//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Going Merry // Story: The Struggle Within // by B_25 //------------------------------//   Blue. No, wait. Maybe it was pink? I don’t know; all the colors look the same to me now.      Wait. I’m a liar, it was green. Green and a little purple.        Who am I again?      You’re name is Spike - Spike the Dragon.      Yeah, that’s right      I look around me, and only just realize I’m floating. But I wouldn’t call it floating… it was more swimming. Except I could breath. But what was I swiming in?      Taking another look, it felt as if I was in a sphere of this green gel. It felt weird, but soothing at the same time. I tried to play with it, but my claws only phased through. I guess some layer wrapped around me, preventing my interaction with the stuff.      *SNAP*      Nice to meet you, I’m Spike: Twilight’s number one assistant.      I try to help out, buuut I end up being more damage than help. So I limited myself to cleaning up after others. Don’t worry though, soon enough, I’ll be a hero you’ll all look up to and want to be.      Well, being a dragon is kinda cool. At first, I thought it would give me the power to be a hero! But, it turns out that doesn’t come to much later, and that power come with a price that makes being a hero impossible. And, since I’m a dragon, other’s look at me weird. It makes me feel different, and I’m not to sure if I like that.      I want to be as much help as I could. But it was no longer to be a hero - just so I can be needed by others. Because if I don’t, I feel as if they won’t want me and forget about me.      I’m starting to feel lonely. There’s a weird voice that talks to me, and it wants me to do things I don’t like. I fight it, but it’s getting louder every day.      I guess I can no longer be the hero. I have some of the power now, but this voice is growing louder every day. The hero doesn’t have bad thoughts about anything, so I guess I’m out.      The voice made me forget about it for some reason. It said something about hertigacy, I think that means family.      Power? Nah, I don’t need it.      Power? Doesn't sound so bad.      Power? Yes please. Anything to be rid of these chains!      Don’t waste the food, for night is to come. I shall do as I please, so shut up before I strike. I need more power, so I shouldn’t resist. I can’t take it in one go, but what the hay? My parents’ were warriors, my adoptive mother a princess, my sister a bookworm, my friends not caring!      What I wouldn’t do, to rule this world?      Won’t you take this power?      Not without reason.      The hero needs power himself to rid the world of evil. Good without power is nothing.      The hero doesn’t take power if it results in evil, for it defies their purpose.      Be a different kind of hero - the one that destroys so that their may be creation.      I don’t quite get what you mean.      City’s want to be built; houses constructed; stadiums to stand tall! But before those creations can come, discretion must make room for them. Don’t you agree?      I guess. None of this makes any sense.       It may never will. All that matters is that your trust me, and I shall make you the hero you always wanted to be.      “Ack!” Spike spout. He felt a tinge of pain, and intisticly used his right arm to cover his belly, as if putting pressure against it would soften the pain.  Spike brought his head up and looked around him.      The black goo started to move, and took on a form similar to water. A current was brewing, as waves started to surface uptop.      Spike couldn’t breath anymore, and choked on the liquid. He brought his left claw to his throat, as if it would assist him.      Trying his best to breath, Spike breath went blurry. He swore he could see the black liqud turning green.      Then, like before, the liquid took  on a voice.      “Ha Ha HA!”      The voice was happy, as if it had won a battle long in the making.      Spike. My friend. In life, you’ll find moments so stressful, so scary, that you cannot draw a breath. Your friends are in trouble, and only you can save them. Draw my power! But when you return home, your adoptive sister banishes you from your home, because you are no longer needed. Take my anger, and create your own story!      Spike! You have potential, but you don’t know where to go - you can’t even escape this very situation on your own!        Spike swallowed to much of the liquid. It felt as if it were harding in his chest, his right claw grasping desperately at his chest. You need a master; someone to tutor you, to show you how to think, and what path you shall take! Become my partner, and I shall make you the dragon you’ve always wanted to become.      Spike didn’t feel anymore pain. His legs felt loose, his arms non-existent. He no longer had to breath - he felt at peace. Before his final moments, Spike saw an odd object approach him.      So, will you join me?      With nothing to lose, Spike grabbed the object, and it shook his claw.      It is a deal! Spike, from now on, we’re going to become the bestest of friends.      *SNAP*      Spike’s eyes shot open, as he drew a long needed breath. He found himself panting, his body feeling as if something were cutting in from the inside. Back to a full conscious, Spike looked to see he was indeed still in the black current.      Why am I able to breath? And where am I? This doesn’t make any sense at all!      The black water found itself transforming. Spike thought it was the sun’s light making it look different, but upon realizing there was no source of light in here, the liquid was actually turning green.      What’s worse, the liquid flowed faster and faster, and soon became a current. A whirlpool began to form, and at it’s core was Spike.      I do not like where this is going      The whirlpool became larger, almost reaching it’s bounds of black matter. I began to wonder what would happen to me, and thought the current would rip me apart.      Something much worse happened.      I felt as something invade my body; as if it were ripping off my scales, and sinking deep into my flesh. I was on fire and this thing was ice. I thought maybe the current was ripping my scales off - but that wasn’t the case.      The whirlpool; the liquid, it was draining into me.      I came to the realization that the liquid was seeping into me. It sunk past my scales, and found itself running along with my blood.      Blood. Maybe because the situation was becoming too much for me to comprehend, but it seemed like there was blood around me.      After this, Spike. We’re truly bros!      I screamed as the more and more of the liquid combined within me, as I consunmed it. At first, it hurt. But after it got into me, I started to enjoy it. Like taking a hot shower, at first, it’s uncomfortable. But once you adjust, it feels nice.     I heard a clicks throughout my body; back; legs; arms and shoulder. I wasn’t stretching, but upon looking at my body, I realized that I was getting bigger. I’m supposed to be scared of becoming bigger, but I don’t remember the reason. And I don’t really care: it feels good.      The black bounds start to close in; I guess the goo held them back. I swear that they're also starting to get whiter, to.      I’ve been out of it, I guess. I hadn’t realize that my body had started spazzing out; it taking too much. I am weak, after all. But, this voice promised me I’d be stronger if I joined with it, so I’ll make myself endure this a little more. It worth it if I’ll get bigger & stronger.      Spike, you know you can’t get gifts anymore! If what happened on your birthday, were to occur again… listen. I just don’t want to lose you again.      Odd. Memories are starting to come back. I kinda remember who I am. I’m a number one assistant of something.      Some of the liquid is turning purple.      You bet it, dragon boy. Had you been any stronger, neither I, the greast flyer in Equestria, with the help of the wonderbolts, would’ve been able to take you down. But, uh. If you ‘ya don’t don’t mind: please don’t do that again.      Okay. Some of it is turning blue.      Sure, it was super scary seeing you that big. But I don’t think that means you don’t deserve to have your existence celebrated. That’s just mean, regardless of whatever reason someone may have.      Some pink. Weird.      I tell ‘ya hun. You’re the first male to tie me by the ropes. But if you try that again, you’re hanging upside down for the day. You hear?      Orange. Pretty.      Of course I was scared! But… I mean, even if it was scary. I knew it was you, so everything would be okay in the end. But please don’t do it again: I almost had a heart attack the last time.      Yellow. Wonderful      Darling, you can’t simply let everyone else say who you are! Monster; more trouble than help. Hate to sound like Rainbow Dash here, but BLAH! Who cares? If I recall correctly, you're the one who saw the error of your own ways, and did everything in your power to redeem yourself. There’s no need to regret the past if you’ve acknowledge what’ve you done, and just move on.      Some of the liquid is turning white - almost as white as a marshmallow. That sounds good right now. When did I become hungry?      Huh. Would you look at that? Turns out your friends have bigger effect on you than I expected.      The liquid was becoming more colorful. And when the new wave hit me, it didn’t hurt as much. In fact it felt pretty good.     This’ll only halt me for so long. It gives me a little more time to think.      The ripples became smaller as the voice talked; it’s voice fading.      But Spike, I think you need to take a lesson from Applejack here. You have some very choice words you’d like to say about your friends, and I reckon they have of things they like to say to you as well. But, whatever happens, try not to get to angry - you don’t want me to come out too soon. Ta-da!      The ripples along the liquid stopped forming, and no longer I heard the voice. The new liquid entering me felt weird, as if it were a formal for something.      Soon, the dome became much smaller, and most of the liquid was depleted into me. The world seemed to brighten up - that is, until I realzied the area around me was becoming white and transparent. And whatever had been supporting me could only support a pegsaus now.      “Uh-oh.” With time to comprehend what happened, or what I was to do, I quickly fell back down to Equestria. I’m falling, and my vision is to blurry to see what’s going on. I feel something hitting my back, and then a crack. Then something else hit my back, and another crack! It hurt, whatever it was, but luckily my scales protecting me from it. The only good thing is that it’s slowing my descent.      And then I hit my head.      I awoke in a land that didn’t recognize. The sky was red, and I could fire not far away. My body ached, and my eyes demanded I close them again. I fought against these feelings, and did my best to stand up.      I realized that was bad idea; my head was still swirling from before. And my vision blurry. Despite so, I tried my best to recognize my surroundings.      The world was spinning, but from what I could tell, there was a great forest behind me. I tried to look up without throwing up, and saw tree’s that almost reached the sky. And they had branches so long you could sleep on them with a blanket and pillow and still have plenty of space!      I had to slap myself to get back into the situation. I was in a dome like tank, where I was submerged in a liquid which a voice spoke from. It’s little blurry after that, but I remember having the liquid drained into me; somehow seeping past my scales and entering my body. Then I’m pretty sure it somehow turned into a cloud, and I fell. That explains why I’m in pain, but doesn’t tell me where the heck I am!      Looking right and left, I see a green landscape that seems to go on forever.      Hey, this kinda reminds me of that one spell Twilight tried to learn. Where you could extend a land for as long as you wanted to. She wanted to learn it to help expand Applejack’s farm. But after we tried it on the stairwell, we found out it wasn’t a good idea, and it also a hard spell to reverse. And since the bathroom is on the top floor, we had to use Sugarcube corner’s restroom for a few weeks! I and Twilight even slept on the main floor of the library of futons. But, even if Twilight didn’t see it the same way, it was a whole lot of fun!      Once again, I slapped myself. Focus Spike. Come on, drake! If you don’t find out where you are, then how are you going to find home? And more importantly, your bed!      My brain agreed with me, as my vision became stable, and the world slowed down. Ahead of me stood a white castle higher than the tree’s of the forest. It’s design, majestic. I think that’s the word. Pillars pierced through stars, and bells loomed up high. Glass window were throughout the place, and the ones in the front were so gigantic it seemed as if they were watching you.      Yet, with all this royal looking stuff, the entrance consist of a few steps, a red carpet, and a door so high no one could reach, and so big no one could close. I tried looking past the door, to see what was inside. But even with my dranic vision, I couldn’t make out anything. There was only thing I could do.      I ran right, into the endless field. You had to be crazy to enter a place like that! It was like agtantist castle they used for things I don’t even want to think of! And I’m not going into the forest either. That place is going to be haunted: I’m telling you. So I kept running right, in hopes of finding something that’ll save me of this place.      I have to thank my dragon linquge for these lungs. Despite not working out (thanks to Twilight saying mental strength is more important than psycle, and that I’ already strong enough), I ran at pretty good paste. I couldn’t see the castle anymore, but the forest followed me by it’s side. I never saw anything in there, but more trees.      I didn’t run for long, until I saw something in the distance.  A smile came about on my face, as I thought it may be a structure with some ponies or someone around it. But as soon as I saw how high it was, I couldn’t stifle the groan that came from within.      Oh come on! It was the same castle as before! I contemplated running left this time, but I gave the thought up as I knew it would only give me the same results as last time. Besides, something was different this time around. One of the doors were close this time, and a wooden sign stood in the middle land between the forest and castle. I approached it.      ‘The dragon that wanted to be a hero, fled to the never ending spiral to avoid his destiny. His cowardice costing him a life, shall he make the same mistake, he shall share his tombstone with several others.’      I took several steps back, as I tried to control my breathing. I hadn’t noticed I stopped breathing when I read… that. What the Tartarus was that? I caught up on my breath, and looked to sky so I didn’t have to look at this land anymore. But the sky plagued me even more, as the sky was no longer red. It almost reminded me of a normal purple night sky back at Ponyville, but the stars were green.      Maybe because of the colors, but the sky reminded me of myself. I gulped back saliva, and looked to the castle while my legs refused to straighten out. I debated about giving the forest a try, but that sign told me two things: I’m not alone and should head into the castle.      Gathering what courage I could have after almost wetting myself; I started my approach to the castle. It was weird. As a kid, I’d imagine I’d have a big coat and sword, and I’d slowly approach the bad guy’s place with my held up high. I thought being a teen, I would be stronger, and no longer a wuss.      I guess I’m not cut out for being a hero. But whatever awaits me in the castle, it seemed only I could face it.      The red carpet felt nice under my feet, the fabric you’d expect loyalty to walk on or wipe their behinds with.      “One. Two. Three. Four,” I said, as I ascended the stairs. Even on the porch, I still couldn’t see past the darkness.      I was going to stop at the stairs, and just delay the inevitable. But my legs straighten out, marching towards the door; bringing me along. I went to enter the castle      *WHOSH!*      The door closed instantly on me.       A door that massive should take minutes to close! And where’s the giant who able to close it?      Sighing. I rolled up my inman airy sleeves up, and stretched my shoulders back until i hear that click. Than, using all my might: I ran into the door and rebounded off.      *THUD!*      Apparently, this carpet has been here for a while because it has dust on it! I jump back up and dust myself off. I nod my head as I study the door. Then, as if the door were a being that wasn’t expecting anything - I gave it my hardest kick.      Nothing moved, except the bone in my left leg. I take a seat, biting my small tongue as I wait for the pain to pass.      I may need to find another way in. Ah, what is up with this place! Where is Equestria?      Wind passed by my face; it felt as if a small tornado was happening in front of me. I looked to see a small whirlwind of black lines.      Weird. Never been wind yet. Not bad, I don’t have to stretch my back anymore.      “You,” I said. “We’ve met before; I know that voice.”      Yeah, yeah. One moment, kid.      The whirlwind started moving in circles. Then in went forward and back, forward & back.      Even as wind, I still feel like I have to crack my back. Oh well.      “Who and what are you? And, what is this place?” I asked.      To answer in the sequence: I don’t have a name and don’t need one. I’m an ancient power that somehow got mixed up with you and whatever power you got going on as well. And I’m as confused as you are about this place. Looks sketchy.     “Are you the same voice from before I awoke here?”      Voice from before? Sorry, but I just got here.      “Ahh, fine. I take it you didn’t put down the sign either?”      Pardon?      “Nevermind. So.” I looked around the area, the moon in the sky haven’t moved. “What to do now.”      It’s a bit late now, but may I get your name?      “Me? I’m Spike - Spike the Dragon.”      Ahh! Dragon. Now this is starting to make a lot of sense.      I raised an eyebrow at the whirlwind. “What’s that supposed to mean!”      Ya dragons all have one thing in common: greed. I guess you want me to give you more power or something like that.“      Not all dragons are alike, dumbo!      “Nah, if I get anymore power, I might get bigger and stronger and go on another rampage.”      But that’s what dragons are supposed to-      “Never mind that. You said you didn’t need a name-      And I still don’t.      “But I need to call you something.”      No name holds enough meaning for me to be called by it.      “I’ll just call you wirl. Since you kinda like a whirlpool expect with wind.      Didn’t you just listen to what I said.      “Doesn’t matter,” I said. I look up to the sight of the castle, seeing no way of me being able to climb up, thanks to all the fences and such.      The only way to leave this place is through this castle. But the only way in are the doors.      I try to stand up again, not putting too much on my left leg. I still elicit a squeal of pain - putting too much weight on it and falling on my rump.      Your left leg. Don’t walk on it; it’s injured.      “Thanks for the news flash,” I joked. Though Whirl approached my left leg. Even though he didn’t have eyes, itl felt like he was examining it.      It’s merely internal bruising, brought about by self-duction from my ducting. I can help you heal it.      “Wha- really?” I said to fast. Could I even trust this thing?      My behaviour with those multi colored… things. The voice that started talking, the liqud which I can still feel inside of me. And this place. I don’t understand anything. I feel like I should sit down and think - like Twilight says I should do more often - but I don’t think that’ll bring me any answers. It may calm me down, but that doesn’t get me anything.      I really don’t have much to lose with Wirl.      Yes. I won’t be the doing the healing; I’m simply unlocking your ability to do so.      “Alright. Do it.” Wirl didn’t give any kind of response. He simply became bigger and and bigger, then approached me.      Do not fear, or else things will go wrong. Keep calm, and I shall unlock who you are!      Wirl came closer, my claw feet in his wind. Within seconds, he had engulfed my entire body in his wind.      It was a little cold in the whirlwind, and it always felt like something was going to get in my eyes.  I had trouble breathing as well, so I took smaller breaths. As I did so, the current became smaller and smaller. I’m not going to lie, it felt scary. But I did my best and kept calm.      Oh-oh! Now this makes a whole lot of sense. Excuse my intrusion, but I’m a curious fellow.      It felt like I put on a headband… or something like that; my head feeling slightly squeezed.      What a bizarre being you are. A dragon - naturally a greedy and selfish being, being raised by a group of ponies! Ha, I thought those furballs would go extinct by now! Even with their magic, most species still rule over them.      Ew.It’s hard to explain, but it feels like something tickling my brain. And I’m to scared to move.      Keep it still, Spike the Dragon; son to… Oh my. Not only are you the adoptive son of Princess Celestia - the one who help placed this curse of wind on me, mind you - and the furious dragon knight and warrior; one of the few intecol dragons who had mastered the art of fighting. Despite how powerful I used to be, I still acdongled those two when they walked the land.      Everything went white. I thought maybe it was the wind, but it would’ve kept moving.      Did I go blind!      No, you didn’t go blind. I just kinda tripped over the wire responsible for your vision.      Be more careful up there!      I will... here.      I blinked a few times, and the white tore away to the winds.      Much better.       ‘Ya know, Spike. I come to understand this situation we’re in a bit better. And I’m not sure what’s led you to this part of your mind. But whatever it is, don’t trust it. I’m going to tell you a few things, and don’t let them go to your head.      O-Okay.      Spike, you come from a great linque of dragons; belonging to a family which understood the world and were able to handle their greed. Only few dragon families have accomplished such a feat. And then, you were raised by ponies.      Not only is compassion in your bloodline, but you were taught it and shown it by ponies. Even though you're far stronger than them- No. Wait. What is this?      No. Why did you stop? No one, not even the Princess, has ever told me anything about me parents. What happened to-      Shh! Quiet. Something isn’t right about you; I need a moment.      I gulped. Even though I had already studied my breathing, hearing anything about my parents or who I am caused me to let it go awry. I placed my left claw on my face, as I tried to think.      How did Wirl find out so much about me, and found more about me than I did by going through my mind. My, my parents. Someone, he knows. Is this all a dream, one I’m creating? Or will I actually learn who I am?      No one tells you who you are. If you don’t know for yourself, then you have some exploring to do. But I think someone has some explaining to do for you.      Why. What’s wrong? Do I even want to know.      When you said you were a dragon, I took it as a joke. There is no dragon around the same age as you that is weaker than you. You’re small and weak. But that seems to be the plan to one.      What do you mean by that?!      Hey! Don’t use those fancy exclamation marks in here.      S-Sorry.      Anyway. It’s seems that someone withheld your powers from you for a long time. You have something that far exceeds your greed, so I understand why others would be scared. Heck, it’s make more sense to kill you on the spot.      I froze up. Suddenly becoming scared that this thing was inside of me.      Settle down. I stopped caring what happens to this world a long time ago. If you wanna become king of the dragons, and destroy everything. That’s cool, I’ll just continue flowing in the air.      I wouldn’t dream of doing such a thing!      That’s a lie.      He’s really deep in there than, I thought. I closed my eyes; unable to stop the frown that came to my lips.      Your right. But I would never purposely become a monster; I’ve done it before, and it’s not an experience I like.      ‘Purposely,’ nice use of that word. I can see you don’t want to become the next tyrant, but what you want to happen and will happen seem to be different things for you. But that topic bores me, so I’ll get to unlocking your power.      Wait. Can you unlocking only a portion of it?      My plan from the start. You wouldn’t be able to handle it all at once. You’d either die or go insane. Mind you, by me doing this, it also helps speed the progress you're so scared of.        That’s fine. I only have one way out of this place anyway. But it won’t speed it up to much, will it? No. But it does start the clock.      It felt as if something pierced through my shoulder. I groaned for a moment, as this pain spread throughout my body.      Remember, Spike. You are not like any other dragon; any other being. You may redeem it, but cherish it. You are a mix of two.      Spike, the one thing you have that no other dragon has, is compassion. Value it. It may bring you a strength no other dragon has witness.      I dropped to my knees; panting now. The wind around me begins to slow. I look up to see Whirlwind fly to the sky. Leaving me. The pain’s gone too.      I’m sure we’ll meet again, Spike!      I watched, as the wind flowed into the forest. There’s was still a lot I didn’t understand, and I didn’t want to go into the castle by myself. Speaking of which, I turned to the wooden doors. I placed my claw against it, and without even meaning to, I opened the doors.      I looked in puzzlement at my claw. Just how much strength did Wirl give me? I cast away the thought; returning my claw to my side. I looked into the darkness with little fear.      And then I took a step into the darkness, and the doors closed behind me. My only source of light cut off.            In the forest of neverending. The wind had a voice; one that has been around since the forest first grew.      I assist the drake the best I could. I guess that repents for some my sins, eh. Celestia?      Weak leaves were plucked from the trees by the wind, and sailed along with it.      If I keep an eye on this drake, I should see you soon. But, I know someone else is doing the same in here.