It started out as a good day in the Golden Oaks Library. The books were organized, the floor was spotless, the shelves were dusted and Twilight was in Canterlot with her friends doing something for the princess. For one purple and green dragon named Spike meant he had the day off. He was happy for this time to himself and ever since Twilight had become a princess he had been working harder than usual, so the moment of relaxation was appreciated. But of course nothing lasts forever.

BOOM!.
The door to the library opened violently, slamming against the wall. Spike jumped up quickly, standing to his his full height which had increased a good bit since the passing of the last winter. He had become about the same height as an average adult looked towards the now opened door to see three fillies which he now towered over by at least two hooves. Scootaloo, Applebloom and Sweetie belle who were just becoming teenagers like spike, stood there with smiles that haunted his dreams. He knew what those smiles meant they always meant the same thing.

With narrowed eyes and crossed his arms he stated, "No." sternly before any of three could utter a word.

"Oh come on, we didn't even ask you anything!" Scootaloo said.

"Oh but you will and I refuse to get dragged into it. Remember what happened last time," He said shuddering at that memory.

"How were we suppose ta know timber wolves would be there," Apple bloom stated stated.

"That's not the point!" He exclaimed.

"You got away didn't you." Sweetie belle said.

"Yeah whatever you're just lucky I can fly. If it was a manticore I would be dead right now," He argued stretching his new wings appreciatively.

The three crusaders still hadn't gotten their cutie marks, mainly because they wouldn't stick to what they were good at and kept doing insane things.

"But this time you won't be in danger, we're just going to Zecora's." Apple bloom said.

"Then why do you need me? You know the way there."

"Because we aren't allowed to go in by ourselves and Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash are in Canterlot with Twilight so we need someone to take, so we thought who better than a dragon," Sweetie belle explained.

"Not buying it."

"Ugh we'll give you this box of gem cupcakes," Scootaloo said pulling a box out of her bags and opening it revealing it contents.

Spike jaw fell at what he saw. There were a dozen different flavors: sapphire, emerald, diamond, quartz, apatite, topaz, ruby, turquoise, amber, calcite and beryl. He reached for the cupcakes but the box was snapped shut by Scootaloo and put back into her bag.

"So Spike do we have a deal?"

Spike eyed her bag for a second and then nodded.

"Great let's go."

They headed out going straight towards the Everfree forest. Spike had a bad feeling deep in his gut something bad was going to happen.

Spike flew through the Everfree at high speeds, trying to get away from the manticore that was now chasing them. He held the crusaders in his arms, one of which were passed out (namely Sweetie belle) tightly, making sure not to drop them no matter how much he wanted to. To make matters worse he was bleeding badly from several from getting hit by the manticore multiple times. One of the injuries was to his wings which luckily weren't broken but every time he flapped they sent pain through his body.

"I knew this was a bad idea! Why couldn't you have really been going to Zecora's? This wouldn't have happened this is why I don't hang out with you three anymore!" Spike yelled in anger at the crusaders.

"We said sorry geez." Scootaloo said rolling her eyes.

This only pissed Spike off even more but spike said nothing about it "When we get out of here I want nothing to do with you three you here me!" Spike yelled

"B-but what about the cupcakes?" Scootaloo said

"Keep'em," He said, not wanting anything they could give him. "What was the plan this time?"

Apple bloom gulped and said in a small voice "Animal hunters."

Spike's only response was to snort in anger. He tried to make sure he didn't say something he might regret, instead putting his focus back into flying weaving through tree after tree trying not to get caught or hit. Luckily he was a good flier taught by having been taught by Rainbow Dash since he got his wings and he easily started out fly the beast without much difficulty other than the trees and extra weight. Though he was getting tired and the injuries he had sustained were slowing him down considerably. The manticore was beginning to catch up. They were nearing the edge of the forest so near spike could see light.

"Just a little further." He thought to himself. He knew it wouldn't follow him out of the forest.
He beat his wings harder, ignoring the pain it brought. He could feel himself slipping from consciousness. He pushed himself harder hoping to at least get the girls out safe even if they caused this whole fiasco. He was nearly there just a few more flaps away. He crashed through a thick branch which, thanks to him flying so fast, shattered as he collided with it. But was enough to take away the last bit of consciousness he had left in him. The last thing he saw and heard was the green grass at the edge of the forest and the deep roar of the manticore and a scream before he blacked out.