Battle of the Blanks

by HumanSVD


FRONT PLOT!

Twilight Sparkle was standing on the other side of the river with her friends, along with her mentor Princess Celestia. After Vigilant Sight returned giving the all clear, they continued out onto the opening where the river resided. While Apple Jack had stood beside Princess Celestia for most of the night, Twilight’s natural eagerness to explore the unknown had taken Apple Jack’s spot beside her mentor. Even though her friend and her mentor’s sisters had almost been lost, as well as her own life, Twilight just couldn’t keep her scientific curiosity from getting the better of her.

“We’re almost there! I can’t wait to see and study what that creature’s carriage is like! It almost reminds me of Flim and Flam’s Apple Cider machine, minus the cider making capability. I wonder what’s inside it and where…”

Twilight Sparkle snapped out of her thoughts as they came completely out of the thick foliage and the sight of the ponyless carriage stood before them, as if it had been there forever. The front end was still submerged in the water and Twilight Sparkle could only wonder what had caused it to plunge in the rover. Could it have been because the owner deliberately meant to do so? Or was it related to the Bloody Hooves? Twilight could only ponder until more evidence presented itself. She raised her right hoof and pointed at the mechanical wonder,

“There it is Princess Celestia! I came across it while I was running away from those…things.” said Twilight Sparkle.

Princess Celestia didn’t respond or look at her. Instead, her focus was entirely on the carriage before them, eying it with both curiosity and scrutiny. Twilight Sparkle, as well as her friends, didn’t know what to say or do at the moment as their immortal ruler studied the machine from far way. That is until she spoke up and said,

“Come my little ponies, we shall investigate this carriage. When that is done we shall continue our search for this “Konrad”.”

Princess Celestia’s tone gave away that her displeasure towards this Konrad had not changed at all. This did not go unnoticed by anypony, especially Twilight Sparkle, but neither she nor everypony else said anything about it. Instead, an eager country mare spoke up,

“Ah’m right behind you Princess!” exclaimed Apple Jack.

Before anypony else could say anything, Pinkie Pie began to go into a sputter of various twitches and several backflips, causing Twilight to duck on the ground again. Princess Celestia gave off a small smile before turning her attention to Pinkie Pie. The pink mare ceased her strange involuntary movements known as “Combos” before giving off a frown.

“Aw...he doesn’t want to come meet us! I thought he’d would want to have a party with me!”

“Pinkie? What the hay are you talking about?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“It’s that greenie guy! He’s near us but he doesn’t want to come out and say hi! Does that mean he doesn’t want to be my friend?” replied Pinkie Pie with sad face.

Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie sense was something that Twilight could never truly understand. What she also couldn’t understand was why Pinkie Pie wanted to meet this Konrad and be his friend so much after what he did to her brother. Granted Twilight thought the whole fight was a misunderstanding due to the evidence of Konrad helping Princess Luna and Apple Bloom, but why Pinkie Pie wanted to be his friend, she didn’t know.

“Of course I know why, she’s Pinkie Pie. She’s one of the friendliest ponies around…Wait a minute!”

“Pinkie Pie, did you say he is NEAR us?!” asked Twilight Sparkle in a nervous tone.

“Yes, my Pinkie Sense was giving off combos that I’ve had before, but this time instead of my tail swishing, I was doing backflips! That’s never happened before.” Said Pinkie Pie, who was still disappointed that Konrad refused to show himself.

Then everypony went into alert mode as Princess Celestia commanded to her Guards,

“Search the area immediately! That Konrad is nearby and I don’t want him to escape! Be cautious and watch out for the Blood Hooves as well! Stay close my little ponies, we will cross the river now.”

As several of the Spartrota Guards broke off to begin their search for Konrad, along with Vigilant Sight, Princess Celestia used her magic to part the river. As a path was now clear, the mane six, along with several Guards, crossed the river. Rainbow Dash was content to fly across, while Fluttershy didn’t mind the soft muddy bottom of the river. Rarity on the other hoof was having a difficult time trying to not complain about the river’s muddy floor, but nonetheless withheld her comments. Princess Celestia didn’t seem to mind getting her hooves dirty, which was change for everypony.

Normally the Princess was immaculate in her appearance but it would appear that this would not be the case when it came to finding Konrad. The ponies had finally made it across the river and had finally reached the ponyless carriage. Twilight Sparkle was so eager to learn about this new technological wonder, and couldn’t her enthusiasm hold it in any longer.
“Oh this is so wonderful! I can’t wait to get inside and-“

“EEEEEKKKKK!!” screamed Fluttershy.

“-What!? Is he here? Are the Blood…Hooves…” replied Twilight Sparkle.

She had no clue why Fluttershy was screaming until she turned her attention to her friend. The shy Pegasus was the first to spot the horrible sight behind the truck, was shaking while having a slight green tint to her face. And the lavender Unicorn had finally understood why, for the sight behind the truck was truly disgusting and disturbing. On the ground were 5 bodies of dead Blood Hooves and several of them were missing heads. Not only that, but their bodies were misshapen and twisted with several of their legs bent in unnatural directions.

Everypony, including the Guards and Princess Celestia, was shocked at the sight. It was one thing to hear about it but another to see it with their own eyes. As they all took in the gruesome sight, a great silence reign over all of them. Rarity began to faint only to be caught by Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie’s attitude took a complete 180 and the smile on her face earlier was replaced with a great frown. Her mane came undone as it usually did when her happiness evaporated. Apple Jack took off her hat and held it with her left foreleg while looking at the ground.

Fluttershy was on the verge crying at the horrible sight but somehow managed not to. Rainbow Dash, after letting Rarity regain her composure, dropped her jaw at the sight. She had imagined kicking this Konrad’s flank earlier as well as the Blood Hooves, but the situation of death actually staring her in face threw that fantasy out the window. It was no longer an adventure but a grim situation that would not be fun at all. Fighting Discord and Queen Chrysalis didn’t even compare to this at all. The path ahead was going to get messy and Rainbow Dash’s face started to pale at the thought of that Konrad blowing up anypony that was in his path.

Twilight Sparkle, while having no love for the Blood Hooves, couldn’t believe the carnage in front of her. Never had she expected to see anything like this before in her life. If there was a silver lining to all this, her, Apple Bloom and Princess Luna were alive. And more importantly, these Blood Hooves were dead. The only thing that came to her mind at the moment was,

“How did he do this?! Are there more of them? And where did he go?! Wait a minute…my friends!”

Twilight turned to check on her friends as they were still staring at the mess behind the ruck. It pained her to see her friends in such a sad state, but it was understandable. Not everypony was used to seeing a dead body much less a mutilated one at that. Before Twilight could speak however, Princess Celestia spoke up.

“Girls, I know that this is a terrible sight to see, but fear not for we are still together. What you see before us is our enemy and a threat to not only us but our friends and family. We will see this Nightmare to the end and that I swear on my life.”

All of the mane six turned to their immortal ruler standing before them. Her words of reassurance certainly helped the Elements of Harmony bearers. Apple Jack put her hat back on and simply nodded to the Princess. Pinkie Pie’s smile slowly crept back up while her mane instantly went back to its original style. Rarity adjusted her mane trying to looker best despite the horrible situation they were in, and turned a smile of her own. Rainbow Dash’s pale face was replace with expression that spelled, “Let’s kick some plot!”

Fluttershy was still not happy at the sight she had seen and would probably take some time getting over it. As long as she had her friends she knew she would be fine. The Pegasus mare smiled as well and Twilight Sparkle was glad to know that her friends’ resolve had not waned in stopping the Blood Hooves. And for that matter, finding this strange Konrad.

“I still wonder where he came from…I guess time will tell.” Thought Twilight.

Before Twilight could speak, Princess Celestia gave a command,

“Guards! Dispose of these bodies…preferably with fire to prevent any diseases.”

This almost caused a source of distress for the mane six, but they understood the reason behind. They would have expected to hear such a thing come from Princess Luna’s muzzle rather than Celestia. Not only was this night strange, but they were starting to learn things they never knew before. And they would learn a lot more later on in the night. Several Guards quickly broke rank and rushed over to their bodies.

Despite the stench and the mess of flesh and bones, the elite Spartrota Guards carried out their orders without complaint. Before the last one could be taken away, Rainbow Dash flew over to one of them to get a better look. Normally such a curiosity would have fallen on Twilight, but she had enough of the Blood Hooves to last a life time. As Rainbow Dash observed it, she noticed something was very much off. It wasn’t the fact that it was missing a head or that it was a zombie pony, it was the fact that its head was where its plot was supposed to be!

“What the hay? It’s got a…front plot?!” asked Rainbow Dash to nopony in particular.

Pinkie Pie immediately started laughing out loud, and snorted a few time in the process.

“Hehehe! It’s got a front plot…FRONT PLOT!” laughed Pinkie Pie.

Rainbow Dash immediately started to laugh at the absurdity and so did the rest of the mane six. Even Princess Celestia herself let out a small chuckle. The Guard that had the unlucky chance of disposing the body didn’t find it funny however and quickly picked it up on his back. It didn’t help him at all that its plot was facing his neck, which cause the disciplined Guard to blush with embarrassment before he galloped off to join the others disposing the bodies.

As the laughter died down, the mood of the bearers and the Princess had improved a bit. There were, however, many questions that needed to be asked and answered.

“Well…I do believe that fashion nightmare known as Konrad is certainly not allied with these dreadful monsters. Though, to see such a sight was very…unsettling.” Said Rarity.

“Ah agree with ya on that. Ah guess he wasn’t with them after all…maybe we misjudged that feller.” Said Apple Jack.

“I agree Apple Jack. I think it’s safe to assume that he did protect Apple Bloom and Princess Luna…but I still want to know why he fought my brother. It doesn’t make sense that he would protect both of them only to fight my brother later on.” Said Twilight.

“I...I guess it was just a misunderstanding…I uh mean I think that’s what happened.” said Fluttershy.

“Alright, so maybe he helped them! But I still think he’s a jerk. He should have just surrendered and told us everything he knew! We should use the Elements on him when we see him!”

“Rainbow Dash, don’t you think that’s extreme?!” asked Twilight Sparkle.

“HEELLLOO! Did you not see the damage he did to those Blood Hooves?! He almost killed your brother!”

“If he wanted to kill them, it he easily could have. And yet he spared him and the other Guards. It’s not fair that we just assume what let up to the confrontation. This has got to be a misunderstanding! I mean, how often do you see zombie ponies, ghosts, and…that thing Konrad is? It’s possible my brother thought he harmed them when he didn’t.”

Rainbow Dash wanted to argue, but couldn’t come up with a counter point. Instead she landed on the ground and stomped it with her front right hoof saying,

“He’s still a jerk.”

“Rainbow Dash, it’s okay that you’re scared of him-“, spoke Fluttershy before being interrupted by Rainbow Dash.

“Hey! I’m not scared! I just don’t see why you guys are taking his side!”

“We’re not taking his side Sugarcube, were just saying maybe he ain’t what we think he is...just like Ah did earlier.” Said Apple Jack.

“But…” said Rainbow Dash.

“It’s okay, Rainbow Dash, I know you’re scared of him. I’m scared of him too, but maybe he might be scared too. I’ll bet he’s scared of us too, maybe that’s why he’s running.”

“B-but…he eats meat…and Cows!” said Rainbow Dash.

Fluttershy’s face darkened at that fact but nonetheless continued.

“And he won’t hurt any cows when he find him too. After all he’s an omnivore like Twilight said, so he can learn to not eat meat.”

“At the very least cows and pigs.” Added Twilight.

“B-but…ah fine! But I still think he’s a jerk.” said Rainbow Dash, who was crossing her forelegs with a pout.

“Fair enough Ah suppose.” said Apple Jack with a shrug.

Pinkie Pie jumped up and down exclaiming,

“Well I think he’s just trying to get rid of the meanie zombies to save us! And save that ghostie mare too!”

“G-g-ghost!?” asked Fluttershy whose fear was starting to creep up again.

“Of course silly filly! You didn’t see the ghost from earlier?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“Umm…I was focused on Konrad hurting Twilight’s brother.”

Pinkie Pie smiled as she always did and replied,

“It’s okay, it was scary to see them fighting, but that’s over now. I think Shining Armor and Konrad will be good friends later!”

Rainbow Dash and Apple Jack gave disbelieving looks towards Pinkie Pie as if she had truly lost her mind. They are still loved their friend but her conclusion to such a thing was something they couldn’t understand. Not even the studious unicorn Twilight Sparkle could understand it herself and the notion that they would be friends later on seemed very silly. But here was one thing she did understand and that was the power of friendship.

“No matter their appearance or where they are from, strangers are just friends waiting to be found…I just hope this Konrad will be one.”

“Pinkie Pie, you are so random! And I think you are wrong, that Konrad was such a bozo! I hope Shining Armor kicks his flank later.”

“Rainbow Dash, why do you have such a negative view towards this Konrad? I know he hasn’t given us the best impression, but the signs that he helped Princess Luna and Apple Bloom seem to suggest otherwise.” asked Twilight Sparkle.

Rainbow Dash turned her head away from the group and said,

“I don’t want to talk about it…besides, we need find this guy. Why are we waiting here?”

Princess Celestia spoke up and said,

“I agree Rainbow Dash. My faithful student, is there anything else you can tell us about this carriage? If not, we shall move on and continue our search.”

The thought of passing up a chance to study this interesting carriage was something Twilight Sparkle didn’t want. She wanted to know its secrets, to learn about it and more importantly find out more about its owner. Twilight began to search her memory of what she limited information she had on this technological marvel. Then it hit her like a load a of Pinkie Pie’s cupcakes.

“There’s a sign on the back of the carriage. I think it’s a clue of where he came from. Let me show you everypony!”

Twilight had to suppress a pony squeal before she led the Princess and her friends to the back of the carriage. When they got there, she pointed out the strange sign, and it was just as it had been earlier. It still had the strange word “UZI 4 U” on it, as well as the words Raccoon City on it and the phrase “Donate to Umbrella Inc. Today! Serving your medical needs since 1968! EXP 10/13”

“I still have no idea what that means. I hope Konrad could tell us later on, that is if we even find him at all.”

“What the hay? Where is this Raccoon City? I’ve never heard of this place.” asked Rainbow Dash.

“I wonder if there are a lot of Raccoons there. Maybe they’re popular pets where he’s from.” said Fluttershy.

“OOHHH! I’ll bet it’s a big place and I wonder if UZI 4 U means a party.” said Pinkie Pie.

“Donate to Umbrella Inc? Now why would a business venture need donations? They must be desperate to say afloat. Perhaps this is some form of advertisement?” asked Rarity.

“Now this stuff doesn’t make any sense to me and Ah don’t care really, and wait just second! Why does it say Bronco on the side?” asked Apple Jack pointing out the letters on the truck.

On the back left corner of the door in silver letters was a phrase that said, “FORD BRONCO ‘95”. None of the mane six or Princess Celestia herself could understand why the word Bronco was on the truck. They were even more at a loss of what the word Ford mean.

“Perhaps it’s a name of owner ship? Ford…that’s a weird name if it even is one at all!” though Twilight Sparkle.

“Bronco? Why would somepony name this thing after a bad stallion?” asked Rarity.

“Maybe it’s to imply a wild nature of the owner? We can only guess at this point.” replied Twilight

“If that’s the case, then this Konrad needs some manners! My stare should take care of that! I know how to be assertive!” exclaimed Fluttershy in her usual tone.

“Well Ah for one don’t care about this at all. Ah just want to stop them Blood Hooves from hurting everypony and get that Konrad feller! And Ah agree Fluttershy, he does need to be taught some manners especially since he bucked your brother Twi!”

Twilight Sparkle on the other hoof didn’t hear the part about teaching Konrad manners. Instead, her mind was focused on the carriage itself and its potential secrets.

“I care! Oh I can’t wait to study this thing! More importantly, I wonder what is inside…” said Twilight as she tried to open the back of the door with her magic.

Her action was cut off by Princess Celestia to her surprise as the door’s handle that was covered in Twilight’s lavender hue was now replaced with Celestia’s sun colored hue drowning hers out. Twilight Sparkle turned to her leader and mentor with a surprised look almost like a child pleading to her mother for an answer. And an answer she got alright,

“No my faithful student, now is not the time for studying. We need to find Konrad and stop the Blood Hooves, we have been side tracked for far too long.”

“But I just want to-“

“I know you wish to study this carriage Twilight Sparkle, and I promise that you will do so…in a more secure and undisclosed location. Until then, I will have this secured for the time being. We also don’t know what this…thing is capable of also and if there is anything inside that may be a threat. Do you understand?” asked Princess Celestia.

Twilight Sparkle simply nodded yes with a smile and the sun Princess smiled in return before saying,

“Guards!”

A field Captain instantly appeared from the ranks ready to obey his ruler’s orders.

“I want this…strange carriage moved to a secure location away from the public’s view. When you have done that, make sure nopony talks about it, and restrict access only to my student and me for the time being. None of this is will be talked about until further notice.”

“Yes your majesty! I’ll see to it that we get this moved out here immediately. We will need some yokes and other equipment from carriages. This may take a while to gather the necessary equipment, but it will be done. We will also report to you where it will be held. Is there anything else you wish for us to do?” asked the experienced field Captain.

Twilight Sparkle observed her mentor’s expression of contemplation, trying to figure out what she could be thinking. She got her answer as Princess Celestia spoke up and said,

“Now that you mention it, please send a runner to the Hospital and give me an update on my sister’s condition as well as Apple Bloom’s and Shining Armor’s condition.”

“Yes your Majesty!” saluted the experienced Captain.

The field Captain began shouting orders to various Guards, and these that were tasked to carry out their orders did so without hesitation. As the Guards carried out their orders, Princes Celestia turned to the mane six and said,

“My little ponies, are you ready to continue our search for our enemies?”

“I can’t wait to stop those horrible disgusting monstrosities! They won’t hurt anypony anymore! I hope we can find Konrad also.”

“Yes your majesty! Umm…if that’s okay with you.” asked Fluttershy.

“Ah’m ready your Majesty! Time to round up them vermin!” exclaimed Apple Jack.

“I’m SOOO ready Princess!” shouted Pinkie Pie.

“I’m ready Princess!” said Twilight Sparkle with a determined look.

“Let’s kick some Plot!” exclaimed Rainbow Dash.

“I don’t like to fight but…I’m READY TO TEAR THE BLOOD HOOVES APART!” shouted Rarity.

Everypony, including Celestia, looked at Rarity in surprise. The fashonista normally wasn’t like this, but then again these were extraordinary circumstances. Nopony had seen so much death and it was really just plain good luck that nopony had been killed so far minus the Blood Hooves of course. Rarity noticed the looks she was getting and immediately blushed in embarrassment.

“My apologies, I simply was carried away in moment.”

“It’s fine Rarity. I’m glad to know all of you are ready to end this nightmare. Stay close and remember that we all be there together.” said Princess Celestia.

The entire mane six smiled at their leaders words of reassurance before Vigilant Sight spoke up.

“Your Majesty, I believe I see a trail up ahead.”

Princess Celestia and the mane six turned to see Vigilant Sight pointing his hoof in a direction. They turned and noticed what he had seen, a trail of strange hoof prints! The strange trail lead up towards an incline where it disappeared into the thick foliage at the top.

“Thank you Vigilant Sight, please lead ahead for us and we will follow behind you.” commanded Princess Celestia.
Vigilant Sight saluted the Princess and cautiously followed the trail, expecting trouble. He soon reached the top and gave and all clear gesture with his right hoof. Princess Celestia turned around and said,

“Stay close my little ponies, and remember all will be fine. Guards! Follow us!”

And the mane six, the Spartrota Guards, and Princess Celestia began to move forward following the strange trail left behind. They were united and ready to face the evil that lay ahead of them, ready to protect their family and friends and more importantly all of Equestria. As they began to walk up towards the incline, Twilight Sparkle took a quick look back at the carriage for a few seconds before turning her attention back to the trail.

“Where did the Blood Hooves come from? How is this even possible? And where did that strange Konrad come from? I hope he’ll come peacefully this time. I have so many questions that I just have to know about. I also wonder how Spike’s holding up. He better be asleep or at the very least make sure Sweetie Belle is okay.”

As the night slowly dragged on towards it’s soon be chaotic and violent apex, a young dragon was still wide awake in the night. His challenge however was to survive an unwanted unicorn filly’s attention. His challenge had just begun.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“For the last time Sweetie Belle, I don’t want to play this game anymore!” said an annoyed Spike.

“OH C’MON! I mean…please?” shouted Sweetie Belle before attempting to pull a cute face on Spike.

“NO!” shouted Spike while crossing his arms.

Sweetie Belle lowered her head in disappointment at Spike’s refusal to carry on the role playing game. It had taken a lot of persuasion to even keep him stopping the game that Pinkie Pie started earlier. Part of that persuasion was throwing in a few gems into the ice cream bucket that Spike said was in the freezer. It was mostly a distraction that the dragon had thrown in to keep Sweetie Belle occupied while he carried out his secret hobby that Apple Jack had found out earlier.

Spike had underestimated Sweetie Belle’s determination to win his affection as he soon found out later in the night. At first the gem ice cream worked like a charm, and they continued the game as Spike had vanquished imaginary Blood Hooves trying to hurt Princess Belle. Spike surprisingly had a lot of fun…until the “reward” from Princess Belle popped up.

“Reward?! Kissing Sweetie Belle? No way! Rarity is the best mare out there!” thought Spike.

Spike still had his arms crossed as he noticed Sweetie Belle was close to crying her poor heart out. Spike rolled his eyes and face clawed before trying to come up with something to keep her from crying. Staying up late was something Spike rarely got to do and when he did, he always had fun. Not this time it seemed, as if finding out that zombies were real and that Apple Bloom, Princess Luna, and Twilight were almost killed by them, he had to take care of the filly that had a painfully obvious crush on him.

A crush that he did not want at all.

“Oh for Pete’s sake! It’s bad enough all of this stuff outside is going on, worse that I got to spend my night dealing with her. C’mon Spike come up with something…ah might was well get some more ice cream.”

“Umm Sweetie Belle?”

*sniff*”Yes spike?” replied Sweetie Belle.

“Want to get some more ice cream or something?”

Sweetie Belle’s sadness melted away as she smiled and replied,

“Yes! Let’s go! Together…for ice cream…to eat...together.”

Spike gave off a fake smile as Sweetie Belle happily trotted off into the kitchen.

“Ah great…she’s so obvious! Great, there isn’t much ice cream left! What am I gonna do later? I hope Twilight and Princess Celestia can stop the Blood Hooves…”

At the thought of the Blood Hooves Spike began to immediately shiver in fear about the gross zombie ponies. Sweetie Belle came out of the kitchen holding the tub of ice cream with her magic and saw Spike shivering. She immediately dropped the ice cream, and ran over to Spike.

“What is it Spike?! Are you okay?”

“What? Oh…uh n-nothing! Yup! Nothing at all…”

“You’re not thinking about the…B-blood Hooves are you?” asked an increasingly frightened Sweetie Belle.

“H-how did you know?” asked Spike while being surprised at her accurate guess.

“I d-didn’t! Spike I’m scared! What if they come here and eat us!?”

“Or worse what if they come here after turning Twilight and Rarity into one of them!?”

Sweetie Belle immediately began to cry into a fit of tears at the thought of her sister turning into a Blood Hoof. Spike immediately stopped shivering and realized what his question had done.

“Oh great! Now she’s a complete mess! Great! How do I stop this? I know!”

Spike immediately came up with a brilliant idea that served two purposes. The first being prepared to stop and would be zombies from getting inside the Library. The other…stopping Sweetie Belle from crying.

“Hold on Sweetie Belle! I got an idea! Let’s take all of the books and make a bigger fort! We’ll also set traps around the front and back entrance and balcony too! Those zombies won’t stand a chance!” exclaimed Spike.

*sniff* “R-really?”

“Really really.”

Sweetie Belle stopped crying much to Spike’s relief. The young dragon was glad for this and smile that his plan seemed to be working.

“Okay! I’ll start getting the books! Thank you Spike!”

Spike smiled and immediately was caught off guard as Sweetie Belle moved in for a surprise hug. He didn’t know how to react or what do lest he do something to get her crying again.

“NO! DO NOT WANT! I WANT RARITY! Though this hug isn’t that bad…AH who am I kidding! Get OFF!”

“Uh Sweetie Belle, can’t set the traps if you’re holding me.”

Sweetie Belle immediately let go of Spike and her face reddened with embarrassment.

“Oh Sorry Spike. I’ll get the books now.”

The young filly began to trot off and gather books for the even bigger fort. While she wasn’t looking, Spike grabbed the broom and took it into another room. After making sure the coast was clear he began to kiss it as he had done earlier, pretending it was Rarity. The problem with this was as soon as he began to kiss it, Sweetie Belle’s face popped into his mind. This did not sit well with Spike at all.

“Okay, I think I’m done doing this forever. I guess I should go get the traps started…why did her face pop in my mind…could I be thinking…NOPE ONLY RARITY!”

And young dragon went back into the main room with a very eager unicorn filly, whose face brightened with happiness as his presence. Spike face clawed and thought to himself,

“This is going to be a long night for sure.”