//------------------------------// // The Necromancer and The Swordsman: Act I // Story: Spike: The Last Draconian // by Maneiac //------------------------------// Spike: The Last Draconian Written by: Vexing Puzzlez Proofread by: Vexing Puzzlez (Still Looking for an Editor!) All characters associated with the show; My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, is the respective property of Hasbro and Lauren Faust. All rights reserved. Please support the official release. The Introduction Arc is done...Now the juicy stuff begins!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Spike          “I-I...c-can’t go on! N-need...water!” The wall was only a couple feet away; and as I drew near, I could see large metal doors marking the entrance. I was so close to civilization, so close to a bath! I have to make it! I continued my slow-mo walk, panting as I finally reached the doors and slumped myself against them with my back. I proceeded to slide down the doors slowly, which caused me to grimace as metal grated on metal. SCREEEEEEEEECH!!! My butt hit the dirt finally, making the nerve-racking screech end. I took quick breaths with my head raised towards the sky, wanting nothing more than to fall asleep. As my breathing began to regulate, I heard a faint moan next to me. Looking to my right with my right eye, I saw what looked to be a blackish-greyish scaled dragon with a black robe on with gold trim. His eyes fluttered open, indicating that he had probably been sleeping or was knocked out. He didn’t seem like the type to hurt anyone; however, that didn’t keep me from raising my guard a little. With another pained moan, he sat up using his hands and arms to lift himself. I could then see the multiple gold necklaces and headpiece, where it was hidden earlier while he ate dirt in his sleep. The guy then proceeded to sit down criss-cross applesauce, and do what is quite possibly the nastiest thing I’ve ever seen! Well, next to waking up in a slaughterhouse. POP! He turned his head one way with a claw, making his neck pop. I don’t know why, but bone popping always made my skin crawl. He then turned his head the other way, after putting on a face of annoyance. I had to bite my tongue to keep from fidgeting or telling him about himself. POP-POP-POP-POP-POP! A sigh of relief came from his mouth as I cringed, but quickly fixed my appearance as to not seem rude. First impressions are key, especially with a species that I’ve never seen before. The awkward silence, however, was not doing wonders for my self-confidence in starting conversation. The guy just sat there, with his eyes and head down like he fell asleep or something! “I’m not asleep,” His voice was gruff and deep, but at the same time, somewhat high. It was weird, or a breath of fresh air, “I was just waiting for you to say something. It’s quite rude just watching somebody without introducing yourself.” He said as he cracked an eye open to look at me analytically, as if trying to find some flaw in my character. ‘THOSE EYES!!!’ Vorvin screamed from within the confines of my Magical Core. His scream shook me out of my stupor and put some on edge even farther. “Is he dangerous!? What about his eyes!?” I yelled in my mind frantically. ‘They’re,’ He took a long pause, ‘GORGEOUS!!!’ My face instantly watered down to bemusement. Are you serious? “Right...er, sorry. My name is Spike. I’m from Equestria, which is just south of here.” I extended my hand, offering a handshake. The guy next to me gave me a once-over with both his eyes, then extended his hand. We interlocked them and shook, the awkwardness finally dissolving. “Name’s Dameion Setsuya. I would let you know where I’m from, but I don’t quite trust you that much yet. You seem okay, but then again,” He rose from the ground after breaking our handshake and dusted himself off, “I just met you.” He finished coldly as he looked at the gate. Something was little...off, about this guy. --- “Something’s off with that one.” I don’t know why, but telling this guy about my royal background doesn’t really seem like the brightest of ideas. I’ll be in big trouble if he wants to start conversation. He most certainly seems like the type to do so. In fact, he looks like the type that has a question for everything! “Hey, Mr.Dameion?” Spike called, earning my attention. “Yeah?” I answered with half a heart. “What do you do for a living?” He asked innocently, making me turn around just before I muttered the ancient words to open the door. Come to think of it, how did I end up outside the town? I don’t even remember how I got here! All I know is, I need a bath and some sleep. “I slay dragons.” I joked. His eyes narrowed as a response. Clearly, this guy has no sense of humor. “You serious?” He asked as I noticed him balling his fist up. “That’s cute.” I thought bemusedly as I stared at his clenched fist. After a while of tension filled silence, I began a chuckle. “Nope, it was a joke. I can’t believe you fell for that! What are you, five!?” I said in faux amusement, watching as he gave a nervous laugh while keeping his fist balled up. Yep, I screwed that up sooo bad! “Yeah,” He gave another nervous chuckle, refusing to make eye contact, “A joke. Funny.” Don’t have to rub it in, ass. I know I screwed up. “Alright, sorry if I insulted you somehow. That’s a regular joke that’s told around here, even though some guys in here are burly enough to make you second guess.” I turned back to the door, getting ready to open it with the ancient word. “Apology accepted,” And interrupted...again, “So how do you suppose we open it? it doesn’t look like there’s any guards around.” Spike said as he made a makeshift sunvisor with his hand, which was rather stupid since it was the middle of the night. “I say some magic words. The door opens. I go home,” I deadpanned, looking forward at the door, “NIF!!!” I yelled loudly, making Spike jump back and fright and grasp his chest where his heart was. His eyes were wide, letting me know that I had just startled him. But, I didn’t really care as the doors began to open slowly, the deep creaking sound doing nothing for the headache that I just got out of nowhere. “You scared the heck out of me! What was that!?” Spike asked as the doors reached their inward position. When exiting the city, the doors open out. When entering, the doors open inwards. “Old Draconian. It’s pretty much useless nowadays. Come on,” I jerked my head at the open passageway, “I take it you’re going to need a place to sleep. I know some people with a good home. It’s pretty big, so I’m pretty sure they won’t mind another guest.” I began thinking about what would happen when I reached the Murdok residence. Maxxis wouldn’t mind, the crazy bastard will probably try to eat him. “That’ll be funny to watch.” I smirked as I began walking the familiar path to the Murdoks’s abode. I could hear that Spike was following close behind, his feet slapping along the now cobblestone road. Once again, I can honestly say that there’s something amiss with that guy. I don't know what it is, but I sense something...dark. If that makes any sense. ---          ‘He seems nice.’ Vorvin teased, making me suck my teeth at him. I guess I did it too loudly, for Dameion looked back at me with a raised eyebrow.         “Something go awry?” He asked. I could detect some malice in those words deep down, so I thought it best to diffuse a possibly dangerous situation.         “I was whistling, Mr. Dameion. Sorry if I offended you.” I scratched the back of my head sheepishly, putting on an equally sheepish smile. His eyebrow lowered to its normal height again as he turned his head back to facing forward. I’d have to think of a way to get back at Vorvin for his teasing later, because it seems as if we arrived at the house he was talking about.         Compared to the houses near the front of the city that we passed on the way here, this one was particularly large. Lanterns hung in the eight windows on the four story house, casting the space out front with an orange shadow. The overall house had a pointed roof with a window with a lantern right below the peak. I easily determined  that to be the attic, seeing as how there were three other floors underneath it. I chalk the house up to be around fifty meters tall, which is almost the same size as Fluttershy’s cottage.         “This is the place. Arma’s probably asleep and Maxxis is more than likely passed out on the couch, drunk as all hell...again,” Dameion deadpanned as he knocked on the red-oak door thrice. We waited patiently for someone to come to the door for about five minutes before Dameion backed up. I followed with my eyes until he ran into me with his back. Why didn’t I move? He looked back at me, his face filled with anger, “Fucking move!” I did as he said, throwing my hands up in order to indicate I didn’t want any trouble. After moving to his right, he hastily filled the spot where I was standing. I saw a glint of concentration in his angered eyes as he stared intently at the door. Then; in a burst of black, he exploded onto the door with his foot! “FUCK YOU GUYS AND YOUR DOOR!!!” He roared into the now opened door. I heard a female scream and some other sounds, like something made from glass being dropped. “Dameion?! What the actual fuck is wrong with you!?” The same female voice yelled as Dameion’s body disappeared into the house. “Not cool, dude. Do you know how many laps you’re going to be doing for that in the morning!?” A gruffer voice yelled. That wasn’t Dameion’s voice, so I chalked it up as another male. Dameion’s voice returned as I stood outside in the warm summer air, my arms behind my back as I rocked back and forth on my heels. That’s a habit I normally started when a situation was awkward of if I was trying to get away with something. “For your information,” I heard Dameion snap, “We have a guest that you two rudely kept waiting at the front door! Since I’m not an actual proprietor of this abode, I have no say in whether he’s allowed in or not. That’s your place, not mine. In saying this, I leave him with the two of you. He seems to like talking, so you guys should hit it off, or however you people say it these days. If you need me,” I heard him start as a sound like climbing stairs reached my ears, “I’ll be in my room taking a shower. I woke up outside in the dirt, and I want clean myself. Good night!” Dameion’s voice was no more. ‘Blueblood much?’ Vorvin quipped, making me cover my mouth to suppress a snort. “That guy has a fucking stick up his ass.” The gruff voice rung out after a long silence, sounding exasperated. I then heard heavy footsteps approaching from inside the house, making me nervous instantly. In a moment, a buffer version of whatever Dameion is, appeared at the door with a quizzical expression on his face. He eyed me down, making me shiver. “You’re the guy, huh? Well...you seem different, but not dangerous,” He began scratching the bottom of his neck with a claw, “Can’t really see a reason for leaving ya’ out in the dark like this. Hell, If anyone should be out there...it should be his Royal Highness. I’m Maxxis Murdok, the Tenth Ranked Zistral Sword. A pleasure ta meet ya’!” He extended his hand, which I took and shook. After I broke the handshake, he kept the same handout but shifted to the side so I could walk in. It was awkward stepping over the fallen door, but the awkwardness turned to shock as Maxxis picked it up with his pinky finger and flicked his wrist up, sending the door slamming against the frame. He then front kicked it, knocking it in place. That was...pretty awesome! “I’m also the second strongest member; physically, that is. But out of the Sword’s, my power is ranked tenth.” Maxxis concluded as he turned away from the door and lead me into the most lavish living room I’ve ever seen!!! It was just...gah!!!         “I’d love to get to know you better. Please, have a seat,” Maxxis said as he plopped lazily onto the red leather couch, stretching himself to his full length but kept his head up. His eyes watched me as I sat on the red leather chair. instantly succumbing to comfort as it felt like someone had draped a warm blanket over me, “I take it you like the loveseat?” Maxxis asked with a smug smile. I smiled back as I got more situated. “Oh Yeah~!” I replied slowly. Maxxis let out a chuckle as he sat up, his back on the leather. “So tell me about yourself, Mr.Spike. I’d love to hear the tale of how you came to Zistral. ‘He’s a good guy...but now way. Remember, you’re practically being chased by a GODDESS. There’s now way in hell that this guy will let you stay here knowing that!’Vorvin remarked, making me put on a nervous smile. I hadn’t really given this much thought. If I’m to move in here, then that would mean putting them in danger of Celestia and her lackeys. I thought about making up an excuse to leave right then, before my vision was suddenly impaired by what felt like hands. Even so, I tensed up fearing the worst, which had become the norm for me in my travels. “Guess who?” The feminine voice asked amusedly, making me relax and put on a smile. Arma’s the only female in this house, so it had to be her. I really don’t know why girls do that. “Arma.” I said amusedly as I used my own hands to pry her off. Even though I couldn’t see her, I could feel something squishy touch the back of my head as she bent over and allowed me to see her. A smile graced her face upon seeing mine as her scarlet hair flopped like a curtain, sealing me from Maxxis’s field of vision. “You’re kinda adorable, with your purple-scales and green spines~!” Her voice was sweet but gruff. A contradiction that went together so seamlessly, that I found it hard not to blush. That’s when I noticed a blush around her nose as well, making my blush intensify. “Er..um...thanks,” I offered poorly, not doing any wonders for the red streak on my features, “I’m Spike by the way. It’s...um...a pleasure to meet you.” Her smile increased as she raised her head from my view and opted to rest it on top of my own. My heart nearly plummeted as I came to regard Maxxis, with a raised eyebrow and with a deep scowl. I don’t know how, that was possible!!! “Don’t you know what time of the year it is? My sister’s in heat, so you better be on the lookout for her around the house,” My eyes widened as he leaned onto his legs more, dwindling the distance between us by a small margin, “But if I find out that you, came on to her? Oh, there’ll be nothing left of you other than your bones. Understood?” He then narrowed his eyes challengingly, dangerously even. I could hear Vorvin laughing his flank off in my head, taunting Maxxis from within the confines of my Magical Core. He obviously thought that Maxxis was some type of joke, even though I’ve never been in a fight my entire life. Maxxis looks big enough to rip Twilight’s house in half, let alone me! So, I don’t really see how any of that could be funny. After swallowing the lump in my throat, Maxxis relaxed his stare and held up a hand, making the ‘shooing’ motion with it at Arma. I felt her pout and plant a small kiss on the crown of my head, in between my first two spines. Then; as she turned around, she caressed my face with her red-tail and disappeared into what I can only guess as the stairwell. I coughed nervously into my hand, trying to hide the blush that was clawing at my features. “You gonna get raped~!” Vorvin teased as I grimaced, not liking his word choice at all. If heats for females in Zistral are anything like Equestria’s mares, then I’m in big trouble. As I’ve matured throughout my years in Ponyville, I’ve witnessed and been victim to sexual assault over a hundred times. Contrary to the other beliefs of other nations, Equestria hasn’t any charges or punishments for heat related incidents. Since the mares outnumber the stallions three-to-one, anything goes. I’ve spent more than my fair share in Applejack’s Cellar with her brother. Of course, there were others who partook in the Cellar of Salvation, as Big Mac and I called it. Thunderlane, Rumble, Caramel, Snowflake, Big Mac and I all played cards and got pissy drunk until the sun came up. Now those, were good memories. Thunderlane and his little brother once got into a wrestling match with each other, which quickly turned into an all out brawl. Big Mac and I stepped, breaking it apart just in time for the both of us to be hit over the head with empty Hard Apple Cider kegs. When I say the Cellar got turned out I mean it! By the time the rooster gave its first sound, all of us were covered in cuts; bruises, blood and vomit. That, was brotherly bonding. Of course, everyone had to help out on the farm in order to earn their keep. The work was nothing I wasn’t already use to, seeing as how I helped Applejack a plethora of times with bucking apples as I grew older. It got to a point where all I practically did was knock on the tree once with a fist, and it would yield its fruit to me. Much to my chagrin, Applejack quickly acquainted me with the rusty plow her brother kept in the barn. This plow was nicknamed, “Ol’ Backbreaker”, by the Apple family. Needless to say, I had to bathe in a tub filled with ice in order to numb the pain of my taxed muscles after three long hours of backbreaking, work. My compensation was the availability to hide away from sex-crazed mares. But nothing could prepare us for the fall of the Cellar of Salvation. Applejack had let our hideout location slip out by accident during the peak of Heat Season, bringing a swarm of mares to our haven in an instant. What I wasn’t prepared for was Twilight leading the group with a red bandanna around her frizzy mane, tribal war paint decorating her face. Painted over her left eye was the sign for females with a fire blazing behind it. Looking back, it was kind of funny how she formed Ponyville’s mares into some type of guerilla unit. They attacked the barn en masse, nearly toppling it but putting holes all the way through it’s hull. When the find our cellar,  I was instructed to dig our way out. With desperation and paranoia abounding, I got to work cleaving away dirt and gravel in the attempt to escape our sex-crazed pursuers. After a while of digging, Big Mac and Snowflake bucked the dirt walls on our sides, causing a cave in that separated us from the mares who had caught up to us. I had laughed before I noticed a tiny blip of burning purple magic begin to sizzle through our makeshift barricade. Seeing as how the boys were slowing down my escape, I promptly latched onto the ceiling and began digging up, with the sole intention of leaving my friends behind in order to protect my innocence. Everyone besides Big Mac was too preoccupied in crying to notice me escaping. Big Mac quickly latched himself onto my tail, suing me as a means of escape as the other stallions finally noticed that we had escaped. As they look up into my emergence hole, their faces became angry as they yelled slurs and curses our way. Looking down, I saw them become swallowed up in a tide of color as the mares swarmed them, finally breaking through the barricade. Big MAc and I lowered our heads in remembrance to those poor souls, looking down at them from the hole’s exit. After saying a silent prayer of respect, we went our separate ways. I was stopped, however, when Twilight appeared before me with the other Elements of Harmony and quite surprisingly, Princess Celestia. That’s when things took a darker turn and- SLAP!!! My eyes flew open as I recoiled from the blow, toppling the chair backwards and landing on my rump. It took me a couple of minutes to figure out what had happened. I had just been slapped, hard. Searching for the perpetrator, my eyes quickly found themselves staring up two black tree-trunk like legs. Dameion was eyeing me with anger in his eyes. --- “I’ve been calling you for the past half hour, Spike. You are filthy, so I took the liberty of preparing the bath, for you. It’s customary for tenants to do this for each other, so I hope you don’t plan on my hospitality going to waste, or else there will be consequences. When you are done, find the staircase behind you and wait for me by the attic door way. Do not take too long in the bath, for you will prune up.” I then walked past our bumbling guest and back up the stairs, heading to our rendezvous point. As I ascended past the second floor, I saw Arma creep into the guest bathroom with nothing but a towel. “That’s a personal problem.”  I thought dejectedly as it took nearly five minutes for me to reach the highest point in the house. I sat down, my legs crossed over each other and with my arms crossed the same way. Right behind me was the pain wooden door with gold knob, like all the other doors. This used to be my room all the way up till now, so I’m actually anxious about finding out where I’ll be laying my head at from now on. Murdok Manor is one of the most spacious homes in Zistral, so I’m actually surprised that they hadn’t disclosed a replacement room for me. “I wonder how Spike will take seeing Arma naked. Our more private parts are hidden beneath layers of scale, so it’s not like her snatch and nips’ll be showing.” I snickered upon seeing Arma in her heat-ridden state, trying to seduce Spike in the bath. Quite humorous. I figured if he’ll be occupied with her, than I should occupy my time with something as well. So; as I shut off my mind from everything around me, I began to meditate on my past, hoping that some memory will spring forth. ( At first, there was nothing but the darkness one experiences when teetering on the edge of awareness. Then, there was a bright flash in my head and I awoke onto a moonlit grassy hill. You could see Zistral from where I was at, the many lanterns basing it in an ethereal orange glow that was absolutely breathtaking. Looking down; I noticed that I had returned to my teenage body from a thousand years ago, even though I had my princely robes on. The pale moonlight was washing over the hill, illuminating the dew on the grass to cast small orbs of light upon each individual strand. A soft breeze washed over me, blowing my feathers back softly as well as the grass. The grass rolled almost as if it was a wave from the ocean. I barely noticed the figure next to me. “Day-Day, you actually came.” Only one person called me that. Her words sounded almost breathless in disbelief as I felt myself wrapped up in a hug from behind. “Artemis?” I know hadn’t said that. My voice sounded younger, almost infantile with its high pitched frequency. I finally understood what was happening. I was experiencing one of my memories from childhood; but unlike last time, I had no control. IT was almost like watching a movie from the comfort of my mind. A movie about my past life, that is. “Yeah, it’s you. I’m...so happy,” If that’s so, then why are you crying, “You answered the letter I put in your locker. Does that mean-?” She couldn’t finish her sentence as my body whirled around to return the hug from the front. I could feel her pressed up against me tightly, her heart beating on time with mine. I don’t know how long we stayed there, the satisfying night breeze washing over us as we embraced each other fervently. After a couple more minutes, Artemis leaned back only a little and looked up into my eyes as I did the same to her. Deadlocked in our staredown; she made the first move, taking my lips with hers. Strawberry...Overload. That’s the best way to describe her kiss. It was bittersweet though, as she pulled away before I could fully savor it. Her face was wrecked with tears and running make-up. She had the same dress from when I last saw her on, but her hat was missing. “I’m happy you feel the same way...b-but...tomorrow you have your match with King Dergan and...and...” She collapsed to the ground, covering her arms with her hands as her sobs robbed her of words. I bent down quickly, wrapping her up in a hug in order to calm her down. What was this about fighting my father!? How did this come about!? “I know,” I said before nuzzling her head with my chin, “But I promise you that it will end with his defeat, no matter what,” I said darkly as I pulled my head away and raised her with a hand, “I’ll come back to you, and we’ll be together forever. I fight in the name of Mythril, so there’s no way for him to defeat me. I swear this on my life!” This time, I pressed the initiative as my lips were forced onto hers, sending us sprawling back onto the hill. As soon as we landed, she reversed our roles by rolling on top of me. My face flushed as I realized she was straddling me. “Hey, what’s gotten into you?” I asked nervously as she crossed her arms over the bottom of her dress, pulling it off quickly over her head as she flung it to the side. The breeze caught it, causing it to go further than she wanted. Now she was half naked, the only thing preventing me from seeing her in all her glory was the black frilly bra she had on with matching panties. “Nothing....yet!” Her voice dripped with arousal as I began seeing little nubs push through the black fabric of her bra as our lips met again. I wasted no time in removing my robe, the black wings behind me sliding through the slots effortlessly as I too, flung my dressing into the breeze. After that, I began exploring her body with my hands, sliding my way across her waist and up her back, I gave her messages in certain areas, earning moans every once and awhile through our kiss. It was still just with lips, but I found that a mood dampener, so I prodded her with my tongue. Her eyes widened just for a moment, then lidded when I entered her mouth with my tongue. I traced over her canines and gums, then set about wrestling her own tongue as our kiss deepened. Every other breath contained a moan as I slid my hands sneakily into her bra, messaging each breast with a hand. Once again her eyes widened as she broke the kiss hurriedly, backing away from my hands. Her face matched her hair as she covered herself with my robe. My face was filled with shock...had she lost her attraction to me? “I don’t think...we should do this,” She continued looking away as I pushed myself from the ground, resting on my butt, “I don’t feel ready. But, you gotta promise me that we will do this the next time we meet.” She quickly stood up, her eyes still looking away from me as she ran off. She dropped my robe and grabbed her dress as she continued running away from me  and towards Zistral in the distance. The cold nipped at my skin as I watched her depart down the hill. “So I had feelings for Artemis back then? The more you know...” I thought dejectedly as I ended my meditation, coming face to face with a pair of green eyes. ) “WOAH!!!” I yelled as Spike jumped back in fright. He looked absolutely drained, as if...oh. He let out a nervous chuckle as he walked by me, body completely white with blue marks of grim in front of his face. He’s probably scarred for life. He opened the door and shut it behind him as I rose from the ground, losing all motivation in continuing our conversation from downstairs. “We’ll talk tomorrow, alright Spike?” I yelled through the door, the sound of a mattress being flopped upon being my only response. Poor guy must’ve taken it rough. Seeing no reason in staying up any longer, I quickly made my way towards the bathroom in order to prepare for a bath. Now that the guest was done, the host could take one without worry of disrespect. --- “Told Ya.” Vorvin remarked as I hung on the precipice of slumber. I told him to stuff one, to which he gave a hearty laugh as he went quiet. I had thought that mares were the worst, but I had never met a dragoness before. She put Twilight to shame in more ways than one. “Dragoness she may be, but no Draconian. That’s a title only meant for those who are semi-immortal like you. So far, I’ve only felt the Draconic Bond with Dameion and no one else. Which brings me to ask; what are your personal qualms about being semi-immortal? Even though the initial shock got you raped in the bathroom, I never got your answer.” Vorvin said, making me scrounge my face up in thought. I desperately wanted to go to sleep, but he seemed bent on getting an answer from me tonight. “I don’t care. Sure, it came as a surprise and I was worried about the implications...but my worries went away in knowing that my friends no longer care for me. If Luna had wanted to reach me, she would have found me by now. I can’t help but wonder about what she’s doing, let alone planning my life according to the fact that I can’t die. “Well that depends on how well you’ll be able to defend yourself. You necromancy is what makes you semi-immortal, so you’ll have to feed its powers on a regular. Each soul you devour adds another life to you, meaning you can die multiple times to give the illusion of immortality, should you acquire enough souls. IT’s quite harrowing watching a guy who was turned to ashes by magic, to grow back from said ashed and continue to fight.” That’s useful, Vorvin. So that means...I’ll have to kill some more!? I groaned in exasperation and sorrow. “Why can’t things be easier! Which reminds me, I should make Luna’s job of finding me easier. But that can wait till morning, I just wanna sleep for right now.” And that’s exactly what I did, giving in to the taxed body that is my own. Unconsciousness took me in mere moments. --- “What do you mean, ‘I forgot to tell you?’” I remarked snidely as Maxxis scratched the back of his head with a hand. I was pissed that no other room was available due to renovations being made to the manor. Which meant I had to sleep outside, due to the fact that he doesn’t like anyone sleeping in his living room. Honestly, to sleep outside of all places! “I forgot about the renovations, so shoot me!” Maxxis retorted as he poked me in the chest, earning himself an evil eye and a growl. I wouldn’t dare attack him; not after what happened the first time. “If I had a gun, you would’ve already been swiss cheese. Be that as it may; I can hardly believe you’re making me sleep outside and especially, on the roof. It’s warm, there are bugs and it’s drizzling. No matter what you are, that’s not suitable sleeping conditions.” I snapped irritably, earning a bemused visage from Maxxis. “Look,” He said forcefully, “I know you claim to be the Prince, but when you’re under my roof, titles don’t mean jack-shit. Now, it’s either you nut-up and sleep on the goddamn roof, or I tear your other wing out and beat you senseless with it. It’s you choice.” He said icily as I hid a gulp, afraid of the stare and words he just said. I sighed in dejection as I left the zebra-print love cave that is Maxxis’s room, slamming the door behind me as I stomped down the stairs and to the front door. Once outside, I found the access ladder to the roof and climbed it sorely, hating Maxxis for putting me through yet another horrible situation. Once I reached the top, I moved over to the middle of the roof and laid upon it, watching the stars and moon above me. It was a squall, which meant everything was still visible, just with a little drizzle. After a while, the rain began to feel good. I had trouble staying awake sooner than I expected, but I was instantly awake when I felt something too large land next to me. Inclining my head sharply, I quickly saw what it was that startled me fro mthe throes of slumber. It was something like out of a fairy tale, a horse that had stars for a mane and reptilian eyes like mine. Her black fur was mostly covered by a set of azure armor, which was wet with rain. She eyed me precariously, as if contemplating what question to ask. I was awestruck at her majesty, awaiting her first words.   “You there,” She asked with a raised eyebrow, to which I responded with a raised eyebrow as well, “Have you seen a dragon named Spike? I’m looking for him and believe him to be in the vicinity of this town.” Her tone was one that was teetering on the edge of command and request. “I do, as a matter of fact. What’s he to you?” I sat up, earning a determined stare as she turned to face me. “More than you know...” She responded cryptically.