> The Completely Normal Pet of Spike the Dragon
>  by DauntedSuperior
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Scruffy, the Black Cat
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was a bright and sunny day in the town of Ponyville. Many a pony were outside, enjoying the warm weather and loving the pleasant day. Birds were chirping, ponies in the market were haggling the prices, and somewhere I could only hope Angel Bunny was getting stomped on.

With a soft sigh of hope and thoughts of bunny abuse, I leapt down from the window sill and landed softly on the floor. With complete silence I moved my small black form through one of the many hallways in the recently grown castle. My mission was simple, it was lunch time and Spike usually freaks out if I’m not where he left me in his room.

Truly the small dragon was a bit annoying at times, but he is a very good caretaker. Something he told me, in confidence, was because Twilight would often times need to be taken care of when she got too involved in her work. Such a thing was becoming more and more common as she was introduced to... politics. Though her new staff was helping a lot.

A shiver went through my black fur as I even thought the word. I ignored my own inner musings for now as I rounded a corner and saw my target. As I approached Spike’s room though I did notice something that threw a wrench in my plans, the door was closed.

Confused, I walked up beside the door and tilted my head to the side while giving it a small push with my paw. It stayed shut and I looked up to see the doorknob way out of my reach. It truly was one of the most hopeless situations I had been in... that I could remember.

Either Spike was in the room looking around for me frantically, Twilight had been in, or is in there looking for Spike, or somepony had actually broken in for Spike’s comic book collection.

If it was the first, I was in trouble. The second, Spike was in trouble. If it was the last, I would willingly eat generic brand cat food from a can because I didn’t believe it for a second. So, I did what I always did when in a situation such as this, I did what came naturally.

I pawed the door, barely making any noise before I let out a loud meow. Nothing responded for a few seconds before the door began to slowly open to a completely dark room. Red flags number one and two went up in my mind.

I slowly began to walk into the room only for the door to slam shut behind me and a net was suddenly thrown over me. I started to panic and began thrashing in my restraints before the true assault began.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Dragon Catchers! Yay!” I stopped as my small ears flattened themselves against my skull. I could feel a headache coming on and I wasn’t even sure if I could get one as a cat.

“Uh, Scoots, I don’t think we got Spike.” one of the attackers stated with a southern accent.

“What? Then who did we catch?” another voice I assumed to be ‘Scoots’ asked as light flooded my vision.

There was a large gasp to my right, “Oh no!” my ears were assaulted once again by a squeaky third voice, “We caught a little kitty!”

“Explains that meow we heard.” the southern one said before she grabbed the edge of the net with her teeth.

As I felt the net get lifted off of me I took off like a bullet across the room and hid under the bed. Spike would be here soon and he could fight off these three terrors... or at least run and get help.

“Aw, we scared him.” the third voice had thankfully turned down the weapon’s grade squeaky-ness. I heard hooves making contact with the hard floor before three faces looked under the bed.

I pushed my back against the corner where the bed and the wall met, “It’s okay little kitty," the squeaky one said holding out her hoof, trying to wave me over, "We’re sorry.” the three of them were just little fillies, but I wasn’t taking any chances.

“Apple Bloom why did you drop the net on it?” the orange one and second voice owner asked.

“I though’ it was Spike. ‘Sides, you’re the one who gave the signal.” the yellow one with the southern voice.

“Girls!” oh my poor ears, so squeaky, “You’re scaring her.” the fact she got my gender wrong was something I had gotten used to recently. For some reason everypony who saw me thought I was a girl, after a while I got used to it.

The orange one looked at me then got that look in her eyes. That look that just said ‘I’ve got a stupid plan’, “Girls I’ve got a plan.” she backed away from the bed and walked towards the door.

“Ya gonna let us in on it?” the southern one, Apple Bloom I think, asked as she got up to follow.

Sweetie, the white one, looked to her friends then back at me, “We’ll be right back kitty.”

‘Don't worry, I'll be hiding somewhere better by then.’ I thought to myself as I moved towards the edge of my safe haven. I poked my head out and saw them all huddled together and not looking towards me at all. Now was my chance.

They all had their backs to me as I moved from the bed and slowly began my journey to safety. With the closet door shut I had to improvise and try to reach the bathroom and it’s open door. I passed behind a small nightstand that was beside the bed and slowly looked back to the fillies.

They were all seeming to discuss something before the door to the room opened and my savior walked in. Spike walked into the room holding a small bowl of food, “Okay Scruffy I got-” Spike stopped talking as he saw the Crusaders, “... What are you doing in my room?”

The three of them were quiet as they looked at Spike, “... What are you doing in your room?” Scoots asked as they continued the stare off.

“I live here.” Spike answered a bit confused. His eyes suddenly widened and he hid the bowl behind his back. I slapped my paw to my forehead as he tried to hide my food bowl from them.

“Wha’s ya got behind your back?” Apple Bloom asked, “An who’s Scruffy?”

The stare off between them continued and I decided that the whole thing was Spike’s problem. I only thought about my food as I came out from behind the nightstand at let out a large meow. All eyes turned to me as Spike began waving his free hand to try and get me to hide again.

Instead I moved further out from hiding with a smile. I loved messing with Spike like this.

The little dragon let out a sigh, “That, is Scruffy.” he walked passed the three crusaders and towards me. The small bowl of food was placed in front of me and I happily began to eat.

“Her name is Scruffy?” Sweetie asked as I munched happily on the hard food.

“His.” Spike corrected, “His name is Scruffy, and you can’t tell anypony about him!”

“Oh...” Sweetie said looking back at me while I ate. I knew this because I kept a close eye on them. I was okay with being picked up by Spike, but hooves were not like dragon’s surprisingly soft and trimmed claws.

“Why?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Twilight doesn’t think I’m old enough for my own pet. She’ll make me get rid of him.” Spike got down on his knees, “Please don’t tell anypony!”

From my spot on the floor I watched Scoots look to Apple Bloom and nod before looking at Sweetie and doing the same, “Alright.” she looked to Spike, “We’ll keep quiet about this.”

“If you let us play with him!” Sweetie quickly said with a large smile on her face.

Spike scratched the back of his head as he got up and looked to me, “Scruffy really only likes me, I think.” ‘Darn right, forget hooves they suck.’ “Plus he’s really lazy.” I wanted to glare at him for saying that, but instead I just took another bite of the dry food.

They all looked really sad as they lowered to the floor slightly and looked at Spike with big eyes and their lips pouting slightly. I used the same trick with Spike anytime he was eating something in his room. I was doomed.

“I guess you can pet him while I hold him, but be gentle.” Spike said as he walked over to me. I trusted the little dragon, I did not trust the three little fillies, but I didn’t shy away when he picked me up and held me to his chest.

Being a dragon, Spike was naturally warm and I let out a happy purr as I felt his claws scratch behind my ears. I could try with all my might, but anytime I was scratched behind the ears, I was happy.

“Ah call first.” Apple Bloom suddenly said. The resulting war between the three was lost to me as I began to fall asleep in the dragon’s claws. My last thoughts as I tried to stay awake were on how peaceful this life was. Being the pet of an assistant to royalty of a peaceful nation, my life was sure to be calm for once.

... Right?
> Over Reacting!?... Maybe
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Sleep, it truly is one of the best things ever, of all time. So many of my past lives couldn’t ever get a wink of sleep for some reason or another. Once again, absolute crap memory.

As I began to wake up though, I noticed the distinct lack of the warm dragon I usually woke up next to. That could only mean it was still early and Spike hadn’t gone to bed yet, but the room was dark meaning it was night outside. It was weird how the time of day affected the lighting in the whole castle.

Before I could think of what to do the door to the room opened and I immediately panicked. The thoughts of yesterday were still at the back of my mind. The edge of the bed was too far away, so I jumped back and slid under the covers as I heard the door shut.

“Scruffy, I’m back.” Spike’s voice calmed me as I poked my head out from under the covers and looked at him. He saw me on the bed and stopped, “Daww.”

‘I’m getting better at  making them do that.’ I thought to myself as I slowly moved out of the covers and towards the bedside.

While I descended from the bed to eat some of the food in my bowl, I noticed Spike was holding something behind his back, “Since you were good today and let the crusaders pet you-” ‘I did what?’ “-I went to Barnyard Bargains and got you a little something.”

At that moment, I couldn’t care what he got me. I had only gotten a few bites of my food earlier today and I was hungry. Just after a bite out of the small bowl of cat food, my entire world came to a stop.

*squeak-squeak*

Immediately my eyes were glued to the toy in Spikes hand and my tail slowly moved from side to side behind me. Not in any of my memories had I ever wanted to attack something so much, but the small mouse toy in Spike’s claws had my complete and undivided attention.

The food was completely forgotten about, as Spike moved the toy side to side. My head moved to keep track of it as Spike watched with a smile on his face, “I knew you’d like it. It only cost me three bits too.”

*squeak-squeak*

All thoughts of how much of a rip off that was were forced out of my head as he squeaked the toy again. This was almost as bad as the time he gave me a piece of string to play with. It was embarrassing when he came back later to find me tangled up in it, but on the plus side, I won that war in the end.

Spike began to walk towards the bed and I quickly ran in front of him and jumped up on the bed as he turned to sit down. The dragon looked back at where I had been, “Scruffy?” he looked from side to side, not seeing me as I stalked around his back to the claw that held my prey.

*squeak squeak*

‘It's mocking me.’ the stray thought almost made me throw caution to the wind, but I decided to go a different way. Spike, who was looking around the room for me, didn’t notice as I sat down right beside him. I put my paw on his leg and he looked down at me.

I looked up to the dragon with big eyes and gave the cutest, littlest meow I could. Thanks to my kitten nature, it was beyond weapon’s grade cuteness, something I hadn’t known was possible until this life.

Spike looked at me and a smile appeared on his face, “Daww... alright, here you go.” the toy was tossed into the middle of the room. I was on it the next second.

The minutes that followed were filled with the squeaking of the toy, my cries for victory, and violence. Lots and lots of violence. After around ten minutes though, I admitted defeat. The toy had too much stamina and I, after just waking up too, was tired.

I walked over to the bed to see Spike just staring at the ceiling, ‘Crap.’ I jumped up onto the bed and then onto his stomach. Looking down at me, Spike watched as I curled into a ball and started to purr. He took it as a sign to start petting me and I didn’t complain.

Now if only he could not vent while he did this it would be perfect, “Today sucked.” seemed that wasn’t going to happen though, “Twilight had literally nothing for me to do. The new staff that Celestia sent is too good. Almost everything that I used to do is being done by a professional now. I’m not complaining about the free time, but I liked working, keeping busy. It just feels like I don’t got a place here anymore, you know?” I purred a bit more as he scratched behind my ears.

“Then there’s that personal assistant that came with the rest, Sleek.” my fur bristled at the name, “Oh I hate her.” ‘Me too, she sets off all kinds of different alarms in my head.’ “Anytime it seems I can spend with Twilight, she comes in and talks about some thing that’s come up that needs Twilight’s attention. I just wanna help...”

Being curled up I wasn’t able to see his face, but I felt his fist hit the bed, “No.” he picked me up and moved me aside, “I’m not going to just mope about this. I’m going to go talk to Twilight. Knowing her she just hasn’t noticed she’s ignoring me.” he moved towards the door, “I’ll be back in a little bit Scruffy.”

I gave a small meow as if to say goodbye as the drake went out the door. That's when a cold realization hit as I saw the door didn’t fully shut. Gears began turning in my head as I heard the little dragon’s feet move down the hall.

Small fragments of memories when I was on quests in other lives began to come to mind. From the broken fragments I remembered it’s never a good thing to confront something on your own. Especially in the middle of the night when a shady character like Sleek was nearby.

Before I knew it I was peaking out the door and watching Spike turn the corner at the end of the hallway, ‘Should've known I couldn't have a peaceful life... or maybe I'm just over reacting?’

My paws were silent on the small strip of carpet in the middle of the hallway as I bounded after Spike. Battle plans began to form in my head. Aiming for the neck would only be used if he was in serious trouble. I couldn’t jump on any attackers or else he won’t be able to use his fire on them.

That left me being the distraction or just swiping at their legs... this sucked.

I turned the corner Spike had went passed and saw him opening the door at the end of the corridor, ‘You gotta be freaking kidding me.’ like a kitty rocket I took off towards the door.

Spike thankfully didn’t notice when I jumped through the open door just before he shut it. Even though I lost a few hairs on my tail, I stayed quiet and followed the dragon much more closely.

We passed through a room that had seven chairs all in a circle, but I didn’t get time to admire them as we passed through. Two life-like pony statues stood on the other side of the next set of doors we went through.

I stopped to look at them for a second as Spike continued on. They were painted really well too, if it wasn’t for the fact I couldn’t see them breathing I would have thought they were real. They were both grey and had on dark purple armor making them-

The one I was looking at looked at me. I was too scared to move as the stallion smiled and patted me on the head with his hoof. He then went back to looking straight ahead and looking like a statue. I looked back to see Spike had gotten a good distance away from me and almost to the end of the hallway, so I left the apparent guard alone.

As I thought of how they were able to breath without showing it I heard a very bad sound. The sound of a door shutting. With a quick glance ahead, I saw no Spike, but a shut door instead. I hadn't noticed he was that close to the door.

My curiosity might of just killed Spike if he was ambushed by some enemy like I thought that he would be. The irony of the old saying was not lost on me, but as I stared at the door I didn't care.

“Need help little kitty?” a voice behind me asked. Turning I saw the same guard from before open the door for me and smile, “There you go.”

I looked up at the nice stallion and didn’t even care that they had a mare’s voice. After a small meow of thanks I took off through the door with the sound of his/her ‘daww’ behind me. My mind was focused on saving a baby dragon and I was the only kitten for the job.

‘...I wonder if they make sunglasses in my size?’
> I'm Not Saying She's Evil, but She is Evil
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As I looked around the sparkling and pristine room I found myself in I had to finally concede a cold hard truth. I was lost.

The search for the young dragon had been going great at first. Thanks to the seemingly abundant staff on this side of the crystal tree, I was able to continue my search even after I had lost all trace of Spike...

Some friend I am. Spike goes off to face down a potential ambush and I get lost on the way there. The room I had found myself in was the one upside to all of this, the kitchen.

... What? I was still hungry. I’m a kitty that can’t save anyone on an empty stomach.

The first thing I noticed in the overly clean room was the chef. He was a large, brown stallion, fat wise not muscle, was wearing a red apron, and he had on the classic white chef’s hat. The type that went straight up from where it was on their head and had a poofy top. I don’t know why, but I wanted that hat.

As I watched him slide some diced up vegetables into a big pot of soup, the aroma was making me move towards it. With the corner I was hiding in behind me the rest of the room was now within my line of sight.

Honestly, it looked like your basic kitchen. A countertop went all along the back wall, built into the left side was a modern looking oven. On top of that the chef was preparing two large pots of soup.

I didn’t get the chance to look at the rest of the counter as I moved on towards the chef, but I’m sure it was packed with cooking tools. As I got next to his left side, all the safeties for my kitten cuteness were turned off. This could very well kill him from daww overload, but I was getting something to eat, no matter the cost.

My eyes were as big as I could get them and locked on the stallion still preparing the meal. With my tail wrapped around my paws, the tiniest, cutest meow I could muster came out of my mouth, catching the brown stallion’s attention. Then he looked down at me, and his face soften.

‘Got ya now.’

“Why, hello there little kitty.” the chef’s voice was smooth like a classic soul singer’s, “Would you like to try some of my award winning vegan chili?”

‘I don't think that will kill me, sure.’ I gave a small meow, making the stallion smile. He turned back to one of the large pots and used a ladle to get me some on a small bowl.

Both that bowl and one filled with water were place in front of me, “Here ya go kitty. You stay out of trouble now.” he walked around the room and I heard the wheels of a trolley.

At that moment though, I really didn’t care, the chili was... words can’t describe, but I’ll try. It was like a full orchestra of flavors all playing for the party that had started anew with each mouthful of the chili. Add a little meat and it would of been perfection. In short, it was freaking awesome.

It was so awesome, in fact, that I didn’t even hear or notice the chef put one of the pots on the trolley, “You enjoy that now, I gotta go serve Princess Twilight and little Spike theirs then I’ll be back.”

Sadly, I heard that. I looked at the bowl of chili that was already half gone, then at the leaving stallion... ‘I completely forgot about Spike, crap.’

I took off towards the door, then went back, got one last mouthful, and finally took off after the stallion. Once again, like the amazing Indiana Jones, I was able to slip through the door seconds before it closed shut...

‘Note: Need sunglasses and Indiana Jones hat. Kitten sized.’

So as not to get lost or distracted, I hopped onto the trolley’s lower section that was filled with bowls and silverware. Never before had I been more thankful for the grooming Spike did to my fur. Hair would be everywhere if he hadn’t.

We passed through two doors, the first the chef had to stop, open the door, then pull the trolley through before closing it. Thankfully the second was opened by two of the guards and I was greeted with a relieving sight. Spike was sitting next to Twilight with a smile.

‘Guess I was over reacting.’

Then I saw her. I couldn’t believe I didn’t notice the chill in the room earlier, but there she was. On the other side of Spike and sitting on Twilight's right, was Sleek. An involuntary chill went through me.

She was a slightly blueish grey unicorn, had faded red hair tied up in a bun, but her eyes were what set off alarms. They were a vibrant lime green and were a great contrast to her darker color scheme... Oh and the fact she’s evil.

I know my animal instincts, I follow them a lot and it gets me free stuff. Right now, they were telling me to get as far away from this mare as possible. To be honest, that was looking like the better and better option as the trolley moved closer.

“We’ll find something for you to help with Spike, don’t worry.” Twilight said to a happy Spike as they all turned to the chef.

As we got next to the table, the chef gave a small bow to Twilight, “Hello there youngins.”

“Hey Chef.” both Twilight and Spike said.

‘His actual name is Chef?’

Twilight happily asked, “What’s on the menu today?”

“Well Princess, I got a large batch of my award winning vegan chili.” Chef stated as he hoofed an empty bowl to Spike. The young dragon passed it to Twilight and she offered it to Sleek.

“I’m not hungry. I do believe I will be taking my leave now, if that is alright Princess.” the evil mare said politely... ‘You keep up your act, me and Spike know the truth.’

“Go right ahead Sleek.” Twilight said with a smile, “Really though, just call me Twilight.”

She smiled her evil smile before bowing and walking out of the room. As soon as she closed the door behind her Spike spoke up, “She gives me the creeps.” he then accepted another bowl from Chef.

“Really? She seems just fine to me.” Twilight said as Chef moved the trolley and filler her bowl full of chili.

“Every time I see her I get a cold chill. She just seems creepy to me.” Spike said as Chef filled his bowl.

“Ah, I’ve had a few of those in my life.” Chef spoke up as I jumped off the trolley and moved under the low table, “Don’t know what it is, but just a look will give you the heebie jeebies.”

“Yeah, how do you stop it?” Spike asked. I meanwhile sat and waited for Spike to notice me by his feat.

“Spend some time with ‘em. There ain’t a lot that some personal time together can’t fix.” Chef said, causing Spike to slump in his seat, “You want me to leave this here Princess?”

“Oh, no that’s fine. Don’t you have to feed the other staff too?” she asked as I heard two clinks of silverware against bowls as I’m sure Spike and Twilight tried the food.

“I’ve still got another batch on the oven in the kitchen.” there was a moment of silence before Chef spoke up, “I’ll ask again, do you want me to leave it here.”

“Yes please.” both of them said at the same time. I could hardly fault them for being greedy, that stuff was good.

Chef just laughed as I saw the trolley move to the side before stopping, “I’ll get it.” Twilight said before I heard a thump on the table above me.

“Thank ya Princess, have a good night now.” Chef said as he left.

“You can really just call me Twilight.” she called after him.

“I know Princess, and if you ever need something to do Spike, I could always use a helpin hoof in the kitchen.” I heard the door close behind him.

After he left I heard the whirlwind of silverware above me. From what I could guess as I saw the occasional drop of chili fall to the floor, they had forgone all manners and dug into the food. Once again, I couldn’t say anything about it as I greedily licked up any bits of chili that fell to the floor.

After about five, maybe ten minutes of this, I was completely full and tired. Slowly I put my front paws on Spike’s leg that was dangling off the stool he was using. He froze and looked down at me, mouthful of chili.

He gave a large gulp before he looked to Twilight then back to me. From what little I could gather from Twilight, since I had only seen her a handful of times in the past few weeks, she wouldn't care. So I got a dastardly plan in my head.

With wide eyes, Spike watched as I gave a cute yet loud meow and I’m sure I got Twilight’s attention. Hopefully I’ll be able to get out of the castle if Twilight knew about me... at least that was my reasoning.

“What was that?” Twilight asked.

I watched as Spike put on the fakest smile ever, “What was what? I didn’t hear anything.”

This situation need to be wrapped up before I fell asleep on the floor. So I walked over to Twilight, with Spike mentally yelling at me I’m sure and put my front two against her front leg. She looked down into my eyes and I tried to give a cute meow to win her over.

Instead I yawned, but it seemed to work as her face got the ‘daww’ look, “Ah, he’s so cute.” and she guessed I was a guy, I was liking her already.

“That’s...” Spike let out a sigh, “That’s Scruffy.”

“So this is the little secret you asked for a room on the other side of the castle for?” she said as she used her hoof to cradle me to her chest.

“Yes... please don’t make me get rid of him!” Spike said suddenly. If I had the energy to smack my face with my paw, it would be done. It was obvious that she would never do that to such a cute kitty. Sadly I was drifting off to sleep.

“So I really did waste my talk about the birds and the bees.” and just like that I was fully attentive again.

‘I missed that! Stupid short attention span.’

“Yes, and we don’t need to bring that up again, ever.” Spike said as he looked at me looking at him.

Twilight laughed as she levitated me over to Spike, “Are you sure you can take care of him?”

“Hey, I have been since we got this castle.” Spike said proudly.

Twilight was quiet for a few seconds, to antagonize Spike I’m sure, before she nodded her head with a smile, “Alright, you can keep him. After my meeting with Mayor Mare we can take him to get his shots.”

My eyes went wide as I tried to get out of Spikes claws, ‘Not again, I'd sooner die than go back there!’

“Easy, easy. I already got him his you-know-whats, he didn’t like it one bit.” Spike said as I calmed down in his claws, “It was weird too, Fluttershy's Stare didn’t work on him.”

‘If I never see that yellow demon, or her bunny henchmen again, I'll die happily... Scratch that, the bunny has to go first for me to go happily.’ I thought as Spike scratched behind my ears.

“Wow, what did Fluttershy do then?” Twilight’s voice faded as sleep finally caught up to me.
> A Quest Line... Just Perfect
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	‘Ah, that's the spot.’ there were worse ways to being woken up than being scratched behind the ears. I know I wasn’t complaining.

Looking up from my snug prison of covers, I saw Spike staring down at me with a smile on his face. That, in turn, made me smile. Don’t know why, but seeing him happy made me happy.

The dragon then got out of bed and stretched his arms on the way to the bathroom, as per the usual routine. My morning routine comprised of me stretching the cat way before hitting the magical litter box in the bathroom.

Compared to any other litter box I’d seen, that thing was awesome. Bathroom time though is something I don’t talk about in full detail.

The entire morning routine is pretty boring to be honest. Well, besides the grooming Spike does to my fur, that’s amazing. It was just your usual morning... until they arrived.

It had been such a simple day too. Spike had left a few moments prior to help Chef with breakfast and he promised I would get to see the town today too. Then the yellow demon and her bunny sidekick walked through the door.

“Scruffy...” she said in her sweet voice. If it wasn’t for the fact that one look into her eyes would scare even the most hardened of soldiers, she could be called a friend.

One look into her eyes though, as she spotted me on the floor with the toy mouse, told me to hide. Instead, I did what she least expected and ran right at her then straight in between her legs and out the door.

“Oh no-no-no-no, please come back.” even when yelling her voice only got above a whisper. If not for the memory of her eyes, I would of called it a bit cute.

By the rules of the chase, she would never expect me to be back in the room we started in. As I rounded the corner at the end of the hall, I hugged the wall next to me tightly.

Sure enough, Fluttershy came around the corner a moment later and I... ran right into Angel. Somehow I had forgotten about the bunny in my attempt to escape Fluttershy.

He picked himself up off the ground and I shook my head to clear it. After a second we both stared at each other with a burning intensity, “She’s here to give you a check up. Get it over with now so we can leave, or else.”

Oh how I hated this bunny, but he did just give me a challenge. One I wholeheartedly accepted. Objective, stay away from the two of them for the rest of the day.

With a grin I took off down the hall running past the door to Spikes room. I only had the one hallway to run in till somepony opened the door, but I would go down fighting... or running in this case.

“Oh no Scruffy, please come back.” Fluttershy pleaded as I rounded the corner at the end of the hallway. What I saw plastered a large smile on my face.

As easily as only a cat could pull off, I shot in between the guards legs as he opened the door. I heard a large clatter behind me that made me turn, and I laughed at the sight. Fluttershy had collided with the guard and both were on the ground slightly dazed.

My victory was short lived however when I felt something tackle me from the side, “I'm going to enjoy this!” from his sitting position on my chest, Angel started hitting me with his tiny white paws.

‘You know not of what you have started, little bunny.’ I thought as he punched. Not gonna lie though, he could throw a punch. I put up my fore-paws so he couldn’t hit my face while I curled my body up.

In his rage he had forgotten about my hind legs, both of which were now on either side of his neck. With a kick backwards the bunny went flying through the air and into the wall. The bunny seemed dazed and I was about to capitalize on his momentary weakness to pounce.

“Angel, Scruffy.” Fluttershy’s voice was stern and both Angel and I turned to see... it.

Fluttershy’s infamous stare. Looking into her eyes when they were like this was like signing away your free will, and knowing it. It was like a focused amount of sheer will power was forced upon you, forcing you to abide by her will, or else.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Angel become zombie-like and continue looking at the pegasus. He had my sympathy for having to live with her, but I need to escape, now.

Slowly the pegasus was walking closer, giving us a lecture on why fighting was bad. Though I ignored every word of it. I was using every ounce of my being to look away from her eyes, using the guard behind her as a focus. The stallion just seemed confused at what was going on.

With her hold on me broken I was on my paws and moving again. Running as fast as I could and ignoring the small amounts of pain from Angel’s punches and Fluttershy’s calls for me to stop. My luck seemed to hold out though as I ran through corridor after corridor, just as somepony was moving through the door.

‘I guess black cats are lucky, or it was all the rabbit paws I was just being hit with... eh, not questioning it.’ the third straight door I had gotten through closed behind me. Looking around I realized something, I was completely lost... again.

So with nothing to do I began to look around the room I had found my self in. It was obviously the castle library. Books, books, and more books could be seen with the occasional low table for one or more of the ponies to read at.

My surprise though were the three little figures that were in said library. The little fillies that called themselves the Cutie Mark Crusaders were all sitting and reading... it was weird. Almost like I had just entered the Twilight Zone.

I played the theme in my head before I spotted a sign on one of the doorways, ‘Twilight’s area, please keep out.’ ‘Ha!’ with a smile on my muzzle I looked away from the door to-

A hoof connected with my head and made it’s way down my spine, “Hi there Scruffy.” I would recognize the squeaky voice of Sweetie anywhere, “Who’s a good kitty? Who’s a good kitty?”

‘As long as that hoof don't crush me.’

“Sweetie come on! We need one more thing to finish up this month’s list of possible cutie marks.” Scoots said while waving a book in the air.

“Ya, an I gotta get back before Applejack finds out I didn’t finish my chores.” Apple Bloom said as I felt a hoof go under me.

The little unicorn then picked me up and held me to her chest. It was a bit too tight, but scratching the little filly didn’t even enter my mind, “Look who I found!” she said happily before putting me down on the table.

Naturally I looked at both of them before looking back up at Sweetie and meowing loudly. My cuteness attack worked and I heard all three of them ‘daww’ at my display. With the three for one attack’s success my ego was practically soaring.

Scoots looked back at the page of the book she had open and got that look, the one everypony gets when they have a stupid plan, “Girls, I’ve got our last idea, and we can try it today.”

“I gotta go home an finish ma chores first, but let’s hear it.” the southern accented earth pony closed her book and walked over to Scoots.

Sweetie trotted over to her other side and I made my way across the table to look at the book. What I saw immediately told me the idea was dangerously stupid. This was confirmed when they all got a big grin on their faces.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders, Ghost Hunters! Yay!” my ears! Oh why!

“Alright girls, I’ll go ask around for...” Scoots looked back at the book, “A voice recorder and some night vision stuff. I think Pinkie will help us out.”

“Where are we going to find ghosts though?” Sweetie asked as she started petting me with her hoof.

“That old castle in the Everfree.” I wanted to face paw so badly as Scoots continued, “You," she pointed a hoof to Apple Bloom, "Go ask Applejack to help Rarity watch us while we're ghost hunting." she then pointed her hoof to Sweetie, "You do the same thing with Rarity. Make sure when you ask them that they think the other is going." she finished.

'Okay, so they had some brains after all.'

“Ya gonna ask Rainbow Dash?” Apple Bloom asked as she looked over the book.

“Of course!”

“Think that Spike will want to come?” Sweetie asked earning a confused look from the other crusaders. I could practically see the sweat beads form on her head, “So we can take Scruffy of course.” she said quickly with a wide smile.

‘Ha, you're not fooling-wait what!? I didn't agree to anything!’ the others paid me no mind though as they all looked happy with Sweetie’s answer.

“So, we ask Twilight b’fore our sisters and Scoots gets th’ stuff from Pinkie.” Apple Bloom looked to the others, “Crusaders, we have our crusade.”

They all nodded before taking off out of the library to complete their objectives, completely forgetting me... ‘Wait, objectives? Oh dang it, I'm part of a quest line!’ I thought as I watched them shut the door behind them. Then I waited...

...

...

Sweetie opened the door again and I gave her the biggest deadpan look and meow I could, “Sorry Scruffy, here hop on.” no coaxing was needed. I jumped onto her back and settled in. It surprisingly wasn’t that shaky as she walked back out the door, "You're so much better than Opal."

I didn't even register what she said till later as my thoughts were on what was going to happen at the castle, ‘I’m either going to have to save them somehow, I'm going to get saved when one of them does something stupid, or everything will go smoothly and I'm over reacting... if only I could believe that last one.’
> Caught Between a 'Demon' and 'Pure Evil'
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Constantly nodding off became a problem as we moved through the castle. I’m pretty sure Sweetie was being careful as she walked, but I had no idea. Thanks to my nodding off though, time past by pretty fast.

Before I knew it we were in the kitchens and the girls were looking up to Chef who was looking at them happily, “Hello there children.”

“Hey Chef.” they all said together, ‘Does everypony know Chef?’

“We was wondrin if you’d seen Spike or Twilight?” Apple Bloom asked while he turned back to the oven top.

I watched as Chef shook his head while he poured some spices into a small pot, “Spike just left to go get that little kitty on your back and I think the Princess is still at the Town Hall for her meeting with Mayor Mare.”

“Okay, new plan. If we don’t see Spike on our way out then we’ll have to take Scruffy with us.” Scoots said with a firm nod, ‘... Am I being kitty-napped?’

“We’d get in trouble fer takin Scruffy, won’t we?” Apple Bloom asked as I became increasingly aware that Sweetie’s hair was perfect to bat around with my paws, “Sweetie, I think Scruffy’s tryin ta tear off your mane.”

“He’s just a kitty, he couldn’t tear it off like that one time Opal did.” Sweetie said while I began to wonder just who this ‘Opal’ was, but at the same time I couldn’t stop playing with her mane.

“And no we won’t get in trouble. We can’t just leave him here, we gotta look after him and the best way to do that is to take him with us.” Scoots said with a smile as she didn’t notice how her own logic was filled with holes.

“Why don’t you all go find Spike? He was talkin about showing Scruffy around town today.” Chef said as he took a whiff of what he was cookin. My mouth was watering from just the smell.

“That’s a great idea!” Scoots said before I felt Sweetie starting to move.

“Thanks Chef.” they all said as they charged out the door with me barely holding on to Sweeties mane.

The hallways were the same as ever, but I was having a small crisis as I tried to keep my hold on Sweetie’s mane. Out of all the things I’ve done in my lives, it was in my top thirty of the hardest things to do. So, to get her to stop, I gave a small, distressed meow.

I really wish I hadn’t.

The next second I was suddenly shoved into her mane as she stopped. Dazed as I was from the impact into her skull, whatever words she spoke fell on deaf ears.

First thing I noticed, her mane was soft. Like to the point of feeling like a cloud soft. It felt great and I was in no hurry to leave, “It’s okay Scruffy, we’ll get you out.” so of course they wanted to get me out as soon as possible.

“Oh, hello girls.” I heard the particular shy voice of doom say. At the sound of her soft voice, every fur on me stood on end. Just because I had escaped her mind controlling stare a few times didn’t mean I wanted to go another round with it.

“Alright, where is he?” Angel's voice came in next, though I was pretty sure only me and Fluttershy understood him, ‘Wish they could understand me, I'd have some words for both of them. None of which are for polite conversation.’

"Angel, be nice." Fluttershy said as I realized how bad of a situation I was in. All it would take is a few words and my new friends could be turned against me. I would be hunted by five pursers and in the close quarters of the castle, it wouldn’t turn out in my favor.

“Uhh, why ya want ta find ‘em?” Apple Bloom’s southern accent was like a ray of hope. They weren’t going to give me up immediately.

“Oh, he’s been a bit of a naughty kitty and won’t let me give him his bi-weekly check up.” Fluttershy said as I heard small little pats on the floor below Sweetie. No doubt Angel was looking for me.

“Why don’ ya just use th’ stare?” Apple Bloom asked while I tried to look towards her through Sweetie’s mane. I wanted to see if I could drill holes through her head by just glaring.

“Well, I don’t like to use the Stare all the time, but when I gave him his shots a few weeks ago I tried to use it so he would be still. All it did though was make him run away and cause a mess.” I heard her let out a soft sigh that made me smile, “Then he and Angel got into a fight and it was just awful.”

“He shrugged off the Stare?” Scoots asked sounding amazed. The ego boost that gave me wasn’t unwelcome either, “That’s so cool! How did you get him to stop.”

“Well, Spike was the one to calm him down. That little kitty just loves him, but he seems scared of me...” if it weren’t for my vivid memories of the Stare I would of felt bad. That’s saying something since, once again, awful memory.

“Well, ya did defeat a cockatrice with it.” Apple Bloom stated. Meanwhile I was wondering why Sweetie wasn’t talking... ‘She's probably got on a big 'nothing's going on over here' smile.’ the thought alone made me smile.

“You think that’s why he won’t come near me?” she asked, but I had lost interest in the conversation. I felt the room get ten degrees colder all of a sudden. Sleek was near.

A squeak of fear somewhere to Sweeties right told me that Angel felt the same. That confirmed I wasn’t crazy at least.

“What’s wrong Angel?” Fluttershy asked a second before I heard the doors behind the Crusaders open.

My fur stood on end and a chill went down my spine as Sweetie turned to look at the new arrival, 'It was official. I was in the worst possible situation with a demon to one side and Sleek to the other.'

Sweetie had to of felt it too as I felt her shiver, probably the same reaction I got. It was at this moment I really wanted Spike.

“Hey everypony, have you seen Scruffy anywhere?” the amazing voice of Spike sounded through Sweeties soft mane. If it was just Fluttershy here, I would of ran out and taken the check up and conceded defeat on the challenge. The presence of Sleek though paralyzed me.

“We can not have animals running around the castle as they please. We need to find him at once before he defiles something.” Sleek’s voice was the same. It wasn’t monotone, but anypony who heard that voice could place it anywhere. There was always a subtle undertone to it, hate or annoyance were the two I had narrowed it down too.

The shot at me not being house broken wasn’t unnoticed either. She would regret that if I ever found her room.

“Hey, he knows to use the litter box.” Spike defended me. I loved that little dragon.

“Regardless, he needs to be found. I leave this to all of you, the Princess will be done with her meeting soon and I need to be there.” every hair on my body was up as I heard her walk by.

‘Don't think I didn't notice you didn't say why!’ I mentally yelled after her. It was silent for a few seconds as before I heard another door shut.

“Alright, come here Scruffy.” Spike said. Any question of how he knew I was there was put into my mental ‘Don’t Care’ box. The mane was easy enough to get out of before I used Sweetie’s back as a springboard and jumped into Spike’s claws, “You’re one tough kitty to keep track of Scruffy.”

“So he was in your mane?” Fluttershy asked as Spike began to pet me. The tension I got from the demon, Fluttershy, and the evil one, Sleek, seemed to be brushed away.

“How did you know he was in my mane?” Sweetie asked as leaned into Spike’s claws.

“The tip of his tail was sticking out.” ‘Foiled by the tail, I knew it would happen sooner or later.’

I watched as Fluttershy moved forwards, “This is my fault. I let him out the door before I could give him his check up. He didn’t even get to eat any of the food I brought him.”

‘Now she's taking credit for my awesome escape... wait, did she say food?’ I thought as my stomach growled. She started to get closer though and my muscles began to tense. Despite her being forgiving, I wasn't going to lower my guard just because she had food.

Spike seemed to feel me tense up though as he pulled out his own secret weapon, the ear scratch. All my worries melted as he hit just the right spots, “Knowing Scruffy, he probably planned all of it.” once again, I love this little dragon.

Fluttershy picked up my front paws with her wings and looked them over while Sweetie started talking, “Hey Spike, we’re gonna try and get our cutie marks in ghost hunting. We were hoping you could come with us tonight.”

The others looked at her before she hastily added, “And Scruffy-we were hoping you could bring Scruffy with us tonight... since he’s yours... and not ours...” she finished with a smile that made me want to laugh. Spike would never take me into danger.

“Cool, I’ve always wanted to be like those guys on tv.” and just like that my thoughts of a quiet, restful night were dashed, but were replaced with, ‘They got tv here?’

“Sweet. We gotta go finish some things, get some stuff, and we’ll be ready for tonight.” Scoots said before her and Apple Bloom took off down the hall.

Poor little Sweetie looked confused for a second at their abrupt departure, “Oh, bye everypony.” she took off after the other two.

Spike rolled me over and started scratching my tummy while Fluttershy started brushing some areas with her wings. I hadn’t notice till that point that we had started moving. A little bit of a creep moment passed as I realize Angel had been glaring at me the entire time... creepy bunny.

“He seems just fine. Maybe a bruise or two from his fight with Angel, but he should be fine in a few hours.” Fluttershy finally stated as she withdrew her wing, “I’ll be back in another two weeks, if that’s fine with you.”

“Ya sure, I’ll try and be there next time to help. Now though, I think a certain kitty has to be hungry.” Spike knew me so well. My eyes locked with his and I gave a cute little meow to confirm his statement.

“Well I better get going, bye Spike, bye Scruffy.” Fluttershy said as she started walking down the hall.

Spike turned and started walking the other way, “Let’s go see what Chef has on the menu for an early lunch, shall we.”
> I Don't Like This Pony... No-Wait, I Love This Pony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Ponyville. For days I could make fun of that name, but it was a nice town. Shortly after lunch, Spike had led me out of the tree castle and started the grand tour of the small village. With me on his head with my claws dug in, I got a good view of everything.

Unfortunately, or fortunately since I probably wouldn’t remember it, we were interrupted a little over three minutes into the tour, “Spike! Who is this adorable little kitty?” the voice made Spike stop in front of a place called ‘Quills and Sofas’...

‘These names are absolutely ridiculous.’ I thought as Spike turned to look at the speaker.

She was a marshmallow white unicorn with an awesome looking mane and tail. Seriously, her tail looked like a giant spring that I could stretch out and it would just go back to the same way once I let go. Her mane though, the curls looked like something that I could just hit repeatedly and watch curl back up.

The unicorn also gave off a very relaxing presence, like Twilight, or Fluttershy before the first Stare incident of course, ‘She was so seemingly innocent back then.’

“Oh, h-hey Rarity.” Spike started, getting me out of my thoughts, “This is Scruffy. I’m showing him around Ponyville today.”

With but a glance at her with my little kitty eyes, it was over, “Daww, he’s such a cutesy wittle kitty. Why I remember when Opal was that little and she was just adorable!”

‘Where have I heard that name before?’ I thought as Rarity continued talking.

“I remember she would make the most adorable sounds to try and get something she wanted.” ‘Shut up shut up shut up shut up!’ “Why don’t we get the two together for a playdate, hm?”

“Yeah...” Spike said a little slowly for some reason before quickly saying, “I-I mean, yeah sure, sounds like a great idea.” with my claws dug in I leaned over to look at his face. He was smiling pretty wide for some reason.

“How does tomorrow around two thirty sound? I should be adequately rested from Sweeties Belle’s little venture tonight.” ‘That's where I heard the name Opal, Sweetie. This must be her sister... wait, Sweetie has a second part to her name?’

My little dragon friend seemed super happy at this for whatever... reason... ‘Oh please no...’ “Hey, I’m going with them too, even Scruffy’s coming with.”

A large gasp came from Rarity, “You’re taking such a cute little kitty to the Everfree! Spike how could you!?”

With that little dramatic outburst half the ponies on the street stopped and looked at the three of us... well, more specifically Spike. One shouted sentence with a follow up question and I hated this mare.

“Wait-wait, they didn’t tell me it was in the Everfree! I would never take Scruffy in there!” Spike shouted... ‘I’m gonna have to sneak behind him all the way there, aren't I?’

Whatever ponies weren’t looking before were now. From my spot on Spikes head I was able to see all of them staring at us and, not gonna lie, it was starting to freak me out. I’m very easily trampled and I didn’t know if they would stampede.

Looking back at the two, Rarity was looking slightly apologetic, ‘Uh uh, you're gonna have to do something big to get my forgiveness for embarrassing Spike like this.’ I thought as the unicorn finally seemed to notice the attention around them.

She looked around and cleared her throat, “Nothing to see here. Just a misunderstanding.” this seemed to satisfy a good few of the ponies as they went back to work. Still a few looked after us as we made our way out of the crowded streets and towards a building.

The place looked like one of those carousel rides at a fair or carnival. It was ridiculous looking, but it does grab one’s attention. If the pony mannequins in the window were anything to go by then it was a fashion shop.

When Rarity opened the door a small bell rang, “Spike I am so sorry for causing that little scene out there.” the unicorn said as she walked into the room.

“Oh, it was nothing Rarity. It was just a misunderstanding like you said.” Spike said happily.

‘Oh no-no-no.’ my claws dug into his tough scales as I leaned down to look at his face. Sure enough, it looked like that of a love struck idiot, ‘Oh crap...’

From what I could make out in my head, as Rarity started talking about something, was that Spike, was in a bad situation. He was crushing hard on the elder sister and the younger had a crush on him... ‘Please let me be over reacting please let me-’

I kept repeating that in my head as the two of them talked about some sort of fashion thing. After getting bored of that real quick, my surroundings finally seemed to draw me in as there were a lot, of shiny things. I barely controlled myself.

First thing I noticed, everything looked really neat and clean. The second thing, Spike was in no way paying attention to what Rarity said. To confirm this, I used my claws to dangle slightly on his head and waved my paws in front of his eyes.

He didn’t respond in the slightest. This crush was bad.

Sadly, my paws weren’t made for snapping, so I had to improvise. I dug in my back claws and leaned in front of Spike’s eyes. I gave a small meow to try and snap him out of it.

Instead of snapping Spike out of it though, another meow echoed mine. The tone was soft, yet alluring. It made me look up from my spot on Spike’s forehead and see her.

Across the room was another cat, this Opal they kept talking about if I were to guess. First off, her little bow of a hair do was stupid looking and I didn’t like the lime green of her eyes. Reminded me too much of Sleek.

If I was a little bit older though I would so- ‘Mind out of gutter!’ myself screamed at me mentally. I shook my head to clear it and climbed back on top of Spike, ‘Gotta get Spike out of here.’

“Scruffy wouldn’t mind at all.” Spike said happily, drawing my attention to the current conversation. On the other side of the room, Opal raised an eyebrow in confusion at me before walking away with her nose held high.

‘Wow, stuck up-whoa!’ Spike suddenly picked me up off his head and brought me over to the little platform Rarity was by.

“Are you sure he won’t tear anything up? Anytime I try to do this with Opal I either get scratched or she shred’s the clothes. Sometimes both and only one time neither, but Fluttershy was present that day.” Rarity said as Spike sat me down on the stage.

“Scruffy is a good kitty. I’ve never once heard of him attacking any pony.” Spike put emphasis on making anypony two words. That made it true as Angel is not a pony, but I’ve attacked him, and vise-versa, on multiple occasions.

Rarity seemed hesitant for whatever reason. Just because I didn’t like what she did to Spike earlier didn’t mean I was going to attack her out right. She seemed to finally conceded to whatever Spike and her had been talking about.

The unicorn put on a smile and got a fierce look in her eyes, “Alright then. Let’s make Scruffy the most well dressed kitty in all of Equestria.”

My eyes lit up and I started purring without my knowledge, ‘I love this pony.’ I thought as Spike was the first to notice the sound, “Wow, he usually only purrs like that when I scratch behind his ears.”

His words were lost on me though as I couldn’t stop thinking about what I was going to get to wear, ‘What's it going to be! Stylish pirate hat, or maybe some sunglasses? Indiana Jones outfit, or a James Bond tux? A leather N7 jacket might be hoping for a bit much, but as long as there's no pants, I don't care!’
> One Sharp Dressed Kitty
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Everyone, at one point in their life, has had that moment. The moment that they look back on and think, ‘That was awesome.’ then take a drink of whatever they had on hand. For me, it was after Spike and I were taken to Rarity’s work room and she made me one particular outfit.

Apparently when she is ‘in the zone’ any idea tossed at her could end up in her work. Spike and I found this out when he tossed out some wrestler's name and Rarity rolled with it.

It wasn’t even much, something she threw together in the back of her mind with her magic. She had zapped my face with magic and I felt something grow. I didn’t have time to see what it was before I had a red sleeveless shirt suddenly on me.

Rarity had begun to sing and Spike watched her with love struck eyes while I looked at myself in the mirror. The thing on my face was a blond, handlebar mustache. On the shirt was the word, ‘Hulkamania’...

I stole a quick glance at the other two in the room, making sure I wasn’t being watched. My tail helped me keep my balance as I stood on my two hind legs and looked into the mirror. Another quick glance and I started striking poses.

‘Manliest kitty ever right here.’

After a solid two minutes of poses, my hair stood on end as somepony coughed behind me. Immediately I dropped down onto all fours once more and turned to the culprit, letting out a small innocent meow as I did so.

The other two in the room I had forgotten about were both looking at me. Spike with a raised eyebrow and trying to hold back a laugh. Rarity was the exact opposite.

If I looked close enough, I could of swore that she had actual sparkles in her eyes, “You can pose!” Rarity put emphasis on every word, “This is amazing! So many ideas, so little time!”

A quick two snips and I lost my mustache. For a few seconds I was sad, before she gave me a pair of shades! The shirt was turned white and a black leather jacket was put on me to go with it.

Thoughts about it being real or synthetic were thrown out the window as Rarity styled the fur on top of my head. I don’t know how she did it, but I looked exactly like a fifties greaser, or my friend Butch from a past life... or Fonzie.

All of this happened so fast I barely caught sight of Opal glaring at me from outside the room. Really wish I would've missed the obvious death threat as she took her paw across her throat...

‘Should I be worried?’ I thought as Opal walked back out of sight, ‘I’ve taken on demons and I'm scared of a cat?... Wait I've taken on demons? Cool.’

With a sudden intervention from Rarity, the thoughts of Opal were pushed out of my head. There were so many poses struck and outfits that were tried out that, by the end of the experience, I think I had an outfit for everything.

Seriously, the room we were in looked like a war had just happened. One with nothing but spoils afterwards and the only casualty seemed to be Rarity’s mane style. It looked awful and that was the nicest way to put it.

Sad fact was though, most of them were forgotten in my poor memory and rush of the moment. Didn’t forget the Opal thing though, was gonna have to watch out for that.

“Oh dear.” the now best pony Rarity said as she looked around at all the outfits she had made me, “I’ve had strokes of inspiration before, but this was amazing.” ‘Yeah, it was.’ “Though, it has put me at a bit of a problem.”

“What’s wrong? All the stuff you made looks fantastic! I’m sure you’ll make a lot of bits off them.” Spike said as I jumped off the stage and on to his head. Sadly I had not even a strip of cloth to use as a bandana.

“I’m afraid not Spike. One cannot simply start making a completely different line of fashion. I don’t even know anypony in the pet fashion ring of whom I could sell to.” Rarity stared back at all the clothes I had just worn, “While this has been a fun experience it’s really just a waste of fabric and a refining of my skills on a smaller scale...”

“... How much?” Spike said as I started to get my hopes up for the clothes.

“Oh Spike, you’ve helped out quite a bit around here in the past and I’m sure you will in the future too...” Rarity said with a smile, “Not to mention Scruffy’s had a sad look ever since he took off his last ensemble and he just perked right up when you asked for a price.”

Her horn lit up with magic again and I watched as a white tuxedo levitated out of the pile. A few seconds later and Rarity was buttoning the last button. Looking in the mirror, I looked just like Indiana Jones from the beginning of ‘The Temple of Doom’ red flower and everything.

“So you can just take them all with you when you leave.” my jaw practically on the floor and Spike was having trouble trying to speak. This went on as Rarity began to very neatly pack the rest of the clothes into a sack. I was the first to recover from my shock.

I jumped down from my perch on Spike’s head and sat down by her front right roof. Then I started purring while I leaned onto her hoof. Rarity stopped what she was doing and looked down at me.

Her face softened as she picked me up with her magic, “Ah, you’re welcome my wittle Scwuffy Wuffy.”

‘Could live without the baby talk, but I'm so happy I don't care!’ I mentally shouted as Spike finally started coming around behind me.

Spike hugged Rarity just as she put me down next to the bag full of clothes and... ‘Wait... how did she make the sunglasses? And some of the clothes on display out front had pieces of metal, how did she-’ my inner musings were interrupted by the ring of a bell.

Spike let go of Rarity while she walked towards the stairs, “Hello and-”

“It’s just me Rarity.” Sweetie's voice called back up.

“Oh perfect! Sweetie, come up here and look at all the cute outfits I made for Scruffy.” Rarity called back while rushing to me. The sound of Sweetie’s hoof steps quickly ascended the stairs before she came into the room.

“Ooo, can I see them, can I see them?” Sweetie asked before she saw me, "Daww, he's so cute!" seemed to freeze, “Wait, Rarity is this what you’ve been doing all day?”

“What do you mean ‘all day’? Why it’s only-five thirty!?” Rarity exclaimed before running out of the room, “It’s been fun everypony, but I gotta go. Goodbye!” she yelled from downstairs.

All three of us just stared after her as we heard the sound of the downstairs door bell ring and the door shutting. Spike was the first to speak up, “You think she-”

“Realizes her mane is more messed up than the poison joke incident?” Sweetie finished for him.

“Yeah.” Spike said with a small chuckle.

“Not a chance.” Sweetie finished quickly before they both bursted out laughing. Meanwhile I had jumped into the bag, looking for the sunglasses, ‘Or a fedora if  can find one. I could be like a mob boss.’

“After I get my cape, do you want to come with me to Sugarcube Corner?” Sweetie asked, “I-I mean it’s-... ah, the place we’re meeting up at before we go to the castle.”

No questions were asked as she fumbled on the second sentence, I already knew the reason. I focused on the name, ‘Sugarcube Corner? I really hope spike goes there. Then I can get free cookies!... Wow I'm greedy. Gonna have to work on that... later though.’

“I’ve got to get all these clothes, and Scruffy, back to the tree castle, but how about I meet you there?” Spike said as he lifted the bag of clothes.

“I thought Scruffy was coming with?” Sweetie asked while I moved aside some kind of sultan get up.

“That was before I knew we were investigating the Castle of the Two Sisters. I would never take Scruffy into the Everfree. He’s just an adventurous, little kitty after all.” Spike said as he picked up the bag, jostling me for a moment.

‘Don't mean I'm not going to follow you.’ I thought as I pushed a kimono out of the way... ‘Aren't girls the ones who wear kimonos? How much of what I just tried on was for women!?’

My mental cries of confusion were never answered though as Spike and Sweetie exchanged goodbyes. Very carefully, I started to actually look at some of the clothes that were now mine.

There were only a few, but it was still more dresses than I cared to admit, ‘And I tried all these on!? Gonna have to get rid of the evidence. Don't need to give Angel any ammunition for insults.’ the bell above the door rang as Spike walked out with me resuming my search for the sunglasses.

‘Good thing no one beside Rarity and Spike saw me getting dressed up. That would have been a disaster.’
> Something Else to Worry About... Later
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Spike and I made our way through Ponyville and towards the tree castle at the edge of town. The whole time though I had my chest puffed out in pride as everypony wanted to say something about my suit.

For me it was great. For Spike who was trying to get us back so we could get a bite to eat from Chef, not so much, ‘Not my fault all the mares like a sh-’

My thoughts were interrupted as a sudden chill went down my back. Sleek was nearby.

I twisted and turned my head looking for the unicorn, but even as the feeling got worse I couldn’t see any sight of her. Spike had stopped as I started moving on his head to look around.

As my eyes scanned the crowd the chill increased in intensity. She was getting closer, but still no sign.

“What’s wrong Scruffy?” Spike asked.

His question went unanswered as I caught sight of a particular pony and my fur stood on end. It was a stallion with beige colored fur, a sunny yellow mane, and an expensive looking outfit. He was sitting at a table, talking to Rarity.

Spike seemed to follow the direction my body was facing as he turned to look at what I was seeing, “Oh, that must be the new stallion of the week.” judging from the head motion, Spike rolled his eyes, “They never turn out any good. Rarity pours out her heart and soul to them and they leave her a few dates later.”

‘So she does the same thing over and over again and expects different results?’ I thought as Spike stared at the two from the side of the road, ‘That's the definition of insanity... How do I know that?’

After shaking my head to toss the question into the ‘Don’t Care’ box of thoughts, my dragon owner sighed, “You know, the first time she had a date like that I ended up making a fool out of myself. Pointed out his awful personality and tried to convince Rarity she could do better.”

The purple dragon chuckled a bit before turning back on to our course, “After the resulting punishment, which I got even when he did exactly what I said he would, I realized Rarity would have to find out on her own.”

As we moved passed a couple more ponies on our way to the castle, a thought struck me, ‘Wow, he's actually being mature abou-’

“Twilight also said if she got another complaint about harassment from one of Rarity’s special somponies that she would burn my comic collection.”

‘That explains it.’

Just as the castle came into view, I remembered the reason I had stared at the couple to begin with. Though Spike’s story had suppressed the chill I scolded myself for... Actually I couldn’t really do anything if I wanted to.

Attacking would have gotten me in trouble. Hissing would have only raised questions that I couldn’t answer. Spying on him could work, but I would just be confirming my feeling and I’d be back at square one.

With a sigh at my inability to do anything, the doors to the tree castle were opened by Spike and we walked in just as Twilight blinked into existence, “Oh, afternoon Spike.”

“Hey Twilight. How was the meeting?” Spike asked making Twilight deflate a bit.

“Don’t talk about it.” she groaned as she caught sight of me, “Oh my gosh! That is so cute!” just like my ego, Twilight raised me up and off of Spike’s head, “You look like a little Con Mane.” to top it off I let out a little meow.

‘I’m going to assume that's some kind of spy or famous actor.’ I thought to myself as Twilight ‘daww’ed at me.

“Yeah, Rarity spent hours creating outfits for Scruffy. When she was done she gave them to Scruffy.” Spike said as Twilight started to giggle.

“That sounds like Rarity. Can I see him in a few of them?” Twilight asked as she sat me down on her back.

“Actually, I got to go meet up with the others at Sugarcube Corner so here.” Spike lifted up the bag to Twilight and she took it with her magic, “All his outfits are in there. Wish I could stay to see them again, but I’ve got ghosts to hunt.”

“Oh, alright Spike.” Twilights said a little saddened as he walked back into town, “Try and help AJ and Rarity look after the crusaders and never leave their sight.” she called after him.

She let out a sigh as we turned back into the tree castle thing. Something that I never noticed till that moment was just how soft the spot was between a pony’s wings. If Twilight had not started talking while we moved, it would have been night night kitty.

‘Gotta stay awake, gotta help Spike.’

“Let’s see what kind of outfits you’ve got.” she said with a giggle as I started to plan my escape route, “Is this a dress?” and my plan went out the window as she lifted me up with her magic.

“I can’t believe Spike let her put this on you.” Twilight levitated up a pink dress with a bunch of white frilly stuff on the seams.

‘I was lost in the rush, you can't judge me.’ I thought as she began to move through the castle.

“I’ll separate these and then we can dress you up in a few of them before I have to talk to Sleek about my schedule for the coming few days.” a chill went through me as she said the evil one’s name, “If everything goes well you might be seeing me a bit more after tomorrow.”

‘I think I'd like that...’ I thought as I started to really get comfortable between her wings.

We continued through the castle in comfortable silence. Despite my best efforts I was being lulled to sleep by the soft rocking motions as Twilight continued onwards. Soon my eyes became heavy and I slipped into sleeps comforting embrace...

‘Crap...’
> The Escape
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	‘Ah, that feels nice...' I thought to myself as my consciousness began to return. My first feelings were concerning. There was the petting that felt good, but then I noticed my fur standing on end and the chill in the room.

The entirety of my mind was yelling, ‘Danger danger, 'A+B Dodge', get out of there!’ my body locked up and all my muscles tensed.

“Hm, usually animals don’t like me.” it wasn’t hard to place Sleek’s voice. What was hard was keeping myself from showing I was awake and bolting away.

“It’s probably because he’s asleep.” Twilight’s voice helped ease my worries the tiniest of bits, “Hopefully all these meetings will be behind us tomorrow after... after it’s done.”

“After his banishment you mean?” ‘Wait... What?’ “It’s the only legal fate for usurpers like him.”

I assume Twilight was the one who sighed as she spoke next, “I’d rather not talk about that right now.” ‘Yeah, now that I'm conscious don't talk about the interesting subject.’ “Let’s go over the court filtering system one more time.”

The clip-clop of hooves on the hard floor led away from me. Content as I was to let Sleek go as far away from me as possible, returning to sleep wasn’t something I could do. I opened my eyes to stare after them.

A few seconds were all I had to process all the information I saw. Firstly, I was on Spike’s bed in his room. Second, neither of them were looking towards me. Last, the door was open and they were walking through.

Before I knew it I had leapt off the bed in hot pursuit. Ignoring every instinct I had to get away from Sleek. It was as I snuck out the door from directly under Sleek that I had noticed I had no suit on now...

‘It's probably for the best... for now.’ I thought as I took off down the hallway opposite of them.

Suddenly the sound of their hooves stopped. In my panic I stated to double time it, “I should probably check to see if Scruffy has food for when he wakes up.” as Twilight finished as I became aware I was running down the middle of the hallway.

This revelation came too late as I was already at the ‘T’ intersection. Panic and instincts guided me as I twisted my body, coiled my legs, and leaped to the left. It was a jump that I’m sure would have impressed any action movie hero.

My body was pressed up against the wall with the loudest sound being that of my heart. I heard the door open down the hall, “Huh? Where did Scruffy go?”

That was all the confirmation I need that I hadn’t been seen. From what little I could remember about the layout of the castle, this path should take me to a window. The other was the one that led me to the library when I had ran from Angel.

I smiled as I began to run down the hallway. What I had in mind wasn’t the smartest, but I could only hope I hadn’t missed Spike yet. This was an official race against the clock...

‘Why do I suddenly want to check the moon for... something...’ I shook my head to get the questions out of my mind. Not even a second later I found the window.

It was the type where the two glass windows swung out and open to either side. With just a simple latch holding them together it was becoming a good question if I was lucky or not.

The sun had yet to set fully as I looked down- ‘Nope.’ I turned to go back through the castle to try and find a different way down. Then I heard voices.

“Scruffy couldn’t of gotten far. Everpony start looking.” it was the voice of Twilight and she sounded concerned. It almost made me feel bad, till I heard the multiple sets of hooves on the castle floor.

My inherent fear of not being trampled began to get the better of me as I started to back away from the sound-and directly out the window I went. My eyes bulged as the sudden feeling of falling hit me.

Any thoughts I had on what was happening at that moment where stopped before they could be thought. A cool feeling on my stomach alerted me I was right next to the tree as I fell. Quick as I could, my claws tried to dig into the crystal bark.

Thoughts of survival dimmed as I couldn’t find any purchase for the claws. I quickly started to try and think of another plan before I felt the tree under my body starting to push up.

As my body began to fall along the sloped bottom on the tree, my mind was racing. I hadn’t known it was just the slope of the roots as I fell. My mind was focused on what I thought was a sentient crystal tree.

Reality caught up to me as my rear hit the dirt and I started to tumble backwards. With reflexes like a cat, my body began to curl into a ball to absorb the impact. After a moment or two the soft grass and the orange, evening sky stopped switching places.

With my heart beating a mile a minute and my mind racing, my eyes looked back up to the castle. The window I had tumbled out of was at least three stories up if not more, but I was alive.

The ground raced under me as I took off into the small town with a smile on my muzzle. After a quick look at the sun I estimated I had been asleep about twenty to thirty minutes.

A quick look into the town showed that more ponies than I would of liked were out and about. It wasn’t that surprising as it was a good summer evening with clear skies for stargazing.

I freaking hated it. There were too many ponies for me to run down the main road and not be trampled. Spike had only showed me a few places, but I could only remember him following the main road to the town center.

It wasn’t that hard to find the main road, its the widest one. After I made it to the town center though, improvising was my only plan. Hoping that Murphy has had his fun, I took off down the side of the road.

As I dodged, ducked, dipped, dived, and dodged my way past the few ponies on the side of the street I could only think, ‘Please let me make it in time. The first quest almost never turns out well.’
> Yet Another Potential Enemy... Great
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Five minutes. Five minutes were all I had spent searching for Sugarcube Corner. It was a wasted effort as I came to realize I hadn’t even the slightest idea what the place looked like.

It was a demoralizing hit too as my time to find the place was more than likely up. I looked around at the passing ponies as more and more of them disappeared off the streets. Then the chill hit me like a freight train.

The feeling ice being all around me peaked as a pegasus mare hit the wall I was right beside. She had a light pink coat, long flowing red mane, and I was close enough to see her cutie mark was a pile of gold and jewels with a large ruby in front of it.

That’s all I got to see as she began to pick herself up off the ground. From the look in her eyes she really wanted to kill something. She was breathing hard and her lip was curled back to show she was pissed off.

All of this was being focused right at me. My fear took over and I shot into the nearby alley.

“Hey Red, you all right?” a voice asked from above me. With a cautious look around the corner, I got a full view of the pink pegasus taking a deep breath. As she released the breath she no longer looked angry.

Despite the sudden uplift in attitude I wanted to get away from this mare as soon as possible. I could almost feel my insides turning to ice from the chill factor she was giving off.

“I’m just fine Rainbow.” Red called back up to the sky, “That last turn was tough though.”

While the pink pegasus had been talking, another blue pegasus caught my eye in the sky. With a mane to match her name she yelled down, “As your coach, I will not stop till you have my obstacle course beat in ten seconds flat.”

Red looked up to the pegasus as I heard her mutter under her breath, “Then stop changing the course every five minutes you-” the rest of what she said was lost as she was interrupted.

“Now we could break for the day, but-”

“Yes!” Red said quickly, “I-I mean-”

“It’s alright. Not just anypony can keep up with the fastest flyer in Equestria.” Rainbow said while I kept my eyes on the chilling form of Red, “Same time and place tomorrow?”

“Yeah sure...” the pink pegasus replied, her left eye twitching a little bit. Rainbow took off into the distance. As soon as she was out of sight Red's scowl returned, “If I don’t wring your neck first you insufferable mare...”

I shook my head and was about to get away from the mare before I felt another chilling presence, ‘This is getting ridiculous!’

Down the street from the silently cursing Red was the stallion that had dated Rarity. He just walked down the street in our general direction, not making it look like he was going towards me or Red.

The beige stallion walked past, “Control yourself, you’re making a scene.” he began to walk away again. None of the few ponies that had been watching the mare seemed to notice him say anything to the pink pegasus.

Red huffed in anger before she took off into the sky. Meanwhile I was trying not to freak out about two of the ponies that set off my instincts thing knowing each other. Whenever this happened it usual led to some stupid conspiracy or evil plan.

‘One I'll probably have to stop I'm sure.’ I thought as I looked to where the stallion had walked off to only to no longer be able to see him, ‘I hate being helpless. My cuteness will only get me so far...’

Bad memory doesn't make me forget everything. I remember that I would usually have either some powers, some magic, or at least a good team of fighters to help me when evil popped up.

These ponies aren’t exactly the first I would pick for a fight to stop an evil plan. I’ve been proven wrong before though. Plenty of times it’s the team you think won’t be able to stop evil that actually does it.

I’ve ran into my fair share of evil plans throughout all of my lives, can even remember coming up with a few too. For some reason I couldn’t remember a single one of the reasons for making them or the results though...

My head shook as I cleared the questions out of my head and started down the road in the opposite direction of the beige stallion. Questions like those only ever led to bad things anyway.

Focusing on my current reality seemed to take my mind off of the thoughts. The multicolored houses seemed to help with that and... ‘Is that an actual gingerbread house?’

As the gears in my head began to turn I couldn’t help but notice I had to of passed the same building at least three times, ‘Sugarcube Corner maybe?’

The place looked even more ridiculous than anywhere else I had seen in a long time. It may of been the appearance that I noticed the absurd place, but it was the unicorn standing out front that really caught my attention.

Rarity stood in the doorway to the sugary home with a worried look on her face as she looked out into the crowd. My memory may not of been the best, but I remembered she was apart of the group going to the castle.

She looked back over her shoulder and said something to whoever was in the building before turning and walking back in. I put the questions of why they were still here out of my head and took off towards the building.

After nearly getting crushed a few more times by random ponies, the entrance to the frosted building was proudly in front of me. If I had nine lives like a cat, eight of them were used to get to where I was at.

“-does not give you the right to accuse him of being evil!” Rarity’s voice was unmistakable, but never had I thought I would hear her mad. It was scary.

“But he’s just like Sleek! Everytime I see him I get a cold chill an-” Spike’s voice was cut off.

“Now Spike,” a mature southern voice started, “Ya know I’m more honest than most, but outright sayin ta sompony that ya think they’re evil, that’s a bit much.” my mind reasoned this was Apple Bloom’s sister.

“If ya ain't got nothin nice to say, don’t say anythin at all.” Apple Bloom’s voice spoke next, “Though he does sort a give ya da creeps if ya look ‘em in da eye.”

“Apple Bloom!” the elder voice scolded.

“What?" she answered back innocently.

Then Scoots voice spoke up, “Come on! If we don’t leave soon then we won’t get to the castle till Celestia lowers the sun.” I heard the sound of hooves on the floor just before Scoots galloped out the door.

“Hey Scootaloo! Wait for us!” Sweetie shouted as she too ran out the door behind Scoots...

‘Her full name is Scootaloo?’ I thought as I heard Rarity sigh from inside.

“Spike I will be talking to Twilight about this.” the unicorn walked out the door with her nose held high.

“What? But I didn’t do anything!” Spike argued as he followed the unicorn out the door.

A few seconds later a regular, orange pony followed him shaking her head. She seemed to stop for a second before starting to turn around.

“Got ya covered!” a bubbly voice sounded just before a pink mare poked her head out of the doorway and put a pair of bags on the orange pony’s flanks, “Can’t forget the equipment. That would of been bad.”

“Thank ya Pinkie. See ya tomorrow.” the sound of the arguing crusaders reached our ears despite the distance they would of put between us by now, “An wish me luck.” she took off down the street.

Pinkie took out a mega phone, “Good luck Applejack!” me and everypony near by was stunned by the sheer volume of the goodbye.

‘If she could focus in one direction it would give Sindel a run for her money, and her scream is the main reason I remember her.’ I thought as I tried to stop the ringing in my ears.

The pink pony put down the mega phone and looked at me, “Good luck to you too.” she then walked right back into the store and shut the door.

For a few seconds I just stared at the door in confusion, ‘That's some awareness of her surroundings... For some reason that reminds me I need to think of a zombie plan... later though.’

After a questioning glance to the door to see if the pink pony would pop out again I took off down the street after Applejack.
> The Calming, Dark Forest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Following Applejack proved to be more of a challenge than I thought it would be. I had gotten lost three different times because I would start to get a chill and look for what was causing it.

It was only thanks to lady luck that I found the group as they were leaving the edge of town again. It was concerning though that I kept feeling that cold grip every time I was close to the group. Almost like something was following them...

‘... Whelp, this is probably going to go south fast at some point.’ I thought as the group began to leave the city and walk into a dark forest, ‘Of course it's through a dark forest. At least it's a castle we're going to and not a mansion.’

“Everypony stick close now.” Applejack said from the back as Rarity led the group. Spike seemed to be having a conversation with the crusaders, but I was too far away to hear.

Despite the forest’s looks, it felt pretty nice to be in the heavily wooded area. I could hear the mice running in the foliage, the smell of the trees was amazing, and it just felt... normal.

The places I had been staying at were always carefully controlled, right down to the weather. It was all great, but it really took the spice out of life sometimes. I continued to think to myself as the ponies continued on with me following close behind.

Though as I walked with them I couldn’t get this smell out of my nose. It completely blocked any kind of forest smells and was completely awful to smell. I’m sure Rarity would’ve commented on it if she had smelled it, but that wasn’t the case.

It seemed like I was the only one who could smell whatever the foul stench was. Wasn’t too happy about that, ‘First only I could tell who's evil, now only I can smell that awful stench? This is getting unfair... wait.’ I moved towards the side of the road and got a look at spike to see him holding his nose, ‘So he can smell it too...’

In truth I didn’t know what to do with that information. Couldn’t exactly ask him what it was and he doesn’t seemed concerned about it... ‘Please let it be nothing.’

Not gonna lie, the whole walk through the forest was a little disappointing. Apparently they had a road right to the place since it was being refurbished, or something. One of the fillies had asked a question and I had only caught that much of the answer.

My thoughts of being ambushed in the forest were put to rest as the castle came into view. Though I could still smell that awful stench I had put at the back of my mind during the walk to the castle.

As the ponies began to cross the rickety bridge a shiver went down my spine. It wasn’t my kitty sense tellin me some evil doer was nearby, but the creepiness of the castle. Place wasn’t scary, just creepy.

“Everypony be careful.” Rarity called from the front as we all started to make our way across the bridge. It wasn’t a very fun experience with the various holes and the slight sway the cool wind made.

Once we got to the other side though everypony stopped and stared at the castle for a moment. I could only guess that they had those looks on their faces that most would get after completing a long quest. Since we had yet to do anything though my opinions on these ponies were slowly dropping.

“Can we go inside now?” while my opinion of Spike was on the rise.

“Alright, have any of ya thought about where ta put th’ cameras?” Applejack asked while I hid behind her tail as the others looked to her.

“Places that capture a wide area!” Scootaloo said quickly with the crusaders nodding in approval.

“I think the throne room and the place you girls took out Nightmare Moon would be a couple of good areas.” Spike said.

“Let’s get inside an start settin up then.” Applejack said happily as she began to move forward. 

This action caught me by surprise as I was suddenly revealed. My eyes locked with almost everypony that had come into the forest... it was creepy.

Sweetie Bell was the first to respond, “Scruffy!” before rushing towards me and picking me up in her hooves.

“Who’s Scruffy?” I heard Applejack ask as Sweetie held me in the crook of her foreleg and up against her chest.

Rarity looked towards Spike with narrowed eyes while he held up his claws, “Don’t look at me. I gave him to Twilight.”

As Sweetie carried me to Spike, Applejack spoke up, “Somepony gonna tell me what’s goin on?”

“It appears we have one more to our team than we thought.” Rarity said while shooting Spike a glare.

Surprisingly enough he returned it with a glare of his own, “I would never bring Scruffy into a place like this. The last place I saw him was with Twilight.” he crossed his arms over his chest.

‘Wow, I didn't know he had it in him.’ I thought as I jumped down from Sweetie’s grasp and ran over to Spike. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Scootaloo starting to get that look again... ‘What stupid plan does she have now?’

Applejack finally got a good look at me as I stopped at Spikes feet, “So I’m guessin that there’s Scruffy?”

Spike picked me up and held me to his chest, “Yep, this is my little kitty, Scruffy.” he started to scratch me behind the ears in the way only he could.

As I purred Rarity spoke up, “We’ll have to find somewhere we can keep Scruffy while we’re investigating the castle. We can’t have such a cute little kitty get lost and scared in a big castle like this.”

Spike stopped scratching me and sat me down on his head, “It’s fine, Scruffy has always done what I’ve told him to do.” he said proudly as I caught movement out of the corner of my eye, “I promise you won’t have to worry about him.”

I watched as the crusaders approached the front doors and started to open them. My standing on Spike's head got the attention of the two elder ponies and I raised my paw to point at the three fillies.

Rarity shot me a confused look while Applejack followed my paw and saw the crusaders entering the castle, “Now gosh darn it, wait up you three!” the southern mare took off towards the castle.

Spike and I were right behind Rarity as she followed Applejack. I smiled as I realized I could still help, but that smile disappeared as we entered the building. The feeling of being watched bore into the back of my head and the castle seemed cold despite it being summer.

Then I saw it. On the other side of the room from the ponies, that seemed to somehow not notice it, was a small, black figure. Stood maybe as tall as Applejack, but it’s hard not to see it with it standing out in the open.

To be completely honest, when thinking of ghosts in Equestria I figured that the green ghost from Ghostbusters would be about the worse you could get. This thing though just seemed to suck all the cheer out of the room.

My eyes stayed glued to the black figure as Applejack and Rarity began to scold the crusaders for running ahead. Soon though they began to look around and talk about setting up the cameras, completely oblivious to the black figure.

Then it started to move towards the group ever so slowly.

“Scruffy, what’s wrong?” Spike’s question alerted me to the fact I had been growling a moment before. The figure stopped it’s approach at his question too.

Then it was gone. Just like that it just vanished. I stopped growling raised up to look around the room for it.

“Hey what’s wrong?” Scootaloo asked as she noticed Spike’s concerened look.

“Scruffy was just growling for some reason. I’ve never heard him do that before.” what Spike said confused me.

‘Have I never growled before? But I growled at this thing that didn't even send a chill...' a scary revelation went through my head, 'Holly crap I didn't even sense the thing, I just saw it.’ the thought of only relying on my eyes alone was a scary thought. The kitty sense was something that I had become overly dependent on.

As Spike started to help out and talk with them I readied myself for the rest of the night and to encounter the specter again, ‘I ain't fraid of no ghost...’
> Mean Thoughts, Think Mean Thoughts!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“-and the last camera can go right here.” Rarity stated happily as she used her magic to rip off a piece of glittery duct tape and stick it to the floor. Meanwhile I kept looking from place to place for the black figure from my spot on Spike’s head.

Since it disappeared the room had gotten a little warmer to match the evening summer temperatures outside, ‘Though it will probably get cold again once the stars are out.’

“Rares,” Applejack started as I watched her look at all the ‘X’s around the room, “We only got four cameras an we’re gonna be usin two of ‘em ourselves.”

“Don’t we get one?” Scootaloo asked.

“Pinkie wanted us ta be extra careful with ‘er cameras, so no.” Applejack said as she extended the legs on one of the two tripods they had.

‘That's a burn.’ I smiled as I looked over the corners once more. There were surprisingly few cobwebs, ‘Probably from the refurbishing.’

“Hey! We’re plenty careful.” Apple Bloom said as Sweetie Bell held up the second tripod with her hooves and Apple Bloom extended one of the legs. Somehow she pulled one of the legs down too hard and pulled the bottom half entirely off of the top.

They both froze in place before Apple Bloom hastily moved in front of where the two pieces were no longer together. Sweetie moved around behind her and started trying to fix it as fast as she could.

While they tried to hide the repair going on, I caught sight of Applejack raising an eyebrow at Sweetie before looking to Scootaloo. The little pegasus gave a little chuckle and backed up while Rarity started talking.

“I thought this was a well outfitted expedition into the world of the paranormal.” the fashionista used her magic to pull up all the tape ‘X’s.

“Rarity, even them ghost hunters don’t have that many cameras, an they gots an entire crew.” Applejack said as she and I watched all the glittery tape levitate towards the unicorn.

“I suppose you’re right.” Rarity said as she pulled a plastic bag out of the saddlebags on the floor and stuck the used tape in it, “Though this place needs the splash of color, tape won’t fix that.”

“Uh, sure.” Applejack droned as she started messing with the buttons on the camera on top of the tripod. The camera itself was just bigger than me and had a strap on the right side for a hoof to hold it, just like the other three.

“I actually have claws, why can’t I hold one of the cameras?” Spike asked as he moved and pulled a spare camera out of the bags.

“Ya are.” Applejack said as Rarity lifted up and fixed the tripod the crusaders had been trying to fix without them seeing, “Rares’ gonna be holdin the other one.”

“Sweet.” Spike happily began to mess with the camera. I stopped my search for the ghost to watch him carefully, making sure he didn’t hit any ‘don’t record’ buttons.

‘Don't need to go through a whole adventure then lose the one shred of evidence there is... again.’ my eyes watched as Spike flipped a small screen out on the left side of the camera and revealed four buttons in a diamond shape.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw something move and I looked away from the camera and around the room. Looking around the room gave me no clue as to what I saw, but the room was cold again.

“What’s wrong Scruffy?” Spike asked as I continued to move around on his head.

While my eyes scanned the room a large gasp came from Sweetie, “What if he’s seeing ghosts!? Didn’t the Ghost Adventures team think that cats and dogs could see spirits?”

“Yeah, I remember that episode.” Spike stated as Applejack looked up from the camera.

“Ya mean Ghost Hunters, right?” the orange mare hit one last button before walking over to Rarity.

“No I’m talking about Ghost Adventures.” Sweetie answered, “It’s like Ghost Hunters, but they provoke the ghosts and get better evidence.”

Apple Bloom rolled her eyes, “They fake their stuff and overreact ta everythin.”

“They do not!” Sweetie screeched in anger.

“Not this again...” Scootaloo face hoofed as Apple Bloom and Sweetie stared each other down.

The rest of whatever they were arguing over was lost on me as I saw Rarity and Applejack whispering to each other. Rarity waved her hoof dismissively before she started off down one of the hallways with the other tripod and two cameras in her magical grasp.

‘She's going alone? Does she want to be possessed?’ I jumped down off of Spikes head and turned to see him not notice me missing. While Spike threw in his two bits on the argument the fillies were having I ran towards the corridor where Rarity took off to.

I heard a shrill whistle behind me as I caught up to Rarity. Both of us looked back to Applejack standing in the main room looking towards us. She made a small nod with her head and I looked back to Rarity to see her look down at me.

Before any words of going back could be said I looked up at the unicorn and made a small meow sound. Whatever words she was going to say died in her throat as she looked at me with a smile.

Her horn lit up and I felt myself placed on her back, “I suppose a little company won’t hurt.” the sound of her hooves on the stone floor echoed as she started moving.

Looking around as we walked, if I had one word to describe the scenery it would be old. The second and third would be dark and spooky respectively. All around us as Rarity walked there would be the occasional sound or I would think I saw a shadow move.

It was very nerve racking.

Which is why I almost jumped out of my fur when Rarity spoke up, “Do calm down Scruffy. We are almost to the stairs then I can levitate the camera down and we can start back.” I realized my claws had started to come out thanks to my paranoia.

The thought of being back with the others calmed me a little bit and I was able to retract my claws. Rarity took a right at a ‘T’ intersection and I took a deep breath and calmed myself.

‘Maybe I'm just going insane again. It goes hand and hand with seeing stuff.’ I thought as I glanced back the way we had came.

All my muscles locked up, my fur stood on end, and my claws began to slip out. Standing at the end of the hallway, beyond where we had just turned, was the black figure.

It was the new feature though that had me scared out of my mind. Trained right on me were a pair of glowing, yellow eyes, ‘Maybe it won't hurt the adorable kitty...’

I’m not proud of it, but I started to shiver in fear. This prompted Rarity to stop, “Scruffy?” she turned her head back towards me, “What’s wro-”

With me on her back, I could feel her start to shiver, ‘Okay, she sees it, so I'm not insane... Why isn't she running!?'

A quick glance at Rarity told me all I needed to know, ‘Well crap.’ her eyes were wide and focused on the figure, with a slight yellow tinge to them. For some reason she began to sway on her hooves as her eyes started to get tired looking.

With a quick guess at what was going to happen I jumped off her back as she fell to the floor asleep. The two cameras that had been in her grasp fell to the floor with a loud clatter that echoed through the halls.

My eyes widened as I felt a rush of air collide with my back. Turning around as fast as I could, my paranoia shot through the roof as the figure was now only a few feet away. Slowly it moved its hoof forward to take a step.

Every fiber of my kitten body was screaming at me to run away, but the purple spiral of Rarity’s tail caught my attention and made me stay my ground. I jumped between the figure and the unconscious unicorn and started growling.

Sadly, it probably looked adorable.

‘Don't think that!' I yelled at myself, ‘Mean thoughts, think mean thoughts!' the figure... smiled? I could see it’s eyes squint in the way someone’s would if they smiled.

‘This is just the first quest enemy, it shouldn't be that-’

It was then that I noticed a cold feeling around my paws. My eyes ventured from it’s yellow orbs to them before panic set in. Almost like a liquid shadow, darkness was slowly rising up my form.

Upon me noticing, it sped up as I tried to move from my spot. Another glance at the figure and I could tell it was definitely smiling.

‘Well played you son of a-’ the rest of the thought was cut off as I was fully enveloped in darkness.
> Yeah, What Could Go Wrong
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	My eyes snapped open as my senses rushed back to me. Quickly I was on my paws and straining my neck to look at my new environment. All around me, in every direction, was nothing but darkness.

‘Aw, that's never a good sign.’

“No, it’s not.” a voice echoed in the darkness making me continue my efforts to find something around me, “But this time, it is an exception.”

The darkness began to swirl in front of me, solidifying into a solid shape. As the basic outline of a pony took shape, color began to fill it in, “Hello Scruffy.”

‘How do you know my name?’ I thought, knowing he could hear it.

“I’ve been watching you since you started hissing at me.” he said as his coat color turned a shade of grey and his mane started to turn white.

As his eyes began to turn amber like mine I knew I needed a plan to get out of this. The first step to every good plan was to distract the target, ‘That is an awesome beard.’

The now obvious unicorn let out a sigh as he slouched, “Let it be a lesson. You can create over a hundred different spells, a good number of which revolutionary in their time, and everypony will remember you for the one you messed up.”

‘You hate that awesome beard?’ my mouth opened in mock shock as I slowly began to move to the left.

“Well not at first, but as-wait wait wait! We’re getting off topic.” he said before noting, “And I can see you trying to circle around. I’m not your enemy.”

My plan figured out, and the unicorn out of my pouncing range, I sat down and narrowed my eyes at him, ‘I’ll just come out and say it then. I don't trust you.’

“Then you’re as smart as I hoped you were.” he said with a smile, “Back in my day-”

‘So he's that type of old timer.’ I thought as the unicorn shot me a glare, ‘Oh right, sorry. I'm not used to having my thoughts heard out loud.’

He let out a sigh, “Todays generation.” he shook his head, “Look, all you need to know is that I’m very hesitant to do this. The power I offer, none that have walked these halls in the past thousand years have possessed what I seek to pass it on.”

I frowned, ‘Talk of power, check. Old guy, check. Saying things mysteriously, check. Are you evil?’

For the first time since he appeared, the unicorn smiled, “No, those things are just part of the fun of being old and knowledgeable.” his smile dropped as his eyes locked with mine in something matching the Stare, “What I’m about to offer you is no laughing matter though. The last two ponies I tried to give this to went mad as their minds were not strong enough to handle the dark magic’s influence.”

‘... Damn.’ to be honest, I was about to just say no right there. When you’re told by a mysterious figure about an offer and dark magic after they've knocked you out, the average person would just stay away from it.

I was not average, ‘What's the catch for this offer?’ having magic would make me able to actually do something if Spike or the others were ever in danger.

“To answer that, I must ask a question.” he said with a smug smile, “Do you feel any different right now?”

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. ‘I feel just fine.’ I thought immediately as I flexed some muscles and tried to feel anything different, ‘Bit cold, but normal.'

The unicorns smug smile became bigger and he got a twinkle in his eye, “Then there will be only one catch.” he turned his head and looked around into the room, “Ever since you came into this room the dark magic I harbor has been trying it’s best to manipulate you. To find a new host. Only two have ever tried to hold this burden of mine in Equestria’s history... Both failed from just the tiny amount I gave them, succumbed by greed and depression.”

‘Power corrupts, that's common sense.’ I thought as I looked around at the darkness with new found curiosity... My eyes snapped back to the unicorn again as an old phrase passed through my head.

He actually started to laugh, “Yes, curiosity can kill you if you’re not careful, but with how you have yet to even say you have a headache I don’t think you’ll have a problem.”

‘What was the one catch though? So help me if I hear the word soul-’

“No no, nothing like that.” he said before his smile dropped, “Dark magic can twist the mind of it’s user,” I was about to stop listening and say no, “But the fortitude you have shown reminds me of myself. I have no doubt that you will never feel the temptations like the other two.”

‘The catch though?’ I asked getting impatient.

“Immortality.” he said with a quiet voice.

‘...’

“...”

‘...’

“...”

‘... We talkin where I'll never die or I'll never grow old?’ my thought broke the silence.

“When your body reaches it’s peak you will stop growing. If you die you’ll be in the same state as me, though you won’t be able to die easily.” he sat down and seemed older for some reason now, “Many seek this power for their own personal gain and it is for that they will never find it. Personally, I never sought this power. All I wanted was to help Equestria and make spells.”

‘If you never wanted this power, then how did you get it?’

As he looked up our eyes locked and he seemed even older than he had ten seconds earlier, “Because the last holder was beginning to go insane in the same form I am in now. If I hadn’t taken it then somepony else, who wasn’t ready, would have.

“Out of all those I’ve seen in these ruins none have possessed the three requirements needed to control this power.” he smiled, “Never thought it would be a reincarnate that would possess all three.”

‘So you know what I am, that explains why you're thinking of giving this power to a cat. Thought for a moment there you were senile...’ I thought with a smug smile and a raised eyebrow, ‘Think you can tell me those requirements for when I pass it on?’

He smiled gently, “They are my three requirements. When you pass on the power you will have your requirements. If you find an apprentice you can give them a portion of your power to test the waters, but this is a very dangerous act. I’ve had three apprentices in my life, two I shared this power with, only one has been saved.”

Standing and popping his neck, he continued, “Dark magic manifests itself differently for each who takes it, otherwise I’d give you a crash course of what to expect. Feeling cold here though has some connection I’m sure.” starting at his tail he began to fade away.

‘Wait, you can't just dump this on me without some type of warning of what's going to happen! People get killed from crap like that!’ I mentally shouted as he continued to fade.

“You won’t get all of the power immediately. It will trickle in gradually like water filling a pool. When you rest you will get your power back. When you are full on power the intake will stop.” he said with a smile, “It’s only difference from unicorn and alicorn magic is mental fortitude it takes to wield it. I have no doubt that you will be fine.”

‘Yeah, what could go wrong?’ I asked mockingly.

His body had disappeared up to his neck, “Though, you might want to stay away from the Princesses. Ever since I passed they put a lot of laws up regarding the usage of dark magic.” he shook his floating head, “I wish you luck and watch out for the Nobility in Canterlot. Ever since Twilight ascended the entire city has turned into a powder keg waiting to blow.”

'Wait, I never got your name!' I thought as I saw a final smile grace his face.

As he disappeared completely and my vision began turn bright white, his voice echoed with a laugh, "Star Swirl, Star Swirl the Bearded!"
> So... Powers?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	...

...

... ‘Hello darkness, we must stop meeting like this.’ I thought as my consciousness began to return to me. The only sound to reach my ears was someone breathing near by... ‘Wait a minute...’ my eyes flung open, ‘I can't breath! Can't breath!’

Panic tore at my mind for a few seconds as I tried to at least feel the muscles around my chest. That panic was kicked into overdrive when I couldn’t feel anything, ‘That old double crossing bastard!’

After that quick thought I tried to move anything and everything. Nothing responded until I tried to move my head with all of my strength. Everything around me turned to a blur of movement as I watched the same walls fly through my line of sight.

Then I stopped, like I was frozen. The panic in my mind was metaphorically thrown out the window by pure confusion with a little bit of help from his buddy ‘WTF’. Everything in my head stopped all at once as it tried to comprehend what just happened.

An apt description, my head spun around. Full circle... five times... and I still can’t feel my body... ‘Am I dead?...’

My eyes crossed as something began to happen right in front of my eyes. I watched as darkness from the cracks in the old floor and from the shadows all around began to converge on me. As I watched the shadows pour forth I noticed I was being elevated off the ground a good bit.

Slowly I began to feel... something. It was... was like the cold chill of a fan on you after a long day out in the sun only the area the air was hitting couldn’t be felt. Weird I know, but it’s what it was like.

Starting right in front of me, my muzzle began to appear again. It’s coloration was the same, but... I don’t know, it just seemed, darker somehow. I watched with rapt attention as the shadows that had formed my muzzle became clearer and clearer till I could spot the individual hairs.

Then it all rushed back to me. It was like my nervous system had just woken up for the first time. The amount of sensory information that was flooded into my brain stunned me. Everything from the tip of my tail to my nose had that pins and needles feeling to it. That feeling someone would get after their arm or leg had fallen asleep.

All of this made completely worse when I impacted the ground. A yowl of pain erupted from my mouth as a result. After that I tried my best to be completely still, hoping the pins and needles feeling would go away soon.

Since I didn’t want to move any part of my body I was able to think on what had just happened, ‘So, I met a ghost. He made Rarity pass out. Pulled me into some other plane of existence. Dude gave me an offer I accepted... that deal probably screwed me over. Least I'm still alive.’

A cricket chirped nearby making a smile grace my muzzle, despite the irritating feeling. The many sounds of nature could be heard through a crack in the wall, relaxing me. As I listened to the calming tones the feeling throughout my limbs began to return to normal.

Slowly as I began to stand everything felt... off. I felt lighter for some reason. After raising my paw I unsheathed my claws. Instead of the normal color they were pure white and... and looking close enough they had a dark outline on their fronts.

Cautiously I stuck my paw back to the floor and stuck my claws into the stone. They pierced like a hot knife through butter. I lifted my paw up to look at the damage, but saw none. Confused I stuck the claws back in and tried to make a gouge in the stone.

The sound of the stone crumbling was small but I was shocked that I had caused it. Yet the first time I stuck my claws in there had been no damage.

‘Star Swirl did do something to me.’ I thought to myself as my claws retracted and I glanced over to Rarity, ‘I’m sure she'll be fine while I go find some place secluded and figure this all out.’

I turned and started walking down the way we had been going. Not even a few feet away I stopped and looked back at the sleeping unicorn, ‘Should I stay? What are the odds of something happening to... ah crap.’

With a sigh I moved towards Rarity and took a seat by her head. She breathed quietly while I looked around for something to amuse myself with. I wanted to try waking her up, but I didn’t want to touch her until I knew what all had been done to my body.

For all I knew my saliva was now a corrosive acid, so I waited... and waited... and waited some more. All the while just looking around for any kind of danger or something to do.

Minutes passed before I had an idea. After a quick face-paw I moved my self right next to Rarity’s ear and sucked in as much air as I could. A loud, shrill cry came from my mouth. The kind of sound a cat like me would make when fighting another cat.

Rarity’s head shot up, “Opal!” seeing as she was awake I turned tail and booked it down the hallway.

My top speed had slightly improved from before, but it wasn’t mind blowing. I quickly took the first turn I could and pressed myself up against the wall, listening for Rarity. She was groaning a bit as I heard her get onto her hooves, but it appeared I had gotten away without her seeing me.

“Scruffy? Scruffy!?” I heard her hooves, “Scruffy, please come out from wherever you’re hiding.” I moved down the hallway as she called out, “That dreadful thing isn’t here anymore. Please come out.”

‘I’ll be back, just gotta figure out what the bearded guy has done to me.’ I thought before running down the corridor.

“I better go get the others to...” I didn’t hear the rest as I got out of hearing range. Finally Lady Luck seemed to smile on me as one of the doors in the hallway was open.

My eyes scanned the room for any kind of threat as I entered. This room was almost completely empty, except for a pile of old, mossy wood that probably held a bed of some kind. It was perfect for finding out exactly what powers I had.

First I recounted what I already knew, ‘Speed: slightly better. Strength: Unknown. Powers: Claws can go through anything... but there was that first time I stuck my claws into the stone and nothing happened. What was that all about?’ I shook my head and sighed, ‘I’m gonna be here for a while.’
> Glowing Eyes Because... Reasons?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	‘Okay. My eyes can glow on command for some reason. I can see perfectly in the dark, though that might just be cause I'm a cat.’ I thought to myself as I looked over my body in the shattered mirror.

It was my first order of business to see if I had changed at all from the dark magic. Couldn’t very well keep this a secret if I looked the part of dark magic wielding kitten, ‘Though that would probably make me look awesome...’

I shook my head as I looked back at my glowing eyes. They were the same amber as before, it’s just that they glowed brightly when I willed them to. Bit confused as to what that did, I just shrugged and jumped down from the countertop.

The other room was the same as when I had found it. Nothing noticeable except for the pile of dead wood that used to be a bed frame and not a single other piece of furniture. It was a little bit weird, but probably a minimalist's room, or the rest got stolen over time.

‘Since my eyes glow depending on if I want them to...’ my claws slowly came out as I looked at the wall. I put my paw on the wall and sunk my claws in, ‘Don't hurt the wall...’ I tried pulling down my claw, but found my paw stuck to that same spot like I had wanted it to...

A smile broke across my muzzle as my other paw found it’s way onto the wall. Then my first paw sunk it’s claw in further up the wall while I pulled my body up. My hind legs stretched out and I found myself standing perfectly fine on the wall with all my claws dug into the stone.

Gravity’s pull was hardly worth registering. Though I didn’t know if that was because of my muscles being juiced up with dark magic or because I was small. Whatever the cause was didn’t matter to me. I was too busy thinking of ways to utilize my new spider-like abilities.

Just to check, I lifted my paw up and found no scratch marks what-so-ever. My claws looked the same though. Would of figured they would at least turn transparent or something.

It was surprisingly easy to move up the wall. Almost like walking regularly, but I could always feel the pull of gravity towards the floor. It was small though and helped me keep my sense of what’s up and what’s down.

With this new amazing discovery I spent the next few minutes climbing all over the walls of the room. Jumping from wall to wall felt as weird as weird could be, but would undoubtedly be helpful if I was chased in the future.

Though, my fun wasn’t to last as a voice called from out in the hall, “Scruffy!” I had been mid jump when the Spike’s voice had reached my ears. This lead to me crashing face first into the wall opposite the door.

“Scruffy!” Spike called again as I finally began to hear him running down the hallway, “Scruffy where are you!?”

As I looked up from where I had landed I saw the door wide open and the light from whatever the little dragon was carrying shining in. I still needed more time to figure out if I had any dangerous powers besides my claws.

I tried to get up onto all fours to hide behind the pile of wood, but once again fell to the ground as my body didn’t want to cooperate with me. As I laid there and watched the light get closer to discovering me I reached out with my claw in a vain attempt to shut the door.

It was at this point I realized my head hurt beyond belief and I wasn’t thinking straight because of the meeting between my face and the stone wall. Lazily I tried to shut the door from halfway across the room when something happened.

As my paw continued waving back and forth to shut the door, a dark purple set of claws materialized from my paw and shot towards the door. It happened so fast that I didn’t notice it in time to stop my paw from moving. The new set of claws followed the exact motion of my paw and slammed the door shut.

Pain shot through my head as I heard Spike scream, drop something, and take off the way he had came. My head though felt like it had just gotten hit by a truck. I barely had enough energy to stay awake.

Star Swirl’s words echoed to me in my head, ‘It will trickle in gradually like water filling a pool.’

‘Hasn't been that long since I got this body, so I'm essentially running on empty right now.’ I thought as I tried to get up on all fours, ‘A splitting headache like this has to be from completely draining my magic. If not then I have no idea why my head is hurting so much.’

I fell back to the ground as my body just refused to cooperate. My eyes felt heavy and my vision was beginning to blur, ‘A nap wouldn't be so bad...’

...

...

“Ahhhh!” my eyes shot open as the scream reached my ears. I found new strength as I got up onto all fours, ‘That was Spike!’ the pain at the back of my head was pushed away as I slowly made my way over to the door.

‘Not even an hour since I got these new powers and I can't even catch a wink of sleep...’ the door to the room was now in front of me. I didn’t even remember crossing the room.

I lifted up my right paw and extended out my claws. Despite my magic completely empty they still had that black edge to the front of them. Carefully, fully expecting my head to burst open in pain from even attempting this, I pressed my claw into the door.

... No pain. My headache was still very much present, but it didn’t get any worse. I pulled the claw down, making a large cut in the wood. Still no addition to the pain.

That settled it. From the crack between the two doors I cut into the wood with my claws and made a large cut towards the floor. It was like a fourth of a circle cut into the wood. After only a moment of cutting like this I started to feel the adrenaline rush winding down.

Throwing caution to the wind, both my claws struck the door and started tearing into the spot I had marked out. The sound of breaking wood echoed in the room and the hall on the other side, but I didn’t care.

A few seconds later and I had made a hole big enough for me to move through. I practically threw myself through the hole and ran down the hallway towards where I had heard Spike run off to.

A flashlight lay on the ground a few feet away from the door, broken and unusable. The thought of Spike being in this place alone was worrying enough, alone and in the dark though? I ran as fast as my four legs could carry me.

‘Knowing my luck, I'm going to have to save him from some gargantuan beast while surrounded by lava, or, something... too tired to think.’ I thought as I took a right at the end of the hallway.

I had no time to stop as my face collided with an orange hoof.
> Applejack the Kicker of Kittens
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	... ‘Okay, this whole getting knocked out thing is starting to get old.’ was the first thing I thought upon waking. Under me I could feel something soft as well as the tell tale sounds of hooves striking the stone floor.

“Say all ya want AJ, you’re still ah kitty kicker.” Apple Bloom’s voice was off to my right and to my left sompony started to laugh.

To my left was Scootaloo, trying to stifle her laughter with her hoof, “Applejack the kicker of kittens.” after she finished, the little pegasus bursted out laughing along with Apple Bloom.

“Now I said quit it.” Applejack stated loudly and slamming her hoof down, “I didn’ mean tah hit him, he ran right into my hoof while I was walkin. An I don’ want you sayin nothin ta anypony about this, especially Fluttershy.”

“Yes Applejack.” they both stated while I stood on Applejack’s back and stretched.

Applejack had to of felt me moving around, “Looks like Scruffy’s finally awake.”

As if she had teleported, Apple Bloom appeared to my right, leaning on Applejack with her fore legs, “Ya doin' alright little kitty?” she said as she started to pet me with her hoof.

“Applejack did kick you pretty hard.” Scootaloo appeared to my left, constantly moving her head and looking me over, “Are his eyes glowing?”

‘What!?’

“What?” both of the Apples asked as I cut off any power I could going to my eyes. Scootaloo though was looking around at the walls with a confused look on her face.

“Did anypony else hear that?” she asked looking over to Apple Bloom.

‘... Hello?’ I said in my head to see if it was me the little pegasus had heard.

“Hear what?” Apple Bloom asked while Scootaloo either didn’t hear me or completely ignored me. With it apparent that they couldn’t hear me I began to ponder what had just happened while they continued talking.

“So you did hear it!” the pegasus said before looking to Applejack, “Did you hear that voice?”

“I didn’t hear anything secpt you two talkin ta Scruffy.” the farmer answered before she started walking again, “We gots ta get movin again. The others won’t find themselves.”

That brought me out of my thoughts, ‘Wait, what happened to the others?’ 

“Right...” Apple Bloom stated as she slowly followed her sister. Since it was obvious that I wasn’t going to be answered I went back to trying to figure out how Scootaloo had heard me.

‘She had just talked about my eyes glowing, could that be it?’ I thought as Scootaloo moved over to my right with Apple Bloom, ‘Quick test then.’

My eyes locked with the back of AJ’s head and I started to feel the black magic working, ‘Stop.’ it was a simple command. Spoke loud enough in my head that she would of responded if she heard it.

Instead she kept walking like nothing had happened. Pulling back on the power made my eyes return to normal, ‘Well that's not it.’ I thought as I looked over at Apple Bloom and Scootaloo.

“You said you heard it though.” Scootaloo said in a hushed voice.

“I was askin what ya had heard, not saying I heard somethin.” Apple Bloom shot a look at Applejack, “We don’ have time to be lookin for ghosts right now. We gotta find Spike, Sweetie, and Rarity.”

“You think I was lying?” Scootaloo asked accusingly with narrowed eyes.

“No!” Apple Bloom said a bit to loud, but Applejack didn’t seem to notice... or she was listening just like I was. Apple Bloom shot her big sister another look before continuing, “What I’m sayin is we’ll look for what caused it when we find th’ others. Okay?”

Scootaloo let out a sigh as her mad expression fell, “Ya, okay...” she hung her head sadly. This was something I could help with.

I jumped down from Applejack’s back making the farm pony stop. Before she could say anything though I stopped in front of Scootaloo and gave her my usual daw inspiring routine. Cute face, big eyes, make sure no magic is flowing into my eyes, and the smallest meow I could muster.

“Ah.” the two little fillies stated as Scootaloo started to pet me.

Next I did what came naturally and started to purr while moving against her fore legs. She smiled down at me while Applejack spoke up, “Looks like Scruffy wants ta ride on your back fer a bit.”

“That true Scruffy?” Scoots asked and I gave her another meow. She stretched out her wing and lowered herself to the ground. A few seconds later I was on her back and we were once again moving down the hallway.

After a few seconds of the only noise being the sound of their hooves striking the floor as they walked Apple Bloom spoke up in her usual hushed tone, “What was it you said before ya heard the voice? Somethin bout Scruffy’s eyes?”

By her hesitation Scootaloo had either forgotten about it already or was hesitant to say anything, “I... I thought I saw them glowing...”

As plain as day, anyone could spot that Apple Bloom didn’t believe her friend. I wasn’t about to let my powers break up a friendship, so I did what any sensible person would do. When Apple Bloom looked back at me I sent a small bit of powers to my eyes.

She looked back to Scootaloo and opened her mouth to say something. Immediately her mouth shut and she turned to look at me again, but she was too late. My eyes were no longer glowing as I was no longer supplying them magic. As a consolation prize though, I twisted my head and gave her a cute little meow.

Her eyes narrowed in confusion and her mouth was slightly moving, like she was trying to come up with words to say but couldn’t find them. After a few more moments she stopped and used her hoofs to wipe her eyes.

“You saw it didn’t you?” Scootaloo asked as Apple Bloom caught back up with us.

She was still staring at me with that confused look, “I... I don’t know what I saw, but somethin’s up with Scruffy.”

Scootaloo brought one of her hoofs up to her chin as they turned and continued following Applejack, “Could he be possessed? This place is supposed to be haunted, and when Rarity came back and told us what happened she said it sounded like he was fighting something.”

As the two little fillies were talking I noticed another pony making their way towards us from the end of the corridor. It was another mare dressed in a maids outfit, ‘They said something about fixing this place up. Is she part of the helping staff?’

“Ya then Spike ran off to look fer him and Sweetie and Rarity fell into one of the traps an now we got three ponies to find." the maid was getting closer and no one was paying her any attention, "We’ll have Twilight check ‘em out when we get back.” Apple Bloom said as the hairs on the back of my neck began to rise.

'Oh crud.' it had become increasingly obvious that I was the only one to notice the maid trotting towards us. Applejack and her were on a collision course and I had no idea what touching a ghost would lead to. Quickly I jumped up onto Scootaloo’s head and started to hiss at the specter.

“Scruffy, what’s gotten into you?” Apple Bloom asked as Applejack stopped to look.

“Jus wait a minute. Rares said he did that jus before she passed out.” the farm pony said as she started trying to following my line of sight.

The specter had stopped and looked up at me with it’s half closed eyes. Then it’s expression changed from being half asleep to fully enraged. It’s eyes narrowed and turned black. Applejack was slowly backing up because she couldn’t see it and I almost envied her for that.

I felt in my mind for my magic and found I had quite a bit, ‘If it comes down to it, I think I could take it.’ it’s mouth opened to reveal nothing but razor sharp teeth, ‘Nope, never mind, not happening.’

Slowly it worked it’s mouth up and down, “Get... out...” a window behind it flew open, letting in a powerful gust of wind.

“Run!” Applejack stated as she and the girls turned tail and ran. I turned and watched from Scootaloo’s head as the spirit faded from existence, looking like she had when I first saw her.

‘And here I thought the weird part of the night was over and done with.’ I let out a sigh, trying my best to ignore the loud screaming in my ears, ‘Stupid murphy and his stupid law.’
> It Was Not to Be
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Taking a step back and looking at all that had happened to me in the last few hours, it was a little overwhelming. This is with the knowledge that I probably have even more powers that I don’t know about, Hopefully it won't be a lot. I'd never remember them when I need them.

“Ahhh!”

‘And the fillies are still screaming.’ my paws returned to covering my ears as I used my grip claws to stay on Scootaloo’s back. She had yet to say anything about it so I assumed that she didn’t feel them and they weren’t hurting her... hopefully.

‘So. Got my gripping claws, which don't hurt anything. My regular claws, which cut through anything. Then whatever I did to shut the door earlier...’ I mused as the three ponies continued to run down the hallway.

Thunk-KSH!

The floor under us suddenly gave way and parted. Reflexes took over and I jumped back towards the way we had come. I heard Apple Bloom and Scootaloo scream some more while Applejack shouted something. Meanwhile I had latched my grip claws into the wall and watched as they slid down the slide-like tunnel.

‘Seriously? We got traps to worry about too?’ I thought as I heard their screams start to fade away.

rrrrrrrRRRRR-

The doors began to shut, making me choose between freedom and following them, ‘I hate being a good guy sometimes.’ My claws retracted and I fell past the closing doors.

My body twisted as I attempted to come down on the slide paws first. As if the situation wasn’t bad enough, all my legs went outward as I made contact. I then began to slide down and started to gain speed. To top that off, I began to spin as I felt the pull of gravity take me down into the depths of the castle.

A few moments later my eyes snapped shut to try and stop the sick feeling rising in my stomach. The thought of using my claws to stop ran through my mind. I considered it for only a moment before the tunnel began to change to a steeper angle.

My sense of direction was flipped as I felt myself be propelled upwards. As my body was put through loop after loop it became obvious that some form of magic was at play. I couldn’t even feel any friction from the stone I was sliding on.

Then the ground under me was no longer there. Wind rushed through my fur as I flew through the air like a black frisbee. Any thoughts of why I had subjected myself to this torment were thrown out of my head with the only thoughts remaining:

‘Stop! Halt! Freeze! Cease an-' everything stopped. My stomach still felt like it was doing flips, but I was frozen on the spot.

Literally.

When I opened my eyes again I found myself facing down a long, square tube with some sort of symbols carved on the floor. With the entire room seeming like it was still spinning I couldn’t make out any distinguishing features on them.

What I could make out was that my paws were frozen to the ground, with only a few inches in between. Hesitantly I picked up my front right paw and felt it go right through the ice I had just made. Nothing but confusion ran through my mind as I stared at my paw and the ice on the floor.

For almost a solid minute I stared at that same spot, my mind refusing to work. After the whole room had stopped spinning I looked at my hind paws to find them in the same icy confines. I could also see the large gap I had to of just cleared behind that.

My free paw landed back on the floor as I was about the try and pull my other fore paw free, but it was jerked forward as it landed. I quickly retracted my paw into the air as I saw the symbols on the floor flash blue for the smallest of moments.

‘So the floor is enchanted, or something. I have some kind of control of ice and the others are probably still sliding to where ever this thing is leading...’

Not gonna lie, I whimpered a bit at what I knew I had to do. Frowning, I placed my paw on the ice I had made, ‘Still got to test that later.’ and pulled my other paws through their ice casings like they weren’t there.

‘At least this doesn't take too much magic. I only feel a little tired.’ I thought as I looked at the ice one last time.

With my eyes focused on the path ahead of me, I took a deep breath, let it out slowly, and jumped forward.

My paws connected to the floor and my front legs stayed standing proud. Back legs, not so much. They were swept forward, pulling me into a sitting position and giving me a front row seat for this magic roller coaster.

The walls once again blurred past my face as I felt my eyes starting to water. Despite this I dare not close them. For all I knew there was a pool of water full of sharks with lasers attached to their heads.

If I could remember and count all the times I’ve ran into that situation, it’d be in the double digits.

It wasn’t long before I could see the end of the tunnel and the stars of the night sky... ‘Wait a minute.’ my eyes narrowed and I was right. I could see the stars and the night sky. That meant I was being shot into the air!

Just as this startling realization came to me I felt myself once again enter the air. As if on a set path, my body arced perfectly towards a pond, ‘So help me if I called it-’

The rocky head of a creature lifted up out of the pond and stared at me as I reached the apex of my arc. My eyes widened, ‘Crikey, that's a big croc.’ I thought as I started swinging my limbs to slow my fall.

I knew I couldn’t make it out of this one without a fight. It was right where I was going to land and it knew I was coming. What it did not know was that I was no ordinary kitty.

With a battle cry I unsheathed my claws and pulled whatever magic I could to the surface and everything slowed down.

I could see my breath in front of my face as my entire body felt colder. My heart began to race as I looked at the rock covered crocodile. I loved the rush of situations like this. The rush of fighting an uphill battle, of fighting against all odds and winning.

It’s moments like this I could actually remember.

The Croc and I were close now. I could see into it’s eyes and it stared right back. This would be a fight to remember for sure.

Then I felt the rope loop around my stomach and my concentration was broke, “I got ya!” I was violently jerked away from my opponent and towards the side of the pond.

‘Oh come on!’ I mentally yelled as I felt myself collide with something soft and furry.

“There ya are Scruffy. Was startin ta wonder where you was at.” Applejack said as she took the rope off me and placed me down, “You’re awfully lucky I was here ta lasso ya, otherwise you’d be gator chow.”

‘I hate you.’ I thought as the rope was stored back into her hat.

“I told you he’d be okay.” Scootaloo’s said from behind Applejack.

“Ya sure it was you that said that?” Apple Bloom asked, “Could’ve swore ya were freakin out about him missin.”

As Scootaloo gave her rebuttal I looked back at the Croc as it made it’s way away from us, ‘B-but... the epic battle...’

“Well come on ya’ll, we better find a way back inside.” Applejack said as I continued to watch the Croc disappear into the water, “Me an Scruffy will take point. We’ll high tail it back ta the tents an see if th’ others have come back yet.”

“An if they didn’t we can still grab a camera to try and see the ghosts that Scruffy points out!” Scootaloo said excitedly.

As I felt Applejack pick me up with her hooves and put me on her hat, I looked back one last time at where the Croc had disappeared under the water, ‘It would've been legendary...’

We started our trek around the castle and I couldn’t help but feel a little bit cheated.

> Confusing, Crazy Castle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	‘I’m a little black kitten, flying though the air, against the night sky, how did she see me!?’ I thought as the ponies continued trotting around the castle walls. Applejack said something about seeing the door, but I was still lost in thought of the battle that could’ve been.

‘I mean really, how?... I should be thankful since now my cover isn't blown...’ then another thought hit me as I heard their hooves striking stone flooring instead of dirt, ‘Why am I keeping this a secret again?’ I sighed and dropped the question deciding to think about it later.

“Alright, it doesn’t look like anypony’s been here. That means the others are still somewhere else in the castle.” Applejack stated as she moved to one of the tents, me still on her hat, “It’s pretty obvious that this place is haunted,” ‘Really, I hadn't noticed.’ “So we’re goin ta take it slow from now on an Scruffy will go first ta make sure it’s safe.”

‘... Not sure if that's racist or not.’ I thought as Apple Bloom rushed in front of her sister.

“Ya can’t let Scruffy go first! What if a ghost gets him?” the little filly shook her head, “If it was Winona-”

“Gonna stop ya right there Bloom.” Applejack readjusted her hat, “He’s gonna be right on my head the entire time.”

“Oh, sorry.” she stated before a clatter from one of the tents drew our attention.

A random metal cup flew out of a yellow tent followed by another and a frying pan before Applejack spoke up, “Scootaloo, what in tarnation do you think yer doin?”

The little pegasus’ head popped out the front of the tent, “Uh, getting a camera?” she stated as if it was obvious before going back into the tent.

“Ya don’t got to throw things around to do that. Besides, I think you’re in the cookin supplies.” Applejack stated as we watched a pot fly out of the tent.

“Found it!” Scootaloo cried triumphantly before walking out of the tent wearing a helmet with a metal frame on to it. That metal frame was holding a camera, “My dad helped me make this when I told him we were going ghost hunting!” she said excitedly.

“Why was it with the cookin stuff?” Apple Bloom asked quietly.

Applejack let out a sigh and shook her head, “Alright, ya got yer camera now let’s start down another hallway and try to find out where everypony-”

“Ahhhhhhhhh! Get it off! Get it off! Get it off!” Rarity’s voice echoed from the hallway on the right wall at the back of the room.

“That was Rarity!” Applejack stated before galloping towards the hallway. I could hear Apple Bloom and Scootaloo following as fast as they could, “Rarity! Keep screaming so we can find you!”

“Never thought I’d hear my sis to tell Rarity to keep screamin.” Apple Bloom said to Scootaloo, electing a chuckle from both of them.

Meanwhile, I was looking left and right for any kind of spirit that I would need to warn AJ about. We took another turn as Rarity screamed again, though this time it sounded muffled and farther away. Applejack had to of noticed as she growled and picked up the speed.

We followed the hallway past some cool banners and kept running, though we didn’t hear Rarity’s voice a third time. It wasn’t long before the walls seemed to blend together, but it wasn’t till we ascended some stairs that I completely lost where we were.

A few more moments later and Applejack began to slow down as we came upon a hallway that ended with a very decorative door. It was black with a silver cresent moon in it and one look immediately gave me that ‘Don’t mess with it’ sense. I heard AJ give an annoyed sigh as she turned to go back down a different hallway.

“That’s jus’ great.” Applejack said as she looked down on the two fillies, “Can anypony hear Rarity still?” they both shook their heads, “Well gosh darn it. Knew I should’ve roped Dash into helpin...”

Scootaloo collapsed onto the ground as if she had just ran a marathon and Apple Bloom was panting but still on her hooves, “Can we-”

“Ain’t got time to rest.” Applejack stated before lowering to the ground, “Now hop on, it was stupid of me ta rush off like that, but we still don’ got time ta lose.” as the two moved to do as she had asked I felt the a cold chill run through me and the hairs on my neck stand on end.

“Hey, what’s up with Scruffy now?” Scootaloo asked as I continued to look around frantically for any paranormal signs of activity.

“He’s caught wind of somethin, somethin we don’ want ta stick around ta see.” Applejack stated before she started back down the hallway.

Once again I got to watch the walls and paintings pass by as Applejack lead us, at a slower speed, through the castle’s second floor. As the search continued though the hairs on the back of my neck refused to calm down. Dread began to sink in my stomach as I continued to look around.

‘It's following us...’ the thought was a frightening one. Apple Bloom had started a conversation with Applejack about something while Scootaloo tried to point her helmet cam in whatever direction I was looking in.

“....” my ears twitched as I thought I heard something, “Ahh...” ‘What was that?’

“Everypony quiet!” Applejack quickly said as we stopped at a corner by one of the moon banners. Her ears began to move to and fro to try and hear the noise again.

“AHHHH!” the scream sounded like it was suddenly right behind us. Applejack got half way turned around before I saw a white blur fly out from behind the banner and slam into all of us.

The next thing I knew I was in the air and about to fall towards the ground. A quick curse to gravity was all I could do before I watched the ground quickly approach my face before I shut my eyes.

....

Instead of the hard ground, I was surprised to feel I was being held in the air. Looking down I saw I was encased in a light bluish aura of magic. It felt weird though. I’ve been grabbed by magic before and it was like a soft but firm grasp. As it was now I felt like I could slip out of it if I moved too much.

I was suddenly dropped the few inches to the ground, landing on my feet. Behind me I could hear groans of pain and discomfort. Turning around, I found out what had hit us.

From underneath a dazed Applejack I saw Rarity spread out and trying to catch her breath. Behind her I could see the crusaders all piled together, also dazed from the look of it. Sweetie Belle's head was even swaying from side to side like she was dizzy.

Apple Bloom tried to get up almost immediately, swaying on her three hooves as she used the fourth to rub the side of her head, “What hit us?”

“We did...” Sweetie and Rarity both said in unison.

I smiled, ‘About time we caught a break.’ with no real urgency I started to walk towards the group before the hairs on the back of my neck stopped me. I turned my back to the group and looked down the hallway.

A shimmer of in the moonlight was all I saw. The hallway behind it seemed distorted, but with the chill that was going through me, I knew there was something there. The others behind me began to talk and apologize while my eye never left the figure.

‘Wait, my eyes!’ slowly I channeled magic into my eyes to see if it would do anything. Everything around me got clear as crystal and I could see a distinct out line of a pony, but no more.

Then it stumbled backwards and I heard the muffled strike of it’s hooves on the stone ground. I saw it turn and run, the sound of hooves striking the floor quickly fading away as a thought struck me, ‘My eyes... whoever or whatever that was saw them glow and ran...’

I heard the others start to move towards me, but I continued to ignore them as a thought went through my head, ‘That didn't seem like a ghost to me... just what is going on in this crazy castle?’
> Evil! I Knew It!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Most would guess that those with years and years of experience under their belt would never do something considered ‘stupid’. What I did next, proved that wrong.

I glanced back to see the others starting to untangle themselves and get their bearings. Then I returned my gaze to the hallway the mystery pony had taken off too, and I bolted.

No cries for me to stop, no yelling of my name told me that my friends were none the wiser of my leaving. As my paws connected with the rug on the floor, a steady stream of magic was channeling to my eyes. They glowed yellow giving away my position, but I could see the outline of the pony I was chasing.

The figure ran through a doorway and disappeared behind it. To my shock the door shifted slightly, indicating the figure was about to slam it shut. I cut the magic flowing to my eyes and began moving as fast as I could.

*SLAM*

‘Ah, my friggin nose!’ I mentally yelled out as I rolled on my back with my paws over my face, ‘Stupid doors! You all belong in wood chippers!’ I stared down the door in anger, wanting the stupid thing to burst into flames.

It was a disappointment when it didn’t, so I just grumbled, got up, and briskly walked towards the door. I used my grip claws and made my way up the door to a circular, knocker-looking door knob. Having seen others do so, I pulled down on the knocker knob and felt the door shift forward slightly.

‘That wasn't so hard.’ I thought to myself as I jumped down to the floor, ‘... Why didn't I do this earlier for the room I was stuck in?’ I shook my head and proceeded to nudge the door open.

Poking my head through the crack I was greeted to the sight of an empty room. I quickly jumped into the room and into the shadows of the nearest corner. Whoever I had followed was in this room and I needed to be sneaky about it.

‘Just like when I was taking down Big Boss.’ I thought with a smile.

The first thing I noted was how dusty the room was. There was a clear path away from the door that told me where the figure had gone to hide at. The second thing was the chill that assaulted my body, ‘So this is either a ghost or one of the ponies from town...’

I pushed those thoughts and the chilling feeling to the back of my head and focused on the situation in front of me.

For whoever ran in here, the room had to be dark, having only one window and it had old drapes blocking the moonlight. If I lit up my eyes I would be seen in a heartbeat, but I could see in the darkness just fine, giving me the element of surprise. The trick now was to keep it.

An idea formed in my head making a smile spread across my muzzle. I sunk my grip claws into the wall beside me and started to make my way up. With how dark the room was, I doubted whoever was in here would even think to look up into the back corner of the room.

Every ounce of stealth training I could remember was being put to use as I slowly prowled across the ceiling. Once I got to center of the ceiling where an hook for a chandelier was I froze. The muffled sound of hooves striking the floor reached my ears.

I dared not to turn to see where the sound was coming from. In my mind I was the ceiling. There was no reason for the pony to look up. I might as well of been invisible.

A tug in my mind told me I was now using magic for something. My gaze stayed on the paws in front of me as I watched the shadows around me converge and wash over them, like a cloak. Completely obscuring them, almost as if they disappeared entirely.

The smile that spread across my face was that of cocky bastard, but I didn’t care.

I began to move again to the corner I had my sights set on. My paws and claws as silent as a predator stalking its prey. Once I got to the corner I turned and looked back into the room, channeling some magic into my eyes.

The shadows around me faded as I stopped the flow to the cloak around me. My eyes lit up with magic as I scanned the room....

Nothing besides the decaying furniture greeted my eyes.

Any smile that had been on my muzzle was now a frown as I couldn’t find the one I had been pursuing.

*Beep beep*

My gaze shifted downward and I found my target directly below me. I watched as a translucent hoof moved towards it’s head, “Clear, go ahead.” I knew that voice. It was from earlier today.

“Code Green, we’re pulling out.” another voice said with a little bit of static.

‘A radio headset?’

“Bout time you finished with that bucking vault.” Red said as the invisible pegasus moved to the window.

‘Evil! I knew it!’ I thought happily as I waited for her to leave so that I could do the same.

“What about the little dragon we got in one of the traps?” whatever little magic I had left found it’s way to the surface as I glued my eyes to the pony with anger.

“Free him.” my magic subsided a little bit, but I was still ready to pounce, “We don’t need a search party to come looking for him.”

*Beep Beep*

“Bucker’s lucky these jobs pay well...” Red muttered before she flew out the window, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

‘Pay well? If she was hired, were they all in this together?’ I thought as I dropped from the ceiling and moved towards the door, ‘If that's the case, who's the one paying them? I'm definitely sticking to Spike like glue after this.’

I heard the sound of hoof steps galloping down the hallway seconds before I felt the door slam against my face, “Scruffy!?” the three tiny voices cried out in unison.

*SLAM*

'Stupid friggin door...' a small groan was all I could muster as the door had me pinned against the wall. The door moved forwards and I felt myself slowly slide down the wall. I landed on my stomach and held my head up to try and look at my attackers, but the whole room was spinning.

“Found him!” the southern voice of Apple Bloom rang in my ears, “Ohoooo....”

“Uh-oh.”

“Oh no! What did we do!” I felt myself be lifted up by hooves and rocked like I was a baby, “We’re so sorry Scruffy.”

‘I think you took one of my nine lives...’

“Girls, we can’t let AJ know we did this. She would never let us hear the end of it.” Scootaloo said and I felt Sweetie turn towards her.

“Why?”

“We didn’ let-” Apple Bloom was cut off.

“No reason!" Scootaloo answered quickly, "We-we just don’t want to get in trouble.”

My vision began to fade on me as Apple Bloom began to voice her agreement with Scootaloo, ‘Sleep sounds really good right now...'
> You Got to be Kidding Me
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	When my previously sleep deprived mind began to stir once more I felt very... I don’t know how to describe it. My body was cold, though it didn’t bother me at all for some reason, and I could feel something very warm right beside me. Cracking an eye open brought a smile to my muzzle.

‘So they found Spike while I was out.’ my eyes focused on the dragon’s sleeping face, ‘That's one freak out I don't have to have this morning.’ I layed my head back down on the sleeping bag between my white paws and tried to get some more sleep.

...

‘Wait a minute, my paws aren't white.’ lifting my head up, I was able to look at my paws and see, they were not only white, but I could see the air around them. Like when it’s winter and everyone can see their own breath in the air.

‘Oh no. No no no no no.’ I quickly got up and looked down and saw my entire body was white. Even my muzzle, ‘How did I not notice that first?’ to calm myself I took a deep breath and exhaled. My breath hung in the air, but I was calm.

I glanced to Spike and saw he was still asleep and not looking very cold, ‘Must be a dragon thing.’ my head turned and looked around the small camping area to see if anypony was watching me.

Over the dying fire pit, and across from me, Applejack was sound asleep inside her sleeping bag. Rarity was asleep in a small tent that looked like it was made for royalty. Then there were three sleeping bags that had lumps in them that I assumed were the crusaders.

‘Okay, I'm in the clear.’ slowly I inched my way away from Spike and out onto the hard floor. I closed my eyes and felt for my magic- ‘Wow!... That is a lot of power...’ to put it into perspective, I had thought that I would have about a pool sized amount of magic.

I hadn’t even thought about it being more akin to an ocean than a pool, ‘Star Swirl must of been one powerful stallion in his day.’ I began to move away from the group, ‘I’m probably gonna spend the next few hours trying to turn, whatever this is, off.’

Then a sudden wave of lightheadedness hit me like a bus. I started blinking while swaying from side to side before I shook my head to clear it. As plain as day my muzzle was back to being black and I could no longer see my breath.

The size of the magic pool in my head also shrunk to around what I thought it would be. Enough to keep off attackers, but not enough to take on an army. It was yet another anticlimactic incident, just like everything else that's happened so far...

‘Gah!... This whole first quest is turning into a bust. Got some powers, but I haven't gotten to fight anything. I found out that those ponies in town are evil, but I got no evidence, so I can't do anything.’ I grumbled in my mind as I slowly walked back towards the group, ‘Is everything anticlimactic around these ponies?’

I sat down next to the burning embers and let out a sigh. The embers popped and crackled a little, but didn’t hold my attention long. My gaze eventually lingered away from the fire and towards the others.

Applejack had her hat over her head and was breathing softly. I could hear a quiet snore from inside Rarity’s tent. Spike was right behind me, still sleeping with a smile as he probably thought I was right beside him.

My eyes stayed on Spike a little longer, ‘Him and I have been through a lot since he found me in Manehattan. Those truly were simpler times.’

It was then that I caught something odd out of the corner of my vision. The three sleeping bags of the CMC where oddly still. No signs of movement at all, not even breathing.

‘No...’ I walked over and poked one of the lumps in the closest sleeping bag. It was soft and didn’t feel like a pony, ‘No no...’ with my teeth I bit the zipper and unzipped the bag to find a bundle of blankets, ‘You've got to me kidding me!

As I face-pawed at those three’s recklessness a though struck me, ‘I can just wake up Applejack an let her deal with it... and follow the whole anticlimactic nature this quest has had so far.’

I looked over towards Spike, ‘Or I can do the stupid thing and wake up Spike so we can find them together!... Or they could be in danger and Spike and I won't be able to handle it. Curse my logical mind.’

Seconds later I was beside Applejack, trying to wake her up with my paws. I shook her head, jumped on her sleeping bag, I even took her hat and hit her with it on the nose. She did not want to get up. I slightly smiled when she just rolled over and never woke up.

‘No one can say I didn't try.’ I thought happily as I made my way over to Spike. It was about time for me and my little dragon buddy to go on an actual quest. With a spring in my step and a smug smile on my muzzle I made my way over towards the sleeping dragon.

Just like with Applejack, I shook his head, jumped on his sleeping bag and even tried hitting him with her hat. Nothing worked though and things were looking bleak for the mission ahead. Then an idea came to mind.

Opening my eyes wide, I channeled a large amount of my magic into them to try and do what I did to Scootaloo earlier, ‘Spike, wake up!’

...

Nothing happened, ‘When it happened I was looking into her eyes...’ I use my paws to open one of Spike’s eyes and added more power to reach his sleeping mind, ‘Wake up!’

The effect was instant, “Huh what!?” Spike shot up and knocked me to the ground as he sat up in his sleeping bag. As I started to stand he was rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, “What was that?”

A smile broke across my muzzle just as Spike looked at me, ‘This is going to be awesome.’

“Did... did you just talk?” Spike asked, confused, “Are your eyes glowing?”

‘...’ I cut the power to my eyes, let out a tiny meow, and cocked my head to the side like I was confused, ‘Please work please work please work.’

“Is that you talking Scruffy?” Spike asked as he was fully awake.

‘... You can still hear me?’

“So it is you talking!” he said loudly as he quickly stood up.

‘Now Spike.’ I said as me and him had a stare off, ‘I can explain everything if you give me a chance.’

“What?” he asked looking around and scratching his head. "Am I dreaming?"

‘No, I’ll explain everything while we look for the girls.’ I said while trying my best to not fumble my words.

Spike looked over and saw the empty sleeping bags, “Wait, what are we doing?”

‘Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle took off for some reason and we're going to go find them.’ I said as I took off down one of the halls. Spike was right behind me telling me to come back. It was a little mean, but I needed to think about just how in the world I was going to explain all of how I got my powers to him.
> We Got Ourselves an Actual Quest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As we walked down the hallway where I think the Crusaders went, my mind repeatedly fell back to Spike. I wasn’t stupid enough to think those things out loud, but I was constantly wondering how he could now hear me as I explained the whole Star Swirl thing to him.

“The one and only Star Swirl the Bearded gave you his magic?” he asked as if I was lying. “Uh huh...” he looked at me with a raise eyebrow.

‘Spike, I'm telling you the truth. We've went over this five times now.’ I said, stopping in the middle of the hallway, ‘Let's shorten it up and cover the bases. I was always smart as a kitten and could understand you.'

“Uh huh.” he nodded his head.

‘When we came to this castle I was given powers by Star Swirl after he knocked out both Rarity and me.’

“Uh huh.”

‘Then I spent a little bit learning the powers and am still doing so.’ I stated before adding, ‘I only just now learned if I pour enough magic into my eyes when I'm mentally talking to someone it will make the mental connection permanent... or, that's what I think happened.’

“Uh huh.”

...

...

‘Did you follow any of that?’

“Yeah. You were smart before and now a dead unicorn that Twilight practically idolizes gave you powers after knocking both you and Rarity out.” he said with a straight face, “Seems pretty straightforward to me.”

‘Uh huh.’ I doubted he believed me, it sounded crazy to me and I lived it, ‘Wait, Twilight idolizes Star Swirl? Wonder if she knows he was here as a ghost.’

“If she did we probably would of moved in here after Nightmare Moons defeat.” Spike laughed.

‘You know, you're awfully calm about all of this...’ I said as I started to walk again with Spike to my side.

“It’s not the weirdest thing to happen to me this year.” Spike said as we turned another corner, “That had to be either the Changelings invasion or the treaty signing.”

... It took a minute for that to register, ‘These Changelings invaded and Equestria signed a treaty with them in the same year?’

“We did a lot more than that in one year.” Spike said as if he was proud of it, “We stopped Nightmare Moon, played a game with the Discord for the fate of Equestria before resealing him in stone, and helped stop the Changeling invasion and that was all last summer.”

‘Wow, and here I thought I was going to have a calm life as the pet of royalty.’ I shook my head as we turned a corner.

“Around Twilight and her friends, it’s anything but calm.” Spike laughed, “Oh, and after winter we saved the Crystal Empire from King Sombra, Reformed Discord, and Twilight took on Tirek to save all the magic in Equestria.”

‘Wow, sounds like you get into a lot of adventures.’

“You were around for that last one, but it was sheer dumb luck that Fluttershy had asked to keep you to try and get you to be nicer to her. You would of been in the library when it blew up otherwise.”

‘Oh yeah, I hated that weekend... Wait, the library place got blown up!?’ I mentally yelled, ‘How did that happen?’

“It actually-”

KUCH-WH-BOOM

The floor under us suddenly swung open, ‘I hate this castle!’ I screamed in my head with Spike as we fell down into the abyss below.

There was no slick surface this time, just a long dark drop into nothingness. We flew past what I think were the remains of a floor before the walls to our sides disappeared and we were surrounded by inky black.

I felt Spike grab me just before we hit something. It soon gave in and we hit another one, our momentum considerable slowed. The next one we hit gave a little before slowly going back to it original position with me and Spike on it.

“Huh, is... is it over?” Spike asked as he looked around.

My eyes lit up as I pushed some magic into them. I could see the walls of the room easily all around us. A quick glance over Spike’s side showed me the floor a considerable ways down, as well as something far more unsettling.

We were on a giant web.

‘Giant spiders, why is it always-’

“What!? What giant spiders!?” Spike yelled as he started to wiggle around, “Why can’t I move!?”

‘Stop or else you're going to-’ a light flashed over us and stayed on Spike’s back. I looked over to see three familiar little fillies with a camera and a flashlight standing on the ground floor, just inside a hole in the wall.

“Hey Spike!” Sweetie Belle called up to us.

“What are ya doin way up there?” Apple Bloom yelled next.

I cut off the magic to my eyes as Scootaloo started to talk, “Are you stuck in the web?”

“Uh... maybe.” he called back.

“Don’t worry, they’ll get you down just like they did for us!” Scootaloo called happily back.

‘Who's they?’ I asked Spike and he repeated my question to the girls.

“Just don’t scream! They’re actually really nice!” Scootaloo yelled before I heard her and the other start to laugh.

‘I don't like how she's laughing...’ I moved back away from the edge of Spike and made my eyes glow again. Allowing me to see them.

Four spiders bigger than a pony. Dark purple in color with bright blue eyes and a similarly colored star on it’s back. My eye twitched as I fought every urge to scream. These things made Spike look tiny and I could be held against his chest easily.

‘Help us.’

My paws shot to cover my ears as Spike started screaming. He held me tight as one of them lifted us up off the web. It was around the time that I heard the crusaders laughing their tails off that I realized that we weren’t in any danger.

“Spike calm down! They’re just getting you off their web!” Sweetie Belle yelled up.

‘Help us.’ I looked around as I thought I had heard something.

Spike had stopped screaming and actually hazarded a look around. He gulped loudly, “I-I knew that...” his teeth where still chattering loudly. The spider sat us down on the floor near the crusaders and Spike quickly moved to get us away.

“Hey Spike, you’re supposed ta say thank you after somepony helps ya.” Apple Bloom commented as Spike and me joined them in the hole in the wall.

‘Help us.’

As Spike said his stuttery thank you I heard the voice again. My eyes locked with the Spider that had lowered us from the web, ‘Are you saying that?'

“What?” Spike looked down at me.

“What’s wrong Spike?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Oh huh, nothing.” he said as he turned away from the Spider, “Just thought I heard something.”

“Like a ghost!?” Scootaloo asked as she quickly pulled up her hoof-held camera and looked around.

‘Spike ignore what I'm saying and about to say.’ I locked eyes with the spider again, channeling a little magic into my eyes, ‘Are you the one asking for help?'

‘Yes.’

A grin spread across my face as I cut power to my eyes, ‘Spike, we got ourselves an actual quest.'
> Quest Details
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“What?” Spike asked making me shoot him a deadpan expression.

“What is it Spike?” Sweetie asked making Spike turn his attention back to the girls.

‘Just, distract the girls while I get the details on what the spiders need our help for.’

“Oh, ah, I... thought I heard something.” Spike stated before putting on the biggest ‘I’m lying’ smile I’d ever seen.

‘Remind me to teach you how to lie when we get home.’ my gaze returned to the lead spider in front of me, ‘So what do ya need done? I've got a good track record from anything involving stealing, looting, gathering items, reconnaissance, taking care of anything dangerous, and almost anything else you can think of.’

The four spiders looked to one another while I put on a good smile. Had to look professional after all. I felt like someone was watching me though, so I turned and saw Spike looking at me with a raised eyebrow, ‘What?’

‘Really?’ his expression said as the girls called him over to help with something.

‘Oh, right, I'll explain that later.’ I said before returning my eyes to the Spiders. They seemed to of finished whatever it is they were talking about, ‘So what do you need done?’

‘Our mother, she is very distressed at the moment.’ the lead spider stated.

‘Thieves broke in last night and stole what she was guarding.’ another spider spoke up, ‘She's angry, very angry.’

‘She's retreated into the caverns beneath the forest. Not safe down there for any except her.’ the third spider said.

‘She yelled things, plans of what she would do to the ponies who broke in. Terrible things of what would happen to those that got in her way.’ the last spider said, as a cold chill began to grip my heart.

‘We fear for the safety of the ponies in the town by the forest's edge. That is where the thieves went, it is where she will go as well.’ the leader finished.

‘Ponyville...’ I cut off power to my eyes to think to myself, ‘First quest and already tackling lifesaving scenarios.’

“What!?” Spike exclaimed making me turn around. The crusaders were nowhere to be seen, but Spike was looking at me with shock and wide eyes, “Whose life is in danger!?”

‘Uh... no one. No one is actually in danger, just... That it's a situation where someone could be in danger. Understand?’

He blinked at me a few times and scratched his head, “Not really...”

‘Okay I'll explain what's going on later, right now I got to get the quest details from them.’ I motioned my paw towards the spiders, ‘Why don't you go and check on the crusaders?’

Spike opened his mouth to reply before there was a loud crash from the other room the hole in the wall lead to, drawing our attention, “Scootaloo watch your wings, that could’ve crushed somepony!”

“...” Spike and I look to one another, “I’m fine here.” another nod from me before I turned my attention to the spiders.

‘Okay, what do I need to do to stop her?’

‘There are two ways to stop her, but you can not kill her.’ the lead spider said.

‘I know that she's your mother, but if Ponyville is in danger I will stop her.’ I stated.

“What?” Spike asked, more confused than worried.

Ignoring him, I listened to the lead spider, ‘No, she is immortal. You can not kill her. If you are able to hurt her enough though, she will either run away and rest to heal her wounds, or fight till she can no longer move.’

With a roll of my eyes and an annoyed sigh I thought, 'Of course she's immortal. The moment I get immortality everyone get's it too.'

"What?" Spike asked again with even more confusion.

‘I'll explain later.' I turned back to the leader, 'Okay, so all I have to do is fight her and calm her down. where's the entrance to the caverns?’ I stated, anticipation for my first fight running through my mind.

‘The entrance is in the room behind you, but-’ it was at this point I could no longer wait. I took off through the hole in the wall with a smile plastered on my muzzle.

‘Spike watch the girls, I'll be back in a little bit.’ I called out as I left him behind. He was still too young to help with the fighting and this fight, ‘This fight will be one to remember, I can feel it.’

“What do you think this does?” Apple Bloom ask as I ran behind them and towards the back wall.

‘Spike can handle it...’ I thought to myself as I ran the length of the back wall looking- the floor gave out under me, making me yowl in surprise. Dirt was all I could see as I tumbled down the steep incline that I had stumbled across.

‘That's one way to find a tunnel.' a puff of air left my muzzle stirring up dirt and drawing my attention to the cavern.

“Did yall hear that?” Apple Blooms voice rang from above.

“Sounded like Scruffy!” Sweetie Belle stated in a worried sounding voice.

“Alright girls, spread out and look for him. We’ll figure out what this thing does later.” Scootaloo said as the sound of hooves on stone reached my ears.

‘I got to take care of this spider before they find this tunnel.’ back on my paws I was about to take off down the tunnel when I heard Spike’s worried voice.

“Scruffy! Scruffy! Have you girls seen Scruffy!?”

“No, we just heard him a second ago though. We’re looking for him now.” Scootaloo answered.

“Oh, not good, not good, not good. I’ve got something really important to tell him!” Spike stated as I heard his clawed feet starting to run around.

“What would somepony have to tell a cat?” Apple Bloom asked make Spike stop running around from what I could hear.

“Oh, I... I have to tell him it’s time for us to go back and get him some food.” there was no doubt in my mind he had that big ‘I’m lying’ smile on again.

I shook my head, but thought nothing of what they had said in case Spike could still hear me. With a smirk I took off down into the caverns. I had some spider hunting to do and not a lot of time to do it in.
> Ambushed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The caves were darker than I had expected them to be. Even with my natural night vision I could only see the walls to my sides and a wall of inky black darkness in front of me. I knew I had jumped the gun and messed up big time when I had only taken two turns and found myself lost.

The exact moment I knew I had messed up royally was when I made my second turn and stopped to think of my plan of action. I had set down right in front of the tunnel entrance and weighed the pros and cons of going back for Spike. With him being fire proof and having scales tough enough to rival metal he could’ve been a real help in this dark close quarters environment.

‘Not to mention we're supposed to be partners...’ I thought before turning around to walk back for him.

My mind and head reeled when my nose collided with a solid wall of dirt. There’s no way that I could’ve been sitting for more than a minute, not moving at all, and I had lost the tunnel I used to reach the intersection. If magic had moved the dirt and sealed it, then I would've heard it, especially in the eerily silent tunnels.

Things had went down hill so darn fast from there that it was unreal.

From the intersection I had taken it slowly down one of the tunnels. Never in any of my previous lives do I remember having claustrophobia, but down in those dark tunnels, I’m not afraid to admit, I was scared.

The even scarier thought is Spike and the girls wondering down here to look for me. That thought made me want to run down the tunnels in search of something... anything really. If not to just provide a break in the monotonous tunnel system then to help ease my growing unease somehow.

...

I froze in place, my ears twitching, searching for the ghost of the sound I had just heard. It was almost like a drip of water or-

Tap

My whole body turned, allowing me to look back to where I had just came from. The same wall of inky darkness greeted me as the one in front of me. Ears and eyes focused, I waited for the sound to happen again.

...

...

..Tap

Narrowing my eyes, I turned my body to face the direction I had came from. I lowered myself to the ground, ready to pounce on something or jump out of the way.

Tap...Tap...Tap...

The sound was getting closer and I realized just how open and vulnerable in this open space. Slowly I began to move against the left wall and summoned my magic to rap the shadows arou-

TAP-TAP-TAP-TAP-TAP-TAP-TAP

My eyes widened and I turned on the spot to look behind me, ‘A second one!?’ I had no time to plan as I felt something tackle me. Dirt filled my vision as the creature screeched loudly behind me. I rolled to the side just as something landed where I had been not even a second before.

With my paws under me I leapt forward in between two long legs to try and get some breathing room. As soon as I landed I turned and jumped again towards the wall, gripping onto it’s surface. This proved to be a good move as creature was in mid lead to where I had first landed.

The creature was a spider, dark grey, dark green stripes along its legs and body. Smaller than the ones from earlier, but big enough for concern. Before it landed I knew I wouldn’t get a better chance to go on the offensive.

I pounced onto the spider’s back and sunk my grip claws in to stay on no matter what. I felt the drain from my mana pool as I channeled magic to my paws. The spider began to jump around sporadically from wall to wall, letting out a piercing screech trying to throw me off.

As I gripped the joints of it’s front two legs with my fore paws. My claws locked in place I sent a large burst of magic through them, freezing the joints almost instantly. When the spider next landed on the ground the ice around the joints broke and the limbs came off completely.

Then they bursted into black smoke and disappeared.

‘What the-!?’ I was given no time to question what had happened as a second screech reached my ears. I looked up just in time to see a second spider fill my vision with it’s fangs and teeth. I ducked as I felt the two spiders start to roll from the impact. When we stopped, I was forced to jump back as one of the newer spider’s legs crashed down, trying to impale me.

The first spider let out a screech as it was impaled by its companion's leg. As the second spider tore its leg out of the first I could feel all eight of its eyes staring into mine. Then the first spider was gone. Up in a puff of black smoke just like what had happened to it’s legs. If it noticed this or not, the second spider kept its gaze on me.

Slowly, it began to rise up. The spider’s legs stretching and making almost as tall as a pony. Our eyes stayed locked and I was growling just as much as it was hissing. Then it seemed to lean back and I flexed my legs to dodge a leap.

K-CH

The leap never came, but I felt something impact me from the front. As I was sent tumbling down the tunnel it felt as if my front paws had been glued to my body. Even before I came to a stop I tried using my claws to try and cut whatever was holding my in place, but my range of movement was to restricted.

As soon as I stopped rolling I used my rear paws to try and cut away the offending material.

K-CH

Only to have my rear paws frozen in place right by my front ones, ‘Damn damn damn!’ I took one glance at the substance before I looked into the inky darkness that now surrounded me for the spider, ‘That sound must of been them shooting their webbing!’

Tap tap tap tap tap tap tap tap

The sound of spider legs impacting the tunnel was making me panic. I rolled onto my back and looked down over my web covered body towards where I could hear the spider coming from. Remembering this morning, what I had woken up as, I closed my eyes and tried to turn whatever that was back on.

Tap tap tap tap tap

It took me two seconds before I gave up on that as the spider emerged from the darkness. Thinking quickly I poured my icy magic into my paws to try and make the webbing brittle enough for it to shatter.

The blue glow from my paws was a dead give away to my plan. The spider stopped it’s slow approach and leapt towards me. I tried moving everything from my head to my tail- ‘My tail!’

Halting the magic flow to my paws I pumped a large amount into my tail and shot it out towards the spider mid flight. A shadowy tendril surrounded my tail before a set of translucent purple claws surrounded the spider.

With a smirk I smashed the spider into the ceiling, then the floor, before ping-ponging it between the walls. Finally I smashed it down into the floor one last time before stopping. I watched with a satisfied smile as the spider disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.

I let the claws fade and rested my head on the dirt floor. That had fight had taken a good chunk of my mana. I was still hopelessly lost in the middle of an underground tunnel system probably crawling with enemies. Then to top it off, Spike and the girls had probably found these tunnels by now.

Despite all that though, I began to laugh. I had finally gotten a good, satisfying fight.

‘Once this quest is over, I'm taking a break. I'll go back to being the pampered house pet I thought this life was going to be for a bit.’

Flexing my paws brought that beautiful sound of shattering ice to my ears. I stretched out my paws in front of me and then my legs behind me. Scraping my back against the dirt walls removed most of the webbing on my back. After that was done I just sat there for a moment, taking a deep breath, then releasing it as I started down a path.

I then immediately stopped as there was a wall of eyes looking directly at me. Groups of eight, all looking at me from beyond the inky dark wall. I was good in a fight, but by the numbers alone, it would've been suicide.

Quickly I dug my paws into the ground and turned to run down the other way. I froze and slid to a stop. Another large group of spiders where down that way as well. My eyes widened and I clenched my teeth together as I tried to formulate a plan.

I was boxed in, surrounded, enemies as far as I could see both ways. I had been ambushed, and to top it all off, they never even gave me a chance.

K-CH_K-CH_K-CH_K-CH_K-CH_K-CH_K-CH

With each of the sounds signifying a new blast of webbing sealing me away my entire world turned white.
> Regrouping
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I don’t know when I passed out, or how long I was out, but I was woken up to the sound of talking outside my cocoon. It was muffled and indecipherable, but it had woken me up and for that I would have to thank whoever it was.

I began to move very carefully, trying to test my range of motion. Once again my front legs where held down against my sides and my back legs were going straight back, away from my body. Almost made me feel like a mummy.

There was a small hole where the webbing was thin to nonexistent over the left side of my muzzle, giving me precious air. My ears were held down against my head at awkward angles, my eyelids were sealed shut, and my tail was held against my back legs.

But I was alive.

Despite the webbing making it hard to do so, a smile spread across my muzzle, ‘If luck is on my side, I still got time to stop the big mama spider from wrecking Ponyville... I really should've asked those spiders for her name.’

...

Despite knowing my ears where held against my head I still attempted to swivel them to try and hear what was going on around me. This resulted in a few pulled hairs and a silent curse. The world outside my cocoon was a complete mystery to me. Hopefully I was no longer in the stupid tunnels.

...

I could hear muffled voices talking. Sounded like they were arguing over something... The fur on my eyes were pulled as my eyes tried to widen in recognition, ‘Spike and the girls.’

My magic started to flow towards my paws to try and shatter the webbing around me as I had done earlier. Despite my attempts, I could only get my paws and the tip of my tail to start channeling my frost magic. The latter of which was a new discovery on my part.

“Scruffy!?” a muffled voice yelled.

Despite it being muffled, I could place that voice anywhere, ‘Spike! Do you see a blue glowing cocoon anywhere nearby? I'm inside it.’ as the thought strikes me that he’s with the crusaders I add, ‘Try to use this whole mental link to talk to me.’

There were a few moments of silence as I finished freezing the webbing around my legs and awaited Spike’s response. With my paws now free they went immediately to my face to free my eyes and muzzle. My tail tip swung around and got to work on my back.

‘Hello!?’

‘Gah! Stop it with the shouting!’ I yelled as I began to finally feel gravity pulling my body away from the cocoon.

‘Sorry.’ despite no words being said, Spikes mental voice sounded the same, ‘I don't see any blue, glowing cocoons, but the walls are lined with them. If you're in a cocoon, how did you know we were here?’

‘Your arguing woke me up.'

Spike chuckled a little, ‘How did you end up in a cocoon anyway?’

‘You haven't been attacked yet?’ I asked as I felt the webs on my face start to crack.

‘No...’ Spike said sounding confused, ‘All you need to keep the spiders away is a light.’

‘...’ I slammed my paw into my face, breaking the frozen webbing.

‘Of course you'd have known that if you hadn't left me with the crusaders.’ Spike said as I got the mental picture of him crossing his arms in annoyance.

‘For the record, I felt really bad about that and tried to find my way back to get you.’ I explained as I began to blink and get my bearings, ‘Then I was ambushed and captured.’

‘Just please, please don't leave me with them again.’ hearing him say that really made me feel bad.

‘Oh they can't be that bad.’ I looked around and spotted a few sources of light from Apple Bloom’s flashlight, Scootaloo’s camera, and Spike’s torch. They were in front of me, or bellow me since I was apparently on the roof of the cave, ‘Oh and check above you.’

Spike lifted his head up and saw me waving my still glowing blue paw, ‘How are your paws glowing?’

‘Magic. The dark magic Star Swirl gave me to be precise. Remind me to show you what else I can do when we get done saving Ponyville.’

‘Thanks for telling me about that by the way.’ I watched him cross his arms this time, 'Had to wait for the Spiders to explain it all to me.'

‘Spike, I know I dropped the ball on this one. You don't have to keep bringing it up. I promise I'll make it up to you.’ I said before I felt the webs holding me to the rock breaking, ‘Catch me.’

‘What?’

The webbing broke and I was in free fall, ‘Catch me!’ even from the distance I was at I could see Spike’s eyes widen and he dropped his torch and ran to catch me.

“Hey Spike, where you going?” I heard Scootaloo ask as I fell into the drake’s open claws. Quickly as I could, my flow of magic was cut off and I my paws were no longer glowing.

“Oh, uh.”

‘Put on a small smile and say you found me.’ I stated as he turned to show me to the girls.

“I found Scruffy!” he said with a wide smile. The smile was quickly infectious as the girls shouted in joy and ran over. As Scootaloo moved the camera and the light on the front of it around the room, something caught my attention.

To our side was a thin stalactite column touching the ground. Scootaloo’s camera illuminated just enough for me to notice the top of it in the darkness. It was bent away from us at an almost perfect ninety degree angle.

The girls and Spike were talking about something, but I didn’t care at the moment as my eyes followed the ‘stalactite’. I could only see a faint outline, since I dared not to increase my vision with my magic, but what I did see made my blood run cold.

‘Scruffy...’ Spike started drawing my attention to the lack of any talking going on between him and the girls. I turned my head back to Spike and saw him staring towards the same direction I had. For a moment I thought he and the girls had seen what I had, but they’re eyes were glued to Spike’s dropped torch.

Or, more accurately, to the army of spiders behind it, illuminated by Scootaloo’s camera and Apple Bloom’s flashlight.

I swallowed hard as the eyes all slowly began to raise up as a collective unit. They were about to take us the same way they took me earlier. That was something I couldn’t let happen.

‘Spike, you need to create the biggest flamethrower that you can possibly make.’ silence greeted my answer, ‘Spike do it now!’ my mental scream snapped the drake out of whatever fear he had as he put himself in front of the girls and took a deep breath.

The resulting spout of fire was surprisingly big for a dragon of his size. It was orange and yellow, just like any other fire I had seen, but in some parts it was outlined in black. That last bit would’ve warranted some confusion out of me if it wasn’t for my focus being on what his fountain of fire had revealed.

A spider the size of which could crush a building without even trying.

With a massive cry and a shaking of her head, the big mama spider back peddled a little bit. Under her the entire group of spiders that had been about to attack scurried off as fast as their legs could take them.

‘That's an army of small problems down.’ I looked at the big mama spider, right in the eyes, ‘One giant one left.’
> We Can't Let Anyone Know What Happened Here
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Spike’s flame caught a number of cocoons on fire around the titanic spider. The burning web was the best source of illumination after Spike let his flaming fountain sputter out. I watched the retreating shadows before looking up to Big Mama.

‘Spike, get the Crusaders out of here now.’ I stated as I felt her gaze fall on me. The amount of power she radiated through just that small action was daunting. It made me rethink my plan to fight her and make her calm down, but it was too late for that. This fight was happening, all it need was the spark to start.

“Everypony run!” Applebloom yelled out before the sounds of hooves striking the ground reached me.

That was it.

Big Mama let out a ear splitting screech just as I powered up my eyes to be able to see through the darkness with ease. With that boost I could see every little detail about the big spider, right down to the little hairs all over her body. Despite this I still couldn’t see the ceiling of the cavern. Falling dust and rubble didn’t help either.

Quick as lightning she was on her back four legs with her front four pointing directly at me. I smirked as this left her underbelly open for attack, ‘If I can get a grip on her stomach, I could cut my way-’

Three of the legs up in the air, the bottom two and the top right, began to glow with magic. On the left was a bright blue ball outlined with a pale blue mist. The bottom right was an orange fireball that had a small black inner flame. The top right was a deep blue that seemed like loosely held together water. All three balls of magic where bigger than me, and had quite a bit of power.

There was no way I could beat her in a straight up fight. I needed to plan something out, but to do that I needed time. Something I didn’t have.

“Scruffy, what do we do!?” Spike’s sudden question caught me off guard. A quick glanced to my side showed him in a shaky fighting stance right next to me.

‘Spike!? You're supposed to be protecting the Crusaders! What are you still doing here!?’ of course though, Spike never got the chance to answer me as the one leg that held no magic ball struck out like a spear towards him.

Out the corner of my eye I saw Spike cross his arms just in time before the blow struck him. On reflex my focus shifted to Spike as he flew back through the air. He struck one of the cocoons and stuck to it, seeming fine but dazed from the hit. Before I could look away from him Big Mama struck me hard in the chest.

I flew through the air, twisting and turning to make sure I land on my paws. For the few seconds that I was in the air I looked back to Big Mama. She was lowering two of her legs, leaving up the front two. The ball of water magic seemed to grow in size as well as she did so.

As I landed the cave was filled with a deep rumbling sound. A quick glance at Big Mama showed the source. She was laughing.

“Scruffy...?” Spike’s response once again caught me off guard. I learned from my mistake and didn’t take my eyes of Big Mama.

‘Spike are you hurt?’

“I feel like I got hit by a train... Can you get me off this thing?” I quickly glanced to my left to see Spike right beside me, struggling to get off the cocoon he had hit. My tail reached over and I started to freeze the webbing.

Big Mama stopped laughing immediately.

As I heard the webbing break and Spike hit the floor a plan struck me, ‘Spike, I need you to run back-’

“I’m not leaving you to fight her alone.” he said firmly, cutting me off, “I’d never abandon my best friend to fight alone while I ran away like-”

‘Spike I'm not asking you to.’ I interrupted him, ‘Run back to make her think you're running away then I'm going to get her to turn around to fight me. Then you run up while she's distracted and roast her. Understand?’

“Oh, alright! You can count on me!” he stated before I heard him turn and start running back into the cavern. My eyes widened as Big Mama’s ball of water magic started to twirl and churn before shooting a high pressure blast straight towards Spike.

‘Spike jump left now!’ I started running towards Big Mama, pouncing on the wall and making my way above her. If she didn’t think I was a threat she had a big surprise coming.

‘Keep dodging while I get her attention.’ my only response from Spike was a frightened yell. I hazarded a glance back as I made my way up the wall and closer to Big Mama. Spike was running in a zig zag with the stream of water absolutely destroying the rocks and ground behind him.

Then the deep rumbling sound returned, and my eyes narrowed at the spider. She was attacking my friend and laughing about it! My eyes narrowed at the leg that held the water magic.

‘I think you need-’ I jumped towards the leg and gripped onto the middle joint, ‘-to chill out!’ I pumped my paws full of magic, instantly freezing a small area around where my claws had dug into her leg. The ball of water magic stopped shooting the high pressure stream and dropped to the ground with a loud splash.

As Big Mama began to let out a screech of surprise my ice had finished wrapping around her leg. It wasn’t much of a stretch to think it had frozen clear through it either. With a smirk across my muzzle I jumped onto her main body near where the frozen leg connected and turned to use my shadow claws to break it.

Mid air though, something changed. Before the room had seemed cool and Big Mama seemed confident and undaunted by our presence. In the few seconds I was in the air something shifted. The atmosphere became heated and Big Mama seemed about ready to go into a frenzy of destruction.

I was momentarily stunned by this dramatic shift as I landed. Quickly I shook my head and turned to see the edges of my ice melting. The trichobothria, the hairs on her body, around the frozen area were white hot and melting the ice. My eyes widened and as fast as I could magic poured into my paw as I imagined it reaching out and swiping the frozen leg.

The results where amazing. It snapped in two right where I had frozen it, leaving a jagged frozen stump as the only indication that a leg had been there. Unlike the spiders I had encountered the leg stayed in one piece instead of bursting into shadows, destroying a number of cocoons as it landed.

Big Mama stumbled back, screeching like a banshee. My ears flattened against my head at the sound. It shook the entire room, bringing down more rubble from the nonexistent ceiling. Despite the minor headache though, I was smiling.

‘One down, three to go.’

‘Three?’ Spike, for the third time now, caught me off guard.

‘I just need to get all of the legs on one side to-’ I stopped my explanation as my fur began to stand on end. Then the exoskeleton beneath my paws began to heat up. The few hairs I had held down under my paws began to try and straighten out, digging into my soft pads as the heat continued to increase.

Taking the hint, I jumped off her back and stuck myself to the wall with my claws. It wasn’t even a second later that I could see my own shadow on the wall and an intense heat sprung up behind me. I didn’t even look before I jumped off the wall to try and get behind her.

Flames bathed the wall where I had just been. I could feel them licking at my tail as I jumped away. The ground shook as she turned to follow me. The thought of looking back crossed my mind, but I could feel the fire getting closer to my tail. I had to focus entirely on dodging or I was done for.

As I felt her starting to pursue me I tried to activate whatever I had on when I had woken up back at camp. That amount of magic could’ve put me on equal ground with Big Mama. Try as I might though, my fur never changed color, I didn’t feel any more magic enter my system, and my current reserves were already down to half.

We needed a plan and we needed it now, ‘Spike if you got any ideas now would be the perfect time to share!’


***Spike***


I watched in awe as the giant spider went up in flames just as Scruffy jumped off it, “So cool.” I muttered as I leaned out from behind one of the cocoons. A smile spread across my face and I fist pumped as I watched multiple cocoons go up in flames from just being close to her, “Yes! He got her!”

My smile soon dropped as the spider lifted the leg behind the stump and shot a stream of fire at Scruffy. I started chewing on my claws as I watched him jump out of the way and land behind the spider. She turned around quickly though and continued spewing fire towards him.

“What do I do? What do I do? What do I do!?” I started saying to myself as the spider began to pursue Scruffy.

‘Spike if you got any ideas now would be the perfect time to share!’ Scruffy yelled in my head, ‘She's too hot for me to get close and my ice will melt immediately even if I could.’

‘I’ll-I'll think of something.’ I said back, hoping it sounded more confident than I actually was.

Without a plan I started running after the spider as it slowly followed Scruffy with it’s stream of fire. I tried as hard as I could to think of an idea for Scruffy to take on the spider, but nothing came to mind. She was just too hot for him to be able to even get close to her.

‘But I can.’ an idea popped into my head as I started to get close to the spider’s back leg on the side Scruffy had already attacked.

‘You can what?’ Scruffy asked with obvious concern.

‘Trust me and just keep her busy!’ I shouted in my head before digging my claws into the spider’s leg. The flaming hairs all over her body were tickling my stomach as I made my way up the leg.

‘Just don't do anything either of us might regret.’

As I got to the ‘knee’ of the leg, about the same place Scruffy broke off the other one, I grimaced at the thought of what I was about to do, “I’m already regretting this.” with a deep frown I opened my mouth as much as I could and bit down on the spider’s leg.

Despite the immediate urge to let go and puke I stayed attached to the leg, clamping down as hard as I could. The spider’s loud screech of pain echoed through the caves as it started shaking it’s leg to try and knock me off. Slowly the fire started to die down and I started to get my hopes up that I had done something more than just bite it.

Those hopes were quickly dashed as I felt the hairs beneath me start to get wet instead of hot. Water started to form all over the leg I was biting into, quickly rising into my mouth. I took a deep breath just before it rose above my nose, but I needed to get off this leg soon.

I pushed with my claws against the spider’s leg and soon got my feet to do the same. A few seconds later I was starting to feel some give in the chunk of exoskeleton and trying not to think about just what I was biting.

My whole world shook as the spider collided with the wall to try and get me off, screeching loud enough for me to wish my ears were under water too. This continued for a few more seconds as I was starting to feel the need to breathe again.

There was a splash of water to my side, ‘Drop now!’ Scruffy yelled. I did as he said and let go of the leg, taking a big breath of air as soon as I was able.

I opened my eyes as I fell and could barely see Scruffy’s black form against the dark ceiling. His paws start to turn blue-ish white letting me catch a glimpse of him just before he froze the water that had formed on the spider’s leg. The ice fully encased the leg and froze it solid. Scruffy was raising his paw just before I hit the ground and was forced to look away.

The sound of something shattering like glass echoed through the entire cavern. I rolled over from where I landed and saw the big spider stumbling forward minus another leg. She fell against the wall, shrieking loud enough I thought my head might explode.

Then she went silent, and the entire room developed a spooky feel to it. The only sounds where the dying fires from the burning cocoons and my own heavy breathing. Out from behind one of the cocoons Scruffy limped over and flopped down right beside me.

‘I’m almost completely out of magic.’ he started as I reached forward to scratch him behind the ears, ‘Ah... that's the spot.’

“I can’t believe we did it.” I said as I picked up Scruffy.

‘Watch the leg, she burnt me a little with that flamethrower of hers.’

“Are you okay?”

‘Yeah, but I'm ready for a nap, that's for sure.’

I laughed as I got up from the ground with Scruffy held against my chest, “That makes two-”

K-CH!

I was swept off my feet as something hit me in the chest right where Scruffy was. My arms were glued in place and that meant Scruffy couldn’t move at all. We were practically sitting ducks.

K-CH!

Another wod of the spider’s web hit my feet and cemented them to the floor. Panic was starting to set in as I tried to pull my feet up out of the web and couldn’t.

‘Spike use flamethrower on your feet!’

I just started to suck in the breath to do as Scruffy said as I felt my chest starting to get cold.

K-CH!

My mouth was sealed shut as the silky web wrapped around my head and stopped me from seeing anything. The floor rumbled as the spider began to move around. I could hear and feel each of the spider’s remaining six legs strike the ground and get closer to us.

As the cold against my chest grew the rumbling strikes of the spider’s legs came to a stop.

K-CH

‘Damn it! Almost had it!’ Scruffy yelled out as the rumbling strikes started again, ‘Spike, is there a way for you to burn through this webbing!?’

“Mmmff mmff.” I tried to answer before realizing I couldn’t talk like that, ‘No I didn't get enough air!’

‘Did you get enough to melt the webbing around your nose?’ Scruffy asked as my chest got even colder.

‘I don't-’ I was cut off as a high pitched whistle started to reach our ears. The spider stopped it’s approach as well since I couldn’t hear it walking anymore. The whistle sound was slowly changing pitch as I tried to think of what could be causing it.

Scruffy was the first to voice a question, ‘What is that sound?’ we listened to it as it slowly got to a lower and lower pitch.

BOOOOOOOOOM!!!!!

I felt rocks and dirt cover us and stick the web that we were cocooned in, ‘What was that!?' I yelled in my mind.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS TO THE RESCUE! YAY!”


***Scruffy***


As whatever just exploded beside us showered us in rocks and dirt Spike yelled, ‘What was that!?’

Just as I was about to tell him that he didn’t have to yell I heard the three voices of our saviour's, “CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS TO THE RESCUE! YAY!”

‘Oh you got to be kidding me.’ I groaned.

“Don’t yall worry we’ll have ya out in a jiffy.” Applebloom said stated as I heard their hooves striking the ground as they galloped towards us.

As I started to feel something tugging the webbing around me and Spike a thought crossed my mind, ‘Spike, we can't tell anyone what happened here.’

‘Ya I know, to keep your powers secret.'

‘No no no, keeping my powers secret shouldn't be that hard, but we can't let anyone know we were saved by three little fillies.’

‘... Agreed.’

Light filtered in from above me drawing my attention towards one of my saviors. I saw Scootaloo looking down at me and I gave her a small meow as she lit up my face with the camera.

‘... We also need to destroy that camera.'

“You don’t get to make that face at me.” Scootaloo said narrowing her eyes, “Why didn’t you tell us you could do all that cool stuff.”

I tried to act oblivious and meo-

“Uh huh,” she interrupted, “I got it all on tape. You’re not getting out of this by acting all cute and adorable.”

Despite the small hope that something was wrong with that camera and she actually didn’t capture anything, I knew the jig was up. My eyes started to glow as I put some magic into them, ‘Okay okay-’

“I knew it!” the pegasus suddenly shouted, “You were the voice I heard in the hallway!”

There was a large gasp of breath as I assume Spike finally got the webbing off his face, ‘You done?’

“Spike! We were so worried!” Sweetie Belle stated.

“What ya going on about now Scoots?” Apple Bloom asked from somewhere near Spike’s head.

“Scruffy can talk! He was the voice I heard earlier!” Scootaloo shouted with joy.

“Sweetie, can’t, breath.” Spike’s strangled voice stated as Apple Bloom moved into my vision beside Scootaloo.

As she opened her mouth to talk I focused on her eyes, ‘Yes I can talk.’ Apple Bloom looked down at me, ‘Can you get me out of this stuff now?’ I wanted to see just what they had done to take out Big Mama.

“That’s amazin’! Wish Winona could do that.” the little filly said before she started to rip apart the web with her hooves.

With some effort out of the fillies I felt the webbing pulled off my back with a few hairs still attached. The whole time the started asking question after question, not even leaving me time to answer. I mostly ignored them as I jumped out onto the ground and looked towards where Big Mama was coming from.

The sight was... confusing.

Besides the tips of a few twitchy legs sticking out of the ground there was no evidence of Big Mama. She was entirely covered up with a massive boulder that looked to weigh tons and tons of pounds. There was no possible way these fillies could of moved it.

‘... I’m done.’ I turned and started walking towards Spike’s head. Sweetie was still gushing about how worried she was or how brave Spike and me were. I was happy that she had mentioned me, but I couldn’t bring myself to smile. The adrenalin rush was starting to die down and my magical fatigue was starting to hit me.

‘Done with what?’ Spike asked.

‘Everything.’ I answered, ‘Wake me when we get back to the crystal tree castle, thing.’ I curled up beside Spike, and layed my head down in my paws, ‘Just don't forget our reward.’

My eyes closed and sleep began to embrace me as all three of the crusaders continued talking and asking questions. Part of me felt bad that I was leaving Spike to handle this all alone, but that part quickly fell asleep with the rest of me.
> Just the Beginning
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	With Scruffy seeming to have fallen asleep, I looked around at the crusaders and the crushed spider, “So, how did you girls manage to move that rock?”

“What?” Apple Bloom asked as she stuck her hoof over Sweetie Belle’s mouth to shut her up, “I didn’t hear ya.”

I picked up Scruffy in my claws and held him against my chest, “How did you move that rock?”

“Oh we didn’t.” Scootaloo said with a smile, “They did.” she looked up towards the ceiling and I followed her eyes. Currently lowering themselves from the ceiling were two fairly big and very familiar looking spiders. Scootaloo had a big smile plastered across her muzzle, “We ran into them after we ran off and they said they came to help.”

Apple Bloom stepped in front of her, “Then Sweetie said somethin ‘bout wishin she could squash it like the spiders at home and that gave me this idea.” she finished proudly looking over towards the crushed spider with twitchy legs.

‘We are sorry we couldn't come sooner little drake.’ the lead spider stated in my head as they touched the ground, ‘We are happy to have made it in time to assist.’

Once again I looked at the rock then back to the spiders, “How did you get that thing up in the air without us hearing you?”

‘We didn't. This chunk of rock used to be in the ceiling of this cavern. We cut it out while you were fighting mother and held it up with our web until the right moment.’

“They tore it out of the ceiling, but I didn’t think they were going to need to help with how you and Scruffy were kicking her but!” Sweetie stated very happily, seeming to not hear the lead spider’s words, “The way you ran up and bit that big spider’s leg to save Scruffy, it was amazing!”

“Oh, uh,” I scratched the back of my head, “That wasn’t anything special. I could only distract her long enough for Scruffy to be able to leap back onto her.”

‘Do not underestimate your own abilities.’ the lead spider stated, ‘Even in her delirious state of mind the damage you were able to do is certainly amazing. It was my thinking that your kitten friend had a better grasp on his magic that what he had shown.’

“What are you talking about? You guys were awesome! How could you say it wasn’t?” Scootaloo exclaimed before she started messing around with the camera on her hoof.

A large twitch of the mother spider’s legs drew my attention back towards the flattened spider, “Uh, will she be alright?” the lead spider didn’t answer, “I know you said she’s immortal, but that’s got to hurt right?”

‘Yes, and-’

“Immortal?” Scootaloo looked up from the camera and looked at the other crusaders. Sweetie started to explain while the lead spider continued without pause.

‘-she has passed out from the pain, but this was the plan. When she awakens she will be calmer and more reasonable. As long as we remove the boulder before she wakes. Do not worry, you have saved your village and you will be rewarded like the heroes you are.’

“Reward?” besides Scruffy mentioning it a few seconds before he fell asleep this was the first I had heard of it. I also saw the crusaders off to the side stop talking and look up.

‘Yes. It is customary to give adventurers such as yourselves rewards for your services rendered. To not do so would be an insult... We can not give you your reward at this time though, as we are not allowed to give out anything more than bits unless permitted by mother. We are sorry.’

I was kind of let down by that, despite not even expecting a reward in the first place, “Well, it’s fine, though Scruffy asked me to get the reward before we left.”

‘As I said we can give you bits, but we will contact you when Mother has calmed down enough for you to receive a proper reward.’

“I guess that would be okay.” I stated a little unsure as the spider leaned down to the ground.

‘Climb on, we will take you back to your camp.’ that got a smile out of me. I hadn’t been looking forward to the long walk back through the winding tunnels. We would of probably got lost if I hadn’t been able to find Scruffy’s scent trail. Not many things smell like lilacs underground.

Smiling, I climbed on the lead spider and the crusaders climbed on the second, ‘I wonder if they have names... probably would have been a good idea to ask before all of this.’ for some reason Sweetie looked disappointed when the spider I was on got up before she got on the one with the other crusaders, ‘Weird.’

With how I could no longer make eye contact with the spider the trip back was mostly spent in silence for me and Scruffy. The other spider with the crusaders was too far back to actually talk to them, so I was left to think about just what had all happened over the course of one night.

My best friend told me he got superpowers from the ghost of one of the most famous unicorns of all time just after waking me up to go and find Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle. The resulting adventure was completely random. Going from searching for some missing fillies to talking to giant spiders, to helping Scruffy take down an immortal spider with magic.

At some points I was more confused than I had ever been. Others I was scared out of my mind like during the fight with the mother spider. Then right now, when everything was finished and we were on our way back I was near falling asleep myself, feeling more tired than I could ever remember.

On top of all of that though, the sense of accomplishment was unlike anything I had ever felt. When the crusaders and I had walked out of the tunnels into the seemingly endless cavern I felt a chill run down my spine.

I remember only one other time I had gotten that feeling and that was when I had followed the dragon migration and saw the Macintosh Mountains up close for the first time. The feeling of looking at them and knowing I was getting to the other side no matter what was exactly how I felt when I entered that cavern.

Though paying for a train ride through them with one of the gems I brought made the feeling disappear I never forgot how it felt.

Looking down at Scruffy I couldn’t help but smile and think, ‘What other crazy adventures are you going to get me into?'
> Why do those smiles fill me with fear?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Scruffy... Scruffy, time to get up.” I heard Spike say, calling me away from the soft embrace of the covers.

‘Meh... Five more minutes.' I rolled over on my other side.

“Sorry, but I promised Chef I’d help him in the kitchen today and it’s almost lunch time.” Spike’s claws gently moved under me and lifted me up, “You can sleep on the way there though.” and that was the end of that.

I felt myself being pressed up against Spike’s scales as he carried me away from my bed. A few seconds later and I heard a door shut...

‘Was that a door?’ I finally opened my eyes, fully expecting to be inside the dark castle in the Everfree Forest. What I was not expecting was a dark hallway in the Crystal Tree Castle, ‘When did we get back here?’

“Earlier this morning. You’ve slept half the day away.” Spike chuckled as my mind played catch up, “And before you ask I made a deal with the crusaders for them to keep quiet.”

‘Oh, then I don't have to freak out.’ I layed my head back down, ‘Hope it wasn't anything too bad, I don't think anypony would believe them anyway.’

“Yeah, I'll tell you later, but I’m actually surprised you woke up on my first try. Whenever Twilight had magical fatigue she can sleep for days. Her record is four straight and waking up on the fifth.” I let Spike continue his story as I closed my eyes again to try and get some more sleep, “When she woke up she must of eaten at least a hundred pancakes. Twilight had me run to the store to get more syrup.”

I felt sleep just beyond reach so I tried to keep him talking, ‘You must get paid a lot for all of that...’

“Actually, I lost a bit of my allowance for skipping out on a few chores the days she was asleep.” Spike chuckled.

Slowly my eyes began to open as I felt sleep slip away. My mind was starting up and working and I knew I wouldn’t be getting anymore sleep, ‘Twilight slept away four days and you got a pay cut? Sounds a bit fishy to me.’

“It’s not like I use my bits anyway. They’re just sitting in the bank.” we passed through a set of doors and entered the main throne room. Spike suddenly stopped making me look up. In the center of the seven thrones was a giant table with what looked like a holographic map on top of it, “When did this happen?”

“Hey there Spike, Scruffy.” a deep voice said to their right. Both of us turned to see Chef slowly walking towards us.

“Hey Chef. Do you know what this is?” Spike asked nodding towards the table map.

“Oh that appeared this morning. Princess Twilight didn’t explain much before her and the other elements ran off, but she gave most of the staff the day off so I’m not complaining though I know a few of the guards are from what I heard on the way here.” he stated with a chuckle.

“So Twilight ran off on another adventure while I was with Scruffy.” Spike sighed before looking to Chef, “Do you still need my help today?”

“Nope, but if you're still up for it I'll need some help in a few days to prepare for a charity bake sale.” Spike seemed to brighten right back up, “Now, why don’t you go and play with those three fillies giving the front door guards a hard time?”

“Okay Chef, thanks for the heads up.” Spike said as he walked towards the door and tossed one hand back to wave, “See ya later!”

Chef said his own good byes as a thought struck me, ‘Hey Spike, what was the reward for stopping the giant spider last night?’

“Wha-oh, right, we got a-”

‘Spike.’ I interrupted as a pair of guards walked passed with the usual ‘bored out of my mind’ look, ‘We're supposed to keep this to ourselves. So tell me with this telepathy thing we still got going on.’

“Alright...” ‘Hello? Can you hear me now?’

‘Yep.’

‘Good. For a reward we got a few bags of bits and the spiders said they were going to give us more when their mom said they could.’

I arched an eyebrow, ‘Well it was our first quest, so I guess there wouldn't be much reward. Though after taking down an immortal spider queen I expected some kind of loot.’

Spike started to chuckle as we rounded the last corner before full on bursting out laughing. I narrowed my eyes, ‘What's so funny?’

‘I’m-I'm sorry, but I just thought of you trying to fight something with a sword three times your size using your little paws to hold it.’

The image of me struggling to hold up a broadsword bigger than a pony before falling on my back due to the blades size flashed through my mind, ‘Heh heh, yeah that would be kind of funny, but I'm talking about armor...’

‘Scruffy, I'm pretty sure they don't make armor in your size, or mine now that I think about it.’ Spike said as he put his claw to his chin.

‘Yeah, I thought of that while I said it... wow this is weird, I've never gone adventuring without some kind of armor before... Spike we got to find a blacksmith at some point.’ I stated firmly as we reached the front door, ‘I will not be a glass cannon.’

‘What's a glass cannon?’

‘A heavy hitter who can hardly take a hit.’ the doors were right in front of us now and we could hear three familiar voices on the other side.

“Rainbow was right, these guys don’t move for anything!” Scootaloo yelled as Spike pulled the doors open.

“Well, it’s what they’re paid for.” Spike said as he descended the stairs right outside the door, “What are you girls doing here?”

“Well we gots to give ya both the Cutie Mark Crusaders inishee... inishee-ay...” Apple Bloom struggled with the word.

“Initiation ceremony.” Sweetie Belle finished.

“Ya, that. Now that you’re both Crusaders we gots a few things ya both need to do.”

“And the first is to come to the CMC HQ.” Scootaloo stated happily.

“Um, okay.” Spike said as the girls smiled.

‘Why do those smiles fill me with fear?’

‘You get used to it after a while.’

“Alright!”

“Don’t ya’ll be late!”

“See ya there!” Sweetie Belle said last out of the three of them before they all turned and ran off down the road.

‘Spike, when did we join their guild?’ I asked.

‘It was the one of the way I got them to be quiet about what happened, but what's a guild?’

‘Basically a really famous and dedicated club whose members get mad if you call it a club.’

‘Huh, I think they call it a club, not a guild.’ Spike said as he shut the doors behind him with his tail.

We made our way down the stairs and passed the purple armored guards who I’m sure gave us a couple of silent good lucks. At the back of my mind, I got a feeling that we were going to need them.
> Natural Adorableness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Everywhere I looked ponies were trotting this way and that, a good number of few entering restaurants, ‘Spike, is it lunch time yet?’

‘No, but we can grab something from Sugarcube Corner when we pass by.’ Spike said as we entered the open town center.

‘You bring some bits? I didn't see you grab anything on the way out.’ I asked as the gingerbread house in question came into view.

‘Yeah I always have a small bag on me. What do you...’ Spike trailed off as we walked came to a stop near the edge of the clearing. Confused, my line of sight followed his to an outdoor eating area. At one of the tables was Rarity with a stallion sitting across from her.

A small chill went down my spine as my eyes landed on the beige, yellow maned stallion, ‘Just keep walking Spike, We'll deal with him and his cohorts some day.’

Spike let out a small breath before snapping his head up, ‘Wait, what do you mean deal with him and who are his cohorts?’

‘I still haven't told you about that!?’ I mentally shouted, ‘Wow, I thought for sure I told you about this in the Everfree Castle.’

‘No! I'm pretty sure I would've remembered if you said something about the stallion Rarity is with.’ we started to move again towards Sugarcube Corner, ‘What else have you forgotten to tell me?’

‘Oh probably a lot. You really need to ask more questions or remind me to tell you stuff cause my memory sucks.’ I stated as we walked into Pinkie Pie’s place of work and got in line for the front counter.

‘I’ve already guessed that you're not a normal kitten. That much was obvious with how you talk about other adventures all the time and you've been with me since you could hardly walk.’ Spike stated as we moved forward once in line, ‘But for now you can start telling me about Sunny Rays.’

‘I’m gonna go off on a limb here and say that's the stallion with Rarity, right?’ I asked as we took another step forward.

‘Yeah, that's him. Just looking at him sends a chill right down the spikes on my back.’ Spike took another step forward in line.

‘That's good, that's your instincts telling you 'watch it evil dude over here'. So far, I've only met three ponies that gave me that feeling.’

Spike took a few steps forward as the last stallion finished, ‘Sleek is obviously one of them, but who's the third?’

‘Pink Pegasus with a red mane, goes by the name Red, was hanging out with Rainbow Dash. I know they're cohorts too because that Sunny Rays guy-’

“Excuse me dear, are you going to order something?” Mrs. Cake asked snapping Spike out of his thoughts.

“What? Oh! Sorry, was... thinking about, something.” Spike stated as he looked over the display case food.

“Well take your time.” a small ding came from the kitchen, “Oh, that’ll be the brownies. I’ll be right back Deary.” Mrs. Cake turned and walked into the kitchen.

‘What do you want?’ Spike asked as he started to sniff the air for the smell of fresh brownies.

I looked over the items in the display case before shaking my head, ‘I’ll wait till we get back to the tree castle for food. Sweets never really agreed with me, but ask if they got any milk.’

“Alright.” Spike said as Mrs. Cake walked back in.

“You know what you want?”

“Yes, I’ll have a few of those fresh brownies and can you get a small saucer of milk for Scruffy.” even as Spike asked I knew I wasn’t getting that drink by the look on Mrs. Cake’s face. On reflex I jumped up onto the counter before she could say no.

I went through the tried and true method with practiced ease. Lock eyes, tilt head, curl tail around paws, and gave a cute little ‘meow’. I could practically see her reluctance to serve me melt away.

“Daww, aren’t you just the cutest little thing.” she started to pet my head lightly with her hoof, “I’ll see what I can do. Just don’t tell Fluttershy.”

“My lips are sealed.” Spike said happily as Mrs. Cake walked back into the kitchen. Spike watched her leave till she was out of sight, ‘Okay, how did you do that?’

‘My natural adorableness, I'd almost consider it overpowered, but there's really no such thing.’ I stated happily before jumping onto Spike’s head.

‘So I can add that to the list of things you need to tell me about.’

I leaned over to look him in the eye, ‘Good thing you're making the list cause there's no way I'd remember all that stuff.’

‘After living with Twilight it's almost like a second nature to make lists now.’ Spike stated as Mrs. Cake walked back in with a large plate of brownies on her back and a small saucer balanced on her front hoof.

She placed the saucer down on the countertop before using her mouth to place the plate of brownies right beside it, “A bit for the milk and two bits per brownie.”

“Alright I’ll have two.” Spike start pulling bits out of a small brown bag...

‘Wait, where did you get that bag of bits?’

“Thank you.” Mrs. Cake said as Spike grabbed his food and my milk and walked towards one of the tables.

‘You going to answer my question?’

Spike sat down at the first table, ‘Oh, you mean this?’ he grabbed the bag of bits and placed it behind his back before returning his now empty claws to the table. A quick glance behind him showed there was no bag to be seen.

‘Yes, that.’

‘I have no idea.’ Spike stated before taking a bite out of one of his brownies.

‘... Seriously?’ I asked jumping down onto the table to drink.

‘Seriously.’ he took another bite of his treat, ‘Back when me and Twilight were living in Canterlot she was testing a spell for making a bag bigger on the inside than it looked on the outside and I sort of scared her on accident. The spell misfired and ricocheted off half the room before it hit me in the back.’

‘And you've been able to pull stuff out of no where ever since?’ I asked as two more ponies walked in.

‘Yep.’ Spike stated simply while taking a bite out of his second brownie, ‘Though I got to put the things into the space first. Twilight spent three days straight just asking me to try and put different things in and take them out. I'll tell you all the boring specifics later, it's your turn to talk about Ray.’

‘Alright, sounds fair.’ I wiped my muzzle with my paw, ‘So you already know about Ray and Sleek, but Red is definitely the most worrying of the trio.’

Spike held up his right claws to stop me, ‘You don't mind explaining this twice do you?’

‘Who else would I explain this to?...’ three little fillies came to mind, ‘What did you promise them?’

‘They made me promise a full explanation...’ Spike gulped down the rest of his food loudly.

‘I’m sensing an 'and' somewhere in there.’

‘And that we would help them get their cutie marks and let them help us on adventures.’ Spike scratched the back of his head.

For a few seconds I just stared at Spike, ‘I’m just saying it now, you're the designated foal sitter if we can't find a way to leave them behind on our next adventure.’

“Ah.” Spike let out a sigh, ‘Alright, I guess that's fair.’

I leaned down and took another drink of my milk before jumping up on Spike’s head, ‘Now let's go get this long meeting over with and try to survive whatever they got planned.’
> I am a Cutie Mark Crusader
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Overall the walk to Sweet Apple Acres was uneventful. I was busy trying to think of a way for me to communicate with everyone without having to do whatever the heck I did with Spike. He, on the other paw, was telling me of all the biggest things the crusaders have done to earn them the reputation that they had.

It made me question if adding a dragon and black magic kitten to their ranks was a good idea.

The biggest thing he had told about, in my opinion, was when they had tried to do something with fireworks during some summer festival. It apparently resulted in multiple cases of property damage as well as the Ponyville Fire Department having a hectic day. Really wish I could've seen it, but I hadn’t been around at the time.

It was a few minutes later that we arrived at a pink wooden house nustled nicely in a particularly large apple tree. The front door and window shutters had hearts cut into them really making it look like a girls only clubhouse, ‘We're really going to have to talk to them about redesigning.’

“Pretty sure Applejack wouldn’t let them. This place used to be hers I think.” Spike stated as he stopped in front of the walkway to the treehouse’s porch.

‘It wouldn't be a complete redesign, just replace the hearts with crossed swords and give the whole thing a new paint job.’ looking up at the apple tree the thought of this being a good base was thrown out the window, ‘Second thought, we just need to find a new place altogether. Preferably close by the tree castle, but still hidden from sight.’

Spike looked around at the surrounding orchard, “Yeah it doesn’t really say we’re professional... What are we?”

‘Adventurers Spike. We are professional adventurers.’ I stated as Spike walked up the walkway, ‘Think of it like we're treasure hunters, but we do odd jobs on the side. We're going to need a secret base though where we can hide out, plan out quests, and stash any really valuable loot.’

“A secret base? Like those cool underground bases in Con Mane Reloaded?” Spike asked as he stopped in front of the door.

‘Underground, I like that idea. Be sure to remember that later.’ Spike knocked on the door making a series of whispers spring up behind it.

After a few seconds the whispers died out and the door slowly opened to reveal a bright room with a few furnishings here and there. Most notable were the table and podium in the center of the room. Apple Boom was standing behind said podium with Sweetie Belle on her right and Scootaloo the left.

“Bout time you got here.” Scootaloo said quietly earning a ‘shh!’ from Sweetie Belle.

Apple Bloom looked down at the podium and started talking slowly and carefully, “Welcome C-M-C recruits. You’ve been officially nominated by a fellow crusader to join our ranks. If ya accept this nomination and recite the Cutie Mark Crusader oath, you’ll be considered a fellow crusader for the rest of infinity.” the little yellow filly finished with a smile, looking at me and Spike.

‘I think you mean eternity.’ I pointed out making the her look back down at the paper.

“I mean, rest of eternity.” Apple Bloom beamed as she glanced as Sweetie Belle. The unicorn in question was just closed her mouth, having no need to correct her friend, “Now do you, Spike the Dragon, and you, Scruffy the Cat-”

I meowed to get her attention back on me, ‘I’m a kitten, not a cat. There is a difference.’

“Okay, Scruffy the Kitten-”

“Daww.” Sweetie interrupted this time, “He actually goes by kitten.”

“Shh!” Scootaloo got her revenge ‘shh’.

Sweetie replied in kind with a louder ‘shh’ thus starting a war.

Spike started scratching the back of his head while I watched the war of ‘shh’. It was about this time I realized these would be my questing party.

As my paw met my face Apple Bloom slammed a gavel down on the podium, making everyone flinch, “Everypony quiet! Is this ya’ll want our newest members to think of us? Now both of ya stop interruptin me an wait your turn!”

“Sorry...” both unicorn and pegasus said quietly as they hung their heads.

“Alright. Now Spike, Scruffy, do both of you accept the nominations?”

“Yeah.” Spike nodded his head.

‘Yep.’

“An Scruffy, try to think of a way ta talk to us all at once or else the Q an A session laters just gonna get confusin.”

‘Couldn't think of a way earlier, but I'll give it another shot.’ I stated as the thought of just saying ‘nope, can’t do it, let’s do this some other time’ ran through my head.

“Okay my turn!” Scootaloo said as she rushed up just as Apple Bloom started to move away from the podium, “Now repeat after me: I am a Cutie Mark Crusader.”

“I am a Cutie Mark Crusader.”
‘I am a Cutie Mark Crusader.’

“It is my mission to find my cutie mark and help others find theirs.”

We repeated her as a strange feeling started tugging at the back of my mind. It soon faded into the background while I listened to Scootaloo say the next third line.

“We will always be loyal to each other and help when we’re needed.”

The words rang in my head like an echo as Spike and I said the line slightly louder than the last.

“No matter what, we as Crusaders will never give up!”

I recited what she said with a surprising amount of pride bubbling up in my chest.

Scootaloo hopped down to in front of the Podium and stuck her hoof out in front of me and Spike. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom were quick to her sides as they put their hooves next to hers. Spike made a fist and put it against the three hooves as I jumped onto his arm.

With my paw over Spike’s fist we all finished the oath:

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS! YAY!”

And despite my ringing ears and small headache, a smile spread across my muzzle.
> Sounds Ridiculous
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Now it’s time for the questions!” Sweetie Belle ran to the corner of the room and grabbed a bean bag chair as I sat on Spike’s shoulder, messing with my magical output. The small fog that had been at the back of my head had dissipated so I no longer worried about whatever that had been.

‘Testing, testing, one two three...’ seeing none of the crusaders react wiped the earlier smile off my face.

‘Twilight says that magic is equal parts knowledge, visualization, and experience.’ Spike said as he helped the girls move a couple more of the bean bag chairs to the center of the room.

‘Visualization huh...’ I looked around the room we were in, taking note of it’s shape and size. It was just a box room, easy to remember and see in my head. I slowly started to seep my magic out into the box I had pictured in my head, feeling the magic coming out of me.

“Did it jus get cold in here?” Apple Bloom asked as I poured more magic out of my mind.

“I think that was Scruffy.” Spike spoke up as I heard one of the bean bag chairs be dropped on the floor.

‘I’m trying something, hold on.’

“Oh oh, I heard that!” Scootaloo stated with excitement.

“Me too!” Sweetie Belle said next, just as happily.

“Yes! Now we won’t have ta wait fer Spike ta translate everything.” opening my eyes I looked around to see that the podium had been moved to the side and four bean bag chairs had taken its place.

‘So everypony and dragon can hear me?’ after receiving various nods and confirmations I smiled, ‘Good. Now I'm just going to warn you ahead of time you probably won't believe half of the stuff I'm gonna tell you.’

“After the most recent year we had?” Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow, “Jus try us.”

“Yeah and you’re the coolest friend we’ve got besides Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo flopped down in the orange bag chair holding a clip board.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom also took their seats leaving one left for Spike and me, ‘Yeah, I guess a kitten with dark magical powers would make a pretty cool friend.’

“Pretty cool? Did you just make a pun because of your ice powers?” Spike asked as we took a seat.

‘... No?’

Spike smiled as Sweetie Belle cleared her throat, “Now that everypony is comfortable, we can get to our first question for our newest member. All agreed?”

“Agreed.”

Sweetie Belle took the clipboard from Scootaloo before looking over Spike and I, “We each came up with a starting question for the two of you  for the first question on our list.” she stated excitedly, “Spike, if we were in a video game would you be the damage dealer, the tank, or the healer?”

“Uh, when I’m playing games I pick the tank because, well, they’re tanks.” the purple dragon shrugged, “And most games have their best armor made from dragon scales so I’m already set there.”

“Alright.” she grabbed a pen that was attached to the clipboard with her mouth and scribbled something down, “Scruffy, are you a Lovecraft horror, here to take over our world?”

In that instant I felt all eyes on me, ‘Uh, no.’

The three fillies let out a collective sigh of relief. Before I could ask what a Lovecraft horror was Spike spoke up, “There’s no way any of you are allowed to read Lovecraft.”

“We’re not, but we tricked Rainbow into telling us about the monsters once.” Scootaloo puffed out her chest a little.

Apple Bloom started giggling, “Ya, then your ma chewed her out fer an hour straight cause ya had a nightmare.”

“Ya, I think that was the only time I saw Rainbow Dash so scared she acted like Fluttershy.”

Sweetie Belle politely cleared her throat to get everyone’s attention, “Can we please have no more interruptions? Thank you.” she looked back down at her clipboard, “Spike, do you have any plans of hoarding the gold and treasures we collect when we’re crusading?”

“Only my share.” Spike said with a chuckle.

Sweetie nodded and wrote something down, “Scruffy, are you or are you not- wait, Scootaloo, this is the same question.”

“Well we didn’t tell each other our questions when we wrote them down.” Scootaloo pointed out, “And after the stuff Spike told us I wanted to make sure so I wrote down the question.”

‘Wait, what did Spike say about me?’

“Jus how ya woke him up in the middle of the night talkin about dark magic, adventures, ghosts, and quests.” the farm filly answered.

‘... Well when you put it like that it sounds ridiculous.’

“Because it is ridiculous.” Sweetie Belle stated before turning to her pegasus friend, “Scootaloo, ask a question.”

“Right, uh.” she looked over to me, “Oh! What kind of powers do you have?”

‘Well I can manipulate ice, my claws can cut anything or grab onto anything, and I'm a telepath.’ I answered honestly, ‘Before you ask, a telepath is someone who can talk to you in your mind.’

“Is that it?” Scootaloo asked before I could continue, “I’ve got more scooter tricks than that!”

‘I wasnt' finished for one.’ I stated, ‘Secondly I've only had these powers since yesterday.’

“Oh, sorry.”

‘Anyway, those are the ones I mainly use. I've also got my shadow claws which use a lot of magic but let me grab stuff from a distance.’

“Ooooh, show us show us show us!” Scootaloo said excitedly.

I smiled and started to pull on my magic when Spike spoke up, “He can’t, Scruffy just woke up from magical exhaustion. If he uses any high level spells it’ll give him a splitting headache.” and just like that my magic slowly was called back.

“Why would something that sounds like levitation be that hard?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Spike shrugged, “Dark magic is down right weird.”

‘Okay then, let's move on. I can also turn invisible when I'm in a shadow. I still have to work on that one though. I've only done it a few times, but it didn't feel that taxing.’ Scootaloo looked at me like I was some kind of superhero, ‘Then there's one more, but I've only done it once and couldn't do it again, no matter how hard I tried.’

“So cool.” Scootaloo muttered to herself making my tail swish side to side happily.

“Was it a form change spell?” Spike asked as I turned and jumped up on his head.

I leaned over to look him in the eye, ‘I did look different for a bit, so I guess so. What's a form change?’

“I’ll tell you later, it’s really complex magic that Twilight only did once.” Spike started to laugh, “It turned her white and made her mane and tail catch fire.”

‘Okay, I’ll try to remember to remind you.’ I said with a roll of my eyes knowing I probably wouldn't remember.

“Alright, now for the final set of questions.” Sweetie Belle said looking down at the clipboard, “Spike, what is the main thing you hope to do while we crusade since you can’t get a cutie mark?”

“Oh that's easy, have fun and help you girls find your cutie marks.”

“Ooo, good answer.” Sweetie picked the pencil back up and scribbled something down, “Scruffy, if you're not...” she stopped for a second, “Okay it’s not the same question. Scruffy if you’re not a Lovecraft monster then what are you?”

‘I’m a Reincarnate.’ looking around at the confused looks I spoke up again, ‘I’m going to guess you have no idea what that is. A Reincarnate is someone who was chosen by whatever huge power rules over the multiverse to play out key roles in different universes. Anything from being the villain to the hero or just someone who helps the main hero of the time once and imparts advice that impacts them.’

... They all sat there for a few moments staring at me making a slight pang of worry start forming in my chest.

“Wow...” Scootaloo was the one who said it, her eyes twinkling with amusement, “Oh if you’ve been a hero have you ever saved the world before!?”

“Does that mean we're going to be heroes!?” Sweetie Belle asked just as excitedly.

“Why would ya want ta be a villain?” the farm filly across Scootaloo asked. That seemed to stop the other two fillies in their tracks, both of them losing there amazed looks to confusion.

‘I have no idea, and before you say anything-’ I looked to Scootaloo who had her mouth open, ‘-I literally have no idea. The few other Reincarnates I remember ever running into were either completely insane or had memory troubles just like me. So I think I came off on the lucky side.’

“So how do we know if ya gonna be good or bad?” Apple Bloom asked with her head tilted.

Before I could speak my dragon friend spoke up for me, “Well we did just save Ponyville last night. Pretty sure that makes us good.”

“Oh yeah, sorry Scruffy.”

‘It’s cool.’

“So that means that you can’t tell us any cool stories? That stinks.” Scootaloo kicked the floor.

‘I could tell you about how much I hate Angel.’ I offered.

“Who cares about that, everypony hates Angel!” Scootaloo groaned making everyone in the room laugh.

After the laughing died down Spike looked around, “So, are you done with the questions? Scruffy still has one of mine he has to answer.”

‘I do?’ I suddenly remember the explanation I promised him about Sleek, Ray, and Red, ‘Right, forgot about that.’

“Yep, we each got to ask you both a question so that only leaves the initiation trials.” Sweetie said with a smile on her muzzle. Looking to my sides I saw that Scootaloo and Apple Bloom were snickering.

‘Why do I not like the idea of these trials?’

“Don’t worry, it’s just a test run to see how good you’ll be as crusaders.” Sweetie said with a wave of her hoof.

“Ya, we’ve done it so you two should be fine.” Scootaloo said with a smile that spoke differently.

“Completely safe.” Apple Bloom sporting the same ‘we’re lying’ smile as her friend.

“Hey Spike, what was your question for Scruffy?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“I just wanted him to explain the three evil ponies we were talking about before we got here.” Spike said as I hopped down off his shoulder and onto the purple bean bag chair we were on.

Upon seeing their confused faces I decided to push the thoughts of whatever the trials were to the back of my head and explain, ‘Okay, I'll take it from the top for you girls to follow. It all started with Twilight's new royal assistant Sleek...’
> Just Like Spies
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	‘And then she flew out the window and I haven't seen her since.’ I finished with my audience looking at me on the floor.

“Wow, an all that went on while we was lookin fer each other?” Apple Bloom asked.

“And they’re the reason I was stuck in a hole for a over an hour?” Spike asked, having already gotten mad at me earlier for scaring him after I had just got my powers. Sweetie Belle had also gotten mad at me for leaving her sister, but for some reason only brought it up after I talked about how I scared Spike.

‘Yep.’

“Then what are we waiting for!” Scootaloo shouted as she stood up on her bean bag chair, “Let’s go warn Rainbow Dash before it’s too late!” she took off towards the door.

“Rarity’s gonna flip when I tell her about Ray!” Sweetie Belle right beside Scootaloo while Apple Bloom seemed just as determined despite only nodding in agreement.

“Stop!” Spike shouted louder than both of them. I was thankful because he saved me the trouble.

With the three little fillies stopped in there tracks right in front of the door I started to explain, ‘We can't just go after them like that. We got to play this smart while we still got the element of surprise.’

“But Rarity-”

‘Is going to be fine Sweetie.’ I finished, ‘From what Spike told me, Ray has been around for a while now. If he wanted to hurt Rarity I'm sure he's had plenty of chances.’

“That doesn’t exactly make me feel any better.” Sweetie complained.

“Or me.” Spike muttered.

“But what about Red? You said she was about ready to attack Rainbow Dash right then and there. Doesn’t that mean we should at least warn her?” Scootaloo complained as she hopped on one set of hoofs to the other, her eyes darting between the door and myself.

‘They wouldn't dare throw away an entire plan just because one of them has anger issues.’ I said firmly as I tried to think of a way to stop them from crying wolf, ‘Then there's also the fact that the girls have saved the world a couple of times so I think they could handle themselves if something bad happened. Right?’ 

“Well... yeah, of course Rainbow could kick Red's butt if she tried anything. There’s no question about that.” Scootaloo turned from the door to face me, Sweetie Belle still looking hesitant, and Apple Bloom just had her eyebrow raised.

‘From what Spike's told me, they can all take care of themselves.’ I looked back to Spike to see him nodding before I continued, ‘As it is, if you three ran off to just shout at them 'so and so is evil' they'll just deny it. We need to figure out a fool proff way to prove they're evil... Does anypony, or drake, have such a plan?’

The three fillies sat down, each putting one of their hooves to their chin in thought.

...

...

... The silence said everything. We had nothing. No one was going to listen to three fillies, a baby dragon, and a dark magical kitten. I’d probably be blamed for something considering dark magic’s apparent reputation.

Scootaloo raised her hoof, “I got it! What if we capture one of them and force them to tell us their plan?”

Spike seemed really excited, “Ya! I could-”

‘I hate to interrupt, but we can't do that.’ Spike looked down at me, ‘If we can't get one of them to talk, then we've blown our cover, I'll probably be under constant watch by the princesses, and nopony would believe anything we have to say afterwards.

‘That's only if we can capture them anyway. Imagine if we don't get as lucky as we were the other night. We could be captured and they could spin any story they want and the girls would probably believe it. We just don't have enough infromation to make a good plan.’

“So what do we do then!?” Sweetie Belle exclaimed with some annoyance.

“Yeah, it sounds like ya jus’ given up.” Apple Bloom said next with her eyes narrowed.

“No we’re not.” Spike said before I could before looking towards me, ‘We're not, right?’

The telepathy caught me off guard, for a second before I nodded my head, ‘No, we're not giving up. What we need is information, but we can't tail them all the time. We'll have to spend more time around the girls, but the last thing we want is to do anything that could draw attention to ourselves.’

“So, like spies?” Scootaloo asked, reminding me I was speaking to a group of children.

‘... Sure, just like spies.’ my ear twitched as Spike started to chuckle, ‘What’s so funny?’

“I was just thinking of the look on Twilight’s face when we prove Sleek, Ray, and Red we’re evil all along.”

Sweetie’s hoof shot to her mouth as she held in her own laughter, “Rarity is probably gonna faint.’

“Rainbow Dash will finally see just how cool we are!” Scootaloo stated next.

Apple Bloom smile widely, “And my sis will finally stop gettin inta that random really protective mood!”

I raised an eyebrow at their antics, but smiled none the less. They were just children after all, so I let them have their moment. For the time being I pushed my thoughts of how this could go horribly wrong away and looked at the group I was now a part of. They were adventurers through and through, exactly like the few heroes I could remember.

Yet, at the same time, I got a feeling that what I was looking at, what I was a part of, wasn’t just another group of heroes, but a legend in the making.

I blinked as someone snapped their claws in front of me, “Scruffy, ya coming?”

‘What? I zoned out.’ I looked around the now empty room as I heard the sounds of hoof steps fading in the distance, ‘Where did the others go?’

“The others took off for the farm to try and get some lunch and said to meet back here tomorrow at noon. They needed the rest of the day to get ready for their sleep over.” Spike started to scratch the back of his head, “I guess we got the rest of the day to do anything we want.”

I jumped up onto Spike’s shoulder before answering, ‘We’ve got three things we could do. First we could look around for a secret underground base, second we could go and check and see if the Immortal Spider Queen has woken up yet-’

“Let’s not do that one.”

‘Agreed, but I don’t know if they are going to come get us or not, so we might have to go back there sometime.’ I answered as we walked out of the building, ‘Lastly we could spend the rest of the day winding down from the long string of stuff that’s happened since yesterday.’

“Definitely that last one. I could totally go for some ice cream right now. I know this cool place right around the corner from Bon Bon’s candy shop, they actually have gem flavors!” Spike smiled as he reached behind himself and held up a hefty bag, “I’m buyin.”

I smiled, ‘Spike, you had my vote at ice cream.’
> Angel
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It wasn’t long before we were back in town. The residents paying us no mind as I looked around from my new position on top of Spike’s head. My front paws resting on his head spike as my hind paws were gripping onto his scales.

It seemed like a perfectly normal day for Ponyville as everypony went to and fro. None of them even aware that the whole town was almost destroyed by an army of spiders the night before. The thought made me chuckle as we approached the shop Spike had talked about.

The front of the building was modern looking, like something out of Manehattan. It’s windows had a few posters advertising delicious looking frozen treats and beyond that I could see the place had a fair number of ponies sitting down and eating.

“This is the place, ‘Cooler’s Cool Treats’ best place for ice cream in all of equestria.” Spike said with pride, “I convinced the owner to open this place you know. He used to just sell small treats out of a cart in the park a few times a week.”

Spike opened the glass door and immediately a wave a cool air greeted us. I shivered as I adjusted to the temperature. Spike seemed just fine as he walked up to the glass display counter where a white maned, pale orange pegasus stood happily. He looked happily surprised to see us, or Spike anyway since I had never met him before.

“Spike!” he exclaimed, “and who’s this little fella?” I cocked my head to the side and meowed, "Daww."

“Oh, this is Scruffy.” Spike answered before looking down at the display, ‘Hey what did you want?’

‘Strawberry please, but I’m only eating a little bit. I want to have actual food-food at dinner.’ I answered as Cooler reached over the counter and ran his hoof down the back of my head.

“Well, he’s just the most adorable and the coolest kitten I’ve ever seen.” Cooler stated as he used the side of his hoof to scratch behind my ears.

“You should see him when he’s got this pair of sunglasses that Rarity made him. He looks cooler than Rainbow Dash.”

‘Spike be sure to remind me to wear those outfits at some point... and to burn those certain ones that need not be mentioned.’ I said as I started to lean into his hoof to try and get more attention, but was saddened when he pulled away.

“So what can I get ya today Spike? Before ya ask though, we’re fresh out of Fudge Brownie Blast.” he gestured to the empty ice cream bucket in the display case.

“Ahh.” Spike’s shoulders slumped, “Okay, three scoops of Strawberry in a waffle cup please.”

“Ah, Strawberry, one of my favorites. Any toppings?.” Spike shook his head, “Alrighty then, it’ll be ready in just a sec.” the stallion turned around with a smile and picked up a bowl with the tip of his wing while his hoof somehow grabbed an ice cream scooper.

A few bits later and Spike had our sweet treat in claw, “Thanks Cooler, say hi to Jack for me.” Spike tossed a wave over his shoulder as we made our way to the door.

“I will, you two have a good day now!” Cooler called back just as we walked outside.

We made our way down the street back towards the tree, castle, thing, ‘So, who's Jack?’

‘Cooler’s brother, he’s a gryphon that usually helps out around the shop.’ Spike stated as he picked up the plastic spoon in the ice cream.

‘... Did you say gryphon?’

‘Yeah, why?’ Spike plopped a gracious spoonful into his mouth.

‘First off, the first thing that comes to mind when you say gryphon probably isn’t what they look like here.’ I know ponies sure as heck weren’t, ‘Secondly, how could a gryphon be the brother of a pegasus?’

‘I don’t know, but every time there in the shop together they’re always hugging and staying right by each other. Isn’t that what brothers do?’ Spike shoved another huge scoop of ice cream in his mouth.

‘Hey!’ I leaned down and he crossed his eyes to look at me, ‘Save some for me!’

‘Then have... huh?’ Spike looked down drawing my attention to his now empty claws, “What the?” we both turned our attention to the ground, but didn’t spot our missing treat.

Then something struck my face, ‘Ow!’ we both looked down to see a carrot land on the ground. Immediately my eyes narrowed as I looked down the road. On one of the empty food stalls was the last person I wanted to see, ‘Angel.’

“Hey! Give that back!” Spike called as Angel stuck out his tongue before hopping off with our ice cream held above his head.

‘After him Spike! We’re not giving up on our ice cream so easily!’ I mentally yelled, ‘I’d rather see that ice cream on the ground than in his grubby little paws!’

Spike started to run after him, dodging confused or curious ponies. The whole time my eyes stayed glued to the little white rabbit as he hopped away from us, ‘I don’t think I can keep up with him.’

‘Okay then, I’ll get him.’ my eyes narrowed as I jumped off of Spike’s head. My paws impacted the ground and I was off like an arrow.

‘Be sure not to use your powers. If Angel finds out then he’ll tell Fluttershy and the secret will be out.’ as I listened to Spike, I could see Angel hopping away, before casting a glance over his shoulder.

Instead of a glimpse of fear like I was expecting when he saw me, I could’ve swore he smirked just before he suddenly turned down an alley. I was quick to follow.

‘Where did you go, I lost sight of you!’

‘We turned down an alley. If you get out of range, meet me at the tree castle.’ I thought as I watched Angel go around another corner, ‘We’re going the same direction on the next street over.’

‘Why can’t we just get some more ice cream?’ Spike asked as Angel ran into another alley way.

‘Then he wins! I’m getting my ice cream back!’ I tore into the alley way to see Angel standing at the end of it with a field behind him showing we were at the edge of town.

‘Just be careful, Angel is a crafty little bunny.’ Spike stated as Angel casually hopped out of view.

‘Don’t worry I’ll be fi-’ the moment I came out of the alley I found myself in burlap bag, ‘Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.’
> Thoughts of Revenge
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	‘Scruffy? What happened?’ Spike asked as I listened to Angel laughing outside of the bag.

‘Well, I’m trapped in a bag for one.’ the sack was suddenly picked up off the ground and I felt myself moving very fast, ‘Now I’m being carried somewhere.’

‘Carried? How is Angel carr-’

‘... Spike?’ I asked after a few seconds of silence, ‘Hello? Can you hear me?’

...

‘Well crap, must of reached the range limit.’ I thought sourly as I tried to get comfortable in the bag. I didn't think for even a second that Angel was a part of whatever plan was in the works for the elements, so really I had no idea for why the bunny would suddenly kitty-nap me.

The occasional sounds of wings flapping and the rush of cool air through the bag made me realize that I was being flown somewhere. Unless Angel could fly, and I’m pretty sure he can’t, he had to have friends helping him. That would mean that he has rallied some number of animals to try and... and...

I let out a sigh as it became apparent that I couldn’t think of any reason Angel would steal not only my ice cream but me as well. Of course there was always the possibility that Angel has gone crazy, but that smirk on his face when he turned the corner made me disregard that possibility.

“Hey cat!” I heard Angel’s annoying voice from somewhere above me, “Remember yesterday when I told you to let Fluttershy give you a check up or else?”

I blinked a couple of times in confusion, ‘Was that only yesterday? Wow a lot has happened since then... Is he waiting for me to answer or...?’

After a few more seconds I felt the rushing air stop, “Well this is that ‘or else’ I was talking about.”

There was a sudden feeling of myself being weightless before I felt the ground rush up and greet me. It didn’t really hurt, but it was annoying and would of actually hurt me if I didn’t have my magic.

"Goodbye Scruffy!" Angel’s annoying voice called to me as I felt a small bump from whatever surface I was resting on, "Be sure to send a postcard!"

‘I foresee revenge in my near future.’ I thought with a grin as a sound reached me through the bag. A couple of voices all talking with each other, but I couldn’t make anything out. After a couple of seconds of listening to the voices, and determining that they weren’t near me, I pulled out one claw on my right paw.

I quick slash later and I was out of the bag and looking around my new surroundings. I was in the back of a cart moving away from Ponyville with a family of three talking at the front of the cart. They were talking about somewhere called Vanhoover, but I didn’t stick around to hear anything as I jumped out of the cart and on to the dirt road.

My eyes scanned the sky, looking for any sign of Angel or any bird that was flying away from me. After a while I gave up the search and started running back towards Ponyville, ‘This isn’t over Angel, not by a long shot.’ my eyes narrowed as I tried to think of a suitable punishment or hilarious prank.

It was that line of thinking that took up most of my trip back to town. The road was completely empty leading to a pretty uneventful trip, giving me plenty of time to think of something...

...

Anything really would work...

...

‘I got nothin.’ I finally conceded as I got to the edge of town. With a sigh I started to look around at the few shops that were around hoping to have a stroke of inspiration.

The closest was some kind of fast food place that made me think of feeding Angel to a wild animal, but I didn’t want to actually hurt him. A music store was the next thing I saw and for some reason I got an idea to use a fog horn to scare him to death in the middle of the night, but then I’d have to deal with all the other animals at Fluttershy’s too.

I was about to just go and ask Spike for ideas when I heard something. The sounds of laughter drew my attention down the street where a filly and colt seemed to be having a water balloon fight.

‘... Now there’s an idea.’ I thought as I smirked and took off down the road. Water balloons were safe and I knew that Angel hated being wet. I smirked as I thought of how Angel would react.

If I was going to start a water balloon fight though, I should prepare for a war. That meant a lot of balloons, a good source of water, and a giant slingshot if I could find one. Though I could do without, that last one it would make it a lot easier to completely bombard Angel.

Now the only question was where do I lure Angel to in order to ambush him? I couldn’t bring him to the tree castle, the guards would see us. Can’t just attack him at the cottage either as he not only has back up, but it would be on his home turf. It needed to be somewhere with a lot of open space, but a lot of hiding spots too...

I thought about such a place as I made my way back towards the tree castle. The only reason I knew where that was is because I could see the top of it in the distance. It was going to take a while to get back.

Weaving through hooves and the occasional cart I was able to make it from alley to alley, saving a little bit of time. Along the way I kept thinking about just how shocked Angel is going to be when I show up tomorrow and smack him in the face with a balloon full of the coldest water I could get.

An evil little smile crept across my muzzle, ‘I’ll show him exactly who he’s messing with.’
> Priorities Re-evaluated
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had been walking for quite a while now, planning out my revenge on Angel, contemplating different methods of embarrassing situations that I could put the little devil bunny into. When going to war it’s best to have it and not need it whereas if you need it and don’t have it you sing a different tune.

‘A line of thought that kept me alive against those Precambrian life forms back in the day...’ I stopped for a second, ‘What the heck does Precambrian mean?’

I shook my head to clear the fading older memories, ‘Okay, if I’m going to start a water balloon war for my revenge on Angel I’m going to need a lot of balloons. Now where am I going to get them..’ my eyes scanned the houses and businesses that I was currently running past.

Some fancy restaurant nearby stood out at the back of my mind. As I spotted two patrons sitting together the usual chill went down my back, ‘Right, Ray and Rarity. Forgot about them.’ I sat down with my back to the wall and watched the two of them from across the clearing.

Rarity had nothing in front of her while Ray was finishing up his food. The idea of following the two of them briefly went through my head, but I disregarded the idea. Spike needed to know I was alright and I needed his help with getting balloons...

‘Wow, I prioritize my revenge on Angel over investigating Ray... For some reason I have no problem with that.’ I shrugged and started to walk back towards the castle, ‘It’s the smart thing to do anyway since if I get caught then Spike will think I’m still with Angel and never know I was captured by the evil ponies.’

I watched as a waiter appeared and talked only to Ray before taking away his plate. For whatever reason he had a smug grin on his face. To my shock it was one Rarity mirrored.

‘What in the?’ I watched with increasing shock as Rarity’s horn lit up with a vibrant green aura instead of her usual light blue.

Then I watched in horror as the white of her coat suddenly changed along with her mane and tail. In less than a second Rarity was gone and Sleek was in her place, faded red mane done up in a bun and everything.

My eye slightly twitched as I looked at... I can’t rightly say. I had no idea what I had just seen my mind went blank as that started talking like nothing happened, ‘Priorities have changed!!!’ A passing pony provided the perfect chance for me to approach without being seen.

“-spell works better than expected. I do say nothing coul-” I caught Ray saying before Sleek cut him off.

“Quiet, I’d rather not have to scuttle the whole thing because you talk so loudly.” Sleek said with a hushed tone before looking around at all the passing ponies, thankfully not noticing me under an adjacent table, “Meet me in the Canterlot Gardens tonight with Red and don't forget or little presents.”

Ray looked uncertain for a moment, “You are certain that the Boss will be able to get out of his cell?”

“Yes, if he didn’t have a full proof escape plan then we would of never of gone this far.” Sleek said before standing on her four hooves, “Just make sure our gifts are nice and wrapped for the start of the party. We used all our favors in the guard and nobility already so we only have one shot at this. Am I clear?”

“Krystal clear.” Ray said with a smug smile on his face as Sleek trotted away. I watched as he levitated a paper up, “We’ll be put in the history books for this ‘party’.” He let out a deep chuckle as I started to move away.

‘What in the world is going on around here!?’ I thought as I ran towards the nearest alleyway and started to put together what I just heard in my head.

‘SCRUFFY!’ I jumped and let out a loud yowl of shock at Spike’s sudden voice yelling in my head.

‘Oh my-! You scared one of my nine lives out of me Spike!’ I yelled as I looked back and saw a number of ponies now looking at the alley had ducked into.

‘And you scared me too! Now where are you at, are you alright?’ Spike asked with his worry evident even in his telepathy.

I took off out of the alley and down another street, growing more confident in my ability to not get stepped on, ‘Angel had a bird scoop me up in a sac, it wasn’t that hard to cut out of once he dumped me in the back of a wagon bound for Vanhoover.’

‘He did what!?’

‘That doesn’t matter right now, where are you? I just saw something you’re going to want to know about.’ I stated as I started moving towards the castle once again.

‘I’m by Sugar Cube Corner, and what do you mean it doesn’t matter! I was worried sick about you!’

And now I feel bad, ‘Okay wrong choice of words, it does matter and we’ll get him back at some point in the future but we have to worry about Rarity right now.’ I stated as I rounded the corner and took off down the side of the road.

‘What does Rarity have to do with any of this?’ Spike’s asked, his tone switching faster than Rarity switches dress before a party.

‘I just saw her and Ray together still and she used some kind of magic to turn herself into Sleek!’ Like a dodgeball champion I dodged, ducked, dipped, dived, and dodged my way through the legs of the sea of ponies between me and the other side of the open market area.

Spike was quiet for a little bit as I jumped up onto a cart to look around. The entire circular area was full of ponies going to and fro. Turning around I saw the cart I had jumped on was full of apples and beyond those apples was Big Mac holding out an apple to some random pony, ‘Spike meet me Applejack’s apple stand I’ll explain when you-’

‘This whole time I’ve been in love with Sleek!?’ Spike yelled mentally and faintly I could hear it in the distance as well. That had to of made a scene.

‘No! At least, I hope not. Now that would just be weird.’ I watched the crowd moved to and fro while I waited for Spike.

‘What about anything that has happened in the past few days hasn’t been weird!?’

I took a second to ponder what he said before stating, ‘Been fun though hasn’t it?’

‘...’

I took Spike’s silence as a reluctant yes and looked away from the crowd to Big Mac, “Meow?” the large stallion looked over at me and gave me a small smile. A second later I found myself held against his chest in a surprisingly soft grip as he stroked the fur on top of my head. I purred loudly to show my approval.

“Ahh, that’s just the sweetest sight I’ve ever seen.” I turned my head slightly to catch sight of an elderly mare with a smile on her wrinkly face.

“I think she’s Spike’s little kitty.”

‘Again with gender thing. What makes me look like a girl?’ I thought before Big Mac continued.

“Applejack was talking about Spike finally tellin Twilight about her.” Big Mac stated as he set me down on their apple stand.

“Heh heh, now that takes me back.” the green elder pony said as she reminisced, “Why I remember when a little Applejack tried to hide a certain little puppy from us.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac started to gently pet me making me purr.

“She was just the cutest little thing, thinkin she was gettin away with keeping Winona in her room.” the older mare start laughing, “Remember when we was all eatin supper and Winona ran into the kitchen and jumped onto the table right beside Apple Bloom? Applejack’s eyes were wide as could be and Bloom looked like as excited as a fox in a hen coup.”

“Eeyup, never seen AJ’s eyes get so wide since.” Big Mac joined in the laugh.

“Scruffy!” I heard Spike shout. Before I could even turn around I was picked up and held against Spikes chest.

‘Too tig-oh, nevermind you’re good.’ I said as Spike hugged me.

“Ya might wana keep a closer eye on that one.” the old pony stated, “Looks like she’d be a bit more free spirited than most cats round here.”

‘I am a kitten, not a cat. I will hold that title for as long as I can.’ I thought as I felt the stress from running between the sea of hooves earlier melt away with each slide of Spikes hand on my back, ‘Also still a guy.’

“Scruffy is actually a boy,” Spike stated for me, “and I’ll keep a close eye on him. Dragon’s Honor.” Spike finished with a little two clawed salute.

“I trust ya will Spike.”

“Eeyup.”

Spike turned around to leave before Granny Smith called out, “Spike, before ya go could ya tell me how long those girls are planning on this cat-tastaphy will last?”

I did a few short purrs to laugh at Granny’s pun while Spike ignored it completely, “Well usually they’re back before nightfall, but it was pretty far away this time from what a few guards at the... tree-”

‘Crystal Tree Castle of Friendship.’

“At the Crystal Treehouse told me, so probably not till tomorrow.”

“Alrighty then, thank ya kindly.” Granny Smith said as Spike and I walked away, “You two stay outa trouble now ya hear?”

“We will Granny Smith, bye!” Spike yelled as he ran slash waddled away.

Taking the opportunity I craned my head to look around the market area, ‘We need to find Ray, he’s got something that their going to bring into Canterlot tonight.’

“What kind-” Spike started out loud, ‘What kind of somethings? Cause if this is like one of Twilight's Adventures it might be those things that were stolen from the spiders last night. Did we ever get there names?’

What he said made me pause for a second. It all fell into place nicely, there’s no other ponies I know that would even be brave enough to go into the Spider’s lair, let alone take their stuff! ‘Spike you’re a genius! And no, I’ve just been thinking of them as the Spider Kingdom.’

Spike's eyes widened as he seemed to realize something, 'Wow, this is almost a complete reversal of issue #28 of Drake Rising: Legend of the Spider Kingdom when Fire Wing learns his birth name is Neltharion and finds out he has a brother and his brother’s egg has been stolen by the Mutant Spiders from the Nerubian Kingdom of Azjol-’

‘Didn’t you read that one to me and then almost snuggled me to death trying to go to sleep?’

Spike rounded a corner leading to the more residential area of Ponyville, ‘No! I just... Oh look there’s Ray!’

‘Quick get into that bush!’ Spike jumped into the bush, thankfully not crushing me in doing so, ‘Now we follow-’

“Hey! Get out of my hedge!” A pony yelled prompting Spike to quickly vacate our hiding spot.

“Sorry Mr. Dizzle.” Spike said loud enough to for the offended pony to hear but not loud enough for our target to hear.

While Spike apologized I watched as our target calmly walked up to the fourth house down the road, a modest two story home, unlocked the door and went inside. Already that raised flags as in the entirety of my staying here I’ve never seen a pony lock a door.

As Spike started down the road I pointed out the house to him, ‘The fourth one on the left is his house. Now we need to find a way inside and find whatever he took from the Immortal Spider Queen.’

We ended up taking up residence across the street in some overgrown bushes of a vacant house. We were out of sight from our target and most anypony that passed, ‘Well we can’t break into his house in the middle of the day. We need to lie low till it’s dark out and then we’ll get... uh Scruffy what exactly did the Spider Queen have stolen from her again?’ Spike asked.

His question threw me through a loop though as I had no idea what we were looking for either, ‘He told Sleek he would bring the stuff to the Canterlot Gardens tonight so we’ll just wait for tonight, sneak in, and see what he’s messing with.’

‘How are we going to sneak in?’ Spike asked as he narrowed his eyes to inspect the house and I moved to his head.

We spent a few seconds in silence inspecting the house. The windows were all darkened and had curtains covering them. The front door was definitely locked, but I might be able to pick that with my shadow magic. Still we should try to find a different way than the front door.

‘Maybe there’s a basement we-’ the ground suddenly opened up under us. We didn’t even have any time to voice our shock before we were pulled underground.
> The Spider Queen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After being pulled underground we must have only spent moments in darkness before we found ourselves coming out of a dirt trap door and into a beautiful underground cave. Despite being mostly covered up by Spike’s protective claws I could see and appreciate the grandiose nature of what was around us. 

The ceiling was as high as Twilight’s castle, covered in glowing, pointy crystals of a variety of cool colors. Protruding from the walls were veins of gems providing much less light, but still enough to draw the eye in the darkness. All colors of the rainbow showed as the many veins stretched from the ceiling to the floor in horizontal stripes. To top it off, and why I began to become excited like a kid on Christmas, was that between the walls, and connecting the crystals on the ceiling, was some of the silkiest looking webbing I’ve ever seen.

A quick look confirmed who are kidnapper was. Both Spike and I were in the grasp of a large familiar spider, familiar in the sense it’s hard to forget your first quest giver... after only a day anyway, I think. We were held in the front leg of one of the giant spiders from our quest as he skittered quickly across the floor towards the closest end of the cavern.

I felt a chill go through me as Spike shivered, “Wow...” he seemed more interested in the visuals than the situation. I can’t exactly fault him though, the dark rock just brings out and practically demands attention to the gems, crystals, and the ivory and gold spider web at the end... wait a minute. Looking back towards where we were going and there was in fact a giant, strikingly white, spider’s web.

It’s strands seemed as thick as a buildings if not bigger with gold slowly twisting around every strand. Inside the web was all manner of things from armor and weapons to jewels and chests filled with gold and several large sparkling emeralds of multiple colors. The closer we got the more loot I could see within the web and the more my mouth began to water and the more I wondered how I didn't notice it right off the bat with how big it was.

I heard a loud gulp and looked up to find Spike eyeing the same web with a little line of drool on the side of his mouth, ‘Spike, this, this right here, is why you always take your time and help out as many people and creatures as you can. That’s practically rule number one for us Adventurers.’

“This is amazing!” Spike shouted with a smile spread wide across his face, “Do you think we’ll get something from that web if we return whatever it is that was stolen from the Spider Queen?”

‘I hope so! I can’t even remember the last time I saw this much loot in one place! At least not without a dragon gua-’

Eight glowing, purple eyes opened up on the other side of the web cutting me off. Slowly the purple glow started to grow in strength until it illuminated the head and the giant teeth of their owner. Each eye was twice as large as the cart Big mac had taken to the market earlier and it’s teeth were the size of their apple trees. Every detail of the monster slowly became outlined in a vibrating purple haze of magic and the innards of every line were a swirling vortex of black and purple with hundreds of tiny white specs of light shining through briefly when it moved. Slowly two thick forelegs came into view and two narrow, sharp looking spider legs follow before it’s even thicker rear legs followed. Folded onto it’s back were two leathery wings that had white lines running through them in contrast to the rest of its body’s purplish void color. It looked like the void given the shape of a spider dragon and then woken up on the wrong side of the bed.

And it was looking at us.

‘Spike?’ I asked looking at the towering behemoth on the other side of the web, ‘We’ve been thinking this is where we get our reward right? What if its not....’

We stopped and were released just short of the opening between two columns of webbing. I hopped up on Spike’s head and couldn’t help but notice all the little gems, weapons, and armor pieces for what looked like every race imaginable inside of the columns. My noticing that though was just my mind trying to come to terms with the fact we might have just walked into the den of an Old God or something equally as terrifying.

“I suppose you could call me an Old God.” a silky smooth female voice spoke up from right next to us. I turned and next to us was not the Spider Queen we fought before. Where as before she was just a giant spider she now seemed like a hybrid between a pony and a spider.

She stood on six long, black, chitinous covered spider legs that lead up to a spider-like torso. It was armored with more chitin showing almost none of the purple skin that showed beneath. Spread across her backside though was a mark I couldn’t quite make out because of the angle I was looking. Attached to that torso like a centaur though was the upper half of a pony. The pony half was covered in a royal purple fur with void marks running over it like webbing, but the black lines seemed to not move with her entirely. The black and purple swirl with the tiny dots of light that were on the dragon moved when it did. The marks on her fur though were like windows to a stationary part of the void. Looking into them kind of gave me a headache.

“My eyes are up here you two.” she said in a teasing voice making Spike and I snap our heads up to look at her eyes. They seemed to jump out at me with how striking her irises were. They glowed with a golden hue as the seemed to sparkle in the darkness like a freshly polished golden coin in the sunlight.

“H-hi...” Spike barely managed to get out while I was just now noticing my tail was tucked between my legs and my ears were splayed back to try and make myself look as small as possible.

‘Do you think she remembers what we did to her in our fight?’ I ask Spike quickly as she starts to chuckle. A truly haunting sound if ever there was one.

“It’s comforting how the world has forgotten me so. To not even know the difference between myself and one of my avatars.” her voice was slow yet deliberate, like a demon who knows they're in control, “Because I am in control Little Phoenix.”

‘Phoenix?’

“Phoenix?” Spike said the same time as me.

“Surely you know what you are Little Phoenix?” she smiled seductively.

‘Let’s say I’m not so good at the whole remembering stuff thing.’ I say trying to keep the monstrous beast in my peripheral vision to our left.

“Then the least I can do for such heroes as yourselves is offer a bit of information.” her smile grew, “I am an avatar of the void as Celestia is avatar of the sun and her sister the moon. That makes our souls immortal, but that is not the requirements for having an immortal soul. Phoenix souls like yours are unique. While my soul is bound to this realm and those related to it yours is not. An unshackled soul, able to go wherever they wish.”

I hadn’t noticed it until she reached out and caressed the side of my face with her hoof but she had been slowly closing the distance between us as she talked, “One day, in the far, far future, you’ll be on par with me in strength. Maybe even greater,” her eyes studied my kitten body, “but you have a little growing to do till then.”

‘I need an adult.’

“Scruffy, I’m pretty sure she’s an adult.” Spike added meekly.

“I’m quite possibly the oldest adult on the planet.” she said with a smirk, “But if any other immortals ask, I’m only twenty-nine-hundred.” she winked at me and pulled away.

I let out a breath I hadn’t known I was holding. Spike though was no less tense and I could see him shift his eyes over to the void, spider dragon in the middle of the spider web loot pillars. I hadn’t realized but Spike was actually crouched into a fighter’s stance, or what could pass as one. I shook off my nerves and got on my paws to at least look like I wasn't a scared little kitten in over his head.

The Spider Queen though didn’t seem to care, “Now look upon my little, baby dragon.” she moved her right forehoof in a sweeping gesture which the her ‘little baby’ dragon took as an opportunity to growl almost as if it was purring. The entire cavern seemed to shake with the vibrations just it’s growl caused, “Without your intervention she would have been released onto Ponyville in my avatar's anger. You saved the lives of everyone in the town as well as her own. You have my deepest thanks for that alone as she’s one of the last of her kind. Though thanks to me her species is making a come back, how though is our secret. All I asked in return was loyalty. Not a bad bargain if you ask me.”

‘Oh I see where this is going.’ that last line of hers put things in perspective, ‘You’re a deal making sort aren’t you?’

“It could be oversimplified as such. I’ve never bother to give myself that title, but it is in my repertoire of skills.” she smiled and shifted her focus back to her ‘baby’ dragon, “In my long line of work, I’ve seen countless immortals fall because they only cared about personal power. But those who remain today are either very good at hiding, or learned the truth. True power lies in quantity as well as quality. Having allies everywhere and making them strong and loyal is the truest height of power.”

“Is this the part where you make us a deal so good we can’t refuse?” Spike asked out of the blue, “I’ve read enough comics to know where this is going too.”

“Not at all little drake. I’m telling you this to show I am as transparent as they come in the world of immortals. It makes little sense to take future powerhouses such as yourselves and make you my enemies.” she had on a small smile that seemed the opposite of transparent, but at the same time there was truth in her words, “Now then I believe you two are here about some quest reward? Giving rewards to heroes for services rendered is a practice older than me and I’ve got the perfect reward for two strapping, young, beginner heroes such as yourselves.”

The Spider Queen moved towards the closest pillar of webbing and loot. She reached out her hoof and the webbing parted to reveal a battered backpack. It was a dark green and brown and relatively unimpressive. An outline of purple and white speckled energy outlined it as the Spider Queen levitated it over to us. It stopped just short and opened up.

The first item floated out, “This is a hearthstone. Simply recite the phrase, ‘I wish to make this my home.’ and tap it on the ground three times and it will become bound to that spot. Able to teleport you from anywhere in the world right back to that spot. It takes a full minute of holding onto it and gradually feeding it magic to activate though so be warned.”

Spike and I both stared at it with wide eyes, ‘I assume Twilight would freak out if we said we had something that could teleport us across the world.’

“That would be hilarious to watch though.” Spike said as the hearthstone was place back in the bag and the next item was levitated out.

It was a towering, rectangle shield that had no right fitting inside of that bag. It was dark grey, twice the size of Spike, and had blunt but menacing looking spikes on the front of it. The various nicks and scratches told of it’s heavy use from it’s previous owner, “This shield belong to one of the bravest heroes in the world over a millennia ago. One of the strongest heroes I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. It has a few enchantments on it already, but for you two I added something a little, special.” she gave that same smirk I think I might as well let her trademark at this point, “Go on and touch it little drake.”

As the shield levitated over Spike’s eyes grew wider. As it silently came to a rest in front of us I could see I was wrong about how big it was, it was three times Spike’s size, not two. The blunt spikes on it were arranged in three rows and three across. Each spike was like a little pyramid with a square base jutting out of the shield’s curved surface. Spike reached out with his right hand and touched the surface between two of the bottom most spikes.

Instantly the shield had the tell tale spider web of void magic, or the Spider Queen’s magic, appear before disappearing again. The shield then rapidly shrunk before our eyes and stopped when it was just a little bit smaller than Spike was. He turned the shield around when it was done and found on the other side was a brown strap that looked like a belt and a metal bar. Spike seemed to know what he was doing as he excitedly grabbed the metal bar with his left hand and strapped his forearm into the brown belt.

“This. Is. AWESOME!” Spike exclaimed, seeming to have forgotten about whatever he learned in his comics about deals and whatnot. While I was looking down at Spike though I saw something out of the corner of my eye.

The Spider Queen was looking at us with a smile again, but this smile was different from the others somehow. It wasn’t the ‘smarter than you’ smile', or the seductive one, or her trademark smirk. It was the same smile a mother might have when seeing her children playing. It was gone in a flash though as soon as she saw me see it.

“Now for the final reward for our two heroes.” she continued on as if I hadn’t seen that smile of hers. Out of the bag she pulled out a book, “This is for you Little Phoenix.” she held out the book like I was supposed to grab it from over four feet away.

‘You know I can’t reach that.’ I said through half lidded eyes. Spike looked up like he was about to say something but The Spider Queen started talking again.

“And that is exactly why you need it.” she closed the distance between the us, “Your memory problem is atrocious.” she brought a hoof to my ear and disturbingly I felt something very small crawly out from behind it. She lowered her hoof to my eye level and on it was a little black spider, “If my little spy here is correct then you have an ability to make shadowy arms from anywhere on your body, do you not.”

She smirked as I remained silent and embarrassed but Spike spoke up before she could this time, “That’s why Scruffy has me though. I’m there whenever he needs to remember something. I have a mental list of all his powers that I’ve seen so far.”

“So you two really do complete each other don’t you?” she backed away just a step and held the book back out, “For whenever you’re separated though writing them down and trying to memorize them can’t hurt now can it?”

I reached out with a shadow claw from my tail and took the book from her, ‘So Spike gets an awesome shield and I got a book?’

"For once it wasn't me." Spike added as he happily moved his shield around, getting used to it.

“You both also get this lovely backpack.” she held up the battered backpack with a big grin on her face before hanging it over top of Spike’s shield, “And that book is plenty special, but I have no more time for you two I’m afraid. Thank you for your help in getting back my eggs and helping me catch the thief.” that surprised Spike and I.

“But we haven’t gotten the eggs back yet, we only had a lead to where they were. We only just now were told it was eggs they stole in the first place.” Spike admitted with confusion written on his face.

“Oh don't you worry your pretty, little head. You've helped me more than you know. I was practically there with you two all day thanks to my little spy here.” The Spider Queen brought the little spider that was on me up to her face and proceeded to nuzzle it, “My children confirmed the identity of the thief and we found the eggs in magical containers in the basement of the very house you two were outside of. We weren't about to sit on the sidelines and let you dish out our justice.”

One of the larger spiders that we had seen the night before skittered on passed with a wound up bundle of webbing on its back, “Now if you excuse me I have a prisoner to interrogate, but rest assured he will be given back to Celestia without a scratch on him. Once I’ve gotten how he knew about this place out of him that is.” as she finished I saw the first sinister smile out of her, showing her fangs and shar teeth, and it chilled me to my core, “Enjoy your rewards my little adventurers.”

She waved her hoof and we were surrounded by her purple and white speckled void energy before either of us could get a word in, “And since you’ve been wondering this whole time, my name is Nazarubi.” there was a blinding flash of light that forced Spike and I to close our eyes.

When I opened my eyes again I could feel the setting sun’s warmth on my fur. I hadn’t realized how cold it was down in the caverns and I use ice powers so I know cold. A quick glance around showed we had spent more time down in the cavern than I had thought. Where as before the sun was high in the afternoon sky it had started it’s descent into the horizon, it was a few more hours the sun actually set but the change was noticeable.

“Scruffy where are we?” Spike asked as he looked around at the few trees that were around us.

I reared up on my hind paws and looked around, ‘I think I see the town clocktower way off in the distance. It would take us an hour or two to walk there.’

“Huh, do you think she meant to put us this far out of town?” Spike asked as we started walking.

‘You think she could mess up a teleport this badly?’ I asked before something clicked in my mind, ‘And how dumb was that guy to steal her eggs? I honestly feel bad for whatever he’s a about to go through.’

“I don’t feel bad for him he lied to Rarity about who he was.” Spike said as he tried to cross his arms and was reminded he had a giant shield attached to his left arm, “Wow this thing really is light.”

‘Hopefully that doesn’t make it weaker being that light.’ with the book I got for a reward still in my tail’s shadow claw I reached forward with my paw and made another to pick up the tattered backpack. It instantly glowed with the spider web of void magic just like the shield and shrunk in size and changing in color.

Gone was the green and brown tattered backpack. It was replaced with a black pair of saddlebags that looked like they would fit my small frame perfectly. Looking closer the black on the packs subtly shifted the longer you looked at it, like it was made out of the shadows themselves. A smile broke out across my face as I almost started hopping in place on Spike's head, 'I did get something out of this!'

“Scruffy open the book!” Spike said excitedly, “Let’s see what kind of magic spells it has in it! Or treasure maps! Or maybe a mint copy of Power Ponies issue 12 the first-”

‘I’m gonna stop ya right there Spike,’ I interrupted, ‘There isn’t a comic book in here, but let's see what is!’ I place my new bags on my rear end like I saw ponies do all the time and now used both claws to hold the book in front of us. To build suspense I slowly opened up the book to the first page and found... nothing.

Slightly worried I flipped to the second page and it was also entirely blank. Same for pages three through the rest of the stupid thing, ‘Okay so the book is just a blank book. That’s a let down.’

“At least you got a cool pair of saddlebags out of it though.” Spike was quick to chime in and cheer me up, “A besides now we have a place to store larger stuff that won’t fit in my pocket space.”

‘So I’m going to be the little guy who follows you around and carries all your stuff for you? I’m no pack mule just for future reference.’ Spike started laughing as I opened up my bags. The book quickly found what would probably be it’s permanent resting spot as I easily stretched the rim of the fabric to easily allow the book to fall into the shadowy innards of the bag, ‘We got way off topic though, what was that you were saying about Narubi messing up her teleport?’

“Nazarubi was her name and Twilight told me when you get to Celestia and Luna’s magical strength precision becomes really difficult. Twilight practices teleporting all the time and the one time she got Celestia to do a demonstration of how she teleports and it required so many spell focuses that it was more wasteful and time consuming than blinking to her destination.” we started walking again as Spike talked.

I waited a few seconds as Spike went back to his shield and it became apparent I had to ask, 'So what is blinking exactly?'

Spike stopped and seemed to be in thought for a few seconds, "Well teleporting is for long distance and blinking is basically teleporting but where you can see the destination. Blinking is really easy for unicorns with a good sized mana pool but it's still very taxing."

'So I guess that makes the Hearthstone she gave us really powerful right?' I asked trying to grasp what I was bound to forget soon enough.

"Yeah, I think I've heard of something like our Hearthstone once and it was in a book about legends. I wonder if we can find anything in the Crystal Treehouse's library about the rest of our gear."

As Spike started to unstrap his shield to inspect the front of it I couldn’t help but feel as if we were forgetting something. Something important, ‘Spike hold the story for a sec.’

“Oh, what’s up?”

‘Are we forgetting anything? Something important. I feel like we are but I just can’t think of it.’ I brought a paw to my chin and tried my hardest to think of what it was we were forgetting.

“Well we got our quest reward from Nazarubi. Before that we were stalking Ray after his meeting with Sleek about their Canterlot Plan.” Spike said casually, “No I don’t think we’re forgetting anything.”

‘The Canterlot Plan! We have to stop the rest of them tonight before they do whatever it is they’re going to do!’ I said with renewed and remembered resolve.

“Uh Scruffy, we already spoiled that plan remember? They don’t have the eggs anymore and Ray is with Nazarubi. Whatever they had planned is probably sunk and when we tell the guards when we get back about it Sleek and Red will be off to the slammer with their leader!” Spike said excitedly, “That means no more Sleek to take my assistant spot and no more Ray to take my Rarity’s heart. That’s what I call a good day’s work.”

‘If I had a bit for every time I thought I had won in the past I think I would be rich.’ I shook my head, ‘Let’s just get back to the castle and report them as soon as possible then, okay?’

“Don’t gotta tell me twice. The faster we get there the faster Sleek is off to jail and I get to tell Twilight I told her so.” Spike started walking faster through the grass.

‘Don’t forget justice and all that Mr. Hero.’ I said with a chuckle.

“Oh yeah, I wonder if Rarity is into heroes.”

‘Come on lover drake, I'm sure she is, but we won’t know until we get back to town.’ and maybe after that this sinking feeling in my gut will go away.