The Dragon Outlaw

by Smoku

Rating: teen
Tags: Gore, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Romance, Adventure, Twilight Sparkle, Dark, Main 6, Princess Luna
Length: 5422

Ten years ago, Twilight Sparkle was officially recognized as the newest Alicorn princess. One year later, her faithful assistant disappeared from the face of Equiis. Now, she has been reunited with him. But, he is not the same. (WILD WEST X PONIES)

Ten years ago: the coronation of Princess Twilight Sparkle, the goddess of knowledge and power occurred. One year later, Spike the Dragon disappeared. Twilight Sparkle was broken. With the help of her fellow princess and bearers, as well as all of Equestria, she seems to have accepted the loss of her best friend.

On the nine year anniversary though, she, three other Bearers and Luna make a trip to the Western Badlands. Their mission? To get to Blackwater City, and arrive at an international political convention. However, things are turned upside down when they find out that their escort across the Badlands is the "Dragon Outlaw", Spike. However, he is not the same innocent child as before. Even though he is still biologically a child, the harsh world of the Badlands has forced him to grow up fast. Can Twilight help bring him back to her, or have the Badlands claimed his life as it has so many others? After all, once an outlaw, always an outlaw.

Published 2013-03-03 06:10:01 UTC
Last updated 2014-06-23 04:46:13 UTC

Spike the Outlaw

"Outlaws till the end".

-Stevie Stones, famous outlaw in the Western Badlands

It seems that nowadays that quote basically describes me completely. After all, in the Western Badlands, there was little else one could do to make a living. Is it honest? Hell no. But do I give a shit? Again, hell no.  I looked around where I was, hoping to get my mind off of my profession for a few moments. I was alone, sitting on the edge of an uncomfortable, small bed in a small room in another shitty hotel that also acted as a saloon. I believe that it was called the "Winking Skeever". Walls crumbling, completely unsanitary, rats hiding between the walls, the whole nine yards. Seems like every damn hotel in the badlands were the same low-maintenance copies of each other.

I looked forward, at the mirror in front of me. I looked like a bag of recycled shit scavenged from Hell itself. My appearance has changed quite a bit since my days in Equestria. Damn it Spike don't go down this road. Not again. Oh well, fuck it. Not like I can feel anything anymore, Whisky truly is the best medicine. I looked to be about one and a half the size of what I remember Big Macintosh looking like. My scales seemed to have become a darker shade of purple, however the hell that's possible. My face, and entire body, was covered with scars. My face was especially fucked up. A huge scar ran down my right eye. There were also a couple on my forehead. Lastly, there was a huge scar on my throat.  Souvenirs of my profession. Some, skirmishes with other outlaws, some from my many run-ins with the law. Fucking pricks. The whole lot of 'em. Also, my spine-scales have become pretty sharp. Not like any one can see them though, with my clothes usually covering them. Still no damn wings though. Though, at least now I know why. Apparently, only some dragons actually have wings. If you're not born with them, you'll never have them.

I got up (yes, I'm still bipedal) and walked over to the dresser that the mirror was standing on. I slowly opened up the drawers, hoping the things don''t break on me. Got them open successfully without any damage, that's a first. Maybe this day won't be a complete disaster. I took out and put on my regular attire: black trousers, some black boots, a button up dress-shirt, a black vest, with a chain attached to the font, a ammo belt slung over it, a large dark overcoat and a black stetson hat. I grabbed my personal revolver from the dresser, which I named 'Twilight' as a tribute to an old friend, amd put it in my holster at my hip. I also grabbed my combat knife, named 'Shining', and placed it on it's holster on the other side of my hip.

I took my satchel, an put in on underneath my overcoat. Always a necessity, since it had my first-aid supplies, weapons. and bits. Three things you do not want to forget to have in the Badlands. Well, looks like it's time to go get my new job.

Now fully ready, I walked over to the door to my room. I turned back, and gave one last glance at my room. Good thing I'm leaving this place today, this room depresses the hell out of me.

I walked down the hallway of equally shitty rooms and finally found the stair way down to the saloon, where my employer was undoubtedly waiting for me. As I walked down the staircase, I began to wonder what the job was. An acquaintance set this up for me. He said that thew job would be rewarding, and violent. My favorite kind of jobs. Hopefully, I don't end up shot and left to die in Dodge Town like last time. It seems that I have arrived at the saloon portion of the establishment. There's my employer. A gruff-looking large stallion with a badge for a Cutie Mark. Shit.

The stallion seemed to recognize me. "Spike! Hey, come on over here, boy!"

Damn it. No way out of this one. With a scowl, I walked over to the stallion and sat at the booth next to his. "Are you the 'employer' I am supposed to be meeting?"

He looked me straight in the eye. "Yeah. Sorry about that. Only way I could get you to talk to me. Anyway, I do have a job for you."

"Good. How do you know who I am?"

This question seemed to please him greatly, "I've known of you since before you first arrived here, boy."

At this, I groaned in annoyance, "Of course you have. Alright, I'll bite, what's the job and does it pay?"

"You are to escort her majesty Princess Twilight Sparkle, the other Element Bearers and her majesty Princess Luna. The pay will be bountiful. Believe me."

Hell no. "Are you kidding me? Why the hell should I do that? Besides they have royal guards  They don't need me to escort them."

"You know as well as I do that no Royal Guard unit would be able to get them where they need to go in this place. Besides, they're all expecting you. Also, wouldn't it be nice to see your family again, boy?"

"What? You told them about me? Fuck, fine. Where are they, and where am I taking them?"

"They're waiting for you at the train station. Go get them, and get back here. Once you've returned, I'll let you know where they're going. Oh, and remember, from here on out they're your responsibility. So, make sure no harm comes to them. capice?"

I waved my claw in an anti-dramatic fashion, "yeah, yeah. All right. I'm gonna go get them now," I whispered under my breath, "asshole."

He din't seem to hear that last word, "I'm sorry I didn't quite catch that. What"

"Nothing, I'm going, bye."

With that, I walked through the saloon doors and made my way to the train station. As I looked about at the locals while walking to my destination, I saw several things: hookers, my fellow outlaws, other shady characters and no small amount of violence and rudeness. I wonder how the elements are going to react to his. Then, it finally hit me. The elements. are her. I would finally get to see Twilight again. After so many years, so many countless, sleepless nights worrying about her I would finally see her again. That seemed to brighten my mood a bit. A bit.

Without realizing it, I finally arrived at the saloon. Immediately I noticed that Pinkie and Fluttershy were missing from the group. I wonder why. I then noticed that they were with a Royal Celestial Guard platoon. Twilight was the first to notice me.

"Look! It's Spike!"

Shit, now the whole town is gonna know who I am. Twilight came running to me and gave me a bone-crushing hug.

"Spike! I've missed you so much! I din't even know hat you were alive until Celestia told me last month! Oh, I'm so gad to see you!"

"Twilight, you're kind of crushing my bones with your bear hug."

At that, she blushed and let go. She seemed incredibly embarrassed, somethings never change. That was when the other Bearers and Luna decided to greet me.

"Spikey-wikey, I am so glad to see you."

"Good to see yah' kiddo."

"Hey, good to see you Spike. Gave us all a pretty big scare when you left. What the hell was that about?"

"Ah, Spike, it fills my heart with uncontrollable joy to see thou again. When thou left, he left quite the feeling of depression in his stead."

"Hey guys..."

They all then gave me a bone-crushing hug. This trip is going to be extremely hazardous to my health, I can already tell.

Twilight looked at me with the most stern expression that I have ever seen on her, "Now tell me, mister. Just where have you been for nine years, and what happened to you. What's with the scars?"

Well shit. Looks like there's no avoiding telling them.

Long Time, No See

"Never forget your past. It is the foundation that built your existence, and it is the secret to your future"

- Jasmina Siderovski

LOCATION: STABBLESDAM, WESTERN BADLANDS

Twilight continued to look at me, definitely not wavering in her attempts to get me to spill the beans anytime soon. She always was a stubborn one.

With a sigh, I turned to the ponies that I had dreamed about seeing again for nine years, "Alright, look. I get that you all probably have a crap-ton of questions, but it's been a long day, and I am tired. Let's just get back to the hotel room that I am going to have to rent again apparently, then we can speak. Sound good?"

They all nodded their heads, seeming to agree that what I had suggested was the best course of action. Applejack, however, decided that the walk to the hotel did not have to be in silence. "So, Spike, where do y'all live now a'days?"

I turned my head to look at the farm pony. Didn't I just say that I had to re-rent my hotel room? "Wherever I can get a room. My work tends to land me in some shady places, so I usually don't like to spend too much time in one place. Currently, we'll be staying in a hotel not far from here."

Rarity gasped and shook her head furiously at this, "Oh, my little Spikey-Wikey, I had hoped that Princess Celestia had been wrong. I had hoped that you had not stooped down to the level of a common mercenary. Oh, I can not imagine what life has been like for you since coming here."

Common. Mercenary? Are you fucking kidding me? I don't like to brag, but I'm the celestiadamned Dragon outlaw. I am not no freaking 'common mercenary'. "I wouldn't say I'm a 'common mercenary'. I have made a name for myself as one of the best fighters and killers out here. Believe me, that took me a long time to do. Also, I don't take just any old job, I take only jobs that I want to do and which pay good money. After all, I'm the best at what I do, and what that is ain't too pretty."

Twilight had her head hung low in a disgraced manner, and was kicking her hooves in the dirt. "Alright Twilight, I'll bite, what's the matter?"

She picked her head up and looked at me with one of the most adorable 'doggy-faces' that I had ever seen in my life. She could definitely give Fluttershy a run for her money in the 'cute' department. "It's just, I thought I could always protect you. The princess tasked me with looking after you, and I failed her," Twilight sighed and looked away from me out of what I think was guilt, "I mean look at this place, look at you. You're fighting for your bare necessities, and you're killing ponies for a living. I guess parenting was not one of my strong suits. I'mm sorry that I couldn't protect you Spike. I'm so sorry!" She stopped dead in her tracks and began to weep lightly.

The other four ponies went up to Twilight and wrapped their hooves around her, closing her in a loving embrace. I went up to Twilight and looked her straight in the eye, "Twilight, you didn't fail me. What happened to me, nopony could have stopped. Not even the princess of knowledge herself." As she rose to her hooves, I rose to my feet, "come on, we're gonna run into trouble if we keep stopping like this," she seemed to understand, and we made it back to the Winking Skeever in a little under three minutes.

As we all entered the inn, I saw the stallion with the badge cutie mark still waiting for us. Celestia, how I hated this asshole. When we walked up to the stallion, he gave Princess Luna a key and told them to go to the room, number 213. He apparently wanted to have a few words with me. Of course he did, I suddenly began to be reminded, once again, why I hated anyone working under the 'sovereignty of the law'.

I sat down in the both next to his, and ordered a whisky, just for good measure. "So, what is it now?"

The stallion looked at me, without a decipherable emotion on his face, "Do you remember what your job is?"

"Yeah. Get Twilight and the gang to Blackwater. That's all right?"

The stallion then looked at me with what I could have sworn was guilt. "Well, not exactly."

"The fuck do you mean 'not exactly'? What didn't you tell me?"

After taking a sip of his drink he looked at me, "Well, you see, it just so happens that a possible coup is arising in Canterlot."

"A coup? Against who?"

"The royal Alicorn family."

I could not believe this. A coup? Against Celestia? Why? Why now? What do I have to do with this? And then it hit me. Why were Luna and Twilight here if their lives were in danger in Canterlot. "And so two royal alicorns are sent here? To what is probably the most violent place on Equiis? Why?"

"We have no reason to believe that the conspirators have any influence here. We believe that they are safest here, with you, at the convention. However, until further notice, we would like you to stay here. We need to make sure that nopony followed the princesses and the elements here. Just stay put until I tell you otherwise."

I cannot believe this. I almost did a spit take at the insanity of the situation. However, I still had questions, "Who is 'we'. What is the real reason I was picked? We both know that there are others better suited for this mission. What is so important about this convention? What else aren't you telling me?"

The stallion sighed and looked at me, "All in good time Spike. All in good time. For now, just go update your friends on the situation and sit tight."

With that I got up and went to my room. How the hell was I supposed to tell every-pony about this? About the dangers we are likely to be walking into? Nearly blind? Before opening the room door, I let out a simple "here goes nothing" for good measure.

When I opened the door, I saw the ponies looking at me expectantly. Twilight was the first to speak up, always the leader. Some things never change. "So, what's up"

I looked directly at her and the others, "We are in deep shit."

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

LOCATION: WINKING SKEEVER, 213

After I brought the ponies up to speed, they were all shocked. It seemed that they did not know of this coup either. This is very bad. I do- Someone's knocking on the door. I pulled out my revolver and told every-pony to get behind me. When I opened the door, there was another dragon in front of me. She had dark purple scales, darker than mine. Black spikes. Black as Princess Luna's nights. And she was incredibly beautiful. "Brii."

"Spike." I stepped aside as she walked in. Once every-pony registered her appearance I decided to introduce her, "Every-pony, this is an old friend of mine; Brii"

At this, Brii raised her eyebrows and looked at Spike, "Just friends. Oh, Spikey, you know we were much more than just 'friends'."

This seemed to surprise the ponies, since they all looked surprised. Strangely, Rarity almost looked jealous. No, I'm just going crazy. Oh well, at least Brii would be here at least. That just might make things a bit more interesting.

Again Twilight was the first to speak, "What?"

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

LOCATION: SHED, FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS UNKNOWN

Any-pony with half a brain cell could tell that some seriously shady business was going down in this shed. The inside of the shelf was completely black, except for one small light, just enough for the two individuals inside, one griffon and one unicorn, to see one another. Except for the two beings and the light, the shed was, once again, completely dark and empty. The griffon looked at the unicorn, he knew that the pretentious bastard thought himself above the griffon. With the polished-white coat, blue bow tie, majestic horn and excellently-groomed blond hair, he knew that the unicorn must have been one of the spoiled upper-echelon types from Canterlot. The griffon knew that this would not be a clean job, or an easy one. However, he needed the pay, and this puny pony had promised quite the reward for completing this job successfully.

The unicorn was the first to speak, "The job is simple. Even you, with your incredibly simple should be able to complete it. In the town of Stabblesdam there is an inn. It is called the Winking Skeever. In it, there is a dragon. I'm sure that you've heard of him. I believe he goes by 'the Dragon Outlaw'. He sounds like quite the charming fellow," the griffon scoffed at the mention of Spike, "kill him. Then, kill the ponies with him."

The griffon looked at the pearl white pony like he was insane, "Do you realize what you're asking of me? Killing the legendary Dragon Outlaw is damn near impossible. Also, why do you give a shit about a couple ponies?"

The pony looked at the griffon with a scowl that would sen diamond dogs crying, "Do you know how the Dragon got his reputation?" The pony continued to stare at the griffon, "by not asking stupid questions and doing what he's told. Now go, before I change my mind, you damnable vermin."

With that, the griffon left the shed in hopes of getting to the dragon and completing his mission.

The pony walked out of the shed, into the blistering heat of the badlands. He looked upon at the sun, in all of it's unforgiving heat, "Celestia. Auntie. Your time is coming to an end. Soon, his lordship will usurp you, and we shall no longer have to live in a world with those that are weak walking freely among us. Soon, the strong will enslave the weak. Soon, unicorns will rule the world!

The Spy

LOCATION: THE WINKING SKEEVER, ROOM 312

Brii looked me in the eyes. “Well, Spike, I gotta go take care of some stuff, but you should know, I will be seeing you on your journey. Have fun!” With that, she kissed me on my cheek and turned on her heel, leaving the room. However, she made sure to swing her hips when she walked away.

“Spike!” Twilight called. “Who was that?!”

“I told you just a friend,” I continued to insist, turning to face the ponies again.

Rainbow scoffed, while deciding to plop down on my bed. “Okay, Spike. Just friends,” she emphasized with air quotes, “I wish I had more friendships like that. Like with Soarin…” Her eyes trailed off, likely in some sort of fantasy.

“Rainbow! A lady does not speak of such intimate things in such a manner,” Rarity chastised, snapping at the Pegasus.

Rainbow scoffed at that.

“Does thou have an intimate relationship with the elegant dragoness?” Luna asked, turning to me with her piercing stare.

“I might have, once upon a time,” I said, grimacing.

“Ha, I called it! You totally hit that!” Rainbow screamed, afterwards jumping in the air, apparently learning absolutely nothing from Rarity’s earlier chastisement.

“Ya could do worse.” Applejack offered, offering me an apologetic stare.

Twilight and Rarity both seemed both embarrassed and angry at the conversation with their current facial expressions. Thankfully, Twilight decided to change the subject.

“So, Spike, what exactly have you been doing these past nine years?” The Alicorn asked me.

“Oh, you know, some of this and some of that,” I moved my claws to the left and right to emphasize, “mostly just small jobs and bounties lately. Time was, I took all the largest jobs this place had to offer.”

While I was talking, I placed my jacket on the counter. I also placed both my weapons and my satchel on top of it.

“Nice gun,” Applejack, complimented.

“Thanks,” I returned.

“What do those letters on the side of it say?” Rainbow inquired.

“Twilight Sparkle,” I answered, looking down at my boots, embarrassed for some reason.

Twilight looked taken back. “You named a gun after me?”

“Well, that thing has saved me from death an insurmountable amount of times. Figured it was only fitting to name it after you, with all you’ve done for me.”

She blushed, and shifted her hooves around on the floor.

“Well I think you ponies need some sleep. You guys can sleep here. I’m gonna go down to the bar. I could sure use some strong alcohol right now.” I told the ponies.

“I could use a drink.” Rainbow admitted.

“Me too.” Applejack chimed in.

With that, I left with Applejack and Rainbow Dash for the bar.

When we got to the bar, we all decided to sit at a booth towards the back of the bar.

“So, how have ya been these last few years, Spike?” Applejack asked, once we took our seats.

“Eh, can’t complain. These haven’t been my finest years, but it’s not too bad.” I answered.

“Here comes our waiter,” spoke Rainbow Dash.

A white-coated Earth Pony with a black mane tied in a ponytail approached us. “What can I get y’all?” The mare asked.

“I’ll take some scotch.” Said Applejack.

“Me too,” chimed in Rainbow Dash.

The mare turned towards me. “I assume you’ll take Vodka like usual, Spike?” The mare asked me, jotting down the other orders.

“You know me too well, Oreo” I said, before she shook her head and walked back to the counter.

Just as we were about to continue our conversation, a large Griffon walked into the bar and looked straight at me. He walked straight up to our booth and looked me straight in the eye.

“You Spike?” The griffon asked, venom sinking into his very words.

“Shit…”

~~~~Ω~~~~

LOCATION: ROYAL CASTLE, CANTERLOT

WAR ROOM

The Royal War Room was a peculiar place. It was fairly standard, as far as rooms in the Royal Castle go. It was of medium size.

The walls and roof were painted a solid royal purple. At the center, sat a brown, polished wooden table, several feet in length. In the center of the table, was an engraved map of Equestria, with all of the important Royal Holds and cities placed upon it. The table, and map, was replaced every 100 years or so.

At the left and Right sides of the table sat nine seats each. At the front of the table, sat two seats, placed away from the other seats. The Royal Sisters usually sat at the two isolated seats. The other eighteen held the Royal Advisory Council.

The Royal Advisory Council was composed of the eighteen most important advisors to the Royal Sisters. Among them were Judges, Generals, Bureaucrats and Ambassadors.

On the floor of the room, an enlarged image of Celestia's cutie mark sat.

The Council was currently in session discussing a new threat to the empire: the newest coup attempt in progress.

“So you’re saying we should just let these traitors run around doing as they please?!” Shouted a large grey Earth Pony, slamming his hoof down on the table.

General Stone Heart, his name was. He sat in large, intricate white and gold armor.

“These traitors have already killed several of my soldiers!” He yelled.

“Stone Heart, I understand your frustration. However, we currently don’t even know who these ponies are.” Celestia said, lowering her voice, and giving Stone Heart a soft gaze.

The Earth Pony sighed. “Yes Your Grace. I simply am anxious to bring them to justice. Stone Hooves was a good stallion. Possible general material, even. Shame he had to be the one to discover this conspiracy.” The general’s voice cracked at the final syllable of his rebuttal, showing his distraught over his fallen comrade.

“Your Grace, if you do not mind me asking, what is this plan of action you called us here to discuss?” Asked a brown Unicorn adorned in a simple grey business suit. Red Eyes, his name was. The most-senior of all Judges in the Equestrian Courts.

“Well, Your Honor, I asked you all here today because I believe I have a way for us to go on the offensive. We finally have been able to place a spy in the midst of their ranks. In just several weeks, our confidant has been able to rise to the inner-circle of the highest ranking members of the group.” The Princess replied, smiling.

“Would we happen to know this spy?” The Unicorn asked, leaning forward.

“I believe you would. He is a distant member of the Royal Family. One who has gained the interest of the council in the recent years.”

“You don’t mean?” Asked Stone Heart.

“I do,” answered the Princess, “Prince Blueblood has successfully infiltrated their cult. We finally have an advantage.”

Bar Fights Suck

LOCATION: THE WINKING SKEEVER

BAR

Holy shit, was all that Rainbow Dash could think.

Was this the same little baby dragon that strode into Ponyville with Twilight all those years ago?

The same one that Rarity had wrapped around her hoof? The same one that used to spend his days pining over a love never meant to be and organizing books in a library?

The same dragon that had just thrown a fully-grown Griffin at a concrete wall and nearly killed him?

She could tell from the moment that Griffin walked in that he was looking for trouble. From the stiff way he carried himself, to the venom that filled his voice when he greeted Spike.

When the Griffin first opened his mouth, Spike insisted that he sit with the three of us and have a drink. He even ordered for him.

“You know why I’m here,” the Griffin hissed through gritted teeth when his drink arrived.

“Of course I do,” Spike tsked, “but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some good ol’ fashioned Vodka. After all, there’s enough senseless violence in the world, might as well get shit-faced before we create more, eh?” The dragon lifted his glass up, like how I had seen Rarity do at those fancy Canterlot dinners. “To murderers and mercenaries!”

“And tits!” Added one of the random patrons at the bar.

“Now that’s a sentiment I can toast!” Bellowed Spike, lifting his glass up.

“Damn straight! To killers and tits!” Screamed the Griffin lifting his glass up with the rest of the (mostly male) drinkers in the bar.

When the over-grown bird’s arm went up, Spike acted. He took the Griffin’s arm and twisted around his opponent’s back, before breaking his own glass over the Griffin’s head.

The monstrous Griffin fell over his stool, jumping back on his feet after wards. AJ and I jumped up before he tossed the booth we were sitting at towards the roof, breaking the glasses on the table.

“What a waste of good drink,” Spike mused, putting a claw to his chin.

The Griffin’s crimson red eyes tore into Spike’s own. “Broken glasses are the least of your worries, you little shit. I had hoped you would go quietly, but I guess not.”

“You thought you could kill me and I would simply be civil about it?!” Spike shouted. “Think again.”

The Griffin jumped forward and reached his fist at the Dragon. Spike grabbed him by his fist and arm pit, prior to throwing him at one of the walls of the bar.

You could see the crack where Spike had thrown the Griffin. When the monster got up, he flew at Spike, throwing him at a similar wall, yielding similar results. When he went in for his next attack, Spike was ready.

When he saw the incoming claw, Spike was able to grab it with his left claw, while scratching the killer’s neck with his right claw.

The bird stepped back, trying to hold his now bleeding neck with his left claw. “Y-you little ba-” he stopped cough up blood from his own collapsed lung from his encounter with the bar’s wall.

Spike walked up to the Griffin and slammed him on the ground. He stepped on the wounded creature neck with his boot. “Tell me who you work for now. Believe me, getting dirt inside a wound like that hurts like a bitch. Let it slip, and I can end it quickly.” He put even more force on his foot to accent his words.

When he stepped off the Griffin he choked out his answer. “T-the B-black Horn O-order…”

Spike put his foot back on his opponent’s neck, twisting it, until he heard a “pop”.

~~~~Ω~~~~

LOCATION: CANTERLOT,

ROYAL CASTLE,

PRINCESS CELESTIA’S PRIVATE QUARTERS

Princess Celestia had seen many challenged rise against her in her time. Discord, Sombra, her sister, Tirek…

        But never had she seen a threat quite as powerful or influential as this…

        Even her council did not truly understand the full threat posed by this cult. She knew this was a lesson that a friend of her’s would learn very soon, no matter how little she wished for him to.

~~~~Ω~~~~

LOCATION: THE WINKING SKEEVER,

ROOM 213,        Well, that was quite the eventful drinking session.        “You should have seen it, guys. This Griffin dude was all “die!” and Spike was all “Not today, Punk!” Rainbow was currently explaining the fight I just had to rest of the ponies in the room.        “Are you okay, Spike? That fight sounds pretty painful. Are you sure you don’t need anything?” Twilight keep pestering me, ever faithful and worried.        I rolled my eyes in annoyance. “I’m fine, Twi. I’ve had way worse injuries. I’ll be fine.”        “Oh, Spikey-Wikey, I’m so sorry you had to go through that,” Rarity sobbed.        “Um, Ah think we have a bigger problem. Spike, do yah know about that order that Griffin was talking about?” AJ asked, tilting her head to the left. Good ol’ AJ, the forever-vigilant voice of reason.        “Yeah, unfortunately I do. The Red-Horn Order. They’re a supremacist group of unicorns that has been growing in number lately. I thought that their only charter out here had been killed off last year in a raid. Guess I was wrong,” I explained.        “That sounds pretty bad,” Rainbow Dash offered.        “It is. Things just got a lot more complicated,” I told her, grabbing my clothes and satchel. “I think it’s time we got some answers.”

~~~~Ω~~~~

LOCATION: DUNGEON,

SADDLE ARABIA,

FURTHER SPECIFICATIONS UNKNOWN

“Well, this is quite unfortunate.”

Discord had absolutely no idea he let it get to this. Here he was, chained up by his feet and claws in the middle of some filthy dungeon in the middle of Saddle Arabia.

It’s worth it, it’s to protect Fluttershy, he reminded himself. Not that it helped much.

He opened his eyes, blinded by the new light source. He looked up to see a light bulb that had flashe on.

When he looked back down to the door of his prison, he saw a pony.

But not just any pony, he saw a Saddle-Arabian. The pony was quite large, and skinny. He had a traditional quilt thrown over his body, with a strap over his mouth. His dark blue mane was tied up into a ponytail. The pony’s dark blue coat seemed to darken in the depressing room.

The pony walked up to Discord’s chained-up frame. “Hello Ser Discord.”

“Why am I here?” The Draconequus asked.

“Well, wouldn't you like to know.” He tsked, “Don’t you worry Ser, all will be revealed in time. After all, in the coming storm, we all have a part to play. Me, you, the princess, even the dragon.”

Discord had been in situations like this before, on both sides of the chains. “Well, what can you tell me?”

The pony leaned in, and took the beast’s face in his hoofs, “what can I tell you? Well there is one thing I can tell you. There is a storm brewing, where the weak shall perish and the strong shall rise from the ashes of the old world to build a new one. A perfect world, it will be. Yes…”