That night, the girls were once again spending the night at Spike and Scorpan's place.
Spike was sound asleep, when his ears perked up, upon hearing a commotion in the kitchen.
Deciding to investigate, Spike changes into a puppy, quietly walked out of his room and down the stairs. Once he arrived into the kitchen, Spike slowly peeked behind a wall, to a see a huge bird – roughly the size of a swan – rummaging in the fridge, 'What the heck?' Spike thought, watching as the bird pulled out a huge bucket of Cookies N' Cream Ice Cream, used its beak to pry the lid off, and wolfed into it.
As the bird eats the ice cream, Spike took the occasion to have a closer look. In appearance, the bird almost resembles a cross between a hawk, and a peacock, with the head and wings of a hawk, but the crest and tail feathers of a peacock. It is covered in beautiful, bright scarlet feather, with yellow flaming patterns on its chest, and with its face a brilliant shade of sunset orange.
"Peewee!" Fluttershy exclaimed, running into the kitchen, in a green average pajama with pink butterflies decorated, while scolding the bird. "How many times have I told you? It's past your bedtime! Back into-Oh! Spike!" Fluttershy gasped, once she took notice of the dog.
"Hey Fluttershy," Spike greeted, changing back into a human. "Is he one of your pets?"
"Oh no," Fluttershy chuckled. "Actually, he's yours."
The bird squinted his eyes, before he let out a joyful chirp, flying out of the girl's arms, and tackled the boy, nuzzling him affectionately.
"Aw," Fluttershy cooed. "He remembers you!"
"So I noticed," Spike replied, struggling to get the bird off. "Wow, he sure is strong."
"He's grown into quite the phoenix since you left," Fluttershy giggled. "The two of you go way back."
"A phoenix?" Spike asked, looking at the bird, incredulously. "You're a phoenix?" Peewee nodded as he flapped his wings, flying around as a blazing comet, before he spreads his wings out, and in a flash of light, he disappears, before reappearing on Spike's head. "Wow," Spike gasped.
Fluttershy’s expression resumes its stern demeanor, “Again, it's pass your bedtime, Peewee!" Fluttershy said sternly, holding out her backpack. “Go back to bed!”
The phoenix squawked, as it grabbed Spike by the collar of his shirt and pulled him into the backpack.
"Oh dear," Fluttershy whimpered, jumping after the two.
"Whoa!" Spike screamed, as Peewee continues to fly with him in his talons, down a long tunnel, before the phoenix came to a quick stop, and dropped the boy on a sofa. "What was that for?" Spike asked the phoenix angrily, until he took notice of his new surroundings. "Where are we?"
"Oh, I'm sorry about that," Fluttershy apologized, as she quickly came down a long staircase. "Peewee's never behaved like this before."
"Really?" Spike grumbled, before getting up to see that the two are now in a cottage of some kind. "Where are we?"
"Sanctuary," Fluttershy answered. "My magical creatures' sanctuary. Wanna see?"
Spike shrugged as he and Peewee followed the girl out the doorway and gasped in amazement, seeing another world, full of creatures.
"Whoa!" he awed. "This is better than the zoo!"
"I know," Fluttershy smiled. "I've been rescuing these poor defenseless animals, and I've been caring for them until I could find them a brand new place to live."
"Wow! How did you manage it all?"
"From my professor: Newt Chimera!" Fluttershy smiled proudly. "He's a brilliant unicorn, and an excellent Magizoologist and zoologist. He's fascinated with animals and has made it his life mission to study animals, both magical and normal, up close and in pony, so that everpony would learn to live and understand those creatures better."
Spike looked to see a whole galore of animals, from a giant blue whale to the cutest bunny.
There were pods of orcas, dolphins, and other kinds of whales, swimming and playing inside a series of huge, expanding, floating bubbles of water. There were also a herd of elephants, black rhinoceroses, and bisons, roaming in safaris. Spike was even more shocked to see some animals that were long thought to be extinct: Thylacine, Dodos, New Zealand Laughing Owls, and the mighty Wooly Mammoth.
"Whoa!" Spike gasped. "I thought these guys died out years ago."
"I know," Fluttershy said. "It was awful for them. Their homes were lost, along with some of their family members. But thankfully, Professor Chimera was able to rescue some of the ones that survived, and took them here where they'll be safe for the moment."
"Fascinating," Spike replied.
Spike turned, and to his amazement, saw some creatures in cages and tanks. They are Bigfoots, Mothman, Owlman, Jersey Devil, El Chupacabra, Jackalopes, and some lake monsters.
"Oh my god!" Spike gasped. "The cryptids! They're all here!"
"Oh, I see you've met Nessie and her friends," Fluttershy said, walking up to the boy with a bucket of fish, squids, and some other foods. "These poor creatures. They used to live in Equestria, until something dreadful happened that separated them from home," Fluttershy explained, as she threw a fish for Nessie to catch in her jaws. "Since then, my teacher, Professor Chimera, has made it his mission to rescue all of them, so that he can bring them home. And now, I'm finishing his noble work."
Spike smiled, watching as Fluttershy petted the lake monster affectionately on the nose. Spike slowly reached his hand out for the beast, only for it to snap its jaws defensively at him, causing him to quickly retract his hand.
Spike fell flat on his butt, patting his heart repeatedly, while Fluttershy glared at the monster, "Nessie! I'm ashamed of you! Spike wasn't doing anything to hurt you!" Nessie whimpered, eyes looking sadly as the girl's stern look softened. "I know you were scared around other humans. But you should at least learn to give some people a chance to know you." Fluttershy turned and beckoned Spike to come over. With Fluttershy's assistance and encouragement, Fluttershy was able to get Spike to pet Nessie on the nose, bonding with the monster.
Later, the two came across the tatzlewurm from before, who was currently tied up in chains and was struggling to break free.
"How long are you planning on keeping that thing?" Spike asked worryingly.
"Not for long," Fluttershy answered. "I'm still conducting some research on it, with Lyra, and Bon Bon. But once we're finished with it, we'll be able to release him back home in Equestria."
Just then, Peewee came back as he flew around the two, before he perched on Spike's shoulder.
"So," Spike began, as he pet the bird's stomach. "How long have you been caring for Peewee?"
"Since you and Scorpan left," Fluttershy answered sadly. "Poor Peewee. He was only a hatchling when he lost you. It was hard, taking care of him. He was very disobedient whenever I tried to get him to cooperate, and whenever I get assertive with him, he just flies away," Fluttershy walked over and gently patted the bird on the head as she continues, "But eventually, both he and I came to terms with our longing for you. And he's been such a sweetie ever since," Peewee blushed a shade of pink, while letting out a happy chirp, "Isn't that right, Peewee?" Peewee squawked as he nodded his head in agreement.
After awhile, the teens both went back into the cottage to have some midnight snacks. Fluttershy was eating a daffodil sandwich, while Spike was having a PB&J Sandwich.
"I'll admit, this is amazing!" Spike smiled, taking a bite out of his sandwich.
"It definitely is," Fluttershy turned and looked at Spike, lost in a trance as she envisioned him as a puppy. Then, out of impulse, Fluttershy started scratching the boy behind his ear.
"Hey!" Spike exclaimed, jumping out of his seat, away from the girl.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Fluttershy apologized. "I don't know what came over me. I mean, I kinda do, but I couldn't help it. I-I-" Fluttershy started to tear up.
"Fluttershy, it's alright," Spike replied, hugging the girl before she could get into a crying fit. "I was just surprised. That's all." The girl started calming down at his words, as she returned the embrace. "Though, I honestly don't know what that was all about."
Fluttershy looked sad for a moment, before she answered, "I was thinking of you as a puppy," she looked at Spike as she continued. "It felt like it was only yesterday; the day we first met."
Past
A young Spike was walking down the streets of Canterlot, socializing with all the local ponies. It was a part of his duties as prince to have a better understanding to the ponies and the different roles they play in life, so that he would learn how important they are and how they all form the proud kingdom his mother rules. Furthermore, whenever Spike was making a public appearance in Canterlot, casual attires was never an option. He was wearing a long sleeved purple coat with elegant golden asian dragon designs on the front and shoulder pads, white pants with black stripes, black gloves with green flaming designs, a belt with the royal crest, and a pair black boots.
He was just leaving Donut Joes's shop with a box of donuts when he heard the sound of a girl, crying. Deciding to check it out, Spike quickly turned himself into a dog, with the box in his mouth, peering around the corner to see what's up. He looked to see a small yellow pegasus filly with light pink mane and tail, trembling before three pegasus colts. The first colt has a light gamboge coat with brilliant sea green eyes, covered by grayish tangelo mane and a matching tail. The second colt has a persian bluish gray coat, his face completely covered by a reddish brownish gray mane, and a matching tail. The last colt, the leader, has a dark grayish brown coat, with a light amberish gray mane and tail, and moderate azure eyes.
"Please, leave me alone," the girl cried.
"Aw, look she's gonna cry," the leader laughed cruelly.
"What are you going to do now, Clutterfly?" the second colt taunted. "Go cry your eyes out to your mommy?"
With that, the boys broke into another fit of laughter, with the girl crying even harder. At first, Spike would normally walk away and not get involved, but after taking one last glance at the girl, he knew something has to be done.
"Hey!" he shouted, walking to the boys, catching their attention. "Leave her alone!"
The boys turned around, but were dumbfounded to see nopony, "Who said that?" one of the colts asked.
"Down here," the colts looked down and were shocked to see a purple dog before them.
"Did that dog just talk?" the persian blue colt asked.
"A talking dog?!" the girl exclaimed, ignoring the boys as she squealed in delight. "Aw, he's so cute!" With that, the filly picked Spike up and rubbed her nose together with his, earning a blush from the boy turned dog.
"Boy, when dad said that Canterlot's gone to the dogs, he wasn't kidding," the leader muttered, earning a laugh from his posse, which didn't go unheard from both the girl and Spike.
"Hey, I may be a dog," Spike began. "But it beats being a pony who's blinded by his own mane style to see anything good before him."
The leader flinched, his eyes twitching in anger, while his comrades stupidly laughed at him, "Ooh, he got you there Dumb-bell!" the two colts were each met with a punch by the leader, now identified as Dumb-bell.
"He's talking about us!" Dumb-bell roared, before he looked at the dog. "No pony talks smack at me and gets away with-"
"Hey! I wouldn't do that if I were you!" Spike threatened, before turning himself back into a human boy.
"Prince Spike?!" the colts and filly gasped.
"That's right!" Spike began. "I'm the Dragon Prince, and I do not like the way you boys are treating this sweet little lady here!" the girl blushed a shade of pink, as Spike continues, "And if you don't want me to tell my mom on you, then you'd better start apologizing to her if you don't want a trip to the moon!"
The colts gulped in fear, "We're sorry!" they wailed. "We'll never do it again!"
"That's better," Spike began. "Now be off!"
The colts bowed their heads in respect, as they took off. Once they're gone, Spike turned to the girl and asked, "Hey, are you alright?"
"Why yes I am," the filly smiled meekly. "Thank you, your highness."
"No problem," Spike replied. "I can't just let that happen, now can I?"
"No, I guess not," the girl smiled. "I'm Fluttershy by the way. And it's an honor to meet you," she said with a bow.
"Feeling's mutual m'lady," Spike replied, returning the gesture.
"Fluttershy!" a full grown unicorn stallion called, running over to the two kids. In appearance, the stallion has reddish brown mane and tail, a light brown coat, an image of a chimera on his flank, and speaks in a British accent. For attires, the stallion wore a long dark blue robe, over a white dress shirt, with a red bowtie, a yellow and black striped scarf.
The stallion stopped when he took notice of Spike, "Oh your majesty," the unicorn bowed. "I see that you've met my student, Fluttershy."
"Whoa!" Spike gasped. "Newt Chimera! You're a legend!" the boy turned to Fluttershy. "And you're his pupil?"
"Indeed she is," Newt said proudly. "And I must say, she's the best student I've ever had the pleasure of teaching. Top student in all my classes. Straight As on all my tests, and is a natural with the beasts. And that's saying something, considering her age."
"Professor! You're embarrassing me," Fluttershy blushed.
"Now this is what I liked about her," the stallion continued. "Always so modest." The professor quickly cleared his throat as he explained, "Anyway, I'm sorry for my untimely arrival, but I must borrow Fluttershy for something very important."
"But of course sir," Spike replied. "It was a pleasure of meeting her, and you of course. Have a good day sir." Spike waved. "Hope to see you around."
"Good day your majesty," the unicorn bowed, before he directed the young filly away. When Newt wasn't looking, Fluttershy took a glance back and couldn't help but smile at Spike.
For the next few days, as Fluttershy continues her studies with Newt Chimera, on some occasions, she would catch a glimpse of Spike, seeing the young prince, going about his days, greeting the ponies of Canterlot with a smile and acts of kindness. She would watch in admiration as the young boy spreads some cheers from ponies to ponies, as well as being quick to offer those most needed a helping hand. Needless to say, his act of kindness has truly captured her attention.
One day, Fluttershy was leaving school, when suddenly she saw Professor Chimera being ambushed by a group of brutish unicorn stallions.
"For the last time!" Chimera growled. "You're not having them! Not a single one! And that's final!
"Then, I guess we'll do this the hard way!" one of the stallions grunted. "Give it to him boys!"
With that, the rest of the thugs all blasted offensive magics at the professor, who quickly shielded himself with a quick defensive charm, before he counters with some offensive spells of his own. Fluttershy, meanwhile, watched in fright, as her favorite professor fought off the thugs to a stand, until suddenly, one of the spells struck him to the side, sending his saddlebags flying. Fluttershy quickly flapped her wings, caught the bags in her hooves, whimpering in fear as the thugs all turned their gazes on her.
"Run Fluttershy!" Chimera shouted.
With that, Fluttershy quickly flew off, with the stallions running after her, "Stop her!" the leader shouted, as one of his henchmen shot a spell, striking Fluttershy at one of her wings, causing her to fall, screaming, to the ground. Thankfully, she landed in a cart, full of hays. Just then, the thugs arrived, grabbing the professor's saddlebags with their magics.
"Let go!" Fluttershy struggled, holding onto the magic saddlebag.
The unicorns refused, as they pulled even harder, until the saddlebags' covers were torn open, and several creatures came running and flying out and into the city.
"The creatures!" one of the stallions exclaimed. "They're loose!"
"I know idiot!" the leader roared, before he turned his attention back at the frightened filly.
"Leave her alone!" a voice shouted, to reveal Spike, cladded in a suit of armor, over a black jumpsuit, adorned with a long red cape with orange flaming designs at the end. Standing by his side was a tall silver armored, unicorn colt, with light gray coat, and short dark purple mane and tail.
The two boys jumped in, standing defensively before Fluttershy, holding their blades towards the thugs. Unfazed, the unicorns charged at the boys, who didn't hesitate to fight back. One thug shot an offensive spell at Spike, who deflected it with his rapier, before his partner counterattacked with an offensive spell of his own. A thug jumped out from a rooftop almost tackled the boys, had Spike not heard him coming, warned his unicorn partner, allowing the boys to dodge the attack, thrusting their blades into the stallion's flank, causing him to jump up, screaming.
The boys kept it up until Scorpan arrived, with the rest of the royal guards, to arrest the crooks.
"Excellent work Flare Heart," one of the guards saluted to the young colt. "We'll take it from here Prince Spike," the guard bowed his head, before they proceeded.
Spike turned his attention to Fluttershy, "Fluttershy! You okay?" Spike asked.
"I'm okay your highness," Fluttershy answered. "But Professor Chimera's creatures! They're loose!"
"Then let's get them back," Spike replied.
[Jump5 - Aloha, E Komo Mai feat. Stitch]
Though at first it looked hard, catching the creatures wasn't as hard as it seems, since all Spike had to do was sniff the ground, either in dog or dragon form, and he instantly picks up the scent, follows it, with Fluttershy and the royal guards behind him, and all of the creatures were captured and put into the professor's saddlebags.
Once, they managed in catching several vampire fruit bats in a nearby farmer's market, just as they were about to devour a whole crate of apples from Appleloosa, as well as saving a young Applejack from a ravenous timberwolf. They also managed to capture a whole flock of parasprites, by playing some tunes to draw the magic insects back into the saddlebags. Scorpan and the royal guards, succeeded in catching a rampaging manticore, after they pulled a thorn out from one of its paw of course. They even managed to capture a whole ursa minor, along with its ursa major parent. More escaped creatures, which includes the fiendish Red Bull, the rampaging Blue Rhino, and the cunning Pink Panther, were later captured and returned to the professor's saddlebags.
Soon it was sundown, when the two had succeeded in capturing all of the escaped creatures and were on their way to the castle, with the royal guards close by for protection.
"Thank you so much for helping me save the creatures," Fluttershy smiled, carrying the saddlebags. "Now all I have to do is bring this back to Professor Chimera and he'll be sure to keep it locked up."
"I just hope he has enough bits to pay for that cabbage merchants' destroyed cabbage patch," the two laughed.
Fluttershy looked at Spike for a moment, before she leaned in and started scratching him on the head.
"Hey!" Spike exclaimed. "What're you doing?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," Fluttershy whimpered. "It's just that, you looked so cute when you're a puppy, that I just couldn't help but...." Fluttershy's eyes began to well up with tears as she slowly walked away. "I'm sorry!"
"No wait!" Spike cried out, as he hesitantly changes into a dog. "Is this better?"
"Oh, I don't mean to impose it on you."
"Fluttershy, you're not imposing. I'm doing this for you because I'm your friend. And if you want me to be a dog, then just say the word and I'm a dog for you."
Fluttershy smiled as she picked the little puppy and hugged him tightly, "Thank you, your highness."
"Hey!" Spike exclaimed. "I said we're friends. No need to be so formal. Just Spike will do."
Fluttershy blushed, "Okay, Spike."
The two were later in Canterlot Castle, where they told the whole story before Princess Celestia, along with some other officials of Equestria. Needless to say, every pony were all impressed at the performance of the Dragon Prince, together with one of Chimera's promising students. As a reward, Chimera awarded Fluttershy by entrusting the care of his creatures to the filly, as well as presenting the young prince with a phoenix egg, all which the two happily accepted.
Present
"And that's the story," Fluttershy finished.
Spike could hardly believe what he was told.
"Spike?" Fluttershy inquired. "Are you okay?"
Spike shook out of his daze, as he replied, "Sorry. I'm just surprised. I'm a prince? My mom's a princess? And I fought off thugs and helped you capture all of, this 'Chimera guy's, creatures?"
"It's hard to believe, I know," Fluttershy answered, before she grasped Spike's hands with hers. "But it's true. You really were a prince. And better yet, you're a hero to Equestria. And to me," she whispered at the last part, which didn't go unheard. "I'm just really happy to see you again, Spike," Fluttershy smiled, embracing the boy in a tight hug, before she kissed him on the cheek. Her action left Spike stunned, his face turning red, smiling silly, eyes flashing a quick aura of Flutttershy's color, and sprouting a dog's wagging tail. Fluttershy giggled lightly at his face, before it increases when she took notice of his tail, "Oh my," she laughed.
"What's so funny?" Spike asked, looking behind his rear to see his tail, causing him to blush even harder. "Oh!" He exclaimed, trying hard to regain control of himself.
Fluttershy giggled as she placed her arms around Spike's shoulders, "Spike!" she smiled. "It's okay. I'm actually happy that I can make you happy," Spike's face started to simmer a little, as a small smile started to form. "Though, if you could make me happy," Fluttershy began. "Could you maybe turn yourself into a puppy again? I just can't get enough of your cuteness!"
Spike complied, bursting into flames before emerging as a puppy, still wagging his tail.
"There you are my little puppy!!" Fluttershy squealed in delight, picking up the boy, holding him close to her cheek.
Peewee flew back into the cottage, before he took notice of the two's loving embrace. Not wanting to be left out, he joined in, wrapping his wings around them.