//------------------------------// // VII: Capture the Flag // Story: The Dusk Daughter of Hecate // by DiscordFan //------------------------------// Twilight Sparkle was galloping through the Everfree Forest in a panicked manner. Her lavender coat dripped with sweat, and her hooves ached from running so long. Her breathing was slightly labored, and her armor wasn't helping speed her up. She carried a dagger in her mouth. RAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Her pace increased. Everything was fine. They had started to play Capture the Flag. She had been defending the flag. Then a few ponies wearing red capes appeared. Twilight had fended them off the best she could before a roar was heard... Twilight Sparkle backed up against the flag pole. She snarled at the surrounding campers, who returned the gesture. Thinking on impulse, Twilight stole a dagger from one of campers. The campers readied themselves to leap on Twilight, but suddenly a roar resounded. Everyone froze. "Wh-what's that," Twilight whispered. No one moved; no one breathed as loud footsteps approached. The ground began to shake as the steps got louder. The campers that had been surrounding Twilight began screaming and ran off. Fearfully and curiously, Twilight turned around. Tears began streaming down her face at the sight. Before her, with utter anger smeared on its face, was a giant purple and green dragon. Its eyes were like mindless orbs of green. Sharp teeth blocked slobber. Massive purple wings protruded from its back. It was Spike. Twilight began sobbing uncontrollably, and Spike tilted his head in confusion. Why wasn't this puny creature scampering away like all the others had? Twilight took a few steps forward towards Spike. He growled in rage. Tears continued as Twilight placed a hoof on Spike's foot. Spike roared in utmost hate. Taken aback, Twilight's eyes widened. Spike lifted his foot to step on her. Only now did Twilight bolt. In her panicked state, she teleported on top of Spike. Still in rage, Spike began spewing flames of green and orange into the air. He roared and reared as Twilight held on for life. She gripped her dagger with her magic, but she didn't have the heart to do anything. She let go and teleported. She began galloping furiously. I have to get Spike away from here. I have to, I have to, I have to... She whistled loudly, and Spike began chasing the lavender speck of meat. Twilight galloped faster. She now grasped the dagger in her mouth to save energy. She was making a plan. Spike continued deeper into the forest to obtain his lavender meal. She felt her armor slowing her. Her lavender coat was drenched in sweat. In her panicked state, she began charging her spell. Her horn lit a wild pink aura. She tried to calm her breathing. Suddenly, the world around dissolved as Twilight continued charging her spell. Her horn flared. Roars resounded. She noticed nothing. She released the magic. Twilight opened her eyes, and the Everfree Forest reappeared. Behind her, Spike growled and roared in pain. He lurched and thrashed painfully on the ground. Her bellows continued as he began to shrink in size, but the bellows of pain quickly became cries of pain. Twilight hesitantly approached the now small and crying Spike. Spike was lying on the ground sobbing. His body twitched with pain and confusion. His head pounded. He was muttering only two words repeatedly. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Twilight hugged him. He didn't notice. (Scratch that.) He couldn't notice. Twilight with Spike on her back approached Luna who was in a state of stress and concern. "Oh, Twilight Sparkle! Are thou okay," Luna asked as she slipped into old Equestrian. "Is that Spike on thou's back? What happened?" Twilight blinked sleepily. "I don't even know right now. I'm going to bed." Twilight began to wearily trot away, but Luna stopped her. "Twilight Sparkle. I have grand news for you. You will be moving cabins. You are to report to the Hecate Cabin for sleep. I will take Spike to the infirmary." Twilight groggily trotted away, not even processing what Luna had just said. Still tired from running, Twilight collapsed. Before falling unconscious, she heard a familiar male voice say, "Really, Twilight? Again?" "Wake up." Twilight moaned. "Wake up!" No response. "The great and powerful Trixie demands you wake up, Twilight Sparkle!" Twilight growled. "That's it." *Splash* "COLD COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD, COLD!!!" Twilight shivered. She shook to get dry if only a bit. "Sorry, Twilight, but the great and powerful Trixie was getting tired of waiting. Besides, you am I supposed to talk to my sister if she's asleep?!" "Sorry for the wait. Not my fault I fell unconscious." Twilight wrapped a blanket around herself in attempt to warm up. "What do you want to talk abo- Wait, did you just call me your sister?"