//------------------------------// // The end of the map // Story: Spike's sister 2 // by Musicnotes //------------------------------// As the group went on they haven't faced any new troubles since their run in with the Tundric worm. Twilight continued to look at the map making sure they were still heading in the right direction. In the distance they could see a gray mountain and it looked like the same one on the map. Spike seemed very happy that they were getting close to the mountain, he kept looking at the white crystal that hung around his neck. "We are almost there Sarah. I'll find you." He said in a hushed voice. Rainbow dash brushed some snow off her coat as it started to fall on them. "So almost there? I'm sick and tired of this cold. If it gets any colder or we have to walk any much more we will all be pony popsicles." "Well whinging and crying like Rarity isn't going to get you anywhere sugarcube." Applejack replied. "You want to see whinging dear. This is whinging." Rarity replied, saying the last sentence in the same whining tone as she had did with the diamond dogs when she was held captive by them. "Girls please don't argue. I'm sure we will be there in no time. Right Twilight?" Fluttershy said turning to her friend. Twilight nods. "Yes we will be there soon." "Good I can't wait to get there." Spike said. The ponies nod at him. They continued forth as Pinkie Pie started to bounce ahead singing a tune she came up with. "We're off to the mountain cause thats where the map will lead us. We gonna find our friend. We faced a few dangers and we'll face many more cause we will see what will be in store." Fluttershy giggled listening to Pinkie sing. Twilight says. "Pinkie stop that" "Aww..ok." Pinkie said chuckling. They continued walking for several hours. The snow continued on and off for a lot of that time and soon the night fell. They were going to sit down in the snow for a little bit to take a break but Pinkie went ahead and made everypony a snow chair. Rarity looked at Spike as she sat down. "So Spike what are you going to do when we get to the mountain. I hope your not thinking of doing anything rash." Spike gave a small smile to her. "I'll do anything to get Sarah back. We are so close I think I can feel her." "Don't worry Spike. I'm ready to throw a cake at anypony who dares triers to stop us." Pinkie pie said pulling out a cake out of nowhere. Spike chuckles. "I don't think we need to have a food fight." "I second that but I'm sure we can get her back. I am now a princess." Twilight says. "Oh that is right darling. Maybe you could give who ever we face a royal order." Rarity replies. "That would be awesome!" Rainbow dash exclaimed. "I guess we will see. We should get back to walking. Care to lead us Spike?" Twilight says turning to her dragon friend. Spike stood on his snow chair and was about to say something when it crumbled. He got out of the snow pile it had made and brushed off the excess. "Yes I will. Off we go." The group stand up and start walking towards the mountain as Spike lead the way. Spike was several paces ahead of the others and was lost in his own thoughts. He kept thinking about what he would have to do to get his sister back. He remembered that Princess Luna said that this place ruled by a dragon. Would he have to ask the dragon that ruled this place for her to come back? Would he have to offer him anything? He figured only time would tell. The crystal on his necklace glowed sightly and heard Sarah's voice in his head. Your almost there. He smiled and said quietly. "I know." They soon got to the mountain, it was still dark out but it didn't matter to the group. They got to the end of the map and felt for sure that this was were Sarah was. Rainbow dash looked around. "So where should we look." Fluttershy shrugs. "I don't know." "Well Y'all lets see it looks like there is a small cave not far from here. Lets start there." Applejack said. "Good idea." Spike said as they all started walking. After a few minutes they walked inside the cave. It was very deep and it looked like the deeper it got the darker it seemed. Spike used his fire breath to light the way. The walls were bare and cold. It didn't look like anyone was ever in there. They were about to stop and talk about turning back when they soon approached a mysterious shadow. "Eep." Fluttershy said seeing it. "Don't be scared Fluttershy. Its just a shadow it can't hurt us." Pinkie pie said smiling. "Oh your right." She replied. Twilight smiled. "Its probably nothing girls lets keep going or turn back. Which should it be." They were about to talk about it when the shadow started to move and a calm voice of a mare spoke. "Your group traveled far to come here. You faced a few dangers but will face a few more if you continue on." Spike looked around. "Who said that?" "Show yourself." Rarity demanded. "Show myself. If that is what you ask then I will." Out of the shadow a long bronze dragon appeared. She was at least three times the size of Spike and had small wings. She looked at the group. "So will you continue on?" The group took a step back surprised to see the dragon. They turned to Spike since it was his quest. Spike looked at the dragon. "Yes we will continue. I'm here to get my sister Sarah. You haven't seen her have you." The dragon's eyes were empty of any color as she looked at Spike. "I know who you are. My friend has spoken of you. You have no sister but think of the one you call Sarah as your own. To get her back you must follow me and face the first of many challenges." Spike nods. "I'll do it. Just lead the way." "Wait wait before we go off and do who knows what. Who are you dragon?" Applejack said. The dragon smiled. "You may call me Valkyrie. Now please follow." She turned and stated to fly down the cave. The group follows silently at first for the first few minutes until Twilight whispered. "Can we trust her. This could all be a trap." Rainbow dash nodded and replied. "Yeah it could be." The white crystal glowed once more and Sarah's voice spoke to Spike in his head. It sounded the same as it did before but only a tad quieter. Follow her please. Spike nods and looks at his friends. "We must." They all nod at him and carry on walking.