Here it is, the finale for Bonds We Forge.
I'm happy with how this chapter turned out, I hope you enjoy it.
Not much else to so, so on with the story!
Chapter 21: The Finale
Spike has been practically clung to my side for a couple days now, and each night he'd say the same thing.
"Don't leave me Maverick, please..."
And I'd tell him I wouldn't. I'd tell him I'll always be there.
I thought tonight would be no different, but for once, Spike didn't ask, he knew he would get the same answer. "Maverick?" He called out. I looked at him in curiosity.
"What is it Spike?" I asked. Spike soon gave me a book, I took one look at it and smiled. Yeah, this was most definitely comic book.
"Can you... Read this to me...?" Spike asked meekly, blushing slighty as he spoke.
I gave a small chuckle "Why do you ask?"
"Well..." Spike paused, he went off briefly and came back... With a long list. "I, umm... Actually have a special list of things I've always wanted to do with... Well, a brother... I would've told you sooner, but... So many things happened..." He explained.
"A list, eh? Let's see it." I said. Spike nodded and walked up, and showed the list off.
"Well, I actually wrote this when I was little... So the writing might be a bit sloppy at the start... And well... I figured we could do some of these things together..."
"I see... And the first thing you put is to have your brother read a bedtime story..."
Spike nodded a little "Some things on the list are kind of childish because of when they are written, but... As long as I get to be with you, I don't care..." I patted Spikes head and smiled.
"Well, what do ya say that tomorrow, we start working on this list for you?" Spikes eyes lit up, he nodded excitedly. "Now... Let's start with this bedtime story..." I slowly sat up and let Spike sit between my legs, then I opened the comic book and began to read it to him.
As I read, I could tell Spike was already getting sleepy. After I had finished the book, Spike was still awake, but barely.
"c-can you... sing me a lullaby next...?" He asked sleepily, "it's... also on the list..." I chuckled a little.
"If it makes you happy... Then sure..." I thought for a moment on what to sing him
Once I decided on it I cleared my throat and started singing to him in a soft voice.
Lullaby, and good night, in the skies stars are bright.
May the moon's silvery beams bring you sweet dreams.
Close your eyes now and rest, may these hours be blessed.
'Til the sky's bright with dawn, when you wake with a yawn.
Spike let out a yawn and blinked a few times, a small smile on his face. I continued to sing.
Lullaby, and good night, you are brother's delight.
I'll protect you from harm, and you'll wake in my arms.
Sleepyhead, close your eyes, for I'm right beside you.
Guardian angels are near, so sleep without fear.
I took one last look at Spike, and he was out like a light, snuggling into my chest. I looked up at the doorway and saw Twilight standing there, she had a smile on her face as she walked over.
"You have such a beautiful voice..." She said quietly. "Even I couldn't get him to sleep this soundly when he was young..." She rubbed Spikes head gently.
"Thanks... What are you doing here anyways...?"
"I came to see you... I'm really worried to be honest... The whole experience left Spike traumatized, and you injured... And this... Idra, hasn't shown up yet..."
"I know..." I gave a small sigh. "I just hope this ends soon..."
Twilight sighed as well, she then did something i wasn't really expecting.
She climbed into bed with me and Spike, using her magic to gently move Spike between the two of us. I was just staring in disbelief.
Twilight giggled a small bit. "What? Never sleep in the same bed as a mare?" She teasingly asked, giving a light smirk.
"I..Um... I mean, well-" I was kind of flustered to be honest. "N...Not really..." I blushed even more
"Well, I've never slept in the same bed as... Anyone of the opposite gender... So this is new for me too..."
I chuckled a little. "Anyways... Goodnight... I'll see ya in the morning..." I put my arm around Spike and Twilight as I slowly shut my eyes and went to sleep.
The sun slowly began to rose as i felt the sun's rays on my scales, I slowly opened my eyes and yawned. Spike and Twilight were both still sleeping soundly. With Spike still snuggling into me... And sucking his thumb... It took all my energy to keep myself from awwing at him. As I didn't wanna wake him up yet. I nudged Twilight with my hand and woke her up.
"Morning..." I said. Her eyes fluttered open and she smiled.
"Good morning..." She replied. I slowly pointed down at Spike, she looked at him and squeed quietly when she saw him. Unfortunately, that was enough to stir Spike from his sleep. He slowly opened his eyes and realized his thumb was in his mouth, he yanked it out and shrieked slightly in embarrassment. "Y-You saw nothing!" He exclaimed. I laughed in response.
"Yeah, we totally didn't see you cutely sucking on your thumb." Spike only blushed harder. He then turned his attention to Twilight.
"W-When did you get here?!" He asked in surprise. Twilight giggled a little.
"When you fell asleep, silly." She rubbed his head and smiled. "How'd you sleep?"
"I...I didn't have any nightmares actually..." He said.
"That's good... Now, about that list." I reminded him. Spikes eyes lit up and he flung himself out of bed, scrambling to get his list.
"Right, next on the list... Is f-" He stopped himself, biting his lip slightly. "Uhh... Drawing! Yeah..."
"Spike, what does the list say?" I asked as I slowly got up and walked over to look. "Flying lessons..." I read. Spike looked kind of distraught.
"Maverick? Will I... Ever get wings?" He asked. This was a question I've been waiting for honestly... I knew at one point he'd ask this...
"Well... Mom and Dad had wings... I have wings, who's to say you won't get em?" Spike cheered up a little after I said that.
"Right...! I just gotta be patient!" He exclaimed. "Anyways... Lets draw together!" He soon began dragging me off excitedly. It was honestly nice seeing him happy again after what happened.
We both soon began to draw pictures together. Both of us rating each other's drawings. It was pretty fun.
"Maverick?" I heard someone call. I turned my head and saw Starlight. "What are you doing out of bed? Your wounds haven't fully healed!" She exclaimed.
"I'm just spending time with Spike." I replied.
"But you're-" She cut herself off as she remembered that Spike was here. She sighed a little. "Can we talk later then...?" She asked. Based on her expression, this was unavoidable.
"Alright..." With that, Starlight walked off. I noticed Spike looked pretty confused as to what Starlight needed. "Don't worry Spike, it's nothing too bad... She's just worrying about my condition..."
Spike nodded a little and we continued.
A few hours later, and we had knocked off quite a bit of things off the list, which made Spike really happy.
"Thank you for doing these things with me, Maverick! This has been the most fun I've had in so long!" He exclaimed, smiling brightly.
"Of course..." Was all I said. I rubbed my eyes a little, I felt tired for some reason. And Spike took notice.
"Maverick... You can rest for a bit if you want... It'll be fine." He said, encouraging me to get some rest.
"But... What about your list?"
"Your health is more important right now, besides. We've done a lot today already... I think you deserve a break."
"Thanks Spike... I'll be in bed if you need me..." I waved at Spike before slowly heading off to my room and climbing into my bed.
Spike was now in his own room, twiddling his thumbs around restlessly. He couldn't stop worrying about his brother. He didn't know why, but something was bothering him, something that; although he wanted to ask. He was also afraid as to what the answer might be. "W...What should I do...?" He began thinking hard about this, but he couldn't think of much.
"Spike?" His thoughts were interrupted by Twilight walking in. "You okay? You look deep in thought..." She took note.
"I...I guess I am..." He replied, sighing a small bit. "I'm just worried about Maverick is all..." Twilight rubbed Spike's head a little in response.
"I'm worried too, but Maverick will recover in no time. Alright?"
"I-I know... But I can't help it... He's my brother..."
"And he's my boyfriend, I can't help but worry too... But everything will be fine Spike..." She reassured Spike. "Just have patience." Spike gave a small nod. Maybe Twilight was right, maybe he's just worrying over nothing... Feeling better, he went off to go do his own thing
"...And that's where you stand right now." Starlight finished talking. I looked down at my bed. My expression was unreadable.
"So you mean..."
"Yeah... I do."
"I-I... That's..." I didn't know what to say. "...How long?"
"It's hard to say... But-" She was cut off by Twilight practically busting the door down in a panic.
"Guys! Spike's run off!" She exclaimed.
"WHAT?!" I yelled in disbelief, jumping out of bed. But Starlight tried to stop me.
"No! You-" I cut her off.
"With Idra on the loose and Spike on his own, I could care less about my own condition!" I ran off outside and flew off, scoping the area to try and find Spike.
After about a few hours of searching, I found Spike in the Everfree forest of all places. He was standing by the lab we stumbled across.
I landed right behind him and went over. "Spike!" I yelled out.
Nothing... I grabbed his shoulder slowly and turned him around. But...
"Surprise!" Someone yelled, i whipped around and felt a sharp pain in my chest, I looked down and saw Idra sticking a knife into my stomach.
"S...Spike..." I fell to the floor. The last thing i heard was a child screaming.
My eyes snapped open and I shot up, gasping intensely and gripping my chest.
"A dream... Just a dream..." I muttered. I looked around and saw that I was alone it was about mid-day. "Guess I must've passed out..." My head was pounding for some reason, I put my hand on it and it definitely felt rather warm. "I think I'm running a fever..." I muttered. I slowly got out of bed and went out to find Twilight. Eventually I found her. "Hey Twi..." I said in a tired tone.
"Hey Maverick." She looked at the bags under my eyes. "You look... Um, good?" She said.
"I know, i look horrible... I also feel like I'm gonna throw my stomach up..."
"Isn't that a bit of an overexaggeration? Physically it isn't possible to do that." Twilight said, laughing slightly.
"You get what i mean... So where's Spike today...?"
"In his room, he said he wanted to practice doing something."
I gave a nod and sluggishly went to Spike's room, I peeked in to see Spike practically sword fighting. It made me smile a little watching him try different stances, and seeing strengths. When I opened the door fully, Spike noticed me and smiled. "Ah! Sensei Maverick!" He said jokingly as he bowed, giggling slightly. I couldn't help by laugh.
"Hello my young pupil." I bowed back, then stood up straight. "Joking aside, how's your practice coming along?"
"It's going good! I think I'm finally getting the hang of this!" He exclaimed as he swung his practice sword, attempting to hit a make-shift test dummy made out of pillows, but he missed and accidentally knocked a flower pot off a table. "F-For the most part." He laughed nervously.
"Here, your form is off." I said as I moved his legs out a bit and moved his arm. "Now you should be harder to knock down in a stance like that." Spike gave a nod and went back to practicing. His swings were swift, but deadly, a formidable kind of swing indeed. "You've improved quite a bit Spike. I'm impressed."
"I mean, it's all because I had a good teacher!" He stopped a moment and looked back at me. "Maverick...? Are you okay? You look dead today..." He commented, noticing just how bad I looked.
"I'm fine... Just a little under the weather I guess..." Spike gasped in worry, looking slightly panicked.
"Oh no! What do you have?!"
"It's alright! It's just a fever!" I reassured him. He loosened up a little in response.
I was about to say more, but I suddenly started coughing, they were pretty violent coughs as well. Once i stopped, I looked at my hand, having coughed up something. My eyes widened when i saw that the palm of my hand was red.
Blood, I had coughed blood up.
It was at this point, that Spike got really worried. "Y-You call THAT a fever?!" He started to panic. "I-I know! I'll read some books and cross-reference your symptoms! Maybe then we'll figure out what you have!"
"Spike, it's alright! It was just a bit of blood!" I exclaimed. But alas, he was already gone. I sighed a little. To be honest, I was worried to. But there wasn't much I could do, so I just went back to my room to rest.
Spike was rushing from book to book, cross-referencing as much as he could. His heart was pounding. There could be a chance that his brother was sick with a deadly disease, and he wanted to find out what it was. "Common cold? no, lung disease? Maybe..." He muttered to himself as he flipped through a book of illnesses he was looking at. "Ugh! These books aren't telling me anything!" He exclaimed. After several minutes, he threw the book he was reading in frustration. "Come on!" He went to grab yet another book. His eyes trailing through each book. None of them were helpful.
His eyes eventually stopped on one book that caught his eye. He took it and looked at the title. "The Unknown World of Illnesses." He scratched his head a little, but decided to check it out nonetheless. He was desperate at this stage, so he flipped to a page and read. "A lot of Illnesses are usually straightforward and in most cases, easy to identify. However there are some Illnesses caused by outside sources." He read. "Outside sources...?" He questioned, but continued nonetheless. "The rare Zonite Flower is an example of an outside source that; when coming into contact with, can cause many symptoms, though it is not particularly deadly..." Spike hummed to himself a little. Whatever might be happening to his brother, could very well be stated in this book. So he kept on reading.
Try as I might, I couldn't fall asleep, I kept tossing and turning, but I couldn't. I heard a knock on my door, causing me to sit up. "Come in..." I said. The door opened to reveal Starlight, she walked in and sat by my bed.
"I got something for you to drink... It might help you feel better." She said, giving me a glass of something. Couldn't tell what it was. I nodded a little and took it, taking one big swig.
"Maverick!" Spike suddenly yelled and he ran in, surprising both Starlight and I.
"W-What is it...?"
"...Why didn't you tell me...?!" Spike asked, not really specific on what he means.
"Tell you what...?" I asked. Twilight shortly walked in after Spike, clearly concerned.
"Twi...? What are you doing here?"
"I saw Spike in a hurry and followed after him." She replied.
"So, what is it Spike?"
He went up to my bed, tears in his eyes "Why didn't you tell me you were... Poisoned...!" He said.
"What?!" Twilight asked in shock. "Spike! What do you mean by that?!"
"Maverick was experiencing symptoms of something, so I looked into it, and your symptoms match up with what happens when the extract of a plant called the Zonite Flower!" He explained.
"But that flower isn't particular deadly unless..." Twilight stopped herself mid-sentence, her eyes widening. "U-Unless it enters the bloodstream..."
It was at this point I suddenly started feeling something... Something in my chest, it started off with a weird tingling, but it quickly evolved into something more... It started to get painful, it felt like my insides were...burning.
Starlight shook her head a little. "It's alright you two, i already gave him the cure for the-" Starlight was cut off by me jerking to my back and letting out a blood-curtling shriek, the pain was so intense tears started streaming down my face.
"W-What's going on?!" Twilight asked, panicking intensely.
"I-I don't know! The cure I gave him shouldn't cause pain!"
Eventually the pain subsided, I stopped screaming and breathed heavily. I looked a lot more weaker than before.
Twilight looked over to Spike "Do you still have the book on you...?" She asked. Spike wasted no time and handed her it. To which she flipped through it and read a segment. Her eyes widened and she slowly closed the book. Tears welling up in her eyes. "H...He's in the final stages of the poison... Not even the strongest of cures can help." She said, trying to hold back tears. "H-He doesn't have much longer... I-I'm afraid that... His fate is sealed..." She said. Spike's eyes widened, it was as if his entire life simply fell apart at this very moment.
"M-Maverick is... D...Dying...?" He said. Having difficulty believing it.
It was at this point that Twilight began to cry lightly, tears slowly flowing down her face as this fact sank in.
Spike crawled onto my bed and looked at me. I looked back at him weakly. "M-Maverick... Please don't tell me this is true... Y...You said you'd never leave me... ! Y...You promised...!" Spike choked on his tears a little. Trying not to start sobbing right then and there.
"Spike..." I said weakly. "I...I'm sorry... But this is just... One promise I can't keep now..." I looked away guiltily. "I know I said that I'd... N-Never leave... But it'll be okay..." I looked up and chuckled weakly "I...I'll finally get to see Mom and Dad again... H-Huh...?" Spike shook his head furiously.
"D-Don't say that! We'll get you help! We'll do SOMETHING!" His tears started to roll down his cheeks. "You can't die! You just can't!" Spike kept denying it.
"Spike..." Starlight went over and put a hoof on his shoulder. "T...There's nothing we can do..." She said, holding her tears back as well.
"No! You're lying! There's always gotta be something!" Spike snapped at her. "I can't lose him! H-He's the best thing that's ever happened to me!"
Twilight went by us and sat beside me. "Want me to... Get everypony so they can say g...goodbye...?" Twilight was struggling to speak right now. I nodded a little and she went off to let everyone know.
After awhile, everyone was gathered. Though none of them looked even a little cheerful. Not even Pinkie Pie.
One by one, each pony went up to my bed and said their goodbyes.
Applejack went up to my bed and took her hat off. "Listen, Maverick... I just wanted to let you know that it was a pleasure meeting ya... Wherever ya end up, I hope ya can continue to keep watch over Spike, no matter what..."
"I...I will..."
Rainbow Dash went up next. "L-Look... When we met, it wasn't the best of introductions... Heck, I broke your wing... But, you're a pretty cool dude Maverick... And well... I'm gonna miss you..." She said.
Fluttershy would've come up and said something, but she was sobbing too hard. Discord was comforting her currently. He looked up at me and said. "Well... If it wasn't for you Maverick, I wouldn't be with Fluttershy... So... Thank you." Was all he said.
Pinkie Pie came up, forcing a smile, but she clearly was sad over it. "H-Hey, y-you just gotta smile Maverick...! Even if things seem scary you have to...to..." She stopped mid-sentence and started crying. Rarity was really distraught over this as well, her mascara was running a lot due to crying.
"M-Maverick Darling, I...I'll truly miss you..." Was she could say before she began sobbing again.
Starlight came up next. "M-Maverick, i... I'm so sorry I couldn't do more..." She said.
"I-It isn't your fault Starlight... You...tried your best, that's all that m-matters..." I replied. Starlight looked down a little, crying very lightly
And Twilight... She came up looking sad, but surprisingly not crying.
"Twi... Don't hide your emotions... Just... Let it all out..." I said.
"I-I'm n-not..."
"Twilight... It's okay..." I took her hoof and held it. She slowly closed her eyes as tears began to flow down her cheeks. She went over and hugged me tightly, letting all her emotions out.
"M-Maverick, I...I'll miss you so much...!" She said in between sobs.
"I-I'll miss you too, Twi..." I said back. After awhile, she composed herself and stepped back... Last up was Spike... He crawled onto my bed again and sat right beside me.
"M-Maverick, please..." He gripped my hand desperately. "Y-You're not d-dying... T-This is just a joke... Right...?" He still was denying it.
"i'm sorry..." I said, my talking basically a quiet mutter at this point. "i wish it didn't have to come to this..."
"B-But..." I shushed Spike and smiled a little.
"i'll always be with you spike... in here..." I pointed to his heart.
"I-I'll never forget you Maverick... Ever..." Spike said.
I could feel my consciousness fading. My eyes slowly started to close. "i...know you won't... i...i'll always love you, spike..."
"I l-love you t-too Maverick..."
I gave one last smile before my eyes fully closed, I let out one final breath as my consciousness finally faded.
Spike knelt on the bed, frozen as his brothers hand went from warm, to cold. Spike looked down and started sobbing. "N-No... NO!" He yelled, slamming his fist in the nearby wall. His hand getting bloody just from the one slam. He sobbed really hard as he gripped his dead brothers hand again. "Y-You can't die! Please! COME BACK!" He started slamming his brothers chest. "WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP!" He yelled, pleading for his brother to open his eyes. But to no avail. He slowly stopped slamming Mavericks chest. "Wake up... Please..." He muttered.
"S-Spike..." Twilight slowly went up.
"...idra..." Spike muttered. Causing Twilight to tilt her head a little. "Idra killed him... Didn't she...?" He spoke louder. "I...If we don't stop her... Someone else might die..." He slowly stood up, wiping his tears away.
"I'll let the princesses know immediately about the situation... We need a plan of attack..." Twilight turned and began to walk away, followed by everyone else. However Spike stayed behind, he needed a moment alone. He slowly looked up again, determination in his eyes. There was only one thing he could do... He slowly got up and went out, he knew what he had to do.
After awhile. Everyone was gathered to discuss everything. The atmosphere was extremely tense though.
"Alright," Twilight began. "I've alerted the princesses of what's happened. Now we need a plan of attack..."
"Well obviously we have to take Idra out! Don't we?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, clearly angered now. "She IS the reason Maverick is..." She stopped herself, not wanting to finish that sentence. "M-My point is... We can't have her running around anymore!"
"I know Rainbow Dash... But we can't just find her... She's after Spike, the only reason she'd come out is to try and target Spike again." Twilight said, sighing a little. "Unfortunately, it'll be difficult to track her."
"Speaking of Spike... Where is he...?" Starlight asked, rubbing her chin slightly.
"He should be in Mavericks old room still... After what happened, he deserves some alone time..." Twilight replied.
"But... Wouldn't he have come out by now...?"
Twilight thought about it for a bit. "I suppose... I'll go check on him." She soon got up and went to check on Spike.
I felt... Different... My body was light, it was as if I was floating... I opened my eyes and saw that I was no longer in bed... I was somewhere else. I wasn't in pain anymore, I felt... At ease... I eventually got to my feet and looked around, everywhere I looked, it was just clouds... I was even standing on clouds... It was peaceful here, I could see a bright light in the distance as well. Instinctively, I followed it. My body getting enveloped in a warm light. The light was bright enough to blind me as well.
When my vision corrected itself, I was face to face with a fuzzy looking figure. They weren't taking shape into anything, it was, to put it simply. A formless being.
"It appears your time has come." Was all it said.
"My... Time... Ah, I died... Didn't I...?"
"Indeed... You've left a lot behind... Do you have any regrets?" The formless entity inquired. I looked to my feet and sighed.
"Y-Yeah... I do..."
The entity simply nodded and tapped my forehead and I was once again enveloped in light. When it faded, the next thing I saw brought tears to my eyes.
I saw them... Mom and Dad... My birth parents... Two tall, slender, dragons. One green, one purple. They were both smiling at me. I couldn't help but smile. "M-Mom...? D-Dad...? Is that... R-Really you?" I slowly walked over and reached out... I could touch them, they were actually there. My mom; the purple one, held a hand out and rubbed my cheek.
"It's so good to see you again, Maverick..." She said. My dad put a hand on my shoulder and gave a big smile.
"Heh, look at you son, the spitting image of your mother..." He commented. I looked down a little, trying my hardest not to cry. Mom rubbed my head, causing me to look at her.
"It's alright Maverick..." She said. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I pulled them both into a hug.
"I-I missed you so much!" I exclaimed, sobbing hard as I hugged them tightly.
"I know... But it's alright now..." She said. "Come along Maverick... Let's go... It's time for you to rest now..."
"Rest..." I muttered to myself.
Spike was at the same spot Idras lair was, he sat there, waiting for her. Sword in hand. It didn't matter what happened to him now, as long as Idra can't hurt anyone else. He'll do whatever it takes.
"Hello dearie..." A voice said from behind Spike. He whipped around and saw Idra standing a ways in front of him.
"You..." He said.
"Based on the look, it seems you lost someone important to you, hm?" She spoke, circling around the young dragon.
"You know why I'm here..." Spike said, gritting his teeth as he watched Idra closely.
"That I do... And now that you're here, what are you gonna do? Kill me?" Spike simply remained silent. "Hmph, foolish boy. You barely even know the potential with your power... I thought I sensed something different about you compared to the others I've... Dealt with...Yes, You're definitely special... More so than the others..."
"W-What do you mean...?"
"You heal at much faster rates than the ones from before... Your blood seems to have been affected by an outer source of magic... A magic so powerful, it reacted with your blood... Making it 10 times stronger..."
"Twilight..." Spike muttered. Twilight was the one who used magic to hatch Spike... Does that have something to do with his blood...?
"I'm going to have a field day with you... Now, be a good boy and stay still..." Idra drew a dagger out, a sickening grin on her face as she drew in close. Spike got in his sword fighting stance and clashed with Idra. Gritting his teeth as he jumped back, narrowly missing a swipe from Idras dagger.
Just as my parents were about to lead me, I stopped and looked down into the clouds. I could see Spike fighting Idra... Alone. "S-Spike..." I muttered. Then I looked back up at my parents. "I...I can't rest yet! Not while Spike still needs me!" I exclaimed, stepping back. "I'm sorry, but Spike is my highest priority right now! I can't just leave him yet!"
Dad frowned a little. "I understand how you feel... But you can't just go back..."
"Really...? Spike DOES seem to heal at rather astonishing rates, don't ya think?"
Dad looked kind of confused "Yes, but what does that have to do with this?" He asked. Mom rolled her eyes and looked at me.
"Don't mind your father, he's just being a bit dense..."
"You two should know about our heritage, yeah? Well, there's something about Spike that is special... Idra is supposedly after Spike for something... And based from what I saw, she's after his blood. Why would she want his blood so badly though?"
"Idra... Never thought I'd hear that name again..." My dad muttered.
"Dad...?"
"It's been years... But I think I know what you're trying to say, son... Idra's been after our family line for a long time... We've always been lucky enough to reproduce to keep the bloodline going... And with our magical properties... We can do things that normal dragons can't... Like, as you said, healing... Or if used in a certain way... It can make you live longer." He explained. "It's no surprise Spike heals at such astonishing rates though..."
"But that's the thing, his wounds heal EXTREMELY fast, like, if it's a little wound, and it's left alone, it's almost instant..."
"Hm... Then maybe there IS a chance for you!" Dad exclaimed. Mom gave him a confused.
"Hun... Mind explaining? I'm lost..." Mom asked.
"If Spike truly his special... Maybe his blood can bring you back... He just needs to get some into your bloodstream."
"My body is back at the castle though... There isn't any blood near there..."
"You sure?" Dad waved his hand, and the scene in the clouds changed to the castle, I could see an imprint above my body, where I could assume Spike punched the wall. I also saw traces of blood, It was pretty fresh too.
"But who's going to GET the blood into my stream?! I can't just do it myself! And I most certainly can't communicate with the living!"
"You won't have to... Take a closer look." I looked closer and noticed Spike had gotten blood on my own body, it was seeping into one of my bandages.
"D-Does that mean...?" My parents both nodded.
"It was great seeing you again Maverick... But..." Mom said as she went over and cupped my face with her hands. "Spike needs you more... Just know that we're so proud of you, son..." I nodded a little. It was then I started feeling as if I was about to be pulled down. Mom let go of me and smiled. "It's time for you to go..." I nodded a little.
"Go get em tiger..." Dad said, patting my back. "And when ya see Spike... Tell him that we love him... I know it's not the same as us saying it, but I think he needs to know regardless..." I gave a nod. Soon I was practically yanked away from wherever I was, I closed my eyes and braced for impact. After about ten seconds, I landed hard into something, my eyes snapped open and I gasped for air, shooting up out of bed. I looked around and realized I was back in my bed at the castle.
"I'm back..." I slowly took off my bandages to see that all my previously open wounds were gone. I turned my head and looked out the window, determination on my face. "Hold on Spike..." I said before rushing to grab my extra sword, then I flew out the window and to the Everfree Forest.
Spike and Idra were still at it. Their sword and dagger clashing constantly. Neither were off-guard.
"Hmph, you've learned quite a bit, haven't you?" She commented.
"I have..." He replied as he kept trying to get a swipe in. But Idra dodges every swipe with ease. Spike was giving it his all, putting all his power in every strike, but as a result, he didn't pay any mind to his stance. His mind was clouded with anger, hatred. He wanted nothing more than revenge.
Idra took advantage of this and managed to knock Spike to the ground, she then pinned him, grinning all the while. "You still don't understand, do you? You'll never defeat me... Now, be a good boy and die for me."
I flew through the forest at high speeds, dodging and weaving through vines, trees, and branches. It didn't take long for me to see Idra and Spike in the distance. Feeling a surge of energy, I sped up even more. "Spike!" I yelled out.
"Maverick?!" Spike yelled back in shock as he turned his head. The next thing he knew, Idra was practically shoved off of him and knocked to the ground. I landed in front of Spike, my sword at the ready.
Idra looked up in horror and shock. "Impossible! You should be dead! DEAD!" She yelled. Getting her dagger ready.
"Hmph, you had your plan all perfectly prepared... But you seemed to have missed one detail..." I looked to Spike briefly, before looking back.
Idra let out a yell and charged at me, going in for a swipe. "This time, I'll finish you myself!" I blocked her attacks with ease, moving swiftly as she kept on swiping.
We then clashed together, trying to overpower one another. Spike decided to seize this opportunity and swipe at one of Idras legs. She yelled out in pain, but didn't give out. "Y-Y'know... Your parents thought they could take me down too..." She started to speak. "They thought they could defeat me... Unfortunately for them, they passed unexpectedly... I bet you're wondering what killed them." Idra started to get a sickening grin on her face.
"W-What are you saying...!?" I asked, putting all my strength into trying to overpower her. She laughed a little in response.
"The symptoms you experienced... Didn't they seem... Familiar to you?" I just gritted my teeth a little. "I'll put it bluntly then... Your parents didn't die because of natural causes... Unfortunately, they were getting pretty close to finding me... So I simply had to get them out of the way... Permanently..." It was then that it started to come back to me. The symptoms I experienced were the exact same as what my parents went through... In a fit of rage, I yelled and kicked her away, bringing my sword down hard at her. She effortlessly blocked it, her sickening grin growing. I jumped back, then ran at her in anger.
"YOU MURDERER!" I yelled as I started to angrily swipe at her. Which is exactly what Idra wanted. She let out a sickening laugh and was about to retaliate. But she couldn't as she felt another slash at her leg again, causing her to lose concentration. She let out a scream of pain and fell over.
Once she was down I disarmed her and tossed the dagger, wedging it into a tree trunk. "No...! I can't lose here!" Idra yelled. "I can't lose to someone like you!"
I was about to finish the job, but Spike tugged on my wing, causing me to look at him. "Maverick... It's okay, she's down now..." Hesitantly, I lowered my sword and looked back at Idra in anger.
"I really want to kill you, but..." I stabbed my sword into the ground. "If I did, I would be no better than you... Instead, you're going to answer for your crimes..." It was then that I heard someone behind me, I turned around and saw Twilight, she was staring at the disarmed Idra, not really focusing on my at the moment. Walking over, she cast a spell to keep Idra from using magic. Then turned to me.
"M-Maverick... You're..." I held up a hand.
"Save the reunion for later..." I soon went over to Idra and lifted her up. She seemed to have given up at this stage, as she was powerless to do anything. "Let's get out of here." I said, before beginning to take off. Twilight levitated Spike onto her back and followed after me.
After we left the forest, Idra was transported to Canterlot to be judged, and once that was done with, Twilight finally turned her full attention to me. Her face had a mixture of happiness, shock, and confusion. "Maverick, just... How did you...?"
"Spike's blood saved me..." I said. "If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be back." Spike's eyes widened in shock as he began to spoke.
"You're saying I... Saved your life...?" He asked in disbelief. I looked at him and gave a nod.
"Yeah, you did..." I walked over and knelt in front of him, putting my hands on his shoulders. "Spike... You're special, your dragon blood has magical properties... I did die... But you brought me back..."
"D...Did you see Mom and Dad...?" Spike asked, looking up at me innocently.
"Yeah... Actually... They wanted me to let you know that they love you very much... Even if they can't say it straight to your face." I said. Spike teared up a small bit and gave me a hug.
"I-I'm so glad you're alive Maverick..." He said as he hugged me tighter. I rubbed his head a little and smiled.
"I love you, Spike..." I said to him. Spike looked back up at me and nodded. Tears running down his cheeks.
"I love you too..." He said to me.
"Now come on... I think we still have some things to knock off your list." I said as I slowly stood up.
Spikes eyes lit up as he rubbed his tears away. "Y-Yeah! Come on!" He exclaimed as he took my hand and started to run with me. But I stopped in my tracks.
"Spike, why don't you go on ahead, there's... Something I need to take care of." Spike gave a quick nod before heading back in. I turned my attention to Twilight and walked over. "Hey..." I said.
"Hey..." She said back. Blushing slightly. "I...I'm so glad you're back, Maverick..."
"Me too... Cause then I wouldn't be able to see you again." I went a bit closer, smiling softly at her and blushing. Twilight just giggled in response and looked up at me.
"I love you so much, Twi..." I said. caressing her cheek a little.
"And I love you too, Maverick..." She came in close as well. We both started to lean in, our eyes closed as our lips connected and we shared a tender kiss together. However, we were cut short by Spike, as he went back up, saw what we were doing, and made an audible gagging noise. I pulled out and looked at him.
"Gosh, don't you two ever stop?! That's gross!" He exclaimed. I laughed a little and went over to him.
"Oh? So do you think the same way whenever you sometimes ask for a goodnight kiss?" I said, mostly to embarrass him. Spike's entire face turned red and he shrieked a little.
"T-That's a lie and you know i-it!" He yelled.
"Whatever you say, Spike!" I exclaimed as I went in and gave him a noogie.
"M-MaAaAAaAVeriiick! We talked about t-that!" He shouted. "S-Stop giving me noogies!" Twilight giggled a little at the sight.
"You two really are brothers, huh?" She commented, finding the whole scene amusing.
"That's right... Come on, let's head inside, alright?" I started to walk in with Spike. Twilight followed behind us as we went back into the castle.
END
And that's the end, of Bonds We Forge! It was a wild ride, huh? I personally like how this story turned out. And I enjoyed writing every chapter for
I'm not the best as action scenes, so the action might feel a little lackluster, but regardless, it's done. Thank you all for sticking around with this story to the very end! And I hope you guys enjoyed!
Thank you guys SO much for reading, and I'll catch you guys later.
This is Robert! Signing off!~