Author's Notes:
So, as it were, I have finally mustered the courage to release my own creativity to the judging perceptions of the merciless masses. I have already read and reviewed millions of words of fan-fiction and I think it only fair for me to give you all a shot at myself in return. However, in order to properly prepare myself for some of the bigger projects I already have in-planning; I will be writing a number of short stories and one-shots for the soul purpose of indulging my desire to supply Equestria with some more legends. Most of these stories will float around enchanted objects or artifacts that, at this point, I have not yet decided if I will ever culminate into one mega story or not…screw that, I started writing and couldn't stop, so welcome to my first installment of my first major Fan-fic project: Arcana of Equestria!

Disclaimer 1: I do not claim ownership of any character or other copy-written content herein. MLP FiM and characters are properties of Hasbro Studios and I graciously thank them for allowing me to exercise my creativity using their medium.

Disclaimer 2: All credit for the cover artwork goes to PremuLoki. I am using their art with written consent and thank them as well for allowing me to do so. You can find their DA page by searching PremuLoki on DA and I hope you all enjoy the story.

Chapter 1: Clouds Before Rain

It was morning time in Ponyville with everypony sleeping soundly in their beds. As Celestia's sun crept over the dewy morning grass it looked as if today was going to be a typical fun and pleasant day in Equestria. The night weather squad, deployed by Cloudsdale, was slowly kicking away the last of the eve's clouds. This made way for the warm tendrils of the morning to begin enveloping the peaceful homes below. Soon the light swept into the top floor of Ponyville's local library. In through the window, came the sun, and onto two beds where a familiar purple dragon and lavender mare lay sleeping. Spike's head was hanging over the edge and his blanket was tossed aside without any care. In the three years since the fight against King Sombra, Spike had grown as tall as Twilight, but his love and care for his friends prevented any mutations of size or mental stability. Once the warmth of morning met his smooth belly scales though, the young dragon stirred and he slowly came to life.

"What? Huh? Is it morning already?" Spike asked to himself as he began rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "Hmm, Twilight must have gone through another all night study session." Spike observed by the piles of books moved from the left side to the right of Twilight's workspace. "Geez does that crazy mare ever think about keeping a normal schedule like everypony else? Ever since that Nightmare Night she seems to be trying to be nocturnal, as long as it doesn't affect any plans with her friends…weirdo."

-hoot hoot! Owlowiscious cried in the sleeping Twilight's defense.

Spike quickly slapped his claws over his mouth in order to stifle the undoubtedly loud gasp that was about to escape his mouth. Whispering but still with frustration "By the sisters Owlowiscious! You nearly made me wake up Twilight! Gosh you may not be after my job, but you sure don't waste any opportunity to troll me into next week, now do you?"

"Who," the owl responded in his usual manner.

"You! Ya creepy feather-brained," Spike stopped himself when he realized, once again, he was earnestly responding to what was not really a question from the owl. Owlowiscious just sat there and preened a few feathers relishing in his cute little victory over the reptile.

Seeing it wise to distance himself from the nerve-wracking creature, Spike descended the stairs from their beds with slight haste. Slowly closing the door to the second floor behind him, Spike continued to the first floor surveying the library as he went toward the kitchen. Quietly, Spike began preparing Twilight's breakfast, blueberry pancakes with daisy garnishes. He had just completed the fourth cake for the stack when Twilight lazily walked into the kitchen, obviously still half asleep. Spike quickly ran to his greatest friend's aide, pushing up a chair behind her, offering a warm towel for her face and fetching the syrup from the cold box all before Twilight said a word. He had also grabbed Twilight's glasses. Although Spike knew that she did not need them to see anything, because the lenses were fakes. It was a suggestion, made by Rarity, a couple months ago to make Twilight more attractive whenever she chose to be. She did not really understand it at first, thinking glasses were dorky. After seeing herself in the mirror though, Twilight learned she could pull off the "sexy librarian" look without even trying. Spike's confusion in that moment to choose who was prettier between Rarity and herself pretty much finalized her choice.

"Aww Spike, you spoil me every morning you know?" cooed the waking Twilight.

"Not all Twilight, you're like the best friend I have ever had, you're practically my mom," replied Spike, who settled down for some topaz cookies.

"Spike, I wouldn't say that, all I did was hatch you out of your egg, and by accident thanks to Rainbow Dash at that"

"Yea but still, I like you Twilight and even though I do a lot, you never ask me to do more than I can anyway. You're so good to me Twilight and this is how I show my appreciation."

"Well this and fawning all over Rarity every time you see her," Twilight giggled to herself. "But you really do, do a lot for me Spike, and I think you have earned yourself a day off. I was up all night studying anyway and don't have any plans today, so I think a nice nap will do me some good after breakfast. Don't worry about cleaning up the library or anything. Business has been pretty slow since most ponies have run out of books in their interests. Just do me a favor and stay out of trouble because you are free to do whatever you want today Spike."

The dragon perked up instantly and asked, "Really Twilight, are you sure? No chores or errands that need to be done today, no shopping, no letters, no favors no?"

-"Nope," Twilight interjected as the list started to get annoying, "have a great day off my number one assistant," Twilight said with a heavenly tone as she reached over the table and nuzzled Spike.

With a slight blush and clarity of his freedom, Spike left the kitchen and headed out the door to enjoy the bright morning and the start of his entire day off. However, it didn't take long for Spike to realize that complete time off was pretty new to him. He had some off time before, but today he had the whole day to himself. He briefly thought that he should go back and ask Twilight for some ideas of how to occupy his time, but realized that may end with his day off becoming his normal day. Instead, he decided to simply stroll down the streets and try to find something to do. Ponyville was beginning to come to life, but wherever Spike looked he had difficulty finding entertainment for himself. He decided to visit each of his friends, starting of course, with Rarity.

Spike excitedly pranced through the town on his way to the quaint but lovely Carousel Boutique. He had hoped to walk in the through the door and help Rarity as per his usual enjoyment, but those plans were abruptly uprooted, when he strolled smack into the door and it did not budge. He looked around the frame of the door and soon found two notes. One casually read closed for business today, the other was addressed to Spike. He slowly read:

Dear Spikey-wikey,

If you are reading this letter darling, then you came to my door whilst I am away in Canterlot. I am sorry that I did not let anypony know before my departure, but it was a rather sudden call from a rather exclusive client. I feel awfully unladylike leaving but a note for you to find out, but the client was none other than Miss Fleur-de-Lis. I am sure you understand how important this is for my business and I look forward to being back in Ponyville in just a few days. I made sure to pack that fire-ruby you gave to me Spikey-wikey; to this day I have not found a gem more worthy of my beauty.

Your dear friend,
R XOXO

Mildly demoralized, the ever dutiful Spike decided that if he could not help Rarity, that he would see if Fluttershy needed any help with her animal friends. His trip to her cottage though was interrupted when he met her randomly in the town square.

"Hey Fluttershy, how are you doing?" Spike called to the naturally adorable yellow pegasus mare.

"Oh umm, Hi Spike, wow, you certainly have been getting umm taller…and if I didn't know better, I would say *gulp* stronger as well," Fluttershy responded meekly.

"Yea, I have been starting to grow up a little bit I guess."

"I can see, umm are you still feeling okay and all?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well I am still scared of adult dragons you know, and umm I am not afraid of you or anything Spike, but umm I might be, if you started having another incident like that birthday a while ago," Fluttershy squeed trying to remain as cute as possible.

"Oh you don't have to worry about that. Twilight guesses I am entering my "teenage" stage of development. She says that as long as I control greed, my development will actually be controlled by me and my mental state. Yea information on dragons is pretty scarce still, but Twilight thinks if I am a good dragon that I may stay like this for at least a decade or two."

"Oh that would be so nice, Spike, you're a really important member of our family now. So umm what brings you out here this fine morning?"

"Twilight gave me the day off; actually I was looking around for you to see if you needed any help at your cottage."

"Umm sorry Spike, but I have to work today, and I've already got Lyra and Bon-bon looking after the animals."

"Work, when did you go and get a job Fluttershy?" asked a surprised Spike.

"Well I wanted to be more help to the animals and the pets of Ponyville, so I got a job at the vet. I am sort of a psychologist I guess, for animals. I get to hear all their little stories and help all the pets and owners have a better relationship. Oh, it is just so much fun; you should come with me one day, umm if it wouldn't be any trouble for you."

"Alright, I guess I will do that some other day, I got the whole day off today and I really want to make the most of it."

"Oh umm, okay Spike, you have a good day now, bye," Fluttershy said as she continued down the streets toward Ponyville's veterinary hospital.

"I guess she really can communicate with animals," Spike thought to himself. Running out of options, Spike visited Sweet Apple Acres. The farm had begun to modernize a bit, ever since Applejack became the soul owner and manager of the land. It was sad, but Granny Smith had passed away about a year ago. The Apple family was devastated and for a while they thought they would not stay afloat. Spike broke them out of that rut after he had grown a little and between Big Mac, AJ, Apple Bloom and him, Sweet Apple Acres managed production numbers that they had never seen before. Applejack was still quite stern in drawing a line between tradition and magic, but with a little bit of lenience and ingenuity, Sweet Apple Acres had become the most productive apple producer in all of Equestria, undisputed. Spike recalled the joy he and his friends celebrated in; when for the first cider season ever, not a single pony went thirsty, anywhere. Spike ended up helping to move a couple of wagons filled with apples from the fields to the barn, but realizing he was practically working, just decided to complete the favor then head back to town. On his way back, Spike managed to spot Rainbow Dash and ask her if she wanted to hang out. Rainbow Dash had never abandoned her Wonderbolt dreams but her undeniable flight expertise had landed her a job as the chief flight instructor of Cloudsdale. Always pushing for the next extreme, she figured showing off for and teaching the next generation of flyers was almost as good as being a Wonderbolt. Rainbow before departing said something about a double Rainboom, but Spike heard her crazy brags before. With no place really left to go Spike came up to Sugarcube Corner where he found Snips and Snails, apparently arguing about something.

"Naw man, for real, I saw something a bit strange going on last night," said Snails.

"You say something like this every week Snails, I mean, come on man what's the point of seeing stuff, why don't you ever investigate it?" replied Snips.

"Hey Snips, hey Snails, what's up?" Spike asked.

"Oh hey man how's it going?" Snips high hoofed Spike and continued to tease, "So Spike you get yourself any mare action yet? I mean come on, you live with Twilight, hang out with all her friends, have been hitting on Rarity for years, oh and let's not forget that since you started growing your almost stronger than Big Macintosh!"

"Shut up Snips, I don't need a marefriend right now. Anyway what were you just talking about?" the eager dragon inquired with a slight blush.

"Nothing, Snails keeps saying he sees some magic cloud darting all over the Everfree forest sometimes at night. I keep telling him that if he doesn't investigate it, I won't believe him, but he keeps coming back with different ideas and such, the big baby."

"Hey! I am not a baby," said a slightly upset Snails.

"Are too!" said Snips

"Are not, you jerk!"

"Guys guys! Come on, will arguing solve anything at all? Even I would be a little afraid of wandering into the Everfree forest at night and I'm a dragon. Tell ya what, Twilight gave me the whole day off, how about we hang out at Sugercube Corner a while, chat up a few mares for fun, then after it gets dark try and figure out what's up with Snail's imaginary night cloud." Spike suggested.

"It's not imaginary, I see it man!" Snails exclaimed.

"I know, I'm just messing with you, geez man lighten up, and let's try to enjoy our day."

With that the three boys began hanging out and laughing away the hours of the day. They started just talking and catching up. As it turned out Snips and Snails had passed Cheerilee's class the past year. Honestly they were a bit behind their former classmates and with the passing of filly school that allowed their entrance into magic training. Neither Snips nor Snails showed any real talent, which did not come as a surprise to Spike. Afterward, they entered Sugarcube Corner for lunch and it did not take long for them to get bored. At some time during the meal though a cupcake flew across the store and nailed Snails in the face. Not taking kindly to the confectionery assault, an all out cake war ensued within the store. Pinkie Pie joined the fray too, loading one of her party cannons with experimental cake rounds she was developing. This went on for ten minutes before Mr. and Mrs. Cake came from the kitchen both horrified and furious. The trio of boys were shooed out rather forcefully from the store and Pinkie Pie could be heard laughing her head off while she was being given a stern scolding. The ultimate injustice though was discovered when it was little pumpkin cake who levitated the final shot, hitting Spike in the back of the head while they were going through the door, and no pony at all seemed to notice but Spike.

After a rather entertaining run through the streets of Ponyville covered in cake, the boys cleaned up and went through the park in an attempt to impress some mares. Being the boys that they are, they decided to make a bet on who could get the prettiest mare to agree to a date. They agreed to meet back in few hours and went off. After the conclusion of the predetermined time though they all came back empty hoofed, or in Spike's case clawed. They all had different excuses for their poor performances, but getting a date for a reason like that was not a bright idea to start with anyway. Spike also did not have the heart to tell them that with Rarity not even in Ponyville and with Twilight and friends busy, he didn't even try. Finally moving to Snails's home, they hung out in his bed room. They attempted to pry all the information they could from the often confused colt in order to prepare for the night mission ahead of them. The sun finally set and with everything they thought they might need packed up, they set up a blanket outside behind a bush and started watching the night sky for any signs of a magical cloud.

After two or three hours had passed and boredom set in, "so Snails, how long does it usually take for this cloud thing to come by?" asked Spike, "Snails? Snips?"

The only sounds that met Spike's ears were that of two unicorn colts sleeping under the stars and oddly enough cuddling. Spike then felt a weird aura about him and realized that a sleep dust spell was cast nearly all over Ponyville. "Who would be putting Ponyville to sleep and why isn't it affecting me?" Spike thought. It was in this moment that a purple wisp of smoke flew overhead and over the trees of the Everfree Forest. Against his better judgment, Spike followed the cloud into the dark reaches of the forest. Spike did not take for granted one second, that whatever the cloud was continued the sleep dust spell as it traveled. The entire forest seemed to succumb to the magic, all except Spike who did not feel any actual changes. "Hmm maybe my dragon blood is starting to enable rudimentary magic? I will bring it up with Twilight tomorrow," Spike concluded. It did not take long though for Spike to realize the destination of the cloud of which he was chasing. Down a deep ravine, through some dark trees, across a wide stream, and over a rope bridge; it all matched Twilight's story exactly, he was heading toward the ancient castle of the royal pony sisters!

As the castle came into view Spike began to catch up with the mysterious cloud. Spike was beginning to show fatigue so being able to close the distance to the Cloud was a luxury. The ethereal wisp swooped into the former grand lobby and down a hallway on the left. Realizing silence was the key; Spike took careful note of his strides as he continued pursuit. The thought of "why" did pass his mind from time to time, but a figure able to sleep a village and travel as a cloud was a big deal! After a short jog he came to the base of a massive tower adorned with many eroding carved suns and moons. Having lost sight of the cloud, Spike was sparred the grievance of being lost when he realized a trail of sleep dust was left upon the floor. It led down a winding spiral staircase deep into the belly of the forgotten ruins. There were torches lit with a spooky purple fire along the stairwell and Spike knew he was heading the right way. After what seemed like a walk across all of Ponyville, Spike began to hear a voice wafting through the halls.

"Finally, we have found our old diary in the archives. Maybe now, we can recover these items and move on with our plans," said the unknown voice.

Spike hid behind a large marble pillar and listened to what was going on around the corner. Sweat began to pour down his scales as the tension in the air and the workout while pursuing, began to catch him all at once. There were sounds of an ancient dais being worked, and after about four minutes a load thud and grinding noises signaled something was happening. Spike peered around the edge to see the wall on the right side had opened up to a vault of some kind. The raider of the castle gasped and said "NO, they're gone!" however, before he could make out the figure that was down there with him…

"Think you can sneak up on me FOAL!" said the voice, *BOOM* and with a blast of magic the pillar Spike was hiding behind erupted not just into pieces, but fire as well! Spike tore himself back up the winding hallways being smart and knocking down the torches on the wall to prevent him from being seen. Whatever was behind him, Spike was sure it was not good news. He raced over dislodged stones, dirt, and broken path back to the grand lobby. He knew, thanks to the decaying roof, he would be exposed if he did not find a place to hide soon. Thinking fast, he dug his claws into the thick vegetation on the walls and climbed as high as he could get. He covered himself in the greens leaving only his hind scales slightly poking out. With his face buried and body camouflaged he concentrated on hoping just to be invisible. Spike hid there not opening an eye or moving even a muscle. The quiet clops of hooves on marble were all that could be heard for a good ten minutes, before silence again befell the castle walls. In a sudden gust of wind the creature seemed to be gone again, fleeing as that creepy cloud form to avoid identification. Spike finally relaxed his grip from the wall jumping from his perch. Falling a good fifty feet was nothing at all for the dragon, especially with the adrenaline he now had surging through him. Surveying the floor for safety and any clues, all that could be found was a single piece of paper. As the moon began to fall into the horizon, Spike noted a single cryptic message:

Sword of the commander
Grieves of the beast
Book of dark knowledge
Heart of the divine beast
To read all time
To be invincible

Treasures MUST be found.

Closing remarks:
So there you have it, the first chapter of the first MLP fanfiction I have ever written. I hope it entertained you enough to at least follow the story as I can assure we still have much to discover and experience in this yarn. Now, I need some of your assistance. Please in addition to reviewing order those six listed artifacts by how interesting they are to you. I have an idea of how I want the tale to progress but if one of these items are more liked than the others then I will give it a more influencing role in the plot. Basically, you the reader influence the ultimate progression of the tale, lemme know in the reviews what you want to read about as I have already surveyed many people on facebook.

I ran through it one more time on December 9th. Minor edits here and there like turning "classes" to "glasses". How the buck did I screw up one of the highlights of the chapter "stupid sexy Twilight". Ahh well, thanks for reading and I will be continuing the story soon enough.