//------------------------------// // Spike's new look // Story: Spike Dorcha // by Dragon-In-Black //------------------------------// Spike had finally reached the city. The city was filled with different buildings and houses, that was made out of wood. The houses and apartments, was built in a powerful way, so it looks like an un-fallen city. Spike walked down the streets of the city that doesn't seem to have a name. Spike didn't have any money, so he couldn't exactly go somewhere, so he would have to sleep on the streets. Spike looked down at his small body, and sighed. He would have to train if he wanted to lose his baby fat. He walked into an street pole, and he fell down. The different creatures that had been walking, started laughing at him. Seeing that laughter, Spike felt quick anger. He somehow made his claws sharper, and attacked an yellow griffin that was laughing. Spike used his claws to slash the Griffin's throat. The laughter immediately stopped. They stared at Spike with shock and fear. "Laugh at me again, and there will be more." Spike said, making the other creatures run away in fear. Spike chuckled at their stupidity and continued walking. He headed through an ally, that lead to an open space that was vacant of creatures. Spike smiled an scary smile, and headed through the area. Spike noticed an store that was open, and walked inside. The door had an clock that signaled that someone was there. A Seapony turned griffin walked inside behind the cash register. When she saw Spike she froze in fear. She had seen Spike kill the other Griffin, and was terrified that he would kill her also. Spike looked at her with complete and utter boredom. They starred at each other and eventually Spike gave in. "Do you sell armour here? High quality?" Spike asked, seriously. The Griffin nodded very quickly. "We sell Basilisk Armour as our most expensive one. It uses Basilisk venom and can hold off most spells imaginable, even the darkest of spells." The Griffin said, fearfully. Spike was impressed by the armour mentioned. He didn't think that Basilisks were willing to lend their venom. Spike knew from old books and scrolls, that Goblins ate Basilisk meat, because of the tasty venom, but a Goblin hadn't been seen in thousands of years. Spike looked at the Griffin that had a dark pink mane, and light pink fur. She continued looking at Spike with fear, since she didn't know what Spike was thinking. "How much does it cost?" Spike asked, with curiosity evident in his voice. The Griffin was surprised. He sounded so civil, and friendly. She pondered on the question, and decided to just give it to him for free, since she really didn't want any trouble. "You can have it for free. You need it more than any creature i have met, and besides i was looking into getting rid of it anyways." "Are you sure? I know how expensive they are, and i don't want to seem like a thief." Spike said, making the Griffin look at him surprised. He seemed to be able to kill but not steal. She shrugged trying to relax. "Yeah, the armour is behind you." The Griffin said, making Spike turn around and be greeted by a beautiful sight. There was an armour made out of metal, and had Basilisk venom on the armour. The whole armour were pinkish, with black also. The lower and upper parts of the armour was very haunting, if you were the enemy of the wearer. The upper part had an Basilisk that looked at the soul of the one who is in the mud. It had been carved beautifully. The lower parts were of stretchable metal, it was stretchable because of magic which made it even more terrifying depending on the wearer. There were also metal boots that didn't make a sound if you walked or ran, since that had also been enchanted. Finally, there was an helmet that looked ancient. It covered your whole face, but had different long holes in it so you could see through. Spike looked at the armour and put it on. Spike looked at an nearby window, and saw how terrifying he must look for the creature or pony who didn't know him. The Griffin looked at him with careful awe. She thought the dragon looked very powerful in that armour. The armour was also designed so it grows to the size that the pony or creature is. Spike looked at the Griffin and to her surprise, bowed in respect. He then proceeded to walk outside. Spike walked through the streets of the badlands, and looked around with an sharp look that would make his aunt Luna proud. The streets had slowly started to get crowded, but every creature looked at Spike with shock. They had never seen any creature or pony walk around with Basilisk armour. Spike looked at them, but because of the helmet, they couldn't tell who he was looking at which made the whole situation even more terrifying for the other creatures. "Is there something you want?" Spike said, with an voice that clearly sounded annoyed. The other creatures flinched by the tone the creature used. A Changeling that had been cast out of her hive, walked towards Spike and bowed. Spike looked down at her with anticipation, not that the others could see that, but the Changeling seemed to know what he was thinking doing. "My name is Vux and i couldn't help but taste the hatred you have." Vux said, making Spike look at her with an smile, which seemed to calm her nerves. "My name is Spike, but since you are a Changeling you'll probably know who i am." Spike said, making the Changeling nod. "Yes, i heard about you, and how you stopped queen Chrysalis and her old followers, or children to be more specific." Vux said, making Spike nod. "Well, i was banished from Equestria from i crime i didn't commit, and i was sent here. Interested in working with me?" Spike asked, making the female Changeling shocked. "Y...You w-were b-b-banished? From a crime you didn't commit?" Vux asked surprised, then it turned into anger. "I Will happily work for you, perhaps we even can become friends when you feel ready." Spike nodded in approval. "By the way, do you know any weapon smiths? I need a sword." Spike asked, Vux who pondered on the question. "Hmm... i do believe there is a weapon smiths in the middle of the city. Shall we go?" Vux said, to Spike who nodded and followed her lead. They walked through the city, and Spike learned the city was called Death City. It got the name after many deaths had happened, specifically mysterious deaths. Spike was curious about that, but sadly, Vux hadn't been there for a very long time so she couldn't really tell him anything new. They continued towards the middle of the city, and when they got there they were met with an weapons smith that was very eager to do the deed for Spike. The weapons master was a unicorn by the name of Painting Spell. He created a long sword for Spike that was almost as big as him, but Spike could hold it because of all the years of helping Twilight carrying books. Spike asked him to design the Sword with black steel, which he did. Spike looked around the room he was in. The room was made out of horrible wood that looked ready to fall at any moment, but for some odd miracle was still intact. The floor was painted with a yellow background and two swords crossing each other with an red circle around it. There were several pictures of different creatures that became famous in the badlands because of their bravery and always recommended this weapons smith. Spike saw several different types of weapons with different colours that honestly made the weapons look really good. Spike then heard a *DING* and his sword was finished. Spike looked down at the beautiful sword. The sword was now instead of grey metal, covered in black. The holster had dark blue tape, and the two sides that helped the hand not slip into the sharp was decorated in red. The sword looked like it belonged to a great warrior. Spike picked it up and looked at the weapons smith. "Thank you, how much for this beautiful sword?" Spike asked, making the weapons creator gasp. "No no! Its free for you. You see, i had a feeling this morning a mighty warrior was gonna come, and here you are! Besides you now are complete with the Basilisk armour." Painting Spell said, making Spike's eyes go wide. "No no, i couldn't possibly take this." Spike said, looking at Painting Spell, who just looked at Spike with determination. "My lord, you are in the badlands, which means bad things will happen. This is my little 'welcome to the badlands' gift." Painting Spell said, making Spike sight in defeat. "But if you really want to repay me, then recommend my weapons smiths." Spike smiled at him approvingly. "I can do that. Thank you so much for my sword." Spike said, bowing, making Painting Spell eyes go wide. Spike left together with Vux, and they headed for the more isolated part of the city. well as isolated as it can become. They reached an building, that looked completely ordinary, it was made out of wood that probably was gonna break. The window's were boarded up, and it looked abandoned. Spike and Vux walked inside the building and were greeted by an horrible stench. They both came to the same conclusion. Somepony or creature had died. They walked into an living room of sorts, and found a dead Griffin. The Griffin looked like he had been splattered. Then Spike realized something. It was the same Griffin he had killed earlier in the day! Spike looked at Vux who looked like she was gonna puke. "Vux.... this is the same Griffin I fought earlier today. I also killed him, and you could probably guess the rest." Spike said, not really wanting to go into details. "Yeah, I heard about that.... sorry, some creatures can be simply cruel like that." Vux said, nodding her head in understanding. Spike walked out from the building again, with Vux who looked ready to puke. Spike was a little surprised, but he didn't want to make her feel bad. He was surprised because, it was he who should be nearly puking not the Changeling that little have military training immediately when they are born. She should be able to take it a lot better than him, but he didn't want to hurt her feelings. They walked through the city and headed for a place they could stay during the night. They managed to find a small Inn and booked two rooms originally, but there was only one room. The owner of the Inn gave the room for the night, for free because Spike apparently was some 'lord' and he didn't have to pay. Spike and Vux slept in the same bed, with Vux blushing so hard she nearly changed her body to red. In Equestria, the elements of bearers excluding Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, were pissed at Spike. Twilight started to really hate that dragon, first he nearly destroys Ponyville, and now he kills and innocent pony. Rainbow Dash knew he would do something like this, it was only a matter of time. Applejack was neutral in what she thought about Spike, but she did believe something like that would happen eventually. Rarity said that Spike was nothing more but a ruffian like the other beasts. Fluttershy didn't believe Spike did it, and said everything that made sense, even though the others wouldn't admit it. Pinkie Pie never ever for a second believed Spike did it. She made her opinions known and even provided evidence for her claims. Twilight, Rainbow, and Apllejack would never admit it, but the evidence Pinkie was showing made a lot of sense. Pinkie was currently inside sugarcube corner. The Cake's also didn't believe Spike did it, and had started a fundraiser to free Spike from his banishment. Several ponies had bought as many cake products as they could to save Spike. Rainbow, Applejack, and Twilight refused to help him, as they see him as the criminal. When Twilight was walking by a yellow fured pony, with blue and pink streaked hair. She heard her talking about Spike. "Hey Lyra, did you hear about Spike?" Bon Bon asked, her best friend. "Yeah, but I don't believe he did the murder. I mean, Fancy Pants said himself that he and Spike were having fun." Lyra said. "Yeah, I agree. I wouldn't blame him though, if he did become a criminal in wherever he is. What can you do when you are banished?" Bon Bon said, making Lyra nod in agreement. "How do you think the Crystal Empire is taking it? I heard he was their hero, so I wouldn't be surprised if they would start several riots." Lyra said, making Bon Bon go wide eyed. "I completely forgot! Oh, they are most likely going to find their hero and start several wars just to make sure their hero gets revenge." Bon Bon said. Twilight walked quickly away, with completely wide eyes in worry. Not because of Spike, but because of Cadence. They didn't think of that. She had seen several Crystal Ponies even act as Spike's personal guards. Spike did seem to know them though, and if they found out. Twilight did not think of that. Twilight called all of her friends over to the castle and waited for them to come. When they did, they looked at Twilight expectantly. They sat down and Twilight started to explain. When she was finished they were wide eyed. "Rotten apples! I didn't think of that!" Applejack said, angrily to herself. "Yeah! What should we do? We can't exactly bring back that coward and we don't even know where he is to begin with. At least I hope he suffers." Rainbow grumbled. "Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy scolded. "What!? You heard princess Celestia! He is guilty!" Rainbow said, making Fluttershy sighed in annoyance. "Rainbow, why don't you believe Fancy Pants? The husband of Fleur De Lis?" Pinkie said, making everypony stop yelling. Fluttershy smiled approvingly to Pinkie, who just shrugged. The others shrugged it of and Rainbow continued with their petty argument. "Because princess Celestia found him guilty! I don't care if Fancy Pants was with him or not! He is guilty!" Rainbow said, then....she realized her mistake. "Wait.... you never cared about Spike? Was that why you bullied him?" Fluttershy asked, making everypony's head turn to Rainbow dash. "Of course I did. I just don't anymore because of him killing an innocent pony." Rainbow said, strongly. "Everypony and creatures has secrets Rainbow be careful who you tell them to." Fluttershy said, coldly towards Rainbow who looked at Fluttershy in shock. She had never heard her friend sound so threatening, and actually seem to mean it. Sure, Fluttershy can be bold but never go to a blackmailing level, type of bold. Rainbow lowered her head in shame as she realized perhaps what memory Fluttershy was blackmailing her with. "Thats right." Pinkie said, going to Fluttershy. Everypony looked at Pinkie surprised. She was never this angry at somepony, and she sounded venomous. Pinkie and Fluttershy walked together, but before they turned the corner to leave the castle, they turned around to look at them with an look they were all scared of. "If the Crystal Ponies starts rioting, then I will be a supporter just so you know. When Spike told me my pranks was hurting him, I apologised for my behaviour and he accepted it. I know he would never do anything like this because he always showed smiles around Ponyville." Pinke said, defiantly. "He has showed nothing but kindness towards us, and you use him. I understand that he is an assistant, but sometimes I can see he overwork just to keep you happy. Is this how you repay him? If so, I wouldn't blame him for wanting revenge. He deserves ponies or creatures who care about him." Fluttershy said, making everypony excluding Pinkie Pie shocked. They left the castle leaving the three stunned ponies. Spike and Vux were walking around the city, after getting some good rest. Spike had thought a lot recently about changing his name. But to what? He had thought something about darkness or dark, but he wanted it in another language, so he was going to a library that existed in the city. They reached an library that looked run down. The outside had different woods, filling different spots and looked also close to breaking like every building in the city. Spike walked inside and found a earth pony waiting behind an counter. Spike walked up towards him, and looked at him. "Hello, I was wondering if you had books on names in different languages?" Spike asked, the pony flashed him a smile. "Yes we do. Follow me." The earth pony said. Spike walked closed behind him, through the different sections of books. The pony was white-grey fured, and had a black mane and tail. The pony's cutie mark was of an open book. They finally stopped at an section that read; Names. The pony walked away, and Spike thanked him. Vux had gone elsewhere, so Spike was alone and started looking through different names. At first, he didn't find anything but eventually he reached an page that were interesting. He then found the word Dorcha. It didn't say what language it came from, but it means dark. Spike liked it and closed the book, putting it on the shelf. Spike walked through sections of different books and found Vux reading a book about Changeling magic. Spike smiled softly, she kind of reminded him of Twilight. He shook of the depressing thoughts. And tapped her shoulder. She spun and smiled when she saw me. "Hey, did you find what you were looking for?" Vux whispered. "Yes I did. My name is Spike Dorcha now." Spike said, smiling at her. "Well, I must say I like it. It sounds fitting also." Vux said, putting down her book. They walked out of the library and headed towards a bar. Spike needed a drink, and since the creatures here see him as a lord he could get it for free. They headed towards an bar that was named; The Dancing Cat. When they got inside, they were met with cat like creatures who were dancing on poles. Spike sighed. He knew it the second he saw the sign but never judge a book by its cover. All of a sudden he felt an hoof on his shoulder. When he turned he saw another Changeling which was a bit to familiar in his opinion. "Spike?" Thorax asked, confused.