The headlines and outlets were getting difficult to distinguish. Talentless Spike Stoops to Poisoning other Athletes to Gain an Edge. Spike-provocateurs Meddle with Pro-Blueblood Teams, eliminate the competition. Corruption on a Grand Scale. He and Twilight could only do so much to press back against these accusations before new ones sprung up. Why did Spike ask King Thorax to Poison the other Athletes? Have Changelings Sabotaged the Games for Ponyville? King Thorax and the Changelings denied that theory but angered ponies insisted one should never trust a Changeling, not after the Changeling Invasions.
Even as Thorax tried to shut down these accusations, twenty more took its place. Spike: Secretly Venomous Dragon. Twilight Interfered in First Half to Help Spike Win: Threatened Blueblood with Uncontrollable Guest. These theories started from rumors that Twilight threatened to invite Discord if Spike wasn’t allowed to compete. From there, the rumors grew: She used Discord to force Prince Blueblood to rig the Games for Spike or perhaps Discord himself made the other teams sick to help Spike. It didn’t help that Discord couldn’t be reached for comment. Yellow and Spike Staged their Rescue to make Each other Look Good. Spike: Fraud Archer with No Talent. Ponies who didn’t like him would eat up those headlines with gusto as if it confirmed what they knew all along. TV stations, radios, and newspapers implicated him in the sudden illness of all those teams by clinging to threads and spinning them into elaborate ruses. The public always loved a good scandal, especially one about a celebrity.
As the athletes were rushed to the hospital, a few media outlets immediately began placing the blame on Spike or his many friends. After all, the teams that fell ill were largely anti-dragon. As one irate stallion argued, Baltimare and Manehatten were sister cities to Fillydelphia, the victims of a dragon attack just last month. Trottingham idolized Sir Knight of Trottingham, a character with close ties to anti-dragon sentiment. Ponyville and Spike had much to gain with these four teams out of the picture. Surely, further investigation would reveal Spike had some part in their sickness. This never happened before a dragon participated in the Games. Most ponies would realize he couldn’t have poisoned anyone, that these accusations were empty and impossible. But the theories were already out and they spread like wildfire, and the groups spreading these rumors wouldn’t let up in their slanderous assaults.
When the police ordered Spike to headquarters for questioning, he realized just how powerful this slander had become. Despite appearing polite on the surface level, Spike could tell their demeanor was a guise to catch him in some kind of crime. Long after he’d left the interrogation room, thanks to Twilight’s intervention, he still felt their vulture-eyes aimed at him. However, their interrogation couldn’t compare to the spectacle outside the station. As he and Twilight left the building, they were bombarded by a cacophony of over thirty ponies protesting, demanding he give up on the Games for hurting other ponies, journalists demanding his response to the countless allegations. He couldn’t satisfy all their questions, he couldn’t possibly deal with everypony. It was overwhelming, suffocating, and no amount of denial could satiate the hoard. It was only thanks to Twilight’s teleportation that they managed to escape.
Baltimare Hospital, Now:
Twilight and Spike entered the hospital, an occurrence that at this point seemed all too familiar. They didn’t say anything as they made their way to the waiting room. Spike couldn’t care about all the libel and slander facing them; he just wanted to know if Bulk would be okay. Upon reaching the room, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy raced over to them. Rarity and Pinkie Pie also followed, having recently arrived themselves. Twilight gave them a brief explanation of what happened, but Spike could barely concentrate on what she said. His mind was still whirling with all the headlines he’d seen.
“Someponies will go blaming dragons for everything,” Applejack said with disgust. “We just gotta get out there and set the record straight. Somehow.”
“Just ignore them, Spike,” Said Rarity. “They’re just trying to get under your scales.”
Spike turned his gaze down. While he appreciated the sentiment, neither of their suggestions was especially helpful. Even if he went out there and told everypony these ridiculous theories were impossible, twenty more ridiculous theories would take their place. If he ignored them, they’d only grow, unopposed. It was a lose-lose.
Wanting to change the subject, Twilight asked, “How’s Bulk?”
Rainbow Dash pointed to a doctor, standing in the doorframe. Spike and Twilight followed him into a hallway that branched out into several patient rooms. After passing five other rooms, the doctor turned right and led them into a small white room where Bulk Biceps lay in a hospital bed, with Lightning Star and Fleetfoot at his side. When Spike entered the room, the couple turned around, while Bulk swiveled his head to look at them and smiled.
“Salutations,” he coughed. His loud voice came through like a hoarse whisper choked with pain. “I’d say ‘hey,’ but somepony told me that ‘hey is for horses,’ and I know Spike’s a dragon, so he probably doesn’t like hay.”
Spike smiled weakly, grateful that even hospitalization couldn’t damper Bulk’s liveliness. A quick glance on the other side of the bed revealed a pile of flowers, Get-Well cards, and packages of chocolates. Evidently, Spike wasn’t the only one eager to see the muscle bound stallion recover.
“Hello, Spike,” Said Lightning with a solemn expression. He nodded to Twilight. “We were just swinging by to check up on Bulk.”
“Swinging?” Bulk’s voice came through like a wheeze. “But you don’t have a seat suspended by ropes or chains right now.”
Fleetfoot sighed and gave a heavy smile. “It’s just an expression Bulk.”
Bulk Biceps attempted to adjust himself in his bed, revealing the hospital gown he was wearing, but Spike paid more attention to the outline of bandages wrapped around his ribcage, which Bulk was applying an icepack to.
As Twilight told them all about Spike’s police interview, Spike found it impossible to look at either Bulk or Lightning. Guilt weighed down his mind, shackled him to a rising tide of shame. “I failed them,” he thought. “I failed Lightning by making him look like a horrible teacher in front of the world and I failed Bulk by making Ponyville look bad.” He balled his fists, wanting something or even someone to punch and kick across the room.
“Spike,” Twilight’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “I said ‘we both appreciate the two of you coming by.’ Right?”
“Yeah,” Said Spike.
Twilight sighed, wishing she had some magic words to fix all of their problems. Lightning walked up to Spike and put a hoof on his shoulder, the drake waiting for his mentor’s usual “don’t beat yourself” and “we fail before we succeed” lecture. But instead, Lightning had a grave, somber expression.
“During the first half, did you feel at all sick?” Asked Lightning. “Even a little?”
Spike looked up at Lightning, surprised his mentor asked such an astute question. He nodded.
Lightning frowned. “Can you describe how you felt?”
Spike thought hard. “Well, my vision was a little blurry and I felt really exhausted. Part of me wanted to throw up.”
“What?” Twilight exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell somepony?”
“I barely noticed it,” Said Spike. “I mean the worst of it was over in an hour. I thought maybe I was just losing focus or something.”
Lightning nodded thoughtfully. “Sounds about right. Tell me, did anypony else on your team look unwell?”
“Well,” Spike said as he recalled each little detail. “I remember thinking Rainbow Dash was running slower than she should’ve during the triathlon. And I felt like AJ lost a few matches she shouldn’t have. Why?”
“Just a theory.” Said Lightning rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “It sounds to me like your team was poisoned.”
Lightning’s statement chilled Spike and Twilight right to the bone.
“What makes you think that?” Asked Twilight, horrified at the notion.
“Well, before I became an archery teacher and athlete, I wanted to be a Royal Guard.” Just mentioning the Royal Guard put a spark in his eyes that Spike had never seen before. Lightning rubbed the back of his head with a hint of embarrassment and regret as he continued, “Anyways, had to study a few different subjects, including cases of poisoning for the test to become a guard. Your symptoms sound like something from those cases. I can’t tell which chemical might have been used on you or your teammates specifically. Still, it seems like a possibility.”
“But if that’s right,” Said Twilight, “Then we need to talk to the referees, and get a retry!”
Lightning sighed. “I already tried. Unfortunately, they aren’t willing to give Spike another chance. There just isn’t enough evidence for them to justify redoing the entire first half of the games.”
“But the poisoning?”
“To them, it looked like exhaustion. And it’s not like I can prove it. I don’t even know how or when anyone could’ve gotten that poison into Spike, much less the other teams.”
“Hmm,” Twilight murmured. “They must’ve had a chance at some point. Maybe this chemical can dissolve in water or travel through air.”
“Even if it did,” Lightning said. “It’s a big stretch to claim Spike wasn’t at his best because of poisoning. Especially when the teams against him were poisoned even worse.”
Fleetfoot frowned. “I guess it does make it look like one Spike’s friends poisoned the other teams.”
“Yeah,” he nodded. “And those other teams that got sick are just more important cases. They won’t be able to compete, and they might stay sick for weeks. The referees and higher-ups are more concerned about getting justice for those teams, especially Baltimare since this happened on their turf. So, Ponyville-tampering just isn’t a priority right now.”
“So they won’t even pause the Games to give police a chance to investigate?” Asked Twilight incredulously.
“They wanted to, but not in the way that you’d think,” Said Lightning. “At the moment, they seem pretty adamant about investigating Spike and anypony associated with him, including all of you.”
Twilight pursed her lips. “I’ll talk to Prince Blueblood, remind him that I have a powerful friend waiting for his invitation.”
“That powerful friend must scare him,” Lightning Star said with a little smile. “Prince Blueblood’s already nullified the scores of the weightlifting contest and pressured the mayor to deny the police any arrest warrants. Seems like he doesn’t want to cross you.”
“That doesn’t sound like him,” Spike said with a raised eyebrow.
“He’s probably only doing it to avoid your ‘friend’ or whatever,” Said Fleetfoot. “But at least it’s helping you.”
“I guess so,” Said Twilight with a little chuckle. “Come to think of it. I’m a little bit amazed Discord hasn’t gotten involved already. He’s been unusually quiet since the Games started.” Her face returned to its perplexed frown, as though there was some miniscule,infinitesimal detail she neglected, or a troubling footnote that confused her.
“Maybe that’s for the best,” Spike suggested. “I mean the guy’s a literal harbinger of destruction. We’ve got enough chaos going on already.”
“Anyways, we’ve got to get back to our teams,” Lightning said with a glance at Fleetfoot. “But Spike, you should be proud. Most archers with that gunk in their body would be lucky to place sixth. You managed to get third place, which is nothing to sniff at. It means your natural talents and training can and will carry you through.”
Spike had to admit that made him feel a little better. He pushed through poison and managed to place in every archery match. Maybe, he didn’t fail his teammates after all.
“One more thing,” Lightning said. “If they were bold enough to poison you, then they’re probably going to try again and won’t hesitate to resort to other extreme measures to stop you, so be careful. I have a feeling things could get really dangerous soon.”
Spike nodded, with Twilight offering her own thanks for their presence.
“It’s too bad about your Royal Guard dreams,” Said Twilight. “I think you’d make a wonderful knight.”
“Thanks Princess.” Lightning said with a little chuckle. His face then morphed into a disappointed frown. “Too bad the Royal Guard didn’t think so.”
“I could always put in a recommendation for you,” Said Twilight.
“It’s fine.” Lightning waved a hoof to shrug off her offer. “I’m not sure I could go through the applications again. They dig up your past to make sure you’re morally qualified for the job. It was painful enough getting my past shoved in my face once. I’m not eager to do it again.”
With that, the pair left the room. But during their less than fast departure, Twilight heard Fleetfoot admonish Lightning’s self-deprecation, which only confused her. Why wouldn’t he be morally suited for the job? Spike also wanted to know what past Lightning was talking about. But those thoughts were interrupted when Bulk spoke up.
“So,” Bulk said in a voice softer than Fluttershy’s. “I guess you know what this means.” With a small shrug, he gestured to his ribcage. Spike nodded. Bulk sank into his pillow, and closed his eyes. He sighed. “Well, this stinks. But I guess it is what it is.”
“I’m sorry,” Said Spike, however, Bulk stopped him with a simple look.
“Oh, stop it little buddy. It’s not your fault this happened,” he said before pausing for a moment. “You know, I’ve been doing these Games with Rainbow for five years now. I’ll never get why she chose an idiot like me for her teammate, but I’m glad she gave me the chance. Not many ponies would.” He swallowed, gulping down air that descended through his lungs, scraping his throat like thin layers of knives.
“Rainbow Dash,” Spike said slowly. Talking pained him as much as it pained Bulk. “She’s a good friend. She knows a winner when she sees one. Unless he’s a turtle named Tank.”
Bulk chuckled a little. “I heard about that, better make sure she doesn’t find out you said that, she loves that turtle like crazy.”
The pair broke out in chuckles at the thought of Dash getting all emotional over her turtle being insulted.
“Yeah, she’s pretty crazy, but she saw something in me that I didn’t see myself. The best of what I can be.” He looked down at his hooves, pressing the icepack against his side. “I’m not disappointed that I can’t compete. It’s not the first time I couldn’t make it. I’m only disappointed in myself, for getting hurt when you all needed me.”
“It’s not your fault,” Said Twilight. “Nopony could’ve stopped this.”
“Yeah. But Spike? I need you to understand something.”
“What is it?” Spike asked.
“We’re all counting on you. Not like ‘1-2-3 counting,’ but ‘depending-on-you’ kind of counting.” He opened his mouth to say more but silence filled the air as he searched for words. At last, he gave a shrug. “Sorry, I’ve never been good at speeches, and I know you’ve gotten so many ‘don’t give up’ talks that at this point it’s probably redundant for some musclehead like me to say it too.” He adjusted himself on the bed, trying to sit up a bit more so he could look at Spike eyelevel. “Just, don’t disappoint yourself by giving up now, okay?”
Despite what had to be his fifth pep talk, Spike still felt uncertain. He wanted to believe that he could succeed, that he could change Equestria’s opinion about dragons. That he could prove Bulk and Starlight’s injuries weren’t in vain. But some nagging thoughts of doubt kept holding him back. Still, he said, “I’ll try.”
Bulk nodded. “Sometimes, that’s the best we ever can do.”
As a bitter smile crossed Bulk’s face, a single tear streaked down his face like a shooting star. Spike had so much to say, so much to apologize for, but standing there before his broken friend, he was wordless.
“And don’t,” Bulk chortled through hot tears and a broken ribcage. He took a deep, painful breath. “Don’t blame yourself for this. It wasn’t your fault.”
Spike said nothing. He couldn’t agree with Bulk. If he hadn’t agreed to compete for Equestria, then maybe none of this would have happened. Sure, he’d still be that nobody dragon and number one assistant to Twilight, but at least in that world his friends would be alright. He balled his fists, wishing he had something to strike.
At that moment, two ponies entered the room: Yellow Bolt and Silver Shine. They both stared at Twilight and Spike, a heavy cloud of awkwardness hanging over the room. Neither party expected to run into the other, the former pair having assumed Spike was still being interrogated. Yellow shuffled in place, looking anywhere but directly at Spike while Silver Shine could feel the dragon’s anger focused on him, and did his best to keep his growing discomfort from being visible on his face.
“We…” Silver began. He cleared his throat. “We were checking up on Honey Charm, and just wanted to come by and wish Bulk a healthy recovery.”
“Thanks,” Bulk said, though without his usual enthusiasm
Silver e quietly mumbled something to himself, unable to find a good follow up while Yellow kept his eyes to the ground. Eventually, Silver was able to say, “I’m sorry.” Sometimes accidents happen.”
“Like shooting your teammate in the back?” Spike growled.
“Spike!” Twilight chided him before turning to Silver. “I’m sorry, we’ve been through some stress lately.”
“Haven’t we all?” Yellow said in a snarling tone. “I just sat down with my—,” he caught himself and quickly corrected his words. “With Honey Charm. She could barely even recognize me.” Silence permeated the room. Yellow’s face screamed with distress. He was trembling, worried, and he turned his emotions on Spike. “Give me an honest answer. Are the things they’re saying true? Did you poison her? Look me in the eye and tell me you didn’t.”
Spike met Yellow Bolt’s gaze and firmly said, “No, I didn’t poison anypony and I never would” Yellow Bolt regarded him a moment.
“I believe you, Spike,” He said without a hint of deception. “But can you honestly tell me that none of this would’ve happened if it weren’t for you?”
Spike couldn’t say no, despite how much he wished that wasn’t the case.
“I didn’t think so,” Yellow said. He turned around and sighed. “Seems like every time I try to be nice to dragons, something in my life has to go wrong.” He shook his head. “When I reached out to you, I thought I had nothing left to lose. Why not talk? Why not give him a little help? Well, good to know I have a few precious things left. Good to know I can always lose something else. And let me tell you, it’s great to know I could be broken even more than I already am.”
“Yellow, I…” Spike reached out a hand, but Yellow sensed Spike’s approach and snapped.
“I told you already. We aren’t friends. And whether she pulls through or not, I want nothing else to do with you.” With that, Yellow left the room, slamming the door on the way out.
Silver released a sigh. “I’m sorry about Yellow. He always tends to get a little … overdramatic at times.”
Spike forehead crinkled into a scowl. How dare this pompous back-stabber insult Yellow Bolt after everything he’d been through, after all he suffered?
“You don’t know him,” Spikesaid, managing to keep his tone low to hid his growing anger. Silver glanced at him, with curiosity. Spike noticed Silver’s face was almost expressionless, save for a twinkle of regret.
“I’ve known him ever since he was a colt. His father was a dear friend of mine, and one of the greatest stallions to ever live. Bright, innovative, full of life, and a fine archer.” Silver’s expressionless face morphed into something like nostalgia. “When we fought, Spike, you reminded me a lot of him.”
Spike recoiled, horrified. Silver thought he was like Yellow Bolt’s abusive, deranged, hate-mongering father? Spike reminded him of a founder of the group that put Starlight in the hospital? Just the idea was appalling. Silver’s eyes narrowed at Spike’s disgusted reaction, offended the drake thought so little of his deceased friend.
“I meant that as a compliment,” Said Silver.
Spike shook his head. “If you really knew him, you’d know that it’s hardly a compliment,” Spike said.
“What’re you talking about?” Silver scowled, perplexed. “I knew him better than anyone.”
“More than a few ponies would say otherwise.” Spike retorted.
“What do you mean?” Silver asked with only a hint of doubt. “What don’t I know about him?”
“Try asking Yellow Bolt,” Spike said angrily.
Silver blinked. “That child?” He almost wanted to scoff. “You shouldn’t believe most of what he says. That poor boy went crazy when he was fifteen. Suffered a nervous breakdown.”
“Is that what his father told you?”
Silver was silent. When Yellow Bolt was relocated to Baltimare, Silver never once asked Arrow why. His friend just said Yellow needed fresh air and he never saw a need to question him, figuring Yellow Bolt had been feeling stressed about something. Ever since Yellow left, he always looked shaky and trembling. His accuracy with a bow became shoddy and he constantly had to put others down, as if it was the only way to feel good about himself. Was there a reason behind it all?
“Spike, that’s enough,” Said Twilight. “Silver came by to wish Bulk a healthy recovery. Now’s not the time to bicker.”
At Twilight’s request, Spike backed down. “Yes, Twilight. I’m sorry.” His apology was less than sincere. He could forgive Starlight and Discord for trying to destroy him and Trixie for being a general pain, at least they were remorseful and apologized. However, he could not forget Silver shooting Yellow in the middle of Arrow Tag without a trace of remorse. He cast Silver a final glare before turning around.
“Silver,” Said Twilight, “I appreciate you trying to pay Bulk a visit. Actually, I’m glad you came by. There’s something I need to ask you.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Tell me something,” She said with narrowed eyes, “Did you try to set me up?”
Silver paused. “Excuse me?”
“I said did you try to set me up? Did you tell Thorax about that old meeting place to trick me to going out there so your gang could seal my magic?”
Silver’s face went cold, pale as a phantom. His eyes widened, alarmed and his mouth opened to an “O.” That reaction seemed to confirm Twilight’s suspicions, until Silver uttered six words.
“Did you say ‘seal my magic?’” Silver said slowly. “Is that what happened to your friend?”
“Yes. And you still haven’t answered the question.”
Silver didn’t seem to hear her, lost in his own thoughts, gripped by a sudden jarring realization.
Silver looked at Twilight. “I know only one unicorn capable of sealing a unicorn’s magic.”
Spike watched at the scene unfolding between Twilight and Silver. He could feel a chill running through the air, as silence overtook them. Silver had a name. He had a culprit.
“Who?” Asked Twilight.
Silver still didn’t seem to hear her. He gazed past Twilight with a look of apprehension. “But it’s not possible.”
She howled, “WHO??”
“Yeesh, Twilight,” said Bulk with his hooves on his ears. “You’re not an owl, you know.”
Silver glanced around the room. “Miss Sparkle. Perhaps it’s best if we discussed this somewhere private. I feel someone may be watching us.”
“Fine,” Twilight said. “But we’ll be going to a private place of my choosing.”
“Fine, fine,” Silver shrugged. “If that makes you feel comfortable.”
“Spike,” Twilight turned to the dragon. “Rainbow Dash is waiting for you in the lobby.”
“I know,” He said. “I’ll meet up with her after we get Silver’s info.”
“I think it’s better if I talk to him alone.” She raised a hoof to stop Spike’s objection. “I can’t focus on you and him at once. Besides, you’re too angry with him to think calmly.”
Twilight led Silver out of the room, down the hallway, and out of sight.
“Great,” Said Spike with a sarcastic grumble. “Once again, they leave me out of everything.”
“Eh, I’m kind of used to it,” said Bulk. “I mean it’s not like I ever do all that much anyways.”
“Right.” Said Spike.
Bulk readjusted his icepack on his ribs. “So, what did Yellow mean by ‘the things they say about you?’ Who’s they?”
Spike sighed. “You want a list?”
“That could help.” Bulk gave a little nod with a short frown. “But I’m not Twilight, so I don’t necessarily need a point by point list, just keep it simple.”
“I meant that there’s too many to count. They’re all spouting nonsense that I poisoned the other teams or someone close to me was responsible,” Spike said. “No matter how many times I deny it a theory a new one takes its place. But if I ignored them, then their claims could be taken seriously. It’s a nightmare.”
“Hmm,” Bulk said, “That reminds me of when I was a colt. Ponies bullied me by spreading lies about me too. And my mom always said there’s always a sure fire way to beat people at that.”
“What’s that?”
“Well,” Bulk said, “Someone once said my wings were a birth defect and that I’d probably get sent to the ‘Rainbow Factory’ to make rainbows.”
Spike raised an eyebrow skeptically. “The what?”
“It’s just a bad story young pegasi used to scare each other into wetting the bed,” Bulk explained with nonchalance. “Anyways, my mom told me what to say back. ‘I did file an application, but they said they don’t want any white furred rainbows with birth defects. They would like some healthy pegasai like you, do you need an application?’ and that made other ponies laugh ... most of them anyway. A few started crying and some just ran away.”
Spike blinked. “I don’t get it. How does that help?”
“I don’t know,” Bulk admitted. “It’s just what my mom suggested to do when someone starts a bad rumor about you and it’s spreading everywhere. I don’t exactly know how it worked, but saying stuff like that made ponies turn to my side. I guess they liked it because it made them laugh? Maybe you’d like another example?”
“Okay.”
“Well, um,” Bulk said as he searched his memory. “One time somepony started a rumor that I was actually an earthpony and my wings would fall off, so I shouldn’t play with other pegasi. Whenever somepony said that to my face, my mom told me to say, ‘You got me, I’m actually a highly evolved parasprite.’ Stuff like that. The rumors kept going. But nopony took them seriously. And more ponies started hanging out with me than ever.”
Spike frowned as he mulled over what Bulk was saying. “I think I get it. If you make a joke about the rumor, it shows you don’t care about it.” He took a moment to consider the rumors against him. Could humor really beat them? Before he could ponder those thoughts, the doctor returned and ushered him back to the waiting room so Bulk could rest.
Spike gave Bulk a final glance. “Thanks. For everything, Bulk.”
Bulk tilted his head. “But I didn’t give you everything.”
Spike chuckled. A thought crossed his mind. “Hey, Bulk? All those times you said something goofy by taking things too literally, were some of those just you trying to make a joke? Were you just pulling our legs, pretending you didn’t get what we meant so you could make a pun?”
“Well, I guess you’ll never know,” Said Bulk. His red eyes squinted as a smirk spread across his face. With that, he sunk back down into his bed and closed his eyes. Spike left the room, reflecting on all his interactions with the beefy stallion wondering if all this time Bulk was toying with them. He frankly couldn’t tell.
Back in the waiting room, he found Rainbow Dash and the others. They all looked despondent, practically beaten. When Rainbow Dash saw Spike, she stood up straight and tried to smile. She didn’t want to be seen looking so hopeless, not in front of him. But he saw straight through her.
“Rainbow,” he said. “What do we need to get?”
“Huh?”
“What do we need to take first place?”
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy exchanged glances. Applejack’s gaze fell to the ground. Rainbow Dash looked back at Spike and shook her head.
“It’s over,” Said Applejack. “We can’t.”
“Spike, listen.” Rainbow Dash said with a heavy voice. “With Bulk gone, we can’t compete in eleven events. That’s not including the seven events we didn’t sign up for. We’d need a miracle just place, much less win the Games.”
“Are you sure you can’t find a replacement for Bulk?” Asked Rarity. “Like Applejack?”
“Even if I did his stuff,” Applejack said, “Half of Bulk’s events are flight-based, like aerial shot put and aerial hammer toss. I’m kinda wingless.”
“Well,” Fluttershy piped up meekly. “We could use that spell that gave Rarity wings.”
“Hmm,” Rarity frowned and shook her head. “I fear those wings might be too fragile. If they couldn’t last in the sun, they might not last in the coliseum. Maybe Twilight could strengthen the spell?”
“Even if she could, that’s not the only problem.” Rainbow Dash sighed. “In my ‘infinite wisdom,’ I didn’t register anyone to sub if one of us got hurt. There was so much going on and I didn’t have time to think about it.” She snorted. “Some leader I am, huh?”
“It ain’t your fault,” Said Applejack putting a hoof on Rainbow Dash’s shoulder. “I haven’t even been training for Bulk’s events. So it’s not like I could just take his place.”
“Come on girls, stop this,” Spike said calmly. They all turned to look at him. “Instead of talking about what we can’t do, let’s just figure out what we can do.”
Seeing an opportunity to motivate the team, Rarity nodded. “You’re not beaten until you’ve given up. Applejack, you should focus on the events you will do, so you can give them your all. Rainbow Dash, you need to pick yourself back up and forge ahead. And Fluttershy, you have two events of your own. There are more than enough opportunities to turn this around.”
“She’s right.” Pinkie said with a bounce. “Think what Bulk would say.” For a moment, her poofy mane morphed into a flattop and her entire body inflated to match the stallion’s signature physique. “Yeah!!” Pinkie exclaimed with a rather impressive Bulk Biceps impersonation “Forge ahead! Let’s go to a smith and make some horseshoes!” She deflated back to her normal self, and cleared her throat, hoarse from that yelling. “We’d laugh, I’d chew Bulk out for trying to steal my role as the funny pony, Rainbow Dash would groan to hide the fact that she’s grinning, and we’d keep going.”
Almost instantly, Rainbow Dash found a smile on her face. Pinkie’s enthusiasm and Spike’s determination were equally contagious. But reality seemed to be against them. Still, Rainbow Dash felt a little better.
“So what do we need to win?” Spike asked again.
Rainbow Dash felt pessimism sinking back over her. When she learned Bulk couldn’t compete anymore, she obsessed over the final few contests, calculating any possible outcome where Ponyville won. There was one, but it seemed impossible.
“Well?” Spike said.
“Fluttershy, Applejack, and I can only afford one third or second place, not individually, but in total.” Explained Dash. “Everything else needs to be first place. Honestly, with Bulk out, our only chance is literally placing first in every event.”
Applejack nodded. “Well, do you think it’s possible?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “It’s never been done before. But then again, stranger things have happened.”
“That’s a start,” Fluttershy said. “I’m sure even I could get at least one first place medal. I’ve been practicing hard for the 100 meter backstroke.”
Rainbow Dash smiled. “I know you have. And I’m positive you could do it.”
“And we all know you can get a perfect score,” chimed in Pinkie. “I mean you’re Rainbow Dash! Ponies make records so you can break them.”
“You know it,” Said Rainbow Dash with a little sneer, a bit more confidence returning.
“I’ve got ten archery events left. There’s plenty of chance to take the lead. So…” Spike asked, “What do you need from me to win?”
She frowned. “Sure you want to hear it?”
Spike nodded. “Just tell me.”
Rainbow Dash paused, took a deep breath, and said, “Silver, Lightning, and Yellow could all tie with you for first place in any number of archery events, so there’s no room for error. Even if Fluttershy, AJ, and I get all first places, you need to place first in every single archery event. Including Ice Archery. A perfect score. That’s the only way we can win.”
His heart nearly dropped to the hopeless pit his stomach. “A perfect score?” He thought with disbelief. “That’s just not possible.” He wanted to pinch himself, maybe he could wake up from this nightmare. “Am I even good enough to win Ice Archery? Can I beat Lightning?” He couldn’t answer that question himself. The logical, thinking part of him knew he couldn’t do win ice archery, much less place first in every single event. His heart said otherwise. “Starlight, Bulk Biceps, Thunder Star.” He clenched his fists. “I won’t let your sacrifices be for nothing.” Spike realized he had been silent for almost half a minute, and Rainbow Dash was still waiting for his response.
“That’s it?” He said with a smirk. “And here I thought I’d have to pull a miracle.”
Rainbow Dash and the others looked at him for a moment. Spike kept up his brave face, hoping none of them suspected he was panicking deep inside. It seemed to work. They were now exchanging glances with new optimistic smiles.
“Alright,” Rainbow Dash said, grinning as she jumped off the bench. “Let’s go get our medals.”
River Drop entered the hospital, hoping to run into Spike. She wasn’t sure if he’d remember their television interview a few days ago, much less if he would even talk to a journalist. So many other “journalists” were busy slandering him. But she wanted to give him a chance to fight back, and speak directly to his critics. He deserved that much.
As she walked into the lobby with her camera stallion, she had the good fortune of catching Ponyville before they left the building. Spike waved at her and smiled, giving her a chance to approach him.
“Hey, can I help you again?” He asked.
“Do you have a moment for another interview?”
He glanced at Rainbow Dash. “What do you think?”
“You’ve got a little under an hour,” she said. “Plenty of time.”
He turned back to River Drop and nodded.
“If it’s alright, Spike,” she said slowly, “And I know this might be hard, but would you like to respond to some of the slander you’re facing?”
As she expected, that got a reaction. For a moment, Spike scowled. His eyes tightened, his fangs grinded. She was honestly worried he was about to lose his temper and lash out. But then, he took a deep, slow breath, exhaled, and put on a smile.
“Sure,” he said. “I don’t mind clearing the air.”
“Clearing the air?” Pinkie said, performing an impressive macho-stallion impersonation. “Does that mean climate change isn’t a hoax? Or do you mean you can wipe out flatulence in the air?”
River Drop blinked. Part of her felt like she should laugh at the joke, but she had no idea who Pinkie was imitating.
Spike waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t worry about her, River Drop. It’s just an inside joke.” In a few minutes, they set up the camera and began their interview.
“Spike,” River Drop began. “A lot of ponies have been saying things about you. I thought it would only be fair to give you a chance to address these claims.”
“Sure thing.”
“Well, first off.” River Drop cleared her throat. “Some ponies claim that you poisoned the other competitors. Is this true?”
Spike folded his arms. River Drop half-expected an angry outburst and considered shutting off the camera to avoid embarrassing him. But then, Spike did something she didn’t expect: He chuckled.
“Really? They think I poisoned the other teammates?” His voice reeked with sarcasm as a smirk crossed his face. “I wonder how I did that? I don’t think I ever left the tent and I’m definitely not invisible.”
“So, you’re saying you didn’t?”
“Nope,” Said Spike. “I mean how could I? Do ponies think I like ninja-ed my way over and sprayed clouds of toxin into the other teams, in front of millions of watchers?” Spike shrugged, letting the ridiculous statement speak for itself. “I’ll have to ask my friends, but I don’t think I’m really all that sneaky.” He glanced to his teammates. “Hey, do you all think I’m sneaky?”
Rainbow Dash and Applejack stood there for a moment, surprised by Spike’s upbeat levity. But Pinkie seized on the opportunity to make a punchline.
“About as sneaky as corporations using TV to sell their toys,” She said, rolling her eyes. “Gotta add a new character every season to make new toys! It’s a never ending cycle!”
As Spike and Pinkie laughed together, Rainbow Dash looked at Applejack and Fluttershy, wondering if they knew why Spike was cracking jokes. Although they were both smiling, neither one said a word to Rainbow Dash. Rarity on the other hand, had a bright, clever smirk on her face. She knew exactly what Spike was up to.
“Secondly,” River Drop said, “Ponies claim Thorax poisoned the other teams.”
“From all the way up in his booth with Twilight and Ember? I mean, I don’t know about you, but I don’t see how he or any Changeling could get all the way down there, poison everypony, then get all the way back up without being seen. Kinda sad everypony’s suspecting him after he saved us from the second Changeling Invasion. Plus, I don’t think he ever left Twilight’s side, so,” he gave a little shrug. “Kind of hard to say it’s him.”
“Unless,” Rarity said with a dramatic flourish, “he split himself into four different changelings.”
River Drop glanced at Rarity. “What do you mean four?”
“Well, one to stay in the booth, one to poison the other teams, one to tell the royal guards not to report him, and one to ask everypony to pretend that they didn’t see him. Truly a flawless master plan.”
The journalist tried to hide her smile, as she quickly realized what was happening. This one-person interview was shaping up to be a team heckling. She was relieved that this hadn’t yet devolved into a shouting competition.
“So you’re saying it wasn’t his doing?” She asked.
“Look,” Spike took a slightly more serious tone, “He and all of his Changelings went through inspection and had their magic repressed like every other unicorn before even entering the coliseum. It’s not exactly easy for them to shapeshift if they don’t have magic. And keep in mind; it was Prince Blueblood’s staff that searched them for anything suspicious before they came in. If you won’t take my word for it, take theirs. Pretty sure they did their job.”
“Well of course,” Said Rarity. “Prince Blueblood hires only the best. Or at least, that’s what I’m told.”
“What about the claims that you’re a venomous dragon, Spike?” She didn’t have the slightest belief in this theory, but she was all too curious how they would tear this one apart.
“I guess it’s possible.” Spike said. “I never knew my parents, so for all I know they were a big grumpy dragon and a rattlesnake, or maybe a spitting cobra, or how about a black widow? Maybe she ate my dragon dad once she was done with him. That is a thing they do, right?”
“That is how they get the name,” Said Fluttershy with a nod.
“I thought so,” Spike said with a shrug. “It’d be kind of cool to be part spider. Though, it would be a bummer if my special somepony wrapped me up and ate me someday, but I guess you gotta take the good with the bad. To be honest, I have no idea how a spider and a dragon get together. Especially given the size difference. Maybe the spider was radioactive and the size of a skyscraper but I don’t know how they’d, you know, fall in love.”
“It probably involved a night with lots of apple cider,” suggested Applejack. “Strong apple cider. So strong that an eight-legged bug looked attractive to a four-legged dragon.”
Spike raised an eyebrow. “Is there any apple cider strong enough to do that?”
“I don’t think so,” Applejack said. “But then again, I can ask Granny Smith. Maybe she’s part black widow too.”
River Drop shook her head, trying to stay professional and not laugh. “Did Twilight help you win the Arrow Tag match?”
“Well, she did give me some tips for dealing with Silver’s teleportation.” Spike said, said, though continuing to be nonchalant about the whole matter. “Just the simple stuff. ‘Remember, Spike: Teleportation has limits and speed bumps, look for a chance to knock him on his rump.’ But that’s about all she did. It wouldn’t be very Princess of Friendship of her to help me cheat.”
“But,” the journalist frowned. “Didn’t she blackmail Prince Blueblood?”
He tilted his head. “I didn’t know inviting a friend to the Games was blackmail. Heck, Discord could’ve given everyone sweet chocolate milk rain, and cotton candy clouds. Inviting him seems more like a party than a threat. Unless you hate chocolate.”
“Or if you’re lactose intolerant,” Added Pinkie.
“But isn’t he dangerous?”
“Meh,” Spike said with a shrug. “He doesn’t misbehave when Fluttershy’s around. She’s his tea buddy.”
As the camera turned to her, Fluttershy reddened. Part of her wanted to hide her face behind her hooves, but she sensed this was the point where she was supposed to make a joke Only problem was she couldn’t really think of anything and was left sitting in silence. Thankfully Spike was able to quickly turn the crew’s attention back to him.
“Anyways,” he said, “He always joins me and Big Mac for guy’s night out. He’s a great Ogres and Oubliettes player. He actually likes to be an archer, just like me.”
River Drop was taken aback by Spike’s irreverence. It seemed like these accusations didn’t bother him in the slightest, like they weren’t even worth his time. Did he find them so ridiculous that they amused him? She supposed there was a strange sense of humor behind such wildly improbable slanders. A smile had crossed her face and she didn’t even know it. Spike’s humor was engaging, equal parts informative and entertaining. She wondered if that humor would remain even under the harshest accusations.
“Someponies say you’re a fraud,” she said. “That you don’t have any talent or skill.”
“Did they say that?” Spike shrugged. “Well then, I must be a fraud. After all, other ponies who don’t know me are always right.”
“Do you think your supporters meddled with Pro-Blueblood teams to eliminate the competition?”
“Not particularly. I mean, why meddle for a loser like me?” He shrugged. “I would have to be pretty stupid to sabotage the stallion spotting my own teammate.”
“And what about the claim that you staged your rescue with Yellow to make each other look admirable?”
“You got me. All this time I had a plan to rescue him from a random life-or-death situation so that ponies would like me,” Said Spike. “Look, Yellow Bolt’s told me more than once that we aren’t friends, so I wouldn’t exactly trust him to not shoot me when the time comes. And I certainly wouldn’t make a plan that puts me into a position where he could shoot me. I mean, I’m not that stupid. I hope.”
As the interview continued, ponies across Equestria watched Spike destroy theory after theory. Now, they knew all these theories were pointless, hilariously empty slander. Spike wouldn’t let them affect him, not now or ever.
Police HQ:
“Arrow Bolt?” Asked Twilight. “You mean Yellow Bolt’s father?”
Silver nodded. “He created a spell that could seal away a unicorn’s magic, but only for a minute at most.”
Twilight muttered something unintelligible, something between a “hmm” and a “interesting.” Levitating a quill, she wrote down a few notes on her clipboard. “Tell me,” she said, “Could he have taught somepony this spell?”
The elderly stallion shrugged. “Somepony gifted enough to learn it.”
“Somepony gifted enough to take first place medals for spellcasting in the Equestria Games?” Twilight suggested. “Like his son White Bolt?”
“Possibly. But like I said, even Arrow Bolt couldn’t make the spell last long. I don’t see how White Bolt could.”
“Years and years of practice most likely,” Twilight mumbled as she made more notes on her clipboard. “It’s easy enough to improve upon a spell with training, practice or even enhance it with dark magic. If a group of unicorns casted the spell all together, it could have more permanent effects.”
Silver noticed some of the equations Twilight was scribbling down, magic formulas, numbers, and values all beyond his comprehension. Scholars were a strange bunch to him. Why did someponies have to mathematize magic?
“Can you tell me something? What made Arrow Bolt the pony he is? Why does he hate dragons?”
“You heard of the Dragon Town Rampage?” Silver asked. Twilight shook her head, causing him to sigh. “Young ponies are so quick to forget history. I think it was almost fifty or so years ago. Back then, Dragon Town was in a sorry state, too many dragons and not enough gems or houses to go around. And, as I’m sure you’re aware, dragons have a tendency to become rather violent when they don’t get enough of what they want. Long story short, a few especially greedy dragons had one of their infamous growth spurts and rampaged all across the city. Oh, they got out of it eventually, but by the time the police showed up, the dragons fled, leaving everypony else to deal with the aftermath.” Silver paused for a moment, as his body started to tense and his teeth gnashed tightly together. “That was the last day we—that is Arrow and I— saw them alive.”
She frowned. “The last day you saw the dragons alive?”
“No.” Silver squeezed his eyes shut. “The last day Arrow and I saw our wives alive. And the last day we ever saw our parents.”
Twilight, while horrified at the revelation, sized him up. As his eyes opened, she realized he was fighting back his tears. His eyes gazed down at the table, into empty space. Old wounds had yet to heal.
“I’m sorry,” Said Twilight. “Truly sorry.”
He nodded. “Thank you.” A weak, ironic smile crossed his face. “My dad turned eighty that day. He was a pipefitter. The following week, he was going to retire with the money he saved up. Insisted that he wouldn’t take any of my money because he didn’t want to be a bother. He died on the job.” He sighed through his nostrils and shook his head. “As you can imagine, Arrow and I were devastated. We were also young, impulsive. We wanted justice.”
“That’s why you two founded that group, the Creed?”
“I suppose it was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” Silver said as he chuckled bitterly, “Besides, it wasn’t like we were the only ponies who were angry. It was almost funny how quickly we rounded up supporters.”
Twilight frowned. “I don’t recall reading this in any history textbooks.”
“After the tragedy, police raided Dragon Town looking for someone to blame. Some Dragon Town residents complained that they used unethical torture methods to get the names. And they imprisoned the alleged suspects before either of them could testify in court. When they finally did get their day in court, someponies felt like it was a kangaroo court, rigged against them to send them back to prison. Regardless, It was an unfortunate event that ended up in a series of lengthy lawsuits against the police for civil rights violations. Princess Celestia herself had to intervene. As you might imagine, this incident is an embarrassment that the Fillydelphia Police Force would rather the world forget.” He snorted. “I suppose it’s easier to forget our mistakes than to learn from them.”
“Easier, but not right.” Twilight said, writing down some more notes.
“Come to think of it,” Said Silver, “I think one of the dragons from the rampage had a son. After being locked up, his father never saw him again. Anyways, Dragon Town remembers the attacks all too well.”
“Do you know the son’s name?”
“Can’t say I do. I think it’s something starting with an ‘F.’ Flame, Fire, Flicker? Sorry, it’s been too long.”
Twilight nodded. “Now then, about that magic-sealing spell. How did Arrow Bolt learn it?”
“He said he made it up.” Silver explained with a little shrug. “Look, I don’t know that much about it. He was more of a bookworm than I ever was. I’m a businesspony. I can’t begin to wrap my head around such advanced spells.”
“Do you have access to any of his research notes?” Asked Twilight. “Perhaps he wrote the spell down somewhere and a way to reverse it.”
“I’m sorry but it’s not that simple. He burned them all.”
“Burned them?!” Twilight exclaimed with wide eyes. “Who would burn their own research before I could read it—err,” She paused as Silver looked at her with a raised eyebrow full of judgment. “I mean before other ponies could read it.”
“He didn’t want anypony to use his spell against him. He grew a little paranoid in his later years,” Silver said with a moment of reflection. “But anyways, he couldn’t have attacked your friend. He’s long gone.”
“But his sons and followers aren’t. I know Starlight was surrounded by a mob,” Said Twilight. “That would obscure a single spellcaster. They could easily cast the spell, and leave with the crowd without being spotted. And I know they were expecting me, their speaker made that abundantly clear. This was organized and strategically planned. They knew we were coming and they were ready with the spell. You understand where I’m going with this?”
Silver’s brow knitted together, into a sharp, hardened scowl. “You still think it was me?”
“Under the current circumstances, you’re the primary suspect. You have the means, the motive, and the opportunity. You could’ve learned Arrow’s spell and amplified it. You say you don’t have a head for magic, but if you can master teleportation, then there’s no reason you couldn’t eventually learn higher-level magic. Your story clearly shows you have the motives for wanting me out of the picture so Spike would have less protection. And you could easily teleport from across town back to the hotel within the minute, before anyone even knew you were gone. Care to explain what you were doing the night Starlight was attacked? We were all celebrating Lightning’s engagement to Fleetfoot. Where were you?”
He looked at her with flat, unimpressed eyes. “Miss Sparkle, you really don’t do many police interrogations do you? My grandkids are scarier than you. And they’re in diapers.”
She said nothing for a moment. Then, a slow, sick smile spread across her face. But it didn’t reach her eyes.
“I’ve faced dragons, Nightmare Moon, magical beings with the power to destroy Equestria, and the literal Spirit of Chaos. All in the name of friendship.” She leaned forward. A small hum circled through the air around her. “Now, some very old acquaintances of yours have hospitalized my friends and threatened my friend Spike, who I’ve raised since he was a baby. If you’re covering for them, well, I’ll rain more destruction on your little life in two seconds than Discord could in a century. An eternity of night will seem merciful compared to the nightmare I could turn your life into with a simple word.”
He sighed, trying to cover up his apprehension. Silver didn’t want her to see that she was terrifying him. Her eyes seared with an intense expression, much like the one Spike wore in their Arrow Tag match. She wasn’t making empty threats.
“I’ve said this under testimony again and again.” Silver took a deep breath. “I did not set you up. My only advanced magic skills are in teleportation. Nothing else. Even if I memorized Arrow’s spellcasting notes, which I haven’t, I couldn’t perform the spell myself. If I tried to cast it, I’d deplete my magical energy completely and the spell wouldn’t even take effect. It would require tremendous amounts of magical energy, and I don’t have a head for that kind of magic.”
Twilight glared. “You still haven’t answered my question. Where were you the night Starlight was attacked?”
“I’d rather not say.”
“That’s not an acceptable answer.”
Silver’s face turned red. His eyes darted away, uncomfortably, as his hooves fidgeted on the tabletop. “If you must know, I’ve been struggling with dysentery all week.”
“Oh,” she said, suddenly regretting her constant probing. “Sorry I asked.” Learning more about Silver’s bodily functions than she ever wanted to know, Twilight found a line of nausea forming between her eyebrows. She leaned back into her chair and inspected her clipboard once again.
Silver had to respect her. For all her arrogance and presumptions, she was single-minded in protecting Spike. As a parent and a grandparent, he couldn’t help but admire her loyalty. Studying her, the alicorn who raised Spike, Silver realized he was looking at near mirror reflection of the little dragon. “The apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree,” he thought. “Tough, persistent, loyal to a fault, idealistic, and gifted. He’s her in every little way. Well, almost. She’s smarter than him. But a little less clever.”
Twilight on the other hoof was still impressed she managed to regain her composure after Silver mocked her investigation. She was even more impressed by Silver’s calm exterior. Most stallions facing that kind of threat would wet themselves, but he barely even budged. Of course, she sensed he was far more terrified than he was letting on, but there wasn’t a trace of fear on his face. As much as she wanted to hate him, she had to surrender at least a kernel of admiration for him. She just hoped he wouldn’t go whining to Prince Blueblood. But even if he did, Twilight was sure she’d have enough evidence to incriminate the true culprit. All this talk, it was getting her somewhere. After a half-minute of scribbling furiously on her notepad, Twilight looked back up at Silver.
“I have a few more questions,” Said Twilight. “In the hospital, Yellow Bolt seemed concerned about Honey Charm. What’s their connection?”
Silver was confused. Why would she ask something like that? How did knowing that even help her? Still, he saw no danger in answering her question.
“They’re cousins,” he said. “I believe her parents took custody of Yellow Bolt when he turned fifteen. They grew up together.”
“I see,” Twilight said as she took another note. “Her invisibility spell, did she learn that in school or from her family?”
Now Silver realized what she was up to. She wanted to see if White Bolt or one of the brothers knew invisibility magic as well, and if they taught her. It wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine one of them could be sneaking around and sabotaging the teams, or even sneaking into Spike’s hotel room with some Creed members to commit vandalism. “Maybe she’s more clever than I thought,” he mused.
“Well,” Silver had to pause, take a moment to search his memory. “I’m not sure. You’d have to ask her when she wakes up. I imagine Baltimare has a magic school or two, but I couldn’t say how good they might be.”
“Any libraries with books on magic instruction?”
“Probably. But what kind of filly can learn such high-level magic from a book?”
Twilight wanted to argue that a hardworking filly with adequate guidance could indeed master such magic, even sufficiently enough to hatch a dragon’s egg like she did. But she knew better than to get off topic.
“Anyways,” he said. “Honey Charm is more of a partier than a reader. I suppose a family member could’ve taught her. I never bothered to ask.” He glanced at the clock, noticing how much time had passed. “Miss Sparkle, the Games will be continuing soon. We both need to return to the stadium.”
“Of course,” she said. “But I have last question. Something I’ll leave my Royal Guards to investigate.”
“And what might that be?”
Twilight looked Silver directly in the eyes and asked one final question, one that left incredible implications. “No,” Silver thought incredulously. “She can’t be serious.” Even as the world spun around him, he managed to answer her question with a name, the name of a stallion. One he saw just last week. As Twilight thanked him for his time and told him he could go, Silver found himself full of many more questions. He was about to leave, he was at the door, when he wondered how well he truly knew Arrow Bolt. And maybe, if Yellow Bolt wasn’t always the way he was.
“Miss Sparkle,” he said. “Spike talked with Yellow Bolt yesterday. I understand Yellow said something about Arrow Bolt that was less than flattering. Something I don’t know. Did Spike tell you what Yellow said?”
Twilight gave him sincere, frank answer. “No. Maybe you should try asking Yellow.”
White Bolt walked around the winding street, to the corner of a derelict building. Nopony came to this part of town anymore. So he didn’t bother with invisibility. He stepped down a corridor of stairs into a wide-open space trenched in darkness. A single flickering light hung over the room.
White Bolt sighed. “Remind me why we can’t afford decent lighting?”
“Because nobody’s supposed to be in this house, remember?” Replied a voice from the shadows. White Bolt turned as Crimson Bolt stepped out. A handsome smile plastered on his charming face. His red fur and dark-red mane were still beaming like flames, and his green eyes reflected a confident persona. Almost forty and he still looked twenty-eight. White Bolt almost felt like he’d been genetically cheated.
“Nice work with the poison,” said Crimson with a grin. “I saw the final half on TV and I can barely believe how well it turned out.”
“I’ll admit, I didn’t expect it would get their weightlifter,” he agreed. “Looks like luck really does favor us.”
“Luck has nothing to do with it,” Crimson said. “We’re the chosen ones, remember? History favors us.”
White Bolt nodded absentmindedly. “So how’d your job go?”
“Everypony’s in place for the final act. They’re ready to show the world who we are,” Said Crimson. “And then, my kids won’t have to grow up fearing another dragon attack on City Hall.”
“Right, your kids. Sometimes I forget you’re married.”
Crimson raised an eyebrow and gave an exaggerated offended look. “How could you forget? You were at my wedding.”
“I know, I just,” White Bolt gave a little shrug. “I never thought you’d actually settle down. Anyways, are they here?”
“No. It’s safer if they don’t know.”
“Hmm,” White Bolt judged Crimson skeptically. “I don’t see why you have to be so ashamed of rejoining the Creed.”
“The Royal Guards aren’t exactly kind to this group—I mean to our group.” Crimson shifted with a moment of discomfort. “Or anyone they think could still be a member.”
“Anyone they think could ‘Still be a member?’ Dodging around the elephant in the room doesn’t suit you.” White Bolt chuckled softly. “Just say it. You want to know how he’s been. Our little brother.”
Crimson Bolt’s eyes became nostalgic and misty. A pained smile spread across his face. He opened his mouth to speak, to ask how Yellow Bolt was coping after all these years, when a sharp pain jabbed through his throat. “We shouldn’t have—I shouldn’t have beaten him. I should’ve stood up for him, or convinced dad he was wrong. I-I…”
“We did what had to be done,” Said White Bolt. “But I should’ve kept a better watch over him too. Then maybe, he wouldn’t be so … broken. Maybe, he wouldn’t be the way he is. But, let’s not dwell on the past.”
“Huh,” Crimson snorted. “I thought that’s what this Creed thing was all about. Making sure nobody forgets.”
“Believe me, I haven’t,” White Bolt said. “I will never forget the day those dragons killed mom. Or the night we learned they turned Yellow.”
Silence crossed over them, mingling with the heavy darkness to form a palpable emptiness. They felt his absence after all these years, and they still missed Yellow Bolt.
“How is he?” Asked Crimson.
“Talented as an archer. But still broken. A crying, blubbering mess.”
Crimson sighed. “I guess there’s no getting over dad’s beatings.”
“He was broken long before then,” Said White Bolt. “What kind of stallion falls in love with a dragon? A male dragon at that? Still, I pity him. Truly, I do.”
“We can’t always control our desires,” Murmured Crimson Bolt. “Look at us. We desire a world where ponies don’t live in fear of dragons. And we’re both willing to do most anything to achieve those desires.”
White Bolt scowled, the dim light casting a menacing shadow across his twisted expression. His face sent a clear message to Crimson: “Don’t compare our vision to Yellow’s lust.” Crimson Bolt shrugged, dismissing White Bolt’s contempt.
“You know,” White Bolt said with a sneer, “Iron Bolt despises Yellow and dragons. If he had the chance, he’d destroy every dragon and make Yellow watch. He’d drive the evil right out of our brother faster than any lecture could.”
Crimson shuddered, pitying the poor soul who had to face that monster. Iron Bolt didn’t know many words, in fact he seldom spoke, but he could convince anyone to do anything he wanted. That is if he didn’t break them first.
“So,” White Bolt said, “I wouldn’t go defending Yellow in front of him. Believe me. You don’t want to.”
It was ironic that despite their own prejudices, there were times they were both more terrified of their own brother than any monster. Crimson and White had to love Iron Bolt; he was their own brother after all and they shared many memories, but they had to live knowing that if Iron ever lost his temper or fell one of his infamous “moods,” someone would get hurt. That savagery undoubtedly came from Iron Bolt’s decade in the Creed, being the backbone of their small army. While White Bolt went on to study magic and Crimson started a family, Iron remained in the Creed mob. Crimson was glad he took a break from the Creed when he did. Otherwise, he might have ended up like his brother.
“So then,” Said Crimson. “Where’s Iron Bolt anyways?”
“Dealing with ‘Princess’ Twilight’s Spirit of Chaos attack dog.”
“How does he plan to beat him? Is he taking somepony hostage? Like that shy pegasus?”
“Unlikely. She’s in front of millions of ponies. Not exactly easy to kidnap and hold hostage.” White Bolt shook his head. “I think she would’ve been an ideal hostage, but Iron Bolt could’ve snapped her in two by accident.”
Crimson cleared his throat, uncomfortable at the thought of that pretty little mare breaking like a twig.
“Besides, we couldn’t abduct anyone without giving ourselves away. Everypony’s eyes are on the Games. No one will notice someone like the Spirit of Chaos disappearing, not while they’re concentrated on what’s directly in front of them. So instead, Iron Bolt’s directly confronting Twilight’s dog.”
“What?” Crimson’s eyes widened as panic grew in his heart. “He can’t possibly beat Dis—I mean that thing.”
“Calm down,” White Bolt said. “Once his magic’s sealed, that monster will be helpless. Then Iron Bolt will have his fun.”
“But…”
“Fortune favors us,” Said White Bolt. “And we have a legend on our side.”
At that moment, the door slammed open. In the doorframe at the top of the stairs, Iron Bolt’s figure stood, carrying something long and snake-like over his shoulders. Iron chucked the snake-thing down the stairs, sending it bumping over the steps. It fell into a heap on the floor and remained motionless, groaning with pain. Iron Bolt held the door open, to let a fourth figure slide past, before shutting the door behind them. Crimson took a closer look at their guest and whistled.
“The Spirit of Chaos himself?” He said. “I’m impressed. I knew the spell was powerful but I didn’t know it was this powerful.”
White Bolt levitated several ropes out from the darkness, plucked the unconscious Discord from the ground, and fastened him to a post. Through the darkness, they could discern the outline of this beaten creature but not an inch of his face. For once, White Bolt was grateful for the dim light. If he saw Iron Bolt’s work on Discord in its full splendor, he imagined the sight would haunt him for years. Crimson Bolt did his best not to look in Discord’s direction. His imagination was already running wild painting horrific images of the beaten thing.
“I guess they’ll be too busy with the Games to even think about him,” Said Crimson nodding at Discord. “So, what’s our next move? ”
“We wait,” Said a figure in the shadows. “For the tiebreaker. Then, we show the world that Sir Knight has returned to hold the guilty responsible.”