//------------------------------// // Meet Spike! // Story: Spike the Dragon // by RealityWarper //------------------------------// Spike was annoyed. No, scratch that. He was irritated. The so called 'Grown Up' dragons keep coming to his cave. trying to steal HIS hoard. Technically it was his parents hoard- but he was well inclined to call it his hoard as well. Back to the point though. The dragons had been coming by while his parents were gone, probably thinking along the lines of: "A cave with lots of loot, and only a baby dragon to defend it!? HAH, CHILD'S PLAY! CONSIDER ALL THE LOOT MINES!" After that would probably be an evil laugh. This proved to be their undoing. Of course he hadn't killed them. Just beat them up a little... Okay, some. ... A lot?... Fine, yeah, he beat them into a coma. it wasn't that the Dragon's were weak. Far from, it was that Spike was too strong. You see, Spike wasn't your ordinary Baby Dragon. Due to some unknown 'birth defect', he had tons of physical strength, he could easily lift up something ten times his weight, a good example being where a Dragon was easily towering over a cottage, he treated him like he was nothing and literally threw him out the cave. Oh, that wasn't it, there was more bonus. The defect hadn't just increased his strength, but all of his abilities as well. That included fire. A dragon recently tried using fire breathing against the baby dragon hoping to scare him away. That plan had backfired. Big time. Spike had used his own flames, in hopes of stopping the larger dragons fire. He learned an awesome thing that day... His fire, could burn through ANYTHING. That included dragon scales. Cool huh? And as previously stated, there was NOTHING his fire could not burn. That included the sun. Another one of his 'abilities' was discovered when some of the 'Outsiders' stepped into his cave, they were adventurers by the looks of it, they were covered in armor of types. The flying one was dressed in plate of some sort, the horned one in cloth wearing a strange pointed hat, and the other two looked to be a burly looking plain pony- well, at least ONE of them was burly, the other was female judging by her figure. Another one of the creatures with them appeared to be a...Lion bird. They began looking around the cave... --- Raven Light was currently puzzled. This labyrinth like cave was filled to the brim with loot.... Yet no dragons. She must have spoke too soon because when she listened she heard padded steps, like a dragon, tensing she silently motioned to her partners to be quiet and they all stared where she pointed her hoof where she heard somepony coming. Clenching her teeth she got into a battle pose ready to take down this dragon like they had done so many others. From that hall where she heard the steps, came a great EVIL- ...Baby Dragon?... She had to stop herself from 'D'awwing'. He looked so precious! She tensed somewhat though when the dragon looked her directly in the eyes, she expected fear from him, and for him to call his parents...She winced as she knew she'd make a baby orphaned, too late to go back now. But instead of reacting in fear...He reacted... differently "You have to be kidding me..." The Baby Dragon groaned behind his face palm. "First Dragons, now we have a bunch of Horses and...Bird Lions invading!? Swell, just swell." He said sarcastically, his half lidded eyes fitting his mood while pointedly ignoring the squawk of protest from said 'Lion Bird'. Raven Light blinked. This was unexpected, both the baby dragon talking AND the fact that other dragons had came to this cave. She frowned and took a step forward. "First off, we're ponies. And he's a gryphon. Second. Where are your parents? If they're not here, why are you? I mean, you ARE a BABY Dragon..." She asked/interrogated him confusedly. The soon to be winged reptilian sighed. "I can take care of myself and trespassers." He rolled his eyes, then narrowed them in suspicion. "And you happen to be trespassing. May I inquire why?" He hissed out threateningly. The unicorn winced at the hiss of the baby dragon, something was wrong about it. Chuckling, she shook her head passing it off as a trick of the mind. "I doubt that, you're a bit too small for self defense." She said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, also ignoring/avoiding his question, which Spike didn't take to kindly to. Spike rolled shoulders. To him it was clear that they were a threat, she was avoiding his question, he'd have to take action then. "You underestimate me 'Pony', don't be fooled by outdoor appearances and silly voices." He cracked his knuckles and grinned. "I happen to have graduated from 'Draconian Barren College', in addition. I got a PHD in ASS KICKING!" With that Spike suddenly disappeared and landed on the Lion Bird's (It sounded better than Gryphon in his opinion) head and put him in a choke hold. "Gotcha!" Spike grinned. The Gryphon.gasped. "Hey! Let go of me Dragon! How did you do that!?" He squawked enraged, it seemed as if he teleported, there was no way that should be possible! Could Dragons use magic!? "Give up, I don't wanna have to hurt you." He warned, then emphasized this by squeezing his arms tighter round the 'Lion Bird's' neck, but leaving enough room to speak. The others were looking around up until that point. The others gasped at the sight and the fighters began to run to the gryphon to help- only to have Raven Light hold her hoof up. --- If Raven Light was confused earlier, she was downright puzzled now...She wanted nothing more than to rush over and help but... "We don't know what he's capable of, let's wait and see how this goes." The unicorn demanded said seriously, she had never seen him even CHARGE a magic spell if he was even capable of one. This clearly meant he was extremely fast, therefore dangerous she'd need to be cautious and plan her next move carefully. The Pegasus of the group gaped. "But Raven!" She protested. "He could be in some serious trouble- let's just go get that thing off of 'em and give it a good pounding!" She exclaimed heatedly, only to be met by a cold stare from her long time friend and soon hopeful special somepony. She winced. "Okay, sheesh...but if he gets hurt, it's all your fault. She said crossing her forearms and huffing while fluttering off the ground. Raven glanced at the Pegasus off hooftedly, then waved her off. "He's a big colt, he can handle this." She replied without batting an eye. --- Choking the Lion Bird much harder but still enough to keep him able to talk, he sneered. "Give up. you're only making this harder on yourself!" "NEVER!" He roared defiantly. I sneered myself then started to choke him more and more...I scowled. "Just say it! GIVE UP!" I nearly cut his air supply off. He started gagging. Why I'll normally don't take too much amusement in creatures I hurt, I had to say this one was satisfying due to the sheer stubbornness...or maybe stupidity, probably both though. His eyes started to droop. Just as I was about to assure my victory I saw a light in the corner of my vision. My nonexistent eyebrows shot up, looks like that 'magic' stuff that he learned about awhile back. He snapped his head to attention at where he saw the light. Of course, it was coming from the horned one. He was lit up in a magenta glow (probably the unicorn though.), it looked as if she was putting a tremendous amount of energy on him to blast him away, he tensed and prepared himself to be flung like a rag doll.... Only for it to fail. Miserably Wow, how anticlimactic...You'd think magic users were better. --- Raven Light gaped, her telekinetic spell didn't work! It ALWAYS worked! It just, went right through him! Like a ghost or something! And he currently looked amused! HOW DID HER MAGIC NOT WORK!? Growling, she ran forward and- --- Well, that about covers it.... What? You were expecting the whole story? Well, perk up. Maybe another time, right now he was frustrated over the dragons, and trying to figure out a solution. Musing over this for a second, he wondered if he could just learn some magic and just put up a barrier. His ears perked up, the tale-tail sound of flapping Dragon wings in the distance. Spike grinned, it was time for him to get outta here, it was boring. Ever since they had moved into the Everfree Forest it had become a daily thing for them to go places then come back, he was more than capable of handling himself outside the cave walls, and Discord be his witness he was going out today! A roar was heard, that was their greeting, clearly they were tired if they didn't bother actually SAYING anything. Shrugging he decided he was leaving the cave now. "MOM, DAD, I'M GOING OUT- DON'T WAIT UP!" He hollered. He made his way out the cave. Strutting like he owned the place, after all, he felt really good today! You know, considering he hadn't been attacked that day. Not that he couldn't handle them. --- Twilight was currently hyperventilating and standing outside Everfree forest, Princess Celestia herself had a job for the Element Bearers to complete. Twilight would think of it as a test, not that it really was- she enjoyed challenges AND making her mentor proud! Two task at one time! She was both excited and nervous. Excited at the prospect helping the Princess, nervous at the task that they were presented with... There were apparently more disturbances in the Everfree forest then usual, she had a feeling something life changing would happen in there. Then again they knew almost every creature lurking in there, right? Wrong. The apprehension apparently was very clear on her face besides the hard constant breathing, it was hard to tell what the mare was feeling. "Uh...Twilight?...Ease up on the breathing." Rainbow looked weirded out. "You're going to give US panic attacks." She pointed out. She was right, all her friends were looking at her in concern. Except for Pinkie who was earlier trying to emulate her. "Sorry girls, this is just exciting! Princess Celestia herself has trusted us with a task!" She said excitedly deciding fear could wait. Rainbow rolled her eyes and put her hooves behind her head while floating backwards. "Yeah, we know. We were there too you know." She once again 'helpfully' pointed out. Shaking her head, Twilight decided to focus on the objective. Twilight's once happy face darkened somewhat, something bad was going to happen in there and she knew it, Just not what it was. At the least her pet Owl was with them so they could see in the dark. "Aww, what's the matter Twilight!? Cheer up!" The ever exuberant Pinkie exclaimed. "Don't be a frowny pants!" The pink perky pony said. Twilight smiled. "Yeah, you're right Pinkie, let's go girls! We need to find out what's going on in Everfree and Princess Celestia is counting on us!" She chirped cheerfully. Seeing their friend happy their spirits were lifted and thus went into the dark Everfree forest. Where monsters really DO live. --- The girls were walking through the forest at a moderate pace, looking for anything that might have been suspicious in the least. Yellow glowing eyes followed their every move, this made them REALLY nervous. After about five minutes of more walking getting across the lake with the assistance of the serpent After after two days of being lost, argument fighting crying and being learning a lesson of friendship, they were still hungry tired and lost, not to mention after it rained they were left sopping wet. They came into a clearing, it was a different way than the first time they entered. It seemed...Empty?... "Hey, Twilight?" Rainbow Dash questioned. "How come that place over there is all gloomy? I mean, Everfree is gloomy and all. But it's more creepy than anything else. That way over there...gives me the chills." She admitted. She was more mellow after all that fighting. Twilight looked thoughtful. "I'm not sure..." She began. "But I have a feeling we don't wanna find out. But we need to check all of Everfree for anything strange. As long as we watch out for the more dangerous animals we should be fine." Twilight said wisely. Fluttershy whimpered slightly. Applejack turned to Twilight. "Twilight, how big IS Everfree exactly?" She questioned curiously. Twilight's eye brows raised. "Nopony knows. But as it's name states, it's an forest not a jungle. Therefore it can't be all the big." She explained. Applejack nodded, satisfied. Just as they were about to walk into the clearing a loud crunch was heard. Everypony jumped at the sound. And looked around for where it might have came from when a voice called from somewhere. "You're wrong ya' know." A coltish child like voice said. The Element Bearers were surprised, what was a foal doing all the way out here? It was dangerous! "Who said that!?" Twilight called out, her voice stern. A chuckle echoed throughout the forest. Twilight's eyes scanned all over the place. "Where are you!?" "Up here." The voice called out almost mockingly, they instantly located where the voice came from. And was surprised If they didn't know any better they'd think that that was- "A Baby Dragon!" Both Fluttershy and Twilight squealed joyously. Said baby dragon was leaning against a tree sitting with a book and apple in hand, looking annoyed trying to read said book. "Ugh, I don't even know why I bothered picking this damn thing up." He said with a scrunched nose. "I don't even read!" He tossed the book over his shoulder- which landed on Twilight's head with audible 'THUMP' followed by an "OW!". Rarity stomped her hoof. "Language! Young dragon!" She said angered. "Oops, my bad." Spike apologized sheepishly. "For the book anyhow." Rarity huffed. Spike then took the rest of the apple and ate it. "Now then, as I was saying. You're wrong about the forest not being bigger-" Spike started, only to be cut off. "Oh my!" The shy Pegasus exclaimed as she rocketed up to Spike, who was confused as he felt no hostile intent from her. Then she craddled him...Like a baby. "Whoa whoa whoa!" Spike exclaimed. "Hooves off sister! And did you just cut me off? I HATE BEING CUT OFF!" Fluttershy was hearing none of it. Too busy saying how cute he was. Twilight looked astonished and then teleported onto the tree that the two were currently on- which now made three. "A Baby Dragon." she muttered interestedly. "Do you live here?" She asked Spike. Who looked rather annoyed, he was being Dragon handled and interrogated, he was supposed to be doing both of those! Well, it looked like it was time for some sarcasm..."None your." He stated. Twilight blinked. None your? "None your?" She inquired, not realizing she was set up. "None your business." He smirked. Twilight groaned. Spike successfully trolling Twilight wrenched himself from Fluttershy's grasp. "Watch your step around here, you're in dragon territory now." He warned. All of their eyes widened, especially Fluttershy's, her lip even quivered. "DRAGON TERRITORY!?" They exclaimed, shocked. Spike merely rolled his eyes. Ponies were so silly, they must loved to be eaten. Then he sniffed the air. "You DO know you have several packs following you, right?" Spike questioned. The girls turned pale. Apparently THOSE were they glowing yellow eyes that were following them. Spike shook his head. "I'm gonna guess not then." Twilight found herself glad the Baby Dragon showed up when he did, otherwise... They would have became food. If they had escaped the wolves, they would have been eaten by the dragons, with the baby dragon here they could say that they were with him, they couldn't do anything anymore, they were tired, hungry, thirsty and lost. There was no way they could have run. And the fact it was on the verge of raining again, they were pretty much done. She was grateful to have found help. Now Twilight was far from weak persee, infact she was rather strong. Magically anyhow. The problem was that there were so MANY, lifting one big object? Hard, but possible. Lifting several hundred objects? And as stated before, they were tired. Yeah, wasn't happening. And even then, they had no real way of escaping this place, the Timber wolves were lurking right outside the clearing, which brought the question, what were they currently doing? "This is awfully dreadful! How will we get home with them blocking our way!?" The prissy drama queen snow white Unicorn questioned in despair. "I don't know, good luck with that though." Spike said boredly, and turned around waddling away in a 'Cool' manner, at least in HIS opinion. To everypony else it was just cute. Twilight looked surprised like everypony else. "You're leaving?" She asked fearfully. They would need his help to get out, without him they'd probably wouldn't get to leave...all in one full functioning piece. No worse yet, at all. This was Dragon territory. The only way to get out was this dragon. He knew they way out more than likely, and him being a Dragon he could get other Dragons to NOT eat them. It was Spike's turn to look surprised "Uhh, yeah?" He asked with a raised eye brow. Why were they concerned? "You're not even gonna help?" Rainbow Dash asked frowning. Now Rainbow was especially proud and would never really ask for help. But she couldn't very well fly here, the forest made it almost impossible to fly very fast or long, so trying to get them out of here was a no go. Her friends came before her pride. She IS the element of loyalty after all.They had a falling out within the forest, and she already felt bad. She wasn't gonna risk anymore. "S'not my problem." He shrugged. Everypony looked at him in an upset manner. Then realized that he WAS still a dragon, baby or not. Twilight frowned. "I barely know you, and what's worse is that you are all Ponies. No offense, but I heard ponies were soft." He explained. "Please, we could really use your help, you could guide us around the forest so we could exit safely!" Twilight pleaded. Spike on one hand was picking the ear wax out of his ear as he measured his choices. Ponies? Or home?... Hmm...Choices choices. Well, it's not like he had anything to do right now, they looked absolutely pitiful in their states. Covered with dirt, grime and looked absolutely exhausted. They obviously had been here for a day or two. Anycreature that wasn't from the forest couldn't just adapt easy. Proven by their dirty states, the one that obviously used to be white was looking pretty upset right now. But even with all the dirt they were all still cute he mused. Sighing he relented. "Fine, follow me and stay close. If other dragons see you here by yourselves you're gonna be the next steak on the menu." He deadpanned. Everypony winced. He looked on Twilight's head, where there was an owl perched there. He raised an eyebrow. "Huh, that's the thing that was on the cover of that book I threw." He mused. Owl's were rare and unknown creatures, he decided to find about it later. Shrugging he trudged off into what seemed to them to be a random area of the forest, he stopped and glanced at them. "Are you coming or what? It might be nightfall soon, and if that happens you guys are screwed. That seemed to get a good reaction because they all scrambled toward him in a hurry. Rolling his eyes he continued onward. "Sooo...what do you do for fun?" Questioned Twilight, usually Pinkie Pie would be asking this question, but she needed something to work with, something to tell her about his personality. Spike stopped completely for a second. Did she really ask that? He then looked her directly in her eyes, searching for something and then half lidded his own eyes. "You just asked a dragon, what does he do for fun?" He started to ask slowly. Twilight blanched at his tone.She was very intelligent. "Do you REALLY you want to know?" He asked with a skeptical eye brow raised. Twilight was going to instantly say "Yes." but thought about it for a second. Dragons were known for their extremely aggressive nature and decided, no. She didn't want to know.She was already nervous about this forest, she didn't need to be nervous about their one way out. As such she shook her head in a declining gesture. Spike rolled his eyes "Yeah, didn't think so." He said dryly. Well, at least now he had some time to think to himself, he was going to take them somewhere where they would be safe over night. He knew a few places and all of them had some pretty good vegetation, he was considering this because they had obviously had no taste for meat. After about one whole minute of silence the pink pony spoke up cheerfully. "So, where are we going?" Spike had to effectively squash the urge to to yell "GRANDMA'S HOUSE!" for some reason. He opted to ignore her. "So what's your name?" She asked cheerfully smiling widely. "Everypony has a name!" She chirped. She'd like to know about the dragon who was helping them when they need help the most, they were currently lost and had nothing but bad luck. Not to mention exhausted. "Well, I'm not sure if you noticed but I'm a dragon, not a pony." He said sarcastically. Pinkie grinned sheepishly. "To your question....Yeah, I have a name, it's Spike. That's all you're getting though." He stated. No further then when he said what they came out into a clearing. Where... There were about three adult dragons, and all of them were staring directly at them. "Ahhh..." That was the sound of Fluttershy fainting. Or trying to, she was so scared that she couldn't faint. "For the love of Discord..."