> Random Aura > by Shunt Hotbox > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Princess Celestia, I don't think you should be that close to the creature. It might be dangerous." The Sun Princess didn't listen to the worried captain and instead continued to watch this unique creature that just hatched from an egg. The egg was found outside the castle by one of her royal guards. The creature resembled a diamond dog, but its fur was coloured blue with black legs and torso. Some fur on its face looked like a black mask and on each side of its head was an odd tear shaped appendages also coloured black. On its neck was what looked like a yellow collar and has rounded bumps on the backs of its forepaws, almost like it was made of metal. What an odd but cute little creature, surely it couldn't be that dangerous could it? The princess thought as it crawled out of its broken egg and trying to stand on its toes. It looked up at the much larger princess with its red eyes and caught everyone by surprise when it gave a bright smile and jumped up and hugged its arms around Celestia's neck. Her guards pointed their spears at the canine-like creature when it jumped on their princess, making her fall back on her flank in shock. "Princess! Squad get that thing off her!" "It's okay, Captain. I'm fine." Celestia reassured her soldiers. "But Princess Celestia it-" Taking a closer look, the newly discovered creature was still wrapping its arms around her in a loving hug, nuzzling into her white fur with a closed eye smile. Celestia, in turn, wrapped her hooves around it which made the canines tail start to wag back and forth. "You must think I'm your mother. Don't you?" The dog-like creature replied with a happy sounding bark, she looks down at it with a sad look as she thought of what to say. "I'm sorry little one. But I'm afraid I'm not your mother." It lost its smile and tilted its head in confusion. If she wasn't its parent then where were they? "But, I'm more than happy to play the role. Would you like to stay with me?" Its smile came back in an instant giving off more happy barks. Celestia was also filled with joy, she aways did want to be a parent and it looked like this was gonna be the closest chance she'll get. Now it needed a name, but what should she name it? Then it got to her, its barks, while it sounds almost like any other dog, this one was different. She could almost make out some words from it. "Rio" and "lu". "Riolu?" She asked. It jumped out of her hug and onto the floor, its eyes never looking away from her as it clapped its forepaws together. "Riolu it is then." She announced. The other ponies didn't look so sure. "Princess Celestia, are you sure it's wise to have it running around." "He. Riolu here is clearly a male." The guard captain raised and eyebrow at her and then found himself looking at the blue furred Sheath and balls that the newly named Riolu had. Everpony was startled as a head of a giant purple dragon burst through one of the castle's towers. "I think that stack of paperwork is gonna have to wait." The Sun Princess says as she and everypony else looks at the dragon. "Stay close to me, Riolu." Riolu without any care in the world hops next to his new mother and they both disappear in a flash. Present time In the main castle's throne room a scroll is teleport with a bright flash and drops to the marble floor. Riolu, not looking any different from his hatching, picks up and opens the scroll. "Twilight sent a letter." He said, now speaking in their common language. Celestia was sitting in her throne drinking her tea while skimming through her royal paperwork. She put down her teacup on the plate and listened to Riolu as he started reading her student's letter. "My dearest teacher, my continuing studies of pony magic have led me to discover that something really bad is about to happen! For you see, the mythical Mare in the Moon is in fact Nightmare Moon, and she's about to return to Equestria, and bring with her eternal night! Something must be done to make sure this terrible prophecy does not come true. I await your quick response. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle." She smiled and watched as Riolu quickly got a new blank roll of paper with a feather and ink ready to write a response back. She knew exactly what to say. "My dearest, most faithful student Twilight. You know that I value your diligence and that I trust you completely. But you simply must stop reading those dusty old books!" Riolu couldn't help but chuckle as he continued to write this down. Celestia continued. "My dear Twilight, there is more to a young pony's life than studying, so I'm sending you to supervise the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration in this year's location: Ponyville. And, I have an even more essential task for you to complete: make some friends." When Riolu was done writing it down he gave the scroll to the alicorn who used her own magic to send it to Spike the Dragon. "She sounded pretty sure of herself. What if Nightmare Moon does come back?" Riolu asked. "If she does I'm sure her eternal night won't last long. Twilight will make sure of it, as long as she follows my advice and makes some friends." Riolu gave her a look. "I'm not sure if making friends is going to do much." She in response smiled. "Maybe I should send you down along with her, you could make some more friends of your own." "I have plenty of friends!" "Oh?" she smirked. "Yeah, Spike is my best friend. We hang out all the time. Then there's Twilight. Then. Then." "Yes?" "Oh! Her brother, Shining Armor. I've met him a few times, and also, I talk to some of the other guards while training." She sighed as she got off her throne. "I really wish you would not try and start sparring fights with the guards." "They don't mind in fact most of them think I have talent. I've aways felt like I was born to fight." He said giving the air some fast punches and kicks. "I just don't like seeing you get hurt." He stopped mid kick after hearing that, he knew that he was like her own son and didn't want him to get hurt. But his fights with the guards helped show that he's strong, that his height didn't matter and could protect himself just fine. "Come. Let's go and see Twilight and Spike off. They need to leave soon if they want to get to Ponyville on time." > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was early in the morning, so early that the sun wasn't even up yet. Flying above Ponyville's Everfree Forest was Princess Celestia who was sitting in her golden chariot while being pulled by two pegasi royal guards. Next to Equestria's ruler was a very tired and scared Riolu who trying his hardest to stay as close to his mother figure and not look over the edge of the chariot. "Riolu, I told you there's nothing to be afraid of." "That's easy for you to say! You have wings! You know I've never liked heights." Riolu shouted in fear. Celestia wrapped one of her large wings around him and pulled his body closer to hers. "Don't worry. We're almost at Ponyville and if anything were to happen I would make sure nothing happened to you." Their ride ended sooner than she thought it would as the clouds around them started to move by themselves, forming a wall of rain clouds in front of the flying chariot. The Pegasi drivers gasped in pain as lighting struck out of the clouds, shocking the poor stallions and causing them and their two passengers to fall from the sky. Riolu was screeming for his life while the two guards that were shocked was put unconscious. Celestia on the other hoof sprang into action, her horn gave off a yellow glow as she cast a telekinesis spell to gently lower herself, Riolu, the chariot and the two guards safely on the Everfree Forest floor. Riolu quickly jumped out and laid on the ground, trying his hardest to control his heart rate after so far the scariest moment of his life. "I told you I'll keep you safe." said Celestia. Sadly not all were awake and happy. Riolu got up and ran to the guard's sides. Riolu learned that he had a special ability to see the life force within every living creature. He first found out about this power after going into daydream during a royal meeting. His eyes closed and the tear-shaped appendages began to glow blue energy. This ability was called Aura Vision. "They're alive," Riolu said in relief. The Princess nodded. "Good. Sadly the lighting knocked them both out." "Where did they go?!" Riolu asked as he watched the two Ponies disappear in a flash. "Ponyville isn't too far away from here. They'll be safer there while we make our way towards our old castle. I just hope Twilight and her new friends are okay." Celestia replied as she walked onwards to the broken down castle with Riolu walking by her side. As the two walked in silence through the creepy dark forest to the officially named "Castle of the Two Sisters", Celestia couldn't help ask her adopted pup a question that has been on her mind. "Riolu. You know I think of like my own colt." "Yeah." He answered. He knew where this conversation was going. She stopped in place. "Then you know that you count as royalty. A prince." "I know. But will Equestria accept me as a prince? I mean, I'm not even a pony." Celestia looked down at him with a sudden stare. "Riolu, is this really what this about? Ponies in Canterlot accept you just fine. I'm sure the rest of Equestria will too." Riolu nervously rubbed his paws. "I don't know. I'm happy as your assistant and unofficial personal guard for now." She decided to put a pin on this conversion for now and will try and talk through to him some other time. "Okay then. Now my unofficial personal guard lets go and meet up with Twilight and her friends. I think it's time you finally meet your aunt Luna." "Indeed you do." When both Riolu and Celestia reached the castle they felt Nightmare Moon's magic fade away allowing the Princess to raise the sun on time and make a flashy entrance. They both teleported by the window as the sunlight lit the whole room. "Princess Celestia." "Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student. I knew you could do it." The sun princess praised, giving her student a hug when she walked over. "But you told me it was all an old pony tale." "I told you that you needed to make some friends, nothing more. I saw the signs of Nightmare Moon's return and I knew it was you who had the magic inside to defeat her, but you could not unleash it until you let true friendship into your heart." Celestia explained. Riolu walked up to Twilight, looking at her new crown with the star shaped Element of Harmony attached in the middle. Before he could get a single world out the yellow furred pony with a pink mane instantly flew up and grabbed him into a hug. "Oh my, you're so cute. I've never seen an animal like you before. What's your name?" She asking with a soft-sounding voice. "I'm Riolu." "Oh my, he talks too. I'm Fluttershy. This is wonderful, what kind of food do you like?" She asked. "I like berries and apples the most." A loud rumble was heard coming from Riolu's stomach. "Speaking of food. Can we get something to eat?" "We'll join the Summer Sun Celebration and get some food soon, Riolu. But right now somepony needs addressing to. Princess Luna!" Celestia approached the younger alicorn and laid down in front of her. "It has been a thousand years since I have seen you like this. Time to put our differences behind us. We were meant to rule together, little sister. Will you accept my friendship?" Tears escaped Luna's eyes and quickly found herself embracing her older sibling. "I'm so sorry! I missed you so much, big sister!" "I've missed you, too." The Summer Sun Celebration continued when they all returned to Ponyville. Riolu hanged out with Spike, made friends with the ponies that now share the Elements of Harmony and welcome Luna back into the family. Twilight was looking a little depressed. "Why so glum, my faithful student? Are you not happy that your quest is complete and you can return to your studies in Canterlot?" Celestia asked. "That's just it. Just when I learned how wonderful it is to have friends, I have to leave them." said Twilight. "Riolu, take a note." It was then the princess saw her child hoof wrestling a very overly muscler pony and by the looks of it, Riolu won the match pretty fast. The others ponies watching were confused on how a small creature like Riolu was able to out muscle a pony that works out almost every day. "Never mind. Spike, could you take the note, please. I, Princess Celestia, hereby decree that the unicorn Twilight Sparkle shall take on a new mission for Equestria. She must continue to study the magic of friendship. She must report to me her findings from her new home in Ponyville." While Twilight's new friends cheered, Riolu only now just heard the announcement. "Wait?" he said out loud. "Does that mean I'm not gonna see Spike anymore?" > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was the middle of the afternoon in Canterlot and only a day as gone by since the return of the Elements of Harmony and Princess Luna. Riolu has been feeling down since the party when he learned that his closest friend wasn't staying with him at the Castle anymore but instead with Twilight and her friends at Ponyville. Celestia wanted her to stay there and learn more about friendship from her new friends. Since Spike is her assistant, much like how he was to Celestia, meant that he was to live in Ponyville too. Riolu was now bored as ever. A day off but no best friend to play with. He spent the morning with Luna getting to know her better, it was fun but he might be a bit deaf thanks to her loud voice. Now he's just sitting sadly on his bed, looking around his room for anything to do. Nothing. "Maybe I can get some training in. There are always a few guards to fight in the training area." He thought, with that in mind, he hoped off the bed and out of the door. The walk didn't take long and soon found himself surrounded by guards new and old that are relaxing or training. One noticed him and walked up with a knowing smile on his face. His name was Captain Sunbright, a unicorn with yellow fur and a brown mane hidden underneath his helmet. The same captain that was with Celestia when he hatched and became his father figure in a way. "Well look who's back. Looking for more poor souls to put down?" Riolu smiled as he looked up to the pony. "You know me too well, Captain. Got any volunteers?" "Got some new recruits that think they can take on the whole of Equestria. Some got themselves in a bit of trouble and could use some punishment." "Sounds like fun." Replyed Riolu, his innocent smile never leaving his muzzle. "Alright recruits! Listen up!" Ordered Sunbright walking back and forth a line of the newest guard recruits. "Some of you think it's fine to skip out on training and not take any of it seriously. You think being a Royal Guard is gonna be a walk in a park. Well let me tell you all something, it's not! Normally I would punish you all until you faint. But I'm giving you a chance to be let off from being punished." By now a group of guard ponies that were on break watched the show with excitement, some knowing what was happening and others looking at the scene in confusion. The captain pointed a hoof at the Riolu beside him. "Your goal is to team up and take down Riolu here. No time limit and no weapons. If any of you can make him unable to battle then you all are let off with no punishment. Think you can handle that?" "Yes, Sir!" They answered back. Riolu stood in the middle of the battlefield as all of the ponies circled around him and got ready to fight. One of them whispered to the pony next to them. "This will be easy, kinda makes me feel bad for the little Diamond Dog." That rubbed Riolu off the wrong way, he was gonna try and give them a chance but now he completely changed his mind. He clapped his blue furred forepaws together and closed his eyes as his Aura Vision was activated, giving him a clear view of the everyponies auras around him. "Get ready," Sunbright called out. "Three, Two, One, Go!" They all charged at their smaller opponent at once, they clearly thought he was an easy win for them. Riolu smirked and waited for the right moment. Then he jumps high in the air, surprising the ponies and final result smashing into each other all at once. Riolu landed gracefully right behind one of the guards with his eyes still clamped shut and focusing on using his aura powers to see. The pony he landed behind took note and prepared to buck him. Riolu reflexes were sharp and managed to avoid the attack then grabbed hold of the stallion's leg. "Hey! Let go!" Riolu did as he was told, but only after he span the poor male and thrown him at his teammates like a bowling ball at some pins. Out of the pile of ponies one pegasus mare had enough and flew out and into the sky. "You're going down, puppy!" She shouted with pure rage in her voice. Meanwhile, Riolu just kept calm, keeping his smile and eyes closed still and to the mare, it angered her the most. Like he was showing off the fact he could take on a group of guards in training and fight with his eyes shut. It was humiliating her in front of the captain and guards watching, she couldn't take it much longer. Enraged she flew down and prepared to kick Riolu's head. He blocked the attack by moving forepaws up to protect his face and then sidestepped to avoid the second kick. "Don't worry I'll help you." another male called out as he got off the pony pile. The pegasus trying to land a hit on Riolu looked at him with a cold stare. "I don't need any of your help!" Riolu punched her in the gut seeing that she was distracted and finished her off with a kick to the head. Taking a deep breath Riolu scanned to see how many are left to take out. First one was knocked out when they all hit each other the first time, the second was the one that tried to buck him, now the pegasus. Three out of five and the two that was left, a unicorn male which was the one to that called out to the pegasus and the other was also a mare but this one was an earth pony. Riolu felt that it was time to stop being defensive and start being the attacker. The two ponies eyes widened in shock to find the blue canine running right at them. "Quick put a shield up or something!" the earth pony screamed. He did, but only on himself. The mare could only let out a "Really?" before she was tackled to the ground. The Unicorn panicked seeing his friend on the ground. "I'm sorry! I forgot I can only shield myself. I'll freeze him." Riolu jumped off her and avoided the spell. The earth pony was sadly frozen stuck. Now it was just a one on one battle. Scared for his life the frightened unicorn shut his eyes and shook in fear. "I give up!" Riolu finally opened his own eyes and gave a friendly pat on the frightened pony's back. "Okay. I guess I win. Thanks for the battle." He turned to Sunbright. "Thanks again, Captain. It really helped pass the time." "Anytime kiddo." Sunbright replied and watched the young canine run off. He then looked back to the recruits, all were now awake in pain. "Learn this recruits! Never underestimate your opponent and work as a TEAM! Now your punishment. Start by giving me ten laps around the castle grounds!" They all just groaned. Riolu sighed, he had some fun and passed the time but he still felt the pain in his heart. Spike was the only true friend he had here in Equestria. The fact they were both born around the same time and lived in the castle helped fuel their brother relationship. Plus they were both unique species that you wouldn't find living with ponies. But unlike Spike, he knew that he was a dragon and there are more out in Equestria. Riolu didn't know what he was or if there are more of his kind out there. He really was more lonely than he thought. He growled. "No. I can't be the only one. There has to be more and I'm gonna find them!" > Chapter 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Riolu? Are you in here?" Asked a worried Celestia. The day had gone by and it was now time for Luna to take over for the night. But Riolu didn't come to dinner and he wasn't one to miss out on food. Especially when his favourite food, Perfect Apples were being served. She did some investigating and found that after his talk with Luna he went and talked to Sunbright which led to finding out that Riolu got into another fight with guards. Sunbright then explained that after the little fight he soon came running back to him, asking more about the day he hatched, if there was anything that he wasn't told before. Sunbright answered with the same and honest truth, he found his egg out in the castle grounds. There were no signs of anypony leaving him there or any kind of magical effects that showed that he may have got teleported through a spell. It was a mystery and even Celestia didn't know how or for the matter what Riolu was. One of the guards said they saw the pup run into the castle library out of all places. It was a really rare sight to see Riolu with a book in his paws and the only time Riolu would be in the library was when he was waiting for Spike and Twilight. Yet here he was, Riolu was in the library and she couldn't help smile when she saw him. Sitting next to a table with his head resting on a large open book and fast asleep. Being as silent as she could be, the sun princess walked over to her adopted son and carefully used her magic to lift him up and onto her back without waking him up. She was happy that she found him but a new question entered her mind. What was he reading? She turned the books cover and read the title. "Equestria's Creatures and Species" Her smile changed and looked back to the sleeping canine. The puzzle was coming together. The sudden questions to Sunbright and research, trying to find or learn something new if he was the only one of his kind. She told him this before. "We've never seen anything like you before, Riolu. You might be a start of a new species.". This was at the time he was still young and now that he was growing up it all suddenly came flooding to him. He may be the only one. Princess Celestia took a sip of her tea while she finished reading the last of her paperwork for the day, sitting on her bed with Riolu still asleep by her side. His peaceful slumber didn't last long as he started to wake and let out a sob. "Riolu, are you okay?" Riolu could only snuggle closer to the alicorn for more of the warmth and comfort that her body gave him. "I really am alone. I'm the only one of my kind." "You don't know that." Riolu shooked his head. "But it's true! Ever since I was hatched, there have been no sightings of any other creature like me or any clue where I came from." Celestia put a comforting wing around him. "It's still early days. Riolu. Something may come up. You just got to have faith." "I just don't want to be an endangered species. Heck, I don't even know what I am. I could be a freaky mutated Diamond Dog like most ponies think." The sound of Celestia's chuckle surprised him. "Oh, Riolu. I know for a fact that you're no Diamond Dog. No, you're something special and to me, nothing will change that no matter what anypony says." After hearing that he could only rest his head on her and let more tears out of his red coloured eyes. "I love you, Mom." "I love you too, my little prince." she replied. It has been a few days after Riolu's little breakdown and things have still been hard for him, it only got worst when he found out that Sunbright was leaving the royal guard. The captain that first found him as an egg, the pony that helped him learn to fight, his father figure was leaving. He could still hear his words echo in his head on the day he left the castle. "It's not like I'm dying kid. You'll see me again for sure, I do live in Canterlot after all. Oh, and don't worry about my replacement. You'll get along fine." It turned out that Twilight Sparkle's older brother, Shining Armor, was going to be the new captain. Riolu was happy for him. He knew that Shining wanted to be a part of the Royal Guard since he was a young colt and being promoted to a captain was a dream come true for him. Heck, Shining even told him that he could still train with the other guards like nothing had changed. But to him, it felt like everypony he cared for was disappearing from his life. Princess Celestia felt like there must be something she could do to try and lift his spirits. That's when a brilliant idea popped into her head. Using her magic she grabbed her ink feather and scroll and began to write a message. Meanwhile back in Ponyvile Spike was hard at work sorting a pile of books while humming a tune in his head until he burped up a green flame along with a scroll. Once the dragon saw the letter he picked it up and gave it a read. Seconds after the baby dragon ran up the library stairs and quickly started packing a brown suitcase. "Spike? What's the rush?" asked a confused Twilight as she watched him running around the bedroom. "No time, Twilight! I need to quickly finish packing." "Why? Where are you going in such a rush?" The unicorn asked again, still not understanding the problem. "Princess Celestia just sent me a message! Riolu needs me right now!" > Chapter 5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A knock on the door to his room woke him from his nap. Looking out of the window the Riolu saw that it had gotten dark fast, this was due to the weather Pegasi accidentally skipping a scheduled sprinkle of rain last week, so in order to make up for the mistake, they planned a big storm for tonight. He could already see the large dark rain clouds covering the whole of Canterlot and even Ponyvile off in the far distance. Another loud knock was hit on his room door. "Alright! I'm coming, I'm coming! No need to bash my door down." Hoping off his bed and opening the door he expected it to be a guard or one of the castles assistants but it was the one dragon he didn't expect to see. Spike the dragon standing in the hallway holding his suitcase and backpack with a large grin on his face. Quickly getting over his shock, Riolu pulled Spike into his room, slammed the door and pulled his friend into a hug. "Spike? What are you doing here? I thought you're still living in Ponyville with Twilight." Spike chuckled and kept his cheeky grin. "I'm here on royal business." "Meaning?" "To see you! Princess Celestia sent me a letter asking me if I wanted to come and stay for a night. She even teleported me here so I'd get here faster." Spike explained as they broke their hug and put down his bags. "She told me how you're feeling, I missed you too. It's not the same without my best bro being so far away." Riolu reminded himself to think Celestia when he got the chance, but for now, his attention was on his friend who was waving a card deck box in his claws. "Celestia said that dinner won't be for an hour so wanna have a match? Unless you're scared to lose to the master!" "You're on!" "Give up, Riolu. You know you can't win." "You know I never give up, Spike." This might be the toughest battle of Riolu's life. Spike was winning the card game with more cards on his side of the field and with a much higher life points. Riolu looked over to his cards that he held onto, trying to find any kind of move that might win him the game. Spike just sat opposite him tapping his claws as he waited. "Come on, Riolu. It will be morning by the time you finish your turn." Spike taunted. "I'm thinking!" "You could just give up. No harm knowing you've lost." "I said no, Spike. I can pull this off." Riolu thought of a plan and prayed that it would work. "I place a card face down and another in defense mode. Your move, Spike." "That card in defense can't save you, Riolu. I attack the card." Riolu lifted a paw to stop him. "Not so fast, Spike. I activate my cards effect, whenever its attack the attacker's cards are pulled out of play until your next turn and my defense card goes into attack mode." Spike mood changes from looking smug to annoyed. "Fine, it's not like that's gonna save you. I still have more health so even if you attack me you won't win. I end my turn." "You think?" Riolu flipped over his card that was facing down and read out the effect. "Fip and add 1000 attack points to a monster card for one turn, and I choose the only monster I have on my side and attack you." Spike looked stunned. "But, but that means." "I win." Spike couldn't believe it. "That's so cheap! I was so gonna win that." "Not this time. Sorry." "What an OP card." complained Spike. "It's not OP." argued Riolu. "It is!" "Is not!" "It is!" "Is not!" "It is!" "Is not!" Their little argument quickly came to a halt as a large bang echoed in the clouds followed by a flash of lighting outside. In a panic, the two boys dropped their cards and let out a startled yelp of fear. Looking out the window they could see that the storm had really started to pick up, rain poured down harder, winds blowing all around in the air with great force and every now and again thunder combined with lighting would crack. "The weather team isn't messing around this time." comment Riolu as he got up to shut the curtains. "No kidding. It was a rush in Ponyville before I got here. Ponies everywhere were pruning a bunch of trees to avoid damaging the town. I hope Twilight's going okay be herself." "Doesn't she live in a tree?" Riolu asked in a nervous tone. "Yeah, but it's fine. The library has a magical lightning rod to protect it in cases like this." "Speaking of Ponyville. Do you like it there?" Riolu asked as they both cleaned up the mess of cards that got thrown around in the room. Spike nodded. "It's nice. Ponies are friendly and its a nice change from the castle. Twilight has adjusted fine and is always hanging out with her new friends. The past few days have been something that's for sure." "What do you mean?" Riolu asked. Spike sighed as the memories came back to him. "Well everypony went crazy trying to get Twilight's second ticket to the Grand Galloping Gala, Applejack was super stubborn and wanted to buck all of the apples on the farm all by herself, then a griffon called Gilda was making trouble, not long after a pony called "The Great and Powerful Trixie" arrives in Ponyville, claiming to be the greatest pony in all of Equestria. Guess what? She's not. Oh and a sleeping dragon making a lot of smoke over Ponyville." Riolu stopped to give him a look of disbelief. "All that within a couple of days?" "I know crazy right? But really it is a nice town. Maybe you should come and stay over for a few days? We have enough room in the library for you to stay overnight." Riolu thought about and shrugged, what's the worst that could happen? "That sounds fine to me." Spike already finished picking up his cards, put them back into his bag. From the corner of his eye, Riolu noticed that Spike had a framed photo of Rarity. "Whos that, Spike?" Spike quickly took out the photo looked at Riolu with an open jaw. "How can you forget Rarity?! She's the Element of Generosity!" "Sorry. I've only met her once at the Summer Sun Celebration. Doesn't explain why you have her picture." Spike looked down at the photo as he thought of what to say. From the looks of it, Spike's purple scaled cheeks look a little red. "Okay, I'll tell you. But first! You must promise not to tell anypony." "I promise." repeated Riolu. "Okay." he gestured for Riolu to move closer with claws. Once Riolu was next to him he whispered out his secret. "I have a crush on Rarity." "Is that it?." "What do you mean "Is that it"?!" questioned Spike. "Why so secret about that?" "I guess it because I'm a dragon and she's a pony, that and I'm younger than her. But I'm not gonna let that stop me! I know we're meant to be together." proclaimed Spike. Riolu smiled and gave the dragon a friendly pat on the back. "Well don't worry. I'll keep your secret and I hope everything goes well for you." Spike smiled back. "Thank bro, that means a lot coming from you. But hey, since I've told who I have a crush on, next time you have to me yours when you've found the one." "Fine." Dinner passed by and soon everypony got ready for bed. Due to "reasons," Princess Celestia said that the guest rooms are out of order and since Spike didn't have his bed basket with him, he was forced to sleep with Riolu. Riolu wasn't sure what Celestia's game was. He didn't hear anything wrong about the other rooms before and now they just so happen to be "out of order". Well, it didn't matter to the both of them, it's just for one night after all and Riolu had a large bed. So with Riolu on the left side of the bed and Spike on the right, they both said good night and fell into the dream world.