//------------------------------// // The Spy // Story: The Dragon Outlaw // by Smoku //------------------------------// LOCATION: THE WINKING SKEEVER, ROOM 312 Brii looked me in the eyes. “Well, Spike, I gotta go take care of some stuff, but you should know, I will be seeing you on your journey. Have fun!” With that, she kissed me on my cheek and turned on her heel, leaving the room. However, she made sure to swing her hips when she walked away. “Spike!” Twilight called. “Who was that?!” “I told you just a friend,” I continued to insist, turning to face the ponies again. Rainbow scoffed, while deciding to plop down on my bed. “Okay, Spike. Just friends,” she emphasized with air quotes, “I wish I had more friendships like that. Like with Soarin…” Her eyes trailed off, likely in some sort of fantasy. “Rainbow! A lady does not speak of such intimate things in such a manner,” Rarity chastised, snapping at the Pegasus. Rainbow scoffed at that. “Does thou have an intimate relationship with the elegant dragoness?” Luna asked, turning to me with her piercing stare. “I might have, once upon a time,” I said, grimacing. “Ha, I called it! You totally hit that!” Rainbow screamed, afterwards jumping in the air, apparently learning absolutely nothing from Rarity’s earlier chastisement. “Ya could do worse.” Applejack offered, offering me an apologetic stare. Twilight and Rarity both seemed both embarrassed and angry at the conversation with their current facial expressions. Thankfully, Twilight decided to change the subject. “So, Spike, what exactly have you been doing these past nine years?” The Alicorn asked me. “Oh, you know, some of this and some of that,” I moved my claws to the left and right to emphasize, “mostly just small jobs and bounties lately. Time was, I took all the largest jobs this place had to offer.” While I was talking, I placed my jacket on the counter. I also placed both my weapons and my satchel on top of it. “Nice gun,” Applejack, complimented. “Thanks,” I returned. “What do those letters on the side of it say?” Rainbow inquired. “Twilight Sparkle,” I answered, looking down at my boots, embarrassed for some reason. Twilight looked taken back. “You named a gun after me?” “Well, that thing has saved me from death an insurmountable amount of times. Figured it was only fitting to name it after you, with all you’ve done for me.” She blushed, and shifted her hooves around on the floor. “Well I think you ponies need some sleep. You guys can sleep here. I’m gonna go down to the bar. I could sure use some strong alcohol right now.” I told the ponies. “I could use a drink.” Rainbow admitted. “Me too.” Applejack chimed in. With that, I left with Applejack and Rainbow Dash for the bar. When we got to the bar, we all decided to sit at a booth towards the back of the bar. “So, how have ya been these last few years, Spike?” Applejack asked, once we took our seats. “Eh, can’t complain. These haven’t been my finest years, but it’s not too bad.” I answered. “Here comes our waiter,” spoke Rainbow Dash. A white-coated Earth Pony with a black mane tied in a ponytail approached us. “What can I get y’all?” The mare asked. “I’ll take some scotch.” Said Applejack. “Me too,” chimed in Rainbow Dash. The mare turned towards me. “I assume you’ll take Vodka like usual, Spike?” The mare asked me, jotting down the other orders. “You know me too well, Oreo” I said, before she shook her head and walked back to the counter. Just as we were about to continue our conversation, a large Griffon walked into the bar and looked straight at me. He walked straight up to our booth and looked me straight in the eye. “You Spike?” The griffon asked, venom sinking into his very words. “Shit…” ~~~~Ω~~~~ LOCATION: ROYAL CASTLE, CANTERLOT WAR ROOM The Royal War Room was a peculiar place. It was fairly standard, as far as rooms in the Royal Castle go. It was of medium size. The walls and roof were painted a solid royal purple. At the center, sat a brown, polished wooden table, several feet in length. In the center of the table, was an engraved map of Equestria, with all of the important Royal Holds and cities placed upon it. The table, and map, was replaced every 100 years or so. At the left and Right sides of the table sat nine seats each. At the front of the table, sat two seats, placed away from the other seats. The Royal Sisters usually sat at the two isolated seats. The other eighteen held the Royal Advisory Council. The Royal Advisory Council was composed of the eighteen most important advisors to the Royal Sisters. Among them were Judges, Generals, Bureaucrats and Ambassadors. On the floor of the room, an enlarged image of Celestia's cutie mark sat. The Council was currently in session discussing a new threat to the empire: the newest coup attempt in progress. “So you’re saying we should just let these traitors run around doing as they please?!” Shouted a large grey Earth Pony, slamming his hoof down on the table. General Stone Heart, his name was. He sat in large, intricate white and gold armor. “These traitors have already killed several of my soldiers!” He yelled. “Stone Heart, I understand your frustration. However, we currently don’t even know who these ponies are.” Celestia said, lowering her voice, and giving Stone Heart a soft gaze. The Earth Pony sighed. “Yes Your Grace. I simply am anxious to bring them to justice. Stone Hooves was a good stallion. Possible general material, even. Shame he had to be the one to discover this conspiracy.” The general’s voice cracked at the final syllable of his rebuttal, showing his distraught over his fallen comrade. “Your Grace, if you do not mind me asking, what is this plan of action you called us here to discuss?” Asked a brown Unicorn adorned in a simple grey business suit. Red Eyes, his name was. The most-senior of all Judges in the Equestrian Courts. “Well, Your Honor, I asked you all here today because I believe I have a way for us to go on the offensive. We finally have been able to place a spy in the midst of their ranks. In just several weeks, our confidant has been able to rise to the inner-circle of the highest ranking members of the group.” The Princess replied, smiling. “Would we happen to know this spy?” The Unicorn asked, leaning forward. “I believe you would. He is a distant member of the Royal Family. One who has gained the interest of the council in the recent years.” “You don’t mean?” Asked Stone Heart. “I do,” answered the Princess, “Prince Blueblood has successfully infiltrated their cult. We finally have an advantage.”