> The love of three > by Shadymist > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > How it Began > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter One How it Began Maybe I should have seen this coming. Though it wasn’t one of the most likely things that could have happened today, I should have realized this might have been an outcome. In the end, I probably brought this on myself when I think about it. Why didn’t I just ignore these three? Not like anything good ever happens when I’m with them. I think back to this morning, when I was relaxing, how could things have ended up like this. It started out as a good day: I was alone in the library reading the latest Mare-do-Well comic. Since Twilight was in Canterlot with her friends doing something for the Princess, I finally had some time off to myself. The books were organized, the floor was spotless, the shelves were dusted, and for this purple and green dragon, that meant I had the day off. I was happy for the time to myself. Ever since Twilight had become a princess, I seemed to be working harder than usual because, for some reason, becoming a princess meant more studying. So the moment of relaxation was much appreciated. I was reclining back comfortably in rocking chair reading the latest Mare-do-Well comic. Nobody seemed to be coming in to check out any books today, so I thought I may have had time to finish this issue without any disturbances. That of course couldn’t happen, now could it? The sound of the library door being violently opened tore me away from my comic. I dropped my comic book and jumped up quickly standing to my full height, which was, after last winter, just above the height of an adult stallion, Along with my newfound height my scales had become ever so slightly darker, my build had become slimmer though I was still very strong, my spines became rather sharp which makes sitting down a pain, and best of all I had sprouted two wings. If what Rainbow said was true, I will have some serious power behind them after I build up my muscles. My head snapped towards the disturbance quickly. My eyes were met with the last ponies I wanted to see today, the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Why in Equestria did they choose the day I finally get to relax to come barging in? Don’t get me wrong; I don’t have anything wrong with the three. They’re quite nice when they aren’t off causing mayhem and utter destruction to Ponyville while trying to get their cutie marks. Knowing them, though, and those haunting smiles that were plastered on their faces, they couldn’t be up to any good. I stared at each of them with accusing eyes, noting the fact that they had each grown a bit in the last few years, though not enough that they were unrecognizable. Scootaloo stood in front of the group with her orange coat and short, wild purple mane. To Scootaloo’s left was Sweetie Belle, who was sporting white saddle bags that matched her coat perfectly and her purple and pink mane flowed beautifully, showing how much work she put into keeping it up. Lastly, there was Apple Bloom, who had a yellow coat and red mane which had her signature pink bow on it. Scootaloo of course was the first to speak, pushing out her chest with confidence. “Spike, you have been recruited for an official Cutie Mark Crusader operation!” she said proudly, her purple eyes brimming with excitement, and a matching smile that spelled only pain, and tree sap. I looked at her for a long moment before turning around and walked across the room where I picked up my comic book, then processed in dropping back into the rocking chair, and saying a plain and simple “No.” A few seconds later, I found my comic being ripped from my claws by Apple Bloom. “Why not?” she asked. I crossed my arms before saying, “Because I don’t want to get grounded for the rest of the summer for burning down another building” “The one time! and don’t forget that If you hadn’t been so busy with gawking at Rarity, it wouldn’t have happened in the first place,” Sweetie Belle muttered as she walked over Apple Bloom’s side I rolled my eyes at the comment but didn’t say anything only because it was partially true. its not his fault Rarity had a nice flank “Besides, we just want to go to Zecora’s house,” Sweetie Belle continued. “Why do you need me for that? You three know how to get there just fine.” "Because we aren't allowed to go in the Everfree Forest by ourselves, and Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are in Canterlot with Twilight, so we need someone to take us, so we thought who better than a big brave dragon?" Apple Bloom explained. “I see,” I said slowly. “I still say no. Can I have my comic book back now?” Scootaloo sighed “It’s not working, girls! I think it’s time for plan B!” “Plan B? Why do I have the feeling you three are about to fight dirty?” I asked with narrowed eyes. Sweetie Belle’s horn began to glow and her saddle bag opened. Out came floating a white box wrapped in a light blue aura. I scoot back into my chair “What’s in the box?” I asked, looking at it warily. “Oh just, you know, gem cupcakes!” Scootaloo yelled before flipping open the white box, revealing an assortment of different types of gem cupcakes. My jaw fell at what I saw. There were a dozen different flavors: sapphire, emerald, diamond, quartz, apatite, topaz, ruby, turquoise, amber, calcite, amethyst, and beryl, all in one box! I reached for the cupcakes, mouth drooling with anticipation. Right before I could touch the box, though, it snapped shut by Sweetie Belle, who promptly put it back into her bag. “So Spike, will you do it for these delicious cupcakes?” Scootaloo asked with a sly smile on her face. I eyed Sweetie Belle’s bag and licked my lips hungrily. “I’m probably going to regret this, but yes. We have a deal.” “Spike, watch out!” Apple Bloom screamed frighteningly I came out of my reverie just in time to fly out of the way of another tree. Oh, how could I forget that I’m flying through the Everfree at high speeds, trying to get away from a pissed off manticore that was now chasing us! I silently thanked Celestia that I had grown wings. I was holding the Crusaders tightly in my arms, one of whom was passed out from fear. I made sure not to drop them, no matter how much I wanted to.To make matters worse, I was bleeding badly from getting hit by the manticore multiple times. I could feel the blood sliding down my face and could clearly see the claw marks that had ripped left arm open. Worst of all though was my wings, which luckily wasn't broken, but every time I flapped they sent pain shooting through my body and keeping me from getting any kind of lift. "I knew this was a bad idea! Why couldn't you have really been going to Zecora's? This wouldn't have happened if you would use your freaking brains for once! This is EXACTLY why I stopped hanging out with you three!" I yelled furiously at the Crusaders. "We said sorry, geez." Scootaloo said, rolling her eyes in an uncaring manner. That only pissed me off even more, but I said nothing about it. "When we get out of here, I want nothing to do with you three anymore!" "B-but what about the cupcakes?" Scootaloo said. "Keep 'em," I said, not wanting anything they could give me by this point. "What the hell kind of plan would need you to catch a manticore, anyways?" Apple Bloom gulped and said in a small, quiet voice "Cutie Mark Crusaders Monster catchers." My response was a smokey growl, trying not to say something I might regret. I put my focus back into flying around through tree after tree, trying not to get caught or hit. Luckily I was a good enough flier, having been taught by Rainbow Dash since the time I obtained my wings. I easily started out-flying the beast without much difficulty other than the trees and extra weight. But with the amount of blood I was losing and my endurance failing rather quickly, I could feel myself starting to slow down. The manticore was quickly catching up with us. The trees began to thin out, signaling that we were reaching the edge of the forest. I could even see the light of the sun up ahead. “Just a little further.” I thought to myself. I knew it wouldn't follow me out of the forest, or at least I hoped it wouldn't. I beat my wings harder and faster than I ever had before, ignoring the pain it brought. I could feel myself slowly slipping from consciousness, but I clung to my last bit of it to get the girls out safely. I pushed myself as hard as I could, pain wracking my body even more intensely than before. I was nearly there, I just needed a few more flaps of my wings. With me working so hard, I didn’t even notice the thick branch which, thanks to me flying so fast, shattered over my head as I collided with it. That was just enough to take away the last bit of consciousness I had left in me. The last thing I saw and heard was the green grass at the edge of the forest, the deep roar of the manticore, and a scream before I blacked out. > Dragon vs Manticore > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Two Dragon vs Manticore You know when most ponies come to visit friends or family in the hospital and they ask how they're feeling, or what has the doctor said, things like that, right? Well, apparently Twilight didn’t get the memo, because for the last hour and a half she’s been lecturing me on why I shouldn’t be in the Everfree Forest. As if I didn’t know already. "...And furthermore once you are released you are grounded until further notice mister!" Twilight said, finishing her tirade. I stared at her with blank expression while biting my tongue. “Are you finished yet?” I said through a strained voice She gave me a glare that would have frightened a hydra before answering. “Don't take that tone with me, you know you were at fault in this mess.” “Are you going to let me defend myself or are you just going to stand there and say how stupid I am?” “Spike I never said you were stupid I was just…” She was cut short by the dragon crossing his arms over his bandaged chest and letting out a loud snort. “Go ahead spike.” “Ok then first off I shouldn’t be getting grounded over this since its not even my fault, I was the responsible one. Second it’s Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo’s fault, if they would have told me the truth I would have sent them back to their clubhouse in the first place. And thirdly and most importantly why the heck are you yelling at me? Shouldn’t you be more happy that I’m not manticore chow right now?” Twilight sighed “Spike, believe me when I say, I’m happy that you’re safe, but that doesn’t excuse that you, somepony who is suppose to be responsible, willingly went into Everfree with those three girls” Spike had to give her credit she was right about that “Yeah but, it was a moment of weakness! Twilight you have to believe me!” I shouted desperately “How so?” “They had cupcakes” “Cupcakes?” “Gem cupcakes to be exact and there was twelve flavors to top it off” “So you risked your life for cupcakes” “I know how it sounds, but hey when three young cute mares come at you with cupcakes how can you say no?” I wasn’t sure what went through Twilight’s mind when I said that, but the look on her face showed displeasure. “Spike,” Twilight said in a tired voice “that has to be the most, pardon my rudeness, stupid excuse I’ve heard in a long time! On top of that, you just sat there telling me you were the responsible one!” “Hey! You weren't even there!” Spike pointed an accusing claw at the alicorn. “ So think like you knew what happened. And l in my defense the manticore wouldn’t have even attacked if it wasn’t for them in the first place! Hell, I really thought we were headed to Zecora’s house. “Wait the manticore didn’t attack the four of you itself?” “No it was the crusaders that made the first move” “Explain” “Gladly” "Where are we? I thought Zecora's was closer than this," I asked after I noticed we had been walking through the forest longer than we should have been The girls exchanged some looks which sent a shiver down my back. "Don't worry we should be nearly there," Apple Bloom answered. I was getting nervous more and more nervous every step. I was pretty sure Zecora didn't live this far into the Everfree, and was thinking of turning back soon. Just as I was about to speak up though, we found ourselves in standing in front of large clearing. I nearly had a heart attack from what I saw standing in the middle. There, taking a nap in the midday sun was a the biggest manticore I had ever seen. I was pretty sure it’s paw was twice as big as his head and then some. I quietly took a step back and gestured for the crusaders to do the same. Sadly when I looked to my side I found they weren't even next to me any longer. When I looked forward my eyes widen as I noticed the three of them were slowly approaching the manticore. I instinctively went to yell for them to come back, but stopped myself as I didn't want to risk waking up the manticore. I decided to watch the trio hoping they wouldn't do anything life threatening. Of course the ones I was hoping to not do such a thing was the Cutie Mark Crusaders. so of course I was wrong. There, in Scootaloo's hoof was a net just big enough to cover the whole manticore. "Please oh please, don't do what I think you're going to do," I pleaded mentally. Of course fate decided to pimp slap me in face and not a second later there was a net flying through the sky. Quicker than its size would make you think it could, the manticore shot up to its full size both eyes opened angrily and shredded it the net with it’s humongous claws before it could even land in him. It let out deafening roar, effectively petrifying the three fillies. It stepped towards the frozen crusaders and raised its paw with the the full intent to kill. I’m not sure what happened, but all sense of reasoning seemed to shut off in my head and I found myself charging towards the manticore. With a hard thrust from my wings I shot forward quickly and tackled the manticore into a tree. This only succeeded in pissing off the manticore even more. It slapped my chest with the back of it’s paw, throwing me into a nearby tree knocking the breath out of me. Before I had a chance to recover the manticore was already back on me. It swiped it’s claw at my arm making a large wound in it. The pain of the injury to my arm caused me to let out a cry of pain which accidently made me let out a sputter of fire from my mouth. The beast immediately backed off and threw itself on its back and thrashed around trying to stop the flames. I pulled myself up as quickly as I could and ran towards the girls so we could escape. I wasn’t expecting the manticore to put out the flames very quickly so when the searing pain as a giant claw raking across my wings I was very surprised. I fell to the ground painfully and let a pained groan. It was at this point that I was about to give up. I wasn’t a match for the manticore. I just laid still on the ground hoping that my death would be swift and painless. That’s when I heard Apple Bloom screaming in fear and Scootaloo pearlized with tears flowing down her cheek. I heard Sweetie Belle let out a high pitched scream and looked over quickly just in time to see her pass out. I immediately pushed myself up to see that the manticore had diverted its attention from me back to the crusaders. It was standing over them paw held high ready to strike A boiling anger erupted in my stomach at the thought of the manticore killing them. I forgot all about my pain for a moment and pushed myself forward with a mighty flap of my wings. Time seemed to slow down in the next few seconds. I flew quickly over the crusader grabbing each of them and bring them to my chest tightly. I was just in time too, as the manticore’s claw dug into my left arm but it luckily didn’t stop me from flying off into the woods. It wasn’t going to give up on its potential food that easily though. It gave chase and followed us through the forest. “After it crashing after me through the branch I blacked I don’t know what happened,” I said, finishing the story. Twilight looked at me in amazement. “You’re right Spike, you did the right thing, you’re a hero Spike and I am proud of you, but you’re still grounded.” I groaned, “How come? it wasn’t my fault.” I said irritatedly . “That doesn’t matter, it would never had happened if you didn’t take them in there in the first place.” “What!? That’s not fair” yelled angrily “I know it’s not but on the bright side I’ll give you triple layered gem cake when you're released for saving the crusaders” My anger was immediately lost when I heard that. “I can’t wait until I’m out of here” I thought gleefully “You know that was a really brave thing to do you know what made you do it?” I shrugged. “I wasn’t really thinking about it. I was more concerned about the girls lives than I was about my own when I fighting the manticore,” I let out a sigh. ”I’m too nice for my own good, you know that.” “I think that’s a good thing and you’ll be happy to know you won’t have to worry about the crusaders; they have been grounded.” “Serves them right for what they did, but want to know what’s weird though?” “What?” “I’m not mad at them anymore. Actually, I’ve already forgiven them. Is that weird?” Twilight laughed, “No, it just means you probably are too nice for your own good. They both laughed. “Oh yeah, what happened to the manticore after I passed out ?” “Well from what I’m told Big Mac found you passed out just outside the forest all banged up, with crusaders crusaders under you and a manticore flying out of the forest towards you. He was able to scare it away somehow and brought you to the hospital. “Well that’s good. I’d hate for anyone else to have gotten hurt.” Unbeknownst to to the dragon and the alicorn just outside the door stood the three crusaders. They each had tears in their eyes. They couldn’t understand how somepony could forgive them so easily after getting they got him injured so badly and nearly getting them all killed. They each looked at each other and made a silent agreement. They set down their package in front of the door and left to begin their plan. > Hospital Stay Part One > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter Three Hospital stay part 1 “Well Spike, I should be going now. It’s getting late and you need your rest,” Twilight said as she got up. “Alright. See you tomorrow Twi tell everyone I said hi ,” I replied, before rolling onto my stomach so I could go to sleep. I heard the door open and second later heard Twilight say, “Hmm what’s this?” .“What is what?” I said before turning my head to look at her I was surprised to see a familiar white box floating in her magical grasp. “I found this in front of the door.” Twilight rubbed her chin with her hoof in thought. “I wonder who brought it or what’s in it for that matter?” I didn’t have to think about what was in it I already knew, “That’s the box with cupcakes!” I said with excitement. “You mean the ones the girls bribed you with?” Spike nodded. “I can smell them from here.” The scent of the jewel encrusted confections was mouthwatering. Twilight opened the box and checked inside and indeed the were cupcakes inside. “Well I guess you’re right.” She closed the box and began to leave with it. “Wait where are you going!?” “Uh home I guess. Is there a problem?” Twilight asked. “Yes. Why are you taking the cupcakes?” Spike asked. “Spike you’re in the hospital, therefore you will eat the food they serve you.” I shuddered at the thought of having to eat hospital food. “That’s not fair. I got beat up by a manticore for those cupcakes!” To have the cupcakes so close, and then to be told that I would have to suffer through the mush that the hospital called food was maddening. “And you will get them when you are discharged. Bye now.” “Twilight don’t you-” I was interrupted by a flash of light which blinded me for a moment, when I opened my eyes again she was gone meaning twilight had teleported away. “ dare, just great.” With a loud sigh, my head dropped into my pillow and sleep took me. When I woke back up in the morning I could feel the warm heat of the sun hitting my back. As good as that felt though I forced myself up to face the new day. Carefully I turned my body around, and laid back in a sitting position taking extra care not to put too much pressure on my back. I let out a loud yawn and finally opened my eyes. To my horror instead of find the bright light rays of the sun I found to big blue eyes. “AHHH!” I yelled in terror, in my fright I made myself fall off the side f the bed face planting onto the ground with a thud. “Hahahaha that was awesome good job pinkie.” I heard a tomboyish voice say. I let out a quiet growl before getting up and looked at the two pranksters Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. “Not funny guys. I could’ve fallen on my wings.” I said with annoyance. “Lighten up Spike, it’s just a prank,” said Dash who was hovering over the bed. “Yeah turn that frown upside down,” Pinkie said, bouncing on the hospital bed. “Whatever. What are you doing here anyways its-” Spike turned around to look at the clock on the wall that read 8:30. “Before 10:00. Shouldn’t you be asleep Dash?” Dash opened her mouth to speak, but Pinkie interrupted her. “Usually she would be but when I woke up this morning I remembered I needed to visit you today so I thought to myself wouldn’t it be better to have someone else for more company but I couldn’t get the other girls because the punishing the crusaders so I used my new pony launching cannon to shoot myself into dash's cloud house and tackled her out of it and brought her here with me,” Pinkie said in one breath I stared at Pinkie for a long moment before looking at Rainbow who looked horrified. “you okay dash?” I asked “Yeah I’m just remember the horror of a pink demon flying through my home and tackling me out of bed.” Dash shook her head before speaking again “Anyways we came by to check up on you. I know how boring the hospital can be.” Dash said. “And we have cake.” Pinkie said pulling a cake out of her hair that read ‘Get well soon’. I eyed the cake warily. “Yeah I think I’ll pass. Thank you though.” Pinkie shrugged and stuffed the whole cake in her mouth. “So where are the others?” Spike asked “Well Applejack is making Applebloom help Rarity shop for fabric and dig up some gems, Rarity is forcing Sweetie Belle repaint some barns with AJ, I don’t know where Twilight went, and Scootaloo parents got Fluttershy to punish her by making her count all of Fluttershy’s animals.” Pinkie explained. “Well thats boring ,” Spike said just as a idea came to him. “Pinkie, can you do me a favor?” “Sure what is it?” She asked eagerly. “Twilight took a box of gem cupcakes from me. Can you get them back please?” “I dunno Spike she must have taken them for a reason, but then again sweets do heal all wounds.” She tapped her chin in contemplation. “Okay I’ll be right back.” Pinkie Dived under the bed and disappeared from sight. I expected her to come popping out soon, but after a moment of waiting I started to get worried. From the look on Dashes face she was too. “Uh Pinkie?” I called out There was no answer Rainbow flew down and checked under the bed when she picked her head back up she looked startled. “What wrong” I asked “She’s not there” Dash with a hollow voice “Nope, nope, nope too early for this I’m just going to chalk it up to just one of the many perks of being a Pinkie.” Rainbow nodded in agreement “So how was Canterlot?” “Meh same as always: boring and snooty,” “Well why did you have to go?” “Something about some dragon who’s supposed to be waking up in a few months from its hundred year nap or something.” “Really? That’s awesome! How is that boring?” “Well it wasn’t so much as boring as it wasn’t the interesting to listen about a dragon who isn’t even awake yet, but there was an upside.” “And what was that?” “Guess who asked Rarity out on a date.” “Who?” “Oh my gosh it was so funny. It was Blueblood.” “What!” That was really shocking he would’ve never thought Blueblood would have asked anypony out on a date let alone on somepony who threw cake at him. “Yeah Rarity looked like she was going to yell at him, She didn’t probably because princess Celestia and Luna were in the room.” “Well what did she say?” “She told him and I quote ‘I am disgusted that a wretched welp unfit for the title of a royal would ask me on a date and I would never be caught dead out in public with the likes of you’ And she said with such a calm voice it made just that much funnier.” I began to laugh “Oh my gosh what did the princesses do?” “Well Luna just fell over laughing like the rest of us and Celestia just sat there smiling but I could tell she wanted to laugh too.” “I wish I was-” I stopped talking as I noticed a pink hoof jutting out an unaware Rainbow Dash’s mane. He pointed at her with a shocked expression. “What?” Dash asked as the hoof had soon gave way to show a Pinkie head coming out of Rainbow’s mane. “P-P-P-Pinkie Pie.” Was all he could say because he was so freaked out. “Pinkie Pie where?” By this point Pinkie was now fully out of Rainbow Dashes mane and was standing on her back somehow undetected. “HERE I AM!” She shouted, causing Rainbow to fall in shock landing directly on on my head. > Hospital stay part two > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- When I woke up again I was still in the chilled sterile room, still in the hospital.The only noticeable difference being the enormous headache that I was sporting. I laid my head on it’s side and opened my eyes slowly and immediately closed them again the bright light of the midday sun was too much for me. I shoved my deep into my pillow to hide from it the bright light shining through the window. “Come on Princess, have a heart,” I groaned. I moaned, head throbbing in pain, as I pushed my head further into the pillow. Last thing I remember was pinkie doing the most terrifying thing ever and then nothing. I did know though that if the pain did not subside soon, I was going to hang himself with my I.V. A short time later I heard the the door to the room open along with three familiar voices. “Come on Twilight, we said we’re sorry....” I heard Rainbow Dash say “How long are you going to be mad at us?” Pinkie said in small and sad voice “I’ll stop being mad when you two learn to stop horsing around so much, I mean really who does these kind of things in a hospital, also you should be apologizing to me you should be apologizing to Spike ” Twilight lectured “How are you feeling Spike? Twilight asked, as she tried to coax me from out of my pillow. I didn't even bother speaking opting to just let out a loud groan and pointed towards the window. The sound of the curtains being closed was a good sound. “Come on spike the curtains are closed you can come out now.” Twilight said in a much softer voice than before.” Reluctantly I emerged from under my pillow. “I feel like that Manticore came back to finish the job. What happened?” Twilight turned and looked over her back at her to friends who seemed to both looking down at ground with new found interest. Rainbow seemed sad enough, but compared to Pinkie you could say she looked very happy. Her mane and tail had flattened and drooped, her eyes were water, I could even her a little sniffle coming from her. It was heart breaking. “It would seem that Rainbow fell on your head after Pinkie scared her, which ended with you being knocked out with a minor concussion. The doctor said you should be alright, but you will have to say here a tiny bit longer than originally anticipated.” Twilight explained. My expression immediately dropped from pained to downtrodden. I really didn't want to spend most of summer in the hospital. Though most of my friends were out of town at the moment that didn't change anything. I have better things to do than sit in here all day. Like reading comics, or...um...uh. Well that’s depressing. “I'm sorry Spike, I didn't mean to fall on your head and stuff, Pinkie kind of took me by surprise.” Dash said trying to keep her eyes from meeting my own. “Me too Spike, I am so super sorry, I never wanted to hurt anypony, I was just trying to play a prank on Dashie I hope I didn't get you hurt too bad.” Pinkie said before coming to my side and nuzzling my arm. “I’m sorry I went over the top again Spike. Can you forgive us?” “Don’t worry about it Pinkie, I know you two were just trying to help, no harm done. But.” I smiled at the two ponies “If you really want t make it up to me, Pinkie I want you to come by every day and play a game with me to help pass the time.” Pinkie’s eyes lit up and her hair poof back up into its regular state as she bounced in place” Hip hip hooray! of course I will play with you Spike! Oh we can play battle clouds, or crazy eights! Why do they call it crazy? how can an eight be crazy why not sane, or silly? Oh I know we can do some clghsgdh...” Pinkie’s loud rant was cut short as Twilight plunged a fresh apple into her mouth, not that Pinkie minded. She quickly began to eat the fruit whole, but it bought the dragon a few precious seconds of silence. “Thanks Twi” Spike groaned as he held his head before looking at the fastest flyer. “Rainbow, I want you to do my chores for 2 weeks starting after I get out of here” “Oh come on Spike, there has got to be something else? I can help you dig up some gems, please, anything else, just not the chores. You know how she is when she hits her egghead zone. She becomes a pain in the flank, and I don't even know where all the books go, it will take me hours just to pick them up.” “A pain in the flank am I?” Dash froze at the cold tone in her marefriend’s voice. Seeing Rainbow Dash heading for the dog house made me laugh inwardly “Alright Dash you don’t have to do my chores, but you owe me a favor.” Rainbow let out a breath in relief happy she wouldn't have to do my work. “But you will be sleeping on the couch tonight.” Twilight added, Dash mumbled something about it being unfair and pain in the flank. “I’ve also decided to give you back those cupcakes.” I shot up ignoring the searing pain going through his head. “Really!” Realizing what I had just did I froze and felt my eye twitch. “AAAAAAAAA-” -Third Person- -Cutie Mark Crusader Clubhouse- “-AAAAAAAAHHHH!” Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo each looked up from what they were doing, looking for the source of the scream of pain. “What was that?” Sweet Bella asked looking around the clubhouse. “Probably some poor sap hitting his knee or something, come on we need focus on the task at hoof,” Scootaloo stated looking down at the list on the table. “Yeah yer right,” Apple Bloom said looking back down at list as well. “Agreed,” the white filly said nodding, finally looking down at the list. “So far we've crossed out desserts, candies, gems, and a party,” she add as she read off the list. “Why was that again? “Well we can’t make desserts on account that we aren't very good bakers, and Miss Bonbon won't let us near the candy making room again after the last time, we don’t know how ta find gems and ah doubt yer sister will let us take anymore of her’s, and Pinkie Pie throws all parties, and ah ain't going to open that can of worms” Applebloom said sadly. “Well there has to be something we can do for him!” growled the frustrated pegasus. “Yeah and we better figure it out soon. your sister is expecting back to finish painting the south barn,” Sweetie Belle said. “Yeah and yer sis is expectin’ me back soon too,” Apple Bloom said. “Fluttershy gave me an hour break,” Scootaloo said proudly and quickly deflated “But that was at least fifty minutes ago.” The three fillies let out a deep exasperated sigh as they all laid their heads on the table. “How about we go back to that idea about getting him a present,?” Sweetie belle asked. “Do you have any bits because sure I as hay don’t,” Scootaloo said rolling her eyes.” I knew we should have kept at least one of those gems” Well we could always try and help him out at the library when he gets out of the hospital,” Apple Bloom suggested Sweetie Belle picked her head up and looked to her friend before saying “Well that could work, but its not enough he did save our lives” “And don’t forget that we’re probably the last ponies he wants to see even if he did say he forgave us,” Scootaloo reminded them. “Yeah yer right. Maybe-” Apple Bloom trailed off when the sound of her friend’s name was called from outside the clubhouse. All three fillies stuck their heads out the door to see a stern looking Applejack standing below. “SWEETIE BELLE TIME TO GET BACK TO WORK!” Applejack yelled up, and the look on her face left no room for negotiations. Sweetie Belle’s ears fell sadly as she got up and for the door. “I guess I have to get back to work now girls see you later” “Yeah ah should be going too, knowing how yer sis can be she’s going to have a new list of things for me to do” Apple Bloom said “So much for operation apologise.” said Scootaloo as she trudged out of the clubhouse. With that the three fillies said their goodbyes and went off to their own respective punishments. Ponyville Hospital I was happily sitting back into my bed, munching away on my gem covered treats. A quartz cupcake was currently on the menu. I was already feeling better for soon after my little episode nurse Redheart came in and gave me a shot of morphine, effectively relieving me of my misery. Putting on a small smile Twilight shook her head as she watched me savoring each and every bite of my cupcake. “Enjoying your cupcakes?” “You have no idea, these things are fantastic. the cakes really know how to bake.” I was about to grab for the Ruby cupcake into when something came to mind. “I wonder how the girls even got all these gems in the first place, its worth a small fortune.” “Maybe they just jacked them from Rarity or something?” Rainbow suggested as she leaned on the wall looking out the window. but a deep growl caught her and everyone else in the room in surprise and back form Spikes bedside I immediately stopped eating and growled at the prismatic pony as I let some smoke lofted out from my nose. “They are not thieves Rainbow, maybe Rarity gave them some, maybe they found some and been saving them, you don't know, but you can’t go and say they stole them,” I growled again, making Rainbow flinch. “Spike! What's gotten into you?!” Twilight shouted as she stepped in between me and Dash. I’ve taught you better than to threaten other ponies especially when they are your friends .” The look in the she gave me could rival those of a cockatrices. My eyes went wide with realization “What, Oh man, Rainbow I’m so sorry, I don't know what came over me, I just got really mad when you said that about them, I just find the thought of them stealing impossible.” PInkie was sitting off the the side watching the display when her eyelashes fluttered, her heart beat grew faster and she sneezed. Letting out a sharp gasp that pulled attention to her “Sorry just my Pinkie sense again,” she said while giggling . “Oh is my little angel of chaos predicting the future again?,” came a disembodied voice that eced throughout the room. ““Discord, what are doing here?”Twilight asked, looking nowhere in particular as if this was perfectly normal. Discord appeared in a flash right next to Twilight, dressed up in a doctor's coat. “What? Can't a friend wish another friend a speedy recovery? why Twilight I'm hurt.” With a grin he reached into Twilight’s mane and pulled out a clipboard messing up her mane in the process “Ohh but not as hurt as you Spike my boy.” I put my cupcake back in the box and rolled my eyes. “Gee, thanks for the diagnosis doctor and here I thought I was in tip top condition.” “No problem my fire breathing friend” Discord quipped “Dizzy, what are you doing here?,” Pinkie asked “shouldn't you be be watching Pumpkin and Pound Cake right now?” “Oh don’t worry Pinkie, they’re asleep. Well at least I think they are they were the last time I checked.” he muttered. “And when was that?” Discord scratched the side of his head in thought. “I think an hour ago.” “What!” Pinkie shouted and ran up to Discord and looked him square in the eye. “Relax, I’m sure they’re fine, see.” Discord snapped his fingers and a window appeared showing the cake twins playing with a giant spider. “DISCOOOORD!,” Pinkie tackled Discord out of his chair and on to the floor. She looked him dead in the eyes and with the most calm yet menacing voicing ever she said “Take us home now” “Alright fine” Discord said reluctantly before snapping his fingers and making the two disappear. “I still say those two were made for one another,” Dash said “And I still think Equestria doesn't need those two breeding,” Twilight spoke flatly. “Aren't you going to finish your cupcakes Spike?” “Nah, I’m going to save them for later, so what’s this about some dragon that’s suppose to be waking up a few months?” I said a little too excitedly. Twilight looked surprised for a moment and then turned her attention to Rainbow Dash who was now studying the reexamining the note with new found interest. Twilight sighed “Yes, there is a dragon sleeping in the old crystal caves underneath Canterlot, and Princess Celestia said he is waking up from his 100 year sleep in a few months. It’s not that important though,” Twilight said. without looking Spike in the eye, and it did not go unnoticed by Spike . “Well I was thinking if Princess Celestia needed to talk to you about it, it must be important in some way. and I thought I can help too. I am a dragon after all.” “No that won't be necessary, I mean it’s not that big of a deal,” she said trying to get Spike to drop the subject “If it isn't a big deal then why would the princess need to talk to you about it?” I pressed. “I don’t know. All she said was that we should be ready when he woke up and it’s a he by the way.” Twilight said continuing to try and get away from the topic I nodded, “Why would you need to be ready for him when he wakes up if he isn't evil or something, if that the case maybe I can talk to him.” “No he’s not bad or anything like that. It’s got something to do with his lineage or something. She didn't go into too much detail about it.” Her eyes still wouldn't meet my own, she was clearly hiding something from him, something that she clearly felt he was better off not knowing. “Well I still want to help” I started, sitting up “We won’t need it,” Twilight argued. “But-” I tried arguing but Twilight cut me off. “End of discussion Spike,” she said growing frustrated. “But-” “End. Of. Discussion.” She said each word with the force of a princess of Equestria. “But that’s not fair!” “Life isn't fair Spike. This is for your own good!” Twilight said, growing even more frustrated as the conversation continued. Meanwhile Rainbow dash seeing the argument taking a bad turn decided to just watch not wanting to get in the middle of an argument between a dragon and an alicorn. “For my own good? How is keeping me from meeting another dragon for my own good!” Twilight glared at spike so intensely it could even challenge Fluttershy’s infamous stare. I waved it off of course having been given the glare a million times already. “Remember those teenage dragons? If you would have left with them you would have turned into a thug!.” “That was years ago Twilight, and in case you haven’t noticed, I am a teenage dragon now. I’ve grown up since then, and now that I am bigger and older, I’m going to help.” I said crossing my arms across my chest. “It doesn't matter what you say Spike, I told you no,” Twilight said flatly trying to keep her frustration from boiling over “Yes.” That was it. Twilight had had it “I SAID NO!” The yell even made Dash jump and glance around in shock, and she was a neutral party in all this. She felt bad for even opening her mouth to begin with, but her heart hurt for Twilight as she watched her lie to her own adoptive son’s face. I flinched at the Twilight’s angered voice. She had never yelled at me like this. I really wanted to help and meet this dragon, whoever he was, but I wasn't sure if pushing Twilight was a good idea any more. It wasn't hard for me to come to a decision. “OK fine if you don't want me to go so bad, then I won’t go,” Spike said angrily. I laid back down facing away from the purple alicorn and covered his head in the lumpy pillow. “I’ll see you both later, I’m going to sleep,” I said through the pillow. Now it was Twilight's turn to realize what happened and how she just had yelled at him just to keep a secret. “Spike, I'm sorry. I didn't mean.. it’s only four o'clock you can’t be tired, I.. I I don’t want to just leave you here by yourself.” Twilight was on the verge of tears as she racked her brain for anything she could use to help. “Spike,” she said with a pleading voice. I didn't answer. “Come on spike, please don’t do this.” I laid there as still as a rock. Twilight sighed sadly wiping the tears from her eyes. “I... I’ll see you tomorrow Spike. I love you.” The two mares made their leave, neither seeing the tears in my own eyes as I stared blankly at the wall.