It was the middle of the day, resting in the shade of tall oak tree with her back against the bark, we find an seven year old unicorn girl with her nose buried deep with a rather thick book. She had long, dark purple hair that reached to her waist with a stripe of hot-pink going down it and a tiny, purple horn protruding from her bangs, light skin, purple eyes, and had a simple lavender dress that stopped just above her ankles with a hole in the skirt for her tail. Sitting next to her was a lanky teen aged boy. He looked to be about sixteen years old with most of his green hair slicked back except his bangs, light skin, slitted emerald eyes, and fangs protruding from his upper lip. He wore unzipped purple hoodie,revealing a yellow shirt underneath that was tucked into a pair of purple cargo pants with a purple scaled dragon tail with green spines, and to complete the ensemble was a pair of purple combat boots. The unlikely duo of unicorn and dragon continued to sit under the shade of the tree with the unicorn either oblivious of or ignoring the dragons presence. Whichever of the two it was, she was torn away from her book when the dragon suddenly reached over and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Twilight, it’s time to go home for dinner.” the dragon said, getting to his feet and offering her his hand.
Twilight smiled up at him and took the offered hand. "Okay Spike. What are we eating today?" Spike smiled slyly as they walked away from the shade of the tree in the local park and walked into the busy streets of Canterlot.
"It an surprise."
His response earned him an adorable pout from Twilight, which made Spike giggle. He always enjoy his time with his 'little sister'. Spike wasn't related to Twilight by blood, he was adopted into the family. But, neither him nor Twilight cared, family was family.
No matter what.
"So….,” Spike began, looking at the thick leather tome her arms, “what were your reading?"
"I'm reading a book about legends, and I just finished reading the legend about Nightmare Moon.” Spike gave a nod. He, like many others, knew the legend about Nightmare Moon, or “The Pony in the Moon”, but he still motioned for her to continue out of courtesy.
“It said that she would awaken a thousand years after her banishment, and if my calculations are correct, that’s soon and she will come back from the moon to seek revenge on Princess Celestia. I'm scare she that the may is true and she actually does come back." Twilight said, brows frowned in worry. Spike never liked it when she got worried, so stopped and got down on one knee and gave her a comforting hug, which she eagerly returned. Spike then pulled away from her stared right into her eyes.
“Don't be, if she does come back, I will do everything in my power to protect you from her, promise." Spike said with a serious expression. Twilight knew he wasn't lying; he was always there to protect her from harm in the past, he would even fight Celestia herself if he had too. She visibly relaxed and they continued walking to their home. But,as fate would have it, the moment they reached the door some royal guards came walking down the street with a flying carriage in tow. Once the carriage was parked in front of their house one of the guards walked up to them.
"Lord Spike, Princess Celestia like for you and Lady Twilight to go to Ponyville to check up on the preparations for the festival. Sorry for any inconvenience." The guard said. When he was finished, he turned to Twilight and gave a friendly smile and a wave. Twilight returned the gesture just before he returned to his post. Spike gave a small sigh before turning to Twilight.
"Okay!” he exclaimed and rubbed his hands together, “Looks like there’s a change in plans, Twilight! We are going to go visit someplace new. This going to be fun, right?" Spike ask in a playful tone. Twilight smiled and gave a small nod. She was always a bit shy about meeting new people and/or going to an unfamiliar place. Despite this fact, they boarded the flying carriage and flew off to Ponyville.
Only realizing shortly after leaving that they never did get dinner, forcing Spike to smack his forehead.
(Five minutes later.)
After the carriage landed, Spike and Twilight stepped off and Spike thanked the guards as the left. He then looked around at the town, a the smile on his face growing as he took more of Ponyville in. The place was beautiful, in a rustic sort of way. People were walking around, talking to friends, shopping, eating, or a combination. The word “peaceful” came to mind as he continued to examine his surroundings. He felt Twilight grip his hand a little harder, causing him turn to her and gave her a reassuring smile that calmed her down. He then let go of his sisters’ had in favor of placing it on his chin, brow frowning as he looked at his list of things to do. The first item was to check the food for the festival, with someplace called 'Sweet Apples Acres' being the providers. Since he didn't know the layout of Ponyville, he decided to ask around for directions. Spike looked around and saw a fifteen year old earth pony girl with puffy pink hair skipping along and decided to ask her.
"Excuse me!” Spike called out, gaining the girls attention, “but do you know where-" Before Spike could finish, the girl sprang three feet into the air with a loud gasp and ran off as soon as her feet hit the ground leaving a confused Spike and Twilight in her wake.
"Huh… i guess she doesn't know. Come on Twilight, lets ask someone else." Spike said after awhile. Twilight just nodded her head and walked after Spike.
(A few minutes later.)
After get the directions to Sweet Apple Acres, Spike and Twilight made it down the long winding dirt road to their location; an apple farm. As they entered the farm, they found a blond haired girl wearing a cowboy hat, a shirt with the bottom tied up, revealing her stomach, a pair of dark blue jeans with a pony's’ tail sticking out, and a pair cowboy boots walking over to them, her green eyes practically sparkling at the sight of new faces. She then took Spikes hand before speaking.
"Well, howdy there! My name’s Applejack. What brings ya’ll here to my family’s farm?" Applejack said while shaking Spikes’ hand, hard. The action inadvertently shook up Spike, and when Applejack stopped, Spike was so dizzy he was teetering from side to side with his eyes rolling in his head. Twilight, deeming Spike unable to answer in his current state, gathered her courage, stepped forward, and introduced them.
" My name is Twilight Sparkle and this here is my big brother, Spike." Twilight said, a hint of shyness still in her voice
.
"Well, its nice to meet you two.” Applejack said with a warm smile, shaking Twilight's hand gently. She then turned to Spike, who had just recovered from most of his dizziness, and repeated her earlier question.
“What brings ya’ll to my farm?”
"We are heard to check if the food for the festival is good." Spike replied, fighting off the last of the dizziness.
"Alright then!" Applejack before she ran up to the nearby barn and rang the bell attached to it and then screamed at the top of the lungs, "SOUP’S ON EVERYONE!"
This seemed to summon a large mass of people instantaneously, and the sudden appearance of said mass scared the two guests. Applejack then grabbed them and sat them down on some chairs before introducing them to different apple foods dishes and the people named after said dishes, and then introduced her family.
"This here is the youngest, my brother Applesauce. The oldest, Big Macariena and Granny." Applejack said. (The author decided to genderbend the CMC and Big Mac. The male CMC will try to win Twilight's’ affection and Big Mac was a “just because” thing. Don’t blame me, I’m just the editor!)(Hey! Don't throw me to the wolfs!)
"Cool. Glad to see everything in order.” Spike stated, he then asked “So can we take an apple pie to go? We still have make sure everything else is on schedule."
"Sure. Here you go and hope to see ya’ll later." Applejack said as she gave them a pie. The duo then started walking back to town.
Then went right back for a couple of plates and forks.
(Later.)
The duo were walking down one of the many dirt streets of Ponyville, eating the last of the delicious pie Applejack gave them and enjoying the scenery. Well, that was Twilight, Spike was looking up at the cloudy sky, looking for a girl named Rainbow Dash who was suppose to be clearing it. However, he saw no one. Just as he was starting to think that this Rainbow Dash girl was a slacker, something tackled him from behind he fell face first into a mud puddle. As Spike got up, wiping the mud off his face, he check himself to see the damage. Luckily, mud only got on his hoodie and hair. His pie, on the other hand...
"My pie…” Spike sat there, staring at his mud covered pie, and when what this meant finally registered, he threw his arms up and screamed to the heavens in the most pained and despairing voice he could muster.
“NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
The sight of Spikes’ rather dramatic performance made Twilight giggle. This was short lived, however, when a groan of pain turned finally turned Twilight's’ attention to the person who tackled Spike and unintentionally ruined his last piece of pie. The girl wore a blue jacket that stopped just above her stomach with the same colored wings spurting out of her back, black, finger-less gloves on her hands, skin tight black shorts that stopped above her knees and a pair of boots covering almost the rest of the leg. An athletic look would be considered normal when one was talking about a pegasus, but what wasn't normal was her rainbow colored hair. If Twilight had to guess, this girl was either Rainbow Dash or someone that was on the wrong end of a shampoo prank.
‘Rainbow Dash’ picked herself off of the ground and noticed Twilight staring at her, a combination of the hilarity of Spikes’ antics and her own curiosity erasing her usual shyness. With a dismissive wave, ‘Rainbow’ turned towards her main concern: the guy she just accidentally tackled into the mud.
Spike felt someone tap his shoulder and he turned to see the girl offering her hand, concern swimming in her purple eyes. Wordlessly, Spike took the offered hand and the girl gave a low “Ooh”. Spike looked down at himself and found that his was covered in more mud than he originally thought. Spike gave an irritated sigh shoot an equally irritated look at the rainbow haired pegasus.
Before he could say anything, ‘Rainbow’ spoke up. “Look, I’m sorry about that. I was practicing my stunts and,well, lose control of myself.” Spike raised an eyebrow at this and then the girl quickly added “I know you’re mad, but let me make it up to you.” ‘Rainbow’ quickly looked around, and then she perked with an idea “Let me clean you up!” She suddenly shot off and came back with a chair-sized rain cloud and positioned it over Spike. Once it was in position, she proceeded to bounce on it with water pouring out and soaking her target. With Spike completely waterlogged, she hopped off the storm cloud and started to fly around him at a dizzying speed. The stunt she pulled did dry off Spike, but it turned his hair into a green puff ball. The sight of this made Twilight and ‘Rainbow’ fall onto their stomach and back respectively and roll around in laughter. Spike blew a stray strand out of his face, a unamused look plastered to his face as he looked at the two girls rolling on the floor.
“I’m guessing you’re Rainbow Dash?” he asked. The question gave the rainbow haired pegasus the excuse to stop laughing herself to death and took a moment sit up and catch her breath before answering.
“Yeah, and who are you Broccoli Top?” Rainbow Dash chuckled at the nickname, Twilight was sent into another laughing fit, and Spike just rolled his eyes.
“My name’s Spike, and thats my sister, Twilight,” Spike motioned her just as she finally stopped laughing, “I’m here to make sure all of the preparations for the festival are complete, which reminds me, why aren’t you clearing the sky?”
Rainbow found herself a cloud and flew up to it, lying down on it. "Like I said: I was practicing my stunts. I'm hoping to make it into the Wonderbolts one day. And besides,I can clear the sky in ten second flat. So no need to worry." she called down with a hint of pride in voice.
"You mean the greatest group of flyers in all of Equestria?” Spike asked.
“Yup!”
“You do realized that the Wonderbolts won't take in slackers right? And a true speedster could clear the sky in under five seconds flat." Spike called with a playful smirk and wink to Twilight who returned it with a knowing smile. Rainbows’ head poked over the side of her cloud, the flames of a possible challenge burning in her eyes.
"Is that an challenge?'' Rainbow asked with a cocky smirk.
"Yup." Spike said. That was all Rainbow Dash needed to hear. She leaped off her cloud and turned into a rainbow colored blur with clouds disappearing from the sky. Five seconds, Rainbow Dash landed in front of the pair to the sound of Twilights’ applause and the sight of a clear blue sky.
"How about that, fast enough for ya?" Rainbow gasped, practically drinking up the 7-year olds applause.
"Yes, you’re fast, but..." Spike trailed off.
"What? What is it?" Rainbow asked.
"You miss one." Spike said pointing to the tiny lone cloud she missed. Rainbow slapped her forehead and gave an irritated groan, making Spike chuckle and Twilight laugh.
Rainbow then flew slowly to get the last cloud as the Twilight and Spike went off to their next destination.
(Later.)
Spike and Twilight were now checking on the decorations. As the walked into the building to be used for the festival, they saw a unicorn girl with a white horn poking out of long, delicately styled purple hair, pale, almost white, skin, bright blue eyes with a layer of eye shadow, a stylish white dress and high heels staring intensely at what could only have been the decorations, brows frowned in concentration.
"Excuse me. But are you the one in charge in decorating for the festival?" Spike ask polity. The question snapped the girl out of her concentration, and upon finding she had company, turned to them with a polite smile on her face, not noticing Twilight zip behind Spikes’ leg to hide.
"Why yes, I am. My name is Rarity and…” Rarity trailed off, and after taking a good look at Spikes’ impromptu afro, almost screamed, “...What happen to your hair?!" Spike could practically feel his sweat drop at her look of absolute terror on her face.
"Yeah... A girl named Rainbow Dash did this to me. Do you have a comb or brush I could use?" Spike ask. However, instead of an answer, she grabbed his collar and dragged him to her shop with Twilight following close behind. What happened next was a blur, and all either Spike or Twilight remember after that was that Spike was forced to try on different clothes, and when Rarity left to get something the grey colored suit he was wearing at the time, he left the necessary bits for the suit and hair cut and a thank you note on the counter, quickly changed into his original clothes and took the purple suit that he liked (explaining the extra bits), grabbed Twilight, and booked it.
(A few minutes later.)
Neither knew how far they ran, and judging from the fact that they were on the outskirts of Ponyville, they could guess it was pretty far.
"Okay!” Spike said as he gave a clap, “Now to check on the music and we're done." Spike said, holding Twilights hand again and walked in the direction of the forest and the last person they needed to meet. Shortly after the two walked into the forest, they stumbled upon a pink hair, pale skinned pegasus girl with yellow wings and a simple dress of the same color with a schoolgirls shoes and a pair high socks. Before her was a bush with a number of leafless branches, and on the branches was a wide variety of birds. Twilight's’ eyes sparkled at the sight of the birds, and after finding a log to sit on, started to sway to the music while Spike was trying to process the fact that the girl before them was using birds to make music. After processing this, Spike quietly walked up to the girl as she was giving advice to one of the birds.
"Hello there." Spike said softly, trying to not scare the birds or the girl, and only succeeding in the former. With a “Eep!”, the girl jumped away from Spike, and upon getting a good look at him, hid behind her pink hair before giving a reply.
"Y-yes" the girl stuttered, peeking around the wall of pink. Spike could feel his sisters’, and the birds’, gaze on him, silently scolding him for scaring the girl. He gave a small sigh before continuing.
"Sorry for scaring you, but we were wondering if your friends is ready to perform for the festival." Spike softly explained, motioning at the birds at the word ‘friends’.
"Yes. They are." The girl said shyly.
Spike gave a smile, "Good to hear! Now, allow us to introduced ourselves. My name is Spike and she’s Twilight.” Spike motioned to her. She was still sitting on the log, having eased up on glaring at her brother some time ago. Upon seeing that the attention was shifted to her, Twilight averted her eyes to the ground. Spike rolled his eyes at his sisters shyness, and decided that it was time to get back on the ball. “What’s your name?"
"F-Fluttershy." Fluttershy stammered, taken aback by the suddenness of the question.
"Okay then, it nice to meet you. We should be on our way. Thank you for your time."
"Your welcome."
With that, the duo left Fluttershy to her own devices.
(Later.)
Spike and Twilight entered the library they were suppose to be staying at and as soon they got in, the place suddenly light up and a chorus of screams all screaming “SURPRISE” followed shortly after word. It scare the two big time, and then the same puffy pink haired girl from before came bouncing to them and started to example to them this party was meant to welcome to Ponyville and help them to make friends. She also introduced herself as Pinkie Pie. They thanked her for her kindness and proceeded to party.
(An hour later.)
The entire town of Ponyville was now crammed into one building and everyone was waited for Princess Celestia to reveal herself. Spike and Twilight had entered together, but somewhere in the chaos, Spike was separated from Twilight. However, since they both got the chance to meet the entire town before hand, the both knew that everyone was very nice, so he didn’t have to worry about Twilights’ safety as much as he had to in Canterlot. So, just as the festival started, a dark shadow engulfed the room as it was then filled with the sound of evil laughter. Then, out of the shadows at the top of the balcony where Princess Celestia was supposed to appear, a woman wearing in midnight blue armor with hair that seemed to be made of the night sky itself flowing out of the helmet and long, jet black horn sprouting from her forehead and jet black wings on her back stepped forward.
"Hmm, a lot has change…” The woman stated, scanning the crowd before her with glowing turquoise eyes. She then flashed a fang-filled smile before asking, “Can anyone tell who I am?"
Out of the entire assemble, only one person, a small 7 year old, answered the question.
"You’re Nightmare Moon." Twilight spoke. This revelation made everyone to gasp, and Spike launched himself in the direction of Twilight's’ voice in a panic as he tried to look for her.
"Hehe. Guess not everyone is so dumb.” Nightmare Moon chuckled, staring down at the exact spot where Twilight was, made all the easier with the people forming a circle around her, giving her a perfect view of the small child. Nightmare Moon then disappeared and reappeared in front of Twilight. “You know what? For answering the question right, you can have the privilege of a front row seat as I pledge the world into darkness forever! And not even Celestia can help you now as she is trap in my prison!" Nightmare Moon said. This made everyone panic, and in the midst of the chaos, she grabbed Twilight.
"Help! Spike! HELP!!!" Twilight cried as Nightmare got her. Spike had just gotten there, and his brotherly instincts took over.
"Let her go!" Spike yell as he ran straight at Nightmare. But she just chuckle and gave a wave of her hand, launching a spell that sent Spike flying to the other side of the room hard enough to make his body numb with pain.
"If you want her back, then come and get her." Nightmare taunted. Twilight was crying as Spike tried to get up and fight, but he was having trouble. She didn't like to see him like this.
"I'll kill you if you hurt even one hair on her." Spike said in a dark tone. Nightmare just gave an amused chuckle and started to charge a teleportation spell.
"No! Spike help me! She’s taking me! Help!" Twilight cried out louder. Spike was starting to feel his body again as he quickly ran at them. He reach his hand out as Twilight reach out with hers. They were only inches apart, but Nightmare Moons’ spell finished charging and they teleported away. All Spike can do is stand there in shock. His sister was gone. He fail to save her. He roar in anger and sadness. As if to rub salt on his wound, his mind reminded him that he just did the thing that he swore to Twilight he would never do.
He broke his promise.
Spike was looking through book after book to find any weakness to Nightmare Moon. He knew going straight to battle could get Twilight hurt or kill. He remembered that Twilight said something about the 'Elements of Harmony' that was use to banish Nightmare to the moon. But so far he found nothing. He was beginning to panic. The books said nothing on where the elements were. He was so focus on his search he didn't notice that five girls were watching him. Until one of them decided to let their presence be known.
"Excuse me. But what are you doing?" Applejack ask, nearly given Spike an heart attack. He calm down enough to continue his search and talk.
"I'm looking for an way to take down Nightmare Moon. She too powerful to fight head on and the princess is unable to help us. I remember Twilight said something about the 'Elements of Harmony' being use to beat Nightmare. I'm trying to find where they are located at. It may be the only way to save Twilight and Equestria." Spike example.
"What are the 'Elements of Harmony' anyways?" Rainbow ask.
"The 'Elements' are the definition of friendship. They are Laughter, Honesty, Kindness, Loyalty, Generosity, Courage and the hidden element. The hidden element should reveal itself if the others were to come together. But I can't find where they should be located at! It's driving me crazy!" Spike exclaimed. The five backed up, not wanting to risk angering him further. He already destroy half the library in his anger in losing Twilight.
"Is it this one?" Pinkie ask while holding a book with 'Elements of Harmony facts' as the title.
"Yes! Where did you find it!?" Spike ask in awe as he took the book from her grasp and started rapidly flipping through the pages.
"It was under E!" Pinkie said cheerfully, while bouncing around. Spike then mentally smacked his head. (There's a lot of face palms in this story! *giggle*) Boy, was he stupid! He read the book and found the location and ran out the front door in a hurry. He knew the others would follow him. He didn't know how he knew, he just...knew.
(Few minutes later.)
The gang was in front of an entranced to the Everfree forest. The girls look confuse on why they are here and looked to Spike, waiting for an explanation. After a moment of silence, Rainbow finally lose her patience.
"Can you please example why we’re out here!?" Rainbow yelled. Spike turn to her and started to talk.
"We are here because the Elements are here. The book said it should be in the old castle of princess Celestia and princess Luna, which is inside the Everfree forest." Spike explained as he started to walk in. The girls follow and stayed quiet. They didn't want to draw attended to themselves here. Well beside Pinkie, who was hopping around like it was a playground.
After awhile their were walking by a cliff with an outcrop wide enough to walk on. Spike noticed the cliff was beginning to breaking. He tried to warn the others, but it was too late. A large chunk of the cliff broke off. Rarity manage to save herself with her magic, while Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew up in time to avoid falling, but Spike, Pinkie, and Applejack started to slide down to the cliff face.. The two Pegasi flew after their friends.
Pinkie managed to save Applejack and herself by grabbing a surprisingly strong branch and Applejacks’ leg. Spike, who was a ways behind, caught up to them and managed to grab a small outcrop in the stone. But he was losing his grip, and when he thought he was done for to he felt hands grab his wrist. He look up and found it to be Applejack.
"What are you doing?! It dangerous!" Spike yell.
"Yeah maybe. But don't you have an sister need saving? Well you can't do that if you're dead, now can you?" Applejack asked while trying to pull him back up. Spike was surprised. Here was a complete stranger trying to help him save his sister, even if it meant getting into a dangerous situation. How kind.
" You're going to have to let go. " Applejack said suddenly.
"Are you crazy!?" Spike yelled in panic. Okay, scratch that last part...
"You be safe. Trust me." Applejack said. Spike looked into her eyes and saw she was telling the truth, so he decided to trust her.
"Okay. If I die though, save Twilight or I'm going to haunt you from the grave." Spike said.
"Deal." Applejack said. Spike took a deep breath and let it out before he let go. He close his eyes and waited for the ground to hit him. But no such thing came, instead he felt two pairs of hands on each arm. He open his eyes to see Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash pulling him back up to the cliff. After thanking the two for saving his life, he went to talk to Applejack.
"How did you know I would be okay?" Spike ask curiously.
"I trusted Rainbow and Shy to catch you." Applejack said simply.
"Okay. Thank you." Spike said with a smile, making Applejack blush.
'Why I'm blushing?! He's just thanking me! Sure he cute, handsome, and brave for fighting Nightmare Moon and -.' Applejack mind was cut off by Spike voice and a hand on her forehead.
"Hey are you okay, your face is red all of sudden." Spike ask in concern.
'Her face feels hot.' Spike though. He then was kick in his privates. He fell down in pain, tears in his eyes.
"I'M SORRY! I DON'T KNOW WHAT CAME OVER ME!" Applejack screamed, causing the rest of the group to turn to them and cringe at the sight. The Apples were above strong earth ponies from working on an big frame and bucking apples off trees. So they knew Spike won't be able to walk for quite a while, and but hopefully still be able to have kids.
"H-how can I w-walk?" Spike ask in low voice. Everyone, beside Pinkie, sweat-drop at his question. He obliviously didn't care he was bunk the hell out of. That or he forgave Applejack. Probably the latter.
"Here’s an wheelchair Spike! Someone will have to push it for you though." Pinkie said as she brought him a wheelchair from somewhere.
"Pinkie, where did you get a wheelchair in the middle of the forest?" Rainbow ask.
"The author gave it to me. He’s sorry for Spike getting hurt like that and also gave me a ice pack for him. He also asked ‘Please don't kill him for writing that.’!" Pinkie reply as she pulled out an ice pack. (... Sure, why not?) Everyone, beside Spike for obvious reasons, stare at her. They just shrug it off and helped Spike into the wheelchair. Applejack place the ice pack on his wounded pride (Editor: Really? Author: Yes. I couldn't help that one.) and placed herself behind the chair to push him on the logic that she was the reason he was on the chair. They continued onwards towards their destination.
After a while they came across a clearing with a lion like creature with draconic wings and a scorpions tail, a manticore, examining one of it’s forepaws. Upon noticing the group, it leaped at them with the obvious intent of attacking them. Applejack spun the wheelchair around and ran towards the edge of the clearing while everyone save Fluttershy moved in to confront the beast. The manticore was too large to actually fight, but the group really did try, but their efforts only seemed to anger it. At one point, the manticore put down the paw that it was examining before, then let out a roar before and lifting it back up again into a striking position.
"Stop!" Fluttershy screamed . The sudden outburst caused everyone stop fighting and turn to the normally soft spoken girl. They then watched her as she approached the manticore. The manticore let loose another roar, but Fluttershy didn't seem to be fazed. While the rest of the group watched on in worry, Spike watched with awe.
Fluttershy gently grabbed the manticores paw and turned it upside down, revealing a large thorn to be lodged in the pad. With practiced quickness and ease, she pulled out the thorn from its paw and it released another roar picking up Fluttershy. The others, save Spike, tensed up and got ready to attack once more, but instead of screaming, they heard giggling. The large cat had Fluttershy in a form of bear hug and was licking her affectionately, saliva causing her long hair to stand up in the worlds largest mock mohawk.
After awhile, the beast left and the group continued onwards. As they walked, Spike noticed the thorn disappear into a purple mist after Fluttershy took it out of the manticores paw. This reminded him to ask her something. He then turned skyward, spotting Fluttershy hovering alongside Rainbow, both looking for the castle.
"Hey Fluttershy! Can you come here for a moment?!" Spike yelled out. "Anything you need Spike?" Fluttershy ask shyly.
"No not really. Just curios. How did you know an thorn was in it paw? I know it was in pain as his roar sounded like it was, but couldn't tell from what." Spike said. Fluttershy was surprise that he also know it was in pain.
"I didn't. I just guest." She reply back hastily.
" Oh okay. Just curios. Anyway, did you and Rainbow have any luck finding an path?" Spike ask.
"Yes it this way." Fluttershy said as she lead an group.
(Few minutes later.)
The group was walking, or rolling in Spike case, when the forest suddenly got darker and the trees have faces on them. But these faces scare them. But Spike was seeing something different. It was Twilight huddle in an corner an crying for him to come and save her. He was frozen in place forcing to watch. The group didn't notice as they were trying to fight off the fear. Applejack notice Spike was frozen in his seat with tears coming down from his cheeks.
"Hey Spike. Are you okay?" Applejack ask as she touch his shoulder. She heard an sob, but sounded like an little girl sob. Her eyes widen as she realize Spike was trap in his fear. The fear of failing to save his sister.
"Spike snap out of it! It not real! You can still save her!" Applejack scream trying to snap him out of it, but to no avail. Her screaming cause the rest of the group to turn to the two in concern. They saw Spike was frozen in place with tears going down his face.
"What wrong with him darling?" Rarity ask in concern as she try not look back at the scary faces.
"He being force to watch his biggest fear. I know this because touching him allow me to heard it. But he seeing it." Applejack said, causing the rest to worry for Spike. But Pinkie suddenly laugh as she touch Spike shoulder. She was suddenly in Spike mind and found herself next Spike watching Twilight cry.
"What your doing?" Pinkie ask. Scaring Spike. He turn to Pinkie in shock. He knew he was trap in his mind, but it didn't stop him from being trap and sad.
"Pinkie! How are you in my mind!?" He ask in shock.
"I have no idea. But we should leave though. Twilight is waiting for you to save her and you can't do that in here though." Pinkie said with her usual smile. Spike sigh and look at her.
"How? I'm trap in my own mind." He said in a sad tone. Pinkie just smile and said.
"It your mind, you can do anything. Like make it rain cotton candy or wolfs doing taps dance or making yourself an big feet or Twilight happy and safe or looking like an dog or-." Pinkie was suddenly cut off from Spike.
"What was the last one?" He ask.
"Being an dog?"
"No before that one."
"Oh. The one were Twilight is happy and safe. "
Spike suddenly smile and focused his mind to change. Everything faded to Twilight laughing at Spike in an Easter bunny costume. It one of many good memory's he have with his sister. Pinkie was enjoying watching Spike play with Twilight in his memory. She laugh at Spike when he trip.
"Thank you." Spike said as they were leaving his mindscape.
" No problem. Just smile and laugh at your fears to make it go away. Now let go help the rest." Pinkie said with an big smile.
(In the real world.)
The group stare at an unfrozen Spike and Pinkie as they burst out laughing. They couldn't help but to laugh along for some reason. After awhile, the faces disappear in an purple mist. After calming down and exampling on what happen and reassuring the group he okay, the group continue onwards.
They came across an river that was dangerous to cross.
"How are we be able to cross?" Spike ask. He was still on the wheelchair.
"I could fly each of you one by one." Rainbow suggested. Fluttershy nodded to agree with Rainbow. Before they can reply, they heard crying. They look down the side and saw an giant sea serpent crying and his tail was lashing out on the river causing it to makes big waves.
"Hey! Are you okay?! " Spike call out. The sea serpent look at the group.
"My fabulous mustache was cut off by an purple mist and left me with an hideous facial hair." The creature cry to him. Making the group, bar Spike and Rarity, to sweat-drop.
"Oh you poor dear. How can such thing happen to your mustache! It on forgivable!" Rarity yell.
"Um Rarity." Spike try to talk but was cut off as she pull out an pair of scissor and cut off half of her tail. Shocking the group as she use he tail to fix his mustache.
"There. That should hold your mustache regrow itself." She said in glee. The serpent started to cry in joy and his tail wasn't causing the river to make dangerous wave anymore. The sea serpent notice Spike was in the wheelchair.
"Good sir, why are you in an wheelchair?" The serpent ask. Applejack look down in sham.
"Well. It was an accented. I rather not get into details, but know I was kick in the jewels and won't be able to walk for an while." Spike example. The sea serpent wince at how he stuck in the wheelchair. They were different species, but both males. He know how it like to get kick in that area.
"Well for helping me and your condition. I help you cross." The serpent said as he form an bridge. The group said their thanks and cross.
"That was very generous of you Rarity. Too bad for your tail though." Spike said to Rarity
"Thank you. And it okay, sort tail is in this season." Rarity said.
"You know, I could have regrow his mustache to it former glory if you let me talk." Spike said off handily . Making Rarity stare at him. As well as everyone else.
" What?" Spike notice their stares. This cause everyone to look away and said nothing.
"C-can you regrow my tail?" Rarity ask shyly.
"Of course. Hold still an moment." Spike said. He brought his hand up and focus. Rarity was surrounded by an light glow. She feel warm and safe in it. Like she was at home in bed enjoying the warm for it. She could also smell flowers for different kind around her. After an while it stop much to her disappointment.
" There your tail is back." Spike said with an smile.
"Why did I feel safe and warm in that glow? Also how did I smell different kinds of flowers?" Rarity ask curiously.
" Well you warm and safe because it what my soul is. As for the smell that what my heart is. The better the smell is the better your heart is." Spike example. Everyone accept his answer and counting on wards.
(Few minutes later.)
They found the castle, but an bridge was lose on the other side.
"Rainbow, can you tighten the other side so we can cross." Spike ask.
"No problem." She said as she flew to the other side. As she landed the other side of the bridge was cover in clouds.
"Excuse me, but are you Rainbow Dash?" Ask an voice.
"Yes I am. What is to ya?" Rainbow said cautiously.
"We were looking for the fasted flyer in all Equestria." The voice said as he revealed himself. They look like the Wonderbolts.
"Cool! The Wonderbolts!" Rainbow said in glee.
"No. We're not the Wonderbolts. We are the Shadowbolts. And we want you to be our leader to raise us to greatness." The man said.
"Okay! Just let me tighten the rope and we can-" Rainbow was cut by the man.
"It ether us or them. You have to chose out of us." The man said.
"Oh in that case. Sorry, but I chose them." Rainbow said as she tighten the ropes. The man and his group disseaper in a purple mist.
Rainbow flew back to her friends and told them the bridge was secure. She flew Spike to the other side as Applejack carry the wheelchair to the other side.
"I'm glade you pick us over them Rainbow." Spike said suddenly as the two wait for their friends.
" How did you?" Rainbow ask in shock. Spike merely smirk.
"You forget I'm an dragon. Our hearing is better than any dog or animal. It good to know your loyal to your friends." Spike said as everyone made it across the bridge. He was seated in his chair and they were off.
They made it to the castle and process to go inside. There they found the stones of 'Harmony'.
"This are it. Seat me down. So I can summon the last of-." Was as far as Spike got as an purple mist appear out of nowhere and started to take the elements.
"Oh no you don't!" Spike yell as he manage to hold one of the stone that was on his lap. He was teleported with said stone.
"Spike!" The girls yell out in panicked. They look around hoping he would pope out of nowhere. Fluttershy notice an bright light in an different part of the castle.
"Girls! Look there!" Fluttershy said to her friends. They look at the bright light and then at each other and nodded. They ran out of the room and process to the light. Pinkie pick up the wheelchair that was left behind.
(With Spike.)
Spike landed on the floor in an random, but big, room. He look around and saw Twilight was knock out on the side of the wall. He saw, beside an few scratches, she was okay. He try to get up, but couldn't.
"He he. What wrong? Can't stand after an bucking to the jewels." Nightmare moon said as she step out of an shadow. Spike eyes widen in worry. He wasn't afraid of her, but he not in the condition to fight.
"Pity. I guess I can destroy you without trying. But I guess I should start with your sister first." Nightmare said as she walk to Twilight unconscious body.
'No! I came this far, I will not let that bitch hurt my sister! But how?!' Spike yell to himself mentally. He then reamber something.
(Flashback)
"Spike. I got an gift for you.~" said Celestia in a loving tone.
"Yes mother." Said Spike.
"I know you been studying alchemy, so I ask an friend to make this for you." Celestia said as she hand him an round candy like thing.
"What is this?" Spike ask in confuse.
"This is call 'Vis'. It suppose to help you." Celestia said happily.
" Hmm, doesn't Vis means body strength?" Spike ask.
"Yes." Celestia reply.
"So this 'Vis' suppose to make me stronger?" Spike ask cursily.
" Yes. It also pump your body to the max. If your hurt really badly. This will numb it away for at least an hour or so. But it also have an down side." Celestia example.
"What that?" Spike ask.
"Like I said, it push your body to the max. Which means it could damage your body afterwards and/or your heart. It may also cause blindness. So I want you to use this in only life or death situation, okay." Celestia said sternly to her only son.
"I promise mom." Spike said with an smile.
(End of flashback.)
'Mom is going to kill me for this. But anything for Twilight to be safe.' Spike though as he pull out 'Vis' from his pocket.
"Down the hatch." Spike mumble to himself as he ate it. He almost vomit it out insanely .
It taste like horse shit!
But the effect of 'Vis' has started as soon he ate it. He smirk as he pull himself up from the ground. Nightmare made an sword appeared in her hands. She was about to bring the sword down as she was suddenly kick from her side, launching her away from the unconscious Twilight.
She got up and stare at Spike in shock. Not only is he able to stand and kick her, hard in fact, but was suddenly faster and stronger.
"How are you able to stand!?" Nightmare ask angrily.
Spike in only smirk and reply with one word. "Alchemy."
She bare her teeth in anger got in an sword stance. Spike pick up an old sword off the ground, that was in surprised in good shape after an century or two, and did the same. They both launch at each other and swing their swords. The sound of metal clashing together can be heard across the whole castle.
Spike and Nightmare swords clash after clash. It was an battle of power and speed. Spike went for an wide slash, but Nightmare was able to deflect the sword form Spike hand and onto an pillar high point.
Spike was dodges slashes and thrusts from Nightmare sword. He took an big risk and waited for an sword to stab him. He then jump on the sword tip and launch himself to his sword. He landed on the pillar pull his sword free and launch himself back to the fight. He landed and took away from Nightmare slash. Spike ready himself quickly and got in an fighting stance as Nightmare did the same. Both just stare at each other with determined to win this battle.
"Your good. Not many can last this long in battle against me." Nightmare moon said.
"I am a prodigie. Now give up, we have the elements of Harmony!" Spike said seriously.
" I guess you didn't notice." Nightmare said cockily. Spike eyes narrow.
"Notice what?" Spike ask seriously.
Nightmare moon just smirk an pointed in a direction. He followed the direction to the shatter remains of the Harmony stones. His eyes widen in shock.
"How?!" Spike scream at Nightmare moon. She smirk and started to example.
"While you were coming to your sensed after teleporting here, I crush the stones with my magic. Now you have nothing to defeat me with." Nightmare said gleefully. Spike only thinking one thing that one would think in his shoes.
'FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKK!' He though. But he knew he couldn't give up. So, slowly, he got back into his fighting and glare at Nightmare Moon.
"I won't let you win Nightmare Moon. This battle is far from over!" Spike yell as he charge at Nightmare .
"Then die an fool death!" Nightmare said as she also charge at Spike. The rest of the girls made it in the room as Spike and Nightmare Moon sword meant. And Twilight woke up at the same time. The girls watch in shock as Spike sword broke and Nightmare moon slash deep in his chest. Spike turn around to look at nightmare moon before his chest explode with blood as he fell on his back.
"SPIKE!" Cried the girls as they watch Spike fall to the ground. Spike laid on the ground unmoving. Blood falling from his wound. The girls rush to Spike body, hoping he alive. Thankfully he is, but barely. Twilight started to bowl her eyes out. Knowing her big brother doesn't have much time left.
"H-hey. Why a-are you c-crying sis? You k-know I hate it w-when you c-cry." Spike said shakily.
"Your hurt and dying. I don't want to lose you Spike!" Twilight said in sobs. Spike merely chuckle.
"You t-think this the end? W-wrong. The E-elements are here. I-i doubt Nightmare M-moon didn't let you watch u-us. Y-you know what to d-do right?" Spike said with an very weak smirk. Twilight nodded her head. She was forced to watch Spike and the girls going through the forest. Nightmare Moon was hoping to destroy her hope in stopping her. It did the opposed. Twilight swallow her nerves and focus her magic as stand up facing Nightmare Moon.
"What this? You think you can defeate me?! Don't make me laugh. The Elements of Harmony is destroy." Nightmare sneer at Twilight., who wasn't faze by it.
"Your wrong. The Elements of Harmony is right in front of you." Twilight said with confident.
"Oh really?" Nightmare ask skeptically.
"Yes. When Applejack told Spike he be alright from the fall and was truthful about it, she represent Honesty. Fluttershy saw an creature was hurt and help it. She represent Kindness. Pinkie pie show Spike and the others to Laugh at your fears when your stuck in them to get rid of them. She represent Laughter. Rarity gave up her tail for an sake of another. She represent Generosity. Rainbow Dash choose her friends over her desire. She represent Loyalty. And Spike. Even though he knew he was against the odds he still fought you to protect others. He represented Courage. And I represented the finale Harmony. Magic." Twilight example as the stones turns to necklets fro Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity, with their cutie marks on their respectively necklets. But Twilight has an crown with her cutie mark and Spike broken sword fix itself to an golden sword. Giving off a powerful aura.
Suddenly, an powerful blast was shot by all them to Nightmare Moon, who was in shock. She took the blast and scream in pain. After the blast was done, in place of Nightmare Moon was an different person. Of course they turn their attend to Spike who was on the floor knock out. Suddenly their saw an bright light between them and the person.
"It good to have you back Luna." Said princess Celestia as the light disappear.
"Sister." Luna said. Shocking everyone.
"Ready to come home, sister?" Celestia ask. She was answer with an hug from Luna. After an moment Luna and Celestia broke the hug apart to address the girls and Spike. But as Celestia turn to look at the group, she notice Spike was on the floor and badly injured. Her eyes widen in concern and rush to Spike side. Surprising the group, bar Twilight.
"What happen to my son!?" Celestia demanded. Shocking the group even more beside Twilight again. Of course Luna was both scare and ashamed. Her sister is angry that someone hurt her son and that the fact she almost kill her nephew in cold blood.
"It was Nightmare Moon who did it. We saw it happen with our own eyes." Applejack said quietly. Celestia sigh in sadness. She really couldn't blame her sister. She wasn't in the right track of mind.
"Okay. Luna, I forgive you for hurting my son. Mainly because you weren't in the right take of mind. You all tell me ever details on what happen when Nightmare Moon return. And I mean 'every' details. Got it." Celestia said in a strict tone forcing everyone to nod their heads in fear.
"Good. Let get Spike to the hospital asp." Celestia said as she focus her magic to teleport them. They disseaper in a bright glow.