//------------------------------// // The Orb // Story: Keeper of the Forest // by ShowShine //------------------------------// Irdes sat on the foot of Spikes bed, reading through a bunch of books on history and magic. He had taken the form of a yellow unicorn colt with a brown mane so reading would be easier. Spike laid in the bed, sleeping peacefully. Buddy laid in his dog bed next to him, staring at Spike. “The Shield of Amity was locked away with the previous Forest Keeper, it shouldn’t have come back.” Irdes said as he flipped through a book. It didn’t even make sense why Spike had plant magic. The Stone of Amity was supposed to be rid of any type of magic when the Pillars hid it. “How did he even get the Stone of Amity, it was hidden away outside of Equestria where no one could find it.” Irdes said to himself. He flipped through more pages of the book, looking for an explanation. Spike muttered something in his sleep, making Irdes look at him. Buddy’s ears perked up at the sound of that. ”Hello?” Spike mumbled, opening his eyes a bit. Buddy quickly sat up and put his paw on Spikes side, rocking him back to sleep. He closed his eyes and let out a loud snore. “I wonder what he’s dreaming about.” Irdes wondered. Spike looked around in confusion, wondering where he was. Under his feet, there was nothing but darkness. There was darkness everywhere. “Hello, anyone there?” Spike called out, looking for anyone. A small green light swirled passed, making a chill run up his spine. Something green started to glow from the side of his eye, making him turn around. A glowing green orb ”Come here.” The orb said in an angelic voice. Spikes eyes dilated as he stared at the orb and his scales fell felt against his head. Everything suddenly felt peaceful and soothing. He turned around and walked towards the orb. ”That’s right sweetheart, come closer.” The voice said. Spike nodded his head a mumbled something under his breath, taking a few steps closer. Something dragged him towards the orb, something tempting. He approached the orb and reached his hand out towards it. Spike blinked and moved his hand back. “You’ve done this before.” Spike said, coming to a realization. The orb flashed red as if it had gotten angry before going back to it’s soothing green color. ”Come closer dear, I promise nothing will happen.” The orb reassured. Spikes eyes went back to normal and he shook his head. “You’ve definitely done this before. Last time you hurt me and said that ‘I belong to you’.” Spike stated, taking a few steps back. The orb quickly got closer to Spike. “Don’t leave me!” The angelic voice shouted, now becoming raspier. Spike jumped back in fear. The orb went back a bit. ”I didn’t mean to yell, please just don’t leave.” The voice pleaded, now sounding angelic like before. Spike gave a confused look, keeping his distance. “Why should I trust you, for what I know you can be evil.” Spike said suspiciously. “Please don’t leave, you’re the only one I can talk to. It’s already hard enough to get inside of your dreams.” The voice said in the raspy voice. It sounded feminine and rough. Spike let out a sigh. “Okay fine, but only cause I don’t know how to get out of this place. What’s your name?” Spike asked. “I’m Falsetto.” The orb said. Spike gave an awkward smile. “I’m Spike.” Spike introduced. Falsetto giggled. “Oh I know, I know a lot about you; where you live, your friends, your crush on that Gabby girl and how you write love letters to her before burning them.” Falsetto listed off. Spikes scales flattened. “How do you know that?” He asked in concern. “Well I have nothing else to do but watch and listen while I’m just a piece of stone.” Falsetto said with a nervous giggle. Spikes brows furrowed. “Just a piece of stone?” Spike questioned, arching his eyebrow. The sudden realization hit him. “You’re the Stone of Amity!” Spike exclaimed. The orb shook a bit as if she were nodding her head. “Yep! The Pillars turned me into it The Stone of Amity after the Dazzlings attacked. They thought I was apart of there scheme because I was practicing dark magic.” Falsetto explained. Spikes scales flattened. “That’s terrible.” Spike said sympathetically. Falsetto moved as if she were shrugging her shoulders. “The Pillars were always unfair. They sent my husband to the top of a mountain to stay there for thousands of years. He could only get off if someone summoned him, that’s why I was learning dark magic. You already summoned him so now I’m just trying to get out of here so I can see him again.” Falsetto said. Spike thought for a moment, tapping his foot a bit. “I can try to get you out of here. I’ve seen my friends turn someone from stone. Since you’re so small, I can do it by myself!” Spike exclaimed excitedly. Falsetto lit up in excitement. “That would be wonderful! I haven’t had a physical form in over a thousand years. It’ll feel so nice to stretch my legs and fins and fly around!” Falsetto said excitedly, lighting up a bit. Spike chuckled. “When the Forest Keeper returns, I can beat him up!” Falsetto exclaimed, flashing brighter. “What did the Forest Keeper do? I only know that he’s evil. I’ve never even heardof him before recently and I live with someone who obsesses over history.” Spike stated. Falsetto go closer to Spike, almost touching his nose. Spike took a step back in surprise. “He was terrible. He abused the animals and made them do his biddings. He let his power get to his head and tried to take over Equestria!” Falsetto exclaimed. Spike let out a gasp. “The worst part is that he knew that I was in here. He said that if I gave him some magic he’s let me out and he betrayed me! He became too powerful and got locked away underground by the Pillars. I just feel bad for his Animal Guardian, she was forced to do what he said and got turned to crystal because of it.” Falsetto said sympathetically. Spike thought for a moment before he could feel himself waking up. His body started to fade. “I promise that I’ll get you out of here. We can fight the Forest Keeper together and take him down!” Spike exclaimed before disappearing completely. “No no, this doesn’t make sense.” Irdes muttered to himself, flipping through a book. Spike sat straight up in bed, making Irdes let out a shriek of fear. “I need to do something important.”