Season: Z

Episode: I

The Adventurer

(By: Flame Runner)

A sunny afternoon greeted the group of pony friends. Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity had decided to meet this day for a picnic. Spike was watching over the town library which was strangely busy that day and Rarity was running late.

“So girls, how have your weeks been going?” opened Twilight.

“Nothing much to report here,” replied Rainbow Dash. “The weather’s been real easy to take care of and I got through my latest Daring Do book. That reminds me, can I borrow the next one?”

“Sure,” responded Twilight, “just come on over tomorrow and I’ll have it ready for you.”

“Well land sakes! We’ve been havin’ a time of it down at Sweet Apple Acres. I tell you best season we’ve ever had,” said Applejack.

Fluttershy was about to speak when a booming voice echoed across the field.

“Huzzah! Ponyville, I have come to save you!”

The friends looked toward the source of the strange proclamation and saw, standing on a hill, a unicorn stallion.

(Insert Theme Music Here)

* * * * * * * * *

The stallion had a red coat with an unkempt light brown mane and tail. He also wore a scabbard at his side, but there was nothing in it.

“Girls, who is that?” asked Fluttershy as she pointed toward the unexpected newcomer.

“Whoever he is, he must be new because I’ve never seen him before,” said Pinkie.

“That’s besides the point,” stated Applejack, “what’s he blabbin’ about Ponyville needin’ saved and all?”

“I don’t know, but this all seems rather fishy to me,” commented Rainbow Dash.

The strange pony looked over at the picnicking group and rushed toward them.

“Fair citizens! I heard there was trouble in your town and came as fast as I could.”

“Trouble? There’s no trouble here, but I’m Pinkie Pie. What’s your name?”

“No trouble? Blast! Another false lead!”

“Slow down there buddy,” Rainbow interrupted his rant. “Just who are you and what are you doing here in Ponyville?”

“Ah! I am known as Swift Strike and I am an adventurer. Seeking out danger and helping those in need is my calling. I heard there was trouble in fair Ponyville and came at once.”

“Who told you that, silly?” asked Pinkie gleefully.

“It was…um…it was…well…I don’t remember. But somepony told me. I’m sure of it!”

“Well, welcome to Ponyville Swift,” said Twilight, “sorry that it doesn’t have the adventure you were looking for.”

“That’s quite all right Miss. Perhaps somepony here could point me toward a town that does need help?”

They all shook their heads ‘no’.

“Well then, I suppose I shall stay the night here and be off in the ‘morrow.”

It was then that Rarity came bounding over the hill in a gorgeous sun bonnet and levitating a basket full of goodies.

“Sorry to keep you girls waiting!” she yelled. “But I’m here now.”

The group looked toward their white friend and Swift took a double take.

“And who might you be?” asked the brash stallion.

“Who am I? I should very well ask you the same question.”

“Rarity, this is Swift Strike and he seems to have gotten himself a little lost,” said Twilight.

“Ah! Rarity! What a wondrous name!” swooned Swift. “Lady Rarity, it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” He bowed low to the ground and his empty scabbard thumped upon the hard earth.

“Yeesss, well a pleasure then.” Rarity stated cautiously.

“Hey Swifty! What’s this thing hanging at your side?” asked Pinkie.

“That, my dear pony, is called a scabbard. It’s where I keep my sword.”

“But Mr. Strike, there’s nothing in it,” said Fluttershy quietly.

“What?!” The stallion checked and, positively mortified, found the Pegasus to be correct. “Where…where is it? I can’t have lost it again!” He began to spin around in circles and jumped up and down in a tizzy.

“Now don’t get all fussy over it,” responded Rarity, “it’s not like the end of the world you know. I would never get so emotional over such matters.”

The others gave the white unicorn a hard stare.

“Anyways, like I said Rarity, he seems to be a little lost and needs a place to stay for the night. Got any suggestions?” asked Twilight.

“Of course! He should try the Mayor. I’m sure that she could help out,” replied Rarity.

“Huzzah! Some pony of stature which I can seek aid and information from. Perhaps she can give me some valid work, worthy of an adventurer like myself!”

The others just rolled their eyes and led the dramatic stallion toward the town hall.

* * * * * * * * *

Swift was finishing one of his adventure stories as the group found themselves at the town hall.

“Then, there was this one time with this crazy old guard. Do you know what he said to me? He said, ‘Son, I used to be an adventurer like you, but then I…’ Oh blast it all! I can’t remember his last few words.”

“Well here we are,” stated Rarity in relief. “I’m terribly sorry to go on such sort notice, but I really must get back to my Carousel Boutique. Ta ta!”

The white unicorn gracefully pranced away from the group while Swift’s eyes lovingly followed her movements until the pounding on the town hall door made him come back to reality. The door opened and the group walked quietly inside where the Mayor was waiting.

“Well good afternoon!” greeted the Mayor.

“Hello Miss Mayor! This here is…”

“I am named Swift Strike, Madame Mayor, and I come to Ponyville seeking to help any and all in need,” the stallion interrupted Applejack.

“A pleasure then,” chirped the Mayor.

“Miss Mayor,” began Twilight, “Swift here seems to have gotten some poor information and wound up in Ponyville. He needs a place to stay for the night.”

“A place to stay…hmm…Ah! There is a room here in town hall for honored guests, but there is also an inn not too far down the road.”

“A place to lay my head is all I need. Thank you Madam Mayor, your generosity is most appreciated.”

“Good. Now that we have that issue under control my friends and I have a picnic to get back to. Bye!” Twilight said.

The mares all walked out of town hall and back to their sunny picnic spot to enjoy the rest of the day.

“Now, Madam Mayor,” started Swift, “I am a brave adventurer here to help any town from grave threats. Is there anything that I could be of assistance in?”

“Ponyville is a very peaceful town and I don’t think that…no, wait a minute. There is one thing. You see I’ve been getting these letters about the Froggy Bottom Bog. It’s the same pony writing the letters and it’s giving me quite a headache. It would seem that a Hydra has taken residence in the Bog, but hardly anypony goes there anyways so I haven’t had the resources to devote to the complaint. Perhaps you could be of assistance?”

“A Hydra? A noble quest indeed! I shall chase the beast from your fair Bog. Just one question before I go: Where is lady Rarity’s Carousel Boutique?”

* * * * * * * * *

The picnic was cut short when Applejack got called back to Sweet Apple Acres early and when Pinkie Pie remembered that she promised to baby-sit for the Cakes that afternoon. Twilight was back at her tree library telling Spike about the strange new unicorn in town.

“So then he just up and waltzes over the hill and shouts, ‘Ponyville, I have come to rescue you!’,” Twilight told Spike dramatically while attempting to speak in Swift’s voice.

“That sounds like quite a story,” replied Spike.

“Actually, he’s going to be in town for the night. You might bump into him.”

“Maybe I will,” Spike trailed off as his mind began to wander. Suddenly his eyes went wide and he yelled, “Oh no! I’m going to be late!”

“Late for what?” asked a curious Twilight Sparkle.

“I promised Rarity that I’d go gem hunting with her this afternoon. I’ve got to go. Bye Twilight!”

The young dragon dashed out the door and slammed it closed behind him as he rushed toward the Carousel Boutique.

* * * * * * * * *

Rarity and Spike were outside the bounds of Ponyville looking for rare and beautiful gemstones. The unicorn would use her magical gem finding spell to locate the precious stones and Spike would quickly did them up. As a reward for his efforts, the dragon got to eat a few of the jewels. The day was nearing an end and the two began to talk about that afternoon’s events.

“So Twilight was telling about this interesting pony who came into town this afternoon,” opened Spike.

“Interesting,” said Rarity aloud, pondering the thought to herself. “Yes, I believe that’s a suitable word for him.”

“Oh! So you’ve met him then.”

“Well…not really. I helped walk the confused soul to town hall, nothing more.”

The little dragon didn’t respond right away but instead began to rub his legs.

“I’ve been walking too much. You think we’ve got enough gems?”

Rarity looked back at their cart brimming with jewels that sparkled in the fading sunlight.

“Hmm…” she thought, “Just one more group of gems and then we’ll call it a day. Sound good?”

“Alright.”

Rarity continued her hunt for the crystals.

“Ooo! Spike! There!” She pointed with a well groomed hoof toward a small patch of earth. “Right there!”

The baby dragon hopped up onto his tail and beat away at the ground like a jackhammer. The dirt was no match for the pounding and quickly gave way to reveal its spoils. Three glorious gemstones were soon placed among the cartload. Spike and Rarity headed back to the Boutique.

* * * * * * * * *

The shop door opened smoothly and the cartful of jewels was spilt upon the plush flooring.

“It’s good to be home again,” sighed Rarity as she let her weary hooves rest. “Now Spike, I need to sort these gems. It shouldn’t take long to do so. You may leave if you want.”

“Oh no, I’m happy to help.”

“Very well then, first we’ll need to…”

Rarity’s thought was cut short when she took a look at her table. Sitting on it was a very large emerald. And attached to the emerald was a small note. The unicorn gasped loudly as she examined the size of the stone.

“The imperfections are simply perfect and the shade of green is to die for,” she purred to herself, “and…what’s this?” Rarity levitated a piece of paper in front of her face. She began to read its contents aloud. “For the lovely lady Rarity. From: S.S.”

“Who’s S.S.?” asked Spike.

“I…I don’t know. Think it could be Sherbet Swirl by chance?”

“I wouldn’t think so. Sherbet doesn’t…” Spike was rudely interrupted by a knocking on the Boutique door.

“Darling, would you mind getting that?” Rarity asked.

The dragon quickly went over and flung the door wide open. Standing there was a red unicorn with a scabbard by his side. He rushed into the Boutique which sent Spike spinning in a dizzying circle.

“Ah! Lady Rarity, I see that you’ve found your emerald,” Swift commented to the lovely Rarity.

“Is this YOUR gem?” asked the white unicorn.

“Correction,” began Swift, “this WAS my gem. Now it’s YOUR gem.”

“It’s so beautiful. Wherever did you find it?”

“It was a gift given to me by a grateful town and now I give it to you, fair Rarity.”

The normally fussy unicorn was at a loss for words, but Swift wasn’t done talking yet.

“Yes…um…well…I was walking through the market and happened to spot some flowers and I decided to buy a few so…well…I thought you might like some.”

The red stallion began to levitate a small bundle of flowers from his sword sheath and placed them on the table which held the emerald. Rarity lifted one up, took a quick sniff, and then began to nibble at its soft petals. She then spoke up.

“That was very thoughtful of you, but it’s getting late. I know you have a long journey ahead of you wherever you may be headed, so good night and thank you for the gifts.”

“Lady Rarity…I…” stammered Swift, “I want you to come with me.”

Rarity appeared stunned by this sudden statement as her jaw opened wide.

“Yes, please come with me. We could see the world together, you and I. As soon as I saw you, I knew that you were the one for me.”

Rarity attempted to mumble out something cohesive.

“I…You…Well…I…But…I…I can’t.” she finally bumbled out. “What I mean is. All of my friends are here and my Carousel Boutique too. I really can’t go, even if I wanted to.”

“Oh fair Rarity! How can I prove myself to you?” Swift called dramatically. Then the adventurous unicorn grew suddenly happy as an idea crept into his noggin. “I know! I shall best the Hydra of Froggy Bottom Bog this very eve in your name and I shall return to prove myself worthy of you.”

“A Hyrdra?!” shrieked Rarity.

“Yes! It shall be done!”

The brash unicorn rushed from the Boutique and into the early night air leaving behind one flustered and confused Rarity. Spike had been listening the entire time and hadn’t been able to get into the conversation, but the little dragon didn’t like where things were headed so he began to hatch a plan of his own.

“Well good night I guess?” stated the dragon.

“Y…yes.” Rarity shook her head. “Good night I suppose.”

Spike left his friend to stand in shock and as he closed the door she whispered aloud, “I’m still not going with him.”

* * * * * * * * *

Spike sat in a side room at the library, planning his scheme. He took a new sheet of parchment and began to write:

“Dear Twilight,

I have gone out to prove myself. I’m not sure when I’ll return but don’t come looking for me. I promise that I will come back.

–Spike”

“That ought to do it,” whispered the dragon confidently to himself. He placed the note prominently on a table and then snuck out of a window and into the cool evening air.

“You can’t defeat the Hydra, Swift, if I beat him first.”

He chuckled determinedly to himself and then bounded off toward the Froggy Bottom Bog.

* * * * * * * * *

All was calm at the Bog when Spike arrived. Nopony else seemed to be around except for a few dragonflies and some other bugs. The only noise to be heard was that of the squishy swamp under Spike’s feet and the noisy frogs who inhabited the land.

“Oh Hydra!” Spike called to the night air. “Come out; come out; wherever you are!” The baby dragon tiptoed around the bubbly Bog looking for signs of the creature. At the smallest movement Spike was attentive, and admittedly a little scared. A bubble popped just behind him and sent Spike jumping into the air with a small scream. “Yipes!” His feet landed in some the gooey mud which caught him off balance. Spike found himself falling face first for a nighttime mud bath. “Eeww! Gross!” He wiped the disgusting grime from his scaly face. “What I do for Rarity.” He mumbled under his breath. The persistent dragon wouldn’t quit though and he once again began to call for the Hydra. In fact, he found a couple of sticks and began to beat them together in hopes that the beast would hear.

Clack! Clack! “Come on Hydra! I know you’re here somewhere!” Clack! Clack! Something began to stir at Spike’s feet. The dragon leaped onto solid ground as the terrible creature slowly emerged from the sticky pit. A brown colored snake-like being with four heads curiously stared down at the small dragon.

“Ok! Listen up! It’s time for you to leave the Bog and go somewhere else! Don’t make me hurt you. Just leave right now,” demanded Spike.

Instead of leaving, the Hydra lowered one of its heads toward Spike and began to sniff him.

“Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you!”

The dragon let out a tiny burst of green flame at the Hydra’s nose. It didn’t even singe the nostril, but instead the Hydra began to inhale sharply. After a few moments of this, the beast let out a powerful sneeze and sent little Spike flying backward into a large boulder. The other heads began to laugh at the tiny dragon.

“Huzzah! Foul beast, you shall leave this fair Bog at once or face the consequences!” shouted a voice from behind the Hydra.

The creature slowly turned around to see Swift Strike standing before it, brandishing a large tree branch held by unicorn magic.

* * * * * * * * *

“Rarity!” clamored Twilight. “Rarity! Wake up! I need your help!”

The white unicorn had been enjoying a pleasant night’s rest before her purple friend so rudely woke her up.

“I’m coming! I’m coming!” she mumbled, still half asleep.

Rarity opened her door and Twilight came barreling in.

“Rarity, it’s Spike. He’s gone missing!”

“My little Spikey-wikey is missing?!” She woke up quickly at the news.

“Yes, he left me a note saying that he was going off to prove himself or some nonsense like that. You were the last one that he was with, so I thought maybe you might know where he went.”

“Hmm…let me think.” The white equine began to mumble through her day. “Well there was…no, no, no…and then…no, not that either…but what about?....No! He wouldn’t.”

“What? What is it?”

“That one Swift fellow came by my place this evening and said he was going to chase the Hydra off of Froggy Bottom Bog. Spike was with me at the time and he may have gotten it into his head to go there.”

“The Froggy Bottom Bog? Ok, anything is worth checking into. Thanks Rarity!”

“Wait! Twilight, I’m coming too.”

* * * * * * * * *

“Ha! Ha! You’ve met your match foul beast!”

Swift, true to his name, swiftly swung the large branch at the head to the Hydra’s far right. The wood collided with a thud and made the beast’s head quiver and shake. In rage, one of the creature’s middle heads flung toward the red pony. The unicorn jumped away just in time and the Hydra was left with only a mouthful of grainy dirt.

“Too slow! Try again!”

He taunted the beast and gave it another whack with his branch. The Hydra was done fooling around and this time sent three heads in upon Swift. The equine quickly brought the large stick to bear and the heads slammed into the wood with open mouths. But instead of being shocked, the beast was ready for this course of action and soon flung the branch away from the pony, leaving him defenseless.

“No!” cried Spike from behind.

The young dragon leaped upon the Hydra and began to climb up its back and toward its four massive heads. Spike whipped his tail into action and gave the mid left head a small slap across the cheek. The stunned Hydra let the equine go free while it attempted to figure out what to do with this new challenger. The heads to the far left and right came from behind the dragon and gave powerful snorts which sent Spike flying from the top of the beast to land a belly flop into the squishy mud.

“Oooohhhh,” gurgled Spike.

The Hydra came in to finish its prey and make a late night snack of the tiny dragon, but the head once again only received a mouthful of mud and dirt.

“You leave him alone you big ruffian!” yelled Rarity from the side of the great monster.

“Spike! Are you ok?” asked Twilight who had teleported him out of danger just in time.

“I’ll be fine,” he said.

The Hydra was infuriated now and ready to be rid of these pests.

“Stay back everypony, I’ll get us out of here,” stated Twilight.

“No! Twilight don’t!” pleaded Spike.

“Why not?”

“Because I still have to prove myself. Plus, I told you not to come looking for me.”

“But Spike…”

“No time for idle chit-chat,” interrupted Rarity, “just move!”

The three split apart as the Hydra’s many heads came crashing toward the ponies. They all jumped away in time and Spike once again climbed upon the creature’s back. Spike lifted his tail for another smack against the beast and the dragon let out a mighty roar.

“For…!”

“Lady Rarity!” Spike’s moment of glory was cut short by a shout from Swift.

The red unicorn had retrieved his branch during the confusion and now stood by Rarity.

“You and your friends must leave this place. This creature is stubborn and will not leave its Bog without good reason. I have promised to rid your fair Bog of this creature and I intend to do so. Therefore, I shall lead him on a merry chase and, though it pains me to do so, I shall leave you behind. Perhaps we shall meet again on another adventure. Until then, good bye fair lady Rarity!”

Swift then took his branch and began to furiously pound against the Hydra’s many heads, leaving the creature confused and disoriented.

“Come hither yon beast!” taunted Swift.

The creature followed after the red unicorn and his wooden weapon, hissing and growling. Twilight teleported Spike off of the Hydra’s back and the threesome watched as Swift and the beast went further and further through the Bog and became lost behind a tall cliff.

“Spike! What were you thinking?” shot Twilight in ‘parent’ mode.

“I…I just wanted to prove myself to Rarity like Swift and make sure that she didn’t leave Ponyville.”

“Oh Spikey-wikey, I would never leave Ponyville for somepony like that,” Rarity spoke.

“But he’s strong and brave and goes on adventures all the time,” replied Spike.

“Spike, he may be bold and he may be brash, but that doesn’t make him brave. Besides, you don’t have to prove yourself to me, I like you just the way you are. You’re my little Spike-wikey.”

“You…you really mean it?”

“Of course I do. Now, it’s time to get out of this dreadful Bog. It’s going to ruin my hooves soon.”

“Come on everypony, let’s go home,” Twilight said.

The three left Froggy Bottom Bog and headed back to home and to bed where they each had a very sound slumber.

* * * * * * * * *

Spike woke up before Twilight, which wasn’t to say that he was up very early just that Twilight had slept in after all of last night’s excitement. The little dragon knew that after the encounter in the Bog, he had learned a valuable lesson and so he sat down to write a letter to the one and only Princess Celestia.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

I’ve learned quite a lot recently. I don’t like to admit it, but I got jealous and I let my jealously blind me. I almost wound up really hurting myself in the process and the worst part is that it was for nothing. I thought one of my best friends would leave if I didn’t prove myself worthy of them staying in Ponyville, but they told me that I didn’t need to prove myself because they already like me just for being me. I guess that’s another lesson. So, I suppose I’ll just keep on being myself and if that means that I grow up to be big, strong, and handsome…then all the better.

Your favorite dragon, Spike”