//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Only the strong survive // Story: The Primarch of Equestria // by mineturtal247 //------------------------------// As the door slammed shut behind Twilight, Spike, and Septima; Guards started pouring out of the woodwork's surrounding them weapons at the ready. "Princess Twilight please get away from the aliens!" one of the Royal Guards shouted, aiming a crossbow at Spike. "No, no its all right. It Spike my number one assistant remember? he came back to us." Twilight took a step in front of Spike, Placing her self in between the guard and Spike. "Princess please move for your safety!" another guard shouted. "No i will not!" She shouted back. Septima slowly moved his right hand to his lance pistol that was hoisted on his left side.Keeping an eye on the Xeno's he watched for any sudden movement that will indicate a fight. By now both the Princess's and the elements showed up. They could not believe what they where seeing two aliens one about nine feet tall in strange but yet terrifying armor. The alien shard a resemblance to a dragon, while the other alien was small and skinny with a mask on, it had ragged clothing that looked like it had not been washed in years.It had a long brown mane that touched it shoulders there where many scars on its body from years of abuse from what they could tell. "Twilight why did you let those things in!" Rainbow Dash yelled. Angered by her friend action. "Don't you see him? its Spike he came back he returned home." Twilight answered. pointing a finger at the tall reptilian creature. "That's not Spike! it something that looks like him but it not him!" Rainbow Dash stated. Her anger now boiling with a mix of fear. "Yes it is, you where all there when i asked if it was him and he said yes!" Twilight look to her friends for support. "He could have been lying Twilight you don't really think that thing is Spike do you?"Rainbow dash snarled. pointed a finger to Spike. "He said my name!" Twilight shouted at the rainbow Pegasus. Before rainbow Dash or any one else could argue a defining loud bang like a firework going off echoed through the whole castle. Every one covered the ears from going completely def from the loud sound. "I'm sorry I had to intervene but arguing was getting us no where." The reptile said with a grin. Every one looked at the large reptile who was holding the strange object with * L* metal shape at the bottom. He was pointing it in the air debris from the ceiling fell down. Smoke slowly arose from the short tube in the middle of the object. "WHAT THE HAY WAS THAT!" Rainbow dash shouted in rage.From nearly going def. "A Bolter." Spike simply answered with a grin. "What the heck is a Bolter?" Applejack asked removing her hands from her ears. "I will explain every thing in time, but to answer all of your questions I am Spike. Hello Applejack, Rarity,Fluttershy, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkiepie, and hello princess's." Spike said with a toothy grin. "Is it really you?" Luna asked still unsure if it is indeed Twilight assistant. "Yes." Spike simply answered. "If it is then prove it in some way that you are truly Spike!" Rainbow dash said, still unconvinced. "Do you remember when the crystal empire return?" Spiked asked the Rainbow mane Pegasus. "Ya i do but what does this have to do with proving your self!" Dash snarled. "Do you remember when i leap from the tower with the crystal heart in claw as Sombra tried to take it from me?" "Ya?" Rainbow Dash said, now unsure to where this was going. "Well then before me and Twilight ran to the top of the tower, Twilight was looking at the door we needed to go though for about an hour. The door was guarded by a strong spell Sombra made so no Pony could enter other then him. What Twilight was seeing was negative out come if she where to fail defeating Sombra, she saw Celestia dismissing her as her own personal student and she was sent back to magic preschool. When i looked though the door i saw Twilight kicking me to the curve because she did not need me any more as her number one assistant. " No pony said any thing. Fluttershy, Applejack, and the rest of the elements including the princess looked over to Twilight. "Twilight is this true?"Rarity asked. "Yes, yes that is exactly what happen." Twilight said happily. Every Pony was quite for the longest time. There was a awkward silence in the room. "What happen? you look so...Different." Celestia asked. looking over the dragon,braking the awkward silence. "Yes what did happen to you? And are those skulls? on your shoulder? "Luna asked pointing a finger to the horn that had skulls impaled on it. Spike glanced to his left shoulder where the impaled skulls where at. A small smirk could be seen on the dragon. "Yes they are but that's not important right now."Spike said trying to avoid subject. Every one stared at him blankly. While Royal Guard members tightened there grip on there weapons. "Listen I will tell you every thing. Just like I told Twilight I wanted all of us to meet up and..."Spike was cut off by a growling sound next to him. "Sorry my lord." Septima apologized putting a hand to his stomach. Spike looked a little angered by Septima interruption. He was about to say something when Celestia spoke. "Is your friend hungry Spike?"Celestia asked looking at the small creature. Putin on her best smile that she could for the alien. "I believe he is." Spike answered in a rather dark tone. giving Septima a stern look. "Would you and your friend like something to eat then Spike?" Asked Luna hopping that this might ease the tension in the room. "Sure why not we can talk over dinner." Spike answered.In his best friendly tone of voice that he could muster. Celestia orders the guards to put away there weapons. The Princess's stared walking towards the kitchen the elements along with Spike and Septima where following right be hind them. They continue there walk through the castle for a short time. Twilight was next to Spike while Septima was in the far back of every one else looking back every few seconds to the guards behind them. "So Spike what is that alien that is travailing with you." Twilight asked with curiosity. Spike looked down at Twilight who had a friendly smile on her. "That is Septima my personal servant." Spike answered. "Oh..But what is he? what spices is he?" she asked again. "Septima is a human from a world called Zuria" Spike said to the purple Alicorn. "A human do they all look like that" Twilight said. giving a quick glance back to the human. "Only those that disobey there master." Spike said coldly. Twilight look at the dragon a confused look was on her from the dragons answer. "I will tell you soon." Spike said in a mellow tone of voice. They soon entered the dinning room of the castle. A long table was in the middle of the room. The table it self was made from very rare wood that came from deep in the Everfree forest, only a ten of these tables were made in the whole word. Famous paintings hung from the wall's in the room along with beautiful well decorated chandeliers that could have only been made by those who have mastered the art in making them. Guards were posted in each corner of the room arm with spears. They watch the aliens enter the room ready to attack at any given notice.. Every one took a seat at the dinner table. Both the princess's where at the far end of the table while Rarity, Rainbow Dash at on the right side of the table facing Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkiepie; Who where on the left. Usually Twilight would sit with Rarity and Rainbow but she wanted to sit next to Spike who was sitting at the end of the table straight ahead of both Princess's. Princess Celestia looked at the small creature at the other end of the table a sad look was on her when she gave the small alien a good look over. His body covered in so many scares and cut he look like he slept in a bed filled with razor-sharp knifes then take a bath in salt by how dry his body looked. "What is your name?" Celestia asked the small alien with sorrow in her voice. "His name is Septima Princess." Spike answered. "Can he not speak?" Celestia asked curiously. "He can but i don't know if he understands Equine. I'm surprise i can still understand it." Spiked chuckled. "Lord I...I understand what the tall Xeno is saying" Septima said cowering a little in his seat. "Good Mr.Septima I'm glad you do" Celestia said. With a smile. "Septima what do humans usually eat?" Celestia asked. Unsure what to say Septima gave the Princess the best answer he could come with."My race are omnivores." Septima answered. Twilight looked around for a quail and paper to write this new information down. She spotted a desk, not fare from the table with a quail along with paper on it. She made a mad dash from her seat to the desk taking the quail and paper's she trotted back to her seat. With the quail in hand she started writing the new information from the alien. "Humans are Omnivores." Twilight whispers to her self. as she was writing down the new information "Guard please tell the Sheff to bring egg's and some toast for the alien,an also get Spike a plate of crystals to eat as well. If you will be so kind." Celestia told the guard next to her. "And make sure the alien get's a large amount of food he looks starved." Celestia added. The guard bowed. He made his way to a door in the room that lead to the kitchen. Spike look over to where Luna was sitting she look nervous, scared even she also seem to be fighting something inside her. Years of being on a ship filled with mad man that spoke to them self or fighting demons inside them who trying to posses their body's he could easily tell she was fighting something in her. "Is something wrong Princess Luna? You seem you are arguing with your self over there." Spiked asked the night princess. Luna was a little shock that Spike could tell she was arguing with nightmare moon in her own mind. "It is nothing." Luna answered sheepishly. "You seem scared or is that Nightmare Moon that is afraid?" Spike asked with a growing grin. Once again Luna was amazed by Spike ability to read her body language. "She..We are afraid of you"Luna said with her head down in shame. "Why?" Spiked asked curiously. "We don't know we are just afraid of you. Nightmare Moon she wants to get out and leave and hide somewhere safe away from you." "I see." Spike grew a small grin. The door's to the kitchen swung open.A wave of waiters came pouring out caring trays of food and drink with them. The waiters each took a position at the table standing next each guest. Simultaneously they put a tray down in front of the guest and removed the lid. Septima looked in awe at the food before him. It look wonderful and there was plenty of it. "What is this?" Septima asked string at his tray. "Its egg's and toast" Celestia answered. taking a drink from her cup. "Don't you have this where your from?" Twilight asked. "No not at all." Septima responded. "Eat Septima you will enjoy it." Spike said before biting into a large crystal. Septima removed his mask slowly. making sure he could breath the air on the xeno world he took a large gulp of air. Seeing he could breath the air on the world he fully removed his mask. Now staring at the food on the tray, Septima pick up a fork that was place by him from one of the waiters. He looked at the egg and its yellow top and white bottom that covered the whole plate, he stick the fork in the egg bringing it to his mouth he bite into it. It was the most delicious thing he has ever eaten in his whole life. Grabbing a piece of toast he shoved the whole thing in his mouth savoring the flavor every second he could before swallowing. "Seems some pony was hungry!" Applejack said staring in amazement, at the human who was devouring his food like a starving Manticore. "Quit in deed." Rarity added. Every one was enjoying their meal. The princess discuss about upcoming events and meetings with foreign officials. "Ambassadors from Kalland will be here in a few week's." Luna said to Celestia. "Kalland?" Spike asked Curiously. "A new nation that was formed recently, it's really a city-state but Equestria recognize it as a ligament nation."Luna explained. "The nation is having trouble with pretty much every thing right now tho. There's civil unrest, and many rebel factions are causing trouble for the nation. Celestia added in to conversion. "Along with that there is no trade or income going to Kalland so it's having a bad start as an independent nation." Luna added. "I see and where exactly is this nation at?" Spiked asked with curiosity. "The nation borders with the Crystal Empire and the Griffin Kingdoms." Celestia answered. "Excellent this could be useful." Spike whispered to him self. A devilish grin grew on his face. "Now Spike, you said you where going to tell us where you been for the last six years." Twilight said. holding a Quill and paper next to her. "Yes i did." the dragon said taking a sip from his cup he was handed by a waiter. Every one stop eating but Septima. All focuses and attention went to the dragon. "It started out like this." Spike explained how he woke up on a completely different world. He told every one about the Imperial fist marine who all most killed him. He told them if it was not for the Night lord who shot the Imperial fist he would not be here today. Every one seem shock. "Now the next part is going to a bit more...Disturbing" Spike explained. ____________________ Spike awoke from being knock out by the tall giant in midnight armor. Slowly,the young dragon arose to his feet. Looking around his surrounding Spike could tell he was in some sort of prison cell. There was no sign of light in the room it was so dark Spike had a hard time seeing his own claw in front of him. "Are you some sorta worp spawn?" A voice asked from behind Spike. Turing around Spike could barley see a figure of a young boy about fourteen of fifteen years old staring at him. "What is a worp spawn?and who are you?" Spike asked.Squinting his eye's to see the boy better. "My name is Sven. What the hell are you?" Sven asked looking over Spike from a safe distance. "I'm a dragon and you?" "I'm a Human. So you're a dragon huh? how old are you? can you breath fire like in the story's." Sven asked with curiosity. "I'm eight and yes i can breathe fire how old are you?" Spike answered. "I'm fifteen.That is pretty cool but it seems demonic!"Sven said a little worried. "Demonic! I'm a dragon not some demon from Tartarus." "What is a Tartarus?" Sven asked unsure what that place is. "It is a place where all evil being's go when they are defeated in battle or banish to by the Princess." Spike explained as tho it was common knowledge. "So hell then?" Sven said with a eye brow raised. "I guess if that what you call it here?" Spike said with a shrug. Over the next few weeks Spike and Sven became very good friends. Spike told Sven where he is from and what it was like living in Equestria. "There's no place like that in the entire universe. A land of peace and harmony,talking Pony's there no such thing" Sven said to the young dragon. "It is true that where I'm from what about you where you from?" Sven told him of his home planet. It was a forge world where his parents along with him and his little sister work at making weapons, vehicles and other supply's that the emporium would use to defeat the legions of chaos ,Ork's, Eldar, and tau. Along with many other threats of empire. Spike was shock to hear the life of the people who work and lived on theses forge world's. Little pay went to every one,no clean air to breathe, no fresh water to drink. It sounded horrible but Sven seem to loved it there it was all he talk about for a few day's at a time when him Spike had nothing to do other than sleep and share what ever food or water they were given. Then one day it all changed. Spike and Sven where sleeping in their bunks when the door to the cell open. Waking both the young dragon and the human. "Get up worms Lord Gharl want's to see you!" one of the Night lords shouted. Spike and Sven jump out of the bed as fast as they could they where on their feet within seconds. "You gotten better at getting up. I knew those beating would teach you something" the night lord laugh. Spike and Sven remembered the horror of beatings from the Night lords. They were beaten every time they failed to obey a command that a Night lord would give them. Scares on both there backs could prove this. "Well are you just going to stand there? MOVE!" the night lord shouted cracking a whip. Spike and Sven moved with speed down the dark hallways of the ship. They have gotten use to the darkness in the ship they could see better in the dark then they would ever in the light. "What do you think this is about?" Sven asked the young dragon. "I don't know but it can't be good." Spike answered. "QUIT! you two!" a night lord yelled from the back of them. They where silent the whole way to the command throne. The door's to the room open with a hiss. Spike and Sven entered the dark room they could see Lord Gharl sitting on his throne chair looking down at them. A amusing smile could be seen on his old scared face. "Step forward." Gharl commanded. Spike and Sven both obeyed with out hesitation. They approach Gharl and stop a few feet away.Night lords warriors made a circle around Spike and Sven. "When did i take you from your world Sven is it? about five week's ago?"Lord Gharl asked. "Yes Lord Gharl." Sven answered. "And you dragon it was only three weeks ago when one of my soldiers found you?"Lord Gharl asked. looking the young dragon dead in the eye's. "Yes Lord Gharl"Spike answered. Remembering how he got her still haunts him. "Good. As you can see my men made a fighting circle around you two.I want to know who is the strongest who would survive becoming one of my soldiers." Lord Gharl said with a dark chuckle. Spike and Sven looked at one another unsure what he means. "I have heard you two became great friends over the weeks you been on my ship. So i want to see who is willing to kill their friend to survive and having the honor of becoming a Night lord" Lord Gharl explain. "We don't want to fight each other." Spike told the old Night lord. Lord Gharl shrugged "Then you both die!" A cocking sound came from behind Spike and Sven. They turn to see a night lord holding a bolter pistol, it was pointing right at them. "I'm...Sorry Spike"Sven whispered. Before Spike could say any thing Sven landed a solid punch to the young dragon noise knocking Spike on the ground. "Sven why are you..." Spike was cut off as Sven stomp on Spikes stomach knocking all the air out of him. "I'm sorry Spike i don't want to die" Sven said. getting on top of Spike he wrap his hand's around the young dragon throat squeezing down on young Dragon wind pipe. "I'm sorry for this Spike please for give me. It will be over soon you'll go back home and see your friends again, you would like that wouldn't you." Sven said squeezing Spikes wind Pipe harder. Spike was now scared out of his mind he was being choked to death by his best friend. He tried saying something but nothing came out only pain. The burning feeling in his lungs grew as they so desperately tried to suck in air. By now Spikes fight or flight instincts kick in. He had to get Sven off him some how even if he had to hurt him. Spike delivered a solid punch to Sven crouch. Sven let go of the dragon's throat grabbing his crotch in pain. A few laughs came from the Night lords. Spike taking the opportunity punch Sven in the nose knocking Sven off him. Sucking in air as much as he could Spike slowly got his feet. Looking at Sven who was getting on his feet Spike ready himself for another attack. Sven got back on his feet. Looking at Spike dead in the eye's he mumbled something then charged the young dragon tackling him to the ground him and Spike fighting for dominance over each other.Punching, biting, kicking and scratching Spike and Sven fought like mad beast for what seem like hours before Sven Finlay pin Spike on his back. Sven started headbutting Spike. It may have hurt him self but it was effecting on Spike. Finally having enough of Sven constant attack Spike looked Sven in the eye and blew a steady flame into the young humans face before he could deliver another headbutt. Sven screamed in pain."MY EYE'S! MY EYE'S! I CANT SEE!"Sven Covered his face with both his hands Spike had the opening he has been looking for. Kicking Sven in the stomach then getting on his feet Spike delving a smack with his tail knock Sven back down on his back. Taking no time Spike got on top of Sven, wrapping his claws around Sven throat he squeezed down hard on Sven wind pipe. Sven removed his hands from his face to review a burnt charred skin that was black as coal and small pockets of blood oozed out from a open cut from when Spike hit him with his tail. Sven eyes were burnt shut. The young boy tried fighting back but was unsuccessful. "I'm sorry Sven, but just stop fighting please! just stop fighting, You will be with your family and little sister again just stop fighting and let it happen." Spike said with tears poring down his face as he squeezed harder on Sven wind pipe. Sven started squirming around trying desperately to get Spike off him. "Just stop, Just stop, Just stop." Spike repeated softly. Soon Sven stop squirming his hand stop flaying. He had stop breathing his whole body went limp,Spike could not feel a pulse. Spike remand squeezing Sven throat for a short time before letting go. "I'm so sorry"Spike whimpered. *Clap, clap, clap* "Well done dragon, Well done indeed. You survived! to be honest i thought he was going to end you but i was proven wrong. You now have the honor of becoming a Night lord. Tell me how old are you? as you seem too young to go through the genetic modification required to be an Adeptus Astarte of my legion. Spike did not answer he was crying over his friends corps. "DO NOT IGNORE ME WORM! ANSWER MY QUESTION HOW OLD ARE YOU!"Lord Gharl shouted in rage. "I'M EIGHT!" Spike snapped back. Gharl chuckled, "You got some guts ill admit that, not many would yell back at me in such a tone well the one's that don't live long.But seance you had your first victory i will let it slide...For now"Lord Gharl smiled. "Take him back to his cell. Get the quarter master tell him he is going to be training a new recruit for the next ten years." Lord Gharl told a Night lord next to him. "Yes lord." the night lord walk off. Spike was dragged from the corps of his friend all the way back to his cell that him and Sven shared. Spike said nothing he curled up in a ball, he started crying letting the cold hard metal floor sock up his tears. "I'm so sorry Sven i really am i did not want to do it but Gharl made me. Gharl." Spike said the name with a hiss. "he made us do it he made me kill you." Spike whispered to himself. "when the time is right, i get the chance i will kill him. I will kill him in such away that it will be in every history books in this world. This world will know my name and it will fear it! Lord Gharl i swear upon every scale on my body will kill you, I will have my revenge!"Spike whispered. "I swear it!"Spike clench a fist.