//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Lost and Found // by TheBanteringBrony //------------------------------// A single hair. A single, purple, hair. That was all the leader of the diamond dogs had and that was all he needed. He had a scent to follow. The hair was found in a crudely made home between the forest and the mountains. He came upon the home by following hoof prints in the dirt. Barging in he found nothing. Fire long extinguished and everything packed away. He noticed the house was surprisingly accommodating, almost like another large creature took residence there. He had sniffed around and found the only clue he needed. He left as quickly as he came. Now he was on all fours running full speed through the forest kicking up dirt behind him. He was on the hunt. It had been so long since he exerted himself like this. To let his primal instincts take hold as the cool night air whipped past him. Then making his way to the edge of the forest he saw it. Ponyville. ------ The moonlight shot through the upper windows of the library. The soft moonbeams augmented the candlelight and made the atmosphere of the library more relaxing. Rarity, Twilight and Spike were on second floor of the library, discussing the prior day. They went to Twilights personal leisure area. They sat on two couches. Spike and Rarity took up one couch and Twilight took the one across from them. Between them was a coffee table with a freshly brewed pot of tea of on it. Rarity sat extra close to Spike on the couch. He still radiated warmth like a sauna. She could get used to dragon body heat literally radiating off them. Spike, obviously, welcomed this closeness eagerly. Twilight either didn’t take notice to it or just didn’t care. “- and then we hiked back to Ponyville and here we are.” Rarity finished the story of the previous day. She picked up her tea with her magic and quietly took a swig. “And you understand why I left?” Spike asked Twilight. Twilight stared into her cup. The whole story and explanation was a lot to take in. Spike being alive and well. Rarity discovering him. Their conversation to each other. She looked up, smiling. “Of course I do. I-I regret that I couldn’t have helped you.” She paused, sniffing a little. “But I’m just so glad you’re okay.” Twilight turned to Rarity. “I’m also glad you were able to shout some sense into him.” She said humorously. “Leave it to Rarity to give somepony a stern talking to.” Twilight was holding back laughter. “Celestia forbid we got Fluttershy to tell him off.” They all shared a short fit of laughter. ----- The leader of the diamond dogs weaved his way through Ponyville. He made extra effort to cling to the shadows to avoid being seen. No ponies were on the streets and only a few houses still had their lights on. The scent was hard to follow being masked by a hundred other ponies. But he was not going to let a pony get the best of him. Retribution will come to this thief. ------- “Bonsoir my friends. I do need to get some beauty sleep tonight.” Rarity led herself to the door of the library. Twilight and Spike followed behind. “Good night Rarity,” Twilight pulled her in for a hug. “and thanks again for finding Spike.” “Oh darling it was nothing.” She responded back. Rarity then hugged Spike. “Good night my dear.” Spike had great big grin spread across his face. “Good night.” He said. Twilight and Spike waved as the white mare trotted into the night. This long day needed to come to a close. Twilight closed and locked the door behind her and turned to Spike. “Now what?” Spike said. “Well,” Twilight yawned. “It’s awfully late.” Her eyes felt heavy. Twilight and Spike made their way back upstairs. Before tucking herself in, Twilight noticed Spike walk over to something. He stood looking down in front of him. Spike stood in front of his basket he used to sleep in as a child. It looked exactly like the day he left it. The same blanket and everything. “Y-you didn’t get rid of it?” “I couldn’t, I-AH!” Spike had picked her up and embraced her in a tight bear hug. Twilight’s shock of being picked up quickly subsided and she returned the giant hug as well. Spike loosened his hug put still held her. Twilight felt odd, she wasn’t used to being picked up. Most ponies need all four hoofs on the ground to feel safe. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry Twilight. For everything.” He said. Twilight comforted him like a mother would. “Shhhh, it’s alright. I told you I understand why you left and I meant it.” “T-thank you.” Is all spike could say. “That’s what I’m here for, Spike, you know that no matter what I will love you unconditionally.“ Twilight motioned for Spike to let her down on the floor and went to the window. She peered at the moon and the stars. Twilight always found comfort in the shining objects of the night sky. “I want you to know that your happiness means the world to me. That’s the job of every mother. This isn’t about me and what I want.” She walked over to Spike. Placing of hoof on his chest. “This is about what you want Spike.” She looked up, beaming at him. “Although, do me a favor,” Twilight began. Spike cocked his head. “Stop growing will you? I’m afraid you’ll make a hole in the roof like that time in Canterlot.” They chuckled together. “It’s good to have you home.” Twilight said. “It’s good to be home.” --- Rarity kept a fast pace trying to get back home. She held on to the thought of taking a nice relaxing salt bath and sleeping in her lush queen sized bed. What a day, a perilous gem hunt, uncovering a gorgeous diamond, finding a grown up Spike and returning him home. All in one day! She couldn’t help but let her ego inflate a little. She even began to hum happily. KKKKKRRRRSH! Rarity jumped at the sudden noise. She instinctually looked towards the source of the shrill sound. A trash can had fallen over, spilling some of its contents over the ground. Upon closer inspection a cat had made it’s way out of the can. It looked at Rarity for a few seconds, lost interest and began licking its front paw. Rarity sighed in relief, and then went on her way. As Rarity walked she then turned her thoughts to Spike. She always knew about his crush on her but now everything is so, different. He has changed in so many aspects but still kept appealing traits from his youth. He was still sweet and silly Spike. But he was so mature and honest. That time out in the wilderness really made him change for the better. In fact- Footsteps. Rarity instantly turned a hundred and eighty degrees. Dreading what might be behind her. Nothing. A few leaves were pushed by the wind. There was complete silence except for the light whistle of the cool night breeze. She could have sworn she heard footsteps. “Oh Rarity your hearing things.” She said out loud trying to convince herself her mind was playing tricks on her. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being watched. Something was unnerving about the stillness and darkness in Ponyville. Usually some ponies would be awake but it seemed the entire town went into hibernation. She didn’t need to worry any longer though. She finally made her way to Carousel Boutique. Using her magic she took the key out of her bag and opened the door. She didn’t need to worry about opening the door loudly, her parents and Sweetie Belle had moved out recently. Rarity loved having the shop and the house to herself. Locking the door behind her, she turned around, paying no attention to the darkness of the house. She took a step forward. “Home sweet-” She bumped into something in the darkness. It felt like someone had placed a brick wall in front of her. She looked up, horror stabbing at every nerve in her body. A collection of sharp ivory teeth and evil orange eyes. Then black.