Magic. It was all around him. He could not get away from it. Spike was surround by magic. Twilight had magic, but she was an Alicorn Princess so she needed hers. Rarity had magic, but Spike always found her to be extra beautiful when using her magic.
Spike was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't realize he was falling behind Twilight. They were on their way to Canterlot for an official Princess meeting. All the princess's from Equestria had to be there, even Princess Cadance and Twilight. Seeing as how Spike was Twilight's personal assistant he went with her. The rest of the ponies stayed behind in Ponyville. They all had their own things to do. As he boarded the train to Canterlot with Twilight he could not help but feel a little out of place. It was easy for Twilight to pick up on this.
“Spike, is something wrong,” She asked kindly.
“No,” Spike retorted quickly, “I just don't realize why were taking the train to Canterlot instead of just flying there is all.”
“It's because last time I flew that distance you started kissing the ground when we landed,” Twilight responded, “And my flying could still use a lot of work.”
“Right,” Spike said bashfully.
He had forgotten about the whole kissing the ground incident. Figures Twilight would remember something like that. She pretty much remembers everything that happens around her.
Before much longer both had fallen asleep. Spike was not sleeping peacefully, however. He did not have pleasant dreams. They were plagued with familiar and terrifying images.
He was back in Ponyville. But it was different. Darker, and empty. The sky was filled with black swirling clouds that let no light shine through shrouding the entire town in a blanket of darkness. An small wind whistled through the towns silent streets, creating an eerie whistle that sent chills down his spikes.
He looked around for anypony to be there, but found none. He ran for the safest place he knew: The library. Maybe he would find Twilight there. Or maybe a spell or something. He raced to the familiar building he had called home for years now. The door was gone. Torn off it's hinges and tossed into the open. But by what? Spike entered the abandoned building ever so cautiously. He took a moment after each step to try and get a better look, but it was dark. No light came from anywhere. He took three steps in and heard something. CREAK!! It came from nowhere and Spike scrambled for something to defend himself with. He finally found himself with a broomstick in his claws. He stopped to catch his breath. His heart was beating faster than he thought physically possible. That is when he heard it. CREAK!! Again, it came from nowhere. Spike turned on his heel to face more of the constant darkness. Something was there though. He could feel it in his scales. Then he had an idea. A broomstick makes a decent torch when lit on fire. And one thing he was good at was breathing fire. Finally he'd have some light. He breathed a small burst of fire. The bristles of the broom ignited in a flash of green and yellow flame. What he saw with his new found light terrified him. It was Twilight. She was just sitting there, reading a book. She looked up and glared at spike. Her eyes were faded and dark, but the anger could be seen clearly.
“What are you doing here,” She snapped at him, “I told you to never come back here. I don't want you here anymore. You are useless.”
Her harsh words cut deeper than any wound ever could. Spike's eyes began to tear up as he turned and ran back outside. The other ponies were there now. All the same as Twilight. They glared at him with cold eyes.
“Useless. Unwanted,” They repeated, “Get out. Go away.”
They chanted the words as spike fled. But it didn't matter in which direction he ran. He always turned the corner to find himself at the hooves of the six ponies he used to call friends. They all moved in on him, still chanting those harsh words. As they closed in they yelled on final time. Spike awoke with those words echoing in his mind, where they would remain for a long while.
As they finally arrived in Canterlot, Spike was shaken by the terrifying nightmare he had. Twilight did not seem to notice his turmoil this time. It was so easy for her before. The two of them made there way to the castle. They were greeted eagerly by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Princess Cadance had not yet arrived. She would be there by the morning.
As it was late the group all headed for their quarters for some rest before the busy day tomorrow. All except for Luna of course. The night was her time to watch over the ponies of Equestria. But this night was different. Not because of the day tomorrow, but of the unusual request she made.
“Twilight,” She said softly, “May I borrow Spike from you for a while? I have a task for which I require his assistance.”
“Sure,” Twilight said somewhat puzzled, “As long as he doesn't mind.”
“I better not,” Spike stated, “I did not sleep well on the train and I am really tired.”
“Then I shall try to make this short,” Luna insisted.
Spike saw no point in arguing so he just went with Luna. She bid her sister and Twilight goodnight and headed down a separate corridor with Spike on her hooves. They walked for a while in silence. Luna would occasionally glance back at him. He would sometimes notice her glances and she would quickly look away. Other than that Spike was caught up in his own thoughts.
Finally they arrived at their destination. Luna opened a big set of double doors and beckoned Spike to follow her into the dark room. He could not help but to hesitate as he remembered his nightmare. Was that what this is about? Luna is the one that watches the ponies dreams after all, but could she see a dragon's dreams? Could she intervene in a dragon's dreams? And as if reading his mind Luna spoke.
“There are no monsters in this darkness,” She said with a small smile.
Her voice was kind and gentle and calming. It was kind of like Fluttershy's voice. That is probably what she was going for. Spike reluctantly stepped foot into the room. Once he entered he realized where he was. This room was Luna's bedchambers. She walked over to the balcony overlooking the city and the rest of Equestria. She looked over all the ponies deep in their slumber. She did not say anything to Spike.
“So what was that task you wanted me to do,” He asked.
“Nothing,” Luna responded as she turned to Spike, “I'm afraid I led you here with a false statement. I have no task for you to do here. But I would like to help you.”
“Help me,” Spike questioned, “With what? I don't need help.”
“You shouldn't lie to the pony who can see your dreams, young dragon,” Luna said back with a bit of sarcasm.
Spike was shocked at first when he heard that Luna had seen his nightmare. He then turned to annoyed.
“You saw my nightmare on the train,” He half questioned, half stated back, “Then why did you not help me?! Aren't you supposed to do that? Aren't you supposed to help those who have really bad nightmares? Isn't that your job?!”
Luna was a little taken aback by the young dragons display of anger. It was not like him at all. This was worse than she thought.
“I understand you frustration, young dragon,” She said with a soft tone, “But allow me to explain. I did indeed see your nightmare on the train, but I did not understand it. What troubles you so about Twilight and her friends?”
Now Spike was taken aback. Luna had taken his tantrum and totally dissolved it. He felt bad about yelling at her. He calmed his voice and turned his back to Luna.
“You don't understand,” He said gloomily, “I can't help them. Sure I'm a good assistant, but what else can I do? I mean look at the others. Fluttershy tends to the animals all around Ponyville. Rarity makes the most beautiful dresses for ponies to wear. Applejack harvest the apples and makes food for the town. Rainbow Dash keeps the skies clear and the weather nice. Pinkie Pie provides so much laughter and joy that no pony ever feels down in Ponyville. Now Twilight is a Princess who has duties to not just Ponyville, but to all of Equestria. And what do I do? I take notes and fetch drinks. Anyone can do that. I don't have any real way of helping at all.”
It took Luna a moment to process what she just heard. This was not what she had expected. The little dragon just opened his soul to her. She could see all of his feeling and all of his pain. She finally understood. As she thought about the plight of this young dragon tears began to well up in her eyes. She tried to hide it, but Spike saw them running down her face. Now Spike was getting nervous. He had never seen a princess cry before except for Twilight, but she wasn't a princess then. He did the only thing he could think to do. He darted about Luna's chambers, organizing all the loose papers and books that were laying all about the place. Luna watched for a moment with a puzzled look on her face.
“What are you doing,” She asked him quietly.
Spike stopped on a dime at the sound of Luna's voice. His cheeks turned red as he looked down at his feet.
“Well, this usually cheers Twilight up a little,” Spike said, “Thought maybe it could cheer you up to.”
Spike stood in the middle of the room staring at his feet still, waiting for a response from Luna. And he got one. She laughed. Her tears of sadness were replaced by tears of laughter. That was not quite the response he had expected. After a moment of uncontainable laughter Luna composed herself again. She walked over and sat down in front of Spike.
“Thank you,” She said, “That did cheer me up. Now we must move on to more important matters, like your nightmare.”
Spike did not want to think about it. It was terrible. He hated the idea that the ponies he called friends for so long could suddenly turn on him. Luna leaned in close to Spike. Her horn sparked a dim glow at the tip and Spike's focus was now on Luna.
“I am sorry, Spike,” She said sympathetically, “I did not help you through your nightmare. I failed at my duties as Princess of the Night. I now understand why it is you had your nightmare. And I now know what I must do to help you. Come back to my chambers tomorrow, as night begins to fall. I will help you then.”
The dim glow of Luna's horn subsided as her words faded. She stood up from where she sat and gestured for Spike to make his exit. She walked back over to the balcony to resume her watch over the ponies of the land. It was still night after all. Spike took one last look at her as he exited her chambers. He had seen a whole new side of Luna in the time he spent with her. She was no longer the imposing royal that scared ponies. She had long since been Nightmare Moon. But still, she had never shown this much compassion or sympathy before. Spike like it. He found it to be very soothing, and calming, and beautiful even. Definitely beautiful.
Spike woke that morning with a rude awakening. He opened his eyes to see the glorious light of the mid day sun shining through the window. He turned back over and then it hit him. MID-DAY?! How could have slept for so long? He shot up out of bed and headed for the door. However, his path was blocked by a rather frustrated pony. Twilight was not happy.
“Spike,” She said angrily, “Why are you just waking up now? It's almost noon. We have way to much to get done before the meeting and we do not have time to be lazing about and sleeping til noon.”
Spike was to shaken to answer. He was drawn back into his mind. He was drawn back to his nightmare. The look Twilight had in her eyes now looked just like the look she had in his nightmare. Is this how it starts? Does one late awakening start a downward spiral that gets Twilight to hate him? He was terrified at the mere thought of it. He was so terrified that he didn't realize he was shaking in the real world, much to Twilight's annoyance.
“We don't have time for games, Spike,” She said, “What did Luna have you doing last night anyway?”
Spike managed to mumble a few incoherent things before shaking off the terror of Twilight's gaze. He looked back at her before sputtering out an answer.
“Oh, uh, nothing much,” He replied, “Just some organizing books and papers. The same kinda stuff I do for you, Twilight.”
Twilight's gaze left Spike and he felt as if a great weight had been lifted of him. He breathed a deep breath after the uneasy feeling left his stomach. Twilight had left the room and Spike hurried along after her. He really did not want to anger her any further. Another look from those eyes might just break him beyond repair. Besides, they had a busy day today.
The day started off with a dress fitting for the big princess meeting. Rarity was back in Ponyville, so she could not make a custom dress for Twilight. She did, however, refer two of the best dress makers Canterlot had. The two of them spent an hour getting the perfect dress ready for Twilight's meeting. The reason it took an hour was because of Twilights nagging. It was always something.
The first dress they tried was a yellow dress with a sheer, frilly trim. The color was wrong Twilight complained. Next they tried a similar dress with more extravagant frills. It was white and very big. Too bright, she said. Next on the list was a sleek black dress that formed rather tightly around Twilight's body. She like it, but it was too dark. The two dress makers pulled out another dress after Twilight dismissed the black one. It had a light purple body, with blue stripes and light red sleeves. The entire thing had a sheer black lining around it. Too many colors, she said. Spike actually agreed with her on that one. It was ugly. Rarity would have fainted on the spot if that dress was pulled out in front of her. Twilight just complained. Nothing but complaining. Spike just had to stand there and endure it.
Finally, after that hour was done, Twilight had the perfect dress for the meeting. It was a deep blue color with a violet wave pattern that seemed to move with every step she took. It was lined with a beautiful black lace that showed her cutie mark. She looked quite lovely in the dress. Twilight ordered them to take it to her room after they were done with it. She called to Spike and they moved on to the next item of the day. Hair. Twilight spent another hour complaining to the mare who ran the best hair salon in Canterlot. Spike just wanted the day to be over. He wanted Celestia to lower the sun so Luna could raise the moon, and so Luna could help him with his nightmare. But the day was not done yet. He had to follow Twilight around all day and listen to her complain about every detail. Twilight was a pony of details after all.
After all the running around the two of them did it time to get back to the castle. The time for the meeting was coming up soon. Spike was wearily following behind Twilight. He held the checklist he had been carrying all day. Every item on it had been checked off. He followed Twilight into her room, but did not get very far. Two steps in and Twilight pushed a whole stack of books into his arms.
“Spike, I need a favor,” Twilight said, “Can you return these books to the castle library for me? I borrowed them last time I was here and forgot to return them.”
“Sure thing, Twilight,” Spike said happily.
He struggle to turn around without dropping everything and eventually made it to the hallway. He finally had some time to himself. He knew well the way to the library. He and Twilight had walked it many times before she became a princess. He was happier then. He didn't have a nightmare plaguing his thoughts. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of help Luna could be. He was going to see her that night, but what was she going to do? As far as Spike knew she only helped ponies in their dreams. Was she going to put him to sleep and enter his dreams? Dreams with Luna could never be bad Spike thought to himself.
Before he knew he was at the library. The big elegant double doors to the library were closed. Darn. How was he supposed to get in then?
“Need some help with that?”
Luna's voice startled Spike. He jumped so high, Luna almost thought he would start flying. The books he was carrying got even more airtime than he did. He came down breathing heavy and Luna just giggled a bit.
“Sorry, Princess Luna,” Spike started, “I couldn't see you because the books were in the way. Er, they were too high.”
Spike began to blush a little in Luna's presence. She just smiled at him.
“It's okay, Spike. Let me open the door for you,” She told him, “And you can just call me Luna, but let's keep that our little secret.”
A quick flash from her horn and the doors swung open with barely a creak from the hinges. Spike rushed in so Luna couldn't see him blushing anymore. He got about two feet before he realized he forgot the books. He turned around to see Luna still. She was holding the books in a nice, neat stack in midair. Spike's cheeks got even more red as he quickly darted over and grabbed the books before rushing back in and around the nearest bookshelf corner. He heard another small giggle from Luna, but didn't hear her leave. Maybe she just has really quiet hoofsteps he thought. Maybe she flew away. Spike tried to push Luna out of his mind as he set about placing each book in its exact correct place. He quickly scanned the titles of a few of the books. A Princess's Guide to Alicorn Magic, Being a Princess: An Idiots Guide, Pony Wars: Chapters 1,2 ,and 3. Interesting. Spike didn't even know the castle library had these kind of books. He did know the last ones though. Never did understand them. Apparently, those books came after four, five and six? Ehh, he just set them aside and climbed the ladder with the idiots guide to princessing. It didn't take spike very long to find the section, shelf, and spot that each and every book belong in. This was one thing he was good at. He just put the last book away when he saw another on the floor. Hmm. One last book. Shouldn't take to long. Spike was wrong. He looked at the title of the book. Shadows and Secrets: A History of Dark Magic in Equestria. It was a black bound book with a skull shaped clasp. Spike got a really bad vibe coming from this book. Why would Twilight be reading this? She was a powerful unicorn before becoming an Alicorn Princess, and she was always interested in magic, but dark magic? She would never try that stuff. Spike tried thinking of why she would have such a book. Maybe she was just studying dark magic. Maybe she was just curious. Perhaps she was just using it to level out a table. That last one made Spike chuckle. Twilight would never use a book for that.
Spike set out trying to find this books place. He looked in the magic section under S, but no place was open. No book was missing. Okay. Spike moved from there to the history section. Under S again, but no place was open. No book was missing. Odd. The book was on a history of magic. But it did not belong in either section. Hmm. Spike was puzzled. He was scratching his head trying to figure it out.
“I think you want that section over there.”
Spike jumped again at the sound of Luna's voice. What was she doing here? And where was she? Spike landed flat on his back on the floor of the library. He stared up at the ceiling in a bit of a daze. He heard another Luna giggle. Then her head popped out from atop a bookshelf. So that's where she was hiding. On top of the bookshelves.
“That section,” She said again.
Spike got back up and retrieved the book. He looked back up at Luna and followed her outstretched hoof with his eyes. She was pointing at the gate to the restricted section. Of course! The restricted section would be the place to have books on dark magic in Equestria. But how was he going to get in there? The main library is one thing. Was Luna really going to let him just stroll in the restricted section?
“Well, go on,” Luna said from atop the bookshelf.
The gates to the restricted section creaked open. It was a dimly lit row of bookshelves that greeted him. He gripped the black book ever so tightly. This section of the library always freaked him out a little. In here were all the books that were too evil, too dangerous, or too old to be viewed by the public. Where did the book he gripped so tightly fall? Evil, dangerous, or old? He slowly paced down the aisles as he looked for the section marked 'S'. After he found it he searched for the history part. It was all the way at the top. Of course it is all the way at the top. Why would this be easy for me? Spike grabbed a nearby ladder and climbed to the top. He found a small space that as unoccupied. It seemed too small for the book he held, but he wanted to get his scaled butt out of the restricted section as soon as possible. He squeezed the book into the small space and pushed with all his might. The black bound book finally went in with a little effort, but as soon as it went in another book came flying out. It smacked Spike right in the face and knocked off the ladder. He fell to floor with a hard thud of a landing. He got up groggily and reached for the book. He was astounded by the title. A Dark History: The Forgotten Magic of Dragons. Spike could barely contain his excitement. He ran out of the restricted section and right to the middle of the library. He screamed for Luna.
“Princess Luna,” He yelled, “Look what I found! It's amazing.”
Luna's head popped up from atop a bookshelf a ways off. She stood and pranced over the tops of the bookshelves to cover the distance quickly. She was glad to see the excitement and joy in Spike's eyes, until she saw the book.
“Look at this book, Luna,” Spike said excitedly, “I didn't even know dragons could do magic. This is the most amazing book ever.”
“Put that book away Spike,” Luna said seriously, “Look at the title again. There is a reason it says 'A Dark History' . Dragon magic is very powerful and very dangerous.”
Luna's words, as serious as they were, seemed to have the opposite effect she had hoped for. Spike seemed even more excited about dragon magic after he hear her words. Luna was about get very angry with him when something clicked in her mind. She looked Spike over. He was staring at the cover of this book. He didn't even try to open it. But he was smiling. He was happy to see this book. After leaving him to his nightmare Luna could not take that happiness away from him.
“Spike,” She said gently, “If you really want to know more about dragon magic then I know of someone who could help you teach you.”
“Really,” Spike asked with much excitement, “Who is it? Where are they? I want meet him right away!”
“Tsk, tsk, tsk. One thing first,” Luna responded, “You put that book back where you found it.”
Spike was surprised with Luna's request. He wanted to learn all about dragon magic and he held a book that could give him answers, but she asked him to put it back. How was he supposed to do that? He looked down at the cover of the book. He read the title again. It did say 'A Dark History' and he trusted what Luna had said. There was a reason for that. He sucked in his gut and marched back into the restricted section of the library. He climbed the ladder and placed the book on the shelf. There seemed to be plenty of space for that book. Odd. After Spike got back down-without falling this time-he went back to Luna. Luna noticed the obvious look of disappointment on his face.
“I am proud of you, Spike,” She said, “If you want to learn about dragon magic that book is not the right guide to teach you.”
“Why not,” Spike asked, “I didn't see any other books and dragon magic in there.”
“All your questions will be answered tonight when you come by my chambers,” Luna answered him, “Now, let us leave. It is almost time for my meeting with the other Princess's.”
Luna led Spike out of the library and walked with to the meeting room. Spike was not allowed in, though, so he bid Luna goodbye at the door. Spike immediately missed her as the doors closed behind her. She was good company. Compassionate and funny. Really liked a good joke. But she wasn't there anymore. Spike was left alone for the first time in several days. What was he to do? His thoughts were interrupted by a loud rumbling sound. At first he thought it was some sort of disaster. It took him a moment to realize it was his stomach. He hadn't eaten a thing all day. It was a disaster after all. Spike ran back the room he shared with Twilight and searched his bags for the gems he stashed in there. He quickly found them. It was a beautiful sight. All sorts of rubies, emeralds, opals, diamonds, jades, sapphires, and more. Rarity had given him a large portion of her gem collection for his trip to Canterlot. She claimed she 'had plenty to last her til next season'. Spike knew the next season meant fashion and not the next season of the year. He licked his scaly lips and dived into the big bag of gems. A short while later and Spike was fast asleep with a belly full of gems and plenty left over. He tossed and turned in his makeshift bed of gems as he slept.
He was back in the nightmare. Back in Ponyville. He stood at the center of town as he was before. He looked all around to make sure the monster ponies that looked like his friends weren't near him. He didn't see anything, but he was still very scared. He ran to the library that was Twilight's house. It was not the same as it was before. The door was not torn off and in the open. The entire place seemed even more dark than before. After what had happened to him last time he decided to leave the library be. He ran for the next best place he find some safety. Rarity's house and workshop. When he got there he heard a scream. A pony? Somepony else was there with him? He burst in without thinking and found Luna there. She was curled up into a ball on the floor of the shop. She was crying. What was she doing here? She was supposed to be in a meeting. Was she in both places? Before he could think of any answers to his questions another pony showed up. It was Rarity herself. Spike remembered what happened last time a pony showed up that he knew. Rarity stepped out of the shadows. She was wearing a dress, but it was in terrible condition. It was all torn up and shredded. There stains from dirt and dust all over it, as well as other things. Rarity didn't seem to notice. That was Spike's first clue that something was wrong. His next was her eyes. They were not as full of life and creativity as they used to be. They were even darker than Twilight's eyes were. One last thing set him against her. Rarity was smiling. It was not the warm smile of generosity that Spike knew though. No, it was much darker.
“Hello, Spike,” Rarity said with a smile, “What brings you here?”
“She does,” Spike said as he pointed at Luna.
“Too bad,” Rarity said, “You are way too useless to have her!”
Spike woke from this nightmare and screamed. He looked around the room to get his bearings. He had forgotten where he was. He ran to the window. Stars. He could see stars in the sky. That's right. He had to go and see Luna. If he could see stars that meant he was late. He quickly moved to the door and threw it open, much to Twilight's surprise. She was stunned by Spike's sudden action. Before she could even get a letter out Spike had already moved past her and was running down the hallway. He shouted a goodnight to Twilight behind him as he ran. He made it to Luna's chambers a few minutes later. The guards looked at him once before letting him pass. He slowly opened one of the doors to Luna's chambers and scanned to dark room for her. He found her where she would always be. She was watching over the ponies of Equestria from the balcony. He slowly moved his way into the chamber and quietly closed the door behind him.
“Welcome, Spike,” Luna said without turning around, “I was wondering when you would show up.”
“Sorry, Luna,” Spike apologized, “I fell asleep and had another nightmare.”
Luna turned to face Spike. She could see he was shaken by this latest nightmare. She bid him sit down and she lay down next to him. He told all about his latest nightmare. He left out the part about him being in Rarity's shop for Luna though. It was obvious to him now that that was part of his mind and not the real Luna.
Luna listened intently as Spike described his nightmare. She was glad he could confide in her such things. She liked the young dragon. He was always so full of life and energy. But then there were these nightmares. They seemed to drain the life out of him. They also terrified him to no end. There is no worse fate than having your friends turn on you. She knew this better than most anyone. She had turned on her sister a great many years ago and she still feels the weight of that decision every day. But it is a little less so when the young dragon is around. She feels do carefree around him. Before she knew it, she was staring at Spike. He had finished telling his nightmare some time ago. Now it was Luna's turn to blush.
“I am sorry you had to go through that alone again, young dragon,” She said, “I would have been there with you, but I was busy calling a friend. He should be here shortly.”
Before Spike could say anything he felt something. Another presence in the chamber. There was someone there. He could feel it in his scales. His eyes darted all around the room as he searched for this mysterious intruder. Luna watched in amazement. It was only after Spike dismissed as nerves and looked back at Luna did he see it. A dark silhouetted figure standing in the shadows behind her. Without a moments pause he called for Luna to get down and leaped into the air above her. He let loose a breath of fire that very nearly blew a hole in the wall. Not a second later did the guards rush in. Three of them.
“You’re majesty,” The lead guard said, “We heard something from the hall. Is everything all right?”
Luna was flat on the floor with her legs in every direction and a bewildered look on her face, The wall behind her was as black as scorch earth on a moonless night. Spike was standing on the opposite side of Luna trying to act as innocent as possible.
“Yes, yes,” Luna said as she composed herself, “My young friend here just sneezed is all.”
The lead guard looked between Spike and the scorch mark that covered the wall the ceiling and many piles of ash that used to be Luna's things.
“You should get that looked at,” The guard told Spike before exiting.
The guards left the room and Luna turned on Spike. She had an angered look on her face and it was fairly obvious as to why. But she said nothing to him. She just looked up and walked to the balcony.
“Don't get mad at the young blood, Luna.”
The voice seemed to come from nowhere, and everywhere at the same time. It was as if every shadow in the room carried the voice, creating an eerie echoing effect that sent chills down Spike's spikes.
“Calm down, Spike,” Luna reassured him, “I know him. This is my friend.”
Her words did little to calm his nerves. Spike watched as Luna's supposed friend entered the room. It was as if the shadows themselves came together to form his body. Each of his scales seeped shadows as they settled themselves into place. His flexed his hands, extending his long claws outward. Each of them sharp enough to shred stone. And then there were his eyes. Sharp and dangerous. They were a deep violet that glowed in the moonlight. Spike stared in amazement as this being coalesced from the shadows. But more than that. This being was all scales, claws, and teeth.
“A dragon,” Spike pondered, “Your friend is a dragon, Luna?”
“Yes, young one,” Luna said, “My friend is a dragon. I would like you to meet Smoke Shadow. One of the very last dragons that can do magic.”
“It has been a long time, Luna,” Smoke Shadow stated, “Why did you call on me?”
“Well, Shadow,” Luna started off, “My young friend here wants to learn about dragon magic. He found a book in the castle library and-”
“A Dark History: The Forgotten Magic of Dragons,” Shadow interrupted, “Is that the book?”
“Yes,” Luna said, “But how did you know?”
“There are only a handful of books on dragon magic in all of Equestria,” Shadow stated, “And I have almost all of them save a select few. That is one of the select few.”
Before anything further could be said Spike spoke up.
“Hey,” He shouted, “Can you really do magic?”
“Trying to make sure I'm not all smoke and mirrors, young blood,” Shadow said, “Well, watch this.”
“There is a reason I told you not to be mad at him, Luna,” Shadow told her.
He turned to face the scorched wall. He held his claws up and his eyes began to glow a fierce, deep violet. Both Luna and Spike watched in amazement as the scorched wall of Luna's chambers went back to normal. It was as if time itself had been reversed. Each pile of ash went back to being Luna's belongings. To prove that his spell had worked Smoke Shadow gestured to a large mirror that he had restored. In a quick flash of movement he was at Luna's side. She was staring at her reflection in the mirror.
“See now. You look as lovely as always, Luna,” Shadow teased, “And now you have your mirror back so you can stare at yourself all night long.”
“Stop it,” Luna laughed him off, “I asked you here for his sake.”
Smoke Shadow looked over at spike. His jaw was still open and he was staring at the formerly scorched wall. Smoke Shadow took the mirror he was holding and held it in front of Spike's face. The reaction was priceless. Spike saw himself all wide eyed and slack jawed and jumped back before regaining his composure. He looked over at Smoke Shadow with wonder in his eyes.
“So you can teach me all about dragon magic,” Spike asked.
“I'll do better than that, young blood,” Shadow replied, “I will actually teach you some dragon magic.”
The words left his lips and he got two very different reactions. Spike almost hit the ceiling he was jumping for joy so much. Luna on the other hoof, had the opposite reaction. She got angry and pointed a magically charged horn directly at Shadow.
“What are you thinking,” She hissed at him, “You can't teach him magic.”
“Too late for that, Luna,” Shadow said, “He already has a spark of magic in him. How else could he have seen me in the shadows?”
Both Spike and Luna had to think about this. Spike did see him. No, it was more than that. He felt him in the chamber before he even saw him. Luna had known Smoke Shadow for a long time and no one has ever seen him before. Luna retracted her charged horn and stepped back.
“Very well,” She said formally, “If he already has the spark then the fire should come from you, Shadow. Better he learn from you than find some other means.”
Spike gleamed with anticipation of learning dragon magic. But then he remembered something that threatened to put the whole thing on hold. Twilight. He was her best assistant. As much he wanted to do more he could not very well just up and leave her like that. He looked over at Luna with a worried look in his eyes. Luna seemed to know exactly what he was thinking. She smiled and looked down at Spike.
“You are worried about what Twilight would think,” She said.
“I don't want to tell her,” Spike said quickly, “At least, not yet. She is just now getting settled into her new role as an Alicorn Princess and I don't want her to worry about me. But how can I learn dragon magic and keep it a secret from her?”
“I have an idea,” Luna said, “Meet me tomorrow outside the meeting room doors. Okay?”
Spike nodded in agreement. He was eager to learn and he showed a lot of that energy Luna like so much again. It was getting quite late into the night so Luna sent Spike back to Twilight's room for some rest. He would anything Luna asked of him at this point. After he was gone, Luna was alone with Smoke Shadow.
“How much do you plan on teaching him,” She inquired.
“Basic things,” Shadow answered, “Levitation, telekinesis, and a few other things every unicorn pony is taught to do. Make him feel more equal and useful.”
“How did you know he was feeling useless,” Luna asked.
“Feeling inadequate in light of pony magic,” Shadow said, “Wasn't that the original reason dragons had to lose their magic?”
Luna knew the answer. Dragons were here long before ponies were. They were jealous when ponies started using magic so they tried to make it where they were the only magic users in the land. They did not succeed. It happened so long ago that almost no one remembers, dragon or pony.
Luna bid Shadow goodnight and then sent him away. He stepped back into the shadows and disappeared. Luna waiting for a while to make sure he was really gone. She could always tell if he was there or not. Part of her abilities as the Princess of the Night. She moved back over to the balcony and stared out over the land. She thought about the consequences of dragon magic returning to Equestria. Her whole body shuddered at the thought. It was too dangerous. Too powerful. And she was going to allow a young dragon, barely a baby, to learn some. What was she thinking? It was too late now. She could not go back on her word. She could not take that away from Spike. Plus, she had a point earlier. Better that Spike learn from Shadow than find some other means. It still worried her. But that was worry she kept to herself. For now she had to deal with getting Spike away from Twilight. And she had just the right idea. She smiled at her own cleverness.