A Journey Beyond Sanity

by Darkwing Dust


Chapter 106: C-A-M-P-F-I-R-E

"All essentials?"

"Check."

"Tents?"

"Check."

"Food?"

"Check."

"Twilight observing us from the doorway?"

"Check."

From her spot, the purple alicorn shook her head in endearment towards our antics, both myself and Spike heading in her direction carrying numerous strapped equipment; the dragon carrying a small backpack... And myself a whole wagon's worth. Towards the massive doorways leading outside the castle, the dragon and I were preparing our own departure, right after Rainbow and Pinkie just left to go to Griffonstone.

Yep, we've reached that point. I would have offered to go with them myself... But we all knew my last encounter with Gilda didn't go as smoothly. Instead, I sneakily added in my own written list of instructions into the guidebook Twilight herself wrote for the two mares going there, sliding the list between a few pages. And while they were busy trying to make friends out of griffons, Spike and I were about to do an activity just as arguably tedious.

"Oh I can't wait for our brotherly camping trip to start!" Spike, let's be honest, was the only one of the two enthusiastic about this journey, grinning at me with rapid excitement Pinkie would've been proud of. The dragon was practically shaking with joy. "We're gonna have so much fun: telling stories, eating smores, arriving at Winsome Falls. It'll be a hit!"

A shame his 'big brother' doesn't share that eagerness as much.

Hey if you want, you can take over for me.

Tempting, but he's not my problem.

Twilight, knowing full well my feelings on the matter, smiled humouredly at the contrast between the two regarding this upcoming trip. "I'm sure it will. And I expect you two to have lots of fun." A meaningful glance my way. No promises, love, I sent back a tired smile. Twilight hugged Spike briefly. "Try not to stray from the path, okay?"

Spike scoffed in good nature. "We got it covered Twi." Before beaming up at me. "With Stardust around, nothing bad's gonna happen. He's the Twilight Warrior, right?"

"Damn right." That said, I rubbed the dragon's forehead in my own endearment, ignoring his bashful attempts to swipe off the affectionate display. My gaze turned back to a content Twilight. "I'll make sure nothing happens on the trip."

Twilight nodded. "I know." On cue, the doors opened up behind her, aided by magic, and the mare followed us to the doorway. "I would come with you, but Pinkie and Rainbow's trip to Griffonstone reminded me that I needed to brush up on my knowledge regarding its history."

Not sharing with her about the state of the library there?

Now what would be the point in that?

"Can't I at least get a little hint as to what transpires over there?"

At Twilight's less-than-subtle question, I grinned teasingly at my girlfriend. "Oh Twilight, you know I couldn't spoil the surprise. Rainbow and Pinkie will tell you all about it."

A brief second of pouting, then the mare smiled again. "You boys have fun."

"Will do."

"See ya in a few days, Twi!" And the second the doors closed, my limb was being tugged by an enthusiastic dragon. "Come on Star! Let's get our official Brother's Camp Trip underway!"

I couldn't help laughing. "Haha! Patience is a virtue, Spike." Then, taking one step forward after him, I paused, pondering something that just came to mind. With Balance making all this [BEEP] easier to carry and run with... "Just one sec Spike."

The dragon paused, looking over his shoulder curiously, and with my own mischievous grin, I immediately turned and swiftly opened the doors, peeking my head through to a blinking Twilight, who looked back upon hearing that.

"By the way the library at Griffonstone's a complete wreck and neither Pinkie nor Rainbow follow your guide. Bye!" Without awaiting a response, I shut the door quickly and jogged towards Spike with my own [BEEP]-eating grin. "Bail Spike!"

And the dragon obliged. The townsfolk turned their heads at the curious noise of two brothers laughing like hyenas as they ran through Ponyville and onto the path where Applejack, Rainbow and Rarity took the Crusaders a while back. Normally, I'd despise going camping - still do - but I owed it to the dragon, for helping me out back at that trade fair.

Plus, seeing the look of joy and happiness on the dragon's face over my suggestion to go a short while back, how could I be so grumpy about the idea now?


The following journey comprised of conversing, laughter and breaks in-between walking as we trailed down the path into the woods. Spike, eventually finding the times we didn't talk and simply walked too dull, decided to play on the 3DS whilst we were moving. My 3DS, to be more specific.

"Hey Star, I caught a Mudsdale!"

"Nice one Spike. Just be sure not to waste all the power in one day."

"Ah don't be a Twilight, I won't. Now, what to nickname it...?"

I shook my head fondly, smiling in amusement at the dragon so focused on Pokemon Moon. That dragon had less difficulty using the controls than I; my fat large hoofs barely managing to press the right tiny buttons on the handheld device. When I get the time, I should really ask Starswirl to get Spike his own 3DS along with either Pokemon Sun or Moon, amongst other games. Fully charged before we left, I had to give Twilight props; the genius of a mare managed to install hoof-crafted plug sockets for Spike and I to watch TV, play on the PS4 and charge up the 3DS; having following instructions from the PC I often found my girlfriend using whenever she had the time.

Hell, she was probably using it as we speak. Maybe I should get her her own laptop for Hearth's Warming... I'll add that to the list.

Anyway, as we walked, I found my typical disdain for camping in general die down for the sake of pleasing my young brother here. Spike had waited ages to do this with me, and who can blame him? The second I returned to this world, we hardly spent enough together ourselves; Twilight and the mares having kept me preoccupied. Now, the dragon and I could finally spend bonding time together, by keeping a promise I made a while back.

Why did I despise camping so much, you ask? I'll tell you in one exact word: Boring. Sleeping in uncomfortable tents, sitting on logs telling cliche horror stories, walking around through nature ready to get your blood sucked by mosquitoes and catch various diseases? I just don't find it exciting.

LoE didn't help; only reinforcing my disgust for the activity.

But for Spike, I relented, holding my dislike for general camping back to make him happy. And, seeing that bright beam on his face, an child's smile that could lit up the sky, it was worth it. I could endure this tedious trail if it meant my brother's happiness. My other brother and sisters back home would be flabbergasted if they learnt I willingly went camping for the sake of a sibling who wasn't even blood-related.

Eventually, night had fallen, and Spike took the initiative to gather some sticks to set a campfire, eagerly running off, but not too far, whilst I set everything else down, unrolling the tents and the like. Once all was said and done, the dragon and I eagerly settled down around the stacks of burning sticks, consuming smores happily, the long walk making us hungry enough to eat anything. And the dragon then suggested we do something all campers do at night.

Tell cliche horror stories!

"If you've got anything that wasn't as scary as that pizzeria one." Spike shuddered, recalling that fake-camp set-up back at the library. "I had nightmares for weeks!"

Oh yeah...

"Of course, I don't blame you for it! Sombra was controlling your words back then!" The dragon quickly attempted to reassure me upon seeing the pang of guilt expressed on my face. "I'm sure you won't tell me something that scary again... Right?"

With a wry chuckle, I nodded. "Don't worry, I won't tell anything that scary." Gathering my thoughts on various horror game stories and the like, one eventually popped to mind which wasn't in itself a horror game, but was certainly unnerving. "Alright, I have just the one. Ready?" Spike eagerly nodded, leaning forward from his log with white smore remains dripping from the sides of his mouth. Yet, something sprung to his mind as the dragon called out before I could start.

"Hey Star?"

"Hm?"

A bright happy smile. "I'm glad you're here."

The sincere positivism to that statement made me swell with my own joy and pride. With my own smile in turn, I nodded. "So am I, Spike." More happy than you can possibly realize. Playfully clearing my throat, I proceeded, "A long time ago, atop a mountain, a human child fell into an underground world with monsters..."


"- And that's why Ash Ketchum is one of the worst protagonists ever."

Spike couldn't stop snickering, even when finishing my own rant. The dragon, clutching his sides from his spot on the log, ourselves taking shelter for the night in a cave this time - it's empty, don't worry I checked - barely managing to muster, "You're- You're right. He does sound like one of the dumbest people ever. Haha!"

I grinned, pleased that Spike was seeing things my way. "And you'll see exactly what I mean when we watch the anime together. And I mean the whole thing. All Pokemon seasons. Hell, the movies too." The look of excited bliss on the dragon's features filled me with a sense of my own joy. "Watch, you think I'm terrible with learning from my mistakes? Ohh you ain't seen anything yet." More laughter from the dragon, prompting me to continue jokingly, "That kid had over twenty years to get his [BEEP] together. In the XY anime, he looked to have finally matured, becoming the trainer we all aspired to be... Then Sun and Moon came along and bought everything back to zero." Spike wiped a tear as I gave a deadpan, before smiling sheepishly at the younger sibling. "You won't tell Twilight I swore, by the way, right?"

Spike winked, still grinning like a overeager child. "I don't remember you swearing at all." Atta boy Spike. "Imagine if the Pokemon world was real; we'd show that Ash Ketchum how it's done."

"Damn right." I nodded, approving of this dragon's confidence. "And since this world itself has revealed to be something than fictional now, the same could be said for Pokemon, you know."

The younger dragon then gasped, as though his mind had just been blown out of the water. "Can you imagine? We could go to all the regions and be the best Pokemon Masters ever! Imagine it Stardust!"

Yeah. I followed the dragon's gaze to the dry ceiling myself, grinning at the possibilities. Become a real life Pokemon Master, travel that world, beat all the leagues and catch all the Pokemon... Now that was arguably just as wonderful as idea as being in Equestria. "And not just Pokemon, Spike; Star Wars, Sonic, Kingdom Hearts... The possibilities are just endless."

Heh heh... Endless Possibilities...

I heard that groan, Sombra.

Spike inhaled sharply, his imagination clearly going overblown by the very idea. With a grin, he looked down back at me. "And you'd take me with you to these worlds if you could, right bro?"

"Damn right. You, Twilight and everyone else."

The dragon outright beamed at the sincere enthusiasm. "Well, I'm glad you ended up in this universe first anyway. Otherwise, Twilight wouldn't have had an amazing special somepony, and I wouldn't have gotten an awesome brother!"

The genuine happiness to that incited my own soft smile. Same Spike. "I'm glad too. Twilight, you and the rest have been the greatest things to happen to me for a long long time. I was too blind to see it back when I first arrived, remember?"

Spike snorted humouredly, rolling his eyes in good nature. "How can I forget? You were a jerk! No offense." He grinned sheepishly. Hardly offended on my end. "Honestly, Twilight thought you hated us at first. I think I actually the first of our friends to try and befriend you, right?"

I cocked my head, frowning in concentration. "I think so. That was so long ago... Yeah, yeah I think you tried to get to know me before the others." And I smiled. "And I appreciated the attempt back then, despite my previous reluctance to share anything about myself. I don't think I can apologize enough for my abrasive behaviour back then."

Spike waved off the statement. "It's all in the past. Though we couldn't help but wonder if you just couldn't stand us."

"It wasn't that." Shaking my head, a humoured smile rose on my muzzle. "Pinkie and Rainbow, maybe, back then. But you or Twilight? Hell no." I snorted light-heartedly. "You and she were my two favourite characters of the show back then."

"Really?"

"Mm-hm. Probably still are." I paused playfully, glancing upwards. "No, wait, definitely still are."

Spike was leaning back then rather embarrassingly, shyly looking away like a child being told he was adorable by his grandparent. "I'm not sure Twilight would approve of you picking favourites among friends..."

Sue me. "She's already lectured me about it."

"And still you refuse to listen."

"You know me Spike: a 'Do as I say, not as I do' person."

The dragon glanced to the fire between us, tapping his two index fingers together with a hesitant yet eager expression on his face. "So... Do I have lots of fans too then, despite not being a 'main character' like the girls?"

"Of course you do." Before the question fully sunk in, and that caused a brief moment of hesitation to flash across my features. Quickly, I reassured the noticing Spike. "You have your own fanbase, even a few episodes devoted to you. The way I see it, you're as much a main character as them; just as important, vital to the world and your friends."

"Heh." The dragon chuckled light-heartedly, although the news seemed to incite an exhale of relief. "I don't know about 'vital.' I mean, thinking about it, I haven't really done any world-saving myself, Haven't I? But maybe that'll happen in the future; my own time to shine!" Spike failed to notice my smile slowly dropping, gesturing with widened arms. "Spike, Hero of Equestria! Who knows, it can happen right? If you say I'm just as important as you and the girls."

...Yeah. And that was then some unpleasant realizations came back to mind; a sickening revelation I myself was responsible for during my time in Equestria, after watching through all the seasons when I went back to my world. A epiphany that I caused just as much harm as well as good. Not to just my friends with the whole Sombra affair...

But Spike too.

"That reminds me, there was something else I needed to do, the second I returned to this world." Spike looked at me curiously, and the tone sobered. "And that's to owe you a massive apology, Spike."

The baby dragon blinked, not understanding yet. "But I already said I forgave you for your behaviour-"

"No, not that." A wry smile emerged on my pony face. "I mean the crimes I have done to your growing up in general." Spike tilted his head, expressing simple confusion. I sighed, nodding to myself. "I didn't realize it back then, but discovering it back home, I understood then that my interference has caused quite a few setbacks. Such as, your... 'Character development,' shall we say?"

Spike frowned. "What do you mean?"

"The majority, if not all, of the episodes starring you have been interfered through my stubborn mindset. Lessons which you were suppose to learn - albeit the hard way - I prevented. And saving the world? Truth is, Spike, you would've been the saviour of Equestria one or two times, had I not selfishly intervened for the sake of my agendas."

The dragon still wasn't comprehending the implications, shaking his head slightly. "That's not true, bro; you never helped save the world because you were selfish. You just wanted to protect everyone you cared about. I can't blame you for that. Like that time at the Equestrian Games where you saved everyone by breaking apart that huge ice cloud? That wasn't selfish!"

I huffed slightly. "Spike, you were meant to stop that ice cloud at the Games." The dragon's jaw dropped, the statement sinking in and prompting the young lizard to lean back in adamant surprise. I pressed on, no point of backing down from this inevitable conversations now, "You were meant to have delivered the Crystal Heart to Cadence. You were meant to save that kingdom from Sombra's second reign. You were to be hailed as their hero... No one else." I leaned back myself, sighing again with a more solemn tone, expressing my sincere remorse for my past actions. "And I'm very, very sorry for taking all that away from you."

The silence was unnerving, but thankfully Spike eventually spoke, voice barely a whisper, "I... I was meant to save the Crystal Empire? ...Me?"

I nodded. "Yep..."

"Twice?"

I grimaced. "Twice."

More silence, and I wished Spike was more responsive. With every second of the dragon just contemplating this no-doubt startling revelation, my anxiety for his answer grows with more dread. Spike stared into the cackling fire, reflecting from his large, soulful orbs, and I braced myself for... Well anything. Balance would let me know after the torrent of emotions then swirling through the dragon died down considerably.

Outrage. Sadness. Irritation. All these would be completely justified by the dragon.

Which I strongly doubt. I winced at Starswirl's startling tone, making me jump slightly. That Spike will hold resentment towards you for your past actions.

"Well... You didn't know better, right?"

You see?

Green eyes gazed at me, a sad smile present on the dragon's face. "Heh." That was a mirthless chuckle. "Honestly, what needs to be said any further about this? You're sorry, you didn't know I'd become some great hero of the people. I can't hold that against you."

"You're... Not mad?"

Spike waved dismissively, scoffing unconvincingly. "Nah. Maybe I'm a little upset that I won't be a hero... Y'know, aside from being a hero inside a comic book that one time." I grinned weakly, seeing right though that facade of indifference though observation and sensing exactly what sensations the young dragon was experiencing at the moment. Any toddler with a basic understanding of human emotion can spot right away that Spike was poorly attempting to conceal his true feelings on the truth of things.

And here I thought you knew your 'little bro' well enough to know by fact he wouldn't hold such anger against you, Sombra commented snidely. How upset would Spike be even further, I wonder, to learn over your lack of faith in him?

I do have faith in him!

"It's okay to be angry, Spike. Lord knows I deserve it."

Spike chuckled weakly, smiling without bliss in my direction. "I can never be mad at you, bro... But, does this mean I might never get the chance to be a hero again? Was that my only opportunity to be more than... Y'know, just Spike the Assistant Dragon to Twilight?"

"Spike, you will always be more than that," I pointed out firmly, refusing to let this dragon think so poorly of himself. "You're a hero to our eyes. Spike smiled again, but it looked weaker than the last one, lizard eyes regarding the dying fire intently then, and I hated seeing him like that. Once again, I kill the mood. "If you want to talk I-"

"You know what Stardust? I only want to get some rest." Oh. The dragon hopped off the log, heading to his own set tent. Spike then paused, glancing over his shoulder. "But... Thanks for telling me the truth, even if I find it a little... What would Twilight say... Disheartening."

"Spike... I..."

"We have a big tomorrow. Let's try to catch some sleep... Night bro."

"...Yeah... Night." My voice sounded pathetically defeated, as though knowing the conversation could go no further.

He would've known eventually, My mentor consoled as we watched the downcast dragon enter his own tent, zipping up the entrance flap behind him. Give him time to come to terms with this impacting news.

And if he doesn't come to terms with the fact I basically ruined his life? That my interventions made him less acknowledge than he deserved to be by the masses of this world?

The former King snorted derisively. Still your exaggerate thoughts on the matter. Even I know that little lizard won't hold negative emotions against you. Then Sombra paused. But if you insist with your melodramatic disposition, by all means, proceed; I've been tasting far too many happy emotions from you recently. Makes me miss the older days where you were full of spite and disgust.


A purple void.

Emptiness but the colour around me, mist covering the bottom of my hooves as my eyes wildly looked around, seeking for any signs of another living being. A chill crawling down my spine, as though someone... Or something... Was breathing down me, unseen. It only took a cry for help when I realized I wasn't alone, snapping my head in the direction of the sound to the three other trapped beings.

Three others, one a dragon, all looking around helplessly themselves, panicking eyes turning to me in terror and pleading for help. Twilight, Spike, and... Her?

"Jack-!"

A sharp gasp escaped my muzzle, sitting up from my lying position in the bed, finding myself breathing heavily and placing a hoof on my chest for comfort. Was that a dream just now? Seriously, what was that? I mean, waking me just now it was so obviously a dream...

Then why did it felt so real?

Breathing calming down, my blue-green eyes glanced around the interior of the blue tent, greeted by nothing but darkness. Still night, evidently, for the light outside the cave would've leaked in otherwise, and we were only a few feet from the entrance. Hopefully, Spike was having a far more pleasant sleep than I.

Closing my eyes, I reached out to check, expecting to sense the content nature of the dragon within his own tent next to mine.

...Except there wasn't any peaceful emotions.

In fact, I couldn't sense anything at all. Frowning, either it was from my dream or worry, an immediate sense of dread rose up in my being, prompting me to act. Silently I opened the entrance into my tent and exited, creeping towards Spike's own and trying to reach out again, hoping that last one was just faulty and balance was being affected by my sleep.

...Nothing.

Frowning harder now, my voice spoke up quietly, hoping to hear the dragon respond from inside if I got close enough, "Spike-?"

"AHHHHH!"

Even through balance, the scream sent a piercing chill through my body, recognizing its owner outside the cave. Spike! Without no further incentive, my previously tired hoofs were already on the move, running out of the shelter and into the cold night. My eyes glared over the forest I had a good view over, extending my senses as best I could to track down my friend.

My brother.

But no answer came. The only thing I could sense was the resting wildlife. Baring my teeth, I refused to give up just yet, running headfirst into the woods to seek out the dragon. Hold on Spike! I'm coming! Sticking to the original path, my head snapped around wildly for any trace or yell of the lizard. And yet, nothing was turning up. Wherever Spike, he was too far for me to track down through our bond alone. And just the thought of anything happening to him, and I couldn't help...

Mark my words, I will make whoever intends harm on him suffer.

Wright-

Not now Sombra! I'm too busy seeking out my brother than to hear any of your snark right now!

Now think... Thank Jack! Where would Spike have gotten off to? The dragon obviously strayed too far from the path. Speaking of which, just what was he thinking?! Wandering off in the middle of the night like this? This wasn't Ponyville, he couldn't explore around willy-nilly and not expect danger hanging over his head for it!

If Spike turned out to be unharmed, then I'll give the dragon a proper scolding for it!

Boy-

NOT NOW SOMBRA!

I perked my ears up again, ready to hear anymore vocal cries from the young lizard or whatever was endangering him. Nothing still... Damn it! I already almost Twilight once, I will not near lose him too!

Jack!

What Sombra?!

If you would allow me to finish, I know where the dragon is. That had me pause, glaring upwards expectantly. The King continued with one simple command: Follow.

Follow? I don't-

But the corner of my eye finally noticed. The moonlight above illuminated the open pathway between the forest around me, enabling me to notice the shadow beside me which wasn't mine. Tall, rather imposing even as a shadow of his former self - literally - Sombra utilized the same trick back at Sunset's school before me... Then the shadow ran through the forest.

And I followed, keeping my eyes on the darkness running across the tree barks, stone walls and whatever else Sombra's shadow phased through. How do you know where Spike is?

I trailed after him through the shadows after noting his wandering off into the dark of the night. The second the little lizard was in danger, it was I who awoke you from your slumber.

Spike's in danger?! By who?! What?!

An old friend, Sombra replied dryly, whilst his shadow still led me through the forest towards the dragon's location. Of course, you haven't encountered this creature before. Only your farmer friend.

Applejack?

Indeed. Now, we must hurry.

Damn right! And the more I ran, the more speed I was picking up, going far faster than originally intended. Most likely balance's doing. You know, I haven't seen you use your shadow since Canterlot High, Sombra.

Hmph. Only because you were more preoccupied with your friends. I meanwhile like to have some freedom once in a while; my shadow explores through your mediocre town at the dead of night, whilst you rest... Or play those silly video games up late with the dragon.

...I hope you don't use that opportunity to influence other people in Ponyville.

Sombra sneered, I don't answer to you, boy-

Wait! I sensed him!

I couldn't before; some other presence - more malicious and darkened which I assumed earlier was just a mere animal of the forest - had suffocated Spike's light enough for me not to detect it from afar. Now, I could feel the warm presence bright at day... Which was seized by panic and a plea for help.

And feeling such fear radiate from the dragon picked up my speed; the environment around me becoming a rapid blur now. From glimpses, I noticed my eyes turned a bright gold from reflective surfaces. Sombra picked up the pace himself, his shadow finally leading me towards an opening, and over a small bush, I saw them.

Spike!

And... Oh no.

Looming over the cowering young dragon was a creature Sombra mentioned was indeed familiar with, but one I never interacted with until a moment later. And abomination of three animals mixed together, forming a four-legged monstrosity which comprised of part goat, part sabertooth tiger and part snake, the last one a tail. Three heads glared menacingly down at the dragon literally backed against a boulder, razor teeth gleaming in hunger.

Like a tidal wave crashing onto a beach, I charged, eyes going red - not literally - at seeing them so close to Spike with such vulgar expressions. I will not let them hurt Spike. I WILL NOT LET THEM TOUCH A SINGLE HAIR ON MY BROTHER!

The Chimera had little time to react, as finding a sudden blow to its side forced the stunned three-headed abomination of nature flying. In the creature's previous spot, I stood, watching with ill-contained rage while the monster crashed into several tree barks among other things, causing the trees themselves to collapse from the sheer force of it. Breathing heavily, it took a moment before taking in the damage I just pulled off.

Whoa... I don't think Shining could be that powerful when being protective over his sibling.

Focus.

Oh, yeah.

"Stardust!" Spike cried in relief, grinning up to me in sheer joy. "Am I glad to see you-!"

"Are you alright?" Never mind being glad. The dragon's health was of greater concern than anything else right now.

Spike blinked, but nodded with a thumbs-up. "Yep. As always you're there to help out in time-!"

"Good. So I can scold you right away then." Then my eyes glanced away from the smile-dropping foolish young dragon, back to the area where I just smacked the Chimera about thirty feet away, sensing its own anger and surprise at the fact another predator was protecting its would-be meal. Through the darkness of the forest, the creature emerged, and the sight incited Spike to sensibly quickly hide behind my back leg.

A sabertooth, goat and snake all mixed into one stomped angrily back into the clearing, all three heads glaring at me with ill-concealed contempt. And I returned the gesture equally, if not more.

My tone was a hiss, surprising even myself by the sheer volume of threat lurking beneath it, "My friends... You are in for a very bad time. No one attempts to harm my brother and gets away with it."

The creatures appeared undeterred, even by the strange Earth Pony glaring before it with unnatural golden eyes. Oh please, haven't they learnt anything from their last experience against an Earth Pony? Applejack didn't introduce this mixture of wrongness to a world of pain herself... But I wasn't Applejack. From the corner of my eye, Sombra's shadow loomed beside me over the stone wall; a testament to exactly how dangerous I could be when provoked.

The Chimera snarled, crouching down in preparation to pounce... And a gust of wing interrupted it. Just as I was about to mock it for that, said breeze trailed through my mane and fur in turn, and it was... Awfully familiar somehow.

At least, familiar than a gust of wing normally was. This felt different somehow... And I experienced it before.

That might be why.

I didn't need to see what Sombra's large shadow was motioning to, because I already noticed the black hole forming beforehand, terror and familiarity seizing my chest at the large hole opening up directly behind the Chimera. The creature itself perked up its ears at the sound of distorting space-time, the snake head spotting it first and released a hiss of warning.

That was all the reaction it could get before being sucked into the raw power, the relentless corrupting of Balance itself beginning to take in anything at close vicinity... Which would include us. Quickly, I stomped my hooves, burying them into the ground as swiftly as possible, but even I felt the wind pulling against my fur and mane, desiring to consume myself and Spike with its ravenous hunger. "Hold onto me Spike!"

My warning came just in time, the dragon managing to grip onto my tail tightly, and I winced, doing my best to ignore the pain from that pull and concentrate on the pull of the wormhole terrorizing the woods before us. Fallen trees from earlier were consumed eagerly by the hole, which grew larger and larger every passing minute.

Jack! You must perform the same solution as last time!

Right!

My body leaned forwards abruptly upon pulling one hoof out of the ground, and I forced myself back in turn, albeit struggling to. With one free limb extended forward, I concentrated, intending to use Balance to close the wormhole like back at the Dragon Lands-

"Whoaaaaa!"

"Spike!"

Instead, my free hoof found itself grabbing onto a panicking Spike, whose grip slipped through my tail just then and now onto the palm of my limb. My expression was no better than the look of terror and worry dancing across the dragon's childish features, and the mere thought of that wormhole eating him up, never to see him again... It WON'T happen.

Boy, you must release him!

"What?!" I cried out-loud, ignoring the gripping Spike's startled look at the outburst. "No [BEEP]ing way in Hell I am!"

Sombra's impatience rung through my mind, downright yelling to get the message across, If you do not, you, the dragon and everything else in this forest will be consumed by this black hole. Release him, then quickly seal the tear through Balance.

Right before he gets sucked up into it...

Yes, now do as I command!

Golden worried eyes stared into green scared orbs, the very thought of letting the dragon go for any reason making me sick to my stomach. It might now work!

It will work, otherwise you will have doomed everything else! Including your friends!

I can't let go of Spike...

And if it stays that way, countless more innocent wildlife will be consumed by the endless hunger of that hole. Do you desire that on your conscience?

...Starswirl...

This is life, Jack... It only took me now to finally realize that Sombra was starting to use my first name as opposed to surname. Making the most greatest tough decisions, and dealing with the repercussions afterwards. Starswirl will not always be there to advise you on dealing with danger, like now. You must choose; risking your friend, or allowing everything else to suffer?

...

"Spike..." The dragon looked at me, and the pull of the vortex didn't seem to faze me enough now, focusing on this young, helpless dragon. "You trust me, right?"

The dragon frowned, but nodded wildly. "Always!"

Then forgive me...

"Wait, what are you- No! Stardust!"

With Balance at my full command - combined with the brotherly love I felt for Spike, and the fury against anything daring to do him or others harm - I immediately concentrated, feeling the mental grip against the edges of the hole through the core of Chaos and Harmony. And with a conviction which wasn't there at the Dragon Lands, my own will managed to dominate through, thankfully this wormhole alot weaker than the others, and it closed through, Spike landed harmlessly onto the ground.

"Spike!"

"I'm okay..." The dragon mumbled upon my approach, slowly rising from the ground and dusting himself off, looking at me with a relieved yet apprehensive expression. "You scared me, doing that!"

"Sorry. I needed to close that wormhole." I sighed, smiling in pure, utter relief. Around us, animals which were pulled towards the vortex scattered back through the woods, now that the danger was no longer present. "Hope you don't get too mad."

Spike raised a brow... Then shook his head, smiling lightly. "Nah! Like I said, I trust you to know what you're doing. And see? You did it!"

I nodded, looking around for any sighs of further trouble. Balance was restored again, for now... And speaking of trouble, the area reminded me as to why we were here in the first place. "And talking of scaring, that's certainly what you did to me, wondering off in the middle of the night like that!" Spike flinched, taking one step back. "What were you thinking Spike?! This isn't Ponyville! You could've been hurt for all I knew! Or worse!"

The dragon looked away, guilt etched across his youthful face as he stared at the ground between us. "I'm sorry... I didn't mean to worry you. Honest. I just..."

Just what...? I sighed again, shaking my head. "I'm just glad you're okay now, in any case. But seriously, Spike, what could've provoked you into exploring outside in the middle of the night like this? You know the animals here aren't tamed by Fluttershy to be friendly and just let you walk by, no problem."

Spike flinched again, twisting his foot around on the first in shame. "I didn't mean to... I wanted to clear my mind a little, after everything you've told me just before." What...? Green eyes glanced up hesitantly at me. "And when I saw that mixed animal thing try to attack a mouse, I thought I could help out, make myself out to be a hero like you and the others... Guess I was way in over my head."

Clearly! "You... Deliberately caught the attention of that Chimera...?"

The dragon shrugged sheepishly, staring at the ground again. "I just wanted to make you proud..."

"...Spike." Both my front hoofs rested on his tiny shoulders, gently, prompting the dragon to look at me anxiously. My own tone was soft, unable to accept this reasoning. "Spike Spike Spike... I've always been proud of you, always, just as much as Twilight and everyone else. You don't need to seek out danger or rescue a life to be a hero. A hero is about doing what is right for yourself and others in different ways. And scaring me half to death... Well, I'd say you actually did something heroic today."

"I... I did?"

I nodded, smiling fondly, in effort to reassure the uncertain brother my words were true. "You trusted your big brother, and immediately forgave him for letting go, just as you forgave the sod for telling you the truth about how he effectively ruined your chances of fame at the Crystal Empire. It takes great courage and kindness to forgive someone without hesitation like that."

Spike looked down again, pondering those words with a thoughtful expression. "Really...?"

"And that's not all. You've been a hero since the very beginning too." This time, I grinned at his inquisitive expression. "You never gave up on me from the start. You wanted to be my friend. When the girls were beginning to lose hope of befriending me, you managed to accomplish the task first. Conviction, Spike, is another trait of heroism. And let's not forget a while back, when you save myself and the others from the Mane-iac in that comic book world. If you're not a hero, then I'm not worthy for Twilight."

"But you are worthy for-!" Spike stopped himself, blinking in realization. "Oh...! I see what you're getting at Stardust; by just being myself, I'm already a hero!" Now you're getting it! I let go of him, straightening myself as the dragon continued, "I don't need to save lives or- Or fight danger head-on! I just need to keep helping out my friends, and others when needed to, by just being simply who I am: Spike! Number One Assistant to Twilight Sparkle, and Brother of the Twilight Warrior, Stardust Balance!"

You are fueling his childish egotism.

I'm just speaking facts.

"You're a hero by your own right."

Spike beamed, and we embraced each other warmly, the dragon sinking into my chest fur with a content smile. "Sorry for making ya worry like that. I'll leave the big bad monsters to you and Twilight from hereon, huh?" Glad to hear it. I nodded, smiling in humour and relief at the vow. Spike then pulled back, looking at me with a wide grin. "By the way, did you use those awesome Balance powers of yours to find me? I was worried with all the wildlife you wouldn't have."

I smirked humouredly. "Our bond is much stronger than that, Spike." Then I shook my head, slyly looking over to the ground beside us. "But I had a little help this time."

"Huh?" Spike followed my gaze. "Ah!"

Charming.

Aren't you just? I chuckled at the jumping reaction towards the tall shadow standing between ours, belonging to no one or nothing but the being residing in my mind. "Spike, Sombra. Sombra, Spike."

The head of the shadow turned to my direction. I'd appreciate some formality.

"Ki... King Sombra...?"

"He helped me find you."

"O- Oh...!" Spike blinked rapidly... Then bowed swiftly repeatedly. "Thank you so much then, your Highness!"

The fallen tyrant was more distracted on the dragon's gratitude than my own amusement, sounding befuddled by the gesture. Not that I don't welcome respect... And this dragon would've been originally responsible for my demise...

Do you hate him for it?

...

Close enough to a no. We'll make a good guy out of you yet.


"Wow..."

"I know, great isn't it?"

Spike only nodded, staring across the wide lands of the Winsome Falls in awe. Haven't been here myself since the date with Twilight, and this was Spike's first trip to the place. The place brought back a sense of nostalgia; memories of joy, laughter and affection.

"I hope the trip here was worth it."

Spike grinned, turning to me with barely-contained joy. "You bet it was! This is the greatest camping trip ever! You're the best Stardust!" Followed by another tight hug, before the dragon released a sound of awe and approached a nearby stream of rainbow-y water. "Is this really rainbow just turned into water...?"

At his position, a quick mischievous idea came to mind. "Why don't you find out?"

"Huh? Hey!" Without warning, I playfully shoved the dragon into the stream itself, Spike pulling his head out of the water with multiple colours dripping down his scales. "What was that for?!"

"Oh I don't know, making me worry like that the other night." But I said this in a joking tone.

Spike then pouted. "I said I was sorry!"

"Oh Spike. You're never gonna get real forgiveness all the time by simply saying 'sorry.'" My eyes gleamed playfully. "Sometimes, you have to work for it." And Spike chuckled, walking out of the stream... And tasting the water falling down his skin.

"Huh... Tastes just like normal water kinda."

Repulsive.

And here I thought you were fond of the dragon by now, Sombra... Did I mention how grateful I am for the other night, by the way?

This time, the King outright groaned. Stop thanking me already! You're as nauseatingly sentimental as your friends.

Smirking, I pointed forward for my little brother. "See that cliff? There's a large pool behind it. Feel free to dive off." The exciting thought had Spike grin enthusiastically, clutching onto my limb.

The dragon then pulled. "Come on then bro, race ya!" With my own grin, I followed after the playful dragon, letting him take the lead. I can unpack the rest of the stuff and sort out lunch later. For now, it's time to play with my little dragon bro; the brother was more of a hero to me than anyone else first.

Make no mistake, Jack. I only helped you last night out of necessity. Our world is in peril once more... And here you are, wasting time, enjoying yourself with those who utterly love and cherish you. I never possessed such luxuries after my days as a colt... Cherish those you love around you for as long as possible, boy.