Spike's Heart Chapter 3
Disclaimer: I don't own My Little Pony and its characters, but the OCs are mine.
Spike's Heart
Chapter 3
When the sun rises the following day, sunshine enters though the curtains as it illuminates the sleeping pair in the bed. As the sunlight hit Lily's hair, beautiful flowers will blossom once again as if welcoming the sun's warmth with an eager embrace. A slumbering Lily begins to move closer to Spike's neck and sighs happily feeling the sun's rays and Spike's heat under her. Her right hand reaches to lay on his chest, and she smiles in her sleep. However, this happiness is about to be cut short…
As the sun continues to rise, more flowers began to open their petals. One purple lily's petals open to reveal a white light, yawning, in its center. Just having her energy restore, Dahlia awakes to quite a surprise. Instead of a barren dirt, rocks, and a covering of foliage and tree roots, she sees a room with a bed with pillows and blankets. Leaving her flowerbed, she becomes more impress, and she not sure how to feel. This is an advance spell. A spell that she had never seen before or heard of. The house was just prefect. There is no wasted space. No wasted energy, it is all coming from the roots and the leaves as the sun shines on them, and it is used to power all the utilities. Going outside and almost falls to the ground seeing the different fruits growing along the branches. It is honesty masterpiece which no words can do justice.
Heading back into the bedroom of the sleeping pair, she flies in front of Spike, thinking about how impossible it was to achieve what she sees without any training. She looks at Lily smiling face, which cause her to inwardly smile sadly as she touches the end of Spike's noise waking him up.
I was in the blest of sleep. This time having a normal dream of me and a mountain of gems. It was the best, until it was ruin with a white flash, and I was up looking at Dahlia, who is brighter than I remembered.
"I'm proud of you, Spike." She says as my eyes finally regain focus.
"Proud of me? For what?" I ask shock. She started to glow slightly pink.
"Look around you, this house was no easy task. I have no idea how you even survive. You didn't have any training or guidance."
"Well Lily help me focus, and I provided the magic. It was hard, but I handle it. With how long I been watching ponies cast magic, I be ashamed of myself if I didn't learn anything… thou it all just flow out of me" I said scratching my head.
"You could have die if you use too much magic. You need to be teach, and this house and the fact that we are in this forest, makes that goal easier", she says as she rests on my chest.
"Wait, what goal?", I ask.
"Spike, it's time that I tell you everything, and this includes how I know your name. It a long story, so please don't interrupt. When I first met you, I was summoned from my world to this world by a filly, now, name Princess Twilight. The young filly had pass out from using too much magic, but not before pushing my essence onto a dragon egg.
When I saw your egg, I thought you had turn to stone, but your egg must have been from two of the mightiest dragons in this world. After so many years, you still had a tiny bit of their shared flame inside you. I am a light elemental, and it is in my nature to help other beings. All I did was gently hold your egg, as my magic took effect in super sizing your flame until you hatch. Oh, image my surprise, when the weak flame got a little greedy and started sucking up magic like it was mother's milk. I guess you saw my magic as a chance to live, and you took it; however, you took too much and now I unable to return home." She grew quiet and was glowing blue. I open my mouth to ask for her forgiveness. She stops glowing blue and quickly said, "Spike, I'm not mad at you for wanting to live."
"As I hid, you hatched immediately, and I watch as you out grew the roof. Breaking through the ceiling, you were very surprising, and I was excited to see the wonderful things you can achieve. Right there in that destroy room, I decided to watch and see how far you go with my gift. I wasn't mad when Princess Celestia came in to suppress the overflowing magic in you, turning you back to a normal size baby. I was mad for none of them helping you to control the power that I gave you." She flashes a faint red and went back to white.
"I check over your body every night to see how the magic was effecting you. It was progressing nicely with you dragon traits and abilities; sadly, when you turn three, the magic just stops. It gave you your magic green fire, but it was very weak and took years for you to develop it to be useful. Soon later, you weren't aging at all. I also notice that they wouldn't let you grow and mature like a dragon.
Slowly glowing red, she said, "Their actions cause me to make a connection. Every time you show any interest in something they didn't approve. They discourage you. Without you following your dragon nature, you became unbalance and cause your magic to be unstable; therefore inaccessible. You slowly began to lose confidence in yourself. Thankfully the achievements you had made, and new friends help stop that dangerous route. I was beginning to believe you will never live to your full potential."
She flashes blue and said, "When I saw that flaming pillar in the sky and hear the fire roaring above I was scare. I was so happy you survive from that attack. I was happy you unlock your magic. I made should that nothing finds you as you slept and heal. In this world, I am weak and unable to control the magic here like in my world. Let that day, I felt stronger, and the longer I stay by you. The stronger I become. You are my only hope. I will do anything for you to gain better control of magic to protect yourself." She waits a second then said. "Now you know everything that I know. Origins should never be hidden."
I was shock. It was an enormous pill to swallow. Learning this much of your life in one day was unexplainable. Now, knowing. Someone was looking out for you, and she knew how you were feeling over the years was wonderful. I look at Lily to see; she was awake and worriedly looking at me with her orange golden eyes. When she saw me looking at her she held me even tighter. I smile, 'Here, before me are two beings that are so different, but I feel more love from them than friends in Ponyville or Canterlot. Mom… I wasn't just Twilight's assistant… to them… I am so much more. They don't believe I'm a burden and slow them down. They love me. They love all of me: The good and the bad.' I thought as I grab Lily's hand that was holding my waist tightly and lightly squeeze it. Inwardly to myself I made a promise. 'I will make sure that their faith in me is, rightly, justify.'
I carefully grab Dahlia and rise out of the covers. Looking at the bright light in my hand, I take a deep breath and release it.
"Dahlia, I can't thank you enough for what you have done for me. You give up your: home, world, and almost your life. You gave it all up to save my life. Instead of hating me, you watch over me for eighteen years. With the magic you have left, you continue to help me." I start to shake my head.
"What should I do to gain more control over my magic?" I ask as I raise her higher to eye level.
"Your body is unbalance. The battle with the chimera and timberwolves which awaken your dragon instincts isn't enough to correct the unbalance. I can offer advice, but it's up to you to follow it. I will never force you." She flies off my hand to land on one of Lily's flowers in her hair.
"What is your advice?" I said nervously.
"Spike, I understand if you say no and think these words as coming from a demon. You were raise by a mother who is a respectable pony; however, this advice is most likely the reason that you don't have wings. A dragon can eat about anything, but meat is special in a dragon's diet. It is very important that a dragon eat some meat, occasionally. It is even more important when they are young. Meat has the protein needed for healthy growth that crystals lack. Spike, I never heard of a dragon that was raise without tasting meat. I don't…even know how it will affect you."
I look at Lily and got out of the bed and head to the large window. Watching as the sun's rays cover the pasture in a radiant light. 'If I eat any meat, and the girls found out they will believe I'm a monster.' I look at my reflection. It was no weak child staring back. I see a predator with sharp teeth waiting for flesh.
"Dahlia is there any other way without eating meat." I whisper, but she still hears me.
"No…I really believe there isn't another way for a dragon to grow."
"Will you… think of me as a monster if I do follow this advice." I said as I watch the sun's rays hit the river's flowing water, and turn around for their reply. My mind made up. 'I have no choice, if it will help me. I must do it'
"No. I will never think that of you." Dahlia said, then my world stops as Lily hesitantly opens her mouth.
"You… are… not… a monster. You are a wonderful dragon.", Lily said smiling at me as if she has just been waiting to speak.
"You are wonderful too, Lily." I said smiling at her. "Dahlia, it will have to be fish. There is a river at the edge of the clearing. It makes sense to start with that." I said while walking to the door. "I will quickly fix some breakfast for you, Lily. I need to catch some fish, while it still morning."
"When eating the fish, meditation will help you greatly. Magic will come to you easier the more you practice it." I was at the door. I didn't completely understand what she means by that, but I nod ok to her. "Well, I will see you later today. Every day I will have a task for you to complete. This way, I know you will improve, have a good day you two." Then she flashes pink and disappear into Lily's hair again.
Lily and I look at each other and smile heading to the kitchen. 'I can't wait to fix up some of the best blueberry pancakes for Lily. She will love them. I wonder how hard it is to catch a fish, anyway.'
Two weeks later
It had taken a night to learn a few words by looking through dictionaries and other books Spike seen. I even learn, how to form sentences, as I witness one of Spike's oldest memories of being homeschool. Every night I get in bed with Master Spike, I visit his memories. He was being underestimated. I saw it all through his eyes. As he learns one lesson and another for the past four years, since coming to Ponyville. In those memories, I can feel his depression began to deepen. Since the changelings' transformation, it grew worse, and even in his dreams, he couldn't escape the truth. He felt small, invisible, and forgettable.
I learn from his memories about his society. In every society: ponies, griffins, dragons, and others share the same golden rule. Generally, a person's status largely depends on their size or age, who will you take more serious a foal or a Stallion? Starlight, Discord, Thorax, and even Trixie have their once poor reputations improve to being highly respected, but Master Spike's status stay the same.
He was treated great for a few days, and it was forgotten. Starlight is in Canterlot with Thorax, the new king of the Changelings, serving as a mini-Twilight working with the elements of harmony. Trixie is famous going across the country and enjoying herself. Discord is doing whatever he wants. Ember can't visit often now that she works with the new alliance between nations. The CMC gets more attention and are now pass being foals. 'My master. My poor master was still an unpaid, lonely assistant.'
"I don't understand why he didn't leave sooner?" I said quietly looking to Master Spike as he meditates out in the pasture. 'Sadly, the trips to Canterlot have even stop for no reason at all.'
He was even left behind by his friends. They all seems too busy to see about him. He was there when they needed him. He never turns any of them away. His only friend who haven't left Ponyville, Big McIntosh, was too busy with his girlfriend and apple trees to visit him.
Master Spike is too sympathetic and understanding to be mad at any of them. I saw many of his achievements, and the ponies respect him in the Crystal Empire. However, in his home he is now mostly ignore and only call to serve others' needs.
I'm mad at the ponies who represent the elements of Friendship: Generosity, Loyalty, and Magic. Generosity was the worst. Master Spike gave Generosity his heart just for her to break it; afterwards, he continually tries to help her. Loyalty tease and crack jokes about his size and lack of ability. Loyalty wouldn't be able to handle Master Spike, now. He is too awesome. Magic, I will never understand, and Master Spike considers her a sister. She pays more attention to a book than to her little brother. I don't think you force your brother to work, ether. Magic considers Master Spike as nothing more than an assistant. 'When I meet them, I make sure they never disrespect him in his face.'
There are memories that I can't see, and he keeps them lock inside. Master's life didn't have to turn out like this, if his mother let everyone know who he is…
Shaking my head of thoughts, I stop looking through the window and head over to my master in the pasture. His task for today was very important, and I can't wait to see what he comes up with. When I reach Spike, he was in deep, very deeply into meditation. In front of him was an empty plate. I sat down beside him and rest my head on his cozy shoulder. There I wait and look at the wonderful colors of spring.
Learning how to catch fish was my first challenge. It took all morning, but I finally manage to catch a few bass for lunch. I must learn to kill, and I was reminded of fighting for my life a few days ago. Killing was a part of nature, and is the part I will never love. I take these claws that can hold books without destroying them, and rip into the fish belly to remove its guts. I must cut the head off as well… it was a lot of blood for a foot-long fish. I did the same to the other six and send the guts and heads into the river. 'Fish are cannibals.' The blood on the ground was burn away. Since growing bigger, I can use fire better and with more control.
I cook one fish with some dragon fire to eat for lunch by the river. I look at the piece of meat with resolve before eating it. The first bite hit me hard with unknown sensations that travel into my core, and It taste like nothing I have before. I felt a darker part of me was awaken. The dragon side of me which was lock away for far too long was rushing to the surface. My pupils turn into red slits and I was reaching for the other fish. I was struggling for control. I took deep breaths after each bite afterwards to remain in charge. I put the fish into the refrigerator, and practice my meditation. Having self-control is important and I practice summoning my fire with and without magic the rest of the day.
The next task was to be able eat one fish without taking breaks. I done it in two days, however some changes have happened to my body after the first week. First, the ability to change the shade of my scales have appear. Next, pain will flare up in my eyes and along my spine if I go to long without eating meat. Now, I need to eat meat every day, or my body will feel as if it will rip apart. Yet, I have magic lessons to learn as I worry about my health. The next tasks coming from Dahlia go as following: learning teleportation dos and don'ts, learning simple crafting with magic, learning spellcasting basics, and learning what is a good magical item for dummies; the list goes on from there. It was all completely useless to protect someone in a fight. Dahlia was being unreasonable too. As I complete each one in a day, I wanted some harder lessons, but she says I'm not ready.
Finally, after two weeks of this I made a bet with her. If she can give me a task I can't complete today, I will follow her instructions, but if I can complete it, I will be done with these tasks and learn things my own way. The task she gave me was to create a spell to protect my home. In these two weeks, this house has become a home for Lily and me, and I never want to see this one be obliterated.
I came to like the nice grassy hill overlooking the meadow's flowers that Lily was growing, as she practiced her own magic spells. I meditate for a few hours until I felt something on my shoulder. After a minute of trying to regain my focus, I gave up and look to see Lily's head resting on my shoulder.
"Hello, Lily" I said.
"Good morning, master!" Lily said smiling innocently. I sigh.
"Lily, we talk about this. I'm your friend." I said.
"I know we friends, Spike, but I can call you master anytime if you not listening." Lily said wittily.
"I guess you win. Trying to stop you anymore will turn me into your mother. I'm a dragon. I will handle the consequences. If I get in trouble because of it, you better help me out of it." I said laughing while reaching my bag for a snack.
"Ok, Spike! I will!" Lily said.
I empty the bag contents into my hand, and two amethyst crystals landed. We stay there on the soft grass as the gentle breeze blew by. I study the crystals and notice even if one was clearly larger than the other; they have the same color and cut. 'Huh, this might work'
"Lily, I have another idea!" I said smiling excitedly.
"You need any help?" Lily ask looking at me with her eyes wide.
"No. This is a bet I have to win. I'm just letting you know." I said getting up and running to the house.
It has been about a week since Twilight and her friends left Ponyville, but when they return. Will they be ready for the turn in events? How being gone for a week change your life? Twilight and the other girls will soon find out…
The train departing from Apple Loosa and arrive to Ponyville, releasing the princess and her five friends. The trip was free of charge for royalty. All of them exited with their heads held high, excluding the forever shy, Fluttershy, for a job well done. It took time to find the stolen apples, but after five days they had found them. They follow the one pony that was happy that the festival was going to cancel to an abandon warehouse a mile away. Finding no way to reason with the stallion they handed him to officers and returned the apples. The town set up the festival and invite them to stay to celebrate. It was a great event. Now back they felt pride in their actions… as the train leaves Twilight had a great idea.
"Hey, I think since it's morning and we all hungry. We should all head to the castle. Spike can make us all some breakfast." I cheerfully said.
"I… don't know, Twilight… Angel must be needing my help, but I will be there as soon as possible. I like Spike's pancakes… It been forever since I had them." Fluttershy said shyly looking at everyone, then she was flying to her home.
"Honesty, Twilight I will love to come, but I was away from the farm for a week. I need to help my brother and little sister. I be there later, thou." Applejack smile and run off as well.
I look at Rarity, Dash, and Pinky; two of them were looking elsewhere avoiding my eyes. "Come on guys. These are Spike's pancakes. How long since it been we just hang out, without being in a catastrophe?" I said.
"I'm sorry Twilight, daring. I need to check on Sweetie Belle. You can never know; what she is up to. I also need to open the shop. It has been a week. Ponies must be in line just waiting to get in!" Rarity shouts and starts running for her customers.
Rainbow Dash look at me, and opens her wings. "Sorry, Twi. The Wonderbolts might need my help. Spike's pancakes would slow me down." She said as she soars towards Cloudsdale.
"I'm going with you Twilight!" Pinky quickly said.
"Thanks Pinky." I said smiling.
We left the station and walk through town heading towards the castle.
As we walk pass a few homes, I notice there were hardly any fillies running around. The usual sounds of the town were absent, and it was too quiet for Ponyville. I can feel that the town's residents were worry. We walk by Sugar Cube Corner heading to the castle. As I pass two mares, they will look to the sky speaking in whispers as they eat their cupcakes making each other's eyes widen in shock. 'I don't understand. Why is the whole town so tense? I see no damage infrastructure. No officers. No criminals. I'm a princess, and there barely any ponies on the street. The ones who were out will do what they set out to do and head straight home. What happen while I was gone? Did one of the Wonderbolts die? I should have never left my duties of a princess. I should have turn the train around, if there were a hint of danger.'
We walk to my front door to see a sign saying…
"Sorry Close Today' I forgot we even have this sign." I said to Pinky. I got the key and unlock my door.
Pinky zoom pass me and running though the castle's halls leaving me at the door. I was quickly running to follow her. I was watching as she looks in every room after we pass the library part of the castle.
"What are YOU DOING PINKY!" I shout to her, trying to catch up.
"I'M LOOKING FOR SPIKE, TWILIGHT! SPIKE! SPIKE, WHERE ARE YOU!" Pinky shouts worriedly and stop running as she finds the last room of the castle. She opens the door to see a Twilight and Spike shared bedroom. She walks to Spike's bed to see a note laying on the white covers. She is reading the note as Twilight makes it into the bedroom. 'I should have listen to my Pinky Sense.' She thinks as her hair slowly deflates and darken in shade of pink. 'What happen to you, Spike… what happen?' she thoughts and soon stares at Twilight walking into the room.
"Pinky are you ok? And what are you reading?" I said looking as her mood worsens.
"No! I'm not ok. I should have listen to my Pinky Sense… now… now it's too late. This is Spike's note… I should go and tell the girls. I will be back, Twilight. I be back!" she says looking at me deep in the eyes, and she was gone, moving faster than any pony.
I pick up the note she drops on Spike's bed. Reading the first sentence, I grasp.
"Dear Twilight or Princess Twilight is more acceptable and the other Elements of Friendship,
If you reading this letter than I never came back to the castle, and I will be surprise. For a few years, I been thinking of telling these words in person, but I was afraid. Afraid of making a huge mistake without any way to solve it. I have grown to reliant on you all. I'm a dragon raise by ponies which leaves me feeling maybe that is a problem as well. the time to find more answers is now. I will quit being your assistant. I sick of living in a lonely castle. We once spend a lot of time together, but where am I in your life now? I feel am the piece of the puzzle that don't fit in your and the other's lives now. You may have hatch me, but family I'm not sure we are?
The only thing that made me stay was really my former friends and my own weak body. All my friends are gone and living their own lives. You never told me you use magic to hatch me. I don't even know how dragon eggs are hatch, and did you really know, what you were doing? You were a child at the time. Now, I'm eighteen… and I still look like a toddler; I can't explain how it feels to be look down on for so many years for what I look like. I'm eighteen, and it's time for a change. Something change in me today. Whether it's good or bad. I hope whatever happens that It will all be for the best. When I find the answers maybe I will return.
What was I to you? What was I to all of you, girls? It has been four years and I don't know? Did you see me as a friend? Pinky Pie, I understand you, and I was surprise by what your hiding. Please don't hide the other side of yourself. Fluttershy, when I find the answers will you be afraid of me? I might look different, but I hope we can stay friends. Applejack, you're a workaholic, learn to live and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Dash, I will be honest here. You is a jerk with all those pranks, and I know you was playing. However, one day you will see everything change. Twilight are we family? I don't know? All I get from you are orders so I guess not. Rarity, I hope you find whoever you are looking for. I tire of you breaking my heart. I will probably come back for my heart.
The truth is that I need to understand the part of me I have never express. The dragon side of me is calling in my dreams. It has now turn my dreams into nightmares where I disappear in darkness. I can't wait anymore. It is time for me to answer the called.
Sincerely yours,
Spike"
Twilight places the note back on Spike's bed and sit on the edge of her bed, waiting for someone to come. She didn't want to live in an even more lonely castle, today. She needs to head to Canterlot. She will show them Spike's note. It was a note to all of them, anyway.
As Pinky heads off, a royal guard is walking towards Twilight's castle after hearing the young princess is back. As he nears, Pinky dashes towards his direction. Seeing his scout shield, she grits her teeth and stares at him seriously.
"Look, I see you going to the castle… Twilight is okay, but she is busy now" She says with her eyes staring deeper. So deep the guard feels like she sees into his soul. Sweat was starting to build, when she stops and release the pressure and speak with a sweet tone tiling her head to the side. Noticing his written accounts, she smiles knowingly. "First, you can tell me everything that happen in the princess's absence, and I help finish your report for the royal sisters."
Still shaking inwardly, he nods.
"Okay you need to hurry! I still have to gather the rest of my friends." She says when her eyes slightly sparkle and looks up to the sky. What she sees causes her face to pale and grit her teeth worriedly.
In the clouds over Everfree forest are massive holes with multiple yellow wisps surrounding them. In that moment, Rarity, Dash, AJ, and Fluttershy are watching the same sight. All were thinking, 'What happen?'.
A.N.: It been written for a while ago and I needed time to proofread it. one word at a time. However, time is not something I have much of. I read a lot and college is in full swing now. I will continue to write for me no matter how long it takes. Pls. leave me some comments.
