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// Spike 
// Story: My Little Maleficent 
// by KidatHeart5 
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	When the sun’s morning rays reached over the glade, Discord stretched himself and groaned, “What a night, eh, Fluttershy?” He slowly opened his eyes and turned to where Fluttershy was sleeping…or thought she was sleeping. He saw the empty spot and didn’t worry about it until he took a second look. He looked around as he asked, “Fluttershy? Fluttershy, where are you?” He grew more worried when he didn’t see her within of few moments of looking.
He thought of the many possibilities that could’ve happened when he saw something shining on the root of the tree. He picked it up and found that it was Fluttershy’s gift. He knew she would never have taken it off so soon. He concluded that Fluttershy had been kidnapped and took to the skies shouting, “I’m coming for you, Fluttershy!” But just moments of reaching above the trees, an awful pain ran through his wings and he fell back to the earth. He broke the tree’s branches before he landed on the sleeping place. 
As he gathered himself, he said, “I don’t understand. What’s happened to me? What’s happened to Fluttershy?!” Just then, he saw something else shining on the ground. He tried to pick it up, but he felt searing pain and had to withdraw his claw. He saw burn marks on his tips of his claw and realized it was labradorite. 
The thought of betrayal crossed his mind, but he panted heavily as he thought, No, Fluttershy wouldn’t have done this to me. She’s my trusted friend! It must’ve been her kidnapper. They did this to me! He snapped his fingers at the sudden idea of teleporting to her rescue. He concentrated, even snapped his fingers, but nothing happened.
Discord’s heart felt heavy as he realized that not only had he lost the power to teleport and his flight, but also his dearest friend. And now, she was gone forever. He clutched the pendant close to him as his chest wracked with stifled sobs. At the thought of never seeing her again, he wailed in agony, “FLUTTERSHYYYYYYY!!!” This wail didn’t go unheard; it was heard for several miles. When even Fluttershy heard it, she collapsed in sobs as well.


The Pegasus and unicorn reached the castle and Fluttershy confessed to being involved with Discord. After she was taken to the dungeon, Shining Armor was brought before King Sombra. He bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I have come back with the soul of the dreaded Discord.” He took out an orb that had a yellow light within it. The king smiled at this, “You have done well…Now, I may call you my future son-in-law…and *cough* *cough* the kingdom’s…future king.” 
Meanwhile, in the Everfree Forest, Discord had calmed down and decided to walk his way out of the forest. It wasn’t easy, considering that he had flown for most of his life. He eventually found an old castle that was deserted many years ago. He decided to take shelter in it and wallow in his grief. He lied against a broken wall and looked out at the empty view. He felt like there was nothing to do now but stay here for the rest of his life.
Before he could close his eyes, he heard a hooting sound. He looked all around and saw an owl standing on the edge of a broken window. He sneered at it, “Get away from me, you pesky bird.” He pointed his finger at it and yellow magic shot out of it. The magic hit near the bird, but it wasn’t enough to drive it away. It kept circling around Discord as the latter still shot magic at it. Suddenly, a portion of the ceiling collapsed around Discord. 
He groaned and swore at the bird as it flew away, “We shall meet again, you annoying owl! I’ll see to it! I’ve yet to win at this tangle!” He looked at his finger and said to himself happily, “Well, I least I got some magic left in myself.” He would later learn that the owl would make a great ally.


Some time after Discord tried all of his magic tricks, he learned that he still had all but two abilities: his teleportation and most of his flight. He pitied himself for not being able to find Fluttershy. All of a sudden, he heard a desperate sound. He peeked out the broken wall and saw commotion in a nearby field. He conjured up binoculars and saw through them something that was caught in a net…
He realized what it was the moment he saw it. He floated down the wall and close to the field. However, just a few feet within it, his wings cricked again and he made a rough landing. He groaned as he caressed his wings, “Ugh…I’ve got to stop doing that.” He slithered close to the ground and peeked from behind the tall plants. The owl Discord had met before was trying desperately to get free from the net. A few dogs were barking at it and Discord heard the sounds of a pony nearing towards the trapped owl. 
He knew Fluttershy would want him to save the poor bird, so in her honor, he snapped his fingers and whispered, “Turn into a dragon.” As soon as the stallion emerged from the brush, he was frightened by the phenomenal transformation that was taking place. He and his dogs ran away when the owl had slowly transformed into a baby dragon. Discord face-pawed as he whispered, “Not exactly what I had in mind, but okay.” The dragon looked at itself in fright and asked, “What happened to me?!” Discord came out of the brush and explained, “You were going to become owl casserole, so I saved you.” The dragon scowled, “Does saving me mean turning me into something hideous?!”
Discord retorted, “Would you rather that stallion and his friends eat you?” He snapped his fingers and the dragon immediately ended up on a silver platter with veggies surrounding him and an apple in his mouth. The dragon muffled and then spit the apple out. He reluctantly admitted, “Fine. I see your point there. But why did you turn me into a dragon? Why not a bear, a manticore, or even a pony?”
The draconequus sarcastically remarked, “How about a tiny fly?” He was about to snap his fingers until the dragon cried, “No, no, no! A dragon’s just fine. It makes me fearsome!” He did a growl to show that he was mighty. It wasn’t very intimidating, but Discord mocked, “Oh, no. I’m so scared.” 
The dragon said to him in an apathetic tone, “You don’t believe me, do you?” Discord crossed his arms and shook his head, “Not even for a second.” He had to change the subject to the matter, so he asked, “Do you have a name that I can use?” The dragon answered, “Well, I don’t really have one, but I’ve always wanted to be called ‘Spike’.” Discord looked at him ambivalently, “’Spike’?” Spike nodded, “Yeah, it gives a nice ring to it, don’t you think?” The draconequus was unsure about this, but he gave Spike the satisfaction of the name.
Spike told him, “You saved my life, and I know dragons have a code of honor for that. As a dragon now, I am indebted to you and will serve you for the rest of your days. Or mine, whichever comes first.” Discord thought about this and sought to take advantage of it. He said, “Spike, since you are serving me, I need you to be my wings.” Spike looked at him in confusion until Discord continued, “Due to a sudden incident, I cannot fly far anymore. You, however, will do so for me.” 
The dragon asked him, “Are you going to turn me back into an owl for that?” Discord gave a smile and said, “I want you to fly to King Sombra’s castle. Er, you do know where it is, don’t you?” He conjured up a map and pointed it out. He continued, “It’s right over there by…” Spike pushed aside the map and retorted, “I know where the castle is! Just change me back into an owl so I can fly there!” 
Discord smiled and shrugged, “Have it your way.” He snapped his fingers and Spike became an owl once more. He flew off in the direction of the castle as Discord went back to the deserted one. Little did Spike or Discord realize that they were in for a huge surprise.