One Dragon's Journey

by Hawk Noctis

Chapter 3: Over the River and through the Woods...

Chapter 3: Over the River and Through the Woods...

No matter what the time of day it was, the Everfree Forest was always dark. Whether this was because of the thick foliage of the trees or some strange magic that lingered in the woods was anypony's guess. Regardless of the lack of lighting, the Everfree Forest maintained an unsettling atmosphere that made anypony think twice about going in there. It had been listed as one of the top ten most dangerous locations in all of Equestria for a reason.

Spike walked along the forest path, trying to ignore how creepily quiet the forest was. There was no birds singing, no rustling of leaves in the wind, nothing. He couldn't help but feel like he was being watched, but whenever Spike looked around he saw no signs that he was being followed. No, he was just being paranoid. The sooner he got to the ruins, the better.

As Spike walked along the path he eventually came to a steep cliff that overlooked the rest of the forest below. Spike recalled Twilight telling him about this area of the forest back when she had gone there to find the Elements of Harmony. He would need to find a way down that didn't involve a drop from a really high cliff. Spike slowly crawled toward the edge and saw a series of small ledges that lead down to the bottom. He carefully approached the first ledge and jumped down to it, followed by the next one below that.

So far so good, now he just had to get down the rest of the way. Taking a deep breath, Spike jumped down onto the next ledge. There was only three ledges left before he would reach the bottom. However the next ledge would require a running jump in order to reach it. Fortunately there was less chance of breaking something if he messed up the jump, but Spike knew that it was better to be careful regardless.

Taking several steps back, Spike ran toward the edge and jumped toward the next ledge. He had misjudged the distance between the ledges and just barely managed to grab onto the edge. Spike struggled with it, but was finally able to pull himself onto the ledge. From there, Spike jumped down the last two and landed safely onto the ground.

“Glad that's over with,” muttered Spike. Spike continued walking along the forest path below, heading toward the ruins. As Spike walked along the path he noticed an object resting on the ground in front of him. As he got closer, Spike realized it was a branch from a tree. At first Spike was going to just ignore it, but then an idea came to the little dragon. He picked up the branch and examined it. It was a fairly small branch but it was thick and was only a little crooked. He removed the smaller twigs and leaves off of it and examined it again. “This might make a good walking stick,” said Spike. He knocked it against a nearby tree. It was sturdy as well, it might make a decent weapon in case anything should go wrong.

As Spike was about to start walking along the path again, he saw a small wisp of light appear at the nearby tree that lead away from the path. Then several more wisps of light appeared behind the first one, forming a line that lead away from the path. Spike rolled his eyes and sighed.

“Wisps? Really? Like I'd ever fall for that.” Twilight had once warned Spike about a certain creature known as a wisp. According to her, they were mischievous little creatures that lead travelers into very bad situations. If somepony followed that trail they could get lost or worse. One of the wisps made a whimsical peep. “You're not fooling anypony. I'm not following you or your friends.” The wisp hummed an unenthusiastic musical tone and it's light dimmed. The rest of the wisps soon dimmed as well. Spike rolled his eyes and continued to walk along the path. Nopony would ever all for the pranks of the wisps.

* * *

Trixie realized that she was going to lose track of the little dragon if she didn't keep up. One moment she had looked to her right while hiding behind a tree, and the next Twilight's pet had vanished from the cliff side. She slowly came out from where she was hiding and rushed to the cliff side. She could see the purple dragon walking down the path and out of sight.

“Nopony can escape the Great and Powerful Tri...” Trixie was cut off as the ledge she was standing on broke off the cliff side, taking her with it. Trixie landed on one of the ledges but bounced off of it and fell to to the bottom back first. Trixie let out a pained groan and slowly got up. “That's one way of getting down... ow...” She brushed herself off and trotted toward the path to try and catch up with the dragon. But as she approached, a wisp appeared to her right. Then several more wisps appeared behind the first, forming a path of lights.

The wisps began to chime in a playful chorus, as if urging Trixie to follow them. Trixie could not believe her luck. The very forest itself was seeking to help the Great and Powerful Trixie. She had more allies on her side than she had realized.

“These spirits will guide Trixie to Twilight. Oh how I cannot wait to defeat that horrible mare in a duel that shall go down in history.” Trixie galloped through the trees, heading toward wherever the wisps were pointing her toward. “Just you wait, Twilight Sparkle! Soon the Great and Powerful Trixie will...” Suddenly something wrapped around Trixie's torso and pulled her up into the air. The next thing she knew, Trixie was caught between two large leaves with rows of green pointy things that looked like teeth. As she heard the wisps chirping in what sounded like laughter, Trixie realized what had just happened.

“Oh you evil little demons! You dare to lead the Great and Powerful Trixie into the maw of a Venus Crittertrap? You will learn not to mess with...” Trixie was cut off as the mouth of the plant closed on her.

Several seconds later, the Venus Crittertrap exploded in a burst of fire as Trixie cast one of her new spells she had learned. She fell to the ground and used her magic to detach the remains of the plant's tongue appendage off of her. By now the wisps were long gone, terrified for their ethereal lives no doubt. “This must be a trap set up by Twilight Sparkle! That might have been the end for a lesser pony, but Trixie is the greatest equine who has ever lived!” Trixie turned back toward the forest path. “And Twilight Sparkle will pay DEARLY for this humiliation!” Trixie trotted back to the path and began her search for the small dragon once again.

* * *

Spike eventually came across a grand river that flowed through the Everfree Forest. If he remembered correctly, this was where Twilight and the others had encountered the sea serpent. The water was calm enough that Spike would easily be able to swim across it. It was one of those moments that Spike was grateful that Applejack and Twilight taught him how to swim. He also mentally thanked Rarity for making his bag waterproof when she designed it.

Spike took a deep breath and jumped into the water. He immediately began to swim toward the other side of the river. It didn't take long for Spike to reach the other side of the river. He shook off the water as best he could and continued onward toward the ruins. Ten minutes later, Spike arrived at the bridge. The ruins were within sight. Spike carefully walked across the bridge and approached the open door of the ruins.

* * *

Trixie cursed under her breath as she approached the ruins. She was glad that she chose not to wear her hat and robe. They would be ridiculously filthy if not completely destroyed after all the ordeals she hard to endure. As if nearly getting eaten hadn't been bad enough, she nearly got swept down the river when the local sea serpent started to freak out about having a bad hair day or something. Then she had to go across a bridge that was unstable enough to make one's life flash before their eyes. It had been very tedious to get there, but Trixie was finally standing before the ruins. Twilight Sparkle had to be in there. Trixie conjured up a trap at the entrance and grinned.

“Soon, Trixie will defeat Twilight Sparkle. I can hardly wait,” she said as she chuckled to herself. She had been waiting a long time for this moment, and it was almost here. She just had to be patient and wait just a little longer.

* * *

As Spike walked along the decrepit hallway, he pulled out one of the documents Twilight had sent to him. He skimmed it to try and find any details about where the key had been found in the first place. If he could find that area of the ruins he might be able to find some clues. According to Twilight, the key would be located in a small room past the throne room where Twilight and the others defeated Nightmare Moon. Twilight ha described this place to Spike a few times, so he had a fairly decent idea about the layout of the ruins.

Spike entered the chamber where the Elements of Harmony had been resting for one thousand years before Twilight and her friends had used them for the first time. From there he could see a small passageway to the left that led up toward another section of the castle. As Spike walked through the passageway he couldn't help but wonder what kind of crazy pony designed this place. The ruins were all over the place. He either had to go up or down and through various hallways that acted as bridges between the towers. No wonder it had been abandoned.

It wasn't long before Spike found himself standing in the throne room where Nightmare Moon had been defeated. It was clear no one had been inside the ruins ever since, as Nightmare Moon's shattered armor still lay on the ground where she had been hit by the Elements of Harmony. As he looked down at the armor he noticed something that Twilight had never mentioned before. Behind the platform was a door that was covered in a heavy coat of vines. The door was partially open and the vines had been disturbed, indicating that somepony had been through there recently. That must be where the first half of the key had come from.

He pulled the door open a little bit and walked into the side room that had been concealed until that moment. The lack of windows indicated that it had been meant to be a secret room that nopony would know about. A perfect place to hide a piece of a key required to unlock a certain magical amulet.

Sure enough, there was a pedestal at the center of the room. There was an indentation on the pedestal that indicated the key piece had come from there. Spike looked around, hoping to see anything that could explain why Twilight had sent that message to him. Unfortunately there was no evidence of any kind to help provide answers, but it was clear that they had been here and were long gone now.

Now I just need to find the next piece of the key. thought Spike as he pulled out Twilight’s research. If I'm lucky, maybe I'll find some answers. Spike consulted the one page where Twilight mentioned certain locations around Equestria. The only other place that had been crossed out yet was an area that was said to be located out near... Manehattan.

“Manehattan?! That's on the other side of Equestria!” exclaimed Spike. To be more specific, Manehattan was to the far northeast on the coast of Equestria. It was going to be a serious hike to get over there. It would take weeks if he walked there, but fortunately he could just take the train. Equestria had a train system that could get a pony to nearly anywhere, with the exception of the badlands to the far south. Then again, the only thing past the badlands was the Dead Lands, home of the changelings. Only creatures with a death wish ventured out that far. The train ride would take at least two days if not longer. But Spike wasn't about to stop there. He had to find Twilight and his other friends. He had to find Rarity.

Spike chose not to linger at the ruins and began to head toward the exit. It took a few minutes, but Spike finally arrived back at the entrance to the ruins. As he took his first step outside, Spike heard something snap. Suddenly he felt himself launching up into the air, caught in a net.

“Gah! What? Huh? What's going on?” exclaimed Spike as he tried to create a hole in the net with one of his claws.

“Ah ha! Trixie has finally caught up with you!” exclaimed Trixie as she jumped out of one of the nearby bushes. “Twilight Sparkle, did you really think that...” Spike let out a big groan and rolled his eyes as he realized who it was.

“Oh Celestia, not you again. How is it you haven't been eaten by a manticore yet?” asked Spike.

“What? Trixie's trap was supposed to catch Twilight Sparkle. Where is she?” demanded Trixie angrily.

“Twilight? She's not here. Whatever gave you the idea that she would be in the Everfree Forest?”

“You are Twilight Sparkle's pet. So Trixie thought that she would follow you and...” Trixie's statement struck a nerve in Spike and he began to struggle with the net even more.

“I am not Twilight's pet! I'm her assistant! Her number one assistant!”

“No you are just a pet my delusional little friend. Now where is Twilight Sparkle?”

“How am I supposed to know? I'm trying to find her myself!” shouted Spike irritably, trying to resist the urge to set Trixie's mane on fire. He was close enough he might be able to reach her if he took a deep breath.

“Silence, oh minion of Twilight Sparkle. The Great and Powerful Trixie will go anywhere to...” Trixie stopped talking instantly as Spike's previous statement finally registered. “Wait... what do you mean you are trying to find her? Has she gone missing or something?”

“No, we're playing hide and seek in the middle of one of the most dangerous places in all of Equestria. We do that once every week just for fun,” said Spike sarcastically. “Of course she's gone missing, you idiot! Why else would I go in here all on my own?!”

“Watch your tongue and attitude around Trixie, or Trixie may decide to turn you into a fly or something.”

“Yeah whatever. So why are you trying to find Twilight?” asked Spike, trying to make it sound like he actually cared about why Trixie was there.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie is here to challenge Twilight Sparkle to a magic duel. Upon defeating her, Trixie will regain her status as the greatest unicorn in all of Equestria!” Spike sighed and covered his face with one of his tiny palms.

“Like you'd ever stand a chance against Twilight. She'd flatten you in ten seconds flat.”

“Trixie has become far more powerful since her first encounter with her greatest nemesis. Twilight Sparkle will stand no chance against me.” Spike let out a snort and rolled his eyes. “Tell Trixie what happened to Twilight Sparkle before Trixie loses her temper and turns you into a rat!” The young dragon let out a sigh. Since had somehow managed to end up in one of Trixie's traps he may as well explain the situation to her. Not like there was any harm in doing so, right?

“Okay, okay. Twilight and her friends left Ponyville in search of a magical amulet known as the Chaos Ward. That was about a week ago. I got a message from...”

“A magical amulet? Curse that Twilight Sparkle! She must have known that Trixie was coming. Truly, Twilight Sparkle is a clever and formidable adversary.”

“That's not...” Spike sighed. “Never mind. Now, earlier today I got a message from Twilight containing her notes on where to find the key needed to unlock the amulet. Twilight's not the type to send that kind of stuff away unless...”

“It matters not. We will go find this amulet and Twilight Sparkle. Then Trixie will defeat Twilight and take the amulet for herself!”

“There is no 'we' in this,” said Spike. He finally managed to break one of the ropes in the net and fell out of the trap. He picked up this walking stick and dusted himself off. “You are not going with me.”

“Trixie will not take no for answer. Especially not from Twilight Sparkle's pet. You will help me find the amulet and your owner and that is final. You have no say in the matter.” Spike's fists were clenched tightly.

“Not. Twilight's. Pet.” Spike took a deep breath in an attempt to calm down a little. “Fine, you can tag along I suppose. But you can't hold me responsible if anything happens to you.”

“Oh there is no need to worry. The Great and Powerful Trixie can handle herself just fine.”

“I doubt you'd last five minutes against a changeling...” muttered Spike.

“What was that?”

“Nothing. Now let's go to the Ponyville train station. It's the fastest way of getting to Manehattan.”

“Manehattan? Why do we have to go there?”

“Because there is a key fragment located somewhere nearby, along the side of a river apparently.”

“Then lead the way.” Spike rolled his eyes and the two began to walk toward the bridge. Now Spike had to deal with one of the most annoying ponies that ever lived. With Trixie following him around, disaster was sure to follow in her wake. If the situation didn't get any worse, Spike would be grateful. But he had the feeling that Trixie would soon be the least of his concerns.

* * *

As the sun began to set, neither the young dragon or the blue unicorn were aware that they were being watched. In the trees above them, an entire company of changeling scouts watched their every move. One scout in particular kept a close eye on the two travelers and began to transmit a signal back to the nearest leader changeling, Lord Ocellus.

Lord Ocellus. We have located the little dragon. Said the scout telepathically as it transmitted the message. There was a brief pause, but then the scout could feel itself connect directly to the mind of the higher ranking changeling.

Any sign of the tome? Or the key? Echoed a deep voice inside the changeling's mind.

No, not yet. But we believe that both are in the dragon's bag. They are heading to the train station to go to a place called Manehattan.

Then we will board the same train and take the key fragment from them. Meet me behind the train station.

Yes my lord.

* * *

Several miles away, Ocellus praised his fortune. He was worried that the trail had gone cold when that lavender unicorn had used that spell on the book, but now it was quite possible that he had found not only it but one of the key pieces as well. Chrysalis would be pleased if he obtained the key.

Ocellus knew that he would get the key and bring it back to his sister. It was only a matter of time with some strategy and a little bit of luck on the side. His gossamer wings shot out and he took flight, heading towards Ponyville.

Comments

[Swashbucklist]

There's a fanfic called "The Dragon that Would Be Pony" on DA. Although the author deserves credit for having a firm grasp on his prose, the story itself felt like it was written by one of the younger male viewers of MLP who relate to Spike's character and wish to see him rise into the role of a big action hero. While there's nothing wrong with that, every word in the whole darn story made it feel like it was written with the specific intent of being an action-adventure cliché. This fanfic is starting to resemble TDtWBP.

Spike's contemplation of his friends in the throne room reads like it's supposed to be a touching, soul-lifting moment, but it just feels flat and lifeless. If you can't make the character's passion carry over into the words, I recommend you settle for simply telling us that Spike considers the connections he has to his friends and reaches a decision based on how much he values them. Be practical if you can't be emotional. In the same scene, Celestia's reactions to Spike's decision also feel clichéd, as though you wrote what every piece of fantasy fiction told you how the wise leader should react to the bold hero. You gave Celestia no thought process.

And then there's Trixie. She falls prey yet again to the cheap, widely-accepted fan perception that she hates Twilight for upstaging her and wants vengeance. But in this case, it's totally excusable because it suits the story and it's downright adorable picturing her bumbling grumpily through the forest after Spike, who's barely experiencing any trouble. But she can be a badass when necessary, like dealing with that Venus Crittertrap. Is that a creature you came up with?

But the main thing that could use some improvement is your writing itself. for instance:

He immediately began to swim toward the other side of the river. It didn't take long for Spike to reach the other side of the river.

You used the same subject ("the river") for two sentences in a row. It gets monotonous.

He shook off the water as best he could and continued onward toward the ruins...The ruins were within sight. Spike carefully walked across the bridge and approached the open door of the ruins...Trixie cursed under her breath as she approached the ruins.

Please, try for some sentence variety; we have thesauruses (and imaginations) for a reason.

But he fanfic is still good. Your prose is pretty solid, just not very interesting or enriching. I recommend you watch as many shows as you can by Joss Whedon (Firefly & Serenity, Dollhouse) and Steven Moffat (Jekyll, Sherlock, Doctor Who Seasons 5 & 6). It never hurts to bask in genius. Keep it up!