Chapter 24:Owl's Well That Ends Well
It was an approaching night in the town of Ponyville, the twilight was fading fast. It would not be long before a fantastic spectacle would occur the moment the night arrived, a meteor shower. Every late night loving pony was preparing to go to the perfect hill spot to see this spectacle. The excitement was mounting through town, especially within the Ponyville library. Where thorough and quite possibly, over preparations were taking place with Orion, Twilight, and Spike.
While Orion packed the essentials, a six pack of water bottles, and a smile. Since this was a nightly occurrence made by Luna herself, many did not know of this. Orion however was more than ready for this, seeing as this represented a sign that Luna was taking a turn for the his requirements met, the hidden prince was ready to head out to the hill. Only to be held up by Spike and Twilight piling a ton of different foods, equipment and drinks onto a red wagon.
"Come on! Put a pep in your steps you two!"Orion called out from the door as Spike continued filling up the wagon.
"We're hurrying, don't you worry your little head there, O,"Twilight came down the stairs with a saddle bag on her back,"I know how important this meteor shower is. They occur once every one hundred years."
"Yeah, and it hasn't been done in over a thousand years. Since Luna's banishment,"Orion added to that as he swung open the door and tapped his foot on the floor,"Now hurry up, I want to see it so she will continue to open up more and more to every pony."
"Then I guess we better get a move on!"Twilight agreed to the insistent prince that grew nervous about possibly missing the meteor shower.
"Don't wanna be late! Whoa, whoa, whoa…! There."Spike struggled down the steps and stacked more supplies into the wagon.
"Spike? Did you grab my quill and ink?"Twilight decided to drag things out by going down the list of requirements.
"Check!"
"Scrolls?"
"Check. I've also packed a telescope, apples, bananas, fruit punch,"Spike listed all the supplies he himself brought down while starting to trigger Orion,"And my freshly baked homemade triple decker nut crazy vanilla cream cookies!"
"Geez why don't you just magically give us diabetes right now instead of this cookie hassle? Now lets go!"Orion insisted and began to fume from the sudden hold up.
"I can see that. Once again you read my mind, Spike. And that is why you are my number one assistant."Twilight gave Spike a ton of credit for his sharp prediction of her requirements.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."Spike decided to milk this a bit more.
"I said, that is why you are my number one assistant."Twilight repeated loud and clear for the baby dragon.
"Missed that. Huh…?"Spike questioned while Orion fumed even more.
"I said-"Twilight announced before her mouth was closed up by Orion and Spike was shoved out the door.
"I'm gonna crack you on the noggin till your skull is numb,"Orion finally got fed up and got the two together before grabbing the red wagon to get them going,"Now stop stalling about, and get your flanks moving!"
"But what about my, Astronomical Astronomers Almanac To All Things Astronomy?"Twilight asked about her book before her and Spike were pushed out the door.
"I'll memorize them for you. No more gosh darn distractions, for Celestia's sake!"Orion hollered before they were finally on their way to the hill top outside the town.
Finally after some tough love and a few encouraging shoves and pushes through the town. Orion got his friends on their way to the hill top outside Ponyville. Thankfully the night had yet to fully arrive, so that means they didn't miss the meteor shower just yet. Twilight was willing to understand Orion's pushy nature in hopes of seeing his sister's first meteor shower in over a thousand years. While Spike sported a sour face for his pride milking moment getting interrupted.
Orion could care less about Spike being sour from having his thunder stolen. All that matter was the hill they finally began to come to the moment they got out of town. The moment he saw the hill where ever pony including his fellow warriors had settled upon. The prince was more than ready for this shower to begin, and quickly dashed his way up the hill. Passing by the ponies till he met up with the warriors and the Cutie Mark Crusader, leaving Twilight to meet with her friends.
"You showed up, just on time there, Orion. You look excited as a foal getting his cutie mark,"Thunder pointed out the obvious while sipping more punch that Apple Bloom was more than willing to give him,"Some how I knew you wouldn't miss your sister's first meteor shower in over a thousand years."
"Wouldn't miss it for the world. Luna's finally opening up to the new world,"Orion admitted his excitement to see his sister showing some beauty in the night,"Shadow Swirl must have finally got to her. I knew that mare of darkness could do it."
"Which is funny, because you would think darkness is the last thing Luna needed."Typhoon snickered as he laid out a checkered white and blue blanket to lay on.
"Stop messing around, you know Shadow ain't really about that evil stuff."Thunder waved his hoof at Typhoon's willingness to try and be funny.
"Yeah… Only a pony like Shadow Swirl could blow our minds with how she controls dark magic,"Orion sighed and slowly sat down in meditating sort of fashion upon the blanket,"Making the dark serve the light. Ponies these days would call major bull scat on us."
"No kidding…! Hey, what's your little dragon friend doing over there?"Thunder pointed out the proud baby dragon getting fawned over by the mares.
"Ugh…! Spike just has this thing for trying to get praise for his helpfulness,"Orion explained as Thunder crinkled his nose at the attention the baby dragon got,"He acts like he needs a medal or something…! If he only knew what he got for his services back in our time…!"
"More chores, more service and more pains in the neck…"Typhoon momentarily remembered what their helpful deeds got them as warrior trainees.
"Exactly. So basically this baby dragon… Has a silver stick up his flank!"Thunder called out, being the bold and occasional stupid pony that challenged any pony no matter who they were.
"Oh come on guys, he's just a baby dragon. He does plenty of good work."Twilight tried to defend the baby dragon while he soaked in the appraisals.
"Yeah, so did we when we were about his size. And you know what we got,"Thunder lifted his left back leg up and showed off a no fur dent in his thigh,"Nice scars, couple broken bones. Couple lacerations, and blisters. Our work is only met with more work, tiny. You should try doing our kind of work."
"Ok, enough teasing, Thunder."Typhoon slapped the lightning stallion's leg down.
"Basically, we're saying don't get too carried away with all this praise you get,"Orion decided to give Spike a serious lesson about all the credit the dragon was getting,"You do things because they're a good thing to do, and it helps others. Plain and simple."
"Well, would it be too much to give Spikey wikey this lovely bow tie I made just for him,"Orion felt his serious moment ruined the moment Spike received a deep red bow tie bonded with gems,"Certainly that wouldn't be too much after the spread he's made for us."
"Gosh, you guys are embarrassing, stop it…! Twilight, your turn."Spike continued to milk the glory the moment he got his own little bow tie.
"Why do I even bother…?"Orion sighed and fell to his back in the grass, completely dumbfounded.
"Ok, that's enough Spike."Twilight insisted that Spike finally cease his bass in glory.
"Hey, every pony! The show is starting!"Sweetie Belle alarmed them all just in time for every pony to look to the sky.
Orion shot up instantly forgot about the whole situation with Spike. His eyes went to the sky just in time to see the meteors flying through the sky like shooting stars. His heart grew warm, and beat hard like a lion's heart, witnessing this nightly spectacle of his sister's. The children were making wishes already, just as the shower really got underway. Through the shower he sighed, and saw the stars above twinkling, as if Luna was looking back to him.
He could feel her presence within the night sky, and she appeared more than happy. For the first time in a long time, she was receiving love and admiration for the meteor shower. This was something she was missing from her life, and her brother was there to see it. He placed his hand to his chest, feeling his beating chest as her shower left many in awe. Till a solid half an hour later, when the last of the meteors had flown by, and disappeared into the night.
This left them all satisfied with the astral spectacle, and feeling a bit tired. Thunder was already passed out on the hill, and that is where they decided to leave him for the night. Typhoon assisted Fluttershy to her hooves and decided to take her home for some much needed rest. Leaving Orion to sigh with satisfaction and walk over to the rest of the mares to help wrap up. While he noticed Spike sleeping in the punch bowl, he shook his head at the slumbering baby dragon.
"Well some pony worked themselves to the bone, milking all that sweet glory."Orion called out while folding up the blanket and putting it in the wagon.
"Oh, poor little thing."Rarity cooed for the baby dragon.
"Awe… He really did work himself to the bone."Twilight added to the babying nature surrounding Spike.
"And now the punch has been… Spiked!"Pinkie joked while Orion chuckled and rolled his eyes among the mares.
"I swear with all the babying and appraisals you give Spike. He'll never grow into a big dragon,"Orion spoke and lifted the baby dragon onto his shoulder,"At least it means he'll never be a real threat. But you all shouldn't give him that much praise…"
"Awe come on now. He's just a baby dragon doing good work for every pony."Applejack felt a bit discouraged by Orion's strict nature around young ones.
"Not everything one does is to be met with high appraisal. You should do it because it's the right thing to do,"Orion explained while magically lifting the equipment into the wagon,"Expecting so much much praise or even a little praise can easily born dangerous egos. Dangerous egos can turn an honest being into one that is dishonest and jealous. Then finally it turns to hate and tragedy."
"Wow… Way to kill the mood there."Rainbow Dash mused before taking off towards her home in the clouds.
"Not a problem, it's what I tend to do for those who don't understand life…!"Orion announced before giving them the thumbs up and walking down the hill towards home.
After a quiet and mixed feeling walk, they entered the town that settled down for the night. Orion knew that he was a tad over the line with his harsh standards about Spike. Though Twilight appeared not to be too moved or upset with his behavior, it was at least honest. In a way it kind of felt nice that Orion showed some concern towards Spike, and an apparent form of care for him. It said that he cared about how Spike grew, and he did not want this baby dragon straying from a good path.
Finally after their long walk, Orion was first through the door with the baby dragon in his arms. Twilight was quick to follow in kind, as she closed the door behind them. She made the wagon disappear, along with everything but her quill pen and scroll. Leaving Orion to put the baby dragon quietly, while Twilight gave her report on the meteor shower. He got up the stairs, and placed the baby dragon into his bed and wrapped him up in his blanket.
"You are something else all together, I swear it, Spike,"Orion shook his head as the little dragon snored and drifted away into a deep sleep," You're a pain in the neck, and a bit irritable. However… I know your heart is in the right place… So I just don't want you straying from your heart's path."
He relaxed from his good hearten words and walked off to let the baby dragon sleep. Leaving him to undress from his outfit ad fall to his large bed in exhaustion. Aside from the hiccup with the mares regarding Spike, he had a fun time watching the meteor shower. This was the first astronomical occurrence that Luna unleashed since her banishment. And seeing as it had an ever so popular and friendly response from the citizens, she was on her way to acceptance.
He yawned, and huddled into his bed before kicking off his boots. Orion covered himself up nice and snug in a quilt, and turned to the open window that showed the night sky. The stars twinkled in the distance, each twinkle he believed was a wish that was coming true for an innocent soul. He took deep breaths, and gave a small smile to the night before his eyes began to close. The moment his eyes had shut completely, he was immediately falling into a deep and peaceful sleep.
Once again, he found himself in the great realm of royal ascensions among the stars. He looked around the heavenly realm, letting the blue mist flow through his legs. It was then that he heard the gentle clopping of hooves in silver metal shoes approaching him. A simple turn to his left and there he saw Luna herself approaching out from behind the stars. Sporting a casual smile, but he knew there was deep sincerity behind the calm and composed smile she held.
"You did a wonderful job on the meteor shower tonight, Luna. It was beautiful,"Orion complimented her meteor shower, and she responded with a lowered head and a bit of blush,"Many ponies in town thoroughly enjoyed it. Your shower sent the spark of hope through their hearts."
"I'm… Glad you saw it… I was surprised by how many ponies stayed up to see it."Luna got a little closer and mustered the strength to look him in the eye.
"Will you just hug me instead of hiding how you really feel?"Orion asked while getting to his knees and pulling her in for a hug.
Luna gasped, but was quick to simply accept her brother's meaningful yet mysterious love. She wrapped her blue hooves around him and embraced the loving hug. All was quiet for the blessed moment they shared together, all burdens and mistakes were forgotten. When they finally parted from each other, Luna wiped her eyes to prevent the tears that stung her. With her heart warmed by the love he still held, she truly did feel that her future was becoming so much brighter.
Orion sat down, while Luna went to her belly and rested her head upon his lap. They looked up to the heavenly sky, where they knew their parents were resting in peace. The memories came gentle, but in full mass, all the memories they held from grand adventures.
"Remember when I was sick… And dying… You never left my side,"Luna sighed and snuggled against his lap,"You took me to the ancient temple at the peak of mt Canterlot, and slayed all ten Equestrian guardians just to fulfill one wish."
"I wasn't about to let the family I love die… Death by ailment is not a fate I want for any pony."Orion brushed his fingers against her mane as a larger star gleamed.
"What do you think prevented father from punishing you after what you did to the guardians?"Luna smiled to the star as if some pony wonderful was looking back to them.
"Maybe for the first time, the old stallion finally understood what family truly meant to him,"Orion looked to the same gleaming star as he thought to that very day,"He actually… Broke down… Not out of sorrow for the guardians he created. But for the joy that he felt, knowing that he would not lose a daughter that day."
"I wish he was still here to see how far we've come since those days."Luna admitted before imagining that their father was in fact up there in the sky, looking down to them.
"He probably is Luna. Just because our parents are not of this world any more, doesn't mean they aren't with us any more."Luna nodded to her brother's words before a frown then formed.
"I was so worried when I heard you and Tia were attacked by the assailant,"Luna decided to share some of her fears regarding what happened with him and Celestia,"A Cinder Pony, right? What kind of evil magic could create such a chaotic and devilish being."
"Don't know… Ponies made of burning cinder and ash. That's a new one on us."Orion admitted his inexperience with this new breed of pony.
"Whoever they are… They can't be allowed to threaten our family any longer."Luna insisted that her brother and his fellow warriors find and destroy these ponies.
"I know… We're watching for these ponies to rear their faces once more,"Orion reassured after a final brush of her mane,"We'll find them, discover what they are all about, then kill them."
"Good… You're about to have an unexpected awakening,Orion,"Luna suddenly predicted and finally got off him to light up her horn,"I look forward to your arrival to the Gala brother. As does Tia…"
"As do I… Hopefully."Orion answered as he watched Luna disappear into the lovely midnight blue sky.
This left him to sigh and close his eyes to shut down the dream he was in. Only to snap his eyes wide open and meet face to face with tiny dark brown eyes. They were attached to the large feathery head of a brown horned owl sporting a friendly face. he remained still for a moment to process that this was in fact an owl, and it appeared harmless. The silence was drenched in awkwardness, at least until Twilight approached them in time for the owl to give a hoot.
"Um… New friend of yours?"Orion asked as the owl lifted off the hidden prince's body and flew above him.
"Yup! His name is Owlowiscious. I met him last night, and he really wanted to get out of the cold,"Twilight explained how her and the owl met each other,"So I offered him a home, and he decided to be a secondary assistant when Spike is busy or too tired!"
Oh… So he's simply just a balance for the work ethic around here, and a new friend,"Orion slowly got up and swung his feet off the bed to look to the owl,"Did you introduce Owlowiscious to Spike yet?"
"No. I didn't want to wake him up just yet. He's been pretty tired lately."Twilight replied while the man got his boots back on.
"Will… It's nice to meet you Owlowiscious. Glad to have you aboard with us here in the library,"Orion politely greeted while standing up and magically bringing back his red outfit,"Make yourself at home, friend. I'm gonna step out for some fresh air, hopefully by then, Spike will be up."
"Ok. My friends will be over to say hello to Owlowiscious later. If you hurry back, we can say hello,"Twilight offered some things to do to keep things nicely progressing in life,"After that we can go out to eat somewhere."
"Sounds good to me. I won't go to far then."Orion decided before heading downstairs to leave and get some fresh air.
"Alright, don't forget about going out for breakfast when I'm done introducing Owlowiscious."Twilight called before Orion was finally out the door and taking in the fresh air.
Orion felt the warm and sparkling sunshine instantly heating up his black hair, he chose to stay there for almost twenty minutes. This said that princess Celestia was in a pleasant mood today, hence the pleasant day to match. He took a couple steps out and was greeted by Thunder as the lightning fast Pegasus gave him a wave. Before he then took off into the direction of Cloudsdale, no doubt to start some trouble. Orion shook his head and looked back to a window to the library, and waved to Owlowiscious, who watched him.
Normally, Orion would take that as a sign of suspicious and strange behavior. But he sensed no evil with the owl that Twilight befriended, owls were simply just creepy yet endearing creatures. However as Orion was about to go on a walk to the quill and couch store. He felt a hot and sulfuric like breath hit his back, and force him to freeze. His eyes narrowed, and a tense sigh left his lips before he then turned around to see glowing red and yellow serpent eyes looking at him.
He glared at the eyes that hid within the tree branches and leaves. He fumed slightly and lifted his finger up to curl it, and demand that the hidden creature come forth from hiding. The creature obliged, knowing that it was caught, and could only get in more trouble if it were to hide. Orion steeled himself as the scaly and heavily spiked blue head of a drake poked forth. It's upper lip was basically a sharp hawk like beak while clusters upon clusters of spikes went from it's forehead all the way to it's whip like tail with a heavy scaled club like tail tip.
Orion then pointed his finger down, demanding that the solid twenty foot large beast got came out of the tree. It did as he commanded and slowly crawled out and stood upon it's scaly hawk like feet. While tucking away it's bat like wing appendages that mixed between dragon arms and wings.
"Razor… What did we say about coming into town…!? You and Smoke are to stay in the forest or mountains at all times,"The blue drake snarled, but simply backed away from the warrior and looked away," Smoke's lucky he wasn't here as well, he's way to big to be anywhere near a town…!"
Witnesses looked to Orion as if he was mad for yelling at such a fearsome creature. Yet he boldly stood his ground and pointed to the mountains to the east and snapped his fingers. The blue drake growled, but simply bowed his head before spreading it's wings out to take flight.
"Go to those mountains, and stay there…! War Fire isn't here to let you get away with trouble any more,"Orion made that clear to the dragon like monster before it finally took off,"And as for your spying! Stay the hay away from Spike! He's none of you or Smoke's business!"
Orion watched the drake flee for the eastern mountains, waiting until he disappeared into the sky. He then looked to the ponies that bare witnessed such an intense and scary encounter. They were scared, and Orion couldn't help but shake his head at the scene the drake left him in.
"Sorry folks! No need to panic, he's on his way home now. There's nothing to fear!"Orion insisted and thankfully got the ponies to cautiously continue on their day.
He sighed, and was fixing up his outfit before being on his way, like nothing happened. Only for the door to swing open, allowing Twilight to rush out in a panic. With a slightly shaken up Owlowiscious perched on her tail for safety.
"Are you all right?! Me and Owlowiscious saw it from the window,"Twilight worried and looked over the man to check for any injuries,"What was that thing?! It looked like a dragon, but I've never seen a dragon like that one before!"
"That's because it's not a dragon, at least it's not exactly a dragon,"Orion informed and decided to educate her a bit about different types of legendary reptilian like creatures,"His name is Razor, and he's a blue electric drake. Drake's are basically a dragon's slightly smaller, but more dangerous cousins."
"What was it doing in the library tree's shrubbery? And why does it have a name?!"Twilight began to fire some questions out of concern and slight interest in the creature.
"I don't know… But it looked like he was spying on Spike for some reason,"Orion explained while looking back to the tree branches and heavy leaf shrubberies,"And… He and another drake belonged to War Fire back in the day. Big surprise, a pony of fire conquered some fiery lizards, am I right?"
"If they belonged to that comrade of yours, I don't want them anywhere near Spike,"Twilight made that clear to a very agreeable Orion,"That thing looked like a trouble maker, and I don't want him getting Spike into trouble."
"I already made that clear with him, and he's gonna pass that on to Smoke,"Orion reassured the concerned mare before brushing his hands together to shake off the scene,"So did Spike meet with Owlowiscious?"
"Yes, but Owlowiscious seems a bit worried that Spike may be a bit… Jealous."Twilight confided, and Orion displayed complete lack of surprise for such information.
"Does that really surprise you after all the praise you and your friends always gave him,"Orion crossed his arms and questioned Twilight's potential issue for the group,"You put some pony on a high horse, and now with a new member of the group they feel they're being replaced and knocked from their high horse."
"Maybe… Should I have first made it clear that nothing will ever replace him?"Twilight asked before looking to Owlowiscious, then back to him.
"Yes. Remember, don't let jealousy turn to resentment and hatred. Attack it before it can boil over,"Orion made the key to preventing any trouble or bad blood in the group,"A team can't function properly until internal affairs are taken care of. So take care of it…!"
"Howdy, y'all! We got your letters and came running! Something you wanna show us, Twilight?"Applejack called to them along with the rest of Twilight's friends.
"Oh yeah, I almost forgot to introduce you all to Owlowiscious,"Twilight exclaimed while looking back to a mused Orion that shook his head,"Don't worry, I tell him after we introduce every pony to our new friend…!"
Orion shook his head, and looked to the approaching friends that came to see the owl. Only to look to the tree windows and see Spike looking back down to them. He could see it in the baby dragon's eyes, he was already disapproving of the new friend to their group. Seeing as Twilight found herself more occupied with Owlowiscious, jealousy was going to grow. And only trouble was going to come from this.
And so it did, starting with the days that passed with great struggles. Spike was subjected to feeling undermined and out shined by Owlowiscious in every thing. From recovering books for Twilight to read, to even retrieving materials that the mare required. Orion wanted to do something to get Twilight to do what she should have done, but work had her occupied. And Owlowiscious's assistance kept her in the works, and unable to speak with Spike.
All the man could do was wait for some sort of real problem to start up. Since his information was forgotten, he chose to let it go and wait till their lack of communication and neglect caught up with him. Finally after several more days, that very thing happened. It was unexpected, for Orion was busy reading a book on the couch before the slam of a book shook him out of his reading trans. He looked over to see Twilight confronting Spike with a completely burned up book.
"Spike? What is this? Owlowiscious found this book, which happened to be my Astronomical Astronomers Almanac To All Things Astronomy book,"Orion looked over to take notice of the little issue and let out a sigh,"How did this book get like this?"
"I… I just, fell asleep one day while reading it and I felt the urge to sneeze coming and,"Spike stumbled over his words while trying to think of the right words to say,"Have you ever seen a dragon sneeze?"
"I've seen a dragon ruin something precious of mine! I'm very disappointed in you, Spike!"Twilight made her disappointment clear and walked away, leaving the book in front of Spike to let the guilt settle.
Spike wore a frown of guilt that slowly turned to a frown of anger. He then marched through the living room and right out the door to be alone for a bit. The moment the baby dragon left, Orion was free to close his book and chuck it right at Twilight's flank.
"Now what did I say about making sure Spike knew that he would never be replaced?!"Orion hollered at the unicorn while she took a moment to process her slightly stinging flank.
"What?! All I did was yell at him about burning one of my favorite books!"Twilight felt dumbfounded about being yelled at for bring her discipline hammer down on Spike.
"For one thing, you've said that about every bucking book in this library,"Orion decided to educate her on the mistakes she's made so far the pass few days,"Two you already just directed more jealousy and anger towards Owlowiscious for Spike. Did you not get my message about pride, to jealousy, to hatred, and finally tragedy?"
"Yes, but I've been busy the pass few days…!"Twilight made an excuse for the serious matter she chose to ignore.
"Don't be offering excuses. If you don't want crap to escalate, take some time out of your studies and talk to him!"Orion pointed to the door that Spike stormed out of and into the town.
"Sigh… Fine…!"Twilight drooped her ears and slowly walked to the door with her head down.
He kept close eyes on Twilight till she was finally out the door along with Owlowiscious. He waited a few more minute to be sure that Twilight really was looking for Spike. He nodded and slowly pulled out a new book about Starswirl The Bearded and the Equestrian Sirens. He knew this tale, and he knew that his comrade Shadow Swirl was more than happy about this story. Since the sirens were very keen in corruption, and even manipulated the hearts of children.
He began to read, and he decided to read it from start to finish since he had the time. He shrugged his shoulders and braced for two hours of nonstop reading on an old adventure. He was nearly in a state of zen after an hour of reading, and progress was steadily being made. It was almost like the reading state that Twilight got into when she read a good book. He was slowly but surely reaching the end of his book, and felt a bit refreshed to remember such an easy adventure with the sirens.
Only to suddenly notice a bunch of ketchup spots on the wooden floor. He lifted an eye brow and lifted his feet away from the ketchup before taking a look around. He groaned the moment he saw Spike carrying out a devious and sabotaging stunt in a black cape and hat that went with a fake mustache. He had a ruined toy mouse in one claw, and the bottle of ketchup in the other claw. He sighed and put the book down before clearing his throat and getting Spike's attention.
"WHAT! The hay are you doing,"His quick yell spooked Spike to the point that his body almost trembled from the shout,"Are you really going to go through with trying to get Owlowiscious in trouble with a fake mouse and ketchup?"
"Well… When you put it that way, it sounds really stupid…"Spike admitted while taking his hat and cape off.
"That's because it is really stupid, and it's a waste of time and energy, Spike,"Orion informed the dragon and slowly stood up with a more gentle voice,"Look I get that you're jealous of the owl. I know you don't want your place to be threatened by an animal that's proven helpful. But you can't let these self indulged emotions get to you."
"Well, Twilight barely notices me any more, and I feel like I'm becoming the invisible dragon…!"Spike crossed his arms and mumbled with a bit of guilty shame aching in his gut.
"Now you know how Luna felt when it came to Celestia. But this isn't the case here,"Orion tried to reassure Spike that he wasn't forgotten or being replaced,"I already sent Twilight to talk to you and make sure that you know that no pony could ever replace you. All you gotta do is stop this nasty demeanor and talk with her…!"
Spike looked to the ruined toy mouse and the bottle of ketchup he held. It was easy for him to see that what he was doing was stupid, and would only make things worse. He sighed, and came to grips with how far he was making this nasty jealousy thing go. He dropped the mouse and ketchup bottle and lowered his bed as he removed his evil mustache. He nodded in acceptance with humbling up and going to talk things out with Twilight, but unfortunately lack of communication was their downfall.
For the moment that Twilight finally returned home from her search. She was greeted with the sight of the fake mouse partially covered in ketchup, and shredded. The evil outfit was a simple touch to the whole scene, and it was easy to put one two three together, and leave out four.
"I swear…! I wasn't going to do what it looks like I was doing…! I was just-"Spike was cut off by an upset Twilight.
"Spike! I don't know what upsets me more! That you deliberately tried to set up Owlowiscious,"She huffed while Orion widened his eyes in shock at her actions,"Or the fact that you actually thought this little plan would work! You've let jealousy get the best of you Spike. I am truly disappointed. This is not the Spike I know and love…!"
ORion suddenly felt a trigger rattle around in his chest with great fire. Those very words she spoke mimicked that of the words that Celestia told Luna a thousand years ago. He felt his heart ache the moment he saw tears in the baby dragon's eyes. Just before the baby dragon rush out of the library in tears, running as far away as he could. The hidden prince clutched his chest, feeling that same heavy feeling he felt with his sisters before, and it made him very angry.
"Well…! I'm guessing you really made yourself clear to him, didn't you Tia?!"Twilight groaned, knowing that this was going to be another fight.
"What? Was I suppose to say, oh sorry Spike, were you trying to set our new friend up? Go right ahead,"Twilight got sarcastic with the man and got him fuming,"He was setting up Owlowiscious to get him in trouble, and I yelled at him for it!"
"I convinced him not to go through with it! He was going to clean up the mess and talk with you,"Orion shot up and approached her sternly,"Then you decided to assume things and just completely ridicule him for something he chose not to do out of respect for you! Not only that, but… You used the same words that Celestia used on Luna a thousand years ago…"
"What…? But I… How was I suppose to-"Twilight was now the one to get cut off by Orion.
"Stop with the gosh darn excuses! You ignored my advice, and you just did the same thing Celestia did to Luna,"Orion decided it was his turn to ridicule Twilight for her actions,"Are you trying to hurt that baby dragon till he ends up like Nightmare Moon, allows hatred to consume him, and makes him wish destruction for everything he once loved?!"
"Of course not! Nothing could ever replace Spike! He's been one of the greatest things that has ever happened to me,"Twilight exploded with the words the prince was hoping to hear,"I would never want him to feel unloved, and lonely and hurt! He would always be family and my number one assistant!"
"Well you should have told him that instead of letting jealousy grow in him,"Orion spat out the serious truth that made her heart ache with regret,"Now he's out there somewhere thinking he's no longer loved, and thinking he's all on his own!"
"Sigh… What have I done…?"Twilight groaned in guilt while Owlowiscious looked away with a bit of guilt for feeling as if he came between Twilight and Spike.
"It's not about what you have done any more, it's about what WE are GONNA do,"Orion crossed his arms and gestured to the window as the sun began to set,"We're gonna go out there again, and we're gonna find Spike! And you're going to tell him everything you should have told him before all this boiled over!"
"Oh Spike…! If only I had been sensitive to him, and talked to him…!"Twilight wanted to grief for her mistake, while Orion swung the door open.
"There will be time for grieving later, Lets first get out there and find Spike,"He demanded and got Twilight moving out the door once more with Owlowiscious,"And lets hurry, before he decides to just leave town all together."
With that said, Orion and Twilight were out on the town once more. Searching for the heart broken baby dragon top to bottom, this time they would not stop till they found him. Even as it took hours upon hours, they did not waver as the sun had finally set. The twilight had arrived for the town, and still the unicorn and prince found nothing. Twilight was getting worried, and with night time arriving very shortly, they were running low on time.
After Twilight finished looking through Sugar Cube Corner, she rushed back to the town center. While Orion returned from checking out the doughnuts shops and gem stores. They met back together, worried and without any good news to give to one another.
"Nothing… He's not at the doughnut or gem shops eating himself silly."Orion informed his lack of findings to the mare.
"He's not in Sugar Cube Corner either…! We've searched high and low,"Twilight exclaimed and collapsed to her belly with a lowered head of shame,"Oh…! This means he's probably skipped town! Celestia knows where he's gone…!"
"We can't give up. Giving up is never an option in conflict,"Orion reminded the distraught mare and got her back up to her hooves,"We just need to think about where he would go if a baby dragon was to skip town."
He lowered his head to think, closing his eyes and delving deep into his thoughts. The prince thought about everything he came to learn and know about dragons. From their migration patterns to their natural habitats, but Spike was a bit of a different case. A baby dragon could not move too far from his previous home, they would be out of energy before they could reach the base of any mountain. Suddenly his thoughts were then clear, and were then interrupted by the hoots of an owl.
He snapped out of his thoughts and looked to the sky, as did Twilight. They saw Owlowiscious circling above their heads, hooting at them and slowly lowering himself down. Till he was able to show them strange red foot prints that appeared to be old ketchup from before. It clicked for Orion, after remembering how messy Spike was with the ketchup he was using for a sabotage. Owlowiscious then gestured to them to follow, before taking off towards the nearest town exit.
"Of course… look where the owl is going,"Orion pointed out that Owlowiscious was flying out of the town towards the forest,"Spike would head to the forest and find a forest cave to lay low in…!"
"Then… We follow Owlowiscious into the forest and find Spike, he can see in the dark!"Twilight decided and ran to catch up with the owl.
They rushed out of town in the dead of the approaching night under the guidance of Owlowiscious. Orion's crystal eyes were put to good work, following the owl's every move. While Owlowiscious navigated the forest as if he knew it inside and out, even in the dark. However they were momentarily encumbered by thick brambles and dense trees. Owlowiscious continued on ahead while Orion pulled out his sword and started to hack and slash their way through the woods.
"Owlowiscious just found a cave…! There's dragon smoke coming out of the mouth…!"Orion grunted as he swung his blade wildly and tore apart the shrubberies that blocked their path.
"That means Spike may have found trouble! We have to hurry!"Twilight insisted before suddenly going pass the man and ramming through the rest of the brambles.
Orion was taken by surprise that she endured scratches and cuts on her whole body. Simply to push her way to the cave, and find her baby dragon before something else did. Thankfully as Orion sliced apart the last of the bramble, Twilight called into the cave.
"Spike! Over here!"Twilight appeared to have flagged down spike as he came out of the cave.
"Boy, am I glad the see the two of you!"Spike admitted as Orion finish cutting apart the shrubbery.
"We can reconcile later! For now, we gotta get out of here since you peeved off a green spike fiend dragon!"Orion insisted as Owlowiscious flew out of the cave and hooted at them to follow.
Just in time to see the large green dragon emerge from his cave with a roar. Orion ducked to avoid a yellow spiked tail that swung at him before Spike hopped onto Twilight's back. They then bolted pass the man before Orion followed close behind the duo. Only to be pursued by the large and angry reptilian beast, only Spike knew why the creature was so angry. The forest was too dense for a fight, so Orion needed to get the dragon in an open area before making a move.
He vaulted over a downed tree before he was able to catch up to Twilight and Spike. Thankfully, Owlowiscious was showing them the way through the dark still. It was then that the large dragon's size appeared to have caught up with him, the moment he tried to stand in low hanging trees. Low hanging vines suddenly tangled into his spikes head and claws. He stopped cold and struggled in the vines, allowing Orion and his friends to escape through the forest.
They didn't stop until they had emerged from the forest with great relief. They all stopped for a moment to catch their breath from the scary encounter with the spike fiend. Orion sat down in a meditation form and was able to catch his breath with ease. While letting Owlowiscious perch on his shoulder calm and casual, as if nothing ever happened. This gave Twilight and Spike the chance they needed to sit down and talk out the problems they've been having.
"Spike, we were so worried about you. I was so worried about you!"Twilight exclaimed and gave Spike a strong and compassionate hug.
"I… I thought you didn't need me an more. And you didn't love me any more."Spike answered with confusion from her sudden compassion for him.
"Well… Sure I was disappointed about your jealousy but… I was insensitive to the role you played as my number one assistant,"Twilight admitted her own guilt in the conflict that nearly consumed them for the last few days,"You got so jealous and I never bothered to make sure that you knew that no pony could ever replace you…"
"Really? I mean… I guess… Maybe Thunder is watching this, but… I guess I did over do it with the praise I felt like I deserved,"Spike admitted his side of guilt that mixed with Twilight's,"So it became undeserved pride that I thought would be ruined when Owlowiscious came in to the family…"
"I really wish you two had just said all this to each other before all Tartarus broke loose."Orion mused at the fact that these important words were so prolonged.
"I know… I'm sorry, Twilight. I never should have been so jealous."Spike apologized for his jealousy driven tirade about the library.
"And I'm sorry too, Spike. I should have been more sensitive."Twilight apologized for her neglect on the matter.
"And Owlowiscious, I now know you weren't out to take my job, forgive me,"Spike offered forgiveness to the owl for his actions, and was given a hoot in response,"Me. Forgive me, Spike?"
"He, forgives you Spike."Twilight decided to just assume that Owlowiscious forgave him.
"Hey! How did you guys know where I was?"Spike then thought of how they managed to track him down in the dark.
"Owlowiscious pointed out the ketchup you had on your feet from that failed attempt on setting him up,"Orion informed Spike of their trick to finding him in the dark,"We just followed your tracks that lead all the way to the cave and… Oh no…"
"What is it?"Twilight asked the moment she saw the hidden prince's tone change to worried.
"He still left ketchup foot prints that lead out of the forest… Oh boy,"Orion sighed as he slowly stood up and slowly drew out his sword once more,"It got free and followed your tracks out of the forest…"
"What are you talking abou…Holy Celestia!"Spike suddenly panicked the moment that the green dragon had suddenly descended from the sky with a roar.
Orion cracked his neck before the dragon had come to a thunderous landing. He roared to the sky before lowering it's head to the point that it's yellow serpent eyes were staring down Orion's red eyes. He attempted to approach closer, but paused the moment the crystal sword touched his throat.
"That little runt ate several of my gems! Do not try to defend this thieving little rat!"The dragon growled and glared to Spike as the baby dragon hid behind Twilight.
"Baby dragons need a little sustenance. Is losing a couple gems really that serious to you?"Orion questioned and was given a loud and smokey roar in response.
"THOSE ARE MY GEMS! NONE CAN TAKE MY GEMS AND GET AWAY WITH IT!"The dragon roared and demanded blood for the few gems that he lost.
"Well, you're gonna have to get over the loss of a few gems, you greedy gecko,"Orion boldly made something clear to the enraged dragon,"Because doing anything at this time will result in you being slaughtered where you stand."
"Is that so, two legged namby pamby pony beast!?"The dragon asked and suddenly lifted up to take a deep breath in.
Orion was fast to prepare his blade for cutting apart the big lizard. He waited for the perfect moment that he saw fire rolling up through the beasts neck. Then he would slice the neck wide open and watch the fire pour out and slowly melt the creatures heart, for dragon's weren't so fire proof on the inside. However, Orion would not need to lift a finger for this dragon. That honor went to the troublesome blue drake he sent packing days ago, Razor literally came out of the blue.
The drake came in with a roar before bringing out it's two foot long talons. They immediately dug right into the dragon's back, it's hide was easily being torn open by the large claws. The fiend turned and swiped at the drake to force him off, and Razor did in fact release him. Only to lower it's head and ram it's spiky noggin into the dragon's chest. They both fell to the ground, and it gave the dragon it's opportunity to clamp it's jaws down on Razor's neck.
However the drake's spiky long neck proved difficult to bite down upon. Blood oozed and dripped every time the dragon tried to sink it's teeth deeper into Razor's neck. The blue drake endured the jaws of it's larger cousin and rattled it's spikes to trigger it's special power. Yellow electricity suddenly circulated through it's spikes like lightning rods that went right into the dragon's mouth. Forcing the spike fiend to release the drake, and allow him to bite into the dragon's neck.
Their roars mixed as Twilight, Owlowiscious, and Spike held one another in fear. Orion was quick to try and help them get their barrings after rolling to avoid Razor getting tail whipped off. The blue drake got back up and roared in defiance as the two large reptilian beasts stared each other down.
"HOW DARE YOU DEFEND A BAND OF THIEVING RATS!"The dragon roared and the drake responded with a roar that carried it's complex language.
"Get up…! Lets just go…! Razor and Smoke can handle the dragon."Orion commanded as he tried to shake them from their shock.
"What…? I only see the blue drake. Who's Smoke?"Twilight asked and got her answer the moment Razor and the dragon were about to butt heads again.
The dragon charged, and Razor only snarled and showed a tiny smile. Just as the forest trees to their left exploded in a blast of pure fire and heat. Smoke arose from the flames before the giant red head of another drake jumped out from the burning trees. This red drake looked a lot like Razor, only he was much more massive than Razor was. It roared with a mouth full of fire before it's giant beak like jaws crushed down on the dragon's neck.
With the giant red drake even appearing larger than the green spike fiend. It easily over powered the green reptilian cousin and started to drag the beast into the forest. Razor saw his opportunity, and began to slash and gouge open it's soft under belly. Smoke roared and wrapped his massive wing over the dragon before they slowly but surely disappeared into the forest. This left Twilight and Spike with open mouths, while Orion simply sheathed his sword in satisfaction.
"That… Was Smoke… And here I thought he was done growing,"Orion admitted before looking to the shocked trio of friends that still had trouble collecting themselves,"What? It's just a bit of raw nature. I'm sure some hot tea will help calm your nerves."
Before they knew it, they had left the gruesome display of nature at it's most violent. Within minutes they were finally back in the library holding cups of tea. Orion sat in a chair, sipping his tea while watching Spike writing a friendship lesson for a change. The prince found calm and peace between Spike, Twilight, and Owlowiscious at long last. Their home was once again an oiled machine that created harmony in the form of friendship and hardship once again.
"Wow… This is such a big responsibility…!"Spike admitted as he held the quill pen at the ready.
"I know, but it's nothing my number one assistant can't handle."Twilight once again showed her complete faith and trust in the baby dragon.
"If you say so…"Spike trusted her right back and began to write the lesson.
Dear princess Celestia, this is Spike, writing to you about my adventures. This week I've learned that being jealous and telling lies gets you nowhere in friendship. I also learned that there's plenty of love for every friend to share. So from here on out, that , I, Spike, will-
Suddenly, the baby dragon had once again fallen asleep since it was in fact late. Twilight giggled while Orion simply chuckled and snapped his fingers that sparked with red magic. Instantly, Spike was teleported from the writing pedestal to Orion's side.
"Oh, Spike…"Twilight giggled at Spike's child like mentality.
"He really is something else… Perhaps there's a bit more to this baby dragon than i feel has been showed…"Orion admitted before Owlowiscious gave them a little hoot.
"Who? Spike. You know… ohhh…"Twilight finally caught onto Owlowiscious's language and simply shared another round of laughs with Orion.
Wow, that chapter was honestly a bit fun to make for me. Not only that, but we are nearing the end of season one, quite an accomplishing mile stone in this story. But do not fear, the seasons will only get better and better from here on out, I can promise that. Till next time, stay pony every one.