I want one too.by tony3xx4ChaptersChapter 2: Initiations part 1chapter 3: Initiations part 2Chapter 4: Initiations part 3Chapter 5: Initi-RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!Chapter 1: Friendship and UnityChapter 2: Initiations part 1Twilight exited the tree house, wondering how Spike's day would be as a Cutie Mark Crusader. She knew that they would all just have to wait for their cutie marks, but it was always fun to see foals have so much fun. She started her journey back to the library. Spike was sitting outside the Cutie Mark Crusader's tree house, for they instructed him after Twilight left that they had a surprise for him, and to wait outside. Though he was eager for a surprise, he was also a bit upset that right when they allowed him to join, they kicked him out of the tree house. He started twiddling his thumbs, waiting patiently, until he heard the door of their tree house open. He jumped up onto his feet, and started to climb the ladder to the top of the tree house. He saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders outside the door, smiling. He looked at them, and returned the smile. "Well? What's this surprise you wanted to show me?" The fillies exchanged knowing glances before Apple Bloom entered the tree house. "Lead him in." she spoke in an almost ominous voice. Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo each held back a small giggle, and tried to keep stern faces. They opened the door wider for Spike, and motioned for him to enter. Spike, although very anxious for this surprise, was a bit worried of how she spoke. He walked into the tree house, which had gone through a few changes. The window was covered by a black tarp, preventing any light from entering. The only source of light were a few candles that were set around the tree house. The door behind him closed shut as Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo entered. Apple Bloom, who was standing at her podium, cleared her throat, and started to speak in her ominous voice. "Spike. You have proven ta us that ya show interest in gettin a cutie mark, but we ain't sure y'all are really dedicated." Spike looked at Apple Bloom confusingly. "Y-Yeah, but I am!" He could hear Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo whisper to each other behind his back. Apple Bloom banged a gavel on the podium to catch everypony's attention. "Now I know we said y'all can join, but ya must go through a certain initiation before ya can become a ranked member." Spike looked more confused, and asked. "What's a ranked member?" Apple Bloom pointed to a black board which had three different pictures of ponies taped to it. They were Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. They were on top of the board with the word, "co-leaders" next to them. There were also words like, member, rookie, and assistant under them. No ponies appeared to be next to those words. Apple bloom pointed to the top. "We here have ranks which specify how much control ya have in the club. We, of course, are co-leaders, but you haven't gotten a rank yet, cause we ain't got a clue how much y'all want a cutie mark." Apple Bloom, and her friends started to form a circle around Spike. Scootaloo flew in front of him, which caused him to take a few steps back in shock. "We'll give you five tests! They'll be some of the most extreme, most hardest stuff we ever attempted!" Spike backed up into Sweetie Belle, which also caused him to jump. "You'll get a rank depending on how much of these tests you pass. If you pass all five, you become a co-leader." Apple Bloom stood in front of Spike. "These here tests are: Sky divin, bear wrestlin, bakin, foalsittin, and last, but not least, ya gotta t-" Sweetie belle put her her hoof in Apple Bloom's mouth. She took it out, and walked up to Spike. "we're keeping the last one a secret for now." she started to giggle. Spike's jaw dropped. "Are. You. KIDDING?!? baking, and foalsitting can't be that bad, but bear wrestling, and sky diving?!" Apple bloom smirked. "I s'pose that means you quit?" Spike looked worried. On one hoof, he gets a better chance at getting a cutie mark, but on the other hoof, he dies. "B-But...I mean..." he thought for a moment, and exhaled. "Fine. I'll do your tests." The girls clapped their hooves together, and started to file outside. "Come on! We'll do baking first!" Scootaloo yanked him by the tail, and practically dragged him out of the fort. Spike thought to himself. 'Alright, you can do this, you've baked before, easy peasy!' Spike didn't know what would befall him for today... Author's Note I know this is a short chapter, but I did promise a chapter this week. Stuff came up, and I wasn't able to get the rest of this chapter done in time. It will hopefully be done in a week, or two. thanks for reading! chapter 3: Initiations part 2Spike, who now adorned his own Cutie Mark Crusader cape, was sitting in a makeshift wagon next to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Scootaloo was pulling them through the streets of Ponyville on her scooter heading towards Sugarcube Corner. Spike wasn't sure if he could complete, let alone survive most of the tasks, but he knew how to bake. Ever since Spike and Twilight moved to Ponyville, he's been cooking almost every meal for the two, so how hard could baking be? He thought about how fun it would be to be a Cutie Mark Crusader, getting to discover who he was, getting to know these three fillies, having the pr- "Woops, sorry!" Spike's thought were put aside when Scootaloo made a sharp turn, nearly causing him to fall out of the wagon. He sat back down and looked forward to see that Sugarcube Corner was just ahead. He could do this. If nothing else, he could do this. Scootaloo started to slow down when they neared the building and parked just outside. Right when they entered, they were greeted by a shout from behind the counter. "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! What can I getcha?" Pinkie Pie emerged from the kitchen with a tray of cupcakes balanced on her back. Her smile widened when she saw three of her daily customers. "Oh, hello girls! The usual?" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sat at a table while Apple Bloom walked up to the counter. "Yeah, but we also need your help with somethin else." Apple Bloom pointed to Spike. "We brought Spike with us cau-" Apple Bloom was suddenly cut off by Pinkie. "Because Spike has Pony blood in him which means that he has an opportunity to get a cutie mark so Twilight brought him to you girls and you're putting him through super secret club initiations to see if he's willing?" "H-How did ya know?!" Everypony who was present stared at Pinkie, jaws low. "Just a hunch." Pinkie answered nonchalantly. "S-So would ya be willin to let Spike help ya with our order?" "Sure thing!" Pinkie smiled wide before grabbing Spike by the arm, and pulling him into the kitchen leaving the rest of the crusaders to wait. ~~~ "Wait wait wait. Spike can get a cutie mark?!" Twilight was in the market place heading back home when she ran into Rainbow Dash. Twilight and Rainbow decided to walk the rest of the way together, Rainbow's cloud home not being to far. Twilight told Rainbow about what the princess said, and how Spike is now a Cutie Mark Crusader, leaving Rainbow shocked. "But only ponies can get their cutie marks right? I mean, how does that make sense?" Twilight exhaled, already having to explain it to Rainbow Dash 4 times now. "For the last time. He is PART pony which means that he can still get a cutie mark." Rainbow Dash processed these words for a moment. "So...does that mean that he can get a cool fire breathing cutie mark or something?" Twilight shrugged. "Beats me. His cutie mark can be anything really." Rainbow stopped for a moment, a grin starting to grow larger. "Oh man, we have to tell the others! This is like, so cool!" "Rainbow, it's just a cutie mark. There's nothing really that exciting about all of this." "Are you kidding? This is awesome! With Spike being a dragon, he can get such a cool cutie mark!" The two continued to walk together, unaware of the two fillies that were overhearing their conversation. One wearing a tiara smirked devilishly. ~~~ "Here ya go girls!" Pinkie Pie emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray with three milkshakes and six cupcakes on her back. Spike walked behind her, carrying a small bag of cookies. Apple Bloom looked at the bag of cookies. "Hey, we didn't order those." Pinkie set the tray on the table they were seated at. "I know, but because Spike did a super duper amazing job, I thought i could give him a treat!" Spike sat at the table and smiled wide. "Yeah, thanks again Pinkie!" "No problem!" Pinkie went upstairs leaving the fillies and Spike to enjoy their sweets. "Sorry Mrs. Cake, I don't think i can foulsit today." Everypony and dragon downstairs heard two ponies talking upstairs, one sounding like Pinkie. "Oh, are you sure? it will only be for a few hours." The other voice was that of miss Cake, co owner of Sugarcube Corner. The fillies looked at Spike with mischievous grins. "Oh Mrs. Cake!" The fillies shouted upstairs in unison catching the attention of both the mares upstairs. Mrs. Cake and Pinkie came downstairs. "Uh, yes?" Apple Bloom jumped off her seat an met Mrs. Cake at the foot of the stairs. "Did ya say you need a foulsitter?" Mrs. Cake frowned slightly. "Uh, yes, but ever since last time, I think Pumpkin has been having a few nightmares." "No, not us, Spike!" Apple Bloom pointed to Spike who was only just digging in to his cookies. "Really? Why would he want t-" Mrs. Cake was cut off by Pinkie Pie. "Because Spike has pony blood which means that he has potential to get a cutie mark and the Cutie Mark Crusaders will help him, but first he has to pass their tests and foulsitting is one of them." "Uh, yeah." Apple Bloom said, still a bit shocked by Pinkie's knowledge. "So can he help?" Mrs. Cake gave an anxious look to Mr. Cake, who was coming down the stairs. "If Pinkie can't foulsit, I think he's the only option." "W-Well...I..." Mrs. Cake looked at Pinkie and the fillies who were staring back with puppy eyes and had their lips puckered. Mrs. Cake tried to look away, but it was to late. "I...W-Well...Fine." The fillies and Pinkie cheered. "Oh thank you thank you thank you!" Pinkie wrapped her hooves around Mr. and Mrs. Cake. "It's no problem, but Spike dear," Mrs. Cake was released from Pinkie's grip and walked over to Spike. "Please, please, PLEASE make sure nothing happens to my sweet angels!" Spike nodded, a bit nervous with the responsibility put on him. "Y-Yeah, you got it Mrs. Cake!" Mr. cake nudged his wife. "C'mon dear, we're gonna be late." Mrs. Cake nodded. After they left, Pinkie pulled a list out from her poofy mane and hoofed it to Spike. "Alrighty, now here's the list of stuff that you need to do while the Cakes and I are gone." Spike read the note, which was considerably big. "Bath them, feed them, entertain them...Wait, what?!" Spike pointed to a particular task. "I do NOT change diapers!" Scootaloo came up behind him. "So what you're saying is that you quit?" "I, uh, n-no. I can do that." Spike looked over at the fillies. "I mean, you all will be helping me, right?" Apple Bloom shook her head. "Nope. We're gonna go to the park at the end of the street." "B-But I can't do this-" The fillies and Pinkie exited Sugarcube Corner, leaving Spike alone with two crying fouls upstairs. "alone." Chapter 4: Initiations part 3Ponyville Park on days quite like this has always been a fun place to play with family and friends. Picnics were set up all over, ponies were throwing frisbees. back and forth, and three little fillies were playing a game of hide and seek. A pearl white unicorn was currently trying to find her friends in hiding, but finding it was quite difficult. A rustling sound from a nearby bush caught her attention. She smirked, an evil grin appearing on her face as she sneaked up on the bush. "One...Two...THREE!" Without warning, she ran into the bush, grabbing at whatever she thought was her friend. "Ha! I found you!" Sweetie Belle ran out of the bush, awaiting for whoever she caught to come out. After 3 minutes, her impatience got the better of her. "C'mon, i already found you! It's not like you found another hiding place!" Sweetie dug into the bush and pulled out whoever was inside. With a hard yank, she, and whoever it was, stumbled back a bit. Sweetie took a good look at who it was. "Smarty Pants?" "WHERE?!" A head appeared from behind the bushes. It was Big Macintosh, and he looked panicked. "Uh, right here?" Sweetie Belle held Smarty Pants up to Big Macintosh, relief washing over him. "Oh, thank the stars." He grabbed Smarty Pants in his mouth and started to head back to his apple cart, not far away. Sweetie Belle continued to look on for a moment, then continued her game. ~~~ "Hey, stop it! Get back in your crib!" Spike was certain. This was definitely the hardest task yet. Pound Cake was flying around the room, while Pumpkin Cake was using a camouflage spell to elude Spike, This being one of their favorite games to play with Pinkie. Spike, however wasn't enjoying the game as much as the fouls. He jumped up to reach Pound Cake, only reaching half way up to him. He tried to find Pumpkin Cake, passing her every know and again. "Ugh, maybe Pinkie put something in her notes." Spike grabbed the note that Pinkie left for him and read the over it. "If Pound and Pumpkin Cake get a little rambunctious, there is a very simple way to deal with it." Spike read the rest of the letter. His eyes widened and he placed the letter back on the table. He reached into the closet and grabbed a bag of flour. "guys, c'mon don't make me do this." Pumpkin and Pound looked at him, wide grins plastered on their face. Spike sighed, and poured the entire bag onto him, turning his scales and cape a pure white. The camouflage spell Pumpkin had on herself faded. Pumpkin floated down to the ground. Both of the fouls were laughing their heads off, both always loving the site of somepony, or in this case, some dragon to pour flour on him. Spike sighed, and put them both in the crib, placed a net over it, and a magic lock to make sure that they would only get out on his accord. He started to clean the flour off of himself and read over the check list Pinkie gave him. "Feed them," Spike looked at a corner of the room and saw baby food was staining the walls and floor. "Check. Play with them, check." Spike looked at the last two unchecked tasks. One was to put them to sleep, the other was. "Oh, uh, m-maybe they don't need to go." Right then and there, a putrid smell filled his nostrils. When he heard the babies cry, he knew what it was. "No no no no NO NO NO!" ~~~ "Wait, you already know?" Rainbow Dash was walking along with Pinkie Pie towards Sugarcube Corner. "Did Twilight tell you?" Pinkie, who was balancing some very decorative bags on her back, neared the front of the store with her friend. "Nope. Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders came by Sugarcube Corner earlier today and asked if he could help out so he could pass initiations. He's taking care of the twins as we speak." As if on queue, a thumping sound was heard on the inside of the establishment. Curious, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash entered. They heard the fillies upstairs and rushed towards the nursery. Inside, the fillies wore on the changing table, a fresh pair of diapers on them. A rancid smell was coming from the garbage can. Spike was next to it, collapsed on the floor with a look of utter disgust plastered on his face. "Oh, Spike? I'm back! Yo okay?" Pinkie poked Spike who only gave a few words as a response. "The smell...It was so close to me...C-Can I leave?" Pinkie nodded. "Of course! I can't imagine how hard it was for suck a small little guy like you to take care of fouls. That's why I gotcha a little reward." Pinkie reached into her bag, taking twenty bits Spike stood up, received the bits, and headed towards the door, only to be stopped by Rainbow Dash. "Hey Spike! Is it true you can get a cutie mark and stuff?" Spike looked back at her and nodded. "Yeah, why?" Rainbow Dash grinned. "I'm gonna get some stuff. In a few hours, I'll find ya ok?" Before Spike could ask what she had planned, Rainbow zoomed out of the shop. Spike, although nervous at what she had planned for him exited the establishment, and towards the park. ~~~ Spike reached the entrance to the park where the Cutie Mark Crusaders were still playing inside. He walked inside, starting his search for the fellow crusaders. He saw a pink coated filly sitting on a bench along side with her gray coated friend. He walked towards them in hopes they knew the crusaders and might even know where they are. "Hey, uh, have you seen three fillies about your age, no cutie marks?" The pink filly looked down at him from her elevated on the bench and scoffed. "What makes you think a loser like you has the right to approach me?" Spike was taken back from the sudden insult. "Geez, I was just asking." He turned back around, looking around for his friends. Just then, Diamond Tiara came up with an idea, causing a devilish smirk to replace her frown. She whispered into Silver Spoon's ear her thoughts, causing an equally mischievous smirk to appear. "Hey, wait!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon jumped off the bench and towards Spike. "We're sorry we were so rude, we actually do know where your friends are!" Spike looked behind himself, although confused by the sudden change of heart, was eager to tell his friends of his accomplishment. "You do? Where?" "They went into the everfree forest to talk to the zebra that lives there." Silver Spoon pointed to where the trees started to grow thicker in numbers. "Are you sure? I've never even met Zecora. How do I find her?" "Just follow the dirt path and you'll find her." Both of the fillies had to suppress giggles. "Now hurry up! They said they'd be waiting!" Spike nodded and ran towards the forest, unaware that he had be tricked with ease. Chapter 5: Initi-RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!The crusaders were still playing in the park, awaiting Spike's return from foul sitting. They were bouncing a large red ball back and forth between each other. Apple Bloom to Sweetie Belle, Sweetie Belle to Scootaloo, Scootaloo to Appl- "OW!" Scootaloo accidentally bounced the ball further from the intended spot and hit her eye. "Apple Bloom?! are you okay? I'm so sorry!" Apple Bloom got back on her hooves, holding her injured eye in her hoof. "Y-Yeah. I'll just run by the farm and get ma big sis to patch me up." Apple looked around for a moment. "Hey, where'd the ball go?" "You mean this?" The crusaders recognized the voice all to well. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon came out from behind the trees holding their ball. "We just found this ball carelessly thrown away and thought we'd keep it." Scootaloo walked up to them, her wings flared. "Give it back!" She reached for the ball, which Diamond tiara was now holding up out of Scootaloo's reach. Sweetie Belle start to run towards them, but before she ran into her friend, or Diamond tiara, she jumped over the two and grabbed the ball. "I got it, I got it!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon frowned. "Well it's not like we already have a billion more that are way better." They both stuck they noses up in the air. "Can y'all just leave us be for once?" Apple Bloom stood in front of her tormentors, her eye slightly swollen. "No need to be rude. We just needed to tell you something, but since your so busy, I guess we'll leave." Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon started to head towards the exit, but were stopped by Apple Bloom. "Wait! What do y'all need ta tell us?" They hid their devilish smirks away from the crusaders. "Oh, nothing much. We just saw your little dragon friend run into the Everfree Forest." All three of the crusader's eyes widened. "The Everfree Forest?!" Diamond tiara nodded. "Yeah, I just hope blank flank doesn't get eaten by a snake. Ooh, or a bear!" The crusaders jumped up, and started to head towards the Everfree Forest. ~~~ Spike was trekking through the forest, wondering where his friends had ventured. He could try Zecora's hut, but that's pretty far out. They probably wouldn't be out there. He could pray that rustling in the bushes was just his imagination, but he knew that it wasn't, and that whatever it was, it wanted to eat him. "Dang it! I already passed this tree." Spike mumbled to himself as he passed a tree with a bit of blood on it. "SPIKE?!" Wait a minute. That voice. Could it be? "GIRLS?!" Spike didn't even care that the rustling behind him was still continuing. He could escape the forest with his friends. "SPIKE!" All three of the crusaders ran into him covered in leaves in tree sap. Apple Bloom was about to speak, but she looked behind Spike, a deep frown appearing on her face. "R-R-R-" "What's wrong?" Spike, oblivious of the giant bear right behind him was confused by how all the crusaders looked like they wet themselves. "RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!" Spike looked behind him to see that the bear was looking down at the crusaders, a hungry look in its eyes. The fillies and Spike started to run down a path away from the beast that was looking for it's next meal. Spike, who was a few feet behind the crusaders, noticed a net not to far away on the path. 'Who would put a net there unless...' Spike realized that a hunter must've put the net there for hunting purposes. "Girls, jump in the bushes!" Spike jumped into a bush, thinking the crusaders did too, but it was too late. The fillies were hanging a couple feet off the ground in the net while the bear approached them. Although bears tend to be dumb, this one investigated the trap for a moment and realized he just caught his three course meal. He cut the upper part of the rope, so the crusaders would still be caught in the net, bit down on part of the rope, and started to drag the fillies back to his home. Spike, who was watching the scene unfold right before his eyes, wished to help the crusaders, but c'mon. That is a fully grown bear! At his age, he'd be lucky if he could fight a cub and live. He felt like crying right there, knowing that the crusaders were probably about to be eaten if it wasn't for the sound of twigs breaking. Spike held his breath, frightful another predator was about to attack, until he saw Zecora was walking down the path. "I though I set my trap right here? It should've caught a bear, or a deer." Zecora said, inspecting the area where a trap once used to be. "Zecora!" Spike jumped out of the bush and ran towards Zecora. "Zecora! A b-bear was chasing us, and I hid in the bush, b-but they were caught in the net, a-and the bear t-took them back to his cave, and their gone!" Spike was in tears by the time he was done with his rant. Zecora looked confusingly at Spike. "Spike, I must ask you to calm down. I will take to to safe grounds." Zecora led Spike to her hut. ~~~ "Th-Then after the bear left, you showed up." Spike had calmed down before he arrived at Zecora's hut. "I think these fillies might still be okay. There might be a chance for you to get them back, some way." "But how can we save them?" "No Spike. It is you who must fight the bear. It is unwise to fight in a pair." Spike's jaw dropped. "B-But how can i fight a bear alone?! I'm way to weak!" Zecora grinned. "Well Spike, to promise you won't suffer pain, the only thing you can do is train." "Training? By the time I'm strong enough, that bear will have eaten them, and the rest of Ponyville!" Spike, do not worry. You will be strong enough when I am through." Zecora looked up at her cooking pot. "And I believe that I'll still have time to cook stew." Zecora took Spike into a deeper part of the forest, much to Spike's dismay. Though the rustling of leaves wasn't apparent, it was much darker to see. "S-So where are we going?" Zecora ignored him at first, but when a dim light appeared, she smiled. "There." She adjusted the saddlebag she put on prior to leaving her hut and quickened her pace towards the light. The light got brighter and brighter until they arrived into a clearing. "Woah. So we're gonna train here?" "Yes Spike, but before we can begin," She threw the saddlebag in front of him. "Training cloths are what you need to win." Spike reached around in the bag and found a gray sweater, and sweat pants. He put them on and noticed something else in the bag. "Hey, what's this?" "My people called it a record, it plays music. I feel it will be better if we play this song i picked." Zecora pulled out the record and it's recorder. "Now that we have everything we need, it is time for the training to proceed." Zecora started the record which instantly started playing music. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4) ~~~ "497, 498, 499 500!" Spike got up off the ground after doing 750 jumping jacks, 450 sit ups, 200 pull ups, and 500 push ups, all within 3 hours of training. he looked up to Zecora who was watching from the sidelines. "D-Do you think I'm ready?" "Yes young one, you are ready to go. Go and defeat this mighty foe." Spike took of the sweats he was wearing, and started his search for the bear. He started his search where he first encountered the bear near the net. as he searched, he found a pair of foot prints that were leading down a path. It was time. He followed the foot prints to a cave. Spike could hear whimpering on the inside. "HEY BEAR!" Spike screamed to the inside of the cave. The bear came out of the cave not long after. He smiled wide when he saw the prey that eluded him before. "Spike?! Is that you?" Apple Bloom shouted from deep with in the cave. "Don't worry girls, I'll save you!" Spike and the bear stared at each other, both waiting for the other to make it's move. Spike was first, jumping up into the bear's face and clawing at it causing the bear to shriek in pain. He jumped off and landed on the ground. He then started to run head first into the bear, gaining speed as he got closer until he hit the direct center of the bear with his the long scale on his head. the bear rocketed into a tree unconscious leaving Spike victorious. "I..I won?" Spike smiled wide at the realization. "I...I WON! I just beat a bear at wrestling!" "That's great, now can you help us?" Scootaloo shouted from inside the cave. "Oh, right." Although Spike wanted to bask in the glory of defeating a bear, he could always enjoy it when he got back home. ~~~ After Spike and the fillies left, the bear stood up and gave a loud growl. Fluttershy, who was hiding behind a tree during the whole event, walked up to the bear. "Oh thank you so much Harry. I heard Spike was going to fight a bear, and couldn't stand to see him get mauled." Fluttershy patted the bear on the head, much to Harry's enjoyment. Author's Note Yep. I used Eye Of The Tiger. Front page, here I come. Chapter 1: Friendship and UnityThere was once legend of an ancient dragon by the name of Halben. Halben was greater at fire breathing than any dragon before. One day, he suddenly woke up with a strange mark on his side that resembled a ball of fire. He went to the wisest of dragons, and yet, all he got were stumped scholars. Deciding to suck up his pride, he went to princess Celestia, who had the answer of what this odd symbol meant. "This is an odd occurrence, but I think you have a cutie mark!" He wasn't sure what to say of this. Did it mean he was part pony? He did eventually find out that back in his ancestors, he had a great grandmother who was a pony. Eventually he did embrace this as a gre- "SPIKE!" The small purple dragon turned to Twilight sparkle, and exhaled loudly. "What is it? I was reading something." Spike was obviously annoyed from the disturbance. "I've been trying to call you for about five minutes! I need help with restocking books." She peered over his shoulder to look at the book he was reading. "Huh? I've never seen that book here before. where did you find it?" She raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Oh this? I found it buried between another secret door." They started to walk over to the bookshelf where he found it. "I just pressed this button and there it was!" "Hey, do you mind if I read that while you restock the shelves?" She started to levitate the book from his hands. Spike quickly jumped up to the floating book. "Hey! So your plan is to just read while you put a small baby dragon to work?" "I'll give you five jewel if you restock the shelves." He jumped off the book, and ran over to the empty bookshelves with piles of books next to them. *** After Twilight read the book, she called Spike from the other room. He came in almost in the blink of an eye. "I just finished! Now, about our little deal." He greedily threw his hand in front of her, waiting for a good meal. "Hold on. I have some important news for you!" She went over to her desk, leaving the small dragon upset, and confused. He walked over to her. "Come on! I did all the work while you just sat in dreamland reading the book that I was reading, and now you tell me there is important news! And now here I am, with no jewels, and no important news." The dragon sighed in disappointment. Twilight jumped from her desk. "Spike! send this to princess Celestia!" She was obviously excited. "Not until you tell me the big news, or give me jewels!" He turned his back on her, and headed upstairs. Realizing how cold she has been to the small dragon, she went upstairs to find him sulking in his small bed. "Spike, I'm sorry. I have ten jewels right here for your hard work." She dropped ten jewels consisting of rubies, diamonds, and sapphires. Spike jumped off the bed from hearing the sound of his favorite gems dropping to the floor. "And about the big news, I'll tell you if you send the letter." She smiled sweetly at the dragon who was already prepared to eat to his hearts content. He chewed one of the rubies, and grabbed the note. "Alright." He breathed fire on the letter sending it to the princess. About three minutes later, a piece of paper came out of Spike's breath. Twilight began reading the letter. Her jaw dropped, while she was reading. "B-But that means!" She regained her composure, and walked towards a worried Spike. "Spike, I have amazing news!" Spike looked up at her. "What is it already?!" He was still very exhausted, and now very anxious to learn of this amazing news Twilight would not shut up about. "Do you remember that dragon with the cutie mark? Well it turns out, you have an ancestor who was a pony. do you know what this means?" He started to think for a second when it came to him. "One of my parents were a pony!" Twilight slapped her face with her hoof. "No Spike, it means you can get a cutie mark!" Spikes jaw dropped to the ground. "Really? I can get a cutie mark!?" He smiled and started to jump around Twilight. "I can't believe it! This is the best day of my life!" After a few minutes, he stopped jumping. "But wait. If dragons like me are supposed to get a cutie mark, where's mine?" Twilight stared at Spike. "Well, it takes time." Spike stared at her, now a bit depressed. "But I don't want to wait!" Twilight started to remember those exact words coming from a filly that also wanted a cutie mark. She turned to the small dragon with a grin. "Hey Spike. I just so happen to know of a group that specializes in getting ponies their cutie marks." Spike stared at her. He frowned and pointed out a small detail. "Notice you said ponies. I'm clearly a dragon." Twilight giggled and wrapped her hoof around Spike. "Spike, I'm sure they wouldn't mind a dragon in the group." Spike still looked upset. "Yeah, but dragons don't normally get a cutie mark. They won't believe me." Twilight started to stand up. "That's true, but they will believe me. Come on, lets go!" They exited the library, and headed towards the Cutie Mark Crusader's tree house. Throughout the whole walk, Spike saw that everypony in town had a cutie mark. He started to get confident that with help, he too would get his cutie mark. They arrived at the Cutie Mark Crusader's tree house. They climbed up the ladder to find a meeting was just starting. Twilight and Spike came through the door just as Apple Bloom started to take role call. "Wait! do you have room for one more?" The fillies looked at them confused. "Well who's missing their cutie mark?" Scootaloo flew by the two at the door in search of another pony. "I don't see anypony!" Spike blushed with embarrassment. "Well, actually, I'm missing my cutie mark." All three started laughing hysterically. "Uh, Spike. I don't think you're suppose ta' get a cutie mark." Apple Bloom was just barely able to speak. Twilight started to search her saddlebag and grabbed a book with her mouth and planted it in front of the still laughing Ponies. "Here girls. Read this." They all gathered around the book and started to flip through the pages. "Wow! A dragon can get their cutie mark?!" Sweetie Belle started to walk towards Spike. "Well how do we know that you have a pony relative?" Twilight searched through her saddlebag again, and brought out the note from Celestia which said that Spike had a pony relative. "So can you help him?" They gathered in a circle and started to whisper in a tone that neither Spike or Twilight could hear. They emerged and Apple Bloom stepped in front of Spike. "Do you swear to Celestia, that you will help your fellow crusaders, as they help ya too?" Spike shook his head up and down. "I swear to Celestia!" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came up behind Apple Bloom as they spoke in perfect unity. "Then we welcome you to...THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!" Everyone in the room cheered for the new (and unexpected) member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
Chapter 2: Initiations part 1Twilight exited the tree house, wondering how Spike's day would be as a Cutie Mark Crusader. She knew that they would all just have to wait for their cutie marks, but it was always fun to see foals have so much fun. She started her journey back to the library. Spike was sitting outside the Cutie Mark Crusader's tree house, for they instructed him after Twilight left that they had a surprise for him, and to wait outside. Though he was eager for a surprise, he was also a bit upset that right when they allowed him to join, they kicked him out of the tree house. He started twiddling his thumbs, waiting patiently, until he heard the door of their tree house open. He jumped up onto his feet, and started to climb the ladder to the top of the tree house. He saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders outside the door, smiling. He looked at them, and returned the smile. "Well? What's this surprise you wanted to show me?" The fillies exchanged knowing glances before Apple Bloom entered the tree house. "Lead him in." she spoke in an almost ominous voice. Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo each held back a small giggle, and tried to keep stern faces. They opened the door wider for Spike, and motioned for him to enter. Spike, although very anxious for this surprise, was a bit worried of how she spoke. He walked into the tree house, which had gone through a few changes. The window was covered by a black tarp, preventing any light from entering. The only source of light were a few candles that were set around the tree house. The door behind him closed shut as Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo entered. Apple Bloom, who was standing at her podium, cleared her throat, and started to speak in her ominous voice. "Spike. You have proven ta us that ya show interest in gettin a cutie mark, but we ain't sure y'all are really dedicated." Spike looked at Apple Bloom confusingly. "Y-Yeah, but I am!" He could hear Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo whisper to each other behind his back. Apple Bloom banged a gavel on the podium to catch everypony's attention. "Now I know we said y'all can join, but ya must go through a certain initiation before ya can become a ranked member." Spike looked more confused, and asked. "What's a ranked member?" Apple Bloom pointed to a black board which had three different pictures of ponies taped to it. They were Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. They were on top of the board with the word, "co-leaders" next to them. There were also words like, member, rookie, and assistant under them. No ponies appeared to be next to those words. Apple bloom pointed to the top. "We here have ranks which specify how much control ya have in the club. We, of course, are co-leaders, but you haven't gotten a rank yet, cause we ain't got a clue how much y'all want a cutie mark." Apple Bloom, and her friends started to form a circle around Spike. Scootaloo flew in front of him, which caused him to take a few steps back in shock. "We'll give you five tests! They'll be some of the most extreme, most hardest stuff we ever attempted!" Spike backed up into Sweetie Belle, which also caused him to jump. "You'll get a rank depending on how much of these tests you pass. If you pass all five, you become a co-leader." Apple Bloom stood in front of Spike. "These here tests are: Sky divin, bear wrestlin, bakin, foalsittin, and last, but not least, ya gotta t-" Sweetie belle put her her hoof in Apple Bloom's mouth. She took it out, and walked up to Spike. "we're keeping the last one a secret for now." she started to giggle. Spike's jaw dropped. "Are. You. KIDDING?!? baking, and foalsitting can't be that bad, but bear wrestling, and sky diving?!" Apple bloom smirked. "I s'pose that means you quit?" Spike looked worried. On one hoof, he gets a better chance at getting a cutie mark, but on the other hoof, he dies. "B-But...I mean..." he thought for a moment, and exhaled. "Fine. I'll do your tests." The girls clapped their hooves together, and started to file outside. "Come on! We'll do baking first!" Scootaloo yanked him by the tail, and practically dragged him out of the fort. Spike thought to himself. 'Alright, you can do this, you've baked before, easy peasy!' Spike didn't know what would befall him for today... Author's Note I know this is a short chapter, but I did promise a chapter this week. Stuff came up, and I wasn't able to get the rest of this chapter done in time. It will hopefully be done in a week, or two. thanks for reading!
chapter 3: Initiations part 2Spike, who now adorned his own Cutie Mark Crusader cape, was sitting in a makeshift wagon next to Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom. Scootaloo was pulling them through the streets of Ponyville on her scooter heading towards Sugarcube Corner. Spike wasn't sure if he could complete, let alone survive most of the tasks, but he knew how to bake. Ever since Spike and Twilight moved to Ponyville, he's been cooking almost every meal for the two, so how hard could baking be? He thought about how fun it would be to be a Cutie Mark Crusader, getting to discover who he was, getting to know these three fillies, having the pr- "Woops, sorry!" Spike's thought were put aside when Scootaloo made a sharp turn, nearly causing him to fall out of the wagon. He sat back down and looked forward to see that Sugarcube Corner was just ahead. He could do this. If nothing else, he could do this. Scootaloo started to slow down when they neared the building and parked just outside. Right when they entered, they were greeted by a shout from behind the counter. "Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! What can I getcha?" Pinkie Pie emerged from the kitchen with a tray of cupcakes balanced on her back. Her smile widened when she saw three of her daily customers. "Oh, hello girls! The usual?" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sat at a table while Apple Bloom walked up to the counter. "Yeah, but we also need your help with somethin else." Apple Bloom pointed to Spike. "We brought Spike with us cau-" Apple Bloom was suddenly cut off by Pinkie. "Because Spike has Pony blood in him which means that he has an opportunity to get a cutie mark so Twilight brought him to you girls and you're putting him through super secret club initiations to see if he's willing?" "H-How did ya know?!" Everypony who was present stared at Pinkie, jaws low. "Just a hunch." Pinkie answered nonchalantly. "S-So would ya be willin to let Spike help ya with our order?" "Sure thing!" Pinkie smiled wide before grabbing Spike by the arm, and pulling him into the kitchen leaving the rest of the crusaders to wait. ~~~ "Wait wait wait. Spike can get a cutie mark?!" Twilight was in the market place heading back home when she ran into Rainbow Dash. Twilight and Rainbow decided to walk the rest of the way together, Rainbow's cloud home not being to far. Twilight told Rainbow about what the princess said, and how Spike is now a Cutie Mark Crusader, leaving Rainbow shocked. "But only ponies can get their cutie marks right? I mean, how does that make sense?" Twilight exhaled, already having to explain it to Rainbow Dash 4 times now. "For the last time. He is PART pony which means that he can still get a cutie mark." Rainbow Dash processed these words for a moment. "So...does that mean that he can get a cool fire breathing cutie mark or something?" Twilight shrugged. "Beats me. His cutie mark can be anything really." Rainbow stopped for a moment, a grin starting to grow larger. "Oh man, we have to tell the others! This is like, so cool!" "Rainbow, it's just a cutie mark. There's nothing really that exciting about all of this." "Are you kidding? This is awesome! With Spike being a dragon, he can get such a cool cutie mark!" The two continued to walk together, unaware of the two fillies that were overhearing their conversation. One wearing a tiara smirked devilishly. ~~~ "Here ya go girls!" Pinkie Pie emerged from the kitchen carrying a tray with three milkshakes and six cupcakes on her back. Spike walked behind her, carrying a small bag of cookies. Apple Bloom looked at the bag of cookies. "Hey, we didn't order those." Pinkie set the tray on the table they were seated at. "I know, but because Spike did a super duper amazing job, I thought i could give him a treat!" Spike sat at the table and smiled wide. "Yeah, thanks again Pinkie!" "No problem!" Pinkie went upstairs leaving the fillies and Spike to enjoy their sweets. "Sorry Mrs. Cake, I don't think i can foulsit today." Everypony and dragon downstairs heard two ponies talking upstairs, one sounding like Pinkie. "Oh, are you sure? it will only be for a few hours." The other voice was that of miss Cake, co owner of Sugarcube Corner. The fillies looked at Spike with mischievous grins. "Oh Mrs. Cake!" The fillies shouted upstairs in unison catching the attention of both the mares upstairs. Mrs. Cake and Pinkie came downstairs. "Uh, yes?" Apple Bloom jumped off her seat an met Mrs. Cake at the foot of the stairs. "Did ya say you need a foulsitter?" Mrs. Cake frowned slightly. "Uh, yes, but ever since last time, I think Pumpkin has been having a few nightmares." "No, not us, Spike!" Apple Bloom pointed to Spike who was only just digging in to his cookies. "Really? Why would he want t-" Mrs. Cake was cut off by Pinkie Pie. "Because Spike has pony blood which means that he has potential to get a cutie mark and the Cutie Mark Crusaders will help him, but first he has to pass their tests and foulsitting is one of them." "Uh, yeah." Apple Bloom said, still a bit shocked by Pinkie's knowledge. "So can he help?" Mrs. Cake gave an anxious look to Mr. Cake, who was coming down the stairs. "If Pinkie can't foulsit, I think he's the only option." "W-Well...I..." Mrs. Cake looked at Pinkie and the fillies who were staring back with puppy eyes and had their lips puckered. Mrs. Cake tried to look away, but it was to late. "I...W-Well...Fine." The fillies and Pinkie cheered. "Oh thank you thank you thank you!" Pinkie wrapped her hooves around Mr. and Mrs. Cake. "It's no problem, but Spike dear," Mrs. Cake was released from Pinkie's grip and walked over to Spike. "Please, please, PLEASE make sure nothing happens to my sweet angels!" Spike nodded, a bit nervous with the responsibility put on him. "Y-Yeah, you got it Mrs. Cake!" Mr. cake nudged his wife. "C'mon dear, we're gonna be late." Mrs. Cake nodded. After they left, Pinkie pulled a list out from her poofy mane and hoofed it to Spike. "Alrighty, now here's the list of stuff that you need to do while the Cakes and I are gone." Spike read the note, which was considerably big. "Bath them, feed them, entertain them...Wait, what?!" Spike pointed to a particular task. "I do NOT change diapers!" Scootaloo came up behind him. "So what you're saying is that you quit?" "I, uh, n-no. I can do that." Spike looked over at the fillies. "I mean, you all will be helping me, right?" Apple Bloom shook her head. "Nope. We're gonna go to the park at the end of the street." "B-But I can't do this-" The fillies and Pinkie exited Sugarcube Corner, leaving Spike alone with two crying fouls upstairs. "alone."
Chapter 4: Initiations part 3Ponyville Park on days quite like this has always been a fun place to play with family and friends. Picnics were set up all over, ponies were throwing frisbees. back and forth, and three little fillies were playing a game of hide and seek. A pearl white unicorn was currently trying to find her friends in hiding, but finding it was quite difficult. A rustling sound from a nearby bush caught her attention. She smirked, an evil grin appearing on her face as she sneaked up on the bush. "One...Two...THREE!" Without warning, she ran into the bush, grabbing at whatever she thought was her friend. "Ha! I found you!" Sweetie Belle ran out of the bush, awaiting for whoever she caught to come out. After 3 minutes, her impatience got the better of her. "C'mon, i already found you! It's not like you found another hiding place!" Sweetie dug into the bush and pulled out whoever was inside. With a hard yank, she, and whoever it was, stumbled back a bit. Sweetie took a good look at who it was. "Smarty Pants?" "WHERE?!" A head appeared from behind the bushes. It was Big Macintosh, and he looked panicked. "Uh, right here?" Sweetie Belle held Smarty Pants up to Big Macintosh, relief washing over him. "Oh, thank the stars." He grabbed Smarty Pants in his mouth and started to head back to his apple cart, not far away. Sweetie Belle continued to look on for a moment, then continued her game. ~~~ "Hey, stop it! Get back in your crib!" Spike was certain. This was definitely the hardest task yet. Pound Cake was flying around the room, while Pumpkin Cake was using a camouflage spell to elude Spike, This being one of their favorite games to play with Pinkie. Spike, however wasn't enjoying the game as much as the fouls. He jumped up to reach Pound Cake, only reaching half way up to him. He tried to find Pumpkin Cake, passing her every know and again. "Ugh, maybe Pinkie put something in her notes." Spike grabbed the note that Pinkie left for him and read the over it. "If Pound and Pumpkin Cake get a little rambunctious, there is a very simple way to deal with it." Spike read the rest of the letter. His eyes widened and he placed the letter back on the table. He reached into the closet and grabbed a bag of flour. "guys, c'mon don't make me do this." Pumpkin and Pound looked at him, wide grins plastered on their face. Spike sighed, and poured the entire bag onto him, turning his scales and cape a pure white. The camouflage spell Pumpkin had on herself faded. Pumpkin floated down to the ground. Both of the fouls were laughing their heads off, both always loving the site of somepony, or in this case, some dragon to pour flour on him. Spike sighed, and put them both in the crib, placed a net over it, and a magic lock to make sure that they would only get out on his accord. He started to clean the flour off of himself and read over the check list Pinkie gave him. "Feed them," Spike looked at a corner of the room and saw baby food was staining the walls and floor. "Check. Play with them, check." Spike looked at the last two unchecked tasks. One was to put them to sleep, the other was. "Oh, uh, m-maybe they don't need to go." Right then and there, a putrid smell filled his nostrils. When he heard the babies cry, he knew what it was. "No no no no NO NO NO!" ~~~ "Wait, you already know?" Rainbow Dash was walking along with Pinkie Pie towards Sugarcube Corner. "Did Twilight tell you?" Pinkie, who was balancing some very decorative bags on her back, neared the front of the store with her friend. "Nope. Spike and the Cutie Mark Crusaders came by Sugarcube Corner earlier today and asked if he could help out so he could pass initiations. He's taking care of the twins as we speak." As if on queue, a thumping sound was heard on the inside of the establishment. Curious, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash entered. They heard the fillies upstairs and rushed towards the nursery. Inside, the fillies wore on the changing table, a fresh pair of diapers on them. A rancid smell was coming from the garbage can. Spike was next to it, collapsed on the floor with a look of utter disgust plastered on his face. "Oh, Spike? I'm back! Yo okay?" Pinkie poked Spike who only gave a few words as a response. "The smell...It was so close to me...C-Can I leave?" Pinkie nodded. "Of course! I can't imagine how hard it was for suck a small little guy like you to take care of fouls. That's why I gotcha a little reward." Pinkie reached into her bag, taking twenty bits Spike stood up, received the bits, and headed towards the door, only to be stopped by Rainbow Dash. "Hey Spike! Is it true you can get a cutie mark and stuff?" Spike looked back at her and nodded. "Yeah, why?" Rainbow Dash grinned. "I'm gonna get some stuff. In a few hours, I'll find ya ok?" Before Spike could ask what she had planned, Rainbow zoomed out of the shop. Spike, although nervous at what she had planned for him exited the establishment, and towards the park. ~~~ Spike reached the entrance to the park where the Cutie Mark Crusaders were still playing inside. He walked inside, starting his search for the fellow crusaders. He saw a pink coated filly sitting on a bench along side with her gray coated friend. He walked towards them in hopes they knew the crusaders and might even know where they are. "Hey, uh, have you seen three fillies about your age, no cutie marks?" The pink filly looked down at him from her elevated on the bench and scoffed. "What makes you think a loser like you has the right to approach me?" Spike was taken back from the sudden insult. "Geez, I was just asking." He turned back around, looking around for his friends. Just then, Diamond Tiara came up with an idea, causing a devilish smirk to replace her frown. She whispered into Silver Spoon's ear her thoughts, causing an equally mischievous smirk to appear. "Hey, wait!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon jumped off the bench and towards Spike. "We're sorry we were so rude, we actually do know where your friends are!" Spike looked behind himself, although confused by the sudden change of heart, was eager to tell his friends of his accomplishment. "You do? Where?" "They went into the everfree forest to talk to the zebra that lives there." Silver Spoon pointed to where the trees started to grow thicker in numbers. "Are you sure? I've never even met Zecora. How do I find her?" "Just follow the dirt path and you'll find her." Both of the fillies had to suppress giggles. "Now hurry up! They said they'd be waiting!" Spike nodded and ran towards the forest, unaware that he had be tricked with ease.
Chapter 5: Initi-RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!The crusaders were still playing in the park, awaiting Spike's return from foul sitting. They were bouncing a large red ball back and forth between each other. Apple Bloom to Sweetie Belle, Sweetie Belle to Scootaloo, Scootaloo to Appl- "OW!" Scootaloo accidentally bounced the ball further from the intended spot and hit her eye. "Apple Bloom?! are you okay? I'm so sorry!" Apple Bloom got back on her hooves, holding her injured eye in her hoof. "Y-Yeah. I'll just run by the farm and get ma big sis to patch me up." Apple looked around for a moment. "Hey, where'd the ball go?" "You mean this?" The crusaders recognized the voice all to well. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon came out from behind the trees holding their ball. "We just found this ball carelessly thrown away and thought we'd keep it." Scootaloo walked up to them, her wings flared. "Give it back!" She reached for the ball, which Diamond tiara was now holding up out of Scootaloo's reach. Sweetie Belle start to run towards them, but before she ran into her friend, or Diamond tiara, she jumped over the two and grabbed the ball. "I got it, I got it!" Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon frowned. "Well it's not like we already have a billion more that are way better." They both stuck they noses up in the air. "Can y'all just leave us be for once?" Apple Bloom stood in front of her tormentors, her eye slightly swollen. "No need to be rude. We just needed to tell you something, but since your so busy, I guess we'll leave." Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon started to head towards the exit, but were stopped by Apple Bloom. "Wait! What do y'all need ta tell us?" They hid their devilish smirks away from the crusaders. "Oh, nothing much. We just saw your little dragon friend run into the Everfree Forest." All three of the crusader's eyes widened. "The Everfree Forest?!" Diamond tiara nodded. "Yeah, I just hope blank flank doesn't get eaten by a snake. Ooh, or a bear!" The crusaders jumped up, and started to head towards the Everfree Forest. ~~~ Spike was trekking through the forest, wondering where his friends had ventured. He could try Zecora's hut, but that's pretty far out. They probably wouldn't be out there. He could pray that rustling in the bushes was just his imagination, but he knew that it wasn't, and that whatever it was, it wanted to eat him. "Dang it! I already passed this tree." Spike mumbled to himself as he passed a tree with a bit of blood on it. "SPIKE?!" Wait a minute. That voice. Could it be? "GIRLS?!" Spike didn't even care that the rustling behind him was still continuing. He could escape the forest with his friends. "SPIKE!" All three of the crusaders ran into him covered in leaves in tree sap. Apple Bloom was about to speak, but she looked behind Spike, a deep frown appearing on her face. "R-R-R-" "What's wrong?" Spike, oblivious of the giant bear right behind him was confused by how all the crusaders looked like they wet themselves. "RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!" Spike looked behind him to see that the bear was looking down at the crusaders, a hungry look in its eyes. The fillies and Spike started to run down a path away from the beast that was looking for it's next meal. Spike, who was a few feet behind the crusaders, noticed a net not to far away on the path. 'Who would put a net there unless...' Spike realized that a hunter must've put the net there for hunting purposes. "Girls, jump in the bushes!" Spike jumped into a bush, thinking the crusaders did too, but it was too late. The fillies were hanging a couple feet off the ground in the net while the bear approached them. Although bears tend to be dumb, this one investigated the trap for a moment and realized he just caught his three course meal. He cut the upper part of the rope, so the crusaders would still be caught in the net, bit down on part of the rope, and started to drag the fillies back to his home. Spike, who was watching the scene unfold right before his eyes, wished to help the crusaders, but c'mon. That is a fully grown bear! At his age, he'd be lucky if he could fight a cub and live. He felt like crying right there, knowing that the crusaders were probably about to be eaten if it wasn't for the sound of twigs breaking. Spike held his breath, frightful another predator was about to attack, until he saw Zecora was walking down the path. "I though I set my trap right here? It should've caught a bear, or a deer." Zecora said, inspecting the area where a trap once used to be. "Zecora!" Spike jumped out of the bush and ran towards Zecora. "Zecora! A b-bear was chasing us, and I hid in the bush, b-but they were caught in the net, a-and the bear t-took them back to his cave, and their gone!" Spike was in tears by the time he was done with his rant. Zecora looked confusingly at Spike. "Spike, I must ask you to calm down. I will take to to safe grounds." Zecora led Spike to her hut. ~~~ "Th-Then after the bear left, you showed up." Spike had calmed down before he arrived at Zecora's hut. "I think these fillies might still be okay. There might be a chance for you to get them back, some way." "But how can we save them?" "No Spike. It is you who must fight the bear. It is unwise to fight in a pair." Spike's jaw dropped. "B-But how can i fight a bear alone?! I'm way to weak!" Zecora grinned. "Well Spike, to promise you won't suffer pain, the only thing you can do is train." "Training? By the time I'm strong enough, that bear will have eaten them, and the rest of Ponyville!" Spike, do not worry. You will be strong enough when I am through." Zecora looked up at her cooking pot. "And I believe that I'll still have time to cook stew." Zecora took Spike into a deeper part of the forest, much to Spike's dismay. Though the rustling of leaves wasn't apparent, it was much darker to see. "S-So where are we going?" Zecora ignored him at first, but when a dim light appeared, she smiled. "There." She adjusted the saddlebag she put on prior to leaving her hut and quickened her pace towards the light. The light got brighter and brighter until they arrived into a clearing. "Woah. So we're gonna train here?" "Yes Spike, but before we can begin," She threw the saddlebag in front of him. "Training cloths are what you need to win." Spike reached around in the bag and found a gray sweater, and sweat pants. He put them on and noticed something else in the bag. "Hey, what's this?" "My people called it a record, it plays music. I feel it will be better if we play this song i picked." Zecora pulled out the record and it's recorder. "Now that we have everything we need, it is time for the training to proceed." Zecora started the record which instantly started playing music. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4) ~~~ "497, 498, 499 500!" Spike got up off the ground after doing 750 jumping jacks, 450 sit ups, 200 pull ups, and 500 push ups, all within 3 hours of training. he looked up to Zecora who was watching from the sidelines. "D-Do you think I'm ready?" "Yes young one, you are ready to go. Go and defeat this mighty foe." Spike took of the sweats he was wearing, and started his search for the bear. He started his search where he first encountered the bear near the net. as he searched, he found a pair of foot prints that were leading down a path. It was time. He followed the foot prints to a cave. Spike could hear whimpering on the inside. "HEY BEAR!" Spike screamed to the inside of the cave. The bear came out of the cave not long after. He smiled wide when he saw the prey that eluded him before. "Spike?! Is that you?" Apple Bloom shouted from deep with in the cave. "Don't worry girls, I'll save you!" Spike and the bear stared at each other, both waiting for the other to make it's move. Spike was first, jumping up into the bear's face and clawing at it causing the bear to shriek in pain. He jumped off and landed on the ground. He then started to run head first into the bear, gaining speed as he got closer until he hit the direct center of the bear with his the long scale on his head. the bear rocketed into a tree unconscious leaving Spike victorious. "I..I won?" Spike smiled wide at the realization. "I...I WON! I just beat a bear at wrestling!" "That's great, now can you help us?" Scootaloo shouted from inside the cave. "Oh, right." Although Spike wanted to bask in the glory of defeating a bear, he could always enjoy it when he got back home. ~~~ After Spike and the fillies left, the bear stood up and gave a loud growl. Fluttershy, who was hiding behind a tree during the whole event, walked up to the bear. "Oh thank you so much Harry. I heard Spike was going to fight a bear, and couldn't stand to see him get mauled." Fluttershy patted the bear on the head, much to Harry's enjoyment. Author's Note Yep. I used Eye Of The Tiger. Front page, here I come.
Chapter 1: Friendship and UnityThere was once legend of an ancient dragon by the name of Halben. Halben was greater at fire breathing than any dragon before. One day, he suddenly woke up with a strange mark on his side that resembled a ball of fire. He went to the wisest of dragons, and yet, all he got were stumped scholars. Deciding to suck up his pride, he went to princess Celestia, who had the answer of what this odd symbol meant. "This is an odd occurrence, but I think you have a cutie mark!" He wasn't sure what to say of this. Did it mean he was part pony? He did eventually find out that back in his ancestors, he had a great grandmother who was a pony. Eventually he did embrace this as a gre- "SPIKE!" The small purple dragon turned to Twilight sparkle, and exhaled loudly. "What is it? I was reading something." Spike was obviously annoyed from the disturbance. "I've been trying to call you for about five minutes! I need help with restocking books." She peered over his shoulder to look at the book he was reading. "Huh? I've never seen that book here before. where did you find it?" She raised an eyebrow in suspicion. "Oh this? I found it buried between another secret door." They started to walk over to the bookshelf where he found it. "I just pressed this button and there it was!" "Hey, do you mind if I read that while you restock the shelves?" She started to levitate the book from his hands. Spike quickly jumped up to the floating book. "Hey! So your plan is to just read while you put a small baby dragon to work?" "I'll give you five jewel if you restock the shelves." He jumped off the book, and ran over to the empty bookshelves with piles of books next to them. *** After Twilight read the book, she called Spike from the other room. He came in almost in the blink of an eye. "I just finished! Now, about our little deal." He greedily threw his hand in front of her, waiting for a good meal. "Hold on. I have some important news for you!" She went over to her desk, leaving the small dragon upset, and confused. He walked over to her. "Come on! I did all the work while you just sat in dreamland reading the book that I was reading, and now you tell me there is important news! And now here I am, with no jewels, and no important news." The dragon sighed in disappointment. Twilight jumped from her desk. "Spike! send this to princess Celestia!" She was obviously excited. "Not until you tell me the big news, or give me jewels!" He turned his back on her, and headed upstairs. Realizing how cold she has been to the small dragon, she went upstairs to find him sulking in his small bed. "Spike, I'm sorry. I have ten jewels right here for your hard work." She dropped ten jewels consisting of rubies, diamonds, and sapphires. Spike jumped off the bed from hearing the sound of his favorite gems dropping to the floor. "And about the big news, I'll tell you if you send the letter." She smiled sweetly at the dragon who was already prepared to eat to his hearts content. He chewed one of the rubies, and grabbed the note. "Alright." He breathed fire on the letter sending it to the princess. About three minutes later, a piece of paper came out of Spike's breath. Twilight began reading the letter. Her jaw dropped, while she was reading. "B-But that means!" She regained her composure, and walked towards a worried Spike. "Spike, I have amazing news!" Spike looked up at her. "What is it already?!" He was still very exhausted, and now very anxious to learn of this amazing news Twilight would not shut up about. "Do you remember that dragon with the cutie mark? Well it turns out, you have an ancestor who was a pony. do you know what this means?" He started to think for a second when it came to him. "One of my parents were a pony!" Twilight slapped her face with her hoof. "No Spike, it means you can get a cutie mark!" Spikes jaw dropped to the ground. "Really? I can get a cutie mark!?" He smiled and started to jump around Twilight. "I can't believe it! This is the best day of my life!" After a few minutes, he stopped jumping. "But wait. If dragons like me are supposed to get a cutie mark, where's mine?" Twilight stared at Spike. "Well, it takes time." Spike stared at her, now a bit depressed. "But I don't want to wait!" Twilight started to remember those exact words coming from a filly that also wanted a cutie mark. She turned to the small dragon with a grin. "Hey Spike. I just so happen to know of a group that specializes in getting ponies their cutie marks." Spike stared at her. He frowned and pointed out a small detail. "Notice you said ponies. I'm clearly a dragon." Twilight giggled and wrapped her hoof around Spike. "Spike, I'm sure they wouldn't mind a dragon in the group." Spike still looked upset. "Yeah, but dragons don't normally get a cutie mark. They won't believe me." Twilight started to stand up. "That's true, but they will believe me. Come on, lets go!" They exited the library, and headed towards the Cutie Mark Crusader's tree house. Throughout the whole walk, Spike saw that everypony in town had a cutie mark. He started to get confident that with help, he too would get his cutie mark. They arrived at the Cutie Mark Crusader's tree house. They climbed up the ladder to find a meeting was just starting. Twilight and Spike came through the door just as Apple Bloom started to take role call. "Wait! do you have room for one more?" The fillies looked at them confused. "Well who's missing their cutie mark?" Scootaloo flew by the two at the door in search of another pony. "I don't see anypony!" Spike blushed with embarrassment. "Well, actually, I'm missing my cutie mark." All three started laughing hysterically. "Uh, Spike. I don't think you're suppose ta' get a cutie mark." Apple Bloom was just barely able to speak. Twilight started to search her saddlebag and grabbed a book with her mouth and planted it in front of the still laughing Ponies. "Here girls. Read this." They all gathered around the book and started to flip through the pages. "Wow! A dragon can get their cutie mark?!" Sweetie Belle started to walk towards Spike. "Well how do we know that you have a pony relative?" Twilight searched through her saddlebag again, and brought out the note from Celestia which said that Spike had a pony relative. "So can you help him?" They gathered in a circle and started to whisper in a tone that neither Spike or Twilight could hear. They emerged and Apple Bloom stepped in front of Spike. "Do you swear to Celestia, that you will help your fellow crusaders, as they help ya too?" Spike shook his head up and down. "I swear to Celestia!" Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came up behind Apple Bloom as they spoke in perfect unity. "Then we welcome you to...THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!" Everyone in the room cheered for the new (and unexpected) member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.
