//------------------------------//
// Hello/Goodbye 
// Story: Spike's Shadow 
// by DraconequusMaximus 
//------------------------------//

After six hours of searching the temple, the group found their way to a grand staircase on the top floor where many halls converged. It lead upwards in a winding fashion, making several loops, making it look almost like a spring. It was large enough to accommodate even a dragon many times Spike's size, leading up to an even grander door barely visible from the bottom. There was no doubt whatsoever it led to the chamber within the temple's main turret. 

In the interest of saving time, Spike flew the group up to the door directly. Otherwise it would have likely taken literally all of their remaining time to reach.

After reaching the top of the stairs they were able to view the extremely opulent door up close. It seemed constructed solely of silver, and it gleamed as though it had just been polished. It stood to reason that whatever was behind the door was somehow more valuable than the other things in the temple.

Namely the air element gem.

Spike and Sombra both knew that something profoundly magical lay beyond the door. So much so that the both of them were almost afraid to approach the door. Whatever it was, it gave off the same feeling an especially cool breeze catching you unawares felt. Not inherently bad, just surprisingly brisk, causing you to shiver.

"Are we going to try and open it, or what? We aren't getting any younger, not that it means much to you two." Daring huffed after a few minutes of staring.

Spike chuckled awkwardly, walking forward and pushing the door in an attempt to open it.

Surprisingly enough the door gave way with very little effort. Instead of opening the two great halves of the door slid into the wall, allowing the trio passage. The room beyond was still dark, meaning Spike's fire hadn't reached this far up.

Spike summoned up another fireball, letting it float lazily overhead.

As Spike led the leisurely-paced charge into the dark unknown he noticed that even with his dragon-fireball the room didn't seem to get any brighter. It wasn't until they were well into the room that Spike found another brazier. 

Spike once again threw the fireball into the brazier, quickly illuminating the vast chamber.

Spike, Sombra, and even Daring were speechless as the room and it's contents came into view.

There was a complete, or seemingly complete skeleton laid about in full form, stretched out across the room. With Spike there for comparison, it was plain to see that the skeleton had once belonged to a dragon of great age. As even without it's flesh it was a great many times the size of Spike, filling a little over half of the chamber. 

There were no visible damage to the bones themselves, but there were many colorless crystals the length of pencils and three times as thick jutting out at various points. It appeared as though the unique diet dragons enjoyed caused their bones to crystallize over time instead of petrifying or fossilizing.

All about the floor of the chamber were a great number of scales strewn about, bright white with a rainbow hue if seen from the right angles.

The group took in the scene for a time, though none of them spoke. Though both Daring and Sombra both made no effort to look at Spike, fearing their companions condition.

Fortunately, a voice resonated throughout the chamber and broke the silence.

Green flames... Such a nice color they are, gentle but vibrant. Mine were the same blue as the sky itself, back when I was alive. Father's were white and glowed like the sun itself, Dorta's were golden, Molaka's red-violet, Seifa's were amber, Vitra's were the color of blood, and the betrayer's were purple before they were dyed black. 

You must forgive me for rambling, it has been eons since I have seen a friendly face.

Everyone's eyes were drawn to the skeleton, as it had clearly been the source of the echoing voice. The dead dragon had just spoken to the three of them, and it had sounded quite happy to see them. The experience was more than a little unnerving, to say the least.

Spike stood there in awe as tears began freely streaming from his eyes. The unexpected turn of events was so utterly surprising, wonderful, and terrible at the same time that Spike could barely process what was happening. It was several minutes before Spike could even articulate what to say.

"I-I I'd given upon ever meeting a member of my biological family to talk to... I have absolutely no idea what to say, other than thank you. Thank you so much, for... for just being here." Spike cried with a smile on his face as he bowed to his elder.

In response, the skeleton rose. 

Slowly but steadily, the great skeleton rose until it's neck had to bend to go without hitting the ceiling. It sat up on it's own crossed arms and coiled it's tail around it's body. It's great wings were carefully lifted before being draped over itself, as not to accidentally strike it's guests.

Once it seemed comfortable enough, the great ghostly dragon opened it's jaw a small fraction of the way and exhaled despite not having lungs. An opaque-white fog left it's mouth, which began swirling about it's bony body. Soon the dragon's form was almost mistakable as still having flesh, had it not been for it's bones being still discernible as dull, darker shapes through it's imitation-flesh.

The last thing to fill in was the eyes, which became two points of blue light in the vacant blackness before transforming into eyes just like Spike's, but a pastel blue color. A great white dragon with a sky-blue belly and icy-blue spines. He looked a great deal like Spike, or rather Spike resembled him.

There now. Raise your head my boy, you don't bow to family. Besides, this is a happy occasion, or as much as it can be considering the state I'm in. The great white shade of a dragon told Spike with a laugh.

Spike pulled himself together, wiping the tears from his eyes as best as he could.

"I'm sorry. I... I couldn't help it. This is a lot to take in." Spike apologized.

Think nothing of it. I could have eased into this, but I was rather impatient. It has almost literally been an eternity since I had a visitor. Even then, I didn't much enjoy that visit. The dragon chuckled, grabbing at a spot on his chest.

Spike almost cried at that rather dark joke, but managed an awkward chuckle instead.

"So, you must be... Phomac? My great uncle, give or take a dozen places?" Spike wondered.

Phomac nodded, smiling at Spike's knowledge.

And you are Spike, son of Nabi, the last of the first. Though I am dead I anchored my spirit to my bones before I bled out, keeping my spirit in this room. From this specially enchanted chamber I can feel the vibrations of the air all around the world if I so choose. I have used it to listen to the skies and learned much about your life, and the lives of your loved ones.

That is also how I learned the modern common-tongue. I was uncertain you would understand me if I spoke Draconian.

"That's some crazy-level invasion of privacy right there." Daring pointed out.

"He is dead and confined to a single room in a floating building inaccessible to over ninety-nine percent of the Earth's population. Who could he possibly tell a person's secrets to?" Sombra retorted.

Phomac leaned down to meet Sombra's eye upon hearing him. As soon as he had taken in his appearance he withdrew himself a bit to give Sombra some space. Phomac seemed to have wanted to be able to put a face to the voice.

Ah yes, so you are Sombra. I thought you would be... taller?  

My baby brother has made a grand mess of your life. I sincerely apologize, but I didn't know to listen to your life until it was far too late. I wish I could tell you who you once were, but it is beyond my knowledge. Even I am not omniscient.

Sombra was a bit unprepared for the apology, but intended to attempt to be civil, especially under the current circumstances.

"It is far from your fault, but thank you all the same." Sombra replied, masking his uneasiness as best as he could.

Spike had managed to regain a little composure and had realized that Phomac had probably accumulated at least a little important information in the last hundred-thousand years or so.

"So, if you can hear all over the world... Do you happen to know about a demon masquerading as a cat? It's currently running around giving bad people super-weapons?" Spike mentioned hopefully.

Phomac's eyes dimmed at the mention of the cat, and his claw made it's way back up to his chest, scratching at the wound that wasn't there.

Beznik. Phomac growled apprehensively. 

Spike sensed tension in the air, immediately realizing it was a sore subject.

Beznik is both less than, and significantly more than your run-of-the-mill demon. He, or possibly it is Dootha's shadow, purposely cut from him to be his familiar and right-hand by Dootha's own claw. It is the only being Dootha truly trusts. It steals the souls of the corrupt and slays those that Dootha most considers a threat, myself and the rest of our fallen kin included. I cannot follow it's movements, even with the magic of this room. 

Shadows make no noise, lest they choose to do so. Beznik has already claimed the one called Ahuizotl and slipped away without your knowing. It spoke, specifically so I could tell you it took away Ahuizotl's vital spark and magics. It is a cheeky beast, I am thoroughly unsurprised it has taken the form of a cat in the modern age. I never trusted cats.

Daring charged straight up to Phomac, intent on asking him about what she had just heard.

"What'd you say?! We just left Zotl down there?! You're a giant ghost-dragon! You couldn't have at least warned us the damned cat was coming?!" Daring yelled up at Phomac.

Phomac sighed looking down at Daring, craning his neck to look her eye-to-eye.

I am long dead, my little pony. I cannot leave this room that I was slain in. I cannot leave, or even be heard outside this chamber. I apologize for the loss of your nemesis. 

Beznik is powerful, and his true form is a mystery to me. Even if I were alive still, and joined the three of you in an effort to fight Beznik we would all likely die. Except for Sombra, who Beznik would spirit away and give new life to his master.

Daring wanted to argue, but it was pointless. If Beznik could kill Phomac then there was likely nothing they could have done. 

Daring resigned herself to quiet, knowing there was a lot of things still needing addressing. The cat was who she was really angry at, and yelling at a ghost wasn't going to help. She was tired, and Spike had a lot more on his plate than Daring did right now, and Phomac could help.

"If it could dispatch the lot of us with ease, why would this Beznik ignore us in favor of Ahuizotl?" Sombra asked, finding a flaw in Phomac's logic (and seeing Daring needed a subject change).

To his credit, Phomac answered Sombra as levelly as possible. Even though the topic of Beznik set his figurative blood to boil.

Beznik once collected souls for Dootha to devour and grow more powerful. He has claimed eleven first-blood dragons and many other unique souls since Dootha fell. They are likely being contained within Beznik's body until Dootha can return and eat them to aid in his recovery. Beznik would not risk fighting in person while we are so close to it's master's return, and there are many corruptible beings that can be manipulated to fighting in his stead.

Spike and Sombra both understood the implications, though it was far from comforting. 

The only thing stopping what was possibly the most powerful being currently on Earth was a full stomach. As well as the fact that anyone with a modicum of real power and darkness in their heart might become a foot-soldier with supernatural powers. 

A particular blue-mare with a penchant for showing off and pride came to Spike's mind, but he believed she had learned her lesson the last time she got her hooves on an artifact of questionable origin.

"I'm gonna have to put up so many magical defenses when we get home." Spike groaned as his to-do list dramatically increased in length.

Phomac smiled and looked down at Spike.

You will be busy, but you have family and friends willing to lend hoof and claw. That is your greatest strength my dear nephew, you are not alone. Dragons by nature are vain, selfish, and stubborn. Nowadays to the point of being mindless savages.

You however, are humble, selfless, and more than willing to compromise. Being raised by ponies has done you a world of good. You will one day unite our people again, and our race will join the others. Not held higher than the smaller races as before, but as equals. My only regret is that I will never see the new world.

Spike didn't try and hold back the tears at Phomac's praise, as it felt like something he hadn't known he was missing in his life. It was a strange experience, as it wasn't a feeling of paternal affections. It was just a sort of completeness, knowing that his biological family, or at least a member of it was proud of him.

I wish I could linger in the world forever, but Lady Death has already been far too patient with me. You are the last of the first, and you have a job to do. To do that however, you need the magic of air.

"Oh, uh... Yeah?! Right, I forgot for a second. Where is the gem?" Spike asked, thoroughly embarrassed. 

Phomac's smile fell, and Spike could see he felt remorse for what he was about to tell Spike.

The gem is atop the turret of this chamber. However, as I consider this place my hoard, I cannot let it fall from the sky. So long as I linger here it cannot be removed of destroyed. There is fortunately another way for you to obtain the magic of the air here, but I am sure you will protest to it.

Spike tensed up, having a feeling of dread. Phomac's eyes seemed to dim, and the atmosphere grew colder in the room, at least from Spike's perspective.

I am going to give you the magic keeping my spirit in the mortal plain. Everything left of me besides my consciousness. I am, or was the greatest Aeromancer on the planet. In an aerial sparring match, not even father could best me without using other magics. I will pass on, as I was intended to ages ago. You will inherit a fraction of my skill that can be built upon, and a sliver of my mana will stay with you and deepen your own mana pool.

Phomac's words hit Spike like a train going at full steam.

There was no way Spike wanted Phomac to leave him so soon. Even if he was dead, Phomac was the only blood-family he had ever met. For him to cease to be almost immediately after meeting him was something almost unthinkable. 

Spike all but forgot Sombra and Daring were there, as neither of them could see how to remedy, or even weigh in on the situation. This was a family affair of sorts, and an unrealistically odd situation to try and mediate. Sombra knew little of social skills, let alone family issues, and Daring was never the talk through it type.

Spike stood there, hanging his head, trying to think of another way. 

Even though he had just met Phomac, Spike wanted to know him more. There were surely thousands of things Phomac could teach him, and tell him of the olden times, and of their family. Even more than Zecora, or anyone else. Spike wanted nothing more than to introduce his mother to Phomac, to have his families both together, even for a short time.

Phomac saw the turmoil that had practically paralyzed his nephew and he sighed, having expected something of the like to happen.

Spike, I've listened to every moment of your life up to now. A tender hearted child is what you were, and even though you've grown yourself a hard exterior it is still what you are today. I cannot linger here forever, and you must learn hardships that you have yet to know in your short life. I will be but the first loss of many, but as you overcome each hardship you will be better for it.

Beznik and his soldiers laid waste to the worshipers here, and then Beznik himself swallowed all the souls of the innocent and of his own troops once their task was done. I barely escaped the same fate. To defeat Beznik, and his master, you will need all the power I can give you. Beznik and Dootha will both have every advantage against you, and you will need as much help as possible.

Phomac lifted himself from the floor, bones creaking as he did. Keeping one arm rooted on the ground, Phomac used the other to reach through the white ghost-flesh around his bones and removed one of the crystals growing there.

With a bittersweet smile, Phomac looked down at his nephew. Phomac offered Spike the crystal, causing Spike to hesitate. Phomac bobbed his head a bit, prompting Spike to take it again. With some heavy reservations, Spike took the crystal, looking at it in his clawed hand like it was the weapon that had ended Phomac's life originally.

As soon as Spike and the crystal made contact Phomac's ghostly body began to unravel, starting at the tip of his tail. It was a somewhat slow process, the phantom flesh taking time to flow into the gem in Spike's palm. Though it was still entirely too fast for Spike's liking.

Sombra watched as Spike's tears made a boiling puddle on the stone floor, his chest aching at the sight of Spike hurting so. It seemed infinitely worse than the pain Spike had endured during his wing-growth. It was something that would take a very long time to heal completely, and Sombra knew there was little to nothing anyone could do to help.

Phomac could see Spike's will faltering as well as Sombra, thinking that he needed to keep speaking to Spike as long as possible.

I have been waiting for a way to aid in the cause, and you are more than worthy of the title of first-blood. I will continue to watch you grow from the other side of the veil. My time has long since passed, and I long to rest with the remainder of our kin. You have a grand destiny ahead of you, and will someday come to understand your importance. 

Spike was momentarily unable to reply verbally, but he nodded as a show of understanding. Phomac looked as though he would be crying, if he had the capability to do so. 

I cannot offer much advice that will be of use to you, but it should be known you must grow in more than terms of magical ability. Dootha is as large as I am, and Beznik can change form as it pleases. If you are to fight Dootha, you must be able to survive a swipe of his tail or unfazed by his wing-beats.

I believe you are resourceful enough to find a way, but I recommend you learn to shrink before you grow. Father created such a technique long ago, but I am unable to teach it to you as I am now. I can only wish you the best of luck in these coming events, and for that I am sorry.

"It's okay. You've done a lot for me already." Spike managed to say through his fit of tears.

Spike looked at the crystal in his hand, seeing it was becoming cloudy, and Spike could now feel a large amount of energy within. 

Phomac's head was now unraveling itself into the crystal, and his eyes were nothing but pinpricks in the dark. It was clear that before long Phomac would pass from the material world.

Take care of yourself, Spike. Protect your family. I don't want to see any of you until your times are up. And, know that no matter how things play out, I am proud to call you my family.

Spike gritted his teeth and swallowed the heartache and pain for a moment.

"I promise to take care of everyone. Just... Just tell Nabi, and everyone else I'll win, or die trying." Spike responded, holding his head high and proud despite the tears blurring his vision.

That is all we could hope to ask, and so much more, Spike.

With a melancholy chuckle, Phomac was gone, and now the crystal in Spike's hand was solid white and thrumming with power. Spike didn't want to do it, but he put the crystal into his jaws and crunched it to bits. It was flavorless, but at the same time the worst thing he had ever tasted.