It was a beautiful day in the green hills of the Shire. A young unnasta, yet to go his adventures, sat beneath the boughs of an old oak tree, protected from the sunlight. A warm summer breeze brushed through his think light cyan and moderate opal of the Pale, light grayish spring bud pony in suspenders and a trouser. From beneath the cool boughs of the tree he sat on all fours, his hair cut short, deeply invested in the book that lay in front of him.
Off in the distance the clanking of a truck drawn cart could be heard in the distance. As it grew closer the figure of a truck draped in grey cap could be seen turning round the corner, cart in toe. His was face hidden beneath the cab of the truck.
As he approached the young unnasta on the hill above her suddenly leapt to his feet. A stubborn look crossed his face as he pointed an accusing hoof to the stranger.
Sandbar: You're late!
The Truck below his suddenly ground his cart to a halt. He transform into his robot mode to get a better view of his accuser, revealing a robot head and blue helmet with a blue legs. A stern look came across his face as he glared up at the young colt.
Optimus Prime: A wizard is never late, Sandbar, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to.
The two continued to stare each other down coldly. Suddenly, silence was broken by a fit of laughter as both robot and pony began giggling to themselves without helping it. All of a sudden the young unnasta leapt from perch towards his robot companion, who leapt up on her hind legs, catching his in his arms. The robot and a pony laughed as they swung in circles in a reunited embrace. Finally the Robot fell to the ground with the young colt landing in his lap, the two of them still laughing strongly.
Sandbar: It's great to see you , Optimus Prime.
The Robot began to pick himself up, attempting to regain his composure.
Optimus Prime: You didn't think I'd miss your Uncle's birthday did you?
The robot and the pony slowly trotted down the road, the old wooden cart being pulled closely behind them. They passed by golden green fields being tended by cheerful Cows as well as the occasional Donkey.
Sandbar: What's the word in the outside world? Tell me everything!
Optimus looked down at young Sandbar with a smile.
Optimus prime: Every thing? You're rather eager for a colt..
As they continued down the road passing over a stone bridge and approaching a nearby marketplace, Optimus went on.
Optimus Prime: Well what can I tell you? Life in Hasbro Earth goes on as it always has. Everybody coming and going, scarcely aware of the Shire.. For which I am grateful.
Optimus Prime and Sandbar continued through the market place. Passing by numerous Ponies who loom up in wonder and excitement, while the Donkeys simply glance over in their direction with disdain.
As they pass by the Green Dragon Inn, Optimus takes note of a large number of unnasta setting up tents and tables of food in the wide open fields, surrounded by streamers and banners.
Optimus Prime: Your Uncle's setting up his party I see. How is the old rascal? Is it going to be as exciting a he hopes.
Sandbar: You know Spike..he's got the whole place in an uproar.
Optimus Prime: Well that should make him happy.
Sandbar: Half the Shire's been invited..
Optimus Prime: Really?
Sandbar: He's up to something.
Optimus Prime: Really?
Sandbar suddenly gave Optimus a suspicious look. Optimus simply smiled slyly pretending not to notice it.
Sandbar: Fine..keep your secrets.
The young colt suddenly looked away in a huff.
Sandbar: Before you came along the Darggins' were popular 'round here.
Optimus: If you're referring to that incident with the Robot Dragon..I was barely involved..all I did was give him a nudge out the door.
Sandbar: Whatever You'll did.. You'll have been labeled a Disturbance of the Peace.
The robot and pony pass by an worn wooden shack where old Cranky Doodle stood out front sweeping his walk, while his wife Matilda tended the garden. The old Donkey suddenly took a break from his broom to look up and glare at the Robot wizard passing him by. Optimus stared back for a moment and then turned to face his young companion with a chuckle.
Optimus: Oh, really..
They continued to pass by more houses, each one buried into a grassy hill, until they found themselves at the center of Unnastaton village. Numerous unnasta children's began to chase after the Robot and cart, each one jealous that Sandbar had gotten to Optimus before them. As they raced after the cart they called out to Optimus begging her to perform feats of magic for them. Optimus however remained composed, trying her best to ignore the cries of the young children's. Optimus and Sandbar exited the village, the young foals' looking on in disappointment. All of a sudden a sly smile appeared across Optimus's face. With a twinkle in his eye a dozen flashes of light shoot out from his staff lighting up in the skies above his. The Children's leapt up with excitement, cheering with joy at the spectacle they beheld.
Sandbar: Optimus ... I'm glad you're back.
Young Sandbar says, as he begins to departs ways.
Optimus: So am I, dear boy...so am I
He sees the young colt off with a smile, as he watches him run back to join in with him friends.
Optimus continues to pull his cart further away until he approached a large hill quite higher than the others. She pulled her cart over to side of the gate, where a large sign reads: "NO ADMISSION EXCEPT ON PARTY PLANNING."
Optimus passed through the gates of Bag End with ease and began down the garden path towards a large round door, neatly fit into the grassy hillside. Using his staff and raps on the front door
Spike: Go away!
A young voice called out to her from the other side of the door.
Spike: No more visitors, well wishers, or distant relatives.
Optimus: What about old friends?
Optimus spoke out with a smile.
A small purple head suddenly peeked it's way outside of the door, it's large green eyes peering up at the robot wizard before him. A sudden smile crossed the face of the small dragon in a waistcoat and jacket.
Spike: Optimus?
Optimus: Hello Spike!
Spike: Optimus!
The young dragon suddenly swung the door open. Optimus quickly lowered His head, allowing his old friend the hug her around the neck. Both smiled happily in a loving embrace.
As Optimus finally pulls his old friend apart from her, she sets him down in front of her to get a good look at him.
Optimus: One hundred and Eleven, who would have thought it!
Suddenly Optimus glanced his friend up and down once again, this time more intently. A sudden curiosity crossed his face as he looked him over.
Optimus: You haven't aged a day.
It was true, for although the small dragon was well into adulthood. He looked just as he did on the day that Optimus had first met him. In fact you could say his appearance was almost child like. Discomforted by his friends comment, Spike quickly changed the subject.
Spike: Come on in! You're always welcome!
The confines of Bag End were fine indeed, numerous souvenirs cluttered the place each of the, elegant in design. And yet there was a coziness to the house for Spike kept it very well groomed.
Spike: Oil or Ernegon? I have a few bottle of Sweet Apple Acres Ethanol, 1926..it's almost as old as I am.
Optimus looked around the cozy house with a smile, then bumped his staff into a hanging chandelier, much to his annoyance. For the low hanging ceilings were built for unnastas slightly smaller than he was.
Spike: I was expecting you last week. Not that it matters, you always come and go as you please. We don't have much food..just some pickles and cheese, maybe some eggs.
Optimus: Just oil will be fine.
Spike: "Oh, right!" [with mouthful of sponge-cake] "You don't mind if I eat, do you?"
Optimus: "Oh no, not at all."
Optimus sits down on a chair just inside the kitchen entrance. There is a knocking on the door and a woman shouting: "Spike! l Spike Darggins!"
Spike: [whispers] "I'm not at home!"
He tiptoes up to the front window and peers out to identify the unwanted visitor.
Spike: "It's the Milk-Riches!"
Milk-Riches (outside): "I know you're in there!"
Spike: "They're after the house. They've never forgiven me for living this long!"
Still with his sponge-cake, Spike disappears into the kitchen.
Spike puts down his cake and stares out his window while Optimus tries to make himself comfortable at Spike's unnasta-sized table.
Spike: I've got to get away from my relatives.
The small dragon exclaimed with a shudder.
Spike: They never give me a moment's peace. I want to see mountains again..mountains Optimus..and then find somewhere to finally finish my book.
Optimus: So you mean to go through with it then?
The Robot wizard eyed Spike suspiciously as he raised his cup..
Spike: Yep..it's already taken care of. Everything's been planned in advance.
Optimus: Sandbar suspects something.
Optimus spoke with a smile as he sipped his oil.
Spike: Of course he does!
Spike spoke proudly
Spike: he's a Darggins..he's smarter than everyone else in the Shire combined!
Optimus: You will tell him won't you?
Optimus gave Spike another accusing eye.
Spike: Of course I will.
Spike said waving the question off.
Optimus: He's quite fond of you, you know.
Optimus stated taking another sip of his oil.
Spike: I know.
Spike sighed to himself a look of shame on his face.
Optimus: He'd probably come with me of if I asked him. But I think, in his heart he's still in love with the shire.
Optimus suddenly glanced out the window toward the green hills and rolling fields of the shire beneath his house.
Spike: Optimus..I'm old..I know I don't look like I am..but I certainly feel like I am..
Spike suddenly went for his waistcoat pocket. Optimus took note of this as his claws fiddled with something within it.
Spike: I feel empty..thin.. sort of spread like butter over a slice of bread. I need a vacation..a long vacation..one that I don't intend to come back from.
As the nightfall began to set over the Shire two figures, a Robot and a small dragon, looked over the edge the topmost hill of Bag End, at the town below as it came aglow of the setting sun. The two friends, both at he back porch of Bag End looks down a The fields below, as the finishing touches were placed for the party in Spike's honor.
The small dragon leaned back into the grassy hillside as he chewed on a bit of a crystal gem.
Spike: Mmmm..Smokey Quartz..the finest gem in the Shire..wanna bite.
His companion sitting at his side, chuckled to herself as the small dragon offered him a chunk of the gem, knowing full well he was uninterested. Spike then proceeded to toss the remainder of the gem whole into his mouth. He then proceed to blow out green smoke-rings in a couple of small simple puffs.
Optimus knowing full well that his dragon friend was showing off, began to light his staff glow. he smiled as a image of glowing gold ship appeared from his staff and sailed directly through the smoke rings before disappearing.
Upon seeing this spike laughed out loud.
Spike: Optimus..
Spike proclaimed nudging his friend with his elbow.
Spike: This is gonna be the Best Night Ever!
The celebration truly was amazing as the night skies lit up with fireworks of every shape, size, and color ranging from flowers and trees, to ponies and dragons. Across the fields ponies and cows, donkeys and mules, every sort of Shire creature imaginable danced and made merry. When they weren't dancing they were feasting upon tables of fine delicacies and savory treats, as well as drinking from tall kegs of cider.
At the center of it all Optimus Prime went about lighting numerous fireworks, each one pulled from the back of his cart. When she wasn't lighting fireworks he was shooting out illuminating images from the tip of his staff.
As he walked about the numerous partygoers, Sandbar took note of a griffin nervously standing amidst the center of the action. The cerulean and with pale, light grayish amber chest and eyebrows griffon, slight same age as he was, looked nervous, and rather afraid to take part in the party going.
Sandbar: Come on Gallus!
The colt approaches the young griffon, placing a hoof over his shoulder much to his surprise.
Sandbar: Go ask Silverstream for a dance.
Sandbar gestured a hoof towards a young Hippogriff/Seapony with light cornflower blue and light cornflower bluish gray hair and moderate blue violet eyes, dancing wildly amongst the crowd. A look of horror suddenly came across young Gallus's face.
Gallus: I think I'll just have myself another cider.
Sandbar: Oh no you don't!
Sandbar suddenly grasped ahold of the small cold, and tossed him into the crowd of dancers. As Gallus spun about out of control, he suddenly crashed face to face into Silverstream. Although the two stared at each other blankly for a moment, Silversteam suddenly gave Gallus a toothy smile. she pulled him aside and began to dance around with him causing him to smile as well. Sandbar began to laugh out loud, stomping his hoofs as he watched the spectacle.
Elsewhere a group of much younger unnastas sat in a crowd, their attention drawn to a tent where Spike sat down, narrating his past adventures to them.
Spike: There we were..at the mercy of three Insecticons..Have you heard of Insecticons? Do you know what a Insecticons is? It's a great big nasty mechanical insect, twenty feet high..And smelly, because they live underground..And they were arguing..arguing about how they were going to cook us!
The young unnastas' Eyes grew wide as they listened on intently. Spike raised his claws, wiggling them to set the mood.
Spike: And they were deciding..wether to roast us on a spit..or mince us in a pie..or maybe just sit on us and squash us into jelly! But they spent so long arguing wether to do this or to do that..that the sun began rise. It crept over the top of the trees and..
Spike suddenly clapped his hands together, causing the children to gasp in shock.
Spike: Turned them all to Stone!
The young unnastas cheered in amazement as Spike stood and took a bow.
From behind Optimus' cart, two unnastas about Sandbar's age snuck about trying to remain unnoticed. One of them a Striped Skunk with a zany personality struggled to climb up the back of the cart. As she swam about the contents, she lifted up a small firework towards her companion.
Buttercream Sundae: No, no.. The big one..
The young Buttercream Sundae proclaimed in frustration. She was a dull-yellow colored rabbit with brown coverings / markings on the tops of her ears, tips of feet, and a flowery circle shape around her left eye. Her nose and inner ear coloring is pink. Her eyes are a dark, emerald green. also has a white muzzle, chest / stomach, and cotton tail..
The young unnasta skunk lifted up another firework slightly bigger than the last with a sheepish smile. The unnasta rabbit below her placed a hoof to her head in frustration.
Buttercream Sundae: No.. The really big one..!
Finally the unnasta skunk lifted up a large rocket in the shape of a red dragon. The young unnasta rabbit looked on in excitement, almost leaping up from the ground.
Buttercream Sundae: That's it..! Toss it down..
The yellow unnasta rabbit gestured her paws towards herself instructing her companion to toss it down. The young unnasta rabbit did this, completely unaware the fuse of the rocket was already lit. As the young unnasta skunk took ahold of the rocket, a look of fear came across her face as she took note of the fizzing fuse.
Pepper Clark: "Done
Buttercream Sundae: You're supposed to put it in the ground first!
Pepper Clark: It is in the ground!
The young unnasta skunk proclaimed, as she leapt from the cart to assist her friend.
The young unnasta rabbit attempted to push the rocket into the paws of her friend, who in turn attempted to push it back.
Pepper Clark: Outside!
Buttercream Sundae: It was your idea!
The two unnastas continued to pass of the rocket between themselves until suddenly it blasted off, burning the two unnastas in a cloud of smoke. The rocket lifted up into the sky in a brilliant flash of red light. When it finally reached the highest it could go, it suddenly transformed taking the shape of a great red dragon. The partygoers below looked on in awe as the great red dragon began to eye them curiously. All of a sudden the great red dragon began to descend upon the crowd below. The startled guests ran about in a panic, attempting to avoid it's path. All of a sudden Sandbar noticed that the dragon was heading directly for an unsuspecting Spike.
Sandbar: Spike! Look out for the Dragon
Spike: Dragon? Pssh..
The small dragon brushed off in disbelief.
Spike: The only Dragon around here within a thousand mile is..
All of a sudden Sandbar leapt atop of the unaware Spike, pushing him to the ground just as the dragon swooped over him. Missing it's target the dragon flew onward, tossing aside everything in it's path be it table or pony. Finally tired of the chaos it flew up towards the hill and exploded in a brilliant ball of fire. The partygoers, though at first in shock, soon cheer out in a thunderous roar of applause.
Back at the cart, the smoke slowly clears revealing the soot stained figures of the young unnasta skunk and rabbit. As they slowly coughs their throats clear, they turn to stare at each other small smiles slowly creeping across their faces. All of a sudden they raise their hooves to he air with joy.
Buttercream Sundae: That was amazing!
Pepper Clark: Let's get another one!
All of the sudden the two unnastas are raised off the ground by the napes of their necks. A blue robotic hands lifts them up by their collars, much to their surprise. The figure of Optimus Prime appears from behind them, a furious look on her face.
Optimus: "Buttercream Sundae, and Pepper Mildred Clark. I might have known."
The two unnastas, give the robot wizard pair sheepish smiles. With a grip of his hands, Optimus lifts the to unnastas in front of him as he leads them away.
Optimus: Let's go have a word about this..with your parents!
Not long after the two unnastas were sitting at a washtub, scrubbing a mountain dishes from the hearty dinner. Although at first furious with each other, a mischievous look comes about both of them, at the thought of the soapy water in front of them. Pretty soon the two unnastas were splashing each other silly as they went about their work, both of them giddy and soaking wet. However the fun quickly died down when Optimus came to inspect their work. he smiled with a look of satisfaction as the unnastas attended to their lesson.
Elsewhere, the crowd of partygoers still feasting on the remaining food and drink, began to raise their mugs of cider upward for a toast. "Speech! Speech" they began to cry, a single voice slowly transforming into an eruption. Finally the figure of Spike the Dragon stood up before the crowd taking his place beneath the bows of a sturdy oak tree.
Spike: Darggins and Sundaes, Clarks and DaisyJos.. Cakes, Corns, Mules, Maredowells, Trottinghams and of course Doodle Dandies..
Cranky Doodle: That's Doodle Donkeys!
A rather cranky looking donkey em proclaimed, his wife standing at his side aslf a she attempted to prevent his toupee from falling off.
Spike: Today is my one hundredth and eleventh Birthday.
The crowd cheered as Spike continued proudly.
Spike: And alas, Eleventy- one years is too short a time to live among such excellent and admirable Shire Unnastas.
The crowd cheered even louder with great approval.
Spike: I don't know half of you as half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you as well as you deserve.
The applause suddenly stopped. The crowd look amongst each other attempting to decide wether this was a joke or an insult. Sandbar and Optimus glance at each other, attempting to hold back their laughter.
Up at the front, a nervous look seemed to come across Spike as her reached for his waistcoat pocket. As he pulled his hand back behind, he began to stutter out the right words to say at this time.
Spike: I have..things to do an I have put them off for far to long..
Behind his back Spike seemed to be fiddling with something with both hands. A nervous look suddenly came across Sandbar's face as he watched her Uncle up on the stage.
Spike: I regret to announce that I'm leaving. Right now. Goodbye!
Spike took on last look at Sandbar, hesitated, and then vanished. The entire crowd leapt up in disbelief. And uproar quickly arose as they attempted to figure out what had happened to the guest of honor.
Little did they know that back up at Bag End, the garden gate had opened all by itself, followed soon after by the front door. As the door quietly closed to a shut, the purple figure of Spike the Dragon appeared out of thin air, laughing himself silly. In his hand he held a large golden ring that he had just removed from his wrist. Attempting to regain his composure, Spike placed the ring back in his waistcoat pocket, wiping a tear from his eye. As he pranced down the hallway still chuckling to himself, he was greeted by a familiar figure. Sitting in his comfy armchair, right next to the glowing fireplace, sat Optimus, his arms crossed in front of his in disappointment.
Optimus: I suppose you think that was clever?
The robot wizard proclaimed raising a brow.
Spike: Oh come on Optimus! Did you see their faces!
The small dragon shrugged his friend off with a smile.
Optimus followed his small friend as he went about his packing.
Optimus: There are many magic rings in Hasbro Earth, Spike the Dragon, and none of them should be taken lightly.
Spike: It was just a bit of fun!
The small dragon stated waving off Optimus' lecture. Clearly his old friend was not amused. Finally, with a shrug he stated.
Spike: Eh.. You're probably right.
Optimus: You will keep an eye on Sandbar, won't you?
Optimus gave his friend one last raised brow before turning to walk away?
Spike: Of course.. I'm leaving everything to him.
Optimus: And the ring? Is that staying to?
Spike: Yeah, yeah, it's in an envelope on the mantelpiece.
All of a sudden Spike paused his conversation, as if confused by his answer. Optimus looked over to mantlepiece. It was completely empty.
Spike: No, wait.
The small dragon retracted his statement, feeling his waistcoat.
Spike: It's here in my pocket. Hehe.. Isn't that odd?
Spike nervously began to draw to the thick ring, much to large for him, from his pocket. He eyed it anxiously, as he fiddled with it about his claws.
Spike: Then again, why not? Why shouldn't I keep it?
Optimus eyed Spike with a look concern. For she had never seen his close friend act like this before.
Optimus: I think you'd better leave that ring behind Spike. Is that so hard?
Spike: Of course not..maybe.
Spike stated sheepishly, his grip on the ring slowly growing tighter amongst his claws. A tone began to grow in his voice as he continued.
Spike: Now that I think about it, I don't feel like leaving it behind. It's mine. I found it. It came to me!
Optimus slowly approached his friend, her concern growing stronger than ever. He gently placed a hand upon his shoulder.
Optimus: There's no need to get angry.
Spike: Well, if I'm angry, it's your fault!
The dragon brushed his friend aside with a huff.
Spike: It's mine. My own, my precious.
All of a sudden, a snake like look crossed the small dragons face. His tongue darted out with a snakelike hiss. His eyelids blinked from the sides, rather than up and down, a feat Optimus didn't even think was possible. Optimus was now more concerned than ever.
Optimus: Precious? I've heard that before, but not from you.
Spike: So?
Spike snapped, his voice and manner suddenly turning savage.
Spike: It's none of your business anyways! Whatever I do with my things!
Optimus' expression turned suddenly stern.
Optimus: I think you've had that ring for long enough!
Spike: No!
The feral dragon held the ring close to him as if protecting some sacred treasure.
Spike: I know what your doing!
He stated fiercely as he backed himself into a corner. An accusing claw pointed, threatening his long time friend.
Spike: You want it for yourself! Don't you?!
All of a sudden a brilliant bright light filled the room. Optimus Prime rose from the ground in a whirlwind of blue magic. His eyes glowed pure white, his voice echoing across the entire room as he spoke.
Optimus Prime : Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks Spike the Dragon.
Spike expression transformed into one of utter terror. Horrified by his friend's sudden burst of power, he fell back into his corner shivering, desperately attempting to shield himself from the figure in front of him. Upon seeing the look of terror on her friend's face, Optimus Prime's expression softened. His emotions composed, he gradually lowered himself to the floor, the light from his eyes dimming.
Optimus slowly approached his small friend. As he lifted a hand towards him down on the floor, Spike winced in anticipation. To his surprise, she gently massaged his cheek, causing him to turn face her. As Spike looked up at the face of his oldest friend, he saw a kind smile spread across his face.
Optimus: I'm not trying to rob you. I'm your friend. I'm trying to help you.
All of a sudden Spike eye's began to well with tears. As he began to sob, he leapt from the ground and grasped his friend in a tight embrace. Optimus brushed the back of his head as tears continued to stream down the small dragons face.
Optimus: All these years, we've been the best of friends. Trust me on this..just this once. You need to let it go!
As Spike began to compose himself, he pulled himself away from Optimus wiping the tears from his eyes.
Spike: You're right Optimus..I'll leave the ring for Sandbar.
With a renewed sense adventure Spike lifted his knapsack across his shoulder, and headed towards door. Nothing could stop him now.
Optimus: Spike?
Spike screeched to halt, just as he was about to reach the handle.
Optimus: The ring is still in your pocket.
The small dragon turned around sheepishly scratching the back of his head.
Spike: Hehehe..oops. Yeah..
Spike nervously drew the ring out in front. Slowly yet steadily he extended his arm, the ring held tightly in his claws. His hand shook violently as he attempted to loosen his grip on the ring. Finally with all his might, he looked away and allowed the ring to fall to the floor.
Both Spike and Optimus looked down at the ring on the floor between, then back up at each other. All of a sudden, the two giggled, quickly breaking out into a fit of laughter. As the two old friends regained their breath, a thought popped into Spike's mid as he wiped a tear from his eye.
Spike: You know, I think I've thought up an ending to my book..
Optimus: What's that?
Spike: "And they all lived happily ever after!"
The two friends smiled at one another and then hugged each other tightly
Spike: Goodbye Optimus.
Optimus: Goodbye Spike.
And so, with a weight lifted from his chest, the small dragon walked off into the night leaving the house and home he had known far behind him. Optimus Prime looked on as his oldest and dearest friend disappeared into the darkness. When he was finally out of sight, he gently shut the cottage door behind his with a smile.
As he reentered the house, a sudden glint caught the corner of her eye. It was Spike's ring sitting in the middle of the floor. As she slowly approached, he eyed it with a deep suspicion. As far as he could tell, it appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary golden ring. When he was finally satisfied he reached out a hand to touch. The ring had barley grazed his grasp, when suddenly a vision appeared in his eyes.
The image of a large eye, fierce and menacing, and made up entirely of glowing blue flames.
Optimus backed away from the ring in terror.