Chapter 11 - Gate of betrayal
***Train***
It was the middle of one of days of spring, when the heavy locomotive moved slowly towards its destination, leaving after it a cloud of puffy white smoke. Trains in Equestria still were using mostly steam engines, although there were newer models in development that used magic or electricity… still, those were only short distanced as there was no way to house large quantities of necessary fuel.
This train, painted in cheerful colors was one of those common models, but that didn’t hinder the passengers to Cloudsdale. Of course, while there was no way for the machine to get up the city, many pegasi used it to get closer and conserve energy when moving from far away. The wagons were comfortable and neatly cleaned and it was in one of them, that six mares and one dragon sat quietly, each of them catching their breath after the rushed boarding in Ponyville.
“…Glad…we…made it.” Said Spike, as he looked over to the door of next wagon where he knew a familiar figure of Twilight Sparkle rested on one of many bunk beds. She was the most exhausted of them all after carrying that mountain of baggage, so the dragon laid her there to could recover. “No…my dresses… my work… my everything!” Dramatized Rarity as she looked through direction of Ponyville which got smaller and smaller with each passing minute.
Spike was about to start calming down the distressed mare but thankfully another one decided to do so. “Relax, ya have some with ya n’ll” Said Applejack but her laidback remark was only added oil to the fire. “Some? SOME?! Do you have any idea how long I had to make these? Those little frills, those buttons, those… those pieces of art! I am not speaking with you Applejack, as you do not understand their artistic value” Huffed Rarity, as she crossed her forelegs before her and turned around to face the wall. The earth pony however didn’t bother, as she knew that the white unicorn would come around after some time… she always did overreact and they all were used to it by now.
“So…now that we are all here, shouldn’t we… discuss everything?” Asked kindly Fluttershy, trying to change the uncomfortable situation, as she didn’t like seeing her friends fighting like that. “Yeah, we need a plan… or a strategy… or, or to do list, maybe even every of them!” added Pinkie while opening one of the windows in the wagon, letting more fresh air come inside… Spike assumed it was her own idea to ‘clean the air between everypony’.
“We would get them, but the egghead of our team is taking a nap.” Pointed out Rainbow Dash and indeed, it didn’t look like the lavender alicorn would wake up anytime soon. To this comment, Spike decided that it would be good idea to act like number one assistant and fill in for Twi, so he stepped forward “Okay, seeing as Twilight is obviously not able to talk right now, I will tell you the plan she came up with, before we left the library.” Said the purple dragon, gathering everypony’s attention. Taking out the map from Twilight’s saddle, he unrolled it to show his friends full map of Equestria. “Okay. First of all, you all know that princess Celestia requested of us to close the rifts…”
“Oh, oh, I know it!” Shouted Pinkie, but was quickly silenced by Applejack who really wanted to hear out what the dragon had to say. “Yea, we get the idea sugarcube.” She told her pink friend and motioned for Spike to continue. Clearing his throat, the dragon pointed near Ghastly Gorge. “This is where me and Twilight closed the first rift.” Moving his index claw, he then pointed at Cloudsdale, which had big red dot on it and was connected via similar colored line to other dots on the map “The second one is supposed to be somewhere in here.”
“Cloudsdale?! You serious? If it is there, then how are all of us going up there?” Asked the blue pegasus, but Spike silenced her quickly. “Twilight said that it might be under the city and if it is up in the air, then she said something about plan B” Replied the purple dragon while scratching his chin in thought… truth be told, he wondered himself what was supposed to be plan B. Seeing as the blue mare didn’t add anything he looked at his friends faces and stopped upon noticing curious stare from the yellow pegasus.
“Um, there are more red dots, connected by line. Are those the rifts?” Observed Fluttershy while intently looking at provided map and Spike nodded in response.“Yeah, those are all the rifts the princess wants us to close. Also, Twilight connected them on map and found the easiest route to travel seeing as we don’t have much time and we do have to move all around Equestria.” He explained and then waited for another question from the five mares which he was sure would come.
“Van Hoover, Los Pegasus, Apple Loosa, Badlands, Filly Delphia… That’s a lot of places Spikey-Wikey. Wouldn’t it be easier to split up?” Inquired Rarity, eyes sparkling, as she was probably thinking about all of those places they are going to visit, which was a dream come true for her. “We can’t. You remember how me and Twilight ended up when we returned from the last one… This time princess Celestia sent us protective spells but only Twilight can cast them. Besides, the princess ordered all of us to travel together so you get the idea.” Said the dragon, unsure what to think upon hearing his old nickname she used to call him with. One year earlier, he enjoyed it and thought of it as rare sign of affection… now he knew that it was only her manner of speaking, just as she often called others ‘dear’ or ‘darling’ without any romantic meaning.
It is always this way when you have crush on somepony… you exaggerate everything. – He thought to himself. Spike still found Rarity to be beautiful, this was undeniable fact, but now he also noticed that apart from her good looks there wasn’t much that connected him to her. True, the fashionista was generous, kind and acted very lady-like but she needed a gentlecolt who would be able to take her to new lengths of fashion world and not a hard working dragon who can takes care of others. In short, Rarity didn’t need him as she was capable of doing everything by herself, unlike Twilight whom he spent his all life with and wished to continue doing so in the future, romantically or not.
Breaking out of his daze, the purple dragon shifted in place for more comfortable position, when heavy silence filled the room, no more questions asked. Thankfully, Pinkie was with them to make the day brighter as always. “It will be so good to see Cloudsdale! I remember you said that you had a lot of fun there!” Energetically said Pinkie, which resulted in groan from Rarity and a lot of smiles from others. “Oh, don’t remind me…I just hope nopony recognizes me.” Said Rarity, her ears down as she remembered one of the most embarrassing moments in her life… well, maybe not the most embarrassing, but it definitely wasn’t something a lady should be proud off.
“I hope they do recognize ME, after all I was so awesome last time! Maybe we will even meet the Wonderbolts!” Squealed Rainbow Dash, as she was unable to contain her excitement about the idea of impressing her idols with her new moves. Soon, she went to her own world of daydream, and seeing her blissful smile, nopony wanted to disturb her.
“Don’t ya worry Rarity, with that clown makeup I heard ‘bout, there Is no way they do!” Reassured her Applejack, as the white unicorn relaxed visibly. She was still mad at the earth pony…just a little less than before. “Thank you Applejack…I think.” Replied the white mare, unsure as If it was compliment or another mockery of her artistic work. Still, she decided to believe that it was the first option.
Soon, all of them engaged in friendly banter and Spike listened, for he also wasn’t part of that adventure. He actually really wanted to see the city of pegasi for himself, especially after hearing this story many times from his friends and after witnessing it in his memories from third person perspective… but the last part was something they didn’t need to know. It was strange to see that everything they said matched exactly with what he knew with only minor differences.
As Spike was listening, during conversation his frequency of looking at door to other wagon became higher and higher and soon he felt the need to check on Twilight. Without any word, Spike stood up and walked to another wagon, unaware that some pairs of eyes followed him until he vanished behind the door. As soon as he found himself inside, he made his way towards one of the beds, where his friend and new object of affection laid calmly. Coming closer, he noticed that her eyes opened, probably because of loud creak the train door made upon opening.
“Hey. How are you feeling?” Asked the purple dragon gently, standing near the bed. Normally he would sit at the edge, but it was impossible when beds were one on top of another. The mare looked at him, before sitting up, so it would be easier to converse, her mane a mess like it usually was after waking up. “Better. How long was I out?” She said, while rubbing her eyes, trying to clear her vision. She had one strange dream, but it had escaped her and Twilight wasn’t one to ponder about something like that… what mattered to her was science and simple facts.
“Two hours, maybe a little more” Replied the dragon and he soon noticed familiar shock painting on her face. Preparing for yet another of her neurotic outbursts, when she felt that something was out of planned schedule. “Oh Celestia! I have to get up and tell everypony the plan so they…” She began frantically but Spike put his claws on her sides and gently shoved her back on to sheets, holding her in place. Looking up at him, she lost voice because of his sudden action for reasons scientifically unknown to her… it just felt all warm and fuzzy inside. – Calm down – She thought, trying very hard not to blush.
“Relax.” Calmly said the purple dragon, as his gentle green eyes looked into her amethyst colored ones for what seemed to be forever. His voice a faint whisper, sent shivers down her spine and she could feel her muscles tensing. Releasing his hold, he moved back, much to Twilight’s inner displeasure. “I already told them everything so you can rest.” Reassured her Spike while waiting patiently for first of many questions to come. “Did you tell them about the protective spells?” Asked the alicorn with concern, still unsure if her assistant did everything right but the dragon shook his head in approval.
“Yes” He said simply, expecting her to ask at least hundreds of questions before she will finally calm down. “And about the map and travel route?” She inquired, to which the dragon nodded yet again. “What about…” She began but Spike had enough because at this rate it would continue all the way to Cloudsdale and she really looked exhausted.
“Twilight.” He said, cutting her in mid sentence, stern tone in his voice. Looking at him she saw that he gave her one of those many looks when she was overreacting… was she overreacting right now? “Yes?” she asked, voice a little trembling from hearing her name said like that… it wasn’t fear, it was something else but she couldn’t determine what exactly. Excitement maybe?
“I took care of everything, so rest now. It will be, a long journey and you have to be in shape to cast those spells.” Reasoned Spike and true enough, what he said was one solid argument, one that she couldn’t possibly ignore… still… “But…” Began the mare but the tired look and groan from her number one assistant made her drop the subject, as making him unhappy was something she wanted to avoid. “Rest. Please?” Said the purple dragon shortly but without harshness in his vice and praised be Celestia, she finally did agree.
“Okay…” Replied Twilight as she complied with his request and moved yet again under the covers to get warm. Before turning her face towards the wagon wall, she took notice of him and his lack of intentions to leave the room. “Aren’t you going back to the others?” Asked the lavender mare curiously, while facing the wall. She felt a little conflicted about everything. Zecora said to her that she should wait and that she did… but the questions were nagging at the corner of her mind and with each new situation her feelings were becoming unbearable.
In this state, she couldn’t even resist him about anything even thought normally she would be out of bed by now, checking if he did everything correctly. Twilight couldn’t deny that all of those embarrassments, blushes and other situations were pleasant, she wouldn’t trade them for anything but it was slowly driving her crazy. What she wanted was a stable ground under her hooves. – Just what are we to each other? – She asked herself over and over but no answer came for it wasn’t this simple.
“I’ll stay, in case you need something.” Responded Spike, which made the strange fuzzy feelings return once again. The alicorn princess couldn’t help but notice how caring he sounded which made the whole experience more pleasant even if she was just going to take a simple nap. “O-okay… thank you.” Gratefully said Twilight, stutter in her voice as uncomfortable silence fell between both of them. If she were to face the purple dragon, she would take notice of the blush that spread on his face, as Spike too felt his heart skip a beat at the intimate conversation which took place between them. – Say something nice – He thought, while trying to get the right words, but ended up with results far away from what he intended.
“Hey, I am you number one assistant after all, it’s my job to care!” Responded the dragon a little to cheerfully, mentally cringing at himself – Great… now she will think that I only did it because of job… really smooth… - He felt like slapping his face with his claw. “Yes… your job.” Came silent and disappointed whisper from Twilight, but the words were muffed by the moving train.
“What was that?” Inquired the dragon but the mare didn’t respond anymore, which made him assume that she already fell asleep. Laying himself on the bed on the other side he faced her, pondering about his own feelings. Did he really thought that It was possible to be with her even after he shortens his lifespan? He was a dragon and she was a pony… - and I don’t know how she looks at me… am I her brother? Her son? Friend? Assistant? Which one it is for her… and do I really feel this kind of attraction to her? What about that situation in the library… So much possibilities…– were his thoughts as he slowly drifted to his own sleep.
***Cloudsdale outskirts***
The heavy train slowly moved towards the station with loud noises accompanying it. The station in Cloudsdale outskirts wasn’t beautiful and it was certainly more dirty and unpleasant than the one in Ponyville. Part of the reason for it to be like this was because the pegasi rarely used trains themselves and another part was, that not many who couldn’t fly, visited the city. Normally, you would expect to see some shops, maybe a restaurant or two but in this place there was nothing save for dirty old bar in the waiting area.
“Great. Now that we are here we should…” Began Twiligh Sparkle upon slowly exiting the train but was quickly interrupted by her friends who forcefully pushed her out, each of them with their own plan of action. “Look for Wonderbolts!” Said Rainbow Dash, as she made a barrel high in the sky to finally stretch her wings. The travel took too long for her taste and she needed movement.
“Promote apples!” Shouted Applejack, as she carried her luggage out with her. The earth pony was sure that if she managed to impress the pegasi from Cloudsdale with quality high products then it would result in better sales. “Promote…dresses!” Offered Rarity, who struggled to get all of her luggage from the train, but was struggling with it miserably as It was just too much for one mare to handle by herself. Being the gentle dragon Spike was , he quickly started to help her out. “Thank you Spike dear, you always know when to lend a lady a helping hoof… or claw” She complimented him which made Twilight’s ear twitch upon hearing it and cringe a bit for reasons unknown to her.
“No, first we should have fun!” Argued Pinkie Pie, with tone that didn’t took no for an answer. No matter what her friends proposed, having fun was and should always be on the top of To-Do-List when seeing new place. Thankfully, before anypony got the idea to argue about their idea the shy pegasus took voice. “Did they change the image? I remember it looking a little differently?” Timidly asked Fluttershy while pointing her hoof in the direction of flying city, making her friends all look at it.
“What are you saying Fluttershy, it never chang…” Stopped Rainbow Dash in mid sentence, her jaw nearly hitting the ground as the sight before her showed Cloudsdale, but compared to how it should look, the clouds were totally black instead of white and colors of many rainbows which adorned it was matted. “Uh…I think we have a problem” Spoke Spike, getting silent nods from everypony, as they collected themselves from ominous sight before their eyes. The many different ideas about what to do, died instantly as things definitely weren’t looking good.
“It must be what princess Celestia was worried about… Spike, Rainbow, Fluttershy, search for other pegasi and ask them if they saw anything strange. The rest after me!” Commanded the purple alicorn, as she began galloping forward while her horn glowed. Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie looked at each other uncertainly and soon followed. “What are we going to do?” Inquired Rarity after a while, displeased about the idea of running around blindly but even she could put aside her discomfort upon noticing the state things were in.
“We are looking for the rift. It is…” Began Twilight but was quickly interrupted by Pinkie Pie who stopped before them, nearly causing others to crash into her. “Black hole in the middle of air with black light coming out of it which gives a not so fun feeling?” Asked the pink mare, turning to her four friends, genuine concern in her sky blue eyes.
“Well…yes, how did you know Pinkie?” Said the purple alicorn, but she already found her answer upon looking up at the sky. “Uh…I might like…have found it” Managed to say the pink mare, as she pointed up, so the rest of friends looked at the not so small orb of black which floated high above them, out of reach for most of them.
“Great…how in all of Equestria are we getting’ up ‘ere!” Resounded slightly annoyed tone of Applejack. She was fine being earth pony and never envied pegasi the ability to fly or the magic of unicorns… but that rift didn’t play by honest rules by being up there and she was pretty sure that her lasso won’t be able to bring it closer. “Guys! We have probl… what is this… thing?!” Came voice of Rainbow Dash from behind them as she soon stopped above their heads upon noticing the rift for herself. The blue pegasus rarely was getting nervous but the negative vibes that came out of it made her shudder a little as if the wave of evil was crawling under her skin.
“The rift. Did you guys found anything?” Asked Twilight upon managing to get her eyes out of the big problem above their heads. She then noticed that Fluttershy and Spike were also present. Seeing as Rainbow Dash was slack jawed, it was the kind yellow pegasus who responded to her question. “We couldn’t get inside the Cloudsdale…” Said Fluttershy, head cast down, eyes brimming with concern as she landed before the purple mare.
“What do you mean? Spike?” Inquired Twilight turning to her assistant for answers, hoping that he at least would be able to give her more information than her other friends. Thankfully, he never disappointed her. “When we flied closer we were repulsed… like a force field. We saw others inside but we couldn’t reach them.” Answered the purple dragon, while deep in thought. After some time he turned towards his best friend, asking question which flew through everypony’s mind “So? How are all of us are going there?”
Thankfully, Twilight already had answer to that, as she smiled confidently at him “I can carry AJ, you take Rar…er… Pinkie and Rainbow will take Rarity.” Ordered Twilight, which made Spike look puzzled at her. It was clear to him that pairing Rarity and Rainbow Dash wasn’t the best idea and he knew that Twilight also must have known this. However, before he was able to ask about her decision another voice cut in. “Sounds like a plan to me!” Responded Applejack, while pushing Rarity in the direction of Rainbow Dash, a hidden smirk on her face. She would enjoy those two flying together!
“Hey, watch out a little…” Huffed Rarity at Applejack as she came up to blue pegasus on her own. Looking at the best flyer of Equestria she brushed some of the hair back into place and said nonchalantly “Just be careful… My mane doesn’t take well high speed and air pressure.” As soon as this response came from the white unicorn, a groan escaped Rainbow Dash… for she already knew that it would be loooong flight. Just then, looking to her left she noticed a pair who obviously had time of their life while soaring through the sky.
“Yay! Faster Spike!” Yelled happily Pinkie, who wore one of the biggest smiles the dragon ever saw as both of them were enjoying the mad flight. “..and try not to turn too sharply…” Continued Rarity, which made the blue pegasus facehoof as she slowly ascended knowing well enough that the white mare’s complaining won’t end until they land again.
“Uh…can we switch?” She asked Twilight out of desperation, but the lavender alicorn flew past her, while carrying nervous looking Applejack who clearly didn’t like heights. There was Fluttershy, but while Rainbow Dash knew that the kind pony wouldn’t decline, she just couldn’t toss Rarity’s complaining onto the fragile pegasus back. “Fine, thanks for nothing” She sighed and went higher and higher.
“Okay prepare everypony… I will began casting the spell” Said Twilight as her horn was surrounded by magenta glow, the sparks of energy flying all around, gathering in one simple point. Concentrating with all her might she was glad that Spike told her to rest because this spell was of high magical cost. With some more seconds, she finally gathered the necessary energy and shoot out but the magenta glow only remained on Spike and Rainbow Dash. “Uhh…somethin’ went wrong?” Asked Applejack, as even the earth pony could understand that the spell didn’t work like it should on all of them.
“The spell works only on Spike and Rainbow… I will try it casting it again” Replied mare with determination, not willing to accept any failures when it came to arcane arts. Yet again she gathered energy but the result was the same after her second attempt. Furrowing her eyebrows she gestured for everypony and Spike to land back so they could think again about their strategy. As soon as everypony’s hooves or talons touched the solid ground Twilight hit the ground with her front hooves, frustration evident in her voice. “I don’t understand I did everything perfect, just like princess Celestia wrote in her letter!”
“Maybe it’s not your fault Twi. What if the rift is rejecting others or it is something more? Should we contact princess Celestia?” Offered Spike which made Twilight ease up a little…still, she felt bad about the whole thing or not having any answer as to why it didn’t work. “I don’t think we have time for that. Cloudsdale looks worse with every passing minute” Replied Fluttershy as she pointed in the direction of the fabled city of pegasi as It seemed to fade to ruin.
“We can’t wait anymore! I guess it is up to our awesome duet Spike!” Boasted Rainbow Dash, as she lifted up in the sky, but stopped above others, waiting for Twilight’s decision. “Looks like it…” Finally said the purple mare, clearly not happy about the whole turn of events. “I will stabilize the rift from the outside while you go inside… you also need to make haste, the spell to remove safely the focus stone isn’t going to last forever.” Finished Twilight, biting her lower lip in worry, thinking about other ways she could help with but nothing else came to her mind. Taking notice of this, the purple dragon decided to reassure her a little about his safety.
“Don’t worry, we will close It before you know it… just try to stabilize it from outside. Ready RD?” Asked Spike, trying to sound confident as he flapped his mighty wings and ascended to air. A glister of determination in his emerald eyes, no longer those of baby dragon but those of more mature one. “Ready!” Exclaimed the blue mare as both of them began to fly towards the black sphere and soon, they vanished inside it, with small black sparks falling down from the object.
“Be careful you two…” Whispered the purple mare, her eyes on the black rift as if trying to penetrate it to see her friends who went inside. “Don’t ya worry, they gonna be alright!” Said Applejack, putting Twilight into bear hug. The alicorn might be their leader during their time of crisis but the earth mare knew well enough that even she needed support from time to time. “I hope so Applejack I hope so.” replied Twilight, as she released herself from her friend’s forelegs and began stabilizing the void with her magic.
***???***
In impenetrable darkness, thick as tar, one set of hollow eyes that stared into unfathomable depths, observed everything that was happening. Displeased frown deepened as it looked at six mares and one dragon, agitation growing “They are meddling again” it said, voice neither a shout nor a whisper but closer to hiss that chills the heart.
“Let them be, it is just a game after all and the pieces are in our favor anyway.” Replied similar voice, maybe a tone deeper and clearly mocking, as it moves it’s hand over chessboard which housed figures of six mares, one dragon and many black spheres surrounding them. The creature smiled as it moved two pieces closer to one of those black ovals, its black hand sparkling with dark glister.
“Still, they managed to close the first one. What if they close this one?” The first voice said yet again, displeasure mixed with primal anger of savage and ruthless being. “It won’t change a thing in the long run… only slow our progress but the goal is still the same, the final result unchanging” The deeper voice replied while observing curiously the purple piece which didn’t went unnoticed and made the first one issue a question.
“Why did you show the purple one those memories?” It asked in demanding manner, obviously not pleased by actions of the mocking one. For this one, interfering could result in change, and changes weren’t part of void which had its own set of rules. Rules of void were absolute and undeniable. They needed to be followed and if something out of ordinary happened… it was to be fixed.
“To make it more fun and emotionally engaging… after all, if you have something that you care about then it hurts more when you lose it. Besides… how often does anything happen in the void hm?” The mocking one said, making the first groan in frustration. That laid attitude really got on its nerves.
“You really are nasty aren’t you?” The angry one responded, but in reality… it agreed that this made waiting slightly more bearable. “So are you when you made those gates so… adorable.” Retorted the second, mockery replaced by mild disgust for a short while.
“Let’s just enjoy the show shall we?” Replied the first, to which the second could only agree. There were interesting events to observe and conversing with one another, which they did since the times long forgotten could wait. “Gladly”
***Gate of betrayal***
Venturing through rift the first time Spike couldn’t do much but be tossed around like a ragdoll… this time however, it all was more controlled, as if he was in ascending lift. To his left he saw Ranbow Dash who looked at him quizzically while speaking something but her voice didn’t had any sound as if somepony turned it off, so he gestured hoping she would understand. Finally, after some time they emerged on what seemed to be middle of Everfree forest… or at least similar. Looking around themselves, for any signs of potential danger they faced each other without any clue of what to do.
“Great, we are in forest, now what?” Asked Spike while scanning the area for any signs of potential danger, but the blue pegasus already had solution… and that was to fly, like always. “Don’t fret your scales, I can just fly up there and see… whoa!” She ended suddenly and descended down, landing near dragon. “I… think flying is out of option…” Rainbow Dash said, while fighting the urge to throw up.
“What are you…” Started the purple dragon but cut shortly upon noticing the same thing which made the fearless blue mare change her mind about her idea. There, above their heads, on many black and withered branches of high dark tress, were dangling bodies, too deformed to recognize them as the meat was rotten and eaten by many worms. Countless of eyeless shapes looked at them, their teeth grinning from ear to ear as if laughing from pulling out great prank on both the pony and dragon.
Collecting himself from this sight, Spike nudged Rainbow Dash to make her stop looking at corpses. “I think we should walk…” He suggested to which the blue mare nodded shortly, the idea of walking being more plausible to her than flying at this moment. – Great, chambers from meat, corpses on trees… what else? Who came up with all of this? – He thought to himself as it was obvious that a sight like this doesn’t create itself from nothing… or does it? They still didn’t know much about the rifts.
As they made their way forward, they soon engaged in conversation, partly because of boredom, partly to preoccupy themselves and their sight from wandering to dangling corpses. “And here, I thought you were pulling everypony tail when you said what was in the first rift…haha” Laughed the blue pegasus, slowly getting used to those… things up there, whatever they were when alive. She wasn’t one to be making scenes, that was Rarity’s field of expertise.
“No kidding… Twilight took it the worst.” He replied, remembering everything that went out there, especially the screens with his memories. He wondered if those would show up in here… maybe on trees? As he thought that, he looked more intently at them but there wasn’t anything out of place. “Still, do you have any idea where this magic what-was-it-called-again is?” Asked the mare, which made Spike shook his shoulders.
“None. It was Twilight who found the focus stone while I was running like mad through endless corridor trying to find her” Honestly replied Spike, remembering how frightened he was when she vanished behind that wall. This time he would make sure not to let anypony vanish on him. “Yeah, I heard about it. Twilight mentioned everything to us girls during one of our meetings” Proudly replied Rainbow Dash, but quickly bit her lip upon realizing she might have said too much.
“I don’t remember any meetings. When did it happen?” Inquired the purple dragon and by this point, the blue pegasus already knew that there was no escaping explanation. Taking a breath, she decided to come clean about everything to Spike. “Three days ago we gathered when you were doing library chores. She… figured we should know about what happened in the void to you to better understand how everything changed… you know… about those memories and other stuff like the rifts… I hope you aren’t mad?” Said Rainbow Dash with small laugh at the end. She wasn’t Fluttershy and actually expected the dragon to get mad at her, like he usually did when he was younger and somepony was whispering behind his back. Exhaling the air, Spike closed his eyes and thought for a moment about what he heard.
Much to Rainbow surprise, his reply came as very calm “I’m not mad…” He finally said, but soon his eyes looked downward, regretful look adorning his face “…and sorry for not telling any of you. I didn’t want to burden anypony with this even though I should believe in my friends.” Said Spike sighing, feeling angry at himself for acting like he did.
“ Hey, whatever happened or happens we are friends Spike, don’t forget that! Even if you have some bad memories, me and girls will just make more happy ones with you!” She said strongly, patting the big guy on his back while grinning from ear to like a loyal friend would do to cheer others. “Besides you were looking out for us by hiding it and seeing this crazy stuff? I don’t blame you! Twilight’s story made Fluttershy and Rarity faint and even Pinkie didn’t smile for ten minutes!” She added, joking about the whole situation, making the dragon smile along the way as he could practically see the reaction of everypony before his own eyes.
“Thanks Rainbow Dash, it… did you heard that?” He looked around as cracking sound was heard by him. Soon, it followed by more as the ropes on which the corpses hanged started to give a way and dead bodies came crashing on the ground behind them landing hard with sound of cracking bones and splash of rotten meat. They looked for some time scarred a little but after some time both relaxed. As it seemed to end with just this they noticed a rotten limbs moving… then torsos and heads… and soon the corpses started to crawl in their direction, empty eye sockets angrily looking at the duo, jaws clacking as panicked expression showed on their faces.
“Run!” Yelled Rainbow Dash and Spike didn’t need to be told twice! Moving his legs as fast as they could, she and Spike started to run away leaving the corpses behind them… “What in all of Equestria are those? Zombies from Daring Doo books?!” Yelled again the blue pegasus to the dragon. “Just be thankful that they don’t run and only crawl…” He said but upon finishing that sentence, more cracking sounds resounded all around them and more corpses began t fall from high. As they nimbly avoided every corpse that came down on them or landed on their path they soon had to change direction because the front was blocked.
“We can’t continue it like this… we need to find…arhg” Yelped Spike in pain as one of the corpses landed on his left wing, the impact damaging it and making the purple dragon fall to the ground because of its weight. Quickly, he spun around, throwing the zombie out of him and to make sure it didn’t came back after him, he used his fire breath burning it to crisp and releasing the odor of dead body. “Spike, up here!” Shouted Rainbow Dash from above, who took flight, seeing as the corpses were all around the poor dragon, making slowly their way towards him, as he fended them off with his breath, claws and tail, he heard Rainbow yelling “You have to fly!” She called over and over but the dragon didn’t heed her instruction and soon after a fifth attempt she got a reply from him.
“I can’t my wing hurts!” He yelled back, pain in his wing shooting through him upon every movement. “Go and find the stone and I… I will get their attention!” He shouted, knowing well enough that this was probably a battle which he won’t win… stalling for time was all he could do at this point. “No deal, I’m not abandoning you when you just came back to us!” Angrily yelled Rainbow Dash, as she came closer to the dragon with amazing speed and tried to lift them both. Unfortunately, the mare didn’t had enough strengths as the dragon weighted more than she could hope to carry.
“You have to!” Argued Spike, while smoldering flame came from his mouth and set a flame three more corpses, making them fall to the ground. The circle around them was getting smaller and he knew that time was running short. The smoke was choking, the smell assaulted their nostrils and more zombies were attacking, two new for one fallen. “NO! I’m not leaving you to those scary things!” Yelled again Rainbow Dash, determined shout echoing through the rift along the loud cracking sound as the corpses stopped suddenly their movements and just stood there while glaring angrily at the duo. Soon, another crack resounded around them, but this one louder. The whole space whirled and shifted around them like ripples on the surface of the lake as cracks began to show before their eyes as if somepony was smashing the glasses they were wearing.
“What-is-happening?” Manage to say Spike, as everything began to swirl so fast that both he and the blue mare had to close their eyes, unable to look anymore… when they opened them next time, they were standing in empty room, oval in shape and looking as if made of glass with a lone altar in the center. On that very altar, a small stone in shape of cube hummed silently while turning around its own axis. There was no mistake where they were as it resembled the core room which Twilight described to them.
“I-is that what I think it is?” Asked the dragon, upon coming closer to inspect the object which they searched for, unable to comprehend what exactly took place or how they found the room. One moment they were attacked and just like that they were at their destination? This was certainly too much for his brain. Soon, Rainbow Dash joined him by his side as she too took the sight before her. “Is that it? That was easy… weird but easy!” She boasted, confidence returning to her features but the purple dragon knew better.
“Oh? What happened to ‘scary things’?” Mocked the dragon as he placed his claw on the stone, ready to remove it any time. “Scary? I didn’t say scary… they weren’t scary at all! Maybe a little ugly and smelly but not scary!” Defended herself Rainbow Dash, trying to look tough like always which make the dragon laugh out loud. Giving a smile of her own, the blue pegasus put her hoof on the stone and together, they removed it, the feeling of accomplishment filling their hearts.
***Cloudsdale outskirts***
As five mares looked intently at the black orb in the air before them, one of them, the purple one wore the look of pure concern. As soon as Spike and Rainbow Dash vanished inside, Twilight cast her spell and now all they could do was to wait… which was really unnerving the alicorn. “What is taking them so long?” She asked for what seemed to be a hundredth time, while pacing from side to side.
“Please, calm down Twilight, I’m sure they are okay” Tried to reason with her the yellow pegasus even if her own heart was trembling for their friends. “Yeah and when they go back, you can give Spike the biggest hug!” Offered Pinkie, while juggling before Twilight’s eyes, trying to at least make her friend smile for a bit.
“I told you it’s not like… Started the purple mare while blushing but Rarity’s voice caught her attention. “Look dear, the rift is doing something!” She shouted, getting everypony’s to look at it and indeed the black mass of negative energy began to crack and collapse to its center. The Cloudsdale, that was close to it also began to slowly return to normal, the black clouds and rainbows regaining their rightful color before their eyes. They observed the whole event until Applejack, spotted two shapes moving towards them as slow speed.
“Well, look just now ya’ll, they are back!” Cheered the earth pony for her friends as they came closer and closer. Soon, they noticed Rainbow Dash, who was clearly helping Spike to stay in the air as he flapped his one wing, trying very hard to match her velocity. Upon their landing on the grassy field, everypony ran towards them and the first one to go up to Spike was… “Spikey-wikey!” Yelled Rarity, as she hugged the purple dragon, which made Twilight stop dead in her tracks, teeth gritting against each other as she felt tight knot in her stomach. Regaining her composture she made her way forward, much slower, towards her friends when she heard that Rainbow Dash already started boasting about the whole adventure.
As soon, as Spike noticed her, he made his way towards the alicorn, focus stone firmly grasped in his claw. “We did it Twi” He said to her happily, for the whole experience left him more than victorious and he was savoring every moment of this feeling. “Great job Spike!” She responded, prideful smile on her face as she took the focus stone with her magic and examined it closely but dropped it to the ground upon hearing Rainbow Dash next words. “…and then a monster Spike damaged his wing…” She said which was enough for the purple alicorn to shift her gaze to her number one assistant. Before anypony could react, she came up to him and started to examine him closely, worry painted all over her features.
“Oh no… “ She began panicking upon noticing a big bruise, amethyst colored eyes wide with shock but Spike started to calm her down. “It is okay, I will just…” He began to say, but was cut shortly, as magenta glow lifted him from the ground as if he was a sack of flour, making him unable to resist it or make any movement. “We need to get you to the doctor… the hospital!” She began to frantically gallop in the direction of newly restored Cloudsdale with speed that even Rainbow Dash wouldn’t be ashamed off and soon took off into the air with helpless dragon floating behind her, trying very hard to move.
“Nice goin’ big mouth!” Said Applejack as she sternly looked at the blue mare who floated up in the air, apologetic look on her muzzle. “We should go after them…” Ordered Fluttershy with determination in her eyes, as she could be very dominant if one of her friends was injured… or abducted like that. Grabbing Rainbow Dash by the hoof, both of them flew after the panicked alicorn and poor dragon, while hoping the injuries weren’t severe.
“Just beautiful… being left out is clearly not something a lady enjoys. What now?” Asked Rarity, as she looked up into the sky, worry for Spike overshadowing the feeling of being left out, but she would never say it out loud. “Ah, let’s just wait for’em at the train station. Maybe we can ask one of the pegasi to get our friends for us.” Replied Applejack, as she took the discarded focus stone from the ground, hid it in her saddle and made began their way there.
“B-but…what about the visiting Cloudsdale?” Inquired Pinkie, lips quivering as her mane deflated, for she really looked forward to visiting the city this time. “Don’t worry dear, I’m sure we will be able to have some after we get up there. We just need to wait for our friends to calm down.” Generously cheered her up Rarity, but truth be told, the white unicorn wasn’t exactly thrilled about venturing there after what happened last time.