found his family.....then why is he crying?' She thought. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// After walking nearly an hour down the blue, metal hallway, they reached a silver metal door with blue highlights. Spike approached the door and it split into three before sliding into the wall, revealing a massive room with a holographic globe in he middle of it. Dragons in various armors, some as tall as Princess Celestia and some as small as Spike had been stood around it, pointing out various locations. A black Earth Dragon with a green underbelly the same color as Spike's underbelly stood in bright silver armor, a huge fin on an ornate helmet revealed that he had a high rank, not to mention the two white earth dragons in red armor with glowing yellow circular designs sticking out of their helmets and shoulder pads. The two guards also carried a large non-combat ceremonial spears with the same yellow color on its large point and a flame sword holster on their legs. There were dragons in white, black, blue, red, silver, and gold armor scattered across the room with various weapons on their armor. "Ah, Spike 'Kusovai. I see you have returned, and judging by the six ponies with you, that you have successfully met with their leaders. What is the message?" The black dragon said, his emerald green eyes peering at the group from behind the glass that covered them. "Grand Councilor" Spike began, "The Princess of the day-Princess Celestia, and the Princess of the night-Princess Luna, have both agreed to meet with us as soon as possible." The dragon's head shot up suddenly and he let out a loud, cheerful laugh. "Finally! After nearly a thousand years we have a purpose again!" At this declaration all of the dragons around them let out a loud cheer. "You have actually succeeded at a mission generations before you failed at. Not only that, we have received from our scouts that you single handedly fought your way through an enemy-infested city to complete it. It seems your skills are wasted as a mere Major." After he said this, the dragon said something in Sangheili, to which two dragons in gold armor ran and returned with new pieces of armor as Spike peeled off the jet-pack, helmet, and shoulder pads . "Thank you, Councilor." Spike said, bowing his head as his new helmet was lowered onto him. It was white-like his old one, with a blue visor over his eyes and "L" shaped cheek guards. A grey circular pattern was on the front, where it branched out to two wide fins, a long portion sticking out behind his head with his head spikes protruding from between them, and two square-shaped fins with maroon designs on it stuck out on each side. His new shoulder guards had a similar design, except smaller. His jet-pack, a large-square shaped portion attacked to his armor with a large hole in the back for short bursts of flight was taken off and replaced with one that had more rounded edges. When Spike went to activate it, the sides expanded and the flames came out of the sides. "Spike 'Kusovai-sword specialist-has now been promoted to the Rank Ultra!" The Grand Councilor shouted. The dragons let out a loud cheer for their fellow dragon. Spike wrote a quick letter and sent it off with a breath of his green fire. "Grand Councilor, the message will soon reach Princess Celestia. We must take the time to prepare and set up the Spirit Dropship to carry us to the castle within the day. As for me, I have a promise to keep to these six ponies, the bearers of the 'Elements of Harmony' themselves. I-I'll see you there....grandpa." Spike said, turning and heading out the doorway after bowing to the Grand Councilor. Right as they walked through the doorway, the six mares turned to Spike and yelled "GRANDPA?!" ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// "The Grand Councilor was R'tas 'Kusovai, who was the father of my father." Spike explained, as he led the ponies down the weaving hallways. "Spike, you're telling us that your Grandfather of all dragons is the LEADER of the Earth Dragons?! That is so....Awesome!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Spike and the others chuckled slightly at her excitement. "That may be so, but he made sure my training during my stay here was Tartarus on Equestria to ensure my survival. Even making me spar with those Honor Guards you saw guarding him as a mere Minor-the lowest rank there is in our society." Spike explained, subconsciously rubbing the chest of his armor. He stopped in front of another door and his head lowered as he stared at the floor- floor that kept reminding him of Rarity's eyes. He'd have to tell her the truth soon. He sat down and couldn't bring himself to look into Rarity's eyes. "I have a confession to make to you Rarity. During my stay here I learned something on Earth Dragon behavior that I had not known about. When an Earth Dragon gives up a special personal item of theirs to a member of the opposite gender, it is...um....a....marriage...proposal." Spike stood up and lowered his head as he turned away after saying this. "The Fire Ruby...." Rarity said, bringing a hoof up to her cheeks. "I had no idea. I apologize if this shames you. I am not worthy." Spike said, refusing to face her. Seeing his reaction, she frowned. This reminded her of scenes from some of her romance novels. Still, two words echoed across her thoughts. 'Rarity 'Kusovai.' For some reason, this didn't revolt of humiliate her in the slightest. "Don't worry about it dear. We'll just take this one step at a time. We don't know what the future holds." She said, causing him to turn around in shock. Shaking his head, he frowned and faced the door. "I promised to introduce you to my parents. I've delayed it long enough." With that, Spike opened the door and the ponies gasped. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Inside the room was thousand of metal coffins. Fluttershy cried openly as Applejack took off her stetson in respect. Twilight stood frozen on the spot. 'His parents are dead.' Spike walked over to two coffins near the center of the room and rubbed a hand on them. "They died ambushed by a dragon trying to complete the mission I fulfilled.They died protecting my egg, which Celestia found after the battle. Scouts recovered the bodies afterwards and they were given a funeral befitting a warrior." Spike said, keeping an eye on the names on the coffins. Thel 'Kusovai. Sapphire 'Kusovai. Twilight and the others went over and talked to the coffins, thanking Spike's parents for protecting him before he hatched and talking about their friendship with their son (or in Rarity's case, unknowing proposal) as Spike stood guard with a solemn look on is face. "We should go. The Spirit Drop-ship should be ready for us." Spike said. The ponies followed him silently. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// "It hurt, knowing my parents died." Spike said, walking past a room with a giant reactor that shone with whitish-blue light, which powered the ship. "But...I wouldn't change a thing. i know they died in the ultimate act of love a parent could do-giving up their lives so their child may live. If it wasn't for them, I may not have met any of you. So...yes. I would not change a thing." "Spike..." Rarity said, "that is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard! I...even I don't know if I could face the world the way you can." When they entered the next room, they could obviously tell it was the hangar. There was a hole in each side and various machines in places. There were two ships shaped like tuning forks, four purple tank-like vehicles, ten bulbous aircraft hanging from the ceilings, six dark pink vehicles that had two seats and a turret in the back, and twelve one- person vehicles that were dark-purple. Spike walked up to one of the tuning–fork shaped vehicles and started narrating. "This is a Spirit Drop-ship. It can carry 15 passengers on each side and had one driver. It can also carry two light vehicles or one heavy vehicle." Afterwards, he pointed at the ones hanging off the ceiling. "Those are our one-person combat aircraft that had been nicknamed Banshees. Its armament is two repeating plasma lasers and one heavy plasma cannon." Afterwards, he walked up to the purple tanks. "These are Wraith tanks. They had one turret operator and one driver that also operated the main gun." "Your ancestors sure had a thing for shades of purple" Rarity noted, flipping her mane and smiling when she saw Spike's eyes locked onto it. 'Something that you have also inherited-it seems' she thought. "Actually, the color signified the allegiance with a group of aliens known as The Covenant. Although our ancestors couldn't send outgoing messages, they could listen in to how the war-and don't get me talking about it, as I don't know a lot about it-was progressing. All I know is that they didn't have any paint available to change the color scheme of the vehicles after the Covenant betrayed the Sangheili." He explained. At this, Spike shook his head and moved onto the pink vehicle. "This is a Revenant. It had one passenger, and a driver that also operated its plasma mortar. When not in use, the mortar of the Revenant and Wraith recede into the structure of the vehicle to prevent any tampering with it." Twilight looked up from her note-taking when she heard that. "That's actually a pretty smart move. Prevent any possible spies from sabotaging the machinery." She noted. At last Spike sat down in the one-person vehicle and pressed some buttons on it, causing it to roar to life and over of the ground with a blue glow underneath it. "Finally, this is a Ghost. A one person ground vehicle. It has a boost function, as does the Wraith, but this only has repeating plasma lasers. However, this vehicle is a lot faster. But not as fast as you-Rainbow Dash." He quickly added the last statement seeing Rainbow Dash opening her mouth-presumably to try and challenge him to a race using a Ghost. The ponies saw the Grand Councilor and twenty-four dragons, which meant that there would be just enough space for Spike and the six ponies if what he said about 15 passengers on each side and one driver was true for the Spirit Drop-ship. The Grand Councilor had his two honor guards, six dragons in white armor (excluding Spike), ten dragons in gold armor, four dragons in red armor, and finally two in red armor. One of the dragons in the white armor climbed into the cockpit at the back of the ship were the two "forks of the tuning fork" met the main body. He was obviously going to be the pilot. The sides of the Spirit Drop-ship opened, revealing harnesses on the inside of the extending sections-fifteen on each side. Spike helped each pony onto the Spirit and-in embarrassment to everypony-had to help harness them in with them standing on their hind legs with their backs against the wall. Spike climbed in next to Rarity after harnessing her in and harnessed himself, closing his eyes in anticipation. The Grand Councilor was next to Twilight Sparkle at the end opposite of Spike-farther away from the cockpit. Once every dragon was inside, the sides to the Spirit Drop-ship shut once again. "When we are close to the destination, the harnesses will detach themselves-an innovation made so that the passengers could jump into battle quicker." Spike explained. With a jolt, the passengers felt a pit drop in their stomach as the ship rose into the air, and with a shout of excitement from Pinkie Pie, it flew out of the Battlecruiser and into the distance. Author's Note For everyone's patience, I give everyone an early present and release TWO chapters in one day! Chapter 4: Peace talks and scarsCadence stood with Shining Armor next to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, with an irritated look on her face. She had been called from her honeymoon-much to her annoyance-to deal with the peace talks with the Earth Dragons. "I mean, it's not like they are going to be here today, right? We could have gotten another day on our honeymoon." She said, while Shining Armor nuzzled her reassuringly. "Don't worry. It seems like we're just here to help finalize things here. A basic plan has already been set up." He said, before a loud, metallic, growl-like sound was heard. Looking up, they watched as the Spirit Drop-ship hovered down close to the ground, and the sides opened up, and six ponies with multiple dragons hopping out. Their attention was drawn to the largest dragon, he was black with ornate silver armor and easily stood at ten hooves tall-even taller then Princess Celestia-the largest pony there. Shining Armor's eyes scanned over the group, before landing on a purple-scaled dragon at a mere four hooves. Although his armor was different, Shining Armor could recognize Spike instantly. "Spike, I need you to help the two Royal Guard soldiers outside the room in order to keep an even number of dragons to ponies inside the room." The dragon said in a deep, guttural voice. "Yes, Grand Councilor." Spike said, standing at attention between the two ponies in gold armor in front of the doorway. "Relax, we'll get you a few sapphires in return." The Grand Councilor said, earning a salute-a raised fist to his left chest-from Spike. The Grand Councilor chuckled slightly and said to the ponies "Sapphires are his favorite food." ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// When the door closed, the Grand Councilor took off his helmet and placed it on the table, revealing his emerald green eyes. "Greetings Crown Princesses of the Pony Civilizations, I am the Grand Councilor of the Earth Dragons, R'tas 'Kusovai." Now this name got Princes Celestia's attention. "Wait. 'Kusovai? Is there any relation to Spike?" She asked, gaining a small laugh from R'tas. "Yes. I was glad to finally meet my grandson when he came to grow and learn in our sacred ground." He admitted and Celestia's eyes widened. Luna, Shining Armor, and Cadence had their jaws touching the ground. "Before you ask, my son Thel 'Kusovai and his wife Sapphire died in an ambush by a dragon on a mission to speak to you about the alliance we will be discussing. However, you recovered Spike's egg yourself, Princess Celestia." With that, an uneasy silence fell across the room until Pinkie Pie quickly trotted to the kitchen and came back balancing trays full of hay fries, daisy sandwiches, cakes, and gems of every variety. "So who's hungry?" She asked. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Spike stood tapping his foot on the floor as he gazed to and from the Royal Guards and the doorway where the meeting was held. He couldn't help but think of all that he learned about his species, including the hidden information that was usually kept a secret. Earth Dragons could produce viable offspring with ponies. It almost never happened, though. Maybe once every couple hundred years...if that. "I wonder how the talks are going?" Spike growled out in Sangheili. The language of his ancestors was now as natural to him as speaking Equestrian was. Spike then rubbed his chest armor, hand over his scar. He then thought back to the day he received it, not knowing that R'tas 'Kusovai was telling the same tale. It had been right after he had his growth spurt. He stood in the red armor of a Minor-Rank Earth Dragon with the flame sword lit, as an Honor Guard stood facing him with his flame sword active as well. It was one of Spike's first spars with the flame sword, and facing the high ranked-six hoof tall honor guard was a terrifying aspect. Still, he had to succeed, he had to....to grow strong enough to protect his friends. Without a word, the two suddenly ran at each other and the flame swords crashed into each other. The heat from the flames was intense-as Dragon Fire was one of the only kind of fire that could go through a dragon's scales. The two dragons kept exchanging blows, neither one landing an actual blow against anything but the others sword. That's when it happened. Spike slipped as the Honor Guard swung his sword. The blade sliced through the armor and through Spike's scales, leaving a bad slice from his right shoulder-blade to his left hip. Spike's vision blurred as searing pain shot through his entire body. Metallic blue blood seeped from the wound and Spike collapsed face-first on the ground. Horror shot through the Honor Guard as he realized that he just may have accidentally killed his sparring partner. "It's...not...over ....yet." Spike suddenly growled out, forcing himself onto his knees. "Never....make an....assumption....unless you....know your foe....is down!" He growled, and stabbed his flame sword at the Honor Guard. Startled, the Honor Guard could do nothing as the flame sword sliced the top of his right arm just below the elbow, forcing him to drop his own flame sword. "ENOUGH!" The Grand Councilor shouted, as Spike collapsed with his adrenaline no longer supporting him, "Take Spike to the infirmary to have his wound dealt with." A few day later, when Spike was in fighting form again, he learned that he had been promoted to Major-Rank for disarming an Honor Guard in a spar. The ponies had been quietly listening to the tale and were surprised on how the scar had actually been received. "Our ancestors, the Sangheili, crash-landed here many centuries ago. Perhaps even before the first Hearth's Warming Eve." R'tas said, "Even when draconic blood was mixed in an untold amount of time before our current meeting, we kept the beliefs of the Sangheili. However, as you look at us, you can see that none of us actually grow any wings." It was then that Luna voiced a question that rattled in her mind. "If you're so militaristic, why ally yourself with us peaceful ponies instead of the militaristic Griffons?" The Earth Dragons let out a soft laugh. "Finally, one of you asks the question we were waiting for. The answer is simple for us Earth Dragons, but not for anyone who does not know our ancestor's history." R'tas said, rubbing a hand on his helmet. "The Sangheili were a part of a military group of different alien species called the Covenant. They were the backbone of the military force. But one day, the Covenant betrayed them and tried to kill all of them. So, they allied themselves with the Covenant's worst enemy. We decided that instead of joining another military and risking betrayal like our ancestors did, we would join a peaceful group and serve as guards and, if needed, soldiers." As R'tas stood up and placed his helmet back on his head, the ponies were unnerved slightly at how tall he actually was up close. "Relax, we don't bite." He said, holding a hand up to placate them. Pinkie Pie, however, was apparently having a staring contest with a yellow-scaled Minor-Ranked dragon. Eventually, the dragon got fed up with Pinkie staring at him and decided to startle her. "Really, I'm NOT going to kiss you in front of everyone!" "What?!" Pinkie Pie shouted, falling onto her back. That sight caused everyone to laugh. "I'm confused." Shining Armor said, rubbing the back of his head with a hoof. "You kept telling us different ranks, but never told us which one was which!" "I knew I was forgetting something!" R'tas said, pacing slightly, "We have a scale of ranks and we work our way up from the lowest to the highest. In that order, the ranks are Minor, Major, Ultra, Zealot, General, Shogun-which replaced the Sangheili's Ship-master rank since our ship can no longer fly as it should, Warrior-replacing the Sangheili's Fleet-master, Honor Guard, and Grand Councilor." The Mane 6 was very surprised at this revelation. They had thought Ultra-Rank was a very high rank, but they had just learned that it was the third lowest of the Earth's Dragon's rankings! ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Spike was just about to let out a groan of boredom when the doors flew open. Spike let out a salute to the Grand Councilor and knelt down. "So, how were the talks?" Spike asked, and Rarity stared at him, thinking how much his actions right now were reminding her of a brave knight.....and of how badly he was injured in a spar. 'It's settled.' She thought, 'I'll talk to him and see if we can work something out. He may not have known that his gift was a marriage proposal in his society at the time he did it, but his sense of honor will keep him near me until I make my choice. Besides, anypony needs to go on dates before they jump into a marriage.' "I must return to the Battlecruiser and send different dragons to different cities. We have a purpose once more" R'tas said, "However, I have an optional long-term mission for you." "Sir?" Spike asked, tilting his head in curiosity. "I need a representative to guard the ponies representing the 'Elements of Harmony' and since you have the most experience with them, I was thinking that you would be the best choice since they know you and would be less likely to feel threatened by you. Do you accept this mission?" R'tas asked, his voice void of emotion. "Yes, Grand Councilor." Spike replied, saluting his grandfather. R'tas 'Kusovai nodded to show that he understood that Spike accepted the mission, before handing Spike a handful of the promised sapphires. As the Grand Councilor of the Earth Dragons walked back to the Spirit Drop-ship, he whispered "Be safe, Spike." Watching his grandfather until he went out of sight, Spike felt that he needed to show off slightly. Grinning widely, he turned around and saluted his six friends before saying "Spike 'Kusovai. Ultra-Ranked Sword Specialist. Reporting for duty!" "Whoo-Hoo! This calls for a PARTY!" Pinkie Pie shouted, jumping in one spot, making everyone laugh. Author's Note So, a sorter chapter, but it's getting late. I promise a longer chapter tomorrow, when I'm at a better computer Chapter 5: Ponyville-part 1I made a mistake in the first chapter, which has been corrected. Spike is as tall as Shining Armor, not Rarity. Now, DanvilleBengal has suggested making all of the characters anthro. Now, originally I planned on only Spike standing on two legs, like the Sangheili. (Fun fact: The ponies, dragons, AND sangheili have the same name for “Hell”: Tartarus.) However, if the readers want it, I will change some scenes (aka “raising a hoof to her cheek” becomes “raising a hand to her cheek” and so on) to fit the anthro bill. Now, on with the story! The train ride back was quiet. Now normally, this would be good for anypony, but these were six mares used to unordinary things happening, as well as an armored dragon battle-trained and hardened during his migration. Taken under R’tas ‘Kusovai’s tutoring, Spike was quickly brought up on all the teachings he would have had if his parents had survived. R’tas, despite being his grandfather, was a hard taskmaster. He had to be, as Grand Councilor of the Earth Dragons. Ignoring all usual training, R’tas threw his grandson into Honor Guard training instead of working his way up starting with Minor-Rank training. R’tas had already buried his son and daughter-in-law; he didn’t want to bury the last of his family as well. Spike’s gaze trailed onto the six ponies he had known for most his life-the six mares he was tasked with protecting. He looked through the glass of his helmet, a Heads-Up Radar in the upper-right corner of his line of sight, an ammo count in the upper-left corner, a shield meter on the top of the sight, and a zoom-in feature built in to activate and deactivate with a thought. Tired of the silence, Spike grabbed a book he had carried in under his armor. He had already read it multiple times, but was hoping Twilight would notice it. He had just opened the page when Twilight gazed on the book. Almost instantly at the sight of a book she didn’t recognize, a lilac glow surrounded it and it flew in front of Twilight Sparkle. “Well, that was just rude Twilight.” Rarity admonished, earning a sheepish grin from her friend. “No. I was hoping for that. I know how Twilight is around books.” Spike said; his ear fins twitching as he gazed out the window of the doorway to their compartment as a pony pushed a food trolley by. Now this got everyone’s attention. What book did Spike hope she will read. All six mares leaned over and gazed at the title. Earth Dragons: A History of Honor. “Where did you get this?” Twilight asked, slowly opening the book as if it were made of glass, “There’s nothing like this in all of Equestria.” “It was written by my Great-Great Grandfather to help Earth Dragons who migrated to the sacred land from elsewhere for the first time. In other words; it’s a guide for Earth Dragons about our species for those raised outside of the Battlecruiser.” Spike explained. “In the entire draconic lineage, no dragon line has been as recorded and preserved as the Earth Dragons.” Twilight read out loud, causing the other ponies to look at her as Spike took a vigilant watch out the door. “Descendants of the Sangheili, which can be translated to Latin as Macto Cognatus: or ‘I Glorify my Kin’ in Equestrian, the Earth Dragons follow the ancient code and beliefs as their ancestors. There is hope that one day their home-the Battlecruiser that crash-landed in the Everfree Forest would be repaired to return to the Sangheili’s home planet: Sanghelios, a planet whose last recorded population was 8.135 billion Sangheili.“ Twilight read. “Oh! Think of how many dresses I could make there!” Rarity exclaimed, nearly falling over if it wasn’t for Spike’s arm shooting out and catching her. “I apologize for that un-ladylike fall I nearly took, Spikey-Wikey.” Spike’s purple scales reddened around his cheeks, but he said nothing-not trusting himself not to stutter. “Or parties. It would be the biggest party I’d ever thrown! It’d be the party to end all parties! Yes! Keep reading Twilight! I want to hear more so I can know what kind of food they’d want!” Pinkie Pie said, hopping all over the room. “The Earth Dragons, like the Sangheilis, are first and foremost soldiers above everything else. An average Earth Dragon has the ability to live up to if not over seventy years-the age of a really long-lived pony.” Twilight read, trying to keep her eyes off the hyperactive bouncing pink pony. “Or Granny Smith” Applejack said, thinking of her grandmother. “However, due to their lifestyle, it is rare to see an Earth Dragon over twenty years old.” Twilight read, her ears drooping at the very line she read. “An Earth Dragon remains in an infant-form for many years without growing. If it succumbs to a greed-growth, the Earth Dragon loses the ability to speak-only roaring.” This brought Rarity and Twilight’s minds back to Spike’s “Birthday incident”, where as a ‘teenage dragon” the only words he spoke were “Spike want”, and could only roar as a giant, four-legged “adult”. “After a while, if the Earth Dragon does not snap out of its greed-growth, instincts take it to the Battlecruiser-where it is killed in battle with the regular Earth Dragons. However, if it is snapped out of its greed, or it never succumbs to it, an Earth Dragon will stay in its infant-form until it is time to migrate. Symptoms of an oncoming journey back to the ancestral Battlecruiser will be nightmares-often of a battlefield. At this time, an Earth Dragon can be prone to violent reactions, as sudden movements or a flash of color in their line of vision can be registered in their minds as ‘enemy’. This is heralded up to their first phrase in their ancestor’s language-Wort Wort Wort-right before they run towards the Battlecruiser. This, translated, can mean Go, Go, Go, and was used right before a Sangheili’s charge on the battlefield.” At this, Twilight looked up “Well that explains the erratic behavior before he ran off.” “And that growl” Rarity said, “He caught sight of a pony’s blue tail and growled out that phrase before he took off.” Taking a breath she didn’t know she was holding, Twilight continued narrating. “Like the Sangheili, an Earth Dragon’s rise through the ranks is based on merit and skill. The lowest rank achievable is Minor. This is a stepping stone to the Earth Dragons, a learning tool. If the Minor-Ranked Earth Dragon does not earn a promotion to the next rank in its first combat mission, or receive a promotion from a spar before the first combat mission, it will…..” At the next words, Twilight’s voice died and her eyes widened in horror. “Let me read!” Pinkie Pie shouted, grabbing the book. “If the Minor-Ranked Earth Dragon does not earn a promotion to the next rank in its first combat mission, or receive a promotion from a spar before the first combat mission, it will commit ritualistic suicide to retain his or her honor.” The book fell to the floor, but remained open on the page. The ponies just stood there with looks of horror on their face. Seeing as nopony was moving to continue, Spike himself picked up the book and continued reading. “Earth Dragons are still very intelligent, and can easily learn to use any weapon available, as well as communicate with other species. They maintain a strong sense of honor and respect their comrades, kin, and superior officers. This sense of honor is what fuels the Earth Dragon-even more than food. Any foe who is skilled on the battlefield earns the Earth Dragon’s respect, the same way respect is earned with the Sangheili.” The mares had shaken themselves out of their stupor, and were now listening intently to Spike. “To an Earth Dragon, there is no higher honor than dying on the battlefield. Although many do not like seeing their kin die and may try to prevent it, losing your life for something greater than yourself is the most proper way to die. Even Earth Dragons captured by enemies will commit ritualistic suicide in order to keep their comrades safe and prevent any information that might endanger their family and comrades from falling into enemy hands, as well as retain honor.” “To the Earth Dragons, family is very important. A gift of an item dear to the Earth Dragon is used as a marriage proposal. Infant-form Earth Dragons are encouraged to flee battle in order to carry on the blood of their family to the next generation, while older forms do not flee the battlefield, as it is dishonorable. The older dragons form strong bonds with their fellow soldiers, the males becoming like brothers to each other.” Glancing at the window, Spike shut the book after placing a bookmark in it for Twilight. Glancing out the window, he saw that the train was slowing down-approaching the station. “We must get ready. The train will have stopped in a few minutes.” ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// All across Ponyville, ponies were talking about the newspaper headlines all across Equestria. New Allegiance with Earth Dragon Species Of course, many had been present at the Canterlot wedding, and were describing the new appearance and outfit of “Twilight Sparkle’s number one assistant”. An outfit that indicated that he was one of the Earth Dragons they were now allied with. Now, when they saw the six mares coming out of the train station with the armored Spike, it just added fuel to the fire. Ponies started talking in hushed whispers, while others kept coming up to try and get the autograph of the “hero who saved the wedding”. Spike’s head swirled as different ponies talked at the same time, holding pieces of paper and other objects with quills as they pushed and shoved closer to him. “This is starting to become uncomfortable for me.” Spike said as he tried climbing out of the pile of ponies. “This is not what I wanted, even in my infant-form.” Panicking slightly, Twilight went teleported them-hoping to go to a random location they knew outside of town, like Fluttershy’s cottage or Apple family’s farm. What they got was the inside of the Carousel Boutique, which was near the center of the town. “Well, beggars can’t be choosers, I guess.” Spike said, glancing at the surroundings before pulling his helmet off. “At least we’re out of the crowd.” “Give it a few days, it’ll blow over.” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes. As the six mares talked with each other, Spike went over to Rarity’s red couch and sat down, placing his helmet on the ground by his feet and let out a loud sigh. “When news got out of the alliance, I did not expect the ponies to react like this.” Spike growled out, talking in Sangheili in order to prevent himself from sounding like he was complaining. Rarity frowned at this, as she inwardly wondered what he was saying. She once was able to read Spike like a book, but now he could speak in a language nopony could understand and kept his eyes behind blue glass and his mouth in a slight frown when clad in his armor. It was like he was paranoid, constantly scanning for threats. This unnerved her, to be honest. For him to rather die than allow anypony around him to be hurt from a careless mistake seemed unthinkable to her. Yet, there was the evidence staring her in her face with his stance alone. His right hand twitched every now and then, staying near the handle of the flame sword-ready to grab and activate it in a heartbeat. “I’ll grab everypony some tea. Just wait here.” Rarity said, as she slowly walked to her kitchen and put some water in the pot and lit the stove to let it heat up. Putting some cups with a tea bag in each one on a tray, her eyes wandered to the stairway. The object that led to her conflicting thoughts sat just upstairs, in her bedroom. Glancing at the pot and deciding that the short amount of time won’t hurt it, she quietly made her way up the stairs, avoiding everypony’s line of vision. Once in her room, she glazed at the box that container her most precious possession. Reaching in, she pulled out a gold necklace with a bright red, heart-shaped Fire Ruby on it. Spike had aged it and shaped it to get the most flavor out of it for his birthday, and he just gave it to her. Smiling at the thought, she thought about his growth. Part of her wished that he was still in his infant-form. The innocent smile and look in his eyes with his cute, chubby cheeks was something anyone would find adorable-no matter how much he complained. Still, she knew that he had to grow sometime. It was just his time. She sighed and remembered looking at him without the helmet. He knew how to smile, but he had lost the innocence in his eyes. Sorrow, rage, devotion, and pain reflected in his eyes. She knew the reason why, too. He had been in at least one battle where he had to take a life. She stared at her reflection in the glistening ruby and remembered Spike’s words. It had been this very day, yet it echoed like it was a distant memory. “To the Earth Dragons, family is very important. A gift of an item dear to the Earth Dragon is used as a marriage proposal.” She shook the thoughts from her head and clipped on the necklace-the ruby resting above her heart, and quietly moved downstairs back into the kitchen. Soon the water would be boiling and she could take it off the heat and serve it in the cups she set up and let the tea seep. When she got into the kitchen, however, she came face-to-back with Spike, who was already pouring the water into the cups. His helmet was on the table next to it, apparently he brought it with him into the kitchen. “Spike! What are you doing here? I thought I had everypony wait until I served the tea.” Spike didn’t look at her right away, his eyes staying locked onto the cup he was pouring water into. “The water was boiling already. We all heard it whistling. When nothing was happening, I figured you must not be able to pick it up for some reason and came to help, as well as make sure you were safe.” She didn’t know what to think. Sure, she was flattered that Spike wanted to make sure she was okay, but had she really been that deep in thought for that long? Spike turned around and his eyes immediately locked-onto the Fire Ruby necklace she was wearing. “Rarity! There are two ponies with Sweetie Bell here to see you.” Pinkie Pie said, sticking her head into the room, before bouncing out into the living room. Standing up and levitating the tray of tea into the living room, she placed it on the table. Spike placed his helmet back on his head, and the glass that had receded once again slid out over his eyes. “Rarity, who are these ponies?” Spike asked, bringing his right hand to rest over the handle of his flame sword. “M-mo….Mom?! Dad?!” Ponyville: part 2This is written on a tablet, so there may be mistakes. Spike's covered eyes stared at the two ponies at the door-Sweetie Bell having already run into the building to talk with her older sister. The ponies eyes were wide and stared at the dragon mentioned in Equestrian newspapers. "I'm telling you there's a conspiracy about this alliance." The stallion said to his wife, who elbowed him. "Nishum" Spike growled out quietly at him-using the Sangheili word for "intestinal parasite"; which was often used as an insult. The ponies around him stared at him quizzically, before shrugging off the strange word. After all, Spike reasoned, words hurt less than weapons, and the stallion had unintentionally insulted the honor of the Earth Dragons. Still, he stared defiantly at the stallion and finally asked "You dare question my honor?" "Easy Spike....." Rarity said, guiding him to a chair at the table. "That.....wasn't a smart move on your part, sir." Twilight said, leading him to a seat farther down, "Like the Samurais of Neighan, honor is everything to Spike's species." At his glance towards Spike, she added "And he DID fight through a swarm of changlings single hoofed" The rapidly paling face of the stallion told Twilight that her message got through to him. ///////////////////// "So you're a....soldier?" Rarity's father asked Spike after taking a bite of a cookie served with the tea. "As my ancestors before me were. Like them, I will gladly pay the ultimate price for my comrades." Sike said, taking his helmet off and calmly sipping some of the hot tea. He glanced at the Fire Ruby. Part of him wanted to say something, but he knew that he should let Rarity have some time to reflect on the proposal. "That's quite morbid" Sweetie Bell bluntly pointed out. Spike gave a short laugh, snorting out some smoke. "When each battle can be your last, there is no point in hiding the truth" Spike said, earning a nod of respect from Applejack. "As soon as I knew the basics of battle, my grandfather had me take he same training the Honor Guards-some of the highest ranked soldiers in our race. He had already buried my parents." Spike said, staring at his reflection in his tea before he set his cup down and stood up. "Ei slee ji klaka" (I need to walk) Spike said, placing his helmet back on and heading to the door. With a quick excuse, Rarity stood up and followed after him. On the outside, a dragon in Major rank armor stood next to a revenant, which Spike climbed into the driver seat of. Rarity, after greeting the other dragon, surprised Spike by climbing into the passenger seat just as he turned on the vehicle. The revenant roared to life before Spike pressed the acceleration pedal and the vehicle flew down the street, curving to avoid the occasional pony. Rarity's mane and tail started blowing back in the wind, much to her horror. /////////////////////////////// After a while, Spike brought the revenant to a stop on a hill overlooking Ponyville. As Rarity fussed over her mane and tail, her gaze caught the small town and she watched as Spike leaned against the Covenant vehicle, a small smile on his face. "Spike, if it isn't unreasonable, may I make a request?" She said, staring at his relaxed form. "What is it, mi lady?" He said, tensing himself for action. "Can you teach me how to speak Sangheili? " She said, making him stare at her. "You, the mistress of all things fancy, want to learn a guttural language?" He asked, and she stared pleadingly at him. "Fine" Spike said after a few minutes of debate, "but just to let you know, I retaliated when your father questioned the honor of my species by calling him an internal parasite" he said with a guilty look on his face. She snorted slightly, holding back a laugh. "With all of my father's conspiracy theories, I have heard others call him worse". Author's Note This is all for today. This tablet is proving troublesome to write on.
Chapter 1: awakeningSpike was known around Ponyville as a "baby" dragon. He himself did not know why he wasn't growing-after all; he was only around 4 years younger than his adoptive older sister Twilight Sparkle. He had tried to find out who he was on a dragon migration, but only ended up getting a baby phoenix as a pet. It was only afterwards that Twilight did some research and found out that Spike was an Earth Dragon-who had a completely different migration schedule. Right now though, he wasn't bristling with energy anymore. His scales had dimmed and he had dark rings around his eyes from a lack of sleep caused by nightmares. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// As he was standing outside Carousel Boutique with Twilight-who was talking to Rarity, a flash of blue caught his eye. It was just the tail of another pony, but Spike's slitted pupils narrowed and he crouched down, growling out something that sounded like "Wort wort wort". "Spike? Is something the matter?" Twilight answered. "My….head….MAKE IT STOP!" Spike yelled out before he gave off an aggressive roar and dashed off into the Everfree forest, ignoring Twilight and Rarity's cries for him to stop. He was driven by instinct-ignoring everything around him as the shadows hid him from sight. "What on earth is going on with little Spikey-Wikey?" Rarity asked. "I'm not sure…maybe it's his time to migrate…" Twilight said, lowering her ears to her head, "I hope we see him again……" ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Months passed by, and everyone was feeling the loss of the little dragon. But right now, everyone had a bigger problem to deal with. Chrysalis and her changelings had attacked during Shining Armor and Princess Cadance's wedding, having disguised herself as Cadance and weakened Shining Armor's barrier. Not only that, she used Shining Armor's love to strengthen her spell and defeat even Princess Celestia. Weakened, cornered, and without the Elements of Harmony, the "Mane 6" as well as the due-to-be-married couple felt helpless, until everyone's sharp hearing picked up a sound. A sound of something whistling through the air up the stairway and changelings falling to the floor with a heavy thud. "Who DARES to interfere with MY Victory?" Chrysalis growled out, getting into an attack position. Right then, the doors flew open and a pile of changelings were thrown into the room where they landed unmoving. Some had sharp, needle-like, pink gem shards embedded in them, others had what looked like a something sharp had sliced into them and burned the wound shut at the same time. Others just had burn marks. That's when a figure approached the stairs. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// He stood on two legs, and was as tall as Shining Armor, including his horn. He wore silver-white armor with a chest piece that surrounded his torso and was bulkier at the back and shoulders. A black bodysuit was covering most of the body, while a purple dragon's tail that ended in a spade waved warningly behind him. There was white armor on his upper arms and lower arms, and upper legs and lower legs. The helmet jutted backwards like a shark's fin, only it had two similar "fins" either side of the top fin, while blue glass covered his eyes. His mouth remained visible, and a snout with two fangs jutted out that was purple with a light-green underside snarled at Chrysalis. He had two things in his hand. In his left hand was a purple handle attached to a long object that had a triangular body and a long barrel at the end with pink needle-like gem shards sticking out of it. In his right hand was a one-handed, dual-bladed sword made up of green flames. Twilight was the first to snap out of her shock. "S-Spike?" She asked, causing the figure's head to look towards them. "Hey, you all miss me?" He asked, in a slightly deeper voice, "Migration was a pain, but I finally know about my species history…who I am…" He squeezed the handle of the sword and the flames went out. He breathed some more fire into it, and a little light came on. He stuck the handle on his right leg-where it attached itself almost magically and moved the handle of the other object into his right hand and supported it with his left. "You will be nothing but history when I'm through with you!" With that, Chrysalis fired a magic blast at him, but no one was prepared for when green flames burst out from the back of the bulky shoulder armor and sent him into the air. ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Spike flew using the green-flamed jet-pack dodging the blasts with practiced ease and fired a few of the pink shards from the object he held in his hands, and the shards flew in a fast, straight line and into Chrysalis's shoulder. When she turned to look at the objects that had struck her, Spike landed and quickly lit up the flame-sword, and cut through Chrysalis's twisted horn. He then grabbed her by the throat and slammed her back-first into the ground, holding the sword so that it was aimed just above her eyes as her spell holding Celestia vanished-with the focus point of the spell-her horn-no longer in use. Behind the glass, Spike's pupils narrowed. "There is no honor in claiming victory through deceit." With that, he thrust the blades into Chrysalis's head and pulled them out quickly; shutting them off before letting out a roar similar to the one he gave before the migration. He turned back to his friends, to see awed stares and Shining Armor being fueled by Princess Cadance while he performed his barrier spell. Watching with a smirk as the other changelings were flung off into the distance, he gazed out over the forest. "Spike?" A familiar voice that caused his heart to do flips called out to him as he pulled off his helmet, causing the green head spikes to pop back up and his slitted green eyes gazed out over the white unicorn mare-Rarity. "This isn't a greed-growth, is it?" She asked. "No. It was finally time for my body to age-and I needed to migrate to the place of my ancestors to do so. Not all Earth Dragons grow to monstrous sizes-only the ones that abandon our ancestor's path and follow the path of greed do so." With a smile, she leaned over and kissed his cheek, causing Spike's face to blush as he seemingly tripped over his own two feet with hearts in his eyes. "You were my hero-again I might add." She said with a smile. His sister Twilight trotted up to him. "Spike. I heard you finally discovered who you were!" Spike nodded. "Indeed. I am a descendant of the Sangheili-honorable warriors. I walk the harsh path of honor, but glory and honor guide our ascension!"
Chapter 2: The path of my ancestors Chapter 2: The path of my ancestors Please note that Spike’s “Last Name” is an actual name used by an Elite according to Halopedia. Also, the suffux “-ai” added to the end of Spike’s last name is used to denote swordsmanship. “This is talking” ‘This is thinking’ ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Princess Celestia stood up after hearing Spike’s last declaration. Inwardly wondering the differences between the Dragons Spike had originally tried migrating away with, and the “Earth Dragons” of which Spike actually was, she filed the information away for later review in her head. “Well My Little Ponies, I don’t know about you, but this has been a very eventful day.” Princess Celestia said, causing Spike to smirk slightly. He had fought his way through all of Canterlot to reach the Palace, yet it was to be expected that the non-combat trained ponies would think running across an enemy-infested castle would be difficult…he would have too before the migration. “And Twilight, I was wrong to doubt you when you came to me with your suspicions.” Now this was news to Spike, Celestia doubting Twilight Sparkle? Even the other five bearers of the Elements of Harmony were saying similar things! ‘What did I miss?’ Spike thought to himself. Placing his helmet back onto his head, he thought of the pros and cons of his current mission. It had allowed him to return to Ponyville, only to learn that the girls were at Canterlot for the wedding between Twilight’s brother-Shining Armor, and Princess Cadence. On the other hand, he would have to return to the Covenant Battlecruiser his ancestors crash-landed on to deliver the news to the Grand Councilor when he was finished. A journey he would have to take alone again…unless…. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Dropping to his knee in front of Princess Celestia, Spike spoke in front of everypony. “Ruling Princess of the Pony civilizations, I come on a mission from the Grand Councilor of the Earth Dragons. I am Spike ‘Kusovai, Major Rank.” This earned more than a few raised eyebrows from the ponies that were slowly making their way back into the castle. Except from Derpy Hooves, who was waving happily at him, causing Doctor Whooves to shake his head in amusement and disbelief. Even Princess Celestia tilted her head slightly. “And what is this mission.” “The Grand Councilor would like to meet with you with a few representatives-some Earth Dragons on his side and ponies on your side-to discuss an alliance.” Spike said, causing whispers among the audience. “An…alliance? Between dragons and ponies?” Celestia asked, going through her mind wondering if an alliance like what he was suggesting already existed. “No. Between Earth Dragons and Ponies. We Earth Dragons have militaristic strength, but without something to guard it is useless and letting our skills rot is shaming our ancestors.” Spike explained slowly, Rarity and the others hanging onto every word and…was Twilight taking notes? He was glad to see some things never changed. “And besides” Spike continued, “with everything that happened to Ponyville alone after your student Twilight Sparkle arrived, it can ensure the towns and cities are protected without straining the numbers of the Royal Guard.” Shining Armor, who had opened his mouth to speak, shut it immediately after Spike said this. “Anyways, we can discuss this…after the wedding” Celestia said, turning her head to Cadence and Shining Armor. At this, Spike’s eyes widened dramatically. “And I don’t have anything to wear besides this armor!” He said, running to the window. He was about to leap out of it until a lilac and blue aura surrounded him, holding him in place. “And where do you think YOU’RE going?!” Twilight Sparkle and Rarity said at the same time, not wanting Spike to run away…again. “To a tux rental.” Spike said flatly, pointing out a window to a shop down the road. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Spike, now out of his armor and in a tuxedo his size-which had not been easy to find- stood watching the carriage containing the newly wedded couple move out into the distance. He glanced at the Castle-where his armor and weapons were now stored temporarily in Celestia’s room. He was broken out of his thoughts by a soft-familiar voice that echoed through his dreams. “Um..Spike…well…I was wondering…um…if…” Rarity stuttered slightly as Spike turned around and his emerald green eyes shone in amusement. “Relax, Rarity. I don’t bite. Now take a deep breath and tell me what you want. You’re sounding like Fluttershy right now.” Spike said, brushing a claw through her stylized mane trying to soothe her. “I was wondering if you wanted to dance…you know…with...me.” She finally said, causing him to give a wide grin. “Gladly. Mi Lady.” He said with a bow, right before a photographer snapped a picture. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// “So tell me about this…alliance.” Princess Celestia said, casually munching on an apple. Normally, she would be formal, but it was Spike she was talking to-someone she had known since he was hatched. Princess Luna, on the other hoof, was listening with formal attention, as were most of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony. Twilight was slightly less formal, since she was taking notes left and right while levitating a drink to take a sip of occasionally. Pinkie Pie was……Pinkie Pie. “As I mentioned earlier, We Earth Dragons have military strength, but our code doesn’t allow us to go to battle unless we are insulted or are given a command from our Grand Councilor.” Spike explained. “Keep Prince Blueblood out of the meeting then” Celestia stage-whispered to Luna, earning a smirk from Rarity-as she had not forgotten the awful time at the Grand Galloping Gala she had with him. “Now, letting our skills rot seems like a waste, especially after adapting our weapons to be recharged from our flames instead of plasma. Now” Spike said but was interrupted yet again when Twilight spat out her drink and shouted: “Plasma?!” “Our vehicles run off plasma.” Spike said, “Our weapons had to change to dragon-flame based weapons due to the inability to recharge those weapons and no access to newly produced ones. We basically supply tools and military while asking only for the ability to the opportunity to fight on the front-lines if the time comes.” “And the fighters won’t harm the ponies, not even threaten them with their weapons?” Princess Luna asked, since this alliance seemed awfully one-sided…in the ponies benefit. “No. In our society when a weapon is drawn it must ‘demand blood’ so to speak, so it can’t be drawn for show. The only time you’ll see an Earth Dragon draw a weapon is in battle, sparring, or when their honor is insulted. One piece of advice: do not insult our ancestors and family.” Spike explained, nervously tapping a claw in what he had to say next. “Well, I would like to meet this ‘Grand Councilor’ very much then!” Princess Celestia said, unfurling and stretching her wings before stretching her legs. “Just send the message right away” “About that. For some reason my flame messages only go to you or are received by you, meaning I have to go back myself…and I’m not allowed to take others.” Spike said, receiving shouts of protest from Twilight and her friends. It nearly brought a tear to his eyes seeing how much the others were worried about him. “Unless…” Spike said, causing all of them to quiet immediately. “The Grand Councilor was very interested in meeting the six ponies representing the ‘Elements of Harmony’ that defended the pony’s lands. He has allowed me to bring the six ponies of those elements to meet with him directly when I report in. Now, I must remind you that this is the Earth Dragon’s most sacred land…hidden deep in the Everfree Forest.” As Fluttershy was about to quietly voice her inability to go, Rarity of all ponies stuffed a hoof in Flutttershy’s mouth to quiet her and spoke up “When can we start.” This caused everyone to look at her, and she blushed slightly in embarrassment, “I mean, a lady must never be kept waiting after all.” “We must arrive back to Ponyville tonight. It will be easier to reach the lands from there.” Spike said, standing up and clicking his jaws together. “Now Twilight, if you can teleport us to the library…” He never got a chance to finish as a lilac aura surrounded him and the six ponies before a blinding light entered his vision. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// In a blinding light, everypony appeared in the middle of the library, startling Peewee the Phoenix and Owlicious the owl. “Hey Peewee!” Twilight greeted, and the phoenix just spat out some flames into her face. “Still got personal space issues, I see…” Twilight muttered, coughing out smoke. At this sight, Spike let out a loud laugh, which got Peewee’s attention. With a loud trill, the couple month old phoenix glided over to Spike and perched on his right shoulder. Spike walked to his room and pulled out his old basket which he slept in with his “infant form”. Pulling out his pillow, he set the pillow on the ground and put Peewee’s perch in the basket. Nodding to himself as Peewee flew off and roosted on his perch, he got to work peeling off his armor. Now the “Mane Six” had been used to Spike as an infant, so they had expected to know what he looked like underneath the armor. They, were not, however, expecting the large, slightly discolored portion of scales on his chest going from his right shoulder to his left hip in a single slash mark. Or the fact that there were so many slash marks on his left shoulder that even Twilight doubted that the scales would regain their original color. “What did he go through?” Rarity whispered as Spike settled on the ground of all places-head propped up on the pillow-and drifted to sleep. She quietly made her way to the door and snuck her way out. As she walked back home, she thought back to the experiences she and the others shared with Spike. The small, cutesy dragon with (as she put it) “chubby-wubby wittle cheeks” had grown into what had appeared to be a futuristic knight with a strong sense of honor and family. It reminded her of the Samurai of…neighpan was it? She was broken from her thoughts as she literally walked into the door. “My…how ungraceful of me.” She said quietly, moving her head around to see if anyone spotted her doing such an embarrassing thing. Pulling her hidden key out of its hiding spot and re-hiding the key after unlocking the door, she entered her home/boutique and shut and locked the door. Staring at a curtain in the room, she used her magic to pull back the curtain revealing her latest work. On a ponyquin was a purple knight-like tunic with green highlights. She had ended up accidentally designing it when trying to relax after Spike ran off on his migration. Her mind had been so wrought with worry that she had not noticed her design until halfway through, when Sweetie Bell pointed it out. Gazing at it, she realized that there was no way Spike would fit in it now. Suddenly, her eyes widened and a huge grin appeared on her face. “Idea!” She said in an almost signing voice as she used her magic to pull out purple, gold, and green fabrics. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Now Spike awoke the next morning after everyone else arrived. ‘After sleeping on the floor of the Battlecruiser, the wooden floor feels like a luxury bed’ Spike thought to himself before opening his eyes… And staring directly into Pinkie Pie’s party cannon. His eyes widened as he let out a shout of surprise and rolled to the right just in time to avoid being hit with the confetti it spat out. It was then Spike decided to voice his displeasure. "Ghis Rhan Ju Uon Puch! Fyur Udonk’han Su!" Now this got confused looks from all six ponies in the room. It was then Spike realized what he said. “Sorry. I kind of learned my ancestor’s language during my migration. I said ‘Don't aim that at me. I could’ve attacked.’ Sorry about the confusion.” Spike said, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment before putting on his armor. Spike checked the triangular weapon, which he described was known as a gem needle rifle and saw that its ammo was low. He pulled out a glowing pink gem and sliced it with his claws, shaping the sliced gem into needles and putting them in the canister he pulled out. Placing it back into the weapon, he pumped the loading slide and 18 shards stuck out of the weapon around the canister-nine on each side. He also breathed fire into the handle of the two–bladed, one handed sword he used, which Spike explained to them was known as the Flame Sword, until three lights came on indicating a full charge. Without warning, Spike pulled of the armor of his left shoulder and slashed his own left shoulder and jammed the pointed needles of the Gem Needle Rifle into it, earning cries of surprise and protest. Stifling back a grunt of pain, Spike once again explained “Once drawn, the weapon demands blood.” Placing the handle of the sword, which he shut off, on his right leg armor-the handle stuck to the armor and Spike placed the Gem Needle Rifle on his lower back armor, where it also stuck to the armor. Returning his shoulder armor where it belonged, he turned to the door and asked “I trust Pinkie Pie and Applejack have our food?” Gaining nods from the two ponies in question. “You don’t have ta worry ‘bout a thing sugarcube.” Applejack said, and Spike nodded at his six friends. “We must go. We are already behind schedule.” Spike said, and Twilight’s eyes widened in alarm. “TARDY?!” //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// As the group winded through the Everfree Forest, Fluttershy was literally leaping behind and pony close to her at the slightest movement in the forest. “So…Spike, you said the Earth Dragon’s sacred land was where your ancestors-what you call Sangheili-arrived…what are Sangheili?” Twilight Sparkle asked the dragon who took not only the role of her number one assistant, but her adopted younger brother…perhaps even…son. “To say it bluntly: aliens.” Spike said in a quiet voice. “Don’t joke with us, Spike.” Rainbow Dash said; hovering in the air with her front legs crossed. Spike turned around and they could see the bored expression on his face even with his helmet on. “Does it look like I’m joking? To prove my point, near our sacred ground-a Sangheili scout encountered a cockatrice and was turned to stone. I will take you there.” With that, Spike suddenly veered to the right and the other ponies scrambled to keep up with their guide. After what seemed like days through the winding forest, Spike suddenly stopped and moved some bushes away. In front of the ponies behind those bushes was a stone statue of a weird…..creature. It had a diamond-shaped helmet that had side coverings that had armor plating that covered the sides of its four open mandibles that revealed dog-like teeth. It had a bulky chest plate and rounded shoulder guards, and no covering on its arms. It held a black, rusted, triangular object and its knees bent forwards. It appeared to have been crouching-and if what Spike had said was true-investigating a Cockatrice. Its beady eyes were at the sides of its head, staring in front of it at their spot a little above the mandibles. It had two toes in the front of its feet and one in the back-in what looked like an alien hoof. As the ponies stared at it-with Twilight taking notes Spike put the bushes back and shook his head. “We’re close now. We must go, before any manticore locks onto our scent.” //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// After a few more minutes of walking, Spike suddenly stopped and turned to his friends. “Make sure your jaw doesn’t dislocate when you see our ancestor’s Battlecruiser…how they arrived on this planet.” Before walking through the foliage out of sight. The girls followed him, and their jaws nearly touched the ground. A gigantic, purple spaceship that had started to rust in some places that seemed to stretch out for miles laid on the ground in front of them-some spots embedded into the thick mud. There were a couple of holes in the sides scattered across the ship, and the entire ship was leaning with the front of it upwards-like an airplane in descending position, revealing the large metal bars under the front. The engines were buried in the ground. Spike walked to one of the holes and placed a hand on the side of the ship. “This entire ship is 1,782 meters long: or 5,850 feet long. It is also 862 meters wide: or 2,830 feet wide.” Spike said, running his scaled hand across the metal of the ship. Another dragon, with grey scales and clad in gold armor walked forward and said something in that growling language that Spike had shouted at Pinkie Pie earlier, and Spike responded in that same language. The dragon nodded at him and walked through the large hole and into the ship. “You six now have permission to come inside the ship with me. He has gone ahead to inform the Grand Councilor of our arrival.” Spike said, as Twilight turned to her fellow ponies and said: “Okay girls; let’s be on our best behavior here. We are representing all of Equestria in this initial meeting. Pinkie Pie, that means NO PARTY CANNON! We don’t want to accidentally start a war.” At this Pinkie Pie let out a loud sigh of disappointment and put away her party cannon…somewhere. It even baffled Spike to where it disappeared to. “Well, here goes nothing.” Spike said, as the group turned and headed into the Battlecruiser, his claws echoing on the metal floor. Author's Note To make up for the slow update, I revamped me second chapter-greatly changing it from the original-and doubled its size for all of you! Here are some pictures to help explain things: Covenant Battlecruiser > http://halo.wikia.com/wiki/CCS-class_battlecruiser Sangheli Minor (scout described) > http://www.halopedia.org/Sangheili_Minor A video of a Sangheili pre-battle speech (where I got the idea of Spike's outburst)> http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=AV_WUspniMo
Chapter 3:The Battlecruiser Chapter 3:The Battlecruiser Spike's past is revealed in this chapter. Trust me, I hated myself writing it. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// The group followed Spike into the battlecruiser, their hoof steps echoing from the metal floor and down the long hallway. Twilight Sparkle's mind raced with many unanswered questions. What did Spike go through? How did he grow? How did he survive whatever injuries gave him those terrible scars? But two questions caused her to worry the most. Did he find his....family? Did he still need her? As if sensing this, Pinkie Pie of all ponies asked "Hey Spike, did you find your parents? Cause if you did, I want to throw a super-amazing 'Family Reunion' party!" Spike paused and his shoulders shook slightly. He answered with a trembling voice. "Y-yes, I did. I'll.....introduce you to them after the meeting with the Grand Councilor." None of the other ponies really thought of his answer, but Rarity-who had an eye for the tiniest details-noticed something. Something that raised more questions than answers. 'If he found his family.....then why is he crying?' She thought. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// After walking nearly an hour down the blue, metal hallway, they reached a silver metal door with blue highlights. Spike approached the door and it split into three before sliding into the wall, revealing a massive room with a holographic globe in he middle of it. Dragons in various armors, some as tall as Princess Celestia and some as small as Spike had been stood around it, pointing out various locations. A black Earth Dragon with a green underbelly the same color as Spike's underbelly stood in bright silver armor, a huge fin on an ornate helmet revealed that he had a high rank, not to mention the two white earth dragons in red armor with glowing yellow circular designs sticking out of their helmets and shoulder pads. The two guards also carried a large non-combat ceremonial spears with the same yellow color on its large point and a flame sword holster on their legs. There were dragons in white, black, blue, red, silver, and gold armor scattered across the room with various weapons on their armor. "Ah, Spike 'Kusovai. I see you have returned, and judging by the six ponies with you, that you have successfully met with their leaders. What is the message?" The black dragon said, his emerald green eyes peering at the group from behind the glass that covered them. "Grand Councilor" Spike began, "The Princess of the day-Princess Celestia, and the Princess of the night-Princess Luna, have both agreed to meet with us as soon as possible." The dragon's head shot up suddenly and he let out a loud, cheerful laugh. "Finally! After nearly a thousand years we have a purpose again!" At this declaration all of the dragons around them let out a loud cheer. "You have actually succeeded at a mission generations before you failed at. Not only that, we have received from our scouts that you single handedly fought your way through an enemy-infested city to complete it. It seems your skills are wasted as a mere Major." After he said this, the dragon said something in Sangheili, to which two dragons in gold armor ran and returned with new pieces of armor as Spike peeled off the jet-pack, helmet, and shoulder pads . "Thank you, Councilor." Spike said, bowing his head as his new helmet was lowered onto him. It was white-like his old one, with a blue visor over his eyes and "L" shaped cheek guards. A grey circular pattern was on the front, where it branched out to two wide fins, a long portion sticking out behind his head with his head spikes protruding from between them, and two square-shaped fins with maroon designs on it stuck out on each side. His new shoulder guards had a similar design, except smaller. His jet-pack, a large-square shaped portion attacked to his armor with a large hole in the back for short bursts of flight was taken off and replaced with one that had more rounded edges. When Spike went to activate it, the sides expanded and the flames came out of the sides. "Spike 'Kusovai-sword specialist-has now been promoted to the Rank Ultra!" The Grand Councilor shouted. The dragons let out a loud cheer for their fellow dragon. Spike wrote a quick letter and sent it off with a breath of his green fire. "Grand Councilor, the message will soon reach Princess Celestia. We must take the time to prepare and set up the Spirit Dropship to carry us to the castle within the day. As for me, I have a promise to keep to these six ponies, the bearers of the 'Elements of Harmony' themselves. I-I'll see you there....grandpa." Spike said, turning and heading out the doorway after bowing to the Grand Councilor. Right as they walked through the doorway, the six mares turned to Spike and yelled "GRANDPA?!" ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// "The Grand Councilor was R'tas 'Kusovai, who was the father of my father." Spike explained, as he led the ponies down the weaving hallways. "Spike, you're telling us that your Grandfather of all dragons is the LEADER of the Earth Dragons?! That is so....Awesome!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed. Spike and the others chuckled slightly at her excitement. "That may be so, but he made sure my training during my stay here was Tartarus on Equestria to ensure my survival. Even making me spar with those Honor Guards you saw guarding him as a mere Minor-the lowest rank there is in our society." Spike explained, subconsciously rubbing the chest of his armor. He stopped in front of another door and his head lowered as he stared at the floor- floor that kept reminding him of Rarity's eyes. He'd have to tell her the truth soon. He sat down and couldn't bring himself to look into Rarity's eyes. "I have a confession to make to you Rarity. During my stay here I learned something on Earth Dragon behavior that I had not known about. When an Earth Dragon gives up a special personal item of theirs to a member of the opposite gender, it is...um....a....marriage...proposal." Spike stood up and lowered his head as he turned away after saying this. "The Fire Ruby...." Rarity said, bringing a hoof up to her cheeks. "I had no idea. I apologize if this shames you. I am not worthy." Spike said, refusing to face her. Seeing his reaction, she frowned. This reminded her of scenes from some of her romance novels. Still, two words echoed across her thoughts. 'Rarity 'Kusovai.' For some reason, this didn't revolt of humiliate her in the slightest. "Don't worry about it dear. We'll just take this one step at a time. We don't know what the future holds." She said, causing him to turn around in shock. Shaking his head, he frowned and faced the door. "I promised to introduce you to my parents. I've delayed it long enough." With that, Spike opened the door and the ponies gasped. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Inside the room was thousand of metal coffins. Fluttershy cried openly as Applejack took off her stetson in respect. Twilight stood frozen on the spot. 'His parents are dead.' Spike walked over to two coffins near the center of the room and rubbed a hand on them. "They died ambushed by a dragon trying to complete the mission I fulfilled.They died protecting my egg, which Celestia found after the battle. Scouts recovered the bodies afterwards and they were given a funeral befitting a warrior." Spike said, keeping an eye on the names on the coffins. Thel 'Kusovai. Sapphire 'Kusovai. Twilight and the others went over and talked to the coffins, thanking Spike's parents for protecting him before he hatched and talking about their friendship with their son (or in Rarity's case, unknowing proposal) as Spike stood guard with a solemn look on is face. "We should go. The Spirit Drop-ship should be ready for us." Spike said. The ponies followed him silently. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// "It hurt, knowing my parents died." Spike said, walking past a room with a giant reactor that shone with whitish-blue light, which powered the ship. "But...I wouldn't change a thing. i know they died in the ultimate act of love a parent could do-giving up their lives so their child may live. If it wasn't for them, I may not have met any of you. So...yes. I would not change a thing." "Spike..." Rarity said, "that is one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard! I...even I don't know if I could face the world the way you can." When they entered the next room, they could obviously tell it was the hangar. There was a hole in each side and various machines in places. There were two ships shaped like tuning forks, four purple tank-like vehicles, ten bulbous aircraft hanging from the ceilings, six dark pink vehicles that had two seats and a turret in the back, and twelve one- person vehicles that were dark-purple. Spike walked up to one of the tuning–fork shaped vehicles and started narrating. "This is a Spirit Drop-ship. It can carry 15 passengers on each side and had one driver. It can also carry two light vehicles or one heavy vehicle." Afterwards, he pointed at the ones hanging off the ceiling. "Those are our one-person combat aircraft that had been nicknamed Banshees. Its armament is two repeating plasma lasers and one heavy plasma cannon." Afterwards, he walked up to the purple tanks. "These are Wraith tanks. They had one turret operator and one driver that also operated the main gun." "Your ancestors sure had a thing for shades of purple" Rarity noted, flipping her mane and smiling when she saw Spike's eyes locked onto it. 'Something that you have also inherited-it seems' she thought. "Actually, the color signified the allegiance with a group of aliens known as The Covenant. Although our ancestors couldn't send outgoing messages, they could listen in to how the war-and don't get me talking about it, as I don't know a lot about it-was progressing. All I know is that they didn't have any paint available to change the color scheme of the vehicles after the Covenant betrayed the Sangheili." He explained. At this, Spike shook his head and moved onto the pink vehicle. "This is a Revenant. It had one passenger, and a driver that also operated its plasma mortar. When not in use, the mortar of the Revenant and Wraith recede into the structure of the vehicle to prevent any tampering with it." Twilight looked up from her note-taking when she heard that. "That's actually a pretty smart move. Prevent any possible spies from sabotaging the machinery." She noted. At last Spike sat down in the one-person vehicle and pressed some buttons on it, causing it to roar to life and over of the ground with a blue glow underneath it. "Finally, this is a Ghost. A one person ground vehicle. It has a boost function, as does the Wraith, but this only has repeating plasma lasers. However, this vehicle is a lot faster. But not as fast as you-Rainbow Dash." He quickly added the last statement seeing Rainbow Dash opening her mouth-presumably to try and challenge him to a race using a Ghost. The ponies saw the Grand Councilor and twenty-four dragons, which meant that there would be just enough space for Spike and the six ponies if what he said about 15 passengers on each side and one driver was true for the Spirit Drop-ship. The Grand Councilor had his two honor guards, six dragons in white armor (excluding Spike), ten dragons in gold armor, four dragons in red armor, and finally two in red armor. One of the dragons in the white armor climbed into the cockpit at the back of the ship were the two "forks of the tuning fork" met the main body. He was obviously going to be the pilot. The sides of the Spirit Drop-ship opened, revealing harnesses on the inside of the extending sections-fifteen on each side. Spike helped each pony onto the Spirit and-in embarrassment to everypony-had to help harness them in with them standing on their hind legs with their backs against the wall. Spike climbed in next to Rarity after harnessing her in and harnessed himself, closing his eyes in anticipation. The Grand Councilor was next to Twilight Sparkle at the end opposite of Spike-farther away from the cockpit. Once every dragon was inside, the sides to the Spirit Drop-ship shut once again. "When we are close to the destination, the harnesses will detach themselves-an innovation made so that the passengers could jump into battle quicker." Spike explained. With a jolt, the passengers felt a pit drop in their stomach as the ship rose into the air, and with a shout of excitement from Pinkie Pie, it flew out of the Battlecruiser and into the distance. Author's Note For everyone's patience, I give everyone an early present and release TWO chapters in one day!
Chapter 4: Peace talks and scarsCadence stood with Shining Armor next to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, with an irritated look on her face. She had been called from her honeymoon-much to her annoyance-to deal with the peace talks with the Earth Dragons. "I mean, it's not like they are going to be here today, right? We could have gotten another day on our honeymoon." She said, while Shining Armor nuzzled her reassuringly. "Don't worry. It seems like we're just here to help finalize things here. A basic plan has already been set up." He said, before a loud, metallic, growl-like sound was heard. Looking up, they watched as the Spirit Drop-ship hovered down close to the ground, and the sides opened up, and six ponies with multiple dragons hopping out. Their attention was drawn to the largest dragon, he was black with ornate silver armor and easily stood at ten hooves tall-even taller then Princess Celestia-the largest pony there. Shining Armor's eyes scanned over the group, before landing on a purple-scaled dragon at a mere four hooves. Although his armor was different, Shining Armor could recognize Spike instantly. "Spike, I need you to help the two Royal Guard soldiers outside the room in order to keep an even number of dragons to ponies inside the room." The dragon said in a deep, guttural voice. "Yes, Grand Councilor." Spike said, standing at attention between the two ponies in gold armor in front of the doorway. "Relax, we'll get you a few sapphires in return." The Grand Councilor said, earning a salute-a raised fist to his left chest-from Spike. The Grand Councilor chuckled slightly and said to the ponies "Sapphires are his favorite food." ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// When the door closed, the Grand Councilor took off his helmet and placed it on the table, revealing his emerald green eyes. "Greetings Crown Princesses of the Pony Civilizations, I am the Grand Councilor of the Earth Dragons, R'tas 'Kusovai." Now this name got Princes Celestia's attention. "Wait. 'Kusovai? Is there any relation to Spike?" She asked, gaining a small laugh from R'tas. "Yes. I was glad to finally meet my grandson when he came to grow and learn in our sacred ground." He admitted and Celestia's eyes widened. Luna, Shining Armor, and Cadence had their jaws touching the ground. "Before you ask, my son Thel 'Kusovai and his wife Sapphire died in an ambush by a dragon on a mission to speak to you about the alliance we will be discussing. However, you recovered Spike's egg yourself, Princess Celestia." With that, an uneasy silence fell across the room until Pinkie Pie quickly trotted to the kitchen and came back balancing trays full of hay fries, daisy sandwiches, cakes, and gems of every variety. "So who's hungry?" She asked. //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Spike stood tapping his foot on the floor as he gazed to and from the Royal Guards and the doorway where the meeting was held. He couldn't help but think of all that he learned about his species, including the hidden information that was usually kept a secret. Earth Dragons could produce viable offspring with ponies. It almost never happened, though. Maybe once every couple hundred years...if that. "I wonder how the talks are going?" Spike growled out in Sangheili. The language of his ancestors was now as natural to him as speaking Equestrian was. Spike then rubbed his chest armor, hand over his scar. He then thought back to the day he received it, not knowing that R'tas 'Kusovai was telling the same tale. It had been right after he had his growth spurt. He stood in the red armor of a Minor-Rank Earth Dragon with the flame sword lit, as an Honor Guard stood facing him with his flame sword active as well. It was one of Spike's first spars with the flame sword, and facing the high ranked-six hoof tall honor guard was a terrifying aspect. Still, he had to succeed, he had to....to grow strong enough to protect his friends. Without a word, the two suddenly ran at each other and the flame swords crashed into each other. The heat from the flames was intense-as Dragon Fire was one of the only kind of fire that could go through a dragon's scales. The two dragons kept exchanging blows, neither one landing an actual blow against anything but the others sword. That's when it happened. Spike slipped as the Honor Guard swung his sword. The blade sliced through the armor and through Spike's scales, leaving a bad slice from his right shoulder-blade to his left hip. Spike's vision blurred as searing pain shot through his entire body. Metallic blue blood seeped from the wound and Spike collapsed face-first on the ground. Horror shot through the Honor Guard as he realized that he just may have accidentally killed his sparring partner. "It's...not...over ....yet." Spike suddenly growled out, forcing himself onto his knees. "Never....make an....assumption....unless you....know your foe....is down!" He growled, and stabbed his flame sword at the Honor Guard. Startled, the Honor Guard could do nothing as the flame sword sliced the top of his right arm just below the elbow, forcing him to drop his own flame sword. "ENOUGH!" The Grand Councilor shouted, as Spike collapsed with his adrenaline no longer supporting him, "Take Spike to the infirmary to have his wound dealt with." A few day later, when Spike was in fighting form again, he learned that he had been promoted to Major-Rank for disarming an Honor Guard in a spar. The ponies had been quietly listening to the tale and were surprised on how the scar had actually been received. "Our ancestors, the Sangheili, crash-landed here many centuries ago. Perhaps even before the first Hearth's Warming Eve." R'tas said, "Even when draconic blood was mixed in an untold amount of time before our current meeting, we kept the beliefs of the Sangheili. However, as you look at us, you can see that none of us actually grow any wings." It was then that Luna voiced a question that rattled in her mind. "If you're so militaristic, why ally yourself with us peaceful ponies instead of the militaristic Griffons?" The Earth Dragons let out a soft laugh. "Finally, one of you asks the question we were waiting for. The answer is simple for us Earth Dragons, but not for anyone who does not know our ancestor's history." R'tas said, rubbing a hand on his helmet. "The Sangheili were a part of a military group of different alien species called the Covenant. They were the backbone of the military force. But one day, the Covenant betrayed them and tried to kill all of them. So, they allied themselves with the Covenant's worst enemy. We decided that instead of joining another military and risking betrayal like our ancestors did, we would join a peaceful group and serve as guards and, if needed, soldiers." As R'tas stood up and placed his helmet back on his head, the ponies were unnerved slightly at how tall he actually was up close. "Relax, we don't bite." He said, holding a hand up to placate them. Pinkie Pie, however, was apparently having a staring contest with a yellow-scaled Minor-Ranked dragon. Eventually, the dragon got fed up with Pinkie staring at him and decided to startle her. "Really, I'm NOT going to kiss you in front of everyone!" "What?!" Pinkie Pie shouted, falling onto her back. That sight caused everyone to laugh. "I'm confused." Shining Armor said, rubbing the back of his head with a hoof. "You kept telling us different ranks, but never told us which one was which!" "I knew I was forgetting something!" R'tas said, pacing slightly, "We have a scale of ranks and we work our way up from the lowest to the highest. In that order, the ranks are Minor, Major, Ultra, Zealot, General, Shogun-which replaced the Sangheili's Ship-master rank since our ship can no longer fly as it should, Warrior-replacing the Sangheili's Fleet-master, Honor Guard, and Grand Councilor." The Mane 6 was very surprised at this revelation. They had thought Ultra-Rank was a very high rank, but they had just learned that it was the third lowest of the Earth's Dragon's rankings! ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Spike was just about to let out a groan of boredom when the doors flew open. Spike let out a salute to the Grand Councilor and knelt down. "So, how were the talks?" Spike asked, and Rarity stared at him, thinking how much his actions right now were reminding her of a brave knight.....and of how badly he was injured in a spar. 'It's settled.' She thought, 'I'll talk to him and see if we can work something out. He may not have known that his gift was a marriage proposal in his society at the time he did it, but his sense of honor will keep him near me until I make my choice. Besides, anypony needs to go on dates before they jump into a marriage.' "I must return to the Battlecruiser and send different dragons to different cities. We have a purpose once more" R'tas said, "However, I have an optional long-term mission for you." "Sir?" Spike asked, tilting his head in curiosity. "I need a representative to guard the ponies representing the 'Elements of Harmony' and since you have the most experience with them, I was thinking that you would be the best choice since they know you and would be less likely to feel threatened by you. Do you accept this mission?" R'tas asked, his voice void of emotion. "Yes, Grand Councilor." Spike replied, saluting his grandfather. R'tas 'Kusovai nodded to show that he understood that Spike accepted the mission, before handing Spike a handful of the promised sapphires. As the Grand Councilor of the Earth Dragons walked back to the Spirit Drop-ship, he whispered "Be safe, Spike." Watching his grandfather until he went out of sight, Spike felt that he needed to show off slightly. Grinning widely, he turned around and saluted his six friends before saying "Spike 'Kusovai. Ultra-Ranked Sword Specialist. Reporting for duty!" "Whoo-Hoo! This calls for a PARTY!" Pinkie Pie shouted, jumping in one spot, making everyone laugh. Author's Note So, a sorter chapter, but it's getting late. I promise a longer chapter tomorrow, when I'm at a better computer
Chapter 5: Ponyville-part 1I made a mistake in the first chapter, which has been corrected. Spike is as tall as Shining Armor, not Rarity. Now, DanvilleBengal has suggested making all of the characters anthro. Now, originally I planned on only Spike standing on two legs, like the Sangheili. (Fun fact: The ponies, dragons, AND sangheili have the same name for “Hell”: Tartarus.) However, if the readers want it, I will change some scenes (aka “raising a hoof to her cheek” becomes “raising a hand to her cheek” and so on) to fit the anthro bill. Now, on with the story! The train ride back was quiet. Now normally, this would be good for anypony, but these were six mares used to unordinary things happening, as well as an armored dragon battle-trained and hardened during his migration. Taken under R’tas ‘Kusovai’s tutoring, Spike was quickly brought up on all the teachings he would have had if his parents had survived. R’tas, despite being his grandfather, was a hard taskmaster. He had to be, as Grand Councilor of the Earth Dragons. Ignoring all usual training, R’tas threw his grandson into Honor Guard training instead of working his way up starting with Minor-Rank training. R’tas had already buried his son and daughter-in-law; he didn’t want to bury the last of his family as well. Spike’s gaze trailed onto the six ponies he had known for most his life-the six mares he was tasked with protecting. He looked through the glass of his helmet, a Heads-Up Radar in the upper-right corner of his line of sight, an ammo count in the upper-left corner, a shield meter on the top of the sight, and a zoom-in feature built in to activate and deactivate with a thought. Tired of the silence, Spike grabbed a book he had carried in under his armor. He had already read it multiple times, but was hoping Twilight would notice it. He had just opened the page when Twilight gazed on the book. Almost instantly at the sight of a book she didn’t recognize, a lilac glow surrounded it and it flew in front of Twilight Sparkle. “Well, that was just rude Twilight.” Rarity admonished, earning a sheepish grin from her friend. “No. I was hoping for that. I know how Twilight is around books.” Spike said; his ear fins twitching as he gazed out the window of the doorway to their compartment as a pony pushed a food trolley by. Now this got everyone’s attention. What book did Spike hope she will read. All six mares leaned over and gazed at the title. Earth Dragons: A History of Honor. “Where did you get this?” Twilight asked, slowly opening the book as if it were made of glass, “There’s nothing like this in all of Equestria.” “It was written by my Great-Great Grandfather to help Earth Dragons who migrated to the sacred land from elsewhere for the first time. In other words; it’s a guide for Earth Dragons about our species for those raised outside of the Battlecruiser.” Spike explained. “In the entire draconic lineage, no dragon line has been as recorded and preserved as the Earth Dragons.” Twilight read out loud, causing the other ponies to look at her as Spike took a vigilant watch out the door. “Descendants of the Sangheili, which can be translated to Latin as Macto Cognatus: or ‘I Glorify my Kin’ in Equestrian, the Earth Dragons follow the ancient code and beliefs as their ancestors. There is hope that one day their home-the Battlecruiser that crash-landed in the Everfree Forest would be repaired to return to the Sangheili’s home planet: Sanghelios, a planet whose last recorded population was 8.135 billion Sangheili.“ Twilight read. “Oh! Think of how many dresses I could make there!” Rarity exclaimed, nearly falling over if it wasn’t for Spike’s arm shooting out and catching her. “I apologize for that un-ladylike fall I nearly took, Spikey-Wikey.” Spike’s purple scales reddened around his cheeks, but he said nothing-not trusting himself not to stutter. “Or parties. It would be the biggest party I’d ever thrown! It’d be the party to end all parties! Yes! Keep reading Twilight! I want to hear more so I can know what kind of food they’d want!” Pinkie Pie said, hopping all over the room. “The Earth Dragons, like the Sangheilis, are first and foremost soldiers above everything else. An average Earth Dragon has the ability to live up to if not over seventy years-the age of a really long-lived pony.” Twilight read, trying to keep her eyes off the hyperactive bouncing pink pony. “Or Granny Smith” Applejack said, thinking of her grandmother. “However, due to their lifestyle, it is rare to see an Earth Dragon over twenty years old.” Twilight read, her ears drooping at the very line she read. “An Earth Dragon remains in an infant-form for many years without growing. If it succumbs to a greed-growth, the Earth Dragon loses the ability to speak-only roaring.” This brought Rarity and Twilight’s minds back to Spike’s “Birthday incident”, where as a ‘teenage dragon” the only words he spoke were “Spike want”, and could only roar as a giant, four-legged “adult”. “After a while, if the Earth Dragon does not snap out of its greed-growth, instincts take it to the Battlecruiser-where it is killed in battle with the regular Earth Dragons. However, if it is snapped out of its greed, or it never succumbs to it, an Earth Dragon will stay in its infant-form until it is time to migrate. Symptoms of an oncoming journey back to the ancestral Battlecruiser will be nightmares-often of a battlefield. At this time, an Earth Dragon can be prone to violent reactions, as sudden movements or a flash of color in their line of vision can be registered in their minds as ‘enemy’. This is heralded up to their first phrase in their ancestor’s language-Wort Wort Wort-right before they run towards the Battlecruiser. This, translated, can mean Go, Go, Go, and was used right before a Sangheili’s charge on the battlefield.” At this, Twilight looked up “Well that explains the erratic behavior before he ran off.” “And that growl” Rarity said, “He caught sight of a pony’s blue tail and growled out that phrase before he took off.” Taking a breath she didn’t know she was holding, Twilight continued narrating. “Like the Sangheili, an Earth Dragon’s rise through the ranks is based on merit and skill. The lowest rank achievable is Minor. This is a stepping stone to the Earth Dragons, a learning tool. If the Minor-Ranked Earth Dragon does not earn a promotion to the next rank in its first combat mission, or receive a promotion from a spar before the first combat mission, it will…..” At the next words, Twilight’s voice died and her eyes widened in horror. “Let me read!” Pinkie Pie shouted, grabbing the book. “If the Minor-Ranked Earth Dragon does not earn a promotion to the next rank in its first combat mission, or receive a promotion from a spar before the first combat mission, it will commit ritualistic suicide to retain his or her honor.” The book fell to the floor, but remained open on the page. The ponies just stood there with looks of horror on their face. Seeing as nopony was moving to continue, Spike himself picked up the book and continued reading. “Earth Dragons are still very intelligent, and can easily learn to use any weapon available, as well as communicate with other species. They maintain a strong sense of honor and respect their comrades, kin, and superior officers. This sense of honor is what fuels the Earth Dragon-even more than food. Any foe who is skilled on the battlefield earns the Earth Dragon’s respect, the same way respect is earned with the Sangheili.” The mares had shaken themselves out of their stupor, and were now listening intently to Spike. “To an Earth Dragon, there is no higher honor than dying on the battlefield. Although many do not like seeing their kin die and may try to prevent it, losing your life for something greater than yourself is the most proper way to die. Even Earth Dragons captured by enemies will commit ritualistic suicide in order to keep their comrades safe and prevent any information that might endanger their family and comrades from falling into enemy hands, as well as retain honor.” “To the Earth Dragons, family is very important. A gift of an item dear to the Earth Dragon is used as a marriage proposal. Infant-form Earth Dragons are encouraged to flee battle in order to carry on the blood of their family to the next generation, while older forms do not flee the battlefield, as it is dishonorable. The older dragons form strong bonds with their fellow soldiers, the males becoming like brothers to each other.” Glancing at the window, Spike shut the book after placing a bookmark in it for Twilight. Glancing out the window, he saw that the train was slowing down-approaching the station. “We must get ready. The train will have stopped in a few minutes.” ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// All across Ponyville, ponies were talking about the newspaper headlines all across Equestria. New Allegiance with Earth Dragon Species Of course, many had been present at the Canterlot wedding, and were describing the new appearance and outfit of “Twilight Sparkle’s number one assistant”. An outfit that indicated that he was one of the Earth Dragons they were now allied with. Now, when they saw the six mares coming out of the train station with the armored Spike, it just added fuel to the fire. Ponies started talking in hushed whispers, while others kept coming up to try and get the autograph of the “hero who saved the wedding”. Spike’s head swirled as different ponies talked at the same time, holding pieces of paper and other objects with quills as they pushed and shoved closer to him. “This is starting to become uncomfortable for me.” Spike said as he tried climbing out of the pile of ponies. “This is not what I wanted, even in my infant-form.” Panicking slightly, Twilight went teleported them-hoping to go to a random location they knew outside of town, like Fluttershy’s cottage or Apple family’s farm. What they got was the inside of the Carousel Boutique, which was near the center of the town. “Well, beggars can’t be choosers, I guess.” Spike said, glancing at the surroundings before pulling his helmet off. “At least we’re out of the crowd.” “Give it a few days, it’ll blow over.” Rainbow Dash said, rolling her eyes. As the six mares talked with each other, Spike went over to Rarity’s red couch and sat down, placing his helmet on the ground by his feet and let out a loud sigh. “When news got out of the alliance, I did not expect the ponies to react like this.” Spike growled out, talking in Sangheili in order to prevent himself from sounding like he was complaining. Rarity frowned at this, as she inwardly wondered what he was saying. She once was able to read Spike like a book, but now he could speak in a language nopony could understand and kept his eyes behind blue glass and his mouth in a slight frown when clad in his armor. It was like he was paranoid, constantly scanning for threats. This unnerved her, to be honest. For him to rather die than allow anypony around him to be hurt from a careless mistake seemed unthinkable to her. Yet, there was the evidence staring her in her face with his stance alone. His right hand twitched every now and then, staying near the handle of the flame sword-ready to grab and activate it in a heartbeat. “I’ll grab everypony some tea. Just wait here.” Rarity said, as she slowly walked to her kitchen and put some water in the pot and lit the stove to let it heat up. Putting some cups with a tea bag in each one on a tray, her eyes wandered to the stairway. The object that led to her conflicting thoughts sat just upstairs, in her bedroom. Glancing at the pot and deciding that the short amount of time won’t hurt it, she quietly made her way up the stairs, avoiding everypony’s line of vision. Once in her room, she glazed at the box that container her most precious possession. Reaching in, she pulled out a gold necklace with a bright red, heart-shaped Fire Ruby on it. Spike had aged it and shaped it to get the most flavor out of it for his birthday, and he just gave it to her. Smiling at the thought, she thought about his growth. Part of her wished that he was still in his infant-form. The innocent smile and look in his eyes with his cute, chubby cheeks was something anyone would find adorable-no matter how much he complained. Still, she knew that he had to grow sometime. It was just his time. She sighed and remembered looking at him without the helmet. He knew how to smile, but he had lost the innocence in his eyes. Sorrow, rage, devotion, and pain reflected in his eyes. She knew the reason why, too. He had been in at least one battle where he had to take a life. She stared at her reflection in the glistening ruby and remembered Spike’s words. It had been this very day, yet it echoed like it was a distant memory. “To the Earth Dragons, family is very important. A gift of an item dear to the Earth Dragon is used as a marriage proposal.” She shook the thoughts from her head and clipped on the necklace-the ruby resting above her heart, and quietly moved downstairs back into the kitchen. Soon the water would be boiling and she could take it off the heat and serve it in the cups she set up and let the tea seep. When she got into the kitchen, however, she came face-to-back with Spike, who was already pouring the water into the cups. His helmet was on the table next to it, apparently he brought it with him into the kitchen. “Spike! What are you doing here? I thought I had everypony wait until I served the tea.” Spike didn’t look at her right away, his eyes staying locked onto the cup he was pouring water into. “The water was boiling already. We all heard it whistling. When nothing was happening, I figured you must not be able to pick it up for some reason and came to help, as well as make sure you were safe.” She didn’t know what to think. Sure, she was flattered that Spike wanted to make sure she was okay, but had she really been that deep in thought for that long? Spike turned around and his eyes immediately locked-onto the Fire Ruby necklace she was wearing. “Rarity! There are two ponies with Sweetie Bell here to see you.” Pinkie Pie said, sticking her head into the room, before bouncing out into the living room. Standing up and levitating the tray of tea into the living room, she placed it on the table. Spike placed his helmet back on his head, and the glass that had receded once again slid out over his eyes. “Rarity, who are these ponies?” Spike asked, bringing his right hand to rest over the handle of his flame sword. “M-mo….Mom?! Dad?!”
Ponyville: part 2This is written on a tablet, so there may be mistakes. Spike's covered eyes stared at the two ponies at the door-Sweetie Bell having already run into the building to talk with her older sister. The ponies eyes were wide and stared at the dragon mentioned in Equestrian newspapers. "I'm telling you there's a conspiracy about this alliance." The stallion said to his wife, who elbowed him. "Nishum" Spike growled out quietly at him-using the Sangheili word for "intestinal parasite"; which was often used as an insult. The ponies around him stared at him quizzically, before shrugging off the strange word. After all, Spike reasoned, words hurt less than weapons, and the stallion had unintentionally insulted the honor of the Earth Dragons. Still, he stared defiantly at the stallion and finally asked "You dare question my honor?" "Easy Spike....." Rarity said, guiding him to a chair at the table. "That.....wasn't a smart move on your part, sir." Twilight said, leading him to a seat farther down, "Like the Samurais of Neighan, honor is everything to Spike's species." At his glance towards Spike, she added "And he DID fight through a swarm of changlings single hoofed" The rapidly paling face of the stallion told Twilight that her message got through to him. ///////////////////// "So you're a....soldier?" Rarity's father asked Spike after taking a bite of a cookie served with the tea. "As my ancestors before me were. Like them, I will gladly pay the ultimate price for my comrades." Sike said, taking his helmet off and calmly sipping some of the hot tea. He glanced at the Fire Ruby. Part of him wanted to say something, but he knew that he should let Rarity have some time to reflect on the proposal. "That's quite morbid" Sweetie Bell bluntly pointed out. Spike gave a short laugh, snorting out some smoke. "When each battle can be your last, there is no point in hiding the truth" Spike said, earning a nod of respect from Applejack. "As soon as I knew the basics of battle, my grandfather had me take he same training the Honor Guards-some of the highest ranked soldiers in our race. He had already buried my parents." Spike said, staring at his reflection in his tea before he set his cup down and stood up. "Ei slee ji klaka" (I need to walk) Spike said, placing his helmet back on and heading to the door. With a quick excuse, Rarity stood up and followed after him. On the outside, a dragon in Major rank armor stood next to a revenant, which Spike climbed into the driver seat of. Rarity, after greeting the other dragon, surprised Spike by climbing into the passenger seat just as he turned on the vehicle. The revenant roared to life before Spike pressed the acceleration pedal and the vehicle flew down the street, curving to avoid the occasional pony. Rarity's mane and tail started blowing back in the wind, much to her horror. /////////////////////////////// After a while, Spike brought the revenant to a stop on a hill overlooking Ponyville. As Rarity fussed over her mane and tail, her gaze caught the small town and she watched as Spike leaned against the Covenant vehicle, a small smile on his face. "Spike, if it isn't unreasonable, may I make a request?" She said, staring at his relaxed form. "What is it, mi lady?" He said, tensing himself for action. "Can you teach me how to speak Sangheili? " She said, making him stare at her. "You, the mistress of all things fancy, want to learn a guttural language?" He asked, and she stared pleadingly at him. "Fine" Spike said after a few minutes of debate, "but just to let you know, I retaliated when your father questioned the honor of my species by calling him an internal parasite" he said with a guilty look on his face. She snorted slightly, holding back a laugh. "With all of my father's conspiracy theories, I have heard others call him worse". Author's Note This is all for today. This tablet is proving troublesome to write on.
