> A Shard of Melody
>  by Scripter101
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Advenientia
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------



He wasn't sure which was the worse fact of his situation, that his blade, his only weapon he had foolishly brought, was made blunt by the beasts claws, or that he was no where close to the radiant young women he was meant to rescue, whom held his only chance at saving his sister, who had fallen under a deadly curse.

"You must leave!" The young women cried, her arms were scarred from attacks she had only managed to avoid." It is your only hope!"
He shook his head, a trail of blood dripped from his temple,staining his already dirty skin. His armor was in flaked pieces that bent outwards and slowed his attacks. To be honest, he found wild scalinite to be a much better defense and was lighter, but of course, his had been stolen during one stormy night. He had discarded his helmet, the torn missile had knocked a single goblin back, but did nothing against the coming hoard.

Panting, the knight found his vision blurred and his heart beating furiously against his chest. If he did not rescue the maiden now, she would be lost in woods,trapped by the Goblin king Ewlor forever more. His shifted his arm guard higher up to his elbow, the surface  was scratched and dented over his wrist. Stretching his joints before the hoard hit him, he felt a rough material rub against his sore skin. Peering down, he smiled at the lose twin of rope tied around his wrist, his sister had given it to him before his journey that left her to be cursed,almost causing him to lose her for ever.

"Nigh..." He snapped to himself," I will not fail...not now."

"It's time to go..."

The knight gripped the rope with a soft smile, the pain was pushed back by his hope. His belief to be reunited with his dear ones kept him moving, it was his blood, it was was the only reward he neede-

"Spike...we're home!"

And with a shake, the knight was startled as he awoke, his courageous deeds melted as an act of boredom for his mind. Even with this, a smile spread across his face as twisted himself to the window, the screen of smoke dissolved to reveal a high raised platform, several ponies cheered on the platform. Five of them remained the same, while the other three, whom he had gained a friendship with before his mission separated them, came into view. Especially a certain mare with eyes that shone like emeralds, her skirt held the design  of two swirled music note resting on a fleet of lines.

"Ponyville." He muttered before raising to his feet, avoiding the luggage compartment."We're back."





The train station held an awkward reign of silence as ponies began to flood from it, each of the mares felt a tang of disappointment at the lack of Twilight and Spike.

"Ah' hope they didn't get held back." Applejack said,crossing her arms as she scanned through the crowds in hope to see the Alicorn or dragon. "Yeh sure they said noon Rares?"

The white unicorn nodded," I am certain. It is very unlike Twilight to be late, but I have faith they will keep their word."

"They better, waiting is so boring..." Rainbow Dash moaned, stretching her arms and legs.

Sitting next to her, Scootaloo grinned at her mentor. The orange Pegasus was a little shorter then Rainbow, with a similar build. She styled her mane like the cyan speedster, only shorter and wore  a loose orange tank top, magnolia shorts and trainers. Her cutie mark was printed on her thigh, the bright  purple tire was simple with dirt flying behind.They truly looked like sisters, as did Applebloom with Applejack and Sweetie Belle to Rarity.

Applebloom wore a oil-stained beige shirt under short-legged grey,loose dungeries and boots that reached her ankles, her cutie mark was sown onto her neck bandanna, the metal wrench was at the side, with half dripping a thick oil while the other side was sprinkled in gold. 

And, dressed as pristine as her sister, Sweetie Belle wore  a silky white shirt that hung to her shoulders, the straps of her grey vest could be seen, and clung to her waist with a thin,leather belt. She then wore a simple grey shirt underneath, her cutie mark was a single swirled music note over a stave.

"Exactly why are we waitin' fer them to get off?" Applebloom questioned, turning to her sister. "Ah' mean, there is a party teh plan?"
Applejack smiled, Applebloom was almost as tall as her. "Because...it'll be rude teh storm into a train. Look at the size of em." The apple farmer gestured towards a cart parked across the tracks.

Rarity shook her head," No. It is because it is extremely rude to intrude,especially as more passengers may need to enter."

"Is not."

"Is too."
"Is not."

"Is most definitely too."

"Isn't times infinity."

"Is times infinity plus two!"

The two growled at one another, both younger sisters shook their heads, while the two Pegasi sniffled their laughter.

A sharp, exact voice spoke, interrupting the bickerin with a giggle."Well, you both certainly haven't changed..."

"Twilight!" Both cheered,noticing the Alicorn. She stood at the doorway of the train, one bag trailing behind her while she held another over her shoulder.

The five older mares rushed towards Twilight, almost knocking her to the ground, as they whimpered happily in a clumped pile. Twilight smiled at them,immediately accepting the embrace.

She gripped them harder, a laugh escaped her mouth."I guess this means you guys missed me too?"
Applejack chuckled,"Undoubtably sugarcube..."

"Hey! What about me?!" A male voice cried. A very familiar voice.

Glancing over the mare pile, the greeting party were shocked at what they saw. "Well, I guess Twilight was always the favourite..."

"SPIKE!" Pinkie cried out like a battle cry,ambushing the dragon in a numbing bear hug. She reached his waist.

Applejack gasped,"Well, yeh certainly aren't a little guy no more huh? Heh."

Rarity nodded," Indeed. It seems Spikey-Wikey is a tad immature, mmm?" She smiled at him.

The dragon, once the shortest out of their little group, now towered over even Applejack. He was around 6"0, with a longer face, a broader chest and elbows. He had lost his baby fat that had plumped his cheeks and stomach, he was now much lankier,as if his body had a hard time keeping track. While most dragons were muscled and beefy, Spike was rather thin with lean arms and sharp joints. He wore a white blouse, the top two buttons undone with the sleeves rolled to his elbows, a sleeveless violet sweater above that as well as a tie striped emerald and violet tie stuffed underneath. His hair was longer also ,now grown to his neck it pointed out behind his head, a side-sweep fringe hid his forehead.

After prying Pinkie away, Spike walked towards the group,stopping beside Twilight, who seemed unfazed by his growth. She smiled at their reactions, both shared a glance at one another. Twilight reached Spike's chin, even with her mane tied into a high bun.

"What?" He looked at the group,mainly Applebloom, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle who stood with their jaws open. "Seriously, what are you are all looking at?"

Applebloom chuckled," Yeh certainly grew."

"Really? Huh, I hadn't noticed." He grinned,still looking at the crusaders. He looked back at Twilight."Um...I'll go get the rest of our stuff." He muttered, reentering the train awkwardly ,ducking to not hit the doorway.

The group were silent for a moment at the drake's departure before  Scootaloo broke through it.

"What...the HAY!" She shouted,turning to Twilight."What did you put in his apple juice?!"

Twilight giggled. "I'm guessing you like what you see?"

"NO. Just...jeez, he's taller then me now. That alone is gonna need therapy."

The Alicorn laughed, studying each of the younger mares expressions. "To be honest, I was a little worried when he started to grow, it was gradual, but worrying. Even Princess Celestia was nervous, and that was from a letter! But Zecora told us it wasn't greed growth, but natural."
"Speakin' of 'er, where is Zecora -- still on teh train?" Applejack asked.

"Oh." Twilight said," She stayed back, saying she had some business but she'd catch the next train she could."

"Oh I hope so..." Fluttershy piped," If s-she wants to, that is."

Rarity grabbed the Alicorn's arm," Anyways,darling-how was your trip. It is must have been divine!"

"Oh yes...It was amazing!" She paused, looking back into the train. "But...I think Spike should tell you guys, I was just there as a representative. Oh, and Zecora. They did more then I did."

Rarity tugged her arm," Oh nonsense! You are a princess, you must have learnt something."

"Sorry girls, but you'll have to wait till Zecora gets back. She'll only be a day or two."

Rainbow dash scoffed loudly, earning a glare from Rarity."Eurgh...Twilight, haven't we waited enough?!"

"Sorry dash, but my lips are shut."

Rainbow was about complain when she was interrupted by a grunt. Turning back, they saw Spike followed by two guards,each carrying at least two bags. Spike held a high pile of book,wrapped in cloth, with his two hands. "Twi, did you have to get so many books?!"

Twilight smiled," Half of them are yours Spike."

"Really?" His tone turned to excitement." What are they about?"

"Most dragonic culture, history and a couple on biology. You'll have to wait till we get home first though..."
Spike sighed, he frowned at the Alicorn as he raised the pile higher, a grunt escaped his lips. "Aw come on! These are pretty heavy!"

"You''ll live."

Spike sneered," Said the almost immortal Alicorn to the poor, defenseless dragon..."

"Spike." She snapped.

He said nothing. Nothing was missed more dearly then the eroded roads of Ponyville,doing everything in their power to cause him more agony. But, a single thought kept him alive in that cruel pony world; Pinkie Pie was throwing a party that night. And with that, he was a happy dragon.