Spike Sparkle Solaris, is one day banished from Equestria for a crime he didn't commit. He then proceeds to build up his own nation.
Spike is one day accused of a crime he didn't commit, as usual, nopony believed him except Fancy Pants because he and Spike had been hanging with each other. Spike still gets banished, but princess Luna believes Spike is innocent but they didn't have much evidence. Spike is transported to the badlands where he learns to fend for himself. He then slowly, builds up his own nation. The Crystal ponies starts hating their rulers and start violent protest around the empire. When they find the murderer of Fleur De Lis, everypony realises their mistake, but can they fix it?
A/N This idea just wouldn't leave my head. I hope you enjoy the story.
Spike was in a cell that didn't show any sunlight. He had been imprisoned because somepony claimed he had murdered Fleur De Lis. It wasn't true, because he had been with her husband, which was Fancy Pants. No pony had believed him until Fancy Pants had said himself that he had been with Spike. He didn't believe Spike did it. Someponies had then tried to say that Spike hired somepony to kill Fleur De Lis, at that, Fancy Pants had burst out laughing like a mad pony.
Spike was a purple scaled, and green spiked dragon. He didn't have any wings... or he did, but some guards had cut them off for fun. They had claimed to be under "Princess Celestia's orders," but Spike knew they did it because he was a dragon. That is the only reason they did it. Spike had cried and cried, but no pony came and helped him. He didn't do anything wrong, so why were they torturing him? His cell was in the dungeons, and it was clear that it belonged to real criminals. His cell was filled with filth, dirt, and even some thousand year old dried blood. At least Spike hoped it was a thousand years old...
There were iron bars that kept him inside, and there was a metal door in the middle. Spike had been here for over three days. Or was it longer? Spike couldn't tell. There wasn't any sunlight in the cells at all. Spike heard his trial would be in a few days, and he sincerely hoped he would be released then. Fancy Pants visited him every single day. In fact, he had just left over an hour ago, to get dinner. He had told Spike his trial would be in the morning at the first sunlight. Spike was hoping to be released by then, so he could see his friends again. There was one thing that was bothering him though, he hadn't been visited by any of his friends except Fancy Pants. Spike then realized that they probably believed he killed Fleur De Lis. Spike sighed.
"I really hope they believe me, if not, I'll be all alone. Well, I do have Fancy Pants so that's good. Dang, I forgot that Big Mac and Discord believes I'm innocent." Spike said, out loud to no one. They hadn't been able to visit him because they were preparing for the trial. Discord was actually gonna be his lawyer and Spike hoped Discord had something. He knew that Discord had to follow certain laws and not tell who did what because it was up to the mundanes to find out. Spike was fine with it. He understood, somethings can't simply be shown.
All of a sudden he heard rustling. The metal door opened, and Spike expected to get his breakfast but he was greeted by two guards. One of them wore the night guard armor while the other one wore the Crystal Empire armor. Spike smiled. Luna and Cadence had told Spike in his dream that they didn't believe he did it. The guards looked at Spike and smiled sadly, he sighed. It means it is his trial. He looked up and nodded, he pulled out his arms and they used magic to cuff him so he doesn't "try to escape" which made Spike snort. Why would he try to run away when he wants to show he is innocent? It wouldn't make any sense.
Spike walked with the two guards through the dungeons. The dungeons were filled with dirt, filth, rats, and light from torches that were on a few walls. Spike walked up a staircase that looked very old, and the two guards led him through the castle. The castle itself was majestic, the hallways always had the long red mat, and several windows that showed different parts of the kingdom and Canterlot. Spike walked through the crystal-like corridors and Spike was dreading every moment. What would happen if he is found guilty? What will they do then? Spike didn't want to think about that. He wanted to think positive thoughts, but he couldn't. Spike and the guards were walking down a corridor that lead to the court. The guards looked at Spike and the Crystal guard said; "Don't worry Spike The Brave And Glorious, you will always have support from the Crystal Empire." Spike smiled sadly, and he gave one back. He opened the door, and already, Spike could see some familiar faces. Luna and Cadence sat on either side of Celestia and Twilight and her friends sat on the higher chairs, because they are the saviours of the nation. Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow and Rarity stared at Spike with malice in their eyes. Pinkie Pie was a firm believer Spike didn't do it, along with Fluttershy. The room also had other ponies who would speak among themselves to determine if Spike is guilty or not. Fleurs family were there and they looked at Spike with sadness. They had heard stories about Spike and didn't believe he did it. The room had one chair in the middle and two desks on either side.
Spike was lead to the chair in the middle, and he looked around the room in fear. The ceiling had a shining crystal ball that glowed the whole courtroom. The floor was made out of red stone that had been used to seem intimidating to the ones blamed for crimes. Spike was very much intimidated by it. 'That almost looks like blood.' Spike thought, to himself while the court was getting ready to sentence Spike. Discord was there and never once he looked worried. Spike sighed. It was gonna be a tough court. All of a sudden, Celestia Spoke;
"Mares and gentle Colts, we are gathered here to discuss whether Spike Sparkle is innocent or not." Everypony and creature noticed how Celestia almost said another name. The jury looked at her with sceptical eyes, mostly Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Twilight did also hear it but though Celestia was just coming to terms with this beast. "Spike Sparkle, you have been accused of murdering the wife of Fancy Pants Fleur De Lis. What do you plead?" Celestia asked, staring daggers at her murderus son. She adopted him when Twilight was simply to young, and now he is murdering ponies? She didn't know what to say other than 'I failed him.'
"Not guilty." Spike said, with a voice that showed authority. Someponies in the jury looked at Spike shocked. He said it like a royal would say it. They shrugged it of. No way was he royalty to the princesses any way.
"Discord, what evidence do you have that Spike Sparkle is innocent?" Celestia asked, looking at Discord who wore a serious expression. Celestia hid her shock and surprise. She had never seen him actually look serious before. This was new.
"Well Tia, the evidence I have is that the timeline of the murder doesn't add up. You see Fancy Pants and Spike was at Pony Joes when the murder happened. There were other ponies in there who told me that they were there until your guards came and dragged him to the dungeons. They were at Pony Joes approximately around 20:56 and the murder happened around 20:30. Spike and Fancy pants had been at Pony Joes for the majority of the evening and several snobbish idiots can tell you that." Discord said, everything with a straight face. What everypony noticed was that when he said snobbish idiots, he sounded quite bitter or angry. Celestia didn't comment on the last part.
Someponies in the jury now looked uncertain. If what Discord said was true, then the dragon was free to go. Some of Celestia's guards panicked, specifically the ones who tortured him and cut off his wings. Everypony then noticed that Spike lacked wings. Discord knew of it, and informed Celestia. She didn't know if it was true or not, but now when she looked at Spike she knew it was true. Then she saw his piercing predator eyes. He looked so betrayed, like everything he knew just went up in flames. She shrugged of the feeling and continued.
"Inkwell what evidence do you have that Spike Sparkle did it?" Celestia asked, Inkwell. Inkwell worked for Celestia, but she also worked as a lawyer and she had been hired by an unknown source to defend Fleur De Lis. She firmly believes herself that Spike Sparkle did it.
"Princess, I have evidence that Spike was seen in an alleyway where Fleur De Lis's body was later found. There was claw marks on her that is one of a dragon's, and there is only one dragon in Equestria. We also found that blood had been sucked out from Fleur De Lis's body, and we believe that this ruffian now has a taste for blood." Inkwell said, making Spike look at her as if she had lost it. She knew that Spike was the adopted son of Celestia, so why was she against him? Discord frownd. He wish he could say who it was. 'Ooooh, when they find out who did it. They will drop their jaws.' Discord thought, to himself.
Celestia frowned. Both sides were simply to good, and she really needed to jury to decide. The jury were talking wildly in whispered. Half of them believed Spike was innocent while the other half was divided in two. One part believed Spike did it but had their doubts and the other one firmly believed Spike did it. Luna and Cadence still believed Spike didn't do it, and didn't even listen to the "facts that add up", they simply waited for the final decision. Celestia let the talk go on for five minutes, when she then broke it up.
"Okay. Now, we will have to vote to see what the sentence will be. For those who believe Spike Sparkle is innocent." Celestia said, making several hooves raise in the air. The ones who believed Spike were the notable ones like; Discord, Big Mac, Luna, Cadence, Shining Armor, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis's family which surprised the ones who believed Spike was guilty.
"For those who believes Spike Sparkle is guilty." Celestia said, making the rest of the jury, Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, and Celestia herself raise her hoof. Spike felt tears in his eyes. He was seen as guilty. Spike looked around at the different faces. Luna and Cadence were shocked for the fact that his own mother believed he was guilty. Discord was also shocked, he is the God of chaos so he naturally knew Spike was a prince.
"Spike Sparkle, you are now seen as guilty for the murder of Fleur De Lis. You will be banished from Equestria and if we hear that you have returned, you will face harder consequences." Celestia said, making Spike's eyes fly open. She couldn't be serious could she? She wouldn't...
Discord, Luna, and Cadence's jaws dropped to the floor. They thought he would be exiled simply from Canterlot and Ponyville not the entirety of Equestria! They understand that murder is definitively wrong, but for somedragon who is innocent? When they find out later, the Equestrian government will most likely be seen as corrupt. Perhaps it is since Spike is innocent...
"Tia, y-you can't be serious." Discord said, looking for the first time in his life shocked at Celestia who only looked at Discord with a raised eyebrow. No pony noticed the quick red glint in her eyes which showed the corruption in her head.
"I very much am Discord. This criminal is to be banished from Equestria. You will have twenty minutes together in this room, then he will be banished. Understood?" Celestia asked, and Discord could only nod. The jury left and the main six were there, together with Fancy Pants, Luna, and Cadence. Twilight walked up to her brother figure. She then hit him in the left cheek. Spike cried out in pain. Fancy Pants jumped in-between and stared at Twilight angrily.
"What do you think your doing?!" Fancy Pants shouted, at her. Twilight looked at Fancy Pants with disbelief.
"Fancy Pants, he killed your wife. How could you believe he didn't do it?" Twilight asked, sounding irritated. Fancy Pants face palmed his head and looked at Twilight who looked insulted by the gesture.
"Because he didn't do it. I was with him at Pony Joes. I remember clearly that we were having a good time, then all of a sudden Solar guards just showed up and dragged Spike away." Fancy Pants said, but Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow, and Rarity didn't believe it. Although, Rarity was still uncertain.
"Its true i-" Spike began, but he got a punch in the snout by Rainbow Dash. Spike's nose started to bleed, and then he felt the pain. He felt angry but contained it.
"Shut up! You filthy criminal should be executed for what you did to an innocent mare." Rainbow Dash Said, glaring daggers at Spike in a hateful way.
"Hit him again, and somepony will have nowhere to sleep." Discord said, and any other attack Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow planned were immediately stopped. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie walked up to Spike and hugged him. They cried into his shoulder.
"Were sorry Spike! We promise to write to you!" Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie chorused together. Spike smiled at them and hugged them hard not wanting to let go. All of a sudden princess Celestia walked inside, and looked at Spike.
"It is time." She said, not looking at anypony or creature except Spike. She then quickly shot the spell at Spike. Spike managed to catch a glimpse of Fluttershy, Pinkie, Fancy Pants, and Discord look at him sadly. He was teleported then to a desert. He landed face first in the sand.
Spike groaned, and pulled himself up from the sand. He looked at his surroundings, and saw that there was a city or village that was very far away. He looked behind himself and saw the Everfree Forest. He sighed. He closed his eyes, and exhaled and re-opened his eyes. They grew green.
Spike had finally reached the city. The city was filled with different buildings and houses, that was made out of wood. The houses and apartments, was built in a powerful way, so it looks like an un-fallen city. Spike walked down the streets of the city that doesn't seem to have a name.
Spike didn't have any money, so he couldn't exactly go somewhere, so he would have to sleep on the streets. Spike looked down at his small body, and sighed. He would have to train if he wanted to lose his baby fat. He walked into an street pole, and he fell down. The different creatures that had been walking, started laughing at him. Seeing that laughter, Spike felt quick anger. He somehow made his claws sharper, and attacked an yellow griffin that was laughing. Spike used his claws to slash the Griffin's throat. The laughter immediately stopped. They stared at Spike with shock and fear.
"Laugh at me again, and there will be more." Spike said, making the other creatures run away in fear.
Spike chuckled at their stupidity and continued walking. He headed through an ally, that lead to an open space that was vacant of creatures. Spike smiled an scary smile, and headed through the area. Spike noticed an store that was open, and walked inside. The door had an clock that signaled that someone was there.
A Seapony turned griffin walked inside behind the cash register. When she saw Spike she froze in fear. She had seen Spike kill the other Griffin, and was terrified that he would kill her also. Spike looked at her with complete and utter boredom. They starred at each other and eventually Spike gave in.
"Do you sell armour here? High quality?" Spike asked, seriously.
The Griffin nodded very quickly. "We sell Basilisk Armour as our most expensive one. It uses Basilisk venom and can hold off most spells imaginable, even the darkest of spells." The Griffin said, fearfully.
Spike was impressed by the armour mentioned. He didn't think that Basilisks were willing to lend their venom. Spike knew from old books and scrolls, that Goblins ate Basilisk meat, because of the tasty venom, but a Goblin hadn't been seen in thousands of years. Spike looked at the Griffin that had a dark pink mane, and light pink fur. She continued looking at Spike with fear, since she didn't know what Spike was thinking.
"How much does it cost?" Spike asked, with curiosity evident in his voice.
The Griffin was surprised. He sounded so civil, and friendly. She pondered on the question, and decided to just give it to him for free, since she really didn't want any trouble. "You can have it for free. You need it more than any creature i have met, and besides i was looking into getting rid of it anyways."
"Are you sure? I know how expensive they are, and i don't want to seem like a thief." Spike said, making the Griffin look at him surprised. He seemed to be able to kill but not steal. She shrugged trying to relax.
"Yeah, the armour is behind you." The Griffin said, making Spike turn around and be greeted by a beautiful sight.
There was an armour made out of metal, and had Basilisk venom on the armour. The whole armour were pinkish, with black also. The lower and upper parts of the armour was very haunting, if you were the enemy of the wearer. The upper part had an Basilisk that looked at the soul of the one who is in the mud. It had been carved beautifully. The lower parts were of stretchable metal, it was stretchable because of magic which made it even more terrifying depending on the wearer. There were also metal boots that didn't make a sound if you walked or ran, since that had also been enchanted. Finally, there was an helmet that looked ancient. It covered your whole face, but had different long holes in it so you could see through.
Spike looked at the armour and put it on. Spike looked at an nearby window, and saw how terrifying he must look for the creature or pony who didn't know him. The Griffin looked at him with careful awe. She thought the dragon looked very powerful in that armour. The armour was also designed so it grows to the size that the pony or creature is. Spike looked at the Griffin and to her surprise, bowed in respect. He then proceeded to walk outside.
Spike walked through the streets of the badlands, and looked around with an sharp look that would make his aunt Luna proud. The streets had slowly started to get crowded, but every creature looked at Spike with shock. They had never seen any creature or pony walk around with Basilisk armour. Spike looked at them, but because of the helmet, they couldn't tell who he was looking at which made the whole situation even more terrifying for the other creatures.
"Is there something you want?" Spike said, with an voice that clearly sounded annoyed.
The other creatures flinched by the tone the creature used. A Changeling that had been cast out of her hive, walked towards Spike and bowed. Spike looked down at her with anticipation, not that the others could see that, but the Changeling seemed to know what he was thinking doing.
"My name is Vux and i couldn't help but taste the hatred you have." Vux said, making Spike look at her with an smile, which seemed to calm her nerves.
"My name is Spike, but since you are a Changeling you'll probably know who i am." Spike said, making the Changeling nod.
"Yes, i heard about you, and how you stopped queen Chrysalis and her old followers, or children to be more specific." Vux said, making Spike nod.
"Well, i was banished from Equestria from i crime i didn't commit, and i was sent here. Interested in working with me?" Spike asked, making the female Changeling shocked.
"Y...You w-were b-b-banished? From a crime you didn't commit?" Vux asked surprised, then it turned into anger. "I Will happily work for you, perhaps we even can become friends when you feel ready."
Spike nodded in approval. "By the way, do you know any weapon smiths? I need a sword." Spike asked, Vux who pondered on the question.
"Hmm... i do believe there is a weapon smiths in the middle of the city. Shall we go?" Vux said, to Spike who nodded and followed her lead.
They walked through the city, and Spike learned the city was called Death City. It got the name after many deaths had happened, specifically mysterious deaths. Spike was curious about that, but sadly, Vux hadn't been there for a very long time so she couldn't really tell him anything new. They continued towards the middle of the city, and when they got there they were met with an weapons smith that was very eager to do the deed for Spike. The weapons master was a unicorn by the name of Painting Spell. He created a long sword for Spike that was almost as big as him, but Spike could hold it because of all the years of helping Twilight carrying books. Spike asked him to design the Sword with black steel, which he did.
Spike looked around the room he was in. The room was made out of horrible wood that looked ready to fall at any moment, but for some odd miracle was still intact. The floor was painted with a yellow background and two swords crossing each other with an red circle around it. There were several pictures of different creatures that became famous in the badlands because of their bravery and always recommended this weapons smith. Spike saw several different types of weapons with different colours that honestly made the weapons look really good. Spike then heard a *DING* and his sword was finished.
Spike looked down at the beautiful sword. The sword was now instead of grey metal, covered in black. The holster had dark blue tape, and the two sides that helped the hand not slip into the sharp was decorated in red. The sword looked like it belonged to a great warrior. Spike picked it up and looked at the weapons smith.
"Thank you, how much for this beautiful sword?" Spike asked, making the weapons creator gasp.
"No no! Its free for you. You see, i had a feeling this morning a mighty warrior was gonna come, and here you are! Besides you now are complete with the Basilisk armour." Painting Spell said, making Spike's eyes go wide.
"No no, i couldn't possibly take this." Spike said, looking at Painting Spell, who just looked at Spike with determination.
"My lord, you are in the badlands, which means bad things will happen. This is my little 'welcome to the badlands' gift." Painting Spell said, making Spike sight in defeat. "But if you really want to repay me, then recommend my weapons smiths."
Spike smiled at him approvingly. "I can do that. Thank you so much for my sword." Spike said, bowing, making Painting Spell eyes go wide.
Spike left together with Vux, and they headed for the more isolated part of the city. well as isolated as it can become. They reached an building, that looked completely ordinary, it was made out of wood that probably was gonna break. The window's were boarded up, and it looked abandoned. Spike and Vux walked inside the building and were greeted by an horrible stench. They both came to the same conclusion. Somepony or creature had died.
They walked into an living room of sorts, and found a dead Griffin. The Griffin looked like he had been splattered. Then Spike realized something. It was the same Griffin he had killed earlier in the day! Spike looked at Vux who looked like she was gonna puke.
"Vux.... this is the same Griffin I fought earlier today. I also killed him, and you could probably guess the rest." Spike said, not really wanting to go into details.
"Yeah, I heard about that.... sorry, some creatures can be simply cruel like that." Vux said, nodding her head in understanding.
Spike walked out from the building again, with Vux who looked ready to puke. Spike was a little surprised, but he didn't want to make her feel bad. He was surprised because, it was he who should be nearly puking not the Changeling that little have military training immediately when they are born. She should be able to take it a lot better than him, but he didn't want to hurt her feelings.
They walked through the city and headed for a place they could stay during the night. They managed to find a small Inn and booked two rooms originally, but there was only one room. The owner of the Inn gave the room for the night, for free because Spike apparently was some 'lord' and he didn't have to pay. Spike and Vux slept in the same bed, with Vux blushing so hard she nearly changed her body to red.
In Equestria, the elements of bearers excluding Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, were pissed at Spike. Twilight started to really hate that dragon, first he nearly destroys Ponyville, and now he kills and innocent pony. Rainbow Dash knew he would do something like this, it was only a matter of time. Applejack was neutral in what she thought about Spike, but she did believe something like that would happen eventually. Rarity said that Spike was nothing more but a ruffian like the other beasts. Fluttershy didn't believe Spike did it, and said everything that made sense, even though the others wouldn't admit it. Pinkie Pie never ever for a second believed Spike did it. She made her opinions known and even provided evidence for her claims. Twilight, Rainbow, and Apllejack would never admit it, but the evidence Pinkie was showing made a lot of sense.
Pinkie was currently inside sugarcube corner. The Cake's also didn't believe Spike did it, and had started a fundraiser to free Spike from his banishment. Several ponies had bought as many cake products as they could to save Spike. Rainbow, Applejack, and Twilight refused to help him, as they see him as the criminal.
When Twilight was walking by a yellow fured pony, with blue and pink streaked hair. She heard her talking about Spike.
"Hey Lyra, did you hear about Spike?" Bon Bon asked, her best friend.
"Yeah, but I don't believe he did the murder. I mean, Fancy Pants said himself that he and Spike were having fun." Lyra said.
"Yeah, I agree. I wouldn't blame him though, if he did become a criminal in wherever he is. What can you do when you are banished?" Bon Bon said, making Lyra nod in agreement.
"How do you think the Crystal Empire is taking it? I heard he was their hero, so I wouldn't be surprised if they would start several riots." Lyra said, making Bon Bon go wide eyed.
"I completely forgot! Oh, they are most likely going to find their hero and start several wars just to make sure their hero gets revenge." Bon Bon said.
Twilight walked quickly away, with completely wide eyes in worry. Not because of Spike, but because of Cadence. They didn't think of that. She had seen several Crystal Ponies even act as Spike's personal guards. Spike did seem to know them though, and if they found out. Twilight did not think of that. Twilight called all of her friends over to the castle and waited for them to come. When they did, they looked at Twilight expectantly. They sat down and Twilight started to explain. When she was finished they were wide eyed.
"Rotten apples! I didn't think of that!" Applejack said, angrily to herself.
"Yeah! What should we do? We can't exactly bring back that coward and we don't even know where he is to begin with. At least I hope he suffers." Rainbow grumbled.
"Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy scolded.
"What!? You heard princess Celestia! He is guilty!" Rainbow said, making Fluttershy sighed in annoyance.
"Rainbow, why don't you believe Fancy Pants? The husband of Fleur De Lis?" Pinkie said, making everypony stop yelling.
Fluttershy smiled approvingly to Pinkie, who just shrugged. The others shrugged it of and Rainbow continued with their petty argument.
"Because princess Celestia found him guilty! I don't care if Fancy Pants was with him or not! He is guilty!" Rainbow said, then....she realized her mistake.
"Wait.... you never cared about Spike? Was that why you bullied him?" Fluttershy asked, making everypony's head turn to Rainbow dash.
"Of course I did. I just don't anymore because of him killing an innocent pony." Rainbow said, strongly.
"Everypony and creatures has secrets Rainbow be careful who you tell them to." Fluttershy said, coldly towards Rainbow who looked at Fluttershy in shock.
She had never heard her friend sound so threatening, and actually seem to mean it. Sure, Fluttershy can be bold but never go to a blackmailing level, type of bold. Rainbow lowered her head in shame as she realized perhaps what memory Fluttershy was blackmailing her with.
"Thats right." Pinkie said, going to Fluttershy.
Everypony looked at Pinkie surprised. She was never this angry at somepony, and she sounded venomous. Pinkie and Fluttershy walked together, but before they turned the corner to leave the castle, they turned around to look at them with an look they were all scared of.
"If the Crystal Ponies starts rioting, then I will be a supporter just so you know. When Spike told me my pranks was hurting him, I apologised for my behaviour and he accepted it. I know he would never do anything like this because he always showed smiles around Ponyville." Pinke said, defiantly.
"He has showed nothing but kindness towards us, and you use him. I understand that he is an assistant, but sometimes I can see he overwork just to keep you happy. Is this how you repay him? If so, I wouldn't blame him for wanting revenge. He deserves ponies or creatures who care about him." Fluttershy said, making everypony excluding Pinkie Pie shocked.
They left the castle leaving the three stunned ponies.
Spike and Vux were walking around the city, after getting some good rest. Spike had thought a lot recently about changing his name. But to what? He had thought something about darkness or dark, but he wanted it in another language, so he was going to a library that existed in the city.
They reached an library that looked run down. The outside had different woods, filling different spots and looked also close to breaking like every building in the city. Spike walked inside and found a earth pony waiting behind an counter. Spike walked up towards him, and looked at him.
"Hello, I was wondering if you had books on names in different languages?" Spike asked, the pony flashed him a smile.
"Yes we do. Follow me." The earth pony said.
Spike walked closed behind him, through the different sections of books. The pony was white-grey fured, and had a black mane and tail. The pony's cutie mark was of an open book. They finally stopped at an section that read; Names.
The pony walked away, and Spike thanked him. Vux had gone elsewhere, so Spike was alone and started looking through different names. At first, he didn't find anything but eventually he reached an page that were interesting. He then found the word Dorcha. It didn't say what language it came from, but it means dark. Spike liked it and closed the book, putting it on the shelf.
Spike walked through sections of different books and found Vux reading a book about Changeling magic. Spike smiled softly, she kind of reminded him of Twilight. He shook of the depressing thoughts. And tapped her shoulder. She spun and smiled when she saw me.
"Hey, did you find what you were looking for?" Vux whispered.
"Yes I did. My name is Spike Dorcha now." Spike said, smiling at her.
"Well, I must say I like it. It sounds fitting also." Vux said, putting down her book.
They walked out of the library and headed towards a bar. Spike needed a drink, and since the creatures here see him as a lord he could get it for free. They headed towards an bar that was named; The Dancing Cat. When they got inside, they were met with cat like creatures who were dancing on poles. Spike sighed. He knew it the second he saw the sign but never judge a book by its cover.
All of a sudden he felt an hoof on his shoulder. When he turned he saw another Changeling which was a bit to familiar in his opinion.
"Yeah... its me. What are you doing here?" Thorax asked, making Spike snap out of his trance.
He began telling the tale. How he was arrested, how he was pleading not guilty of murder, and everything up until the point they met at the bar or strip club to be more precise. Thorax was beyond angry. He wanted to teach those ponies a lesson, but he knew he couldn't do that so he resorted to cursing their names, which made Spike and Vux laugh. Spike then realized something.
"Hey Thorax?" Spike asked, Thorax who looked at him. "Not that I'm ungrateful or anything, but how did you know it was me? I'm literally all covered up, I literally look like an demon in this thing."
Thorax laughed. It was true, Thorax knew it was him because of his scent.
"Spike, I can smell you, literally. I smelt your scent and I followed it. It lead to you, so I naturally thought it was you." Thorax said, making Spike slowly nod in understanding.
"So, Thorax, what are you doing here? Trying to find a wife?" Spike joked, making Thorax laugh and Vux blush.
"No, sadly not. I came here to invest in this strip club to earn relatively easy money that isn't really illegal." Thorax said, making Spike nod in understanding. This was a common method used by royalty, rich ponies and creatures, and smart ponies and creatures.
"Well, Thorax I hope you'll stay for as long as you possibly can." Spike said, making Thorax sigh sadly.
"Sorry Spike, I only came for today. But you can come to the new and improved Changeling kingdom if you want?" Thorax asked, making Spike think about it.
"Hmm, well, I'd like that. Would it be okay if I stayed for a longer period of time? At least until I can get back on my feet?" Spike asked, to which Thorax nodded. Thorax then looked at Vux who hadn't shared her love to anypony or creature, he smiled at her.
"You can come to if you want Vux." Thorax said, making her smile brightly. Thorax didn't remember Vux that well, but he had heard stories of a traitorous changeling. He always wondered who that was, but now he knows.
"We'll be leaving tonight. In other words, we can enjoy ourselves," Thorax said, making Spike and Vux smile like young children.
They danced and partied for at least five hours. Spike even surprised himself that he lasted that long, while Vux fell asleep after her fifth bottle of vodka. Spike was amazed at that, he only thought Dragons and Kirins could last that long, but he had been proven wrong. Around nine o'clock they headed for a carriage that would lead them to the new Changeling kingdom. Vux was carried by Spike who actually looked amused by the situation. Thorax just snickered. Thorax and Spike sat facing each other, so they could talk.
"Do you know who murdered Fleur De Lis?" Thorax asked, seriously. Spike shook his head.
"Sorry Thorax, I really don't, all I know is that I was framed. It clearly worked if I'm here aren't i?" Spike asked, an rhetorical question.
Thorax nodded in understanding, and dropped the subject. They flew over many cities and towns. Thorax and Spike were discussing the future. Spike had told Thorax what he had planned on doing when he gets back on his feet. Thorax was all for it, even though it included a coup. Spike had planned on taking all the cities of the badlands, and put it under one flag that would be one of the more powerful nations. Thorax would obviously help Spike in this, and even trade with him. The Crystal ponies were obviously gonna help him. After all, who wouldn't want to help Spike the Brave and Glorious? Spike chuckled at his own antics.
When they finally arrived at the new Changeling kingdom, it was night time. Thorax's soldiers opened up the carriage door, and let their King, best friend and drunk Changeling out. Thorax made Spike follow him, and brought the sleeping Vux to a different room, so she could continue to sleep.
Spike was then lead to a different room, that was his personal room every time he visited. Spike headed to the bedroom and said goodnight to Thorax. The room was filled with rooms. He had at least five rooms! His bedroom had a king sized bed with four claws as his symbol. He had an kitchen that was wide and had a lot of space, that Spike appreciated. He had two bathrooms that had two large bathtubs. He also had an living room that had three large sofas, a coffee table that had two different magazines of fashion trends for Changelings. Spike smiled.
He jumped into the bed and he feel into beautiful sleep.
Spike's dream.
Spike was in some sort of battlefield, where ponies and creatures were dead left and right. Spike didn't know why he didn't react, but he assumed that he became accustomed to it, that he literally didn't care enough. He walked through the battlefield and saw pools of blood everywhere. It showed and great battle had taken place here.
"I hope that you don't lose yourself Spike." A friendly voice called out to him.
Spike spun, and saw princess Luna, and Cadence. They were alone and gave Spike an sad smile. Spike pulled of his helmet and gave them an stare. He knew that they tried to help him but he didn't know if they were genuine or not. He thought that this Luna and Cadence were fake.
"So, my dreams are also corrupted now? Okay fake Luna and Cadence if you want a fight, then its an fight you'll get." Spike said, putting on his helmet.
Luna and Cadence were surprised, and held their hoofs out to show they gave up. Spike pulled out his sword, and they just stared at him in shock. Had he really gone so far down this path? They sincerely hoped not. They understood that Spike has gone through so much, and he can't even tell the difference between real and fake. Spike then suddenly, pulled his sword down.
"I have missed you two." Spike said, embracing them in a hug. Cadence and Luna happily returned it.
Spike began to tell where he had been for the day. They were surprised and shocked that he had gotten an armor that had Basilisk venom in it, it is one of the most expensive armor's that exists. Spike explained how he had killed an Griffin because he walked into an lamp post. To say Luna and Cadence were surprise was an understatement, but they learned and understood Spike's logic even if they didn't agree to it. He showed them his sword and Luna was ecstatic to learn of the fine weapon her nephew have.
"Spike, sorry to interrupt our fun, but i need to tell you. The whole Crystal Empire demand war against princess Celestia, your mother. When they heard that you were banished from a crime you didn't commit, they exploded with anger and said they wanted nothing to do with Equestria or Celestia as a whole." Cadence said, but to their surprise Spike smiled sadly.
"I kind of had a feeling that would happen, but its their own fault in my opinion. I'm currently staying in the new Changeling kingdom with Thorax and a mare Changeling named Vux, and no Cadence were not in love." Spike said, making Cadence smirk at him.
"Are you sure? Like really sure?" Cadence Asked, and Spike opened his mouth, and he realized what she tried to do and immediately closed it, making Cadence and Luna grin mischievous grins.
"Me and my big mouth." Spike muttered to himself, but Cadence and Luna heard it and giggled.
"Well, i hope the Crystal Ponies aren't blaming you for my banishment. I mean it isn't your fault or anypony's really. Or have they started riots?" Spike asked, making Cadence sighed and giggle at the last part.
"Well, i wouldn't be surprised if they start riots. They have created groups as Spike's Liberation Front and Spike's Republican Youths." Cadence said, making Spike laugh.
"Jeez, they really care about me ah?" Spike said, making Cadence stare at him in disbelief.
"Spike if they could, they would only make you and your descendants the king of the Crystal Empire, maybe even Equestria as a whole." Cadence said, and Spike burst out laughing.
"I can see that happen actually." Luna said, giggling. "But it would be very entertaining."
All of a sudden Spike felt a pull, and he was drifting away from his dream. "Looks like our time is up Spike." Luna said, sadly. Spike didn't respond as he was pulled away from his dream.
Spike woke up, and saw that Vux was looking at him with curious eyes. She then squeaked with surprise, when she saw he looked at her. Spike then to her surprise hugged her, she happily returned it. They were like that for a few minutes then they let go of each other.
"Did you sleep well Vux?" Spike asked, sincerely.
"I sleept well. I came to wake you up, but i heard you speaking in your sleep." Vux said, making Spike sit up with surprise. He hoped she didn't hear to much.
"Don't worry i didn't understand what you were speaking. You spoke an language i have never heard in my life." Vux said, making Spike frown in confusion.
"Okay, should we go to breakfast?" Spike asked, making Vux nod in agreement.
Spike got out of bed and headed out from his room. He had sleept with his armor, because it also worked as an pajamas. Spike walked with Vux down an corridor. They walked through the Changeling city, many bowing in Spike's presence. Spike bowed back to some in respect, and continued his way around the city. They walked until they were outside an restaurant that had one of the best salads Spike has ever had. The restaurant was called; Fierx.
The Changeling that owned the restaurant is from Saddle Arabia. His name is also Fierx. Spike walked inside with Vux who looked amazed by the food that was on the menu. Fierx looked up and smiled at Spike.
"Spike! Welcome back! I... heard about what happened. I'm sorry." Fierx said, making Spike smile in thankfulness.
"Thanks Fierx. This is my friend Vux, Vux meet one of my friends Fierx." Spike said, making Vux stretch out her hoof to the mint-coloured changeling with orange eyes.
"Well hello, so your the Changeling that has caught Spike's heart. I'm not surprised, your absolutely stunning." Fierx said, making Spike and Vux blush like tomatoes.
"N-no w-were j-j-just friends!" Vux said, making Fierx laugh.
"Of course you are, that is how every single relationship starts! Anyways, what would you like?" Fierx asked, making Spike sighed in relief of the dropped subject.
"I want the tomato salad, with extra unions." Spike said, making Fierx nod.
"And I'll take the cucumber salad, with tomatoes please." Vux said, making Fierx smile in approval.
Spike and Vux sat down at an table near an large window that you could look out of. They were talking a little about what they would do for the future and how they were going to help the badlands. Spike wanted to rule badlands, and start trading with other nations except Equestria. One of the nations he wanted to help the most was the Crystal Empire.
He knew the Crystal Ponies would do everything in their power to make sure Spike The Brave And Glorious had strong allies. Spike smiled at what Cadence had told him, if it really was true than he really did have ponies he could trust. Fierx came with their food and left.
Spike and Vux were eating and enjoying themselves, when Thorax walked inside in an haze towards Spike and Vux. Spike looked up at his friend in surprise, Thorax stormed to them, looking absolutely frantic.
"Spike, princess Celestia, and princess Twilight Sparkle are on their way to the empire! I'm sorry Spike, I completely forgot about the meeting I had with them!" Thorax said, and Spike nodded giving his friend an hug.
"Its okay Thorax, everypony and creature make mistakes. Anyways, me and Vux have planned on going back to the badlands anyways. You see, we hope to create a new nation were we are stronger than Equestria, but that we have many allies. I was hopping you and your Changelings would be one of those allies." Spike said, making Thorax nod frantically.
"You don't even need to ask, I'll be your ally." Thorax said, then he smirked at Spike. "I also have heard words about Spike's Liberation Front and Spike's Republican Youths." Spike groaned but still giggled at this.
"It seems like my fans have decided to start an new revolution. I wouldn't be surprised if they actually started with violent riots." Spike said, making Vux and Thorax laugh.
They continued to talk, and eventually, Spike and Vux had to leave. They had gotten an carriage that would take them to the badlands. On the way there, Spike was wondering how he would take over without gaining to much attention.
Spike sighed, it would be an very long road. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he wasn't one to give up. He then smiled an menacing smile. He would rule his nation with an iron claw.
In the badlands, Spike and Vux are walking through the big city again. The same city they met at; Death Vally. Spike sighed, since he remember he got so angry he literally killed a Griffin. What he didn't understand was how he didn't feel guilt. He did understand that some dragons don't have guilt, but Spike was raised by ponies, so he should feel something! But he doesn't. 'I guess that all my anger and frustration just bolted out of me.' Spike thought, to himself.
Spike and Vux where walking down an street that is known for criminal activity. Spike didn't know this at first, but this is where he had been the first time. He was guaranteed because he saw the blood of the Griffin still on the ground. The body had been moved, but the blood was still there as an reminder of what had happened. Spike for some odd reason, smiled at it. He didn't know why, he wasn't at the moment in control of his mouth.
Vux saw this and looked at him in wonder. Spike saw this and immediately put on a straight face. While Spike was in his own little world. Vux was lost in her thoughts about what was going on to her master. It is true that some dragons don't feel guilt, but Spike was raised by ponies so he should without a doubt, feel those emotions. Then again, he is in the badlands, the very place that can make the kindest pony into the most haunting killer. No one who lives in the badlands has ever been the same when they have returned to their homes. Vux remember her early days when she was a young Changeling, she had defected from her hive, and she had fled to the badlands, the only place that accepts every creature no matter how 'evil' they may be.
Spike was thinking about everything that has happened to him the last few days. He had been banished, he had killed a Griffin for laughing at him, he had gained an follower or friend, he wore an basilisk armor that is unbeatable and unbreakable, he also got an sword that will be unbeatable in whatever war he starts in the future. Spike smiled an surprised smile, how in Tartarus could this happen in two days? Spike had no idea, but he didn't mind. He was happy the Crystal Ponies were loyal to him, it just proves that they will fight for him. But he doesn't want them to get hurt.
They reached an place that looked to be in relative good condition, but it was definitely not the definition of 'safe' nonetheless, they still went inside. The building looked completely abandoned, much to their shock. The floors looked like they had built an underground level, because they saw an trap door of sorts. Spike and Vux shrugged because they would most likely check that out later.
There was an staircase that lead upstairs to the second floor. When Spike thought of it, he never bothered to check how many floors there were. He shrugged, and decided to explore everything anyways. On the second floor, was many doors that had a bunch of different rooms that contained clothing, weapons, snacks, water all the essentials for survival. Spike then opened the last room, he immediately drew his blade. In the middle of the room was an dead mare with light blue fur, and turquoise mane and tail. Her cutiemark had been burnt so Spike couldn't tell what her profession was. That wasn't the reason he drew his blade. No, he drew his blade because he saw an Minotaur eating her!
The Minotaur had black fur, and had black pants. His back was turned, so the Minotaur didn't see him. The Minotaur did though, hear the sword sound and turned around. The Minotaur looked at Spike more terrified than Fluttershy. Spike didn't give him a chance, he swung his sword and cut the Minotaurs head clean of. The head fell to the floor, rolling for a few seconds and stopping at a position as if it was looking at Spike with the terrified gaze. The rest of the body had fallen forward towards Spike who let it happen. Spike then out of anger kicked the head. He didn't feel anger because of what he had done, he felt anger because of the betrayal. Fancy Pants was literally there! How could they not believe that?
Spike looked at his sword and put it into his blade. He walked out of the room and went up to the third floor, and it seemed to be the finale floor also. Spike was met with an horrible stench. Just like the room on the second floor but it wasn't noticeable. Then again, it did look fresh so that could be it. He kicked in the first door he laid his eyes on, and was surprised to see an giant spider. The spider had six eyes and eight legs. The spider looked at Spike and showed its sharp hand like things. Spike was unfazed and sliced its face, making it let out an blood curdling scream. Spike then sliced the brain of the spider. At least he believed it to be the brain. The spider died and Spike let out an cackle that sounded maniacal.
It didn't give much of a fight, but Spike had to admit that it was most likely because he was a bit to powerful. He needed a worthy foe. He decided to find Vux and it didn't take long, since he had grunts from fighting. He was on the first floor and looked at an kitchen-like area. He walked in there and saw the the whole kitchen was a mess. There were several kitchen material that were scattered around the room and knifes had been thrown apparently. Spike walked into the cooler room where meats were hanging. He saw Vux strangling another giant spider. Spike walked forward and cut the brain of the spider making it let out a scream. Vux looked at him with an surprised expression.
"Why did you do that?" Vux asked, curious.
"You were gonna kill it anyways. Besides, I think these are acromantula meaning their meat will be valuable. That is if you need bits?" Spike asked, sounding genuinely confused and not mocking.
"Yes or course, I was just surprised is all." Vux said, making Spike nod.
Spike used his sword to cut of the legs and head. He worked with the main body to gather the meat. When he was done he gathered it and went to the second floor to do the same process. After that, they head through the city to find a meat store that sold all kinds of meat. They found one called 'The Beast Meat.' Spike wondered if the pun was intended or not. He shrugged and walked inside. He saw the several meats that were on display. Then a tired Hippogriff walked out and froze when she saw Spike. She immediately bowed in his presence and rose when he spoke.
"Hello young one, I was wondering if you sold or took Acromantula meat?" Spike asked, making her eyes go wide.
"Ye-yes. Although, nopony or creature has ever been able to kill it an be able to sell the meat. Since its an rare meat I'll be willing to pay a full three thousand bits." The Hippogriff said, making Spike nod. He knew that this type of meat was expensive and he didn't expect anything less.
"Well, here you go." Spike said, handing her themeat while she pulled out an sack of bits.
Spike bowed to her making her eyes go wide and he walked out of the store. Vux was a little surprised by the amount of bits but shrugged it of. They walked through the city, making sure to keep their distance. Spike wanted to buy an apartment or house. If not, he'd use the money he earned to build his castle. Since he is seen as a lord for simply wearing basilisk armor, he'd probably would only have to show them a description and they would work day and night so he could have a home. Vux though, knew he wasn't like that. He wanted workers to relax and not overwork like a lot of creatures did. Spike all of a sudden felt an rush and he looked into an direction he felt it from.
At a far distance away, was smoke and dust from the ground. It came closer and closer towards Spike and Vux, until Spike slashed it with his sword. He looked down at his sword and saw all of the blood. He looked to his right and saw two slices of a body bleeding out. The creatures around them held their breath as they saw the armored creature bend down, to look at the creature.
Spike saw that to his surprise, was an pegasus foal. He looked around, but didn't see any pony that was there from either tribe. Spike then shook his head, he wasn't gonna clean up his mess so he left. Second time he killed an speaking creature, not that Spike cared. Of course, he did feel guilt for killing an foal, but it came at an speed, Spike thought it was an enemy!
Vux had wide eyes from the event, and was looking at Spike as if he'd lost it. Spike finally noticed the stare and looked at her. She stopped and realized that he'd seen her look at him. She wanted to ask why he did it, but she knew she already had the answer to that.
"Spike, why did you hurt that foal?" Vux asked, sounding sad. Luckily, they were in a sort of allyway so they didn't have to worry about any creature listening in. And the ones that saw the event would be to scared to say anything.
Spike sighed. He knew that this would be questioned. Not that he minded it. "Because I thought it was an enemy." Spike said, sounding sad. Spike and Vux looked at each other and didn't say anything. "I didn't hurt it. I killed it."
The foal had pinkish grey coat, and had pale, light grayish arctic blue and light arctic bluish gray. The foals eyes had been closed, so Spike didn't see the eye colour. Not that it mattered, she is dead.
"It was an 'she' Spike, not an 'it'." Vux said, not sounding angry or disapproving.
Spike only nodded his head, and started walking in an direction. The buildings had different woods that held everything together, but it looked like it would fall at any given moment. Vux followed Spike into an ally that had one shop that just said; "Magic" which didn't specify what type of magic it was. Vux suspected it to be dark magic. Spike walked inside the shop and started looking for dark magic books.
The owner of the shop walked out and froze when he saw Spike. Spike looked at him and gave him a bow, making the shop owner stumble back in shock. Vux only sighed, it seemed his tale about killing a Griffin was spreading. Spike walked up to the owner.
"Do you have any dark magic books for dragons?" Spike asked, making the owner nod frantically.
"Yes yes, I have at least ten different ones. You can get them all if you'd like?" The shop owner proposed. Spike though about it, and eventually nodded in approval.
The shop owner left through the back and searched low and high to find the books. Spike and Vux were discussing how they were gonna take over their so called government. Only problem was, the badlands didn't have any sort of government, so Spike could easily rule it with an iron claw if he so wished.
The shop owner came back with the books, and Spike tried to pay but the shop owner said it was for free. Spike had sighed, and thanked the shop owner. They had then quickly left, and started walking towards an area that was secluded so they could start reading. They eventually found an secluded spot, and Spike started reading the books. Vux were also reading the books just to see what dragons could do and to say she was impressed was an understatement. Dragons apparently, were the first creatures that had magic, but it had soon died out. Spike didn't say how he knew dragons had magic, but Vux suspected it had to do something with his old life.
Twilight was inside her castle, looking through her foto album. She was tired of seeing Spike in some of them, sometimes she would rip pictures apart simply because Spike was in the picture. She was to disgusted to see that murderer.
Applejack and Rainbow where working together on the farm, while Twilight was gonna help out later. Applejack still believed that Spike was as guilty as an rotten apple, and Rainbow even helped her support that claim. Rarity was to disgusted to think about Spike, and had stopped talking to Pinkie and Fluttershy all together.
Discord was currently not speaking to Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash because of what they had said and done to Spike. He was helping Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie to help bring Spike back home, a d so far his help was helping. Fancy Pants had in recent times started acting superior towards ponies that believed Spike was guilty. The other ponies didn't understand what Fancy Pants was doing, standing up for a beast? Fancy Pants had started discriminating anypony that looked down at Spike or even spit his name in any way.
Cadence was having so much trouble controlling the Crystal Ponies. They demand that they cut all ties with princess Celestia, and start looking for Spike The Brave And Glorious to bring him to the Crystal Empire. Cadence, was stunned on what to do. She did know where he is, but she couldn't obviously do much since the Crystal Empire is counted in a way like Equestria, so she wasn't sure whether Spike could live in the empire or not.
Every single Crystal Pony and even some guards had started several violent protest against those who saw their hero as a villain. The organisations like Spike's Liberation Front and Spike's Republican Youths had started several gang wars against those who weren't followers of Spike's innocence. Meaning, those who believed Spike was guilty either ended up dead or bluemarks.
Shining Armor hadn't said anything about what he thought about Spike. He in fact, looked at Spike differently now. He didn't hate Spike, he wanted to find him, but if it is true that he killed Fleur De Lis then he don't know what he'd do.
Spike had read finished all of the books that he had gotten, and he had a blank face. Not that his face even was visible to begin with. Spike picked up his books and walked towards an open area. He started thinking about a castle with large black stones that made the castle look terrifying, and guard posts. When he opened his eyes after closing them to make sure his castle would be perfect, he saw the front gate and the guard posts around the castle.
Spike smiled an evil smile. Now was the time to rule the badlands with an iron claw.
Spike walked up to his castle, looking like a true emperor. The front of the castle was built through hard black stone, the stone itself is powerful and can stop any spell both light and dark. On the front were large windows that you could look out of. The double doors had the same mark Spike uses when he needs it. On the doors were the three claw mark, and it looked powerful.
Spike walked up the four steps and headed for the front double doors. Vux walked together with him, and was amazed on the inside. The roof was huge and had a shiny crystal ball that hanged from the ceiling with different coloured crystals. The floors were made out of black wood that Spike had enchanted to make it impossible to destroy. The hall that they were in showed different rooms and two staircases that lead to the second floor.
"Hey Spike? Is it okay if I look around?" Vux asked, turning to Spike who looked around trying to bring everything in.
"Yes of course, enjoy the little tour." Spike said, making Vux nod and walk of in one direction.
Spike walked up to the second floor and noticed that there was another staircase that lead to the third floor. Spike walked up that one also. The third floor had a large red mat, that lead in different directions on the floor. Spike decided to walk in one direction which was kn his left. The corridors were quite large and showed different artifacts that Spike thought was useless. He came upon a door that had a two large double doors made out of wood. Spike opened the double doors with ease, and walked inside. On the inside were large windows and one large throne. The throne was made out of hard black wood and had a skull on either side of the armrests.
Spike walked up to it, and sat down feeling like a true emperor. He felt his anger flare up and subside for a few minutes. All of a sudden he heard a voice calling for him. It was saying his name, he looked up and saw Vux looking at him worried. Spike sat straight in his throne and looked at her with interest.
"Spike, are you okay?" Vux asked, worried. She had come upon the double doors and saw that they were open and saw Spike sitting their like their true leader. But something had been of, the temperature in the room had gone drastically down.
"Yes, sorry Vux. Didn't know you found this room." Spike said, trying to look apologetic even though his helmet was on.
"Its fine Spike, I was just wondering how you planned on taking over the badlands?" Vux asked, not having heard a clear answer as to how they would do it.
Spike thought about this question, he already had a answer. He had planned on just taking over, building the borders and forcing his new subjects to obey him. "Well, I planned on forcing them to obey me. Then again, I already look terrifying so they might do like the Crystal Ponies, see my word as the law itself. We could use dark magic to build borders and blocking out those that have evil intentions to our glorious nation. In fact, we should probably have a speech letting them know about the changes."
Vux nodded, feeling a little frightened about Spike's response. She did know that Spike had gone through a lot, but she didn't expect him to turn into this. Then again, she didn't know who he was until he came to the badlands a few days ago either. He could have been any dragon. She walked up to her leader and gave him a hug. Spike froze for a few seconds but soon returned it. They were like that for a whole minute, until they both pulled away.
"That was... amazing." Spike said, making Vux nod. She could only nod because she was lost in thoughts. She was pulled away from them, when Spike started doing some weird incantation in the room. He was standing in the middle of the room beside to large oak tree stub that reached the ceilings. Then Vux gasped.
In front of her, was ten beings that looked like Spike but in a different type of armour. Their armour was the one of a normal medieval time, but it still looked frightening because of the large swords they had. Spike looked quite satisfied with his work, and started to give them the order Vux had been waiting for.
"I want you ten to start trouble in Death Valley. I want to rule these areas with an iron claw. I want all of the badlands to myself. Make sure to kill those who resist. I don't want to put any creature in prison today, but that doesn't mean i want them dead. Understood?" Spike said, with a bone chilling voice. They saluted to him, and you could clearly see their swords now. Their swords were blood red in colour, but Vux didn't know if it was real or just the colour. Spike seemed to notice her small fear and walked over to her, across the red mat underneath them. He looked at her through the magic in his helmet.
"Its not real, the red on their swords. It shows their violent tendencies apparently." Spike said, making Vux relax a little. She saw how the soldiers moved out of the castle without making a single sound. It was just like Spike.
"They have the same ability as me, quite interesting. But I'm more handsome right?" Spike said, making Vux look ipat him with 'are you serious?' Look. Spike just laughed, and walked out of the throne room and decided to watch the destruction. He then remembered something, he didn't tell his minions about what to do with the civilians other than to either kill them dor leave them be. Vux must have realized this to, because she walked up to him and made her horn glow. All of a sudden, Spike heard a voice in his head which was Vux.
"Soldiers, our leader forgot to tell you that, you are to bring the civilians over to the castle so he can introduce himself as the king." Vux said, and then left. Spike looked at her a little surprised. She just grinned at him.
"How did you do that?" Spike asked, as they were walking down a shady street were no light was shining. Vux smiled a little and responded;
"Its something the Changeling hives sometimes uses if we forget to tell each other something. It can work for two or more creatures." Vux explained, and Spike nodded in understanding. They walked for several minutes, and they heard screams of pain and agony. Spike just chuckled at it while Vux kept a blank face. The soldiers of Spike were very loyal to him, and kept their word.
Spike sometimes helped a suffering idiot, and killed that creature through his heart. Spike's blade was bloody and he wouldn't have it any other way. Vux sometimes attacked, but that was more rare than anything else. Spike used his dark magic to build large walls over the border between Equestria and other neighboring lands. He didn't want any un-invited guests, to stroll into his glorious kingdom. Spike continued to walk through his city, and occasionally heard screams from protesters. Spike grinned, and he felt something press on his right side. He looked and saw Vux keeping herself close to him. She looked at Spike, and looked confused.
"Are you alright?" Spike asked, making Vux nod slowly.
"Yeah i'm alright, just a little surprised by all these bodies and blood is all." Vux said, making Spike nod in understanding. He did kind of expect there to be less, but he did know that there would be protesters but not that many. They walked back to the castle, where most of the population now was. Spike pushed himself forward, making some creatures fall. Spike walked up to a small podium that had a small speech table. Every creature starred at Spike in fear, and Spike looked at them with an evil glint.
"Hello every creature, i understand your frustrations. You want answers, and i will give it to you. I will now rule the badlands with an iron claw. We will still have the name Badlands. We will have the strongest nation, our military will be the strongest. Our hospitals will be the strongest, and our children will be safe from harm." Spike said, making the forced listeners to look at him as if he was crazy. They didn't like the fact that he would rule them at all, but the points he pointed out couldn't be denied. Vux was impressed herself.
"That will be all. Now, there will be some soldiers of our military coming to re-build our nation. There will be stronger houses. All small towns and cities in Badlands will be under my control. Understood?" Spike said, making the creatures nod because they were honestly terrified. Spike nodded, but no creature saw it because of the helmet. They left after being allowed to leave, but made sure to not in any way disrespect the soldiers or their new leaders. Spike sighed, and walked inside of his castle.
He walked to the throne room, and he sat down. He looked forward for the ponies to see the borders. He needed some human technology though, and he knew where to find it. He needed to use a spell though, to open another mirror portal. Spike didn't know how he would do that, but he could always ask princess Cadence. Vux walked inside, and watched as Spike looked lost in thought. She walked cautiously forward as to not startle him. It didn't matter though, as he always seemed to know who was an enemy and who was a friendly. She walked up to him and gently knocked on Spike's metal leg. Spike looked down and saw Vux.
"What can i help you with Vux?" Spike asked, his voice clear of any emotion. Vux sincerely hoped he wasn't mad at her or anything. She sighed, and hoped to get a straight answer.
"Spike, will you go to war against Equestria?" Vux Asked, making Spike think of the question. He didn't really want to go to war against Equestria, but then again. He have made large borders between Badlands and Equestria, so they would naturally become curious and investigate.
"No, i don't think i will. I'll say this though, if they start a war with us, then we'll have a war against Equestria." Spike said, making Vux look worried. Spike sighed. "Don't worry Vux, i know for a fact that the Crystal Empire wouldn't start a war with us, if anything, they would join us because i saved them from King Sombra."
Vux relaxed at that bit, but she still had worry. "We also have the Changeling's. Thorax wouldn't hesitate to help us. Griffinstone i'm unsure about." Spike said, making Vux relax a little more, but she still felt that worry in her. The two princesses Celestia and Luna. "Oh, and i believe aunt Luna will be on our side." She still felt shock that Spike was a Solaris. She wondered what would happen if the snobbish ponies knew he was a prince. They most likely would be terrified of displeasing him.
Spike closed his eyes and meditated. Vux was lost in thought and was thinking about all of the scenarios it could play out. Spike could get hurt, then again, he is a dragon so he might not feel the same pain. 'He also wears that armor that has Basilisk venom, so he should be as strong as King Bahamut if he was alive.' Vux thought, to herself.
In Equestria, princess Celestia had gotten the report of the large walls seen looming over the Everfree. She had no idea why they were there, but she intended to find out. She sent some soldiers that had not returned yet.
"Your highness, have the soldiers returned or given a message of their status?" A guard asked, walking inside. Celestia looked at him and shook her head.
"Ah okay, i can report that there have been several violent riots in the Crystal Empire, and they demand to cut all contacts with Equestria." The guard reported, making Celestia sighed. Since she banished her son, there had been several death threats to her because she banished Spike The Brave And Glorious.
'When will the violence end.' Celestia thought, to herself.
Equestria, the land that is supposed to be the friendliest country. It is anything but that. An innocent dragon was banished, even from a crime he didn't commit. Fluttershy was distraught by it. Spike had helped her out so much over the years, and now he is Celestia knows where! She couldn't believe it, how could they be so quick to judge? Fluttershy didn't know, but she did intend to find out.
She was currently in her small cottage being depressed that her dragon friend was gone. She was in her room that consisted of a wardrobe, bed, small book shelf, and some pictures of her and her friends. Spike was in a few of them but not all of them. Fluttershy felt disgusted by Twilight. Spike worked to the point were he was probably seen as a slave almost, and then there is a giant misunderstanding, and everypony except a few turns on him. Fluttershy now understood why so many villains exists. It is because princess Celestia doesn't give them a hundred procents chance at explaining themselves even with clear evidence. She didn't hate the princess, because she was in a tight position. Fluttershy sighed as she looked down at her green mat. She thought that the vote from princess Luna and Cadence and prince Shining Armor would have a big impact on the voting, apparently not.
"Spike, wherever you are, please contact me..." Fluttershy said, quietly to herself. She hadn't received any letters from Spike, but she refused to believe that something bad happened to him. There had been many nights were she feared he maybe died. She refused to believed it, she would be strong for Spike.
Pinkie Pie didn't have it easy either. She dearly missed Spike. She always hoped for the day, Spike would walk into Sugarcube Cube corner and order a gem cupcake. The Cake's had supported her every step of the way. They had tried selling as many goods as possible to help free Spike from his banishment. Many ponies like the CMC, Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch, Lyra and BonBon, Filthy Rich, Miss Cheerilee, and many more didn't believe Spike did it.
Pipsqueak had spread several posters of Spike and his banishment. Many ponies read it, and had mixed feelings about it. Pipsqueak was a good friend of Spike, and was angry when he heard he had been banished. He was always angry and depressed at school, and never gave anything away from his blank facial expression. Miss Cheerilee was deeply worried for him. He had been supportive of the violence in the Crystal Empire, and even went as far as to say; "At least they are doing something productive. Hopefully princess Celestia will listen." That had made ponies look at him with surprise. He had never shown that type of anger or malice really.
He was currently in miss Cheerilee's class, and he was bored out of his mind. He used to pay a lot of attention in class, but since Spike banishment he had become more irritated with school really. Spike used to help him with his school work when he needed help. All of a sudden he felt that all eyes were on him. He looked around and saw that every filly and colt were looking at him including miss Cheerilee.
"What?" Pipsqueak asked, already irritated. The students and teacher flinched by the tone. He had really become a fraction of himself.
"Pipsqueak, do you know where magic was originated?" Miss Cheerilee asked, hoping to have a normal lesson. Pipsqueak raised his eyebrow.
"Do i look like Faust or an Angel? I have no idea." Pipsqueak said, irritated. Cheerilee sighed. She knew that Spike and Pipsqueak were close. In tow when Spike had his of-days, he and Pipsqueak would hang around town. She didn't know that they were that close, but it was clear that they were close like brothers.
"Magic is actually unknown where it originates from, and we are probably not the only dimension that has it, if dimensions exists that is." Cheerilee said, making the students look at her in awe. Pipsqueak looked unimpressed.
"Yes, how fascinating. Can i learn something more useful? You can bore the other students with useless material if you want." Pipsqueak said, in a bored expression. The other students looked at him in shock. Cheerilee looked at Pipsqueak dumbstruck. She did not expect that come out of him. Pipsqueak took his school bag and left the classroom. The classroom had benches that was made out of oak wood. The walls were pinkish, purpleish, with a green board to write things on.
Pipsqueak left the school, and walked back to Ponyville and headed to Sugarcube Corner. He hoped to hear from Pinkie that she had heard something from Spike. He walked down the sleek dirt road and didn't look up. He felt so angry at the jury and everypony who didn't believe Spike. He was seething. He knew that holding in all this anger was dangerous and unhealthy, but he in all honesty didn't care one bit. He walked into Ponyville and some ponies looked his way. It was a known fact that Spike and Pipsqueak were close like brothers, and there had been ponies who had said bad things about Spike. Pipsqueak to put it lightly became angry. He put two fully grown stallions in the hospital. He is a minor so nothing could happen to him, and most ponies grew terrified to say anything bad about Spike. Pipsqueak might not know it, or care for that matter, but he rules Ponyville.
Pipsqueak walked into Sugarcube Corner, and he was greeted by Pinkie Pie. "Hello Pipsqueak how are you today?" She asked, looking at him with concerned eyes. Pipsqueak looked at Pinkie and smiled.
"I'm in a bit of a rough spot Pinkie. Have you heard anything from Spike?" Pipsqueak asked, making Pinkie's hair deflate. She sadly shook her head, and Pipsqueak sighed. He had hoped that Pinkie might had gotten a mysterious order from somepony, os in this case dragon.
"No, i'm sorry Pipsqueak i really haven't. I haven't even gotten any mysterious requests or anything to hint that Spike is alive and well. We'll have to wait and see." Pinkie said, sadly. Pipsqueak nodded in understanding. He had expected that this might be the response he'd get, but he was still hopeful. Pipsqueak pulled out some bits and handed it to Pinkie.
"I'll take a chocolate cupcake." Pipsqueak said, and Pinkie nodded. She rushed to make everything done. Pipsqueak then got the cupcake in his hoof. He smiled sadly at Pinkie who also smiled sadly at him. He left and enjoyed the peaceful walk he had back to his house.
Pipsqueak wasn't the only pony in Ponyville who missed Spike dearly. The CMC missed him a lot themselves. Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle, had started to turn cold to their sisters. Scootaloo had stopped talking to Rainbow Dash, and showed her cold ice eyes towards her. Sweetie Belle had at first stopped talking to Rarity, but Rarity begged Sweetie Belle to talk to her. She then told Rarity her reasons for not speaking to her. Rarity had become quiet after that. Applebloom openly mocked Applejack for her beliefs. Applejack had tried to make Applebloom "realize" that she was right and that Applebloom didn't understand anything.
They were currently in their clubhouse worried for Pipsqueak. They had seen him become colder and colder for each day that went by, but they didn't think he would go that far. They knew he had put up Spike Republican Youth flags around Ponyville. He always hung it up in his front porch in the morning. The flag had a purple background, and four claws in the middle where it said; Spike Republican Youth. Other ponies like CMC had gotten three of those flags. They were hoping that Spike would one day return, and bring back the nice Pipsqueak.
In the dungeons of Spike's castle was a secret room that Spike had built for the portal. Spike had placed a body mirror in that room, and there were some machines that kept it alive. They just needed one more piece and it would be complete. The problem was, that they needed a very powerful alicorn or unicorn. Spike did have an idea of solving that though, and that was kidnapping Starlight Glimmer. Thing is, he needed to be disguised as a pony to not seem suspicious.
He was currently at the border of Badlands and Equestria. Spike wore his armor, so he wouldn't be recognized. Then again, he looks like a warlord anyways, so they wouldn't recognize him at all. Spike used a spell from his magic to make himself invincible. He had learnt that dragons did have magic, but that its rarer in the modern era, because a lot of dragons have forgotten about it. Spike had found a book in the Friendship Castle about magic and which creatures has it. Spike had hidden this knowledge from Twilight, he didn't want her to know this mostly because she would hide those books herself from him, so he wouldn't be able to study them himself. Considering how it went down in the courtroom, Spike believed he would have been executed if the ponies had that knowledge.
Spike was currently sneaking around his own borders. He then saw two stallions who were patrolling together. Spike got an evil glint in his eyes, and pulled out his sword quickly. The stallions heard it, and drew their own swords. Spike circled them. He couldn't help but let out a chuckle from the alarm of the two stallions.
"It seems like mother has trained you better. Before, you used to be useless. Well, you still are but not as much as i expected." Spike said, with a demonic voice. The stallions froze in fear, but still were back to back looking into the forest. Spike let out another chuckle. One of the guards then realized something. 'Mother? Celestia doesn't have a son!' The guard though.
"Princess Celestia doesn't have any children!" The guard shouted, making Spike laugh. Spike knew that these were lower ranked guards, but it was still fun in confusing them.
"I could tell you otherwise, but i'm afraid your in my way of the mission i must complete." Spike said, making the guards tighten their hold on their swords.
Spike made himself visible, and he attacked. The two guards jumped away from the swinging sword, and took cover. Spike saw how one of them hid behind a large stone. Spike walked over not making any sound, and flung the sword on the stone. The stone was cut in half. The guard looked terrified. He backed away from Spike, who kept walking closer and closer. Eventually, the guard was stopped by a large tree. He looked at the helmet of the warlord. Spike pulled up his sword and struck him. The body of the guard was cut into two pieces, and blood was running down to the small pecks of grass. Spike looked around, and saw the several trees that covered almost the whole of the Everfree Forest. Spike used his vision to see the second guard. Spike didn't seethe guard for a while, then he saw movements. He followed the movements and saw that the guard had somehow been injured. Spike didn't waste time, and cut his head clean of.
Spike shook his head. He was honestly embarrassed to say Celestia had once his mother. She clearly couldn't even train her soldiers to be more prepared for everything. Spike picked up his head and walked away. He was walking and stopped once at a cut-down tree. He placed the head there, and became invincible again. He walked with heavy steps that didn't make any noise. Spike reached the end of the Everfree Forest, and looked around. He saw several Spike Republican Youth posters and flags, and same went for Spike's Liberation Front. Spike chuckled.
They really did care about him didn't they? Spike shook his head. He was on a mission, and he would complete it. Spike walked until he saw the majestic Friendship Castle. Spike knew about the wards, but he didn't worry about it. She would never suspect that her ex-assistant would return right? Spike carefully opened and closed the door. Spike looked around, and saw the blue crystal colours on the walls and floor. There was a red mat that lead to all rooms. Spike was impressed, it hadn't changed much since he was banished. Spike wondered if Sparkle had hired another assistant. 'She better treat that assistant right, and not jump to conclusions like she usually does.' Spike thought to himself.
Spike walked up a staircase that he knew lead to the bedrooms. He didn't make a sound, but he still wanted to tiptoe just in case. Spike walked down a empty hall that only had flowers as decorations. Spike chuckled a little. 'She must have left the castle at some point.' Spike though, and continued to walk down the hall.
Spike walked until he was outside the bedroom of Starlight Glimmer. Spike didn't know what to feel for this mare. He didn't even know if she had bothered to read the news paper articles. Spike doubted it, but he still needed her to open the portal. He had an idea if she refused to help him. Of course, he wouldn't show his face to her, because she would then try to talk him out of it. Spike opened the door carefully, and stepped inside. He closed the door behind him and looked at the sleeping mare. Her room had a large bed with her cutiemark on the covers. A wardrobe, a full body mirror, and a bedside table. She also had two book shelves. Spike chuckled, in a lot of ways, she was like Sparkle but she was more understanding the Sparkle is. Spike looked at the sleeping mare. He looked at her with a unreadable expression. He then noticed on the bedside table a book. Spike looked at it closely and saw it was her diary. Spike shrugged to himself and opened the diary.
Dear Diary
Spike has been arrested for a crime I don't believe he committed. Apparently, he murdered Fleur De Lis, but the timeline doesn't add up. I told Twilight about it and she just told me it was fake. I don't know what to believe, but I do believe Spike is innocent. He has helped me in so many ways, and I can't see Spike doing something like that. Ever. Twilight, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash has become more hateful of the existence of Spike. I don't know where that resentment and hate comes from. Pinkie and Fluttershy are the ones who believes that Spike is innocent, along with a lot of other ponies of Ponyville.
Pipsqueak, a young colt is very angry at princess Celestia. I saw him beat up a full grown stallion today as if it was nothing! Apparently, it is not the first time either. Anypony who speaks badly about Spike faces his wrath. They were like brothers to my knowledge that I got from the others. If that really is the case, then I understand why you become a lot more hostile towards others. He hasn't given me any sort of problem, he only looks at me and smiles and then he goes back to doing whatever he is doing.
If Spike is out there, then I hope he is safe. I don't want him in any sort of danger at all. Then again, wherever he was banished to, might not give him that choice. That is all.
- Starlight Glimmer
Spike closed the diary and sighed. He put the diary back and looked at the still sleeping Starlight. He used his magic to teleport her to his castle. She would be put into a room where she would get food, water, bathroom and other essential until she opens the portal. Spike had walked here because he wanted to be as much alone as he possibly could. He opened the window from Starlight's room. He jumped out the window and closed the window by using his magic. He then made himself into smoke, kind of like King Sombra but this was more evil than Sombra's. Spike traveled to the Everfree Forest and continued to float through the forest. There were quite a few guards there, and Spike smiled. If they got to close to his border he could then take pleasure in killing them. Sadly, they weren't, and Spike teleported himself across the border. He landed elegantly and walked away, still being invincible. He hoped that Starlight would easily co-operate.
Spike walked through the badlands and he was tired. For the first time in days, he felt tired. He was going straight to bed when he reached his castle. He walked and teleported a few feet sometimes and it felt good to almost be where he wants to be, and that is is castle where his king sized bed is. Spike eventually reached the city, and teleported outside his castle. His guards didn't seem the least surprised to see him. They bowed to him and quickly went back to their stoic posture. Spike bowed to them aswell, and walked towards his castle. It looked marvelous and powerful. Spike liked it that way, it would make everypony who betrayed him feel fear when they look at this castle. Spike opened the double doors with his magic, and also closed them quickly.
He went to his bed, which was on the third floor. He walked into his bedroom and jumped into his bed. He didn't hear the small voice in his head say; "Soon, revenge will be ours."
The next day, Spike woke up feeling refreshed. Spike looked at his clock and saw it was twelve o'clock. The good thing about being a tyrannical ruler would be sleeping for as long as you want to. He obviously rules Badlands, so why would he need to get up early? Spike just quickly got out of bed, and not glancing at his room walked out.
He walked down a small path, trying to find the staircase that would lead to the kitchen. Spike walked with purpose and elegance. His soldiers patrolled both inside and outside the castle. Spike liked it like that. He wanted to seem powerful, even though he is. Spike reached the kitchen that was large, and sat down at one of the chairs. His maid came, and gave him some pancakes. Spike tanked him and he bowed to him. Spike didn't take the helmet of, but he could still eat the food through magic. His magic would help him gain the nutrients he needs that is in the pancakes. Spike enjoyed it, and called over for a guard.
"Our guest, Starlight Glimmer. Is she awake?" Spike asked, the guard who didn't show any emotion.
"Yes, she woke up two hours ago, and she was confused and scared as to where she was. We had to use a sleeping drough on her. Sorry my liege." The guard said, bowing his face in shame. Spike shook his head. He expected that to happen and he didn't once blame them for it.
"It is okay soldier. You did your job, and I did have a feeling that it was gonna happen. Also, is she asleep now?" Spike asked, at the end wondering if she was still sleeping.
"Yes my liege, she is still asleep. Do you want me to wake her?" He asked, and Spike shook his head. He didn't want to wake up Starlight when she clearly needed her sleep to comprehend what was happening.
"No, let her sleep. Anyways, how is the portal coming along?" Spike asked, and his guard bowed at the first command he got.
"The portal is coming around greatly my liege. We still need a unicorn, which is why this mare is our guest right?" The soldier asked, and Spike smiled. They weren't by any means dumb, but Spike expected these minions not to be independent thinkers.
"Yes, and we will use her tonight even with force if he gave to. We will then rule better with those weapons that exists in that world. We can easily kill our enemies one by one." Spike said, making his guard nod in understanding.
"Of course my liege." The guard said, retreating back to his stoic posture near the doors of the kitchen. Spike finished his breakfast, and decided to head to the portal to make sure everything is okay with it. Spike was gonna go to the human world and steal human weapons and cars. He wanted to be the most powerful nation there is. Spike walked into the dungeons and saw the torches on the walls and the floor that was covered in filth. Spike walked through with purpose and didn't even bother to look at the cells. There had been a few arrests that had tried to attack Spike, but Spike was simply to powerful for them to handle.
Spike saw the door, and walked towards it. Vux had been worried about enemies getting inside, so Spike did it so only him, Vux, and his soldiers could get inside. She was happy with it, but was still paranoid which Spike couldn't blame her for. Spike used his magic from his claw to open the door as a "key" of sorts. the metal door opened and it revealed a mirror, that was as big as the one in the Crystal Empire. It showed Spike in his armor and sword. It was connected to different devices that had been powered by dark magic, and dragon magic at that. Princess Celestia wouldn't be able to power it down, and the same went for princess Sparkle. Spike grinned at himself and his well thought out plan.
All of a sudden he heard marching and a familiar mare screaming. "Get your claws of me! Let me go!" Spike sighed. She must have woken up. He did respect his soldiers, but they didn't have their own minds and were dictated by him. Spike then grinned to himself. He dictated them. The soldiers who were dragging Starlight Glimmer, walked inside and saw their leader.
"My liege, the pony had woken up." The minion said, making Spike look back. Starlight froze in fear. She didn't know who this was, but he certainly looked scary. "Shall we prepare for the opening of the portal?" Starlight's eyes widen. What portal? Who is this? Starlight has no idea, but she intended to find out.
"Hello Starlight Glimmer, long time no see. How have you been?" Spike asked in his demonic voice. Starlight was terrified, she didn't know how this creature knew her name, but she intended to find out. With the little bravery she had, she looked up at the creature who had a helmet on so she couldn't see his emotion. Then again, he wore it already when she was dragged inside this room with a mirror.
"Who are you?! Where am i?!" Starlight demanded, in a angry, but still fearful voice. The creature in front of Starlight chuckled. He was amused by the situation? Who is this?
"You can call me Dorcha, or lord Dorcha. But i didn't always go by that name. That is for you to find out." Spike said, making Starlight watch him confused. He then motioned for the mirror, and tapped it. Starlight assumed this was the portal, there were many different machines there that was running on magic. Starlight felt the magic and felt confused, she couldn't tell what creature had done it. It was as if that magic had come from another.... creature.
"Starlight, i want you to cast an opening spell. It doesn't matter which one, as long as its powerful. I know you can do it. When you are done, i'll let you go." Spike said, looking at Starlight who looked conflicted. On one hoof, she would get freedom and tell Twilight what happened. On the other hoof, she will open a portal to Celestia knows where, and will make this Dorcha more powerful. She sighed, and looked up at Dorcha. She felt like she didn't really have a way out.
"What Spell do you want me to use?" Starlight asked, looking down in shame for what she was about to do. Spike looked at her, pleased with her decision.
"Well, i said before that it didn't matter, but if you want something specific then go for the strongest opening spell you know." Spike said, keeping a blank voice, not letting any emotions show. Starlight didn't acknowledge him. She shot a spell at the mirror and it... worked? Spike walked towards the mirror and touched it with his claw, and felt the water-like sensation. He grinned. It was done.
"Thank you Starlight, i'll transport you to the Friendship Castle." Spike said, without looking back. Starlight was about to respond, when she felt a sucking sensation on her. She was gone, all that was left was Spike and his two guards.
"Prepare three other soldiers, we are going in there in five hours." Spike said, making the two soldiers bow and walking out of the room. Spike looked at the portal and let out an evil cackle.
Spike was sitting in his throne room, and decided against the idea of leaving for the human world. He was needed here, and couldn't just leave the nation. Spike had given his soldiers the knowledge of the human world, so they would be able to buy weapons. Spike, for some odd reason, knew what weapons the human world have. He doesn't know where he got the knowledge from, but he did. His soldiers had left just a few hours ago, and he wished them luck.
Vux was his second in command and had one question in her mind. What was the purpose for all of this? She understood the betrayal, but why have weapons stronger than anything, when there hadn't even been an invasion attempt? Vux had no idea what Spike was thinking, but she knew he must have very dark thoughts. She was sitting at a throne beside him, and was wary of him. He didn't move a single muscle, as he was lost in his thoughts.
Spike was thinking about all of the scenarios in his head when the confrontation would come. he knew it would come eventually, but he hoped for a slaughter to acure before then. He knew it would be a bloodbath, but he in all reality did not care nor should he. He did know that Vux was worried about him not showing a single emotion when he really should. Spike decided to humor her with his cold voice. "What is on your mind? Scared that i've finally lost it?" Spike asked, jokingly which made Vux blush.
"No no, i just. I've been worried about you, and you barely acknowledge anything. How are you thinking about this?" Vux said, turning the emotional gun on him. Spike grinned. He had hoped for this, and it was clear that Vux realized it to, because she huffed playfully. Spike then cleared his face. He then realized he had never take of his helmet since he bought the armor. Vux had started piecing together a small pattern, but she didn't go with it just yet.
"All in due time Vux." Spike said, making Vux confused. what did he mean wit; 'All in due time?' To her, it could mean anything. Might not even be related to what she was talking to him about.
All of a sudden, a letter came through the window through magic. Spike made no effort, and just took the letter with his hand. He started opening the letter and smiled. On the letter, it read;
Dear Spike
we don't know where you are, but we hope that you are safe. There are these scary walls around the end of the Everfree Forest. We don't know what is going on, but we sincerely hope that your safe. Pinkie and i have cut most of our ties with the other element bearers. Princess Celestia has tried to make me and Pinkie see reason. We won't, since we already know it isn't you.
Hello Spike!!! I know that you had something to do with those walls, and just to let you know, we support you. Me and Fluttershy has decided to try and find you. We will be loyal to you, and only you!!
Um Spike, we thought that we should ask you. Did you see Starlight Glimmer wherever you where? She had apparently disappeared during the night, and claimed to have seen a creature in a suit with some sort of demonic voice. I don't know what she meant but it sounded scary. Hope your safe.
- Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie
Spike smiled and put down the letter on his right knee. Vux looked interested and gave her the letter to read. When she finished reading the letter she smiled. "You have friends who believe in you like that." Vux said, making Spike nod in agreement. He did expect them to be loyal, but not this loyal.
"They are very loyal. Hopefully, they won't get caught. i will send out a message to the soldiers guarding the border to not harm them. If they do... they wont have their heads." Spike said, making Vux shiver by how cold the room just got. Spike had started to speak more in his demonic-like voice, but Spike either didn't notice or didn't mind.
Vux had something on her mind. Was Spike possessed? She had absolutely no idea. She would go back to the sales Griffin. Perhaps she could tell Vux about the armor.
In Equestria, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were discussing the best way to defect to the Crystal Empire or across the border to the badlands. Fluttershy was scared about leaving the land of Equestria for good while, Pinkie Pie was ecstatic to find Spike and see if she could help him.
They were in Fluttershy's cottage, and they had everything packed. Some ponies in Ponyville carried Spike Republican Youth flags. The Crystal Empire was still in a uproar about Spike being banished, and has done everything in their power to cut all ties with Equestria, but still be open for those who believe in Spike The Brave And Glorious.
Pinkie had packed all of her bags, and was helping Fluttershy with her packing. They hoped to find Spike and live with him. They didn't care if other ponies saw him as a criminal, as long as they know the truth then its all that matters. Spike hadn't sent them any letters, but they sure hoped it worked. They had gone to princess Luna and asked if she could possibly somehow send a letter to Spike. She could, and did so, but said that she couldn't place a tracking spell on it. They understood and didn't even ask.
Fluttershy had told all of her animal friends about her defecting from Equestria. They understood and told Fluttershy that they would always be loyal to her, Pinkie, and Spike and whoever were loyal to them. Fluttershy had smiled and hugged them all.
"Fluttershy, it is time. Spike is waiting for us." Pinkie said, making Fluttershy nod. They tog their saddle bags and extra bags with food, water, sleeping bags, and anything useful for their survival in the wild. Fluttershy peeked out of the front door, and saw nopony.
It was nighttime, so they technically didn't have to worry about ponies being there, but one can never be to careful. Fluttershy then opened the door fully and sneaked out together with Pinkie Pie who wasn't making a sound. Fluttershy closed the door and locked it. She hadn't left any letters or anything, so ponies most likely would be confused by the absence of her and Pinkie Pie. The Cake's knew though, and had promised about not telling anypony.
Fluttershy and Pinkie looked at the Everfree Forest with determination, but in reality, Fluttershy was terrified. She still wanted to help her good dragon friend Spike. Pinkie could feel fear, but not the same type of fear as Fluttershy or the others for that matter. Spike was their top priority, and wouldn't fail him.
They strolled through the thick forest, that was covered with dirt, grass, and other things. The trees were tall and had dark wood. It looked pretty intimidating for trees, but then again, they were in one of the most dangerous forests in history. The trees seemed to shift from time to time, but only Fluttershy seemed to notice it. Pinkie Pie was to busy about throwing Spike a huge party. She knew that he most likely was the reason behind the walls that now covered the borders between the Everfree Forest and the badlands. She didn't know how exactly, but her Pinkie sense were telling her something. They strolled through the Everfree Forest and had their guard up. They encountered some royal guards, but the guards didn't see them.
They moved closer and closer towards the border, and they could only smile. They were close to their lost friend, and they could practically feel his happiness when he sees them. They wondered how much he has changed. Then again, the badlands can change anypony into something very very bad. They just hoped he hadn't done anything to bad.
Pinkie and Fluttershy reached the border and were stopped by a Griffin soldiers who came out of nowhere and scared them half to death. The soldier looked unfazed and just looked at them. He then spoke; "Are you Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie? His majesties has informed me of your defection, and told me to let you in." The Griffin said. They knew he was a Griffin because the armor gave the impression, but he was completely covered in metal.
Pinkie was the first to recover and answered; "Yes, we are his friends. And what do you mean by 'His Majesties?'" Pinkie asked, making the Griffin look at her with interest. He thought that every single creature knew about their glorious nation.
"My leader, Spike Dorcha, is Badlands leader and ruler. He made me into a soldier. Although, he is a very angry ruler. Well, that is more of an assumption, I don't know if he is angry." The Griffin said, making Fluttershy and Pinkie stare at him in shock. That was something they didn't expect.
"Come on, we'll have to fly across the border." The Griffin said, taking Pinkie Pie and flying upwards together with Fluttershy. The walls were both made out of stone and metal. It looked like it kept the whole wall in place, and it also looked quite menacing. The guards patrolling the border with super heavy armor, and well trained with their weapons. Fluttershy though that they wouldn't be able to fly over the border, but was apparently wrong. No creature stopped them. The Griffin led them over the border with ease, and dropped them of when he landed. Fluttershy landed in front of Pinkie Pie and the Griffin soldier. He bowed to them.
"This is where we part ways. Death Valley is only a two hour walk. Don't worry, the soldiers are expecting your arrival. Look for a huge black castle named; Dorcha castle." The Griffin said, making them nod in understanding. The Griffin flew away, leaving Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie to look around them. They were surrounded by sand, but in the distance they could see a city. They started walking towards it, hoping to find their lost friend.
In Badlands capital, Death Valley, in the Dorcha castle. Spike was seeing his soldiers return. They showed metal made weapons called 'assault rifles.' Spike looked amazed, but the soldiers sadly couldn't see it because Spike had his helmet on him. They had also brought back TV's, radios, metal wagons called a car, and other things.
Spike nodded in approval to his soldiers. They bowed in respect, and left the throne room. His marefriend or Changelingfriend to be specific had gone out from the castle to look for the origins of Spike's armor. Spike didn't mind, he was quite curious himself.
Spike walked up from his throne and walked to the several packages, and looked at them closely. He could use his magic to enchant it, only to work and run on magic. Spike raised his claw, and a red and black mist started forming almost like a tiny storm in his claw. Spike made it larger and shot the enchanting magic at the packages. Spike took the largest TV and went to the throne, and used magic to conjure a table with weals. He placed the TV on there, and turned it on with magic. Spike then saw the TV become black an white screen. Spike used his magic and saw that it was himself on the screen.
"Hello, this is Spike Dorcha. Testing, testing." Spike said, and smiled when he heard his voice on the TV. It worked. He was gonna give everything to his beloved civilians. He also knew that two old friends of his were coming. "This will be interesting."
In another part of Death Valley, Vux was looking for the store that Spike got his armor from. She found the store and walked inside. The bell rang, and Vux waited patiently. A Griffin, a few seconds later came out. When she saw Vux she bowed in respect.
"What can i do for you commander Vux?" The female Griffin asked, with respect.
Hello, i was wondering what you could tell me about the armor that you gave his majesties?" Vux asked, making the female Griffin sigh in understanding.
"It was created by Grogar. It is one of the strongest armors there is in Equestria, maybe even the world. You see, later it was possessed by something that you might know and fear." The Griffin said, making Vux look at her in surprise.
"And what is it possessed by?" Vux asked, dreading to hear the answer.
The Griffin looked at Vux and sighed. "It is possessed by..." She couldn't bring herself to say it. She had to, his majesty is in grave danger. "The Pony Of Shadows."
Vux thought she had heard wrong. The Pony Of Shadows? How? Wasn't he supposed to be in limbo? She had a million questions going through her head, and she didn't know whether she would get the answers or not. The Griffin looked down. She felt ashamed that his majesties took it, and that she didn't do anything to stop it. His majesties though, had a look that simply dared any creature to say otherwise.
"The Pony Of Shadows? Are you absolutely sure?" Vux asked, making the Griffin nod. "What is your name?"
"Wingly." Wingly said, making Vux nod. There was silence between them. Wingly didn't know if she should start a conversation or not. Vux was having the same thoughts and didn't say anything. Wingly decided to break the ice.
"Is there anything you want to know?" Wingly asked, making Vux nod. There were still millions of questions she wanted answered, but she decided to ask something relatively simple.
"How did you know it was possessed. How did you know it was The Pony Of Shadows?" Vux asked, making Wingly look down ashamed. She knew this was the questions that would be asked. She didn't blame commander Vux either, they should know everything about the safety of his majesties.
"I knew it was possessed because it radiated a dark type of presence. It would sometimes speak quietly in a demon-like language. How I know it is The Pony Of Shadows is because it said so itself. It spoke to me from time to time. That is how I know." Wingly explained, making Vux look at Wingly angry.
"Why in the name of Lord Dorcha would you do that for!?" Vux asked, angrily. "Do you have any idea what you've done?!" Wingly sighed, as she had expected this. She didn't know if she should say it out loud or anything, but it was worth a shot.
"You know how his majesties is. He gave me a look that dared me to say anything otherwise. You may not have noticed it, but he can scare some creature simply by looking at them in a frightening way. His majesties is in grave danger!" Wingly explained, making Vux stop to think for a second. Wingly wasn't lying, lord Dorcha had a tendency to scare other creatures of with his stares. 'Is it The Pony Of Shadows doing so?' Vux though, to herself.
"I'm sorry Wingly, sometimes I forget he has that effect on creatures." Vux said, making Wingly look at commander Vux. She didn't expect that at all, but then again, this is Badlands nothing that happens here is ever expected.
"No, i should be sorry. I was so set in getting rid off it, together with his majesties stare that made me go to cowardice." Wingly said, surprising Vux. Not many creatures would admit that. Then again, it is about his majesties their talking about so that might effect what they think and feel about the situation.
"So, how do we get rid of the possession of his majesties?" Vux asked, looking at Wingly with determination.
Spike was sitting in a interesting object. The object was called 'helicopter' and could fly to places without any trouble. It ran on magic so it wasn't a problem for Spike about refueling as it had said on a manual. It would run on magic, and they wouldn't need to 're-fill' it.
Spike was sitting in the back while, two of his soldiers sat in the pilots seat. They were gonna fly to the Crystal Empire and start trading with them. He had two soldiers on either side of him in full armor. The helicopter was made out of metal, and had propeller on the top that swing to the right and it fly up. The inside was made out of metal and had weapons stashes for soldiers.
Spike was waiting for his ambassador to come. He had decided to have an embassy in the Crystal Empire. He had sent a letter to princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor and he had gotten the green card for it. Finally, a pegasus with the name of File Writer flew into the helicopter and sat at the opposite said as she was facing Spike's direction.
Her coat was grayish purple, and her mane was blueish red. Her cutie mark was one of a black cloud and red lightning bolt. Her eyes were turquoise and she looked a bit wary of her lord. He hadn't been mean to her or anything, but that armor made him look terrifying.
"So, is every creature ready? We will be gone for a few hours." Spike said, making the others nod in understanding. They didn't say or ask anything. The ambassador didn't say anything since she was quite afraid to ask anything that might offend her lord. The soldiers were pretty much mindless, only existing to serve their Lord.
"Let's go!" Spike said, making his pilots start the engine and fly upwards. The helicopter was around twenty hoofs in the air and the pilots started flying towards the Crystal Empire.
There wasn't much talk about, and Spike was zoning out of the quietness. Spike was looking forward to meeting Cadance and Shining. It had been a few days since he last saw them. Or was it a month? Spike had no idea. He had started to lose count on the days... but that was probably not important.
Spike looked around the landscape that showed the beauty of Equestria. Spike scoffed. Badlands were a lot better. They could use magic to make everything perfect of its production. The landscape turned into mountais, snow, ice, crystals. They were closing in on the empire. Spike smiled. He was almost at the place where he still had die hard followers and believers of him. He was hoping to give the Crystal guards some of his military knowledge on weapons and fighting. He wanted to give the civilians his new knowledge that he had gotten from the human world, and share it. He knew that Cadance would be interested in it without a doubt.
Princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor were waiting for Spike, and noticed the odd object in the sky. Shining was about to order his guards to shot an warning arrow, but remembered that Spike had written something about 'massive unexpected entrance' and he suspected that this was it.
"What is that thing?" Shining asked, out loud. Cadance just gaped at the thing. She didn't know where Spike had gotten that thing, but wherever he got it. He was a ruler of a nation that was definitively more powerful than any other nation in Equestria.
"I don't know Shining, but he is definitively more powerful than we thought. I wonder where he has been for the last few days?" Cadance asked, Shining who didn't know what to do but shrug. They saw as the thing landed in the middle of the empire.
Spike's pilots landed in the middle of the empire, and Spike got out of the helicopter. He saw several Crystal Ponies look at it afraid. Spike looked at them and waved. They waved back carefully. Spike then realized that he still had his helmet on. He pulled it of.
It revealed a handsome faced dragon with eyes that are still green but has started to lose its colour. He placed the helmet on his back and waved once again. The Crystal Ponies rushed towards him and hugged him. They chanted 'Spike The Brave And Glorious!' Spike smiled at them and hugged them all back.
'I'd love to talk to all of you today, but I have ameeting in two minutes. When I'm done, I'll answer as many questions that I possibly can. Does that sound good?" Spike asked, them and they all nodded and grinned from ear to ear at them.
Spike and his ambassador walked towards the palace. The guards bowed down to Spike and he gave a bow himself surprising them. He walked inside and saw the beauty of the palace. It looked quite powerful and mighty. This was the palace to the princess of Love, while Spike was a lord or emperor in Badlands. His very own nation. Spike walked to the meeting room where he would speak privately with Cadance and Shining. Spike walked with his ambassador and walked into the room. He found Cadance and Shining already waiting. The room had a long table made of blue crystal. The room was red like rubies on the walls and ceiling, and the windows were covered so no other enemy nation was sneaking a peak. Cadance and Shining was shocked to see Spike look so... powerful. He looks like somedragon who knows what he is doing, and isn't messing around. Well, he never messes around to begin with.
"Hello princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor. Long time no see. This is the ambassador I told you about. Her name is File Writer. And this..." Spike said, moving his arms around and showcasing his armor. "Is the armor that i wear. I may look intimidating, but I'm still the same dragon inside."
Cadance and Shining looked impressed. Shining felt a little intimidated by Spike's armor, but he knew that it wasn't Spike's intention on doing so either. Cadance felt a dark presence around the armor, but didn't comment or say anything. She knew that he has gone through enough. Besides, it looks to be ancient. Probably was used on dark purposes by its last owner.... right?
"Hello Spike, I'm glad that you came. I saw that the Crystal Ponies mobbed you. Are you alright?" Cadance asked, making Spike chuckle a little. Always when he came, Cadance would say and ask the exact same thing. He doesn't know if she is aware or not but decided not to comment on it.
"Yes Cadance, I'm fine. You make it sound like I'm on my death bed." Spike said, making Shining snicker a little. Cadance giggled herself. She couldn't blame Spike for being a little bit irritated with hearing the same thing everytime he came to the empire.
"Now Spike, what was it you wanted to show us...?" Shining asked, and the whole meeting started.
Three hours later, Spike walked out of the meeting room with Cadance and Shining who looked at Spike with a thirst for this new knowledge. Spike chuckled, and looked ahead of him. He had shown the the weapons humans used, the TV's, the radios, an all other stuff. The most interesting one was the car. It would revolutionise Equestria if they shared this knowledge. Spike promised to make replicas with different number plates. He would also colour them differently. Spike walked out of the palace together with the the princess and prince.
He showed the the helicopter and how powerful it was. On both sides were miniguns and missile launchers. Yes, Spike was powerful indeed. If a war broke out between Badlands and Equestria, Badlands would win so quick Equestria wouldn't know what hit them. Shining and Cadance looked at Spike with confusion. Was he planning a war or something? Ha! Like he would do something like that.
"Spike, we want to join in your allegiance. The Crystal Ponies have already demanded that I cut all ties with Equestria. And since you have to tell them where you have been, and what you've been doing, you'll have the whole support of the empire. By the way, Spike's Liberation Front and Spike Republican Youth has joined allegiance with each other. They will without a doubt be loyal to you and you alone." Shining said, chuckling a little at Spike's expression.
"I didn't even do anything and I already have a small army." Spike said, making them laugh at his antics. Crystal Ponies came from the whole empire, and Spike decided to have a speech. He quickly used his magic to make everypony hear him. His ambassador was by his side and she prepared just in case she needed to say something.
"Ponies of the Crystal Empire, I have returned after a few days since I was banished. I was accused of a crime I didn't commit. I was banished to the badlands. But I have news for you. I am the ruler of Badlands! I rule it along side with another creature named Vux. I will not say what creature she is because I know a lot of you fear them. Anyways, you are free to visit Badlands if you want. I will be happy to be the nation that helps protecting you along side your rulers!" Spike said, and he was greeted by cheers of the Crystal Ponies. They looked at their hero with awe and admiration. "I have loved spending my time here with you all, but I have to go. Feel free to visit me in the Spike Dorcha castle!"
The Crystal Ponies cheered, as Spike bows to Cadance and Shining. He puts on his helmet and hugs File Writer and motions his soldiers to step on board. They do so, and two soldiers sit in the pilot seat. They started the magical engine and they flew upwards. Spike smiled. He had met Shining and Cadance after so long. He sat back and relaxed, and prepared for a normal dinner with Fluttershy and Pinkie pie.
Spike was sleeping in his bed when he woke up with a jolt. At first, he didn't know where he was. Quite frankly, he forgot who he was for a second. He then remembered everything and relaxed. When he had returned from the castle, he had met up with Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, who were ecstatic to see him. When they got even a small view of him they rushed up to him. He had taken of his helmet because he didn't want to intimidate poor Fluttershy who already looked intimidated with the suit. They had dinner, and the duo talked about their travels which had gone smoothly. Spike had smiled at that.
Spike was in his bed chambers and climbed out of the bed. He was tired, but he had work to do. Well, not really work unless you count sitting on a throne all day. Spike chuckled at that. He is a leader but he never gets away with not working. At least by himself. Spike pulled up his sword that was neatly placed by the wall on his right crossing another incompetent sword, that was no match for lord Dorcha's sword. Then again, Spike had his sword customly made, so it could be that and that his sword is a bit newer.
The bedchamber was quite big. It was a lot bigger than his bedroom. The chamber was discovered when Spike was leading Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie through Dorcha Castle. Spike wanted his guests to have the best sleeping spot, so he gave them his room, since he could sleep anywhere without any problem. They had tried to persuade Spike, but he is as stubborn as Applejack sometimes. Spike looked around the room and saw that the floor was made of stone, and the walls were also made of stone. It was quite cold, but Spike liked that. There was two torches on either side of his bed and that was quite okay. He liked coldness but he needed some sort of warmth if he was to sleep.
Spike looked at his bed and saw that the covers had his mark; the four claw marks. Spike smiled a little. He sure loved his mark. He was also working with creating a flag for his nation. He knew that the Crystal Ponies would buy those flags immediately and say that they only belong to Badlands and nothing else. Poor Cadance and Shinning, sitting doing everything in their power, yet they see Spike as the real leader.
Spike chuckled, and walked out of the room. He was in an empty corridor, or empty as it can get, since there were soldiers outside his Chambers and soldiers marching around. Spike walked in one direction just to explore a little. The path ways were lit up by torches there were hanging on the wall. The walls looked ancient and powerful. There were several rooms that were either torture chambers, or weapons equipment rooms. Luckily, Spike changed it to fake weapons, so if there were any sort of coup against him, his enemies would believe it to be real weapons.
The weapons from the human world was an absolute success. His soldiers were terrifying the civilians, which showed who is superior. Spike chuckled a little. He saw a flight of stairs during his walk and walked up to the main room.
The soldiers walking around must be terrifying for Fluttershy. He felt bad for her that they walked around without making a sound, and them walking around with weapons she couldn't even make up from her imagination. Spike walked to the kitchen where he ecided to eat a breakfast with two of his friends. When he reached the kitchen, he saw that Fluttershy and Pinkie was already up. Spike smiled. They must have asked one of my guards. Spike walked inside and sat down on on of the chairs. This made Fluttershy jump a little. Spike facepalmed himself.
"I'm sorry Fluttershy. I keep forgetting this armor doesn't make a sound." Spike said, taking of his helmet and looking at her apologetically. Fluttershy understood and smiled at him warmly.
"Its okay Spike, you've been alone for quite a while and now when you have guests, it must feel weird seeing somepony so jumpy." Fluttershy said, making Spike smile. That was the exact reason. Well, he wasn't alone persay, since he had Vux and his guards. Wait Vux? Where was she?
"Girls, I have something to tell you." Spike said, catching the attention of the two mares having some bread and daisy flowers. "I have a second in command as you know, but I haven't told you what creature she is. Well, before I say that, I want to let you know that she isn't dangerous. My second in command is a Changeling."
The two mares looked at each other. He wasn't serious right? Fluttershy looked at Spike and saw nothing but truth in his words. Pinkie did the same and bolted right out of her chair. She landed on top of it, and stared at Spike suspiciously. She circled him in an intimidating way, well intimidating for her since Spike just thought it was hilarious.
"Spike, you do know Changelings are dangerous right?" Pinkie asked, making Spike nod in confirmation. He did know that, and remembered what happened at the wedding in Canterlot between Cadance and Shining Armor. It was not a fun day at all, the real Cadance had been in the mines under Canterlot that had been long forgotten. The fake Cadance had been queen Chrysalis.
"I am aware Pinkie, but you know that I could easily slaughter her if I wanted to." Spike said, making Fluttershy shiver in fear. His choice of words... were not the best. Pinkie Pie looked strangely satisfied.
All of a sudden, one of his guards walked inside with a TV that was preparing for the news program Spike had created himself. Dorcha News. The soldier bowed and left the kitchen. Spike used his magic on the TV to turn it on, and the TV was turned on. It revealed colours and a mare with red mane and bluish yellow skin. You couldn't see her cutiemark as she was facing forward. Spike looked at the screen with interest.
"Last night was a terrorist explosion in Canterlot in an attempt to kill princess Celestia. The ponies were revealed to be a mix between crystal ponies and normal ponies. The Crystal ponies are already angry at princess Celestia for banishing their hero. The terrorist group known as Spike's Liberation Front has started attacking anypony or creature who is against Spike The Brave And Glorious.
This is the newest set of killings after over a thousand year of peace between the two nations.
Spike smiled a little. He didn't see that coming, but it was fun to see that he had loyal followers. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie smiled. They may not agree to killing ponies or other creatures, but it showed that they believe in their hero. All of a sudden, a door opened and it was revealed to be Vux. She nodded towards the two new ponies who looked frightened by her presence.
"My liege, have you heard the news about what is happening in the Crystal Empire?" Vux asked, sounding bored. Spike could see right through her, but didn't say anything. He was waiting for her to tell him what he was wearing. He knew he wore Basilisk armor, but he wanted to know why this one was so special.
"Yes commander Vux, i did see it. Did you find out anything about the suit?" Spike asked, looking at Vux intently. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie grew confused. What about the suit? They looked at Spike's suit and only saw how intimidating it looked. They didn't see anything that would be impressive or important about it.
"Sorry my liege, i didn't." Vux said, lying to his majesties straight in the face. Spike knew what she had done, but didn't in all honesty care. He could read her mind later. He only nodded in understanding.
"Well then, shall we enjoy our breakfast?" Spike asked, while taking a sip from his goblet. What he was drinking was pumpkin juice. Spike looked at his three friends and smiled at them adoringly. They smiled back, and continued their breakfast.
In the Crystal Empire, there were several riots going on. There were several banners showcasing Long Live Spike The Brave And Glorious. Equestrian guards had been sent to the Crystal Empire after the terrorist attack. Cadance had grown desperate, and asked for her aunt to help her out.
Celestia had been surprised. Cadance had cut all ties with Equestria, and yet, asked for Equestria's help. Celestia had been conflicted, but decided to send help over. The problem was, it seemed to have angered the Crystal Ponies more than they had anticipated. The riots had become more violent and even deadly. There had been at least three stallions and five mares sent back to Equestria either from injury, or death.
A few Crystal Ponies had been arrested, but they had said something that had piqued Celestia's interest. They had told the Equestrian guards that the Equestrian court wasn't their court. They had said that their nation belongs to Badlands and no other nation. This had made several ponies around Equestria look at the Crystal Ponies weirdly. Twilight made an assumption that perhaps Spike was there, since they would give up their lives for him. The ponies who believes that Spike is innocent has been providing the Crystal Ponies with bits food and anything they would possibly need. Celestia had grown a second head when she saw the weapons the Crystal Ponies were using. It wasn't anything she had ever seen. It also had a magical signature she hadn't felt before, yet, it felt so familiar.
Badland soldiers had been sent to help the Crystal Ponies and they had been absolutely delighted. The nations that support Spike The Brave And Glorious are the 'okay' nations. But, the Badlands soldiers that work directly for Spike, are the ones that are extremely welcome.
There had even been a battle called; the battle of the Crystal Empire. A few Crystal Ponies had even written a book about it. Cadance and Shining Armor felt bad for asking Celestia for help, but Spike had replied with; "It's fine, it was probably just a force of habit. As long as your subjects doesn't destroy half of Equestria because of their anger for Celestia."
The CMC and Pipsqueak and become in Twilight's eyes, really radicalized. They were saying how princess Celestia and Twilight were nothing but filth in their society. Applebloom had started shunning Applejack, the same with Big Mac and Granny Smith. Sweetie Belle acted as if Rarity didn't even exist at all. Scootaloo did the same with Rainbow Dash. In fact, Scootaloo had started throwing burnable items on houses that belonged to believers that Spike is guilty. Pipsqueak still in a way, ruled Ponyville. The ones who knew how close those two were was completely fine with it. When Pipsqueak found out that Spike was in the Badlands, he immediately started saying how great the country was. CMC and other students of the school they go to, was filled with Spike propaganda like; Spike Is Our Rightful Leader! and Your brothers and sisters are fighting for Spike. Join the volunteers!.
Ms Cheerilee was to scared to do anything else about it, since Pipsqueak had become more angry as of late. Heck, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon used to be his bully, but even they were terrified by his easy to anger. Pipsqueak had even put up several flags of Spike's Liberation Front and Spike Republican Youths. They were on the school and around Ponyville. Mayor Mare was the 'servant' of Pipsqueak, but that was unofficial. Well, in Celestia's eyes that is, Mayor Mare would say otherwise...
The elements of harmony seemed to stop working all together. Twilight claimed that her crown had said the words; corrupt. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash said that they didn't feel the power anymore like they used to. Even when they weren't using them, they could still feel the power in them.
Equestria was in Tartarus in other words.
Fluttershy and Pinkie walked together with Spike who was their tour guide around Badlands. They were impressed with how he had rebuilt their nation. There were red stones called bricks that had a proud vibe to it. The buildings were a lot stronger than the normal houses they had before. Pinkie would even go as far as to admit that the buildings in Badlands were most likely stronger than the ones in Equestria, and that is saying a lot considering magic is in use.
They saw several Dorcha guards walking around and making sure everything is in order. There were stone roads where something called "cars" were driving around. Spike said that he had gotten everything from the other world he and Twilight went through. They were impressed but did admit to Spike that his guards and police officers were very intimidating. They were walking around in sync with weapons ready and loaded. Spike had nodded in understanding since they did look very intimidating.
They were currently in a vegan restaurant ordering food. Since Spike is the leader, he gets it for free along with his friends food. Fluttershy and Pinkie had a sallad while Spike had a bowl of gems. They were discussing about their plans and everything. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had decided to join the Dorcha guards. Fluttershy was good medically, so she would be the medic. Pinkie Pie is surprisingly good as a commander, so she was the third in command. Vux had been impressed with Pinkie's skills, so she was more than happy to have Pinkie third in command.
"So Spike, what will you do to Equestria?" Fluttershy asked, looking at her dragon friend who was currently looking at her with interest. Spike pondered on the question a little. He didn't really know what he was gonna do.
"Good question. Probably nothing, i will most likely just leave them be unless they try to provoke a war." Spike said, making Fluttershy and Pinkie nod in understanding. They found it amazing how Spike in just a couple of days did a coup towards Badlands and rule it with an iron claw, but not the same type of iron claw. Then again, they are there and do live in luxury so they probably wouldn't feel it the same way. But they hadn't heard any creature complain either.
They continued eating while, Spike was still wondering on the question he had gotten since he came to Badlands. Who is Fleur De Lis' killer? And where are they or he slash she?
Everything was in complete and utter chaos. Discord loved it of course. In fact, he was in his living room with 3d glasses and a bowl of popcorn, watching from his TV how everything was going to tartarus. Anyways, in the Crystal Empire, there were several parades praising the terrorists who exploded Canterlot. Well, not the whole of Canterlot, but it was a big explosion aimed for the sun goddess. Princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor did not know what to do. They have no control over their subjects.
Several Crystal ponies were on the streets singing songs of Spike and how he defeated their old tyrannical ruler. Cadance would have normally smiled, but they way her subjects were singing it... she suspected that they might really mean it.
Praise Spike The Brave And Glorious! Protector of our glorious nation, He has re-writen our history with Sombra's blood! He shall not be stopped in the name of Dorcha!
He saved us all from the evil King, He is then thrown out like trash, We will not tolerate such cowardice! Lord Dorcha shall be praised!
Kill those who stand in his way! We will fight for the sake of Spike The Brave And Glorious! He shall never be stopped.
Spike Dorcha is our leader!
Now, after hearing songs like that, Cadance and Shining were understandably worried about what was going on inside their subjects heads. Those type of thoughts were both seen as violent and dark.
They had asked princess Celestia for help who was shocked. What Cadance and Shining forgot was that they have Spike as an ally, and could have easily asked for his help. Within a week, the sun guards arrived and were shocked when they saw the look of hatred on the Crystal ponies faces. They looked ready to murder.
"What is this filth doing here!?" One Crystal mare asked, making the other nod in agreement. The sun guards knew Spike meant a lot to these ponies, but they didn't thing he was that important here. It was clear that they were terribly wrong.
"Get out of our nation! You don't belong here you disgusting sun guards!" A Crystal stallion shouted in fury. The others shouted in agreement. The sun guards only looked at them with shock, while, some guards looked at them with disgust. They follow a dragon that killes other ponies.
"We are here by princess Celestia's orders. Stand down, or we'll be forced to hurt you." One of the sun guards said, making the Crystal ponies look at each other and then bark out laughing. They were currently in the main street close to the palace.
"Y-you must be joking!" A Crystal mare said, with laughter clear in her voice. "You see, we don't belong to your land anymore. We belong to Badlands, and are citizens of Lord Dorcha! Long Live Spike The Brave And Glorious!!"
The last statement was met with cheers of joy. The sun guards didn't know what to say, other than to prepare their weapons. They weren't gonna kill or hurt them, but it sounds they supported that dragon murderer. "You do know that your 'hero' murdered a mare by the name Fleur De Lis right?" The leader of the sun guards asked, making the Crystal ponies angrier than they were a second ago. The fillies and colts... well, they were fuming with anger. How dare they accuse their hero of a crime he didn't commit?
"How dare you accuse his majesties of a crime he didn't commit!!??" A stallion asked, not realising he had said it out loud. The other crystal ponies though, cheered at the stallion. The sun guards were shocked. 'His majesties?' Was that lizard a leader now of sorts? Well, they knew that Spike was princess Celestia's son, making him a prince.
The sun guards began to be surrounded by Crystal ponies who were very very angry. Finally, the leader of the sun guards had enough, and drew his sword on them. He didn't want to hurt them at all, but they weren't giving him any choice either. The Crystal ponies backed away a little. The sun guards then saw that the ponies in front of them were parting ways, and it was revealed to be princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor.
"Hello sun guards, if you follow me please." Cadance said, in a rush. She didn't want her subjects to hear that she had asked the sun princess for help. Her eyes then widened. Spike! He had given them his country's alligence to them. Cadance wanted to slap herself for her stupidity, but she had no time to dwell on it now. She turned around and walked back the way she and Shinning walked from.
The sun guards followed them, and they noticed how the Crystal ponies gave them hateful looks. They sighed, it was not gonna be easy to calm them down. It would almost be like asking a wall not to fall. It would be fruitless. They followed the two rulers into the palace and to the meeting room, where they held important meetings. They sat down on one of the many chairs. Cadance and Shinning did the same. They knew this meeting would be quite long and personal.
"Now, I'm happy that you are here. I will admit, that it most likely wasn't even a good idea. I mean, just by looking at those ponies and i can see that they want you gone. Well, I hoped for you to help me and Shinning with this problem. You see, ever since the terrorist explosion, my subjects had celebrated in victory. Now, I can't simply arrest all of them and be done with it, because that would be both unfair but also quite impossible as they keep saying The Equestrian court is not our court. this always put us in a bad spot that we can't in any way get out of." Cadance explained to the guards who were nodding in understanding.
"Also, please try not to hurt our subjects to much, or at all for that matter." Shinning said, making the sun guards nod in understanding. They understood the former captain, as they were trained to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. They are still surprised by the support the Crystal Ponies have for the traitorous coward, Spike.
"Understood princess Cadance and prince Shinning Armor. Although, we are afraid to say; that it most likely will resort to violence. I can simply see it in their eyes that they are simply looking for a good excuse to simply start attacking us. Perhaps we have already given them a reason." The leader of the sun guards said, making the two rulers nod in agreement.
Outside on the streets of the Crystal Empire was a crystal colt with a black sword as his cutiemark. His coat was crystal bluish gray, and his mane and tail were black. His eyes were turquoise. He was looking at the sun guards with hatred. He would only allow those who are allies to Spike The Brave And Glorious. Spike's guards in his opinion; was more than welcome to be the ones 'calming them down.'
The colts name was Speedy. He was a real good fighter, and hoped one day to be one of the Dorcha guards. It is his dream to be one of those guards, serving Spike The Brave And Glorious. He looked up into the sky and smiled a happy smile. "Long live lord Dorcha." Speedy whispered, to himself.
He was walking around the streets of the Crystal Empire, and walked by walls that were Spike filled propaganda made by the crystal ponies themselves. On one of them, Spike stood proudly in his armor without his helmet giving a salut to his army, as the lower part of the art showed his soldiers proudly rushing into battle. It showed Badlands flag, which was the four claw marks that were in light purple and the surrounding of the flag was in green. On the art was a text that read; LONG LIVE THE DORCHA MILITARY. Speedy gave a salut in honor of his rightful leader.
He then walked away from the area, and walked back to his house. He was planning on killing as many sun guards as he possibly could. They see his hero as a monster and blame him for a crime he didn't commit, they were gonna pay with their very own blood.
He walked down a street where hardcore Spike followers were hanging out. They were everything from teenagers to adults. They even went as far as to call it; Spike Street. He nodded to some followers, and they nodded back and went into their houses and prepared for a bloody battle that would most definitively take place. Speedy, was the leader of Spike's Liberation Front. He even went as far as to pray to Spike everyday.
He reached his crystal house, that was grayish pink, and had Spike's Liberation Front and Spike Republican Youth on his front porch, hanging proudly. Then gave a walking salut and opened his front door. The house had three floors. The main floor had the normal rooms; kitchen, living room, and bathroom. The upstairs had bedrooms and two bathrooms. The third floor was the attic, and had several weapons there. He had hid them when he saw the filthy sun guards come. No way in Tartarus, was he gonna give up his weapons to cowards.
He walked up to the second floor and pulled down a lever that was hid behind a large painting that had a rectangular hole in the wall. A staircase fell down, and Speedy checked the painting quick and smiled. It was a picture of his leader and himself. It was near the Spike statue. Speedy then looked up the small staircase, and walked up.
The attic was filed with weapons and military outfits for the Spike's Liberation Front. Speedy had made outfits for his army so they could fight in disguise. He picked up a jacket and a balaclava, and picked up a Ak47, or that is what his majesties said it was. He walked down the staircase and pulled up the levar and hid it behind the painting. He then walked out of his house and headed for an ally way so he could move around in secrecy.
He noticed that there were other of his organisation there, waiting for him. He nodded towards them, and they walked together under silence. The alleyways were filled with containers and some filth on the ground. They didn't mind it, and simply continued walking. They got to the spot they had planned on ambushing them. They were gonna kill the leader first, then they would kill the other sun guard filth. The building they were inside of was an old theater building, and it was completely empty, but there were a few good spots if they wanted to attack the sun guards. They walked up stairs by a staircase that was on the far left of the building, and kept their guard up. The floors were made out of Crystal, but it was clear that it was pretty weak, but definitively strong enough to be walked on. The second floor had a lot of windows, and gave a clear view of their enemies.
"Alright, we kill the leader first, then we kill the other ones that might be important. The normal sun guard soldiers, I give you free reign on. Now, let's wait and see." Speedy said, making the others nod in acknowledgement. They were waiting for a total of thirty minutes, but they were not gonna give up. They had made an oath to always fight for Spike The Brave And Glorious.
"There," one of the Spike volunteers said, "They're coming out of the palace now." Speedy checked to see if it was true, and it was. They were talking to the princess of love. They also saw the prince looking around his surroundings, and without a doubt, didn't see them in this theater building. The window's were so dark that you couldn't see anything, but the ones in the building could see out of the building, which meant that they had an advantage. One of the volunteers used his magic to make a small hole in the glass. He then pulled out a sniper that had purple tint on it. He aimed down his scope, and had the leader right in his sights.
"I have the leader in my sight. What are your orders?" The volunteer asked, making Speedy look at the leader. There the leader was. White coat, bulky, and looked quite intimidating. Without a doubt. The leader. Speedy felt anger in his heart. They banish the Crystal Empires hero, and act as if nothing is wrong? Oh, they were in for it now.
"Execute." Speedy said, making the volunteer shoot his shot. It felt as time slowed down. The bullet flew through the air, going unnoticed except for the Spike volunteers. The bullet then, hit the leader of the sun guards in the head. He fell the the side. Speedy felt a sense of peace, but he knew that it was far far from over. This was only the beginning.
"Take cover!!" Shining Armor shouted to the sun guards who were stunned. Their leader had been killed, but by what? No pony or creature just drops dead as if its time was up. There isn't a timmer for when somepony or creature die! Shining Armor and Cadance knew exactly what was happening. They didn't think the Crystal ponies would go this far, but it is clear that they will do anything for their hero.
"I didn't think they would dare do something like this." Shining whispered to Cadance, after they had taken cover behind one of the cars that were parked on the street. It was only now that the sun guards noticed them, but shook their heads. They had no time asking questions when they were being attacked by something they couldn't see.
"I don't know Shining, you know how the Crystal Ponies are. When they found out he was accused for the killing of Fleur De Lis, they exploded with anger. I though it was at Spike but it was the opposite. They demanded to cut all ties with Equestria and bring Spike to the empire." Cadance said, making Shining nod in understanding. He had been there when it had happened, but he had been called away for something else in the middle of the demands by the crystal ponies.
One of the sun guards decided to peek his head over the car. Wrong move... he was shot dead with a clean shot in the head. The other sun guards shouted their comrades name in shock. What was going on? What weapons were the Crystal ponies using? It's like they are using a other dimensional weapon.
"What the actual apples, is going on!?" One of the sun guards shouted angrily to no one. He then ran from the black car and rolled on the ground to avoid being hit by whatever force is attacking them. All of a sudden, the door to the theater opened, and it was revealed to be Spike volunteers. They rushed into battle, and used their weapons to kill the sun guards. There was only two left, and they were gonna kill them without a doubt.
"Stand down!!" Shining shouted, at the Spike volunteers, but they ignored him completely. They only follow their true leader; Spike Dorcha! They chased the sun guard that had rolled, and found him preparing his sword.
"Get out with your weapon tossed to the side." Speedy said, making the sun guard widen his eyes. The sun guard walked out from behind a dumpster he had been hiding behind. His eyes widened when he saw the weapons that were aimed at him. He had no idea what these weapons were, but he knew that they could do some damage if it killed his leader and comrade.
One of the Spike volunteers went behind the sun guard and pushed him forward towards the other Spike volunteers. They had gotten the other sun guard and was waiting for their orders. The sun guard they had brought over was pushed to the ground. Princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor got out from behind their cover and stared at their subjects in shock.
"What are you doing!?" Shining asked, horrified by what he was seeing. If he had understood the situation correctly, they were gonna execute them on live television. One of the volunteers pulled out an camera that furthered confirmed Shining's suspicion. Cadance had also figured out what was going on, and gasped in shock. They were really serious about fighting for Spike.
"Were gonna execute this disgusting excuse of ponies. They banished Spike The Brave And Glorious, now, they must pay for their consequences." Speedy said, making the Crystal Empire's co-rulers widen their eyes even more in shock. They were willing to go that far.
The volunteer had started to record the event, and gave his nod. Speedy nodded back and he stood in a very military-like posture. "Citizens of Equestria, the Crystal Empire and Badlands, it brings me great joy to say that the sun guards that were sent today to the Crystal Empire have been executed except two. We will show princess Celestia that it was a complete and utter mistake to send her guards over to commit her coup." The camera was then moved to showcase the two sun guards. "Now, we will execute this filth. They won't be able to hurt our mares and foals again. They will not be able to hurt our rightful leader; Spike Dorcha. Long live Spike The Brave And Glorious!" Speedy then pulled out a pistol that was painted in purple in honor of his leader. The pistol had a built in pony system so creatures without paws can use it aswell. It was a metal thing on the side that helped the pony use it as a normal weapon. He aimed it at the sun guard who stayed with the Crystal rulers. He shot at the front of the head with him, and the sun guard fell down... dead. The second sun guard was quickly shot, and he also fell down dead.
The camera was then back on Speedy who looked fuming under his balaclava. "This is you final warning princess Celestia, send any of your disgusting guards over here, and they will be executed for their crimes against Spike." Speedy said, and the camera was cut of. He then looked at the bodies.
"Find a place so other sun guards can see them. They will without a doubt send more guards to try to controll us. We can't let that happen. At least we will be ready to fight back from their oppression." Speedy said, making the other Spike volunteers salut. "Hang them, and see what the other sun guards does. It will be quite interesting."
They saluted yet again, but the Crystal rulers looked at Speedy and the Spike volunteers as if they had finally lost it. Speedy looked at them with sheer confusion and he then realized why they looked at him like that. "Sorry, but we have to do this. They banished our hero. They have to learn that there are consequences in everything those cowards does. Why not contact his majesties? Lord Dorcha?" Speedy asked, them and Cadance and Shining thought that they had lost there souls for a second. Why hadn't they contacted Spike? If any soldiers were good at keeping the peace, it would be Dorcha guards, especially considering the Crystal ponies who absolutely adores them. Heck, if they could, they probably would try to change guards. Cadance then realized that she had forgotten it again, that day.
Cadance flew with all her might, back to the Crystal Palace. She needed to contact Spike. Shining started running after his wife to help any way he could. He needed to tell his soldiers that Dorcha guards were coming.
It was around four hours later that Dorcha guards had arrived in the Crystal Empire. The Crystal ponies absolutely loved it. Heck, even a few Spike's Liberation Front members showed them around. The Dorcha guards were told that they were welcome everywhere. The Dorcha guards had been more than happy.
They had arrived in six different helicopters that were heavily armed. Speedy had been overjoyed to see his leaders guards be in the empire again. He had quietly retreat back to his home and locked his weapons in the attic and covered his uniform away with other clothing that he owned. He was planning another attack that was gonna happen in Canterlot, but first task at hand; take out the sun guard trash from his country!
A land farmer from the Crystal Empire, was more than happy to welcome the Dorcha guards to her property. She had a lot of space for their helicopters, and had made special spots for them. They had landed there, and thanked her for her generosity.
Princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor hope that the Crystal Empire will calm down, and that the terrorist groups 'calm down,' a little bit. Then again, there is always someone working from behind, so maybe it'll be a lost cause anyways.
Currently, the Dorcha guards were marching around, making sure that there weren't any problems. Luckily, there didn't seem to be any. If they just knew...
In Canterlot, there was a crystal mare that was in her Spike's Liberation Front attire. She had been driving all morning, and had finally come to the one destination she had hoped for. It was Canterlot. She was looking for Inkwell's house.
The Crystal mare knew that Inkwell was the pony that had acted as Fleur De Lis' lawyer. The Crystal mare had planted a bomb under the car. So when she was far enough away, she would press the button that would explode the mansion she was living in. The Crystal mare knew already that she would have a lot of heat on her, considering that several of the other Spike volunteers had either been arrested or was at large.
The car she was driving was quite big, and was red coloured. The inside had red and black leather seats. She was currently behind the wheel, since she was doing this task alone. She was driving by a lot of different shops, mansions, and other buildings that added to Canterlot city or whatever they call it these days' and quite frankly, she doesn't care.
She did know that Inkwell did have her own room at the castle, but Inkwell from what she had read and heard, didn't always sleep at the castle. She did own a mansion from all the money she earns. Then again, she is the secretary for princess Celestia, of course she would be well paid. If that idiotic mare just hadn't been so set into getting rid of the hero of her nation!
She saw the mansion and smiled a little. It was payback time! The mansion from the outside was white and purple like most of the Canterlot buildings. She saw the large iron gates, and smiled a little. She was expecting those gates to be there, and she had a plan for what she was gonna do with them. Ever since the terrorist bombing in an attempt to kill princess Celestia; the guards and police had been on extreme high alert for any activity, but they weren't watching Inkwell as much as they didn't think The Crystal ponies would ever find out. How wrong they were, his majesties had said who was the lawyer for Fleur De Lis and what she had said and done to his majesties.
The Crystal mare quickly got out of the car and opened the gates quietly. Luckily, the office is on the other side that Inkwell is in, so she will have no idea what hit her. Then again, Inkwell will hopefully not wrongfully accuse any creature ever again. When she was satisfied with the gates, she went back to the car and drove inside.
The Crystal mare felt hatred in her heart when she saw the mansion. Not because it was big or anything, but because of the mare that is one of the many reasons her hero was banished. She parked the car near the front door of the mansion, and got quickly out of the car. She looked around and didn't see anything. It was around night time so nopony would be able to see her anyways. She quickly galloped quietly towards the gates and closed it. She had a good idea on what to do. She took out the detonator and saw the big red button. She hid behind the large stone wall that belonged to the mansion.
"This is the consequences of your actions." The Crystal mare said, feeling the anger and hatred return to her heart. She pressed the button.
*BOOOOM*
The sound could be heard all around Canterlot, and the Crystal mare quickly teleported to the Crystal Empire. She had bought a potion that could help her teleport anywhere without any problems. She had received one of the ingredients from her hero and leader, and she was more than grateful. It was gonna be Tartarus tomorrow on TV.
In Badlands, Spike was watching the TV with great shock. He was watching the news and saw the murder of Inkwell.
"last night was a terrorist explosion in Canterlot, and the target was Raven Inkwell. She is responsible for the banishment of Spike, and it was no surprise that Spike's Liberation Front went after her. Many ponies from Canterlot says that they are living in fear and are wondering who is next on the list."
"The husband of Fleur De Lis; Fancy Pants has said this about the attack; "Why should we live in fear? I mean Spike's Liberation Front aren't terrorists at all, they are doing us all a favour. The world will be a better place without Inkwell."
"After that was said, a lot of supporters of Spike has nodded and agreed and supported the terrorists actions. Inkwells home is in total ruins and her friends and family are both angry and upset for the support a lot of ponies are giving the terrorists. We will probably never see peace until Spike Sparkle is back in Equestria. For now, see you later when we have more news!"
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were shocked. But, for some odd reason; happy. Spike felt the same way, as he slowly grew to a smile. He had sent his guards to the Crystal Empire in hopes of calming down his supporter groups.
"That is actually nice to see that your supporters would do anything for you. Even though, i don't agree with violence." Fluttershy said, smiling at Spike who nodded with a smile of his own.
"Do you think there will be a battle in the Crystal Empire? Between our guards and the sun guards I mean." Pinkie asked, making Spike nod in confirmation. There was no doubt in his mind that there would be a battle that would most likely turn into a bloody massacre.
"Yes, there is no doubt in my mind it will happen. It will be a long battle until we win that battle, and hopefully then, we can live in peace. Although, there will be a lot of tensions between Equestria and Badlands, except for those who support me of course." Spike said, making the other two nod in agreement. They did expect there to be a lot of tensions between the nations.
All of a sudden, Vux came rushing in to the kitchen with a worried look on her face. Spike looked at her questionably who simply looked at him with worry in her eyes. "You highness! There is a battle going on in the Crystal Empire! We have lost three guards, but one of the sun guards threatened with invading our glorious nation and execute you! What are your orders?!" Vux asked, with a panicked voice. Spike thought about it. It was most likely just a empty threat and nothing more to it.
"It is most likely a empty threat. Although, I want you to send more weapons. The ones that will make a lot of damage, I want to see and hear the sun guards lose the battle. We can't have them invading the Crystal Empire, we must protect it at all cost." Spike said, making Vux nod and rush out of the kitchen again.
"The war has began." Spike said, quietly mpbut loud enough for Fluttershy and Pinkie to hear and they nodded. They couldn't bear the thought about how many will most likely die in the battle. Spike pulled out a phone and dialed a number.
"Yes your highness?" a voice said, that couldn't be determined if it was a male or female. Spike wasn't gonna allow any innocent mares, stallions, fillies and foals die.
"Dorcha guards fighter two, two seven. I need you to make sure the civilians doesn't get hurt. Especially, the young children, I want you to protect them at all costs in those bunkers, and I want guards over the bunkers to make sure they won't be easily hurt. Got that?" Spike said, that left absolutely no room for argument. Not that there would have been one in the first place.
"Yes your highness." The voice said, making Spike smile. In a few hours the battle would hopefully be over.
The Crystal Empire six hours earlier
Speedy was in his home when it happened. There were gunshots followed by screams of fear. He galloped to his attic and threw on his attire and grabbed a assault rifle and a pistol. He then ran out of his home, and he looked around for anything out of the ordinary.
He saw some Dorcha guards rush into some sort of battle. He ran towards them, and was met with other Spike volunteers. "What in Tartarus is going on?!" Speedy shouted over the sound of gun fire and explosions. He went for cover and shot towards the enemies.
"It's the sun guards!" One volunteer shouted iver the gun fire. "They came back, and it looks like the war has began. This is it! This is the final battle. The Battle Of The Crystal Empire!"
Speedy widened his eyes. This was truly it. This was the final battle. Speedy closed his eyes and remembered his childhood, his teenage years, and everything he had done in his life. He was Speedy, he is a Spike Volunteer. "If I die, I want then to be buried in Badlands where our leader is. I want to have the Badlands national anthem." Speedy said, making the others nod in understanding. They had been thinking the same thoughts.
Speedy then fell to the ground, as he felt himself feeling pain. He had been hit by a spell! He didn't know which one but it was a spell! One of the Spike volunteers rushed towards Speedy and dragged him to another safe place. The battle was intense. The Dorcha guards were firing of their ammunition towards the sun guards who just wouldn't give up.
One of the Dorcha guards fired his machine gun towards the sun guards who immediately took cover from the metal bullets. The sun guards had lost at least seven ponies, and were bound to lose more if the Dorcha guards kept this up. The Dorcha guard went for one of the granades, and threw it towards the sun guards who were confused as to what to do. The sun guards were covered by some vehicles and used spells to cover themselves from certain attacks, but it wasn't enough. Those metal things that flew threw the air just went through their magical barriers. All of a sudden, the grenade went of, and the five sun guards who were the closest to it were either killed or injured.
Spike's Liberation Front members rushed into battle in hopes of winning the battle. They carried heavy artillery, and Sleedy smiled. It was not who had the biggest weapon; it was how you used the weapon. The Crystal ponies who rushed into battle and started firing their shots. They acted just like the Dorcha guards, but were much more violent. Speedy felt his body ease up a little, and he could move again! He got up and took his weapon and started firing it at the sun guards who were shooting of spells and throwing spears at them, to no avail.
The buildings nearby were boarded up and the Crystal ponies used this to their advantage. Speedy saw a few teenage Crystal ponies rush into the building with several RPG's. Speedy decided to follow them. Not because he though that they were unprofessional, but because he needed a higher vantage point. He rushed up the several stairs in the building, and reached the rooftop. The teenagers where there, and he smiled. They were preparing their first shot, and he couldn't be happier.
"Need any help?" Speedy asked, as he rushed to their side. They looked up and saw him. They quickly shook their heads.
"No need, we got i from here. Feel free to have a go if you want. The first shot though, is ours!" One of the teenagers said, while he was working on the RPG. Speedy nodded and went towards the edge of the rooftop and saw the sun guards preparing a huge blast. He decided to buy the teenagers some time, as they were still preparing for the first shot.
He fired at the sun guards who made the unicorn preparing for the blast, to stop the spell. He then restarted again, and was out of sight, much to the annoyance of Speedy. Finally, the teenagers were done and aimed the RPG. Speedy pointed at them where to aim and they did so. They waited few seconds then fired.
The RPG fell backwards after they fired, but the shot itself was flying towards the location where the unicorn had stood just a few seconds prior. Speedy chuckled, and then heard the loud; *BOOM*
Speedy saw a part of the sun guard body fly of. It was only half of it though, but they were indeed dead. They then heard a sun guard shout; "FALL BACK, I REPEAT, FALL BACK!!" The sun guards were evacuating, and that could only mean one thing; they had won. They had won! The battle was over!
Some Spike's Liberation Front members were stilling shooting at them from the back. Speedy on the other hand didn't, he was simply happy that the battle was over. It meant that they could officially belong to Badlands where his leader ruled!
"We won! We finally won the battle." One Crystal mare shouted in happiness. It was the same mare that had bombed Inkwell's home. Sne was happy that the battle was over. Speedy was happy himself, but he knew for a fact that the war was far from over. There would be more killings needed to be done in order for the war to officially end.
"I agree, but the war is far from over."Speedy said, making them look at him and nod. They had done their bombings, and knew for a fact that the sun guards wouldn't give up until, the Crystal ponies are arrested and the ones involved in the terrorist attacks. "But today.... today we made history, our children will hear of this story, and they will feel proud."
They cheered at that, and got into their cars and drove around the Crystal Empire. Some die-hard Spike followers wanted to see of they could catch up to the sun guards and execute them. While others, were driving around with Badlands flag in their cars and shooting up in the air. They had won.
present time
Spike was in his throne room overlooking everything. He had received word that they had won, the battle was over. Spike smiled and decided to party with his whole nation. He had placed up everywhere around the cities and everywhere in Badlands; Crystal Empire flags and the civilians were celebrating the victory.
Princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor had been invited and they were on their way. The Dorcha guards stayed in the Crystal Empire and were patrolling the streets to make sure the sun guards didn't attempt any other coup. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had hugged each other and Spike, and wee now preparing for the celebration.
The soldiers of Spike's Liberation Front had been formally invited together with their friends and family, and they were making their way towards Badlands. Spike and Vux were currently speaking about the arrangements of the Ball Room where the party was gonna be. Pinkie Pie had gotten her assignment from Spike on what to bake and she was more than happy to oblige.
"We won your highness, we won!" Vux said, excitedly. Ever since she had received word that they had won, she had been overjoyed. Spike chuckled, she sounded like a little filly. She must have realized as she started to blush.
"You look cute when you blush." Spike said, making Vux blush even more. He wasn't using his demon-like voice so she knew it was genuine. She placed her head on his chest and just mumbled incoherent speech.
Spike chuckled. She had become clingy towards him, but she had also started to look at him... differently. Whatever she heard in the shop where he got his armor, must have spooked her. She is always looking around as if something is there but isn't seen. 'She might simply be cautious.' Spike though, to himself. Then again, she maybe is looking for something that he can't know about.
"Come on love, we gotta make sure everything is alright for the party." Spike said, making Vux look at him and nod. She then got of him, and walked towards the exit of the throne room.
All of a sudden, Fluttershy galloped into the throne room and she was looking around frantically. She spotted Spike and flew so fast, Spike couldn't comprehend it. When his vision cleared a bit, he looked at Fluttershy questionably. She simply shook her head, and took his claw and dragged him from the throne room.
Spike hadn no idea what was going on. First, he was in his throne room planning for the celebration, and now he was being dragged by Fluttershy who hadn't given him an answer. Spike didn't even see where he was. He knew he was away from the castle, but he didn't exactly know where he was at.
Fluttershy then suddenly stopped. Spike got himself up from the ground. She had accidentally dropped, him but that didn't matter. She looked at him until their eyes met, and she pointed towards something. Spike looked in the direction she was pointing at, and saw it was a screen. He looked around, and realized he was in one of the many military bases that he had made for his guards. On the screen when he looked back....
"Why are those harmony traitors coming here? They weren't invited where they? I only invited my brother in all but blood Pipsqueak but also the CMC, Big Mac, Fancy Pants, Discord, and the Cake's." Spike said, making Fluttershy panic a little.
"I don't know Spike, one of our guards said that they saw them come towards here, and that was thirty minutes ago. Should we cancel the celebration?" Fluttershy asked, looking at Spike who was looking at the screen intently.
"No, we continue with the party. Although, I want guards everywhere. I want it to be impossible for them to enter and cause a disaster in our glorious nation." Spike said, making Fluttershy nod in understanding. She then flew of to inform the other guards and other civilians to make sure the corrupted harmony bearers can't even set a tiny hoof inside.
The party was about to begin. Pipsqueak had arrived with the CMC and had talked for hours with Spike. Pipsqueak promised Spike that he would join him when his education is finished. Spike had told him it was completely fine. The CMC had made the same promise. They had been shocked to see a changeling, but Spike explained it away and they relaxed. They had left to check out the city.
Fancy Pants was walking through the city and spotted Spike walking towards him with a smile on his face. Fancy Pants smiled back and walked up to him and they hugged each other. "Oh, Spike my good friend! How i have missed you. How have you been?" Fancy Pants asked, Spike who felt overjoyed to see his friend again. He didn't even know what to say. He was simply happy.
"Oh, it has been great. I'm happy to see you to. How have you been?" Spike asked, Fancy Pants who looked genuinely happy. He nodded a little and had a look of sadness on his face. The place they were chatting on was on a sidewalk, and creatures were walking around celebrating. Some creatures were driving on the roads.
"I will admit, I haven't been as happy since you left. When I heard Spike's Liberation Front had been founded. I was happy, I started to become a sympathizer, and I donated as much money as I could for their cause. I would have joined them, but I'm in my years and I don't have the proper training for the military hard work. I do help them though, with keeping their weapons in my garages and storerooms in my companies for safe keeping." Fancy Pants said, making Spike nod in understanding.
"Understandable, well, I have built up my own nation! Well, I committed a coup in other words that was relatively easy, but you get my meaning." Spike said, making Fancy Pants nod. Spike then decided to walk for a bit with him, and showed him with his arms the pathway to walk. Fancy Pants smiled, and nodded.
They walked down the sidewalk, and noticed some cars drive occasionally by. The buildings were tall and proud, and made the nation look ahead of its time. Fancy Pants was amazed by the country. It looked so futuristic, and insane! Spike was really good leader if he has managed to build up all of this. Fancy Pants was most definitively buy a house or expensive apartment here and live here after Fleur De Lis' case has been truly solved. He was not gonna let Sparkle win something without actual evidence that suggests that Spike really is the killer.
"So, how have Equestria been? I have heard from my brother; Pipsqueak in all but blood that Equestria has gone to Tartarus." Spike said, making Fancy Pants laugh a little. It was true, Equestria had gone to absolute Tartarus. He had visited Ponyville a couple of times that had become the capital of gangster activity. Pipsqueak ruled Ponyville with an iron hoof, and because the gangsters were Spike followers, they were then allowed to commit their crimes.
"Yes, although the last remaining of the element bearers are trying to make Ponyville go back to how it was. If i'm honest, they are quite desperate. They have been pleading for quite a bit for the gang and terrorist activity to go down. Although, because of what happened to you, I highly doubt that it will go down anytime soon." Fancy Pants said, making Spike nod with a smile on his face.
"We should probably head towards the castle, I can show you your room there." Spike said, making Fancy Pants nod his head in agreement. They walked in silence with the exception of cars driving by and their steps. Spike was happy. A good friend of his was here in Badlands, and was gonna celebrate with him of their victory!
They closed on to the castle, and it could be seen throughout the Badlands, as it is the largest building in the whole land. In fact, it might be the largest castle there is in Equestria and beyond. Spike was understandably proud of it. He had used his whole magical strength to get this castle. Although, sometimes he noticed how he did certain things and knew what was gonna happen despite being the first time trying it... probably was just a coincidence. Spike and Fancy Pants reached the large powerful castle, and were greeted by the guards. Spike gave them a bow, and Fancy did the same. The guards bowed in respect for their leader and his guest.
The guards opened the gates, and it rustled as the guard pushed away the gates to allow their leader and guest passage. Spike walked side by side with Fancy Pants who seemed a little frightened by the powerful castle. Spike couldn't blame him, if he'd still be that little servant to Sparkle, then he'd feel frightened to. He was always a slave...
Spike shook away the thought. He wasn't a slave, but he wouldn't be surprised if he was considered one. When they reached the front double doors, they were greeted by another set of guards who had bow, arrow and spear. They nodded for their leader and guest, and two guards opened the door for them. Spike simply walked inside followed by a wide eyed Fancy Pants. The entrance hall looked marvelous! The ceiling was decorated with the most expensive diamonds there is, and it was glowing a faint light that reminded him of princess Celestia...
"Spike, sorry for questioning you my friend, but that golden glow in the ceiling remind me of Celestia." Fancy Pants said, making Spike nod in understanding. Spike had intended for that, because some of the guests that were visiting were light. Now, the light in the ceiling is neutral, but looks can be deceiving...
"Yes, I do apologise Fancy Pants. Although, this castle was built through dark dragon magic, and because of the darkness, I needed something that would help those who has both dark and light magical cores. The core up there is actually neutral and can be felt throughout the castle. I didn't mean for it to remind you of the princess." Spike said, making Fancy Pants wave it of. He wasn't angry, he was simply curious is all.
"I'm not angry Spike, I was simply curious." Fancy Pants said, as he looked at the walls that had been painted with grey coloured roses and to the sides of the double staircase that lead to the bedrooms and other rooms. The roses had drops that looked like to be blood or suppose to give that illusion. "I like this hallway, it makes everything seem powerful."
Spike nodded. He had intended to make it that way. It had cost him quite a bit, as he didn't want to use magic. It had taken time, but it was sure worth it. It wasn't long for until the guests would arrive. Spike looked at his watch, and saw that it was exactly three hours until the guests would arrive. "Follow me my friend, I need to show you your room." Spike said, as he lead his friend up the marvelous wooden staircase that felt more like stone. Spike walked up with elegance and a sense of power. Fancy Pants found it funny. Spike wasn't probably aware that he was doing it.
Spike lead him through the long hallways that had black coloured wood, and very dark red wood. The ceiling was dark blue. But, the whole thing felt more like it was all coloured in black. Might aswell have been. Spike then opened a door where the numbers thirty four were. Fancy Pants walked inside and was amazed by what he saw. The room was decorated in a lighter shade of blue, and the ceiling was enchanted so you could see the sky. That was something Fancy Pants would enjoy as he enjoyed looking at the stars rather then the sun... there was a double bed for him and his wife, and the bed covers were painted in purple which reminded him of Spike's scales. There was a large bathroom with a bathtub that looked more like a pool. The floors were covered in a red mat that made Fancy Pants feel like he was near royalty. Well, he has, but this was a different feeling.
"Liking the room i see," Came a voice familiar to Fancy Pants and saw it was Fleur De Lis. What Spike had forgotten to tell him, was that the golden glow along with the dark magical castle; had a tendency of making creatures hallucinate. Fancy Pants completely forgot that his wife was dead, and simply nodded towards her. "Well, you do remember that I'm dead right!?"
Fancy Pants looked at the fake Fleur De Lis with shock. Dead? What was she talking about? Fancy Pants then realized that his wife was dead. He looked at the fake Fleur, and said coldly; "Who are you?" The fake Fleur grinned like a crazy mare. She had expected that question, and hoped for it to come. She enjoyed taunting this stallion...
"I am Cali, although, you might not believe it as I am a mere myth. But, you must believe it, as I can't lie about what I am." Cali said, making Fancy Pants look at her confusedly. There was a tale about a pony called Cali who was said to be the best illusionist. She had made shows around Equestria, and this was before the princesses' time. Not even Starswirl The Bearded existed at this time. Cali was said to have looked for power to become Equestria's best illusionist, and one day, she stumbled upon a tomb that had ancient writing on it. Fancy Pants don't remember the symbols, but he knows that its a language only those who study necromancy knows. It's said that Cali touched the tomb that was somewhere in the Changeling Forest as it is know in the modern times. She was then turned into a bug-like creature with bug wings and a long alicorn-like horn. She had been a normal unicorn, but now; she is what would be known as a Changeling.
"So the legend is true, you are the first Changeling," Fancy Pants said, making Cali grin wider if possible. "Although, I must say; I'm not a fan of one of your descendents whose name is Chrysalis." Cali cackled like a mad Changeling.
"I know, I was there when it happened. You see, I watch over all of my descendents. I helped Chrysalis succeed in her little campaign, although, I knew she was gonna lose so it wouldn't have matterd if I helped her or not." Cali said, making Fancy Pants a little frightened. She didn't sound like she regret it either. "I'm sorry for looking like your dead wife, but you see, I have to have a pony form or Changeling form when I meet somepony or creature. I needed to warn you about Spike."
Now she had Fancy Pant's attention. What was she talking about? What had Spike done? "Cali, what has Spike done that is so bad to the point where you turn into my dead wife, and make me feel depressed?" Fancy Pants asked, with malice. Cali chuckled. This was gonna be a joy filled moment.
"Well, there are two things actually; one, he has created concentration camps against those who has tried to defy him. Some creatures have come out alive, others have not.. the second thing is; he is possessed by The Pony Of Shadows." Cali said, making Fancy Pants look at her as if she had lost it. The first one he knew Spike would never do. The second one however... he couldn't say anything about that one. In all honesty, this was the first time he'd seen him since his banishment.
"Shocking huh? Can't blame you, I was pretty surprised myself that he did all those things without even hesitating. Then again, he seemed to have been possessed ever since he was banished. After that, he got an armor that further corrupted him. There is one more thing that he needs to collect before he is fully corrupt, the only problem is; I have no idea what it is. Shadow Pony had a tendency of hiding things in places and locations not even known by the princesses' themselves." Cali explained, making Fancy Pants look at her. He was getting convinced that Spike was possessed but the whole concentration camp thing doesn't make sense. Why would Spike do so? Yes, it was because they have defied him in some way, but he didn't expect Spike to genocide creatures simply for doing so.
All of a sudden, there were footsteps approaching the door. Cali looked at Fancy Pants who looked at the door. "I can't stay, but do know this; Spike is dangerous. Don't let him find the final piece whatever it is. If he does, then he might be lost forever." Cali said, as she disappeared like smoke. Fancy Pants looked at where she had once stood and sighed. He hadn't noticed that Spike had walked away, but apparently he had. Spike came through the door a few moments later, and smiled at Fancy Panrs who smiled back.
"Sorry, I had to go away for a few moments, I didn't mean to leave you like that." Spike said, making Fancy wave it of. He had an very interesting conversation anyways...
"It's no problem Spike, I actually didn't notice until I heard footsteps. I like the room." Fancy said, making Spike smile widely at him. He took pride in his own work. Sometimes Spike cleaned and cooked because he want to do something.
"Okay, well, the party celebration is starting in thirty minutes. I'm going go and prepare for the celebration. Do you want to come with, or do you want to relax?" Spike asked, kindly. He knew that Fancy is still hurt by his wife's death and didn't want to force him to do anything. Fancy Pants thought about it, and decided to come with.
"I'll come. Although, I will go back to my room here, and change into a more formal attire." Fancy Pants said, making Spike nod in understanding. Spike himself was gonna put on a more formal military suit for himself to show that he was the leader of this glorious nation.
Spike and Fancy Pants walked together through the halls of the castle. There were several lights up in the air, and there were several different types of decorations. On the outside of the castle were different country flags that included; Badlands, Crystal Empire, Changeling Kingdom. There were also different group flags like; Spike's Liberation Front and Spike Republican Youths. On the inside was a Ball room where the celebration would be held. The Ballroom was a large room enough to fit the whole Dorcha guards, and they were many! Spike and Fancy ran into Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie who was working the different musicals and decorations. The Ballroom looked more alive with the different colours that was well suited for the celebration. Spike and Fancy Pants continued to walk for a little bit, and then went to their separate rooms to get changed.
The party was in full swing. Everypony and creature were enjoying themselves and they were happy. Spike was gonna have a speech and they were all excited to hear what he had to say. The CMC wore identical dresses that were red and made their filly sized bodies look perfect in them. Pinkie Pie was wearing a commanders outfit just like Vux. Their suit was black and had a few medals on them. Fluttershy was wearing her green dress that she had when she was on the Grand Galloping Gala. Pipsqueak was wearing a commanders outfit just like Vux and Pinkie Pie. Vux understood completely why Spike made him a commander. They are brothers in all but blood, it was understandable.
There were food and drinks at the party, and there were guards everywhere. They still hadn't caught the last of the element bearers and Spike wasn't taking any chances. Spike was very protective of his followers and those who believed in him. Speedy was one of those ponies. Speedy had actually become an officer for the Dorcha guards stationed in the Crystal Empire. There were several ponies and different creatures at the party, and princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor was one of those ponies. They had been formally invited and decided to celebrate with their dragon relative. Shining still saw him as a little brother. Cadance still saw him as her cousin despite everything he had gone through and done. If she just knew what he was doing behind their backs...
All of a sudden, the double doors opened to the Ball and every creatures eyes turned to the doors. There stood Spike Dorcha in all his mighty, in his commanders outfit that looked more powerful than his normal commanders. Everypony and creature bowed down in his presence. Spike walked inside the room with his black trench coat swinging from each step he took. He had a weapon in his trench coat just in case his ex friends would try something. He walked with purpose and reached the small stage they had made for him. He looked over the creatures in the room with a smile.
"Hello everypony and creatures. Today, is a historical day for us all. You see, a few hours ago, the soldiers of Spike's Liberation Front liberated the Crystal Empire together with the help of the Dorcha guards. But, we are yet to defeat our worst enemy; princess Twilight Sparkle. She didn't believe me when I said that I was innocent. Don't get me wrong, there wasn't a whole lot of evidence, but I have been her longest friend; which then technically means she should know that I would never do such a thing! But I was wrong, it appears that I was deceived by a lie. But, it is no matter. We will murder their soldiers, burn their homes, and make princess Twilight suffer. They will know that Badlands is not to be taken lightly! Now, I have a guest that you might like. You see, he helped with the Battle Of The Crystal Empire. Can we welcome Speedy up to the stage?!" Spike said, and was met with several applause. Speedy walked up to the stage and shook hands with Spike who simply smiled at him, and nodded. This would be an interesting speech. Speedy checked the microphone and began to speak into it.
"Hello everypony and creature. As you may know, I'm the leader for Spike's Liberation Front. I'm proud to serve Spike The Brave And Glorious. I hope that I will be able to make him proud of me, and-" Speedy was never going to finish his speech as he was shot in the head. Ponies and creatures screamed in fear and shock.
"GUARDS, LOOK FOR THE ASSASSIN'S NOW!!" Spike yelled in a terrifying version of the Canterlot voice. The guards immediately nodded and took of. All of a sudden, another pony fell down dead and Spike felt his heart sink; it was Fancy Pants. He had been shot right in the head. Pipsqueak ran up to Fancy Pants' body and looked to see if he was alive. He looked at Spike and shook his head. Spike felt rage. Who would do something like this.
"Everypony and creature stay calm! I will have one of my guards escort you out of the building." Spike said, making the other creatures and ponies nod. Shining ran up to him, quickly followed by princess Cadance.
"Spike, what is going on?!" Shining asked, making Spike look at him as if he had lost it. How was he supposed to know? His soldiers hadn't even spoken to him. Cadance looked around everywhere, but didn't see anything.
"I don't know, but whatever it is, they will pay for killing two good friends of mine." Spike said, making the two Crystal rulers nod in agreement. Spike walked with purpose out of the Ball room and walked outside of the castle. There was no chance that he was allowing criminals to escape his land. No, they would be feeling scared when they saw Spike. And perhaps he was right. Perhaps they would be feeling scared.
Spike looked around everywhere of the Badlands capital city and was about to give up, when he saw four ponies run away in hoodies. Spike ran as fast as possible towards the location. Spike had seen them enter an ally that was dark and frightening. There were blood on the walls. But nopony knew if it was real or not. Spike in all honesty didn't care, and was only going to try to catch the murderers. He saw them teleport from one building to another, and Spike chuckled a little. These ponies reminded him the last remaining element bearers. Spike chuckled. "Impossible, my guards would have noticed if they reached our glorious nation." Spike muttered to himself.
Spike jumped from building to building, following the ponies. He was gonna catch these assassins and make sure that they are punished severely. He wasn't gonna allow his friends murderers walk away as if nothing big happened. He was gonna make them pay with their lives. The ponies teleported at a speed that made Spike smile a wicked smile for each second that went by. He liked these ponies. They gave him a challenge, but he still hated them. Spike then remembered that he had a pistol in his trench coat, and everything slowed down. The ponies were running on top of a apartment roof and Spike was on the very same roof, and saw how they prepared for another teleportation. Spike aimed at the unicorn, and fired his shot. The bullet flew through the air, and it landed right on the unicorns side. The unicorn screamed in pain, and Spike thought he recognised that scream, but he shrugged it of. He was gonna catch them now. Although, he was to late, they had teleported right after he had shot his bullet at the unicorn.
Spike walked up to where the blood was, and looked down at it. It was quite a lot of it, and Spike smiled a wicked smile. His pistol was in his right paw, and he placed the weapon in his holster in his trench coat, and pulled out a vial instead. The vial was long, and was made out of glass. Spike crouched down and used his left claw to hold the vial, while he used his right claw to use magic to he doesn't get stone with him. The blood started to levitate into the vile, and when he was done, he walked away. He knew that the ponies either went back to Equestria, or some other place that he didn't rule. The roof he was on showed most of Death Valley, and Spike grinned. He then teleported himself back to the castle.
When he reached the castle, it was in complete and utter chaos, his guards tried to calm everypony and creature down to no avail. Cadance and Shining were looking confused as to what to do. They would try to calm them down like they dow to their own subjects, but this isn't their nation. Although, Spike wouldn't have minded one bit. Everypony and creature calmed down when they saw that Spike was there. One of his guards rushed up to him. "Your highness, we have tried to calm everypony and creature down, but they are understandably scared. Sadly, we weren't able to catch the ponies." The guard said, making Spike nod.
"Understood soldier. I have this vile with one of the assassins blood. Could you possibly check to see who it belongs to?" Spike asked, making the guard nod and take the vile. The guard ran out of the Ballroom, and headed for their science lab as that was the only place where they could identify the blood. Cadance and Shining walked up to him with concerned faces.
"Spike, who did this?" Cadance asked, making Spike sigh in sadness. In all honesty, he didn't know. Perhaps he did, but just didn't want to satisfy that thought. His mind was a blur in what he believed in.
"It was ponies. I could detect that there was at least four of them. I wasn't able to catch them, but I injured one of them, making them bleed. I took a vial, and placed the blood inside of it, and I just sent one of my guards to see who it belongs to." Spike said, making the two Crystal rulers nod in understanding.
Pipsqueak walked up to Spike and was about to ask if he was okay, when the same guard from before rushed inside the room. "Your highness, the blood belongs to princess Twilight Sparkle." The room went deadly quiet. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie felt their hearts stop for a full ten seconds. The CMC froze up hearing the name, and Pipsqueak only growled in anger. Spike didn't know what to feel. Shining Armor looked down towards the hard wood floor. Cadance didn't know what to say.
"It seems like she has become the serious enemy to our nation." Spike said, as the others were to frozen in shock to say anything.
Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash had been requested to meet the princess in Canterlot to discuss the loss of the Crystal Empire. They had all been shocked when they heard that they had lost that battle. Twilight blamed it on the terrorists who probably used fear on the guards. Rainbow and Applejack blamed it on Spike as they had heard that the Dorcha guards had ben involved in the battle. Rarity was completely neutral on the matter.
The train had just stopped outside of the Canterlot train station, and all the passenger doors opened to let ponies and other creatures get out of them and on with their business. Twilight and her friends got of the train, and walked the streets of Canterlot. It had become a high city of terrorism. Several sun guards were on high alert at all times. They also knew that the night guards were always on patrol on the streets of Canterlot at night, but had never been able to catch the terrorists. Twilight suspected that the terrorists were getting smarter. They have no idea that princess Luna actually helped them.
Twilight and her friends moved towards the proud and devine castle. Twilight felt proud when she looked at the castle. She knew that two alicorn princess' were there, protecting everypony from terrorists who wishes them harm for banishing an animal who knows nothing but murder.
The castle gates were guarded by the sun guards who stopped Twilight and her friends from entering. They did a quick scan, and allowed them entry to the building. Twilight didn't ask them why they did that, as she had a feeling that the terrorists had tried to kill their beloved princess 'For The Sake Of Spike.'
Twilight and her friends walked through the hallways, and came to the one place they felt proud about. It showed all of their victories, and what they had accomplished. But, one of these accomplishments had them disgusted. It was the one where Spike saved the Crystal Empire. They are happy that the empire was saved at least once, but now, it lives under another tyranny rule by Spike. Rarity was completely neutral on the matter, and nopony saw her lips quiver as she looked at the purple and green coloured glass as he held the Crystal Heart.
The hallway was empty from any guards, and they were the only things there. Twilight felt anger as she looked at the glass window. He deceived them all. He is no better then the normal dragons. Although, Twilight had to give Spike; he was good at deceiving them. "I cannot believe that he did this. Now the Crystal Empire is ruled by an iron claw. Although, they seem to love that fact." Rainbow Dash said, as she flew up to the coloured glass of Spike and glared at the green eyes of the glass.
"We get it Rainbow, no need to remind us of what that snake did." Applejack said, making Rarity turn to her and sigh. She was still very conflicted on what she believed in. On one hoof, he had done her a lot of favours and showed her nothing but loyalty. On the other hoof, there was a few evidence that suggested that he had done it. She still never picked a side on what she truly believed in. She had seen how much her friends had changed over the last few months. It was not a pretty sigh. When they had heard that Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had left Equestria to join Badlands, she had been wondering if she should join them or not. She was still very conflicted.
All of a sudden, they heard hoof steps coming towards them. Twilight looked up and saw that it was princess Celestia. Twilight smiled, and her old mentor smiled back. Her friends bowed down in her presence. It was always such an honor to meet the princess of the sun. The hallway seemed to light up even more now with the princess in the hallway with them.
"I'm glad you are here princess Twilight. I'm of course also happy to see you; Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity." Celestia said, making the others smile at her. The crystals in the hallway made everything more shiny, and the windows seemed to take a brighter turn. Nopony noticed the yellow eyes on one of the windows.
"We are happy to be here princess. I do apologise that we lost the war in the Crystal Empire." Twilight said, with sadness evident in her voice. Her mentor sighed sadly at her. It was a devastating loss.
"It's okay my little pony. You have nothing to be sorry for, the enemy was simply more powerful. They were using tactics that will undoubtedly change the rules of war. But, that isn't why you are here." Celestia said, making Twilight look up at her.
"Then why are we here princess?" Twilight asked, making her friends walk up closer to them to hear better. The princess of the sun looked around the hallways, and made sure that none of her guards were around. She then let her guard down as she didn't think she would have to worry about anything listening in. She hadn't noticed the yellow eyes...
"Twilight Sparkle, and the remaining element bearers. I am sending you to a very dangerous mission. You don't have to do this if you don't want to. I am sending you to Badlands." Celestia said, making the others eyes widen in shock. Was she really asking them to go to the country that is most likely the most advanced one out of all of the nations in Equestria? "I know what you are thinking, but don't worry, I have enchanted four costumes that will keep all of you invisible from the enemy. I don't want you to hurt anypony or creature, I simply want you to see who is going to the party that Lord Dorcha is hosting."
The others became confused. Party? "Princess, what party are you talking about exactly?" Twilight asked, making Celestia look at her weirdly. Was her student not aware of the party? Celestia knew, because her soldiers had overheard a conversation between the Spike's Liberation Front members. Apparently, there would be a huge party that would celebrate their victory.
"Sorry my faithful student, I assumed you knew about the party lord Dorcha is hosting. My soldiers heard about the party, after they had overheard a conversation between the terrorists who spread terror among us." Celestia said, making the others shocked. She had said lord Dorcha, and it sounded like she said it with respect. They decided to leave it be.
"You can count on us princess!" Rainbow Dash said, making Celestia smile. She knew that they wouldn't fail her. They haven't, and she knew that they wouldn't even if life depended on it. The others and princess Celestia failed to noticed some red liquid leave Celestia's eyes and escaping into the shadows behind a large plant.
"Then I have nothing more to say my faithful little ponies. Good luck!" Celestia said, as she walked away, back to the throne room. The other that were left, were the last remaining of the element bearers and the yellow eyes. Nopony noticed how the eyes looked directly into Twilight's eyes without being noticed. The eyes showed dedication to its mission. If the ponies simply knew the eyes were there, perhaps they would learn the truth...
Dry desert.... that was all Badlands was. Although, the last remaining element bearers had a mission to accomplish. It hadn't been easy getting inside the country. It had almost been impossible to enter. The large stone walls with the help of metal, was practically impossible to break. Luckily, they had found a way inside. They had used a spell that would break the large walls temporarily, and rhwy had walked inside and then Twilight closed the walls. It had looked like nothing had happened. When she had done all this, she had been wary of the guards.
The Dorcha guards were another problem. They had hawk-like eyes, and spawned all over the terrain. It was also impossible to see what they were looking at while they had their helmets on. Although, nopony said it would be easy.
The enchanted clothing princess Celestia provided, looked like diving suits with a mask to it. They had put them on, and they had felt comfortable. Sadly, the heat from the sun in Badlands made them nearly fall down to the sand. They still pushed forward, as they had a mission to finish. They had nearly been caught by a few Dorcha guards who had spotted them somehow. Twilight suspected that it might be their super advanced technology.
Finally, they noticed the city called; Death Valley. The city was tall and proud, and had many buildings that showed that it was ahead of its time. All of a sudden, they heard a weird sound that came closer and closer. Twilight looked behind and felt her heart nearly stop. Coming towards them, was a metal wagon that was driving on gummy-like tires. There was a huge window on the top of the wagon, that revealed a creature driving it. The wagon was black coloured, and it was driving really fast. Twilight jumped out of the way and her friends did the same.
When they reagined themselves, they started walking again. Rainbow had been quite furious as the creature could have killed them. Twilight had then reminded her that they were invisible, and that it was technically their own fault. Rainbow had been quiet after that. The walk into the city had been long, tough, and nearly impossible. They had seen that there were Dorcha guards everywhere; they were on the rooftops, the ground, everywhere. Twilight did have faith in her princess, but she wasn't sure if she would be able to pass the guards without being noticed somehow. The day had turned into night time as the walk had been that long.
Although, something strange started happening. The guards started to fall down. Dead. Twilight had been shocked, and to some degree been disgusted. The dead bodies of the Dorcha guards gave them some hints as to where the casle was. They didn't really need it, but it was better to be safe than sorry. Rarity had kept her distance from the others, and Twilight respected that. She knew that it was most likely being put in Rarity's head, with the traitor and their ex-friends. Twilight didn't know if she could forgive either of them. She knew that she couldn't forgive Spike as he is a murderer, but Pinkie and Fluttershy? Most likely.
They had walked through allys and jumped from different rooftops to reach the castle. They seemed to be in luck. As soon as they were close to an enemy, they dropped down dead. They continued to the large castle. Twilight and her friends got on top of the rooftop of the Dorcha castle, after have personally taken down six guards who had been on the look-out. It was night time, and they knew that they didn't have a lot of time. They saw a large glass orb in the middle of the roof of the large castle. Although, when they got there, they were shocked to see that somepony else was there.
All of a sudden, they saw the creature fire something the creature had in its hands. They heard screaming from inside, and they felt their blood run cold. The creature was killing the creatures inside! Twilight and her friends decided to retreat back to Equestria. They couldn't afford to be seen by any other ponies or creatures. All of a sudden, they felt water splash on them, and Rarity checked to see who did it. She was met with the face of a terrifying creature. The creature was much taller and more heavily built then princess Celestia, and looked to be covered in black liquid. The eyes of the creature was white, and same went for the terrifying grinning mouth. Twilight and her friends ran away from the scene, and it wasn't long until they heard running from behind them. Rainbow loked behind her and saw that it was a commander. He was running after them with great speed, but they were quicker.
They were running through the city that was huge, and was like a maze. Luckily, they found a way to escape the commander. At a certain point, Twilight could teleport them out of Badlands, but it would require a lot of energy. Twilight started up the spell, and was done with it, when she heard a *BANG*
She screamed, as she felt how her side started throwing with pain, and how her blood started running out of her. She managed to teleport them out of Badlands, and back to Equestria. She got them to the throne room of Canterlot where she had shocked Celestia and one of the nobles. Celestia had ordered that Twilight got medical care immediately. Rainbow and Applejack were worried for Twilight while Rarity wondered one thing; 'Who was that creature?'
Ever since the death of Speedy and Fancy Pants, there had been several attempted bombings on princess Twilight Sparkle's life. Spike's Liberation Front had made Canterlot into their little playground. The city was now known throughout Equestria as; The Capital Of Terrorism. Several ponies who believed that Spike is guilty had been found dead across Equestria.
Spike himself was preparing for war. Although, he knew he would win because of the military power he had, and he also knew that Equestria would fall either way. He also needed to see a doctor. Spike had started to have hallucinations about a pony named; The Pony Of Shadows. Spike knew who it was, but Shadow Pony was in limbo and it is impossible to escape limbo. Spike probably needed some pills to fix it for him and then he'd be back to normal.
Currently, there was a mare by the name of Dazzling Bell, who was on her way to the gates of the castle of Canterlot. She had a saddle bag on her back, and she had a dark look on her face. She was planning a bombing that would hopefully kill princess Twilight Sparkle. The princess of idiocy was hiding together with her friends in Canterlot. The bombings that had happened had started become a daily accurance. Ponyville could be said to belong to the Badlands. The whole town was now under a dictatorship run by Pipsqueak. The CMC supported it fully, and the other students from the school also supported it. The ones who didn't believe Spike was guilty lived in luxury. They were all rich, and didn't have to worry about money. The ones who did believe he was guilty, were arrested without being given an explanation. Those ponies were used as slaves.
The Crystal Empire was seen as the second capital city of Badlands. Spike being the King or to some extent dictator, was seen as the head ruler of their glorious nation. Princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor were seen as secondary rulers. Although, the crystal ponies themselves only seem to see Spike as the official ruler. The children from the Crystal Ponies had started to teach themselves how to sing, and were singing songs about Spike's victories. Spike's Liberation Front and Spike's Republican Youths had been classified by the Equestrian government as terrorist groups. Although, in Ponyville, they were seen as the soldiers of Spike himself.
Dazzling Bell was gonna sneak inside the castle, and hopefully find the right room. The royal guards were all over the place, except the night guards as they are supporters of his majesties. She stopped quickly at a small bench and drank a potion that would make herself invisible. With the help of the potion, she could hopefully make one of the biggest news to the world. A bombing that will live on forever and ever! Spike’s Liberation Front and Spike’s Republican Youths will go down in history.
She placed the potion bottle in her bag as she started sneaking around the castle. She used binoculars to make sure the guards didn’t do anything funny. She had hawk eyes on them as she continued onwards towards the castle. The guards were keeping a lookout, for the mare herself. It was the night guards patrolling, and Dazzling Bell didn’t have to worry. She just needed to pass the checkpoint and she’d be solid. She still had to be careful though, as she did not want to wake up the goddess of the sun. She wasn’t afraid of her, she was willing to die for her leader. It was she wanted to die as a hero; killing princess Twilight Sparkle in the process. She casually walked up to a night guard who had gotten orders by princess Luna to help a mare who was gonna do the atrocity. The night guard had glorious night themed armor on him, and had bat wings. He was a bat-pony. “I am here,” Dazzling Bell said, in a serious voice. The bat-pony’s ears perked up, and nodded.
He had heard that he was gonna hear a voice that would lead to the princess’ room. He turned around and started walking, being quickly followed by Dazzling Belle. The hallways were long and powerful looking. It had really been a thousand years…
She passed by the glass windows that contained all of the main six’ victories along with Spike The Brave And Glorious’. When she saw it, she quickly gave a walking salut, as she saw how he was reaching for the Crystal Heart.
She continued to follow the bat-pony, as he led her to the deeper parts of the castle. They had reached the bedrooms and the bat-pony pointed towards a door that had a diamond lock on it. The bat-pony flew back to his position to pretend like he had been there the whole time. Although, his colleagues already knew what he had done. What they needed to do now was implant a memory there to make it look real.
Dazzling Bell opened up her bag and she started to dig right in. The rooms in the castle were usually locked by the princess’ or other ponies themselves, and Dazzling Bell knew that the princess of betrayal had locked her door. Dazzling Belle and her group stationed in the Crystal Empire, had used magic to make sure that she could sneak inside without being detected by the princess. Dazzling Belle pulled out a tube, and aimed it right at the keyhole. She had put in a much more effective version of cyanide. It was expensive and very dangerous to use. She pressed a green button, and the cyanide slowly but surely, started flowing up towards the aiming point. It started melting the whole lock and it made Dazzling Bell smile widely.
She had thought about the possibility of somepony waking up to the terrible stench, but luckily the cyanide had a tendency of playing games with ponies and different creatures. It smelled like lavender, and it smelled nice. After Dazzling Bell felt happy, she turned off the machine and she started to carefully open the door. The dim light that was lighting up the room a little bit, revealed a large bed with a living room. There was an open door that led to the bedroom and Dazzling Spell headed for the room quietly.
She didn’t make a sound as she approached the bedroom and she was sure as Spike The Brave And Glorious, gonna make it out. She peeked inside the bedroom and saw princess Twilight Sparkle sleep wistfully, as she had no idea that tonight would be her last night alive. Dazzling Bell walked up to the side, and crouched down. She pulled off her saddle bag very carefully. She placed it on the ground, and zipped it open. It revealed a bomb that was currently turned off at the moment. Dazzling Bell turned it on and put it on for five minutes. Dazzling Bell got up from her crouched state and looked at the princess of cowardice.
“You have finally made your last mistake.” Dazzling Bell said, as she quietly walked out of the room and exited into the hallway. She started smirking, and couldn’t help herself from cackling like a mad mare. She would make her leader proud of her!
Dazzling Bell had just left the castle when she heard a: BOOM
Ponies started to scream left and right. The night guards pretended to be competent when in reality, they belong to Badlands. Dazzling Bell decided to wait and hear what the doctors would say. She wanted to know if she succeeded in her mission.
All of a sudden, a medical stallion ran out of all the stone rumble that had been made by the explosion. He looked completely devastated. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, is dead. They killed her!!” The stallion shouted, as he started to wail that they had lost one of their rulers. Off in the distance, stood Dazzling Bell with a smirk on her face. Her mission was complete. There was no reason to stay anymore.
Equestria lost a dear friend, sister, ruler, and most important of all: element bearer of magic. How were the ponies going to survive with terrorist groups on the loose? But do they want them to be stopped?
It was ice cold wherever I looked and felt. It was a shocking revelation for me. I only remember that I was kidnapped by a creature that looked shockingly similar to The Pony Of Shadows. It had happened in the middle of the night, and I am not sure how I got here. The room, or rather: cell that I was in, was made out of cracked stone that looked like it would break apart at any moment. But it didn’t, it remained intact and i was trying to count the days i was in the disgusting, filthy cell.
I was treated like a criminal! They only told me that ‘you know what you did’ , and wouldn’t give me anything else. I’m not even sure what i have done in the first place. They reminded me of the soldiers from the Dorcha guards, but they looked a lot more professional. They looked like they were ready for anything.
If i have counted the days correctly, and i strongly suspect that i haven’t. I have been here approximately one month. I have not received anything other than food and water. They have blocked my magic, and they even did something to my wings. The food tastes absolutely disgusting! I don’t even wanna know what is in it. The water is fine, but sometimes it has a weird taste to it. I have yet to meet the warden of this sick prison. I don’t even know how long i’ll be in here, but i know it will be for a very long time. Sadly, i don’t know if my friends are here or not. It’s better if they’re not. I have heard some sick screams from other inmates who have been mercilessly beaten half to death for simply saying something the guards didn’t like.
I’ll update as soon as i possibly can, i don’t know when, but i’ll try my best to have updates.
Hello, I have a major update. I found out that I am in the Badlands, where the murders of Speedy and Fancy Pants happened. I am inside a concentration camp of sorts. Their king tyrant, have killed those who have stood in his way, or those he felt like stood in his way. He shows no mercy to anypony or creatures. His soldiers are becoming more violent as the days go by. The inmates are sometimes publicly hanged for no apparent reason.
I am honestly scared by what their king is doing. King Sombra from what i have read and learned: has NEVER done anything like that. But then again, that is from what i have read and learned. For all i know: he could have done it, but perhaps not publicly.
I am allowed to walk around the prison, but that is only when i am supposed to work. I have no freedom. Apparently, i’m not supposed to overwork myself. I have no idea why, but that is what one of the Dorcha guards told me. I call them Dorcha guards, since they work for him as well. I also don’t see any difference between them and the normal Dorcha guards. I have seen how they hurt mares, stallions, and even children. King Dorcha shows absolutely no mercy. I have no idea who it is, but I will find out even if it's the last thing i do.
Okay, I have news: King Dorcha just arrived yesterday and is apparently going to talk to one of the inmates. I am honestly terrified. He can do whatever he wants with me, and I wouldn't be able to stop him. Sorry for the weird drops on the pages. I am so scared, and I am crying. I just wanna go home! Where it is safe, and where I can be myself. I wonder where Spike is. Even though he is a murderer, he would be able to help me in a situation like this…
I can’t believe that i wanted Spike’s company yesterday… King Dorcha is Spike. He kept interrogating me, and asking me why I killed Speedy and Fancy Pants. I couldn’t tell if he was joking or not. But everything pointed towards him genuinely asking. I couldn’t believe the nerve of him. He kills those who stand in his way, he has two terrorist groups who do nothing but speak about how great he is.
When I told him this, he slapped me very very hard on my right cheek. He showed nothing but anger towards me, and told me that I was even scheduled to be executed. I was shocked. I asked him if i was getting a trial, and he said that there wasn’t a need for one, as every creature wanted her dead. Well, most of them. It would be done publicly, and after that, the body would be sent to her parents.
Strangely enough, he laughed at that part and kept saying “They already think you are dead.” Whatever he means by that.
I have noticed that inmates have slowly started to decrease. Either by being released, or by… I actually don’t know. The guards don’t speak much, but one of them had said: “They smell worse when we burn them.” I have a sneaking suspicion that I know what they are referring to, but I don't want to jump to conclusions without solid evidence.
I don’t know when I'm being executed, but I hope that the guards of the royal sisters save me from the tyrannical King slash dictator. To whoever is reading this: my name is Princess Twilight Sparkle, and I hope you won’t have to suffer the same fate I did.
“We will fight for the sake of Spike, And no one shall stand in our way.”
“You might be thinking this is a commercial of Equestria. It’s not, it is actually a recruitment video from Spike’s Liberation Front. Aiming to get fighters to join the cause of the known killer: Spike Sparkle.”
The news program started playing a video from a die hard Spike follower from the Crystal Empire. She had grey mane and tail, and had amaranth eyes with a hint of scarlet. Grayish blueish coat, and burnt cutie mark. Her name is Crystal Curt, and was a die hard believer of Spike.
“I’m your sister here in Badlands. I defected Equestria to fight for my true leader. Before all of that I was a normal child. I played games with other kids my age, I read books, I listened to the tale of Spike The Brave And Glorious.” Crystal Curt said, as she sounded serious and looked into the camera. She was dead serious about what she was talking about. She was wearing a military suit that belonged to the Dorcha Guards, but the two known terrorist groups are a part of the Dorcha Guards.
“The whole message in general is saying: ‘You need to join the battle. Fighting for Spike is the only way to have freedom.’ And that can be a very powerful speech depending on who you ask.” A reporter for the Manehattan news said, as he looked a little baffled.
The Equestrian’s had managed to get some TV’s and knew how they worked. It was helping them tremendously. The weapons though, was the very thing they did not have. They also knew that they would never get them in the first place.
The news then starts showing videos of the two terrorist organizations battles. Spike’s Liberation Front is by far the most feared organization, but Spike’s republican Youths were working their way up towards SLF’s rank. The music video could be faintly heard in the background even if it was in old Crystalian, which was once the official language of the Crystal Empire.
“We shall fight without A lick of fear, the enemies Shall crumble before us.”
The camera was then cut back towards the last bit of the message. “We need doctors, we need volunteers, we need everything. There is a role for everypony and creature who believes in Spike The Brave And Glorious. “You can even come and try to help rebuild the place of the areas that have been destroyed.”
“Or you can come here, and die. Just like Crystal Curt, as she rushed into battle taken in Ponyville. She was killed by a Solar guard, last month. Far from the Crystal Empire, and the country she once loved.”
Spike turned off the TV as he let out a few tears. She was a good pony, and fighter. She showed nothing but loyalty to him and the country he ruled. Her body was being transported to Badlands. It was taking some time because of all of the patrols and soldiers marching around, making sure that everything was in order. Spike had decided to have a military hell march in Crystal Curt’s honor. Spike’s Liberation Front would be the first ones to march, and make every creature proud of how large their army is, and how dedicated they are to the King.
Spike then heard footsteps and said: “What can I help you with, soldier?” He had said it in his normal voice, as he was far too saddened to be using the royal voice on his soldier. The soldier simply bowed a little bit and spoke to his leader.
“Princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor asks for an audience with you.” The soldier said, in a robot like voice as it was devoid of life. Spike simply nodded, and left the bedroom. He was quickly followed by the soldier but was dismissed halfway down towards his throne room. It had been a tearful few weeks since Crystal Curt died. He had promised the Crystal Ponies that this would officially mean war. He was building nuclear weapons that could potentially destroy the whole world, but that was why he was using a specific system so that it only kills those who don't believe in his innocence.
He reached the throne room, and used his magic to open the double doors which revealed princess Cadance and prince Shining Armor. He gave them a sad smile after he had taken off his helmet. They gave one back, and he walked towards his throne and sat down while his two family members stood before him.
“Sorry for bothering you King Spike-” Cadance began but Spike started to chuckle. She looked at him with confusion.
“Cadance, we are all friends and family here. No need for formalities.” Spike said, making Cadance smile. Shr thought that it had been best if she used formalities because of these depressing times, but apparently not.
“Well then Spike, i wanted to let you know that the SLF doesn’t blame you in any sort of way. They say this, because one of them thought that they heard how you had said that it was all your fault.” Cadance said, in an apologetic voice, making Spike raise a brow.
“Okay, well, thank you. I needed that, I actually did blame myself for Crystal Curts death.” Spike said, making Cadance look at him with an accusing gaze. Shining understood where Spike was coming from, and gave him a nod of understanding. “Anyways, we are ready to have the Hell march in a few days’ when we get the body of Crystal Curt.
Cadance and Shining nodded, and the room went quiet again. Cadance wanted to ask if he was interested in going to a restaurant, but thought that he perhaps wanted to be left alone. Then, Shining asked the question she wanted to ask.
“Heya Spike, would you be interested in going to a fancy restaurant in the Crystal Empire? Our treat.” Shining said, making Spike chuckle a little. He was a little hungry, and could use a treat.
“Sure I could get some food in me.” Spike said, chuckling. He got up from his throne and asked: “When shall we eat? I need to inform the military of my absence here and my presence in the Crystal Empire.”
Cadance nodded in understanding, still shocked that he agreed to grab a bite with them. “We were thinking about going right now, because i have a large meeting today with you actually, and King Thorax.” Cadance said, surprising Spike. There was a meeting today she was gonna have with him? This was the first he heard of this.
“We were gonna have a meeting? This is the first i heard of this.” Spike said, as he started clearing his mind, trying to figure out when he heard the change. Cadance and Shining were a little surprised. He lived with Twilight Sparkle who is so organized, that it literally would make any dictatorial country jealous. Here Spike was, trying to figure out when he heard of this. “Sorry Cadance, this is the first time i heard of this.”
Cadance flashed him a smile, but she was worried for her cousin in all but blood. “It’s okay, you are probably stressed and forgot about it. Shall we go?” Cadance asked, making Spike and Shining nod their heads.
While they were walking towards Spike’s aeroplane, Spike pulled up his phone and had contacted Pipsqueak and vux, informing them of his departure. “Commander Vux, and Commander Pipsqueak. I will be leaving Badlands for a dinner and important meeting, I will be going to the Crystal Empire.” Spike said, in an authoritative voice.
“Understood your highness.” Vux and Pipsqueak answered with authority. They wanted to impress their friend and comrade. In their mind, he was the most important creature there was alive. Vux was still trying to figure out how to make Shadow Pony get away from her king. Pipsqueak wanted to impress his friend, and show that he was greatly suited for the jobb.
Spike simply turned off the phone and walked together with his family members towards his aeroplane.
In Equestria, Canterlot, was a bar that was very popular with the ponies and other creatures. Inside, was a Griffin with light brilliant amber eyes, moderate gamboge coat, with white head pale, light grayish heliotrope edges and moderate gamboge feathers and wings. She was currently laughing a little bit as she talked to some stallion with a blue coat with grayish pinkish hair.
“Yo, you know that dragon who was said to have killed a noble? Yeah, that was me. I didn’t even know he was in Canterlot at the time!” The Griffin said, laughing her butt off. The stallion beside her didn’t even seem fazed by what she was saying.
“Really Gilda? You made an innocent dragon get banished who is more important to equestria, then you will ever know.” The stallion said, still not showing a single sign that he cared. Gilda scoffed at the stallion. “No one knows, and besides, who would believe me anyways?” Gilda said, as she laughed again. What she didn’t notice was that there was a mare behind them with moderate azure eyes, moderate indigo and on the shadow side, a gradient of dark mulberry mane and tail. She had a light gray coat, and looked at the Griffin with a horrified expression.
The stallion was very much aware of her listening in. He didn’t care, as he was trying to help his banished friend. The marshmallow coated mare ran out of the bar and looked into the sky.
“I’m sorry Spikey-Wikey for not believing in you, but do know this: I was never certain of my answer.” Rarity said, as she started sobbing of what had happened. She dearly hoped that there wouldn’t be a war, but she knew that it was inevitable.
Spike was currently in the far end of the Badlands, he had built a weapons testing facility there, and was without a doubt quite excited. He had the money to destroy the world if he felt like it. What he would do first though, is he would evacuate the ponies who believe in him, and then press the big red button.
Spike was in his uniform and looked almost like a child preparing to try out something super cool. His commanders: Vux, Pinkie Pie, and Pipsqueak were currently with their leader. They were inside an enchanted stony building that had glass that was currently showing the outside of a very very large missile. Apparently it was inspired by a country from the human world named: North Korea, Spike had no idea why it had the name North in it, but he assumed that it perhaps was a split country.
Spike was waiting to get the green light to shoot the large bad boy into the sky. He had used magic to produce non toxic flames so that it wouldn’t destroy the green life in Badlands or Equestria. Speaking of Badlands, the country had been getting incredible farms that managed to produce more vegetables more efficiently which was actually pointed out by Pinkie Pie. She may be a party pony, but she was an earth pony at the same time so she knew vegetables and plants best. Spike had used his magic to help produce the vegetables and fruits to make sure that their stores were fully stacked so they didn’t have to worry about that. Not that it had been a large problem, it was only that Spike hadn’t invested in it as much as he was putting every single tiniest bit into the military.
Not that it was wrong. It is good to have a well equipped military, but he was using the bits the wrong way. Pipsqueak, although, believed in Spike a hundred percent and agreed with the smallest details that Spike said and only interjected when he had a better idea. Fluttershy had told Spike to be wise with the money, and to not spend it on anything useless. Spike agreed with her. Why would he waste thousands or even millions of bits on weapons from the human world's World War II that was old and rusty?! It made no sense!
“Are we ready to launch the missiles?” Spike asked, in an authoritative voice. Pipsqueak nodded his head and picked up a phone that looked more like a brick. He pressed in a few numbers and then dialed the number. Spike was looking at the large rocket of destruction. With this weapon… he could take over any nation, and rule it with an iron claw! He was getting closer to his revenge for every day that passed. It wasn’t slow either. It was coming closer and closer to the point where Spike was considering to just invade and take over Equestria and rule alongside his aunt and two cousins. He didn’t count Shining Armor as he had no royal blood in him. It was one of the perks of belonging to The Pony Of Shadows-
Spike stopped his line of thought. Where in the name of Equestria had he gotten that from? Spike shook his head to himself and sighed. He was just about to ask Pipsqueak when he heard a scream from said commander; “FIRE IT UP!” Spike looked towards the large missile, and saw how the fire from the lowest part fired up, and not many seconds later, it was up in the skies and was flying far, far away. Spike was sending it towards Griffinstone as he was quite angry with them. It was quite funny actually, it was as if he knew that a Griffin had done it to begin with…
The rocket flew at an incredible speed, and anypony or creature would have been amazed if it wasn’t for the fact that it came from one of the most dangerous dictatorial, tyrannical regimes in the whole land of Equestria. To say that the countries around them were terrified would have been a very, very massive understatement. Some countries had tried to invade Badlands but had met the wrath of Spike. Spike’s Liberation Front were still trying to kill princess Celestia and found that it was getting harder and harder as the days’ go by. They didn’t mind that though, as they were there to serve their rightful leader.
“That was beautiful wasn’t it?” Pipsqueak said, as he gave a salute to Spike who gave one back. Spike merely nodded and decided to head back to the castle. His commanders were right behind him, and Pipsqueak walked by the side with him and looked tall and proud as much as he could for a child.
“So Spike, want to grab dinner with us tonight? We gotta celebrate.” Pipsqueak asked, making Spike look at him as he continued walking out of the bunkers of the military facility and put on his helmet.
”Sure, why not. We have many things to celebrate. So, what wine and whiskey shall we be drinking?” Spike asked, casually in his demonic-like tone. Pipsqueak was lost in his thoughts, but Fluttershy ran up to him and looked very stern.
“Spike, you listen here mister. You are not of age to be drinking yet!” Fluttershy said, with her stare in full effect. Spike under his helmet was raising a brow towards her. Vux felt how her eyes were as wide as saucers as she looked over at the yellow coated mare. Did she just tell his majesties about what he should and shouldn’t do?! She was in for it now…
”Fluttershy, we are in the Badlands which is under my authority. Which means that I rule the whole land.” Spike said, in an irritated tone. Spike was pretty tired of always being babied all the time. Spike continued to walk past Fluttershy who looked dumbfounded that someone sounded so… casual when he spoke. It was as if she wasn’t using her infamous ‘stare.’ Pinkie smiled at Fluttershy and siad:
“Don’t worry Fluttershy! I think the author left out one tiny bit of detail, and that is; Spike is mature enough to do adultery stuff, but don’t worry, he did rate this story for teens, so I guess we won’t see actual adultery.” Pinkie said, as she started to babble away so innocently.
Fluttershy simply gave a nod that was very confused.
Every single pony in Equestria was shocked… they had found out that Gilda Griffin was the one behind the killing of Fleur De Lis. Everypony who believed Spike was guilty could probably have died from guilt. If that would have been possible, then half of Equestrias population would have been eradicated. Princess Celestia was in her room feeling anger, but she felt strange… she felt as though, somepony or creature was controlling her. She wasn’t really angry, but it was still there…
She wanted to contact Spike who she undoubtedly assumed was the king or dictator of Badlands. She was lucky that the Crystal Ponies didn’t hear her thoughts. If they did, she would have been murdered and resurrected multiple times.
Princess Twilight Sparkle and the remaining of the element bearers were so gloomy, they would have gloomy countries have a run for their money. Twilight was depressed and so sad. She didn’t know what to do or say. When Rarity had told them the news, they thought it had been an absolutely terrible prank. When they found out that it wasn’t, that is a whole different story. Applejack was kicked out of the barn and was stripped from the family title. She wasn’t even allowed to work on the farm anymore. Rainbow Dash had lost her job at the weather factory. She didn’t know how she was ever gonna earn money, but she knew that she had to do something. Twilight was the luckies at being the princess. She earned her money from the tax that goes around Equestria. That is also how princess Celestia and Luna earn their money. Rarity had really fallen from grace, as she had heard her sister Sweetie Belle had defected the country. She couldn’t make clothes anymore, and had to shut down her whole business. She had been thinking about defecting herself and wondered if she could possibly try to earn Spike-wikey’s forgiveness. She could make clothes for the military, or even become a hoof soldier and actually go against everything she stands for. She didn’t know what she was gonna do, but she did know that it could change the future of Equestria forever.
A Griffin just stepped out of his home when he heard strange noises coming from the sky. He looked up, and saw a giant rocket like those he uses for the new years. It was coming right towards the middle point of Griffinstone… Then he heard a loud BOOM
Then, fire started to come towards him at an alarming rate, and then… he was burnt… alive… together with so many other Griffin women and children who were screaming in fear and pain.
Twilight Sparkle had a very tough life inside the concentration camp. She heard how the guards tortured and killed creatures either because they felt like it, or because they were against the king. She had been terrified out of her mind. If it wasn’t for the fact that Spike wanted her to be alive, then she would undoubtedly be dead.
She wondered what sort of usage she had that made Spike want to have her be alive. Because from the sounds of it, anypony or creatures from his old life who were against him faced immediate execution. No questions asked. Twilight shuddered at the thought of that. She couldn’t even imagine what had happened to the bodies before the execution itself.
She had been visited by commander Pinkie Pie and medical staff Fluttershy who had looked at her in shock. Pinkie Pie looked like she knew that the place existed in the first place, but didn’t say anything about it. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had received bows from the guards that worked there. Pinkie had taken Twilight to an interrogation room where she was asked all sorts of questions. What was a shock to Twilight, was that Pinkie Pie was serious. Dead serious. Twilight didn’t know what to say or think about that, as she answered the questions. It went something like this:
“Okay princess Twilight Sparkle, do you know why you are here?” Pinkie Pie asked, as the pink party mare was looking at the lavender alicorn who was looking down at the table. The room looked to be a thousand years old but was somehow being holded up. The walls had dark shade on certain areas that Twilight suspected to be old blood. She shuddered at that.
“No.” Twilight said, as she was looking down on her hoofs which were in a comfortable sitting position. The chair was made out of metal, and the table in front of her was made out of black coloured oak. Pinkie Pie nodded and shuffled some papers she had in her hoofs.
“Why were you trying to illegally enter Badlands? We found you laying on one of the many benches in the city. You probably don’t know this, but you are a wanted criminal inside this country.” Pinkie Pie said, looking at the alicorn before her. Twilight sighed and felt some tears fall. She was really going to be executed wasn’t she? She had to know…
“Pinkie, I didn't even try to enter Badlands. All i remember was that i was asleep, and then there was a huge explosion and then i was being dragged away from some sort of creature similar to The Pony Of Shadows.” Twilight said, in a distressed tone. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie slapped her. Twilight felt the pain on her left cheek as she heard a chair being thrown backwards as Pinkie Pie was heard… struggling? Twilight looked up and nearly had a heart attack. There were two of them!
“I thought i told you to not hit Twilight!” The Pinkie Pie with a kind and gentle voice said. The one struggling looked angry at Twilight.
“LONG LIVE THE KING OF THE BADLANDS!!!!!!!!” She shouted so loud, the whole of Badlands and Equestria heard it. “You think you are superior to us?!! Think again!! We have the strongest weapons in the whole world!!”
The Pinkie Pie holding her pulled out a handgun from her trench coat and pulled the trigger at the back of the head of the hateful Pinkie Pie. She shook her head as if she was disappointed. “She was never calm.” she said, as if she did this every day. She then looked up at Twilight and smiled as if everything was normal. “Sorry about that, Twilight, Spike has wanted to clone every single creature in this paradise country.”
“Oh! I also came to tell you that there is an exchange going on for your freedom, so you won’t be executed.” Pinkie Pie said, cheerfully and then left the room. Twilight was surprised and simply sighed in relief. Pinkie had never lied to her before and wouldn’t do so now. She had to simply wait a little while…
A few hours later, she was on a train heading towards Ponyville. She had been released but still had charges against her. If she were to go there without making an announcement, she was gonna get executed on the spot. She was not going to Badlands anytime soon, no matter how bad she wanted to go and give Spike a piece of her mind. Although, she would probably just get killed off. Nothing bad was gonna happen anymore.
That was her final thoughts before she entered Ponyville and shocked everypony that she was alive, and seeing Rarity running up and telling her the one thing she never expected to hear.
Starlight Glimmer had started shunning Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the elements of harmony except Pinkie and Fluttershy. She absolutely hated the way Spike was banished. She had fallen into a depression and simply wanted to be reunited with him. When she had been kidnapped by a few Dorcha guards and was demanded that she open a portal, she then did it and learnt later that it was Spike. She had felt stupid and grew deeper into the depression, but she knew that she needed a job so she could earn money and get herself an apartment or house. She had decided to go to an academy in journalism, and she went there for a few months because of how smart she was. Usually it takes three years, but because she was smart, like, really smart, she was granted her degree quite early. She had then joined a news article that was quite new in Equestria and that was actually: Gabby’s News.
It was a newspaper company that was run by a griffin named Gabby. Quite recently, Starlight had been granted a visa to travel inside Badlands again. It was quite quick also. When Starlight had told this to Gabby whom she had met after Starlight had done a tremendous job for her first five months, at a fancy dinner party that was for rich ponies and creatures. Gabby had grown a second head when Starlight had told her and had jokingly said: “It sounds like you are best friends with the Badlands government.” To which Starlight had nervously laughed.
You don’t really tell people “Oh yeah, I am the best friend of a guy who is a dictator who kills those who stand in his way.” You just don’t. Starlight was currently on a plane towards Ponyville so she could then take a train to Badlands. She had been working in Manehattan for a few months now, and she was getting a little tired with some of the rich ponies there acting superior. She was happy that she was going to a country that is run by her friend who she hasn’t seen for over a good year now. She had heard stories about how Spike was putting creatures into concentration camps, but she didn’t know if it was true or not. She really hoped they weren’t…
“Hello this is your captain speaking, we will be landing in Ponyville in approximately ten minutes.” The captain said, as everypony and creatures prepared for landing. Starlight put away her book she had been reading and looked out the window and saw the hills of Ponyville and saw how much it had changed over the past few months. It had been drastic changes, and it was for the better.
The plane landed and every creature got out of the plane and went through the procedure of showing passports, and other stuff. Starlight had grown tired of them, but knew she had to get used to them. When she had gone to the academy, she had also taken foreign studies which led her to get her diploma with foreign studies which made her qualified for foreign journalism. She didn’t mind of course, as she really needed the money at the time and she was happy that she was earning good money, but now she needed a break. She may be doing work in Badlands, but she sure as Tartarus would relax while she was there. Her camera guy, Sunburst who had decided to follow her wherever she went, was going to be filming everywhere they went. Although, he did ask Starlight why they only needed guides in some areas to which she responded with the truth, her friendship with Spike which nearly made Sunburst have a heart attack. He felt bad, because he then realized seconds later that he had met the guy.
In Ponyville, Starlight and Sunburst were watching the train come into view as she had her visa together with Sunburst. The guards from Badlands looked menacing with weapons that only very few ponies in Equestria had. They were motioned to step inside the train and they did so without hesitation. Starlight was then surprised when a guard walked up to her.
“Are you Starlight Glimmer?” The guards asked, in an authoritative voice. Starlight simply nodded and he nodded back. “Follow me, and you also Mr. Sunburst.” The guard walked off with the two stunned ponies.
They were led to the first class part of the train. Starlight was shocked. She hadn’t booked anything for first class at all. The guard seemed to have read her mind as he said: “The King ordered me to give you the best of the best. He has paid for everything, so don’t worry about the bill.”
Starlight nodded in understanding as she sat down on a chair that looked like it belonged to a proper King or Queen. Sunburst was surprised. He sat down himself, and he looked around and saw that everything was fancy, and it really looked like it belonged to successful ponies and creatures. He saw a couple of workers making sure that everything was proper for the rich travelers, or creatures that simply had a lot of money. Sunburst then saw a Changeling that looked to be an ambassador. Sunburst walked over to him and caught his attention.
“Can i help you?” He asked, in a surprised voice. Sunburst nodded.
“Yes, sorry that I bother you, but I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions about Badlands. If you know anything about it that is.” Sunburst asked, the Changeling who chuckled.
“What do you wanna know?” The changeling asked, in a voice that showed that he knew what he was talking about. Sunburst inwardly grinned to himself.
“Well, who is the official ruler of Badlands?” Sunburst asked, even though he was ninety-nine percent sure it was Spike, he still needed to ask that question. The Changeling smiled.
“That would be his majesties Spike Dorcha. He is the ruler of Badlands, and has ruled it for over a total year now i believe.” The Changeling said, as he was lost in his thoughts. Sunburst wrote that down.
“Okay, do you know how the political climate is there?” Sunburst asked, and immediately felt dumb as he was talking to a Changeling who was an ambassador. Well, that is what Sunburst suspected anyways.
“Well, i am an ambassador, so i can tell you this: the political climate is good for the time being. Although, the ponies of Equestria are struggling because of what might happen in a few days. Sadly, i cannot say what is going to happen, but something will happen that will change the future of Equestria forever.”
Sunburst stopped writing and felt how his heart was beating against his chest in a not so comforting way. What was gonna happen? He then shuddered, as in reality: he didn’t want the answer at all. It was just something that you asked but never actually wanted the answer to. He struggled to say anything or communicate at all. Starlight was looking at him as she was looking right at him. She had heard the last bit herself, and she shuddered. She didn’t want to know either.
Sunburst continued to ask questions to the Changeling who happily answered them, and even looked quite happy as he answered them. Sunburst was unsure as to why he was so happy, but he just shrugged away the thought. They finally reached the capital city and they saw huge skyscrapers that made Badlands look like the world's most advanced nation compared to Equestria, that was nothing compared to this.
The guard from before looked at Starlight and Sunburst and smiled at them. “Welcome to Badlands.” Starlight bowed as did Sunburst and they walked. Starlight was terrified, but she kept reminding herself that it was Spike who ruled this nation. But that didn’t sooth her much. Right now, she was inside one of the most dangerous countries, and she was inside Badlands. She was absolutely terrified.
The whole city was beautiful, and the citizens all walked around with smiles on their faces, and Starlight wondered why. She saw that some streets had been restricted from the populace, but that could be because of a number of reasons. The city itself was lively, and the citizens were happy and showed Starlight and Sunburst around and even invited them to certain pubs and bars and restaurants for food. Starlight had been concerned that they may have had meat, but they did have pony food. Sunburst hadn’t been as concerned, because he had apparently found a book that described how ponies had once eaten meat as a celebration, but that later started disappearing, and now, it is simply tabo.
Starlight and Sunburst had been shown to their room they were sharing, and they were currently on their way towards a pub that is run by a Changeling who wanted to talk to them. Sunburst had his camera ready, and Starlight had her questions that she herself had picked out specifically. The pub was located in the middle of Death Valley, and it was quite a popular one too, as Spike had apparently been a regular, well, he still is, but because of what is going to happen, she doubts he’d stop for a drink.
On the outside, it was reddish bluish green, and the inside looked like any other pub, the difference was that they both sold alcohol like a liquor store, and it was also a restaurant. The Changeling they had been waiting for came and looked awfully similar to Pharynx but he was a lot more friendlier.
“Welcome to my pub, liquor store, and restaurant!” If you follow me please.” The Changeling said, as he walked into the back and they followed. The pub was well made, and the interior was amazing, it also looked to be quite new.
“Is this place new?” Starlight asked, as she was shown to a comfortable couch and sat beside Sunburst who had been recording the whole time. They had also learned that the Changeling’s name was Darx and he was twenty years old.
“Yes actually. I opened it almost a year ago, and I have been quite successful the last seven months. I first made my very own beer when i was sixteen and that became the Changelings very own beer that became quite popular. I became rich through it. Later, when Badlands became their own country a year ago, I moved here and opened up a restaurant, pub, and I also quite recently started selling alcohol. I didn’t have a license, since Changelings didn’t need it, but I did buy the license here as I wanted to do it legally, but I was given it for free by the King himself. I had managed to save enough money to both produce the beer I had made and open up the pub. I then took a loan of half a million bits and renovated the place. I also sponsored myself on the TV commercials, and since then I have become even more successful.” Darx had explained, and Starlight had been polite and very happy to hear that someone had been successful, but then again, as long as you know what you are doing, then it’ll be easy.
Starlight had asked a few questions about the ruling as she looked around the room that was coloured in purple and the floors were blood red and there was furniture here and there. Darx had explained how there had been a lot of tensions between Badlands and Equestria since the Battle Of The Crystal Empire. He also said that it didn’t exactly help that Spike’s Liberation Front and Spike Republican Youths were committing several crimes and terrorist acts. Starlight had to agree. They are completely out of control! If anypony or creature even says the tiniest negativity about Spike The Brave And Glorious, then you practically face execution and it's not even from Spike himself! Sunburst made sure that he caught everything on film, and when the interview was over, Darx asked something that caught Starlight’s attention.
“You are also here for the military Hell March, yes?” Starlight looked at Darx and asked him:
“What Hell March?”
“Well, the Hell March for Crystal Cert of course! That poor mare died to a Solar Guard, and it was said that her final words was: ‘I’LL NEVER SURRENDER FOR THE SAKE OF SPIKE THE BRAVE AND GLORIOUS!!!’ The Dorcha Guards are going to honor her with a full on military Hell March.”
Starlight was amazed. Spike truly cared about his subjects, if he was willing to have a Hell March for them. Starlight nodded to him in understanding and left with Sunburst to explore the rest of the city. The creatures there were preparing for the most important Hell March of that very year. Cars were driving in specific areas this very day. They passed some walls that had several propaganda posters, and was depicting how Spike The Brave And Glorious saved all of them from Equestria’s domination, even though that hasn’t even happened yet.
A few hours later, the ground heard the heavy military steps of the soldiers marching with pride and honor. Spike had made it clear that Spike’s Liberation Front and Spike Republican Youths were first in line and in the back were the Dorcha Guards. There were many soldiers with weapons that Starlight and Sunburst never had seen before.
Spike was sitting on his large balcony giving his salut, in tribute to Crystal Curt. They were playing the national song of Badlands which were depicting betrayal and battle. Starlight and Sunburst got some good footage. There were practically no images of Badlands outside of the country itself, unless you traveled to the Crystal Empire which was the only place where this could be seen.
A couple of fillies and colts had a flag with Crystal Curts face on it in her military attire where it said: LONG LIVE CRYSTAL CURT
Spike was saluting from his balcony and he had some tears in his eyes for having lost a great soldier like her. He couldn’t have asked for a better one. After the Hell March was over, Spike went inside his castle and heard from his brother in all but blood, Pipsqueak, that the missile was ready for launching.
Starlight and Sunburst had gotten everything they needed from the people of Badlands, and had thanked them. They were on the train, just crossing the border between Badlands and Equestria when they heard the large terrifying explosion. Starlight looked out the window and Sunburst had pulled out the camera and recorded it.
“What in Equestria….?” Was all Starlight could say.
It was total chaos in Equestria and the rest of the world. They were all scared that the King of the Badlands would attack their country next. Several countries had decided to have peace talks, but Badlands had never responded to them, and that was something that was worrying the other nations. In their mind: Spike could be planning anything. One wrong move, and their country could be total toast. Griffinstone had been completely demolished. Princess Luna and Cadance, were in complete and total shock. They didn’t think that Spike could do something like that. Sure, he may have become more violent, but not enough to destroy a whole country!
Spike himself did not give a flying feather about it. He was tired of always being looked down upon. He showed his hatred to the rest of the world. Pipsqueak thought that it was amazing that his brother in all but blood, showed Equestria that Spike and their nation is not to be taken lightly. They can start wars and finish them just as fast. Spike was currently in his throne room watching the news. It showed millions of Griffins that had been killed, but there were a few souls that seemed to have a guardian angel with them, because they had survived. Although, they did have the worst kind of burns on them. Spike chuckled darkly, not realising that the corruption of the armour was almost finished. The only thing that could possibly save him was love. But who loves a dragon who had genocided and blown up a whole country?!
Shadow Pony was inside of Spike’s mind, wandering around making sure that the hatred continues. He had managed to escape from limbo because there was soul magic inside of the armour. The Armour had belonged to Gorgar, and it had then been bought by many different creatures over the years, which had corrupted many. The armour had even once belonged to princess Nightmare Moon. . .
Shadow Pony was walking down what looked like to be a long corridor. One of the ones that you see in horror movies. There were several doors that were open, and Shadow Pony that was a shadowy pony figure with white glowing eyes, and grey shadowy mane and tail, was grinning in a sadistic way. It didn’t look natural, and it made him look horrifying. The doors revealed different memories of Spike’s early life and all of the good memories that he had with his family and friends. Shadow Pony was trying to corrupt those memories so that he could finally, fully corrupt Spike and start wars and famines. It was a brilliant plan that he had, and it would hopefully work. He just needed to toy with Spike for a little bit more, and everything would be his.
The corridor continued what would feel like forever for some creatures, while Shadow Pony couldn’t help but laugh. He was clearly winning everything. He used his red counterpart: Red, to corrupt princess Celestia into banishing Spike and made sure that Spike got banished even if he got the votes for ‘not guilty’ and it worked splendidly. He then kidnapped Twilight Sparkle months later and made it look like that she had come willingly to Badlands and she had been tossed into the concentration camp. Everything was going according to plan. . .
All he needed was to finish his corruption and he would be ready to fight against his old banishers: the Pillars. After that, he would simply genocide Equestria, making into nothing more but a mere wasteland. A planet that serves no purpose. If other beings were to find the planet, all they would see would be fallen cities, and rotten bodies. He would make sure of it.
”Yes, everything is going according to plan. All I need to do is give dear Spike a push in the right direction, and his body will then be mine to possess. Yes, everything will work out.” Shadow Pony said, as he turned a corner and met a few memories of Spike that he didn’t seem to be able to penetrate with his corruption, and it was making him angry.
”I don’t understand how that weak dragon is even able to withstand my penetrations! It is impossible, and he is simply a baby dragon! Though, I did give him the mind of a mature adult.” Shadow Pony said, as he mused to himself and decided to walk toward it.
The memory was inside a giant glass ball that had a staircase leading towards it that was made out of black ooze that came from the Shadow Pony. Said ooze creature walked up the steps with purpose and kept his gaze on the purple scaled dragon who was currently remembering the time when he helped Twilight Sparkle write a letter. Shadow Pony couldn’t forbid him from seeing these memories as he had no control over those memories.
”If i could only damage it somehow without hurting the body itself. I can’t risk killing Spike, as i would have no power to resurrect his body. I am not strong enough for that. I need time, and that is something that i am currently lacking, but i am not rushing it. That is how many other villains have lost before. I will not lose this time, i will win and everypony and creature will bow down before me. Like they should have in the beginning.” Shadow Pony said, as he used his right hoof to punch the glass and break it a little, only for the glass to restore itself before Shadow Pony was even able to do anything.
”ARGH,” Shadow Pony let out, as he used his ooze to form a large hoof to break the glass but wasn’t able to break much as it quickly restored itself again. Shadow Pony grinned as he was losing his patience. Villains are destructive, and he is known for being destructive himself. He could maybe shoot a large destructive beam at the glass and destroy the last of the good memories, but he would need a lot of energy, the type of energy that will most likely drain in in the end. But he did have a solution. He would simply make Spike go to a specific place in Equestria where they sell dark artifacts. Hopefully, Shadow Pony will find the one thing he is looking for, and that is the dark globe.
The dark globe is an artifact that can hold onse magic and help the caster so it will be like two alicorns fighting against one. He could use this, and then he would have Spike within his grasp and then, Equestria would seize to exist and he would live on as the true leader of the Empire!
”Yes, everything is working. All I need to do now is to send Spike on his way to Equestria, and then he’ll get the dark globe and then there will be total destruction! I am so close to it, i can feel it!” Shadow Pony said, to himself as he tasted the victory he had yet to win. Shadow Pony laughed as the typical villains laughed as it echoed throughout Spike’s mind.
Spike had finished watching the news and was walking through the long corridors of his castle and made sure that he looked intimidating and sharp. He couldn’t have his enemies believe that he was not looking out for himself. He needed to make sure that his enemies didn’t doubt his abilities. That was one of the few mistakes he had made in the past when he believed in the magic of friendship. It is magical. magical in destroying one's life. He had lost his wings, and nopony even batted an eye about it, except for those who believed in him.
Spike suddenly hit the wall to his right so hard, there were a few cracks. He then used his left claw to make sure that the pieces went back and looked as if nothing happened. He didn’t want to frighten his guests who were staying at the castle. The ones who were staying were those who worked at different embassies who were allies to the Badland Empire. Spike had made many allies, but those were the ones he knew of. Pinkie Pie had managed to talk to the Yaks of Yakyakistan to have an ally with Badlands, and it worked smoothly.
They had agreed and their nation was expanding, and becoming very quickly, advanced in their weapon and medicine technology. Spike had learnt their language without any problems, and was helping them with Equestrian and Crystalian. He had sent over translators, and was hoping that they would lower down the language barrier a little bit. If they knew either language, it would be no problem.
Spike continued to walk though his magnificent castle, with candles illuminating the place and making the place feel warm and eerie. Most creatures that lived in Badlands said the same thing, unless you were a friend of his majesties or were a Crystal Pony. Spike laughed dryly as he walked into a room that had very little light, but Spike could see because of his magic. The room was all black, and there was a desk and chair to the left and to the right was a bed that had handcuffs on the bed. The bed sheets were originally white, but they seemed to have turned wine red. . .
Spike let out an annoyed sigh, and used his magic to clear it away from blood. He used his magic to summon candles, and used his own fire breath and lit the candles. The room lit out more and revealed everything that had possibly happened in the room. There was writing on the walls that said: Unbelievers.
Spike chuckled and left the room. He mostly used it for traitors who had committed crimes that were against his glorious nation. His country and subjects were something he took very seriously. His brother in all but blood Pipsqueak did even more so, and that was something Spike appreciated over anything else.
Spike decided to head towards Equestria. He had no idea why, but he felt like there was something important there that he needed. He needed to reach the border between Badlands and Equestria, and he would be solid. He wouldn’t have to worry about being seen as he would use glamour to look like somepony else. He didn’t have to worry about money either.
”Everything is in place. OKay then, i will just need to get to the border, and the i’m fine.” Spike said, out loud to himself, drawing attention to a few guards but they didn’t dare make a move. They would not intervene in their King’s greatness. They quite valued their heads. . .
It was a sunny day like most day’s in the Badlands, but it seemed scorching hot that particular day, almost as if the sun itself was trying to tire Spike out, but it was futile. He was simply too strong. A little hot weather wouldn't stop him from doing his mission. If he would even stop, he would do it for a reason.
The city looked marvelous as Spike had invested a lot into glass and other building companies that has made the country become a huge attraction. The investments were good, and Spike wasn’t planning on selling any of the shares that he had anytime soon, or rather, the companies as he bought them all up from the investments.
”A great investment indeed. . .” Spike said, as he trailed off and continued to walk, and saw how his subjects made way for him as he walked with elegance and confidence. His sword was to the side and it seemed to be glowing red mixed with black, and showed the power he held. No creature wanted to get on his bad side. The Crystal Ponies on the other hoof or claw, wasn’t as concerned as they adored him and worshipped him as if he was some sort of God. . .
Spike cringed at that. That was the last thing he wanted them to hear. Before he would know it, they would write holy scriptures about him, and how he created Equestria and other dimensions. He shuddered at the thought. He wanted them to see that he was powerful, but not powerful so that he is a literal God. Not even an alicorn princess would be able to say that because they are technically normal if you check the rankings between a God or Goddess and an alicorn that can raise the sun and moon. That is nothing at all. A God or Goddess could build literal lands, and create different creatures without any problems.
Sure, Spike could create creatures, but those were merely so he had a strong army that could fight without any problems. That was the only purpose they served in the first place. Then again, without them, he would most likely have simply been a terrifying dragon with armour. He most likely would have ruled, but the process would have taken longer.
The cars drove by and honked occasionally, and Spike paid them no heed. The sun was not as scorching, but the rays were still powerful and made Spike’s armour heat up, but that was nothing. He was a literal dragon that bathed in lava. It was nothing at all, in fact, it felt nice against his scales.
Spike had just arrived at the border between Equestria and Badlands, after he had gotten on a bus that could drive him to a specific station, and had walked the last bit. He was currently talking to one of his chiefs that was briefing him about activity near the border which might be defectors that want to join Badlands. Spike was grinning at that. He was doing something right if he was gaining defectors. The chief was wearing green metallic armour and covered his mouth and nose. His eyes were piercing blood red and looked demonic.
The two large doors made an entrance for Spike, and he walked through with ease. He would have to be careful when he walked inside the Everfree Forest. It was one of the most dangerous places in Equestria. He couldn’t simply die from the Timberwolves, although, they wouldn’t be able to do so considering he is substantial.
Spike hadn’t been attacked for the last few minutes and saw that as a good sign, and was simply walking. He soon reached the end of the forest. He was blown away by what he saw. It was Ponyville!
Everything was so different from the last time he had been there. The last time had been years ago before he had been banished. The clouds didn’t look as “happy” as they used to be. The buildings of Ponyville seemed to have been divided into two factions: one that believed he was guilty and one that believed he was not guilty. Although he did notice that the ponies who seemed to have believed he was guilty looked a little grey like when Discord made the element bearers turn against each other. Spike cackled as he thought about that. They deserved it.
Spike moved quietly through the small town and used the invisibility spell that made him invisible. Some ponies in the town that seemed to be die-hard believers of his had flags on their front door porch and even carried his flag on their hooves as if they were his commanders, officers, and other higher-ups within his military. Spike grinned widely as he saw that many of the ponies in the small town were only speaking greatly about him. He saw two particular ponies that he always enjoyed being around. They were Lyra and Bon-Bon. They were currently discussing Badlands and how to get there. Spike seemed surprised at this and decided to listen more carefully.
“So Lyra, how do you reckon we get inside the country? I believe his majesty is busy with other duties than looking into creatures who want to defect into his glorious nation.” Bon-Bon asked as she sipped her vanilla milkshake as she sat outside with her best friend at Sugarcube Corner. Her friend that was mint coated had a look of thoughtfulness. It seemed like she hadn’t fully decided, or hadn’t fully thought it through. Spike chuckled to himself at that. She was far from stupid, but she could be quite dense sometimes.
“I don’t know, Bon-Bon. I was kind of hoping that Spike would simply get us the visas and we would be in the clear after we tell our advisors and guides that we want to defect. I do understand that it is a lot more complicated than that, but still,” Lyra said, as she sighed sadly. Times were tough in Equestria ever since the citizens found out that it was Gilda that was behind the murder of Fleur De Lis. It was even more challenging considering that Badlands had blown Griffinstone away into billions of tiny pieces. Lyra would always be loyal to Spike and the same could be said with Bon-Bon.
The both they sat outside of had an umbrella that made the unforgiving sunlight not torch them. It was a hot day and everypony was trying their best to stay cool. Lyra and Bon-Bon on the other hand didn’t care as much as they wanted to join in the ranks of Spike’s army and do the most impossible of missions. Missions that would be considered suicide because of the difficulty of the missions. Mrs Cake had been supporting their dreams and told them to say ‘hello’ to Spike. Many children had run away from their homes because some of the parents still believed that Spike was the killer of Fleur De Lis, but many supporters of Spike had ‘silenced them’ in a sense that they had been threatened with their life. This understandably made many ponies around Equestria become quiet to not say what they thought.
“I simply want to defect there right now, not even bother to look back,” Lyra stated as her friend nodded in her direction. “Gilda really screwed up big time. I remembered when she bullied most of us and was not very friendly. But I never thought that she would stoop so low as to commit murder. I’ll tell you this: I wouldn’t be surprised if his Majesties demanded that they handed her over to Badlands. She caused a war without fully understanding it.” Bon-Bon simply nodded at that as she suddenly out of nowhere felt chilly. She shrugged it off and she then didn’t feel it at all. Suddenly she felt very warm. She looked around her but didn’t any anypony or creature around and assumed that her body was playing tricks on her.
Spike was walking with heavy steps hitting the dirt ground, leaving of a trial that he didn’t give a flying feather about. He was simply too angry to even listen to anything else. There was something that made Spike frown at himself. He didn’t seem or act surprised, just plain angry. He shrugged it off, there was no possible way he could have known unless if something was messing with his memories. He shrugged that thought away. He had a mission to complete and he wasn’t intending on leave without the thing that he needed the most. Spike decided to head towards the darkest part of Equestria that was known as the Hollow Shades. On the outside, it may look like it was abandoned, but in reality: it is the darkest place in Equestria magic wise, and creatures wise.
Spike looked at the houses around him and saw how cheerful the houses were. He sighed as he remembered the past when he was a rampaging dragon that destroyed half the town. It wasn’t his proudest moment. The ponies were chatting amongst themselves as they didn’t look as cheerful or happy as they used to be. Spike felt responsible, but he knew deep down that it wasn’t his fault. Spike simply couldn’t bear to see more of the town as he charged his magic up and with a faint ‘pop’ he was gone, not realising that a mare had seen him the whole time. . .
Spike reappeared just outside of Hollow Shades and saw all the signs of ‘abandonment’ and he walked in with ease and power. He couldn't make the other creatures think that he was weak. He had to look powerful and imposing. That was the way of a ruler. He made himself visible and he looked around the small stone buildings and sculptures. The air was thick and it felt weird as it hit Spike’s lungs. He also felt a little paranoid as he looked all around him. He was expecting somepony or another creature to attack him, but nothing happened.
Spike then felt how the ground he was standing on started to shake. Spike started running faster than a leopard. The ground continued to shake Spike then couldn’t move. He was frozen in place, he felt something hold him, something magical. He used all of his magical ability to get away to no avail. The grey stone underneath him started to crack and shake, and Spike did everything he could to get away, but then decided that this truly was his end. He decided to accept his fate, hoping that Vux would be able to rule while he died.
Spike was yanked downwards, totally expecting his demise. He had closed his eyes, but when he didn’t feel anything for a whole to minutes he decided to open his eyes and saw that there were hundreds of creature in robes that were chatting, selling, practising and whatnot. Spike saw that the roots that had yanked him were away, but he still felt it there somehow. Spike walked away from the spot and moved towards the hundreds of creatures that were enjoying themselves. Spike saw thousands of different books that Spike had never heard or seen before. He was amazed by the sheer size of the place. It was bigger than his whole country combined!
Spike felt a lot of dark magic and dark magical artefacts that he was interested in buying. But he was on a mission, not a shopping trip. Spike tried to sense the dark orb that he was looking for, but he didn’t sense it anywhere at all. He decided to walk around to see if he was able to sense it. What he didn’t seem aware of, was that there was a pony who was stalking him, following him wherever he went. She was hoping that she could corner him and take him away. She just needed to find the right opportunity. Spike was walking through the crowds as they parted ways for him as some recognised him as their ruler or simply a ruler of a nation that was one of the most advanced and far ahead country in Equestria.
”I must find the dark orb. The war needs to end once and for all,” Spike muttered as if there was an actual war going on. Although, because of the tenseness of the countries, he couldn’t be surprised. Spike needed to be prepared for war and finally, take over Equestria and rule it with an iron claw. The ones who didn’t believe in him would have to bow before him every time they saw him and they would address him with his proper titles without a fuss. Like all things should be. Spike smiled evilly at that. He then said something that made the pony following behind him gasp.
“LongLiveTheKING!!!”
The creatures around him looked at him oddly and then shrugged and went back to what they were doing. Spike heard the gasp and turned around and saw a hooded mare. Spike smirked under his helmet. He knew that it was his dear aunt. He didn’t know why she was here of all places, but he knew that it had to do something with him. There was no way she would go to a very dark place unless she had a specific reason for doing so. She had a reason for everything she did which was why she was never a suspect for anything. Even though she had hundreds of dark magic books.
”Hello Princess Luna, I see that you have found me and want to do something with me, but I for once have no idea what.” Spike said, in a voice that suggested that he was irritated. Luna stepped forward and quickly used her magic to capture Spike and teleport him away. Spike stood no chance as he was teleported away into a room that was large and made of stone. Luna smirked in victory. The only way to fully beat her nephew is speed. He was never fast when it came to speed and stopping the enemy that way. Then again, she didn’t fully know him well.
Luna teleported away from the place as she didn’t want to be exposed and be seen as evil again because she was in a place considered evil and dark. She wanted to confront her nephew and see if her suspicions were correct. She had a feeling that there was corruption in play and not money at all. It was mind corruption. She either believed that it was Nightmare Moon or King Sombra as she had just suspected after what Spike had said out loud at the dark underground alley. The only creature she knew said those words were King Sombra and he was vanquished, or so she would like to believe.
Luna saw that her nephew was in the one cell that she only used for enemies that she despised. She didn’t despise her nephew. It was the opposite, it was that she despised the creature that was controlling her nephew. Spike was walking around the room as he saw the stones had many stains on them that could be anything. There were no windows and simply one torch that was bright enough to illuminate the whole room. There was a large dark oak door that leads outside of the room and was being protected by Princess Luna who stood in all her glory in front of it as if she was expecting the door to be blasted away from Spike.
“Well dear nephew, as much as I love you, I have to do this. Although, I suspect that you have been entirely corrupted. Isn’t that right King Sombra?” Luna asked, as she for a very brief second feel into her Nightmare Moon voice that she had not been able to be rid over. She had stopped trying and just accepted that she had that voice. Spike simply looked at Luna, intrigued. He had been caught off guard and not many creatures could claim that. Spike smirked under his helmet. Spike felt the magic in this cell was so weak, he’d barely be able to use it at all. Spike sighed. His aunt had really thought it through. She had always been like that: one step ahead of everypony.
”You are very quick to jump to conclusions. Are you paranoid, or is that something that is in every mare that exists? You always seem to jump to conclusions.” The voice said, mockingly as Luna bot scowled and had a look of confusion. She didn’t recognize that voice. She had faced many foes before, but she didn’t seem to recognize this one even though it spoke to her as it knew her personally.
”Who ist thou?” Luna asked, in the old dialect and the Nightmare Moon voice. Spike chuckled as he leaned forward towards Luna who was looking at him with a very small hint of fear. She was hiding it very well. Spike straightened himself and prepared to see the look of shock on the navy blue princess’ face. It was gonna be priceless but funny.
”I am The Pony Of Shadows. The creature that got banished to limbo with the help of the Pillars and that coward Starswirl.” Shadow Pony said, making Luna look at him with disbelief. This would be a loong conversation. . .
Everything was falling apart. Badlands had become a country of doubt and gangster activity again. The Kirin mob that was part pony and dragon, had become more hostile than they usually were. Pipsqueak was trying his best to rule the country in Spike’s absence, but it didn’t seem to affect them at all. The creatures inside of Badlands were not interested in cooperating with the Badlands government and started to speak freely about what his Majesties had done to them and their families. Pipsqueak didn’t believe for a second that Spike had thrown any creature inside a concentration camp as he would have known about it.
Spike’s Liberation Front had gone on a rampage to those who spoke badly of Spike and did not hesitate when they pulled the trigger. They did it so with a smile that graced their lips. The Crystal Ponies had been cooperating with Pipsqueak who was more than happy to inform them of the events that had happened. They immediately went to work and did not stop until all of the other creatures had either been killed or arrested. They were true followers of Spike and would follow him until the end of time. That was their code and motto. If they failed, they would make sure that everypony and creature knew of their failure.
Spike had been gone for over a week and nopony or creature knew where he was. They suspected that he might have travelled to Equestria but Pipsqueak deduced the idea after he had stated over fifty different reasons his brother in all but blood would not go there. The others weren’t so sure as they had all learned how powerful Spike is and had a feeling that he might be somehow in trouble. Spike was clever and knew what he was doing. That much they knew. He never did anything without having a solid reason for doing it.
Badlands was falling and getting destroyed as war and famine were seeping into the lands. Pipsqueak and declared war against Saddle Arabia, and they were winning but to some extent, losing as well. War costs a lot of money and Pipsqueak had blown thousands of bits on the warfare equipment. He was looking for ways to not pay the Dorcha Guards, but he knew that his brother would not have agreed to it so he continued to pay the Dorcha guards as he ruled the lands with an iron hoof.
The war with Saddle Arabia had shocked many nations and was sending messages to Pipsqueak to not fight or involve their nations and they would be trading with them. Pipsqueak agreed to all of them except for the one from Equestria. He knew that his beloved Princess Luna was on his and Spike’s side, but it didn’t hurt to stay safe. He never answered that letter, but since he has yet to declare war with them, the Equestrian’s believed that they might be safe. Might. There was a big possibility that he had planned to invade Equestria and making Spike the sole King of the whole lands and that they would then invade the rest of the world and have Spike as the King of the world.
The Crystal Ponies immediately jumped at that idea as one Crystal Pony had suggested this idea and they fully believed that Spike was the one and only capable one to rule over the world. The Badlands was slowly but surely becoming a gangland again as the criminals were going out from their hiding and killing police, royal guards, and civilians left and right. Although, this had lead to many being killed on the spot without as much as a reason for those who didn’t know. Pipsqueak was a dictator through and through, not even attempting to hide it in the first place.
Spike was still being held in the room where he had been forcefully teleported to. His aunt was trying to get away corruption away from him, but he was too far gone. Well, that was until she found out that it was love that she needed to save him. Luna had quite literally gone to Princess Cadance, told her the truth, and asked if she could somehow find if somepony truly loved him and fount that every Crystal Pony did so but they wanted to find somepony they could truly trust. They found out that Vux was one of those creatures who truly loved him. Princess Luna did not know who the creature was but she trusted Cadance’s judgement as she was an alicorn princess and she was the Princess Of Love so she would know way better than her in the first place. She had yet to speak to Twilight Sparkle and the other element bearers. Times were hectic and so was love.
Princess Cadance had decided to travel to Badlands and get Vux and see if she would be willing to help them. They had a feeling that she might help them but there was a big chance that she wouldn’t either, to begin with. She did not know Vux that well and she had a feeling that Vux didn’t fully trust her but that was fine, you don’t immediately trust a stranger because they saved you. That trust needs to be truly earned and that is how life worked. You build a bond of trust and you see if the creatures spill the beans or see if they don’t spill them at all.
The Badlands stores were all close because of what was going on outside. Police and soldiers having a huge war with some gangster organization that was huge in Badlands. In fact, it was one of the biggest crime syndicates before Spike committed the coup and killed criminals that committed heinous crimes that Princess cadance rather not think about. There was blood on the ground that was both old and new. It was sticky and thick. Cadance sight as she moved through the streets of Badlands that had become a gangster’s paradise.
The Dorcha guards were trying their best to dissolve the fighting, but it was no use. The gangsters would win like they usually did in Badlands. There were two sides to this conflict. The one’s who wanted Spike gone as King of the Badlands and those who wanted Spike as the King. The Crystal Ponies without hesitation said that they wanted spike as their beloved King. They didn’t even falter when they said King like Cadance thought they would. They usually get flashbacks from when King Sombra ruled the Crystal Empire with an iron hoof. Luckily he has been finally defeated after all this time. . .
She saw the castle in the distance and smiled a little. She knew that Vux would most likely be shocked over the news that her King was corrupted by an evil entity, but she had figured out a way to explain it to Vux and she knew that Vux would understand quickly. She had been with Spike the longest and would be the most reasonable in all of this. When she was near the castle, she saw two Dorcha guards stand there with sharp eyes on her and she felt a little naked as if they looked into her very soul. It made her feel a little bit uneasy.
“Hello, Princess Cadance, what is your business here?” The Dorcha guard to the left asked as he looked at her with a blank expression. Cadance was a little confused. She had heard them speak before, but never the castle guards that stood here. In fact, she doesn’t even remember that they have moved at all. But when she looks at the violence going on here in Badlands, she can’t blame the guards that they are a little bit more careful and maybe even more hostile than before. That is what she would have told her guards anyway.
“I am here to see, commander Vux. Is she here?” Cadance asked, in a formal tone that made the Dorcha guards look at her extra sharp with rapid attention. The guards looked at each other and seemed to discuss with their eyes as they didn’t look at Cadance for quite some time. The air grew tense, and the trees that were on either side of the guards looked more hostile than it usually was. The trees were long and thick. The wood on it was black and the magic inside of it was unforgiving.
“Princess Cadance, commander Vux is inside, but be warned: she is in a frenzied state of mind. She believes that his majesty has left Badlands for good.” The guard to the right said, earning a nod from Cadance. The metal gats swung open and she walked inside and saw that the little garden that used to be there, was now grey and boring. There was no life at all. Everything felt dark and Cadance could barely handle it. She may be an alicorn Princess, but that doesn’t mean that all areas of dark magic don’t affect her like making her shiver.
The double doors opened up when she was close enough and she stepped inside of the castle that felt empty and abandoned. The magic inside was unstable and it felt darker than neutral. Cadance walked up the stairs that looked like had seen a few years. There were a few Dorcha guards that had been killed as she found thirteen dead bodies when she was walking over towards Vux’ room. When she was outside she looked inside of the room as the door was wide open. The floor was covered in blood and the walls had text on them that she wasn’t able to read. It must have been in the changeling language.
“Commander Vux?” Cadance, called out as she saw the changeling on question looking out of the window and not responding at all. It looked like she wasn’t breathing either, but Cadance saw movements from her chest, suggesting that she was indeed breathing and alive. The commander did not even look at the Princess Of Love who was in her room. It was over. Badlands had fallen. It was in enemy claws now. Why should she stick to this rotten land? She could be spending her time on the beach somewhere, enjoying a drink, so why was she so. . . guilty, or rather, why did she feel so guilty? She had not done anything that would make the emotion come, but here it was. Manifesting itself to her heart like a spear had been thrown through her heart. It was painful, but it was maybe necessary. Her leader was gone, he had disappeared and she knew that Spike was dead. Why would he be alive and vanish? She knew he was dead, the Equestrians kidnapped him.
“The war is over Princess Cadance, even though, there were only preparations for one. Are you here to arrest me? If that is so then I won’t be struggling, I’ll come freely so you can take me to Equestria so I can be executed.” Vux said, in a lifeless voice. It did not hold any sort of grudge, hate, anger, or disappointment towards the Princess. Cadance was surprised and felt worried for the changeling commander that sounded so. . . defeated. it was like she had lost all hope in the world. She felt bad for the commander but knew that she would have hope as soon as she heard that Spike was alive.
“Commander Vux, King Spike Dorcha is not dead. He is alive. He was ‘kidnapped’ by Princess Luna so she could see what happened to him. She found out that he was corrupted by an entity known as The Pony Of Shadows. We also found that only someone who loves him could be able to save him.” Cadance said, hoping that she would be getting any sort of reaction out of her, but to her surprise, she only turned around and said in a very emotionless voice:
“Look for some creature else. He does not love me.” Vux said, trying to make the Princess Of Love leave but it only made the Princess more determined to get her to see reason. Vux did not believe that she was able to make her leader come back and be himself again. Too much had happened and so many creatures had died In the wars that they had created and fought with and against. There was no place she could turn to except the Crystal Empire, Changeling Kingdom, and The old Changeling forest. She was planning on getting as far away from Badlands as possible. The war was over. “Badlands has fallen. . .”
Spike was still inside of the prison of his and he was not happy at all. He was looking around the room and only saw the cracks on the wall and looked ready at any moment to collapse, but it didn’t. His aunt, Princess Luna had been called by her sister to come to Canterlot. Spike rested both of his arms on the table in front of him and was still sitting on the chair in the room. There was barely any lights inside of the room but he had managed to adjust his eyes to the darkness which helped tremendously.
Spike felt how his armour was raging inside of him, and he could not help but wonder what was going on. He knew he was angry, but not angry to the point where his own armour is angry. Then again, it is filled with dark magic so perhaps it is his anger that is radiating inside the armour to make it feel like it is the armour. There was a door in front of him that was locked with his aunt’s magic. Spike was grinning from ear to ear, but that couldn’t be seen as the helmet on his head was still on him, making it impossible to see the emotions on his face.
The room suddenly felt like it became colder like someone had dropped the temperature by accident, but the coldness was still there. Spike ignored the cold, not wanting to be much of a bother to anypony else. His sword had been taken from him and his other weapons were also gone. He had nothing to defend himself with and for the lack of a better word: he was dead. He knew that his aunt wouldn’t try to kill him, but what happens if she does? What if she doesn’t actually care?
”So, how will I get out of this prison?” Spike questioned himself, lifting his right arm and using his metal-covered claws to scratch the helmet. There was an uncomfortable sound that followed after, metal scratching metal. Spike on the other hand did not seem to care for a single second. It was like it brought some sort of weird comfort. He then allowed his right arm to fall to the table. His legs were in claw cuffs so he couldn’t walk as fast or run. His back was straight in a military-like position.
He then tried to do something he had not done since he bought to armour, or rather, took it. He tried to take off his helmet. He put both of his armoured claws on the right and left side and tried to take it off, but it did not work. It was something that was blocking it. Spike had a confused expression that was not seen by any creature else, not even ghosts, but he tried yet again. It didn’t work. By now, he was getting irritated. He decided that he should just leave it on and not touch it as it seemed to cling on to him tighter.
He felt a weird presence in his mind. He did not know what it was, but there was something inside of his head that was there that he couldn’t describe. It was like when you try to read someone’s mind but the other creature has mind shields up but instead of a different creature, it is inside your very own head. He then out of nowhere felt a sharp pain near his brain. This wasn’t a severe case of migraine, this was something more powerful and vicious. Something dangerous. Spike put both of his claws on the helmet and felt how dizzy he was getting. It was crazy, he felt really, really dizzy.
He then felt something on his left leg. He checked to see what it was and saw that it was some sort of plant. The stem was pure indigo, something he had never seen on a plant. A few leaves were growing on it. In his dizzy state, he tried to pry it off at first with gentleness, but he was then forced to use violence as the only tightened around his leg and it was a little bit painful for him. Then the stem disappeared out of thin air. Spike felt himself relax a little bit. It was certainly a weird encounter.
Then out of nowhere, the rocks on the ground exploded into a million bits, causing a few smaller and bigger stones to hit Spike and his armour. He felt his armour give out but it did not come off from him. There were two stems now, both the same colour. The head of the two stems was one of a rose but it looked and seemed more sinister. They had both made a little dance like when the wind hits them. They then shot towards Spike who had been expecting it, but he was not able to defend himself. They had both ‘bitten’ into Spike’s legs and yanked him off from the chairs, destroying the chair and the claw cuffs from his ankles. He was dangling in the air and he felt how both of his legs had gone to sleep, making him not being able to use kicks without damaging himself. He felt something behind him, and from his up-and-down state, turned around to the best of his ability. There was another stem albeit, much smaller.
It shot towards Spike and manifested itself on Spike’s helmet. It then started to pull the helmet off with force. Spike was trying to keep it on, but it was fruitless, the stem was simply too strong for him to handle. The stems were pulling the other parts of the armour not so gently and he was screaming in pain. His bones felt like they were being pulled off like a dolls toy and his flesh was burning like nothing he had ever felt before. It was not good. He then felt how a rush of fresh air hit his nose and mouth. He realized that the helmet had been pulled off. He felt the cold air hit his scales, but he did not shiver as he was currently being held by the stems.
Spike did his best to fight the thing that was trying to rip apart his armour, but it was futile. He was not able to do it and he was getting angry. But suddenly, he started receiving memories of what had happened the last few months. But, he only felt negativity. He then did a dumb move and that was to stop fighting the stem and his armour was pulled apart from him. He screamed a blood-curdling scream as he felt the armour being ripped off from him. He then landed on the floor.
He felt how his scales on his stomach and face hurt a little bit but not much. He felt like he was having a massive headache. He looked around the room and got up from the floor. He then grew confused. Why was everything so big? He looked down and saw that he was the same size he was before he got banished. But the difference was that his body looked unhealthily skinny. He did not have any baby fat in his belly at all, he only looked skinny.
“What happened to me?” He questioned aloud. He looked around and saw that there were several cracks on the floor and that there was a large hole. He stepped a little bit closer, but he shouldn’t have because the second he bent down to look down, there were a few cracks and where he bent down broke and he fell through the hole. “OH NO!!! AAAAAAHHHHH!!!” That was the scream that echoed throughout the castle and made even Discord shiver because of the loudness and the hint of despair in his voice.
Princess Celestia was in her chambers after discussing with her sister the whereabouts of King Dorcha. She could tell that her sister was keeping something from her but she did not know what. They still have no idea where the King was but she had a feeling that she already knew the answer to that. She did not know where that emotion came from, but it was still there even if she did not want it there. She looked at herself in the mirror and did not notice that there was something red coming out of her eye trying to get out.
All of a sudden, she screamed at the top of her lungs but unfortunately, nopony heard her because she had put up a silencing spell making so none of her guards heard her cries for help. She had originally put it there for other reasons for the summertime... but she never took them down as it just got too repetitive. She then just kept it up and never bothered taking it down. She closed her eyes as a string of something red and gooey was getting out of her body.
She was in complete and utter pain, she felt how the red gooey stuff forced itself out of Princess Celestia, not bothering to make sure if she was alright. She then felt how it dragged itself. By this point, she was on the floor, crying as the pain was unbearable for her. She had never in her lifetime, ever felt so much pain. It was like she was being punished for something she had done. She just couldn’t think of why she would ever be punished. She never did anything wrong! Her front hooves were shaking as she tried her best to stand up but the red gooey stuff was trying its very best to get out of Celestia’s body in the most painful way possible.
Her breathing was heavy, it was like she had been running a marathon or even having taken a simple jog. She felt how the last of the red gooey stuff left her body and she immediately closed her eyes so that she could relax them a little bit. She had not been able to close her eyes as the red gooey stuff was exiting her body, making her eyes hurt like nothing she had felt before. Her body was weak and her alabaster coat wasn’t as colourful or joyful as it used to be before.
She felt how her body was slowly numbing itself and before she could fully comprehend what was going on, she fell unconscious. But, she still managed to catch a very small glimpse of the red gooey stuff that seemed to have jumped out of her window and out of sight. The coldness caressed Princess Celestia’s body, but it still felt somewhat unforgiving. No guard would come to see her unconscious for several hours until one of them decided to actually check on her.
Spike started to stir in the pitch-black darkness, not able to see anything. He used his right claw to feel his face and he felt that he was indeed alive. His legs and feet were sleeping as he could move them but he had that feeling when they were “Asleep” and it hurt only a little bit. Suddenly, there was a fire that lit up the room.
Spike placed both of his claws behind him and pulled back his legs and pushed himself upwards, using his right claw the most and got up. He started to look around him, trying to see things more clearly.
The fire came from torches. There was a torch behind him that was held back by a metallic sconce that held the torch in place. The torch was made out of wood that had some fire material that easily burned. It was at his height so he took it with his right claw, turning around to look ahead of him shortly after. The sconce had been on a cracked stone wall that looked ready to fall apart and there were no indications of any exits around there anywhere which made Spike uneasy.
There was a huge scene in front of Spike. Straight ahead of him in the middle on the ground was a marble floor that was blue, green and purple. The green and purple matched up a dragon while the blue was the background. To the right and left were drawings made by some creature.
Spike looked down below him and saw that there was no sort of staircase. With the torch in his right claw, he jumped down to the ground and walked forward, hoping to see the image better than he did before. His left claw was sharp and ready to hit anything that was a threat to him, his face showing curiosity but caution at the same time just in case something else was in the place with him. His small feet were not heard as he walked forward to the dragon constructed image.
He looked down as he saw that the dragon construction looked similar. The difference was that this dragon had green scales and purple spikes. Spike wondered if the dragon had some sort of importance to the place he was in. Using his left claw, he scratched his head, breathing in the old air that had not been freshened for who knows how long.
Spike looked to his right and saw from his position that there were drawn images on the walls. From the right, straight and left were drawings of whatever this place served as. Spike held the torch high so he could see more clearly, specifically the corners that were pitch black and had not been lightened up by the other torches throughout the room.
Spike looked at the torch in his right claw. The flames were dancing to the stillness of him. Spike looked deep into the fire and he could have sworn for a split second that he saw a dragon with a large scar on the face with blood-red eyes.
He looked away from the flames and decided to look for a way out. He could not be stuck there forever. He walked back to where he had presumably landed after he climbed up on some stones. He looked up where there were some small stones and saw that there was a large hole leading up. Spike tried to fly, but... he did not move? He was still on the ground...
Confused, Spike tried to look behind him to see his wings, but they weren’t there. Spike was now really confused, why did he not have his-?
Spike’s eyes widened. He remembered now that he had lost his wings before the trial of Fleur De Lis’s murder. Spike sigh as he remembered what Twilight, Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash did. They had betrayed him even though Fancy Pants stood firmly on Spike’s side, taking his case...
He looked down to the ground and he started sobbing, dropping the torch, he landed on his claws and just cried. He had bottled it all up until this point. He had kept it all up inside of his and not allowed it to get out. His stomach felt like it was twisting and turning, but Spike did not care about that.
He had gone through so much...
Having fun with Fancy Pants, getting arrested by his mothers’ very own guards. The guards cutting off his wings and calling him horrible names. Getting exiled from the land he felt home to. Becoming cold-hearted and becoming a tyrannical ruler.
All of that simply because of something he had not done... Something he had not done... Something he had not done... SOMETHING HE HAD NOT DONE!!!!!
Spike allowed his weakened arms to fall, hitting his head on the stone ground, feeling exhausted. His eyes were red from all the crying. His body was getting limb and his face held so many emotions that it was impossible to tell what he was truly feeling at that very moment, Spike was unsure he was truly feeling anything at all.
He suddenly heard a “Pop” and there was a scroll that looked ancient. It landed in front of him and the seal resembled Discord. Spike then got newfound energy and took the school and carefully opening it. He was in a squatting position, his toes feeling the stone ground below him. He opened the scroll and started reading the contents.
Dear Spike
I am sorry that I have not been able to help you at all. I thought that me being your lawyer would help, but it seems like that it did not matter at all. I know that you probably hate me for not helping you and I respect that, it is what I deserve.
I mostly wanted to send you this scroll because I want to give you a choice, one that will change your life forever. What that choice is this:
1 you can travel to a different dimension and redeem yourself. Only I will know of your location and no creature else. You will make friends there but you got to make wise decisions, either be open to them about what you did or hide it, the decision is yours.
2 you can stay in Equestria, never really getting redemption and always have to be on the run from the sun guards. I think that you remember what your devoted followers did to them.
This decision is entirely up to you. You can return to Equestria if you want to in the future if you decide to take the first decision. I will snap my claws and you will be there in no time. I’ll give you twenty-four hours to decide this decision.
Your Loyal Friend, Discord
Spike reread the scroll several times trying to see if this is some dangerous deception but found none. He sighed as he laid down on his stomach and rolled to the left to lay on his back, his arms just laying there to their respective sides. He looked up to where the hole was and could have sworn he saw a horn of a deer but he shrugged it off
“Both options have their benefits, but what should I choose? I’ll have to live with it for the rest of my life afterwards...” Spike’s voice trailed off as he could not speak properly. He had damaged his vocal cords.
Spike did not know how long he was inside of that cave. He did not know if it had been days, months or even years. He had no more tears to let go of, he had nothing left to lose anymore. He had made his decision. It was both beneficial but also a stupid decision.
He was taking option 1. The only reason he was taking it was because he felt like he needed redemption from his wrongdoings. Of course, there was the argument that he had been wronged by the ponies of Equestria. The question was: is he truly innocent after all he had done?
He had placed creatures into labour camps because they were openly speaking against him which agitated him to no end. Tartarus! even executed some of them. He was a tyrannical ruler of the Badlands nation. He was the King of Badlands and had the worlds most dangerous military.
Spike’s arms and legs were stretched out as he looked up into the hole in the “Ceiling” as he was thinking about what he had done in over a whole year. He got an armour that was tainted with corruption and he had no idea about it until he was almost dead.
The air had become better to breathe in as the air was a lot fresher than it had been hours ago. Spike had a feeling that Discord would come soon but he did not give any indication that it really mattered. He had done so much destruction.
It finally happened again... he cried. He cried his eyes out over what he had done. He showed no remorse for what he did to a little filly on his first or second day there. He executed creatures that were simply trying to make the nation better by improving laws that were desperately needed.
What did he do to them? Throw them into a labour camp...
“I-i’m so s-sorry every c-creature.” He struggled to speak. He could barely other a word after that. He was feeling a tornado of grief as he cried his eyes out for those who died unnecessarily.
He wanted his friends and family back, he wanted to have fun with them, go partying, go to the Crystal Empire and have fun with his life. But he could never have that now. He crossed a line when he started a whole war with Equestria who is probably still confused as to why the war fully happened, they only have bits and pieces.
Spike felt his body slowly going limb and he felt himself stretching his arms and legs. He then sat up. looking ahead of him to the middle of the “Cave” or whatever. He saw nothing there.
He got up using his claws and feet and looked towards it again and he saw this time that there was Discord. He was wearing a very orange suit. He wore a pair of sunglasses and a top hat as well and he was sipping on something that said: RedBull.
“Discord?” Spike’s voice sounded like he had a lot of trouble saying his name. His feet moved towards the God Of Chaos who looked sad, but happy to see the young dragon. He snapped his lion paw, making the ridiculous clothing and drink disappear within a blink of an eye.
“Hell, dear spike, twenty-four hours has passed and I am currently wondering if you have made your decision?” Discord sounded like he was in pain saying it. He was as well, he did not want his best friend to leave the dimension and go to another one, but he knew that he could not stay in Equestria and end up getting captured by the royal sun guards.
Spike looked down to the stone ground. This was it. This would be the decision that changes his life forever. He knew that he maybe would regret it someday, but that would not be soon, his past was not today.
“What dimension do you have in mind?” SPike sounded pained and saddened, but what other choice does he have? He lost his wings to the sun guards and even laughed as he was being tortured by them. He had no choice but to leave. If he stayed, then he would only be reminded of his war crimes.
Discord sighed. He knew that it would undoubtedly come to this and he had been prepared by this outcome. He snapped his claw fingers and it revealed the most beautiful world Spike had ever seen.
The world had an eternal blue sky and the city looked like Equestria, the difference being that there were humans this time. Spike was amazed by it all. Discord had a soft smile that graced his lips and he could see that Spike would enjoy it in that world.
“This world will make you gain friends, will help you grow, and to some extent, make you lose the bad thoughts that have plagued your mind for the past year. I will pop up to see you from time to time to just either talk or help out. But this time in this world, you will not be betrayed, but they might feel betrayed if you don’t tell them the truth.” Discord has never in his life sounded so serious. Spike knew that as Discord had a very strong look on him as if he was a soldier commanding his men.
“Yes Discord I understand, but I can’t exactly end up in another dimension and be like: ‘hello every creature, I used to be a tyrannical ruler but I am here to redeem myself so everything is good!’ you do realize that it would sound ridiculous, right?” Spike gave Discord a pointed look.
Discord looked down at Spike with a raised brow but did chuckle a little bit as he floated around.
“Yes Spike, I do not expect you to do that. What I mean was: that you slowly open up to them about your past so that when the time comes, they understand your situation.” Spike felt dumb as he should have realized that. He put his right claw on his face and sighed in irritation towards himself.
Suddenly, there was a loud sound coming from before Spike and said dragon saw that there was a circle with stars that went inside of the thing. Spike realized that it was a portal. Spike knew it. There was dark purple energy as the outer layer of the portal and he knew that it was chaos magic. Spike checked to his right and he saw that Discord was watching him.
Spike turned his head to the right to look at him. “Discord, I have never and I will never hate you. I will always love you like a friend and brother. You and Big Mac had so much fun with one another during our games. Tell him that I will watch over him and his family one day.”
Discord was not surprised by this and nodded. “See you one day... brother.” Discord hesitated only for a moment.
Spike allowed one last tear to fall before he looked towards the portal and took his first step inside of it, and just like that, he was gone. No trace to be found. When the portal had opened, the dust on the ground had started flying, but now it was settling down once again.
Discord looked down to the floor and slowly cried a little. Things would never be the same, and what would he tell Luna? Many questions needed answers. He looked up with red eyes from crying and teleported himself out of there.
