The world was never more clear or clouded in the world of simple sensations. Destroy, devour, desire, it was a wanton want. It was comforting to live without higher thoughts. This was his body moving on its own, instinctual and natural. The flesh in his jaws was cold, stale, and dead. He let go the putrid meat without swallowing. His nose led him towards a fresher kill.
The scent was familiar; he salivated as he strolled towards the warm body.
“No!”
A muffled voice screamed out. He had to focus, he had to wrestle control. Spike saw a ray of light at end of the dark tunnel, a mere pinhole. He ran focused forward to widen that corridor.
In his heightened senses, Spike heard the faint thrumming of her heartbeat. Luna was alive. His eyes scanned her body to inspect her for a wound but found only a dark streak of fur that sealed where it would be.
Spike sighed as he saw Luna’s cheat rise. He picked her up in his claws and remarked how light she was. Was it his brute strength or was it Luna had so been weaken? He held her tightly for fear she might fade away.
As Luna turned the other cheek, he saw fangs had sprouted and the iris of her other eye had become feral. It was still her voice that spoke. “Is that thou? Sir Spike?”
“Luna, your demon is showing.” Spike laughed and cried for joy. Nightmare or Luna he buried his head into her mane and wept.
“Speak for thyself, Sir Spike.” Luna gestured to Spike’s extended claws and his increased size.
Spike tried to calm his racing heart as he held her. Slowly his more aggressive draconic features receded. Muscles that bulged relaxed and his reptilian irises of his eyes expanded slightly back.
“Let me stand.” Luna shuffled in Spike’s claws.
Spike set Luna on her hooves but held supported her as she staggered.
Luna felt her forehead. “What of Chitania?”
“I ended her,” said Spike.
Luna spun around. “Nay! Sir Spike, Chitania art undead!”
Behind them they saw the Changeling Queen standing. Emerald flames engulfed her neck as she sealed her wound.
Chitania spoke in low growl. “I am no longer amused.”
Her words were interrupted by the chime of the grandfather clock in the hotel foyer.
“Another time,” said Luna.
In a flash they exploded into the present.
Chitania scoffed. “Indeed.”
In the blinding flash Spike, Luna, and Fancy Pants reappeared in the hotel foyer.
Fancy Pants had landed in the present on his head. He picked himself up and rubbed his head bump. “Dare I say, I think I’ll forgo gallivanting in the past, in the umm future?”
“Luna, Spike?!” Twilight galloped towards them along with a group of soldiers.
Fleur Di Lis had rubbed off her Luna disguise and galloped forward nuzzling Fancy Pants. “My love, you came back alive!”
“You’d kill me if I didn’t.” Fancy Pants nuzzled her back.
Twilight and group of guards that crowded around Luna stepped back when they saw Luna’s half transformation.
Fleur gasped. “Princess, your face!”
Luna growled at herself. “The demon inside me… it saved mine life, yet I feel the trade may not be worth it. The balance has tipped.”
Twilight remarked. “Somehow, you’re still you though.”
Luna lowered her head. “Why I have control… I do not know…”
The thunder of cannons and roar of dragons outside the hotel caused everyone to jump.
“Aldred’s attacking?!” cried Fancy Pants.
Fleur nodded and sighed. “Just their vanguard, we are fortunate that their greed does not permit them burn the city, so they send their dragonling infantry. They mean to wear us out before their final assault.”
Spike saw a worn imprint on the foyer tile work where Twilight had paced about fretting. Twilight spoke. “Princess Luna, Canterlot can’t hold out! We stayed just because of you.”
Luna stammered. “H-h-how soon did we depart into the past, did our enemies see fit to attack?”
“Mere minutes…” said Fleur.
Luna growled. “Curses, Aldred sensed mine departure; our ruse was for forfeit… the first thirty minutes would have been critical in repulsing his hordes.”
Twilight intoned desperately. “Rainbow is leading our air forces to keep corridor open. Luna we have to leave Canterlot now.”
Luna shook her head. “Nay, Twilight Sparkle. We shall summon meteor.”
Fancy Pants and Spike guffawed. “We’re not destroying the world!”
Luna rushed “Regardless, it cannot fall into Aldred’s claws. Let us later debate! To the palace!”
Outside the hotel they saw a desperate line of guards fend off several advancing dragons. Pulling a heavy artillery piece by his lonesome, giant red earth pony positioned himself at the enemy and fired. The round entered one of the dragon’s mouth and the drake screamed blood before falling dead at his slayer’s hooves. Other cannon crews fired, felling the last couple of dragons.
Luna looked at the saluting soldier. “Captain Macintosh, can thy troops hold this position for fifteen minutes before withdrawing?”
“Eenope.” Big Mac shook his head.
“Five then?” asked Luna.
“Eeyup.” Big Mac nodded.
Spike always admired the honesty and clarity that Big Mac conveyed. He had hardly seen him; he hoped Applejack’s brother would be well. He shuddered as he heard the roar of dragons and waning cannon fire behind them.
Spike and every-pony followed Luna as she galloped through the war torn streets. Luna stopped at a corner.
A long necked brown dragon had stuffed had stuck his head into the window of a cake shop and was nosily gorging itself on sweets. Its bulk blocked the street and their path. The fat dragon wagged its tail as it ate, oblivious to the world.
“Ha, Aldred destroys his armies’ discipline by conquering us.” Fancy Pants chortled.
Spike deployed his wings covering up Luna. He roared. “Brother, I’m escorting these prisoners to Aldred on his orders. Let us pass!”
The dragon pulled his head out and turned to reveal red blood mixed with white cake frosting. Its eyes were glazed over and feral. It roared, rearing upwards, and charged.
“Stop!” Spike shouted atop his lungs. “I’m a dragon like you!”
Luna pulled at Spike. “Thou shalt not be able to reason with it!”
“Hit it with our magic!” cried Fancy Pants. “Take it down!”
Twilight, Luna, Fancy Pant, and Fleur blasted their magical bolts while Spike shot his flames.
The dragon tripped skidding into another storefront. Spike looked aghast at the slain dragon and the effect of their barrage.
Luna patted Spike on the back with a wing. “A brilliant bluff, alas lesser dragons give into their demons during war. This one, in its gluttony, saw us only as food.”
Entering the palace they made a mad dash following Luna. As they reached the fork between Luna’s and Celestia’s towers, Spike was surprised as Luna ran for her own room.
“I thought you were going to cast the spell at the highest tower?” asked Fleur.
“I thought we weren’t going to cast the spell at all!” cried Fancy Pants.
“Luna, are you gathering magical gems for mana?” asked Twilight.
“Follow and ye shall see!” Luna gave an exasperated snort.
Kicking the doors open to her chamber’s Luna looked around.
“My sister, Celestia, recreated my room to exacting details… perhaps as a memorial to my banishment. I hope now she did a complete transplant.” Luna made her way to the fireplace and began prodding the bricks at the back. Finding the false brick she pressed it. The stonework moved as they heard the rusty creak of gears in action. Several light bulbs flickered on with one exploding. The last lights illuminated a strange screen surrounded by various black boxes.
Luna strolled forward and used her magic to press a tiny button on one of the black boxes.
Twilight examined the various boxes as the whirred to life. “This is technology, it’s beyond anything I’ve ever seen.”
Luna nodded. “The Griffins believe Technology would triumph over Sorcery, their prediction came to pass long ago. The results were too terrible to speak of.”
The small monitor flickered on and projected a green glow. With a huff Luna tossed aside the dust cover to reveal a strange piano like instrument. Spike saw the keys were too small even for the dexterous claws of Griffins. Every-pony watched as Luna used her magic to manipulate the strange interface.
SATELLITE UPLINK TERMINAL
> LOGON BACKDOOR
ENTER PASSWORD NOW
>*************
Luna tapped her hooves impatiently as the machines worked with whirs and electronic hums.
….LOADING UNITED NATIONS AUTHORIZATION
“What is this ‘United Nations’,” said Fancy Pants. “I don’t believe the nations were ever united.”
Luna sighed. “Twas so once upon a time…”
“Luna,” said Spike, deciphering the acronym. “Is that where your name comes from?”
Luna did not respond but continued her typing.
Past the door of horror, they walked. In the giant chamber, at the center, there was of an elevated platform above the sea of white. As Rarity was carried by bat-ponies and flown over, she saw the black rectangular slab at the center. She expected the nefarious object to be ornate but it was absolutely featureless.
Chitania sprawled herself out hugging the giant slab. “Behold the Door of Darkness, Sheol’s Gate, Pandora’s Portal!”
Rarity recoiled as she heard the knocking upon it. She nearly fell off were it not for Nightshade holding her lance to bar her. Rarity however saw then that the sea of white below was made of skulls she shrieked.
The door pounded louder.
Chitania cooed as she held the door rubbing it affectionately. “I know my love! You want out… but the vessel is not ready yet!”
Rarity shouted and planted her hoof onto the ground. “I won’t be part of your horrid scheme!”
Chitania laughed. “Thy cutie mark, thy role as an element bearer, and even now thou art guided by destiny. Thou art an arrow in flight. Generations of thy family have led to this finality. Thou art of noble blood.”
“What are talking about?!”
“Hath thy dreams been so vivid thou might swear they be real?”
Rarity nervously nodded.
“Dost thou even consider that thy dreams were of a past life? Mine beloved Sombra had daughter to which he instilled a shard of his essence, a shard of darkness. In thy veins flows his bloodline.”
“You’re mistaken!” Rarity’s entire body shivered, even her teeth began chattering in fear.
Chitania glared. “Yes, thou art the spawn of Sombra, great-great-granddaughter of Princess Platinum. Thy affinity for the crown at that play proved as much.” Chitania waved a hoof. “Hold her! We must confirm!”
“Don’t resist.” Amorpheus placed a hoof on Rarity.
“No! No!” Rarity tried to struggle, but in vain against the undead’s strength.
“And silence her infernal braying.” spat Chitania.
Nightshade exchanged a look with Rarity as she sandwiched her hoof between Rarity’s muzzle and the ground. Nightshade was gentler than she appeared and she whispered. “Bear it.”
Rarity gave the slightest nod.
Chitania touched her horn to Rarity’s.
Rarity shivered as the sensation of cold snake crawled through her veins. She gasped as her Cutie Mark burned cold. She saw drops of darkness enter the brilliant azure diamonds. The spots like ink droplets in glass water swirled before mixing. The pinnacle of pain was reached as diamonds darkened.
The door’s pounding became more incessant and hard.
Chitania cackled, hugging the door. “Huzzah! It is so! Sombra, my love, we shall be together again!”
Rarity panted. “I’m still myself!” She felt her cutie mark; the dark diamonds had a sinister shine. “No, now it doesn’t match my eyes! I’ll have to wear a dress always!”
“Prepare the door for transport!” Chitania gestured to the bat ponies. “We have a date in Canterlot!”
Amorpheus and Nightshade swiveled their heads.
Nightshade blurted. “As we left I sensed the dragons approach.”
“It’s a warzone now. The dragons lay siege upon the city.” said Amorpheus.
Chitania struck a dramatic pose.“In a crisis comes the perfect opportunity!”
Spike and Twilight poked their heads past Luna’s shoulders as she worked with the mysterious device. More lines of letters took over the screen.
COMMAND CODE OVERRIDE ACCEPTED!
SATELLITE DEFENSE INITIATING…
*WARNING*
TARGETING DATA CORRUPTED
ANTI FRIENDLY FIRE CONTROLS DISABLED
METEOR PROGRAM LOADED
TOTAL GLOBAL DISPERSAL PROTOCOL LOADED
TARGETING COMMANDS LOCKED
*DIAGNOSTIC*
420 NUCLEAR WARHEADS REMAINING.
SOLAR CHARGER INOPPERATIVE
EMERGENCY FUELS CELL RESERVES 20%
> FIRE Y/N?
Spike saw Luna stare at a single key. She held her hoof as if to press it but lingered.
“Luna, this ummm device, it’ll end the world?”
She gave a single nod. “Above our world is a star of death ready to rain ruin upon all. In but blinks and flash will come ultimate destruction as 420 baby stars shall be born and die unto this earth.”
“We’re not doing this!” said Twilight. “Luna, I thought we were just bluffing! I didn’t even know this was possible!”
Luna laughed. “This is the nature of deterrence. This is Mutual Assured Destruction. If we truly love our friends our families we would spare them from being fodder for dragons. Be assured thou shalt feel agony only for an instant.”
“I can’t argue with your logic…” said Twilight, squeamishly. “But… it’s not right!”
“We can’t let this happen!” said Fancy Pants.
Luna scoffed. “Thou art both each capable of destroying this machine yet thee hath withheld.”
Twilight and Fancy Pants back down, rubbing their hooves, impotently.
“Who’s speaking?! Is this Luna or Nightmare Moon?!” Spike pulled Luna by her shoulders. “Even if it’s hopeless, the Luna, I love, would fight as I saw her do in the darkness of her nightmares! I saw you!”
Luna smiled. “As... I saw you... but Sir Spike… wouldst, couldst thou bear to see all that which thou loves destroyed?”
Spike spat. “There has to be something else! Why can’t just fire off one star?”
Luna shook her head. “In an ancient war, the mother star was damaged. It shall heed but one call: that is total global consuming conflagration.”
There followed silence, punctuated by the distant sounds of cannon and dragon blasts growing ever closer.
Twilight asked. “Can we just drop the mother star, then?”
Everyone blinked.
Spike hugged Twilight. “Yeah!”
Luna rubbed her chin. “Yes, I might recalculate the trajectory but it would not enough. We may at best devastate only a third of their army.”
“Maybe bite enough for a bluff?” asked Spike.
Luna grinned again. “Truly thou hath become an ambassador. Alas the falling star would be conspicuous and slow; Aldred shall sense it and withdraw his armies.”
“Then he’ll need to be distracted,” said Spike, swallowing. “By Dragon Code he cannot refuse a challenge to his rank from a member of his own clan.”
“Spike?” asked Twilight.
“Aldred confessed he was my uncle. I have a claim.” Spike chuckled. “Heck, I may even become the leader of the entire Dragon Dominion. Imagine that!”
Luna shook her head. “Aldred cares naught for honor or the code, even then thou art no match. At the Peace Summit, Aldred only retreated at the arrival of our airship fleet. Be not deluded in thy assessment of thy strength.”
Twilight shook her head. “I’m not letting my little brother die.”
Fancy Pant poked him. “You’ll be crushed like a bug, lad.”
Spike rolled his eyes. His friends were quick to cut apart his false bravado. “Thanks for vote of confidence, guys.” He sighed. “Aldred will duel me exactly because he knows he’ll win. He’ll lose face if he refuses a challenger so small. While he’s distracted we’ll bring a freaking star onto his head. Dragon god or no, I think that’ll end anyone.”
Luna clung onto Spike. “Nay! Thou mustn’t!”
“You can’t stop me,” said Spike, extending his wings. “I’m tired of seeing my friends, hurt. I know it’s selfish but I gotta do this.”
A line of rabbits, birds, and various small pets filed into an animal hospital carriage. The animals whatever their predator prey relationship entered the carriage as one.
“Hurry little ones. No pushing.” A gentle voice tried its best to shout and convey calm urgency. Fluttershy lifted a small hamster as it got stuck trying to surmount the first carriages step. She was glad to have invested then into buying an ambulance for her veterinarian practice.
Fluttershy wiped the sweat from her brow as she hefted her own saddle bag onto her back. A tiny bunny poked its head out. The Pegasus rubbed her nose with the rabbit. “Don’t worry Angel 5, mama won’t let any harm come to you.”
“Fluttershy? Darn it, girl! What are ya still doing here? The evacuation call came ages ago!” Applejack ran almost crashing into Fluttershy.
Fluttershy timidly squeaked. “Oh my, I’m sorry; I just had to get the animals safe and sound.”
Applejack nodded. “Well get a movin’.”
“What are you doing here?” asked Fluttershy. She saw the sweat on Applejack’s brow and her heaving chest.
Applejack frantically swung her head around . “Lookin’ fer some of those strappin’ soldiers or anypony with a good back. Somepony is still trapped in town; a building beam’s got them pinned. Ah can’t lift the thing myself.”
“I can help.” said Fluttershy.
Desperation caused her to be curt, Applejack stared Fluttershy down. “Get on outta here and get safe. No offense, Ah need-”
Fluttershy whistled. From her cottage came Harry the bear standing on his hind legs. The ursine had in its claws several animal carriers. The bear walked past Applejack and placed the boxes of animals onto the carriage. Fluttershy waved the carriage driver off. Harry dusted off his claws and lowered himself to be petted by Fluttershy.
“I can help.” said Fluttershy, firmly, while holding onto her bear.
“That’ll sure do.” said Applejack.
“Harry, I’ll need you to be brave.” said Fluttershy to the bear.
The three made their way towards town and the roaring of dragons.
“Hurry, Pinky Pie’s life is on the line!” said Applejack, in full gallop.
“Pinky?” said Fluttershy, flapping her wings harder.
Spike sped past many dragons engaged in their duels with Pegasi lancers. The nimbler pony flyers evaded most strikes but it only took a single blast of flames to send another burning and smoking towards the ground. In the backdrop airships traded cannon barrages with the fireballs of giant drakes. In the chaos as the only dragon running from the battle he was unopposed. Spike saw many of the dragons he passed had the same feral look that he had seen in the city. They had traded their sanity for prowess in battle or perhaps they been driven insane by the blood of their enemies and friends in the air. At the top of mountain he saw several dragons coordinating their troops.
Bahamut growled looking at a map etched into the ground. “Damn it, our numbers are useless if we can’t harmonize.”
Spira shook her head. “The dragonling infantry, they’re untrained. They give into looting and claiming spoils before the battle’s done. I’ve ordered this unit thrice to move already! They should be taking care of the enemy ground emplacements! The Equestrian ballistae are moving into range of our flyers.” She pointed a claw at blue jewel.
Bahamut grit his teeth. “Send another messenger to give the order again but under penalty of death!”
Spira sighed looking at the largest jewel, crimson ruby, on the map. “Without Aldred, they listen naught to threats. I’ve imposed the same penalty yet the commander of that horde doesn’t listen. I’m tempted to fly and bit his throat for such disrespect.”
Bahamut raised his brow. “Where is Aldred?”
Spira rolled her eyes, moving the gem. “On the frontlines but not in the centerfold, he’s terrorizing some small hamlet. Methinks the bastard enjoys it.”
“Silence that tongue of yours,” said Bahamut. “I’ve stuck out my neck already for you.”
“Wise elder, I… am sorry and I am again grateful.”
“Lady Spira, we cannot stop the bleeding but maybe we can at least lessen it.” Bahamut turned to a drake behind him. “Give the order again, bite the commander’s throat if he does not comply!”
The drake protested. “My Lord Bahamut, I’m to kill a General?”
“More stand to die in his incompetence. You may take his place afterwards.”
The dragon then eagerly saluted and flew off as another landed.
Spike made his way through the dragon Generals. He bowed. “My Lords, I have message for Aldred.”
The dragons turned to Spike.
Spira eyed Spike. “Soldier, you seem familiar. Which clan do you swear fealty for?”
“I am Spike Sparkle, of the Pony Clan,” Spike roared. “And I am nephew to your lord Aldred! I claim lineage from Aldred’s slain brother!”
There were murmurs, stifled laughter, and heads bent quizzically.
Bahamut raised a claw to silence the murmurs. He looked over Spike while rubbing his long whiskers. “It is known to all the elders Aldred had a brother a millennia ago. The egg was said to have been lost, but you bear remarkable resemblance to him and his mate. Very well, we acknowledge your claim.”
Spira snorted fire. “Now what of it? We have war on.”
Spike was surprised by a dragon of his size amongst the Generals nonetheless wearing a necklace of general’s. The blue dragon seemed to hold her own in the crowd. Spike cleared his throat spoke. “Aldred lies! His son’s, Garble’s, Firestorm’s death was his own plan to start this war. Aldred killed his own son!”
There were more murmurs along with some nods.
Bahamut nodded. “You confirm what we all know in our hearts, young Spike. However, Dragon Code states truth is written by the victor. It is your word against that of Aldred’s. You would need to duel the dread Dragon to claim veracity. None dare oppose Aldred.”
In the most steady voice he could muster, Spike spoke. “That’s convenient; I’ll take care of two things at once. By Dragon Code, I challenge Aldred for the right of succession!”
Spike flew alongside Spira, as he flew to Aldred. Spike was suspicious of his follower as she was of him.
Spira inspected him. “How curious. Spike, is it now? You defeated Lord Firestorm twice and rumor has it you’re consort to the honorary dragon Princess Luna. Of all things I have heard you were a pony raised dragon.”
He nodded. “Going to laugh? Yeah, I know, funny huh?”
“It will be when Aldred stomps you.” Spira chuckled. “Why go to your death?”
“Because there’s ponies I love that would die if I didn’t.” said Spike. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Perhaps I do, I bear no love for Aldred but I love my clan.” Spira said. “This war is for Aldred’s gain to our pain. This was known before we crossed the borders.”
“Why didn’t you all oppose Aldred then?” Spike snarled.
“Exactly, there was a reason no dragon laughed at you when you challenged Aldred, it is because you shamed them, us, all.” Spira sighed. “Such foolish courage is sorely lacking in our Dominion. In a millennia more all we might be as sheep in fear of Aldred’s shadow.”
Spike appraised the female dragon. “You should go. You don’t seem the type to delight in the sight of death.”
Spira cocked a spiny brow. “No, I know you have a plan. Dragons of our stature do rise to our ranks without wits. To attain my rank, I routed the Minotaur armies with but several squadrons of my wyverns. We blew apart the dam to the River Styx and washed away their siege weapons. You have such a plan like so, no?”
Spike threw up his claws. “I plan to die. Seriously, there’s nothing more to it. Stop trying to analyze.”
Spira smiled as she flew close and blew a tuft of her smoke. “Should you survive, I could fall in love with the new leader of the Dragon Dominions.”
Spike beat his wings away from the dragoness. He spat. “Stop right there! I’m in a triangle as is! I’m not looking to make a square!”
Spira giggled. “Maybe mindless mating then?”
“Celestia damn it, get away from me!”
The massive rectangle was hauled by a conjunction of bat ponies and pulleys. Rarity herself flew as Nightshade held her aloft. The Changelings, Chitania and Amorpheus, flew onwards by the power of their own wings. Rarity stared at the ominous dark door hovering behind them; a gravitational force seemed to draw her towards it. Rarity kept her eyes wide open even against the drying air for when she closed them she heard windy whispers.
“Couldst thou not hath teleported us closer to the city?” Chitania growled.
Amorpheus sighed. “The time it takes to weave the spell would have been longer, considering how long it took to weave the last one.”
Chitania snorted. “Do fly faster then.”
Amorpheus snapped back. “Try maintaining the cloaking spell and flying then.”
Chitania yawned and flew to Nightshade and Rarity. “How now is our dear sacrifice?”
Rarity bit her lip and glared at Chitania, defiantly.
“Such anger in your eyes, Sombra’s lineage indeed!”
“Why do you love Sombra, from history I heard he was a most uncouth barbarian, enslaving ponies, using evil powers.”
“Evil? We, Changelings were called much the same. Driven from our land, made into ‘monsters’ by deprivation of love, then hunted down-”
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Oh darling, I’ve heard enough sob stories as excuses. Even the bat ponies joined Equestria, they worked towards living in harmony, you chose violence. You could have negotiated but then that wedding crasher Chrysalis invaded.”
Amorpheus’ ears perked as he heard of Chrysalis. “You’ll not denigrate Queen Chrysalis, she only ever a servant of our people.”
Chitania cocked her brow. “I heard of my great-great-daughter’s exploits. Her weakness was her kindness. She favored capture whereas I would have outright slain your Princesses for their crimes. I would not spare such an enemy the generosity of mercy.”
Rarity pursed her lips. “Generosity, mercy, and kindness these things come from love of all things. I help others because I love my fellow ponies.”
Chitania sneered. “Note thou said ‘pony’.”
Rarity admitted. “I’m sorry, I meant people then.”
“Thou aids others for the reason it serves your ego. I have seen how thine unicorn ponies live in your city upon a mountain surrounded by white walls. Thine charity is only the crumbs from the plate of plenty.”
Rarity bit back. “Maybe some ponies, but Equestria wouldn’t exist if we only cared for our own race. Granted the past was cruel, but it’s reason more for me to be kinder today. I’m sure we could extend that love to Griffins, Zebras, Thestrals, Changelings…” Rarity last words became soft and longing. “and even Dragons.”
Chitania waved her hoof dismissively. “Love for everyone? Madness! For the stability of the state it is necessity for there to be an enemy.”
Rarity sighed. “Maybe, we should stop thinking about enemies and start thinking about friends?”
At the edge of the giant column of smoke Spira stopped.
“I thought you said you wanted to watch.” Spike turned to Spira.
Spira waved her claws. “From a distance of course, Aldred is the mountain that moves. I’d rather not be flattened. Even his own soldiers know better than to get in his way.” She pointed to the numerous dragons that half ringed the town but did not enter.
Spike groaned and flew on.
Spira yelled. “Good luck!”
Smoke so choked the skies that the only illumination were the alit burning buildings. The streets were empty and the flowers dried to husks. Had Spike not been out of the cloud moments before, he could not have determined that this darkest day was day at all. Harder still to accept was that this humble hamlet was his home, Ponyville. He followed the sounds of destruction, knowing that Aldred was its source.
In the center of the village square, he saw the colossal dragon emerge from the smoke of a smashed building.
Spike roared to be recognized. “By the Dragon Code set by the Elder Council, I challenged you for succession.”
Aldred was busily picking his teeth. “Who dares?”
A piece of armor plate, no doubt a former guard’s, fell by Spike’s feet. He swallowed his courage again and roared in reply. “I do!”
“So Spike, how good to see you again. Challenge me do you?” Aldred, laughed. “This will be entertaining. This time there will be no pony airships to save you. I’ll even give you a minute to transform so I might rip you asunder at your peak.”
He had to focus on controlling the demon inside. He couldn’t fight Aldred in blind rage lest he have a chance against the dread dragon. He closed his mind and let the serenity of the darkness envelop him. He ignored the cracklings of the fires and focused on his innermost self. His trance was interrupted by the calling of his friends. Was it a hallucination? The voices seemed so far away.
“Pinky Pie, push while I pull!” cried Applejack.
“I’m sorry every pony, I was careless. I was helping the Cakes evacuate and the beam fell. Please go on without me!” said Pinkie Pie, sniffling.
“Harry, pull harder!” Fluttershy spoke with a strain in her voice.
A bear grunted.
Aldred licked his lips. “Hmm little ponies? I think I’ll snack first. You die later, Spike. ”
Wait if Aldred heard it, then it wasn’t a hallucination. “Stop!” Spike opened his eyes and called after Aldred.
Spike tuned his hearing and wove through the burning buildings. He felt the thunder of Aldred’s footsteps around him. He exhaled in relief when he found the source first. Applejack, Fluttershy, and Harry the bear were trying their best to lift a beam off Pinky Pie’s leg. The weight of the burning bakery’s rubble held the wood in place despite their hardest labors.
“Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie?” Spike ran to them.
“Spike, whatcha doin’ here, partner?” Applejack tipped her hat back to confirm her eyes.
“I could ask the same.” Spike gripped the beam that trapped Pinkie. He turned toward Harry the grizzly bear. “You ready, big guy?”
The bear nodded and they groaned as they together pulled the beam away. Spike’s added strength at last loosed the archway of the burning bakery.
Pinkie wiggled free. “Spike, I could hug you!” She jumped for a hug but fell when her left leg gave. “Ouchie!”
“We need to splint that leg.” said Spike inspecting bent out of shape appendage. “But later. You need to get away, like several miles away.” Spike lifted Pinkie onto the bear’s back.
Fluttershy stuttered. “G-Giant, terrible, enormous, teeth-gnashing, sharp scale-having, horn-wearing, smoke-snoring, totally all grown up-” Fluttershy squealed, “-dr-dr-dragon!”
Aldred gave a toothy grin. His individually pony-size knife teeth gleamed and reflected their fearful faces.
Spike extended his wings and snarled back at Aldred. “Leave them alone, this is between you and me.”
Aldred chortled. “Like father like son, dying in defense of ponies.”
“What? I thought my father…”
“That it he was that destroyed that village? No it was I. The company of the pony village had made him weak. He gave such a good fight when I destroyed his precious pitiful pony friends! The idiot, blinded by rage and grief, was still easily defeated. ”
“Why?!” Spike growled.
“Because, love is a lie, the only thing that matters is how much power you can gain. With his death, the Dragon Dominions were all mine. I wonder how good fight you’ll give me when I devour these little ponies here.”
Spike readied to roar in rage but he calmed himself, he couldn’t fight Aldred with a clouded mind.
In between Aldred and his friends with the fuming fire around them, the revelation exploded in his mind and time halted. It was the nightmares he had of the field of fire: his constant nightly torment. Spike smiled at the truth of his epithany and how obvious it was. This was the scene in his dreams. His flames were green and in his dreams the fire all around him had always been golden and crimson. He wasn’t a destroyer but a defender of the weak. He saw Pinky Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack cowering not before him but Aldred. They were hugging each other for fear. He imagined Twilight, Rainbow, Luna, Rarity, and even Nightshade amongst that huddled group. All their lives counted on him. It would be a noble death: a trade he would make a million times. Spike snarled as he dug his claws into the ground, he opened his jaw and let loose a resounding roar.