//------------------------------// // Help From The Shadow Part 3: The Legend of Fleur-De-Lis // Story: Dragonfire 🐲 Enter The Dragon Hero 🐲 // by Phantom-Dragon //------------------------------// [Tìm về chốn cũ: Written and Sung by Nguyễn Phi Hùng.] Alt. Female Vocals Long ago, in a small village in Equestria, there lived a unicorn couple who were known for their past achievements and heroism to Equestria, including their triumphant victory against the evil King Haggard. However, unlike the pompous nobles whom they were often compared to, fame and fortune meant nothing to them, compared to their most treasured possession of all: their daughter, whom they named Fleur De Lis, after a beautiful flower. She was beautiful, smart, and to a degree, a bit of a stuck up. It is no surprise that many colts have gone crazy for the filly, much to the ire and jealousy of some other fillies. It was the life of a dream for Fleur, as she simply enjoys the attention she was receiving, both from her peers and her parents. But even dreams, can come to an end. One day, tragedy struck, as the filly, came back home from a school field trip, to find her village in flames. Everywhere she looked, she could see devastations, destructions, and carnage. The life she once knew was plagued with nightmares, as ponies and magical creatures in black and purple all attacked countless of villagers, and set many houses ablaze. During the chaos, Fleur saw her parents fighting the attackers off. It wasn't long before one of the attackers set their sight on her. With that, Fleur broke into a run, trying to get away, before she was struck from behind, and was knocked out cold. By the time she woke up, her home was in ruins. Her parents, missing in action. The life she knew it, gone, burned to the ground. Weeks have passed, and still no sign of her parents. Eventually, Fleur couldn't stand it anymore and decided to go and look for her parents, asking for help from the local ponies. However, much to her dismay, her "friends" refused to risk their lives for her, saying how their lives aren't worth risking for a "pampered princess." Even the colts failed to find it in their hearts to play the role as a hero for her. And the pain doesn't stop there, as she was marred with hatred by some of the elder ponies, who blamed her for the loss of her parents, saying how she should've been the one who had been taken, not her parents. Depressed upon realizing the truth of her life from the ponies she lived with, Fleur was beside herself, heartbroken at the loss of her parents, and at the deception of the love she once thought was real. [Mulan OST - Short Hair] Finally, Fleur decided to take matters into her own hooves. With that, she went and cut her mane and tail short, putting on a fake cutie mark, before she takes a few samples from her father's armor, to create one that is just about her size, while giving herself the appearance of a colt, so as to hide herself from the attackers. Obviously, they must've been interested in her for a reason. Once the tasks were done, Fleur took her first step to finding her parents, and an adventure of a lifetime. Present [Evening Star - Fleur-De-Lis] "Bonjour Spike," Fleur smiled. In appearance, Fleur was a tall white unicorn, with a long pink mane and tail, both which ended in curls, light purple eyes with matching eye shadows. Spike sat still, gazing in awe at the unicorn before him, and not just because of her beauty, "Um, bonjour?" Spike hesitantly greeted. "Fleur?" Fleur giggled, finding the young boy's confusion adorable, "Fleur-De-Lis, to be exact," Fleur stated her full name. "But as we were friends before, Fleur works too," the mare smiled as she bowed her head in respect, "And permit me to say, how happy I am to finally meet you again, after so many moons, my prince." Spike, still not remembering the unicorn, scratched his head, "Please, no need to be so formal," he assured, as the unicorn stood up. "Though, I wish I could return the feeling." Nodding her head in understanding, Fleur answered, "Then, allow me to tell you the story, of our friendship together." Spike nodded, as both he and Fleur got comfortable. Zecora, Sunset Shimmer, and Peewee looked to each other, knowing they should leave the two be. With that, the zebra, unicorn, and phoenix took their leave, as Fleur began her story. Past: Before Spike met the Mane Six and Sunset Shimmer. A young human Spike, roughly at age four, was out and about in Canterlot. Everywhere he looked, he could see the ponies all setting up decorations, preparing for an upcoming event. Coming up in a few days, as the Chinese would say, it's his Shēngrì. In other words, every ponies are all preparing for his birthday. It had taken Scorpan awhile, but he was able to locate Spikes birth certificate in the human world, and with it, Princess Celestia and all the ponies are all making preparations for the young prince's upcoming birthday. Spike was walking through the busy streets of Canterlot, on his way to meet his uncle and cousins at the training grounds, close to Canterlot. Scorpan had suspected that dark forces would use the boy's birthday as a chance to get close enough for the Dragonfire. Not willing to take any chances, Scorpan had begun preparations with the royal guards, setting up defenses around the city, as well as initiating excruciating trainings with the recruits he had called for, and those who joined willingly. Furthermore, Scorpan had even suggested for Spike, Prince Blueblood, and a young Princess Cadence to begin their training of self-defense as well, much to Blueblood's dismay. Spike was on his way to meet up with his uncle and cousins, when he bumped into a pony, and they both fell to the floor. "Sorry," they both said. "My fault." Spike looked up, and was surprised to see Fleur-De-Lis herself, in her disguise, cladded in a suit of silver armor. Fleur, meanwhile, looked at the boy in astonishment, and curiosity. Wanting to break the ice, Spike greeted with a friendly, "Hi," Fleur continued to remain speechless. "I don't think I've seen you around here. What's your name?" Spike asked. Just then, a tall unicorn colt, came galloping to the two. In appearance, the colt has a white coat, light azure mane and tail, with matching eyes and hooves. For attires, he wears a black tuxedo over a blue dress shirt, a purple bow tie, and monocle. "Fleur-De-Lis! There you are-" the colt called, before he took notice of Spike's presence. "Oh, good afternoon, young prince." "Hi Fancy Pants!" Spike replied, as both he and Fancy Pants shook hoof and hands. "Prince Spike?!" Fleur asked, realizing she was in the presence of the Dragon Prince. With that, she quickly bowed her head in respect, "Oh dear! Forgive me, your highness! I didn't know. I-I-I-" "It's okay," Spike replied. "I don't like being called 'your highness,' so much. Though, if I may ask, why are you dressed in a suit of armor? I didn't think Uncle Scorpan would allow girls into the army." Fleur quickly froze up, and turned pale(If she can get any paler that is), realizing she had forgotten to put on her colt persona. Luckily, Fancy Pants was there to help, "Perhaps it would be best for you to sit down, young prince," With that, Fancy Pants and Fleur all explained the situation to the Dragon Prince. "And that's where we are now," Fancy Pants concluded. Spike could hardly believe his ears, "Gosh, I'm sorry to hear that, Fleur," He said in sympathy, before he shifted to a look of determination. "Well, if you want to find your mom and dad, then let me help you." "You mean it?" Fleur asked. "As the Dragon Prince, and as part of my Noble Dragon Code, yes," Spike answered with pride. "Oh, merci," the filly exclaimed, pulling the prince in for a loving embrace. At Training Camp "What's your name?" a young Shining Armor asked Fleur. Shining Armor was also there, working as Scorpan's assistant. He is in charge of training the fillies and colts for self-defense, while Scorpan was in charge with training the adults. Fleur stuttered, while putting on her colt voice impression, "I-I-uh-" "Your commanding officer just asked you a question!" Prince Blueblood stated bitterly. "I have a name," Fleur replied. "And it's a boy's name too." "And what might it be?" the prince inquired. Thinking fast, Spike and Fancy Pants answered, "Flare Heart!" "Flare Heart?" Shining Armor asked. Present "You're Flare Heart?!" Spike asked in shock. Fleur giggled in amusement, "So you've heard of me. But by a different name." Past "Yes!" 'Flare' answered sternly. "My name is Flare Heart! Son of Sir Lir and Lady Amalthea." "Sir Lir?" Shining Armor asked. "The Sir Lir?" "Is that so?" Prince Blueblood pondered. "How curious since I don't recall Sir Lir and Lady Amalthea having a son." Spike, Fancy Pants, and 'Flare' looked to each other, sweating a storm before Spike came up with an excuse, "He doesn't talk about Flare much." "Yeah," Flare replied, nodding 'his' head frantically, trying to spit the ground, but only manage a sloppy drool. "I can see why," Blueblood whispered, to Shining Armor. "The boy's an absolute, lunatic." Spike glared at Blueblood, before he continues, "But still, he's a really good guy. Right Flare?" "Right, Spike," Flare winked. "Excuse me," Blueblood began, walking up to Flare. "But where do you get off acting so 'casual' around royalty?" "Hey, take it easy Blueblood," Spike said, standing up for Flare. "Flare's a friend of Fancy Pants," Flare was taken by surprise by what 'he' was hearing. "And a friend of Fancy Pants is a friend of mine. And a friend of mine is okay to call me however they want." Prince Blueblood rolled his eyes, "Whatever," Then, with a huff, Blueblood walked away, while saying, "If you'll excuse me. I have important matters to contend with." "Yeah," Spike whispered to Flare and Fancy, "Himself." This resulted in a few laugh from the two. "I heard that!" Blueblood shouted. Later The three friends were later setting up Flare's tent, along with Spike's which is next to the former. While setting up the tents, Flare decided to chew the fat, "I can't think of any words to say how grateful we are of your assistance, Prince Spike." 'He' said, while Fancy Pants nodded in agreement. "Oh don't mention it," Spike smiled. "After all, that's what friends are for. Right?" "Friends?" Flare asked, with a hint of doubt in his voice. "Are we truly friends?" "Well yeah," Spike looked at the 'colt' confusingly. "Don't you have any friends?" Flare looked away and answered, "No. I've never had a friend before. Not even one," Flare gazed sadly at a park, seeing a group of foals, out and about, playing games together and sharing some laughs. "From where I come from, all I ever was to every pony in the village, was a looker. They don't care much about who I really am. Only for the fact that I'm the daughter of a couple of heroes. I guess, I've become such a prima donna, that I hardly ever noticed how lonely I really am," At this point, Flare started to shed a tear, which Spike and Fancy could tell, even with the helmet concealing it. "I wonder if I'll ever see my parents again." "There, there darling," Fancy said, comforting the mare in stallion's armor. "Everything will be alright." Spike looked sadly at the two. Then, out of impulse, he walked over and pulled the girl in a hug. "Prince Spike?" Flare asked. "W-What are you doing?" "Something I would do for a friend of mine," Spike answered. "Whenever they're sad. A hug is all it takes to make them feel better." Touched by the boy's warmth and affection, Fleur smiled as she returned the embrace. That night [The Last Unicorn- Man's Road] Fancy Pants went back home, while Fleur and Spike were left to spend the night, in their tents, at the training camp. Spike was sound asleep, while Fleur-De-Lis was having difficulties doing so, due to a nightmare she was experiencing. In her dream, she finds herself, back in the village, before it was destroyed. She watched, as young foals would run by, flying kites, playing games of balls, and such. The very sight would bring smile to Fleur. Suddenly, lightning struck the village, and everywhere Fleur looked, all of the little ponies were burning, screaming in agony, and crying for help. In response, Fleur broke into a gallop, trying to find water. But everywhere she goes, she was only met with the gruesome images of ponies on fire, screaming, and begging for help. Furthermore, the fires and smokes would all form into the appearance of skulls, laughing and taunting at her. Fleur quickly woke up with a scream, panting heavily, before she got up and walked out of her tent. Luckily, none of the recruits heard her, so no one didn't see Fleur in her natural appearance. Well, except for one. Spike, half awake, parted the tent's opening to see Fleur, glowing in the moonlight. This was enough to make Spike's tired eyes to snap fully awake, in awe at the unicorn's beauty in the moonlight. Spike watched as the young mare went to the river, levitating a scoopful of water with her magic, and drank some to calm her nerves. Even at a distance far away, and in human form, Spike could hear the unicorn whispering, "Mom. Dad. Wherever you are. Please hold on. I'm coming." The next morning, it was time for the cadets to begin their training. Spike was the first to be awaken, along with some other cadets. After doing some morning stretches, Spike was about to be on his way, before he stopped, remembering Fleur, and went back to waker her up. "Alright, rise and shine, Flare," Spike gently nudged the filly. With that, Flare complied, as he dons up his armor, along with Spike, before they went out. Halfway to the training grounds however, Flare hesitated. "Feeling nervous?" Spike asked. "Of course I'm nervous," Flare replied. "I mean look at me. I can't, pass off as a colt." "Don't worry Flare," Spike assured. "I'm here to help you! I'm the Dragon Prince! Noble is my name, and helping others is my game! Just remember, this isn't about you! You're doing this to save your parents!" Fleur smiled as the boy kept going on, "And the most important thing you need to know is: It doesn't matter who you are, it's what others think you are!" With that, Spike started singing in a suave voice as he does a musical number. Even at such a young age, Spike's got a set of pipes. While Spike does his singing, Fleur couldn't help but smile in amusement, as well as a look of encouragement and confidence appearing on her face. "So what do you say?" Spike asked. With a look of determination, Fleur shook her hoof with Spike and answered, "Let's keep 'em guessing." Soon, the two later arrived at camp, just as soon as Shining Armor arrived. "Attention!" Shining Armor shouted, in which the recruits: stallions, minotaurs, satyrs, and all sorts of creatures complied. "Salute!" "Yes sir!" they shouted. Shining Armor looked, before he pointed, "You! Front and center!" An anthropomorphic pig walked out, "M-M-M-M-Me?" he stuttered. "Yes you!" Shining replied. "I said salute!" "Y-Y-Y-Y-Yes sir!" the pig stuttered, as he saluted again, only to be met with several smacks from Shining's commanding stick. "Put some backbone into it!" the unicorn ordered. "You're in the army now! A real soldier never stutters! And keep your stomach in! Shoulders back! Keep it in!" Shining Armor then pointed to another part of the area, as he instructed the pig, "Go over there and repeat it 500 times!" "Yes sir!" the pig quickly replied, before he marched away. Afterwards, Shining Armor went back to his lecture. "I don't care how sloppy you boys were in the boy scouts!" he barked. "You're here for the purpose of learning self-defense. And as such, you'll behave like a discipline soldier should be when on duty! Any sloppy behaviors of yours will not be tolerated!" As Spike listened to the unicorn's lecture, he couldn't help but overhear some of the recruits whispering, "Hey Roger! Look at that chick over there!" "Oh, she's got a crazy figure!" "I'd say she's 20." "That's not so hard to figure." Unfortunately, their gossip didn't go unheard, "You two! Front and center!" Shining Armor shouted, as the two complied. "What's all the talking about?" The two soldiers repeated what they said, to which Shining Armor replied by saying, "Go back there and repeat it 500 times, and louder!" "What?!" the recruits exclaimed. "Alright! A thousand then!" "A thousand?" "Do you want it 10,000 then?" "No, sir! Yes, sir! I mean, a thousand times sir!" With that, the two marched away, repeating what they had said, much to their embarrassment, and resulting in a fit of laughter from the other recruits. "Who's making all that noise?!" Shining Armor inquired, causing the recruits to cease laughing. "I did sir!" a brown anthropomorphic wolf answered, before he was called up to Shining Armor. "You admit to be laughing in the rank?" the unicorn asked. "Yes sir, I admit it sir," the wolf replied. "What's your excuse for this?" "I'm part hyena, I guess." "And what do you think is a fitting punishment for you?" "Do I have to go back there and laugh a thousand times?" "Take a stick!" Shining Armor ordered. "Bash him dead!!" "YIPE!!" the wolf shrieks in terror, before he was taken away for his sentence. In the meantime, Shining Armor ordered the rest of the recruits to give him 20 laps around the field. Just then, Shining Armor's colleagues returned. "Reporting, sir!" one of them began. "The prisoner fainted before we could bash him." "Let his fear serve as an example then," Shining Armor replied. Later, the recruits were tasked to retrieve a single red flag, surrounded by several armored fighting dummies, and living suits of armors. Obviously, it's not an easy task, as none of the recruits, including Spike, Flare, and most of all, Prince Blueblood, could retrieve the flag. "That could've been my leg!" Spike whimpered, almost getting his foot crushed. "That could've been me!" Flare exclaimed, nearly getting her heart pierced by an arrow, at an exposed part of her armor. "That could've been my hair!" Blueblood shrieked. "I think I've had enough training for one day." Blueblood left, with his head held up high. "We've got a long way to go," Shining Armor grumbled, before he resumed the rest of the day, training the rookies. Fleur initially faced several difficulties throughout the harsh trainings received from both Shining Armor, and the cadets. During the first training session, one of the cadets played a joke on her and poured some ants into her armor, causing her to jump and buck her legs out aimlessly getting the ants out, and knocking the cadets down like domino. Luckily, Shining Armor came and stopped the young mare, as well as getting the ants out of her armor, without having to remove the armor, thankfully. Later, Professor Inkwell, or Mad-Eye Inkwell as she was known for, was also at the training camp, assisting Scorpan and Shining Armor, with magic self-defense. For creatures that specialized in magic, she taught them how to conjure up magic shields, to protect themselves from offensive spells, while Scorpan taught non-magical creatures in using certain special techniques to avoid, or counter, offensive spells. Flare, for some reason, was unsuccessful in performing a simple basic shield spell, and nearly got lobbed by an offensive spell, had Spike not jumped in and took the hit, causing him to fly back, and into a tree. "I'm okay!" he called out, while the mad-eye unicorn veteran looked at the young guard in training, with disapproving glare from her one good eye. Princess Cadence, however, succeeded in projecting a shield spell, impressing Mad-Eye Inkwell, and Shining Armor. Fleur didn't do so well with close combat either, as she always comes out with a black eye, a bloody nose, and cracked hooves. Spike in the meantime, would always impress the recruits, with his natural prowess and skills of the martial arts, courtesy of Scorpan, much to Fleur's admiration, along with Blueblood's ire and envy. With that, Blueblood tried to steal the spotlight, by chopping a piece of brick with his hoof, only to end up punching himself in the face and knocking a few teeth out, "Boy was I fool in school for cutting gym," he moaned, before he collapsed. Later, the recruits were out in some open fields, where the adults were learning the proper methods of firing some military rockets from their cannons, while Shining Armor's recruits learned the use of powerful offensive spells. Flare, focusing on a nearby rock, got her concentration broke by one of the recruits, causing the spell to be misfired, as it flew back into Canterlot, and exploded Prince Blueblood and Bunny, causing them to be covered in soots. The next day after that, the recruits were all tasked to go through a long run, approximately a thousand miles, while carrying a shoulder pole with rocks weighing more than 400 lbs. each. At last, it was all so overbearing, that Flare collapsed from exhaustion. The recruits, including Shining Armor and Scorpan, all shook their heads in disapproval, taunting her to pack up and go home. Humiliated and dejected, Flare was about to quit, when a certain Dragon Prince stopped her. Spike invited the mare to do some private sparring with him, and with his help, they were able to help her perfect some moves, both which would become her signature moves. With that, Flare was able to prove herself the next day, to Scorpan, Shining Armor, and the whole royal cadets, by retrieving the flag from their first training session, before improving and succeeded in the last training sessions she had failed in, impressing the recruits, earning their respects, and serving as their role model. Spike watched happily, seeing how he was able to help Fleur accomplish her goal. Present "And I couldn't have done it, without you," Fleur smiled, magically pulling the boy close before she hugged the boy with her forelegs. "Merci, Spike." Spike smiled, blushing, and groaning from how tightly she is hugging him, 'Wow, she's very strong,' he thought. Had Fleur turned herself human at the moment, and loses the armor, then this is how the scene would've looked. Give credits to Cogbrony for drawing the picture, and WildCard25 for commissioning it. After their tender embrace, Spike asked, "So anything happened after that?" Past Since then, both Fleur and Spike have been the best of friends. Both Spike and Fleur would go on fun-filling adventures, from exploring Griffonstone with Gilda and Gabby, to braving the dangers of Dracasia with a dragoness named Princess Ember. Sometimes, whenever danger occurs in the areas that occur, they wouldn't hesitate to answer the calls for help, after Fleur dons up her Flare Heart persona, of course. One time, they even worked together on rescuing some elder ponies escape from a burning building. Another time was when they stopped a band of terrorists from crashing an airship into a building in Manehattan, courtesy of the inside work from Gilda. However, their heroic deeds were nothing compared to the time when they both saved many lives, during a paper dragon's parade, after it was enchanted into a real dragon, on Spike's birthday. And if anything can top off that particular incident, it would be the time when they both worked together with Fluttershy on recapturing all of Professor Chimera's escaped creatures. There are also time, when they're not working as heroes of Canterlot, the two would sometimes play hide and seek together in the maze, and with the royal guards. It was also worth noting how difficult they made for the guards, considering Spike's ability to shape-shift, along with Fleur easily posing herself as a statue. They even, at times, pulled some pranks on Prince Blueblood. Which are stories for another time, regrettably. However, on some rare occasions, Fleur-De-Lis does tend to go out as herself in public, together with Fancy Pants and Spike, to mingle with most of the Canterlot Elites. Like the colts from her village, the ones in Canterlot have also taken an instant liking to the young mare, obviously because of her appearance, which she no longer took to mind. Some times later, Fleur even managed to hit it off well with the Mane Six, Sunset Shimmer, and some others, as herself of course, seeing how quick they were to welcoming their new friend. As time goes by, Fleur started to develop some feelings for the young Dragon Prince, having been captivated by his courage and noble intentions. Though, like most of the girls, she too felt a twinge of jealousy, whenever she sees Spike having a good time with the others. Present "You as well?" Spike asked, to which Fleur replied with a nod. 'Either I'm just that good with the girls, or there's something else about my powers.' he thought, before he shrugged mentally. 'Oh well.' "Well, can't we help it if we simply find you too irresistible?" Fleur asked. "You're just so cute, so brave, and above all, too kindhearted to not be loved." With that, Fleur nuzzled Spike's cheek with hers, causing the boy to blush once more. "Yeah," Spike replied. "I've been getting that a lot from the girls." It didn't take long before Spike senses a twinge of sadness within Fleur. He broke away, to see a despondent look on the mare's face. "Fleur?" he asked. "What's wrong? Or do I dare ask?" Fleur shifted her gaze on Spike, taking a deep breath and replied, "Forgive me Spike. I was just thinking about that tragic event. How you were attacked, and how I wasn't there to protect you. Honestly, losing you was the most heartbreaking moment of my life, next to the loss of my parents." Past [Mulan OST - The Huns Attack] During the Shadowbolts's attack on Canterlot, in an attempt on Spike's life, Flare Heart was racing to the rescue, before she was confronted by several Shadowbolts. Without warning, the Shadowbolts all fired several dark spells and weapons at the lone unicorn, who countered with a shield spell, before she disappeared and reappeared in a flash of fire, before firing a magic bolt that exploded at one of the Shadowbolts. Her ears perked, as she heard another one jumping from behind, which she countered with another of her fiery kick. Then, as if things weren't overwhelming enough, strange dark creatures started to appear form the Shadowbolts's shadows, in the forms of humanoid creatures, in ninja garbs. Seeing how dire the situation has grown, Flare changed into her battle form, unsheathing her rapier, "En garde," she challenged. With that, the ninjas all came out her, with several kicks and punches, along with strikes from their katanas, sais, nun-chucks, and spears, all which Flare parried with her sword, along with deflecting all of the shurikens being thrown at her. "Impressive," one of the Shadowbolts smirked. "You've got your mother's looks. But you've got your father's skills." "What do you expect, from the son of the heroes of Equestria?" Flare asked. The Shadowbolts all broke into a fit of laughter, "Did you really take us for a bunch of fools?" one of them, a female, asked. "We know for a fact you're not really the son of Sir Lir and Lady Amalthea. There never was a son," Flare remained stoic as the Shadowbolt continued. "And we should know, because we saw it first hoof, when we attacked their village, intending on capturing their beloved daughter, who was fated to possess an amount of immeasurable magics, which her mother had passed onto her, after her victory against the evil King Haggard." Flare's eyes became darkened with rage, as she screamed, "So it was you!!" With a burst of speed, Flare leapt into the air, in a flaming cartwheel, striking the Shadowbolt with her enflamed blade, which the former countered with a shield spell. "What have you done to my family?!" Flare asked angrily. "I see you've also got your father's temper," the Shadowbolt taunted, dodging another blow. "Not to mention his fire." "Answer me, knave!" Flare screamed, managing to land a cut on the Shadowbolt's shoulder. Though in pain, the Shadowbolt went on, stating, "You'll have to fight for your answers first." With that, Flare did just that, as she and the Shadowbolts continued their magic duels, until Midnight Sparkle stopped their fight. From one of the castle's towers, a large chunk of the tower was hurled from the air, nearly crushing Flare and the Shadowbolts. Frightened for their life, the Shadowbolts ran for their life, dodging hails of fires, and magic lightnings, as they disappeared in a puff of smoke. Fleur looked in the direction, of where the magic was coming from, before she broke into a gallop, determined to save Spike. But by the time she arrived, it was too late. "No," Fleur gasped in dismay. [Mulan OST - The Burned-Out Village] Spike was later being carried away on a flatbed, by the royal guards, towards a portal, where Princess Celestia and Scorpan were waiting. After Princess Celestia had said her tearful farewell, Flare Heart came up, levitating the young prince's suit of armor, cape, and rapier. "No Flare Heart," Scorpan said, handing the items back to the armored mare. "Spike won't be needing those, for awhile." With that, the items were surrounded in Princess Celestia's magic aura, as the heartbroken alicorn levitated them up, before they all watched as the portal closed behind Spike and Scorpan. With that, Princess Celestia let loose another waterfall of tears, seeing her precious child, vanishing out of sight. "I'm sorry," Flare Heart apologized, in her real voice, bowing her head before the princess. Silent, Princess Celestia turned around, on her way back to the castle. But not before she placed her wing on Flare's shoulder, assuring the young unicorn that it wasn't her fault. Present "Mom," Spike whispered, remembering the distraught look on his adoptive mother's face, in his dreams. Looking at first his best friend, Spike asked, "How's mom doing? Is she doing alright? Is she still waiting for me?" Fleur slowly nodded, "Oui, she is doing fine, mon'amie." She smiled faintly, before it resumed to a frown, "Though not as happy as she was when you first came Equestria. But nonetheless, she's feeling better," Fleur smiled as she recalled some fond memories. Past After Spike and Scorpan left, the Mane Six, and most of their friends and families had joined together to help fill the void in the sun princess's heart, longing for her son. Princess Cadence, opposed to the stuck Prince Blueblood, acted more like a dedicated niece, if not a daughter. Twilight continues to be the faithful student she's always has been since she had enrolled in Celestia's school. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie would throw the princess numerous parties and fun activities for her to enjoy. Rarity would show off her designs for upcoming events. And Applejack and Fluttershy would help the princess feel a part of their family, by inviting her to social events in which they would get together. As for Fleur, the young mare, along with some other mares, would do some dances to cheer Princess Celestia up. All of these activities worked, making the princess smiled. Just a little. One day, a festival was taking place in Canterlot. Fleur-De-Lis at the time, had bloomed into one of the best dancers of Canterlot, from all the dances she had performed for Princess Celestia. However, like all of the mares who fell for Spike's charm, she was still to discontent with his absent. Unable to focus on her tasks, and failing to reignite the desire of finding her parents, she retired from the royal guards, and lived with Fancy Pants, working as his bodyguard. Meanwhile, Princess Celestia and the Mane Six, plus Sunset Shimmer, were on their way to Canterlot Central, when danger struck, in the form of a huge, fat pink pig, with huge wings, brown hair, red eyes, a small crown, and a long sparkling, blue cape. [A Very Potter Sequel - Stutter] "Princess Porcina?!" Princess Celestia exclaimed in shock, along with the girls. "Yes!" the said princess snorted. "It is I! The beautiful, loving, and charming, Princess Porcina! And I'm here to take what's rightfully mine!" "You still haven't changed since our last battle," Princess Celestia scowled. "Same for the ponies," Princesss Porcina growled. "They should've been worshipping me, instead of you! The all so fairest pony and creature in all of Equestria and beyond!" the angry pig snorted in disgust and jealousy. "Enough!" Princesses Celestia shouted. "This ends now!" "With pleasure!" the mad pig princess smirked. With that, the two princesses charged into battle, clashing their magics together. At first, Princess Celestia looked as if she was going to win, when Princess Porcina's magics overtook the former, defeating the sun princess. "But how?" Princess Celestia groaned. Princess Porcina laughed, like a crazed maniac, as she gloated, "My magic cape feeds off of the power of your sun and moon. I now have all your powers, including your sister's, plus my own!" With that, the pig princess flew in, and attacked the princess mercilessly. Elsewhere, Fancy Pants and Fleur-De-Lis were at a party, when Fleur saw the commotion, "NO!" she yelled. The mare's cry caught Fancy Pants, and some of the elites' attentions, as they all looked, and gasped. Princess Porcina was thrashing Princess Celestia all over Canterlot, along with the Mane Six. Fancy Pants turned to the mare, "Fleur?" he asked, before he noticed the mare running to the scene. "Fleur!!" [Snap-I've Got The Power] In a flash of fire, Fleur arrived as Flare Heart, confronting the pig princess. Though Spike wasn't there besides her, like he used to, she did know one thing, "Nobody hurts my friends and my princess!" "Get lost, kid!" Princess Porcina snorted, blasting an explosive fireball at Flare, causing him to fly away, and for his helmet to fly off, revealing himself to be Fleur-De-Lis. Needless to say, the ponies, Porcina, were all surprised at the revelation, besides the Mane Six. "Well, well, well," Princess Porcina smirked. "The faithful sidekick of Spike Draco is nothing more but a mare in disguise!" Fleur looked around in shame, seeing the mixed reactions of shock and disgusts from the elites. "What are you going to do now, princess?" Princess Porcina taunted. "Are you going to try and stop me with your pretty face?" the pig lets out a fit of snorting laughs. Humiliated, Fleur nearly considered giving up, when memories of her adventures with Spike flashed into her mind. Reminding her of the kind feats. he performed with her, during those adventures, along with his support and belief in her abilities, Fleur's warrior passion was instantly renewed. "I may be pretty," Fleur began, standing up. "But I also have heart of flare. And if you think you're so pretty. Then lets put your bits where your mouth is!" With that, Fleur shot a magic bolt, which Porcina quickly shielded herself with her cape, before she was met with a flaming kick to the face. With that, a battle between Fleur and the mad pig took place. Though at first, it seemed as though Porcine would win, Fleur-De-Lis pulled through, as she succeeded in disarming the mad princess of her cape, before she tore it in half, causing the pig princess to lose all of her powers as her wings disappeared in a puff of smoke, her vibrantly pink skin turned dull and sickly gray, and her eyes turned completely white. "You were quite the adversary," Fleur smirked, as she casted a spell that hogtied the pig. "But now, I must bid you adieu!" With that, Fleur had Porcina tied to a tree, before she slingshotted the pig, out into the night sky. Fleur then turned around, and was greeted by the surprised look on the ponies' face. A moment of awkward silence followed, until Pinkie was the first to break it. "WHOO-HOO!" Pinkie cheered. "Way to go, Fleur!!" Soon the ponies all erupted into cheers. "Who's got the flare? Fleur's got the flare! F to the L to the ARE! Ain't no other pony's like Fleur-De-Lis!! She's Fleurdelicious!!" "YEEEEAAAAAHHH!!!" A young Bulk Bicep shouted in agreement. The ponies all clopped their hooves to the ground, applauding the young mare's heroism. Fleur couldn't help but smile, as she bowed her head, in gratitude, while thinking, "If only my parents were here to see this. And I do wish that Spike was here to see this as well." Present [Endless Love - Jackie Chan, Kim Hee Seon] "Wow," Spike said in awe. "I'd sure wish I've been there to see it." The boy smiled. "Oui," Fleur smiled. Meanwhile, hiding behind the walls, eavesdropping on their conversation, was none other than Sunset Shimmer herself, with Peewee. The phoenix was crying his eyes out, while hearing the whole story between the two friends, in which Sunset finds it a good opportunity to collect them. 'Hey!' Peewee exclaimed in his thought, at the unicorn. Just then, Zecora came running into the room, carrying a basket of all sorts of herbs, "Excuse me," she called. "I hope I'm not interrupting Fleur-De-Lis." "Not at all Zecora," Spike replied. "She just finished telling me the whole story." "Oui," the unicorn confirmed. "Good to hear," Zecora replied, readying a fireplace. "Because your Uncle Scorpan is here!" "Uncle?" Spike asked, looking around for the said man. "Where?" Once the firewoods were in place, Sunset quickly came in, and effortlessly started a fire in the fire place. Zecora then took a handful of magic dusts of sort, threw it into the fire, causing it to explode in a yellowish inferno. "How is my nephew doing?" a voice called, revealing itself to be none other than Scorpan, who's face appeared in the fire. "Uncle?!" Spike exclaimed, looking at the fire. "Is that really you? How are you doing this?" "Magic stuffs, kiddo," the man replied. "Something you'll learn later on in Equestria. When you're ready to go back that is." "And when is that?" Spike asked, anxious to see Princess Celestia again. "Patience, young one," Scorpan replied. "As the wise Aristotle once said, 'Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.'" "Huh?" Shaking his head, Scorpan replied, much clearer, "Soon Spike. When you've proven yourself to be ready, is the day we'll return to Equestria." Spike groaned in frustration, thinking, 'I am ready.' "You still haven't fully mastered Mind Blocking, y'know," Sunset Shimmer stated, having read the boy's mind. "Sunset!" Spike exclaimed. "However, if it makes you feel any better," Scorpan began. "You're nearly there." "Forgive me if I withhold my enthusiasm," Spike muttered. "I'm sorry nephew," Scorpan replied. "But I'm not willing to take any chances of you going back to Equestria on your own, unprepared, with the Shadowbolts awaiting in an ambush. And speaking of, the Shadowbolts are growing even more relentless, tearing up New York for you. And until the heat's off, you're spending some times with Zecora." "What?!" Spike exclaimed. "You mean I can't come back home with you?" "It's for the best, Spike," Sunset said, comforting the boy with a hand on his shoulder. Reluctant, Spike nodded, "Alright uncle. I hope you know what you're doing for me. But please, can you at least let the girls and the boys know I'm okay?" Twirling with his mustache, Scorpan nodded, "Very well. I'll let them know. Be safe, nephew." Scorpan then turns his attention to Zecora, "I know it's a lot to ask, but I-" "No need to speak, Scorpan," Zecora interrupted. "Just happy to have lend a helping hand, on getting this dragon back to his homeland." With a bow of his head, Scorpan disappeared. Comedy Shorts Meanwhile, with Princess Porcina. The evil pig was flying through outer space for eternity, like a shooting star. Then suddenly, she crashed through a bass drum head!