//------------------------------// // Chapter 7 // Story: Song of the Foals // by dshadow14 //------------------------------// Spike woke up feeling dizzy. He didn't remember falling asleep and he didn't know where he was. He remembered being in the forest outside of Centrotlia with Applejack and Rainbow Dash searching for clues about the missing foals, but after that was a little blurry. Spike sat up and took a look at this surroundings. He seemed to be on the outskirts of some town. Wherever he was, it looked like he'd somehow made it a long way from Centrotlia. It was pretty dark as it appeared to be night-time, the moon being the only light source. The young dragon took a deep breath and made another attempt at remembering how he got here. While he and his friends were investigating the forest, he remarked how much safer it felt compared to the Everfree Forest back near Ponyville. He heard Applejack reply, but couldn't recall what she said. He was distracted by a faint rustling. He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a dark grey squirrel with piercing blue eyes. The small critter just stood still as a statue, staring at Spike. Spike couldn't help but stare back. Eventually, the squirrel slowly retreated into the shrubbery. Spike was about to run to catch up with AJ and Dash, but that's when the music started. That was as far as he could remember. He could remember the music very clearly, but what he did after it had started playing was very fuzzy. 'Well, no point in just sitting here.' Spike though whilst getting to his feet, 'I should at least find out where I am.' The young dragon made his way to the town. As he got closer he became aware of how empty the place seemed, even for night-time. Even in a small town like Ponyville, during the night there is still something to indicate that it was inhabited, like a few soft noises, one or two night owls, couples walking in the park, somepony who worked their job at night, at the very least some street lamps. But wherever this was, it was very dark, quiet, and still. Once he was within the town lines, the moonlight allowed Spike to see that many of the buildings seemed run down, adding to the evidence that this place was abandoned. He also caught a very faint smell of smoke. The atmosphere of this town made Spike understandably uneasy, but as he continued his stroll through the deserted streets, he couldn't help but feel uneasy about something else he couldn't explain. He tried to ignore that feeling as he looked for anything that could tell him where he was. Maybe a landmark that he could connect to Twilight's study binge on Equestrian Geography. As Spike rounded a corner, he caught sight of just the landmark he needed. He stood there in shock, staring at the quaint building with the uniquely dipping roof with the upper floors, while in disrepair, still bearing the distinct shape of a giant cupcake. "Sugarcube Corner?!" Spike said to himself in disbelief. How could he have gotten back to Ponyville? Why was Ponyville abandoned? How could it be so run down already? Why didn't he see the castle? As soon as the last question came to his mind, Spike broke into a sprint toward the castle's location. The young dragon was not prepared for what he saw. A couple of large crystal shards and a deep crater were all that remained of his home. Next to the crater, illuminated by the moonlight reflected in the crystals was a very large and very familiar footprint. I was a dragon footprint very much like the ones Spike left behind when he experienced Dragon Greed. You did this. Spike stiffened up and looked around, "Who said that?" You did this. "What are you talking about?" You did this. "No! I was gone for a whole day! Ponyville was fine when I left!" You did this. The voice kept repeating itself, Spike covered his ears as he tried to block it out. He huddled up in a fetal position and clenched his eyes shut as tears started flowing. The voice kept on accusing him, his claws doing nothing to block it out. As the voice continued it's chanting, Spike's mind was filled with visions of his monstrous greedy self engulfed flames. He heard screaming as he felt surrounded by a searing heat. The small dragon briefly opened his eyes, and saw Ponyville ablaze. Immediately his eyes slammed shut once more as he fell to the ground, hugging his knees to his chest. The visions continued as Spike began to believe the ongoing accusations of the unknown voice. "I-I did this..." The time to venture into the forest was drawing near. Final preparations were being made to ensure that the ponies who were no doubt galloping straight toward danger were ready to face it. Standing in front of the town hall, as the sun met the horizon, Princess Luna took hold of the moon with her magic as Mystic Night looked on with worry. "I know you're powerful, but are you sure you can maintain a massive sleep spell and a protection spell overnight?" the young stallion asked with concern. "I admit that it will be quite taxing. And I will, unfortunately, be unable to watch over the Dream Realm. But I cannot let another foal go missing tonight, for tonight is the night that this must come to an end." As the unicorn nodded in understanding, the sound of hooves reached his ear. He turned and saw the six mares he was to guide through the forest. "Ready t' go when you are, sugarcube." said Applejack. Mystic made sure his saddlebag was secure on his back, floated his notebook in front of him with is magic, and gave a confident nod signifying he was ready. The seven ponies bid farewell to the princess of the night and started toward the forest. Once the group arrived at the edge of the woods, the town shimmered with a white aura. Shortly afterward, a light blue barrier engulfed the town. "Luna's done her part," said Twilight, "Now it's time for us to do ours." The group nodded and all eyes turned to the silver-coated stallion. Mystic flipped to a page in his notes and started off into the trees with the six mares following behind him. By now the sun had set and the forest was dark, Mystic had to light his horn with it's red light to see his notes. Twilight and Rarity followed suit to aid in keeping everything visible. "Too think that such a lovely place is housing such a horrible creature." lamented Fluttershy. "Not to worry, Fluttershy," comforted Rarity, "We'll have that ruffian evicted shortly." "And contained, hopefully." added Twilight. "But, we know very little about what we're going up against." the shy pegasus pointed out. "We know enough to justify kicking it's flank into next week." proclaimed Rainbow Dash. Mystic was only vaguely aware of the banter as he was busy muttering reminders to himself while keeping an eye out for the landmarks recorded in his notebook. That is, until Pinkie Pie started hopping pretty close beside him. "Do you need something?" Mystic asked. "I just wanted to ask you: what's you're favorite kind of cake?" the bubbly mare said matter-of-factly. Mystic was a bit taken aback, but remembering the other mares advice to not question the pink pony, he decided it was best to just answer her. "Um, Germane chocolate." "Okay, thanks!" Pinkie said as she fell back a bit. Mystic pushed his questions out of his mind and returned to his notes. But he was soon brought out of his silence again when Princess Twilight trotted up next to him. "Hey, Mystic, I've been meaning to ask," she said "Princess Luna said you were her student. Could you explain that a bit for me." "Oh, uh, alright." said Mystic, "Well it's a bit... um... complicated..."