“Love can sometimes reside in the least likely place” ~ Unknown source
Spike was ready to go. He said his farewells to Celestia and Luna. AJ, Twilight, and Rainbow were all packed and waiting. He stood on all fours in the courtyard, allowing the final preparations to be finished
“How does that feel?” Shining armor asked, tightening Spike’s harness to his body.
Spike wriggled around a bit feeling the heat from the freshly forged steel harness against his scales. The harness had to be tight as he would be pulling his three friends in the chariot that was attached to the end. “Still pretty warm. Are you sure it won’t bend?”
Shining nodded “One hundred percent. That is made out of star silver.” He noticed Spikes confused gaze. “It’s the strongest metal that we know of. Nothing will bend or break it, even if it is fresh from the forge.”
Spike stared at the harness with a new found respect. “Why don’t you make armor out of this stuff?”
The guard pony laughed, putting his hoof on spikes shoulders. “Because nopony could ever lift it. That harness is more than ten times the weight of our heaviest suit of armor.”
Spike let the words sink in. “I guess I didn’t know my own strength. This thing feels so light I thought it was just iron or something.”
Shining smiled and pulled Spike into a hug. “Take care of our sister alright?”
Spike hugged shining back, being sure not to hug to hard. “I promise. Even if I don’t make it back, I promise she will.”
“No.” Shining pulled back locking eyes with the drake “You both need to make it back safely, you are both my family.”
“Alright. I promise, no matter what we will both be back safe and sound.”
“Here they come.” Shining spoke his eyes gazing towards the castle. Emerging from the front gates were AJ, Rainbow, and Twilight. “The other three must already be busy.”
Spike nodded “Celestia had them working almost immediately.” Spike looked back to the chariot they would be sitting in while he flew. It was large compared to the ones he had seen before, and it had a fence on the back so his passengers didn’t have to worry about falling out as he flew. “Was that custom made too?”
Shining smiled “Yup, but don’t worry that one really is just iron so it won’t be too heavy for you. It was made big enough for them plus any supplies and” He paused “extra guests, you should pick up.”
“With you guys around, I don’t even have to think anymore” Spike joked. Twilight and others said nothing when they got over they just got right to work loading their supplies. They knew it was going to be a long trip and they needed to leave soon or else it may be too late, and they would lose another day.
Shining patted Spikes shoulder, and gave him one last smile before he turned all business. “Alright, I’ve made you a map.” His horn glowed opening his satchel pack and placing a small scroll in the dragon’s outstretched hand. “You won’t be able to make it by night fall so I suggest you set up a camp in the marked off land. It’s the safest area we know but you should still be on your guard.”
“Alright” Spike said folding the scroll and placing it into a small compartment in the harness. “You all ready?” He called back to the others. Twilight checked the latches on the gate to be sure that it wouldn’t open when Spike began to fly. She gave a quick salute to shining, who gave one last nod to Spike. Spike spread his wings, being careful not to hit shining, and charged forward gaining speed and finally leaping of the ground with a massive burst from his wings. They were on their way.
Most of the flight was uneventful as spike flew, occasionally reaching back and checking the map. Twilight and AJ took stock of everything to be sure they were prepared if anything should happen. Rainbow, who was supposed to be helping Twilight and AJ, was instead sitting on Spikes back. She had flown up there originally to offer Spike a bite to eat, but had apparently decided she liked the ride better up there. Spike didn’t mind. She was good company after all and if she did happen to fall she could catch herself easily so he didn’t have to spend his time worrying about her.
It wasn’t long before Spike found himself flying into the setting sun. He looked below him trying to find the oasis that Shining had marked for them to camp at. It didn’t take long as the luscious green stuck out from the barren desert enough that it caught his attention immediately
“Hold on.” He called, beginning to descend slowly circling the miniature forest. He touched down a little rougher than he intended throwing Rainbow from his back and causing a raucous from the chariot as everything went flying. “Sorry!” Spike called looking back to see Twilight and AJ covered in what looked like applesauce.
“Gosh darnit” AJ hollered back.
Twilight sighed. “It’s alright; just try to land a little bit softer next time.”
“Yeah sorry, I wasn’t expecting landing to be so different with you guys riding behind.” Spike looked over to Rainbow who was covered in dirt. “You ok Dash?”
“Are you kidding me?” She yelled shaking herself off “That was awesome!”
It didn’t take long to set up camp. They found a pond not too far from where they landed and the ground was soft enough that they could just sleep under the stars. Twilight had laid out a pile of sticks and branches she had found lying around.
“Could you light these?” She asked, placing the last of her collection on top.
“No problem.” Spike said letting a small jet of fire which caught the dried out timber, igniting it immediately.
“You look plum tuckered out” AJ said noticing the drake’s heavy eyes. “You go on ta bed; I’ll make sure everything is taken care of.”
“Thanks AJ” Spike yawned. He laid down about 10 feet from the fire, curling himself into a tight ball and covering himself with his tail.
TO BE CONTINUED……….