//------------------------------// // Depression Cycle: Day One // Story: The Legend of Spike: Discord's Mask // by DiabloGuapo //------------------------------// Dawn of the First Day- 72 Hours Remaining As soon as Spike returned to the central plaza of Clock Town, the floating ball of light that represent Princess Celestia’s power emerged. “Well done,” the voice of the Princess congratulated the dragon. “You have recovered another Element of Harmony.” “Thank you, Princess,” Spike responded. “Where am I headed next?” “The Element of Laughter is located to the west,” answered the light. “You will find into in the home of the Pegasi over the bay.” “Alright, I’m on my way.” The ball of light sped away to the northern shrine to join with the rest of herself as the adventurous dragon headed to the west gate. Spike, called out Big Macintosh’s voice. Yes Big Macintosh? Before we go to the bay… the Earth Pony hesitantly started. Can you do me a favor? Sure thing, what do you need? Ah want to see my family, requested the large pony. They don’t know Ah died and Ah want to check on them. Oh… Spike wasn’t prepared for such of a request. He looked at the watch and noticed that the gauge had decreased. The green magic meter was only about two-fifths of the way full. I don’t know…we’re on a tight schedule. I think we should do it, the other Spike said, taking Big Macintosh’s side. The transformed dragon knew how the stallion felt, for he too knew what it was like to be separated from his family. The Unicorn Spirit’s caretaker, Twilight Sparkle, had told Spike that she saw her charge as her son. The thought of never being able to see her again was painful and he didn’t want his friend have to feel it too. Okay, Spike conceded, feeling the sadness radiating from the two spirits. He wouldn’t want to imagine what it must be like to never be able to his Twilight ever again, so he altered his course to the south gate instead. We’ll go. Hold up! the other Spike halted him. Remember the guard? Oh, yeah… Spike remembered the strict guards stationed at each gate. Were all the guards trained to be so stiff, or did they deliberately picked out the grumpiest ponies for the job? They always tried to stop Spike because he was young. Wait a minute…That gives me an idea! Calling on the power of the Earth Pony Mask, Spike was changed into Big Macintosh after the painful transformation process. Spike looked around, wondering if any of the ponies preparing for the Summer Sun Celebration had noticed that a dragon just became a stallion, but apparently they didn’t. Wow, how does somepony miss something like that? the other Spike remarked. The same way they can miss a giant rock floating above their heads, stated Spike. He then headed to the southern gate and the guard didn’t even bat an eye as Spike passed by in the form of Big Macintosh. When he exited the city, he noticed the dark clouds and menacing fog shrouding the forest of the Unicorns. What’s going on? I thought we lifted the curse on the forest. We did, but then we traveled back in time, said the alternate Spike. But we have the Elements of Honesty, Kindness, and Generosity, pointed out Spike. Shouldn’t that mean the curses that Nightmare Moon placed on them been lifted? Nightmare Moon placed her curse on the land itself, not the Elements, explained the other Spike. Celestia said that Nightmare Moon told her that she scattered her power to the four corners of Trotina. I’m guessing that she hid the portions of her power in the shrines of the Elements to mock Celestia. She probably placed curses on the different areas to prevent anypony from retrieving them. Does that mean that my village is still frozen? asked Big Macintosh. Ya’ll mean all that was for nothin’? No, we did get another Element of Harmony, explained the Unicorn Spirit. I’m sure that we’ll be able to fix everything once we get all six. This did little to resolve Big Macintosh’s concerns, but he didn’t say anything else on the matter. They headed to the southern forest, but made a turn at the sign at the entrance, headed down another trail to a more pleasant part of the forest. On the way, they noticed a stand being ran by twin Unicorn stallions wearing hats, blue and white pinstriped shirts, and bow-ties. They had light olive coats and red and white colored manes. One of the twins had a mustache. Spike recognized them as the swindlers, Flim and Flam. In fact, all three of them recognized the pair. The Unicorn Spike knew them because they had come to Prince Blueblood one time trying to sell him a love potion, claiming that it would make any two ponies that drank from it fall in love. The idiot bought it, even though it was a scam. Big Macintosh recognized them from when he had helped his family set up their farm in the southern forest. Even back then, he knew that there was something dishonest about the pair. “Well, looky at what got here, brother of mine,” the non-mustached Flim said to his twin. “Another weary traveler. I think he might be thirsty from all the walking he’s done.” “I’d say you’re right, brother,” Flam said back to Flim. “Would you care for a mug of our delicious, spellbinding, unbelievable cider?” Flam offered. “It’s twenty bits per glass.” “Twenty bits?” exclaimed Spike, amazed at the high price. “Yes, twenty bits. Unfortunately, our supply is dwindling. You know how it goes,” explained Flim. “Supply goes down, prices go up,” added Flam. “However, we’re about to get another ‘shipment’ soon,” Flim suspiciously said. “Just in time for the Summer Sun Celebration,” announced Flam. “So how about it, mister?” Flim said, holding up a mug. “No deal,” declared Spike. He then turned and continued down the trail. “Humph, have it your way,” shrugged Flim. “Say, wasn’t there something familiar about him, Flim?” asked Flam. As Spike headed down the road, he came across a fallen tree that was blocking the road to Sweet Apple Acres. Spike put shoulder against the trunk and pushed it off the road. Before he could continue, the other Spike stopped him. Maybe it’s best that they don’t see you as Big Macintosh, suggested the alternate Spike. Why? Big Macintosh asked. Remember, you’re supposed to be dead. Imagine how they’ll react when they find out that they were talking to a ghost. He’s right, we don’t want to cause any more trouble than there already is, agreed Spike. He pulled away from the power of the mask and returned to normal. But… Ah… the Earth Pony tried to argue, but eventually gave after realizing there was no point to. Fine, let’s go. Spike entered the farm and saw the farmhouse. The farm was surrounded by hundreds of apple trees; each one was filled with juicy-looking apples. The orchard had every type of apples you could name. Spike spotted Applejack, who was busy bucking a tree. “Well howdy there,” the orange mare greeted. “Ah’m Applejack, and welcome to our farm. Wait, did you come here from Clock Town?” “Yes I did,” Spike confirmed. “Well now, that means somepony moved that tree that was blocking the road. Ah was plannin’ on doin’ it myself, but was rather busy with all the weddin’ business.” “Wedding? Do you mean Princess Cadance’s wedding?” asked Spike. “That’s right. Ah was hired to handle all the caterin’ for it,” she explained. “Ah was so busy with all the bakin’, buckin’, and cider makin’ that Ah didn’t think Ah’d ever get to movin’ that tree out of the way. Well, Ah got to get back to work. There’s still a lot to do before the weddin’. Why don’t you go say ‘hi’ to my sister and granny over there?” Spike looked over to the house and saw Apple Bloom running around the yard with her dog, Winona. The yellow filly was throwing rocks at a scarecrow as Granny Smith slept in a rocking chair on the front porch. “Hey there,” the red maned filly cheerfully greeted as she saw the dragon approaching her. “Ah’m Apple Bloom. What’s your name?” “I’m Spike,” the dragon introduced himself. “Hm, Spike?” the filly said with a thoughtfully look. “That’s nice in all, but how about ‘Grasshopper?’” “What?” Spike scoffed, not caring for the nickname. “You patter around when you walk, so Ah’ll call you ‘Grasshopper!’” she cheered. “No,” Spike flatly rejected. “Aaawww, but…” she moaned. “No, on so many levels.” “Aw, okay…” she gave in. “So, why are you throwing rocks at a scarecrow?” Spike asked to change the subject. “Ah’m practicing for tonight.” Her face became serious. “Because ‘they’ are comin’ tonight.” “Who are?” “The ghosts,” she explained. “They come around this time every year to steal our apples. My sister says that Ah’m just dreaming, but Ah’ve seen them! But you believe me, don’t you?” She gave him the saddest pouty-face he’s ever seen and Spike couldn’t help but to believe her story. He had seen winter spirits, so why couldn’t there be apple stealing ghosts? There were already two ghosts living in his head. “Sure I do,” he told her. “So…you’ll help me save the apples?” she asked with a hopeful smile. “Yes, but I have to something first,” he explained. “Okay then, just remember that they usually come around at two in morning, so don’t be late.” “I won’t,” the dragon promised. Now that Big Macintosh was able to see his family one more time, Spike headed to the west. When he reached the shores of the bay, he saw a city made of clouds floating over the bay. In the distance, there was an island covered in a fog. By the eerie look of the place, Spike figured that’s where the Element of Laughter was being kept. On the northern side off the bay were some rocky hills. Spike walked along the shore, wondering how he would get to the distant island. None of his forms could swim that far away. Spike didn’t see any boats lying around, either. Spike’s thought were interrupted when he saw something floating in the water. It looked like a pony! He jumped in the water and swam to the pony. When he reached the pony, he noticed it was a Pegasus, and not just any Pegasus, though. It was Soarin of the Wonderbolts! Spike dragged the limp body back to the shore. Spike saw the condition of the Pegasus’s body and winced. One of his wings and hind legs were broken, his body was covered in lacerations and bruises, and he would cough up blood. “H-help…” the pale blue Pegasus whispered. “Y-you…You got to… save…” “Save? Save who?” Spike asked as he supported the head of the wounded pony. “Scootaloo… they took… Scoot… a… loo…” Soarin managed to wheeze out the words. Spike pulled out the flask of blue potion and gave some to the stuntpony. Some of the wounds healed. The cuts and bruising had cleared away, but his wing and leg remained twisted and he continued to cough up blood. He must have some internal injuries that Zecora’s elixir couldn’t heal. It seemed that the potion couldn’t heal fatal injuries. Realizing this, Spike looked hopelessly down at the dark maned Pegasus as he lay dying in his arms. “What has happened here?” he asked the dying Soarin. “The Diamond Dogs… they foalnapped my marefriend’s adopted sister….” Soarin said in between coughs. “Rainbow Dash is the only one who knows the way to the shrine hidden in the island’s ravines… they heard that there’s treasure hidden there… those morons grabbed her when she was playing with Dash at the beach thinking that she was her… When the dogs got away from her by hiding in their holes… Dash was traumatized… believing that she was a failure… I went in after them… but they caused a cave-in… then threw me into the bay…” The three heroes felt pity for the Pegasus’s tale of woe. Spike decided that he must help this poor stallion and save Scootaloo for Rainbow Dash. Soarin coughed one more time and his breathing became shallow. “If… only I… could have… saved… her… then I… could rest… in peace…” Soarin barely managed to say. ‘Rest in peace’? Spike repeated Soarin’s word, getting an idea. He pulled out his flute and played the Song of Healing. As Soarin lay dying on the shore, his sight grew dark. He then found him floating in a dark void. A gentle hoof brushed his mane and he turned to see Rainbow Dash standing beside him. He heard a laugh and saw an orange filly with a purple mane fluttering beside her. He then saw something ahead of him. His teammates waved at him and beckoned him to join them in their aerial show. He looked back to Rainbow Dash, who smirked and took him by the foreleg. The three of them walked to join with the others. Soarin he felt at peace as he was surrounded by his friends and by his dear ones. Spike had used his incredible digging abilities to make a grave he the deceased pony. He was stunned that he had just buried somepony who had just died right in front of him. He looked down at his claws and saw the blood that Soarin had coughed up on them. The dragon went to the waters and solemnly washed off the blood. As he looked back over the grave, he noticed a mask that resembled Soarin lying beside it. He picked up the mask and it was absorbed into the young dragon. Thank you for helping me find peace, Soarin’s voice said in Spike’s head. But, something has to be done about Scootaloo! If we get her back from the Diamond Dogs, do you think that Rainbow Dash will show us to get to the shrine? We need to find the Element of Laughter before it’s too late. Spike explained. Of course she will, responded the Pegasus. Just save Scootaloo, please! Spike called upon the power of the mask and he felt the pain that accompanied the transformation process. As with Big Macintosh, Spike’s small frame stretched to the size of a full-grown stallion, but at least Soarin was smaller than the Earth Pony. Then a searing pain shot through Spike as two wings started to grow out of the dragon’s back. The bones in the extra extremities popped into place and feathers sprouted out from the skin. Originally, Spike couldn’t wait to grow his own wings when he grew up, but now he dreaded the thought if it was this painful. After the process was complete, Spike made his way to the bay to see his reflection. He looked just like the Pegasus, except for the eyes. The pupils of his eyes were still draconic slits. It’s funny that we all have green eyes, commented Spike. Okay Soarin, where are the Diamond Dogs keeping Scootaloo? They’re hiding in the hills on the northern coast of the bay, directed Soarin. Spike took off and flew the direction that Soarin pointed out. It was fortunate that Spike had access to the Pegasus’s flying skills. Spike mentally recorded the Wonderbolt’s techniques for when he had his own wings. So… I’m Soarin. Who are you guys? The adventurers introduced themselves to the newest member of their group as Spike flew to the rocky hills. They explained to him their mission and why they needed the Elements of Harmony. Spike reached the hills and hid behind a boulder as he looked at an entrance of a cave. Not seeing any Diamond Dogs around, Spike sneaked into the cave. He followed a winding tunnel until he came to a corner. He cautiously peered around corner, but saw nothing. Moving on, he crept silently down the tunnel. He then heard something coming down the tunnel behind him. Looking around for a place to hide, he saw a shaft in the ceiling. He flew up and hid in the opening as two guard dogs ran underneath him. Seeing an opportunity, the Pegasus followed the dogs. They led him deeper down into the cave until they reached a cavern. Inside the cavern, a gray Diamond Dog wearing a red vest was interrogating an orange filly who was tied up. “How do you get to the treasure!” barked the dog. The filly trembled beneath the demanding dog. “Answer me, pony!” “I told you, I don’t know!” cried Scootaloo. “I’m not Rainbow Dash!” “No lies, pony!” growled a smaller brown dog in a gray vest. “We know you are the rainbow one!” “Look at me! I don’t even have a rainbow mane!” Scootaloo tried to reason. “Augh! Enough!” shouted the red vested dog. “Lock her up!” The brown dog picked up the filly and dragged down another tunnel. Spike could feel Soarin longing to rush in and take on all of the Diamond Dogs, but the others tried to calm him down. Spike would be outmatched if he tried to take them all on by himself. “Look who’s come back for more!” a gravelly voice said from behind Spike. Before he could turn around, he was caught in the grip of a large, gray Diamond Dog. Spike struggled against the dog’s hold, but he couldn’t escape. The dog carried him into the cavern and he was tied up by the other dogs. They took the Elements of Harmony, the flask of blue potion, the Lens of Truth, the amulet, and his flute. “Yes, gems,” the lead dog crooned as he admired the Elements of Harmony. “Pretty gems.” “Hey, give those back!” Spike demanded. “Quiet pony!” ordered the Diamond Dog. “We have no use for you. Throw him out!” “But, he came back the last time we did that,” said the larger gray dog. “Fine, then lock him up in another cell!” the leader told his subordinate. The bigger dog picked up Spike and threw him onto his shoulder. He carried the struggling Pegasus to a cell and tossed him inside it. Spike was now tied up in a locked cell and the Diamond Dogs had all of his possessions. Oh, horse apples, all four of the minds inside the one body muttered. Ponyville- Day 2, 10:00 P.M. Rarity sat looking out a window of her bedroom in Carousel Boutique. The weather ponies had scheduled a storm for that evening and the white mare watched as raindrops fell onto her window. There was a flash of lightning every few moments. As she watched the storm, she reflected on the day’s events. She was told by Pinkie Pie that Spike had gone missing and immediately joined in the search for the young dragon. She couldn’t help but to imagine him somewhere out in storm; cold, wet, frightened, and heartbroken. Was she to blame? Had he run away because she rejected him? Did her words really hurt him so much? How would Twilight react when she tells her what occurred the other morning? Would Twilight hate her and say that it was all her fault that Spike was missing? Rarity let out a melancholy sigh and walked away from the window. She went over to the dresser and pulled out the fire ruby necklace. She studied the red jewel as she thought about the dragon All this is my doing, she bitterly thought. If I hadn’t said those hurtful things, he wouldn’t be missing. I pushed him away, and for what? To go to Canterlot to have that sleaze attempt to seduce me? Why must I keep chasing after these ‘gentlecolts’ just to have them turnout to be contemptible louts? Why can’t I be satisfied with what I already have? Why couldn’t I see what I had before I lost it? She looked at the necklace and began to sing to the fire ruby, imagining it was the one who had given it to her: “Am I blue? Am I blue? Ain't these tears in my eyes telling you? Am I blue? You'd be too, If each plan that you'd had done fell through. There was a time, I was your only one. But now I'm the sad and lonely one. I'm a fool. I'm the only one. Come what may, I should say. Now you’re gone, and we're through Am I blue.” After she had finished singing, she crawled into her bed. She clutched the necklace to her chest as she cried herself to sleep.