“The darkness will inevitably return, The only thing we can do is prepare”~ Unknown Source
Spike shifted nervously in his seat. This was the second time he had been in a princesses room, but he had a feeling this one wouldn’t be quite as enjoyable. He was sitting on a luxurious couch, obviously custom made for Celestia. He had moved the couch next to Celestia’s bed so that he could listen to her story as she rested.
Celestia motioned for the guards, who had helped carry her here, to leave “Thank you for your help, but I’m in good hands with Spike so please go take a break. I’m sure you are both tired after such a rude awakening.” The guards didn’t argue as they saluted and closed the ornate Oakwood door behind them.
Celestia’s room was a lot like what you would expect. A large bed meant only for her with ornate dressings and veils draped across it. There was also the couch he sat on, which had been located on the other side of the room surrounded by multiple bookshelves.
“I wish we had more time” Celestia said settling on her bed. “I don’t have time to tell you the whole story but I shall tell as much as I can.”
Spike nodded as his entire body tensed. Whatever it was that Celestia had to say he wanted to hear it all. He needed to hear it all.
“That Alicorn, as you probably figured out, was my father, FallingStar. I wish I could tell you his entire story, but as you can tell he isn’t willing to wait for us. We have to get ready. You have to get ready.”
“Ready for what?” Spike asked, quietly focusing all his energy on not fidgeting.
Celestia stared into Spike’s eyes. “Ready for your destiny.” She hesitated trying to figure out where to begin. “My father was chosen to represent the ponies. He was chosen to represent the love our race was capable of, and the same happened with the other six races. One was chosen from each race, the ponies, dragons, gryphons, minotours, zebras, buffalo, and the mules. Each representing the strongest point of their race. These seven were chosen to be more than representatives however. They were chosen to be the guardians of all that we know.”
“Sorry to interrupt,” Spike stammered “but what does this have to do with me? And if FallingStar is a so called guardian of love then why did he try to kill you.”
Celestia smiled sympathetically. “I am sorry that this is all so confusing, but please allow me to continue. First to address what this has to do with you. Remember how I said that the dragons had sent a representative? Well they sent that in the form of an egg. The egg represented the purity of the dragons’ heart.” She paused and stared directly into spikes eyes. “That egg was you”.
The air in the room suddenly seemed solid as Spike realized what she was saying. “So you mean I am a guardian?”
Celestia nodded. “Yes, and I have taken care of you since the day my father was told he was chosen.”
Spike stood both in panic and disbelief. “But if you took care of me since then than doesn’t that make me like a thousand years old? And how did you get me in the first place if I was so important!”
“Calm yourself” Celestia spoke softly to calm the raging dragon. “Yes you are well over a thousand years old. A spell was placed on you to prevent you from hatching till the one caring for you was one pure of heart.”
Spike spun around to look as Celestia. “You mean Twilight?”
“Yes. She truly is pure of heart. It was not a coincidence that she was the one to hatch you in the entrance exams. Also, as for how you came into my possession. You were given to me by the elders that day, because they believed I would be the one pure of heart. They believed I would hatch you."
“Okay” Spike sighed, regaining some control. “But why did a guardian try to kill you? Especially if he is your father.”
“To hold the fate of the world in your hands. It is a great responsibility, and a great power. A power strong enough to corrupt even the greatest of souls. Each of the guardians succumbed to corruption and became evil. Each, apart from you. My father’s last act, before he fell into the darkness, was to banish himself and the other five to the shadows. Though it seems his efforts were futile.” Celestia motioned to the scar on her flank.
“So you mean the fate of the entire world is in my hands?” Celestia simply nodded.
Spike sat down on the couch letting it all sink in. after a long silence he finally asked “So how do I find them.”
Celestia was surprised “You figured that out on your own? I am impressed. You are right, we cannot allow them to roam this world. Unfortunately the extent of my knowledge has already been spoken. I do not know where to find them, but judging by the fact that your scar has now taken the form of that shield, id say that they will find you if you wait to long......" On Spikes chest the scar that was once just a hole was now stained black in the shape of a shield with a crescent moon in the center. Spike remembered from his dream that this was falling stars cutie mark.
Spike stood up silently and walked towards the door. “Thank you Princess. I think I know where I need to start.”
Celestia sat up on her bed. “I knew you would. Just know, even though I am not your real mother I will always see you as my son.”
Spike turned around and smiled at her “Thank you for the help. I promise I’ll make it back safely. Mom.”
Spike strode down the hall at a slightly urgent pace. He needed to find his friends. He was just about to burst out in aggravation when who else turned the corner but his six best friends in the world.
“Spikey” Rarity called charging towards him. “I’m so glad you are OK.” She threw her hooves around him and locked him in a tight hug. It wasn’t long before everyone had joined in and they were in one big group hug.
Spike sighed, releasing them. “Listen guys, something came up and I need to go somewhere.” Each of his friends looked at him each in a different phase of confusion. “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t dangerous, and that’s why I want some of you to stay here. Chances are I will be fighting and I’m sorry, but Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy you guys aren’t the best when it comes to dangerous situations, so I have to ask you to stay here and help out with the royal guard.
"But Spikey....." Rarity started
"What you think you can go have fun without me?" Pinkie roared.
Spike attempted to convince them but he was cut off by a familiar voice. .
Celestia stepped forward and addressed the two mares. "What Spike is trying to say is that I need your assistance, so ladies if you please. would you grace me with your company over the next few days?"
Rarity, star struck, immediately shook her head, pinkie however was not quite convinced.
"Of course," Celestia said stepping to the pouting pony "There will be the celebration party to plan for"
"Celebration party!" Pinkie screamed "Wait..... celebration for what?"
"Why their return of course" Celestia stated gesturing towards Spike. "It will have to be a grand one" Celestia walked off down the corridor as pinkie and rarity trotted close behind. Fluttershy was not far behind them, she wasn't about to argue about avoiding danger.
“Twilight” Spike said turning his attention to the pony he had considered his sister for so many years. “I understand if you want to stay with the princess.”
“Not a chance” Twilight interrupted. “I wouldn’t leave you on your own like that. Not after all we’ve been through.”
Spike smiled. He knew she would come. “And what about you two” he said motioning towards Rainbow Dash and AppleJack.
“Are you kidding me” Rainbow laughed “I’d never miss out on an adventure.”
“Of course Ah’ll come with ya, but Ah need to ask.” AppleJack said “Where exactly are we headin off ta?”
Spike sighed. He knew exactly where he was going “We’re going to the badlands. I need to talk to chrysalis.”
END PROLOGUE………