"Did I...miss something?" Spike said scratching his head in confusion.

"Oh Spike that's so sweet, and here I thought you had a crush on me this whole time."

"I did, I mean like not now but, I-It's just--"

"It's ok to be a little nervous Spike, besides, she's quite the catch."

"Wait a minute, I didn't mean it like that, well, I mean she is cute and I do love her regal accent but that doesn't mean I was trying to purposely flirt, these are just usually the things I say when Twilight's feeling down or if anyone's feeling down really."

Nicole shook her head in disappointment. "Denial is the first stage of a perfect relationship Spike, you'll see."

"Nicole, you can't be serious, I mean think about it, I'm going back to my world as soon as this is over, how would we see each other after that?"

Nicole let a gentle slap come to the back of Spike's head. "I'm trying to be helpful Spike and this right here is helping you."

"H-how is this helping me?"

"Because, judging by the way you talk about Equestria, when is the last time you truly had a life of your own?"

Spike paused for a moment letting his mind wrap around such a question. "I-I um...well there was that one time me and Twilight--well then me and Applejack um--but there was this one time I was in the dragon lands--no no, Twilight and Rarity showed up for that one. Well me and Smolder--no Ember was there for that one too."

"Do you see my point?"

"Well kinda, I guess my life does kinda revolve around everyone back at home, and since I'm not the 'biggest' dragon around, I'm kind of the little brother of the group. But now I'm like super tall, and for once, I've been in a dangerous situation by myself, and without the other ponies secretly hiding in a bush or something. And even though I don't have a fancy cutie mark or an element of harmony, I solved my own friendship problem."

"I'm not sure what you're talking about but I agree, I think. Do you see how it feels to perhaps have your own life, to live by your own rules?"

"I do!" he confidently exclaimed. "And boy does it feel amazing, like a breath of fresh air, I never had this kind of freedom before. You know what, I don't even wanna go back to Equestria anymore."

"Um Spike, that's going a little far isn't it?"

"No way, they'll understand, and if they get worried, I'll just invite them to this dimension so they can see my very own life for themselves."

This may come back to haunt me. Nicole thought as she attempted to redirect Spike's decision. "Spike, please reconsider this, I didn't mean for you to up and just let your friends and world fade into the past. I on--"

It was then that Spike placed his hands on Nicole's shoulders, offering a cheerful smile. "Hey now Nicole, no need to go back on your words, you've opened up my eyes. I can stay here and live out my life the way I want it. No more being bullied by bigger dragons, no more being forced to stand in the background, and especially no more small Spike. This is the start of my new life, and I want to start it off with a bang."

"W-what do you mean?"

"What do I mean?" he uttered with a heroic tone. "I mean time to solve my own problems and make my new life real."

"Oh dear me, what have I done?"

"Nicole, can you track the last known coordinates of Kindro the Flame."

"K-Kindro? Spike, what are you planning?"

"Well since I'm starting my new life, I want to help out my friends as much as possible, to the death even." Nicole cringed at that response. "So I'm going to find and convince Kindro the Flame to take back Korbin."

Nicole could only sigh and shake her head at that. "Why do I feel as though you're hoping for some kind of personal gain from this."

"Coordinates please?" he uttered as he hopped on his board and began riding away.

"H-hey, wait a moment Spike, I haven't given--wait, you didn't deny that statement! Spike?!" She sighed. "And the haunting has begun." Quickly she vanished and reappeared upon Spike's head, small as a pixie. "Ok fine, I'll give you the coordinates but you have to promise me that you'll hear me out later about going back to your world to at least say goodbye."

"Huh? Oh sure, that's cool."

"You didn't even hear me, did you? Don't make me regret this Spike," she said as a red dot popped up on Spike's digital map.

"Where's that?" he asked pointing to the dot. "Just outside the city in the jungle zone, we'll have to take the S-25 Highway out to reach it just passed the desert you and Wave almost feel into."

"Easy, I'm a directional guru."

"Well just--"

"No no no, let me handle it, this is going to be my world after all, it's best I learn the direction on my own."

"I don't know about that Spike, you barely found your way to that cliffside with Wave."

"Just trust me on this one."

"Alright then," she uttered with a smirk. "But if you get lost, I told you so."

"I won't get lost, dragons never do."

After what seemed like half an hour, Spike couldn't help but scratch his head in confusion, as he had never once seen the sign on his way down the highway. "Well..." Nicole uttered as she appeared atop Spike's head once more.

"Well what?"

"Say it."

"I'm not lost."

"Just say it," she repeated.

"I'm am saying it, I'm not lost."

"Wow, you're a bad liar Spike, you say you're not lost, but I'm not so sure."

"Trust me, I'm positive I'm not lost," Spike said with a bit of uncertainty to his voice.

"Well then, why don't you tell me exactly why we're not there then?"

"I-I...B-because the turn is right up here, yea, all I gotta do is tu--"

"Spike I am an A.I for the entire city who has the entire world map stored in her memory banks, you missed the turn about 10 minutes ago."

Spike let out a loud sigh as he hung his head in shame. "Crap, you could've told me that..."

"What happened to the great directional Guru huh?"

Spike annoyingly stared back her way. "Ok ok fine, I might need a little help."

"How hard was it to say that? Now turn around and I'll guide you this time."

Spike and Nicole soon found their way onto the highway road leading out of the city. Spike's board was cruising down a bike path alongside the many cars passing him, his eyes shifting out towards the desert below them. "Stupid question but, Metal City isn't the only city around here right?"

Nicole appeared with soft, "Of course not, Mobius is an entire world after all. Megalo City is quite a ways to the south, and the capital city, Mobotropolis, lies in the North West. There are other towns and villages too but most of them are small communities and usually adapt to the surroundings around them."

"So like this desert?"

"Including this desert yes, the closest sign of civilization is Hanalo village just across the dunes to the south."

"And the forest we're going to?"

"I am unsure, the people who inhabit this forest are scattered and often don't socialize with outsiders."

"They're not like...dangerous right?"

"I"m sure we'll be fine, you can handle a few natives can't you?"

"I never agreed to fight?!"

"Well, unfortunately, that's a thing in this world so...maybe you should reconsider staying."

"Oh no no, I'll fight, this is my adventure after all so let's go!"

"Ugh, so close."

Spike turns as a side road makes itself known, descending downward as the desert sand began to give way to more and more grass, dirt, and a slight tree cover. Before long, Spike stopped his board as a sign hung above road now turned dirt. Tropical Jungle Zone. "Are we at the right place?"

"These are the last known coordinates before he dropped off the face of the planet."

Spike took a breath and let it out. "So the natives...you really don't know if they're gonna attack us or not?"

"There is no information on the tribes in the jungle, no has been bold enough to explore them."

"Welp...that's encouraging." He said sighing as he began to slowly walk in, soon the beaten path turning to the mysterious unknown of the jungle grass and trees. Spike let his eyes scan the darkness of the jungle from the outside, the fear building in his body like a cancer before he took a deep breath in and out. "Oh boy, if it's anything like the Everfree, this should be...relatively easy."

Spike jumped on his board and began to ride his way through the high grass, slowly surveying the area around him. His eyes shifted to the various plants, and the slightly luminescent pink vines above them. The everfree is nothing like this, usually, everything that glows wants to kill us. Vines with fruit on the end of them, look there's a frog and it's not the size of a house." He seemed entranced by the changes, lost in the colors and sheer peace and beauty of it all until Nicole jerked his body downward. "Spike!"

It was then that Spike found himself ducking under the advance of an enormous black creature. In the few seconds he could, he noticed a white glow of it's eyes seemingly cutting through the darkness like a knife before it vanished into the dark jungle. He quickly sped up, winding his way in and out of the trees as the titanic bird's eyes shone through the moonlit jungle like an assassin. "What in Equestria was that?!"

"I don't know, I didn't get a chance to see it either, just keep going faster.

Spike had kept that pace for more than 3 minutes before he reached another path, a seemingly safe but long path with trees lining the side of it and a large blue lake that seemed to cover either side of it. He let out a sigh of relief as whatever had lunged at them seemingly gave up the attack, and slowed himself, the trees passing his vision of his lake every few seconds. "I think we're good."

"I don't detect any life signs of the creature so yes, I think you did a good job of not dying."

"Now let's find the Kindro person before something else happens."

Perhaps Spike should have watched his words as the jinx was now active. 2 eyes shone with extreme predatory aggression, glowing like luminescent bulbs underneath the moonlit lake's surface before disappearing back into the deep. It was then Nicole's life sign indicator lit up again, only faintly, but with a confirmation nonetheless. "Uh oh."

"Uh oh? What uh oh, don't uh oh."

"Another life sign has been detected and it's...close I think."

"Like casual crossing on the street close or like kill us with no hesitation close."

"Move!" Nicole exclaimed as the water's surface broke to the sight of the white eyes, now appearing to belong to the creature in question. Spike quickly kicked forward as the thing crashed across the path and into the water on the other side. "Kill us close, get across now!"

Spike was quick to regain his balance, trying his best to make it to the end of the path before the creature returned, which was fast approaching now. "Crap crap crap crap crap crap crap crap!" He kicked and kicked with all his heart but it was far too late, the creature once again breaking the surface of the water right next to them and allowing him to see at least a beak attached to this thing before It scooped the bottom part of Spike's body in its mouth, taking him and his board into the water. For a few seconds, Spike didn't know what was happening, until he opened his eyes to the devilish white eyes staring back at him. The creature shifted it's tongue around his body, making Spike squirm with a shiver. Oh no no, bad creature bad creature, no eating the freaking dragon. He struggled to get out of the creature's beak as it attempted to suck him down its gullet, succeeding as Spike began to disappear inch by inch. He placed his hand at its beak to stop his eventual entrance into its stomach "Dammit!" He garbled through the water. This isn't good, I'm already running out of air...and my board is all the way over there, I'll never be able to grab it and swim to safety before running out of air. What do I do what do I do?

It seemed as though the creature was seemingly designed to handle this amount of resistance, continuing to swallow him down before he vanished into its mouth. It seemed content with this result until its mouth began to open, much to its displeasure. Spike soon reappeared, his eyes shining with that noticeable green glare as he struggled to re-open its mouth. He shot out like a bullet as the creature snapped it's beak shut, just barely missing Spike and growling like a devil. His fight instinct was soon turned into a flight instinct as he twitched for even a hint of air, the white-eyed creature beginning it's approach once more. Snap. Spike heard behind him making swim faster. Snap. Again, but closer. Snap snap. Damn, it's too fast in the water, I'm not an aquatic dragon, I have no advantages here, it's gonna catch up at this rate. And when we felt the beak clamp around his tail, his fears were seemingly confirmed as he was yanked back down deeper into the water. However, when he looked back, his eyes were wide with even more fear as a much larger, nearly titanic and pitch black animal had chomped its jaws around the first and was now dragging it to the depths. "Son of a--" he garbled as he tried to remove his tail from the beak, but only felt a sharp pain sting in response as red mixed with blue. The creature seemed intent on keeping its meal to its demise instead of escaping its own. And with no more air in the pocket, Spike felt his consciousness begin to fade into these murky blue depths.

"No!" He exclaimed as he sat up with heavy breaths.

For a second, his fight instinct had kicked in, until he realized he wasn't in water anymore, instead, the view from a nearby window argued that he was inside a treehouse a ways off the ground and sleeping atop a bed woven from the many plants around. This is...weird...I was in the water...about to die and then...Hmm... "What...in Celestia's name happened?" The hut was indeed empty shrouded in the moonlight as Spike sat alone. "At the very least, I'm not in danger anymore but..." His eyes sadly shifted toward his now-barren wrist, and with board nowhere in sight, he let out a sorrowful grunt. "Damnit, must've come off in the water when I went unconscious." He stood to his feet slightly stretching but quickly wincing in pain as he noticed the bandages around his lower stomach and tail. He winced once more as he glided a hand across the stomach bandages, even more, a loud yelp when he attempted to move his tail more than a few inches. "Aw man, not my tail, I need that..."

"I see you have awoken." A deep vixen of a voice replied making spike jump in place.

"W-who's there?" Two bright green reptilian eyes shone through the darkness making themselves known, appearing to float effortlessly through the window. As they closed, they were gone, the voice however remained. "You are very lucky." It cooed as the eyes reappeared on the other side of the hut. "If I had not found you..." the voice uttered as the eyes closed and suddenly appeared behind Spike. "You would have mosssst certainly perisssshed."

Spike snapped around as the figure was nowhere to be seen behind him, only to be startled once again as light filled the room revealing a mobian viper sitting in a chair, one leg resting over the other. Her eyes trained on him like a predator to prey as she uncrossed her leg and readjusted the other to be on top. "W-who are--"

Spike felt an overwhelming fear in the presence of this serpentine woman, and she seemed to know it. "What'ssss the matter drake, can you not respond like a normal mobian."

"I-I just--I Just want to know w-who..."

She giggled at that, actually freaking giggled at his odd attempts to choke out a word. "You are quite an interessssting specimen drake, ssssimply divine." she hissed.

"Damn." He whispered. Out of the dragon's jaws and directly into the fire.

Again she began to giggle. "Hehehe, relax your muscles young drake, I am but a humble shaman who was ssssimply passing by when an innocent drake was being lethally perssssued by a Tenetra."

"Tenetra?"

"The beast that assssualted you, a truly magnificent sssspecimen that has adapted to hunting in nearly every terrain possssible, and you were tressspasssing on it'sss territory, that is why it attacked you."

"Just got to the jungle and things are already trying to kill me geez...Wait, so that means you were the one who--"

"Indeed I am," she said pointing to the bandages. "The Tenetra's beak barely penetrated your sssscales but it did ssssucceed in drawing blood from both the wrapped areas, your tail was in especially bad shape."

Spike gulped. "W-well then, I guess owe you--"

"Your life? Oh dear drake, I humbly accept." Shit. "I could ussse a new offering for a ritual." Spike felt his entire body tense up once more. "But then again, such a perfect sssspecimen does come along so often, it would a shame to wassste it on a basic ssssacrifice. No, inssstead I sssshall use you for much more than that. Until then, let ussss go our sssseperate ways."

As she uttered this the light began to flicker in the room, her body there in the light and but gone even in the faint moonlight. W-wait, do you know where to find Kindro the Flame?!"

"Kindro the Flame resssides further in, approach the lily padssss and your path will be clear."

With that, she was gone, the light in the room completely extinguished as a gust of wind blew through leaving Spike to blink his eyes a few times in confusion. "I...was I dreaming? I hope so cause I don't wanna know what she planned." Spike quickly found himself down the ladder to the hut, letting his body drop from halfway down to the jungle floor. He took a deep breath in and out as rain began to fall. "Better find those lily pads before this gets worse, would be easier if I had my boa--which is probably sitting at the bottom of that lake with the only thing Nicole could contact me with, dammit." he sighed. "Looks like I'm winging this."

With haste, he trekked through the now muddy and wet jungle, his eyes scanning any and all possible places for a lily pad, but no avail. The mix of the darkness and rain reduced to near nothing at this point. "This is gonna be impossible at this point, why did it start raining as soon as I left the hut, that's coincidentally evil." These thoughts blinded Spike from the impending danger as he stopped to get his bearings. "Did I pass that tree already? I knew I should have marked it when I had the chance. and why is everything getting taller!" It was then that his attention was drawn to his feet which had vanished into the ground slowly working it's way up his body. He sighed as his claws dug into the solid dirt ahead of him. "Quicksand just had to be quicksand..." He frustratingly clawed his way out to safety, letting out a groan at his now dirt color scales. "I hate this jungle so much...hate it hate it..."

With enough frustration already on his plate, Spike opted to find the nearest source of flowing water and follow it, easier said than done with the downpour surrounding him. Eventually, his suffering paid off, as he finally reached another clearing where Lily pads floated upon yet another lake, but these pads seemed to be giants of what was commonly known for the size, at least 3 or 4 feet in diameter. Despite the strange lily pads, there was something was off about this, there stood a strangely darker part of the lake on the far side as if something was there blocking the moonlight. Spike carefully made his way across the giant Lily pads, which was surprising that they were able to support his weight. Upon the third one though, the darker part of lake lit up with torches, illuminating a now rather intimidating gate rising from the water. "Yojani!" he heard as boats and mobians in strange masks and ponchos shouting in an incoherent language appeared all over the area, aiming arrows Spike's way and ordering him to do something to which Spike couldn't tell what. He opted for a simple response and quickly dropped to knees, hands in the air as one approached him off a boat. "Ayudhra bi no?"

Spike raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"Ayudhra bi no?" It repeated in a more serious tone making Spike get a little nervous

"I-I don't know what you're saying."

"Hmm? English?"

"Y-yes, I speak English."

The figure removed his mask and continued. "I said, who are you?"

"I would say but all the arrows are making me a bit nervous."

"It's a precaution and a warning, state your name and intentions, leave, or have your body dumped into the water, that's all there is to it."

"Spike, it's Spike ok, just don't kill me."

"And your intentions for being in our territory?"

Spike gulped as the various mobians readied their arrows even more. "I-I...was just looking for somebody."

The de-masked mobian eyed him up and down before chuckling. "And just who might that be?"

"K-Kindro the flame."

The warriors began to talk amongst themselves almost immediately, the figure replacing its mask and quick as the wind bringing a blade to Spike's neck. "You seek the flame," it uttered with venom in its tone. "State your intentions clearly, or I will sever your bond to the world of the living, speak?"

"I-I just wanted to talk to him, there's these two girls and--"

"Hold up Yami." A male voice called out from above the gate, drawing Spike's attention toward yet another figure. This one, however, donned a different mask than the other, seemingly the leader. "Please remove the blade from his neck Yami." The figure presumably named Yami returned the blade to it's sheath before stepping aside. "Now repeat yourself drake, who do you seek?"

"U-um K-Kindro."

"And the two girl's names, what are they?"

"I'm not gonna die right?"

"Just state the names, or you will," he said as Yami gripped her blade once again.

"K-Korbin and Lindsey!" he quickly shot out. The figure atop the gate froze for a moment before motioning something to the warriors and walking away. "W-what does that mean?"

"On your feet," Yami ordered as two masked mobians took hold of his arms and restrained him into a boat.

"H-hey what's going on, l-let me go." Spike struggled as the boat made its way into the fortress, the gate lowering behind them. The small channel led into a boxed area where yet another gate appeared behind them. A mobian native above began to turn a wheel which then brought an underwater platform up under the boat raising it bit by bit until they were atop the fortress. Inside were handcrafted homes built into the very trees themselves, all surrounding a bonfire in the middle of the village, three circles of color surrounding it. "Nice home." Spike carelessly uttered.

"Quiet your tongue or I shall remove it." Spike squeaked as the Yami proceeded to push him toward a path leading upward. Another hut came into view, elevated well above the others in the village, in appearance as well, looking more like hut for a king. "Go in," she ordered. Spike obliged and found himself entering the hut with fear filling his soul. He stood patiently as time went on, until eventually, someone, no, two mobians entered behind him. "Sit do--"

"Now Yami, there is no reason to treat everyone with such harshness." The new arrival uttered. "Spike, please take a seat."

"Uh...ok then..." he nervously answered sitting criss-cross on a matt.

"You can un-tense your scales now, if, we can prove what you say in the next few moments is true."

"Yea, I'm gonna stayed tensed if that's ok with you?"

The masked leader went silent for a moment, the eyes of his mask staring deep into Spike's soul making him squirm in his fear. "Suit yourself, it makes interrogation a lot easier when you're expecting to get hit."

"W-what, you were going to hit me?" Spike asked with surprise before being met with silence.

The figure removed it's poncho and slowly let its mask fall from it's face revealing the one underneath. "The Kindro you seek is right here.

Spike's attention was instantly drawn to a large scar that spread across the right side of Kindro's face. "What happ-"

"How rude of a guest to overstep his boundaries." He uttered. "You are allowed no freedom of speech until we determine your intentions, am I understood?" Spike nervously and desperately nodded. "Great, question 1, what are you doing the jungle?"

"L-looking for you."

"And..." he said making a motion to continue.

"I...came to b-bring you back."

"Bring me back? What are you talking about?"

"Well see, I kinda c-came from a different world myself so I met Sonic and then he took me in, and then he gave me a board and I came to find a team because Tails is the only one who can get me home--"

"Slow you roll drake, I don't need a play by play, just tell me specifically why you're here and say it clearly."

"I'm trying to get you back on the team so Korbin will be happy!" he blurted.

Kindro stopped, his eyes squinting to focus on Spike intently. It was a moment of silence before Kindro jumped up and suddenly had claws directly in front of his face, the wind passing by a second later making him internally melt in fear. "That's the third time you've said that name." Spike squeaked in fear as he caught up with reality. "What is that name to you?"

"U-um, w-well you see I...um...I just"

"Speak your words or lose your tongue."

"S-she my partner!"

"Partner? As in EX-racing partner?"

"Y-yes!"

Kindro removed his hand from Spike's face, eyeing him down as he cowered like a puppy. "Hmph...come with me."

Spike's cowardice became confusion, as Kindro replaced his Pancho and exited the hut through a door in the back. "He said to go with him," Yami said yanking Spike up by his ear and gently pushing him forward. "Now go. And...don't let him talk you into anything."

He gave her a surprised expression as she herself turned to leave the hut forcing Spike to quickly catch up Kindro. For 5 minutes, the two walked without end, eventually reaching a large clearing. The rain had also begun to let up, allowing Spike to breathe a slight sigh of relief. As they neared the center of the clearing, however, Kindro stopped and spun around to face him, the two locking eyes for just a moment before Kindro spoke up. "You are 100% telling the truth, you wish to return me to that city and have me reunite with Korbin?"

"Y-yes, sir. I've decided that it's best for me, to stay in this world, And If I choose to stay here, then I'm going to do everything in my power to better the world around me, that includes helping my friends. I've already rekindled the friendship between Wave and Korbin, but in order for everyone truly be happy, all they need to be a real family is--"

Kindro stopped him by placing a hand up to his face. "You've said enough." He turned his back to Spike, staring up into the moonlit sky as clouds began to scatter from the area. "Wave has truly been forgiven?" Spike nodded. "Then your journey through the jungle...was for nothing."

Spike's grew wide from the shock of those words. "W-what do you mean? All you have to do is come back and she'll be ha--"

"Leave now and never return. I have spoken my mind and it shall remain that way."

"Mr. Kindro, you can't be serious. Think about how much Korbin misses you, all you have to do is let her see that you're ok and--"

"I said leave," Kindro uttered, quickly turning back around to let his intimidating green eyes stare back into Spikes. "I have separated myself from her for a reason, she is happy because she is alive, she does not need me nor do I need her. We live in two different states of mind, we don't mix, I am a danger to her as much as she is to me."

Spike could feel his own rage burning within him now, but still, he kept his composure. "How can you say that? Korbin is such a sweet girl, she's fun, she cares way too much about friends, she's optimistic--"

"She's childish, way too clingy, and..." He stopped placing his sight to the ground with a hint of sadness before raising his head once more. "Look, I don't have to explain myself to some random dragon who suddenly thinks he's responsible for everyone's problems. If I feel like it, I will handle the situation, no other, now be on your way."

Kindro eyes were now visibly burning with green energy but Spike stood his ground despite the urge to run away, to flee and let Kindro's words ring true. "No, I said I was going to bring you back and that's what I'm going to do. If you wanna stay out here isolated from the people who care about you, you can explain it to them yourself, that's the least you can do, for their sake."

The red dragon let out a menacing growl. "You think you're everyone's friend?! There are some problems that you cannot fix, you're going to have to accept that, stop acting like you're some kind of god because you're just a regular mobian just like the rest of us, you can't do everything."

"Well then, damn me for trying, because I'm staying right here until you say yes."

a sinister chuckle escaped him. "You are quite persistent, but true conviction lies in your next move."

"Hmm?" Spike curiously uttered as Kindro drew back his Pancho to reveal two swords and their sheaths. He removed one and tossed it Spike, who fumbled it a bit before getting a firm grip on it. "A sword?"

By the time Spike looked up, Kindro already had his sword drawn, letting the sheath drop to the ground as he took a stance. "You seem...firm in your words, you speak them with determination, but tell me Spike the Dragon, are you prepared to lay down your life for that determination?"

Spike froze as he watched the silver sheen move down the blade of the sword. His eyes immediately began to frantically shake, his grip on the sword began to loosen and sweat began to pour from every scale on his body. D-die?! W-wait a minute this is crazy, I've gone through some dangerous things but never--D-death wasn't apart of the plan, It was supposed to be a non-lethal chat, angry sure, but Korbin would be happy, and I would be happy for helping her but...this is insane. I should run, I should just go and drop the sword, sprint all the way back to the city and just tell them I tried, everyone's still happy, right? And for a moment, spike believed his own words, his foot sliding back as if to start the process, that is until, No! W-what the? Don't run away! But he's gonna kill me, I don't have the skills to do something like this, I need--But you would do it for Twilight would you not? I... Answer the question! I-I... Or Pinkie, Or Fluttershy, Or Applejack, Or Rainbow, Rarity, Smolder...even Ember?

"What's wrong Spike, are you perhaps reconsidering? Are you faking your determination toward this goal, ready to walk back into that city with your tail tucked in between your legs like a pup?"

He's...right...I 'm not a fighter...I'm nothing like the others.You're right...we are something more...you would do it for anyone you consider a friend, anyone that you consider an enemy,but what makes you special, I...would give me life for it... you're telling me to... prove yourself, let the passion for your ideals drive you, are you friends or not? I-I...we are! Then fight! Show your strength! Prove every dragon back home wrong! Spike stopped trembling, his claws gripped the sword with enough force to show veins if it were a human hand, his eyes stopped shaking and instead were replaced with is glowing green eyes, like embers in the night. "I. will. fight."

"I see, that glow in your eyes, it's the same as mine. It speaks for you, saying the words you cannot, showing your determination to the cause you have so willingly accepted. You are now ready to die for beliefs if you so wish."

Spike drew his sword and let the sheath drop to the ground taking his own stance. "And so I shall if that is what must happen.

There is no cowardice in his voice anymore. Kindro thought before smiling. "And are you prepared to put the finishing blow on me if it comes to it."

"It won't come to that," Spike stated with a firm look in his eyes.

Both of them planted their feet into the wet grass and shot off in a burst of speed, the shockwave sending the earth behind both of them to split apart and raise and lower. They clashed swords sending a sharp sound through the air as they stared at each other. Kindro quickly overpowered Spike and let a slash ring out across him from the shoulder down to the opposite hip. However, this battle seemed to be more than a normal swordfight, as the wound seemed to be ineffective, Spike returning a similar slash to Kindro. Blood splattered across the ground behind them but still, the two found the superhuman strength to withstand what would have proven lethal to any normal mobian, and like cats and dogs, continued to slash at each other with blinding speed.

Every other second the two swords didn't clash, one would slash through the Spike or Kindro splattering even more blood across the ground, until Kindro stepped in, grabbed by his neck and pushed him away, making slide across the ground a few feet. He followed in haste, letting two slashes clash with Spike's sword before thrusting the sword directly into Spike's chest and kicking him off into a raised rock. As he jumped up and attempted to push the attack, Spike rolled forward letting Kindro's sword hit the baren rock. He took hold of one of Kindro's horn and spun him around slamming him face-first into a rock, he pulled him out by his horn before spinning and kicking him through it.

Kindro was quick on the return, jumping above and landing a hard haymaker on Spike's head sending him to with a huge shockwave, forming a small crater under him. Kindro started running taking hold of Spike's tail and throwing him forward back into the center of the clearing. "This is your determination?!" he said continuing to relentlessly slash at Spike who was no trying his best block and push back. "This is pathetic! This is not who I want fighting for the woman I loved!" he yelled now not even gaining any resistance from Spike. "You are weak! You are nothing compared to those who hold real power in this world! You can't help everyone, and you can't save everyone!" Spike was powerless to stop this now, his only doable course of action to hold his sword in defense as slashes rang out all across his body. It...it hurts...it hurts so much I can't....I can't lose... Spike thought. Then Unleash! "You'll be nothing but a washout by the end of it all, unable to do anything, unable to even lift a finger against your enemies, is that what you want?!" Kindro at this point was screaming at the top of his lungs now showing no mercy as he tore through the Spike with each slash. "Answer me!"

"I don't give a fuck!" Spike bellowed out as he quickly blocked the sword's next attack. "I'm weak! And I can't save everyone! But who gives a fuck If I can't everyone if I at least try! I'll gladly put my life on the line for my friends!" he said shoving Kindro back allowing him to stand up. "And your selfish one-sided bullshit is not gonna stop me!"

With that the two rushed each other, readying their swords one last time before appearing a ways away from each other, eyes closed and swords seemingly haven been used. For a second the two were frozen, but then Kindro dropped to a knee, coughing up blood as Spike completely collapsed to the ground doing the same. Kindro turned to view spike in his state, on the ground and struggling to get up, and a smile spread across his lips, but not of evil intent, instead, it seemed happy, pleased even. "That...(cough) is what I wanted to see."

"You...(cough) asked for it. Kindro, thank you."

"For...what?"

"This fight made me realize something, that I thought I had already learned in my world, but...seeing as how we were never in true danger lethal danger, It never hit as hard until now," Spike said as he crawled to a rock and used it to place himself into a sitting up position. "I shouldn't care if I'm weak...I shouldn't care If I'm the side character, the one who's always in the background behind the ones with real power, like Twilight or Ember... My (cough) friends are power...and for them, I will put myself in harm's way...every time...alone if need be...that's something I hope you realize too. In that fight, I saw the anger in your eyes, I don't what happened...but you're more afraid than I was."

"W-what? What are...(cough) you talking about?"

"You're afraid to see her aren't you?"

Kindro turned his head away, closing his eyes before sighing. "I'm...afraid to see anyone get hurt again." kindro limped his way to Spike, taking a seated position beside him. "I'm...not from this world either."

"R-really?"

Kindro nodded. "My timeline is a bit different from this one."

"So you're...(cough) from an alternate timeline?"

"In my timeline, there exists a different future, where everyone isn't so happy. Instead, the man we all know as Dr. Eggman, who seeks to take over the world is much more sadistic than this timeline's one, and he's winning. He's pushed nearly 80% of the world into joining a resistance to fight back. (cough) Sonic and his freedom fighters are leading the charges but Eggman is resourceful,10 of that 20% being indoctrinated into his legion to fight against the resistance, and the other 10 not giving a flying flip. My tribe was apart of the 'not giving a flip part.' We sat on the edge of the world, watching as events unfolded in front of us, thinking as long as we were neutral, we'd be ok. We also didn't believe in technology, instead, using more primitive things, like arrows and our bare hands. Had we joined the fight, or adapted to the times, we would've been fine but..."

"Your elders were stubborn?"

"Indeed."

"It sounds just like the dragon lands, those (cough) guys are as stubborn as stubborn can be."

"And the elders just as so to keep the tradition intact. However, our "tradition" was tested, when a white echidna, presumably working for Dr. Eggman, sent his forces to assault our stronghold. I did my best withhold the line for the people but in the end, some were saved, including my sister and older brother, but more were killed, like my parents. I failed to do my duty because I was weak, and elders failed to do theirs because they were stubborn. I opted to leave, to find the power I needed to protect everyone. I sent my people to the Freedom Fighters and proceeded to face the echidna myself." Kindro turned his head, his eyes closing as a tear left his eye. "I didn't win at all. He beat me across the field like a soccer ball, even giving me this scar before he sent me through a portal and into whatever this timeline is. I was stuck...I tried to find somebody who could help me get back and that's when I met those two knuckleheads. I came to the conclusion that perhaps It was better I stay here, where I'm not a failure, I see now that may have been...regretful."

Spike closed his eyes as well, letting those words sink into his previous thought of staying in this world as well. "I thought about staying here too."

"Hmm?" he hummed as if to ask Spike to repeat it.

"I said I thought about staying here too."

He chuckled. "Join the club, what's your reason."

"It's just...our world is pretty peaceful, don't get me wrong, there are still disagreements and issues over land, and multiple ponies trying to take it over, but we handle it."

"So (cough) what's the issue?"

"I'm...a background character, I'm always second rate, second best, I help from time to time and well, I'm not that important most of the time. But being here in this world, even for such a little time, I feel like the main character of my own story, unchained by everyone's expectations and doubts of me. But then I fought you and things are slowly coming into view. Leaving my world behind would be selfish of me, I'd be doing the one thing I just kicked your butt over."

"It's a lesson to be learned indeed," he said with a slight chuckle before coughing once more. "And you didn't kick my butt."

"Sure I didn't."

The two let time pass as they among the bloody battlefield, staring at the stars. "I must thank you." Kindro unexpectantly uttered making Spike jump back to reality. "You're something different than most mobians here, that glow in your eyes means you have the same power as me, the ability to give infinite conviction to your cause, and the power to beat your ideals into just about anyone." He uttered with a chuckle.

"I thought it was just my instincts coming out for once."

"It is indeed, but it's more than that, more than a primal urge. It is the deepest part of you, the you that gives this you up here it's strength."

"I am...so confused."

"You'll understand in due time, but now I suggest we rest, for we have a lot of walking to do come sunrise.

"Yea no k--wait y-you serious? You'll come back?"

"I have decided and you were ideals hold true Indeed. I shall take responsibility for my actions and tell her truth about me and my past."

"So you kept them out the loop?"

"To protect them from pursuing me, and it worked for a long time, unfortunately."

Spike let out a chuckle as he closed his eyes once more allowing himself to drift off into sleep. It was when the sound of multiple voices faded into his ears that he suddenly opened them to the faint sunlight of the sunrise. the voices in question were obvious. "What happened here?" Korbin's voice asked.

"There's blood everywhere, I hope Spike is ok." Lindsey's continued.

"I should've been more alert, he could've wondered anywhere in this jungle." Nicole finished.

Spike grunted as he slowly stood a knee, nudging Kindro from his sleep as well. "Is it time?" he said slowly getting up to.

"Just about, looks the calvary found us."

Both were slow to their feet, supporting one another as they came into view of 4 worried ladies. "Spike!" They all called out before catching sight of the figure next to him.

Wave couldn't help but cringe in fear as Nicole, Lindsey, and Korbin all stood motionless. K-Kindri?..." Korbin uttered as she took a step forward.

Does she have a nickname for everyone? Spike found himself thinking as Korbin continued to approach. "Um, hey kitty..." He nervously responded back. For a second, it seemed as though Korbin would jump into his arms, crying and begging him never to leave again when everyone's eyes went wide. Kindro lay there on the ground, holding his face like he was a kid being punished. "W-what--" He had not time to review what just happened as the cat suddenly began to unleash on him, punch after punch. He guarded his face with as much energy as he could muster, Korbin continuing her onslaught for at least a minute before Lindsey attempted to help, Spike however, held her back shaking his head in disagreement. "Korbin please stop and let me explain."

"No, you don't get a chance to talk just like I didn't when you left us!" Kindro struggled to keep his face protected as he reached up to restrain her hands. She persisted of course, but eventually found her hands restrained by Kindro's, to little success as she was thrashing around like a child. "Lemme go lemme go lemme go lemme go, let me thrash your face in, let make you feel like I did when I was alone! I don't want you back, you can die in a hole!"

Korbin continued to thrash around as Kindro tried his best to keep his own composure. "Korbin...Korbin stop and just--Korbin don't make me treat you like--Korbin!" Kindro screamed, his eyes now returning with that familiar green glow. She stopped, realizing that this time, that glow was accompanied by a stream of tears of his eyes. "I'm coming home..."

"Y-you..."

"I'm coming home...and I'll explain...everything."

The two locked eyes for a moment, the tension beginning to lessen as all muscle control ceased in her body, and she dropped into his chest. "You ever...do this shit again...and I really will kill you..."

"I don't doubt it..."

The two of them lay there in silence as the rest looked onward. "Happy ending huh?" Spike uttered with a chuckle

"Sure seems like it," Wave added. "But what is with all this blood, it's seriously harshing my mood."

"Um..." Spike said rubbing the back of his head. "Difference of opinion?"

"Difference of opinion?" Wave uttered returning his nervous look with an annoyed stare. "Well whatever the reason, I'm going back to the car, all this blood is making me sick. Glad you're ok by the way, didn't want to bring you back in a body bag for the second time."

"I'm just glad you're ok," Nicole said hugging him as wave vanished into the jungle."After you fell into the water, the wrist pad was destroyed and I was forced to back myself up at the city. I tried coming back to find you but you completely disappeared and I had no idea where you went."

"Some snake girl helped me out, even bandaged my tail which was pretty banged up."

Nicole pulled back, her eyes once again falling to Kindro. "I can't believe you found him...you actually found him."

"Why is that so surprising, what, you thought I couldn't do it?" He said with a smirk.

"No no no, I'm not saying that I promise, I just...when you said you were planning on staying in this world, I thought you were being a bit...overambitious. I didn't want you to disappoint yourself."

"Yea probably."

"W-what?"

"Yea I probably would've messed it up, but I've learned something in my success to find Dragon boy number 2."

"Which was?"

"I. Don't give a fuck whether I fail or succeed."

Both her and Lindsey gasped at those words. "Spike, language." Lindsey scolded.

"Sorry sorry, but I mean it. See, I've realized that whether I lose or win, I need to continue to put myself on the front line for my friends, whether they're next to me, behind me or standing up for me, I won't stay down and sit back while they suffer. Which has honestly made me realize just how stupid I would be for completely deciding to stay in this world."

"And..." Nicole uttered.

"You were right Nicole, I need more time to think about this before I just go complete Team Mobius."

"Artificial intelligence 1, Spike 0." Nicole happily teased

"Rub it in why don't you?" A tug a Spike's tail made him turn his attention to Lindsey, who was already walking toward another upraised rock, slipping around the corner.

"What are waiting for Casanova, go get her."

Spike nervously scratched his head. "But um...I'm no good with dating...I've just never been that successful with it, none of the girls have ever liked me back."

"Well, what if the girl already likes you?" Nicole added making Spike perk up.

"Well that is different--"

"Well then get your butt moving," she said kicking him forward.

He followed his gut and proceeded back behind the rock, a smiling Lindsey sitting there leaning against a wall. "Well well well, Mr. Spike, you've gone quite the distance, haven't you? Finding my sister's first true love and reuniting them it quite the feat. Are you looking for a gold star or something?"

He responded with a chuckle. "Like that means anything, what's personal gain if it doesn't make you feel any better. No, I did this for Korbin, because I genuinely consider her a friend."

"Most normal people don't go to such lengths for someone they just met. But you Mr. Spike, braved the dangers of this dreaded jungle, almost died not once but twice judging by the blood, just so you can make Korbin happy?"

"It's just who I am, I strive to make ponies happy back home, along with the rest of the 6, why should that change just because I'm a different world."

Lindsey once again let her gaze fall to the ground, a noticeable blush on her face, but this time she was smiling, certain of her next action. "Spike I...don't regret you joining our team," she said taking his hand in her own. "And I don't regret this at all." With a slow sure motion, she spun and let their lips lock once more, her hands slowly gliding and caressing Spike's chest as he returned the act in full.

They pulled away as spike replied, "I don't regret a thing either, well except maybe getting almost getting eaten by a water creature thing, and there was this one time I tricked this pony into giving me a whole cart of gem--"

"Mr. Spike dear..." she said taking a hand and readjusting his eyes back to hers. "I get it, just kiss me again you dunce."

"Hmm?" the figure uttered from the nearby tree. "How interessssting..."

Author's Notes:

This is the first official new chapter to the rewritten storyline, and as I'm sure you can tell, a lot has changed and will affect the story going forward, so just forget what you expect to happen now. Also, that fight, and the title were literally Kill La Kill tributes and will probably be a good inspiration for the future scenes, so cheers if you noticed that.

Stay tuned for the next chapter and as always fellows squids, don't get caught in the heat
Stay Sweet in the Deep!