The Legend of Spike: Discord's Mask

by DiabloGuapo

Rating: teen
Tags: Spike, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Big Macintosh, Adventure, Crossover, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Soarin, Sad
Length: 81567

After having his heart broken, Spike finds himself in a parrallel world and in a race against time.

After having his heart broken, Spike finds himself in a parrallel world. He must race against time as he only has three days to recover a dangerous mask before the moon crashes into the world. Based on the Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask by Nintendo.

*Takes place in Season 3 before Magical Mystery Cure.*

The cover image was made by flawlessvictory20.

Published 2013-01-03 20:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-04-15 03:55:36 UTC

Denial Cycle: Day One

Dawn of the First Day- 72 Hours Remaining

Spike squinted his eyes as he met the morning light when he opened the doors. After his eyes adjusted to the light, Spike was amazed at what he saw. At first he thought he was in the middle of some sort of elaborate prank. He half expected for Pinkie Pie or Rainbow Dash to pop out and laugh at his expense. Ponies that he knew from Ponyville were busy running around, and they appeared to be preparing for a celebration of sorts. Spike wondered how could they possibly be here in another world, and then he reflected on how he was just turned into a Unicorn by Nightmare Moon not too long ago. Perhaps Trotina was some sort of alternate dimension of Equestria. Spike was suddenly thankful for his collection of comic books that he had hidden in the library. Twilight Sparkle scoffed at the fact that Spike enjoys reading them, so he kept them stashed away and only pulled them out when she wasn’t around.

Okay Spike, let’s review what’s just happened so far. You were rejected by Rarity, chased by Timberwolves, fell into a parallel world, turned into a Unicorn colt by Nightmare Moon, and now you have to find her somehow. Spike reflected on the absurdity of the situation as he walked over to a nearby pool of water. He studied his new features in pool’s reflection, and sighed in despair as realized that this wasn’t an elaborate dream. He turned his body a little to confirm a suspicion he had. Not only was he a pony, but he was also a blank flank. At least he was a Unicorn. Being Twilight’s assistant for years, he had watched her perform many spells. He concentrated as hard as he could. He grunted and gritted his teeth as he focused on his horn, trying to conjure as much magic as he could. However, the only amount he could muster was a few sparks. Great, I’m a blank flank Unicorn colt who can’t even do magic, just great. Now I know how Sweetie Belle feels.

After studying his new image in the pool, Spike began to look up to the sky. I wonder why that merchant was so insistent that I retrieved that mask in… three… days… “Sweet Celestia’s Technicolored Mane! What is THAT!?” What caught Spike’s attention was the fact the moon was looming dangerously close over the town. The only thing Spike could do was to sit on his haunches and drop his jaw to the floor as he stared helplessly up at the moon. The moon also had the image of the Mare of the Moon imprinted upon it. The image of the shadowy mare seemed to be mocking him.

“Rose! Rose!” Spike yelled as he ran up to a mare as she ran about with party supplies.

“Huh? Do I know you?” the mare asked confused.

“It’s me…uh,” Spike stopped himself as he remember that this Roseluck wasn’t his Roseluck. “Never mind that for now, but what’s going on with the moon!?”

“The moon? I don’t know what you mean. Anyways, I can’t stop now. I have to help to prepare for the Summer Sun Celebration.” She trotted off, leaving Spike dumbstruck. How could she not notice the moon? It was filling up the sky! Now I know why that pony is in such a hurry to leave! But how am I going to do this? Three days, how can I possibly find and stop Nightmare Moon in three days? Even if I don’t sleep, that only leaves me with seventy-two hours!

The watch, a voice said in his head.

The watch? The watch! Spike clasped the watch that was still around his neck, grateful that the dark Alicorn didn’t take it too. Twilight said that it could be used for about two weeks of time travel. Let’s see… with three days… that’s about five uses. Well, at least two weeks is better than three days. Without wasting another moment, Spike pressed the button on the side of the stopwatch. The watch chimed and glowed a little bit, but otherwise appeared to be unchanged.

Well, the first thing I should do is try to get some information. Maybe I could try to find Princess Celestia. Yeah, surely she could help! Maybe she can even take on Nightmare Moon! Spike looked around the square. He saw various ponies running about, different stands in the market, the clock tower he just came from, but no indication on the location of the Solar Princess.

“Excuse me,” the former dragon called out to a pony that was passing by. “Excuse me, but do you know where I could find Princess Celestia?”

“The Princess? I think she’s staying in the shrine in the north part of town,” the pony answered, pointing down the street. Spike thanked the pony and then ran off in the direction the pony pointed out.

Spike found a pleasant little park in the north part of Clock Town. He noticed a filly trying to pop a balloon with a peashooter. He ignored her for now and made his way up the path to what appeared to be the shrine. When he entered it, he found himself in a beautiful fountain. There were beautiful white pillars, candles, and a clear pool of water. Spike wondered where the guards were. If the princess was staying here, then why were there only birds fluttering about?

Spike came to a stopped when he noticed the unconscious form of the white Alicorn sprawled out on the base of the altar. “Princess Celestia!” He rushed over to her and raised her head up.

“W-who’s there?” she mumbled as she regained consciousness. She looked about and then turned to the colt that was holding her. “Who are you?”

“I’m Spike. I come from Equestria.”

“Equestria?” she said, slowly rising to her feet. Spike helped her to maintain her balance. After regaining her composure, she studied Spike. Her horn glowed for a moment. “You seem… foreign. Is Equestria… another world of sorts?”

Spike explained to her on how he came to be in Trotina and what Nightmare Moon has done to him.

“It would seem that you are yet another victim of my wayward sister’s wrath, just like us.”

“Us?” The Alicorn nodded and motioned to the birds that were watching them.

“Do you see those birds? They used to be my guards.”

“Oh. What has happened here?”

“I knew this day was coming. On the thousandth year, near the Summer Sun Celebration, she would escape from the moon. I thought that I could try to reason with her, but she was just as resentful as she was on the night that she was banished. I thought that she would try to bring eternal night, but she did something I didn’t expect. That mask, she just had to find that mask. She used its power to attack us. She turned them into birds and drained me of most of my power. She told me that she scattered it to the four corners of Trotina so that I would be powerless to stop her plans of revenge. Now, she’s using the power of the mask to send the moon crashing down onto Trotina!”

Things were looking bleak for Spike. “So, you can’t stop her?”

“I’m sorry, but I cannot.” Spike looked down and tried to think of something. An idea came to him.

“The Elements of Harmony, where are they?” he asked fervently.

“The Elements!” Celestia exclaimed with renewed hope. “Of course! After I used them to banish Nightmare Moon, I lost my connection with them, so I placed them… in the four corners of Trotia! I bet if we could find them, we will also recover my power! Spike, listen to me. I’m afraid that I’m too weak to leave this place. You’ll have to be the one to find them.”

“Me?” He was shocked by her request. “But, I’m just a dra… er… colt!”

“I know, but we have no other option, and no time. You must do this for me.” Spike felt overwhelmed by the weight of the situation. “Have faith Spike. Remember, you have that watch, and the Elements will give you the power to stop her.”

“If you say so,” he sighed, and then inhaled deeply to fortify himself. “Okay, where do I start?”

“The first element is here. The other four are in the southern forest, the northern mountains, western coast, and the eastern canyon. The sixth can only be found when the others are present. They can only be obtained when somepony embraces the Element and face the challenge that comes with it.”

“What’s the first Element and where is exactly is it?”

“Honesty, but it is atop the clock tower. It is only accessible on the night before the celebration in two days. ”

“Two days, sheesh, cutting it kind of close. Alright, I’ll do my best.”

“Before you go, I do believe that I can help you in way.” Her horn glowed and a comforting wave of magic washed over Spike. After the spell had ended, Celestia looked drained and laid down. “There, I know it isn’t much, but I did what I could with the little I have left. I’ve unlocked your Unicorn magic.”

“Really?” Spike focused and his horn glowed green. “Wow, thanks!”

“You’re welcome, now go!”

Spike rushed out of the fountain, excited that he could use magic now. He wanted to try it out. He looked around and saw the balloon. He smirked, charged up his horn, and shot a blast at the balloon. Pop! The filly that was shooting at it jumped at the sudden noise and looked around for the one who had popped her target.

“Hey, you!” she called out in a gruff accent when she spotted Spike. “Did ya pop my balloon?”

“Um… yes?” Spike nervously answered as the dark orange Earth Pony with the dark pink mane walked up to him. He didn’t want to start a fight, but he relaxed when he saw her smile.

“Not bad,” she complimented with a nod. “My name is Babs.”

“Spike,” he introduced himself as they hoofbumped. She took a look at his flank, and he blushed a bit since a filly was checking out his rear.

“So I see you don’t have a cutie mark, like me,” she observed. She gave a whistle, and four other foals ran up to them. “How about you join us, the Cutie Mark Crusaders?”

“Well, I…”

“C’mon, what else do you have to do?” Spike immediately thought about the moon and the Element of Honesty, but he couldn’t do anything about it until another two days.

“Alright, I’m in.” The foals cheered and led him to their clubhouse, which was in the eastern part of town. They approached another colt that was standing in front of an alleyway.

“What’s the code?” asked the guard-colt.

“1-2-3-4-5,” Babs answered. The colt nodded in approval and moved aside.

“Seriously?” Spike sarcastically asked Babs.

“Yeah, we oughta change the code,” Babs sheepishly replied. The alleyway came to a dead end, but there was a hole in the wall that they entered. The hole led into what appeared to be a laboratory of sorts. There were books, papers, and star charts scattered about on the table. There was an adult brown Earth Pony with an hourglass cutie mark looking through a telescope. “Hey Doctor, what’s up?”

“Hey, Crusaders,” the stallion said looking from the telescope to foals. “Oh, a new member I see.”

“That’s the Doctor, he lets us use his observatory as our clubhouse,” Babs explained to Spike. “Doctor, this is Spike.”

“Nice to meet you, Spike. Hey, want to see something strange?” The Doctor motioned to the telescope.

“Um, sure,” Spike shrugged and walked over to the telescope. Spike was sure that the “strange thing” was the moon. He looked through the telescope and noticed that it was pointed at the top of the clock tower. What was standing on top of it made Spike jump. It was Nightmare Moon, and she was looking up at the moon. She then looked down in the direction of the observatory, the yellow eyes of the mask seemingly staring at him. Spike thought surely that she couldn’t possibly see him, but his blood ran cold as he saw the black Alicorn wave a hoof at him. Spike yelped as he scurried away from the telescope.

“What is it? Whatcha see?” Babs asked after seeing Spike’s reaction. Spike couldn’t quite find the nerve to answer her.

“I’ll have to catch up with you later. I have something to do,” Spike said as he ran out of the clubhouse.

“Aaawww, but we were gonna play Hide n’ Seek,” moaned Babs as she watched Spike run out.

Spike looked up at the clock tower from the entrance of the alleyway, but he couldn’t see the mare that was on top of it from that angle. At least I know where she is, but what am I going to do? The Element of Honesty is supposed to be up their too. Even if I do get the Element, she’ll just blast me to Tartarus! I need some help. The purple colt looked away from the clock tower and noticed that City Hall was nearby. Spike wonder if the city would be able to offer him support. He made his way inside and up to the receptionist’s desk, the mare sitting behind it looking at him as he walked in.

“Welcome, do you have any business?” the mare asked. “The Mayor’s Office is to your left and Madame Velvet’s is to your right.” Spike thanked her and headed to the left door. Even from outside the door, he could hear ponies arguing. Nether the less, Spike entered.

“Many civilians have already evacuated, without the mayor’s orders!” shouted a Unicorn guard. “We need to declare a state of emergency!”

“Bah, cowards!” scoffed an Earth Pony. “Do you really think that the moon will fall?”

“Excuse me…” Spike tried to interject, but he couldn’t be heard over the arguing ponies. He looked to the mayor and was surprised to see that Night Light, Twilight’s father, was the mayor of Clock Town. The blue Unicorn looked frustrated from the debate.

“You can’t be serious! Hasn’t a giant piece of rock caught your eye!? The celebration needs to be canceled!”

“Canceled!? The Summer Sun Celebration has always gone on as plan for the past thousand years! It’s tradition, and we can’t go against tradition! Madame Velvet would agree with me, right Mayor Light?”

“Let’s not bring my wife into this,” the mayor said agitated. Spike gave up on trying to be heard and decided to see if Twilight Velvet could help. Spike entered the other office and his heart leaped when he saw a very familiar yellow Pegasus. Fluttershy was having a conversion with a Unicorn that looked very much like Twilight Sparkle, except she was silvery instead of lavender. Spike was about to run up and hug Fluttershy, but he stopped himself when he remembered that she wasn’t the Fluttershy he knew. His heart sank a little.

“I’m very sorry,” Fluttershy meekly said to Twilight Velvet. “But the Wonderbolts won’t be able to perform this year. One of their members has gone missing and they are really upset about it.”

“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that,” the Unicorn mare replied. “We also have a missing pony case here. You see… oh, it seems that we have a visitor.” The two looked at Spike as he stood in the doorway. “Come right in! You must be the investigator that I’ve sent for.”

“Actually…” Spike began, but was cut off.

“I’m Madame Twilight Velvet and this Fluttershy, the manager of the Wonderbolts.”

“Nice to meet you,” the yellow mare sweetly greeted.

“I’m so glad that you’re here. You see, my son, Shining Armor, has disappeared. He is the captain of the guard and the city is in turmoil over this celebration business. He is really needed here. Also, he is due to be wed on the day of the celebration! It would be such a shame if the groom doesn’t show up for the wedding. My daughter, who is the Unicorn Prince’s adviser, is even coming up from the south for the wedding! Oh, and that poor dear Cadance! I can’t imagine how she is feeling!”

Spike felt pity for them, but had to explain to her that he wasn’t the investigator, but he heard the voice in his head again.

Help them, it said.

“Alright,” he answered the voice.

“What was that dear?”

“I said that I’m on the case,” he said after realizing that he had spoken out loud to a voice in his head.

“Oh, thank you very much!” With a smile, he left the office.

Deciding that there wasn’t much else to do there, Spike left the building. As he walked away from City Hall, he thought that he should at least find a place to stay. It so happened that an inn was nearby. Spike shrugged and entered the door. Once again, Spike was shocked at what he saw; Princess Cadance was sitting in the lobby of the inn. After hearing that her fiance was missing, it wasn’t surprising that she was crying. Spike was going to talk to her, but a voice called out to him.

“Good afternoon.” Spike turned and saw a mare at the desk. “Welcome to our inn. Name please.”

“Spike,” he answered. As he expected, she looked through the book on the desk.

“Let’s see…ah! Here it is, one room reserved for Mr. Spike for an afternoon arrival. Here’s your key.” He was confused as she gave him a room key. He thought for sure that she was only looking for an open room, but somehow he already had a reservation.

Oh well, I’m not complaining. Spike turned back to the pink Alicorn to see that she was holding a letter. Before he could say anything to her, she went upstairs and she entered a room. The front door opened and an Earth Pony carrying a large pack walked in.

“Hello, may I help you?” the innkeeper asked.

“I have a reservation-goro,” answered the traveler.

“Name please.”

“Spike-goro.” She looked again in the book, but she shook her head.

“Sorry, but there isn’t a Spike-goro.”

“Really-goro?” the stallion asked, surprised at the news.

“I’m terribly sorry,” the mare earnestly apologized.

“Oh, well-goro. I guess I’ll sleep outside-goro. It’s a lovely afternoon-goro.” By the time the unlucky Earth Pony had begun to make his way to the door, Spike had already discreetly sneaked out of sight and up the stairs.

Ponyville- Day 1, 10:00 A.M.

“Goodbye, Fluttershy,” Twilight Sparkle said as she left the spa.

“See you later, Twilight,” Fluttershy said as she went her own way. “Thank you so much for coming to the spa with me.”

“No problem.” Twilight Sparkle made her way back to Golden Oaks Library. When she arrived, she didn’t see Spike there. “Spike, are you here?” She shrugged when no answer came from her dragon assistant. She figured that he was still out and about. However, a part of her was worried for him. The last time she saw him, he did say that he was going to Zecora’s hut in the Everfree Forest. She pulled a book from a shelf and began to read in hopes that it would suppress her concerns.

Denial Cycle: Day Two

Dawn of the Second Day- 48 Hours Remaining

Spike yawned and stretched as he arose from the bed in “his” room in the inn. The bed wasn’t that great. The mattress was lumpy, the sheets were itchy, and the pillow might as well have been made of stone. Normally this wouldn’t be a problem for a dragon, but Spike wasn’t quite himself at the moment. Dragons were accustomed to sleeping on hard surfaces, such as gems and gold, but Spike’s new pony body was stiff from the uncomfortable bed. Initially, he was thrilled at the idea of having a bed to himself. Back home, he only had a basket at the foot of Twilight’s bed. He didn’t mind it too much. In fact, it was quite cozy and it was still his size. However, it was a little demeaning that he was in fact sleeping in a basket like some pet. He had asked Twilight for a bed a number of times, but she wasn’t willing to spend her money on something that he didn’t need yet. She would say that the basket was still working fine and that he would probably prefer to sleep on a pile of gems when he finally grows out of it. The only time he even slept in a real bed was when he was really little. He would crawl into Twilight’s bed and curl up next to her whenever he had a bad dream. Even though he eventually grew out of that habit, a part of him missed it.

Though he was excited to finally have a bed, he was now longing for his basket. The terrible condition of the bed was even making him envious of that earth pony that had to sleep outside. He wasn’t even able to get a decent night’s sleep. He kept tossing and turning every five minutes trying to find a comfortable position. It was dawn before he knew it. Normally he enjoyed sleeping in, but today he was happy to get out of this bed. He walked over to the window and saw that the sky was cloudy today. The clouds were heavy and gray and drops of rain began to land on the glass. Spike looked up further in the sky and saw the moon. The rain clouds were unable to hide the giant piece of rock. He could even still see the image of Nightmare Moon that was imprinted on its surface. What filled Spike with dread was that the moon seemed to be even closer than it was yesterday. Actually, it startled him to see how much closer it was. It was like a giant reminder in the sky that he was running out of time and that he still hasn’t obtained any of the Elements of Harmony yet.

“Stop mocking me!” Spike yelled to the dispassionate celestial body. Of course, this did little to change the fact that the moon was still drawing closer with every second. If Spike didn’t know better, he could have sworn that the dark image was actually laughing at his outburst. Frustrated, he turned away from the window and studied his environment. Not only was his bed lousy, but the room wasn’t exactly the one you would find in a five-star hotel. Rarity would freak out if she saw the state of this room. The first thing she would do is probably nearly faint and then go on a redecorating rampage. The place looked like it hadn’t been dusted in months. A bug would scurry across the floor every few seconds. Something was smudged onto the window, and the wallpaper was faded and falling off in places.

Spike walked over to the dusty desk and opened the drawer. Inside was a two-hundred bit piece. Spike looked around to see if anypony was watching. He then figured that since it was his room, he could take it. Actually, it was the traveler’s room, but what did it matter? He planned on traveling back in time anyways, and he was going to be leaving Clock Town to tracked down the Elements, so the traveler will get his money soon enough.

Taking the money, Spike headed out of the inn. Thinking of what he should do next, Spike looked around to plaza. There were two ponies juggling balls back and forth to one another.

“Did you hear the news?” one asked the other.

“No, what news?” his companion asked.

“The moon is falling,” Spike muttered under his breath as he rolled his eyes.

“There was a foalnaping in the southern forest,” reported the first juggler.

“No, really?” the second juggler asked, surprised.

“Yes, but then the foal woke up!” the first juggler joked. As they both laughed at the joke, Spike got an idea. They had mentioned the forest, and Celestia had told him that one of the Elements was there! He noticed a gate leading outside of the city. Since he wouldn’t be able to get the Element of Honesty until tomorrow night, maybe he could try to find another one.

“Hold it right there!” a Pegasus guard barked as he blocked Spike’s path with one of his wings. “It’s dangerous outside and I can’t allow a foal such as yourself to leave without an adult.”

“Yes, but…” Spike started to explain.

“Now go home to your mother,” the guard ordered as he shoved Spike away with his wing. Spike grumbled was he stormed away from the foul tempered guard.

So much for that idea. Looking around, he saw some Summer Sun Celebration game booths, and they seemed to be opened for business. With the two-hundred bits, he decided to kill some time. There were some shooting galleries, some sort of a bowling game, a timed maze, and others.

After spending a few hours with games and winning some prizes, it was almost noon. Spike walked out of the maze building and noticed Cadance walking out of the inn. She was carrying an umbrella to shield herself from the rain. Spike figured that he could try and talk to her. After all, Shining Armor has gone missing. He followed her to laundry pool that was on the west part of town. It was empty, because no pony wanted to do their laundry in the rain. Spike saw her sit down at a bench and he walked up to her.

“Hi,” he greeted her.

“Hello there, little one,” she smiled at him. Even though she gave him a friendly greeting, he could see the sadness in her eyes.

“My name is Spike,” he introduced himself.

“I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, but please, call me Cadance.”

“I was hired by Madame Velvet to find Captain Armor.”

“You? Aren’t you a little young to be an investigator?” she asked skeptically.

“Actually, I’m older than I look,” he replied.

“You don’t even have a cutie mark yet,” she said as she raised an eyebrow at his claim.

“To be honest, I’m not even a pony.”

“Oh, is that so?” she said patronizingly.

“I’m actually a dragon.”

“Really? You don’t look like a dragon,” she giggled a bit, despite her current dilemma.

“I was changed into a Unicorn by the same mare that responsible for that,” he said, pointing to the moon.

“Oh,” she said looking up at the moon, starting to believe his claim. “I guess that does make it possible, especially with all that’s been going on.”

“So, why are you here sitting on a bench in the rain, all alone?”

“I wouldn’t be sitting on a bench in the rain alone if you would sit with me,” she retorted, patting the seat beside her. Obliging, Spike sat down next to her and she cover them both with the umbrella. “Well, I’m here because I got a letter from him yesterday.”

“What did the letter say?”

“That he was okay and that he was sorry.”

“Sorry? Sorry for… you know, running out on you?”

“I suppose, but I hope that there is a good reason. Maybe something happened to him. Maybe he has something important to do.”

“I’m pretty sure that he has a good explanation. I’m certain he wouldn’t abandon you,” Spike reassured her. If this Shining Armor anything like Spike’s, then there would be no way that he would just run out on her.

“That’s what I want to believe, but if something has happened to him, why doesn’t he just come to me?” she began to cry again.

“Did the letter say anything else?”

“Yes,” she said as she tried to contain her tears. “He said that he wanted to meet me here, but… to be honest… I’m scared to meet him. W-what if he says he wants to leave me for another mare? What if he doesn’t love me anymore?”

As she started to cry harder, Spike wrapped a foreleg around her. “I can kind of relate with you.”

“Really?” she sniffed.

“You see, there’s a mare back home that I really like. Who am I kidding? I love her!”

“So what happened?”

“Yesterday, I decided that I was finally going to tell her. When I went over to her place, she was preparing to go meet with this other stallion,” he explained.

“Oh,” she said knowingly.

“Maybe I should have left it at that, but I went ahead and told her, or at least tried to.”

“What happened?”

“Well, as I began to tell her, she said that she already knew.”

“And how did she react to your ‘confession?’”

“Actually, I’m not quite sure what to make of it,” Spike shrugged. “You see, she said that she was about to go see this pony.”

“Is she in love with this other stallion?”

“I doubt it,” Spike sardonically huffed. “She only met him once. I bet she’s only interested in him because he’s a count. You see, she did the same thing with a prince. When she had an opportunity to meet with him at a gala, she was so excited. She always admired the sophistication of the upper class.”

“She sounds rather shallow.”

“Shallow? Oh no, not even close! She’s one on the most generous ponies I know! She may be dramatic at times or even persnickety, but she always puts others before herself. But, she does get caught up with trying to be as glamorous as possible. You see, she dreams of being a renowned fashionista and being a part of high society. However, the prince turned out to be a real snob.”

“He sounds like my cousin,” the pink Alicorn chuckled as she dried her eyes. Unbeknownst to her, Spike was referring to her cousin, or rather the version of him from Equestria.

“I bet the same thing is going to happen with this count.”

“What makes you say that?”

“His name is Count High N’Mighty,” Spike said dryly. Cadance couldn’t help but to see Spike’s point.

“Well, what happens if it doesn’t work out with him? Do you think she’ll give you a chance?”

“Well… she also said that I was a few years younger than her and that I was a dragon.”

“So, you were serious about the dragon thing?” Spiked nodded in response to her question. “What about the age difference?”

“It’s complicated. As a dragon, I age differently than ponies. In dragon years, I’m still rather young. Most ponies call me a baby dragon, but in pony years, I’m only a few years younger than her. She was only a little filly when I hatched. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal.”

“‘Hatched.’ Wow, it’s strange to hear that coming from a Unicorn colt.”

“Yeah, don’t remind me,” Spike groaned. He got up to again look at his reflection. After studying his altered appearance again, hope grew inside him. “Hey, wait a minute! I’m a pony now! I’m sure to win her over now!”

“Are you sure, Spike?” Cadance skeptically asked. “Are you sure that she feels the same about you?”

“Sure, I am mean, we’re good friends, we do a lot together, she calls me ‘Spikey-Wikey,’ she even kissed my cheek a couple of times!”

“But are you sure that she loves you, or does she just think of you as a friend?”

“But… I’m a pony now. She’s…”

“Spike, would it really make a difference if you were a Unicorn or a dragon? What you are isn’t as important as who you are.” Spike thought about she said. Could it be that Rarity doesn’t love him? They were good friends, and she has always been affectionate towards him. He’s done so much to gain her attention. Could it all be for nothing?

Cadance sat on the bench in silence as Spike stood there in the rain with his thoughts. She let him be, for she had clearly gave him much to think about, and returned to her own thoughts of Shining Armor. They remained like that for a while, and then Cadance figured that he wasn’t coming. She gave a melancholy sigh and headed back to the inn. Eventually, Spike also left the laundry pool.

Ponyville- Day 1, 2:00 P.M.

There was a knock on Zecora’s door, and the mystical zebra opened it to see the worried face of Twilight Sparkle.

“Twilight Sparkle, my friend, did you bring the amulet to lend?” asked the zebra.

“No, and that’s the problem,” Twilight answered. “I asked Spike to drop it off, but that was this morning.”

“As much as I would like, I cannot say that I have seen Spike,” rhymed the zebra.

“Oh, where could he be?” Twilight moaned with concern as she ran out the door and headed back to Ponyville. She rushed to Sugercube Corner to see the pink party Earth Pony. Pinkie Pie was pulling a batch of fresh cupcakes out of the oven when the lavender Unicorn arrived. “Pinkie, have you see Spike today?”

“Hhhmmm,” Pinkie rubbed her chin as she tried to recall. “No, I don’t think so.”

“This is bad,” said Twilight as she anxiously walked in place. “I asked him to deliver something to Zecora, but that was a long time ago. It’s not like him to be gone so long.”

“Do you want me to help you find him?” Pinkie offered, concerned. Normally, Pinkie Pie was perpetually happy, but she knew when to be serious.

“Oh thank you, Pinkie,” sighed Twilight. The two mares ran out the door to begin their search.

Denial Cycle: Final Day

Dawn of the Final Day- 24 Hours Remaining

Spike’s eyes were bloodshot. Once again, he had a restless night due to the poor conditions of his room in the inn. He dragged himself from the bed and headed to the window. As he predicted, the moon was even closer. He stood there, wearily staring at the moon. Next time, I’m getting a different room.

His thoughts were interrupted by sudden tremor. The quake caught Spike by surprise, and he had to steady himself. He looked back at the moon, panic filling his heart. The merchant said that he only had three days to retrieve the mask and his flute, but did he mean exactly seventy-two hours? Spike needed to get the Element of Honesty and get out of there before it was too late, but first, he needed information.

Spike ran as fast as he could to Celestia’s shrine in the northern gardens. He passed Babs and the other Crusaders on the way. They waved to him, but he was in the hurry. He ran up the hill to the shrine, where he hoped to find Princess Celestia. He found her laying down at the base of the altar, her bird-guards attentively watching her.

“Princess Celestia!” he shouted as he waded across the pool of water.

“Spike,” she acknowledged the panicked former dragon. “What is it?”

“I need to know, when will the clock tower open?”

“It should open at midnight tonight,” she answered.

“And when will the moon crash into Trotina?”

She frowned at the grim question, but answered, “It will reach us…” She was interrupted by another tremor. “It will reach us at the dawn of the next day. As Nightmare Moon attacked me, she swore to me that as the ponies of Trotina looked to the horizon for the sun to rise on the day of the Summer Sun Celebration, she would then crush them all with her moon.”

“Well, at least that gives me a few hours to find the Element of Honesty, but there’s a problem.”

“What will that be?”

“She’s waiting up there on top of the clock tower, or at least she was the other day.” The regal pony frowned at this information.

“So be it,” she said, slowly rising to feet. Her legs trembled from her weakened state. “I’ll go with you to meet her.”

“What? Princess, no!” He was shocked that she would even consider leaving the shrine in her condition. “You can’t face her like this!”

“I know, Spike,” she said seriously. “But we have no other choice. I’ll distract her while you grab the Element of Honesty.”

“But, she could kill you!” Spike pleaded with the white Alicorn, but she slowly started to make her way to the entrance of the shrine.

“That is possible, but as long as you retrieve the Element and use the watch to return to the other day, all will be fine.” Spike wanted to argue, but she seemed adamant in her decision. She paused and turned her head back to the colt. “Would you mind accompanying me? Today is the eve of the Summer Sun Celebration, and I would like to see my subjects enjoying the festivities. Since my guards are busy at the moment, I would like an escort.”

Spike gave her a sympathetic smile and went to her side. “I would be honored.”

The pair made their way across the park and to the city’s square. Ponies that they met on the way would greet the princess and bow before her. She graciously returned their greetings as she made her way to a platform on the clock town that overlooked the plaza. The platform happened to be over the doors which Spike had entered through when he first came to Clock Town. The ponies below looked up to her, expecting her to make a declaration due to her standing on the platform.

“Good morning, my little ponies,” she addressed. “As you all know, today is the day before the Summer Sun Celebration. I invite you all to enjoy yourselves, and I look forward to seeing you all at the celebration tomorrow morning. Thank you.”

She then lay down on the platform as the ponies returned to their previous engagements. Celestia gave a motherly smile as she watched her subjects run around the city. Some were busy with the preparations while a few others played some of the games. The small size of the crowd was noticeable, for many had fled to seek refuge from the moon elsewhere.

“Your Highness,” Spike said to the princess.

“Hm? Yes Spike?” she asked, being roused from her musings.

“Shouldn’t we tell them what’s going on? I’m pretty sure that they have noticed the moon. Shouldn’t we tell them to evacuate?”

“Spike, look,” she motioned to the ponies below. “The ones that remain are the ones who refuse to leave out of devotion to their duties. Some don’t leave because they rather spend their last hours at home with their families. Others stay because they refuse to accept the truth, and others are too scared to even know what to do. In the end, it doesn’t matter what they do. If we are successful, then they have nothing to fear. If we are to fail, then it won’t matter where they run, but I believe that we will succeed.”

“But, Your Highness, how do you know we’ll succeed?”

“Because I have faith in you,” she said, smiling down at her companion. At first, he doubted her words, but her smile filled his heart with comfort. “Now tell me, what is Equestria like?”

Spike began to describe to her the world that he calls home. He explained that the same ponies that are in Trotina are in Equestria, but there are some differences. For instances, Fluttershy tended to the needs of her animal friends in his world, but here she was the manager of the Wonderbolts. They spent the day with him telling her about his friends. He told her about their adventures, their personalities, their hobbies, their dreams, and the good times they shared together.

“Your home sounds lovely,” said Celestia after listening to his tale. “I’m quite envious, to be honest.”

“Really?” he asked, amazed at her statement. She nodded in response.

“You said that your friends are the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony. Your world is fortunate to have such a wonderful group of friends to be worthy to wield the Elements to protect your world, to be able to use them to stop your Nightmare Moon and save your Princess Luna.” Spike knew where she was going with this. He frowned as he saw the longing look upon her face. Tears began to fall from her eyes. “I miss her so much.”

Spike, who was now lying beside her, nuzzled up against her comfortingly. In gratitude, she returned the favor. Spike looked up to the sky. Of course he saw the moon, but he also saw the sun starting to lower to the western horizon. Princess Celestia’s horn glowed and the sun began to sink below the horizon. After it was out of sight, Celestia released the magic and panted. Sweat had formed upon her brow.

“Princess, you shouldn’t strain yourself like that,” Spike reproved, concerned for her well-being.

“It’s alright, Spike,” she reassured. “Besides, I have to do it. We don’t want things to be even more chaotic than they already are.”

“I guess you’re right,” he said with a yawn.

“You look as exhausted as I do,” she remarked.

“I haven’t slept in past few days,” he wearily explained.

“Maybe this will help,” she said, her horn glowing again. Her magic felt soothing as it flowed through his body, and then he felt invigorated as strength filled his body and his fatigue was diminished.

“Wow!” Spike shouted in surprise, but then his concern for the princess returned. “You shouldn’t have wasted your magic on me, Princess. You’ll need all that you have to face Nightmare Moon.”

“Spike, I’m not expecting to defeat Nightmare Moon,” she explained. “I can only hope to distract her long enough for you to get the Element and the flute. You, on the other hoof, will need all the strength that you have to face the Element’s challenge.”

“What is the challenge?”

“I can’t say for certain. When I hid the Elements of Harmony across Trotina, I placed a spell on them so that anypony trying to obtain them will have to face a challenge that reflects the pony’s mind and heart as well as each Element’s specific nature.”

“So it depends on the Element and the pony?”

“That is correct, so prepare yourself for anything.”

They sat in silence during the remaining time, mentally bracing themselves for the conflict that waited for them on top of the clock tower. It seemed that midnight came all too quickly. Before they knew it, the clock began to chime. Ponies in the square began to launch fireworks, lighting the plaza in a prism of colors. The face of the giant clock laid down, transforming into an observation deck. This is where Princess Celestia was to stand as she raised the sun on the following morning. The door behind Spike and Princess Celestia on the platform opened to reveal a flight of stairs. The pair looked to each other and nodded before they made their way up the stairs to the top of the clock tower.

When they arrived, they saw Nightmare Moon hovering over the observation deck, not noticing the arrival of the two. Also, there was a stone orb resting in the center of the deck. Seeing this as an opportunity, Spike rushed over to the orb while the dark Alicorn wasn’t looking. He noticed it was imbedded in the floor. He grabbed it with his hooves and began to pull. As soon as he touched the orb’s stone surface, there was a flash of light and Spike found himself standing in a black void. He looked around, but found nothing. Not even the stone orb was there.

“Hello?” he called out to the darkness. “Is anypony here? Is there anything here?”

“Only what you bring with you,” answered a familiar voice. Out of the darkness, an orange Earth Pony with a Stetson hat came forth.

“Applejack,” Spike shouted in delight. “You’re here! I’m so glad to see you!”

He started to head towards the blond mare with the intention to hug her, but she held up a hoof and said, “Ah’m not really here, sugar cube. Ah’m only a product of the spell and of your imagination.” Spike moaned and looked down in disappointment. Seeing this, the mirage Applejack walked up to him and wrapped a comforting foreleg around him. “Ah’m sorry, sugar cube. Ah’d bet that the real me would give anything to be here for you right now, but that will have to wait for now. You’re here for this, ain’t ya?”

Spike looked up and saw a glowing orange gem floating beside her head. “Yes!”

“An honest answer, Ah like that,” she commented.

“So does that mean I passed the test?” he asked hopefully.

“No,” she flatly answered.

“I thought not,” he grumbled.

“Ah must warn you, it won’t be easy.”

“I know, but I have no choice. Everypony here needs me to do it.” Spike looked again to Applejack, but she and the Element of Honesty were gone. He frantically searched for them, but they were nowhere to be found.

“Do you really think you have a chance with her?” a new voice scoffed. Spike tried to find the source of the voice, but couldn’t see anypony. “Look at you, you’re a dragon. Oh wait, you’re not even that anymore!” From the darkness, another Spike emerged, but this one was a still a dragon. The pony Spike was stunned by the appearance of the doppelganger. “She doesn’t love you.”

“No, that’s not true!” Spike denied.

“Is it?” the fake Spike asked as it cocked an eyebrow at him. “What would make you think otherwise? Has she ever given you a reason to make you think that she returns the feelings that you have for her?”

“Yes! One time she gave me a sapphire.”

“Yes, but she also conned a fire ruby from you, even though it was your birthday present to yourself.”

“She thanked me and said it was one of the most generous gifts she has ever received! She even gave me a kiss!”

“Is that supposed to mean anything?” the fake Spike mocked. “Do you really think that you’re special to her?”

“Of course I am! When I went on my quest of self-discovery, she followed me! She was even willing to stand up to those jerks!”

“She followed you because she thought you couldn’t take care of yourself,” the fake Spike retorted. “She thinks you’re a helpless baby and treats you like one! Face it; you’re nothing but a child in her eyes! Is that why you constantly do favors for her?”

Spike was silent for a moment, but then he quietly said something.

“What was that?” the doppelganger mocked, overly dramatically placing a claw to his an ear-frill. “Didn’t quite catch that.”

“Yes,” Spike said a little louder.

“One more time, please.”

“Yes!” Spike shouted, annoyed at his mirror image. “I do anything she tells me to do to prove that I’m not a child! Want her to see that I’m worthy of her!”

“But no matter what you do, she’ll only see you as an infant. That’s all you are to her. That’s all you are to them all; a baby, a helpless baby who can’t even take care of himself. That’s what all you’ll ever be to them. At least your appearance now matches their opinion of you.”

“But I’ll find a way to break this spell on me! I’ll return to normal.”

“Oh yes, a dragon is so much better than a foal,” the imposter rolled its eyes. “So, you think Rarity could love you even as a dragon? Ha, you’d have a better chance as a foal! At least you’d be the species. Even if you returned to normal, what chance do you think you’ll have with her? She’s obviously only in to snobbish, stuck up, pompous, big shots like Prince Blueblood. What are you? You’re a librarian’s assistant! Oh yes, that’s impressive. She wants fame, prestige, and class; something you’ll never be able to give her. Even if by some divine prank you manage to win her over, what then?”

“What do you mean? We’ll be happy together for the rest of our lives.”

“Wrong!” the fake dragon interjected. “You’ll be happy for the rest of her life. Don’t forget that you’re a dragon. Ponies everywhere will judge the two of you for being together. You’ll grow and grow, and the larger you get, the more everypony will fear you.”

“They don’t fear me!” Spike countered.

“That’s because you’re still a chubby, cute little baby dragon. Eventually, they won’t find you so cute when you’re a towering monster. Remember your birthday; the ponies weren’t exactly thrilled with your sudden growth spurt, were they?” Spike’s face flushed at the embarrassing memory.

“But, that won’t be for a long time,” Spike tried to rationalize. “They’ll get used to me as I grow. It’s not like I’ll grown to the size of a house overnight.”

“Ah, but that presents another problem, doesn’t it?” smirked Spike’s counterpart. “True, you will slowly grow over time, much slower, in fact, than anypony else. Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and yes, even your precious Rarity, will all age a lot faster than you.” The mirage drew close to Spike’s face and sinisterly grinned at him as he whispered in a sadistic tone, “You will watch as they, one by one, grow older and older while you remain young. You will watch as each and every one of them will die and turn to dust before your very eyes. You will spend the rest of your centuries-long life all alone; friendless, miserable, and hated by all. After millenniums have passed, you will wish that you have never been hatched and raised by ponies. You will envy the other dragons with their solitary lives, only caring for their hoards. You will wish that you were one of them. At least then you would be spared the heartache that comes with being a dragon that perceives time as a pony.”

Spike gawked at the illusion with stunned silence as the words pierced his heart. He was too shocked to even cry. “It’s true… It’s all true…I … I’m going to be alone…”

The illusion laughed at the poor colt’s face as it faded away into the darkness. The mirage Applejack once again stepped forth from the darkness. She emphatically frowned at his pain and said, “Ah’m sorry, sugar cube. Ah really am.” The Element of Honesty reappeared between them. As it floated in the void, it started to spin. After it came to a rest, Spike saw that the Element had changed. It was no longer an orange gem, but a piece of gold jewelry with a gem in the shape of an apple in the center. It then flew to Spike and latched around his neck. It seemed to be a breastplate of sorts. Spike looked from the Element up to the mirage Applejack and saw her give him a sad smile as the void disappeared in a flash of light.

Once the flash was over, Spike found himself on top of the clock tower. Confused, he looked around and saw Princess Celestia walking up to him. “How long was I gone?”

“It appears to have been instantaneous for me,” she explained. “The Element vanished as soon as you touched it, but then it immediately reappeared around your neck.”

“Well, well, well,” a cold voice called from above. They looked up and saw Nightmare Moon hovering above them. “Come to face me again, my dear sister? I see you brought the runt. Looking for this?” The flute was floating beside her head, suspended by her magic.

“Yeah, that’s mine,” Spike declared. “Give it back!”

“And what will you do if I don’t?” the dark mare challenged. “Do you really think that you two can stop me? Look at yourselves; a weakened Alicorn and a foal. If you want to stop something, try and stop this!” The eyes of the mare’s mask glowed and waves of magic surged from it. There was a sudden tremble. The white Alicorn and the colt looked up and saw that the moon had begun to accelerate towards them.

“Sister!” Celestia desperately pleaded. “Please, stop this! You will kill us all!” Nightmare Moon’s only response was a laugh; an insane laugh that would chill the hearts of any who heard to it. Once again, Spike could hear another’s laugh echoing the Alicorn’s. Spike tried to think of something, but he was running out of time! The moon was headed right at them! If only he had more time…

“Wait a minute… the watch!” Spike shouted as he remembered the amulet. He looked at the flute that was floating by the head of Nightmare Moon, and formed a plan. If tried to pull it from her magic grip with his magic, she would notice it. She needed to be distracted. Thinking quick, Spike fired a bolt of magic that went buzzing by her face. She yelped in surprise, and the flute fell to the deck below. Spike rushed forward and grabbed it with his magic.

“Why you…” Nightmare Moon started to growl, but she was hit square in the chest by a golden blast of magic. Princess Celestia flew up to the dark mare, who was reeling back from the attack, and shot another blast at her.

“Hurry!” Celestia ordered. Nightmare Moon recovered and started to retaliate against her elder sister. “Use the amulet!”

Wasting no time, Spike pressed the button on the side of the watch. Spike then found himself falling through a white void, surrounded by the image of many ticking clocks.

Ponyville- Day 1, 6:00 P.M.

It was getting late and Rainbow Dash was still flying all over Ponyville looking for the missing dragon. She checked everywhere; the schoolyard, the park, the bottom of the well, but she couldn't find a trace of him. She then noticed Fluttershy flying towards her. “Anything?”

“No,” the yellow Pegasus reported. “I hope he’s okay. I’m so worried. I even asked my animal friends to check the forest.”

“Well, let one of us know if they find anything,” the blue Pegasus said as she sped off to search hill that runaway carriages seem to constantly roll uncontrollably down.

Anger Cycle: Day One

Timberwolves… An abyss… A strange tree… Nightmare Moon… A mask… A pony with glasses and a cap…

Dawn of the First Day- 72 Hours Remaining

Ding!

Spike heard the watch that he was holding chime. He looked down at it and then to his surroundings. He was standing in the central plaza of Clock Town in front of the clock tower. The morning sun was peaking over the tops of the buildings.

“W-what just happened?” the colt asked, a little shaken from the experience. “Everything has…” He looked around the plaza again, noticing various ponies running around. They were carrying supplies and were preparing for a celebration. “… started over…” Spike then looked up and saw the moon still hanging menacingly over the city, but it wasn’t nearly as close as it was only a moment ago. Looking back at the watch, he said, “It really worked.”

He then noticed something he hadn’t before on the side of the watch. There was a green meter, and it had been depleted about a fifth. He remembered that Twilight Sparkle had said that the amulet’s magic was good for about two weeks’ worth of time travel. His three day time jump was now visible on the side of the watch. At least it shows how much magic it has left. He pressed the watch’s button and it chimed and briefly glowed as it did the first time.

Well, I still need to get… the Element! Suddenly remembering the Element of Honesty, he reached up to his neck and found that it was still around his neck. He sighed with relief, but then gasped with surprise as a ball of light materialized out of the Element and floated in front of his face.

“Spike, are you alright?” the ball asked in a familiar voice.

“Princess Celestia?” he said, recognizing the voice as the white Alicorn’s. “Is that you?”

“In a way,” it answered. “I’m a portion of Celestia’s power that Nightmare Moon had sealed away. You released me when you recovered the Element of Honesty. I entered into the Element so that I could follow you back in time. That way, she will be able to follow you as you travel through time.”

“So she knows what happened the past three days… er… next three days… you know what I mean.”

“She will as soon as I return to her,” the light explained. “It will be the same with each Element that you recover.”

“Back there, on the clock tower,” he began to ask, dreading the answer. “What happened to her as I used the watch?”

“I’m not entirely sure. Remember, I was with you when you traveled back. But, from what I could tell, she used up her remaining power to distract Nightmare Moon.”

“What do you think happened to her?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing? What do you mean? She was powerless and she was facing Nightmare Moon by herself.”

“Don’t forget, that battle hasn’t happened. It was erased as soon as we came back, but don’t worry. The next time we face her, you’ll have all of the Elements of Harmony and Celestia will be restored to her full strength.” Spike though about the light’s words, coming to understand the details of time travel. “Now that you have your flute back, you should go to see the merchant. I’ll reunite with Celestia.”

“Afterwards, I’ll come to check up on you.”

“No Spike,” it rejected. “You need to go ahead and search for the next Element. Don’t worry, Celestia will be fine. The Element of Kindness is located the forest to the south, the home of the Unicorns.” With that, the ball of light sped away to the north, headed to the shrine where Princess Celestia awaited. Spike watched as the light flew away, and then he turned his attention to the doors at the base of the clock tower.

Entering through the doors, Spike was greeted by the sound of the cogs and water churning. Waiting for him there was the merchant.

“You’re back already?” the merchant asked in shock. “You were only gone a moment. Anyways, were you able to recover your flute?” In response to his inquiry, Spike produced the flute. Overjoyed, the merchant grabbed Spike’s shoulder and began it shake enthusiastically. “Oh, you got it, you got it, you got it!”

Spike held a hoof to his head to steady himself as he recovered. He shook his head to clear it, and saw that the merchant was now sitting at an organ. Spike didn’t know how he missed that or how the strange merchant even got it there in the first place. Pinkie Pie would be proud.

“Then listen to me. Please play this song that I am about to perform, and remember it well…” instructed the pony at the organ. The pony played a few notes, and Spike followed along with the flute. It was harder to play with hooves than with claws, but Spike did his best. The merchant would play a couple notes at a time and Spike would copy them, and they repeated this process a few times. It was a fairly simple melody, and Spike soon had memorized how it went. “Good, now play it all together.”

Spike shrugged and raised the flute to his lips again. He didn’t know how playing a song would turn him back into a dragon, but he had no other choice and started to play. The song was rather mellow and haunting, yet soothing to the soul. As the sound of the song filled the room, Spike once again found himself caught in a vision. He saw himself, that is to say, the Unicorn colt version of himself floating away from him. As the foal floated away, Spike felt peace. However, the feeling of peace seemed to be radiating from the Unicorn-Spike. Spike noticed that the Unicorn was smiling, and tears of joy were streaming down the colt’s face. Seeing that this strange altered image of himself was at peace, Spike waved to it. When he waved, he saw that he no longer had a hoof, but a claw.

The vision ended and Spike found himself in the chamber again. He heard something hitting the floor, but he was too busy observing himself. “Scales: check. Spines: check. Claws: check. Breath…” He inhaled and breathed out a jet of emerald flames. “… check. I’m me again!” He then looked down to see what the noise he had heard earlier was. At his feet was a mask. It was purple, had a green mane, and a horn growing out of it. The mask resembled the Unicorn version of himself that he was transformed into! Spike picked up the mask, studying it.

“This is a melody that heals evil magic and troubled spirits,” the merchant pony explained. “I am sure it will be of assistance to you in future.” The mask suddenly disappeared, and Spike felt something inside his mind. “Ah, it would seem that the spirit of the mask has chosen to lend you its power. When you choose, you can call upon the power of the mask to transform yourself into the form you once were.”

I will continue to help you, a voice said in his head.

Wait, you were with me ever since I was cursed, he spoke to the voice. Although he couldn’t see it, he sensed that the spirit nodded to him. Who are you?

It’s a secret to everybody.

“Now, I have fulfilled my promise to you…” the merchant interrupted Spike’s internal conversation. The merchant held out his hoof, as if he was expecting something. “So, please, give me that which you promised me…” Spike could do nothing but look to the floor sheepishly. “Don’t tell me…”

“Uuuhhh…”

“My mask… You did… get it back… Didn’t you?”

“Well…” Spike wasn’t able to finish that sentence, for the pony had lifted him into the air! The merchant’s eyes were wide with fury as he shook the small dragon!

“What have you done to me!” shrieked the mad pony. He dropped Spike and grabbed the sides of his head as he rocked back and forth in panic. “If you leave my mask out there, something terrible will happen! The mask that was stolen from me… It is called Discord’s Mask. It is an accursed item from legend that is said to contain the Spirit of Disharmony. Long ago, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna used the Elements of Harmony to seal Discord into a mask. It is said that whoever wears the mask will have access to Discord’s powers!” The merchant now clasped his hooves and looked pleadingly to heavens. “The Royal Sisters hid the mask, but I went to great lengths to get that legendary mask. Ever since I got it, I could feel the darkness that was within it.” He collapsed to the floor, sobbing. “And now… that dark Alicorn has it…” He crawled over to Spike and wrapped his forelegs around the dragon’s legs and cried into his feet. “I am begging you! You must get that mask back quickly or something horrible will happen! I’m begging you! I’m begging you! You must do it!”

“Alright, alright, alright!” Spike said has he pushed the hysterical pony off his feet. “I’ll do it, just get a grip!” Sheesh, and everypony says Rarity is the drama queen!

“Really? You’ll do it for me?” the merchant looked up to him hopefully. The stallion stood up and regained his composure. “I was sure you'd that. Don’t worry, you’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, thanks,” Spike said confused as he exited through the door, anxious to get away from the lunatic. Heading out into the plaza, he saw the gate to south. Wasting no time, he made his way there. There was a Pegasus guard in front the gate, just like there had been at the east gate. He shared the same unfriendly expression as his comrade. If he was anything like the other guard, Spike might have a problem just walking out by himself, but he didn’t have time for that.

“Halt! Stop right…” the guard began to order, but Spike breathed a bit of flame at the guard’s hooves, causing him to jump out of the away.

“Out of the way, flyboy,” Spike taunted as he ran passed the startled guard. Spike ran outside and immediately saw the forest in the distance. It wasn’t quite what he expected. Dark clouds hung over the forest and he could see a mist swirling around within the trees. If the unicorns were supposed to be the more fancy and aesthetics-loving of the types of ponies, why were they living in a forest that was so creepy that it could give the Everfree Forest a run for its money?

Spike approached the entrance of the forest and saw a sign by the trail. One arrow read, “This way to Sweet Apple Acres.” Spike was pleased to know that the Apple Family was apparently also in Trotina, but this wasn’t the time to stop by for a chat. The other arrow read, “This way to Prince Blueblood’s Palace.” Spike rolled his eyes. Great, that stuck-up moron is here too. The Spirit of the Unicorn Mask laughed in agreement to Spike’s description of the unicorn prince. Reluctantly, the dragon made his way to the boorish prince’s residence.

The clouds and fog made the forest look unnaturally dark even though it was in the middle of the day, and the sounds of animals scurrying about didn’t help with the creepy atmosphere of the forest. Spike tried to suppress his fears as he walked along the path. He came to a stop when he smelled something rotten. He sniffed again, trying to locate the source of the odor, but almost fell into it when he turned around a bend in the path. There was a swamp in the middle of the road! It appears that the forest had been flooded by a toxic-looking, foul-smelling liquid. In the distance, through the fog and haze, Spike could see the castle in the distance. As far as Spike could tell, the mire surrounded the castle like a deadly moat.

Spike began to wonder how he would get across the swamp when he heard a cry of distress. “Help! Help! Somepony, help!” From the forest, a donkey emerged. She collided into Spike, causing them to crash into the ground. As she recovered from the collision, she saw that she was tangled up with a dragon and screamed.

“It’s okay!” he tried to calm her. “I’m not going to hurt you!”

“Y-you can talk?” she said amazed as Spike helped her to her hooves.

“Of course I can,” he said as he dusted himself off.

“B-but you’re a dragon.”

“Yeah…” he said like it was the most obvious thing.

“But I thought dragons eat things like me.”

“Not this dragon. My name’s Spike.”

“I’m Matilda. Oh!” She then suddenly gasped. “Oh my goodness, Zecora! Listen, you got to help me! My friend is hurt and I need help moving her!” Spike followed the donkey off the trail and into the forest. She led him through a winding maze of trees and fog. Somehow, she knew where she was going. “I found her lying in the middle of the forest as I was trying to find a way to the palace. I tried to lift her, but I’m too old and…oh no!”

They came to a clearing and saw the hooded zebra lying unconscious on the ground. They also saw a pack of Timberwolves closing in on her. Spike was horrified, but then something within him burned. Loathing for the wooden beasts filled his heart as he remembered that it was same type of creatures that caused him to be separated from his home! Now, they were about to attack a zebra who couldn’t defend herself!

Without thinking, the dragon ran up to the nearest monster. It was preparing to dive in for the kill, but then its hindquarters were set ablaze. The canine howled in pain and sprinted away. As it ran, the emerald flames consumed the wooden beast and it crumbled into ash. The other Timberwolves saw this and turned their attention to Spike. They growled as they began to charge at him. The lead wolf was hit in the face by green fireball and suffered the same fate as the other wolf. The remaining wolves halted their attack and retreated as Spike ran after them, breathing fire.

After they had fled to the forest, Spike returned to Matilda’s side. She was helping Zecora to rise by placing herself under one of her forelegs. Spike got underneath the other foreleg and the two of them dragged the Zebra from the clearing.

Matilda led the way to Zecora’s hut. As they placed the zebra on the bed, she began to stir. “The potion…” the weary zebra whispered. “… that is blue… will make me good… as new…” Spike was impressed. Even when she was barely conscious, she spoke in rhyme. Matilda hurried to a shelf, checking the bottles on it for the required elixir. After locating it, she rushed to Zecora’s side and helped her drink it. Matilda passed the bottle to Spike as Zecora’s vitality returned. Spike looked at the potion. Curious, he put the bottle to his lips and took a sip. It was like he drank liquid lightning! His limbs briefly shuddered from the effect. “Powerful drink, don’t you think?”

Spike turned and saw Zecora smirking at him. “Oops, sorry, I was…”

“It’s alright, my friend. For without you, I would have met my end.”

“Zecora, what happened to you?” asked Matilda.

“I was investigating the forest, to search for the cause of unrest,” Zecora explained. “The forest has become a bog, filled poison and fog. But I was attacked from behind, from a mare with an evil mind. On the ground I lay, until you came today. I believe the curse is of the Alicorn, and it causes all Trotina to mourn.”

“Thank you for helping us, Spike,” Matilda said with gratitude. “But, do you suppose that you could help me with something?”

“Sure, what is it?” Spike answered.

“There has been a foalnapping,” the donkey explained.

A foalnapping, Spike thought. Didn’t those jugglers mention that the other day… er… going to mention… whatever.

“Prince Blueblood’s fiancee, Lady Rarity, and her sister, Lady Sweetie Belle, have disappeared, and they’re accusing my dear Doodle!” Spike’s heart leapt when he heard that Rarity was in danger, but it sank when it realized that she was Blueblood’s fiancee. Regardless, she and Sweetie Belle are in danger and an innocent “Doodle” was being blamed for it! “They say that he’s to be executed at sundown in two days!” Matilda began to weep at the terrible thought.

“Don’t worry, Matilda,” Spike said, placing a claw on her shoulder. “I’ll save Rarity and Sweetie Belle and prove Doodle’s innocence.”

“Thank you,” she sniffed. “But, don’t let him hear you call him that. He prefers to be call ‘Cranky.’ He only lets me call him ‘Doodle.’”

“Tomorrow, I’ll use my boat, to row you across the moat,” offered Zecora. Spike nodded in appreciation. Tomorrow, Spike had to face the most snobbish, conceited, self-absorbed pony that the dragon knew of. Frankly, Spike would rather be eaten by Timberwolves.

Ponyville- Day 1, 10:00 P.M.

The evening train pulled into the station at Ponyville. Rarity stepped onto the platform in a huff, carrying a cart loaded with a tower of luggage. She was absolutely livid. It turns out that Count High N’Mighty rivaled Prince Blueblood in abhorrence! The count was one of the most chauvinistic and hedonistic stallions Rarity had the displeasure to ever encounter. She had dreamed that he would sweep her off her hooves and treat her like the lady that she is, but he only had one thing on his mind. He had invited her up to his estate he hope that he could seduce her. His attempts were met with a quick slap across the face.

Rarity had reached her home as the day’s unpleasant events replayed in her mind. She entered her home and released her cat, Opalescence, from her pet carrier. Reflecting her owner’s attitude, the Persian cat followed Rarity to the bedroom in a huff. Rarity began to unpack her suitcases and sighed in disappointment.

“Oh Opal,” she said sadly to her cat. “It seems as though my dreams of finding a true gentlecolt will never come true. It’s always the same. Every stallion that attempts to court me only sees me as a prize. To them, I am just some trophy to cling to their foreleg to show off. Oh, why can’t I find somepony who would treat me with love and respect?”

As Rarity finished her lamentation, she opened a drawer saw a case in her dresser. She frowned and paused her unpacking to levitate it with her magic out of the drawer. She knew all too well what she had placed in it. She opened it to reveal a gold necklace with a Fire Ruby set in it. She thought of the one who had so selflessly given her the valuable gift. He always treated me like a lady. When he tried to confess his love for me, I turned him away. She observed how the red gem was in the shape of a heart. A single tear ran down her cheek. He gave his heart to me. Ashamed of herself, she placed the necklace back in its case and returned it to the drawer.

Anger Cycle: Day Two

Dawn of the Second Day- 48 Hours Remaining

Spike couldn’t sleep. Perhaps it was the rush from the blue potion he drank the day before. Perhaps he was nervous about going on a rescue mission. Perhaps he didn’t know how he’ll react to seeing… her. Whatever the reason was, the dragon was wide awake, sitting on a chair in the zebra’s hut. Matilda was asleep on the herbalist’s bed. The donkey was reluctant to deprive Zecora of her bed, but she insisted that the older donkey to take it, choosing to be a generous host and accommodate her guest. Zecora had slept on a rug on the floor, but she had awoken and was packing a few supplies.

The dragon and zebra left the hut silently so as not to wake Matilda. Nearby the hut was a boat. Normally, the forest did have a few streams and rivers flowing through it, and Zecora would use them to navigate through the forest. Now, the forest had become an accursed swamp filled with evil. Spike sat in the boat as Zecora rowed them towards the palace of Prince Blueblood.

“The Prince has become hostile to any from the outside; he will surely judge you for your scaly hide,” warned the zebra. What she meant was that he would have a hard time getting in as a dragon, but maybe as a unicorn…

“I got an idea,” he declared. “I’ll call upon the power of the Unicorn Mask to disguise myself.”

“You have a mask that allows one to shape shift?” Zecora remarked, impressed. “You are fortunate to have such an rare gift.”

Spike concentrated and called to the Spirit within him. Are you there?

Yes, the Spirit answered. Let’s do this.

Spike felt like he was bucked in the chest and the wind was knocked out of him. Again he felt his bones bend and shift under his skin, which felt like it was on fire. Fur replaced scales, claws compacted into hooves, spines became a mane, and a horn grew out of his forehead. Spike panted as the transformation was completed. He rose again to his hooves, his legs shaking as he did so.

“Well,” he gasped. “At least I can get in now.”

“Spike, are you alright?” Zecora asked with concern. “Your change gave me a fright.”

“I’m okay, Zecora,” the colt reassured. He looked at his reflection in the murky waters, and sighed. Is it going to be this painful every time?

I imagine so, but it’s better this way, the voice said.

Yeah, we’ll have better luck sneaking like this rather than as dragon.

Actually, I’m from the palace, but it’s better that they don’t recognize me… er… us.

Huh? This information confused Spike. What do mean? You’re from the palace, but they won’t recognize this shape? Who are you?

He felt a bit of sadness radiate from the Spirit. I’ll explain later, we’re here. Looking up from the waters, Spike noticed that they had arrived at the castle. It was sitting on an island in the middle of the moat, and Spike assumed that there was a moat somewhere within the depths of the foul swamp. The pair tied the boat to a dock and approached the main gate. On either side of the palace’s gate were two guards. They looked just as intimidating as the ones in Clock Town. Spike could already tell that this wasn’t going to be pleasant.

As the colt and the zebra approached the gate, the guards blocked the way with spears. “Halt, this is the palace of his Royal Majesty, Prince Blueblood! Only those with official business may enter!” The guards looked down at Spike. “However, you may go see the sentencing of the criminal.” They moved their spears out of the way to permit Spike to enter. Spike walked past the guards and Zecorca followed, but the spears came down in front of her face, nearly cutting her. She gave a startled gasp and hopped back from the guards. “Foreign filth, such as yourself, is not welcomed in the noble home of the Unicorns.” Zecora glared at the prejudice unicorns and turned to head back to her boat.

“Zecora, wait!” Spike called to her, and then turned to the guards. “You can’t send her away just because she’s a zebra!”

“Zebras, mules, donkey, earth ponies, Pegasi, and all other forms of riffraff are not welcomed here!” the guards recited their policy.

“It is fine, Spike, for the hospitality of the Sire,” said Zecora. “Is as pleasant as this Misery Mire.” She then pulled something from her cloak. “To go alone is dangerous.” She tossed it to Spike, and when he caught it, he saw it was a flask. “Take this.”

Spike uncorked the flask and saw it was filled with the blue potion that Matilda used to restore Zecora’s health. “Thank you, Zecora.” He headed through the gate as she returned to her boat. The gate led to a courtyard and then to the palace itself. Spike approached the palace doors and was stopped again by more guards.

“Listen,” the doorstallion instructed. “You go through these doors and head straight down the hall to the Prince’s throne room. Don’t go anywhere else, or you’ll be in big trouble, got it!?”

Spike shrank a bit from the overbearing guard, but he nodded and the guard opened the door for him with his magic. Spike entered the palace and was baffled by what he saw. “Oh for the love of Celestia,” he muttered in exasperation as he facehoofed. The hall was filled with the image of Prince Blueblood. Statues of the egocentric prince lined both sides of the carpet that led the way to the throne room. Each of them was posed in a dramatic stance. The walls were covered in paintings of the Unicorn. Each of them was more ridiculous than the last. One was as a portrait of him dramatically looking over his shoulder, pouting his lips. Another was of him flexing his overly exaggerated muscles. Another had him lying on bed that was covered in rose petals in a romantic pose, grinning with a rose in between his teeth. Spike suppressed the urge to vomit. Next painting made his blood boil. It was Blueblood standing triumphantly over the corpse of a might dragon. The dragon had its tongue lolled out dramatically. Blueblood had one hoof on top the fallen dragons head and a lance in the other. Spike really wanted to vomit at the next one. Prince Blueblood was sitting on a grand throne with an elaborate crown upon his brow. He held a golden scepter in his hoof. He wore a majestic cape and regal suit with many medals pinned on it, but that wasn’t the worst part. Oh no, it didn’t come close. Rarity was at his hooves, scantily clad in only a sheet, while she clung to his hind leg with a wanton look of desire on her face.

That’s it, I’m torching the place.

Focus, said the voice in his head. Remember the mission. You got to save Rarity and Sweetie Belle and clear Cranky’s name.

And then can I torch the place?

… Yeah, and then you can torch the place.

Spike made his way past the revolting images to the throne room. The doorstallion ushered him in, saying, “Hurry, the sentencing is about to begin.”

“When was the trial?” asked Spike.

“Trial? His Majesty doesn’t bother with such pointless things as that!” exclaimed the usher. Spike was astounded by the harshness of the law in the Unicorn’s domain. He took a sit with the rest of the audience. The throne was vacant, but a familiar mare stood by it. It was Twilight Sparkle! She cleared her throat to gain the attention of the court.

“All rise for the…” Twilight groaned exhaustively a bit before continuing. “‘Honorable’ and ‘noble’ Prince of the Unicorns, Blueblood.” The pompous prince entered with the cheesiest grin imaginable and took his seat on the throne.

“Thank you, Councilor Sparkle,” he said as she rolled her eyes and shook her head disapprovingly behind his back. Her eyes scanned the audience, but stopped when she saw Spike. As the two gazed at each other, her eyes widened and her mouth opened a little. “Councilor, proceed.”

She shook her a bit and continued. “Bring out the condemned.” At her word, two guards dragged out a bald, older donkey. He was covered in chains and locks and was forced into a chair.

“Cranky Doodle Donkey,” the Prince addressed the bounded donkey. “You have been found guilty of foalnapping the Lady Rarity and the Lady Sweetie Belle!”

“I didn’t foalnap anypony, ya imbecile!” ranted Cranky, rattling his chains as he squirmed in his seat. “I told you! They wanted to investigate the strange things that been happening in the temple, and they asked me to row them there! The entrance became locked and I came back for help!”

“Silence!” the prince roared. “I won’t listen to any more of this foolishness! I’ll give you one more chance; tell us where you’re hiding my fiancee and her sister and I will lessen your punishment!”

“I told you,” Cranky yelled. “They’re in the temple, ya moron!”

“Enough! Bring out ‘the Wheel of Punishment!’” The Unicorns cheered in savage delight as a large, circular board with a spinner in it was brought out. Spike read the various punishments listed: Eaten by a Hydra, Thrown in the Pit of Spikes, Staring Contest with a Cockatrice, Placed in a Compactor, Locked in the Timberwolves Den, Sacrificed to the Ursa Major, Skinned Alive, Community Service, or Boiled in Oil. Blueblood’s horn glowed as he used his magic to activate the spinner. As it went whirling around the board, the audience cheered.

“Hydra, give him the hydra!”

“Come on compactor!”

“Community service, please be community service!” Spike wished to himself. The spinner began to slow down, and the crowd drew in a breath in anticipation. The spinner came to rest near the border of the two punishments, but it barely favored one over the other: Community Service. Cranky, Spike, and Twilight let a sigh of relief as the others moaned in disappointment. Whistling nonchalantly, Blueblood used his magic to move the spinner while nopony was looking.

“Looks like it’s ‘Boiled in Oil,’” Prince Blueblood announced and the crowd cheered. Cranky and Spike’s mouths fit the floor. “Tomorrow at sunset, you will pay for your crime! Guards, take him away!”

“You can’t do this!” Cranky protested as he was dragged away. “I’m telling you, they’re in the temple! They’re in the temple!” The court was dismissed and the Unicorns in attendance were ushered out. Spike was led through the exit of the throne room by the guards, a voice spoke to them.

“Guards, bring him here.” Spike turned and saw Twilight Sparkle standing outside the door.

“Yes, Councilor Sparkle,” the guards said as they nudged Spike over to the lavender unicorn.

“I’ll take it from here, that will be all,” she dismissed the guards. They saluted and returned to ushering the crowd out of the palace. The two looked at each other, not saying a word. Twilight’s eyes looked up and down Spike’s body, and said in a hushed voice, “W-who are you?”

“I’m…” Spike began to answer, but the voice in his head stopped him.

Don’t tell her! Make something up!

“I’m Pipsqueak,” Spike lied. Twilight studied him a little further.

“Y-you look so much like…” she began to say. “Why are you here? Be honest with me.”

“I’ve been sent by Matilda the donkey to find Lady Rarity and Lady Sweetie Belle and to prove Cranky’s innocence.”

“Is that so?” Twilight looked around to check if they were being listened to. “I can help you.”

“You can?”

“Yes, I don’t believe that he’s responsible at all,” she whispered. “I’ve tried to convince the Prince to send ponies to investigate the temple, but, for some reason, he refuses. I also tried to point out the fact that the forest has been cursed and that maybe there is a reason to investigate the temple.”

“What can we do about it?”

“I’ll lead you to the dungeons. Maybe you can get more information from Cranky. I wish I could join you, but Prince Blueblood will get suspicious if I don’t report to him soon.” Twilight led Spike down a hall, checking the corners as to avoid being seen accompanying a commoner in the castle. After waiting for a guard to turn a corner, they rushed to the door to the dungeon. “I’m afraid that I can’t take you any further. Prince Blueblood is expecting and I’m already late as it is.”

“I understand. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Just be careful not to be seen by the guards.”

Spike opened the door and climbed down the stairs to the dungeon. It was obviously more drab and dismal compared to the rest of the palace. It was barely lit enough to see by torches that hung on the wall. Spike proceeded with caution, for his could hear the sound of hoofsteps from the guards echoing through the corridors. He came to a corner and saw a guard patrolling a corridor. The guard’s horn was glowing like a search light as he panned up and down the corridor. Seeing his chance, Spike sprinted across the corridor to the next one. He looked back to see if the guard had noticed. The guard continued to walk down the corridor, oblivious to the intruder’s presence. Spike let out a sigh of relief and tuned around to see another guard! Spike covered his mouth with his hooves to hold in a gasp, but relaxed when he noticed that the guard was facing the other way. Spike sneaked up behind him and waited for the guard to move on. When the guard moved on, Spike quietly tiphoofed behind the guard to the next corridor. Cautiously peering around the corner, found the corridor was empty. He could see donkey hooves protruding from the cell bars at the end of the corridor. Spike ran over to them and saw Cranky.

“Who…” the donkey began, but Spike shushed him. Cranky nodded and continued in a whisper. “Who are you?”

“Matilda sent me,” Spike explained.

“Matilda?”

“Yes, she told me what’s going on and I’m here to help.”

“Thanks kid, but the only way to help me is to save Lady Rarity and Lady Sweetie Belle. That idiot won’t listen to what anypony says unless they come back.”

“How do I get to the temple?”

“My raft should still be tied up behind the castle. When they entered the temple, a blast came out of nowhere and shut the door. When I came back for help, I was arrested as soon as I came to the front gate, so maybe it’s still there. Use it to head upstream. The foul water seems to be flowing from the temple, so follow the current. When you get to the temple’s door, you’ll have to use magic to open the door. Since I’m not a Unicorn and the magic seal can only be accessed from the outside, we couldn’t open it once they were locked in.”

“How did she open it?”

“There’s a combination on the seal. There are five rows of seven holes. Use your horn to open them this order from left to right with one being the top hole and five being bottom hole: one, two, one, two, five, three, five. Got it?”

“One, two, one, two, five, three, five,” Spike repeated. “Okay, I got it.”

“Good, now go. I have less than twenty-four hours before they deep-fry me. Hurry, before…”

“Aha!” somepony said from behind. Spike snapped his head around to see a guard coming around the corner, the light from his horn blinding the colt. “An intruder!”

“Oh, horse apples,” Spike and Cranky muttered in unison. Another guard appeared and the two levitated Spike in the air and took him out of the dungeon. They led him through the palace to two large doors. Inside, Prince Blueblood was reclining on a sofa while a bunch of servant mares were levitating bowls of fruit. The mares giggled as they fed the Prince, and Twilight Sparkle stood by. She was shocked to see that Spike was being brought in to the Prince.

“And who would this be?” Blueblood yawned with disinterest.

“He’s a spy, Your Highness,” reported one of the guards. “We caught him the dungeon, talking to the prisoner!”

“A spy!?” Prince Blueblood yelled, suddenly becoming enraged. “One of the donkey’s conspirators, no doubt! Throw him in the dungeon!”

“But I was already in the dungeon…” Spike remarked.

“Wait, sire,” Twilight intervened. “He’s just a foal. Don’t you think he’s a little young to be a foalnapper?”

“Perhaps you’re right,” Blueblood considered. “What were you doing in the dungeon?”

“Maybe he got lost,” suggested Twilight. “Remember how Spike used to get lost all the time when he was little?”

“I thought I made it clear not to mention him again,” Blueblood growled and then shuddered. “Ugh, I don’t know why I didn’t make you get rid of that disgusting reptile earlier. A dragon walking around the palace, what a disgrace! To think that a brilliant mare, such as yourself, would keep something like that as a pet.”

“He wasn’t a pet…” Twilight Sparkle barely audibly whispered. Her body seemed to trembling and her bottom lip quivered.

“Guards, throw the commoner out of my place.” They did exactly that. Next thing Spike knew, he was being hurled out of the front gate of the place and landed face first into the dirt. Spike got up and spat out a mouth flow of dirt with gag as the guards laughed at his expense. Frustrated, the colt made his way down to the dock. Checking to see if any guards were watching, Spike followed shoreline around the castle. Sure enough, Cranky’s raft was still there. He boarded the raft and began to row upstream.

Ponyville- Day 2, 2:00 A.M.

Twilight was lying in her bed at her home, Golden Oaks Library. Even though she protested, Applejack suggested that she got some rest and that they’ll continue the search tomorrow morning. However, she couldn’t sleep. Her thoughts were consumed with worry and dread. Nopony had seen her number one assistant all day. They looked all over Ponyville, but they found nothing. Was he lost? Did he run away? Was he hurt?

Twilight got out of her bed and went to a bookcase. Maybe a book would help calm her. She pulled a random book the shelf and read the cover aloud, “Magical Melodies: The Art of Song Spells.” She opened to the table contents and one entry caught her attention. “Song of Healing…”

Anger Cycle: Final Day

Dawn of the Final Day- 24 Hours Remaining

The light from the morning sun shone through the fog and trees of the southern forest. The vapors made the light seem almost tangible. Spike had been rowing along on the raft all through the night. He started to debate with himself if he should have waited until first light to travel to the temple. If he left then, he would have been able to see where he was going. However, it would mean losing valuable time. Spike’s decision to venture forth at night caused him to get lost the mire. Cranky had told him to follow the current upstream to the source. Since he could see anything, he had to rely on feeling how the current was pulling the raft to navigate. This led him to go around in circles and bump into many trees along the way.

Now that he could see, he stopped to get his bearings. In the distance, he could faintly see the temple through the mist. With renew faith and better sight, Spike navigated towards his destination. As he approached the temple, he saw that the structure was covered in vegetation. As Cranky had mention, it did appear that the toxic water was indeed flowing from the building like an infection. The foul stench of the water intensified as he drew closer. There was no question about it, whatever curse Nightmare Moon had placed on the forest, the source was inside the temple. However, that wasn’t the only thing that was in there. If Nightmare Moon’s curse was present, then that means it was safeguarding a portion of Princess Celestia’s power. If a part of the white Alicorn’s power was there, then the Element of Kindness was there as well.

Of course, there were also two ponies trapped inside, Sweetie Belle and…

“Rarity,” Spike stressfully exhaled. Of course, this world’s Rarity wasn’t the one that rejected him, but the fact that she was engaged to the loathsome Prince Blueblood troubled Spike. So far the ponies in this world were very similar to the ones back home in Equestria. Sure, some had different occupations, but they seemed to have the same personalities. If this Rarity would agree to marry somepony as despicable as Blueblood, then that meant that she could in his world. Spike gripped the oar harder in anger. “She’s probably already engaged to that ‘Mr. Wonderful’ Count High N’Mighty.”

You don’t know that, said the Spirit of the Unicorn Mask.

“What makes you think otherwise?” Spike countered.

You don’t know what she will or won’t do.

“I guess you’re right, I don’t. I didn’t expect that she would, in this or any other parallel universe, marry Blueblood. Or maybe I should, that’s what she seems to be into. I tried to tell her that I love her and she pushed me away because I was a dragon!”

At least you know, the voice said in a somewhat envious tone. I’ll never get the chance.

“To do what?”

To tell her that I love her, the voice said in mournful tone.

“What, you’re in love with Rarity? I mean, this world’s Rarity?” Spike couldn’t take the secrecy anymore. “Alright, who are you?”

Haven’t you figured it out? What do you think is the reason why I have been with you since Nightmare Moon turned you into a Unicorn?

“Because you’re the Spirit of the Unicorn Mask.”

No, I wasn’t a mask until you played the song and freed me from my pain and freed yourself from the Unicorn curse.

“Wait, only I was turned into the Unicorn? Then what are you?”

I am you.

“Me?” Spike was astounded. “You’re me? How can you be me?... Am I going crazy?”

Well, you are talking out loud to yourself, the voice laugh.

“Wait, you’re this world’s Spike!” he exclaimed, realizing the truth. “What happened to you?”

Do you remember the tree that you passed by in the caves underneath Clock Town? Nightmare Moon turned me into it. When she cursed you, my trapped spirit was bound to you and to the curse, because technically, we’re the same dragon.

“But why are you a Unicorn?”

Remember how the merchant said that the Song of Healing heals curses and troubled spirits? It did exactly that, but each of us only got half of it. It healed your curse, because you have a body, and it soothed my soul, because that’s all I am; a soul.

“Together, the healing spell is complete, but individually…”

It’s incomplete, yes. I’m still a Unicorn, or at least I am when you use my power.

“Is there a way to free you from the Unicorn Mask?”

I think the only way to do that is for us to defeat Nightmare Moon.

“Can I ask you something? Why didn’t you want Twilight to know who we were?”

I didn’t want her to know what happened to me. She’s already been through a lot since Blueblood became even more of a jerk. He’s become prejudice against anyone who isn’t a unicorn, and he even treats them with contempt. He had me banished from the castle. She wanted to come with me, but I convinced her to stay. She was the only pony who could keep him somewhat in check. I traveled to Clock Town, but I ran into Nightmare Moon. I thought that I could impress Rarity by stopping her, but I ended up failing.

“Why bother with Rarity? She’s obviously in love with Blueblood.”

She wasn’t engaged when I left a few days ago. She doesn’t even like him!

“So why is she marrying him!?”

I don’t know… but please, don’t tell them that I’m dead.

“Dead? You’re dead!?”

The combined curse on both of us has left me without a body. So yes, I’m dead.

“But shouldn’t the Song of Healing have fixed that?”

Apparently not. Like you said, together we’re complete. Individually, we’re still cursed. I’m still a Unicorn and your soul is still troubled.

“My soul isn’t troubled,” denied Spike.

Can you honestly say that?

“Bah, forget it. Besides, we’re here already.” Spike could feel the Spirit shake its ethereal head at him, pityingly.
Spike stood before the temple, mentally preparing himself for the challenge that surely awaited inside for him. The colt turned his attention to the door and to the magical lock upon it. “How did it go again?” He charged his horn and placed in the first hole. “One…” He heard as musical chime and the hole began to glow. This process repeated with the other holes as he unlocked them in order. “… Two… One… Two… Five… Three… Five…” After the all of the locks have been opened, the door rumbled. The giant stone slab rose, revealing the temples interior.

Spike used his horn to illuminate the dark chamber. The air was stale and cobwebs were everywhere. Spike wondered if the temple was booby-trapped, just like in the Daring Do novels. He then wondered why anypony would booby-trap a temple. Weren’t temples places of worship? Why would scared places have elaborate deathtraps? Just as Spike thought about these things, he felt a tug on his hoof as it got caught on a tripwire.

“Oh, ponyfeathers,” he grumbled seconds before a giant blade swooped down from the ceiling, just barely missing his head. It was a good thing that this trap was apparently built for grown ponies, or he would literally be a head shorter. Surviving this near death encounter, the lucky adventurer proceeded with more caution. He would carefully place one hoof down at a time as he crept along the passageway. Every so often, he could come across a tripwire. The light from his horn caused them to cast shadows on the floor. He carefully stepped over them as he went by.

Finally, he came to the center of the temple. Sure enough, there was a stone orb resting on the altar. When extreme caution, he approached the Element. He wondered if some giant boulder would start rolling after him as soon as he touched it. After taking a long breath, he placed his hooves on the orb. As with the other Element, he found himself in a dark void.

“Hello Spike,” a sweet voice called from the darkness.

“Hey Fluttershy.” As he had expected, the Element of Kindness had conjured the image of its bearer from Spike’s world. The yellow Pegasus with a long pink mane emerged from the darkness.

“It’s so good to see you.”

“You’re not the real Fluttershy,” harshly pointed out. This caused the mirage to lower her head sadly.

“I know. I’m sorry,” she apologized. “I wish that the real me was here for you.”

Spike felt guilty when he saw her hurt expression and said, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“It’s okay, I understand.” A glowing blue gemstone materialized beside her. “You’re here for this.”

“Yes, I’m ready. Let’s get started.”

“A-are you sure?” she stammered. “I mean, I don’t want to see you in pain…” Tears had started to fall from her face. “… Even though I’m not real.”

“Fluttershy, I’m sorry, but I have to do this. Lives are at stake.” Fluttershy gave him one last look of sympathy and then the scene changed. Spike was now in the middle of the Everfree Forest and he was a dragon again. He looked around, wondering what sort of test he was in. Then he could smell the rotten breath of Timberwolves. The vicious creature entered the clearing, bearing their wooden fangs at him. “You guys again?” Spike growled in anger at the monsters. “You want a piece of me? I’m not afraid you guys anymore!”

The Timberwolves charged the dragon. Spike stood his ground and unleashed his fiery breath upon his attackers. The wolves howled in agony and ran away. The flames that consumed them was spread to the shrubbery and the trees of the forests. Birds took flight and critters scurried away as their homes were set ablaze. Spike watched in horror as he saw the fire he used to attack his enemies started to destroy the forest. The fire didn’t stop with the Everfree Forest, but went on to raze Ponyville to the ground. Spike was forced to watch as ponies shriek in agony was their fur and flesh was burnt away, leaving a horrible stench in the air.

Spike walked through the remains Ponyville. Town hall, Sweet Apple Acres, Sugarcube Corners, Fluttershy’s cottage, Carrousel Boutique, and even Golden Oaks Library; it was all gone. He walked down the ruined streets of his home looking for any survivors, but he didn’t find any. All that was left was charred remains of ponies with expression of agony and terror frozen on their faces. Applejack, Granny Smith, Big Macintosh, and Apple Bloom were holding each in an embrace as they were consumed by the flames. Pinkie Pie and the Cake family were huddled together as well. Spike saw a rainbow colored tail coming from underneath a pile of debris. Apparently, Rainbow Dash was crushed during an attempt to save ponies in a burning building. Twilight was clutching the burnt remains of books in a vain attempt to save them. Rarity was pinned under a fallen support beam. Seeing that his friends had meet with a horrible demise, Spike felt like he was going to be sick.

After emptying the contents of his stomach, he heard a noise. He looked over to a collapsed building and saw a Timberwolf with a leg caught underneath the rubble. It whimpered in distress and tried to pull itself free to no avail. His heart filled with rage as he stared at the creature that was the source of all of his pain. Spike walked over to the trapped beast and prepared to incinerate it. He took in a deep breath but stopped when he saw the look on the wolf’s face. It was afraid. It was trapped and helpless. Spike sighed in defeat and removed the rubble from the wolf’s leg. It ran off, leaving him alone in the ashes.

“Why did you spare the Timberwolf?” Spike turned to see Fluttershy approaching him. Her coat was covered in soot and the tips of her hair were singed. She was also cradling the blackened body of what used to be her beloved pet, Angel Bunny. “You could have easily killed it.”

“Because it wasn’t its fault,” he answered. “It was mine.”

“Why was it your fault?”

“It was my fire, my anger, that did this,” he said, gesturing to the ruined town. “I-I killed them all…”

“Spike…”

“I’m a monster,” he whispered.

“Spike, please…”

“It’s the truth isn’t it?” he raised his voice as he snapped his head to look her in the eye. “Look! What do you see?”

“I see a dragon who is angry, but not at the Timberwolves.”

“Then what am I angry at?”

“Who do you think?”

“… Rarity…”

“Why?”

“She… she rejected me… she doesn’t love me…” he answered. As they spoke, the grisly scene faded away and Spike was in the void talking to Fluttershy, who was now free of soot.

“That doesn’t mean that all is lost,” Fluttershy explained. “You can’t force love upon anypony, and love isn’t simple. It’s complicated. You see, love can grow where it wasn’t before, but it also can wither away where it once thrived. It can come from places you’d least expect, and it can be right in front of you, hiding in plain sight. If you try to force love on somepony, you will only push them away. If you resolve to using anger, you will end up pushing everypony away. Don’t give up on love so easily, Spike. You’re a wonderful dragon with a big heart. It would terrible if it was filled with anger.”

The vision ended and Spike found himself in the temple once more. The orb was gone and the Element of Kindness was on his right foreleg like a bracer. A gem butterfly was set in the golden bracer. Even though Spike had succeeded in passing the test, he was still shaken from the vision.

Princess Celestia, Spike called to the portion of the Alicorn’s power. Are you there?

Yes, Spike, I am here, the voice of the princess answered in his head. Well done, you have obtained another Element and lifted the curse on the forest by doing so. As soon as we return to the beginning, I’ll reunite with the rest of myself.

Yes, but first, I still business to take care of. Spike knew that two Unicorns were still trapped within the temple. “Now where do you suppose… ah!”

As soon as he stepped away from the altar, he fell through a trap door and onto a slide. He slid down, shouting in surprise unto he came to a sudden stop. He groaned as he lifted himself up. He had fallen through a chute and landed on the hard, stone floor of another chamber, before him where two white Unicorns. The filly with a two-toned purple and pink mane was crying and shivering in fear as her elder sister comfortingly stroked her mane as she held her. Noticing that they had company, the mare with the violet mane spoke.

“W-who are you?” Rarity asked.

“I’m here to save you,” explained Spike. Hearing this, the filly immediately sprung up.

“Save? You hear that, Sis? We’re saved!” cheered Sweetie Belle. She sped to the exit of the chamber. “Come on, Rarity! The door must be open!” They followed the filly to the entrance.

“Wait, how do you know where the traps are?” asked Spike.

“Oh, we’re very familiar with the temple. Every Unicorn is,” Rarity explained. “The traps are meant for burglars. Everypony knows not to take the main path to the shrine.” They went up a flight of stairs and they came out through an archway that led them into the front chamber. “You take the back way.” Spike facehoofed, hard. He went through the more elaborate and decorative archway, leading him through deathtrap filled corridor, when he could have taken the less elaborate one. If he had, he would have went done the stairs, through a hallway, found the ponies, went up another set of stairs, and been at the altar. “Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he groaned in frustration. “I need to get you two home. Your fiance is expecting you.”

“Fiance?” Rarity and Sweetie Belle exclaimed in shock at the same time.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were getting married,” pouted the younger sister. She then started to bounce up and down with excitement. “Ooh, ooh, can I be a flower girl? How about a bridesmaid? No, the maid of honor!”

“Sweetie Belle, I am not engaged!” Rarity denied.

“You’re not?” Spike asked confused. “But Prince Blueblood said you were his fiancee.” The look on Rarity’s face could best be described as an unholy union of anger and disgust.

“Here we go,” Sweetie Belle said as she braced herself.

“That treacherous, deceitful wretch!” Rarity screamed in a tone that rivaled the Royal Canterlot Voice. “He’s the one who locked us in here in the first place!”

“What!?” Spike was astounded.

“He proposed to me a few days ago, but I rejected him. I would never marry somepony as detestable as him!”

“When we entered the temple, I heard something behind us,” added Sweetie Belle. “I saw him hiding in the bushes. Before I could say something, he zapped the door, locking us in. Oh, I hope Mr. Donkey is okay.”

“That’s the thing,” said Spike. “He’s using Cranky to cover up your disappearance by saying that he foalnapped you. He’s to be executed at sundown!”

Spike had seen pure rage a few times before. He had seen it when Twilight as trying to observe Pinkie Pie’s “Pinkie Sense.” He had heard that Pinkie Pie went ballistic when she thought that Applejack had broken a “Pinkie Promise.” Fluttershy had supposedly transformed from an angel of kindness to a demon of rage at the Grand Galloping Gala. Rarity’s reaction could be listed along with these as a genuine case.

“WHAT!?”

The raft sped down the now clean river like a rocket. The foals did their best to hold on as Rarity used her rage-fueled magic to propel the raft at incredible speeds. The sun began to lower the western horizon as the trio arrived at the palace.

In the throne room, a crowd was gathered around a large, boiling vat of oil. Cranky Doodle Donkey was suspended over the bubbling pot as Prince Blueblood smirked with satisfaction. He was about to give the order, but the doors to the throne room flew opened.

“Who dares to…” the snobbish prince started to bark angrily, but he froze in sheer, utter terror when he saw who was standing in the doorway. Rarity seethed in fury, her mane frazzled from being trapped for a few days, and her normally white face was crimson red. “… Oh, my dear Lady Rarity. I’m so glad that you’re safe.”

“YOU!” Rarity roared.

“Uh oh,” Blueblood gulped, knowing that he had been found out. He started to run away, but one of his back hooves was caught in a magenta aura, causing him to stumble.

“Oops,” Twilight casually stated as her horn glowed magenta with magic. This delayed his escape for a second, but that was all it took before Rarity was on top of him. She raised a hoof and began to slap and backhoof the Prince with each syllable that she spoke, and he cried out in pain with each blow. Meanwhile, Spike had covered Sweetie Belle’s eyes.

“You. Foul. Con-tempt-a-ble. Dis-gust-ing . Pom-pous. Gree-dy. De-spic-a-ble. Slan-der-ous. Boor-ish. Vain. Chau-vin-is-tic,” Rarity screamed as she assaulted the Prince. She reared back and uppercut Blueblood, sending him flying, as she yelled out the final word, “TYRANT!”

Blueblood landed with a thud upon his on throne. Blood and snot ran down from his nose and on to his perfectly groomed, white coat. His tongue lolled out of his mouth that was now missing some teeth. He moaned like a brainless buffoon as his eyes rolled around before passing out. The guards approached the aggressive mare, but she spun around with an evil glare. The harden soldiers nearly soiled themselves and stopped dead in their tracks.

“What do you think you are doing!?” she yelled at them. “Untie that poor donkey at once!” They obediently saluted and did as she said.

“Thanks kid,” Cranky said to Spike as the donkey was reunited with his dear Matilda. After he was released, Twilight Sparkle took charge of the palace. She had the fallen prince lock in the dungeon once it was revealed what he had done. A banquet was held in commemoration of the rescue of Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Matilda and Zecora had been invited to the celebration.

“You’re welcome,” Spike said as he finished stuffing his face. He then saw the clock and jumped with alarm. “This has been great, but I gotta go!”

“Oh, that’s unfortunate,” Rarity said with disappointment. “I had hoped that you would stay a little longer so that I could properly thank you. But if you must go, then I wish you a safe journey.”

“I’ll walk him out,” declared Twilight. Spike followed her to the exit of the castle. “I can’t thank you enough for what you have done for us. Tomorrow is my brother’s wedding. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to attend. I have to find my son.”

“Your son?” Spike asked amazed.

“Yes. Even though he’s a dragon, I have always seen Spike as my child. I hatched him, raised him, taught him, cared for him, and most importantly, loved him. I have to find him. I need to tell him how I feel about him.” Spike, being struck by Twilight’s words, frowned. He wondered if his Twilight felt the same for him. “Well, goodbye my friend.”

“See ya later.”

Goodnight… Mom, said the voice in his head. Once she was out of sight, Spike pulled away from the power of the mask. He felt extreme relief as his bones shifted to their natural frame. It was like he was crammed into a tight space and was finally able to stretch out again. Once he was a dragon again, he pressed the button on the side of the amulet.

Ponyville- Day 2, 6:00 A.M.

Applejack knocked on the door of Golden Oaks Library. She figured that Twilight was already awake and was ready to begin the search again. If Apple Bloom went missing, she would be anxious to find her too. She opened the door and walked in. “Twilight, you up yet?”

Indeed she was. In fact, she was there in the main room with a ton of books scattered everywhere.

“Twi?”

“Hey, AJ,” Twilight said wearily. Her mane was a mess and her eyes were puffy.

“Twilight, have you been up all night?”

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“Ah don’t blame you,” Applejack said understandingly. She looked around at the messy library. “Come on, Ah’ll fix you breakfast. We’ll start again as soon as you get some food in you.”

Bargaining Cycle: Day One

Dawn of the First Day- 72 Hours Remaining

Ding!

As before, the watch chimed as Spike found himself in Clock Town. The Element of Kindness was on his right wrist and the Element of Honesty was around his neck. The dragon wondered what the next assignment would be. As an answer to his question, the ball of light that represented Princess Celestia’s power emerged before him.

“Well done, Spike,” congratulated the voice of the Princess. “You are making great progress.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Spike said. “Where’s the next Element of Harmony?”

“You must now travel to the northern mountains,” the light instructed. “The Earth Ponies make their home in the fertile valleys. There you will find the Element of Generosity.”

“Generosity,” Spike repeated. If this next test is like the others, Rarity will appear during in it. Spike wasn’t sure if he was ready to confront the mare that rejected him, but he knew that she would have to show up sooner or later. He had already encountered this world’s version of the white Unicorn, but it was different. She wasn’t the Rarity that he had grown to love. Soon, he would face the mental image of the mare that broke his heart. Regardless of what he felt, he had to complete his task. The lives of everypony in Trotina depended on him.

“You can do it, Spike,” the light reassured, understanding his internal conflict. “Now hurry.”

The ball of light swirled around and then shot off to the shrine in the northern part of town. Spike ran after it, following its lead to the northern gate. The ball had easily left him behind and was out of sight before he even reached the northern park. He approached the gate, but was stopped by the guard posted there.

“Hold it right there!” the Unicorn guard ordered. Spike had forgotten about the strict guards.

“Come on, I got to…” Spike tried to explain.

“It’s too dangerous for a little dragon, like yourself, to leave the town alone!” the guard cut him off. “I can’t allow…”

“Let him pass,” ordered a powerful voice. Both the Unicorn and the dragon turned their attention to the shrine on top of the hill. Princess Celestia stood there with a commanding look on her face.

“But, Your Majesty…” the guard tried to argue.

“I will not repeat myself,” she stated with authority. She stared down the stallion and he wilted under her gaze.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the guard conceded, stepping aside to let Spike pass. The dragon ran out the gate and the Solar Alicorn returned to the shrine to rest as she waited for her strength to come back to her with every Element of Harmony that was recovered.

Spike was headed towards the towering mountains. The dragon knew that some mountains had snow on their peaks all year long due to their high elevation, but these mountains were blanketed with it! It was the last days of spring, yet the mountains seemed to be stuck in an eternal winter. Dark clouds swirled menacingly over the mountains. Spike could tell that this wasn’t going to be an easy trek.

Spike shivered as the arctic wind blew as he made his way up the mountain pass. His teeth chattered and he rubbed his chest for warmth.

It’s freezing up here, the other Spike complained.

Tell me about, Spike responded. It looks like they missed the past dozen Winter Wrap-Ups! Wait, how are you cold? You don’t have a body.

We’re sharing the same body, remember?

Yeah, mine.

Ours, corrected the voice.

Hey, this body belongs to me, pal, Spike declared.

I am you, remember?

Yeah, the one from this world. This body is one hundred percent Equestrian. Yours was turned into a tree.

Oh, right… the alternate Spike mumbled.

Besides, I’m the one who’s doing all the work!

Do you want me to drive?

No!

The two Spikes made their way up the path until they came to an obstacle. A sheet of ice had blocked the road. Spike looked at the roadblock and then sneezed, sending frozen snot flying from his nostrils.

How are we going to get past this? asked Spike.

Um, you are a dragon, reminded the voice.

Oh, duh, Spike thought as he smacked himself. The young dragon took a breath and unleashed his breath of green flames. The fire melted the ice, allowing him to continue on his way. The path entered a valley. The valley was covered in snow. The trees had long, dangerous looking icicles hanging from the branches. There was a river that had frozen over. Spike could faintly see houses in the distance. He squinted his eyes and saw that smoke was rising from the chimneys from the cozy looking cottages. Spike imaged himself being nice and warm inside one of them.

He made his way the village through the snow. The wind started to intensify as a stormed rolled in. The freezing wind chilled the dragon to the bone. It was getting hard to see due to the sleet and wind. Spike had to hurry, or he would be lost in the blizzard, but the snow was slowing his progress. The snow came up to his waist and had a hard time walking through it.

Spike heard a noise in the hollowing wind. It sounded like the whinnying of horses, but it was somehow sinister. Spike looked around for the source of the sound, but only saw snow. He then looked up at the mountains and thought he saw something flying around in the angry clouds.

Then there was another sound. This time it sounded friendly. The dragon looked beside him and saw an owl sitting on an ice covered tree. The owl looked very familiar to Spike.

“Owlowiscious?” asked Spike, recognizing the bird. The owl hooted and flew off the tree. It circled Spike, hooted again, and then took off, heading into the storm. Spike watched Owlowiscious fly away, but the bird turned around and hooted at Spike. The dragon took this as a sign that the bird wanted him to follow. Spike trudged through the snow to follow after the owl. Every so often, the bird would wait for Spike to catch up and then would continue.

Owlowiscious led Spike to a cave, which the dragon proceeded to enter. He turned back to thank the owl, but the bird hooted and flew back into the storm and out of sight. Spike shrugged and looked around the cave. There was a chest in the center of cavern. Spike walked over the chest, opened it, and saw what looked like a magnifying glass lying inside. With the object was a scroll. Spike unrolled the scroll and began to read it.

“‘I am Star Swirl the Bearded. Inside this chest is the Lens of Truth. With it, one is able to see beyond illusions and see spirits,’” Spike read aloud. Spike took the lens in his claw and observed it. It was purple with a red lens. The shape of the lens resembled that of an eye. The glass was even tinted to look like it had an iris and pupil. “See spirits, huh?” Spike looked through the lens, but saw nothing but a cave tinted red by the color of the glass.

With nothing else in the cave, Spike made his way to the village. When he arrived, he saw that the cottages weren’t as warm as he thought. He could see the ponies inside through the window of the houses. They were shivering from the cold and trying to warm themselves with small fires in their fireplaces. He noticed that the lumber piles beside the fireplaces were minuscule as well. Spike realized that the winter was caused by the curse of Nightmare Moon. The earth ponies were unprepared for the sudden change of weather and were quickly running out of supplies.

Spike pulled out the lens, which he had hung alongside the amulet and his flute on the chain, and studied it again. He wondered if it was worth keeping. It seemed to do nothing. He looked through the lens again and panned around. Again, he saw nothing but the cottages and a large Earth Pony stallion staring into a window of one of them. Giving up on the lens, he lowered it, but then the pony vanished! Surprised, Spike raised the lens again. When he did, the pony reappeared. He lowered the lens and the pony vanished again. Could this mean that the lens really worked? If the lens really works, then that pony was a ghost! Spike looked through the lens again, amazed at the discovery. He then recognized the phantom pony.

“Big Macintosh?” Spike called to the ghost. The ghost looked to the dragon, surprised that someone called his name. The ghost floated over to him.

“Can you see me?” asked the spirit in a thick, country accent.

“Yes, this lens allows me to see spirits,” explained Spike.

“Follow me,” the ghostly Big Macintosh said as he floated away. Spike followed the incorporeal pony to the outskirts of the village. He led Spike to a field that was surrounded by a stone wall. As Spike followed Big Macintosh, he could see something stick up through the snow all across the field. Spike realized that they were headstones and that he was in a cemetery. Spike shivered from the cold and from the thought of being led through a cemetery by a ghost.

They eventually came to a crypt. Outside it were two Earth Ponies standing guard over the grave. They covered themselves in blankets and they were huddled around a small fire.

“If only B-b-big Macintosh hadn’t died,” mourned one of the guards. “H-h-h-he could s-save us from this c-c-curse.”

“If h-h-hadn’t died,” grumbled the other pony. “We w-w-wouldn’t have to stand guard over his g-g-grave in the cold! Who would r-r-rob a grave of a hero anyways?”

“I don’t know, b-b-but it’s tradition to have t-t-two watchponies stationed at the grave of a hero for a w-w-week.” Both ponies moaned in despair. Spike pitied the two ponies for having to stand watch over a grave for a week in this weather.

The ghost of Big Macintosh simply phased through the stone walls of the tomb while Spike had to use the door. The guards didn’t stop Spike from entering. They were too distracted by the cold to even notice the approach of the dragon. Inside, the spirit awaited the dragon by a stone sarcophagus. The words inscribed on the lid read: “Here lies Big Macintosh of the Apple Family, the Great Hero of the Earth Ponies.”

“Ah am Big Macintosh,” the ghost introduced himself. “Even since Ah was young, Ah have stood up for my fellow villagers. When Ah was alive… Whoa, that’s weird to say that... When Ah was Ah alive, the villagers looked up to me. Ah would chase away Timberwolves, thieves, and anything else that threatened my home. But now… Ah’m dead.” The ghost hung his head and continued. “Ah saw a dark mare fly towards the shrine in the mountains and it started to snow. Ah reckoned that she was responsible it the strange weather, so Ah went to stop her. When Ah was headed to the shrine, a blizzard came out of nowhere and caught me by surprise. The blizzard knocked me off the path into the ravine… and now… here Ah am…” Spike listened to his tragic tale and felt sympathy for the fallen hero. He was about say something, but Big Macintosh raised his head quickly, an angry expression on his face. “How infuriatin’! Ah have to sit here and do nothin’ as my friends freeze their flanks off! Ah would do anythin’ to help them!” His expression fell as he sighed in hopelessness. “But Ah can’t. Ah may have died, but Ah can’t rest.” He faced Spike and gave him a pleading look. “You can see me. Then you must have some sort of magic! Ah beg you, use your magic to bring me back to life!”

“I can’t do that!” Spike exclaimed. Sure, he could turn into a Unicorn, but couldn’t bring somepony back from dead with Unicorn magic.

“Please,” begged Big Macintosh. “Do somethin’. Anythin’! Ah would do anythin’ if somepony could give me rest and heal my troubled soul!”

Troubled soul, Spike thought. That sounded familiar to the dragon. He remembered the strange merchant that taught him the song that freed him from the curse that Nightmare Moon placed on him. If it had worked for him, then maybe it could also work for Big Macintosh. Spike reached for his flute and played the Song of Healing for the lamenting Earth Pony.

As Big Macintosh listened to the hauntingly beautiful notes of the song, he saw a vision. He was standing before his fellow Earth Ponies. They stomped their hooves in applause and cheered his name. His eyes scanned the crowd of admiring ponies, recognizing each of their faces. He felt their pride for him and he began to be filled with gratitude. Then the vision changed, and it would have taken his breath away if he could still breathe. He was looking at a farm. There was an elderly, bright green mare sitting on a rocking chair on a porch of a farmhouse. She was smiling as she watched two younger mares: an orange one with a Stetson hat and a yellow one with a bow in her mane. The orange mare was bucking an apple tree while the yellow filly caught the failing apples in a bucket. They were laughing as they work and a dog was happily barking beside them. Ethereal tears fell from Big Macintosh’s eyes as he watched the happy scene.

The song ended and a mask of a red stallion land on the floor with a clank. Spike picked up the mask and it vanished. Spike could now feel another presence in his mind.

Thank you kindly, thanked the country voice of Big Macintosh. How can Ah ever repay you?

We need to find the Element of Generosity, said Spike. It should be in the shrine you mentioned.

Alright, let me show you the way. Spike unleashed the power of the Earth Pony Mask and felt his body changing. It was similar to the other transformation, but much worse. The Unicorn foal was about the same size as Spike, but now he was growing into a full grown stallion. Also, Big Macintosh was bigger than most ponies. Spike could feel his muscles stretch and his bones lengthen. The ordeal left him breathless.

Okay, let’s go, Spike said to the spirits in his head after he had recovered. He headed to the crypt door and walked out.

Uuummm, I don’t think this is good idea, cautioned the other Spike.

What do you mean? Spike asked his counterpart.

Well, a dead pony is about to… The voice was interrupted by screams of terror. The two ponies that were standing guard over the grave jumped away from the tomb’s entrance when they saw Spike in Big Macintosh’s body standing there.

“A zombie!” the two frightened ponies screamed. They fell to the ground with their hooves clasped together as they begged. “Please, Mr. Zombie, please don’t eat our brains!”

“Ah’m not a zombie,” Spike denied. It surprised the dragon to hear his voice sounding like Big Macintosh.

“Y-you’re not?” one of them asked.

“Eenope,” he responded.

“You’re alive?” the other asked.

“Eeyup.”

“Then… that means…” the first said as he tried to figure out what he was looking at.

“Big Macintosh is alive!” the second exclaimed. “He’s alive! Come on, we need to tell everypony!”

Spike followed the pair back to the village. Well, that went better than I expected.

Eeyup, Big Macintosh agreed. By the way, who’s the unicorn?

The other Spike introduced himself to Big Macintosh and explained the situation to him as they headed into town. The two guard ponies knocked on the doors and shouted for the occupants to come out. The Earth Ponies grumpily murmured as they reluctantly left their home with their small fire, but their spirits were instantly lifted when they saw their town hero standing in the middle of the streets.

“He’s alive!”

“It a miracle!”

“He’s come back to save us!”

The ponies gathered around Spike, hugging him and patting him on the back. Their rejoicing was cut short when a horrible noise filled the air. The ponies covered their ears to shield them from the auditory assault. Spike felt as though his ears were going to bleed. He saw a mare trying to hush to her foals. Spike recognized the blue mare with the pink swirly mane as Cup Cake and the twin foals as Pound and Pumpkin. The Pegasus colt and the Unicorn filly were crying and screaming at the top of their tiny lungs.

How can something so small make so much noise!? thought all three of the heroes at the same time.

“Sorry everypony,” Mrs. Cake sheepishly apologized. “The commotion must have woken the babies. Ssshhh, don’t cry. Daddy will be home soon.”

The ponies retreated back into their homes to find refuge from the blizzard and the sound of the crying babies. Spike went into a house that Big Macintosh pointed out to be his. Spike changed back into a dragon and started a fire. He found some apples and began to eat.

Shouldn't we go ahead and make our way to the shrine? suggested the other Spike.

Eenope, answered Big Macintosh. The last thing you want to do is to head out at night in the middle of a blizzard. It’s better to rest and try in the mornin’.

Spike agreed and yawned as he hopped onto Big Macintosh’s large but simple bed. At least now he’ll be able to get some sleep. Eyes shot back open when the sound of the babies crying filled the cottage. This was going to be along night.

Ponyville- Day 2, 10:00 A.M.

Rarity exited Carrousel Boutique and headed to Golden Oaks Library. She just had to speak with Spike. Ever since last night, she couldn’t stop thinking about the purple dragon when she saw the fire ruby that he had given to her. However, she didn’t quite know what she was going to say. She would of course apologize to him for what she had said the day before. She was so caught up in her plans for the future and was in such a rush to leave that she sounded to be short with him. That should have never been the case. Spike was trying to confess his love for her and she didn’t even let him say it. She bit her lip at the thought. Maybe the reason she didn’t allow him to express his feelings for her was that she was afraid of her own. The dragon fawned over her every time he saw. He would try to hide it, but she obviously noticed. She was flattered by his admiration and enjoyed the attention she received from him. She would return the favor with little displays of affection. It was so cute the way he would blush and swoon. He would always treat her with utmost respect and would gladly do anything for her.

She started to think about the words that she said to him yesterday.

Besides, you’re a few years younger than me. That was a moot point to make. She kept forgetting that she was only a few years his senior. His draconic biology caused his body to develop much slower than a pony’s, but he was very mature mentally.

I really think you are nice, but I’m a Unicorn and you’re a dragon…. That was just a heartless thing to say, and that was the thing to hurt him the most.

Then she remember the words he said.

I never should have fooled myself. The look on his face as he said those words when he walked out her door haunted her. So much pain, so much sadness and it was all because of what she said. What did it matter? She knew some ponies that were happily married to donkeys. Of course, their mule offspring may not be very attractive, but she had met many mules, and they were a friendly and pleasant type of equine. Why, she’s even heard of ponies and zebras having zebroids together. Was it so wrong for a Unicorn to be with a dragon? Could she undo the damage she had caused? Could Spike ever forgive her?

He made it so easy for you, didn’t he? a criticizing voice said from the back of her mind. He gave and gave, hoping that you could ever love him back, and you just lead him on, enjoying the love that he so freely gave you. When he asked for some of it back, you stabbed him in the heart. You’re a harlot.

Rarity was shocked that her own mind called herself that, but she couldn’t find the strength to refute the harsh accusation. She started to cry tears of regret but quickly wiped them away when she saw Pinkie Pie approaching her.

“Rarity?” the Pinkie said with a slightly confused look on her face. “You’re back early. Shouldn’t you be in Canterlot with Count High N’Haughty?”

“High N’Mighty,” corrected Rarity. “No, I came back late last night.”

“Oh, so does that mean the two of you total fell head over hooves for each the moment you laid eyes on each other and you’re already engaged?” asked her bubbly friend. “Can I throw you an engagement party?”

“No, darling, it did not turn out quite as I had hoped. Let’s just say that the Count was rather…”

“High and Mighty?”

“Well… yes. He wasn’t the gentlecolt that I had hoped he would be.”

“Well, okay then, no engagement party. But I still have to throw you a ‘welcome home’ party!” the party said cheerfully before becoming suddenly serious. “But first, I have to help Twilight find Spike.”

“‘Find Spike?’” the white unicorn repeated, dread filling her heart. Could she mean… No, she couldn’t…

“Spike’s missing,” Pinkie explained with an uncharacteristically upset tone. “Nopony has seen him since yesterday morning.”

Bargaining Cycle: Day Two

Dawn of the Second Day- 48 Hours Remaining

Spike’s eyes were bloodshot and one of them twitched every few seconds. Pound and Pumpkin Cake had cried all through the night. The inconsolable foals even took shifts with the screaming. Pound Cake would cry for an hour, Pumpkin Cake would cry the next hour, and then they would cry together the following hour. Wash, rinse, and repeat throughout the entire night and you’ll get a village full of insomniacs.

Spike dragged himself out of Big Macintosh’s bed and headed to the window. The sky was gray with clouds and it was snowing outside, but at least the storm had calmed down a bit. Spike called upon the power of the Earth Pony Mask and went through the uncomfortable transformation process again. No matter how many times he went through the change, Spike would never get used to it. It hurt and it left him gasping for air every time.

Spike opened the cabin’s door and headed out into the snow. As he made his way down the streets of the village, he couldn’t help but cringe at the sound of the crying foals. Something had to be done. Their relentless shrieking was just as much of a curse as the unnatural winter that has frozen the valley. Spike headed to the Cakes’ cottage, hoping to settle this once and for all. As he passed by the other houses on the way, he noticed that the other ponies had also been apparently denied any sleep from the noise. Some were lying on their beds, covering their heads with pillows. Some were banging their foreheads against walls. One pony sat on her haunches, rocking herself back and forth, with an insane grin on her face and mumbled incoherently. Spike hadn’t seen a pony so loopy from sleep deprivation since the time Applejack tried to handle applebuck season all by herself.

That’s it, this ends now, declared Spike.

Come on, let it go, the other Spike tried to dissuade his Equestrian counterpart. We’ve got to get the Element of Generosity.

No, those foals have cost me the one chance I had to sleep in a decent bed since I got here! I’ve got to do something about it!

Eeyup, agreed Big Macintosh.

Spike knocked on the door and a very tired looking Cup Cake opened the door. Spike thought the mare he passed on the way looked exhausted, but she was nothing compared to the state that the mother of the crying foals. Her mane was a mess with strains of pink hair going in different directions. If her eyes were any wider, they would pop out of their sockets. She had the Pegasus colt in one foreleg and the unicorn filly hanging at her side in a baby carrier. They were both still screaming.

“Good morning,” the weary mother greeted. “What can I do for you, Big Mac?”

“Your foals…” he began to say.

“Oh, I’m sorry dear,” apologized Mrs. Cake. “Did they keep you up all night?”

“Eeyup,” Spike answered with Big Macintosh’s catchphrase. It seemed that Spike channeled the large earth pony’s mannerisms when he used the power of the mask.

“I’m really sorry, but I can’t seem to get them to settle down. They haven’t calmed down for more than an hour since Carrot left.”

“Where did he go?” asked Spike.

“Ever since we thought you died the other day, Carrot took it upon himself to follow in your hoofsteps and went to solve the problem himself,” she explained. “He said that he would be back in a few days, but he hasn’t returned yet.”

“Waaa!” cried the foals. “Daddy!”

“Ssshhh,” she tried to calm her children, gently rocking them. “Daddy will be home soon. Daddy will be home soon.”

Spike’s annoyance changed into sympathy for the foals. He could also feel his Trotinan counterpart reflect on his own situation. He could never be reunited with his mother figure, Twilight Sparkle. He was dead, and she doesn’t even know what has become of him. Even though he had the chance to tell her, he couldn’t bear to tell her the truth.

Spike, we got to help them, said the Trotinan Spike. Those foals need their father.

Eeyup, Big Macintosh agreed.

He must have gone to the shrine by himself, concluded Spike. Maybe we can find him on the way.

“Ah’ll find him,” Spike declared in Big Mac’s voice.

“Oh, thank you!” she said, sighing in relief. “I’ve been so worried about him. I told him not to go, but he insisted that he had to go.”

“Ah’ll be back.” Spike said as he headed out of the door.

Spike made his way down the road that headed out of the village. The weather wasn’t as bad as it was the day before, but it still wasn’t pleasant. Thankfully, Big Macintosh’s larger frame was more resilient and could endure the cold better than the small dragon or his unicorn colt alternate form could. However, it was still cold. With each gust of wind, Spike would shiver.

Spike came to a fork in the road. To the south was the road back to Clock Town. The other road headed further into the mountains.

Big Mac, does this road lead to the shrine? Spike asked.

Eeyup. Surely, he was a stallion of few words. Spike looked down the road towards his destination. The mountains that housed the shrine were taller and more foreboding than the rest of the mountains in the valley. The same dark clouds circled them as they did the day before. Spike suddenly remembered the sound he heard coming them when first arrived in the valley yesterday.

Whatever is in those clouds must be causing it to snow here, Spike thought.

What do you think it is? asked the Unicorn Spike.

I’m not sure, but I’m thought I saw something flying around in them the other day.

Do you think it’s Nightmare Moon?

I don’t know. Remember, we saw her on top of the clock tower yesterday, er… That is, the other yesterday. You know, the ‘first’ first day.

Oh, yeah, said the voice, remembering that creepy event. It was like she could see us looking at her through the telescope.

Do ya’ll think she could have left then come back? asked Big Macintosh.

I guess it’s possible, Spike figured. Who’s to say if she’s going to spend all three days waiting on the clock tower?

Then, she could be waiting for us at the shrine, added the Unicorn. Do you think she’s aware of what we’re doing?

I hope not. She could probably bring down the entire mountain on top of us if she wanted to.

Eeyup.

But, I don’t think that’s the case, continued the dragon. I think she doesn’t know that we have two Elements of Harmony already.

How d’you figure? asked the Earth Pony.

The portion of Princess Celestia’s power said that it came with us back to the past so that it could keep her up to date with our progress when it merged with her, explained Spike. Otherwise, the Princess wouldn’t remember meeting us or what we’ve done.

So, if Nightmare Moon doesn’t know we’re here, then what’s flying around in the blizzard? asked the alternate Spike.

The three-in-one-body party of adventurers made their way up the steep mountain trail. The path was carved into the mountainside and was rather narrow. Spike’s hoof slipped on the edge, causing a rush of panic in all three of the minds. Spike looked over the edge at the sheer drop into the valley below. It was so far down and obscured by the falling snow that he couldn’t see the bottom. Somewhere down there Big Macintosh had met his doom. Backing away from the edge, he continued up the trial with more caution. The snow crunched with every step. The wind’s strength increased as they went further into the storm. The dark clouds circled above like an angry vortex. There was a sudden gust of wind that was so strong that Spike had to brace himself against the side of the mountain.

Careful, warned the voice of Big Macintosh. That’s how Ah went.

They came to a point in the trail where they could see their goal in the distance. The path went across a bridge to another mountain. From there, the path went up an even steeper trail up to the top. As Spike looked up, he saw that the mountain was in the center of the storm. The shrine that was on summit was hidden by the swirling tempest. It appeared that the shrine was in the eye of the storm. That meant that Spike would not only have to walk up a steeper trail, but also have to walk through the worst part of the storm in order to reach the Element of Generosity.

Before Spike could press onward, he heard a noise. He looked to the side of the road and saw a pony shivering in a cavity in the mountainside. The pony had an amber coat, an orange mane, and wore a bow-tie. Giving his identity away, he had three carrot cakes for a cutie mark. Spike briefly wondered if the name that parents gave to their foal had any effect on determining on what a pony’s cutie mark would be. Would Twilight have a cutie mark of a starburst if she wasn’t named “Twilight Sparkle?” How about Applejack and her cutie mark of three apples?

“Mr. Cake,” Spike called to the half frozen Earth Pony. “Can you hear me?” The stallion made no reply but continued to shake uncontrollably. His coat looked more blue than its normal amber color.

We got to get him back to the village, urged the Unicorn Spike.

Eeyup, agreed Big Macintosh.

Spike looked from the hypothermic pony to the mountain. It was disappointing to have come so far just to turn back now. Spike had planned on finding him on the way back. Maybe the storm would have ended once he had found the Element, making it easier to find the lost pony. When he saw the pony, he originally hoped that he would have been fine until he made it back from the shrine, but the way he was shivering and was unresponsive meant that he didn’t have much time left. He did tell Mrs. Cake that he would find her husband and bring him back, and he would do exactly that. We’ve come so close, but you’re right. Let’s take him back. Spike lifted the pony onto his back and headed down the path back to the valley.

It was a good thing that Big Macintosh had incredible strength and endurance, even for an earth pony, for it made carrying Mr. Cake so much easier. It also helped that he was now headed downhill. During the whole trip, Mr. Cake didn’t say a word. The only sound that came from him was the chattering of his teeth. At least it meant that he was still alive.

Spike had reached the start of the trail and was in the valley again. It was starting to get late and the blizzard was starting to pick up again. The distant image of the village began to become hidden by the snow blowing in the wind. Even with Big Macintosh’s strength, Spike wasn’t sure he could make it to the village and he knew that the pony on his back definitely wouldn’t. He had to find shelter somewhere before it got too dark. Spike looked around for a cave. He could get some branches from a tree and start a fire. Maybe that will help Carrot Cake.

As he thought about this, he saw something in the distance. It was a wagon. Spike ran through the snow to seek shelter for him and Mr. Cake. When he reached the wagon, he noticed an insignia of a wand above the door.

Oh great, mumbled Spike. Of all the ponies in this world, why her?

Any port in the storm, now knock on the door! ordered the other Spike.

Spike groaned but did as he was told. He knew this wasn’t going to end well.

“Yeah!” a masculine voice called from inside, catching Spike by surprise.

“Shaddup!” a more familiar, feminine voice shouted. “Get the door, there’s somepony outside!” The door opened and Spike saw a huge, muscle-bound, white Pegasus with tiny wings. Inside, an azure Unicorn mare with a silvery-blue mane rested on a mattress. “Well, don’t just stand there, come in! You’re letting the cold in!”

Spike went inside and set Mr. Cake down. “Thank you.”

“It was nothing. The Great and Powerful Trixie is glad to help those less fortunate than her!” she boasted. Even when she was being generous she was still conceited.

“Yeah!” exclaimed the large Pegasus.

“Shaddup!” Trixie yelled. “Make yourself useful and help that pony to the fireplace! Can’t you see that he's freezing to death! Honestly, you have as much brains as a bag of rocks.” The large Pegasus carried Mr. Carrot to the fireplace and wrapped a blanket around him. Spike knew that it would take more than that to bring him back to full health.

Full health… Spike thought. A light turned on in his head as he got an idea. That’s it! Zecora’s potion! He pulled out the flask and opened the top. Inside, the blue potion was frozen solid. Unless he wanted to give Mr. Cake a blue potion smoothie, he would have to heat it up. He placed the flask by the fire place so its contents could thaw. After it had melted, he held the flask to the Earth Pony’s trembling lips and helped him take a drink from it. His amber color returned and his shaking began to cease. Soon, the pony fell asleep beside the fireplace. Spike also took a swig from the flask so that he could recover his strength. He immediately felt the effects of the potion. Energy rushed through his body and he felt as though he tried to buck a zap apple tree.

“What were you doing out there anyways?” asked Trixie.

“Ah have to stop the curse that’s been placed on the valley,” answered Spike.

“A curse? So that explains the all of the snow. The Great and Powerful Trixie was on her way to grace the village with her presence and amaze them with her astounding feats of magic, but then we got caught in this blizzard.”

The ‘Great and Powerful’ Trixie? quoted the other Spike. Sounds like somepony thinks highly of herself.

She sound like a braggart to me, stated Big Macintosh.

You have no idea, Spike groaned as he rolled his metaphorical eyes. In my world, she came to our town showing off her tricks, boasting that she was the most magical Unicorn in all of Equestria. Then these two idiot colts woke an Ursa Minor, wanting to see her ‘vanquish’ it.

Did she? asked the Unicorn Spike.

No, it rampaged through Ponyville until Twilight returned it back to its cave. She came back a second time to challenge Twilight to make magic duel.

Did she agree to fight?

Only after said that she wouldn’t stop casting spells on us until she agreed to face her. She even turned me into a ball!

Why, that’s just down right dirty, Big Mac said disapprovingly.

Oh, it gets worse, Spike continued. She used a dangerous amulet to cheat and kicked Twilight out of town! The power of the amulet messed with her head and she took over Ponyville! Twilight came back and tricked her into taking off the amulet. She later apologized for what she’d done, but it seem like this Trixie is still a show-off.

Ah don’t want to stay here.

Me neither, but we have no choice. It’s either we spend the night here, or face the blizzard.

I rather face the blizzard, the other Spike quipped. But, Mr. Cake is still in no condition to travel. I guess we have to stay.

“Do you mind if we stay here for the night?” asked Spike. “Ah don’t think he would make it if we tried to make it to the village now.”

“You may stay in the Great and Powerful Trixie’s wagon. That is, if you don’t mind sharing my assistant’s cot,” she said, pointing to a cot that was way too small for the burly Pegasus.

“Yeah!” shouted the large Pegasus.

Wow, and I thought you were a pony of few words, Big Macintosh, Spike remarked to the Earth Pony in his head.

Eeyup.

There’s no way in Tartarus that we’re going to fit on that tiny thing, commented the other Spike.

Eenope, agreed Big Macintosh.

“Ah think Ah’ll sleep on the floor,” Spike replied.

“Humph, very well. Good night then,” Trixie said as she pulled a blanket over herself. “Oh, one more thing.”

“Hm?”

“He snores,” Trixie warned as she put on earmuffs.

Ponyville- Day 2, 2:00 P.M.

Fluttershy really didn’t like going so far into the Everfree Forest. There were so many dangerous creatures that dwelt in the supernatural forest. Manticores, Timberwolves, Ursas, cockatrices, and even a dragon! Fluttershy had faced some of these beasts before, but none of them frightened the timid Pegasus more than the colossal, fire-breathing monsters. They were most dangerous and most powerful creatures in the known world. It is said that, like other reptiles, they never stopped growing. They grew larger and more powerful as the years passed by, and they lived for thousands of years. Nopony is even sure how long they lived. Some believe that they even live forever. The oldest of their kind could make an Ursa Major run away, screaming in terror.

However, Fluttershy was desperately seeking one. Not one of the giant, ferocious, could-eat-a-pony-in-a-single-bite, full-grown dragon, but a baby one instead. Spike was sweetest, kindest, would-never-try-to-even-hurt-a-pony, baby dragon she knew. It brought to her eyes to think what could have happened to the poor little guy.

“No,” she told herself. “I have to be strong, for Twilight and for Spike.” Despite her fears, she flew deeper into the forest hoping to find her missing friend.

Bargaining Cycle: Final Day

Dawn of the Final Day- 24 Hours Remaining

Trixie hadn’t been kidding when she said that her large Pegasus assistant snores. It was like sleeping beside a train, but Spike couldn’t fall sleep anyway. The blue magic potion that Zecora had given him acted as a stimulant. Spike couldn't have been more awake than if he had drunk an entire pot of coffee, not that he’d ever had coffee before. Twilight always said it would stunt his growth and that he didn’t need it. Spike knew many ponies that couldn’t start their day without a steaming mug of the brew. Trixie must sleep like a rock, for she hadn’t stirred once during the night, even with the snoring coming from her assistant. The earmuffs she wore must have been completely soundproof.

Spike looked over to Carrot Cake, who was still curled up by the fireplace. He appeared to be doing much better ever since he gave the amber stallion a drink of the potion. Looking outside, Spike noticed that the weather was relatively calm for the moment. Now would be their best time to act.

“Mr. Cake,” Spike said as he gently roused the sleeping pony. Carrot Cake stirred and looked around, blinking his eyes.

“Big Macintosh?” Mr. Cake asked as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes in order to clear up his sight. “Is that you?”

“Eeyup,” Spike answered with the large Earth Pony’s catchphrase.

“Am I dead?” asked Mr. Cake suddenly worried. He looked around the wagon, wondering if Paradise was the inside of a traveling magician’s wagon. With the noise of the buff Pegasus' loud snoring, it could have just as easily been the fiery depths of Tartarus.

“Eenope,” Spike told Carrot to reassure him that he was still amongst the living.

“What happened? The last thing I remember, I was heading up the trail to the old shrine. I heard a noise, like the whinnying of some angry ponies, and then I woke up here.”

“Ah found you half frozen on the path,” Spike explained. “Ah brought you here. The village is that way.” Spike nodded his head in the direction of the Earth Pony village to the east. Spike rose to his hooves and prepared to leave.

Shouldn’t we wake Trixie and thank her for her hospitality? asked Spike’s counterpart.

That’d be the neighborly thing to do, agreed Big Macintosh. Spike inwardly groaned, but he knew that they were right. She may be obnoxious, but she did help them in a tight spot. Carrot Cake might not have made it if she didn’t take them in. Spike walked over to the sleeping showmare and gently shook her shoulder. A hoof shot out from under the covers and smacked Spike right in the muzzle. Seeing stars, the stallion fell back onto his haunches and rubbed his throbbing nose.

“What in tarnation was that for!” demanded the Earth Pony with a sore nose. Trixie had bolted up and looked around for an intruder, but only saw the two Earth Ponies that came in last night seeking shelter from the blizzard.

“Oh, um…” Trixie she stumbled for the right words, embarrassed. She regained her composure and put on a look of superiority. “One does not wake Great and Powerful Trixie in such a manner. She thought that you might have been a burglar.”

“Whatever,” Spike grunted. “Ah’m headed back to the shrine, can you make sure my friend makes it home?”

“You’re going back out there!?” exclaimed a shocked Carrot Cake. “It's too dangerous! The last time you went, everypony thought you had died!”

“Ah know, but Ah got to do it,” declared Spike as he exited the wagon. “If Ah don’t, the blizzard will last forever.”

Also the moon will fall, Spike thought.

Eeyup, but don’t tell them that, added the voice of Big Macintosh. They already have too much to worry about.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie will allow him a ride with us to the village. Hey!” Trixie used her magic to toss her earmuff at the sleeping Pegasus. “Wake up! We’re moving on!”

The earmuffs hit the snoring Pegasus in the head. He snorted loudly as he woke up. He mumbled in confusion and shook his head to clear it. He flew out of the wagon and strapped himself to the harness. With a shout of “Yeah!” he started to haul the wagon to the village.

At least he enjoys his job, remarked Spike as he watch the wagon pull away. He really must love the workout.

Or has great patience, added Big Macintosh.

Or is completely deaf so he doesn’t have to listen to her bragging, joked the alternate version of Spike. All three of them laughed as they headed down the trail that would lead them to the Element of Generosity.

As they walked up the trail, Big Macintosh and the other Spike were asking their “host” questions about Equestria.

So you’re saying that the cities have a more diverse population of ponies? asked the Unicorn Spike.

For the most part, clarified Spike. Some cities are more diverse than others. Cloudsdale is an all Pegasi city because it’s made entirely of clouds. Appleloosa is all Earth Ponies for some reason. I don’t remember seeing any Unicorns or Pegasi there. Other than that, the cities have a blend of all three.

Except for Clock Town, the major cities here only have one type of ponies leaving in them, explained the other Spike. Mainly because the Pegasi’s cities are made of clouds and Blueblood is a royal jerk. The Earth Ponies really don’t have large cities but live in many small settlements scattered across Trotina. They still live in harmony though. The Earth Ponies are the main suppliers of food, the Pegasi still manage the weather, and the Unicorns are the leaders in the fields of magic, technology, art, mining, and diplomacy. Well, that is until Blueblood became the Prince of the Unicorns. He practically shut of the southern forest from the rest of the kingdom and only uses its resources for his own selfish desires.

When all this is over, Ah’m gonna buck him across the back of the head, stated Big Macintosh. Spike laughed out loud in agreement and fondly remembered the thrashing that Rarity gave him. When he finished laughing, he notice that they were at the place where they had found Carrot Cake yesterday. Looking ahead, he saw the perilous trail up to the shrine.

This is it, Big Mac versus the Mountain, round two, Spike thought. He could sense Big Macintosh metaphorically beckon the mountain with his hooves as to say “Bring it on.”

The narrow bridge that connected the mountains creaked with each step that Spike took. He kept telling himself not to look down and to keep on moving. The bridge wasn’t too long, but when you’re standing on a rickety, wooden bridge over ravine during a snowstorm, that bridge could seem like it went on forever. After crossing the bridge, Spike finally looked over the edge. The drop was daunting, and then he looked up. The height of the towering mountain was even more daunting. Moaning in exasperation, Spike proceeded to ascend up the trail. This trail was even narrower than the one on the other side of the bridge, and it was also steeper. The snow wasn’t helping either. Even with Big Macintosh’s long legs, it was a struggle to push through the fallen snow that lay on the trail. As the elevation increased, so did the strength of the wind. Spike had to walk with a foreleg raised to shield his eyes from the stinging wind. Walking with three legs wasn’t as easy as with four, but it was either that or to walk with his eyes closed.

By the time Spike was near the summit, he was crawling in the snow in attempt to not be blown away by the hurricane like winds. He inched his way forward, but stopped when he heard the sound of whinnying. He looked up at the storm and saw three ghostly beings circling in the clouds: Windigos. The winter spirits resembled spectral horses. Their bodies were transparent and their eyes glowed blue.

Windigos! exclaimed Spike. What are they doing here? I thought they feed off hatred.

It must be due to Nightmare Moon’s curse, reasoned the other Spike.

How do we get rid of them? asked Big Macintosh.

They can’t stand laughing, singing, and friendship, explained Spike.

Know any good jokes? the other Spike asked his compatriots.

Eenope, answered the Earth Pony.

Wait, let me try, Spike offered.

“Hey, Windigos!” Spike yelled up to the spirits, but they didn’t respond. “What do ya’ll get when you cross a chicken and skunk? A fowl smell!” The Windigos didn’t even bother to look down at the stallion.

Um, I don’t think it works like that, the other Spike pointed out. I think you need to laugh, and that wasn’t even that funny.

Everypony is a critic… Spike muttered. Besides, Pinkie Pie is the Element of Laughter, not me.

I got! What’s black and blue and red all over? asked the Unicorn Spike.

A newspaper? guessed Spike.

No, Blueblood after Rarity beat the snot out of him! This got Spike to chuckle, and the Windigos took notice. If Blueblood fell into poison joke, do you think he would actually grow a brain? Spike chortled and the circling Windigos neighed in displeasure. Blueblood’s head is so swollen with arrogance that I’m surprised he can even fit through a door! Spike let out a loud laugh. The Windigos thrashed about at the sound of the stallion’s amusement as though it was painful to them. If he was even more puffed up, they would have to tie him down so that he won’t float away! With one last belly laugh from Spike, the Windigos wailed in pain and vanished. The clouds dissipated with the departing of the winter spirits.

Spike wiped a tear from his eye with his hoof and caught his breath after laughing so hard. You got to remember those for when we go for the Element of Laughter.

Thank you, I’m here all week, the Unicorn comedian said as he bowed to an imaginary audience. With the storm gone, Spike quickly rushed to the shrine at the summit. Inside, the Element of Generosity rested on an altar. Spike grabbed the stone orb and found himself in a void as he expected. Also as he expected, Rarity stepped out of the darkness.

“Hello Spike,” the white Unicorn greeted with a dignified tone of voice. “I know that you have reservations about this encounter.” Spike looked uncomfortably at the nonexistent floor of the void. “But I assure you, I am delighted to see you.”

“I wish I could talk to the real you,” said the conflicted dragon. “I really wish you could see me now and at all the things I’ve been doing.”

“I’m sure that the real me would love to hear of your thrilling escapades,” the mirage reassured. A purple gem floated beside her. “However, we have business to attend to.”

“Yeah, I guess we do,” Spike agreed. After his experience with the Element of Kindness test, he was secretly dreading whatever punishment this one was ready to administer to him.

“I know what you’re thinking,” she stated. “Don’t worry, dear. This test will not be as beastly as the previous one. Actually, I’m quite ready to give the Element to you.”

“Really?” Spike hopefully asked, thrilled at the prospect of skipping the challenge.

“Oh yes, you are the most generous dragon there is,” the violet maned mare complimented. “In fact, I admire your willingness to help others. You are so devoted to your duties in the library. You are always eager to lend me a claw whenever you come to the boutique.” Her smiling face then became serious. “However, I still have to test you.”

“Oh,” Spike said, disappointed.

“Don’t fret, Spike,” she comforted the dragon. “I am just going to ask you a few questions.”

“Okay then, ask away.”

“Why are you going on this quest?”

“Huh?” The question caught him off-guard. “What do you mean?”

“Why are you going on this quest?” she repeated.

“I’m trying to save this world from Nightmare Moon,” Spike causally answered as though it was the most obvious question.

“Yes, but who are doing it for?”

“I’m doing for the ponies of the Trotina.”

“Are you?”

“Of course!”

“Are you sure that you’re not doing it for yourself?”

“Myself?” Spike was confused. What did she mean? “What are you talking about?”

“It is one thing to do a good deed for others, but it is another to do it for recognition,” the illusion explained. “A generous act can turn it an act of greed if done with the wrong intention. Look to this world’s Big Macintosh and Trixie. Big Macintosh is seen as hero amongst the Earth Ponies because he heroically stands up for them. No pony asked him to be a hero but he did it anyways because he knew that his friends needed him. Trixie, on the other hoof, claims that she is great and powerful, but only uses her magic to do tricks so that she can gain recognition and fame. Now tell me, are you doing this quest just so that you would be also seen as a hero? Be honest with me.”

“Well, ever since I talked to Fluttershy, I thought that maybe I could impress you if I saved an entire parallel world,” Spike meekly admitted. “She said that love could grow where it didn’t before. I hoped that you could love me if you thought that I was a hero. But I really am doing it for the ponies of Trotina!”

“Spike,” Rarity sighed. “You are a wonderful dragon and you are very brave, but you think that by being a hero will change the way I feel about you? You saved the Crystal Empire by returning the Crystal Heart. You also stopped yourself when you went on a rampage during your fit of greed-growth. You bravely stood up to Diamond Dogs and teenage dragons. You already are a hero. Also remember what you have learned from the test of the Element of Kindness. You can’t force a somepony to love you. It has to be something that they freely return. Otherwise, it isn’t really love.”

“So, you’ll never be able to love me,” Spike said despondently.

“Spike,” Rarity said with a compassionate look. “I cannot answer that. I am only a representative of the Rarity that is in your memories; therefore I cannot speak for her of what she will do in the future. What I can say is that you should let her make the next move. You have made your intentions known to her, but she wasn’t interested in you in the way that you had hoped. If she ever changes her mindset least she knows that you are there for her. However, don’t wait around forever for her and waste your life way in the hopes that she will change her mind. Don’t look on with envious eyes as she finds happiness and moves on with her life.”

The vision ended and Element of Generosity was now on Spike’s left forehoof as a gold bracer with a purple gem in the center. Even though he passed the test, he felt as though he had lost something more. Even though the mirage Fluttershy that love could grow where it wasn’t before and the mirage Rarity said that it he should wait to see if the Rarity would make the next move, Spike knew that she wouldn’t. She left to be with that Count High N’Mighty. She even told him the reason why she couldn’t be with him. It was hopeless; he had lost her.

Spike, are you okay? asked his counterpart, sensing his sorrow.

I’m fine, he told the voice. Let’s just go back to the village. The voice in his head knew otherwise, but didn’t press the matter.

The trip back down the mountain was easier now that the curse had ended. The clouds had vanished, and the snow started to melt under the late spring sun. When he returned to the village, the inhabitants came out into the street to praise the return of their hero.

“You did it!” cheered Mr. Cake with his wife standing beside him. “You saved the village!”

“Thank you so much for finding Carrot!” Cup Cake thanked Spike as she shed tears of gratitude.

“How are the foals?” Spike asked.

“They’re asleep,” answered the blue mare.

“Let’s hear it for Big Macintosh, the greatest hero of the Earth Ponies!” All the villagers joined in the shout of praise. “Come on everypony, let’s celebrate by having another Winter Wrap Up!”

The ponies sang merrily as they used their plows to clear the snow. Their singing actually did lift Spike’s spirits a little. He couldn’t help but to smile and sing along to the Winter Wrap Up song. It was just too catchy. Using the strong body of Big Macintosh, Spike shared in the responsibility and plowed alongside of the other Earth Ponies. They cleared the fields, the orchards, and the streets of the village of the snow. Soon enough, the valley started to resemble how it should on the day before the beginning of summer. Spike was still humming the song when the sun started to set.

However, Spike’s happy mood vanished when he looked to the southern sky. Now that the clouds that were shrouding the mountains had cleared, he could see the moon looming over Trotina. The image of the Mare in the Moon seemed to be glaring down maliciously at the inhabitants of the world. It was a dreadful reminder what should happen if Spike should fail. Returning to the privacy of Big Macintosh’s cottage, Spike transformed back into a dragon. Returning to normal always felt so much better than changing into another form. It was like his body could rest after from being contorted. Pulling out the amulet, he pressed the button and returned to the past.

Ponyville- Day 2, 6:00 P.M.

Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo met back at the Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse. They had spent the entire afternoon searching for the missing dragon. Ever since the heard from Applejack and the others that Spike was missing, they got it in their heads that they could earn their cutie marks as “missing dragon locator ponies.”

“Well, that was a total bust,” remarked a disappointed Scootaloo.

“Maybe we’re not ‘missing dragon locator ponies’ after all,” Sweetie Belle added.

“Come on ya’ll, we can’t quit after two days,” Apple Bloom tried to motivate her Unicorn and Pegasus partners.

“Actually, Apple Bloom, we usually move on to the next activity after a few hours,” Sweetie Belle said to the yellow Earth Pony. “We never tried something like this before.”

“Ah know, but we can’t give,” urged Apple Bloom. “This is Spike we’re talkin’ about. He’s our friend and we always help a friend in need.”

“Yeah, but where could he be?” asked Scootaloo. “We've already searched everywhere in Ponyville. Everypony has! Rainbow Dash has already checked Froggy Bottom Bog, Ghastly Gorge, and Rambling Rock Ridge. Fluttershy has even searched the Everfree Forest with her animal friends. Where else could we look?”

“Ah don’t know,” admitted Apple Bloom.

“It’s like he’s vanished into thin air,” remarked Sweetie Belle.

Depression Cycle: Day One

Dawn of the First Day- 72 Hours Remaining

As soon as Spike returned to the central plaza of Clock Town, the floating ball of light that represent Princess Celestia’s power emerged.

“Well done,” the voice of the Princess congratulated the dragon. “You have recovered another Element of Harmony.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Spike responded. “Where am I headed next?”

“The Element of Laughter is located to the west,” answered the light. “You will find into in the home of the Pegasi over the bay.”

“Alright, I’m on my way.” The ball of light sped away to the northern shrine to join with the rest of herself as the adventurous dragon headed to the west gate.

Spike, called out Big Macintosh’s voice.

Yes Big Macintosh?

Before we go to the bay… the Earth Pony hesitantly started. Can you do me a favor?

Sure thing, what do you need?

Ah want to see my family, requested the large pony. They don’t know Ah died and Ah want to check on them.

Oh… Spike wasn’t prepared for such of a request. He looked at the watch and noticed that the gauge had decreased. The green magic meter was only about two-fifths of the way full. I don’t know…we’re on a tight schedule.

I think we should do it, the other Spike said, taking Big Macintosh’s side. The transformed dragon knew how the stallion felt, for he too knew what it was like to be separated from his family. The Unicorn Spirit’s caretaker, Twilight Sparkle, had told Spike that she saw her charge as her son. The thought of never being able to see her again was painful and he didn’t want his friend have to feel it too.

Okay, Spike conceded, feeling the sadness radiating from the two spirits. He wouldn’t want to imagine what it must be like to never be able to his Twilight ever again, so he altered his course to the south gate instead. We’ll go.

Hold up! the other Spike halted him. Remember the guard?

Oh, yeah… Spike remembered the strict guards stationed at each gate. Were all the guards trained to be so stiff, or did they deliberately picked out the grumpiest ponies for the job? They always tried to stop Spike because he was young. Wait a minute…That gives me an idea!

Calling on the power of the Earth Pony Mask, Spike was changed into Big Macintosh after the painful transformation process. Spike looked around, wondering if any of the ponies preparing for the Summer Sun Celebration had noticed that a dragon just became a stallion, but apparently they didn’t.

Wow, how does somepony miss something like that? the other Spike remarked.

The same way they can miss a giant rock floating above their heads, stated Spike. He then headed to the southern gate and the guard didn’t even bat an eye as Spike passed by in the form of Big Macintosh. When he exited the city, he noticed the dark clouds and menacing fog shrouding the forest of the Unicorns. What’s going on? I thought we lifted the curse on the forest.

We did, but then we traveled back in time, said the alternate Spike.

But we have the Elements of Honesty, Kindness, and Generosity, pointed out Spike. Shouldn’t that mean the curses that Nightmare Moon placed on them been lifted?

Nightmare Moon placed her curse on the land itself, not the Elements, explained the other Spike. Celestia said that Nightmare Moon told her that she scattered her power to the four corners of Trotina. I’m guessing that she hid the portions of her power in the shrines of the Elements to mock Celestia. She probably placed curses on the different areas to prevent anypony from retrieving them.

Does that mean that my village is still frozen? asked Big Macintosh. Ya’ll mean all that was for nothin’?

No, we did get another Element of Harmony, explained the Unicorn Spirit. I’m sure that we’ll be able to fix everything once we get all six.

This did little to resolve Big Macintosh’s concerns, but he didn’t say anything else on the matter. They headed to the southern forest, but made a turn at the sign at the entrance, headed down another trail to a more pleasant part of the forest. On the way, they noticed a stand being ran by twin Unicorn stallions wearing hats, blue and white pinstriped shirts, and bow-ties. They had light olive coats and red and white colored manes. One of the twins had a mustache. Spike recognized them as the swindlers, Flim and Flam. In fact, all three of them recognized the pair. The Unicorn Spike knew them because they had come to Prince Blueblood one time trying to sell him a love potion, claiming that it would make any two ponies that drank from it fall in love. The idiot bought it, even though it was a scam. Big Macintosh recognized them from when he had helped his family set up their farm in the southern forest. Even back then, he knew that there was something dishonest about the pair.

“Well, looky at what got here, brother of mine,” the non-mustached Flim said to his twin. “Another weary traveler. I think he might be thirsty from all the walking he’s done.”

“I’d say you’re right, brother,” Flam said back to Flim.

“Would you care for a mug of our delicious, spellbinding, unbelievable cider?” Flam offered. “It’s twenty bits per glass.”

“Twenty bits?” exclaimed Spike, amazed at the high price.

“Yes, twenty bits. Unfortunately, our supply is dwindling. You know how it goes,” explained Flim.

“Supply goes down, prices go up,” added Flam.

“However, we’re about to get another ‘shipment’ soon,” Flim suspiciously said.

“Just in time for the Summer Sun Celebration,” announced Flam.

“So how about it, mister?” Flim said, holding up a mug.

“No deal,” declared Spike. He then turned and continued down the trail.

“Humph, have it your way,” shrugged Flim.

“Say, wasn’t there something familiar about him, Flim?” asked Flam.

As Spike headed down the road, he came across a fallen tree that was blocking the road to Sweet Apple Acres. Spike put shoulder against the trunk and pushed it off the road. Before he could continue, the other Spike stopped him.

Maybe it’s best that they don’t see you as Big Macintosh, suggested the alternate Spike.

Why? Big Macintosh asked.

Remember, you’re supposed to be dead. Imagine how they’ll react when they find out that they were talking to a ghost.

He’s right, we don’t want to cause any more trouble than there already is, agreed Spike. He pulled away from the power of the mask and returned to normal.

But… Ah… the Earth Pony tried to argue, but eventually gave after realizing there was no point to. Fine, let’s go.

Spike entered the farm and saw the farmhouse. The farm was surrounded by hundreds of apple trees; each one was filled with juicy-looking apples. The orchard had every type of apples you could name. Spike spotted Applejack, who was busy bucking a tree.

“Well howdy there,” the orange mare greeted. “Ah’m Applejack, and welcome to our farm. Wait, did you come here from Clock Town?”

“Yes I did,” Spike confirmed.

“Well now, that means somepony moved that tree that was blocking the road. Ah was plannin’ on doin’ it myself, but was rather busy with all the weddin’ business.”

“Wedding? Do you mean Princess Cadance’s wedding?” asked Spike.

“That’s right. Ah was hired to handle all the caterin’ for it,” she explained. “Ah was so busy with all the bakin’, buckin’, and cider makin’ that Ah didn’t think Ah’d ever get to movin’ that tree out of the way. Well, Ah got to get back to work. There’s still a lot to do before the weddin’. Why don’t you go say ‘hi’ to my sister and granny over there?”

Spike looked over to the house and saw Apple Bloom running around the yard with her dog, Winona. The yellow filly was throwing rocks at a scarecrow as Granny Smith slept in a rocking chair on the front porch.

“Hey there,” the red maned filly cheerfully greeted as she saw the dragon approaching her. “Ah’m Apple Bloom. What’s your name?”

“I’m Spike,” the dragon introduced himself.

“Hm, Spike?” the filly said with a thoughtfully look. “That’s nice in all, but how about ‘Grasshopper?’”

“What?” Spike scoffed, not caring for the nickname.

“You patter around when you walk, so Ah’ll call you ‘Grasshopper!’” she cheered.

“No,” Spike flatly rejected.

“Aaawww, but…” she moaned.

“No, on so many levels.”

“Aw, okay…” she gave in.

“So, why are you throwing rocks at a scarecrow?” Spike asked to change the subject.

“Ah’m practicing for tonight.” Her face became serious. “Because ‘they’ are comin’ tonight.”

“Who are?”

“The ghosts,” she explained. “They come around this time every year to steal our apples. My sister says that Ah’m just dreaming, but Ah’ve seen them! But you believe me, don’t you?” She gave him the saddest pouty-face he’s ever seen and Spike couldn’t help but to believe her story. He had seen winter spirits, so why couldn’t there be apple stealing ghosts? There were already two ghosts living in his head.

“Sure I do,” he told her.

“So…you’ll help me save the apples?” she asked with a hopeful smile.

“Yes, but I have to something first,” he explained.

“Okay then, just remember that they usually come around at two in morning, so don’t be late.”

“I won’t,” the dragon promised.

Now that Big Macintosh was able to see his family one more time, Spike headed to the west. When he reached the shores of the bay, he saw a city made of clouds floating over the bay. In the distance, there was an island covered in a fog. By the eerie look of the place, Spike figured that’s where the Element of Laughter was being kept. On the northern side off the bay were some rocky hills.

Spike walked along the shore, wondering how he would get to the distant island. None of his forms could swim that far away. Spike didn’t see any boats lying around, either. Spike’s thought were interrupted when he saw something floating in the water. It looked like a pony! He jumped in the water and swam to the pony. When he reached the pony, he noticed it was a Pegasus, and not just any Pegasus, though. It was Soarin of the Wonderbolts! Spike dragged the limp body back to the shore. Spike saw the condition of the Pegasus’s body and winced. One of his wings and hind legs were broken, his body was covered in lacerations and bruises, and he would cough up blood.

“H-help…” the pale blue Pegasus whispered. “Y-you…You got to… save…”

“Save? Save who?” Spike asked as he supported the head of the wounded pony.

“Scootaloo… they took… Scoot… a… loo…” Soarin managed to wheeze out the words. Spike pulled out the flask of blue potion and gave some to the stuntpony. Some of the wounds healed. The cuts and bruising had cleared away, but his wing and leg remained twisted and he continued to cough up blood. He must have some internal injuries that Zecora’s elixir couldn’t heal. It seemed that the potion couldn’t heal fatal injuries. Realizing this, Spike looked hopelessly down at the dark maned Pegasus as he lay dying in his arms.

“What has happened here?” he asked the dying Soarin.

“The Diamond Dogs… they foalnapped my marefriend’s adopted sister….” Soarin said in between coughs. “Rainbow Dash is the only one who knows the way to the shrine hidden in the island’s ravines… they heard that there’s treasure hidden there… those morons grabbed her when she was playing with Dash at the beach thinking that she was her… When the dogs got away from her by hiding in their holes… Dash was traumatized… believing that she was a failure… I went in after them… but they caused a cave-in… then threw me into the bay…”

The three heroes felt pity for the Pegasus’s tale of woe. Spike decided that he must help this poor stallion and save Scootaloo for Rainbow Dash. Soarin coughed one more time and his breathing became shallow.

“If… only I… could have… saved… her… then I… could rest… in peace…” Soarin barely managed to say.

‘Rest in peace’? Spike repeated Soarin’s word, getting an idea. He pulled out his flute and played the Song of Healing.

As Soarin lay dying on the shore, his sight grew dark. He then found him floating in a dark void. A gentle hoof brushed his mane and he turned to see Rainbow Dash standing beside him. He heard a laugh and saw an orange filly with a purple mane fluttering beside her. He then saw something ahead of him. His teammates waved at him and beckoned him to join them in their aerial show. He looked back to Rainbow Dash, who smirked and took him by the foreleg. The three of them walked to join with the others. Soarin he felt at peace as he was surrounded by his friends and by his dear ones.

Spike had used his incredible digging abilities to make a grave he the deceased pony. He was stunned that he had just buried somepony who had just died right in front of him. He looked down at his claws and saw the blood that Soarin had coughed up on them. The dragon went to the waters and solemnly washed off the blood. As he looked back over the grave, he noticed a mask that resembled Soarin lying beside it. He picked up the mask and it was absorbed into the young dragon.

Thank you for helping me find peace, Soarin’s voice said in Spike’s head. But, something has to be done about Scootaloo!

If we get her back from the Diamond Dogs, do you think that Rainbow Dash will show us to get to the shrine? We need to find the Element of Laughter before it’s too late. Spike explained.

Of course she will, responded the Pegasus. Just save Scootaloo, please!

Spike called upon the power of the mask and he felt the pain that accompanied the transformation process. As with Big Macintosh, Spike’s small frame stretched to the size of a full-grown stallion, but at least Soarin was smaller than the Earth Pony. Then a searing pain shot through Spike as two wings started to grow out of the dragon’s back. The bones in the extra extremities popped into place and feathers sprouted out from the skin. Originally, Spike couldn’t wait to grow his own wings when he grew up, but now he dreaded the thought if it was this painful.

After the process was complete, Spike made his way to the bay to see his reflection. He looked just like the Pegasus, except for the eyes. The pupils of his eyes were still draconic slits.

It’s funny that we all have green eyes, commented Spike. Okay Soarin, where are the Diamond Dogs keeping Scootaloo?

They’re hiding in the hills on the northern coast of the bay, directed Soarin. Spike took off and flew the direction that Soarin pointed out. It was fortunate that Spike had access to the Pegasus’s flying skills. Spike mentally recorded the Wonderbolt’s techniques for when he had his own wings. So… I’m Soarin. Who are you guys?

The adventurers introduced themselves to the newest member of their group as Spike flew to the rocky hills. They explained to him their mission and why they needed the Elements of Harmony. Spike reached the hills and hid behind a boulder as he looked at an entrance of a cave. Not seeing any Diamond Dogs around, Spike sneaked into the cave. He followed a winding tunnel until he came to a corner. He cautiously peered around corner, but saw nothing. Moving on, he crept silently down the tunnel. He then heard something coming down the tunnel behind him. Looking around for a place to hide, he saw a shaft in the ceiling. He flew up and hid in the opening as two guard dogs ran underneath him. Seeing an opportunity, the Pegasus followed the dogs. They led him deeper down into the cave until they reached a cavern. Inside the cavern, a gray Diamond Dog wearing a red vest was interrogating an orange filly who was tied up.

“How do you get to the treasure!” barked the dog. The filly trembled beneath the demanding dog. “Answer me, pony!”

“I told you, I don’t know!” cried Scootaloo. “I’m not Rainbow Dash!”

“No lies, pony!” growled a smaller brown dog in a gray vest. “We know you are the rainbow one!”

“Look at me! I don’t even have a rainbow mane!” Scootaloo tried to reason.

“Augh! Enough!” shouted the red vested dog. “Lock her up!” The brown dog picked up the filly and dragged down another tunnel. Spike could feel Soarin longing to rush in and take on all of the Diamond Dogs, but the others tried to calm him down. Spike would be outmatched if he tried to take them all on by himself.

“Look who’s come back for more!” a gravelly voice said from behind Spike. Before he could turn around, he was caught in the grip of a large, gray Diamond Dog. Spike struggled against the dog’s hold, but he couldn’t escape. The dog carried him into the cavern and he was tied up by the other dogs. They took the Elements of Harmony, the flask of blue potion, the Lens of Truth, the amulet, and his flute.

“Yes, gems,” the lead dog crooned as he admired the Elements of Harmony. “Pretty gems.”

“Hey, give those back!” Spike demanded.

“Quiet pony!” ordered the Diamond Dog. “We have no use for you. Throw him out!”

“But, he came back the last time we did that,” said the larger gray dog.

“Fine, then lock him up in another cell!” the leader told his subordinate.

The bigger dog picked up Spike and threw him onto his shoulder. He carried the struggling Pegasus to a cell and tossed him inside it. Spike was now tied up in a locked cell and the Diamond Dogs had all of his possessions.

Oh, horse apples, all four of the minds inside the one body muttered.

Ponyville- Day 2, 10:00 P.M.

Rarity sat looking out a window of her bedroom in Carousel Boutique. The weather ponies had scheduled a storm for that evening and the white mare watched as raindrops fell onto her window. There was a flash of lightning every few moments.

As she watched the storm, she reflected on the day’s events. She was told by Pinkie Pie that Spike had gone missing and immediately joined in the search for the young dragon. She couldn’t help but to imagine him somewhere out in storm; cold, wet, frightened, and heartbroken. Was she to blame? Had he run away because she rejected him? Did her words really hurt him so much? How would Twilight react when she tells her what occurred the other morning? Would Twilight hate her and say that it was all her fault that Spike was missing?

Rarity let out a melancholy sigh and walked away from the window. She went over to the dresser and pulled out the fire ruby necklace. She studied the red jewel as she thought about the dragon

All this is my doing, she bitterly thought. If I hadn’t said those hurtful things, he wouldn’t be missing. I pushed him away, and for what? To go to Canterlot to have that sleaze attempt to seduce me? Why must I keep chasing after these ‘gentlecolts’ just to have them turnout to be contemptible louts? Why can’t I be satisfied with what I already have? Why couldn’t I see what I had before I lost it?

She looked at the necklace and began to sing to the fire ruby, imagining it was the one who had given it to her:

“Am I blue?

Am I blue?

Ain't these tears in my eyes telling you?

Am I blue?

You'd be too,

If each plan that you'd had done fell through.

There was a time,

I was your only one.

But now I'm the sad and lonely one.

I'm a fool.

I'm the only one.

Come what may,

I should say.

Now you’re gone, and we're through

Am I blue.”

After she had finished singing, she crawled into her bed. She clutched the necklace to her chest as she cried herself to sleep.

Author's Note

The song at the end is "Am I Blue" written by Harry Akst and Grant Clarke. However, I used the lyrics from the Batman version as seen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OnY5Rp2uNYw.

Depression Cycle: Final Day

Dawn of the Final Day- 24 Hours Remaining

There was a knock on the door of Rainbow Dash’s house. The blue Pegasus mare with a mane that matched her name looked at her clock. She grimaced when she saw what the hour was. She looked down at her side to see the orange filly with a purple mane nestled up against her on her bed. Whoever it was at the front door had knocked again.

Who could it be this early in the morning? she groaned as she dragged herself from the comfort of her cozy bed. Before she joined the Wonderbolts, she would have never considered getting out of bed before ten o’clock in the morning. One of the hardest things she had to do when she first joined the team was to get used to waking up early. However, that didn’t mean she had to like it. Rainbow Dash opened the door and saw it was Spike in the guise of Soarin who had woken her up.

“‘Morning, Dash,” said Spike.

“Soarin!” she exclaimed as she saw who she assumed was her coltfriend. She pulled him into a hug, causing the dragon in a Pegasus body to blush. “Come in, come in,”

Spike followed her in and sat down on a couch. Rainbow Dash flew over to check if Scootaloo was still asleep. The little Pegasus was still sound asleep, exhausted from the ordeal of being foalnapped by the Diamond Dogs. Rainbow Dash smiled at the sleeping filly and quietly closed the door before returning her attention to her visitor.

“How is she doing, Dash?” inquired Spike.

“She’s fine,” replied the mare as she scratched at the floor with her hoof, unsure of what to say. Even though she had started to date Soarin, she still wasn’t accustomed to the romance business. Her eyes darted around her home, looking for something to break the ice. “So… do you want breakfast? I think I might have some apple pie in the ‘fridge.”

“Um… sure,” Spike uncomfortably answered. He had always dreamt of being in a relationship with Rarity, but now he found himself in a relationship with Trotina’s version of one of his best friends. Correction, Soarin was in a relationship with her. He was just using Soarin’s form while Pegasus hung out in his head. Soarin, some advice would help.

Just say what I’m saying, instructed the voice of the deceased Wonderbolt.

Rainbow Dash returned from the kitchen with a pie tin that contained a partial apple pie and two forks. She sat by him on the couch and handed him one of the forks. They ate the pie, which was rather good, in silence. After finishing the pie, they silently sat for a moment before Spike began to talk with Soarin’s direction.

“Dash,” he said with a caring tone. “Are you okay?”

“Um… Yeah, sure I am,” she claimed, but none of the four beings in the same body bought it.

“Come on, Dash. You can tell me the truth,” Spike reassured the blue mare.

“Really, I am!”

I doubt it, the other Spike commented dryly.

Eeyup, agreed Big Macintosh.

Do you two mind? Soarin asked, annoyed at the two bystanders.

“Come on, Dash. Out with it,” Spike urged. Rainbow Dash’s eyes started to dart around nervously. She shifted around in her seat uncomfortably, looking like she was about to make a run for it. Spike placed a hoof on hers and looked her in the eye. She looked at his hoof on top of hers and up to his green eyes, which for some strange reason were silted. After staring into his eyes, she gave in.

“Okay,” she said after exhaling. She took a deep breath and continued. “I failed her. There’s no other way for me to say it. They took her when they wanted me, and I couldn’t stop them. I watched as they dragged her underground, and there wasn’t anything I could do about it. But you found their hideout and saved her. You saved her when I, her sister, couldn’t. Maybe… maybe I’m not as good as I thought I was…”

“Dash,” Spike said in a firm tone. “Don’t ever think that. You are the best flier in all of Trotina. You are also a great sister, a loyal friend, and one of the bravest, coolest, radical, and awesome mares I know. Don’t you ever doubt it for a second.”

“But…” she tried to object.

“No, don’t you dare,” he cut her off. “I won’t let you do this to yourself. Listen to me; you are a good pony. Say it.”

“I am a good pony,” she repeated.

“You are a great flier.”

“I am a great flier.”

“You are a wonderful sister.”

“I am a wonderful sister.”

“You are a beautiful mare.”

“I am a bea… Oh, You!” she laughed as she punched him in the shoulder. The two laughed together and Spike was happy to see that Rainbow was back to her old, confident self again. “Soarin, I can’t thank you enough for what you did for us. How can I ever repay you?”

“Well, there is something you could help me with,” Spike began. “I’ve been given an assignment from Princess Celestia.”

“The Princess? Really?” asked impressed. “What kind of assignment?”

“She needs me to gather the Elements of Harmony,” Spike explained, pointing to the Elements that he was wearing. “The Element of Laughter is on the island in the bay, and you’re the only pony that has successful navigated through its caves.”

“Why does the Princess need you to get the Elements of Harmony?” she asked curiously.

Don’t tell her, warned the other Spike. We don’t want to stress her out more than she already is.

“I’m not sure if I’m allowed to say,” Spike explained. “But it’s important that I do it.”

“Alright,” Rainbow Dash nodded. It was a good thing that she was a mare of action instead of questions. She went over to the desk and wrote a note in case Scootaloo woke up and wondered where she went. “Let’s go!”

The two Pegasi flew over the bay, headed towards the misty island. The sky darkened as storm clouds formed over their destination. Waves crashed upon the rocky shore of the island and the pair came to a stop just outside a cave.

“Whoa, who scheduled the storm?” asked Rainbow Dash. Lightning crackled from the clouds above. “And I don’t remember the caves being this foggy.”

“Well, we can’t turn back now,” stated Spike. “We’ve got to get that Element.”

“Right!” Rainbow Dash shouted with determination. “Let’s do this!”

The blue mare bolted into the foggy cave and Spike followed. It was hard to see and the cave was filled with the sounds of the winding howling and water crashing against the rocks. What little light that seeped through the crevices and cracks of the cave’s walls was hardly enough to navigate with. Dash would have to find her way by memory. As Spike followed the mare in front of him, a rock came out of the fog and he nearly flew into it. He shouted in surprise and dodged it.

“Yeah, you’ll have to keep your eyes open for those,” Rainbow called back to him, her voice reverberating against the cave’s walls. Spike flew a little higher so that he might avoid flying into any more boulders, but he almost ran head first into a large stalactite hanging from the ceiling. “Watch out for those, too.”

Spike continued to follow the mare as they weaved in between rocks and rounded corners. They halted when they came to a long and narrow cavern. The walls were lined with holes which the mysterious fog seemed to be pouring out from. Since they were close to the source of the fog; the cavern was clear, except for where the fog floated above the water at the bottom of the cavern. A simple shrine could be seen at the other end of the passageway, lit up by the light from the cracks. With their goal in reach, they sped down the cavern. Rainbow Dash came to sudden stop and gave a cry of alarm as a large mouth snapped shut in front of her, missing her by inches. The fanged mouth belonged to a maroon snake-like creature with purple fins.

“Quarray eels!?” exclaimed Spike in shock. The large creature slunk back into its hole, waiting for another chase to snap at passing by potential prey. Spike could see the tips of the snots of more of the monstrous eels peeking out from every hole along the way to the shrine.

“Oh yeah!” Rainbow Dash cheered enthusiastically. “I love a new challenge!”

“Wait, these guys weren’t here before?” Spike asked.

“No, but this will make things more exciting! Well, come on! The last one there is an ugly, old mule!” she shouted as the two rushed into the eel-infested cavern. Somewhere, a mule looked up as though he had just heard his name being called.

Spike followed Dash’s lead as they evaded the hungry mouths of the gigantic eels. As one eel would shoot out from its hole, a Pegasus would duck out of the way just in time and then immediately repeat the process with the next eel. When they landed in front of the shrine, Spike checked himself for any missing body parts. Miraculously, they made it across the cavern with all limbs intact. Satisfied, he let out a sigh of relief.

“Piece of cake,” Rainbow Dash nonchalantly bragged. Spike rolled his eyes and they headed into the shrine. Rainbow looked skeptically at the stone orb that represented the Element of Laughter. “This is it? It’s just a rock. Shouldn’t it look like the ones you’re wearing?”

“It has to be activated first,” Spike explained. “To do that, I have to pass its test.”

“What kind of test?”

“Well, I’m about to find out…” Spike said as he placed his hooves on the orb.

In a flash, Spike found himself in the void associated with the tests of the Elements of Harmony. However, the dragon was surprised to find the void filled with streamers and balloons.

“Pinkie Pie,” Spike chuckled as he shook his head.

“Surprise!” the pinkie pony shouted as she popped into view. She blew a noise maker in his face and giggled. “Welcome to the party!”

“Pinkie, I’m in a hurry,” he tried to explain to the Earth Pony.

“Hurry? What hurry?” she asked. “Time has no meaning here. We have all the time in the world! Come on, have some cake!”

“Pinkie, please,” Spike said, not in the mood for her antics for the moment.

“Oh, I see,” she said. There was a loud pop, and all of the party decorations disappeared. In their place, Pinkie was sitting in an armchair, wearing glasses, and Spike was lying on a sofa. “You’re here for the ‘that’. Now tell Dr. Pinkie, what’s seems to be the problem.”

“Umm… Pinkie, I don’t think you understand…”

“You’re here for this, right?” she asked, holding up a glowing blue gem.

“Yeah…” As soon as he said that, she jotted some notes down on a notepad, humming contemplatively as she wrote.

“Uh-huh, uh-huh, go on,” she urged.

“Go on with what? I’m just here for the Element of Laughter,” he explained, confounded by her actions.

“What about your ‘issues’?” she asked as she looked over her glasses.

“What are you talking about? I don’t have an issue,” Spike denied, becoming increasingly agitated.

“What about your bad case of the ‘down in the dumps?’”

“I just want to take the test,” he blocked as he rolled away from the pink mare, but she was now on the other side of the sofa.

“I thought we’d talk before we got to the test,” He answered by rolling on to his back so that she wouldn’t appear on either side of the sofa. This plan failed, for she was now floating in the air, still sitting in the armchair.

“How are you doing that?” he asked.

“Oh, Spike,” she laughed. “I can do anything in here. Watch this.” The floating Pinkie Pie vanished, but now the dragon was surrounded by a hundred bouncing Pinkie that were chanting, “Fun!” They disappeared and only one remained. “What do you think?”

“I rather just get the test over with, if you don’t mind, Pinkie Pie,” he impatiently answered. She frowned and reverted back to as normal as she could possibly hope to be. Her mane flattened a bit and she gave him a sad look as she vanished.

Spike found himself outside of Ponyville, but it seemed to be different from the last time he saw it. There were more buildings and many of the thatched roofed cottages were replaced with brick houses. Something else was different. Even though the town had more buildings, it seemed to be smaller. It was like he was looking at a miniature model of his home. He scratched his head in confusion and flexed his wings.

Wait… wings? He looked behind him and saw two large wings with a green membrane connecting the digits. He looked down at himself. He was huge and muscular! Thick, sharp spikes ran down the length of his spine. His claws were curved wickedly. His teeth had become fangs. He was now a full-grown dragon. Looking at himself and at the state of his home, he realized what was going on.I’m in the future.

Spike carefully made his way down the streets, making sure not to crush anything. For some reason, he didn’t see any ponies outside. He then saw a building that he knew very well; Golden Oaks Library, his home. Then he noticed something that nearly stopped his heart. The sign in front of the library now said, “The Twilight Sparkle Memorial Library and Museum.”

“Memorial,” as in… His thoughts were interrupted by a shriek of terror. Spike snapped his long neck around and saw a mare standing with other ponies in the street, pointing up at him.

“Dragon!” she screamed at the top of her lungs. The others also screamed and started to run around in a panic.

“Don’t worry, I like ponies,” he said in attempt to calm panicked crowd.

“He likes it eats ponies!” another mare cried in terror.

“No, that’s not…” He heard a crunch. He looked down and saw that he stepped on a vegetable stand. “Oops, sorry I…” Crash! He backed into a building and tore down a wall. The ponies inside held each other and screamed. “Sorry! I didn’t…” Crunch! He stepped on another vegetable stand. Spike looked around, trying to look for a way to leave without stepping on something or somepony. Not seeing one, he opened his wings and took off. The force of his wings flapping nearly knocked the ponies over. “Sorry!”

He flew outside the town and landed on a hill. Looking around, he noticed he was now at Ponyville Cemetery. On top of the hill were six monuments.

Six… No… Please, no… He walked up the hill. Please, don’t be… His fears were confirmed when saw that monuments were in the shape of the symbols of the Elements of Harmony and the names of his friends were inscribed on plaques under each of their respective cutie marks. As Spike stared at the graves of his beloved friends, he heard a mob of angry ponies coming to drive him from their town, but he didn’t care. He’s attention was fixed on the graves.

“Get out of here, dragon!” an angry voice yelled.

“Leave our town alone!” another demanded.

“No…” he said, but not to them. The ponies trembled at the sound of his rumbling voice, their resolve wavering. “… It can’t be true.” The mob looked to each other, confused why a dragon was looking at the graves of Equestria’s greatest heroines. “They… can’t be…” The dragon’s body began to shake and tears began to fall from his eyes. The ponies watched in amazement as they saw the mighty dragon begin to cry. “Nooooo!”

The crowd of ponies dropped their pitchforks and covered their ears as the dragon roared in despair. After he calmed down a bit, a cream-colored Pegasus mare with a curly, golden mane flew up and landed on his snout.

“What’s wrong, Mr. Dragon?” the mare asked. The dragon sniffled and looked at the tiny pony in front of his face.

“They were my best friends,” he mournfully answered. “I went away, but when I came back, they were gone.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she said sympathetically. “I know it’s hard to lose a friend.”

“But I just lost all of mine. They were my family.”

“I’ll be your friend,” she offered, smiling hopefully.

“That’s nice of you,” he said weakly smiled back. “But you’ll be gone on day, too. Then I’ll be alone again.”

“I’m sorry that I can’t be here forever, but we can make the most of it while it lasts.”

“Oh yeah, how?”

“Do you like jokes? ‘Cause I know a lot of them! What do you get when you cross a chicken with a skunk? A fowl smell!” Spike laughed in spite of his sorrow. Somehow, this little pony actually managed to get through to him.

“You know, you’re alright,” he said as he wiped his tears of sorrow away. “But I’ll still miss my friends.”

“I know, but as long as you remember them, they’ll never truly leave you,” she told him. As she talked, the graveyard faded away. “As long as you hold someone in your heart, they’ll continue to live on through your memories of them.” Her wings disappeared and her color started to fade to pink. “And when your time here is done, you can go on to be with them again.” Pinkie Pie now stood before him in the void. “Don’t think of it as ‘goodbye’, think of it as ‘see you later.’”

The vision ended and Spike was in the shrine as Soarin again. He wiped a few tears from his eyes and looked down at his hide legs. The Element of Laughter was attached to his right leg as a shin guard. There was a balloon shaped gem in the center of the golden greave.

“Soarin…” Spike looked over to see a concern Rainbow Dash. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” he replied, sticking out his leg to show her his prize. “I got the Element. Let’s go.”

“But… Alright,” she said, dropping the matter. They flew out of the cave with ease. Now that the curse had been lifted, the fog and the quarray eels had vanished. As the Pegasi flew back to the floating city, Spike couldn’t help but feel like he had forgotten something; something about apples. What could it be? What could…

“Apple Bloom!” Spike gasped, suddenly remembering that he promised to help the filly protect her farm from ghosts. He was supposed to meet her on the night he got captured by the Diamond Dogs.

“Huh? Did you say something?” Rainbow Dash asked as she looked over to Spike.

“I’m sorry, Dash, but I’m running late for something. I’ll have to catch up with you later,” he explained.

“Do you need my help?” she offered.

“No, you can go ahead and head back to Scootaloo. I’ll take care of it.”

The two Pegasi parted ways, one head to the city and the other to the southern forest. When he landed on the outside of the farm, he pulled away from the power of the Pegasus Mask. After changing back into a dragon, he ran to the farm, but stopped when he saw the devastation. The apple trees in orchard were burnt, the barn was demolished, and the Apple Family was sitting in the ruins of their home.

My family! Big Macintosh yelled in panic. Spike ran to the family of Earth Ponies and saw Granny Smith and Applejack holding an unconscious Apple Bloom.

“Ah should have listened to her,” lamented Applejack as she rocked the filly in her forelegs.

“If only Big Macintosh were here,” mourned Granny Smith.

Spike, let me out! demanded Big Macintosh.

Wait, remember what we talked about, interjected the other Spike.

Please, they need me! Big Macintosh begged.

Do it, Spike, Soarin urged. Spike agreed and stepped out of view to change into the Earth Pony. After he changed, he went back to face the distraught family.

“Granny, Applejack, what happened?” Spike asked in Big Macintosh’s voice. The mares looked up with tear-filled eyes as they saw the large stallion standing before them. Applejack passed her little sister to her grandmother ran to Spike. She wrapped her forelegs around him and buried her head into chest.

“Big Mac!” the orange mare sobbed. “Bandits attacked our farm!”

“What happened?” he asked as he stroked her mane.

“They came in the middle of the night and started stealin’ our apples and barrels of cider. Apple Bloom was awake when they came and tried to stop them, but they knocked over a lantern durin’ the struggle and started a fire! Ah heard them fightin’ in the barn and woke up in time to see them run off! They were wearing ghost costumes, so Ah couldn’t tell who they were. Ah was able to pull Apple Bloom out of the barn before it collapsed, but the fire had already spread to the orchard. Now, there’s nothin’ left!”

Spike felt horrible. He had promised Apple Bloom that he would help her save the farm, but he was tied up in a cell at the time. Spike looked around at the devastation and made a promise to himself. No matter what, he would make sure that this tragedy would be undone before the end. Spike reached for the watch that hung around his neck.

“Applejack, listen to me,” he said, raising her head so to look her in the eye. “Ah promise, Ah will fix this. Trust me; it will all be better soon.”

“Promise?” she sniffed as she continued to cry.

“Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” he vowed as he did the motions of the unbreakable ‘Pinkie Promise.’ After finishing the ritual, he pressed the button on the amulet and returned to the past.

I promise, he vowed as he fell through the clock-filled white void.

Ponyville- Day 3, 6:00 A.M.

Twilight Sparkle was already out of bed. Her dreams last night was filled with both pleasant and disturbing images. She had to discover what they meant. She was Spike, but he was in pain. Could that have been a premonition? Could it just have been a product of her fears? She saw a tomb, but whose tomb? Had she seen it somewhere? What about the grave on the beach or the tree shaped like Spike? What could they mean? And what was with that unnerving face she saw? It gave her the shivers just thinking about it.

However, before the nightmares, there was a pleasant dream; a memory from long ago. She saw her younger self holding a baby Spike, but there was something else. A song was playing. She remembered reading a book the other day about song spells. The book had listed various melodies and even had the notes recorded. The one that had caught her attention was the ‘Song of Healing.’ Why was it playing in her dreams? Was her dreams trying to teach her something?

Acceptance Cycle: Day One

Dawn of the First Day- 72 Hours Remaining

The watched chimed as Spike found himself standing in Clock Town as Big Macintosh. Spike changed back into his natural dragon form and looked at the magic gauge on the side of the amulet. The green meter was low, only having enough magic left for one more three day cycle. Spike reset the watch and prepared himself for the next assignment.

Well, after this, we only have three more days, Spike said to his companions.

What are we goin’ to do about Sweet Apple Acres? asked Big Macintosh?

Or Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash? Soarin added. If we went back in time, that means the Diamond Dogs still have Scootaloo!

We can’t worry about that now, said the Unicorn Spike. We have a job to do. Don’t forget, we still have another cycle after this one.

He is right, another voice said in Spike’s mind.

Princess Celestia? Spike recognized the voice of the Solar Princess. He was surprised that the portion of her power had chosen to remain inside of him instead of appearing before him as a ball of light. What are you still doing in here? Shouldn’t you rejoin with your body?

I will, but I need to talk to all of you, the voice explained. I understand that you all are concerned for your friends and families, but they will have to wait. Don’t worry, all will be fine. For now, you must help Spike through this next ordeal. I have saved it for last, for it is the most dangerous.

Where’s the next Element? Spike asked.

The Element of Loyalty rests in my home, the eastern canyon. Long ago, it was a fertile valley, but a usurper named Sombra tried to overthrow Luna and me. We easily subdued him, but he refused to submit. He placed a curse upon the Crystal Ponies which he had enslaved. The curse bounded them to Sombra even in death. Even though he was gone, they were still his slaves and they became the undead. Luna and I were able to seal them away, but I fear that they might have been released by Nightmare Moon. The valley has become a haunted place, where only a few dare to settle. I remained in the valley to insure that the restless souls don’t escape.

You mean that there are zombies there!? Spike exclaimed.

And worse, I’m afraid, the voice confirmed. I know you’re frightened, but if you don’t retrieve the Element of Loyalty, all of Trotia is doomed.

I… I understand, Spike responded.

Prepare yourself, Spike, for you are about to face horrors that you can only imagine. With that, the ball of light Spike and headed to the north. Spike was paralyzed with fear. Ever since he read that comic where zombies ate those ponies’ brains, he has been terrified of the thought of the creatures. It was also one of the reasons why Twilight Sparkle didn’t approve of him reading comic books.

Spike headed to the east gate, but was stopped by the Pegasus guard stationed there. Spike remembered that this was the first guard that tried to stop him on his first three day cycle. As the guard ranted on how he couldn’t let a small dragon pass, Spike kicked him in the shins. The guard shouted in pain and Spike ran around him.

Spike saw the dark clouds over the hills to the east. With the ominous clouds and the story he just heard, Spike was intimidated by the sight of his next destination. He followed the road to the valley, dreading what he might find around every corner.

So far so good, Spike cautiously commented. He saw that there were ruins of ancient buildings scattered around the path. Large stone pillars and blocks that were once the foundations of a grand city were now eroded by the unforgiving passage of time. The portion of Celestia’s power had said that the valley was once fertile, but Spike only saw dust and rocks. The wind howled as it funneled through the canyon.

There’s no sign of zombie ponies here, observed the other Spike. Maybe Nightmare Moon didn’t released them.

I hope you’re right, said Soarin. I don’t want to die twice in one week.

Eeyup, agreed Big Macintosh.

Spike heard something and looked to the side of the road. He saw a strange sight; there was a pony wearing a dragon costume. The costume looked like the one he had worn during the previous Nightmare Night. The pony was carrying a shovel and was headed down a path that branched off of the main road.

That was a pony wearing a dragon costume… Spike commented, stunned at what he saw.

Carrying a shovel in a haunted wasteland… added the alternate Spike.

Okay, I’ve seen enough. Let’s get out of here, requested Soarin.

Eenope, Big Macintosh said to the Pegasus.

Big Macintosh is right, we need to follow him, the other Spike said.

Oh sure, let’s follow the weirdo in the costume. What could go wrong? Soarin sarcastically asked.

Spike followed the pony down the trail and he came to a graveyard. The cemetery had crumbling mausoleums and eroding headstones. Crows sat on the branches of dead trees, watching the dragon as he entered the graveyard. Spike looked up at them and noticed the black birds’ heads slowly turning as he walked by. It was though they were waiting for something. They gave him the creeps, watching him with their dark eyes.

Spike ignored the birds and saw the pony dressed as a dragon digging with the shovel. Spike walked over to the digging Earth Pony. He could see that the pony had a white coat, a small beard, a red nose, squinted beady eyes, and a cheery expression on his face. For some reason, Spike didn’t trust this pony. He looked too suspicious for Spike’s liking.

“What are you doing?” the dragon asked the odd pony. Celestia said that only a few would dare come to this place, so was there a pony here digging a hole in a graveyard?

“Oh, what’s this?” the pony exclaimed as he noticed Spike standing beside him. He dropped his shovel and turned his attention to the dragon. “Scales… Spines… Sir, could you, by chance, be a dragon?”

“Um, yeah…” Spike stated as he raised a brow at the pony. Isn’t it obvious?

“My name is Tingle!” the dressed up pony introduced himself with a bow. “I think I am the same as you, sir. A dragon!”

Okay, he’s crazy. Let’s get out of here, Soarin suggested.

Oh, Come on. Give him a chance. He might have something important to say, the other Spike defended the Earth Pony.

“My father tells me to grow up and act my age, but why? Even though I may be a thirty-five year old Earth Pony… Tingle is the very reincarnation of a dragon!” The pony started to prance about like a little foal. “Lucky! Lucky! You’re so lucky to be born a dragon!”

… Okay, he’s crazy, admitted the other Spike.

Crazy? Try nuttier than squirrel droppings, Soarin snidely remarked.

Eeyup, agreed Big Macintosh.

“I know! I know! We should be friends!” the eccentric pony giggled as he danced.

“Um…” Spike wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that.

“Yes! Yes! In exchange, I will sell you a map for cheap as a sign of my friendship. Will you buy one of Tingle’s maps for only forty bits?”

“Forty!?” Spike exclaimed at the high price. “Err… I mean… No thanks. I’m good. So… Why are you digging holes in a cemetery? Are you the caretaker?”

“No, I’m searching for treasure.”

“Treasure?”

“Yes! Yes! As the dragon that I am, I love treasure!” Tingle explained. “I heard that there is treasure buried in this ancient graves and Tingle is going to dig them up!”

He’s not just crazy, he’s also a grave robber! Spike thought in disgust.

“Well you help me? I’ll give you ten percent of my find,” Tingle offered.

“No,” Spike rejected.

“Well then, more for Tingle.” He spun around and tossed out confetti from his pockets. “Tingle, Tingle! Kooloo-Limpah!...These are the magic words that Tingle created himself. Don’t steal them!”

Spike slowly backed away from the lunatic as he continued to dig. He looked over to a mausoleum and saw the Royal Seal of Celestia engraved over an opened vault. Despite, his better judgment, Spike headed over to the tomb. He noticed that the stone door was moved aside, but the strange thing was that a breeze was coming from inside the tomb. This caught this dragon’s interest and he cautiously peeked inside. The room was empty. If this was a tomb of somepony, where was the sarcophagus and where was the breeze coming from?

Come inside… a voice seemed to call to the dragon. At first, Spike was frightened and jumped back. Come inside… I have information… Spike could now hear that it was the voice of an elegantly spoken mare. Even though his common sense told him to run, the voice sounded so inviting.

Spike walked inside and pulled out the Lens of Truth. Something must be hidden in this tomb. He looked through the lens and a doorway was revealed on the back wall. Spike entered the dark tunnel and pressed onward. Thanks to his draconic eyesight, he could see better in the dark than any pony could.

At the end of the tunnel was a chamber. There was a suit of armor holding a large battle axe. Light from an opening in the ceiling surrounded the armor in a circle of light. Behind the suit of armor was a stone casket. Spike walked towards the grave, passing through the circle of light.

Wait… Don’t enter the circle… the elegant voice warned as Spike took a step into the light; too late. The suit armor violently shook and came to life! The pieces of armor seemed to clad an invisible pony, which held the battle axe in a combat stance. It spun the axe around its head and brought it down at the young dragon. Spike shouted as he jumped back and the axe imbedded itself into the ground. The phantom knight struggled to pry the axe head from the stone floor. Spike ran to the door, but a stone slab slammed in front of him, sealing him inside with the warrior. He looked behind him just in time to avoid being decapitated by the large axe. Spike rolled away from the attack and ran behind a stone pillar. The invisible warrior brought down its axe as Spike braced himself. The weapon got lodge halfway through the pillar and the knight tried to pull it out. Seeing an opportunity, Spike shoved the pillar with all of his might. The pillar leaned over and crumbled on top of the suit of armor.

When the dust cleared, the dragon saw the armor crushed underneath the fallen pillar. Spike sighed with relief and headed over to the grave. Above the casket, a figure materialized. It was sophisticated-looking Earth Pony mare with a gray coat and a flowing black, mane. She had a cutie mark of a clef note and she was holding a cello and her eyes seemed to glow.

“I am Octavia,” the mare introduced herself. “I am the cellist of the Royal Trotinan Orchestra. My partner, Vinyl Scratch, and I came to the valley to discover the secrets of the ancient royal symphonies.” As she spoke, Spike noticed that she had two fang-like teeth. “When we arrived, we saw Nightmare Moon. She placed a curse on the land. Due to this curse, my friend and I were changed into vampires. If you somehow lift the curse on this land, you will lift the curse on both of us, restoring us to our normal selves. Will you please help us?”

“Of course,” Spike replied. “What do you need me to do?”

“On the other side of the canyon lives a family of rock farmers. They too have fell victim to the curse. My friend is in a cave near their home. While I can somewhat control my thirst, she has given into her blood-lust. The Princess’s castle is also located over there. I sense that a dark presence has been awoken and has claimed the palace as its own. What I ask you to do is to bring my friend to her senses. Play this song to remind her of who she is on your flute.”

The mare played a song on her cello which Spike followed with his flute. After he played the song, Spike heard thunder and rain started to fall through the hole in the ceiling. After a minute, the rain stopped.

“This is a song spell that Vinyl and I discovered. It is called ‘the Song of Storms.’ It is a spell that can imitate the power of the Pegasi and cause nearby clouds to rain. According to legend, Princess Celestia wrote this song a thousand years ago when she banished Nightmare Moon. ‘The thousand years of raindrops summoned by my song are my tears. The thunder that strikes the earth is my anger!’ is what the Princess had written along with the song.” As she talked, light from the ceiling dimmed. “Go, the sun is setting and I won’t be able to control myself. I will seal myself in this chamber. Now hurry, save us from this curse.”

The vampire entered the sarcophagus and Spike turned to leave the chamber. As was leaving, a stone slab covered the hole in the ceiling. When he exited the chamber, the stone slab once again slammed shut. Spike headed down the tunnel and exited through the hidden doorway in the wall. He left the empty mausoleum and saw that Tingle was still digging. Spike rolled his eyes and shook his head at the crazy pony’s greed.

He was halfway between the tomb and Tingle when Spike heard a rumbling sound. Looking around the cemetery, the dragon saw that the headstones were shaking. A rotten hoof shot out of the ground! Spike watched in horror as more hooves sprung out of the graves.

“Tingle! Get out of there!” Spike called to the pony wearing a dragon costume. However, he didn’t hear Spike, for he was too caught up in his plans to get rich to notice the dragon. As he fervently dug deeper into the grave, the skeletal head of a former Crystal Pony burst forward out of the ground and shrieked at him!

Tingle screamed and fell onto his back. He crawled backwards, trying to get away rotting corpse that was now clawing its way out of its grave. Another hoof shot out the ground and grabbed one of Tingle’s legs. Panicked, he tried to pull free from the hoof as its owner’s head emerged from the dirt and let out a shriek. The withered remains of the pony that was coming out the grave crawled on top of the Earth Pony and opened its mouth that contained yellow and black teeth. The creature lunged at Tingle’s neck and Spike screamed in horror at the grisly scene! This was like one of comic books, but this was infinitely many times worse. Another undead pony joined the other two and Spike ran back to the mausoleum.

The young dragon panted as he ran. Suddenly, an undead Crystal Pony lunged out of the ground in front of him. Spike could see through its ribcage and what little flesh it had barely covered its bones. It opened its mouth to shriek and its jaw opened unnaturally wide, for the flesh that connected the bottom jaw to the top jaw had almost completely decayed away. When it shrieked, Spike could smell the rancid smell of death coming from its breath. It had no eyes, but two red pinpoints of light glowed within the empty sockets.

Spike sidestepped as the ghoul lunged at him with its gaping maw. The creature missed its mark and landed on the ground as Spike made a break for the mausoleum. As he ran, more zombie ponies rose from their graves. Spike ran inside the tomb and slid the heavily stone door across the entrance. Spike saw the creatures approaching the tomb and he barely managed to shut the heavy door before they could reach him. The zombies scratched at the door and walls of the tomb, but the stone prevented them from burrowing their way in to get the dragon. Spike could hear the muffled sounds of Tingle screaming. He could hear the awful noise of the monsters feasting. Tingle’s screams became a gurgling sound and then silence.

Spike sat against the wall facing the door and hugged his knees. He cried as he trembled with fear. He pulled out the flask of blue potion and took a drink, knowing it we keep him awake through the night. He had longed for a decent night’s sleep ever since he arrived in Trotina. Tonight, he dared not to.

Ponyville- Day 3, 10:00 A.M.

As Twilight Sparkle was doing research on what her dreams could possibly mean, she heard a knock on the door.

“Hello, Twilight?” she heard Rarity call from outside. The door opened and the white Unicorn entered the library. She looked at her lavender mare, who was surrounded by piles of books, and gave her a concerned look. “Twilight, have you been up all night again?”

“No, I got a few hours of sleep in last night,” Twilight honestly answered her friend. “I had a dream and I think it’s a premonition or a vision of sorts. I’ve been doing research to see if I could find something, but I haven’t had much luck yet.”

“Twilight,” Rarity gingerly started. “I need to tell you something.”

“What is it, Rarity?” Twilight asked as she looked up from her books. The white mare bit her lip and knitted her brow. Whatever it was, it had to be hard for her to tell Twilight.

“It’s all my fault!” Rarity blurted out, practically yelling.

“Huh?” Twilight said in confusion. “What are you talking about?” Rarity threw herself around her friend’s hooves and started to cry hysterically.

“It’s my fault that Spike ran away!” Rarity sobbed. Twilight was stunned by her friend’s sudden hysterics and helped her to stand back up.

“Rarity, calm down and tell me what happened,” she told her friend as she led her to the couch. Rarity tried to regain her composure, but she would still whimper and sniffle ever few seconds.

“The morning I went to Canterlot, Spike came by the boutique,” she recounted the story after taking a few deep breaths. “I was invited to the home of Count High N’Mighty. He said he wanted to get to know me better and I agreed to go to his estate. As I was packing, Spike came over and he wanted to tell me something, but I was too caught up dreaming of what it would be like to be a countess. He finally got my attention and tried to tell me that he loved me.”

“And how did you respond?” Twilight calmly asked.

“I told him I was flattered, but I told him was going to meet somepony. I gave the excuse that he was younger than me. I told him that I thought he was nice, and then I said that I was a Unicorn and he was a dragon, and that had really hurt him. I don’t know why I said those things. It really doesn’t matter what he is. He is a hundred times the gentlecolt that despicable Count High N’Mighty could ever hope to be. He always treated me like a lady and would do anything for me, but I rejected him in favor of a sexist scoundrel! I was too busy chasing after my idea of finding the perfect stallion that I was blind to what I already had! Maybe I was scared of my own feelings. Maybe I thought too much of what others would think. Maybe I cared too much about what I thought that I wanted.”

Rarity placed her face in her hooves and cried. Twilight placed a foreleg across her distraught friend’s shoulders. She tried to take in all what her friend had said.

“I don’t think he would’ve run away because of what you’d said,” Twilight told Rarity.

“How do you know?” Rarity asked, looking up from her hooves. “He’s run away before.”

“That’s because he thought I didn’t love him anymore,” she explained. “You see, Spike might be rather mature by pony standards, but he’s still a baby by dragon standards. Baby dragons imprint on their mothers and I believe that he sees me as his mother, whether he realizes it or not.”

“Spike sees you as his mother?” Rarity asked in astonishment.

“It would appear so. When he thought that I was replacing him with Owlowisious, it hurt him. He felt like I was abandoning him and that scared him. When we were in King Sombra’s castle, we faced a door that shows you your worst fear. His was that I told him I didn’t need him anymore and sent away.”

“But how do you know he didn’t run away?”

“The last time I saw him, he sounded alright. Sure, he seemed a little depressed, but he was still willing to deliver something to Zecora for me. Later, Zecora told me that he never came by her place.”

“So where could he be? Fluttershy couldn’t find and trace of him in the Everfree Forest.”

“I… I don’t know,” Twilight admitted as she hung her head. Her thoughts returned to her dreams. Did they mean that Spike was in trouble? Was he in pain? Would she ever find her son?

Acceptance Cycle: Day Two

Dawn of the Second Day- 48 Hours Remaining

Spike slid the stone door to the tomb open. He slowly stepped out into the graveyard. There were no signs of the undead Crystal Ponies, but Spike remained on edged. They had been scratching at the walls of the tomb all night and had only recently stopped their attempts to get the dragon. Spike saw the sun rising over the rocky cliffs of the valley. The creatures of darkness must have retreated back into their graves when the sun rose.

As Spike walked through the cemetery to return to the main road, he saw a flock of crows pecking at a skeleton and a shredded dragon costume. The zombie ponies devoured the flesh of the Earth Pony and the crows had removed any remaining scrap of meat that may have been left on the bones. Spike suppressed the urge to vomit and hurried out of the graveyard.

The young dragon returned to the main road and followed it further into the desolate valley. As he traveled down the path, he would pass under the crumbling ruins of once grand archways and through broken battlements. The iron gates of the walls had rusted away long ago. Spike could tell that these must had been the outer walls of the royal place. He could only imagine what it must have been like to walk the streets of the former capital of Trotina when it was still a magnificent city. It was hard to imagine that Princess Celestia still made her residence in this lifeless place.

After passing through the outer walls, Spike came to the famed eastern canyon. The road came to an end at the edge of a canyon wall. He could see the remains of a large stone bridge that once spanned the width of the canyon. It appears that the bridge had collapsed a long time ago. He could see a trail leading down to the river below. There was a newer looking wooden bridge that crossed the river and another trail that led up the other side of the canyon up to the other side of the fallen bridge. Spike looked over the edge at the river below.

Talk about a moat, Spike thought.

That’s a long way down, commented the other Spike.

Eeyup, agreed Big Macintosh.

It must take a long time to make it over to the castle going the long way, Soarin added.

“Enjoying the view?” a raspy voice asked from behind the young dragon. Spike yelped in surprised and spun around and came face to face with an old mare wearing a dark cloak. Her coat was a dull gray, she had a scraggly, white mane, and wore rusty horseshoes. She looked at Spike with one squinty, red eye.

“Gah!” Spike shouted and almost fell into the ravine after seeing the mare suddenly appear behind him, her face only inches away from his.

“Yee-hee-hee,” the crone laughed at the startled dragon. “What are you doing in a place like this? This a land of spirits with troubles and lingering regrets. Have you come to give peace to their wandering souls?”

“Y-yes,” Spike answered, intimidated by the pony. The old mare cackled at his response.

“How do you plan to do that?” she questioned. “You’re as cowardly as a rabbit!”

“Hey! I’m not a coward!” Spike retorted defensively.

“Oh? Think you’re brave do you?” the mare leered. “Tell me, how do you plan on doing when you get over there? The place is filled with the undead.”

“I got it covered,” Spike growled.

“Very well, but what are you going to do… about… THIS!?” The flesh on the pony’s face pulled away, revealing a bare skull. Spike screamed in terror and the ghoul laughed as it vanished into thin air. Spike panted to regain his breath and he could still hear the cackling laugh echoing in the air.

What am I getting myself in to? Spike thought.

This is like something from a horror film! Soarin exclaimed.

Ghosts or no ghosts, we have a job to do, Big Macintosh declared. Spike reluctantly had to agree and then called upon the power of the Pegasus Mask to change into Soarin. He took off and flew to the other side of the canyon. When he landed on the other side of the broken bridge, he changed back into a dragon and turned around when he heard the sound of flapping wings. He saw a griffon land by the river below and walked around the bend.

Why’s a griffon here? Spike asked.

I don’t know, but we can’t worry about it now, replied the other Spike. Ignoring the griffon, Spike continued up the trail towards the castle. Defensively speaking, it was in an ideal location, protected steep mountains to one side and a canyon to the other. Unlike the rest of the buildings that Spike passed on the way, the castle was in a good condition. It must be due to the fact that Celestia still lived there. The castle walls bared the crests of the sun and moon; the insignias of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Behind the castle was a dark, crystalline tower. It stood out from all the other buildings in the region, for it was of a conflicting design. Dark clouds swirled around the monolith, graying the skies over the castle. Spike figured that the element of loyalty would be inside there. In the middle of the courtyard, there stood a cabin. It looked so out of place amongst the ancient city.

This must be the home of the rock farmers, Spike concluded. He walked up to the house and knocked on the door.

“Go away!” a familiar voice screamed from inside. “You ghostlies aren’t welcomed here!”

“Pinkie Pie?” Spike asked, recognizing the voice of the pinkie Earth Pony.

“No! You’re not tricking me!” she hollered. “I won’t let you in!”

Spike decided it was best to let her be for the moment. He walked around the house and saw the cave that Octavia described to him. Inside, he knew that a vampire was waiting for him. He went over the song he was to play in his head as he walked towards the cave.

The only thing he heard when he entered was the dripping of water and the squeaking of bats. Spike looked around the cave’s walls and the hanging stalactites, searching for the vampire.

“What do we have here?” a voice asked from the darkness. From the roof of the cave, a dark figured dropped down and landed in front of the dragon. It was a Unicorn mare with an electric blue mane. Her coat was white and she wore a black cloak that billowed around her. In one hoof, she carried a scythe. She smirked, showing Spike her two pointed teeth. She looked over her purple shades and he saw her glowing, rose colored eyes. “A visitor.”

“You must be Vinyl Scratch,” Spike said to the vampiric mare.

“Yes I am,” she confirmed. She smile changed into a snarl. “And you’re just in time for lunch!”

Spike had thought that the zombies were bad, but this was far worse. In the movies, vampires were always portrayed as smooth and charismatic, but they failed to accurately portray the true face of the evil that now stood before him. Vinyl’s face contorted from that of a reasonably attractive mare to the face of a demon! The ridges of her brow and cheekbones protruded and her eyes sank in, almost making her face skull-like. Her lips curled back into a snarl, bearing her teeth at him. The gums receded and the teeth lengthened and sharpened. Instead of two fangs, she had a mouth full of razor sharp teeth! The whites of her eyes became black and her irises glowed red. It was though Spike was staring into the abyss and could see the flames of Tartarus burning in the darkness.

The demon unleashed a feral roar and spittle flew from her maw as her jaws unhinged like a snake’s as she prepared to rip Spike’s throat out. She raised her scythe and lunged at the dragon. As she rushed towards Spike, he started to play the song that Octavia had taught him on his flute.

The scythe’s point stopped a hairsbreadth away from Spike’s torso and the vampire’s dark eyes widened. She dropped the weapon and backed away from her target. As Spike played the Song of Storms, thunder could be heard coming from outside the cave. The dark clouds above the castle unleash a heavy downpour, watering the dry ground of the valley.

“T-that… that song…” Vinyl stammered as her monstrous features reverted to that of what she looked like when Spike entered the cave. “We discovered that song together, Tavi and I… Tavi…” She looked down at the dragon that she tried to kill and began to cry tears of blood. “Oh, Tavi, what have I become? I’m so sorry!”

Despite the fact that she just tried to drink his blood, Spike placed a comforting claw on the crying mare’s shoulder. “It’s okay. You’re going to be alright.”

“Thank you for stopping me,” she said as she got a hold of herself. “Ever since I was changed into… this… I haven’t been thinking clearly. I’ve been trying every day to get in to that pink mare’s house, but she wouldn’t let me in. Vampires can’t enter homes unless they’re invited.”

“So that’s why she wouldn’t let me in,” Spike remarked.

“Could you do me a favor and check on her?” asked Vinyl. “When I would go over there, I would hear the sound of moaning. I think there’s something else in that house with her.”

“You got it.”

“Thank you,” she said as she fled back into the shadows once more. Spike exited the cave and headed back to the house. As he walked around the side of the building, he spotted Pinkie Pie standing outside, investigating the storm. It hadn’t rained the entire time her family where in the valley and now there was a thunderstorm. Spike noticed that her normally curly mane was now flat. He remembered that his world’s Pinkie Pie’s mane looked like that when she thought that her friends didn’t want to be her friends anymore.

Spike was about to call out to her, but he heard a noise coming from behind him. He turned around and saw that the door to the house was still open. Curious, Spike took a peek inside to see where that sound was coming from. He saw the door to the basement shake as something banged against it. Spike jumped back as the door burst open and five moaning Earth Ponies came lumbering out! There was a brown stallion and four mares that were different shades of gray. Bandages were covering parts of their limbs and bodies. The linen wrappings seemed to be alive and were growing, slowly consuming the ponies’ bodies. What caught Spike’s attention was that their glossed over eyes seemed to be pained, as though they were suffering from their condition.

This is what Octavia must have meant when she said that they were cursed! Spike thought as backed away from the advancing mummies.

The Song of Healing! exclaimed the alternate Spike. They’re only partially cursed, maybe it can heal them before it’s too late!

Right! Spike pulled out his flute and played the soothing song spell.

The five bandaged ponies halted and grabbed the sides of their heads. They shook their heads back and forth as the wrappings receded from their bodies, freeing them. The five Earth Ponies’ eyes became focused again and looked around their surroundings in confusion.

“… Mom? Dad? Maud? Marble? Limestone?” Spike heard Pinkie Pie say from behind him. The pink mare ran past the dragon to her family. The family of six rock farmers held each other in one another’s forelegs as Pinkie cried into her father’s chest. “Mom! Dad! Sisters!”

“What have we been doing this whole time?” he asked as he stroked his crying daughter’s mane. His eyes looked into the distance as he struggled to recollect the events of the past few days.

“You… haven’t been doing anything…” Pinkie told him as she cried, trying to spare them from the awful truth. She couldn’t let them know that they had been trying to eat her and she had to keep them locked in the basement so she wouldn’t have been killed by her own family. “You all had bad dreams. You were all just having little nightmares.”

“… Pinkamena” her father said softly as he held his crying daughter close. In spite of what she had said, her family knew something terrible must have happened to upset Pinkie this much. She was always so full of joy and laughter, to see her so sad pained them all.

As Spike watched the tearful reunion, he noticed something on the floor. It was a mask that resembled a mummy. If it did what he thought it would do, then Spike didn’t want to even touch it. He already had three spirits in his head; he didn’t want a monster in there too. With a shaking claw, he reached out and picked up the mask and then… nothing. The mask didn’t absorb into him like the other masks had done before. Confused, he examined the mask. It really looked like the face of a mummy.

Spike looked back to the crying family and decided it was best to leave them be. He still needed to find the Element of Loyalty. He guessed that it must of have been in the crystal tower, but he didn’t see a way to get there.

Maybe there’s a way there from the castle, Soarin suggested.

Good idea, Soarin. Let’s find an entrance, Spike said in agreement. Spike headed to the main gate of the castle’s inner wall. As he approached the opened gate, a row of black crystal shot out of the ground to bar his way. He stepped back from the crystal and realized that Sombra was protecting the entrance from intruders with his dark magic. I got it! Spike changed into Soarin and flew over the castle wall. As soon as he landed on the courtyard, his body was surrounded by the purple and black aura of the dark Unicorn’s magic and was teleport back to outside the castle gates. Spike changed back into a dragon and looked at the castle walls, thinking of what he should do next.

Okay, I can’t go through it or over it… Spike noticed a well located a little further down the length of the wall. How about under it? Spike headed over to the well and looked into it. He could only that there was no water at the bottom and appeared to be the start of a tunnel. I wonder if it leads inside the castle.

Are you suggesting that we go down there? the other Spike asked incredulously.

Come on, Spike. Who knows what’s down there, added Soarin.

But it’s the only choice we’ve got, Big Macintosh pointed out. The others grumbled, but conceded and Spike climbed down the wall of the well. When he reached the bottom, he saw that there was indeed a tunnel and it was headed in the direction of the castle. Gulping a bit, the young dragon headed into the dark passage. Thanks to his draconic sight, he could see where he was going. Apparently, the well was connected to the castle’s catacombs. The remains of ponies were lying on shelves in the wall. Spike strongly wished that these bodies won’t suddenly come to life like the ones from last night.

Last night… Spike thought. What time is it?

The sun was going down when we climbed down… the other Spike started to say, but then realized what it meant.

Oh pony feathers! all four minds said in unison. As they did, the corpses began to tremble. The bones of the skeletons rattled and reassembled. Mummified bodies stirred and began to rise. Spike turned to run back to the well, but he saw that a dozen zombies blocked the way. Turning the other way, he saw more zombies and mummies blocking the path. Desperately thinking of a plan, Spike looked at the mask in his claws and wished that his outrageous idea would work. He put on the mummy mask and nervously looked through the eye holes. A mummy approached the sweating dragon and leaned over him. He could smell the rotten breath of the corpse as it eyed him with its glowing red eyes. Spike waited for it to attack, but was surprised when the mummy moved on.

It… It worked? Spike thought in amazement. The undead ponies really were fooled by the ruse. These guys must be dimmer than the Diamond Dogs.

Not by much, though, remarked Soarin.

Eeyup, agreed Big Macintosh.

Well, let’s make this most of it and move on, suggested the other Spike. The masked dragon cautiously made his way pass the zombies, careful not to touch them. Spike didn’t even want to go near the rotting ponies. Even though the zombies didn’t realize that Spike wasn’t one of them, he wanted to be free of their company as soon as possible.

Time seemed to move at a snail’s pace and the catacombs was a complex maze of passageways and corridors. Spike came to a room that had a door leading out in every direction. The dragon saw a torch on the wall and lit it with his green flame breath. He stood in the center of the room and looked at his options: left, right, straight, or back the way he came.

As he thought of which direction he should take, Spike heard a sound. It sounded like howling wind, but there wasn’t a breeze in the catacombs and it sounded like it was getting closer. Spike looked around and noticed that his shadow was getting larger. Wait, that wasn’t Spike’s shadow; something was about to fall on him! Spike jumped out of the way just in time to avoid being flattened by a giant severed hand. The flesh of the hand was putrid and purple with decay. Black veins marbled the skin which had peeled away in places, revealing the gray flesh underneath. Bones stuck out where the hand was cut off from the arm of whatever creature it belonged to. The hand rose up onto its black, claw-like fingernail and started to crawl towards Spike like a giant spider.

Spike tripped and fell onto his back. He crawled backwards as the thing scurried towards him. It sprung at him with its fingers spread open. The hand grabbed Spike with a vice like grip and started to lift Spike to the darkness of the ceiling. Spike struggled to pry the fingers of the foul hand off him, but the creature continued to slowly rise to in the air. The young dragon took a breath and unleashed a jet of flame onto the hand. The creature’s fingers snapped opened, and dropped Spike to the floor. Spike scrambled to his feet and the hand fell to the floor. On impact, the hand broke into a dozen miniature hands. The little hands scurried across the floor like a swarm of cockroaches. Spike breathed green flames onto the hands and they shriveled into ash.

Spike caught his breath after the battle was over and noticed something from the corner of his eye. He looked down one of the tunnels and saw light coming from one of them. He headed towards the light and saw that it was coming from a stairwell. Relieved to find an exit from the nightmarish catacombs, Spike made his way up the stairs.

Ponyville- Day 3, 2:00 P.M.

“Well, what did the Princess say?” Twilight sparkle asked Rainbow Dash as the group of six friends met together. She sent her blue Pegasus friend to Canterlot to ask Princess Celestia for help. Without Spike there to use his fire to magically transport letters to the Princess, they had to rely on the fastest flier relay the message instead.

“I told her what was going on and she tried sending a letter to him,” reported Dash with a distraught look on her face. “When she used her magic to send a letter to him, nothing happened.”

“Why didn’t it send?” asked Applejack.

“She said it meant that Spike isn’t in this world anymore,” Rainbow Dash explained. It would be difficult for her to tell them the next part.

“What does that mean?” asked Pinkie Pie with a worried look.

“It means…” Rainbow struggled to say. “That Spike… is mostly likely…”

“Oh my goodness,” Fluttershy whispered as she covered her mouth with her hooves, tears forming in her cyan eyes. Rarity also covered her mouth with a hoof and began crying. Pinkie Pie’s mane flattened. Applejack took off her hat and placed it over her heart.

“… Dead. Spike’s dead…” Rainbow Dash started to breathe faster. She had always tried to act tough, but the sudden loss of one of her closest friends was a hard blow. When Princess Celestia had explained it to her, she couldn’t believe it. As she flew back to Ponyville, she dreaded the thought of having to tell Twilight the information. “I-I’m so sorry, Twilight… I’m so sorry.”

Twilight didn’t react. She didn’t say anything. She didn’t cry. She didn’t even blink. She just stood there with a distant expression on her face, her mouth agape. Her friends looked to her to see if she would do anything or say something, but all she did was turn around and slowly walk back to Golden Oaks Library. Rainbow Dash started to follow her, but Applejack stopped her by placing a hoof her shoulder and shook her head. Twilight entered the library, locked the front door, went upstairs, laid on her bed, and broke down crying.

Acceptance Cycle: Final Day

Dawn of the Final Day- 24 Hours Remaining

Spike ascended from the catacombs and into the palace of Princess Celestia. The morning sun had just begun to shine through the stained glass windows of the castle, painting the room in a variety of colored light. The stairwell had led the young dragon from the underground tombs to the castle’s interior. Exiting the stairwell, Spike found himself at the end of a hallway. The architecture of the palace resembled that of Canterlot Castle. The floor was titled with a checkered pattern of white and navy blue and an elegant red carpet extended down the length of the halls. The walls were a light purple and trimmed with gold. Colorful tapestries and pots of beautiful flowers adorned the walls. The tall windows were arched and alternated between normal planes and stained glass between the white pillars that were supporting the ceiling. The stained glass windows depicted valiant heroes and historic events. There was one of Spike delivering the Crystal Heart to Princess Cadance back home in Canterlot.

Do you think that we’ll get our own window here when we’re done with our quest? Spike asked his compatriots.

Focus. We got a job to do here, reminded his Trotinan counterpart. Pushing the thought of his own stain glass window out of his mind, Spike walked down the hall of the castle. He rounded the corner and saw evidence of Sombra’s occupancy of the palace. In the main hallway of the castle, dark crystals were growing out of the ground and up the walls. The corridor started to resemble a cave with the jagged crystals hanging from the ceiling. It was only a matter of time before the palace resembled the tower that was behind it.

I don’t get it, remarked Spike. Why did Sombra move into this castle when he already has one right next door?

It’s to show that he’s conquered his enemy, explained Soarin.

Twilight is the scholar, not me, but I did pick up a lot by helping with her research, the other Spike said. During the war, Sombra built the tower to be his headquarters during his uprising. His goal was to take the palace as his own and then the rest of Trotina. Without Princess Celestia here, there’s no pony to stop him.

There’s us, Spike corrected. A dragon and three spirits that are ready to kick his flank!

Eeyup, agreed Big Macintosh.

As the dragon made his way through an archway, he saw a peculiar sight. It was so strange and out of place, the four heroes couldn’t help but to gawk at it. There were four Crystal Pony zombies in front of the large double doors that led to the throne room. They didn’t let out their ear-piercing shrieks. They didn’t lunge at the dragon. Instead, they were dancing.

What in tarnation? exclaimed Big Macintosh. One corpse spun on its hooves gracefully and preformed pirouettes.

Sweet Celestia’s technicolored mane, Spike thought flabbergasted. Another zombie stretched its forelegs out and struck a pose and Spike’s eye twitched when it did so.

What… I don’t even… The Unicorn Spike couldn’t develop a coherent thought. Another zombie ran up to another who lifted it up and balanced its partner on one hoof in a dramatic stance

You gotta be kidding me, Soarin remark in bewilderment. The four zombie ponies then lined up and stood on their hind legs, supported each other with interlocked forelegs, and started to kick their hooves in synchronization. It was at this point when Spike had sneaked around the dancing zombie pony troupe and entered the doors to the throne room.

As Spike entered the throne room, he only saw an empty throne on top of the dais. The light from the sun illuminated the chamber as it shone through the eastern windows. The young dragon walked along the red carpet and then he noticed a basin beside the throne. A plush pillow laid on it as though something important belonged on it.

“You, follower of Celestia,” a dark, gravelly voice echoed throughout the throne room. Heavy curtains materialized and covered the windows of the chamber, blocking out the light from the rising sun. A black fog filled the room and swirled around the throne. “You dare intrude in my castle, seeking the Element of Loyalty.” A shot of dark magic came from the fog and knocked Spike’s mummy mask off his face, shattering it. A pair of eyes appeared in the shadowy fog. They were a glowing green with red irises and a purple aura flowed from them like a flame. The face of a Unicorn appeared from the darkness. His coat was a dark gray and his mane appeared to be the black fog. A red, curved horn adorned his head along with a spiked crown. As the Unicorn emerged from the darkness, Spike saw that he wore a metal breastplate, bracers on his legs, and a red cape. The dark Unicorn sneered, bearing his fang like teeth at the young dragon. “You won’t find it here. I have placed it in my tower.”

“Sombra,” Spike addressed the dark unicorn.

“King Sombra!” the usurper roared. “You will learn your place, whelp. I am the ruler of this castle now! Bow to me and I might spare your life. Who knows? Maybe one day you will be of use to me. A dragon would be a powerful ally to have.”

“Forget it!” Spike shouted defiantly. “I have to get the Element of Loyalty. If I don’t, Nightmare Moon will destroy the world!”

“Insolent fool!” Sombra growled. “Nightmare Moon freed me from my prison and she has promised to bring about a new era! I will see to it that she does and I will eliminate any one dares to oppose us!”

The pretender king’s body dissolved back into fog and filled the room. Spike looked around the swirling darkness, searching for a sign of the Unicorn. From behind the young dragon, an armored hoof bucked him in the back, sending him to the ground. As Spike started to rise to his feet, another hoof smacked the dragon across the face and knocked him back down. Spike groaned and Sombra laughed at his pain. Spike once again attempted to stand, but Sombra kicked him in his stomach. Spike moaned in agony, but he tried to stand again despite the pain.

“Why bother to rise?” mocked the dark voice. “You are where you belong…” A hoof came down and pinned Spike body to the floor. “… Under my hoof!” Spike struggled to remove the crushing hoof, but it refused to budge. Sombra laughed at his attempt to free himself. “Is this the might of the legendary dragons? Ha! You’re a pathetic lizard!”

Spike gritted his teeth as he groaned under the pressure. His vision started to darken and it was almost impossible to breathe. He had to do something and he was running out of time. He would have tried to breathe fire at the Unicorn that was crushing him, but he couldn’t get enough air. Desperate, Spike latched his teeth onto the gloating tyrant’s leg and bit it with a bite force that could crush diamonds. Sombra roared in pain and pulled his hoof away from the dragon. Spike rolled away from the Unicorn and gasped for air. He called upon the power of the Unicorn Mask and transformed.

After Sombra recovered from being bit, he glared at the Unicorn that now stood before him. Spike’s horn glowed green with magic and Sombra’s glowed with dark magic. Spike shot a blast of magic at the tyrant, which shot a powerful blast at him in turn. The two spells collided in the air, but Sombra’s easily overpowered Spike’s. The force of the black magic sent the Unicorn colt flying across the throne room.

Spike collided against the wall and Sombra became the dark mist again. Spike called upon the power of the Pegasus Mask and changed into Soarin. He took to the air and started to flap his wings to generate a gust of wind. The area immediately in front of the Pegasus was cleared of the dark haze, but the amorphous shadow flowed around the funnel of wind and slammed against Spike. He fell to the floor and Sombra reformed his body to gloat at the fallen Pegasus.

Spike used the power of the Earth Pony mask and became Big Macintosh. The red stallion charge at the laughing Unicorn and rammed into his chest. The assault succeeded in knocking the usurper down. Sombra might have been uncommonly large for a Unicorn, being even larger than Big Macintosh, but the Earth Pony’s tremendous strength was able to match the Unicorn’s magically increased strength. While the tyrant rose to his hooves, Spike bucked him. The impact knocked the dark Unicorn down, but before Spike could follow up with another attack, Sombra shot another blast of magic. The bolt of spiraling black, green, and purple magic struck Spike in the chest.

Spike’s body went sliding across the titled floor and stopped underneath one of the covered windows and changed back into a dragon. The thrashed dragon looked up and saw the dark Unicorn walking towards him, dark energy swirling around his red horn. Spike looked up at the curtain that Sombra had summoned to block out the light. Spike took in a breath and shot a jet of green fire at the curtain. The green flames consumed the magically summoned curtain, and light pour onto the evil Unicorn. Sombra howled in agony as his body was consumed in flames. The rays of the morning sun dissolved the dark Unicorn as light banishes a shadow.

Spike slumped against the wall and exhaled in exhaustion. With a shaking claw, he pulled out the flask of blue potion and took a drink. The flask was starting to feel light as it was nearly depleted. After his strength returned, Spike stood up. A door behind the throne opened and Spike headed for it.

“Dragon, wait…” a voice called. Spike turned around and saw Sombra’s ethereal head floating behind him. “You have defeated me in combat… I must congratulate your efforts… The misery that has befallen this valley is my doing… My lust for power has corrupted my soul and the Crystal Ponies had to pay the price for my sins… I cannot undo what I have done… But you can… I hide that which you seek in the tower… To obtain it, you will need the aid of the souls that reside within you… As a parting gift, I give you the power to summon a warrior that has no soul… Listen and learn the ‘Elegy of Emptiness’…”

The ghostly head sang seven notes of music. Spike mentally recorded the notes for future use and asked, “What does this song spell do?”

“It will create a shell of the form that you are currently in…” Sombra answered. “… Use it atop of the tower after changing into your other forms so that they will stand on the three pressure plates so that you can move on… A door will open and you must walk through it… My time has come… I can already feel the darkness of Tartarus coming to claim me…”

The head began to fade away. Curious, Spike pulled out his flute and played the song. He felt dizzy and he staggered around a bit. His head soon cleared and saw that there was a statue where he had been standing. It looked like Spike with it being a small, purple dragon with green spines. It stood complete upright in a rigid stance, its arms flat against its sides and its legs together. However, the face was unsettling. It appeared to be smiling, but it was so forced that it seemed like it was bearing teeth at Spike like a vicious animal. What were even worse than the smile were the eyes. They were so empty, so lifeless, yet they seemed to be able to see into your soul.

Dude, that’s creepy, Spike shuddered as he looked at the statue.

I don’t like the way it’s staring at us, Soarin remarked.

Eenope, Big Macintosh agreed.

Let’s get out of here, the other Spike requested. Spike turned away from the disturbing statue and headed to the open door. The statue remained where it was, facing in the direction that Spike had gone. The ethereal head of Sombra briefly materialized again and looked down at the statue.

You shouldn’t have done that… Sombra commented to the absent Spike as he faded away again.

The tower of dark crystal reached towards the heavens and Spike was already making his up the winding staircase. It reminded him of the time when he went with Twilight to find the Crystal Heart that his world’s King Sombra had hidden. They had to climb down a huge flight of stairs just to climb up another huge flight of stairs when they reached the bottom. These stairs spiraled along the interior walls of the tower, leaving a huge opening in the center. A balcony could be seen at the very top. After a few minutes of climbing, Spike’s legs began to burn.

How much further? he asked as he stopped to look up at the balcony.

I would think that you’re almost halfway there, answered the other Spike.

Why do villains always insist on having towers or fortresses? Spike muttered as he continued to climb.

You know, nopony is making you climb. commented Soarin. You could fly.

Oh yeah, Spike said and smacked himself. He changed into Soarin and tried to take off, but a black and purple force kept pulling him back down. Of course, he thought sarcastically as he continued to walk up the stairs. It can never be that easy.

Spike eventually reached the balcony. He collapsed on the ground and his tongue rolled out of his mouth as he panted from his long trek up the tower. After he had rested, he saw the three pressure switches.

Well, Soarin, it looks like you’re up first. Spike said as he stood on the first switch. After having some trouble getting accustomed to playing a flute with hooves, he played the Elegy of Emptiness.

The feeling of lightheadedness returned and Spike stepped off the pressure plate. He put a claw to his head and then noticed that he was a dragon. He looked back and saw a statue of Soarin standing on the plate. It was just as rigid as the creepy dragon statue, but the eyes seemed to have warmth to them like it was alive. Also, Spike couldn’t sense Soarin in his head anymore.

“Soarin?” the dragon called to the Pegasus statue.

“I’m here, Spike,” the voice of the Pegasus echoed from inside the statue. “This is weird. I can see and hear you, but I can’t move. This body feels… hollow.”

“The song must have turned your mask into a statue,” Spike surmised. He looked to the other plates and repeated the process with the other Spike and Big Macintosh.

“While it’s good to have a solid form again, I wish I could move” the Unicorn Statue remarked.

“Spike,” Big Macintosh’s statue called to the dragon. “Look.”

Spike turned around and saw that a panel was slowly sliding open in the floor of the balcony. He went over and looked through it, but only saw the floor of the tower very far beneath him.

“He said to go through the door, but it’s just a hole in the balcony. I’d fall to the bottom!” Spike yelled.

“It must be a test of courage,” the other Spike guessed. “You have to do it.”

“But…” he started to protest.

“There’s no other option. It’s the only way!”

“Fine, but I’m using the watch if I start falling!”

“You have to make a leap of faith,” Soarin told him. “You can do it!”

“Be brave, Spike,” encouraged Big Macintosh. “You can do it.”

Even though he had doubts, Spike took a breath and place one foot over the hole. Closing his eyes, he leaned forward. He felt gravity take over his body, but he came to a sudden stop when his foot made contact with a surface. Startled, Spike opened his eyes and found himself standing on the underside of the balcony. He looked up and saw what used to be the floor above him.

“I made it!” he called back to his friends. “I’m walking on the ceiling!”

“Do you see the Element?” called the alternate Spike. The young dragon looked around and saw a doorway at would have been the top of the staircase. He went over the doorway and saw a dark stairwell leading back to the bottom of the tower. “What do you see?”

“Stairs, lots and lots of stairs,” Spike answered, quoting what Twilight Sparkle had told him when something like this happened to them in the Crystal Empire.

“Don’t worry,” Soarin called to him. “We’ll be here when you get back.”

Spike groaned, but pressed onward and headed up the stairs to, oddly enough, the bottom of the tower. The staircase led to a room that was beneath the floor of the tower. Inside was a basin that held the Element of Loyalty. Spike ran up to it and placed his claws on it.

Spike found himself in the all too familiar black void. Rainbow Dash zoomed in and hovered before. Even in mirage world, the Pegasus mare preferred her wings over her own hooves.

“Hey kid,” the illusion greeted the young dragon. “I’m impressed you’ve made this far. That took guts.”

“Thanks Dash,” Spike said to the blue mare.

“Let me guess, you’re here for this,” the rainbow maned mare asked as a red gem hovered beside her. “Let’s cut to the chase, shall we?”

“What, no speech on loyalty first?” Spike dryly asked.

“Nah, I’m not the one for speeches,” she replied as she waved a hoof. “Besides, the way help Twilight around the library, how you stood up to those jerky dragons, and even your dedication to this mission is proof enough that you’re loyal.”

“Then why don’t you just give me the Element?” Spike asked.

“Because I need to see how loyal you really are,” she answered. “Ready or not, here it comes!”

Spike found himself in a field at night. In the distance he could see Clock Town. Above the city was the moon and was about to crash into the planet! Panicked, Spike reached for the amulet that hung around his neck, but it wasn’t there. He looked down and noticed that he didn’t have anything on him; no flute, no flask, no Lens of Truth, no Elements of Harmony, and no amulet. He desperately looked around for the watch, but it was nowhere to be found. A light suddenly appeared beside him and he looked into it. It was a portal and he could see Twilight Sparkle lying on her bed crying on the other side.

You can go home if you want, a voice said in his mind. Just forget about this world and save yourself.

Spike prepared to dive through the portal and run to his crying caretaker, but he stopped himself. Princess Celestia, this world’s Spike, Big Macintosh, Soarin, and everypony else was counting on him. He had made promises to ponies like the Apple Family. He couldn’t just run out on them, but what could he do? The moon was literally moments away from destroying everything.

“I made a vow. I’m not going anywhere,” Spike declared to the portal. The portal closed and Spike turned to accept his fate.

Flames rose along the sides of the moon as it entered the atmosphere. The colossal celestial body crashed into the surface on the planet with Clock Town being in the center of the point of impact. A mountainous cloud of debris was launched into the air by the disastrous collision. Spike could feel the wind start to pick up until it was greater than a hurricane. Spike shielded his eyes with his arms and he saw a wall of flame rushing towards him with a deafening roar. Spike screamed as he was blown away into oblivion. The last thing he saw was a pair of mismatched yellow eyes and he heard a giggling voice ask, “You’ve met with a terrible fate, haven’t you?”

Spike opened his eyes and he was back into the tower again. He looked down and saw that the Element of Loyalty was now on his left leg as a golden greave with a gem in the shape of a lightning bolt on it; he had passed the test. He turned around to head back down the stair to rejoin his friends, but he collided with something, causing him to fall down. He looked up and saw the creepy dragon statue from before standing over him.

“The statue? How did it get here?” he asked himself. Without warning, the statue slowly looked down at the dragon with its forced grin, its dead eyes staring into the dragon’s. “Whoa!”

Your soul… a hollow voice whispered. The statue’s hands reached for the dragon. … Give it to me…

Spike shouted as he scrambled away from the advancing statue. He stood up and backed away.

You have a soul… The dragon statue was walking towards him with its claws stretched out. The face remained unmoving and dead. I want one too..

“Stay away from me!” Spike shouted as he tried to evade the thing. However, the statue grabbed Spike and started to choke him with its cold claws.

I want your soul… the creature whispered as Spike dropped to the ground, struggling to breathe. The creature bent over the dragon, starring with those lifeless eyes. I want your soul…

Spike placed a foot on the statue’s stomach and flipped it over his head. The statue hit the crystalline floor and its surfaced cracked. Spike got up and saw that the statue started to rise as well, but it fell back down when both of its legs shattered. Spike could see through the cracks that the evil statue was hollow on the inside.

Your soul… the thing whispered as it crawled towards Spike. Give me your soul…

Spike took a breath and incinerated that statue with his green dragonfire. The statue fell apart and crumbled into ash as it made its last attempt to reach the dragon. Soon, it was no more than ash and Spike ran down the stairs.

He reached the balcony and repeated the process of falling through the hole to return to the other side.

“Spike, are you okay?” the Unicorn Statue asked. “We saw that freaky statue walk up the stairs and follow you through the door!”

“Yeah,” Spike answered in a quiet voice. “I took care of it.”

“Are you sure?” asked Big Macintosh. “What did it do?”

“It wanted my soul,” Spike told the Earth Pony Statue.

“What did you do about it?” asked Soarin in a concerned tone.

“I toasted it,” Spike told the Pegasus Statue and then shuddered. “I really don’t want to talk about.”

The others didn’t pry any further. Spike then wondered about what to do with his three friends. He couldn’t leave them here like this. He reached forward and touched the Unicorn Statue and it disappeared in a flash. Once again, Spike could feel the power of the Unicorn Mask within him. He did this same with the other two statues.

After making his way out of the tower, Spike heard a sound and looked back and saw the crystal tower shrinking. With the Element of Loyalty recovered and the tower conquered, both Nightmare Moon and Sombra’s curses lifted. Spike exited the castle to see a host of revived Crystal Ponies gathered outside. They shook their heads as though they just had woken a very long nightmare. The Pie Family was also there with Octavia and Vinyl Scratch.

“Oh yeah!” Vinyl cheered. “Way to go, kid!”

“Well done, my friend,” congratulated Octavia. “You have saved us all.”

Spike smiled at the scene of the freed ponies. He looked around the valley and noticed that grass and flowers were growing again. He looked to west and saw the moon. He thought to himself, No I haven’t, not yet. He pressed the button on the watch and traveled to the past for the last time.

Ponyville- Day 3, 6:00 P.M.

It was unusual to see the two Royal Alicorn Sisters walk down the street of Ponyville. The inhabitants of the town would stare in awe at their presence and then bowed as they passed by. The white and midnight blue Alicorns made their way to the residence of Twilight Sparkle. When they reached the library, they saw a group of melancholy ponies waiting outside. This didn’t surprise the princesses at all. They looked at the mourning faces of five of the Elements of Harmony and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. When the glum group saw the approaching royals, they somberly bowed.

“She isn’t talking to anypony?” Princess Celestia stated more as a fact rather than a question. They eight ponies sadly shook their heads. “I thought as much.”

Celestia took flight and flew to Twilight’s balcony as Luna tended to the sad group. She gave a sympathetic look as she saw the lavender mare weeping on her bed, her face buried into her pillow. Celestia gently knock on the window and Twilight looked up. Seeing her mentor, she used her magic to open the glass door. She walked up to the white Alicorn and then sat on her haunches. Tears were flowing from her eyes and Celestia wrapped her large wings and forelegs around her comfortingly.

“My dear Twilight,” Celestia said softly. “I am so sorry.”

“H-he can’t be gone. He just can’t be,” Twilight cried as she leaned against her secondary mother figure’s chest.

“I wish it wasn’t so, but I can’t change the truth.”

“But… But he was just a baby… He was my baby! I raised him, cared for him, and loved him. He was my son. I finally came to realize what he really meant to me and he was taken from me! It’s not fair!”

“I know, my little pony, I know. It isn’t fair. It is an unfortunate part of life that inevitably happens to all living beings. At least you have the comfort that one day you will be reunited with him. My sister and I have to endure the curse of immortality.”

“The curse of immortality?” Twilight asked as she looked up to her teacher with teary eyes.

“Yes, unlike you mortals, we have to stand watch over Equestria as the centuries pass by, forced to watch as our subjects are born, grow, age, and die in the blink of an eye. Each time one of my dear ones pass on to the next world while I remain here weighs heavily upon my soul. The hardest time of my very long life was the thousand years that Luna was banished, for I had to endure the pain without the only one who shared my suffering. What made it worse was the fact that I was to blame for it.”

“But, didn’t you banish Princess Luna for trying to bring about eternal night?”

“Yes, but it wasn’t her fault,” Celestia explained. “Years of neglect and ingratitude from our subjects drove her to despair and made it possible for the Nightmare Forces to corrupt her mind and her heart. I am to blame, for as her elder sister I should have noticed my beloved Luna’s pain before it was too late. I had failed, both as a princess and as sister, for while I tended to the needs of the ponies of Equestria, I neglected to see suffering of the one who needed me the most. However, that is all in the past and there is nothing I nor anypony else can do about it. All that we can do is to learn from that past and continue to move forward until our time comes.”

“Will you die, too?”

Celestia looked down at her faithful students worried face and said gently, “Yes, but not for a very long time. When my time finally comes, I will finally be able to be reunited with all of my loved ones. I know better than any that death is painful, but remember, it is not the end. It is just the next step. You will see Spike again. You will be with your son again.”

Princess Celestia words gave comfort to Twilight Sparkle’s grieving heart, but the pain was still there. The Alicorn helped the Unicorn to her bed and then left to prepare a memorial service for Spike the Dragon.

72 Hours Remaining

Dawn of the First Day- 72 Hours Remaining

Spike had returned to the beginning of the three day cycle for the last time. Spike looked down at watch. It hadn’t chimed like it did before the other times he had used it to travel through time. Looking at the magic meter on the side of the amulet, he noticed it was empty. He had used up the two weeks’ worth of magic that was powering the enchantment that was placed on the watch.

This is it guys, Spike addressed the three spirits in his head. We only have three more days to save Trotina.

But where is the Element of Magic? asked Soarin.

We can’t stop Nightmare Moon without it, stated the Unicorn Spike.

Don’t forget about my family, added Big Macintosh.

Or Scootaloo, Soarin reminded.

Or Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Zecora, Cranky, or Mr. Cake, added the other Spike.

There’s so much to do, Spike lamented as he thought about those ponies who needed to be saved. It chilled his blood to think of Zecora and how she was probably eaten by Timberwolves all those times he hadn’t gone to save her. Then he thought about Cranky and how he was to be boiled in oil. Mr. Cake was freezing to death and even that weirdo Tingle was headed to his doom. He looked down at the now useless amulet and sighed. And so little time.

As an answer to their dilemma, the portion of Princess Celestia’s power materialized before them and said, “Follow me.”

Obeying the ball of light, Spike followed it to the northern shrine. When the dragon reached the fountain where Princess Celestia was lying, he saw the ball of light enter into her. The Alicorn’s body shined like the sun and illuminated the fountain with a golden light. Spike shielded his eyes from the bright light and when he could look again at her, he saw that she was standing on her own four hooves. She smiled warmly as her ethereal mane that resembled the auroras flowed in a magical wind.

“Princess Celestia, are you okay?” Spike asked the white Alicorn.

“I’m fine,” she reassured. “Thanks to you and your companions’ efforts, I am whole again.”

“So, you can take on Nightmare Moon?” Spike asked hopefully. “I don’t have to find the Element of Magic?”

The regal mare shook her head. “I’m afraid that my power alone is not enough to stop her and the power of Discord’s Mask. I will need the assistance of the Elements of Harmony.”

“But I don’t know where the last one is! You said that it can only be found when the others are present.”

“Indeed. The Element of Magic will only appear when the five are present and a spark will unite them.”

“I remember the Twilight from my world saying it appeared to her when she discovered the true meaning of friendship. So how do I do that?” Spike asked.

“Spike, you’ll have to discover that on your own,” Celestia explain. “There are some things that can’t be taught, but rather must be found. Think of your experiences in this world and of the ponies you have met along the way. They will help you learn what you need to know.”

“But even if I do find the last Element,” Spike continued. “What about the curses on the land and the ponies in trouble?”

“That, I believe, is something that I can help you with,” she replied with a smirk.

“Really?” Spike asked as hope returned to him.

“You have already conquered the challenges of the Elements, it will be no problem to lift the curses now. Which reminds me…” The Princess’s horn glowed with magic and the birds that were fluttering around changed back into Pegasi and Unicorns. The royal guards shook their heads and then stood at attention.

“Princess, do you think that the Elements could restore my friends?”

Princess Celestia thought about this for a moment, and then said, “If they could bring life back to a dead land and free the Crystal Ponies of their curse, then yes, I believe so.”

“Good,” Spike said relief. The three Spirits of the Masks rejoiced from within Spike’s mind. Celestia then turned to her guards.

“Gentlecolts, you will do all that you can to aid Spike in his mission to save Trotina.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” saluted the soldiers.

“Spike,” Celestia said to the young dragon. “Remember what you have done in the different areas of Trotina. In order to preserve the natural flow of time, you must replicate your actions. What do you need us to do to help you?”

“Well,” Spike started as he thought about the previous cycles. “We need to go right now! Zecora is going to be eaten by Timberwolves!” Celestia nodded and teleported the group to the southern forest. When they arrived, the Element of Kindness glowed and the dark clouds and mist of the forest evaporated. It wasn’t long before they found Maltida and led them to Zecora. The group made up of soldiers, an Alicorn, and a dragon found her before the wolves even showed up and helped Zecora to her hut.

“What next?” Celestia asked. Spike remembered about Rarity and Sweetie Belle and asked the Princess to transport them to the temple. Spike changed into a Unicorn, opened the sealed door, made sure to take the correct passageway, and returned with them outside. Princess Celestia then teleported them to Prince Blueblood’s castle and watched as Rarity beat the snot out of the detestable Unicorn Prince. Spike, the guards, and even Celestia couldn’t help but to laugh at Blueblood’s misfortune. The guards then dragged the deposed despot to the dungeon and then the group prepared to depart. As they were about to depart to the next location, Spike spotted Twilight Sparkle. As before, she noticed the resemblance between his Unicorn form and her own adopted son. Spike could feel his counterpart yearning to talk to his mother figure.

“Your Highness, wait,” Spike said to Celestia. She looked from Spike to Twilight and understood what he needed to do.

“Just remember, we need to hurry,” the Princess reminded.

Spike nodded and headed to the lavender mare. The Unicorn changed back into a dragon. Twilight gasped and ran to the little dragon. “Hey, Twilight.”

“Oh, Spike!” she exclaimed. “I’m so glad you’re safe! Ever since Blueblood banished you, I haven’t been able stop worrying about you.”

“Twilight, there’s…” He was cut off when the mare hugged him and started to cry.

“I was so scared,” she sobbed. “I thought that I would never be able to tell… Spike, I love you… Y-You are more than just my assistant…”

“I know,” Spike said as he patted her back.

“You… You are my son…” When Twilight said this, both Spikes were hit by a wave of emotion. The Trotina Spike longed to be the one that was embracing this Twilight and the Equestria Spike wished he that he was hugging his.

“I love you, too… Mom,” Spike was barely managed to say before his started to get choked up. He thought about what he saw in the Test of Loyalty; his Twilight was crying for him, too. “But there’s something I need to tell you…”

“What is it, Spike?” she said as she looked down at the dragon.

“I… I have to leave now,” Spike explained. Twilight looked pained and stared at Spike as he elaborated. “The Princess needs me to a mission for her. I have to go,”

“What? No…No… ” Twilight cried in despair and shook her head as more tears fell. “You just got home. You can’t leave me again. I need you!”

“I’m sorry,” Spike apologized. “But I have to go now.”

“Why, why can’t you stay?” Twilight desperately asked. “Why?”

“I have to help the Princess save Trotina. We only have three days.”

“Will you be back?”

“I hope so,” Spike answered. The pair cried as they stared at each other and then hugged each other.

“Please, come back to me,” Twilight begged. Spike wasn’t able to say anymore and turned to leave with Celestia. He turned back just in time to see the sad face of the Unicorn before they were transported to the north.

Spike wiped away the tears and realized that they had arrived in the northern mountains. As with the curse over the forest, the blizzard had ended when the Element of Generosity glowed. He saw Mr. Cake shivering nearby and transformed into Big Macintosh. He ran to give him some of his dwindling supply of blue potion. Carrot Cake’s color returned, but he was barely conscious.

“Big… Mac…?” he weary pony asked.

“You’re goin’ to be fine,” Spike responded and then turned to the guards. “Ah need somepony to take Mr. Cake back to the village. Oh, and take the Lens of Truth back to its rightful place.”

The Pegasi guards took Mr. Cake and the lens and flew to the village. Next, the group traveled to the bay and the Element of Laughter immediately cleared the fog surrounding the island in the distance. Spike changed into Soarin and led the charge into the Diamond Dogs’ lair. It wasn’t a much of a fight. In fact, the invading squad made up of royal guards, a Wonderbolt, and the ruler of Trotina dominated the foalnappers in a matter of minutes. In the end, the Diamond Dogs were begging for mercy and gladly handed Scootaloo over. Celestia transported the group to the floating city and Spike returned Scootaloo to Rainbow Dash. After the tearful reunion, Soarin through Spike explained the situation to Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo.

“If you’re going, then I coming too,” the blue mare declared.

“No, you need to take care of Scootaloo,” Spike told her. Rainbow Dash was about to protest, but looked down at her adopted sister and conceded. “Don’t worry; I’ll see you at the celebration.”

The final place they went to was the eastern valley. Unlike the others, the Element of Loyalty didn’t dispel the curse on the land for Sombra had to be dealt with. The first thing that they did was head to the graveyard. Spike met with Octavia and explained to her that he was there to help while Celestia had Tingle arrested for grave robbing. They then traveled to the other side of the valley where Spike played the Song of Storms for Vinyl Scratch and the Song of Healing for the Pie Family. Spike then went with Celestia to reclaim her castle. Her power allowed them to break through Sombra’s barrier and march through the front gates of the palace.

When they reached the throne room, Sombra came to oppose them. The Solar Princess restrained the Shadow King with her magic as Spike burned away the curtains, allowing the sunlight to vanquish the cursed Unicorn. As Sombra vanished, the Element of Loyalty was finally able to break through the double curse of Nightmare Moon and Sombra and life returned to the valley.

Spike, along with Princess Celestia and her guards, returned to Clock Town to await the Summer Sun Celebration. The dragon looked to the clock tower and saw it was just past one in the afternoon. The Princess stationed herself on the platform above the central plaza to oversee the celebration’s preparations and Spike thought of what his next course action should be.

Wow, with the Princess’s help, we were able to do in seven hours what it had took us two weeks to do before, Spike remarked.

It makes things easier when you have an Alicorn on your side, commented Soarin.

Eeyup, agreed Big Macintosh. At least we have time now to find the last Element.

But what should we do? asked the other Spike. How do we make that ‘spark’ of friendship happen?

To answer their question, the Element of Honesty started to glow and started to levitate. Spike looked at the piece of jewelry around his neck and noticed that it seemed to be trying to lead him somewhere. He followed the Element’s pull and he saw a yellow Pegasus mare with a light pink mane trotting towards the mayor’s office. As soon as Spike saw the mare, the Element stopped glowing and rested against his chest.

Fluttershy? Spike wondered when saw the gentle Pegasus. He remembered from the first cycle that she was there to tell Madam Velvet that the Wonderbolts are going to cancel their performance. He also remembered that Twilight Velvet commissioned him to find Shining Armor for Princess Cadance. Remembering his promise, he ran up to Fluttershy.

“Excuse me, Fluttershy,” he called to the mare.

“Ooh!” The yellow mare jumped in surprise when she heard the voice behind her and turned around to look at the dragon. “Oh, you startled me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. What can I do for you?”

“Hi, my name’s Spike. I’m the private investigator Madame Velvet sent for.”

“Nice to meet you, Spike. I’m actually on my way to see Madame Velvet to tell her that the Wonderbolts have to cancel their show. You see I’m their manager and…”

“Actually, that’s what I need to talk to you about. They just sent me to tell you that they’ve found Soarin and they’ll be able to perform at the celebration.”

“Really? Oh, thank goodness,” Fluttershy sighed with relief. “I’m glad to hear that. I’ll tell her that the show will go on as scheduled.”

“Oh, could you also tell her that I’m here and I’m on the case?” Spike requested.

“Certainly,” she answered.

“Thank you. Now, if you’d excuse me, I have a missing pony to find,” Spike declared as he ran off to the place where he might get some answers; the inn. When he got there, he saw a wall eyed, gray Pegasus mailmare deliver a letter to Princess Cadance. The pink Alicorn gasped when saw the hoofwriting of her fiance on the letter.

“Where did you get this letter?” Cadance asked urgently.

“From a mailbox,” the mailmare answered innocently.

“That’s not what I meant. A mailbox where?”

“A mailbox somewhere,” the mailmare said, oblivious to what the Princess of Love meant.

“No, I mean…”

“Got to go, mail to deliver,” the gray Pegasus said as she flew out of the inn, leave the pink Alicorn confounded. She looked down at the letter that she just received and sighed.

“Your Highness,” Spike addressed the pink Alicorn, playing the role of a detective.

“Yes, how can I help you, little one?” Cadance asked as she looked up from the letter to the dragon.

“My name’s Spike, I’ve been sent to investigate the disappearance of Captain Armor,” he introduced himself.

“Oh,” she said with a little surprise. At first she doubted the young dragon but she looked at what he was wearing. “Are… Are those the Element of Harmony?”

“Yes Princess,” he confirmed.

“Then you must be some hero to obtain the Elements,” she complimented.

“Aww, I was just doing what I was told to,” he said as he blushed, but then he focused on his mission. “Anyway, I’m here to help you find your fiance. Would you happen to have any idea where he could be?”

“No, but… ,” she answered with a sad tone as she then looked at the letter in her hooves. “This letter, it’s from him.” She opened the letter and quickly read its contents.

“What does it say?” Spike asked.

“He says that he’s sorry and that he’s okay. He wants to meet at the laundry pool tomorrow at noon,” she summarized the letter and a troubled look appeared on her face. “Oh, but… what if he wants to tell me… that he doesn’t want to get married? What… What if he doesn’t love me anymore?”

Spike thought about the time he had waited with her and how he had never showed up. He must be just as nervous about the meeting as she is.

We need a mediator, the other Spike concluded.

But how do we get him to show up? Spike asked.

The mailmare! Soarin said, remembering the gray Pegasus that just delivered the letter. She must of got the letter from him, maybe she can help us.

But, what if she doesn’t tell us? Spike asked.

Then send a letter to him and follow the mailmare, suggested Big Macintosh.

“Here’s an idea,” Spike said to the upset princess. “I’ll talk to him. You can write a letter to him, telling him that you still want to get married, and then mail it. Tomorrow, I’ll follow the mailmare to him and talk to him.”

“You’d do that for me?” the pink Alicorn asked, touched by his kindness. He nodded and she pulled him into a hug. “Oh, thank you so much. I write the letter right away.”

After writing the letter, the two went outside, found the nearest mailbox, and sent the letter. Spike then asked, “When does the mailmare begin her run?”

“I believe she begins at nine in the morning,” she answered.

“I guess we just have to wait until then,” Spike replied. Cadance then returned to the inn, a little relieved to know that someone was helping her. However, she was still filled with anxiety. Spike then looked down at the Element of Honesty, amazed that the magical artifact had led them to where he needed to be. As he looked at the apple shaped gem, he suddenly remembered that he had made a ‘Pinkie Promise’ to Applejack. It was time to fulfill his vow.

Spike ran out the southern gate and headed to Sweet Apple Acres. By Celestia’s command, the guard moved aside for Spike. The dragon made his was down the road and passed by the Flim Flam Brother’s stand.

“Well, looky at…” Flim began to say his sales pitch, but Spike just ran passed him. He transformed into Big Macintosh and moved the fallen tree out of the road.

Big Mac, do you want me to say something to your family?

Eenope, declined the Earth Pony. Ah’ll rather speak to them face to face.

Spike changed back into a dragon and ran to the farm. He saw Applejack in the orchard and started a repeat of the conversation that they previously had a couple three day cycles ago.

“Well howdy there,” the orange mare greeted. “Ah’m Applejack, and welcome to our farm. Wait, did you come here from Clock Town?”

“Yes I did,” Spike confirmed.

“Well now, that means somepony moved that tree that was blocking the road. Ah was plannin’ on doin’ it myself, but was rather busy with all the weddin’ business.”

“I’m guessing that you’re handling the catering for the wedding.”

“That’s right. Ah was hired to handle all the caterin’ for it,” she explained. “Ah was so busy with all the bakin’, buckin’, and cider makin’ that Ah didn’t think Ah’d ever get to movin’ that tree out of the way. Well, Ah got to get back to work. There’s still a lot to do before the weddin’. Why don’t you go say ‘hi’ to my sister and granny over there?”

Spike ran up to the farm house and saw the elderly Earth Pony and the little yellow filly. This time, Granny Smith was awake, but Apple Bloom was still practicing for the fight against the ‘ghosts’ tonight.

“Hey there,” the red maned filly cheerfully greeted as she saw the dragon approaching her. “Ah’m Apple Bloom. What’s your name?”

“I’m Spike,” the dragon introduced himself again.

“Hm, Spike?” the filly said with a thoughtfully look. “That’s nice in all, but how about…”

“Not ‘Grasshopper,’” Spike rejected even before she could say the nickname.

“Huh, how did you…” she began to ask.

“Not ‘Grasshopper,’” he repeated.

“Aw, okay…” she gave up.

“It looks like you’re preparing for a battle,” he commented, nodding to the scarecrow.

“Ah’m practicing for tonight.” Her face became serious. “Because ‘they’ are comin’ tonight.”

“Who’s coming,” Spike asked, but he already knew the answer.

“The ghosts,” she explained. “They come around this time every year to steal our apples. My sister says that Ah’m just dreaming, but Ah’ve seen them! But you believe me, don’t you?” Again, she gave him a sad pouty-face.

“Of course, I’ll even help you fight them,” Spike told her.

“You will?” she asked excitedly. “Oh, thank you!”

“No problem. So what’s the plan?”

“Well, they come early in the morning’ around two when everypony is asleep. When they come sneakin’ to the barn, we’ll jump out and fight them off!”

“Hmm, how about this,” Spike suggested. “You stand on lookout and I’ll wait by the door for them. When you see them come to the door, give me a sign and I’ll jump out and scare them off with my fiery breath.”

“Ooh, teamwork! That’s a great idea! Ah’ll moo like a cow when the time comes.”

“Okay, it’s a plan.”

“Granny!” she called out to old, bright green Earth Pony. “This is Spike, he gonna help me fight off the ghost!”

“That’s nice dear,” the elderly pony said even though she didn’t believe in the ‘ghost.’

“Can Spike stay for supper?” Apple Bloom asked with a irresistible face.

“Of course he can,” Granny Smith answered as she gave a welcoming smile to the young dragon. Actually, Spike was quite grateful for the dinner invitation. Just like the Apple Family back in Equstria, they were incredible chefs. Spike had a delicious dinner of various apple products. Toast with apple jam, apple fritters, apple turnovers, and other delectable dishes.

After the meal, the family started to settle in and call it a night. Spike was offered the guest bedroom, which was mainly used by Big Macintosh whenever he had time to visit. Unfortunately, his duties didn’t allow him to have much time to visit.

Spike didn’t attempt to catch a few hours of sleep, for he didn’t want to accidentally sleep through the operation. He knew what would happen if he didn’t help Apple Bloom; the farm will be accidentally burnt down. Spike took a swig of some of his remaining blue potion to help him stay awake. When the time came, he quietly sneaked out of the room, not wanting to wake the others. He looked down the hall and saw Apple Bloom doing the same. They nodded to each other and headed outside to the barn.

Apple Bloom stationed herself by a window on the second level and Spike sat beside her, ready to hop down to the door when they saw them coming. Apple Bloom strained her eyes, trying to look for the burglars in the night. Spike could see better in the dark than she could and spotted the ‘ghosts’ approaching the edge of the farm. They weren’t ghosts at all, but two ponies wearing sheets. Judging by the bumps on their heads, they were Unicorns.

Two Unicorns coming to cause trouble for the Apples, take a wild guess who that could be, Spike remarked to the spirits in his head.

The Flim Flam Brothers, the other Spike answered.

Eeyup, Big Macintosh said with a not too pleased tone.

They want trouble, we’ll give them trouble, Soarin growled.

“They’re coming,” Spike whispered and pointed to the pathetically disguised thieves. He hoped down to the door and waited for Apple Bloom’s sign.

After a minute or two, Apple Bloom waved at Spike and said, “Moo!”

Spike pulled opened the doors so suddenly that the ‘ghosts’ jumped back in alarm. To startle them even more, a green jet of flame shot between them.

“Aahhh! A monster!” a voice than belonged to Flam yelled.

“Let’s get out of here!” Flim’s voice shouted from beneath one of the sheets. The pair ran and Spike chased after them for a few yards, breathing fire at them. In their panic, they dropped their sheets so that they could get away faster, revealing their identities to Spike. Spike smirked at the retreating thieves and headed back to Apple Bloom.

“Spike, that was amazin'!” she cheered.

“It was nothing,” he modestly claimed and handed over the sheets. “Here’s some evidence to show your family.”

“Thank you for helping me save the apples,” she said as she took the sheets in her hooves. “Ah should get to bed. Goodnight, little hero.”

She blushed and leaned forward to give Spike a quick peck on the cheek. Spike stood there stunned as she ran back to the house.

48 Hours Remaining

Dawn of the Second Day- 48 Hours Remaining

Applejack and Granny Smith stared at the two sheets that were laid across the table in the kitchen. The sheets with eye holes cut into them were proof that Apple Bloom’s story was at least partially true. Though they weren’t ghosts as she had previously claimed, somepony was trying to steal the apples and the barrels of cider. Applejack was both outraged and ashamed at the same time. She had worked so hard to prepare for the wedding and the Summer Sun Celebration and two thieves were about to ruin all of her hard work. Yet, she hadn’t listened to her younger sister’s warnings and that made her felt awful.

“Apple Bloom,” the orange mare said to the filly with a sorrowful expression. “Ah’m so sorry for not believin’ you.”

“It’s okay, sis,” the yellow filly reassured. “At least Spike and Ah were able to chase off those thievin’ varmints.”

“How can we ever repay you?” Applejack asked Spike.

“I’m just happy that I could help,” the dragon responded.

“Do y’all think that they’ll be back?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Ah think we’ve seen that last of those no good swindlers,” Granny Smith answered. “They’ll think twice before they show their faces around these parts again.”

“Even so,” Applejack interjected and turned to Spike. “Ah headed to town this evenin’ to set up for the weddin’, Ah’d feel better if somepony came with me to help protect the barrels of cider.”

“Ah’ll do it!” Apple Bloom volunteered.

“Ah appreciate it, lil sis, but you need to stay here with Granny in case they do come back.”

“But, Ah…” Apple Bloom started to pout.

“She’s right, youngin,” Granny Smith said to the filly. “You’re needed here. Otherwise, Ah’d get lonely.”

“Oh, alright,” Apple Bloom moaned in defeat.

“So, Spike,” Applejack said to the dragon. “How ‘bout it?”

“What time are you leaving?” Spike asked.

“At six in the evenin’,” she answered.

“I have a few errands to run, but I’ll do my best to be here,” Spike responded. The dragon left the farm and ran down the road. The Flim Flam Brothers’ stand was no longer on the side of the road.

At least they’re gone, Spike thought. They won’t… have… to…

Spike, are you okay? his counterpart asked, but the Unicorn Spirit’s voice sounded distant. Spike’s vision started to go blurry.

You will watch as they, one by one, grow older and older while you remain young… a new voice echoed in his head.
Huh? What… Spike mumbled as his tried to recognize the voice.

You will watch as each and every one of them will die and turn to dust before your very eyes… He had heard this words before. You will spend the rest of your centuries-long life all alone; friendless, miserable, and hated by all…

The clock tower, Spike thought as he started to remember.

After millenniums have passed, you will wish that you have never been hatched and raised by ponies…

The Element of Honesty… He could see the Mirage Applejack.

You will envy the other dragons with their solitary lives, only caring for their hoards...

The test… He could see his mirror image taunting him.

You will wish that you were one of them...

This is what I heard in the test, Spike realized.

At least then you would be spared the heartache that comes with being a dragon that perceives time as a pony…

Why am I seeing this again? Spike wondered.

Spike… he heard a voice calling to him. Snap out of it!

Spike gasped and realized that he was standing in the middle of the road, spacing out. The voice of the other Spike brought him back to the world.

Are you okay? Soarin asked.

Maybe you need to sleep for a while, suggested Big Macintosh.

No, we got to making back to Clock Town, Spike said as he pulled out the flask and took a small sip of the blue potion. He could feel a surge of energy in his body and continued to run. We got to make it back in time to follow the mailmare.

As the young dragon made his way to Clock Town, he thought about memory that he had just experienced. He remembered the sorrow that came with the Test of Honesty. No matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t change the truth. In the end, he will end up alone.

It was raining when he had made it back to the city. He looked up at the clock tower and saw it was almost nine in the morning. He made his way to the western part of town where the post office was located. As soon as the clock struck nine, a gray Pegasus exited the building.

Very punctual, the other Spike remarked. Follow her, but not too closely. We don’t want her to think that we’re stalking her.

Isn’t that what we’re doing? Soarin snidely commented.

Enough of that, and follow that mare, ordered Big Macintosh.

Spike kept his distance, but never lost track of the wall eyed mailmare. He followed as she trekked across Clock Town. Her route took her all around the town. First, she went through the northern part of town. After collecting the mail from the boxes, she head to the eastern part of town. Spike watched intently as she stopped by the mailbox by the inn. He saw her take out the letter that Princess Cadance had written to Shining Armor and placed it in her bag. Now, it was only a matter of time before she delivers it and then Spike could talk to the missing groom.

Spike continued to follow the mailmare to the central part of town and then back to the western part. It was noon and the mare stopped back at her office for lunch and to sort the mail. He would have to wait until the afternoon before she did her delivery route.

I hope we find him soon, said the other Spike. Remember, we still got to make it back to the farm before six.

Eeyup, Big Macintosh agreed. Spike heard them, but didn’t have the strength to respond. Once again, their voices sounded distant.

She… she rejected me… she doesn’t love me… a memory echoed in his head. Spike flashed back to the day that started it all. Rarity rejected him in favor for a pony she didn’t know. Why him? What was so special about Count High N’Mighty? What did he have that Spike didn’t?

Hey, she’s leaving! the Unicorn Spike shouted. Spike shook his head and realized that he was spacing out again. He took another sip of potion and followed the mailmare as she made her run.

Spike, I’m starting to worry about you, his counterpart fretted.

I’m fine, Spike flatly stated as he watched the mare give various ponies their mail, but didn’t see the letter yet.

Are you sure? asked Soarin.

I’m fine, he repeated little agitated. The others didn’t press the issue, but they could tell something was wrong.

Eventually, Spike followed the gray Pegasus to the laundry pool. He watched as she headed to an alleyway that led behind the stores of western Clock Town. The dragon hid behind a corner and watched as the mare knocked on a backdoor of one of the stores. A white colt wearing a fox mask answered the door and Spike recognized the colt’s cutie mark. It was a shield with a magenta star.

It’s him! the other Spike declared.

But, he’s just a colt, observed Big Macintosh. How could he be the pony we’re looking for?

The Shining Armor we’re looking for is a stallion. All I see is a foal, said Soarin.

Trust me, I’d recognize that cutie mark anywhere, the Unicorn Spike explained. That’s definitely Twilight’s brother.

The mailmare left and the colt went back inside with his letter. After the gray mare was out of sight, Spike came out of his hiding place and went to the door. He knocked on the door and after a few moments, it opened. The masked colt stood in the door way and looked at Spike.

“Purple scales… Green spines… Cadance wrote about you in her letter,” the colt said to the dragon. “It seems you are looking for Shining Armor. Can you keep a secret?”

“Yes,” Spike told him.

“Cadance trusted you. I guess I can trust you, too,” the colt said as he reached for the mask. When he took it off, Spike saw the face of Shining Armor that he remembered from when he was a baby. “I am Shining Armor.”

“What happened to you?” Spike asked regarding the captain’s youthful appearance.

“I was turned into this by a dark Alicorn wearing a strange mask,” he explained. “But I’m not hiding because I look this way.”

“I guess that makes you another victim of Nightmare Moon’s curse,” Spike commented.

Shining Armor nodded and continued. “When I was turned into this, I went to see Princess Celestia, but on the way, the wedding rings were stolen from me by a griffon! If I was an adult, no one would have tried to do this to me, but I was targeted because of what I was turned into.”

“I’m very sorry that this happened to you just before your wedding,” Spike sympathized.

“I know that Cadance is worried and that I said that I wanted to meet with,” Shining Armor confessed. “But I can’t go out yet. I have to get those rings back. Here…” He pulled out a medal with his family’s crest on it and gave it to Spike. “This was my uncle’s. I was going to wear it during the wedding. Give it to Cadance and tell her that I still want to get married. Tell her I’ll be back before the wedding.”

“You got it,” Spike said as he took the pendant.

“Things that get stolen in this town always make their way to this shop,” Shining Armor explained. “I know. I’ve led raids on it many times. I’ve promised the owner that I’ll go easy on him if he helps me out. I’m waiting for that griffon to show up.”

“Alright, I’ll give this to Cadance,” Spike declared at started to head out.

“Keep what we just talked about a secret from everypony,” Shining Armor said as the dragon left.

Spike ran across town to the inn. He headed upstairs and knocked on Princess Cadance’s door. The pink Alicorn opened the door and saw Spike standing there.

“Oh… Did you meet him?” she asked nervously. Spike pulled out the medal and handed it to the princess. She gasped and took the medal in her hooves. “Ah! This… this is his…”

“He said that he still wants to get married and that he’ll be back in time for the wedding,” Spike told her. “He’s just… He has to finish some last minute business first, but don’t worry, he’s got it covered.”

“O-Okay, I…” she said with a little uncertainty, but then strengthened her conviction. “I believe in him. I will wait for him. Thank you, thank you very much!”

She gave him a hug and Spike smiled a bit. He then noticed it was getting late in the afternoon and remembered his promise to Applejack. He hurried back to Sweet Apple Acres and was relieved to see that Applejack hadn’t left yet. She was loading up the last few barrels of cider on a cart when she spotted Spike running up to her.

“Well howdy there, Spike,” the mare with the Stetson greeted. “You’re just in time.”

“Hey, I’m a dragon of my word,” Spike replied.

“Well, come along and hop on,” she said, motioning to the cart as she hitched herself to it. “It’s time to haul these to town.” Spike hopped on the cart and Applejack started to pull the cart. “This is nice. Now Ah won’t be so lonely as Ah deliver the cider. Ah welcome your company.”

“It’s my pleasure,” Spike told her. The cart headed out the farm and onto the road that will lead them back to Clock Town. Spike found it ironic that he ran from the city just to go back to it.

“Ah guess it’s been awhile since our folks died,” the orange mare said with a contemplative tone, talking to herself more than to Spike. “Ah’ve been tryin’ to take care of the farm, but with my brother livin’ up north and Granny gettin’ older, things haven’t been easy. Ah guess with the Flim Flam Brothers stealin’ our apples and cider, things were harder than they should be. At least now Ah know why we always seemed to barely scrape by each year; those thievin’ varmints. Ah should have listened to Apple Bloom, she was right all along.”

“Stop kicking yourself for that,” Spike told her. “You can’t change what happened. All you can do is to try to do better.”

Rarity left to be with that Count High N’Mighty. She even told you the reason why she couldn’t be with you. It’s hopeless; you have lost her, a voice said in his head. Spike shook his head to clear it and took another sip of blue potion.

“Ah guess you’re right,” Applejack responded and then looked up to the moon. “What do you think is gonna happen? Ah sure hope it doesn’t fall.”

Not if I can help it, Spike thought to himself.

“What in tarnation?” Applejack exclaimed as she came to stop. In front of them were a dozen fallen trees and a sign mark ‘detour’ headed down a suspicious looking trail. “Spike, Ah got a bad feelin’ about this. Get ready.” She headed down the detour, eying the sides of the path for any sign of trouble. “First, there was one tree and now there’s a dozen. Ah’m gonna get us through here as fast as can. Keep a lookout for those two rascals. They’re probably behind this. Can Ah count on you?”

“Of course,” Spike answered. “Let’s do this!”

“Yee-haw!” Applejack reared back onto her hind legs and then sprinted forward. The Earth Pony raced down the trail and Spike held on to the cart to balance himself. He looked all around, but did see anything. Then, he heard a noise. It sounded like the roar of a motor. Spike heard something crashing through the forest and a large vehicle burst through the trees behind the cart. It was the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 and it was racing towards them! Applejack didn’t dare to look back, but Spike could see the Flim Flam Brothers sitting behind the wheel on the contraption. The two Unicorns were wearing thin, black masks across their faces, not really hiding their identities that well.

Pistons roses up and down and gears cranked as smoke roses from pipes on the machine as it gained on the cider cart. A large nozzle came from the machine and reached for the cart. Spike could feel the suction coming from the oversized hose and the barrels of cider began to rattle against their restraints. If he didn’t do something soon, they’ll break free and be sucked up by the machine.

“Applejack, no matter what, don’t stop running!” Spike shouted over the roar of the vacuum.

“What are you plannin’?” she asked, concerned that the dragon was about to do something foolish.

“No time to argue, just run!” he shout. He turned back to the machine and jumped. He landed on the driver’s seat between the two brothers. The thieves looked down in surprise and confusion. Spike shot a small flicker of flame at Flim’s flank and the stallion leaped up in his seat, trying to extinguish his smoking rump. Spike reached down and slammed on the brakes. The brakes squealed and Flam grabbed the wheel in attempt to control the swerving vehicle. The vehicle went of the trail and crashed into a large tree, wrecking the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000.

The crash left the two brothers disorientated and dazed. Flam stumbled out of the wrecked machine and was followed by Flim. They held a hoof to their heads, trying to steady themselves. They then saw the remains of their prized machine and were filled with anger.

“Ooh, that dragon!” fumed Flim. “If I ever get my hooves on that little…”

The olive stallion was silenced by a buck to the head, knocking him senseless. Flam looked over to his brother, but then a large hoof grabbed him by his bow-tie. The mustached brother looked up and saw the angry face of Big Macintosh. Flam nervously gulped as the large, red Earth Pony scowled down at him.

“Eenope,” Spike growled and then proceeded to beat the thief. After a sound beating, the Flim Flam Brothers ran like little fillies out of the forest. “Don’t let me catch y’all two showin’ your faces around here again!”

Spike changed back into a dragon and ran down the path to meet up with Applejack. Before he could reach the main road, he saw the orange pony running up to him.

“Spike, are you alright?” Applejack asked with concern. “Ah heard a crash.”

“I’m fine,” Spike told her. “Really, I’m okay.”

“What happened to the Flim Flam Brothers?”

“They ran off. I don’t think they’ll be coming back.”

“Well, Ah’m glad you’re okay.” She hitched herself back to the cart and Spike hopped back on. The Earth Pony pulled the cart down the road. They left the forest and headed to the gates of Clock Town. Spike helped Applejack to unload the barrels of cider and other wedding preparations in a room that she rented out.

“Looks like you’re all set to start baking for the wedding,” Spike said as they finished.

“Well, I’m glad that we were able to make it here safe n’ sound,” she told them. The mare walked over to the dragon and gave him a thankful smile. “Thank you, sugar cube. Ah wouldn’t have made it without your help.” She looked a little bashful, but continued. “Ah know this is much, but…” She wrapped her forelegs around his neck and pulled the young dragon into an affectionate hug. She held him there against her chest for a good amount of time. When she had released the dragon, his ear frills were glowing red. A grin was spread across his flushed face and he felt all warm and fuzzy inside. With all the affection he’s been receiving recently, Spike figured that he could get used to it. “Ah know it isn’t much, but Ah wanted thank you for all that you’ve done and not just for me, but for Apple Bloom, too.”

“I’m just happy that I could help,” Spike humbly responded. The two stood there awkwardly until Applejack spoke again.

“Well, it’s gettin’ late. Ah’ve gotta get some sleep before Ah start cookin’ tomorrow,” she told them. “Then Ah’ll head home tomorrow afternoon.”

“You’re not sticking around for the wedding?” Spike asked.

“Ah am,” she explained. “Ah’ll head back here on the mornin’ of the weddin’ with the others. Well, Ah guess Ah’ll see you around.”

“Yeah, see you around.” Spike headed out the room and took another sip of blue potion. He only had one more day, and he still hadn’t found the Element of Magic yet.

24 Hours Remaining

Dawn of the Final Day- 24 Hours Remaining

Throughout the night, Spike wandered the streets of Clock Town, desperately trying to think of a way to cause the ‘spark’ to appear. He only had one day to find the Element of Magic. Yesterday, the Element of Honesty had led him to Fluttershy, which led to him finding the missing Shining Armor, and then to helping Applejack. If that wasn’t enough to light the spark of friendship, then what could?

The sun had risen over the tops of the building and Spike looked up at it with bloodshot eyes. He was now beginning his eighteenth day of no sleep. He pulled out the flask of blue potion and frowned disappointedly when he felt how light it felt. He had depended on the miraculous elixir to keep him going through his adventure and now it was almost gone. He popped the cap off and prepared to take the last sip of potion.

Maybe instead of drinking the potion, you should get some sleep, interjected the alternate version of himself.

No, Spike rejected in a deadpan voice as he lifted the flask to his lips with a shaking claw. The amount of potion remaining wasn’t even a mouthful. He shook the container to get the last few drops out of it. His body felt rejuvenated, but his mind still felt fuzzy. After looking at the now empty flask, Spike discarded it. If I fall asleep now, I won’t wake back up in time.

Come on, Spike, Soarin said to the dragon. You’re running yourself into the ground.

Eeyup, Big Macintosh agreed.

How about you go to the inn and sleep for a little bit? suggested the other Spike. However, Spike stopped listening to them. Spike? Hello… Spike… Are you… listening… to… us…

Spike was having another vision as he walked down the streets of Clock Town. He could see the six graves on top of the hill in Ponyville cemetery. The dragon could tell he was in an adult form, for he towered over the monuments. He looked at each of the symbols that were craved on the headstones: three apples for Applejack, three butterflies for Fluttershy, three balloons for Pinkie, three diamonds for Rarity, a cloud and lightning bolt for Dash, and a starburst for Twilight. He then read each epitaph.

Here lies Applejack the Steadfast

The Element of Honesty

A hardworking and dependable pony of the land

Dependable, Spike thought. I’ve never met a pony that was more trustworthy than her.

“Watch it!” a pony grumbled as Spike bumped into him, distracting him from the vision.

“Oh, excuse me,” Spike apologized quickly and then continued walking. The vision continued.

Here lies Fluttershy the Benevolent

Element of Kindness

A gentle soul and a caretaker of animals

Benevolent, Spike mused about the word. It indeed described the gentle Pegasus perfectly. She was even willing to give Discord another chance when nopony else would.

Here lies Pinkamena Diane “Pinkie” Pie the Joyful

Element of Laughter

A friend to all those who knew her

At least the included the ‘Pinkie’ part, Spike smirked. Future generations should know her by her preferred name.

Here lies Rarity N’Mighty the Graceful

Element of Generosity

Whose inner beauty was only matched by her outer beauty

N’Mighty…Spike stared at the words on the headstone. Envy filled his heart as he read the surname of the count she had gone to meet the morning he arrived in Trotina. It seemed to mock him. Angry, he quickly looked away and read the next epitaph.

Here lies Rainbow Dash the Brave

Element of Loyalty

A mare willing to risk her life for others

Despite her attitude and cockiness, she is willing to put her friends’ needs before her own, Spike thought as he remembered the time she was willing to almost give up her dream of becoming a Wonderbolt just because her friends were in danger.

Here lies Twilight Sparkle the Magnificent

Element of Magic

A member of the Royal Family and disciple of Celestia, Princess of the Sun

A member of the Royal Family? Spike wondered. Well, her brother is Shining Armor. He became a prince when he married Princess Cadance. Cadance is the ‘niece’ of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I guess that makes her Celestia’s niece-in-law. Would that make her a princess? I can see it now; Lady Sparkle, Twilight Princess.

Spike laughed out loud from the thought of his caregiver being royalty. The ponies he passed gave him strange looks for sudden outburst. As the laughter ended, the feelings of melancholia returned as he remember the unfortunate truth that he will outlive the six mares by millennia. In the vision, he looked up and saw the moon. The mark of the Mare in the Moon was on its surface. The image’s eye glowed yellow and red as Spike heard an evil chuckle.

Spike yelped and the vision ended. He looked beside him and noticed that he was by the black market store which Shining Armor was hiding in. Spike wondered if the thief that the cursed colt was waiting for had shown up yet. He entered and saw an earth pony stallion moving some boxes around.

“Sorry, we don’t open until…” the shopkeeper stopped when he saw that his visitor was a young dragon. “Oh, you’re the dragon Captain Armor mentioned.” The pony reached behind the counter and pulled out a letter and gave it to Spike.

“What’s this?” Spike asked.

“He said it was for his mother,” the pony explained. “I was going to give it to her, but could you do it for me?”

“Sure,” Spike said as he took the letter.

“Oh, he also wanted me to tell you that he’s found the griffon he was looking for.”

“Really?”

“Yep, he came in around midnight last night trying to sell some stolen goods.”

“Did he have the rings?”

“No, but the captain said that he was going to follow him and see if he would lead him to his hideout.”

“Who was the griffon?” Spike asked.

“I believe his name is Gustave Le Grand,” recollected the shopkeeper. “He’s come through here a few times before.”

“What does he look like?”

“Let’s see…” the pony said as he thoughtful tapped a hoof to his chin. “He has gray fur, silvery feathers, speaks with an accent… ooh, and he had a mustache.”

Gray fur… silver feathers… a mustache… the other Spike thought.

Didn’t we see a griffon like that before? Soarin asked.

Hhhmmm… Spike tried to remember where he could have seen a griffon, then it came to him. The valley!

The eastern valley? asked Soarin. That’s right, we saw him fly down by the river.

Eeyup, confirmed Big Macintosh. Ah bet he’s hold up down in that canyon.

We got to help get those rings back! declare the other Spike. The young dragon ran out the store and saw the mailmare heading out to do her runs. He looked at the letter in his claw and ran to the gray Pegasus.

“Excuse,” Spike called to the wall eyed mare.

“Sorry, I can’t talk now,” she told him. “I got a schedule to keep.”

“But I got a letter,” he said, holding up the envelope.

“I can take that for you,” she cheerful said as Spike handed the letter over to her. “Thank you and have a nice day.”

She seems upbeat even though the moon is about to fall, Soarin remarked.

It’s not going to fall, Spike silenced him. He ran towards the nearest gate, which happened to be the one to the south. He was about to head east, but he saw the southern forest.

Could you check up on them one more time for me? Big Macintosh requested. Ah wanna make sure that those two bandits didn’t try anythin’ while Applejack was headed back.

Sure, we still got time, Spike answered as he headed towards Sweet Apple Acres. When he arrived, he saw that Applejack did in fact make it back safely. He could see the orange mare with her younger sister outside the farmhouse. Apple Bloom was playing with Winona and Applejack was staring up at the moon with a forlorn look on her face.

“Hey there, Spike!” the yellow filly cheered. Applejack looked down and gave a small smile when she saw the dragon.

“Hey Spike,” the elder sister greeted him softly. “What brings you here?”

“I just wanted to make sure that you’d made it back safely,” he told her.

“That’s mighty noble of you,” she complimented.

“Guess what!” Apple Bloom excitedly shouted. “Applejack is lettin’ me have some of the special cider! They always said it was only for big ponies, but she says that Ah’m big enough now.”

“That’s right,” Applejack confirmed. “You deserve it for fightin’ off those thieves. Ah can see that you’ve become such a big pony.” Applejack was a terrible liar. Her sister was too excited to notice, but Spike sensed that something was off. Applejack would never let a filly have some of the hard apple cider. “And Apple Bloom…”

“Yes, sis,” the little sister responded, not really paying attention.

“Sleep with me in my bed tonight, okay Apple Bloom?” Applejack asked with a faint tremble in her voice.

“Okay, sure,” she replied as she excitedly ran around with her dog. She didn’t notice, but Spike did. Applejack knew that something horrible was about to happen and she didn’t want her sister to be aware of it.

“I have to go now,” Spike told the orange earth pony. “I’m glad that you made it back safely.”

“See you… tomorrow… okay?” she said with a sad smile. Spike saw a single tear run down her cheek, which she quickly wiped away. Spike gave her an understanding, sad smile of his own and left the farm.

Spike ran through the eastern valley. It surprised the young dragon to see this place so full of life. Not too long ago it was a desolate land filled with the undead. Now, Crystal Ponies merrily frolicked through the lush fields, their prismatic coats shimmering from the light of afternoon sun. He could even see the Pie family. Pinkie’s mane had become curly again.

Spike headed down the trail to the river at the bottom of the ravine. He followed the river along the bank, headed in the direction that he saw that griffon went the other day. As he passed by some boulders he heard someone trying to get his attention.

“Psst, over here,” the voice whispered. Spike looked over to a boulder and saw a hoof waving to him. He then saw Shining Armor peeking over the rock. “Spike, hurry!”

“Shining Armor, did you find his hideout?” Spike asked as he joined him behind the rock.

“I think so,” the Unicorn answered. “I followed him here. He tapped some rocks on the wall and a secret door opened.” He pointed to a series of rocks that were protruding from the canyon wall.

“Were you able to get the combination?”

“No, I couldn’t see. His body was in the way, but I timed how long the door stays open by watching him go in and when he left a while ago.”

“How much time?”

“Five seconds,” Shining Armor reported. “All we have to do is to wait for him to come back and rush in after him.”

“Five seconds,” Spike repeated. “It’s going to be close. Well, nothing left to do but wait.”

Spike sat against the boulder while Shining Armor kept a constant watch for the return of Gustave as it grew later in the day. As Spike waited, he thought about the crystal ponies. He wondered if they were even aware of the terrible fate that awaited them at dawn. Was it all worth it? Would he be able to find the Element of Magic in time? Would he be able to save Trotina from the wrath of Nightmare Moon, or were his actions done in vain? Spike sighed and looked up to the moon in the evening sky.

Of course it’s all in vain… a dark voice said in the back of his mind.

Did any of you say something? he asked the Spirits of the Mask.

Eenope, answered Big Macintosh. Spike shrugged and went back to waiting. Then the voice spoke again.

No matter what you do, they’re all are doomed… the voice whispered to him. And not just these ponies…

The voice’s words caused Spike to think about the ponies back in Equstria. He wondered what they were doing right now.

Ponyville- Day 3, 10:00 P.M.

Twilight Sparkle felt empty inside. Despite the comforting words of Princess Celestia, the lavender Unicorn was inconsolable. She discovered that she had a son and was told that he was dead all in the same day. She had been lying on her bed crying ever sense she was told the devastating news.

She looked up from the pillow that she had been crying into and looked around her bedroom. Everywhere she looked, she saw something that reminded her of Spike. At the foot of her bed was his basket. A pain gripped her heart as she looked at the tiny basket. Spike had asked her many times for an actual bed of his own and now she regretted never getting him one.

On the dresser was the picture of her and the newly hatched baby dragon. Seeing the picture caused her to cry harder. Using her magic, she levitated the frame to her hooves. She looked at the image of the hatchling dragon and remembered how he used to crawl into her bed when he would have nightmares. With the picture cradled in forelegs, she cried herself to sleep.

*****

“Psst, he’s coming,” Shining Armor announced. Spike stood up and joined the colt in peering over the edge of the rock. They saw the griffon walking down the path. He saw wearing a black cape and top hat.

“Wow,” Spike sarcastically whispered. “If he were even more cliche, he would…” Right before Spike could say it, Gustave twirled his mustache and let out a sinister laugh as he peered over his cape. “… do that.”

The griffon tapped the stones on the wall and a secret door rose up. The griffon swooped inside the lair and Shining Armor rushed towards the door with Spike following him. The door began to lower and the pair slid under it. Spike quickly pulled his tail out from under the falling door before it got caught. Spike looked up and saw Shining Armor glaring at the griffon. Gustave Le Grand turned around and dramatically gasped when he saw the intruders in his lair.

“Les intrus!” the griffon exclaimed. “Oh? Qu'est-ce que c'est? Un poulain et un bébé dragon?”

“Give me back the rings, Gustave!” demand Shining Armor.

“Do you mean zeese rings?” the griffon as he pulled two golden rings from his cape. He tossed them on a conveyor belt and rushed to the lever. He laughed and pulled the lever, activating the belt. “Oh ho ho ho! Vat vill you do? Catch moi or save your rings?” The griffon activated a switch and went through a door that opened.

“Forget him, grab the rings!” the colt yelled. They had slipped through a tiny slot in the wall, continuing down the belt. There were two locked doors and a pressure plate on the floor. Shining Armor stood on the plate and one door open. Shining Armor ran to the door, but it close as soon as he ran off the plate. “Quick, stand on the switch!”

Spike ran to the switch and stood on it, allowing Shining Armor to enter the room. Once inside, he could see the rings slide under another slot. He saw a plate on the floor and stood on it. The door in front of Spike opened and he ran through it, causing the door to close behind Shining Armor. Inside the room was another switch which Spike proceeded to step on.

The door in front of Shining Armor opened and they repeated the process until they went through three rooms each. When the captain exited the last door, he saw that the rings were about to fail into a whole at the end of the conveyor belt. Shining Armor’s horn glowed magenta and caught the two rings right as they fell into the whole. The colt grabbed the rings and sighed with great relief.

“Um, Shining Armor?” Spike voice came from behind a locked door. “Could you please open the door?”

“Oh, sorry about that,” he apologized as he stepped on the switch.

“You got them!” Spike exclaimed as he saw the rings.

“Come on, we got to hurry!” Shining Armor shouted as they ran to the exit. They ran out the lair and up the trail to the main road out of the valley. In the distance, they could see the moon hanging dangerously close over Clock Town. Every few moments, the ground would shake. They ran through the eastern gate of the city and headed to the inn. Spike couldn’t help but to notice the time on the clock tower. It was almost morning and he was running out of time.

The two opened the inn’s door and ran up the stairs to Princess Cadance’s room. For a moment, Spike dreaded that the Alicorn wouldn’t be there. Shining Armor opened the door and his bride could be seen sitting on her bed. The two lovers looked at each other and slowly approached each other. Cadance knelt down to look her fiance in the eye. Even though he was in the body of a colt, she didn’t look alarmed. Instead, tears were falling from her eyes, but she wasn’t sobbing.

“I know you,” she whispered. “I have seen that face before. It was long ago, yet I remember. We made a promise back then, didn’t we? We promised each other that we would be together someday.”

“I’m sorry I’m late,” he told her. He levitated the rings before her and she smiled as more tears of joy fell to the floor. The two ponies hugged each other. It was a little strange, for she was a grown mare and he was in the form of a colt. They looked like mother and child instead of a couple. After hugging, they turned to Spike. “Thank you some much, Spike. We will be fine here. We will await the dawn, together.”

Spike smiled at them and then went outside the inn. He could see the faint glow of light starting to appear at the eastern horizon. The dawn was approaching and he hadn’t found the Element of Magic. He had failed. He had failed everypony. Celestia, his counterpart, Big Macintosh, Soarin, all of Trotina; they were depending on him and he let them down.

At least I was able to make some of them happy… he thought.

Just then, a spark was ignited and Spike found himself in the void again. Twilight Sparkle stood before him and a magenta gem was hovering beside her. She gave him a warm smile.

“Well done, Spike,” the mirage Twilight told him. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Is… Is this the final test?” he asked. “How did I find the spark?”

“Spike,” she began. “You helped so many ponies on your way, but by being willing to sacrifice all that you had to make them happy is true friendship.”

“But how am I going to pass the Element of Magic’s test?” asked Spike. “I can’t do magic like you can. I could change into a Unicorn, but even then I couldn’t possibly match what you’re capable of.”

“Spike,” she said with a slight chuckle. “The Element of Magic isn’t really the Element of Magic.”

“It isn’t?” the dragon asked in confusion. “Then what is it?”

“Its full name is the Element of the Friendship of Magic,” she explained. “You see, I didn’t discover the Element just because my special talent is magic, though it did help. I only was able to feel the ‘spark’ when I realized that I had true friends. Friends that were willing to follow me into the dangerous Everfree Forest to face a mighty foe. You see, Spike, I was able to discover the Element because I learned what friendship could truly be, and friendship is magic.”

As she finished her lesson, the gem levitating beside her glowed and spun. When it came to a rest, Spike saw that it became a crown with a six pointed, star shaped, magenta gem adorning it. The Element of Magic landed on Spike’s head and the vision ended.

Spike found himself back in Clock Town and the Elements of Harmony decorated the young dragon’s body, resembling golden armor. He looked up to the moon and then ran to the clock tower.

Discord's Mask

Spike ran up the stairs of the clock tower that stood in the center of Clock Town. The building shook as another tremor rocked the city. The frequency between each quake increased as the moon drew ever closer to the planet. The dragon reached the observation platform on top of the clock tower and saw two Alicorns facing each other. The white Alicorn mare with a mane that resembled the auroras stared up at the black Alicorn mare with a mane that resembled the night sky. Both panted from exhaustion as the first light of dawn started to appear at the eastern horizon. Apparently, they had been battling all night.

“Oh, I see that the whelp decided to join us,” mocked Nightmare Moon as she looked down at the dragon. Princess Celestia turned to look at Spike and gave him a smile when she saw that he had all of the Elements of Harmony.

“I knew you could do it, Spike,” Celestia told him before she returned her attention to her evil-possessed sister.

“And he has the Elements of Harmony,” the Mare in Moon said in a haughty tone as she raised a brow. “How quaint. You little fool; do you think those old relics can stop me? They may have been able to banish me for a millennium, but now, I have the power of this mask. Do you really think your precious Elements can stop me now?”

“I know they can!” Spike defiantly yelled up to the ruler of the night. Nightmare Moon’s amused look was replaced by that of one of pure malice and the mismatched eyes of the Discord Mask glowed.

“So be it,” the dark mare growled with a double layered voice. “If you think you have the power to stop me, try to stop this!”

Waves of power flowed from the mask as the dark Alicorn screamed to the heavens. The moon with the image of the its mistress on its surface suddenly accelerated its descent. The ground shook violent as the celestial body raced towards the planet.

“Sister!” Celestia desperately pleaded. “Please, stop this! You will kill us all!” This scene seemed familiar to Spike, for he had experienced it before during his first three day cycle. As she had done before, Nightmare Moon laughed in an insane cackle that could chill anyone’s blood. Celestia was crying as she continued to plead. “Luna, please! I love you! Don’t do this!”

“I… Don’t… Care!” the double voice roared. Even though she knew she had little to no chance of stopping the combined might of the Mare in the Moon and Discord’s Mask, Celestia reached out with her magic and sent a golden beam of power at the falling moon. Her efforts appeared to be working, for the moon started to slow down. Enraged, Nightmare Moon poured more power into the moon and the giant rock started to push back against Celestia’s power. The two Alicorns seemed to be in a stalemate, but the white sister began to be overwhelmed and started to buckle under the pressure.

We got to do something! shouted Soarin.

Spike! the other Spike called out. The Elements! Use the Elements!

It’s our only chance! added Big Macintosh.

Spike rushed to the Princess’s side and concentrated on the Elements of Harmony. The gems on the golden pieces of jewelry glowed and Spike was lifted into the air. He opened his eyes and revealed that they were shining with a bright, white light. From them, a rainbow made of the Elements’ power shot forth and caught Nightmare Moon in its light as it struck the surface of the moon.

“Nooooo!” the black coated Alicorn howled as she was consumed by the Powers of Harmony. There was a blinding light and Spike found himself on knees on the observation platform. He looked beside him and saw an exhausted Princess Celestia resting next to him. Both of them looked at each other and then up to the moon, which was frozen in place over the city.

“We did…” Celestia panted. “We stopped it…” They then looked front of them and saw Nightmare Moon lying unconscious a few feet in front of them.

“She… She’s still Nightmare Moon…” Spike panted as he rose to his feet and helped Celestia to her hooves. They carefully approached the fallen dark mare. She seemed to be knocked out, but the mismatched eyes of the mask stared up at them. Spike reached down with a claw to take off the mask. He barely grazed the mask before the eyes suddenly lit up! Spike yelped in surprise and jumped back. The dark mare rose to her hooves as Celestia and Spike watched in disbelief. How could the Elements of Harmony fail to defeat her?

“You…” the double voice of Nightmare Moon growled. She staggered forward, shaking violent with each step. “You… can’t… stop… me…” Celestia and Spike backed away from the weakened Alicorn, wondering if she would try to attack them. Nightmare Moon’s right foreleg gave out and she nearly fell onto her face. Black mist began to rise from her body and midnight blue patches started to spread across her black coat. “It seems… that … Luna can… no longer handle… the power…” A vortex of dark magic swirled around Nightmare Moon and headed up to the moon. The mare was lifted by the conduit and rose to the moon. “I can no longer… use… her body… Let’s try this one… on for size…” Nightmare Moon disappeared into the moon and the image on the moon’s eye glowed yellow and red like the mask’s eyes.

“I… I shall consume. Consume… Consume everything…” the moon boomed in Nightmare Moon’s and Discord’s voice. The ground started to shake again as the moon continued on its collision course.

Oh no! the other Spike exclaimed. We didn’t stop it!

What are we going to do!? panicked Soarin.

What’s Celestia doin’? asked Big Macintosh. Spike looked over to the Solar Princess. The white Alicorn strained as she once again used her magic to try to stop the moon. Despite her best efforts, her strength was spent and the moon barely slowed down. Spike look in front of him and saw that the vortex of magic leading to inside the moon was still there. Spike ran forward and jumped into the swirling magic.

The young dragon could never have predicted what happened next. He found himself in a grassy field. He looked around the seemingly never-ending field. He could see white, fluffy clouds sailing around the horizon. He looked up and saw the sun shining warmly down on the dragon. He could hear the peaceful sound of birds chirping and butterflies floated by. There was only one hill in the field and a single, gigantic tree on top of it.

Am I… dead? Spike asked. Is this Heaven?

I don’t think so, answered the other Spike. If this was Heaven, we wouldn’t still be stuck inside your head.

Then, are we inside the moon? asked Soarin.

I don’t know, the Unicorn Spike said doubtfully. I wouldn’t think that inside the moon would be like this.

Listen, Big Macintosh said to get their attention. Do y’all hear that?

Spike listened and could hear something along with the sound of the birds chirping. It was the sound of someone crying. The dragon panned around the grassy field and saw a figuring lying under the tree that was on top of the hill. The young dragon quietly walked up to the crying figure and saw it was a pony. The pony was lying amongst the flowers that were growing around the tree. Spike noticed that the pony had a smoky blue coat and a light azure mane. When he saw the crescent moon on a black field cutie mark, he recognized who it was.

“Princess Luna?” he address the weeping princess. She looked a lot younger than the version of her in Equestria. He then remembered that she had reverted to an almost filly like appearance when Elements of Harmony had purged her of the evil essence of Nightmare Moon, but later grew into an adult size when her strength recovered. Back on the clock tower, he had seen the darkness living her body before she rose to the moon. The Lunar Alicorn looked up to the young dragon with tear-filled teal eyes.

“I’m so sorry…” she whispered. “I never wanted this to happen.” Spike sat down next to her, feeling pity for the Princess. “I’m sorry what I have put you through, Spike.”

“You know who I am?” he asked her, surprised that she knew his name. She nodded her head and sniffled, holding back her tears.

“Yes, I could see everything,” she said sorrowfully. “When the Elements lifted the curses, I was shown what you had done. I had to watch all that they had done to all the citizens of Trotina.”

“Watch?” he asked the small, blue Alicorn. “What do you mean?”

“They made me watch as they used my body,” she told him as she shed bitter tears.

“Who did?”

“The Nightmare Forces and Discord,” she explained. “The Nightmare took over my mind and my body a thousand years ago. As an incorporeal entity, it was only a concept of hatred with no focus or drive. It needed a host to make itself complete. It saw my sorrow, my loneliness… my pain... It exploited it and used it to enter into me. It merged its malice and will to dominate with my resentment… my jealousy… to change me into Nightmare Moon. It used our combined powers as a weapon to impose its dark will upon the kingdom and to betray my sister. The whole time, I was forced to watch. I watched as it tried to cover the land in eternal night and as my subjects cowered be for me. Then, I was banished to the moon. For a thousand years, I suffered all alone on my own moon. The only company I had was it and its wrath. When we escaped, we found Discord’s Mask and combined our power with the mask’s power. The powers of hatred and chaos merged and it used me to use the moon to try to destroy everything and it was all my fault.”

“No, it wasn’t your fault,” he tried to calm her, but she continued to cry.

“Yes, it is…” she said through her tears. “If I wasn’t jealous of my sister, the Nightmare wouldn’t have been able to enter into me. I gave it the means to attack Trotina. If I wasn’t so weak…”

“Your Highness, please,” Spike tried to comfort her. “It attacked Trotina, not you. You were just another victim of its evil. It made you do those things that you would never do. It is responsible, not you.”

“But… I…” she tried to counter, but Spike didn’t let her.

“Listen to me, it’s not your fault,” he reinforced. “It may have used your emotions as a weapon, but it could have used anypony’s. Everypony has bad feelings from time to time. You can’t be blamed for being hurt that everypony ignored you and your wonderful night. I would be hurt too if I was ignored and no one appreciated my talents. You can’t blame yourself for having your feelings hurt and you can’t blame yourself for something that someone else has done.”

“Do… Do you mean it?” she asked with a sad but hopeful smile. He returned the smile and placed a reassuring claw on her shoulder.

“Yes, I do,” he told her. She reached up and pulled him into a hug, which he returned.

“Oh, isn’t this sickeningly sweet,” a dark, contemptuous voice mocked. Spike and Luna gasped in surprise and looked up to see Discord’s Mask. Since it was no longer on Princess Luna, the mask didn’t resemble Nightmare Moon’s helmet anymore. Now, the mask looked like Discord’s face. It had a grayish brown, equine face with bushy white eyebrows. It had one, large fang and two mismatched, yellow and red eyes. It had an antler and a goat horn coming from the top. The dark tendrils of the Nightmare Forces flowed from the back of the mask. The dark entity hovered in the air, staring down at the pair. Spike stood in front of Luna and held out his arms as to shield her from the abomination. “You think that you can protect her from me? You think that you can protect anything from me!?”

“I won’t let you hurt anyone anymore,” Spike declared. “We’re going to stop you!”

“We?” the mask mocked. “Do you mean… them?” The dark tendrils formed a shadowy hand and snapped. There was a flash and then the masks of the Unicorn Spike, Big Macintosh, and Soarin appeared in the air. The masks fell to the ground with a thud and Spike started at them in disbelief. He couldn’t feel his friends in his head anymore. He had been separated from them before when he was in the crystal tower, but he knew that they were waiting for him. Now, they were forcefully taken from him.

“Hey!” Spike shouted and ran to grab the masks, but they vanished with a flash as the evil mask teleported them away. “Bring them back!”

“Oh, come now,” the mask sneered. “Four against one is hardly a fair fight.”

“You’ve never fought fair!” Spike retorted. “Besides, it’s two against one!”

“Not anymore…” the mask replied and began to shake. The sky darkened as thunderclouds rolled in. A strong wind blew through the field and the tree swayed in the breeze. Cracks started to spread across the surface of the mask and tendrils of dark magic seeped through. With an explosion of malevolent energy, the mask burst apart. In place of the mask, a towering creature stood before Spike and Luna. It was Discord, but not the one that the young dragon knew. This draconequus had merged with the Nightmare Forces to create something far more sinister. Instead of having a long, serpentine form, it had a dragon’s build. It had a violet dragon tail that ended with four bone white spikes. Its torso, left wing, and left arm was covered in iron eagle feathers and its left hand was a gray eagle claw. Its right leg and wing were that of a black dragon’s and its left leg was a red devil’s leg with a cloven hoof. Its right arm was a bronze lion’s paw with massive claws. The draconic head and neck were covered horse hair that resembled the night sky and it had eyebrows and a goatee that were made of comets. The right dragon horn was forked like an antler and the left curved like a ram’s. The mane flared like a black flame on top of its head. The eyes were no longer mismatched, but still glowed yellow and red. The pupils were now slits like a cat’s and they glared at Spike with a manic glee.

Spike continued to hold his arms in front of Luna protectively as the dark draconequus reared back its head and laughed manically. Lightning struck all around the tree to accompany the monster’s laughter. When the creature stopped laughing, its stepped towards them with murderous intent.

“Discord…” Spike addressed the beast before him.

“You may call me Discord,” the creature acknowledged. “But, I am more than that now. I am Anarchy and Anger, Havoc and Hatred, Madness and Malice, and I will kill you. Yes, and once I have killed you I will then destroy all of Trotina.” The creature snapped a claw and bolt of lightning struck the ground in front of Spike, knocking him back.

“Spike!” Luna shouted as she rushed to his side. There was another snap and the blue Alicorn was trapped in a giant crystal. She struggled to break free, but wasn’t able.

“Now, now, Princess,” Discord teased. “No interfering.” With a casual flick of his wrist, he levitated the crystal with its captive above the battlefield. Luna looked down at Spike with fear for the young dragon’s life. Spike groaned and tried to stand back up, but the violet dragon tail smacked his body. The impact sent him tumbling down the hill. The young dragon groaned and stood back up and saw the draconequess standing on top of the hill, laughing at him. Spike growled in anger and started to charge the chaos fiend, but something grabbed his feet and he tripped. He looked back and saw the grass had become thousands of tiny pythons. The green snakes wrapped around his ankles and more were starting to wrap around his arms and body.

“Let go of me!” Spike yelled as he thrashed about. He ripped them out of the dirt and clawed them away from his body. Spike continued his charge but jumped back in time to avoid an egg from landing on him. The egg exploded like a miniature bomb when it landed on the ground, leaving a small crater in the ground. Spike looked up and saw a flock of ravens flying above him.

“Bombs away,” Discord laughed as the birds started to drop explosive eggs on Spike. Spike swerved as he ran up the hill, evading the falling eggs. There was a stinging pain on his back as an egg exploded on it. Spike seethed in pain and looked back to his that some scales were blackened but were otherwise undamaged.

Discord snapped a claw and the flowers that were around the tree rose up and transformed. The petals became razor edged crystals and started to launch themselves at Spike. The diamond hard petals would have torn through a pony with ease, but the young dragon’s scales saved him. However, the petals stung as they pelted Spike. He shielded his face with his arms, but persisted to make his way up the hill.

“You’re a glutton for punishment, aren’t you?” the draconequus sneered.

“I’m not going to let you win,” Spike declared in defiance.

“What makes you think that you can defeat me?” Discord said with contempt. “Your precious Elements? The ‘magic’ of friendship?” Discord howled with laughter. “How amusing.”

“They’ve stopped you before, they can stop you again!” Spike started to concentrate on the Elements of Harmony again, but Discord’s devil hoof kicked him in the chest. The wind was knocked out of the young dragon and he struggled to regain his breath as he lay on the ground. As Spike tried to catch his breath, Discord pinned him down with his dragon foot. The draconequus twisted his foot as he started to grind Spike into the ground. Spike tried to push the massive foot away, but he wasn’t strong enough.

“You’ve got heart, kid,” Discord complimented. “That’s why I’m going to rip it out and use it as a knickknack to decorate my fireplace.” Spike eyes rolled to the back of his head as the life was being squeezed out his body. “As for the Elements, can you honestly say they have been of any help to you? All they have done was caused you misery. Think about it; what did they show you? Everypony you know will die long before you do and the mare you love finds you revolting. Why would she ever want a disgusting, worthless, infant dragon when she can have a real stallion? A rich and powerful count, no less! How could you ever hope to compete with that?” Discord lifted his foot and Spike gasped desperately for air. He rolled to his side and coughed violently. Discord picked up Spike with his eagle claw and raised the barely conscious dragon to eye level. “Hmm, maybe it’s for the best. Why would you want a selfish, petty, self-centered mare like her? She has only used you for her own needs. Besides, why bother with any mare in the first place? Why waste your time with ponies? Their lives will be but a mere moment in your long, lonely life. Why burden yourself with relationships that will only give you pain and sorrow? Wait, pain and sorrow? On second thought, go ahead, and pursue her! Well, I guess that won’t work, seeing how you’ll never leave here alive.” Discord laughed at the dragon that he was gripping in his claw and then started to squeeze him.

Spike screamed in agony from the pressure. His short life started to flash in front of his eyes. He could see Ponyville. He could see Applejack bucking apple trees in the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres. He could see Fluttershy wrapping a bandage around a wounded raccoon’s paw in her cottage. He could see Pinkie Pie laughing as she served cupcakes to customers in Sugarcube Corner. He could see Rainbow Dash soaring through the sky with an excited grin on her face. He could see Rarity smiling down at him and leaning down to give him a kiss. Then he could see a room with pieces of purple eggshell on the floor. He looked up and saw that he was in the embrace of a filly Twilight Sparkle.

My friends… My family… Spike thought as both tears of happiness and pain fell from his eyes. Suddenly, the Elements of Harmony glowed and a blinding light enveloped Spike’s body. Discord let go of the glowing dragon and backed away, shielding his eyes from the light. The light faded and the draconequus could see a colossal figure standing over him. It was a muscular, adult dragon that dwarfed Discord’s size. The dragon had amethyst scales and curved emerald spikes running down its spine. Two large wings were flared from the dragon’s back and he wore golden armor that had the Element of Harmony embedded into it. A gilded helmet was on the dragon’s head and the Element of Magic was set in it. The dragon’s eyes glowed with the brilliance of lightning. Discord first gawked at the transformed Spike, but then smirked.

“Neat trick,” Discord mocked and snapped his fingers, causing him to grow to Spike’s colossal size. “But nothing more. Just because you’re bigger now doesn’t mean you can stop me.” Spike didn’t respond, but stared at the master of chaos with a scowl. Discord raised a glowing paw and the ground trembled. A monstrous bull made of earth burst forth from the ground and rammed into the dragon in an explosion of dirt and rock. Spike was unscathed and simply shook of the dirt. Discord growled in frustration and raised his claw to catch a bolt of lightning from the sky. The dark draconequus swung the lightning at the dragon like a sword, but Spike effortlessly avoided each blow. He then slapped the weapon out of Discord’s claw and it struck the ground with a thunderclap. Discord grabbed the tree by its branches and uprooted the tree. He swung it like a club at the dragon’s head, but it shattered like glass against a stone wall on impact. Discord snapped his fingers and the splintered tree formed into a gigantic Timberwolf. It snarled at Spike, but the colossal dragon casually looked down at it with little interest. Spike raised his tail and brought it down on to the wooden canine, crushing it.

Enraged, Discord slashed at Spike with his lion claws, but Spike grabbed his paw mid-swipe and squeezed. Discord could hear the bones pop in his paw and growled in pain. He then gagged as Spike gripped his neck with his free hand. Discord struggled to free himself from the vice like grip, but Spike wasn’t letting go.

“I’m putting an end to this,” Spike declared in a booming voice. Suddenly, Discord threw a swirling beam of dark magic at his head and Spike flinched a bit. Recovering, Spike growled and head-butted the evil being in his grasp, stunning the draconequus. Spike released the lion paw and reached to the crystal that was floating beside their heads. Princess Luna had been watching the battle in amazement. Spike held the crystal in his palm and the crystalline prison vanished, freeing Princess Luna. Spike lowered his massive hand to the ground and the Alicorn filly hopped down to the field. Spike waved his hand and the three masks that contained his friends appeared beside Luna. Spike’s claw glowed and the masks started to shake. In a flash of light, the Unicorn Spike, Big Macintosh, and Soarin were standing beside Princess Luna, alive once more.

Spike’s claw glowed again and Luna and the Unicorn Spike felt energy coursing through their bodies. Light emitted from their bodies as their forms changed. The counterpart transformed from a Unicorn colt back into a young dragon. Luna’s body grew and her coat became a midnight blue. Her mane once again resembled an ethereal cloud made of the night sky and her body was adorned her proper regalia. She was now restored to her proper state and resembled the Princess Luna that Spike knew from Equestria.

Now that the four were restored to their proper forms, Spike returned his attention to Discord. With angry growl he slammed the draconequus to the ground. Discord groaned in pain, but then started to laugh.

“Don’t think that you have won,” Discord laughed as he struggled to his feet. “You may defeat me, but your victory is hollow. No matter what you do, everything will die. They may not die today, but they will all die someday. Their lives are meaningless and you will come to understand that. I will make sure of it.” Discord’s body shook as he cackled with insane abandon. Spike frowned and took in a deep breath. He opened his maw and a multicolored flame was unleashed upon the Demon of Madness. Discord continued to laugh uncontrollably even as he was consumed by the flames and a blinding light filled the field.

Dawn of a New Day

Dawn of a New Day

The flash ended and Spike found himself outside the southern gate of Clock Town. The dragon was small again, but he still wore the Elements of Harmony. Beside him were his Trotinan counterpart, Big Macintosh, Soarin, and Princess Luna. Before they could say anything to each other, Princess Celestia landed in front of them and stood face to face with her sister. The two majestic mares stared at each, not showing any emotion. Princess Luna’s horned glowed with blue magic and the moon returned to orbit and then below the western horizon. Princess Celestia’s horn glow gold and the sun finally rose in the east.

They continued to stare at each without any sigh of emotions after they had completed their respective duties. Suddenly, tears filled both Alicorns’ eyes and they rushed to each other. The two sisters nuzzled each other as they wept tears of joy after being separated for a thousand years.

“My dear Luna,” Celestia whispered lovingly to her younger sister. “I have missed you so much.”

“I have missed you too, big sister,” Luna said as she smiled up at the white Alicorn. “I’m so sorry. I know that I was being controlled by Nightmare Moon, but I still feel responsible.”

“I never blamed you,” Celestia told hear as the tears continued to flow. “And you shouldn’t blame yourself either.” The princesses then turned to the four heroes that were witnessing their reunion. “I’m so proud of all of you. You have saved Trotina from certain destruction and return my beloved sister to me. Thank you all.”

“It was all Spike… er… that Spike,” the counterpart Spike modestly said, pointing to said other dragon.

“Yeah, we only helped,” Soarin added.

“Eeyup,” agreed Big Macintosh.

“Don’t discredit your own efforts,” the Solar Princess countered. “It wasn’t for your assistance; Spike wouldn’t have been able to stop Discord’s Mask.”

“Speaking of which, where did the blasted thing go?” asked Spike. The group looked around and saw it laying a few paces off to the side. The mask now resembled the merged entity of Discord and the Nightmare Spirit. They also saw the Earth Pony merchant with the foreign cap leaning over it.

“Oh, thank goodness,” he sighed with relief and reached down to pick it up. “You recovered my mask, now I can keep it safe and…Ah!”

The merchant was surrounded with a blue aura and lifted off the ground before he could even touch the evil mask. Everyone looked with surprise as an angry Princess Luna levitated the pony over to her. The pony floated upside down and had a terrified look on his face.

“You!” The Princess of the Night roared at merchant in the Trotinan equivalent of the Royal Canterlot Voice. “Thou art to blame for all of this madness!”

“Luna…” Celestia said as she tried to calm her sister, but Luna’s rage couldn’t be contained.

“We had hid the mask away so that its dark powers could not be used!” Luna continued. “If thou had not meddled with powers that thou could not possibly hope to comprehend, Nightmare Moon would have never been able to use the Powers of Chaos to nearly destroy all of Trotina!” She tossed the merchant to the ground and he crawled away from the furious Alicorn. “Be gone, and never let me see your face ever again!” The frightened Earth Pony didn’t need to be told twice and he quickly ran from the princess’s presence.

“Luna, was that really necessary?” Celestia asked.

“The meddlesome fool nearly doomed us all,” Luna answered. “Of course it was necessary.” The white Alicorn laughed and shook her head as she turned back to Spike.

“Spike of Equestria,” she addresses the young dragon. “We are all in your debt. How can we ever repay you?”

“I just want to go home,” he told her.

“Very well,” she said with a nod. “The Elements of Harmony have the power to send you back to your world. However, they will not be able to follow you to your world. They are bound to this world and are unable to crossover. You cannot be wearing them.”

“Then how do I use them to get home?” Spike asked. Celestia looked to her sister, the other Spike, Big Macintosh, and Soarin. Using her magic, she removed the Elements from the young dragon and placed them on the others and herself. The Elements of Honesty and Kindness attached themselves to the Trotinan Spike’s neck and right arm. The Element of Generosity attached itself to Big Macintosh’s left foreleg. The Element of Laughter attached itself to Soarin’s right hide leg. The Element of Loyalty attached itself to Luna’s left hind leg. The Element of Magic landed on top of Celestia head.

“We will use them to send you home,” the Solar Princess explained. “We all are connected to Elements of Harmony. We were all connected to you when you recovered them. Your friends were dwelling within you when you completed the Element’s challenge. You unlocked the portions of my power with each one you recovered and they traveled inside of you. Even Luna was connected to you when she felt the Elements break through the curses that were placed on the kingdom.”

“So… This is it, isn’t?” Spike asked. He was desperate to go home, but he will miss his new friends.

“I’m afraid so,” Celestia answered. They circled Spike and the Elements of Harmony started to glow. “But do not be sad. Do not think of this as goodbye. Rather, think of this as ‘see you later.’”

Spike smiled as he remembered the similar words the mirage Pinkie Pie had told him during the Test of Laughter. He slowly circled in place to look at each of his friends and they smiled back at him. He had gone through so much with them. They had strengthened him in times of need. They guided him through his adventures. Some of them even dwelt within his mind. One by one, he said his farewells.

“It was kinda cool meeting another Spike,” he told his alternate version. “Even if you were a Unicorn most of the time.”

“Better than being stuck in a tree,” the other dragon told him. “Be sure to hug your Twilight for me.”

“Likewise,” he said in return before facing Big Macintosh. “I hope you go home to your family. They need you.”

“Eeyup,” agreed the red stallion. “Ah’m sure that yours is missin’ you.”

“Soarin,” Spike addressed the Pegasus. “Take care of Dash and Scootaloo.”

“Will do,” Soarin responded.

“Princess Luna,” he said to the midnight blue Alicorn. “Remember to not blame yourself for what has happened. Be happy, for me.”

“We will try,” she said in an archaic dialect.

“Princess Celestia,” he said to the elder sister. “Make sure she does.”

“I will, Spike. I will,” she reassured him as she shot a loving glance at her little sister.

“Well… See you later,” Spike told to them.

“See you later,” his counterpart said.

“Yeah, see ya,” Soarin said in a sad tone.

“Take care, Spike,” Big Macintosh told him. “Thank you for helping my family.”

“We thank thee, valiant Spike,” Luna said to him. “We shalt never forget thee.”

“Be safe, Spike,” Celestia told him. “Thank you for everything.”

A rainbow colored light emitted from the Elements of Harmony and circled around Spike. The magic wrapped around the young dragon and enveloped him a bright light. After a blinding flash, Spike was gone and those who remained felt a little empty inside. They looked down at the ground, saddened by the departure of the brave dragon.

“Take heart,” Princess Celestia told the sorrowful group. “Do not mourn. He has returned to be with his loved ones. Come, let us join in with the festivities. The Summer Sun Celebration has arrived.”

The Wonderbolts soared over an adoring crowd. Spitfire, Rainbow Dash, and Soarin led the team as they performed their aerial show. Scootaloo cheered as she watched them fly overhead. Soarin looked over to his marefriend and then down to her adopted sister. He was doing what he loved most alongside his special somepony. The only thing he could do was smile.

Rarity and Sweetie Belle were busy clearing the palace of the Unicorns of the dethroned Prince Blueblood’s horrid artwork of himself. Sweetie Belle was beside herself with amusement as she watched her elder sister tore up portraits and smashed statues with blind fury. When Rarity saw the painting of herself clinging to Blueblood as his concubine, she pulled out an axe and screamed in outrage as she hacked away at it.

A certain gray Pegasus happily floated around the city as she delivered the mail. The Doctor was showing star charts to Babs and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders. The Flim Flam Brothers were trying to con some ponies with some stolen goods. However, they failed to notice the guards standing them with warrants for their arrests. They quickly found themselves in the dungeon with a strange pony wearing a dragon costume.

Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith were busy setting up the buffet for the upcoming wedding. As they prepared, Applejack spotted her elder brother, Big Macintosh, walking towards them. The Apples ran to him and hugged the large stallion, happy to be reunited with him.

Pinkie Pie was happily throwing a party for the returned Crystal Ponies. Even her family joined the party. The Crystal Ponies had been gone for a thousand years and they never had the opportunity to experience one of Pinkie’s awesome parties. The pink mare was determined to remedy that problem.

Outside of the western gate, overlooking the bay, a wedding was being held. Captain Shining Armor had been returned to his adult self and was standing before Princess Celestia at the head of the aisle. Princess Luna stood not far off to side. With her were Mayor Night Light and Madame Twilight Velvet. The parents of the groom couldn’t be prouder. Princess Mi Amore Cadenza was headed down the aisle in a beautiful wedding gown. When she took her place by Shining Armor, Princess Celestia began the ceremony.

However, somepony was missing from the wedding. In a cave beneath Clock Town, Twilight Sparkle and Spike stood before a dragon shaped tree. He had told her all that happened to him and how he had went on an adventure with another Spike from a world called Equestria. After finishing the story, she hugged the dragon and cried tears of joy for his safe return.

*****

Spike appeared by a hole in the middle of the Everfree Forest in a flash of light. He looked down at the hole that he had fallen through after he was chased by Timberwolves many days ago. It felt strange to be back after being lost in another world for so long, but it also felt so good to be home. Even though only three days had passed, it was eighteen days for the young dragon. Eighteen long, danger filled days of adventure. Eighteen days of fighting monsters, overcoming obstacles, and conquering dungeons. Eighteen days of no sleep. Spike had depended on a magic blue potion to keep him awake and rejuvenated as he traveled through Trotina. Now it was gone. In fact, he returned only with the two items that he had with him when he traveled to the parallel world: his flute and the now useless amulet.

Spike took the amulet hanging from his neck and thought how it was the key to his success in saving Trotina. He looked up from the watch and looked around the woods, trying to remember which way was the path to Ponyville. He looked around the forest for any familiar sign that might indicate which way he should go. So far, he didn’t see any distinguishing features.

Okay, let me think, Spike pondered. He half expected for one of the Mask Spirits to come to his assistance, but his heart sank when he felt nothing. Wow, they’re really gone. It was weird having voices in my head all the time, but I’m really going to miss them. Well, I guess I can’t dwell on that forever, I need to get out of here. Let’s see, I need to retrace my steps. I was headed down the trail to Zecora’s hut. She lives south of Ponyville. The Timberwolves chased off the path. I went to the left, so that will be east. So I need to go northwest. Okay, which way is that?

Spike looked through the trees and saw the light from the morning sun. He knew that the sun rose in the east, so west would be in the other direction and north would be to the left. Getting his bearings, Spike headed northwest. After a few minutes, he came across the trail that ran through the Everfree Forest. Spike cheered in triumph and headed up the now familiar path back to Ponyville. He ran down the path, excited at the thought of seeing his friends again.

Friends that will abandon you someday… a dark voice said in the back of his mind. Spike nearly stopped when he heard it. Was it real or just a product of his imagination? It couldn’t be real. There were no more spirits hanging out in his head. Maybe he was just tired. After all, he was awake for eighteen days straight. As he thought about it, he could feel the strength leaving his body. He tried to continue to run down the path, but his legs were getting heavier. It was like they were made of lead and he was running uphill waist deep in molasses. He was desperate to get home and the greatest obstacle in his way was his own weary body.

Twilight Sparkle sat in her bedroom in her home, Golden Oaks Library. She had a look of sorrow on her face and she was preparing to go to the memorial service in a few minutes. She looked over to a perch that was beside her bed. Her pet, Owlowiscious, sat on the perch along with a phoenix chick, Peewee. The owl placed his wing around the baby phoenix and hooted comfortingly. The chick had been upset that he hadn’t seen his master in three days. Peewee looked around confused, looking for his draconic owner. Twilight went over to the phoenix and baby bird looked up at the lavender mare.

“He’s not coming back,” she said in a strained voice. She wasn’t quite sure if she was telling it to the baby phoenix. Maybe she was trying to tell herself the tragic truth. “He’s not coming back.” The infant phoenix looked up at Twilight Sparkle and chirped in confusion. She held back tears as she turned to head to the stairs.

As she made her way across the floor, she looked over to the desk and saw a picture. Seeing it made her pause and she took a closer look at the photograph. As soon as she saw it, a pang of guilt struck her heart. It was a picture of her and her friends. In the corner of the frame was a taped on picture of Spike that the dragon had cut out and placed it next to the rest of the group. That was when Twilight Sparkle realized that she didn’t own one picture that included all of her friends and Spike. She thought back at all of the times she had gone on adventures with her friends and had left Spike behind. She also thought of other events that she had left him out of. She thought about the Grand Galloping Gala. All he wanted to do was to spend time with them and they had left him behind to pursue their own desires. It turned out that all of their plans fell through and the gala was a nightmare. When the animals that Fluttershy tried to befriend went on a rampage through the ballroom, they made their escape. As they fled, they remembered that they had forgot about Spike. They found him in Donut Joe’s, eating donuts by himself. All he wanted was to have fun with his friends, but ended up alone in a donut shop.

However, the event that stuck out the most to the Unicorn was her birthday. Rarity was staying in Canterlot at the time so they decided to have the party there instead of having it in Ponyville. The six mares had a great time during the party, but when she returned home late that night, she found Spike asleep in the living room. There was a cake, confetti, presents, and a banner that read, “Happy Birthday Twilight.” She left in such a hurry that she forgot to invite Spike. When she came home, she discovered that her young charge had fallen asleep while waiting to throw her a surprise party. She couldn’t look at the picture anymore and headed down the stairs and out of the library.

A solemn assembly gathered in Ponyville Cemetery. The weather was ironically pleasant for such an unpleasant event. Rainbow Dash considered changing the weather schedule to have an overcast sky with maybe a slight drizzle to match the mood of the funeral. Princess Celestia stood at a pulpit that was beside a headstone. There was no casket, but there was a picture of Spike at the foot of the tombstone, surrounded by flowers. In the front row, Twilight Sparkle sat along with her friends and her family. To one side of her was her mother, Twilight Velvet. The silvery mare draped her foreleg across the shoulders of daughter, who was leaning into her while she cried. The service hadn’t even begun and Twilight was already sobbing. Her father sat to her other side. He too had placed a comforting foreleg around her daughter.

Next to them were Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor. As soon as they heard of Spike’s passing, they were on the next train to Ponyville. A collection of Crystal Ponies had accompanied them to also pay their respects to the dragon, for he was a hero to them. It was him who had delivered the Crystal Heart to Cadance so that they could use it to defeat King Sombra. Princess Luna was also present. Even though she wasn’t as close to Spike as her sister was, she still cared for the child.

Also in attendance were the other Elements of Harmony and their families. Fluttershy, being the gentle soul that she was, was crying almost as hard as Twilight Sparkle. Rainbow Dash was able to fight back her own tears by allowing Fluttershy to cry into her shoulder. Pinkie Pie’s mane was flat and her trademark smile was nowhere to be seen. Applejack had taken of her hat and placed it over her heart. Beside her were Granny Smith and Big Macintosh, who had a solemn look on his face. Apple Bloom sat with her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. The three fillies were shocked to their cores that someone who was only a few years older than they were could so suddenly die. This was perhaps one of their first encounters with the concept of mortality.

Sweetie Belle’s elder sister, Rarity, wiped her tears with a handkerchief. She was trying to maintain her composure and poise, but was fighting a losing battle and was steadily crying harder with each moment that passed. Around her neck was the fire ruby that Spike had given her. Surprisingly, she wasn’t wearing an extravagant outfit for the occasion like she would on any other day. She did wear a black dress, but it was simple and plain in design.

Princess Celestia’s eyes scanned the crowd of sad faces and closed her eyes while taking in a deep breath. She opened her eyes and proceeded to start the service.

“Today, we are gathered to remember a dragon who held a special place in our hearts…”

Spike raised a shaking claw and opened the door of Golden Oaks Library. He walked in to an empty library. He looked all around his home, but couldn’t find Twilight.

Maybe she’s out looking for me, he thought.

Maybe she’s out having an adventure with her friends, a cynical voice said in his head. She probably doesn’t even care that you were gone. Maybe she didn’t even notice that you were missing. Maybe she doesn’t care. Maybe she never cared. You were just her assistant, a servant, a slave, a mere convenience to make her life easier. What did she do? She made you write letters for her and send them. She made you clean and reorganize her oh so precious library while she trotted off to have fun with her friends. You were nothing but a pet to her! Why do you think you sleep in a basket!?

Spike gripped the sides of his head and shook it, trying to clear it of the negative thoughts. The only thing this accomplished was to make himself even more dizzy than he was before. The room spun around and he nearly fell over. He braced himself against a bookshelf and then headed out after regaining his balance a bit.

Maybe they’re at Sugarcube Corner, he thought as he headed down the street. That and the library seem to be their headquarters. They’re always hanging out there.

Hanging out without you, the voice told him. Spike grimaced as he tried to suppress the voice. As he walked down the streets, it felt like he was walking in slow-motion. Each step seemed to take forever as he made his way to the bakery. As his eyes looked around the town, the images blurred and left afterimages as his line of sight moved. Despite the disorientating vision, Spike noticed that the streets were empty. When he made it to Sugarcube Corner, he found it was vacant as well. He looked around the store, but nopony was there. Not even the Cakes and their foals were home. Spike headed back outside and looked around the seemingly deserted town.

Where is everypony? Spike asked himself. Suddenly, blurry images of ponies came to view. Ghostly ponies trotted down the street, going about their daily business. As Spike watched the ponies, he could see that were rapidly aging. They grew older and older until they turn into skeletons and crumbled into dust. The dragon blinked and rubbed his eyes and the images were gone. After finding himself alone again, Spike continued to look for any sign of the citizens of Ponyville.

He wasn’t sure why, but his feet was leading him outside of Ponyville and to the cemetery. Maybe he was in the Test of the Element of Laughter again. In that vision, the streets of Ponyville were empty as well. Perhaps he was indeed in another vision. The world that Spike was in felt unreal enough to him to be just an illusion. Spike was certain he would find six graves on top of the hill in the cemetery.

However, when he arrived at the graveyard, Spike saw a gathering of ponies. He closed his eyes and opened them again. Sure enough, there were ponies in the cemetery, attending a funeral. Spike wondered who had passed away that caused most of Ponyville to come and pay their respects. Well, Ponyville was a small town and everypony knew each other. Each life was connected to another in small communities such as this. What surprised the young dragon was that Princess Celestia was giving the eulogy.

“I am sure that we will always remember…” The Princess stopped her speech and gasped as saw a small, purple figure walking up the aisle to the headstone. The mourners noticed the shocked look on the white Alicorn’s face and turned around to see what had made her gasp. Even though they were at a funeral, they didn’t expect to see the recently deceased to walk through the cemetery, heading to his own grave. The way his feet and tail dragged along the ground, the way he slouched, and the way his eyes were glazed over made him look like a zombie.

“Spike…” Twilight Sparkle whispered as she saw the young dragon. She jumped out of her seat and ran to him, her friends following her. He stopped and fell face first into the ground. “Spike!” Twilight shouted in alarm. She rolled him over and held the unconscious dragon in her forelegs as her friend huddled around her. She shook him desperately, fearing the worst. “Spike, please wake up! Please, I can’t lose you again!” Spike cracked opened his droopy eyes and looked up at the lavender mare.

“Hey there… Twilight…” Spike weakly said to her. The six mares that surrounded the dragon sighed in relief that he was still alive. Twilight wrapped her forelegs around his neck and smothered his face with kisses.

“Oh Spikey-Wikey, we were so worried! We all thought you were dead!” Rarity told him.

“Who said I was dead?” he said in a hollow tone. He dimly noted that she was wearing the fire ruby he had given her as he wondered why she wasn’t in Canterlot with Count High N’Mighty.

“Princess Celestia tried to send a letter to you, but it didn’t go through…” Twilight told him as she cried tears of joy. “She said that it meant you weren’t in this world anymore.”

“I was in Trotina…” he told her wearily.

“Trotina?” Rainbow Dash said as she raised a brow.

“Where the hay is that?” Applejack asked.

“You were all there… but you weren’t you… you were another you…” Spike tried to explain through deliria.

“Another us?” Fluttershy looked to the others in confusion.

“What do you mean, Spike?” Pinkie Pie asked, her mane curly again. “How can I not be me? Unless you used the mirror pool, but I would have to be there too.”

“I think Spike is trying to say that he somehow traveled to a parallel world,” Princess Celestia explained as she approached the group. “That would explain why I couldn’t contact him; he had literally left this world.”

“Spike, how did you…” Twilight started to ask, but she interrupted when Spike placed the amulet in her hoof. She noticed that the enchantment that powered the time travelling watch had worn off.

“Eighteen days… No sleep…” Spike said as eyes started to close.

“Eighteen days?” Twilight asked in astonishment. “You were gone for eighteen days?”

“Twilight, I’m so tired…” he told her as he drifted back to sleep. The ponies in attendance watched in amazement as the small dragon had seemingly come back from the dead. Many of them were touched by the scene of the six mares hugging the young dragon. Twilight Sparkle lifted his sleeping body onto her back with her magic and headed to her home with her friends and family following her.

Healing

A crowd of ponies were gathered both inside and outside of Golden Oaks Library. They were curious to hear how the baby dragon had miraculously returned from the dead. Whispers and murmurs filled the air as they shared rumors about the subject. Those who were nearest to the young dragon and the Elements of Harmony were only able to gather bits and pieces of information from their conversation. While they chattered, the door opened and Princess Luna walked out to address the crowd.

“Spike is fine,” the Lunar Princess announced. “He is now resting. Please respect their privacy.”

“But what happened?” a pony from the crowd asked. “Where was he this whole time?”

“All I know is that he was sent to another world,” she told the curious crowd. “You will have to wait until he awakens to hear more on the matter. Now please, disperse.”

Though they were barely satisfied with the Princess’s answer, the crowd left the library. The continued to gossip as they walked away and Princess Luna reentered the library. The only ponies that remained were the Elements of Harmony, their families, and closest friends. Fluttershy fretted anxiously on the couch and Pinkie Pie was already planning a welcome home party for Spike. Applejack watched Rainbow Dash as she hovered back and forth over the main room of the library.

“Rainbow!” the farmer shouted at the blue Pegasus. “Would ya just sit down? You’re makin’ me dizzy with your pacin’.”

“Augh! I hate waiting!” Rainbow Dash griped. “I want to know what happened!”

“Um, Raindow Dash…” Fluttershy meekly interjected. “Maybe you could lower your voice just a teensy little bit? I mean, Spike is trying to rest and we should keep voices down. Um… That is, for Spike, if you don’t mind.”

“Yeah yeah, I know,” Rainbow Dash replied as she rolled her eyes. “But we spent three days worried sick about him. I just want to know what happened and where the hay is this ‘Trotina?’”

“All we know is that it is another world,” Princess Celestia as she sat gracefully in the living room. “Apparently, it is a parallel dimension and that he was there for eighteen days.”

“How could he be there for that long if he was only gone for three days?” asked Dash.

“The amulet which he had was enchanted to allow the wearer to travel through time up to two weeks,” answer Princess Luna, holding the watch. “It seems he has used all of the amulet’s power.”

“What’s a parallel dimension?” asked Apple Bloom.

“A parallel dimension is a separate world from ours,” the white Alicorn. “It is similar to ours, but there are differences. There may be different version of ourselves there, but they live different lives than we do here.”

“Is that what he meant that there was another ‘us’ there?” asked Sweetie Belle.

“I wonder if we had our cutie marks there,” wonder Scootaloo.

“Ah wonder if we can find out how to get there,” said Apple Bloom. “We could be…”

“Cutie Mark…” the trio began to cheer together.

“Whoa now, don’t y’all even think about it,” Applejack scolded.

“Aawww, but…” the fillies began to whine.

“No ‘buts’, youngins,” Granny Smith told them. “Y’all are forbidden to go out and getting’ yourselves lost in some ‘parallel dimension’ whatchamacallit.”

“But…” they tried one last time.

“Eenope,” Big Macintosh said sternly as he stomped a hoof. The fillies gave up, for they knew that when big Macintosh puts his hoof down, the argument is over.

While the Cutie Mark Crusaders were beginning lectured about the dangers of traveling through time and space, Rarity was standing silently at the foot of the stairs. The violet maned Unicorn had been staring up to the bedroom ever since Twilight Sparkle had taken Spike up there so that he can rest. She longed to be up there, but Twilight Sparkle and her family were in the bedroom and she wanted to give them their privacy. As she continued to stare, she placed her hoof on the fire ruby that was hanging around her neck.

In the bedroom, Twilight Sparkle had placed Spike in her own bed and tucked the young dragon in as her parents, her brother, and sister-in-law stood behind her. Night Light and Twilight Velvet felt a swelling of pride inside themselves as they watch their daughter motherly caring for the small dragon. Ever since their daughter’s entrance exam, she had been the child’s caretaker. At first, they thought of the relationship as a child with her pet, but as they discovered that the dragon was actually sentient, they came to realize it was something more. Now it was clear to them the relationship between their daughter and the dragon was that of a mother and her child. That would mean Spike was their grandchild. Their daughter, who was barely an adult, was a parent herself. Suddenly, Night Light and Twilight Velvet felt incredibly older.

“Come on, they need some time alone,” Twilight Velvet whispered to her husband, her son, and daughter-in-law. They nodded and filed out of the room and down the stairs to rejoin the others. Twilight Sparkle hummed soothingly as she stroked the side of Spike’s head with her hoof. Her son was home. He was taken from her before she fully understood what he had meant to her, and by some cosmic act of mercy, he was returned to her. She could hardly wait for him to awaken so that she could tell him how she felt about him. She desperately wished that he saw her as a mother as she saw him as a son. Seeing him snug in her bed, breathing heavily as he dreamed, brought back those precious memories of when he was a mere baby. She smiled and kissed his forehead before heading back downstairs.

Her friends and family were talking amongst themselves about what Spike could have been doing in the parallel world and what he saw there. As Twilight walked down the stairs, she saw Rarity awaiting her at the bottom. From their conversation the day before, the lavender unicorn knew that her fashionista friend cared deeply for Spike. She was even wearing his gift to her. Twilight knew that Spike loved Rarity, and it appeared that she returns the feelings.

“How is he?” Rarity asked with an almost pleading tone.

“He’s fine,” Twilight told her. She looked around the library and saw that all eyes were on her. “He’s asleep.”

“It’s getting late,” announced Applejack as she noticed that it was nighttime. “We should all get some sleep ourselves.”

“Perhaps you’re right,” Princess Celestia said as she stood up and began to usher the group out of the library. “Let’s give Spike time to rest.”

Everypony nodded and began to leave. Twilight’s family bid her farewell as they left to catch the train to return to their homes. Applejack scooted Apple Bloom out the door as the Apple Family returned to their farm. Rainbow Dash gave Scootaloo a lift and flew out of the building. Fluttershy and Pinkie also returned to their homes, but Rarity and Sweetie Belle lingered.

“Come on, Rarity,” Sweetie Belle called to her elder sister from the door, but Rarity was hesitant. She knew she needed to leave and let Spike rest, but she desperately what to make things right again. She wanted to tell him something important.

“But, I…” Rarity started to protest, but Twilight placed a hoof on her shoulder.

“It will be okay, Rarity,” Twilight reassured her friend. “You can tell him when he wakes up.”

Rarity gave her a look of surprise, but it changed to a smile as both mares gave each other understanding looks. They both knew what she wanted to say, and Twilight was in support of it. That gave Rarity comfort and she left after giving her friend a quick, grateful hug.

When everypony was gone, Twilight headed back up stairs. To her delight, her precious child was still there, confirming that this wasn’t a dream. She carefully lifted the sheets and got into the bed next to the dragon. She gently pulled him into her body so that he would snuggle up against her. Spike stirred uncomfortably in his sleep, disturbed by the movement. She soothingly shushed him as she caressed his head with her hoof. She remembered how she used to sing to him on nights he had troubled sleeping. She knew various lullabies, for her parents sang a few to her when she was a filly. Spike never cared for any of them, not even ‘Hush Now,’ expect for one. It was the only lullaby that seemed to be able to get him to fall asleep. As Twilight Sparkle cradled Spike, she started to quietly sing,

“ You are my sunshine
My only sunshine
You make me happy
When the skies are gray
You'll never know dear
How much I love you
So please don't take
My sunshine
Away”

The song worked and Spike once again relaxed. Twilight smiled at the sleeping dragon that was curled up against her and started to fall asleep herself. However, not all was right.

Spike found himself atop the clock tower in Trotina. He looked up and saw moon falling right at him. He turned to flee, but saw that he was surrounded by an army of statues. They were of him, but they stood in a rigid stance. They had forced grins on their faces and their eyes were dead. They raised their stiff arms and marched towards him. He backed away, but tripped over the edge and fell to the plaza below. Instead splattering across the pavement, the ground shattered like glass and he fell into an abyss. As he fell, he saw the images of clocks, their hands spinning wildly. Cuckoo birds popped out of them and hooted in his face almost in a mocking manner.

Two yellow and red eyes appeared followed by a grinning mouth of fangs. The disembodied face laughed at him. A long, forked tongue snaked out and wrapped around the falling dragon. The slimy tongue’s tip licked Spike’s face and then swirled around in one of his ear frills. Spike shouted in disgust and the face cackled at his discomfort. The tongue snapped and tossed Spike downwards. He landed on the floor of Golden Oaks Library. The dragon looked around and saw Pinkie Pie sitting on her haunches with her back to him. Her mane was flat, but she was giggling.

“Pinkie?” he called out to the pink mare. She slowly looked over her shoulder at the dragon and Spike was startled by what he saw. She had no eyes or a mouth! Suddenly, her face trembled and the skin where her mouth should be stretched. The flesh ripped opened to an unnaturally wide, razor sharp fanged filled grin. Blood dripped from the torn opened mouth and she continued to laugh like a schoolfilly. She stood up and approached him, blood dripping onto the floor.

Spike turned to run, but saw Fluttershy standing in his way. Her mane covered face like a veil as she looked down at the ground. Her head jerk up and her mane billowed above her head, revealing a bare skull. The fleshless head shrieked at him, causing him to run toward the door. The door seemed to pull further away from him more he tried to reach it. Suddenly, it lurched forward and he slammed into it, knocking him down.

You may have used the Elements of Harmony to defeat me, the voice of the combined Discord and Nightmare Moon echoed in the room. But you’re in my world now…

Spike could see an image of Discord throwing a dark blast of evil magic at the head of a gigantic version of himself while they were in the moon. Whatever it did, it was causing this nightmare.

The hardwood floor of the library rippled and Spike started to sink into it like it was water. He splashed around in the liquid wood and looked for anything to grab on to. Then a blue dorsal fin with a lightning bolt cutie mark swam passed him. He tried to swim away, but a shark with a rainbow mane swallowed him whole. He opened his eyes and found himself in the wedding chapel of Canterlot. Rarity was wearing a long, flowing white dress and she was standing next to Prince Blueblood before Princess Celestia.

“…I now pronounce you Stallion and Mare,” Celestia declared. “You may kiss the bride.” Spike gawked in disgust and the crowd cheered as the newlyweds kissed. The kissing went from gentle, to passionate, to lustful, and then to lewd. They groped each other’s body and ran through each other’s manes with their hooves. As the kissed, their bodies melded together to create an abomination made up of limbs and body parts. The thing opened its mouths and let out a roar as it charged Spike. Before he could run away, a lasso wrapped around his neck. The rope strangled him and he look back to see that Applejack’s corpse was reeling him in. Beside her, the demonic Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy appeared. The Rainbow Dash shark circled around him in the ripple floor and the Rarity-Blueblood beast joined the others.

Before the fiends could close in and devour him, they suddenly froze and retreated when the sound of singing filled the chapel. Descending from the ceiling was Twilight and she was singing the words of a lullaby. The sound of her song dispelled the awful scene and the monsters changed back into his friends. They smiled warmly and came closer to Spike. The young dragon looked around and noticed that they were in a field outside of Ponyville. He was surrounded by his friends and he couldn’t be happier.

Oh no you don’t… growled a dark voice.

As Spike smiled at his friends, he noticed that they looked a little older. With each passing second, their colorful coats faded and their manes grayed. Their joints became wobbly and their faces wrinkled. Spike watched in horror as they lay down and became still. Spike reached out a claw to brush Twilight’s mane, but she crumbled into dust before he could even touch her. He then saw the others crumble into dust and he began to weep. A strong breeze blew and the dust was carried away.

“No!” he cried as he ran after the floating particles. “Don’t leave me!” He came to a hill that overlooked Ponyville. He could see the citizens of the town running about doing their daily business. They also began to age, lie down, and crumble into dust.

“I told you,” a dark voice said behind him. Spike turned around and saw the Nightmare Discord towering over him. “I would make you understand. Their lives are meaningless. No matter what you do, they will abandon you. Nothing but pain will come from knowing them. You will see things my way soon enough.”

“No, I won’t,” Spike defiantly told him, but Discord only laughed. “You won’t trick me!”

“I’m not tricking anyone,” Discord denied. “I’m only here to show you the truth.”

“You’re lying!” the young dragon yelled. “I already know the truth. The Elements of Harmony showed it to me.”

“And it doesn’t bother you?” question the chimerical monster, doubting the dragon’s resolve. “How do you feel of being alone for the most of your long, miserable life?”

“I won’t be alone. I’ll make new friends. The Element of Laughter showed me that.”

“And you believed it?” Discord howled in laughter. “Oh, how priceless. Don’t you realize that what it showed you was a lie?”

“No, it wouldn’t lie to me!” Spike claimed, but Discord only laughed harder.

“It’s not the Element of Honesty. It’s the Element of Laughter, the element of pranks, lightheartedness, jokes, and silliness. Being serious and truthful is against its nature. It was deceiving you, playing a sick prank on you, feeding you false hopes. Do you really think that ponies would ever accept a dragon into their communities? They’ll only see you as a monster.”

“I’ll show them that I’m not dangerous.”

“Ha! Oh that is rich,” Discord mocked. “Ponies will fear you. Not matter what you do or say, they’ll be terrified of you. Look…” Discord snapped a claw and they were transported to a large cave filled with treasure. On top of the pile of gems and gold was a mighty dragon. “What do you see? Monstrous in size, ghastly teeth, terrible claws, and breath that can reduce a pony to ash in a second; this is the embodiment of terror.”

“But I won’t be like that dragon. I won’t be greedy. I’ll be generous and nice. I’ll show them that I’m not like that.”

“It doesn’t matter how ‘nice’ you are,” scoffed Discord. “They’ll never see past your terrifying appearance. Besides, you will become a monster both on the outside and in the inside.”

“It’s not true!” Spike yelled. “I’m not like other dragons! I won’t be like them!”

“Fool, you don’t have a choice,” the dark draconequus sneered as an overpowering agony took over both Spike’s body and spirit.

“W-What are… you doing… to me?” Spike groaned in anguish as he suffered physically and emotionally.

“I am only bringing out the pain that you’ve so desperately tried to hide,” Discord gloated.

“No… I won’t let it… consume me…” the dragon said as he writhed on the ground.

“Brave words,” Discord said in feigned admiration. “But nothing more. You can put on a brave face and claim to be strong, but you have been carrying so much pain and sorrow in your heart. Actually, I’m doing you a favor. I’m allowing you to embrace it so that you can live the life that other dragons do; a life of solitude, greed, and freedom from the petty concerns of love. You’ll thank me one day.” The dark draconequus laughed as the dragon’s body shifted and stretched.

The sun shone through the window of Twilight Sparkle’s bedroom. When the morning light hit her closed eyes, she stirred and awoke. She looked to the window and stretched. A wave of panic shot through her when she felt an empty place next to her in the bed. She jumped out of her bed and urgently looked around her room for Spike. Not seeing him upstairs, she ran down stairs and gasped in horror. Something large had burst through the front door and left the library during the night. She ran outside, looking all around for her baby dragon, but only saw ponies walking the streets of Ponyville.

“Twilight?” She turned her head to see Rarity walking up to her still wearing the fire ruby. The white Unicorn looked at the shattered door and a dread filled her heart. “Where’s Spike? Did something happen? Did something break into your home?”

“I… I don’t know…” confessed the lavender Unicorn and she looked at the remnants of her front door. “It looks like something big broke out instead of in.” She looked up and continued to scan her surroundings for any clue on the whereabouts of her missing dragon. She then spotted something out of place in the sky. There was a wispy, black cloud in the horizon. All the other clouds in the sky that surrounded it where fluffy and white. She followed the black cloud to its source with her eyes and saw that it was coming from a mountain. “We need to get the girls, now!”

While Rarity ran to get Fluttershy, Twilight ran to Sweet Apple Acres to retrieve Applejack. She was fortunate to find that the orange Earth Pony was already awake and running about. As a farmer, Applejack was accustomed to rising early in the morning.

“Twilight, what brings you here this early?” Applejack asked as she saw her friend running towards her. When she saw the look on her friend’s face, she knew that something was wrong. “Is it Spike? Did somethin’ happen?”

Twilight explained as they ran to Sugarcube Corner. When they reached there, they found Pinkie Pie helping the Cakes preparing the bakery for another day of work. As they were about to tell her the situation, Rarity came in along with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash.

“Spike’s missing again,” Twilight explained. “There’s smoke coming from the mountain where that red dragon tried to take a nap in that one time and something large broke out of the library. I think it’s Spike.”

“Has… Has he succumbed to the greed growth again?” Rarity asked with concern as she raised a hoof to her mouth in shock.

“I… believe so,” confessed Twilight. They gasped and looked to each other.

“W-W-What are we going to do?” Fluttershy stammered.

“We need to go to him and bring him to his senses,” declared Twilight.

“But how?” asked Applejack. “It was by luck that Rarity snapped him out of it last time.”

“Yeah, and he nearly flattened Ponyville before she did,” Pinkie reminded.

“We just have to hope we can break through to him,” Twilight told them.

They headed out of Sugarcube Corner and went up the trail that would lead them up the mountain. This was the third time this mountain was used as a dragon’s lair. The first time was by a dragon that was covering Equestria in smoke as snored during his hundred year long nap. Spike had used it when he grew at an unnatural rate due to greed fueled growth spurt. Now, Spike was possibly using it again and was about to cover Equestria in smoke as well.

The journey to the top was quicker than it was before, for Fluttershy wasn’t slowing them down with her phobia of dragons. As they approached the cave at the top, they could clearly see the smoke rising out of it. There was a rumble as a snore sounded through the air. The six mares paused in front of the mouth of the cave and braced themselves for what they may find inside. They cautiously stepped into the cave, preparing for the worst. In the dimness of the cave, they could see a large figure resting in the back of the cave. It was laying on a small hoard of gems that it had clawed out of the walls of the cave. It had a bulky body and curved spikes running down its back. Twilight illuminated the cave with her horn, revealing that the large figure was indeed Spike. As before, he was affected by the greed growth, making him a mindless beast of avarice.

“Spike, can you hear me?” Twilight asked the dragon as they six mares slowly approached him. The dragon snarled and huddled over his hoard protectively. The ponies halted because of the threatening noise, but then dared to step closer to the dragon. “Please Spike, you have to fight…”

A deafening roar that shook the mares to their cores filled the cave. The Elements of Harmony scurried away from the angry dragon and stared at him with fear. Fluttershy trembled like a leaf caught in the wind, Pinkie Pie and Applejack clung to each other, and even Rainbow Dash was rattled. Rarity and Twilight were standing in front of the others with pained looks on their faces.

“We need to try… We have to do something,” Rarity said. Twilight nodded and carefully approached the dragon. The dragon growled, but not as loudly as before.

“Spike, it’s me, Twilight,” Twilight began again. The dragon merely blinked at her. “Spike, please listen to me. You have to fight this. You have to remember who you are. You…” She breath caught in her throat as she began to cry, but pressed on. “Spike, I love you… You are my son…” Her friends listen to her in amazement, but accepted her claim of motherhood. “Please… come back to me…” Spike’s eyes widen a bit as he looked down at her. “Spike… Rarity is here and she wants to tell you something…”

“Spike,” Rarity said as she walked up next to Twilight. Spike only slightly growled. “I was wrong. I don’t care that you’re a dragon. You are the kindness, gentlest, most honorable, generous fellow I have ever had the pleasure to know. Spike, I love you. Please, come back to us.” Spike’s brows knitted together with emotion and his snakelike pupils widen. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash came forward to join the two Unicorns. This time, Spike didn’t growl. However, he wasn’t shrinking back to his natural size. Twilight Sparkle noticed this and was worried.

I don’t understand it, why isn’t he changing back? she thought. We clearly reached him, so why is he still so large? This doesn’t make sense! It’s like a curse has been placed on him. She looked up at his sad eyes and noticed the pain and sorrow within them. Maybe it is a curse… She suddenly remembered the song she had read in the book of spell songs. It was her only chance to help him.

She started to sing the spell song to her son and its soothing notes filled the cave. Her friends looked at her in confusion, but as she began the second verse, the cave rumbled. Spike had started to hum along with her singing. As they continued their duet, vapors of dark magic left his body. Tears of relief fell from the mighty dragon’s eyes. Twilight Sparkle was also crying as she saw the evil curse being lifted from his body. She nuzzled against his snout as she sang with her son. When they completed their song, Spike’s body returned to normal and he was being hugged by his mother.

“Did you mean what you said?” Spike asked Twilight Sparkle. She cried tears of joy and kissed his forehead.

“Every word,” she reassured him. “I love you, son.”

“I love you too, Mom,” he said back to her. Pinkie Pie burst into tears of joy by watching the touching scene.

“Hey!” Pinkie suddenly exclaimed cheerfully. “This calls for a party! Let’s head to Sugarcube Corner so we can have the ‘welcome home’ party!”

“Now you’re talking!” Rainbow cheered as the group headed out of the cave.

“I also meant every word that I said,” Rarity told Spike as they walked.

“Really?” Spike asked with stars in his eyes. To answer his question, she leaned down to him and gave him a kiss. His face lit up as he smiled dreamily and a blush formed on her cheeks. Twilight smiled approvingly at them as she followed behind the blushing pair. “Boy, do I have a story to tell you all when we get to Sugarcube Corners!”

Sequel News and Chapter Notes

Sequel News and Chapter Notes

I’m currently planning a sequel to the story. It will be based on the game Star Fox Adventures: Dinosaur Planet. It will take place on an island that is falling apart instead of a planet. The island will be off the coast of Zecora’s homeland. My dilemma is that I don’t know if I want to use dinosaurs or African animals. If I use dinosaurs, it would be even more of a crossover than if I use African animals. I want to know what everybody thinks I should use. Please post your preference in the comments below: Dinosaurs or African animals? I won’t be posting a new chapter every day like last time. It was exhausting doing that. In the meantime, enjoy some trivia.

Chapter One

• The name of the chapter is a reference to the Happy Mask Salesman’s infamous line.
• I divided the Ocarina of Time into the Watch Amulet and Spike’s flute from “Hurricane Fluttershy.”
• “It looks all dark and gloomy, almost like it could start crying any second now,” is a quote directly from the game said by Tatl. The Trotina Spike is playing the role of the Deku Butler’s son.
• The salesman is played by the pony that sold Trixie the Alicorn Amulet in “Magic Duel.”
[img] http://images.wikia.com/mlp/images/b/b0/Merchant_Pony_S3E5.png [/img]
• Trotina is MLP version of the name Termina.
• The name Clock Town remained the same because I couldn’t come up with a decent name.
• I placed a limit on the watch’s use to make the time limit more urgent.

Chapter Two

• I chose the Unicorns to represent the Deku because Link popped Jim’s balloon with the Deku’s magic snot bubble. The best analogy for this was Unicorn magic. Besides, Earth Ponies best represent Gorons with their strength and Pegasi best represent the Zora’s with their agility.
• I used the music from the game itself for the background music. The only exception is for the version of the “Fairy Fountain” I used called “the Goddess Appears”

I used this as Princess Celestia’s theme because it sounds more divine than the other version.
• Princess Celestia is playing the role of the Great Fairies and the Four Giants. Princess Luna is playing the role of the Skull Kid. Nightmare Moon and Discord are playing the role of Majora’s Mask.
• My story, like the game, is based off the five stages of grief. Each stage is paired with the Element of Harmony that is best used to overcome that stage. For example, Honest overcomes Denial.
• Babs Seed plays the role of Jim, and the Doctor plays the Astronomer.
• A lot of the roles were based on the casting of Shining Armor as Kafei and Cadance as Anju. Night Light and Twilight Velvet had to play the roles of the Mayor and his wife.
• When it comes to casting, Fluttershy got the short end of the stick. I wanted all of the Mane 6 to have roles in the story, and the only spot that she fit into was Toto the Manager. Since I made the Pegasi the Zoras, I knew she had to be one. She wouldn’t fit in as well as a Wonderbolt and the only other spot was Toto.
• I wanted the Mane 6’s side story to move parallel to the main story, so I divided it up into four hour intervals.

Chapter Three

• I decided it to make a running gag out of Spike’s insomnia based on the fact that Link never sleeps in the game.
• Spike’s comment to the moon is based off of this

• This chapter serves as a buildup to Spike’s first trial.

Chapter Four

• I wanted to explore Celestia’s thoughts and feelings concerning the incident with Nightmare Moon a thousand years ago through her conversation with Spike and later with the conversation with Twilight. In the show, little is said about the matter, but I imagine it was heartbreaking for Celestia to be forced to banish her sister to the moon.
• Since I decided to have Spike stay awake for the entire adventure, I had to keep coming up with new ways to keep him awake. Here, Celestia’s magic does it.
• There are three versions of the Mane 6 in my story: the Equestria versions, the Trotina versions, and the versions made up of Spike’s memories and the Elements’ magic.
• In the Trial of Honesty, Spike has to literally face himself.

Chapter Five

• The meter on the side of the watch is a reference to the magic meter in most Zelda games.
• In a way, Twilight Sparkle and Rarity (Equestria versions) play the roles of Princess Zelda and Navi.
• The portions of Celestia’s power travelling back through time with Spike were a way for me to have Celestia to be able to travel back with Spike. It also served as an excuse to incapacitate her for most of the story.
• “It’s a secret to everybody,” said by Trotina Spike is a famous line from many Zelda games.
• I had donkeys (Matilda and Cranky) play the roles of the monkeys. I was going to have two Zecoras, a red striped and a blue striped, to play the roles of Koume and Kotake, but I decided not to. I had Matilda fill in for Kotake and be the one searching for Zecora(Koume).
• I use the blue potion from here on as the means to keep Spike awake.
• I support the Spike/Rarity pairing and I wanted Rarity to discover her feelings for Spike after seeing the Fire Ruby he gave her in “Secret of my Excess” and from feeling regret for what she said to him after returning from the disastrous encounter with Count High N’Mighty.

Chapter Six

• Prince Blueblood and his guards were ideal to show the xenophobia of the Deku.
• Zecora once again fills the role Koume by rowing Spike to the palace.
• “It is fine, Spike, for the hospitality of the Sire,” said Zecora. “Is as pleasant as this Misery Mire.” Misery Mire is the name of a level from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
• “To go alone is dangerous.” She tossed it to Spike, and when he caught it, he saw it was a flask. “Take this.” is a rendition of the famous Zelda line, “It’s dangerous to go alone, take this.”
• I had a lot of fun coming up with ideas for Blueblood’s paintings.
• I had Sweetie Belle join Rarity in playing the role of the Deku Princess because I wanted all of the CMC to have roles. Apple Bloom is Romani, Scootaloo is the Zora eggs, and Sweetie Belle is the Deku Princess.
• Originally, I was going to have Rarity’s father play the king, but I wanted Spike to be bitter at the thought of Blueblood being engaged to Rarity to tie in the theme of the Anger Stage.
• I got the concept of “the Wheel of Punishment” and the lines “Community service, please be community service!” and “Looks like it’s ‘Boiled in Oil,’” from Avatar: the Last Airbender.
• I support the relationship between Twilight and Spike as being a mother/son relationship. My goals for this story were: make a Majora’s Mask crossover, explore the five stages of grief, write a Spike/Rarity pairing story, and write a story that developed Spike’s relationship with his adoptive mother.

Chapter Seven

• The temple trap scene was inspired by “the Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
• Spike fight with the Timberwolves in this chapter and chapter five is the “boss fight” of this section.
• I was going to have Owlowiscious in this chapter as Kaepora Gaebora to teach Spike the Song of Soaring, but decided to drop it because there wouldn’t be a need for it.
• The Element of Kindness is the ideal opposite of the Stage of Anger.

Chapter Eight

• I was going to have Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon play the role of the Goron Baby, but the Cake Twins fitted the role better. I know Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon are whinny and annoying, but I needed infants to play the Goron Baby.

Chapter Nine

• Mr. Cake plays the role of the Goron Elder.
• Trixie and the large Pegasus from “Hurricane Fluttershy” play the roles of the blacksmiths.

Chapter Ten

• The Windigos serve as this section’s “boss fight.”
• Originally, this was going to be the Trial of Loyalty. However, Generosity serves as a better opposite to Bargaining and Loyalty goes with Acceptance.
• With each Trial, Spike’s internal turmoil increases.

Chapter Eleven

• The Flim Flam Brothers play the roles of the Gorman Brothers and the Apple Family plays the roles of Romani and Cremia.
• I’m not really a Soarin/Rainbow Dash shipper, but it works well for this story. However, I do support Rainbow/Scootaloo as an adoptive big sister/little sister relationship.
• I was going to have the Griffons play the roles of the Pirates and the Diamond Dogs were going to be Sakon the Thief.
• The song Rarity sings is called “Am I Blue.” Out of all of the versions there are, I prefer the one that Batman sings.

Batman is awesome.

Chapter Twelve

• Spike starts to have insomnia induced delusions in this chapter.
• “No, not the bees! Not the bees!” is from the movie “the Wicker Man.”

• Rainbow Dash plays the role of Lulu the Singer.
• Twilight’s dream teaches her the Song of Healing. It also foreshadows Spike’s encounter with BEN.

Chapter Thirteen

• I combined Great Bay Temple and Pinnacle Rock because the Quarray eels represent the giant sea snakes perfectly. They are also the “boss fight” of this section.
• The Trial of Laughter serves as the ideal opposite to the Stage of Depression.
• Spike is my favorite MLP: FIM character. I always found Spike to be tragic character because the sad fact is that is he is going to outlive most of his friends by centuries or even millennia.

Chapter Fourteen

• The Ikana Valley is represented by the Crystal Empire.
• I was inspired to add Tingle into the story by HungryPony.
• Octavia and Vinyl Scratch play the roles of the Composer Brothers and Gomess the Vampire, the sub-boss of Stone Tower.

Chapter Fifteen

• The Olden Pony from “Sleepless in Ponyville” makes a cameo appearance.
• The griffon that appears in this chapter foreshadows the Sakon character.
• Pinkie Pie’s family plays the roles of Pamela and her father.
• My description of Vinyl’s vampire face is how I imagine vampire should look.
• Spike fights the dreaded Wallmaster in this chapter.

Chapter Sixteen

• King Sombra plays the role of Igos du Ikana.
• I was inspired to add the dancing ReDeads by GoldenBrassPony.
• Even though I mostly used the game’s music, I thought about using these versions

• During the Trial of Loyalty, I used this video [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jJeHBtY5m9s] because I think the music from Dragon Ball Z fits it perfectly.
• BEN is the “boss” of this section.
• In this chapter, I used Celestia’s conversation with Twilight to further explore her feelings about banishing her own sister.

Chapter Seventeen

• I used Celestia’s teleportation in place of the Song of Soaring.
• I didn’t want to include aliens in my story, so I had the Flim Flam Brothers fill in.

Chapter Eighteen

• As Spike becomes more delirious, he grows more distant from his friends.
• Derpy plays the role of the Postman.

Chapter Nineteen

• Gustave Le Grand plays the role of Sakon.
• I included the sad scene from the game where Cremia gives Romani Chateau Romani and asks her to sleep with her in her bed that night. It’s implied that the drink is alcoholic and Cremia wanted to get her sister drunk so that she would be unconscious as the world was destroyed.
• Gustave speaks French. Here are the translations: “Les intrus!” Intruders! “Qu'est-ce que c'est? Un poulain et un bébé dragon?” What is this? A colt and a baby dragon?
• As I had Twilight explain, I think the Element of Magic should really be called the Element of the Magic of Friendship. After all, Friendship is Magic.

Chapter Twenty

• For the final battle, I merged Nightmare Moon and Discord into one monster.
• I was unsure if I wanted to include the Fierce Deity Mask, but I figured that it was the only way to stop Discord.
• I was considering to have this to be the battle music

• During the final battle, Discord placed a curse on Spike before he was defeated.

Chapter Twenty-one

• Originally, I was going to have a more tragic ending. All of Spike’s companions were going to remain dead at the end, but that was too much of a downer.
• Luna’s yelling at the merchant was based of the Majora’s Mask Manga’s ending where Link calls the Salesman a trouble maker.

Chapter Twenty-two

• Twilight singing “You are my Sunshine” is in memory of my mother. She used to sing that song to me and my siblings. As Twilight sings the song, it interferes with the nightmare curse that Discord placed on Spike.
• The encounter in the cave was inspired by these pictures
• The last chapter is a Twilight Princess crossover. If you know how the Zelda Timeline(s) work, then you know that the Oracina of Time/ Majora's Mask Link (a.k.a. Hero of Time) shows up as the Hero's Shade in Twilight Princess to teach that Link (a.k.a. Chosen Hero) sword techniques. When the Chosen Hero would come across a howling stone, he would howl a song in order for the Hero of Time to teach him a new techniquue. The first song he howls is the Song of Healing. You later learn that the Hero of Time was filled with regret for being unable to pass on "lessons of his life to those who came after him." By playing the Song of Healing and learning his lessons, the Chosen Hero is able to put his predecessor's soul to rest. When Twilight Sparkle sang it with Spike, it was supposed to be like this

The only reason I didn't post this video in the chapter was because I didn't want to make it seem that she was howling like a wolf at him. By singing the song to him, she was able to lift the curse that Discord had placed on him and was also able to heal his broken heart.

A Terrible Fate

Today was the day. It was still early in the morning and Spike was headed to Carousel Boutique, his heart racing. He finally worked up the nerve to confess his love for the mare of his dreams, Rarity. Though the dragon thinks his crush is one the best kept secrets of Equestria, most ponies already knew. It wasn’t like he was discreet about it. He stood at the front door, his palms sweating. Taking a breath, he knocked on the front door of the boutique. This was a formality, since the place was opened to the public because it was a store.

“Come in!” a voice called from inside in a singsong tone. Spike made his way inside and saw the white Unicorn with the violet mane. Spike was about to talk, but then he noticed that she was gathering suitcases.

“Hey Rarity, what’s up with the bags?” he asked little crestfallen. He had hoped to be able to have her undivided attention, but she was busy packing for a trip.

“Oh, hello Spike,” she greeted cheerfully. “I’m preparing to go to Canterlot to meet with Count High N’Mighty. We’ve met the last time I was in Canterlot. He said he wanted to meet with me again, and now he’s invited me to his mansion! Oh, this is too exciting! I can see it now! He’s inviting….”

As she began to go on about her dreams of courting the Count and her possibility of becoming Countess N’Mighty, Spike’s heart sank. He started to doubt whether he should tell her or not. Maybe he should just go home to Golden Oaks Library. No, I came this far. I can’t turn back now!

“….and we’ll have a grand wedding in Canterlot Palace and….”

“Rarity.”

“….my gown will be….”

“Rarity.”

“….and my bridesmaids will wear….”

“Rarity,” Spike spoke a little louder, finally getting her attention.

“Oh, yes Spike?”

“I have something to tell you.”

“What is it, Spike?” she said, coming down from her high.

“I….I wanted to tell you that….I….”

“Oh,” Rarity said with a serious face. “Spike, I think that I know what you are going to say.”

“You do?” Spike said surprised. Rarity sighed and nodded.

“It is pretty obvious, dear.” Spike mentally kicked himself. “I’m flattered, I really am, but you must understand, I’m going to meet somepony in a moment. He seems really interested in me. Besides, you’re a few years younger than me. I really think you are nice, but I’m a Unicorn and you’re a dragon….”

“Oh, I see,” Spike said bitterly.

“Oh, darling, I didn’t mean that….”

“No no. I get it,” Spike said as he headed to the door. “You’re a Unicorn and I’m just a dragon.”

“Spike, I….”

“I’ll let you get back to your packing. I’m sorry to bother you.” He opened the door and started to head out. Rarity watched with a concerned look as she watched the young dragon leave. Before he closed the door, Rarity heard him say to himself, “I never should have fooled myself.”

Spike’s tail dragged as he walked back to the library. His thoughts were consumed with his disappointment. He was going to pour out his soul to the mare of his dreams, and she rejected him before he even told her. As he opened the door the tree-house, he saw his caretaker, Twilight Sparkle, pacing in the main room of the library. Spike noticed she looked upset.

“Hey Twilight, what’s wrong?”

“It’s not a big deal. I’ve promised to go to the spa with Fluttershy today. She normally goes with Rarity on this day of the week, but she’s going out of town today,” explained the lavender Unicorn.

“So, what’s the problem? It’s not like Fluttershy wouldn’t mind missing the spa date.”

“Yes, but they had already made reservations. She doesn’t want them to go to waste, so I volunteered to go with her. The problem is that I was going to deliver this amulet to Zecora.” As she spoke, she levitated a necklace that looked like a watch. “I’ve just received this from Canterlot University and Zecora wanted to take a look at it.”

“What does it do? It looks like stopwatch to me,” he observed.

“That’s because it is. This watch has been enchanted with time spells. Supposedly, it has the ability to allow you return back to a certain point in time.”

“You mean you can travel back in time?” Spike asked with an idea forming in his head. He could travel back in time to prevent himself from embarrassing himself in front of Rarity.

“Not quite. You see, you press the button and that sets the return point. You press it again, and you return to that point, but the spell is limited. The spell only allows for about two weeks’ worth of time travel.”

“Oh, that’s cool,” he halfheartedly replied, his new idea deflated.

“I was going to lend it to Zecora, but I don’t want to be late. I guess I could always deliver it after going to the spa.”

“I’ll deliver it for you,” offered Spike. “After all, I am your number one assistant.”

“Are you sure?” Twilight asked with uncertainty. “I mean she does live in the Everfree Forest.”

“It’s fine, she doesn’t live that far in. I’ll be careful,” he reassured.

“Well then, if you say so.” She passed the amulet to Spike and gave him a hug. “Just be careful, there’s a lot of dangerous creature in there.”

“I’ll be fine, what’s the worst that could happen?”

Timberwolves, that’s what could happen. Spike was walking down the path to Zecora’s hut, playing his pan flute in an attempt to cheer himself up. Despite his efforts, it wasn’t helping. What it did was attract a pack of the enchanted wooden canines to him. The wolves had surrounded him on the trail, and he ran into the forest since the trail was blocked by the predators. Spike could smell the foul breath of the creatures as they closed in on him. He looked over his shoulder to see how far away his pursuers were, but he should have remained looking forward. If he had, he would have seen the hole in the ground.

Spike fell down the hole and the Timberwolves stopped at the edge, snarling in anger that their quarry had escaped. Spike bounced against the walls of the hole as he fell down the winding tunnel. The tunnel finally ended and Spike found himself falling into something worse. Now he was headed down an abyss. He screamed in terror as he fell into the bottomless cavern. As he fell, he saw a light coming from the darkness. The multicolored light was spiraling up to meet him. Spike shielded his eyes from the blinding light as it enveloped him.

When he opened his eyes again, he wasn’t falling anymore. In fact, he was sitting on the floor of a cave. He wondered how he could be in one piece after a fall like that. As his sight recovered, he looked around the cave. He quickly noticed the dark figure that was standing before him. His heart nearly stopped as he recognized the figure as Nightmare Moon. The black alicorn glared down at the frightened dragon. Spike noticed that her helmet covered her entire face like a mask and it had two mismatched, glowing yellow eyes.

“You!” the Mare in the Moon growled in anger and surprise. “How many times must I kill you!?”

“What….” Before he could ask what was going on, the alicorn’s horn glowed with magic and Spike felt a strange power take hold of him. It was pure agony, and he was paralyzed by the pain. His bones twisted and shifted. His scales felt like they were burning. His claws and feet felt like they were being crushed. A splitting headache developed as he felt something grow out of his forehead. Finally, the curse was complete and Spike collapsed. He could hear the dark mare laugh as he gasped. He noticed that her laugh sounded strange, and yet familiar. Even though it was her voice, the laugh sounded like it belonged to someone else.

“There, try that one on for size,” she mocked. “That will teach you to meddle in my business.”

“W-what did you do to me?” Spike struggled to speak.

“See for yourself,” she gloated as she pointed to a pool of water. Spike crawled to the pool and yelled in alarm when he saw his reflection. A purple Unicorn colt with a green, spiky mane stared back up at him. The only thing that remained the same was his eyes. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must find a more secure lair. I can’t have one where dragons, or should I say, Unicorns can walk in uninvited.” She turned to leave, but she stopped. “I think that I’ll take this with me.”

“Hey!” Spike shouted as he saw the mare with the starry mane levitating his flute beside her.

“This will serve as a nice little reminder of the time we shared together,” she mocked as she transformed into a swirling cloud of indigo magic. Spike gathered his strength and followed the cloud as it whisked away down a tunnel.

Normally, Spike could walk either in a bipedal or quadrupedal stance as a dragon, but his new Unicorn form forced him to walk on all fours. It felt odd to him to walk on hooves. As he did his best to make his way through the caverns, he noticed a strange tree in one of them. He stopped to observe it. It seemed to be shaped to resemble some being. Its branches stuck out like hands, and the hollows seemed to form a face. The “mouth” was formed into a scream, and the “eyes” were squinted. The face on the tree looked like it was frozen in anguish and despair. It looks all dark and gloomy, almost like it could start crying any second now.

Spike decided to move on and continue down the path. Soon, he heard a sound. It sounded like churning water and gears. Spike found himself in a room filled with cogs. He looked around and saw stairs that led up to a set of double doors. Spike headed up the stairs, but he then heard a chuckle coming from behind him.

“You’ve met with a terrible fate, haven’t you?” a voice asked him from the shadows. Spike jumped in alarm, but he saw a pony emerge from the shadows. The Earth Pony wore glasses, a strange cap,and styled his mane in a braid.

“Who are you?”

“I’m a traveling merchant. I deal with mystical and strange artifacts. However, it would seem like that you are not from around here.”

“I was chased by some Timberwolves and I fell down a hole. There was a bottomless pit, a bright light, and then I was here,” explained Spike.

“Hhhmmm, where do you come from?”

“I live in Ponyville in the Kingdom of Equestia.”

“I am not familiar with those places, and from your explanation, I would guess that you somehow stumbled upon a portal to this world.”

“What is this place, anyways?”

“You are now underneath Clock Town in the land of Trotina,” explained the strange stallion.

“Do you know where Nightmare Moon went? She has my flute, and she changed me into a Unicorn.”

“You know of Nightmare Moon? Is she in Equestria too?”

“Well, kinda. She was changed back into Princess Luna on the Summer Sun Celebration by the Elements of Harmony.”

“How strange, it would seem that your world is quite different from mine.”

“What do you mean?”

“In Trotina, Princess Luna became Nightmare Moon a thousand years ago and was banished by Princess Celestia to the moon, but she has escaped recently. The Elements of Harmony haven’t been seen in a long time,” the merchant explained.

“No Elements, no Luna,” summarized Spike.

“Precisely. Now, she has stolen a powerful mask from me. If you can get it back for me, and your flute, I can help you return to your actual shape,” offered the merchant.

“Really!? You got a deal,” Spike eagerly agreed. “Wait a second, she could easily clobber me! How do I get them back?”

“You’ll have to use your brain,” the merchant shrugged. “But, you’ll have to hurry. In three days….let’s just say I have to leave in three days.”

“Well, okay,” Spike conceded. He then turned towards the doors and called back as he headed out them, “Wish me luck!”

“Good luck. You’re going to need it.”

Depression Cycle: Day Two

Dawn of the Second Day- 48 Hours Remaining

In the depths of the Diamond Dog’s cave, there was a cell. Inside the cell sat a dragon assuming the form of a member of the famed team of Pegasi stunt fliers, the Wonderbolts. The dragon had been captured while he was attempting to rescue a foalnapped filly. They had taken his belongings and tied him up. All through the night, the dragon in a Pegasus body struggled against his restraints. He couldn’t afford to be held as the Diamond Dog’s prisoner, for too much was at stake. There was a little pony that needed saving, a Princess depending on him, and a moon that would fall to the world in two days. If he couldn’t get free from his restraints, then every living thing in Trotina would die.

Spike took a break from his struggling and leaned up against the wall of his cell. He sighed in frustration as he hung his head. Was this it? Was he going to die in here? His avaricious captors would doom this world just to have the pieces of jewelry that were the Elements of Harmony. They didn’t know how important they were. To them, they were just fine pieces of jewelry to collect and hoard. Diamond Dogs were perhaps the second greediest creatures known to ponykind. Ironically enough, a member of the greediest race was now their prisoner, and he wasn’t even greedy at all!

During the night, Spike tried to reason with the guard dogs as they passed by his cell during their patrol routes. Unfortunately for Spike, they were both too greedy and too stupid to understand the ramifications of their actions; they only wanted their beloved treasure.

As Spike contemplated his position, he spoke to his cohorts. Any bright ideas?

Maybe you should pretend to be sick, offered Big Macintosh.

Nah, they wouldn’t care, the other Spike rejected.

Maybe I could start whining, Spike suggested. The Rarity in my world was able to whine them into submission when they captured her.

I don’t think that’s such a good idea. What if the gag you? Soarin asked.

How about you try to cut the ropes by rubbing up against the wall? suggested the Trotinan version of Spike.

I don’t know, doubted Soarin. That might take too long and they might notice him if he isn’t careful. Besides, what would he do next? He’ll just be a Pegasus locked in a cage instead of a tied up Pegasus locked in a cage.

Wait a minute… Spike thought. The answer to his predicament suddenly came to him. I got it!

Got what? asked Soarin.

To answer the Pegasus’s question, Spike pulled away from the power of the Pegasus Mask. As he did, his body began to shift back into that of a young dragon. The bones in his wings cracked and compressed as they retracted into his back. Fur was replaced by scales once more. His mane receded and spines started to grow down the length of the body, from his head to the tip of his tail. The ropes that were wrapped around him became loose as his body decreased in size. He was now standing in the center of the cell with the rope lying on the ground, circling his feet.

Spike, you’re a genius! applauded Soarin.

If I’m such a genius, then why didn’t I think of this sooner? Spike mentally chastised himself. The answer to his question was sleep deprivation. Spike had not slept since before he arrived in Trotina. Accounting for the number of times he had repeated the same three day cycle, Spike had been awake for ten days straight and was now beginning the eleventh. The only thing that was keeping him going was the blue magic potion that Zecora had given to him six days ago.

Okay, you’re a dragon. Now what? asked Big Macintosh.

I can dig my way out of here. We then find our stuff, grab Scootaloo, and get out of here! answered Spike.

What about the guards? reminded the other Spike. They’ll be looking for you as soon as they know you’ve escaped.

Spike thought about this and looked around the cell. There were some large rocks, a dirty sheet, and an old pillow with feathers falling out of it. The dragon smirked as he came up with a plan.

A Diamond Dog guard walked down the tunnel where Spike’s cell was located. The guard peered into the cell and panicked when he saw that the prisoner was gone! The guard pulled out the key to the cell and opened the door. He ran inside, looking all around the cell for a possible escape route that the prisoner could have used to get out. As the bipedal dog looked around the cell, a large rock fell from the ceiling and struck the dog on top of his helmet. The impact caused the dog’s head to rattle. Stars danced around the dog’s head as he stuck his tongue out and his eyes rolled dizzily around in their sockets. The guard fell unconscious to the floor and Spike dropped down from the ceiling. He took the key ring, shoulder pads, and helmet from the knocked out dog and tied him up with the rope that was previously used to restrain Spike. He covered the unconscious dog with the filthy sheet and stuck some of the feathers from the pillow under the sheet so that it appeared that there were wings sticking out from under it.

Are you sure this will work? the other Spike asked, unsure about the ruse.

Trust me, Spike reassured as he put on the shoulder pads and helmet. They’ll never notice. They’re halfwits.

After gagging the dog, Spike exited the cell and locked it with the key. Spike headed down the tunnel in search of his missing items. He paused when two more Diamond Dogs were marching down the tunnel, headed towards the dragon that was wearing the oversized shoulder pads and helmet. Spike stood aside to let the dogs pass, but they stopped to stare at the poorly disguised dragon. One dog cocked a brow and the other scratched its head. Spike started to sweat as he tried to smile innocently at the guards.

This isn’t going to work! the other Spike shouted nervously.

Eenope! Big Macintosh shared the Unicorn Spirit’s doubts.

I hope your plan works! added Soarin.

Trust me, it will work, Spike said to reassure his partners and himself.

After a moment of staring at the nervously smiling Spike, the Diamond Dogs shrugged and moved on. All four of the adventurers let out a sigh of relief. Well, at least Spike did. The others had to do it metaphorically due to the fact that they were only spirits. Armed with the knowledge that the Diamond Dog wouldn’t see through his disguise, Spike continued down the tunnel.

As the dragon made his way down the passageway, his vision started to become blurry. Spike reached out with a shaking claw and braced himself against the tunnel’s wall. His knees knocked together as he struggled to keep himself upright.

Spike, are you okay? asked his concerned counterpart.

I… I’m getting dizzy… Spike struggled to say. He strained his eyes, but his sight remained blurry.

Spike, what’s wrong? Soarin tried to ask the dragon, but his voice sounded like it was moving away from him. The Mask Spirits’ voices seemed to echo as though they were far away. Spike’s body began to sway. He could now only faintly hear his companions’ voices, but there was also something else. In his mind, he could see something. It was round and was very large. It appeared to be drawing closer and closer to him. He could see the image of an Alicorn’s silhouette imprinted on the massive object. The Alicorn’s eye suddenly glowed yellow and red and then the object consumed the dragon.

You’ve met with a terrible fate, haven’t you? a giggling voice asked.

Spike gasped and found himself still standing in the tunnel, braced up against the wall. His partners were still calling to him. He shook his head and continued down the tunnel.

What happened? asked Soarin.

I need… the potion… Spike wearily answered. Even though the vision had startled him back to his senses and gave him a jolt of energy, it was quickly fading. He didn’t know how much longer he had until he collapsed.

He entered a storage room filled with piles of loot. The large gray Diamond Dog that had captured him yesterday was snoozing in the corner. He was lying on the floor and his back leg would kick every once in a while as he dreamed. Under the dog’s large paw was Spike’s chain that held the watch, the Lens of Truth, and his flute. Spike thought of what he would do next to get the chain out from under the dog’s paw without waking him. Spike knew he couldn’t wake the large dog and ask for it. Even though the dog would believe that the dragon was a Diamond Dog, he was one of the betas and wouldn’t hand over his prize unless it was the alpha. Spike noticed that there was a feather still stuck onto his scales from the pillow. He used the feather to tickle the dog’s nose. As he had hoped, the dog raised his paw to rub his nose and placed it back down. However, the chain with its contents wasn’t there anymore. Spike and swiped it and replaced it with a bone.

With the chain once again around his neck, Spike searched the rest of the storage room. He saw his flask hanging from a hook on the wall. Worried, Spike grabbed the flask and opened it. To his relief, the flask still contained the blue potion. Spike took a gulp and felt his vitality return. With renewed strength, the dragon continued his search. He entered into an adjacent storeroom and saw the smaller brown beta dog also asleep by a pile of treasure. The dog was snoring softly and Spike silently crept in. He found the Elements of Honesty, Kindness, and Generosity lying amongst a pile of gems. Spike carefully lifted the Element of Honesty from the pile, glancing over to the sleeping dog as he did to make sure if he was still asleep. After clasping it around his neck, Spike grabbed the Element of Kindness and clasped it onto his right arm. When he picked up the Element of Generosity, the gems under it shifted. A few gems fell to the stone floor, making a slight tinkling sound. Spike froze and his eyes darted back to the sleeping dog. The brown dog snorted loudly but then went back to snoring. Exhaling in relief, Spike placed the third Element on his left arm. Now, all that remained was Scootaloo.

Spike exited the storerooms and sneaked down a passageway. He had to be extra careful, for his disguise wouldn’t matter now if he was seen. The dogs would be suspicious if they saw him with their ill-gotten goods. Spike then heard a howling echoing down the tunnel and the sound of dogs running. The alarm had been sounded! Spike used his claws to climb up the wall and dig a hole in ceiling. He looked down from his hiding place and saw a group of guards run underneath him. He noticed one lacked armor and was covered in feathers. The dragon continued to dig, following the direction the dogs had gone. He broke through a wall and saw the alpha dog wearing the red vest standing front of a tied up Scootaloo.

“Boss, the pony escaped!” one guard reported.

“He hit me on the head and took my armor!” said the feather covered dog.

“Then find him!” the leader ordered. The guards ran out as the betas entered.

“Someone took my flute!” whined the large gray dog.

“And someone took the new gems!” added the small brown dog.

“Oh, for crying out loud!” groaned the alpha. “Can’t you two do anything right?”

As Spike watched the leader berate his henchdogs, a bee buzzed in front of the dragon’s face. Spike shooed the bee away and it flew up to a hive that was hanging from the ceiling on the cavern. Spike looked back down at the canine trio. The lead dog dragged the orange filly to a nearby cell and locked her in it. He then returned to the center the room and started to give the other two instructions. Spike noticed that the beehive was now hanging right above the three dogs and Spike grinned mischievously. He shot a jet of green flames at the thin apart of the beehive that connected it to ceiling and it burnt away. The hive landed in the center of the three dogs and a swarm of angry bees flew out of it. The dogs yelped in alarm and ran down the tunnel with the swarm in hot pursuit.

Spike transformed into Soarin and flew down to Scootaloo’s cage. As he unlocked the cage, he could hear the dogs howling in pain from the bee stings as they ran away.

“No, not the bees! Not the bees!” he heard one of them howl.

“Soarin!” the filly exclaimed as she saw the Pegasus enter the cell. After he untied her, she threw her forelegs around his neck and hugged her rescuer. “That was total rad!”

“Thanks, but we gotta hurry!” Spike urgently told her as he placed her on his back. “Hold on!”

She clasped on as hard as she could as he blazed down the tunnels towards the exit. He zigzagged left and right as he navigated through the labyrinth. The Diamond Dogs he passed could watch in surprise and confusion as a blue streak zoomed by them. As he neared the exit, they saw the trio of dogs that the bees had chased recovering from their bee stings.

“What?” they asked as they heard Spike approaching from behind. As the leader turned around, his jaw was met with Spike’s hoof as the Pegasus uppercut the red vested dog. While they were caught off guard, Spike bucked the bigger one in the stomach, bringing him to his knees, and then jumped on top of the smaller one. Spike’s rear hooves knocked the small dog face first into the dirt as the Pegasus used him as a springboard. Spike shot out of the cave with the cheering filly on his back.

“Whoo-hoo!” shouted Scootaloo as they flew away from the caves. “Take that, ya smelly mutts!”

Spike couldn’t help but to laugh as he shared in with the orange filly’s enthusiasm. Spike soared over the bay as they headed to the floating city made of clouds. Using Soarin’s directions, Spike headed to the Wonderbolt’s camp. He could see the aerial team practicing for their show over the training field. He watched them as they performed various tricks and flew in different formation. However, he was looking for one in particular. He spotted her sitting on the bleachers. Spike was happy to see that this Rainbow Dash had achieved her dream of becoming a Wonderbolt, but it was hard to see her like this. She had always bragged that she feared nothing and carried herself with confidence and attitude, but the truth was that she was terrified of the thought of failure. When she saw the Diamond Dogs dragged her adopted sister underground, her spirit broke and her confidence was shattered. She now watched on with a hollow look as her teammates prepared for the Summer Sun Celebration.

“Rainbow Dash!” the filly called out to the mare with the multicolored mane as she ran to her.

“Scootaloo?” Rainbow Dash gasped when she saw Scootaloo running up to her. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Well, almost. The filly jumped into the mare’s outstretched forelegs and Rainbow Dash took to the sky, spinning around in the air with filly locked in a hug. “Scootaloo!”

Any other day, the blue mare was adamant to maintain an image of awesomeness and never allowed anypony to see her get emotional, for she believed that she had a reputation of toughness to keep. Today, her reputation could go straight to Tartarus for all she cared! Spike watched as he saw the blue Pegasus did something he never thought that she would ever do in a million years; Rainbow Dash sobbed like a little foal. In fact, she and Scootaloo were both crying heavily with tears of happiness and of love for each other.

The other Wonderbolts took noticed and flew over to see what the commotion was all about. The team of stuntponies smiled and some of them started to tear up a bit as they watched the happy scene. Spitfire, the fiery maned captain flew over to Spike.

“Great job, Soarin,” the yellow mare congratulated Spike, bumping his side with her elbow. “I knew you’d pull through for RD.”

“Thanks,” Spike responded, not taking his eyes off of Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo. He felt happy for them and wished that his world’s version of Rainbow Dash would one day take in Scootaloo as her adopted sister.

The reunited pair landed back down on the bleachers and the elder mare said to the younger, “Come on, let’s go home.” She brushed the filly’s mane that was covered in dirt from the caves. “I’ll get you cleaned up.”

Rainbow Dash picked up Scootaloo and took off towards their home as Spike smiled at them as they flew away.

Ponyville- Day 3, 2:00 A.M.

Twilight Sparkle had finally fallen asleep after another fruitless day of searching for her missing number one assistant. As she dreamed, she saw a scene from a long time ago that she would never forget.

A purple egg sitting on a wooden cart. An explosion. A powerful surge of magic. A cooing baby dragon. An opportunity that would shape her future. A cutie mark.

After the excited lavender Unicorn filly had finally calmed down, she looked over to the baby dragon, which was currently sucking on his tail. She saw the Unicorns that had administered the entrance exam walked over to the newly hatched infant with contemplative looks on their faces.

“What should we do with it?” asked one of them.

“I’m not sure,” replied another. “I never thought it could be done.”

Twilight was confused by what they had said and continued to listen with curiosity.

“The exam was just an aptitude test, no pony was supposed to be able to pass it, let alone a foal!” remarked another.

“Should we keep it? It would be fascinating to study a dragon. Think of it, the first dragon to be studied in captivity! ”

Captivity? thought Twilight. Somehow, that sounded wrong to her.

“I don’t know. Dragons are very dangerous. Maybe we should just dissect it.”

Dissect it!? How could they? It’s just a baby! she thought in horror.

“It’s probably for the best if we just go ahead and kill it…”

“Nooooo!” Twilight Sparkle wailed as she ran over to the baby dragon and threw her forelegs around as if to shield it from the administrators. “You can’t kill him! I won’t let you!”

The adult ponies were shocked by the filly’s sudden outburst.

“Miss Sparkle, it’s for its own…”

“Nooooo!” Twilight cried as she hugged the baby dragon, tears streaming down her face. The infant looked up at the ponies looming over it and felt frightened. Instinctively, it clung to the lavender filly that was protecting it for safety.

“Miss Sparkle, please…”

“Nooooo!”

“Twilight Sparkle,” a soothing voice gently said. Twilight looked up and saw the majestic Princess Celestia towering over her through tear filled eyes. The white Alicorn softly smiled and knelt down in front of her. She smiled at the baby dragon that was clinging to Twilight. The dragon, sensing no danger coming from the smiling Alicorn before it, cooed at the Princess. The Princess laughed at the adorable dragon and then looked at Twilight. “I believe your first lesson will be in responsibility. Your first assignment as my personal student will be to name your baby dragon.”

“My baby dragon?” the filly asked in wonder. The regal Alicorn nodded.

“Yes, you are to care for him, feed him, wash him, teach him, and to raise him. Do not worry, I will help you.”

Twilight looked down at the dragon in her forelegs, which yawned as it curled up against her and fell asleep. She smiled and said, “Spike. I’ll call him Spike.”

A soothing melody played as everything around the Unicorn filly holding the sleeping baby dragon faded away, leaving the image of the two by itself. Twilight smiled in her sleep as she continued to watch the image in her dreams. She wanted to watch that image of her holding the baby Spike from that day forever. She had always remembered that day as the day that she began her life as Princess Celestia's faithful student. On top of that, she had earned her cutie mark. She would later discover that was because of Rainbow Dash that this was all possible and that she and her friends had been connected even before they discovered the Elements of Harmony.

Now, she had a new reason to look fondly back at that day. It was the day she had become a mother. Even while she was a asleep, Twilight Sparkle began to long for her baby dragon. Why couldn't she had seen it sooner? The way she used to wipe his mouth after she would spoon feed him. The way she would laugh as he would splash soapy water at her while she would give him baths. The way he used to crawl into her bed late at night when he would have nightmares. Her determination to find Spike had suddenly increased now that she realized that he was more than just her number one assistant; he was her son.

Then something happened. The image of the young Twilight and the baby Spike faded away. The soothing music that she heard became distorted. She watched with increasing fear as new images appeared in her dreams.

You’ve met with a terrible fate, haven’t you? a giggling voice asked.

Spike yelling in pain as his body twisted and changed. A sad looking tree. A grinning pony wearing a foreign cap. The tomb of a fallen hero. A grave on the beach. A moon with the mark of the Mare in the Moon. A mask with glowing, mismatched eyes.

You shouldn’t have done that… a menacing voice said. Suddenly, a face with a haunting smile and dead eyes appeared.

Twilight Sparkle woke with a start, drenched in a cold sweat. She pulled the covers of her bed up to face like a scared foal and peeked over them as she looked around her dark bedroom.

Sequel

Hey everybody! I have started to write my next story. However, it's not going to be a crossover with Star Fox Adventures. Instead, it is going to be a vampire story. You see, I'm really not sure what I want to do with the Star Fox story. I wrote the Discord's Mask because I wanted to explore the themes of the game through the characters from MLP. The only reason I was going to do a sequel was become people asked me to do one. I've been wanting to do a vampire story for sometime now, so I've decided to make that the sequel. Maybe some day I'll do the Star Fox story, but for now, enjoy The Legend of Spike: Dracula.