//------------------------------// // chapter 3 // Story: When it hurts // by A former lunatic //------------------------------// Spike kissed Gabby goodbye before she took off flying. She had to leave early so that she could go home and get ready for her job. He watched as she flew away; only to yawn shortly after. It was a little early in the morning. But, oddly enough he just couldn't fall asleep. He kept having this strange nightmare. He couldn't remember much of it. He shook the thoughts from his head and walked back into the castle. He had to get back to the kitchen and start cleaning. As he entered the kitchen he looked at the work before him. He smiled as he shook his head. He was going to be cleaning for a little bit. He gathered all the dishes up and staked them into piles beside the sink. Before he started washing the dishes. He cleaned the table and the oven. He even swept the floor free of any crumbs that had unknowingly fallen to the floor. He eventually got around to the dishes. By the time he was done cleaning the sun had risen slightly into the sky. It was still early morning. He yawned as he walked out of the kitchen. He felt a little tired; in fact, he was so tired he didn't even know he had walked into the reading area of the castle. He walked over to the couch and rested his body on it. He still had some time before Ember arrived. Maybe he......could.......get.....just a little......more. Spike yawned as he woke from his slumber. He felt so warm; Twilight must have put a blanket on him. He would have to thank her later. Ember spoke. “Afternoon, sleepy head.” His eye's snapped open; Ember was looking down right at him with a loving smile on her face. He became aware of her weight on his body. He blushed as she stroked the side of his face with one of her claws. She giggled a little before she gently nuzzled him. Purring as she rubbed her snout against his chest and the crook of his neck. She could smell Gabby's scent on him and a trace amount of Thorax's. She wanted to tease him; to suggest that he and Gabby had enjoyed their night together greatly. Oh, yes she could tease him. Make him feel guilty by suggesting such naughty thoughts. But, this moment was too enjoyable to ruin. She continued to rest her body against his. When she had arrived the door was left open. At first, she thought some creature had just broken in. but, she dismissed those thoughts the moment she saw him napping on the couch. It was cute seeing him sleep so peacefully. She couldn't stop herself from joining him. Plus, she was a little tired from her flight. Ponyville was a good ways away from the dragonlands. It felt good having Ember resting on top of him. He enjoyed not only her presence but the warmth she provide. Occasionally, she would lick and nuzzle him. He started purring and nuzzling her in return. He asked her. “How was your flight?” She answered. “Long.” She gently licked his cheek before asking. “How was your date with Gabby?” He answered. “Wonderful.” He nuzzled her back before giving her a quick kiss on her cheek. He asked her. “What would you like to do today?” She sighed as she rested her head on his chest again. She replied. “Can we rest for a little while longer?” She purred as she nuzzled him. “I'm still a little tired.” Spike purred before gently wrapping his arms around her head. He answered. “I don't mind.” Ember smirked as she was tempted to say something rather implementing. But, she held her tongue as she felt one of his claws rubbing the back of her head. The gentle thumping of his heart slowly lulled her to sleep. He simply lay there underneath her. He held her lovingly; gently rubbing her as she rested. Like with Gabby he was enjoying his time with her. She suddenly asked him. “Still awake?” He replied. “I thought you were asleep.” She nuzzled him before saying. “Trying.” She moved herself into a more comfortable position as she continued. “Flying usually leaves me feeling a little energized.” He nodded knowing exactly where she was coming from. Sometimes when he would fly; even after landing. He would find himself feeling pumped and eager to get back in the sky. They lay there in the silence of the reading room. As they rested he thought of something. He suggested. “I could read to you.” She asked. “What do you mean?” He explained. “When I was a hatchling; if I ever had trouble sleep. Twilight would read a book to me. It would always help me sleep.” She pushed herself off of him and looked at him with a deadpan look. She asked bluntly. “Do I look like a hatchling to you?” He snickered a little before saying. “Someones a little grumpy.” She wanted to growl at him; how dare he talk to the dragon lord like she was a hatchling. But, that stupid smile all but defused the situation. He was lucky that she loved him. He sat up and smiled at her before jumping off the couch. He then left to go find a book in the library. She watched as he walked away from her. She felt the urge to call out to him; to order him to come back and cuddle with her. But, no such orders would leave her maw. She sighed as she laid back down on the couch. She moved a little closer to the spot he had been lying in. She felt his lingering heat on the surface. Her mind drifted back to what her father had told her about a year ago. He told her that it was her responsibility to continue the bloodline. He encouraged her; hell, he nearly forced her to take a mate last year. But, no dragon. No creature; could hold a candle to the horde she had just become a part of. She hoped Spike would be back soon. He eventually returned not only with a book; but with a large blanket as well. She smiled as he climbed back onto the couch with her. He felt her rest against him again as he draped the blanket over them. When they were nice and comfortable he propped the book up and opened it to the first chapter. Ember didn't care about what he was reading. She was just happy to be cuddling with him again. She was eventually lulled to sleep. Ember groaned as her eyes slowly fluttered open. She must have been asleep for a while because it was completely dark inside the castle. She gasped as she noticed Spike was gone. She sat up and looked around. Where could he have gone? She tried to call for him but her voice had no sound. Something was not right. But, what was it? She tossed the blanket off and stood up; she walked out of the room and into the hallway. The hallway looked rather eerie now. The lights from the crystals that made the walls looked dull and grim. The shadows toyed with her thoughts. Casting various images along the sides; like monsters waiting to strike at her. She is the dragon lord; ruler of all dragons. Yet, why was she feeling so much dread? She took a step forward and a chill went up her spine. She just stepped in something wet. She looked down only to see her image staring back at her. Staring from a puddle of blood. She followed it; her gaze falling on a large lump in the hallway. A large green lump with horns? Was that Thorax? She smelled the iron stench of blood. He was hurt. She started running towards him. Although she was running at a full sprint; her body felt lethargic. She could hear Thorax whimpering. He was hurt and it was bad. As she ran it felt like he kept moving away from her. She didn't notice the walls fading; never noticed the new details of the area. All that mattered was reaching Thorax. She had to help him. She had to make sure he was okay. She heard another familiar sound. Gabby? She could see her looking down at Thorax. The look on the gryphon's face told her everything. She ran faster; she moved her mouth to call out for them. But, her voice was still soundless. Her body ached from such a long run. She reached them now it was all going to be okay. Gabby looked at her with a tear-stained face; before looking back at Thorax. Ember wasted little time and quickly turned Thorax around. She saw the tears in his eyes and the blood on his chest. no. Ember roared as she finally tore herself from her nightmare. She was quick to her feet; claws balled into fists and teeth bared. She was ready to tear her prey's head off. She was ready to make. Spike called out. “Ember!?” She gasped and turned around; a great sense of relief came over her. She jumped at him causing him to yell. The poor couch never stood a chance against her tackle. It was flipped onto its back while they tumbled onto the floor. Spike was both surprised and confused. Ember practically had her body wrapped around his. The hold wasn't tight in fact it felt gentle. Almost, protective even. He quickly became aware of her crying. He started to ask. “Ember?” She growled. “Shut up!” He bit his tongue and just waited for her to continue. What had he done to make her angry? No, this wasn't anger. She was holding him in a way that didn't put too much pressure on his body. Her whole body was wrapped around him; almost like a protective shield. The hold she had him in was loving. So, why was she crying? Did he do something to upset her? She then started licking and nuzzling him affectionately. Not, sadness. Relief, she was happy; practically overjoyed by the affection she was showing. That was when an unpleasant odor snaked its way up his nose. The odor gave him his answer. It was the smell of sweat coming off her scales. She was afraid. She must have had a nightmare. He gently licked away her tears before pressing himself into her chest. His arms wrapped around her as best they could. While he rested his head on her neck. He tried his best to reassure her. “It's okay Ember.” He paused a moment as he heard her sob before he continued. “You're okay Ember. It was just a bad dream.” She was going to protect him no matter what. If Gabby and Thorax were here; nothing would keep her from protecting them. No one would harm her horde. She growled as the images from her dream flashed before her eyes. Her growl turned into a frightened whimper. No, it was a dream. It was a dream. But, why was it affecting her like this? She held onto Spike firmly swearing to never let him go. It was just a dream. It was just a dream. It was just a dream?