//------------------------------// // Haunted? // Story: Spike the Dragon // by RealityWarper //------------------------------// Three dragons had currently been in the area for a little meeting they did every once in awhile, when one of them thought they heard a noise. They were talking about how to take over more of the forest for themselves. After all if they had more territory not many would appose them. There was nothing to lose and everything to gain. Gems, more food and more places to destroy. Rustling was heard from one of the bushes. "Seems we have company." The dragon stated. The all turned their gazes to the ponies coming out the clearing beyond the bushes, looks like lunch had arrived. And would you look, they didn't have to go anywhere! Not only they were small and harmless, the slightest chance to get away was impossible. Why? They looked like they we re beyond just 'tired', hell they may have been pass 'exhausted'. Chuckling one dragon stepped forward, a massive rumble took place on the ground where he moved to. "Looks like lunch is here." He sneered. And the ponies gasped, obviously they weren't expecting this. They desperately turned their gaze to a species of unknown origin smaller than themselves. ...Kinda looked like a Baby Dragon. Would they really think just because one of their kin was there they wouldn't eat them? How ridic- "Find your lunch elsewhere, idiot." A harsh tone rang around them, he blinked. He knew that voice! That was the voice of- "Spike?" Inquired one of the other dragons within hearing distance. "What are you doing with a bunch of ponies? And more than that, why aren't they dead yet?" He asked amused and puzzled. "You must be going-" He snapped his mouth close and he saw the deadly glare turned at him. "You wanna finish that?" Spike hissed. "Because if you do, I can't guarantee your well being." He finished with a deadly glare. Seriously, you'd think these imbecile's would know better than that after he kicked all their asses before AND and all three of them at once. Twilight looked horrified at what the Baby Dragon was saying, she prepared to profusely apologize for the baby dragons words when she saw that they were suddenly all fearful of Spike. Now she was surprised, that certainly was unexpected. The only explanation she could come up was one thing. Royalty. It was the only logical way they would fear a baby. He could still talk and get them in some sort of troubled, they were too scared of what his family might do. They were with royalty. She winced. The others had obviously came with the same conclusion, the unease and slight fear in their eyes gave them away. "We don't want a repeat of last time, do we?" Spike said with a sadistic eerie grin. "I'll do it again if you don't watch your tongues." Spike watched as they were all but silent. "And what are you doing here?" He inquired. They were obviously plotting something. He had no idea what though. Probably something stupid. "We were having a meeting about the territory and what Dragons hold them." The Blue Dragon said. "You might not have been aware but...there was a Black Dragon here not too long ago." He said fearfully, of both the Black Dragon and Spike. Spike's eyebrows raised. "Oh really? Now that's interesting." He muttered it but everyone heard, the ponies because they were close and the Dragons because they have exceptional hearing."So what was he doing here?" He asked interestedly Black Dragons were as powerful as they were rare. And more so than that one of the strongest things to exist.There were in a count a total of twenty Black Dragons, this included the Barrens. The Barrens is a place outside Equestria where all dragons live. There were Millions of dragons, the reason they had not tried to take over Equestria was simple. The Guardians of Equestria, five extremely powerful ponies with a style of magic and fighting, they were immortal and protected the country. Add to the fact that the Princesses were considered Goddess and bang. The Guardians were so powerful that they took a whole dragon army before, who's to say they can't do it again? And to be honest, the more powerful dragons capable of fighting wouldn't touch Equestria, after all of it's history and ponies they'd fought with in the "Tech War", there was no one who didn't remember the great Silver Shade. A great pony who against all odds became the strongest thing in the universe and took down the "Old Ones". Not all dragons wanted to harmonize with ponies though. "We have no clue, he just came and left. Might have just been looking for something." The Red dragon shrugged. They could have been doing just about anything. He eyed the ponies. "But really, what ARE you doing with those ponies?" He asked. "Stuff, and things. Can't forget things." Spike said being snarky. "I'd appreciate it if you cleared out our way, we're going to one of my caves." He said with half-lidded eyes showing he was bored now. "Oh, and word of advice..." He leaned closer. "Don't go into further into Everfree. There are things in there you don't wanna know about." The Blue Dragon nodded. He had already known about this. The others just nodded because they didn't want to risk pissing him off. Rolling his shoulders he moved forward. "Come on Ponies." He huffed. The scrambled after him looking warily at the Dragons, who did nothing but watch as they went by. The Dragons were still watching to see if they were completely gone. Twilight spoke once they were out of earshot of a dragon range. "Y-You didn't tell us you were royalty..." She said softly. Spike for a second blinked then raised a brow. But said nothing. Twilight thought about it, there was no actual proof he was royalty. Theoretically, this would be a hassle, but due to the fact that she had no other theory's, she'd have to go off of it.What was confirming her theory was that he said he had several caves. Her belly growled. She smiled sheepishly once she saw everyone looking at her humorously, Spike included, though she was sure his was more of a mocking on than anything. "So umm...Spike? Would you happen to have anything to eat at where we'll be at?" She asked shyly, she didn't want to ask anything too much of them, but they'd need energy and to be honest this pain in her tummy was quiet distracting and painful. "As long as it's nothing I've never heard of, I'm pretty sure I can get it for you." He said offhandedly. The ponies beamed. Spike noticed something. "Hey, where did that Owl with you go?" Twilight blinked. Where did- The six ponies had to stifle a giggle when they saw where Owlicious was. It was then Spike noticed the extra weight on his spines. Glancing up, he saw the Owl perched on him. He merely shrugged and kept walking forward. Well, they had a few minutes to get to the cave so he'd better figure out on what would he do next. Going over the facts, he'd have to feed them first. Find them a place to sleep, as he was sure that Ponies don't sleep on floors, they were too soft far that. Physically, emotionally and mentally. He scoffed inwardly at that. Soft Ponies were Soft. Looks like they'd be sleeping in there. He briefly noticed the sound of rain falling, all the ponies now looked disheveled. Unkempt even. And just plain upset to the boot, the white one looked somewhat giddy. He raised a brow. "What are you so happy for? You'd look like you'd hate the rain." He pointed out. Rarity merely shrugged. "Normally, yes. But with all this dirt and grime and filth, it's better than nothing." She said with sad smile. "Besides, it's not like there are bath's out here or anything." She finished with a smirk. Spike blinked. "Uhh, yeah. I kinda take baths. So there is." He explained. She gasped, the other looked at him hopefully. He knew he actually had a bath and stuff, but he felt the urge to just pretend like he didn't and annoy them. He squashed it though. "Really!?" She asked with wide eyes. "You better not be pulling my leg!" She warned. Spike merely rolled his eyes. "No, I'm not-" Rarity didn't hear that, she squealed in happiness and hugged him. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" She kept THANKING HIM- IT BURNS! AHHH! Outwardly merely coughed. "Yes well, unhand me." She obliged and put him down. "Thank you." They began walking again, within a few minutes of walking, they have reached the cave. One they were in the cave they kept going further until they were almost at the back of it. Twilight see a light in the distance, it led back outside obviously. But didn't Spike say that they were going to be sleeping in a cave? Seeing no answers she decided to get them by asking. "What are we doing all the way back here?" Twilight inquired. They could sleep anywhere in the cave so why all the way back here? "I thought you said we were sleeping in the cave." She half accused. Spike huffed. "Not this cave, ugh... Ponies." Spike was having a hard time trying to be nice, these ponies looked too squishy for anything to be honest. "There's one after this cave. It's a different type." Twilight felt the air leave her chest at the breath taking view, the 'cave; had beautiful trees everywhere, it led to somewhere else within Everfree! It wasn't raining here, infact it was rather sunny. This area seemed to have it's own air, and land scape too! There was something that was down there, something else, she squinted her eyes to see if she could make it out, seeing as she could not, she waited till they got closer. No words were said, everypony was amazed at the place around them. And even if they weren't they were just plain tired and could not really talk. Upon closer inspection she could tell it was some sort of house! It looked to be made out of stone. Twilight blinked. This was completely unexpected, the others were currently gaping themselves. "Welcome to the 'Cave'." Spike said with pride, puffing his chest and putting his fist on it. "It's architecture dates back way back! Yet it more technological based than our current age. Neat huh?" The Dragon said with a cocky smirk. Everypony else was to busy gaping to hear him. He rolled his eyes and went to moving forward. Rarity and Twilight were the first to snap out of their trance. "Why do you call it a cave?" Twilight asked confuzzled. "Because of the inside. It looks like a cave that's been decorated by fancy people in an attempt to salvage any beauty it might have." Spike joked. Twilight chuckled. Spike crossed it arms. "Equestria to girls!" Rarity raised her voice. "Wake up dearies! I'd like to see the inside and preferably get clean." They all snapped out of their stupors and walked to the Baby Dragon. "We're going to be in there?" Twilight asked cautiously. It looked amazing, but who knew what could be in there. Or if it was stable, after all it WAS several years old."Are you sure that's safe?" She asked apprehensively. "Yeah," Spike said casually. "It's safe." Spike then muttered something under his breath. He then scowled. "As long as you don't go to a certain place anyhow. Never go in there. EVER. For anything." Spike glared at them, showing he meant it. Twilight was surprised by the attitude change, but nodded. The others looked somewhat unsure but still nodded. Spike took them down a hill, after admiring the place, he turned to a door, and pointed toward it. Funny thing is, they hadn't noticed it. "Don't.Go.In.Here." Spike hissed out. "You can go anywhere BUT here in this place. But don't go in here." He glared at them heavily. "You'll wish you didn't see what was behind here if you do." He eyed them. "Let this be my warning. I can't guarantee your safety if you go through here." He continued. "You might die." He added hoping to scare them. This itself worked more than his warning if the shrinking of their pupils was any indication, that and their slacked jaws. Nodding in satisfaction he moved forward. "Now I'll be showing you where you'll be staying. The house you saw where you came in." He said nonchalantly. "You'll be able to get some food in there, as well a bath and all that other stuff. I even have...ugh, combs." Spike shivered. He had always hated combs, not that he could use them really. It was just that they seemed to be a girly accessory. Looking back he saw Everypony interested in that, not just Rarity. Surprise, surprise... Rolling his eyes he stepped forward, it had not taken them long to get to the house, something seemed...off about it, something unnatural... He shrugged. "Welcome Ponies. To my 'humble abode/MANCAVE'." He said with a chuckle. They all gasped in astonishment at the sheer size of the building. This was breath taking to them. Twilight blinked. "What's a man cave?" She asked curiously. Spike waved her off. "Forger what I said, I was just being random" He snickered, Twilight just sighed. "Alright, let's get inside." He said boredly. "You can get your hygiene done in there, I'll get something cooking. Don't worry it'll be...Pony Food....Bleh." Spike nearly gagged. Pony food meant no meat, and boy he could use some pork or beef. They rushed inside, eager to get clean, Spike pick locked the door with his claw the pushed the door, it flung open from the strength.Twilight noted that, but passed it off as the door just being fragile.The inside was quite a nice shade of white, with seats and what not everywhere. "Now before you go in, I'd like your er...Hoofs clean." Spike stated. They nodded understandingly. " They all took turns wiping their feet on the welcome mat. Where after they stepped in looking around. "It's rather nice." Rarity complimented. Spike merely shrugged, then wiped his feet on the mat then stepped inside. "I would hope so, I have somecreatures clean it." Spike rolled his shoulders, this time because they were tense. "Alrighty then, I'll show you the bathroom." He said. They walked through the house admiring several things where they came upon the bathroom. They looked surprised by the structure but pleased by the fact there really WAS a bathroom. Rarity squealed and ran into the bathroom, her magic shutting the door behind her. This in turn not only surprised them with the loud sound, but the ones not flying fell onto their flanks. The others didn't look pleased at all, but Spike waved them off chuckling. They. looked at him with, once again not pleased. "What's your guys problem?" He already knew, but he... Spike grabbed a pair of sun glasses off the table next to him. ...Wanted to hear it straight from the from the horses mouth. OOOOOOHHHHHHH!!! Everypony started looking at him funny when a gleeful expression took over his face, the random picking up of sunglasses didn't help either. Well...Everypony except Pinkie. She just fell on her back and started laughing like she heard he pun... She was kinda strange, maybe she did hear it. Spike shrugged. "Well, we know how bad Rarity wanted to go get washed up but this is..." Twilight didn't need to finish it from them to know. Spike waved them off. "It's no big deal." He said. "What makes you say that?" Twilight asked. "That was the hallway bathroom, this whole place has several rooms with their own Bathrooms." He explained, they smiled softy, with the exception of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash who grinned. Even Applejack knew where the mud line was crossed at. He walked them all to their respective rooms, Owlicious flew from his position onto Fluttershy's head (Which she seemed happy about.) and Spike left them to their devices. They could handle themselves.He decided that he'd make some food them, they were probably all starving.Walking down, knowing his own house he quickly found the dining room. Going into the fridge, he raided it for a bunch of vegetables and fruit, not forgetting some juice. He went into the cabinets and grabbed some seasonings. There was also some- Ooo, he hadn't had pasta in a long time. Then again, he wanted some meat in it. Couldn't do it though. Well, it wasn't all that bad. He could add cheese and that would make it several times better than it would have been at first. Smiling he set to the task. He picked up some eggs. It was time to... Making sure his sunglasses were on tight enough he did a back flip. Get cracking. OOOOOOHHHHH!!! After about forty five minutes he was done, and setting down seven plates. He set down the tray in the middle of the table containing the food. Spike heard a sound, he looked down and felt himself shocked. The very reason they weren't supposed to go in that house...was right here. Or at least, part of it. That meant that it had been done. The monster was longer among them. He scratched his head. And flicked a switch on it playing the song. It could be heard throughout the whole house. If the monster was going to die, he probably was just going to stroll around the house for a bit THEN die. That was okay thought, no biggie. He couldn't actually HURT anyone. Shrugging he went about pouring the glasses of juice. Twilight was just getting out of the shower, her throat was feeling quite dry, but she had nothing to complain about seeing as once she got out of here, she'd be able to get something to eat and drink. She found herself appreciating the Baby Dragon more and more by the second. He'd help them several times now, whole reluctant at first, he held up to his word and protected them. He'd given them some food, shelter and was keeping them clean. The only rule he had even set down was "Don't go in here." which even if she wanted to, she'd find herself not doing over how exhausted she was. He was kind, and she was very grateful. He seemed to be rude, snarky, and even downright...well... hateful. Yet he had time to help them, save them when they needed the most. Yet, she found something...odd, about him. She couldn't put her hoof on it though. Well, it didn't matter. She'd wonder about it later. Right now, she and her friends were clean, dry and was about to get something to eat. Twilight smiled. Things were looking up for them. As long as the Spike was with them, chances are they were pretty safe. Twilight found a toothbrush in a plastic wrapper. She opened it with her magic and began to clean her teeth while levitating a comb through her mane. It was heavenly. She could only hope friends were having the same experience. Fluttershy was happy. Very happy. Her friends were no longer fighting, she had met a Baby Dragon, said Baby Dragon had saved them from several types of messy deaths and now they were getting some food and taking care of hygiene. Owlicious was perched on top of her mane, she had cleaned him as well as herself. Thoroughly stroking her mane with the comb she found in the drawer. Sighing contently she looked back in the mirror, only to find somepony standing behind her, it was Rarity. Normally would have been frightened out her mind and would have screamed in terror if that happened but was too tired and just settled for simply squeaking and covering her eyes with her hooves, dropping the comb. Which was grasped in magic before it could hit the floor. Rarity appeared startled. "Goodness Fluttershy! You scared me there!" Rarity then smiled somewhat sheepishly. "Of course I'm sure I scared you ten times as much, correct?" Fluttershy uncovered her hooves from her eyes and nodded but smiled regardless. "It's nice to see you're back to normal Rarity!" Fluttershy chirped in a rather happy manner, this came from the fact that Rarity was clean and looked to be slightly out of it, Rarity nodded, smiling. "Yes indeed! All I'm missing is my nose powder." She pouted. Fluttershy giggled at her. In turn Rarity grinned, she took a step forward examining Fluttershy's hair. "Well well, as beautiful as ever I see!" Fluttershy blushed at the praise. Then smiled lightly. "I could say the same for you." Rarity flipped her hair. "It's true! It's all true!" She cried dramatically. "I try my best after all!" She said grinning. Fluttershy giggled once again. It felt so good to not be fight, like they had when they were in the forest. It was still traumatizing to the both of them though. Rarity peered into the hall, she could have sworn she heard some- Hoof steps went across the floors, wrapped around them was a tight chain she realized while being startled She couldn't see anything beside that though. But the hoof steps...it sounded wrong. Raw even, like raw skin was being used to move. Fearfully she leaned over to see what it was, there from the door, something was glaring at her. It sent tingles of fear down her spine. It looked like a silhouetted Pony... Fluttershy had noticed it too, and froze in shock, disbelief and finally- Fear. What was only two seconds felt like a life time... She could smell iron, it was overpowering, she felt like she had to vomit from the smell. What made things worse was the fact that she could identify it as... Blood. The chains on the Pony look alike jiggled an ominous sound. It continued to glare, it felt like thousands of anguished souls were staring at them, pleading for help. But they could not give it. After a few more seconds it left. ... "What was that?" The two asked at the same time, both fearfully. TO BE CONTINUED