When The Light Turns Dark

Chapters

A Dragons Romance
The Unexpected Welcome
A Princesses Lies
To Spill A Princesses Blood
A Dragons Destiny
Insanity: The Nights Shadows
Insanity: A Journeys Beginning
Insanity: Insanity Incarnate
Insanity: A Queens castle
Hunting For A Tear

A Dragons Romance

“The dragon is indeed the most pure of the beings, so pure that it has never been seen by the eyes of corruption much less touched”- unknown source

The sun beat down relentlessly, with not a cloud in site over the small town of Ponyville. It was once again time for the days to be long and hot while the nights were short, and humid. Whereas most of the population of the small town found this weather to be extreme and unbearable, a certain farmer pony loved it.

AppleJack found the longer days helpful considering it was applebucking season, and she loved sitting out under the stars after a long day of work and listening to the choir of crickets and other creatures that happened to be conversing.

However this year it seemed there would be no relaxing for the orange earth pony as earlier in the week Big Mac managed to injure himself meaning once again she was left to do the work by herself.

“Ah swear he does this on purpose” AppleJack complained to herself wiping her hoof across her forehead. She hauled back and slammed her hind legs into the tree next to her causing a great many apples to fall into the buckets she and big mac had placed around the trees earlier.

She was panting hard as she made her way towards the next tree. The day was more than half over and she wasn’t even done with a quarter of the trees she was meant to buck by days end.

“Hey!” A.J. snapped her head in the direction of the voice to see a purple and green drake heading her direction.

“I heard you were on your own again this year” Spike called out “Need some help?”

“Ah know you are confident because you’ve grown a lot but there’s no way you could keep up with me. Ah’m better off on my own.” AppleJack smiled as she called out this playful insult. Truth was Spike had grown to larger than Big Mac’s size.

He was no longer the stubby baby dragon she had known before. He had a long snake-like body with hind legs about the size of hers and arms a little bit longer. Most notably about the change though was definitely his neck and face.

His head was thin with an elongated snout and frilled ears, and then his neck was stretched to match his body making him nearly a foot taller than her when she stood on her hind legs.

“Is that a challenge?” Spike questioned now standing right next to A.J. He flexed showing off the incredible muscle that he had grown in the two years since Chrysalis had been banished back to the badlands of the west. A.J. found herself staring as the dragon seemed to have ripped muscle on every part of his body.

“A.J.?” Spike waved his claws in front of her face to snap her out of whatever it was that had made her freeze up. “You there?”

“Oh! Uh yeah.” She stammered trying to recover some sort of composure “Just try not to slow me down too much” she slammed a tree hard not missing a single apple.

“I promise.” Spike laughed as he strode in between three trees still filled with the precious fruit. He took a deep breath tensing all of his body. He then lashed out with his arms punching the two trees in front of him, and lashing the third with his spiked tail, knocking every fruit off of all three trees in less than a second.

AppleJack stood dumbfounded staring at the large drake. “Well then” she stuttered “let’s get to work.”

Even with the great speed that Spike worked at, the pair still ended up working into the night finally finishing about the time the moon was center in the sky.

“Ah s’pose you should be getting back to the library.” A.J. panted finally resting in a clearing beneath the moon.

The drake lied down next to the exhausted farmer. “Nope, According to Twilight I am yours until the season is over.”

“Really? You sure she will be fine without you?”

“I’m sure” Spike replied “it’s re-shelving week, I’d just get in her way anyway.”

“Ah see” she sighed sprawling out on the ground facing her old friend. “Ya know it’s not too often we are alone together.

“Yeah.” Spike yawned offering his tail as a blanket. “It’s nice”.

“Ah guess it’s time I finally said this Spike” A.J. murmured sounding just a little bit nervous “Ah’m not good at telling people how I feel, but I just think it’s about time I told you that.” She took a short break looking to the ground digging up a little dirt with her hooves “Well I know how you feel about Rarity n’ all but” she sighed and snapped her eyes to the dragon “spike I love you”

She waited for a moment to get a response. The only one she got was a small snort and then a large snore.

A small tear fell from A.J.s eye “you loveable oaf” she sighed “it figures you would fall asleep right when I work up the guts to tell you how ah feel”

She leaned up and kissed his cheek then laid her hoof across his soft white underbelly covering herself in his tail and slowly falling into the best sleep of her life.

The week continued in the same pattern they would work during the day clearing more and more of the orchard. Then at night they would sleep beneath the stars, and though she didn’t try and tell him how she felt anymore, she still slept cuddling to him with his tail over top of her.

“Well it’s finally done.” Spike sighed staring at the sun setting over the rows of trees. “It took six days and I feel like I’m about to die from exhaustion but the job got done.”

“You did great work Spike.” A.J. panted still tired from the last set of bucking. “And don’t think just because there ain’t no more work that you can’t come visit.

“Yeah I’ll be sure to” spike replied “But it might be awhile I have a feeling Twilight will have a mountain of work for me once I get back”

A.J. pulled Spike in close, threw her hooves around his shoulders, and pulled him into a tight hug. “Good luck.” She whispered. Then releasing him, she shoved him away playfully and sent him back to his home.

Spike walked away leaving A.J. alone with a tear in her eye. She watched as the only pony that wasn’t a pony she would ever love walked away.

TO BE CONTINUED……………………

The Unexpected Welcome

“True friendship is love, and true love is friendship” – Raynestorm97

Spikes brain pounded against his skull. “I’m alive?” He thought. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes. The light stung for a moment before he got used to it. “Am I at the hospital” The answer was no. once his eyes adjusted he could tell exactly where he was.

“So they brought me all the way to Canterlot?” Spike questioned sitting up despite the extreme pain in his abdomen. The midnight blue Alicorn, who had been staring out of the window that was to his right, turned around in shock.

“You are awake?” Luna gasped. Spike simply grunted. A pleased smile crept onto Luna’s face. “You dragons are truly amazing.”

Luna stood across from Spike her large blue wings tucked close to her slim, long body. Her mane fell to the left covering her eye entirely. Spike didn’t ever say it but he thought she was even more beautiful than Rarity.

“So I’ve been told.” spike spat out gritting his teeth, as he attempted to stand. “But getting injured as easily as that; maybe we aren’t so amazing after all. How long have I been out?”

“Only a couple days.” Luna replied, stepping closer to the drake. “Exceptional, considering most would have died from losing that amount blood.” She ran her hoof across Spike’s underbelly ever so gently. Spike cringed a little. As gentle as she was it was still painful, even to the slightest of touch.

“You have amazing friends.” Luna Whispered, her voice as gentle as her hoof. “They haven’t left your side.” Luna gestured towards the floor next to his bed. Lying on the floor were the six best friends he had ever had.

“Of course they didn’t.” Spike had a tear in his eye. He sighed and looked to the princess of the night “well?”

“Are you expecting something?” Luna questioned with more than a little sarcasm.

Spike stood. “Well, let’s see. The doctors in Canterlot don’t know anything more about dragons than the ones in Ponyville do, meaning that they wouldn’t bring me here unless you and Celestia requested it.” Luna’s face told spike that everything he said was true. “So tell me, why am I here?”

Luna smiled “Strong, and intelligent? You are becoming quite a catch in my eyes Spike.”

Luna threw her hooves around his shoulders and pressed her lips against his. Spike found himself helpless, the princesses warm, soft lips locked on his. It wasn’t long before the mare had worked her sweet tasting tongue deep into his mouth. He reacted on instinct alone, first playing with her tongue well she was still in his mouth, then shooting his snakelike tongue into her mouth and snapping it around. He assumed by the little moans of pleasure she let out that he was doing well for his first kiss.

They parted after what felt like hours, a small strand of saliva dripping between their mouths. “You never answered me” Spike said, his gaze locked on the mare’s light blue eyes. “I’m sure this isn’t the only reason you brought me all the way to Canterlot.”

“I wish it could be.” Luna moaned, clutching the dragon’s shoulders “But sadly you are right. Follow me.” She dropped down off of Spike and proceeded to the doorway. “Are you coming?” She taunted, shaking her haunches just a little more than usual as she walked.

Spike smiled slyly. “I might be”

Luna spun around with a seductive smile on her face “I can attend to that later, but right now we must go speak with my sister.”

Spike followed trying to regain as much of his composure as he could. It wasn’t easy. All he could think about was what had just happened between him and the beautiful princess who walked in front of him. It was so wrong but yet he found himself craving it, craving her.

“No, no” he thought “you love Rarity. But Rarity doesn’t love you does she?” Spike was conflicted. He had always loved Rarity but he knew she didn’t feel the same, and then Princess Luna of all ponies is coming on to him?”

Luna stopped abruptly, making Spike run into her since he was lost in his internal argument. “Is something up?” Spike asked.

Luna stared lustfully at the drake. “It appears Celestia has stepped out for a bit.”

“Meaning?” Spike asked even though he knew very well what the answer would be.

Luna stood on her hind legs, and shoved spike against the wall behind him. “Meaning, I am free to attend to that little problem you had earlier.”

Spike smiled “You know it isn’t little at all right?”

The night Princess began kissing his neck, then slowly moving down his body she gasped in between kisses. “We will see about that”

TO BE CONTINUED…………….

A Princesses Lies

“Those who doubt their own strength, inevitably doubt the strength of others” – unknown source

Spike moaned loudly, but this time not from pleasure. “What happened?” He thought. Last he remembered, he had been lying on Princess Luna’s bed which was the softest bed he had ever felt, but now whatever surface he was on was cold and hard. He felt around for Luna, who had fallen asleep curled up to him. She was nowhere to be found.

Spike opened his eyes, or at least he thought he did. There was nothing. Wherever he was there was no light. “What the hell?” Spike questioned rubbing his eyes. Still nothing.

“Luna” he called into the darkness. “Luna” he called again even louder. No response, not even an echo. He needed to know where he was, he needed to see.

He took a deep breath, building the fire deep inside of his body. His lips formed into a tight circle as the heat inside him boiled. Finally he released the heat as it formed out of his mouth. He caught the fire in his hands spinning it into a tight ball, and then he threw the ball gently in front of him. As it glided through the air it expanded growing brighter and flying higher, lighting up the entire area, giving Spike his first look at his unfamiliar surroundings. It was unlike anything he had ever seen before in his life.

Surrounding his feet was a grey mist that was impossible to see through, making it so he couldn’t see what he had been lying on just before. Everywhere else was just as dark as it was before however. There was no sign of a ceiling or any surrounding walls.

Spike shook his head trying to wake himself up. “There’s no way this can be real” He panted. “It can’t be!” He closed his eyes, begging that this nightmare would go away and that he would wake up with Luna in his arms.

“Oh but it is” A calm voice mocked.

Spikes eyes shot open. Somehow in the mere seconds they had been closed he had been surrounded by 6 shadowed figures, each of them emitting a different color mist, but each just as dark and disturbing. Spike’s underbelly exploded in pain forcing the drake to the ground.

“Aw. Is the little baby still in pain from the whole I left in him?” Spike struggled to look at the source of the voice.

One of the shadows, this one emitting a crimson mist, stepped forward revealing its form. Spike couldn’t believe his eyes. Standing before him was a large midnight blue Alicorn with a misty silver mane and matching midnight blue eyes. “Luna” Spike muttered out of sheer confusion.

“Afraid not.” The same deep male voice chuckled. It was obviously coming from this Alicorn. “Although it is nice to know that the princess looks like me, after all,” The strange figure smiled maliciously at the cringing dragon. “She is my daughter.”

Spike couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “But Celestia was the first Alicorn, and Luna the second. You can’t be her father.” Spike attempted to hide the pain by standing to face the Alicorn.

“How ignorant.” The Alicorn hissed “I’m beginning to wonder if you really are pure or if you are just stupid”. His horn sent out a crimson aura forcing spike to his knees. “Perhaps you should learn who is in control here.”

Spike felt a pressure pushing down on his body. Harder and harder it pressed down. He felt a few of his bones crack as he fell to the ground, face locked on the ground at this strange Alicorn’s hooves. This was it he couldn’t move any muscle in his body. He couldn’t even force himself to breathe the pressure was so great. He was going to die any second. The only question was if he was going to die from being crushed or if he was going to suffocate.

Spike never got the answer to that question. His eyes grew heavy. He felt his life dripping out of him. With reluctance he closed his eyes resting for the final time.

A gentle hoof rubbed spikes underbelly gently waking him from what he thought would be his last sleep. Spike looked up to see Princess Celestia looking down on him. “Good morning” she said cheerfully smiling at him.

They were sitting on top of a craggy cliff overlooking a beautiful ocean the sun falling over the horizon leaving the water stained orange and pink. This place seemed to be the polar opposite of where he was just moments ago.

Spike sat up to look the princess in the eye. Surprisingly he felt no pain in his chest or the other bones he was sure broke only moments ago. “So how many times am I gonna have to die?” Spike questioned stretching every muscle in his body.

The Goddess of the sun couldn’t help but laugh at this. She laughed for a very long time, until it became awkward, then letting silence kick in she hugged the drake. “I’m sorry you have to go through this.” She whispered.

Spike hugged her back “Speaking of” Spike retorted “do you want to explain to me exactly what this is?”

Princess Celestia pulled back to look Spike in the eye. A few small tears fell from her own. “I’m so sorry” She whined “You have to feel all this pain because of me”. She turned her face away so Spike didn’t have to watch her cry.

“Princess, what exactly is it that I have to go through? Who was that Alicorn? He claimed to be Luna’s father.” Spike’s voiced was more than a little bit panicked “That was lie right Celestia? That isn’t true right?”

Celestia forced the tears to stop. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I lied, and I’m sorry that I hid the truth from you. I’m sorry, but I have to tell this story from the beginning.” Celestia placed a hoof on the drakes shoulder. “It was many years ago. Back when I was merely a filly, and a few months before Luna was born.”

Celestia walked as close as possible to her father almost tucking herself underneath his Wing.

“Daddy, where are we going?” She questioned.

Her father was a midnight blue Pegasus, whose silver mane, and wise eyes betrayed his young age. “Well honey.” He said looking back at his daughter. “The elders have asked to see me, and since mommy wouldn’t be able to take care of you while I am gone I decided you could tag along.

“Why do the elders need to see you?” The curious filly questioned again.

“I don’t know honey” The Pegasus kindly replied, hiding his fear lest he worry his daughter. He felt he knew exactly why he had been summoned. There were rumors going around that somepony would need to be selected to be the representative of Equestria. He wasn’t sure of exactly what the representative would be doing but he knew the one chosen would have to be remarkable.

He didn’t look at himself as any more than Everypony else, but he was always athletic as well as doing his best for the community. Adding all that on to the fact that his first born daughter was born with a horn and wings, it was basically assumed he would be chosen. He was so lost in his thought he hadn’t even realized he had reached the gathering place of the elders.

It was a small hut that only had one floor. He let out the smallest of shivers as he reached his hoof out to knock on the rough wooden door.

“Come in, Fallingstar.” A rough voice called before he even knocked.

“Wait here.” Falling told his daughter. He took a huge breath and stepped inside.

To Spill A Princesses Blood

“No matter how you try to hide, the truth will always be found”- Unknown Source

“Princess?” Spike questioned as Celestia had suddenly stopped telling her story.

Celestia turned to Spike with a sudden look of seriousness in her eyes. “I wish I could continue this story, but I’m afraid something has come up. It is of the upmost importance that we both get to the throne room.”

“What?” Spike asked, more than a little confused.

“Please, just hurry” Celestia’s horn shot out a bright orange beam, blinding spike.

“Man, he isn’t here either” Rainbow Dash complained. “How far could he have gone?” Rainbow and Twilight had woken up before anyone else, and noticed that Spike had gone missing. More than a little concerned the two took off to look for him.

“No clue” Twilight responded “But I’m worried.”

“You should be” a mocking voice called out. “But you should also be concerned for yourselves.”

They both turned to see a large shadowed figure standing just beside the throne on the other side of the room. Stepping out from the shadows the figure revealed his silver mane, and midnight blue fur.

“Luna?” Twilight called in confusion.

“What the buck is wrong with your voice?” Rainbow laughed.

The figure, completely ignoring Rainbow Dash, looked at Twilight. “You are the second one to ask me that.” His smile grew demented as Twilight could feel the shear rage behind it. “It’s such a shame you will be the first to die”.

“What?” Twilight began. She never got the chance to finish.

The midnight Alicorn charged full speed at the lavender pony, his head ducked and eyes closed. He knew she wouldn’t be going anywhere. It wasn’t long before he heard the familiar tearing of flesh, and felt the blood dripping down from his horn onto his face. The sour smell of blood was bliss to him. He opened his eyes expecting to see the lavender pony trying to scream as her blood slowly fell from her weakening body.

Much to his surprise that isn’t what he saw at all. On the end of his horn was none other than Princess Celestia her usually pristine white fur, matted and stained with blood.

Spike sprinted full bore down the castle halls. He wasn’t sure exactly what was so urgent, but something had happened to make the Princess stop her story. Whatever it was it couldn’t be good. The halls were disturbingly quiet as if Everypony had suddenly disappeared. Even Luna hadn’t been in bed when he woke up.

“This is it.” He thought as he rounded the last corner and saw the grand gate to the throne room coming up. He skidded to a halt placing himself in the center of the doorway. He will never forget what he saw happen. Mere feet in in front of him he saw the princess throw herself in front of a charging midnight blue Alicorn. He stood unable to move as the princesses blood splattered across the floor. The Princess was simply tossed aside the now crimson horn sliding out from her body.

“No” Spike said in disbelief. “No!”

The Alicorn looked to spike showing no surprise, just pleasure. “Is something the matter dragon?”

“You…… You just killed your own daughter.” Spike stammered still in shock and unable to move his body. All the while Twilight and Rainbow Dash were feeling the same shock as neither of them had said a word.

The Alicorn tilted his head back slightly, looking deep into the dragons eyes. An evil sneer came across his face as he asked “What of it?”

This made spike lose it. He charged FallingStar, or whoever he was now full speed with intent to kill. His rage burned in him like he had never felt before. The fire inside burned so hot he could feel it in his throat waiting for him to spit it out. As well as that the fire burned its way through his scales lighting his talons on fire as he raced towards the dark Alicorn.

FallingStar expected this. He turned his head to the other side watching as Spike charged at him. His smile grew even wider. “Is that all you’ve got dragon?” His horn emitted the all too familiar red mist. Spike stopped cold in his tracks as his underbelly was set ablaze with pain. He screamed and writhed on the ground, as the icy eyed Alicorn smiled. “Such a shame I don’t have time to play.”

With that the Alicorn began to melt away. His body broke down into darkness joining with his shadow then galloping across the floor towards the window. Spike attempted to stop it with whatever strength he had left but it was to no avail.

“Twilight” Spike gasped his breaths short and choppy. “Twilight. Bring the Princess over here.”

Twilight, finally coming out of her state of shock simply nodded and used every ounce of her magic to lift the bleeding princess over to Spike.

Spike, still lying on the ground, acted on instinct only he had no idea what he was doing. He reached his claw up to his throbbing underbelly and scraped it across, sending his crimson blood gushing out, pooling below him.

“Spike” Twilight gasped, but she couldn’t find the strength to say anything more. After all her mentor was lying dead on the ground at her hooves, and the friend she had had almost her whole life was tearing his own skin open. What could she say?

“Twilight” a voice called from behind them.

“Shining Armor” Twilight yelled, running to her brother. He was wearing his royal guard uniform, and his bright blue mane and white coat were in pristine condition. It seemed FallingStar had snuck in, as no one seemed alerted. That is till Shining saw the body of the Princess.

“What happened!” he screamed running towards the Princess. A short glare from Spike stopped him dead.

“Shining” Spike announced his voice laced with authority that he didn’t have. “Don’t worry. I can heal the princess, but the one who did this is still out there. Get every guard you have to search the castle now. Then have Luna under constant guard.” Spike now looked at Shining with compassion rather than anger “Then if I were you, I wouldn’t leave Cadance’s side.”

Shining didn’t question the drake. With a quick salute he was off and left Spike to his work. Spike directed his attention back to the princess, but couldn’t help but notice that Rainbow Dash hadn’t moved. She was probably still freaked out. Dash always talked big and she held true to her words most of the time, but it amazed Spike that even he hadn’t frozen up in fear.

He covered his claw in his blood and brought it to his eye level. Still not sure why he had this impulse, he spat out the biggest flame he could muster. Just like he had felt something had happened. His claw now emitted a bright orange glow.

“Let’s hope this works” He whispered to himself. He placed his claw on the Princesses side where Falling’s horn had broken her skin. Spike sighed with relief as he saw the blood dry up and her skin re-attach where there had once been a hole. He smiled as Celestia wearily opened her eyes. “Welcome back.”

Celestia smiled as she looked upon Spikes face. “Thank you, my son”

TO BE CONTINUED………..

A Dragons Destiny

“The darkness will inevitably return, The only thing we can do is prepare”~ Unknown Source

Spike shifted nervously in his seat. This was the second time he had been in a princesses room, but he had a feeling this one wouldn’t be quite as enjoyable. He was sitting on a luxurious couch, obviously custom made for Celestia. He had moved the couch next to Celestia’s bed so that he could listen to her story as she rested.

Celestia motioned for the guards, who had helped carry her here, to leave “Thank you for your help, but I’m in good hands with Spike so please go take a break. I’m sure you are both tired after such a rude awakening.” The guards didn’t argue as they saluted and closed the ornate Oakwood door behind them.

Celestia’s room was a lot like what you would expect. A large bed meant only for her with ornate dressings and veils draped across it. There was also the couch he sat on, which had been located on the other side of the room surrounded by multiple bookshelves.

“I wish we had more time” Celestia said settling on her bed. “I don’t have time to tell you the whole story but I shall tell as much as I can.”

Spike nodded as his entire body tensed. Whatever it was that Celestia had to say he wanted to hear it all. He needed to hear it all.

“That Alicorn, as you probably figured out, was my father, FallingStar. I wish I could tell you his entire story, but as you can tell he isn’t willing to wait for us. We have to get ready. You have to get ready.”

“Ready for what?” Spike asked, quietly focusing all his energy on not fidgeting.

Celestia stared into Spike’s eyes. “Ready for your destiny.” She hesitated trying to figure out where to begin. “My father was chosen to represent the ponies. He was chosen to represent the love our race was capable of, and the same happened with the other six races. One was chosen from each race, the ponies, dragons, gryphons, minotours, zebras, buffalo, and the mules. Each representing the strongest point of their race. These seven were chosen to be more than representatives however. They were chosen to be the guardians of all that we know.”

“Sorry to interrupt,” Spike stammered “but what does this have to do with me? And if FallingStar is a so called guardian of love then why did he try to kill you.”

Celestia smiled sympathetically. “I am sorry that this is all so confusing, but please allow me to continue. First to address what this has to do with you. Remember how I said that the dragons had sent a representative? Well they sent that in the form of an egg. The egg represented the purity of the dragons’ heart.” She paused and stared directly into spikes eyes. “That egg was you”.

The air in the room suddenly seemed solid as Spike realized what she was saying. “So you mean I am a guardian?”

Celestia nodded. “Yes, and I have taken care of you since the day my father was told he was chosen.”

Spike stood both in panic and disbelief. “But if you took care of me since then than doesn’t that make me like a thousand years old? And how did you get me in the first place if I was so important!”

“Calm yourself” Celestia spoke softly to calm the raging dragon. “Yes you are well over a thousand years old. A spell was placed on you to prevent you from hatching till the one caring for you was one pure of heart.”

Spike spun around to look as Celestia. “You mean Twilight?”

“Yes. She truly is pure of heart. It was not a coincidence that she was the one to hatch you in the entrance exams. Also, as for how you came into my possession. You were given to me by the elders that day, because they believed I would be the one pure of heart. They believed I would hatch you.

“Okay” Spike sighed, regaining some control. “But why did a guardian try to kill you? Especially if he is your father.”

“To hold the fate of the world in your hands. It is a great responsibility, and a great power. A power strong enough to corrupt even the greatest of souls. Each of the guardians succumbed to corruption and became evil. Each apart from you. My father’s last act, before he fell into the darkness, was to banish himself and the other five to the shadows. Though it seems his efforts were futile.” Celestia motioned to the scar on her flank.

“So you mean the fate of the entire world is in my hands?” Celestia simply nodded.

Spike sat down on the couch letting it all sink in. after a long silence he finally asked “So how do I find them.”

Celestia was surprised “You figured that out on your own? I am impressed. You are right we cannot allow them to roam this world. Unfortunately the extent of my knowledge has already been spoken. I do not know where to find them, or how to defeat them. Once again a long silence passed.

Spike stood up silently and walked towards the door. “Thank you Princess. I think I know where I need to start.”

Celestia used all of her strength to sit up on her bed. “I knew you would. Just know, even though I am not your real mother I will always see you as my son.”

Spike turned around and smiled at her “Thank you for the help. I promise I’ll make it back safely. Mom.”

Spike strode down the hall at a slightly urgent pace. He needed to find his friends. He was just about to burst out aggravation when who else turned the corner but his six best friends in the world.

“Spikey” Rarity called charging towards him. “I’m so glad you are ok.” She threw her hooves around him and locked him in a tight hug. It wasn’t long before everyone had joined in and they were in one big group hug.

Spike sighed, releasing them. “Listen guys, something came up and I need to go somewhere.” Each of his friends looked at him each in a different phase of confusion. “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t dangerous, and that’s why I want some of you to stay here. Chances are I will be fighting and I’m sorry, but Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy you guys aren’t the best when it comes to dangerous situations, so I have to ask you to stay here and help out with the royal guard.

Each of them nodded. They hated to be separated but Spike often got hurt defending them.

“Twilight” Spike said turning his attention to the pony he had considered his sister for so many years. “I understand if you want to stay with the princess.”

“Not a chance” Twilight interrupted. “I wouldn’t leave you on your own like that. Not after all we’ve been through.”

Spike smiled. He knew she would come. “And what about you two” he said motioning towards Rainbow Dash and AppleJack.

“Are you kidding me” Rainbow laughed “I’d never miss out on an adventure.”

“Of course Ah’ll come with ya, but Ah need to ask.” AppleJack said “Where exactly are we headin off ta?”

Spike sighed. He knew exactly where he was going “We’re going to the badlands. I need to talk to chrysalis.”

END PROLOGUE………

Insanity: The Nights Shadows

“The night can hide even the strongest of lights in its shadows” ~ Unknown source

Spike’s preparations were done within minutes, and he was impatiently waiting in the castle courtyard for the others to get ready. It was a little past midnight, and the courtyard shimmered silver as the moon light was reflected in the thin veil of mist that covered the gardens. Spike sighed as he took in the scenery finally calming down.

“I always did like the night better than the day.” Spike called hearing footsteps behind him. He knew exactly who it was.

“I’m glad.” Luna replied stepping from the mist. She reflected the silver light just like everything around her making her midnight blue eyes glow in the darkness. She wore a sapphire gown with golden trimmings that hovered just above the ground as she stepped towards the drake. “After all, I made this night just for you.”

Spike stepped to the Alicorn, lost in her beauty. “So did you come out here to see me off?” He stroked his claw through her mane

“Unfortunately” Luna sighed, resting her hoofs on his shoulders. Even on her hind legs he still stood a little taller than her. “I wish you could stay.”

“I know, but I have to go.” Spike met eyes with the beautiful Alicorn, becoming caught in her mystical gaze. He pulled her into a deep passionate kiss letting out a small moan of pleasure as Luna’s warm lips pressed against his. After savoring the kiss for more than he probably should, Spikes guilt finally got the better of him.

“You want to take a walk with me” He asked pulling back from the kiss. Slightly disappointed but just wanting to be with the drake Luna nodded and strode next to Spike as he wandered the gardens.

The garden had changed much since he had been there last. Obviously the flora would have changed in the two years, but he didn’t expect the amount of intricacy and detail that was placed in the fountains and statues. He leaned up against the fence for one of these fountains that caught his eye. It was a simple fountain with water streaming out of about 10 different spouts. Each stream arched and wound around each other in ways he didn’t think possible.

“They are beautiful aren’t they?” Luna questioned scooting herself closer to spike.

“Yeah” Spike sighed. He looked to the mare of the night “Hey Luna, could you tell me something? Out of all the people you could have, why did you choose me?”

Luna stared at the drake confused “Do I need a reason?” She asked. “I love you. Isn’t that enough?”

“Yes” Spike replied “Or. At least it would be.” He paused “It would be, if I didn’t think that you don’t truly care for me at all.”

“What are you saying? Are you trying to tell us” She paused catching her mistake. “Are you trying to tell me that you think I don’t understand my emotions?” Luna’s voice was more than slightly aggressive.

Spike raised his voice to the mare. “Yes! That is exactly what I’m trying to say! Let’s look at the facts. You never once showed any interest in me at all; in fact I’m pretty sure you went to an extent to ignore me. Then all of a sudden you are all in to me and making out with me."

Luna spoke softer now slightly intimidated by Spikes rage. “I don’t understand why I feel the way I do, I just do”.

Spike sighed and spoke calmly so he didn’t scare Luna anymore. “I think I know why you feel the way you do.” He pulled back from the fence revealing his underbelly. Dead center where he had been stabbed was a jet black marking of a royal knights shield with wings protruding from behind it.

“I don’t understand.” Luna replied looking closely at the somehow familiar marking.

“This marking was your father’s cutie mark.” Spike explained “He was a guardian of the village you lived in before he was selected for a greater destiny. This mark began appearing after I was stabbed in the forest.” Spike turned away from Luna “I know now that it was him. He has somehow become corrupt.”

“This is all fascinating” Luna said. “But what does it have to do with my emotions towards you” Luna spoke to the marking rather than Spike.

The drake shed a small tear that solidified and crashed to the ground shattering on impact. He hated that he was right. “This mark is a link to your father. I think he uses it to connect my soul to his.” Spike grabbed the mares muzzle and forced her to look him in the eye. “Luna! It isn’t me you love. You feel the connection with the father you never had and you are in love with that.” He released his grip but her face stayed locked on his.

The night mare’s eyes were frozen open. Spike could see the fear and regret in her eyes. “I’m sorry.” She sobbed tears suddenly pouring down her face “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was doing. I should have realized. I should have stopped myself.”

“It’s okay” Spike held Luna while she cried, holding back his own tears “It’s okay. There is no way you could have known.” Her tears began to puddle below them, and slowly a few crystals joined her pool. Spike held Luna. He held her even though he loved her and she didn’t truly love him back. He went through the pain of releasing her from whatever curse held her, and he kept the pain that she was feeling for himself.

“So this is what it’s like” He thought “to have your heart broken. Love is truly amazing. One second you are happy as can be, and then the next you are in the worst pain of your life.” Spike held Luna till the sun rose. No one bothered them. No one had the heart. Spikes pain only made him more determined to complete his mission. He wanted to end it, so that maybe he could have an actual chance with Luna. So that he could have a chance at love.

TO BE CONTINUED………

Insanity: A Journeys Beginning

“Love can sometimes reside in the least likely place” ~ Unknown source

Spike was ready to go. He said his farewells to Celestia and Luna. AJ, Twilight, and Rainbow were all packed and waiting. He stood on all fours in the courtyard, allowing the final preparations to be finished

“How does that feel?” Shining armor asked, tightening Spike’s harness to his body.

Spike wriggled around a bit feeling the heat from the freshly forged steel harness against his scales. The harness had to be tight as he would be pulling his three friends in the chariot that was attached to the end. “Still pretty warm. Are you sure it won’t bend?”

Shining nodded “One hundred percent. That is made out of star silver.” He noticed Spikes confused gaze. “It’s the strongest metal that we know of. Nothing will bend or break it, even if it is fresh from the forge.”

Spike stared at the harness with a new found respect. “Why don’t you make armor out of this stuff?”

The guard pony laughed, putting his hoof on spikes shoulders. “Because nopony could ever lift it. That harness is more than ten times the weight of our heaviest suit of armor.”

Spike let the words sink in. “I guess I didn’t know my own strength. This thing feels so light I thought it was just iron or something.”

Shining smiled and pulled Spike into a hug. “Take care of our sister alright?”

Spike hugged shining back, being sure not to hug to hard. “I promise. Even if I don’t make it back, I promise she will.”

“No.” Shining pulled back locking eyes with the drake “You both need to make it back safely, you are both my family.”

“Alright. I promise, no matter what we will both be back safe and sound.”

“Here they come.” Shining spoke his eyes gazing towards the castle. Emerging from the front gates were AJ, Rainbow, and Twilight. “The other three must already be busy.”

Spike nodded “Celestia had them working almost immediately.” Spike looked back to the chariot they would be sitting in while he flew. It was large compared to the ones he had seen before, and it had a fence on the back so his passengers didn’t have to worry about falling out as he flew. “Was that custom made too?”

Shining smiled “Yup, but don’t worry that one really is just iron so it won’t be too heavy for you. It was made big enough for them plus any supplies and” He paused “extra guests, you should pick up.”

“With you guys around, I don’t even have to think anymore” Spike joked. Twilight and others said nothing when they got over they just got right to work loading their supplies. They knew it was going to be a long trip and they needed to leave soon or else it may be too late, and they would lose another day.

Shining patted Spikes shoulder, and gave him one last smile before he turned all business. “Alright, I’ve made you a map.” His horn glowed opening his satchel pack and placing a small scroll in the dragon’s outstretched hand. “You won’t be able to make it by night fall so I suggest you set up a camp in the marked off land. It’s the safest area we know but you should still be on your guard.”

“Alright” Spike said folding the scroll and placing it into a small compartment in the harness. “You all ready?” He called back to the others. Twilight checked the latches on the gate to be sure that it wouldn’t open when Spike began to fly. She gave a quick salute to shining, who gave one last nod to Spike. Spike spread his wings, being careful not to hit shining, and charged forward gaining speed and finally leaping of the ground with a massive burst from his wings. They were on their way.

Most of the flight was uneventful as spike flew, occasionally reaching back and checking the map. Twilight and AJ took stock of everything to be sure they were prepared if anything should happen. Rainbow, who was supposed to be helping Twilight and AJ, was instead sitting on Spikes back. She had flown up there originally to offer Spike a bite to eat, but had apparently decided she liked the ride better up there. Spike didn’t mind. She was good company after all and if she did happen to fall she could catch herself easily so he didn’t have to spend his time worrying about her.

It wasn’t long before Spike found himself flying into the setting sun. He looked below him trying to find the oasis that Shining had marked for them to camp at. It didn’t take long as the luscious green stuck out from the barren desert enough that it caught his attention immediately

“Hold on.” He called, beginning to descend slowly circling the miniature forest. He touched down a little rougher than he intended throwing Rainbow from his back and causing a raucous from the chariot as everything went flying. “Sorry!” Spike called looking back to see Twilight and AJ covered in what looked like applesauce.

“Gosh darnit” AJ hollered back.

Twilight sighed. “it’s alright, just try to land a little bit softer next time.”

“Yeah sorry, I wasn’t expecting landing to be so different with you guys riding behind.” Spike looked over to rainbow who was covered in dirt. “You okay Dash?”

“Are you kidding me?” She yelled shaking herself off “That was awesome!”

It didn’t take long to set up camp. They found a pond not to far from where they landed and the ground was soft enough that they could just sleep under the stars. Twilight had laid out a pile of sticks and branches she had found lying around.

“Could you light these?” She asked, placing the last of her collection on top.

“No problem.” Spike said letting a small jet of fire which caught the dried out timber, igniting it immediately.

“You look plum tuckered out” AJ said noticing the drake’s heavy eyes. “You go on ta bed; I’ll make sure everything is taken care of.”

“Thanks AJ” Spike yawned. He laid down about 10 feet from the fire, curling himself into a tight ball and covering himself with his tail. "Tomorrow the real journey begins" He thought

TO BE CONTINUED……….

Insanity: Insanity Incarnate

“A nightmare can mean so much more than we give them credit for” ~ Unknown Source

Spike froze in fear. He recognized where he was immediately, and he didn’t like it at all. He pushed off of the transparent ground to sit up and face those who surrounded him. His body felt weak, and it screamed with pain, as though most of his bones were broken. Once again he was surrounded by the shadowed figures, however this time FallingStar was not shrouded in darkness like the others.

He gave a wicked smile as he gazed at the broken dragon. “Welcome back dragon.”

Spike struggled to stand, but just ended up on his back writhing in pain. Through his shut eyes he saw a figure move over top of him. Warily he opened his eyes expecting to see the dark Alicorn standing over him, mocking his pain. Instead he saw one of the shadows, this one emitting a sickly green mist. He saw a pure white smile come across what he assumed was the figures face.

“Pain is such a joy isn’t it? Don’t you love feeling pain?” another male voice called, this one however didn’t have the stinging sarcasm of Falling’s. This one seemed truly honest in his question; he was truly asking Spike if he loved feeling pain. The blackness slowly faded off of half of the creature in a stripe pattern, revealing pure white underneath.

“Great” Spike muttered “Now I have a Zecoura look-alike to?”

The zebra stared at him confused. “Who is this Zecoura?” He asked “I’ve never heard of whoever that is.” His confusion only lasted a moment before the largest smile came across his face. “You should introduce me to; Zecoura was it?”

Spike would usually be glad to have met someone as cheerful as Pinkie, but something about this character made Spike feel uneasy. “Who. Who are you?” He stuttered through clenched teeth, his body still burning in pain.

“Well the best way to tell you that is to show you my past” The zebra sang

Spike opened his eyes and found himself standing in what he assumed to be a village surrounded by forests. He was in a clearing with a few small huts made out of what looked like rotted wood. Standing next to him was the figure that had just been standing over him. “This is great and all but I was just asking for name.”

The zebra turned around showing eyes filled with hatred. His words actually stung Spike as he hissed “My name is Zareit, Now pay attention.” He gestured in the direction of a small zebra sitting alone reading a book.

“Is that…” Spike started

“Yes.” Zareit answered knowing what Spike would ask. “You are in my memory. Now stop talking and watch.”

Spike did as he said. The zebra was just sitting there alone enjoying his book. He reminded him a lot of Twilight. It had just occurred to Spike that maybe Zareit had brought them to the wrong memory, when the small zebra let out a pained scream. He had been hit in the head by something and was now on his back crying.

“Aw. Is the poor baby in pain?” A mocking voice called out. A group of about ten young zebras stood on the other side of the clearing. All but one carried a rock in their mouth. Spike assumed the one without a stone had already thrown his at the young Zareit. “Come on Zar, get your nose out of those books, and grow up.

The young Zareit continued to sob. Spike could see now that he was bleeding rather seriously. The young bookworm curled into a tiny ball sobbing even harder. This got a huge laugh out of the group that mocked him. Spike felt true sympathy for Zareit. He was bullied and beaten into submission for simply being intelligent. He found himself rushing to stand between the group and the young Zareit. “Stop!” He yelled “This isn’t right!”

The zebra who had thrown his stone first finally stopped laughing, and addressed his subordinates. “Looks like he is still as much of a crybaby as ever guys.” This got a few woops and shouts from the crowd. “Alright guys, you know what to do.”

The group laughed and howled as they threw their stones towards Zareit. Spike outstretched his body to shield the young defenseless zebra. It was pointless. The stones passed straight through him, after all; it was just a memory. He stood frozen listening to the howling of the bullies and the whimpering of the defenseless book worm. He heard each stone hit, and he heard each cheer when they did. His heart broke when he realized that there was nothing he could do to protect this poor child.

“Why!” Spike exclaimed, falling to his knees. “Why would you punish him for being himself?” He continued to call to the group even though he knew they couldn’t hear him. He couldn’t look behind him. He knew what he would see. Lying on the ground would be a broken spirit. A broken zebra, who was bullied and traumatized for being who he was.

“Twilight” He thought “That little zebra was just like Twilight. He became an outcast because of his intelligence, and interest in books and the knowledge they hold.” Spike fell to the ground defeated. He felt something stride beside him.

“I understand now, I understand that you had a bad childhood, but why did you show me this” Spike looked up to Zareit, expecting to see the same pain he felt. Instead he was greeted by the same smile that he had worn when they first met.

“To be honest” He started his voice jolly and cheerful “I have no idea.”

Spike stared at Zareit for the longest time. He was completely baffled. “What is this guy’s game?” he thought “What is he trying to do, and why does he keep changing personalities?”

Zareit looked Spike in the eye with the same kind of expression Pinkie often had. “It’s a lot of fun.”

“What is?” Spike questioned, more than slightly uncomfortable under the zebra’s stare.

Zareit turned his head slightly. “Being insane of course.”

TO BE CONTINUED……..

Insanity: A Queens castle

“If you can’t trust yourself enough to let love in, your continued existence is a phenomena as love is the one thing that keeps so many fighting for a better tomorrow” –Unknown source

Spike tensed every muscle in his body “Where am I now?” he thought. Just a second ago he was staring into the psychotic eyes of Zareit and now he felt he was lying on cold ground, but he couldn’t bring himself to open his eyes. Spike shivered at the memory of the tortured little zebra and how those beatings warped his mind and scarred him. Spike however threw all those thoughts to the side when he felt something soft press up against his underbelly. He was set to lash out at it, but a familiar scent stopped him cold.

He rested his arms across Apple Jack and pulled her close to him, the sweet aroma of apples filling his nose. He opened his eyes to see the orange mare cuddling to him in her sleep, her blond mane released from its usual braid and cascading around her. Spike found himself staring; he had never realized how beautiful she was. Obviously she wasn’t beautiful in the same way as Rarity or Luna, but something about her; something he just never noticed made her look entrancing.

“Spike” Apple Jack mumbled opening her eyes and looking up at the drake. Her eyes shimmered silver in the moonlight as they lay half open, staring like a filly that had stayed up past her bed time. Her mane moved as though they were surrounded by water, it bounced around weightlessly as she moved her head. “Is it morning already?”

Spike ran his claw through her mane. “No it isn’t, go back to sleep and I will wake you when the sun comes out” Spike rolled her on top of him so she was resting on his underbelly as if it were a giant pillow. She mumbled something Spike couldn’t quite hear then closed her eyes and rested against him. Spike did a quick scan to find that Twilight and Dash were sleeping not too far away, but much closer to the fire than they were. Spike gently placed his tail over top of A. J. to make sure she stayed warm.

He didn’t dare go back to sleep. “Who knows what will happen next time?” he thought to himself. So he spent his night staring at the beautiful mare sleeping on his chest, at first he felt weird staring at her but that passed soon after he felt her warm breath against his chest, and the aroma of apples became even more evident. Though he didn’t sleep the night wasn’t long at all. He even begged Celestia to put the sun back down once it peaked over the horizon. His plea was not answered and it wasn’t long before he had been harnessed to the chariot with his wings flared, and he once again felt the freedom of the sky around him.

Rainbow Dash was speechless at the decrepit tower that loomed before them. Spike had landed just outside the half rotted gate of the gnarled and twisted replica of the Canterlot castle. The place was unkempt to say the best, the wood was rotted and moss and other plants grew from the stone, leaving the once grand architecture with a sickly brown and green speckled pallet, not a single of the once vivid hues remained in the apocalyptic recreation.

“Well no doubt this is the place” A.J. said gulping and moving slightly closer to Spike.

“Yeup” Spike said, imitating Big Mac to try and lighten the mood. It didn’t work. “You ready with the spell Twilight?”

Twilight nodded and levitated one of the many large books she insisted on bringing over to her. Even Dash could see by the torn and worn binding that the book was older than any of them could even imagine. Printed on the front was a dusty and worn picture of what looked to be a changeling and nothing else.

It didn’t take long for Twilight to find the page she was looking for, and her horn swiftly emitted a white light “could you two stand together?” Twilight asked, gesturing to Dash and A.J. They did as she asked and a bolt of light shot from her horn surrounding not only them but herself as well. Then as quickly as it came it vanished again, leaving no trace that it had done anything.

“What the heck?” Rainbow asked confused. “It didn’t even do anything” She looked over to A.J. and realized she was wrong. The spell had indeed done something. A.J.’s eyes were bright white leaving no trace of any color apart from her pupil, a quick glace to Twilight confirmed that her eyes had changed as well.

“That’s fancy and all,” Apple Jack started “But what did it do?” she blinked a few times as she looked into rainbows white eyes.

Spike didn’t give Twilight a chance to answer “It was a spell that will let you see through the changelings disguise” He said.

“Cool!” Rainbow shouted, leaping into the air with excitement. “I’ll admit I was worried about getting you guys mixed up with a bunch of changelings.”

“So were we” Twilight answered, still glaring at Spike for stealing her moment. “That’s why I asked the Princess for some help, and she gave me this." Twilight levitated the book in front of rainbow. “It’s filled with all sorts of spells and facts that have to do with preventing changelings from tricking you.

“But what about Spike?” Apple Jack asked.

This time Spike replied with a chuckle. “Something cool about a dragon’s eyes is that we can do this.” He shut his eyes for a mere second and when he opened them up the usual emerald green was replaced with a luminescent white. “So are we all set?” He received a chorus of cheerful but hollow “yeah’s” and “Of courses” but he could hear the fear behind each voice.

With a small stutter in his words he said “L-lets go” And with that he stepped into the nightmare version of the castle they all knew so well.

Hunting For A Tear

“To own a dragons tear is to own his heart” –unknown source

Spike strode towards the old library that had been his home for so long. He feared the “to do” list that awaited him inside. He had been gone for just about a week and was sure that there would be a huge amount of work to do.

He slowly opened the door closing his eyes only opening them slightly after the door was completely open. Much to his surprise the library was tidy and looked as normal as ever. Twilight was sitting at a desk in the back of the front room pouring over a book, as usual.

“Twilight? I’m back” Twilight didn’t even look up. “Do you have any jobs for me?”

Twilight responded by mumbling a quick no and returning to her book.

“You sure?” Spike questioned feeling slightly uneasy.

“Yeah,” Twilight muttered again “but Rarity did send this” she held out a scroll once again without even looking up from her book.

He sprinted to her side and took it looking around the library. The place was in pristine condition the books put up by section and alphabetical order. Spike didn’t even bother looking upstairs. He knew it would be the same.

Sighing he opened the letter and read it to himself.

Dear spike~

I have found recently, a rumor, leading to a rather rare gem, and I would have gone after it myself, but you see it is located within the Everfree Forest. I understand the danger of the forest, but I must have that gem. I ask that you come accompany me as I know you are rather accustomed to roaming around the forest whilst running errands. Please reply as soon as you can.

Love~ Rarity

Spike sighed. She was right he did get along very well in the forest but he still was worried about taking her in there. However he also knew that if he didn’t go with her she would go by herself.

“Alright. I guess I’ll be going again” Spike announced to Twilight “I’ll try to be back as soon as possible”

Twilight simply waved and spike took off. “What’s up with her?” He thought as he made his way to the boutique, but his worry didn’t last long. As upset as he was that Twilight didn’t need him he was more excited that Rarity did.

As he made his way through the familiar old town he exchanged greetings and short conversations, but he never stopped moving towards his destination. He loved seeing Rarity, especially ever since he had grown. He noticed when she would stare at him as he strained his muscles doing any jobs she could come up with, and he enjoyed milking it to mock her a little bit.

After what felt like hours he finally arrived at the boutique. He took a deep breath and reached out to knock on the door. He never got the chance.

“Looking for someone?” Spike spun around to see the source of the voice.

“Hello beautiful” Spike flirted now facing the exact pony he had come to see.

Standing before him was the magnificent unicorn he had fallen in love with. Her fur as white as snow, gleaming in the moonlight, and her mauve mane, as usual, cascaded perfectly down her side. Her eyes shined a brilliant purple, capturing spike in a blissful gaze.

“So you got my letter?” Rarity questioned giving more than a slightly seductive smile.

Spike simply nodded too dumbfounded by her beauty to say anything.

“Well then” she stated “I suppose we can’t go wandering in the forest at night. Why don’t you spend the night, and then we can leave first thing in the morning.” She opened the door for Spike and followed him in. “I’m sorry we don’t have a guest room but I guess you could sleep on the sofa in my room.

“Uh yeah that would be fine.” Spike stuttered, more than a little nervous about sleeping so close to the mare.

“Great. I’ll fetch you some sheets.” Rarity disappeared into a back room of the boutique leaving Spike to his thoughts.

“Is this really happening?” the drake thought “I wonder if this is her way of coming on to me?” his thoughts were interrupted by the return of Rarity.

“Sweetie Bell is spending the night with AppleBloom, and Scootaloo, so we are on our own tonight.” Rarity handed spike a folded comforter and a couple pillows that would make up his bed for the night. “I hope those are too your liking, they used to be mine a few years back. If you need something different for any reason just let me know, and I’ll go get you another set

“No this is fine.” Spike replied trying to resist the urge to sniff the old sheets. They proceeded up the stairs into the unicorn’s bedroom. Spike sighed when he realized how much space there really was between the bed and couch.

“Is something the matter?” Rarity asked noticing Spikes disappointment.

“Oh uh, no everything is fine I’m just really tired.” Spike lied.

“Well then” Rarity said “let’s get your bed made up then so that you can get to sleep. After all we have an early start tomorrow.”

Rarity kept her word, as they were both up and heading towards the forest before anyone else in the town had even awoken. It was odd to Spike to see the town so empty, as it was usually filled with commotion and conversation.

“So do you have any idea where this gem is?” spike inquired worried this journey would be a long one.

“I know exactly where it is” Rarity responded with an air of confidence “this trip is just to pick it up. You see it is too large for me to carry myself.”

“Oh.” Spike sighed with relief. “Well where are we heading then?”

“It’s just south of Zecoura’s hut assuming nothing has moved it.” Rarity’s horn glowed as her saddle pack opened and she removed a rolled up scroll. She opened it revealing to Spike that it was a map. “Right there.” She pointed to a marked X on the page.

“This won’t take long at all!” Spike exclaimed realizing that he must have passed this gem hundreds of times when he went to visit Zecoura on errands for Twilight.

“Yes I suppose we will be back by dinner.” Rarity chimed in. they finally reached the edge of the Everfree forest. Spike, being used to it, didn’t even stop and continued into the forest. It took him a couple seconds to realize he was alone now.

“Are you coming?” Spike called out turning around to look at the mare.

“Yes. Of course I’m just not quite as used to the forest as you are” Rarity squeaked as she called this out.

Spike walked up next to Rarity and placed his claw on her back. Their eyes met for a brief moment before they continued walking and disappeared into the depths of the forest.

The day was hot despite it being early, and the forest was muggy beneath the large canopy. The air was still and thick so within mere minutes Spike was sweating, and Rarity was panting her mane now plastered to her body with the foul smelling liquid. They continued to walk on and soon they were passing Zecoura’s hut

“We’re just about there.” Rarity squeaked in between gasps of air. Her mane now straight and shimmering with sweat.

“Yeah.” Spike gasped taking another look at the map “Should be in this clearing just up here. Spike reached his arm out and quickly cleared away a group of hanging vines revealing a large clearing about the size of Rarity’s boutique. The clearing held nothing out of the ordinary. It was just a simple oval shape with no vegetation but the grass. The hole in the canopy let light shine through to the point where spike had to shield his eyes

“Aha!” Rarity exclaimed. She charged forward into the clearing her horn glowing bright. “It’s here” she dug her hoof in the ground marking an X just off of the center of the clearing. “Spikey would you mind digging it up?”

Spike strode up next to her and shoved his claws into the ground digging the dirt up at an amazing pace. “So Rarity” he grunted between hauls of dirt “I never got the chance to ask, what is this gem?”

Rarity never got the chance to answer before spike was shouting with joy. “I got it” he bellowed pulling the stone out of the ground. It turned out to be a large white Chrystal in the shape of a sphere with a small neck extruding from one side.

“What is it?” spike asked. The stone was almost as large as his head.

“It’s called a dragon tear.” Rarity answered staring deeply into the stone “They form when a dragon cries.

“Really?” spike asked staring at the odd crystal.

Rarity nodded “You should recognize this one. After all you made it. Three years ago today actually. Do you remember?

“Not at all”

“It was your birthday and you had grown to an extreme size, then when you picked me up I saw you shed a tear and this is where it fell.” Rarity replied standing closer to spike. “This gem is rare but much too big to work with. I only wanted it for sentimental reasons, and also before I forget,” Rarity opened her saddle bag once again and pulled out another gem, this one however Spike recognized.

“Rarity! Did you keep that all this time?” Spike exclaimed.

“I did” she replied placing the heart shaped fire ruby into Spikes claw. She pulled him into a long tight hug “happy birthday.”

Spike hugged her, and wished he never had to let go. “Thank you.” Tears streamed down his face hitting the ground as solidified crystals shattering across the cool grass. The moment didn’t last long.

“Get behind me” Spike spoke in a soft but serious voice. Something had happened, or was going to happen. Rarity did as he said without a word of argument, knowing the dragon was looking out for her. Spikes eyes darted through the woods on the northern edge of the clearing. Something was hiding. It didn’t hide for long.

Spike saw the slightest of shadows dart across the clearing towards them, but then it disappeared again. Spike gasped. Looking over to Rarity he saw her pristine white fur spotted crimson with the stains of blood. It wasn’t hers. Clutching his underbelly he felt the blood gushing out at extreme speeds. Whatever that shadow was it had stabbed him in his one week spot.

“Rarity.” He gasped “Rarity, get on.” He fell down to all fours and unwrapped the large wings that he had learned to hide so well.

“But Spike” Rarity started

“No!” Spike interrupted. “We don’t have much time. You get on now!” Rarity did as he said, holding on tightly as he flapped his wings lifting his body into the air with great force. He shot out through the opening of the canopy and shot towards Ponyville as fast as his wings would carry him. Flying the trip was only about a minute, but that minute was the most painful time of his life. He watched his blood gush down onto everything he passed.

He managed to make a crash landing outside of the Ponyville hospital and he heard shouts and screams of terror, but most of all he heard the sobbing of Rarity. His eyelids became heavy, and his focus became hard to control. Finally, after realizing he had gotten Rarity home safe. he let go. His eyes shut and his mind rested.

TO BE CONTINUED…………..