The Fall

Chapters

The Fall Part 1 Spike
The Fall Part 2 Rainbow Dash
lynch mobs and farewells
Darkness and Survival

The Fall Part 1 Spike

Spike felt a tingling in the pit of his stomach as he gazed into Rarity's eyes. It felt like his stomach had risen up to his throat and was making him feel a bit ill. It was odd sensations that managed to both excited and terrify him at the same time. He was dripping with sweat, but still felt cold. His heart raced as adrenaline flooded his veins.

Spikes view was filled by the deep blue of Rarity's eyes. Spike often found himself lost in the depths of her gaze. He’d loved her ever since they'd first met. Spike never could explain his infatuation with her. She was beautiful her appearance perfect from mane to tail even without all the makeup and styling. At a glance she seems weak, but anypony who knew her understood just how strong she could be. She was passionate, dramatic, and willing to risk everything for her dreams. Yes Spike liked all of these things about her, but didn't love her for any of them. It was something else, something deeper, that had made the drake fall madly in love with her. Spike never would never really understand what it was, but honestly he never cared. He loved her and that was all that mattered.

Spike felt like crying as he gazed into Rarity's eyes. She was there right in front of him the mare of his dreams. The thing he valued most in the world even more then himself. She was going to get hurt, and it was his entire fault. It was all because of his greed, and he didn't have the strength to protect her. He was too weak to even tell her how he felt.

Spike never could get used to that odd feeling in his stomach. That feeling acted as a reminder of what he'd done. It wouldn't allow him even a moment to pretend this wasn't happening. It was the unmistakable sensation of falling.

"Ra Rarity,” Spike tried to say as tears filled his eyes, but he found his throat closed tight only managing a few stuttered sounds. He started again trying to force the words out fearing he might never get another chance, "Rarity if we don't make it I want you to know I always kinda had a cru..."

Rarity silenced Spike placing a hoof firmly against his mouth with a soft smile. There was something about her tear filled gaze. It was calm, completely free from fear and paired with a confident smile, and for a moment Spike wasn't afraid and he felt as if everything might just be ok.

Spike felt his stomach fall like a stone into his feet in as his heart felt like it would burst. The roar of wind in his ears was replaced with the rustle of fabric. The two were cradled in what had been a one of a kind cape hoof made by Rarity that was being held aloft by Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. Spike nearly laughed in relief. They were going to be ok. His gaze was drawn back towards Rarity. She was wearing that same confident smile and a small blush. Spike felt a blush come across his face as he noticed how close he was to her. He could feel himself pressing against Rarity. She was leaning towards him eyes half closed. Spike's body started to reflexively lean in.

Spike's eyes went wide as a soft sound drifted into his ears. It was a muffled almost gentle noise to. The sound was accompanied by a vibration running through the cloth. Spike's heart stopped when he recognized the sound from all the time he'd spent helping Rarity. It was the unmistakable sound of fabric tearing.

Spike was once again filled with the sensation of falling. The cape hadn't been able to support their combined weight and had torn open. He hated it. Rainbow Dash immediately sprang into action catching whoever was the closest to her. Once again Spike felt his stomach fall into his feet.

Fluttershy was in shock. She just hovered there in the air staring at the torn piece of fabric held between her hooves. She couldn't believe what was happening. Her mind refused to accept that this was reality. She couldn't move as terror griped her heart.

Spike felt tears flood down his face as once again he was forced to watch as Rarity fell.

"Rainbow catch Rarity," Spike said begging unable to look away from the white unicorn.

"I can't not without dropping you," her reply sounded like it came from miles away.

"Please," Spike didn't hesitate for a moment as he raised his sharp claws before bringing them down against Rainbow's arm leaving three trails of crimson marking where he made contact.

"Gahh," Rainbow gasped reflexively dropping Spike.

Spike almost welcomed the sensation of falling this time. He wasn't scared anymore. He felt calm. Spike no longer cared what happened to him as long as Rarity was safe nothing else mattered. He felt a gust of wind as Rainbow flew past him, their eyes meeting for just a moment. He recognized the look in those eyes. It was a determined look that no pony but Rainbow Dash could pull off. She understood what needed to be done.

Spikes vision was fixed on Rarity. He couldn't look away as everything else seemed to fade into unimportance. She has to be ok that single thought circled through Spike's mind.

CRACK

"aaaaaaaaahh," Spike screamed as pain shot through his body. It felt like his right shoulder had exploded. It was the most painfully thing Spike had ever experienced. Spike's eyes struggled to focus as the world spiraled around him. His vision quickly grew dark. He struggled to spot Rarity in the haze; he had to see she was safe. A voice reached Spike's ears. It sounded muffled as if it were coming from a great distance. He thought somepony called his name as his mind faded into darkness.

Spike's mind struggled to identify the scent that was forcing itself into his consciousness. It was a strong almost acidic smell that tickled the back of his throat. It was familiar, something he'd encountered multiple times before. It was a strong almost acidic scent that tickled the back of his throat, wait didn't I already think that? His head felt like it was full of cotton; every thought came slowly and muffled. Spike went to rub his temples hopping it would help clear his head.

"Gaah," Spike gripped at his right shoulder as pain streaked through his body as his mind struggled to reach some sort of alertness. His claw gripped his shoulder and his eyes flew open trying to identify the source of his pain. His vision was filled with lavender.

"Morning Spike," Twilight greeted him with a small smile. Her mane was a mess, and there were dark rings under each of her blood shot eyes. "How are you feeling?"

"What happened?" Spike groaned his mind struggling to free itself from a fog.

"You shattered the bones in your shoulder when you hit a large rock that was sticking out of the cliff." Twilight spoke in a soft voice barely above a whisper. "It took the surgeon nearly five hours to perform the reconstruction. There’s no telling how bad things would have been if Fluttershy hadn't caught you."

Wait what? Falling? Fluttershy? Spike thought trying to make sense of the things Twilight was saying, his mind struggling recover from the effects of the anesthetics. Wait ... that’s right I fell ... but Rainbow caught me didn't she ... no I made her catch Rarity ... RARITY.

"How's Rarity," Spike asked, panic filling his voice.

Twilight didn't answer, she just adverted her eyes looking at the floor. Spike was filled with a sense of dread She has to be ok, Spike thought trying to comfort himself I'm ok so Rarity should be just fine.

"Twilight," Spike tried again in a firm tone, "How's Rarity."

"I'm sorry," Twilight whispered, "Rarity isn't doing well. She hasn't woken up since the accident. She's unresponsive, and the doctor said..."

Spike stopped listening. He couldn't believe what Twilight was saying, he didn't want to accept this reality. His mid struggled trying to refuse the truth placed before him. Maybe I'm dreaming, or Twilight could be wrong, he thought, but knowing deep down neither could be true.

"Take me to her," Spike pleaded, "I ... I have to see her.”

"I'm not sure that's a good idea Spike," Twilight said, her voice full of concern. "You probably shouldn't be walking around in your condition."

"Did the doctor say I shouldn't get up," Spike asked.

"W ... Well ... n ... no but I still don't think..." before Twilight could finish her thought Spike threw off the bedding and lowered himself to the floor. He'd barely taken a step before he stumbled falling against Twilight' side.

“Are you sure you’re alright,” Twilight asked helping Spike regain his balance.

“I think so. I’m just a bit dizzy.” Slowly Spike made his way down the hall, a hand place on Twilight’s side to steady his balance as she led the way. He could hear his heart pounding. It’s going to be ok, He thought to himself, everything always works out in the end. Today isn’t going to be any different.

The two stopped in front of an unassuming door. It was a pale blue, a clipboard hanging on the front. Next to it, on the wall, was a small plaque with the room number on it, and a hoof written tag that said Rarity. Spike took a deep breath trying to steady his nerves. Slowly Spike reached a trembling hand forward grasping the doors handle and pulling it open. Slowly the room came into view from behind the door. Spike’s heart beat faster as the room was revealed to him agonizingly slowly. Time seamed to slow as Rarity was revealed to him. Rarity was in bad shape. Bandages covered most of her upper body as well as her head and front hoof. A mask was placed over her snout, and she was hooked up to several machines. Fluttershy was sitting in the corner, her face hidden behind her mane, and quit sobs escaped her.

Spike leaned against the wall. He couldn’t see Rarity like this. He lacked the courage to even step pass the room’s threshold. He slide down the wall placing his head between his legs. Tears stung his eyes. This is all my fault. I did this. I hurt Rarity. He felt sick. He sobbed quietly. What if she doesn’t wake up. What if things aren’t alright in the end. What if, His thoughts were silenced by a hoof on his Shoulder.

“She’s going to be ok,” Twilight said sounding as if she were trying to convince herself as much as Spike, “Rarity’s going to be just fine.”

“Ugh why do hospitals have to be sooo booooring,” Spike lifted his head slightly, was that Rainbow Dash? “Seriously there is nothing to do,” ok that was defiantly Rainbow Dash’s voice coming from the room across the hall. Spike stood up shakily, finding his feet with Twilights help as he wiped his tears away.

“Maybe we could have a party?” Pinkies voice reached the two as they opened the door to Rainbow’s room, but it didn’t sound right. Pinkie didn’t sound like her usual happy self; her voice was quiet, more reserved.

Everypony in the roomed faced the door as Twilight and Spike entered. Rainbow was in much better shape than Rarity had been with the possible exception of her wings both of which had been heavily bandaged. Applejack was sitting back in a chair at the head of Rainbows bed with her Stetson pulled over her eyes. Pinkie stood near the door with a weak smile on her face; her mane lying almost straight.

Spike’s gaze was drawn to the bandage around Rainbows hoof, and for a moment he wasn’t in the hospital, he was back in the air hanging in Rainbows grasp. Please he heard himself beg as timed seemed to slow. He watched as his claws made contact with Rainbow; her soft flesh giving way to his sharp claws blood welling up in their wake. It had been so easy; Spike’s claws had met no resistance, and required so little force to travel their path.

Spike was brought back to reality as Rainbow moved her hoof under the hospital beds blanket forcing Spike back to reality. “Spike you’re up,” she greeted him with a smile, “how are you feeling?”

“I’m fine,” Spike replied entering fully into the room, and pulling the door closed behind him.

The Fall Part 2 Rainbow Dash

Rainbow Dash grit her teeth in frustration as she watched Spike rampage through Ponyville, his greed driving him to steal, and fueling his growth. There wasn’t anything anypony could do to stop him; even the Wonder Bolts had been powerless against a dragon that size. Her own pitiful attempt had only resulting in a face full of velour, and a bump on her head. She hated to admit her own weakness, but there was nothing she could do to stop Spike or save Rarity. So, she just watched as the pair approached the peak of the mountain just outside Ponyville, frustration growing at her inaction. Rainbow watched silently as Rarity lectured the beast who had snatched her from the comfort of her home and destroyed half the town. Rainbow couldn’t make out what Rarity was saying, her words muffled by the distance, but they seemed to reach Spike. A shudder traveled down Spike's spine, starting at the base of his head and continued to the tip of his tail. Spike began shrinking, rapidly returning to his normal size.

"Somepony do something," Pinkie's cry snapped Rainbow from her trance. That’s my cue, she thought. Rainbow’s mind raced as she surveyed the situation, and rapidly coming up with a plan of attack. Grabbing Fluttershy she put her plan into action, pausing only long enough to snatch what remained of Rarity’s cape.

Rainbow grit her teeth as she forced herself to match Fluttershy’s speed, the cloth gripped between them, as they raced to save Spike and Rarity. Based on their acceleration and our current rate of speed we should be able to intercept before they’ve fallen even half way, the calculations ran through Rainbow’s mind almost without effort. We’ll have to try and match their downward speed and try to gradually slow their descent. Rainbow calculated trajectories and speed as the pair began making their approach. We’ll be able to catch them in 5 … 4 … 3 … 2 … 1 …

Rainbow felt a sharp jerk downward as Spike and Rarity connected with the makeshift net held between them. Well that wasn't as soft as I was hopping, she thought as she started flapping harder to compensate for the added weight, but at least everyone’s alright, things could have ended a lot worse.

Rainbow paused, confused, for a moment as she became aware of a gentle tugging on the fabric accompanied by a muffled sound. It sounded somewhat familiar, but she just couldn’t seem to remember where she’d heard it before. You have to remember where you heard that a voice screamed in the back of her mind it’s important. “Gaah,” Rainbow called out finding herself thrown upwards; the sudden decrease in weight taking her by surprise as Spike and Rarity resumed their downward descent.

Rainbow watched as her friend’s plummeted, there wasn't any time to think, to plan, only time to act. She flew forward driven by instinct alone, and reached out for the closest falling body. Her hooves wrapped around Spike's midriff as she pulled him to her chest, and halting his decent. Buck, she thought as Rarity's screams reached her. There's no way I'll be able to catch up to her while carrying Spike.

"Rainbow catch Rarity," Spike begged.

"I can't not without dropping you," Rainbow hated herself for having to say that. There has to be something I can do, she thought, surveying the area. I can't give Spike to Fluttershy she's in shock, and it'll take to snap her out of it. She turned her focus towards the cliff. Maybe there’s a cliff or something where I can set Spike down, but there wasn't and she knew it.

"Rainbow please," the tone on Spike's voice caused Rainbow to pause. It was calm, confident, and gave a sense of finali ... Rainbow took in a sharp breath as pain shot threw her hoof. She reflexively pulled away, jerking her hooves open causing Spike to quickly fall out of her reach.

He scratched me, she thought as she speed towards the figure below her. What the buck was he thinking, Rainbow was quickly catching up to Spike, fully intent on catching him. That was, until she looked into his eyes. His gaze held no fear, only a calm acceptance. As Rainbow looked into Spike's gaze she understood. Spike knew what falling would mean, and he didn't care, not of it meant saving Rarity.

Rainbow flapped her wings speeding past Spike. Spike's willing to sacrifice everything to protect Rarity, she thought her vision focusing an Rarity's falling form, the least I can do is honor his wishes.

Rainbow took a deep breath, clearing her mind of all unnecessary thoughts. Her entire being focused on the task at hoof. She carefully aligned herself to intercept Rarity. Her wings cut through the air on each upstroke, angled to meet as little resistance as possible, and on each back stroke creating a powerful wind current and accelerating her forward. Drops of blood went unnoticed as the air currents drew them from three scratches on Rainbow's hoof and carried them to smear across her face.

CRACK, Rainbow wrapped her hooves around Rarity as the sound reached her. It was a sharp sound that echoed across Ponyville; it sounded like two large stones crashing together at a great speed.

"Gaaaaaah," It took all of Rainbow's willpower not to look back as Spike screamed in agony.

"Spiiiiiike," Rarity's cry bounced around Rainbows head as she reached one hoof upwards towards Spike, her other hoof wrapped tightly around Rainbows neck as if her life depended on it. "What are you thinking," she cried, "how could you just drop Spike like that?"

Rarity's words fell on deaf ears as Rainbow focused her entire being to halting their decent. The ground hurtled towards them as she furiously beat her wings, each flap from her muscled wings slightly slowing their fall. Despite her best efforts the ground still seemed to be hurdling towards them. Rainbow did the only thing she could think to do, fly harder. Her wings began to ache from the strain as she flapped harder with each wing beat. It didn't seem to be working; they didn't seem to be slowing down any as Rainbow pushed her self well past her known limits.

Rainbow felt something tear.

Rainbow bit her cheek as a mind searing pain shot through her wings. She ignored the taste of blood in her mouth as she tried to flap her wings despite the pain. The wing beat was irregular, one wing flapping before the other, causing the two to spiral through the air uncontrollably. The world spiraled around Rainbow as she struggled to orient herself. She went to flap her wings, trying to regain some control, only to feel nothing. Panic gripped Rainbow's heart as she tried to move her wings only to find that they chose to ignore her orders, preferring instead to hang uselessly off her back.

Rainbow found her vision filled with white, replacing the blurred mess of the world around her, moments before the pair collided with a cloud. Rarity passed through harmlessly, if a bit moist. Rainbow wasn't so lucky. She collided with the vaporous object at full speed causing it to disintegrate. The impact felt like being hit in the gut by a pillow covered in cotton candy and marshmallows that had been fired from a canon. Rainbow gasped for breath, the air in her chest knocked out by the impact, her grip on Rarity loosening.

Rainbow quickly regained her composure, but the damage had already been done. Rarity had slipped from her grasp, and now the two fell separately through the air, limbs flailing trying to find something to grab on to. Rainbow crashed into two more clouds before finding herself hurtling through a tree. The sound of branches snapping was almost deafening as the tree's smaller limbs reached out trying to halt Rainbow's fall only to snap under the weight. She connected with several of the tree's larger limbs, bouncing off on her way to a bush at the bottom of the tree.

Rainbow laid perfectly still in the bush looking up while she took stock of her injures. Her whole body ached, but it wasn't anything serious mostly just scrapes and bruises. The only injuries of note were the scratch on her hoof from Spike, and her wings. The scratch looked worse than it really was. The wounds weren't very deep, and the cuts were clean. They wouldn't take too long to heal and might give her a badass looking scar.

Rainbow carefully lifted herself into a sitting position, her body screaming in protest as she pushed her battered body off the ground. She turned her head focusing her attention on her wings. They hung limp against her back as she tried desperately to move them; a flap, a twitch, any movement would have sufficed. She couldn’t get even the slightest movement, her wings seemed to mock her with their motionlessness. Gingerly Rainbow reached around to grasp on of her wings between her hooves, gently brushing down its length. Nothing, she felt nothing in her wings, no pain, no tingling, just an empty nothingness that hung from her back. Her mind struggled to make sense of the sensation. Her wings had always been there for her, their sensitivity reading even the slightest changes in air currents giving her an intuitive sense of her surroundings, but now there was nothing.

“Ya’ll ok sugarcube,” Applejack asked as she galloped up to her fallen friend.

“A … AJ,” Rainbow stuttered panic in her voice, “I … I can’t feel my wings.”

“It’ll be alright. We jus’ need to get you to a hospital, and they’ll fix you right up.” Applejack reached forward with her hoof pulling Rainbow out of the bush and onto her back. “Come on,” Applejack said as she set off at a brisk pace, careful not to jostle Rainbow.

"I can walk you know," Rainbow said defensively.

"Maybe," Applejack said matter of factly, "but I'm going to carry ya'll anyway."

The two quickly approached where Rarity had fallen, Twilight and Pinkie were already huddled over her. Rarity wasn't doing well, she was lying perfectly still on her back, a single drop of blood flowed down her forehead. She struggled with every breath, a quit gurgle accompanying the action. Her soft coat covered in dust and streaks of crimson.

"Rarity," Pinkie cried bouncing in place nervously.

"Don't try to move her," Twilight said examining Rarity's condition. Rarity shuddered as a cough escaped her from deep inside her chest, blood dripping from her nose and snout. Twilight carefully leaned down pressing her ear to Rarity's chest.

"How is she," Rainbow asked as she and Applejack approached.

"We don't know yet," Pinkie whined, her ears drooping down.

"Oh my," Fluttershy said softly upon seeing Rarity as she landed next to them, struggling slightly to support Spike in her arms. Spike was unconscious his right shoulder bulging outward in an unnatural way. “Is she going to be ok?”

Twilight stood up suddenly, her eyes wide, “We need to get Rarity to the hospital NOW” her sudden outburst startling Fluttershy, causing her to jump slightly with a small eep. “Everypony hold on.”

“Twilight calm down and tell us what’s wrong … um if you don’t mind,” Fluttershy whispered as Twilights horn lit up with magic, the glow almost blinding.

“Rarity’s lungs are filling with blood,” Twilight’s voice was full of panic as she spoke, her magic reaching out to surround them. “If we don’t get Rarity to the hospital now she might …” Twilight couldn’t finish the sentence, but it didn’t matter, her tone conveyed the meaning just as well as words could. There was a silent shock from her friends as they tried not to think about that possibility that was interrupted by a pop as the group vanished from existence.

BANG

The sound of matter being displaced echoed through the hospital waiting room as six mares and a dragon appeared spontaneously in the center of the room. “WE NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION NOW,” Twilight screamed as she collapsed to the ground in exhaustion. Doctors and nurses immediately rushed to her side. “Not me them,” Twilight panted motioning to Rarity, and Spike.

“And that’s how the Dash saved the day with her daring and awesomeness,” Rainbow exclaimed, finishing her story, and looking around the hospital room. Applejack was lounging in a chair at the head of Rainbows bed, Stetson pulled over her face. Spike and Twilight were sitting in folding chairs on one side of the bed; Twilight paying rapt attention while spike traced lines in the sheets with a claw. Pinkie was sitting in the corner, frowning slightly, her ears pressed back, and her mane lacking its usual bounciness.

“Yes Rainbow,” Twilight deadpanned, “we know, we were all there.”

Rainbow chuckled, before looking down at Spike. He was lost in thought, unaware of the world around him. She got his attention by wrapping a hoof around his neck, pulling him close, and forcefully rubbing the scales on the back of his head with her other hoof.

“Ack,” Spike cried out before pushing himself out of Rainbow’s grasp. “Stop that,” he said moving out of her reach, before returning to his thoughts, looking at his feet.

“She’s going to be ok,” Rainbow’s words caused Spike to look up, and give a small nod tears in his eyes.

The touching moment was interrupted as the door swung inwards, the doctor stepping into the room. He was a cream colored unicorn with a brown mane a medical chart held before him in a light orange aura. “Well miss. Dash your test results have come in, and I’m afraid I have some bad new,” he said.

“So what’s the damage doc,” Rainbow asked, “how long am I going to be grounded.”

“Well you tore a muscle which shouldn’t take much more than two months to heal,” he said flipping through her chart.

“Two months,” Rainbow yelled, “I’m not going to be able to fly for two months! Do you have any idea how much that will set back my training for the Wonderbolts?”

“I’m afraid the muscle damage is the least of your problems,” the doctor said looking away avoiding eye contact. “You managed to damage the nerves, and I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do even with magic.”

“So what it’ll be three months … four,” Rainbow asked struggling to remain calm.

“I’m afraid that even after a complete recovery and years of physical therapy you’ll be lucky to fly at all, and if you do you won’t be a strong flyer,” the doctor’s words hung in the air creating a stifling atmosphere. “I’m sorry,” he said before leaving.

“Rainbow I’m so sor…” Spike being before being interrupted.

“It’s fine,” Rainbow said shaking slightly, “It’s not your fault. It’s late Spike you really should lie down. Twilight would you mind walking him back to his room?” Twilight nodded “Hey Pinkie don’t you need to start planning a nopony died party,” Pinkie perked up slightly at her words.

“Yea,” she said softly. “And it’s going to be the biggest, greatest most fantastimasical party ever,” her voice grew in volume as her mane returned to its usual bouncy nature. “I got to go guys,” she exclaimed before vanishing in an exposition of confetti.

“Hey AJ,” Rainbow asked as Spike and Twilight left the room, “don’t you have work on the farm or something you need to go do.” Rainbow shuddered slightly as she spoke.

“I ain’t got to be anywhere but here right now,” Applejack said sitting up, and lifting her Stetson.

“I swear to Celestia if you tell anypony you saw me crying I’ll buck you into the sun,” Rainbow said as the first of her tears fell onto the sheets of the hospital bed despite her best efforts to stop them.

Applejack grabbed Rainbow pulling her into an embrace resting Rainbows head on her neck, “Taint nopony that’s going to judge you.”

“I … I have no right to cry,” Rainbow chocked out between sobs, “Spike was willing to sacrifice everything, losening my wings is nothing in comparison.”

“What Spike was or was not gunna sacrifice doesn’t matter,” Applejack said running a hoof down Rainbow’s back, “all that matters is that you lost something important to you, and have every right to grieve it’s loss.”

Spike and Twilight were halfway back to his room when the crying started for real.

“Waaaaaaaah,” Rainbows sobs echoed through the hospital as she gasped for air. Rainbow’s sobs were filled with despair the echoed through the heart of anyone who heard it.

Spike stumbled, reaching out to steady himself, his claw sliding down the wall. He looked over seeing the deep scratches in the dry wall. He slowly moved his hand downward watching as the drywall gave way to his claws, offering little resistance. Small curls formed under his claws before falling softly to the floor. Spike’s focus was fixed on the wall, and for a moment he wasn’t in the hospital; he was back in Rainbow’s arms watching as Rarity fell. He watched as his claws slowly tore through Rainbows forehoof, blood welling up under his claws. A single thought going through his mind, It was so easy.

“ …ike … Spike,” Twilight's call brought Spike back to reality. He was still kneeling on the hospital floor hand resting on the wall to steady himself, scratches running down the drywall where Spike had inadvertently scratched into it. Twilight was standing over him worry in her eyes, and a hoof resting on his good shoulder, “are you all right Spike? Do you want me to call a nurse?”

“No I’m just a bit dizzy,” Spike said as her got to his feet, “I think I just need to lie down.” Spike only took a few steps before stumbling again, finding himself surrounded in a lilac aura before hitting the ground. Twilight carefully levitated Spike onto her back. “Thank you,” Spike mumbled as Twilight carefully carried him back to his room.

lynch mobs and farewells

"Graaaaaaaaah" The beast's cry echoed across Ponyville, filling the town's residence with terror. Ponies fled in fear as they realized just how woefully unprepared the town was to deal with a rampaging dragon.

The purple dragon watched with a smug satisfaction as the towns citizens fled in panic, their screams filling the air. They looked so much smaller to him than they normally did as he gazed down at them. He found himself bursting with confidence; his shadow loomed over the town. They were powerless against him. He could do whatever he wanted, take anything he fancied, and there was nothing anypony could do to stop him.

The dragon found Ponyville to be a quaint peaceful town just waiting to be pillaged, and pillage he did. He claimed any object that interested him as his own. Books, cakes, a globe, a chicken coup, the town’s water tower and even leaves were all held in his tight grasp; items that had once belonged to various ponies in the town that now belonged to him. Each possession he claimed as his own only increasing the desire to hoard.

The beast paused, a large building catching his eye. It was colored in shades of purple, and perfectly round; at a glance it was easily mistaken for a carousel. The building seemed to resonate with him; he couldn’t help but feel there was something important inside it, something he wanted. He quickly made his way towards it, peeking inside the windows, unsure what he was searching for. He found it on the second floor, a pearly white mare in a velour cape humming softly to herself as she sewed. He wanted her, and like anything else he wanted he took it.

“Aaaaaah,” Rarity screamed as a claw burst through her window, pulling her from her home. “Put me down this instant you ruffian,” she yelled at the beast who had taken her. He ignored her, shifting her from his claw to the grip of his tail before moving on to pillage the rest of the town.

“Hang on Rarity will save you,” Fluttershy gasped as she and Rainbow dash approached the two, flying up to either side of the dragons head.

“Put her down right now,” Rainbow hollered.

“I ... if you wouldn’t mind that is,” Fluttershy pleaded softly.

“I mean it dragon boy.”

“We’d be ever so grateful if you’d be so kind to possibly consider ...”

“Drop her scaly.”

The Dragon growled, the ponies insistent chatter giving him a headache. He’d had enough of this, time to get rid of these pests. He struck out at them with his tail, Rarity screaming as he swung his tail back and forth, her cape fluttering in the wind. Rainbow and Fluttershy, unable to move quick enough, found themselves wrapped up in Rarity’s cape. They cried out as the fabric tore and the two plummeted into the river.

With them taken care of the dragon decided to start looking for a safe place to stay. Not for his own protection, he felt no threat from the ponies, but to keep his hoard safe. He had to protect his treasure from any would be thieves. There, the cave at the top of the mountain outside Ponyville it was perfect.

Spike watched a passenger inside his own body as he scaled the mountain. He couldn't stop himself, and, he hated to admit it, an ever increasing part of him didn't want to. He knew what he was doing was wrong, but he didn't care, it felt too good. He finally felt respected, even if that respect came from fear. For the first time in his life he wasn't being looked down on, viewed merely as a child or a pet. He could take anything he wanted including Rarity; he didn't have to work his claws to the bone, or beg for what he wanted. The rest of him cried out against what was happening, wanting nothing more than for things to go back to normal. He was worried about what the thing that'd possessed him had planned for Rarity. He didn't think he could ever do anything to harm her, but...

A slicing sound filled the air as they reached the top of the mountain. The dragon turned to find the spikes on his back had been sliced off, and three streaks of blue flying off in a formation. He growled at the ponies that had dared lay a hoof on him. He quickly placed his horde within the safety of the cave before turning around and placing his back securely over the opening.

The wonder bolts circled back around diving at the beast again, only to find themselves heading straight for what was left of the towns water tower. The three flew into the back of the tank making a tink sound with their collision. The dragon promptly flipped the tank over and slammed the opening into the mountain, trapping the Wonderbolts within, and letting out a roar of victory.

Spike shouted out in his mind, trying to get himself to stop. He didn't want anypony to get hurt, and there was no telling what would happen if he couldn't stop himself. His voice was softer than before, almost completely drowned out by the beasts roar. Spike could feel himself drifting away as the beast grew stronger. He was losing himself, and soon he could be gone forever.

“Oh be quite,” Rarity cut off the dragon’s roar. “You’ve got nothing to be proud of,” her voice was dripping with anger as she lectured the beast, “steal everypony’s things, terrorize the town, and use me as a weapon against my own friends. Which as horrible as it is I could almost understand because you’re a dragon, but this,” Rarity took off what remained of her cape, lifting it into the air, “this is a crime against fashion.”

A glint drew the beasts gaze to the fire ruby around Rarity’s neck that was revealed when she removed her cape. It looked delicious and he wanted it. Rarity immediately recognized the hungry look in his eyes.

“Oh no you are not getting this gemstone,” her voice echoed through Spike’s mind, “This was given to me by my dear friend Spikey Wickey,” Spike could feel a shift through his mind, Rarity’s words seemed to resonate through the beast, “The kindest, sweetest, most generous dragon ever, and it is too precious for me to give to a greedy old beast like you.” Something snapped within Spike. His mind filled with memories of time spent with Rarity; when they first meet, the incident with the diamond dogs, and finally two days earlier, when Spike gave Rarity his fire ruby. Spike felt himself collapse inwards, both in mind and body; the monster returning to its place deep within him. Spike slowly opened his eyes to find himself back at his original size, and back in control.

“Spike you’re the Rampaging dragon,” Rarity’s voice reached him full of surprise just as his body was filled with the sensation of falling.

"Aaaah," Spike sat up in bed, panting, and covered in sweat. Spike took in his surroundings as his eyes slowly adjusted to the dark. A sliver of light found its way into the room through the crack under the door, illuminating the room with a soft light. He easily recognized the hospital room that he'd been calling home for the past few days.

A soft rustling drew his attention to the arm chair in the corner. A lavender unicorn was curled up in the chair, blankets pulled tightly around her. Twilight gazed at Spike from her position in the chair, the little light in the room reflecting off her eyes making them glow slightly in the half light, giving her an almost ethereal look. On closer inspection Spike could see that her eyes were blood shot, there were dark bags under her eyes, and she looked haggard. It was obvious she hadn't been sleeping.

"Are you ok Spike," Twilight asked her voice barely over a whisper. "Do you want me to call a nurse?"

"No," Spike said, regaining control of his breathing, "I'm fine, go back to sleep, there's nothing to worry about" he said with a small smile.

"Are you sure," Twilight frowned, "something seems to be bothering you."

"It's nothing," Spike said, lying back down and pulling the covers up to his chin. "Just a bad dream," only it wasn't just a dream and that was the problem.

“Fascinating,” the doctor mumbled to himself, leaning in towards Spike, “simply fascinating.” Spike tried to site still as the doctor’s magic aura surrounded his shoulder. "I'd never imagined something like this could be possible."

"Is everything alright Dr. Hippocrates," Twilight asked, concerned by the doctors tone.

"Hm, yes everything’s fine," the doctor released his aura, and straightened up. "Spike is healing at an unbelievably fast rate. Honestly I wouldn't believe it if I weren't seeing it happen myself. Spike has healed more in a week then he should have in two months."

"Really," Twilight exclaimed, suddenly excited, as she leaned in close to Spike, her own lavender aura surrounding his shoulder. "I never knew dragons could recover that quickly."

"Yes, it really is astonishing," the doctor's horn started to glow, his magic mixing with Twilight's, "see right here the bones are almost completely mended, and the muscle has already begun to reattach itself."

"I wonder if it has something to do with his metabolism," Twilight mused, "or maybe it's related to the gemstones in his diet or maybe it's ..."

"Um guys," Spike interrupted, "do you mind?" In their excitement the two had leaned in, and were millimeters from touching Spike.

"Sorry," Twilight said pulling away with a blush, “I guess I got a little excited."

The doctor cleared his throat as he spoke up, "As I was saying, the good news is that, as much as I'd like to keep Spike here for observation, in his current condition there is no need to keep Spike here. You can go home if you'd like."

"That's great news," Twilight sighed, "we can finally go home."

"Y ... yea," Spike didn't sound very excited.

"Is something wrong Spike," Twilight asked concerned by his lack of enthusiasm.

"It's just I like being near her ... In case anything happens."

"Oh Spike," Twilight said as she pulled him into an embrace. "You don't have to worry about that, the hospital will notify us if there’s any change in Rarity's condition."

"I know," Spike whispered, returning the embrace.

Two hours and a mountain of paper work later Spike and Twilight were on their way back to the library. Spike hadn't left the hospital since the fall, and this was his first chance to really see the extent of the damage done to Ponyville. Large portions of the city were in ruin, ruble littered the street. Reconstruction was already in full swing, and its effects were apparent; there were supports built around several buildings that were in danger of falling over, and ponies could be seen in the streets repairing homes and businesses. Spike paused for a moment, spying a large indentation in the ground. The mark had been worn some by the last week’s weather, but in was unmistakable, claws print made by some great beast. Spike raised his claw in front of his face, comparing the shape. It was at this time that he noticed all the ponies in the area had stopped what they were doing to watch him, and they didn’t look happy. He turned, jogging to quickly catch up with Twilight, and placing a claw on her side.

“Twilight,” he said motioning to the ponies that were now following them as they glared back.

“Ignore them,” Twilight said, not even bothering to look back, “we’ll be home soon.”

Spike became increasingly nervous as the two traveled through the town. Everywhere they went the ponies would stop what they were doing and stare as they went by; some would even begin to follow them, adding their numbers to the crowd of upset ponies that were following them. Spike could feel there stairs on the back of his neck; Some were calm, sad, but calm, others were filled with a cold loathing, but most burned with anger and hatred, and it was all directed at him.

Spike breathed a sigh of relief as the library came into view, his heart pounding in his ears. Soon they'd be home were nopony could get them. Within a moment a group of ponies stepped out in front of them from an alley blocking their path; the group behind them spread out, completely surrounding the two.

"What do you think you’re doing here," a stallion in the front spoke.

"Walking home," Twilight addressed him in a board tone, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to that thing next to you," Spike flinched as the stallion motioned towards him, as if his words had been a physical strike.

"Um ... The same I guess," Spike stuttered nervously under his glare.

"I don't think so," the stallion spat, "this is PONYville, as in a village for ponies. There's no room here for a freak like you." A murmur of agreement came from the gathered crowd.

"Spike is not a freak," Twilight stepped between Spike and the stallion.

"If he isn't a freak he's a monster," the stallion was shouting now. "Just look at what he did to our town."

“Yea,” the other ponies in the crowd joined in.

“He destroyed our home we lost everything.”

“He destroyed my store, and stole my entire inventory. That’s my livelihood, how am I supposed to feed my family now?”

“What about the foals? Won’t somepony think about the foals?”

“He crippled our weather mare.”

“And what about the dressmaker he killed?”

“Rarity’s not dead,” Spike shouted, silencing the crowd. “She’s not dead. She’s not dead,” Spike repeated over and over again, whispering to himself.

“She might as well be,” the Stallion in front asked again.

CRACK

Spike found himself looking up at the sky, a dull ache at the back of his skull. He reached a claw up brushing it against his forehead. He pulled his claw away, lifting it in front of his face, and saw a small drop of blood. Carefully Spike rolled himself over and pushed himself off the ground, and surveying the situation.

The crowd had fallen silent. Everypony was looking at the stallion who had thrown the rock at Spike. He was panting, sweet dripping down his brow and a wild look in his eyes. Franticly he began searching the ground looking for another rock, and he wasn’t the only one. Most of the gathered ponies began picking up rocks, preparing to throw them. Spike ducked, curling into a ball and covering his head with his arm, as he saw the first stones travel through the air. He held his breath waiting for the inevitable impact. Only, it never came. Cautiously Spike lifted head. Twilight stood over him, her horn glowing with a lavender aura. In the air, glowing with Twilight’s aura, the stones hovered.
“I’ve had a very long and stressful week, and I’m very tired. So, I’m only going to say this once,” Twilight whispered, her voice dripping in anger, “leave.”

“But …” somepony began.

“NOW,” Twilight’s eyes glowed as she shouted her voice full of force causing the mob to flee in fear, followed by the stones with a simple return to sender enchantment on them.

Spike glowed with Twilight’s aura as she lifted him onto her back, and carrying towards the library.

“Let’s get that bandaged,” she muttered, closing the door, and generating a shield around their home.

Spike stared up at the library's wooden ceiling from his basket as moonlight drifted into the room. The room was almost eerily quiet, Twilight's snores and the occasional rustling of leaves the only sounds to be heard. The two had decided to turn in early, and Twilight had fallen asleep the moment her head hit the pillow. Spike, on the other hand, found he had too much to think about to be able to sleep.

He kept replay the event with the mob over and over in his mind, always returning.to the same question. Am I a Monster? the question plagued his thoughts. I never wanted any of this, I didn't want to destroy Ponyville or hurt anypony. Spike felt comforted by his thoughts. Spike the dragon is not a monster.

... but Povyville was still destroyed, Spike's heart sank at the realization that, as much as he hated to admit it, the mob was at least partially correct; a monster did destroy Ponyville. I'm not a monster, but within me there is one who is fueled entirely by greed, Spike could still feel him, in the back of his mind, just waiting to get free. In the end it's still my fault. I'm the one who let the monster out; in the end I couldn't even stop myself.

Spike raised his good claw into the air over him. I injured Rainbow Dash, not the monster, me. I knew what would happen if I scratched her, and I did it anyway. I made the decision to hurt Rainbow. Yea, I did it to save Rarity, but still. Spike flexed his claw, watching as its shadow danced in the moonlight. It was one of the easiest things I’ve ever done. My claws sliced her flesh like a hot knife through butter. Really it’s a wonder that I’ve never done it before. All it would take is a single moment where I’m not in perfect control of myself and somepony could get hurt or worse. It’s not just my claws either. I have fangs capable of cutting through diamond, and dragon fire can be hot enough to melt stone. He sat up, his introspective leading him to a conclusion, I’m dangerous. Even without the monster within me. It’s only a matter of time before I hurt somepony again. I can’t stay here, the realization left him feeling empty, but he knew it was true. The only way he could prevent himself from hurting anypony was to leave and the sooner the better.

Spike stood up slowly, trying not to make a sound, and mad his way to the bedroom door. He paused for a moment, standing in the open doorway, to look back at Twilight's sleeping form before turning and closing the door. Spike carefully made his way through the library, easily avoiding the squeaky floor boards. It felt strange to him, sneaking around his own house like a common criminal. He swiftly made it to his destination, a writing desk tucked away in a small corner of the library. He sat down breathing out a small puff of emerald flame, and lighting the candle that sat on the desk, bathing the area in a flickering light. Taking a deep breath, to calm his nerves, he took out a piece of parchment and a quill, and began writing.

Spike wrote slowly, taking the time to make sure each word was perfect. His quill making a soft scritch sound as he wrote. There was so much to say, and so much more he couldn’t. It was difficult figuring out which was which, but he managed it and signed his name at the bottom. He paused; taking the time reread his letter, and allowing the ink to dry. Satisfied with the letters content he carefully folded the parchment, and placed it within an envelope. He lifted the candle from its holder and held it, allowing a few drops of wax to fall on the envelope.

His vision seemed to blur as her waited for the wax to dry. He raised a claw trying to wipe away the tears. It all seemed to hit him at once, the letter representing a farewell to everything he ever loved,I don’t want to leave, he thought, tears streaming down his face, this is my home. Ponyville is where all my friends and family live. He picked up the letter, no longer trying to stop the tears, and flipped it over. I have to do this, to keep them safe, to protect Rarity. With a shaky claw he scrawled a name across the front, several tears falling on to the envelope, staining the paper, and smearing the ink; leaving behind a sloppy looking writing that was just clear enough to make out who the message was intended for, Rarity

Spike slapped himself, taking several large breaths, and managed to stop the tears. Get it together, he told himself, there’s a lot to be done and not much time. He jumped up from the bed, taking the letter with him.

A purple dragon stood outside the door to a hospital room, a bag slung over one shoulder, the other shoulder in a caste. Spike had found it surprisingly easy to sneak into the hospital unseen; their security really wasn’t designed to prevent someone from sneaking into a room, more to stop drug thefts. He took a deep breath trying to calm his nerves before pushing the door open and walking into the room. There was Rarity, just lying there. It looked like she was just sleeping, but Spike knew it would take more than a loud noise to wake her. He placed his bag by the door as he walked over to her, placing a claw on her hoof, careful not to touch anywhere she was injured.

“Rarity,” he said, “I don’t know if you can hear me, but there’s something I need to say.” He paused trying to find the words. “I’m sorry. You got hurt because of me. I know you’d forgive me. You’d say it wasn’t my fault that it was an accident, but it doesn’t change anything.” It was strange, Spike had figured he be crying by now, but they just didn’t come. Why? Was it because he wasn’t sad to say this goodbye? No, he was way beyond being merely sad, beyond tears. It left him feeling empty, hollow. “You wouldn’t have gotten hurt if it weren’t for me. I’m dangerous. Everyone will be safer if I leave, but before I go there was something I wanted to tell you. Rarity I …” His throat closed around the words, he just couldn’t find the strength to say those three simple words, I love you. He sighed, and leaned in planting a kiss on her forehead, just below her horn, and whispered into her ear, “goodbye.”

Spike carefully placed the letter underneath her pillow. He turned to leave, picking up his bag by the door, and missing the single tear that fell down Rarity’s cheek.

Darkness and Survival

Darkness. The mare found herself in an absolute darkness. She searched her memories trying to remember how she got there. Her memories came up blank, for all she knew she'd been here forever.

She looked down at herself trying to make out her form in the darkness. She could see herself perfectly; her white fur almost seemed to be shinning out in contrast to the darkness. The darkness clung to her form, blurring the line between where she and the darkness met. The movement of the darkness against her conjured up the image of a tide ebbing against a beach. She watched it flow against her for a moment wondering where that image could have come from.

She raised a hoof in front of her face, waving it back and forth, watching the darkness flow around it. Her hoof left what appeared to be a void in its wake, the darkness quickly moving in to fill it. With a gasp she realized that this darkness wasn't just an absence of light, but a physical thing. Panic filled her; she'd been breathing it in. She started holding her breath, but it was already too late, she had already breathed it in. She could almost feel it spreading through her body, traveling from her lungs to the rest of her body. Panic filled her. The surrounding darkness took on an oppressive atmosphere, wrapping her tightly in its embrace.

What is this stuff? What’s it going to do to me She clamped her hooves over her mouth, trying to hold in her breath, her lungs crying out for breath. She couldn’t hold on for much longer. Maybe it’s not a big deal. I was breathing this stuff just fine until now right? cautiously she took a breath. The darkness filled her, bringing relief to her burning lungs, and a sense of calm that slowly traveled through her body, causing the fear and panic to melt away. With every breath she took she felt more of her fears flow away only to be replaced by a calm sense of satisfaction. She became distinctly aware of the darkness that surrounded her, embracing her in gentle warmth. It wasn’t long before she was breathing normally without a care in the world.

She stood up slowly, her curiosity getting the better of her, and set off to see if there was anything else in the darkness. She walked on and on tirelessly into darkness. Darkness hear darkness there, everywhere she looked there was nothing but darkness. She walked on for hours, days, weeks, and still nothing but darkness in every direction. Time lost all, but finally, after what had felt like years she spotted something in the distance, a single pinprick of light floating in an ocean of black. She headed towards it, curious of what else could survive in this vast ocean of nothing.

Slowly but surely she made her way towards the light. It grew larger as she approached it, looking something like a small sun. There was something enchanting about the light; it captivated her, drawing her into it. She couldn’t look away, couldn’t stop herself from walking towards it. Step Step Step. She moved towards it, almost in a trance. Step Step Step. She could feel a force pushing her away, trying to keep her from reaching the light, yet still she moved on. Step Step Step With every step she took the force increased, pushing against her relentlessly. Step … Step … Step … She pushed onwards, each step becoming a battle, a fight of acquisition between her and this force. Step … Step … Step. Pain lanced through her body as she stepped forwards. She cried out as fire traveled up her hooves, and through her entire being. The sensation drowned out everything else, all thought replaced by nothing but pain. She was vaguely aware of being pushed back, the force moving her away from the light.

She lied on whatever it was that constituted a floor in this darkness panting. The darkness flowed into her with each shallow breath, bringing relief with it. She could feel the darkness, within and surrounding her, pulling the pain away from her, wrapping her in its comforting embrace. She slowly regained her senses having learned an important lesson; the darkness was safe and peaceful, but the light … the light only leads to pain. She closed her eyes, resting her head on her forelegs, finding herself exhausted by her ordeal, and tried to fall into a peaceful sleep.

The moment her eyes closed a sound started drifting through the darkness from the light, as it changed colors, turning a soft yellow. It was a quite noise, barely above a whisper, it would have been impossible to hear normally, but it was unmistakable in the surrounding darkness. Soon the entire void was filled with the sound of soft sobbing.

The mare clenched her eyes trying to ignore the sound. She didn't know why but it made her uncomfortable. She just wanted it to go away so she could sleep.

“Rarity,” the sound spoke, its voice was soft, feminine, almost like a summer breeze. “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed, “if I was a stronger or braver pony you wouldn’t have been hurt. You were in danger, and I didn’t do anything, I just watched, too scared to act. I … I … I’m sorry,” she whispered, before resuming her sobbing. The sobbing slowly fading until it was gone.

The light changed colors, turning orange, as another voice spoke, “Howdy Rarity,” the voice was rough, it was hard, yet still feminine. It was the voice of a mare that was familiar with a hard day’s work in hot sun. “How ya feeling sugarcube? I imagine ya’ll feel worse than a three legged jackrabbit after runnin a marathon. I, uh, brought a brush with me. I know how much you fuss over your looks, and ah figured I’d do your mane for you,” the almost imperceptible sound of a brush moving through hair echoed through the darkness. “I’m sorry ah can’t do your makeup to; you know how I am with all that frou-frou girly stuff I’d never be able to do it right, and, truth be told, I’m not sure I can do yur mane right.” It was quite for a time, the voice focusing on her task, the sound of her brush the only noise in the darkness. They voice sighed in frustration, “darn it, how do ya’ll manage to get that curl in your mane. This is impossible, I’m sorry, but I’m never going to be able to get your mane right. I’ll just come it straight and let you fix it when ya wake up. That alright with you? I got to get back to the farm, but I promise to come back tomorrow to fix your mane again,” the voice faded, as if it was getting farther away, until it disappeared altogether.

The light changed once again, this time turning pink as a high pitched voice not unlike nails running down a chalk board screeched across the darkness,”HeyRarityHopeYourFeelingWellGetBetterSoonSoWeCanHaveASuperTerificFantabulisticAmazarificSuperEveryPony’sOkPartyTheresGoingToBeCakeAndSreamersAndIGottaGoStartGettingReadySeeYouWhenYourBetterBye.” The mare found herself quite confused by the recent assault on her senses. What was that, she asked herself, as the light shifted from a bright pink to a soothing purple.

“Hey Rarity,” the new voice seemed calm and collected. “The doctors said that while your injuries look bad, you should make a full recovery, and their won’t be any permanent damage,” she sighed, “They also said that you’ve been unresponsive to external stimuli, meaning that you can’t hear a word I’m saying right now.” The voice paused for a moment taking in a deep breath, before slowly letting it out. “Spike’s been doing O.K.,” an ear twitched in the darkness; there was something about that name, “well physically anyway. His shoulder’s been healing just fine, better than that, in fact. He’s been taking what happened really hard. I think he blames himself for what happened; he hasn’t said anything, but I can see it in his eyes. I feel so useless,” the voice seemed to catch, “all of my magic, and I couldn’t stop my brother from turning into that thing. I couldn’t protect anyone, and I still can’t. There is nothing I can say to Spike that will keep him from blaming himself. There’s only one pony who can do that. He needs you Rarity. He needs you to come back, and make everything o.k. We all do.” The voice faded away, the light changing colors yet again, turning a sky blue.

“Hey Rarity,” this voice was deeper than the others, rougher, almost masculine, but still feminine in nature, “I was wondering if we could talk for a bit.” The sound of hooves walking across a hard surface echoed through the darkness; followed by a soft whump that could only have been a pony falling into a plush surface. “So how you felling,” the voice paused, “yea I thought you’d say something like that.” The voice let out a deep sight, “The doctor said that I have permanent nerve damage in my wings, whatever that means, and that I’ll never fly again. I’m having a hard time coming to terms with this. It’s like theirs this hole in my life, and I have to find a way to fill it. The others have tried to be supportive, but they just don’t understand. Flying was more than just a hobby, or a job, it was my life. I’ve known I wanted to be a Wonderbolt almost my whole life. It was more than just a dream. It was my life, the reason I woke up every morning. The others can’t understand what it’s like to lose that, they’re all happy right where they are. Applejack’s never wanted anything but the farm, Fluttershy’s happy as long as she has her animals, Twilight can forget the world as long as she has a book, and Pinkie’s happy as long as she has a friend. You get it. Sure your dream of being a fashionista isn’t anywhere near as cool as my dream of being a Wonderbolt, but we still had that drive; the drive to spend every day working to make you dream a reality. Now that my dreams become impossible I find myself wondering what to do with my life. I was Rainbow dash, future Wonderbolt, fastest flyer in all of Equestria, but what am I supposed to be now? What am I supposed to work towards?” The voice fell silent for a while. “No,” the voice took on a determined tone, “I am Rainbow Dash, and I’m not about to let something like nerve damage stop me. I don’t even know what nerve damage is.” A chair creaked, followed by the sound of hooves walking away. “I’m not giving up, and you better not either. I know your stronger than this, so you’d better hurry up and get better,” the voice faded into nothingness, and the light shifted back to white, silence filling the darkness.

The mare found herself getting frustrated. She was just trying to get some sleep, and all these voices insisted on keeping her awake. She had no idea who this Rarity was, or why all these voices were so interested in her. She found herself wishing that this Rarity would just go back to them, or wake up, or whatever it was that they wanted so she could get some sleep. The mare waited expected another voice to start speaking, but none came. All she heard was silence. Finally she thought some peace and quiet. It seemed like the voices had finished, and the mare was just about to fall asleep when the light turned green.

“Rarity,” The mares eyes flew open as the new voice spoke. Spike, the name came to her, unbidden, but it seemed to fit. She didn’t know how but she knew his name was Spike, and she knew Spike was important. “I don’t know if you can hear me, but there’s something I need to say.” The mare stood up, turning towards the sound, and facing the light.

Is he Speaking to me, she asked herself, am I Rarity?

“I’m sorry. You got hurt because of me. I know you’d forgive me. You’d say it wasn’t my fault that it was an accident, but it doesn’t change anything,” there was something about the way he talked that the mare found odd, it was different from the others.

“No,” the mare whispered, realizing what was different about his voice. He wasn’t urging her to come back, or get better; this was a goodbye and it was wrong.

“You wouldn’t have gotten hurt if it weren’t for me. I’m dangerous. Everyone will be safer if I leave …”

“NO,” the mares scream echoed through the darkness. “NO NO NO NO,” she screamed, sprinting head on towards the light. She hit resistance, the darkness trying to hold her back, refusing to let her go; she pushed harder, running even faster.

“But before I go there was something I wanted to tell you. Rarity I …” the voice paused.

The mare was in agony, every step she took caused pain to fill her body. Still she pressed on focusing on the voice in front of her, tears streaming down her face. “Don’t you dare,” she muttered between clenched teeth, “don’t you dare Spike.”

“Goodbye,” that single word echoed through the mares mind, spurring her on to clear the short distance between her and the light. She called out his name as she jumped into the light, saying goodbye to the darkness for good, “Spiiiiiiiiiiiike!”

Beep Beep Beep

Darkness, Rarity found herself in darkness. The first thing she noticed as she regained her senses was a dull pain that filled her body. She was lying in a bed that was covered in what had to be the itchiest sheets in Equestria. She could feel something on her face, covering her snout. She could hear a constant beeping sound and the muffled sound of ponies.

Where am I? Rarity asked herself, What happened?

She slowly opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings. She was lying in a room that could be described as clinical; all there was in the room was the bed, a few chairs, and some medical equipment. Rarity examined herself next; she was covered in bandages, an IV tube was connected to her left hoof, and she was attached to a beeping heart monitor. Rarity watched as the air mask over her snout fogged up with each breath she took, as she struggled in vain to figure out why she was in a hospital. She struggled trying to push herself up into a sitting position. Rarity was considering trying to find somepony who might know what was going when she heard a soft eep coming from the door. She looked over and saw Fluttershy, with tears in her eyes, and Applejack, with a huge grin on her face, standing in the door way.

“Rarity,” Fluttershy cried in an uncharacteristically loud voice, as she ran over to the bed side, pulling Rarity into a soft embrace. “We were so worried about you,” she sobbed into Rarity’s shoulder, as Applejack stepped out of the room, and started yelling at somepony outside. “I was so scared Rarity. There was a giant dragon, and you fell, and I just froze up, and and …” Rarity stopped listening, as Fluttershy continued her ramblings, there was something about what’d she’d said.

That’s right there was a dragon, she thought, as her memories started to come back to her. Images flashed through her mind; a rampaging dragon stealing her from her home, the dragon turning into Spike, Spike trying to confess, and finally Spike crying out in pain as he fell.

“Spike,” Rarity whispered, “is Spike ok?” Fluttershy continued her rambling, not hearing Rarity speak. “Is Spike ok,” she asked, more forcefully, as a doctor and several nurses walked into the room.

“Excuse us miss,” a nurse said, forcing Fluttershy back, “there are a few tests we need to run now that miss. Rarity is awake.”

“Is SPIKE OK,” Rarity was yelling now, much to the surprise of Fluttershy and the medical staff.

“He’s just fine sugar,” Applejack said, walking into the room with Rainbow Dash, “they sent him home yesterday. I just had the hospital send them a message; I reckon they’ll be in to check on you in a bit.” Rarity lay back down with a sigh.

“GOOD MORNING RARITY HOW ARE YOU FEELING,” Pinkie screamed, popping out from behind Rarity’s bed and grapping her cheeks, just as her head touched the pillow.

“Wha…bu…HOW,” the doctor stuttered, the nurses standing in shock.

“Well, my front hoof started itching, which only happens when I’m about to use my party cannon, and I thought ‘hey what could be happening that would need a party,’ and then I came to me. Rarity must be waking up,” Pinkie spoke as if her explanation was the most obvious thing in the world.

“What,” the doctor asked, more confused than he was before.

“You should just let it go doc,” Rainbow chuckled, punching him lightly on the shoulder, “you’re only going to raise more questions than you’ll ever get answered.”

“Yes well,” the doctor cleared his throat, trying to regain some composure, “As I was saying I need to perform a checkup on Miss. Rarity. I’m going to have to ask you all to leave.”

“Okay Dokie Loki,” Pinkie said, hopping out the door, followed shortly by the others.

The four mares waited anxiously outside Rarity’s room, waiting for the doctor to finish his tests. They didn’t have to wait long before the door swung open, the doctor stepping out with the nurses right behind him.

“How is she,” Applejack asked, hoping for good news.

“Better than we could have hoped for,” the doctors replied cause the gathered mares to sigh in relief, “our tests showed no signs of brain damaged, and her wounds are mending quite nicely.”

“You have no idea how good that is to hear,” Rainbow sighed, “is it alright if we go back in now?”

“That shouldn’t be a prob...” a pink blur flew pass the doctor before he could finish his sentence, “…lem.” The doctor stood silent for a moment, in shock, before speaking, “that has got to be the most energetic mare I have ever met.”

The remaining mares laughed at the doctor’s reaction as the stepped past him into Rarity’s room.

“Does anypony have any makeup, or a brush I can use,” Rarity said while lying on her back, “I must be quite the sight, no makeup, and I don’t even want to think about how my mane looks.”

“I don’t think your appearance should be your biggest concern right now all things considered,” Rainbow said trying to hold back a laugh.

Rarity let out a dignified HUMPH; sticking her snout into the air, “a proper lady must always look her best Rainbow, which isn’t something I’d expect somepony like you to understand.” This time Rainbow lost it, falling to the floor laughing.

“You have no idea how good it is to hear you call me unsophisticated,” she said between giggles.

“Actually ‘ah just happen to have a brush with me,” Applejack said, pulling a hair brush from under her Stetson, “I believe there’s a small mirror in the nightstand.”

“Applejack I surprised,” Rarity said grasping the brush in her magic, “I didn’t take you for the type to care enough about your mane to carry a brush with you.”

“I’m not,” Applejack said, as she pulled a small mirror out of the nightstand and handed it to Rarity, “I know how important your looks are to ya, and I figured the least I could do was keep your mane from getting tangled.”

“I’m touched,” Rarity said, as she carefully started pulling herself into a sitting position. She reached behind her to adjust the pillows to support her back, but when she reached under her pillow she felt the crumple of paper. Curious she pulled it out, to find an envelope with her name scrawled across the front in what was unmistakably Spike’s writing.

Just as Rarity was discovering the letter under her pillow the door to her room was thrown open. Twilight stood in the doorway panting slightly, her mane in a mess, and a twitch in one eye. Everypony in the room turned to face her, except for Rarity who was opening a letter.

“Where’s Spike,” Twilight demanded, surveying the room.

“Deep breaths Twilight,” Applejack said to the frantic mare, “jus’ calm down and tell us what’s wrong.”

“I don’t know where Spike is,” Twilight said with panic in her voice. “He wasn’t in the library when I woke up this morning, and I’ve looked everywhere for him. When I heard that Rarity had woken up I thought he’d be here. Some of the ponied in town were giving him a hard time yesterday. I’m worried that something might have happened to him.” Twilight was almost in tears as she finish, looking desperately for reassurance.

“It’ll be alright,” Applejack said pulling Twilight into a hug, “I’m sure Spike’s jus’ fi…”

Applejack was interrupted as Rarity cried out, “How dare he.” Everypony looked at her in shock as she threw off the beds blanket and started getting up. “Just who does he think he is.”

“Rarity stop, you’re going to hurt yourself,” Fluttershy pleaded. Rarity ignored, pulling out her IV, and tearing off the heart monitor. Within seconds doctors and nurse rushed into the room.

“Miss. Please calm down,” a member of the hospital staff pleaded with Rarity as she struggled against them, yelling about how she was going to buck some pony into the moon when she found him, “if you don’t settle down we’ll be forced to sedate you.”

Amidst the chaos a sheet of parchment fell from the bed, and slowly drifted to the floor at Twilights feet. Hoping it would explain what was wrong with Rarity she picked it up with her magic and began to read.

Dear Rarity,

I pray to Celestia that you’re able to read this, and that you make a full recovery. This incident has shown me just what it means to be a dragon, and it’s made me come to a realization about myself. Dragons are dangerous. We’re creatures of greed willing to do anything to get what we want, and are capable of leveling cities in a single afternoon. There’s a reason ponies don’t know that much about dragons, and so many myth portray us as monsters. It’s because deep down we are. The idea of a dragon living alongside ponies was always going to be impossible, we’re just too unstable. So, I’ve decided to leave Ponyville, and live in the Everfree Forest with the rest of the monsters. Please don’t come looking for me. By the time you read this I’ll already be long gone, and the last thing I want is you or anypony else getting hurt again because of me.

There’s one more thing; something that I need to say before leaving. Something that I’ve known ever since me first met you. Rarity I’m in love with you. I have been ever since I first laid eyes on you. You mean more to me than any gem ever could. I know it doesn’t mean much now, but I just couldn’t leave without letting you know. Goodbye Rarity.

Love,
Spike

A doctor stepped away from Rarity’s bed, as she fell into a drugged slumber, the nurses hooking her back up to the machinery. “Do any of you know what could have set her off like this,” he asked five mares that were huddled in the corner trying to stay out of the way.

“Yes,” they all turned to look at a pale faced Twilight as she looked over a parchment, “it’s the worst possible thing.”

Spike took deep breaths as he sprinted through the forest, the sound of his feet pounding against the ground echoed through his ears with each step. Surviving in the Everfree had proven more difficult that he had first imagined; the meager supplies he’d brought with him had only lasted him a few days, and now he was tasked with finding food and water in the Everfree. A task which was proving to be almost impossible; he’d run into more than one carnivores plant, or dangerous wildlife. Just about the only thing that had gone right for him was that the doctor had been wrong in his estimation on how long his shoulder would take to heal. Spike had only been in the forest for three days, and his shoulder was completely healed.

Spike heard a twig snap behind him. He panicked, turning his head trying to catch a glimpse of his pursuer. In his haste he missed a root that was sticking out from the ground. He tipped falling to the ground. As Spike fell he felt a gentle breeze on his face, as something flew through the air where he’d been moments before, and imbedded itself in a tree behind him. Spike looked in panic at the manticore only feet behind him, its scorpion tail stretched above him and imbedded in a tree.

Spike tried getting to his feet as the manticore pulled its tail from the tree. He was exhausted, barely managing to stand. The manticore swung its tail through the air striking Spikes small frame sending him flying through the air and into a tree. Pain shot through the dragon’s body as he impacted the hard wood. He carefully fought to get back on his feet, using the tree for support. He grit his teeth as he looked up, trying to get his bearings, only to find the manticore’s face inches away from his own. Its gapping maw dripping with anticipation of the meal it was about to receive. Spike took a deep breath before blowing a plum of emerald flames right in the beasts face.

The manticore roared out in pain and anger, as it frantically pawed at the flames on his face. The fire was quickly put out leaving behind a very angry manticore. Never before had his prey been such a nuisance. He was going to enjoy eating him. He turned to face his prey only to find the purple lizard was gone. He growled to himself. It must have run off while he was blinded, but it couldn’t have gotten fare. He took a moment to sniff the ground, trying to find the scent, before taking off after its prey.

Spike breathed a sigh of relief from his perch in a tree as the manticore ran off into the woods. “It’s amazing how rarely they think to look up,” he whispered to himself. He sat up in the trees branches for a while, trying to catch his breath. Every gasp of air he took in found its path down his dry throat reminding him just how thirsty he was. It’s been almost a day and a half since he’d had anything to eat or drink, and it was starting to take its toll on him. His body was fatigued, even the smallest movements took a lot out of him. If he didn’t find food or water soon he might not make it.

Spike carefully stood up, balancing on the branch, and surveyed the area. All he could see in any direction was trees, and a few mountain ranges in the distance. He was deep in the Everfree, deeper than anypony had ever dared to tread, and he was lost. Spike didn’t think he could find his way back to his home in Ponyville even if he wanted to. No, he thought to himself, I have to stop thinking like that. Ponyville isn’t my home anymore. With a sigh he lowered himself to the forest floor and set off, journeying deeper into the woods.

Spike trudged on through the woods. His feet made a soft crunch in the fallen leaves with every steep he took. He was exhausted; it took all of his will to continue moving forward, driven by a single thought. Water, the single word echoed through his mind over and over. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had something to eat or drink. He was weaker than he could ever remember being. He’d been lucky, the past couple days nothing had tried to kill him. The few animal he’d run into had kept their distance.

A soft trickling sound reached Spike’s ear fins. It was quite, almost lost in the swishing of leaves, but it was unmistakably the sound of running water. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever herd. It would have reduced him to tears if he hadn’t been dehydrated. The prospect of water invigorated him. Spike sprinted towards the wondrous sound using a strength he didn’t realize he still had. The sound quickly grew louder, and the scent of moisture filled the air. Soon a shallow river came into view, he was so close.

Spike’s foot caught on something, causing him to stumble and fall. His head hit a rock with a loud crack. Dizziness swept through him. He managed to stand back up and take a few shaky steps before falling back to the ground. All his strength left him as the world began to dim. He had been so close. He reached a claw towards the river, trying to drag himself to the life sustaining water as he fell into darkness.

Splish.

Spike regained consciousness when a large drop of something fell against his cheek. It ran down his face where it dripped into his open mouth. It was the wettest most wateriest water he has ever had. The single drop flowed through his mouth bringing relief to his parched throat. Spike slowly opened his eyes only to find another pair gazing back.

A young bird stood in front of Spike, barely more than a hatchling. It had a bright plumage of red, yellow and orange feathers. On the back of its head there were two feathers that curled up at the end. It stared at Spike curiously, its head tilted slightly to the side. It hopped every once and a while giving out a soft peep, and fluttering its wings. It considered Spike for a moment before turning and hopping away.

Spike watched as the bird hopped over to the river, and stuck its beak in. It took in a mouthful of water, turned around, and hopped back towards Spike. When the bird reached Spike it opened its beak allowing water to drip into Spike’s mouth. Spike greedily lapped up the water trying to get every last drop.

The bird chirped happily at Spike’s reaction. He moved closer to the young dragon and started pushing against him with his head. He nudged Spike towards the water, giving out an encouraging squeak. Spike ushered his willpower, carefully pushing himself to his feet. Spike slowly started moving forward, each step taking himself closer to the water before him. The bird let out a cry of victory before hopping past Spike. He went several feet past the dragon before turning around and offering an encouraging peep. Spike followed slowly making his way towards the bird. Every time he got close the bird would jump farther ahead and wait again, as Spike slowly made his way to the river.

Spike plunged his whole head into the water, and gulped greedily. After almost a minute he pulled his head up with a gasp, water dripping from his scales. He panted, as he gazed into the river. It was one of the most beautiful sights he had ever seen. The sun reflected off its surface making it sparkle a whole rainbow of colors. It was almost as if the river was a fine silk studded with gemstones. Wait a second, he thought as he reached into the river, grabbing one of the sparkles and pulling it up. In his claw he held a small diamond. With a shock Spike realized that the entire river was filled with gemstones. Spike grinned, shoving the diamond into his mouth and reaching back into the river for another.

Spike lied on the rivers shore with his stomach extended. He was felt refreshed after gorging himself on water and gemstones. As he gazed upwards at the patch of sky visible through the leaves he contemplated the river that had saved his life. How did the Gemstones get into the river, he asked himself. Gems don’t just appear out of nowhere. Meaning they had to have washed into the river and be pushed down stream by the current. He stood up, and turned parallel to the river. Meaning that if I follow the river upstream I find where all these gems came from. Confidant in his reasoning the young dragon set off, trying to find the source of the river.

Spike had just set off when a sudden weight on his tail and a small chirp caused him to stop. He looked behind him to see the bird that had saved him nestling into the base of his tail, making itself comfortable. It let out a satisfied cheep as it noticed Spike looking down on it.

Spike let out a sigh. “Look I know you helped me before, and I’m grateful for that,” he said, “but you really shouldn’t be around me. I’m dangerous.”

The bird just looked up at him with a wide grin on its face. Spike carefully lifted the bird from his tail and placed it on ground. Spike turned away, and once again set off. A chirp at his side caused him to look over. On ground next to Spike was the bird, contentedly hopping along next to him.

“If I wasn’t clear before I want you to leave,” Spike said in frustration. The bird just looked up at him. “Go back to your family I’m sure their worried about you.”

The bird shuffled its feet, looking to the ground. It was then Spike became aware of how unusual the situation was. This was a young bird, barely more than a hatchling, and Spike hadn’t seen any sigh of its parents. No mother bird would ever allow one of her children out of her sight for this long. There was only one possible explanation, “you’re all alone aren’t you?” Spike sighed. “Fine you can come along if you want, but it’s probably in your best interests if you don’t.

The bird peeped happily, jumping up on Spike’s tail and climbing up his spines to perch on his shoulder. He nestled into Spikes neck with a soft sigh. When Spike was sure the bird would fall he started walking again.

“You know,” Spike said, “If you’re going to be around I might as well give you a name. How does Peewee sound to you?” The young bird let out a happy cry in response.

The two traveled for most of the day, following the river. Just as the sun was about to set they found it. The opening of a cave set into a small hill, the river flowing out from its entrance. Spike approached carefully, stopping at the mouth of the cave, Peewee still perched on his shoulder. A little ways in the cave widened into a large open room. Several tunnels connected to it, through one of which the river flowed. As the sun set its last rays of light filtered into the cave causing the walls to sparkle. Imbedded in the caves walls were some of the largest gems Spike had ever seen. The entire cave was full of them.

Spike was Speechless as he entered the cave. He stood in the center of the open area Surrounded by gems, and just took in the magnificent sight. “Well Peewee,” he said in a voice barely above a whisper, “it looks like we found our new home.