//------------------------------//
// Reassurance  
// Story: Spike The Dog 
// by bakersong 
//------------------------------//

	As he ran he could feel the tears stream down his cheeks, though before he knew it he was back at the library. Once inside and closed the door, he took a deep breath to calm himself down. He knew they were right, and knew that they only told him it because he asked them to be more honest with him.

That didn't make it hurt any less though, but he knew it would take longer for him to heal if they hadn't told him sooner. But now that he was alone with his thoughts he knew that he needed to actually think about it. After all, he didn't know if he would turn back into a dragon as soon as that portal opened, or even sooner.

But did it really matter to him? After all, if he could talk to Twilight maybe she could figure out the magic that kept him a dog, that way if he decided to turn back sooner he could. Though he couldn't help but wonder, did he really want to stay a dog for the rest of his life? He did seem to be happier since he been transformed. 

<Spike?> Maple asked cautiously through the door.

<Come on in.> He replied, opening the door for the wolf though he avoided eye contact. <I'm sorry.>

<It's alright little pup, we understand you just want to be accepted. That's something everyone big and small strive for.> Maple said, her tone gentle and kind.

<Yeah, but I'm sorry if I freaked you all out. I know you three are right, but it doesn't change my feelings. I-I like being a dog, and if there's a way to keep being one I will find it.> He said, meeting Maples eyes with determination. 

<Then I'm sure your friends will understand, just know that they do love you like family.> Maple said, gently nuzzling him. <It's the same for me.>

<Thanks, and I really do love you like family to.> He said, burring his face into the wolfs chest a few tears coming out.

<So, how is your leg feeling?> Maple asked, breaking the comfortable silence they had been in.

<I-I...> He looked down to see he was standing on it just fine, and as he looked closer all he could see was a scar. <H-How...?>

<I believe it may be some magic you now posses. Since your body cannot do dragon magic anymore, your magic may manifest it self in other ways. That means only one thing.> Maple said making him worried.

<What do you mean it means only one thing?> He asked gulping.

<I do not want to say, but do not worry little pup it's nothing bad. I just need to be sure of it.> Maple replied. <Now, let's go talk to your friends.>

They started to walk back together, though he did feel a little weird since Maple told him she had an idea of what was going on with him. The look in her eyes when she started seemed like concern, but as far as he knew Maple was the toughest wolf he ever met. So it did make him worried that he might end up losing her.

<It will take a lot more than what I'm thinking about to make me scared of you little pup.> Maple said as if reading his mind.

<If you tell me what you're thinking then I won't have to be worried about it.> He said, making Maple nod.

<Like I said, right now I want to be sure. Because it may only be your healing that is sped up when angered. Though the reason why I'm not telling you isn't because I'm scared for myself. It makes me scared for how the ponies will treat you if you are what I think you are.> Maple said.

<Oh, not like being a dragon before made ponies like me.> He muttered. 

<True, but ponies have rarely had dealing with what I'm thinking of. For they are the guardians of the deepest and darkest part of the Everfree.> Maple said, making him gulp. <Do not worry, they are actually quite friendly unless you try to enter their territory, but once out they won't give chase. And no, I am not telling you what they are for like I said I need to make sure.>

<Alright, I got it. But Maple?> Maple turned to look at him, as he gave her a little lick. <Thanks for being here for me.>