Author's Note: This is my first fanfic, but I'm generally a good writer so this shouldn't be all that bad. I'm not all that much of a fan, in fact the only reason I watch the show on youtube is because of Spike, he's my favorite. Oh, and by the way, I looked on the official site, and they don't even mention him. *sighs* Anyway... Let's begin. I hope you like it!

Call of the Wild

Chapter One

A Drake's Vow

Deep in the Everfree Forest, filled with snow, a dragon, about twice as tall as a pony, trudged through the snow. At least, you'd think it was a dragon – a young one. The only difference being he did not have wings. That and the fact that he was actually full grown. Truth be told, he wasn't a dragon, but a drake. His white scales made him seem almost invisible against the falling snow.

Almost invisible, but not completely. One creature did make him out against the flakes, and it wasn't happy too see him. It was a basilisk, a huge reptilian creature that crawls about on eight legs. The drake heard the basilisk's footsteps like thunder, and turned around to face the threat – but it was too late. With one swing of its claw, the basilisk, who was a jet black color, sent the poor drake tumbling through the snow.

The drake managed to get to his feet, blood pouring down his face. His vision was blurry, like half the world was cut off. It took him a minute to realize that he was missing an eye. But that didn't stop him. The drake leaped at the basilisk, landing on its face. The black beast roared and shook its head, swinging its many claws around. Due to its stubby legs, however, the basilisk had no hope of reaching the attacker. The drake clawed out the basilisk's right eye in revenge – an eye for an eye – then continued to bite it's nose. The basilisk screeched in pain, rearing up on its four back legs, thrashing about with its four front legs. It was too no avail.

As the basilisk thrashed about, neither of the two creatures realized they were going backwards, straight for a cliff. They continued to head towards it, until the ground disappeared from beneath the basilisk's feet and both of them went tumbling down into the darkness, their roars echoing through the canyon.

5 years later, it is winter once again in the Everfree Forest. Roaming the forest was another drake, a blue one. In fact, it was Rek, the son of the drake killed 5 years previous. The basilisk from that faithful day, on the other hand, had survived the fall and was now rampaging through the forest. Rek, who nicknamed the basilisk Ukuk, had sworn to kill Ukuk after learning of his father's death. Rek had gone out on yet another journey to try and hunt down the basilisk. He was hot on the trail.

Meanwhile, in Ponyville, Twilight was writing yet another letter. Nearby, Spike was curled up on the floor, relaxing. Although Twilight and the other ponies hadn't changed much, Spike certainly had. Within a short 2 years he had gone through a sudden growth spurt, and was now as tall as Twilight herself. Rather unexpectedly, Spike had become a quadruped. It took all the ponies by surprise, but they quickly got used to it, being quadrupeds themselves.

Sighing, Twilight used her magic to set the quill down, roll up the parchment, and put both aside. Spike raised his head.

"Another long day of studying," the unicorn sighed as she headed up the stairs. "I'm exhausted."

Spike could only nod in agreement. He was surprised he had not fallen asleep right on the floor. Instead, he followed Twilight upstairs. Having grown too big for his basket, Spike found himself content on the floor. Twilight would sometimes try to offer to get him something more comfortable, but he would only tell her, "It's fine, really." Apparently, he was right, because he seemed to sleep fine.

Back in the forest, Rek had found the footprints of a particularly large basilisk. Ukuk had made a reputation with the forest animals of being unusually big even for a basilisk. So, thanks to the huge tracks, Rek had a good feeling that he was on the right trail.

Today could be the day! The blue drake thought to himself.

The truth was, Rek didn't realize how powerful Ukuk really was. The fight with Rek's father had caused Ukuk to go ballistic, destroying everything in his path. Even if Rek could somehow manage to take down the creature, it would be for the good of the whole forest, and not just in revenge for Rek's father.

Suddenly Rek stopped. Ukuk would be hard to spot due to his black color, especially in the night, but thanks to the great size of the beast Rek could spot him easily.

That's him, Rek thought in amazement. It's Ukuk, my father's killer!

Rek froze. He was suddenly very scared. He hadn't realized how big the basilisk was! A strong wind started to blow up, and Ukuk lumbered away from the area. Rek jolted out of his frightened state just in time to realize that Ukuk was out of sight. Burning with a new anger, Rek followed Ukuk's tracks.

That's when Rek heard loud bellow from behind. Rek turned around in astonishment to see Ukuk standing there, almost haughtily.

He knew I was here the whole time! Rek realized in astonishment. So he faked not knowing I was here, and came up behind me! I've never known a basilisk to be that smart – he's a demon!

Wasting no time, Ukuk charged.

Back in Ponyville, it wasn't too late at night, just late enough for Spike to have fallen into a very light sleep. With a start, he woke up, raising his head to look out the window. He felt something strange... He couldn't describe it. But why was he feeling it? Spike couldn't fall back asleep. Instead, he looked out at the Everfree Forest, mesmerized by this sensational feeling.

Rek was overcome by fear. Dodging Ukuk's charge, the drake hid in a nearby ditch too narrow for the basilisk to get into.

How could I be so stupid? Rek cursed himself. That thing is huge! I can't beat that!

Ukuk stood by the ditch, going into a fit of rage for not being able to get Rek. This only frightened Rek more, causing him to push himself further down into the darkness. Rek started wishing the ditch was deeper.

No, I can't be a coward, Rek hissed at himself. I've finally found him – I can't back out now!

With a growl, Rek leaped out of the ditch and landed on Ukuk's head, just as Rek's father had done. This time, though, Ukuk immediately raced towards the nearest tree, charging into it. The impact didn't harm Ukuk, but was enough to send Rek flying. With surprising agility, Ukuk reared up and used one of his paws to deliver a crushing blow to Rek's back, who tumbled and then disappeared into a deep drift of snow.

Spike stood up. He decided that a stroll would help him relax. Just as he was heading out the door, he heard Twilight call his name.

"Spike," Twilight mumbled sleepily. The sounds of him getting up had woken her. "What are you doing?"

"I couldn't sleep," Spike answered. "I'm going to go take a walk."

"Oh, okay," Twilight answered. She was a little more waken up now. "Would you mind if I tagged along?"

Spike motioned with his claw for her to come with, and they both stepped into the fresh night air.

Ukuk dug furiously into the snow, intent on finding Rek. Much to the basilisk's surprise, however, Rek burst of the snow a few feet to the left of where he had fallen in, and the drake was now on Ukuk's back, who thrashed about. Apparently, the injury to Rek's back didn't stop him from continuing the fight.

Spike and Twilight had both roamed to the outskirts of Evergreen Forest, where the winter breeze was nice and relaxing after being cooped up inside due to the weather.

Suddenly, Spike stopped, and turned his head to look curiously beyond the trees.

"What is it?" Twilight asked.

"Come on," Spike replied shortly as he started off into the forest at a brisk pace.

"Wait!" Twilight cantered to catch up with him. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"I don't know, but something tells me we better check it out."

Spike's look said it all: he was very serious. Twilight knew there was no reasoning with him. She considered going back to fetch the other ponies, but they were probably already asleep. Besides, she didn't want to leave Spike alone. So, Twilight had no choice but to follow Spike.

They both ran through the trees. Without warning, Spike halted abruptly. Twilight did the same. They had come up onto the top of a steep hill. Down below, they could both see the fight between Rek and Ukuk. All they could do was gape in awe.

That blue one... Spike observed. He's like me. A dragon, but without wings. He's big, but not as tall as a dragon, and yet he looks fully grown. He's obviously not a real dragon, but related to them. And since we're so alike... Does that mean I'm not a dragon either? Spike was shocked at the thought. He had always dreamed of becoming very big, and growing a pair of wings to match. But Rek had just changed that.

Spike let a deep growl rise from his throat. Twilight was startled. Spike hadn't growled like that in years. Before Twilight could react, Spike was racing down the hill, straight for the basilisk. Twilight called out after him, but he didn't stop. Twilight galloped after Spike, repeatedly calling his name. She had no idea what that silly dragon could possibly be thinking.

Just as Rek fell off Ukuk, Spike charged into the basilisk, which caused it to rear up. As it did so, it's lashing tail tripped Twilight, who tumbled into the same ditch Rek was in minutes before.

Rek stared at Spike, who had fallen into the snow and was now getting up, in astonishment. Previously, Rek had believed that he was the only drake in the Everfree Forest.

Princess Celestia would have her royal knights retrieve dragon eggs to be used in tests similar to the one Twilight endured.

One year ago, Rek and his mate had a single egg. One of the knights mistook this drake egg for a dragon egg, and brought it back to Canterlot for Twilight's test. No one there recognized the egg as a drake's and not a dragon's. This egg was Spike. Only a few months later, Rek's mate died of a terrible disease. Because of Spike being stolen as an egg, and Rek's mate and father's death, Rek was left as the last drake in Everfree Forest... At least, until now.

Of course, neither Spike nor Rek knew that they were related, but Rek did know three things: that Spike was a drake, like him, that Spike was still young, and that he needed help. And so, just as Ukuk was looming over Spike, Rek launched himself at the basilisk, who teetered back and away from the terrified purple drake.

At the same time, Twilight had pulled herself up and looked out over the edge of the ditch. Her mouth fell agape as she witnessed the fight, but she was relieved to see Spike unharmed off to the side.

Once again, Rek jumped at Ukuk, but this time the beast was ready. It reared up in time to swat Rek away with one great claw.

Spike stood up and roared, drawing Ukuk's attention. Ukuk immediately charged after the new drake.

"Spike! Run!" Twilight called out to her friend.

Spike didn't need to be told twice – he took off as fast as his legs could carry him. But that wasn't enough, and Ukuk was a little faster. The basilisk managed to reach out a claw and trip Spike, sending him head-over-heels.

"Spike!" Twilight screamed once again.

Just as Ukuk reared and was going to crush Spike beneath one of it's paws, Rek bit onto that paw, distracting Ukuk and giving Spike enough time to crawl a good distance away. By then, Ukuk flung Rek a couple meters in the opposite direction. Rek, who only had enough energy to crouch, was breathing heavily with exhaustion.

Once again, Ukuk advanced on Spike, but Rek still had some fight in him. He ran with surprising speed considering his condition, and pulled Spike out of the way just in time. Both the drakes were trembling, but for different reasons. Rek was exhausted, and Spike had never been this scared before in his life. Ukuk hissed in annoyance, and yet again raised a paw above the two drakes, intent on crushing both of them.

"Spike!" Twilight screamed again. This time, she caught both Spike and Rek's attention.

Understanding what had to be done, Rek nudged Spike repeatedly, prompting him to get up. Once on his feet again, Spike ran towards Twilight and jumped into the ditch with her, then poked his head back out to watch the fight between his savior, Rek, and the basilisk Ukuk.

Both Rek and Spike's eyes met, and they stared at each other for what felt like forever. The feeling that Spike felt back in Ponyville was suddenly stronger than ever before.

Then, Ukuk scooped Rek up into one massive paw and threw him into the same canyon Rek's father died in, causing Twilight and Spike to gasp.

Satisfied with finally getting rid of Rek, Ukuk turned his attention to Twilight and Spike.

Twilight cringed, but Spike was starting to burn with anger. That blue, dragon-like animal – whatever it was – had sacrificed himself for Spike, and as far as they knew, they were complete strangers. Spike had always been taught that revenge was a bad thing, but that didn't stop him from charging head-on towards Ukuk, roaring out a fierce "Damn you!" Twilight was shocked. She had never heard Spike talk like that before.

Despite Spike's outrages of the occasional "Get back here!" and "You're going to regret this day!", Ukuk coolly walked away from the scene. When Spike started snapping at the basilisk's heels, however, Ukuk ran off, not out of fear, but simply because he didn't feel like bothering with Spike.

Twilight crawled out of the ditch herself. Once out, all she could do was stand there and let out a long exhale. What an experience that had been! She noticed Spike moving, and looked to see what he was doing now.

Spike was, in fact, practically dragging himself towards the edge of the canyon, where he looked down into the darkness below.

"Thank you for saving me," Spike whispered, hoping the dead drake's spirit would hear him. "Someone has to stop that monster. I promise your death wasn't for nothing. I promise!"

Slowly, Spike stood up and walked slowly back over to a silent Twilight, with whom he exchanged a solemn glance.

They were both silent on the way back to Ponyville. It was late now, and so they both made their back as quickly as possible. Along the way, Spike made a silent vow to himself that he would do whatever he could to remove the threat of that beast.

5 years ago it was the white drake, then his son Rek. Now, it was Spike. Spike didn't know it, but he was the third generation of his long-lost family to fight Ukuk. Will he succeed, or will he meet the same fate as his father and grandfather?