“Sometimes our darkest thoughts only appear when we realize just who we are” ~unknown source
The castle was decrepit and gnarled. There were holes in the floor, gapingly huge, and so dark you couldn’t see more than a few inches inside them. No one dared think about what could be underneath. The walls were lined with nightmarish versions of the paintings they all knew so well. Each one depicted either death, or darkness. Sometimes, they exhibited both. The odor of the place was foul at best. Just the stench brought tears to spikes eyes. This on top of the murky green haze that lined the floors made it very difficult for spike to see.
He prodded along on all fours, more so feeling his way, than looking. All three of his friends stood so close to him he could feel each of their individual heart beats. Apple Jack clung to his left, still holding the rope tight in her mouth. On his right Rainbow and Twilight stood near. Rainbow in front and Twilight in back. He outstretched his wings to cover them, allowing them to see forward but blocking their sight from the horrors of not only the paintings, but also the flocks of changlings forming from the separate halls that they passed. One by one at each hall they passed the changlings would gather, all coming to greet the intruders of their home. Spike didn’t bother with them; he knew they wouldn’t do anything. Not until their queen got a taste.
Spike knew exactly where to go. They all did, after all, where else would a queen be except in her throne room? The trip was a short one, but it felt like it took hours. By the time they got to the surprisingly ornate and pristine doors Spike felt he could no longer breathe. It took him a moment to realize that the reason for that was that A.J. was pulling on the rope.
“A.J.” He choked out “I know you are probably scared but you are making it hard to breathe”.
A.J. didn’t say anything; she just stopped pulling so hard on the rope. After regaining his breathe he reached u and pushed open the door. He will never forget what was waiting for him on the other side.
TO BE CONTINUED