Spike Finds Himself
Applejack and Pinkie Pie were digging a rather large trench just outside of town. Meanwhile, Nova; who was in his pony disguise at the moment, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash were at Fluttershy’s trying to convince her to join them to see what was known as the great dragon migration. A large number of dragons were going to be flying overhead soon. Fluttershy was being rather resistant as Rainbow Dash dragged her to the door. “Come on Fluttershy, it’ll be fun.” Twilight encouraged as Rainbow was dragging Fluttershy by the tail with her teeth.
“There’s nothing fun about dragons.” Fluttershy retorted. “Scary, yes. Fun...no!” She managed to get free of Rainbow and ran to the other side of the room as Twilight continued only for Rainboow to try and push her back.
“But Fluttershy, the dragon migration happens only once in a generation.”
“It does seem fascinating. It’s a chance to get to see one of the most fearsome creatures in the world up close.” Nova added.
“Do you really want to pass up a chance like this?” Twilight asked.
Fluttershy was holding onto the door frame with all four of her legs as Rainbow was trying to push her out. “Since you put it that way...YES!”
Twilight teleported outside and in front of Fluttershy. “Come on Fluttershy, we just don’t want you to miss out.”
Nova teleported too after Twilight next to her. “This is a rare opportunity, like a once in a lifetime thing.”
“Miss out on what? Dragons? Big...scaly...fire breathing dragons?!” Fluttershy asked as Rainbow continued to struggle in trying to get Fluttershy out.
“Well...yeah.” Twilight replied.
“Thanks, but...no thanks.” Fluttershy replied.
Rainbow stopped pushing for a moment. “Look Fluttershy, I watched that boring butterfly migration with you.” She said pulling out a photo of her and Fluttershy, Fluttershy watching a swarm of butterflies with binoculars while Rainbow was laying on the ground looking board from behind some bushes. “Now you have to watch the dragon migration with me. You owe me.”
Fluttershy gave a stern look. “I...said...NO!” Fluttershy managed to knock Rainbow down, practically stomped on her and ran to the window, looking ready to throw it open, but instead delicatly opened it and jumped out before taking off.
“Well, she doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t want to go. Wouldn’t be fair to force her.” Nova said.
“Let’s just get to the trench.” Twilight said before heading off to join the others.
At the trench, Pinkie, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Nova were wearing camouflage clothing.Twilight was watching the skies with binoculars. “I don’t see any dragons.”
“Me niether.” Applejack said also looking with binoculars.
Pinkie then popped up also looking through binoculars...but backwards. “Me neither neither.”
“Pinkie, you’re looking through them backwards.” Nova pointed out with a smirk.
“You don’t think we missed it do you?” Rainbow asked.
Twilight replied walking up to Rainbow. “No, I don’t think so. We’re just a little early.”
Nova pulled out a small square device and tossed it up in the air where it formed and grew in size into an orb with a lense.
“Wow, what is that?” Twilight asked.
“A hover camera to put it simply. It’s going to record the event as it happens so we can see it again at our leisure.” Nova pointed out.
“That’s awesome.” Rainbow said.
“YOO HOO!” Rarity’s voice called out. Everyone looked back to see Rarity approaching with a red carpet unrolling as she walked up to the ditch. Her outfit was a colorful camouflage complete with a hat. Once the carpet finished unrolling up to the steps leading down into the trench, confetti exploded. “So what do you think?”
“I think you’re too colorful Rarity.” Nova said. “The objective here is to blend in so we aren’t noticed by the dragons.”
Twilight used her magic to make the carpet and confetti vanish. “You’re outfit looks nice Rarity, but Nova is right. We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves.”
“Nice is an understatement. I look fabulous.” Rarity said proudly.
“Ahoy ladies. Dragons ho!” Pinkie said getting everyone’s attention. The shadow of a dragon passed over them and they looked up to see hundreds of dragons just starting to fly overhead. All of them looking at them with binoculars ooing and awing.
One dragon momentarily seperated from the group and did a flip right over the ponies. “Thats amazing.” Twilight commented.
Rainbow just waved a hoof. “Pretty lame move. That all they got?”
Another dragon bumped into a third making it angry and breathed fire. The fire ended up rather close to their trench and practically singed the end of Rainbow’s hat.
“What do ya think of that move Rainbow Dash?” Applejack asked smugly. “Still think their lame?”
“Uh, no. The word fierce comes to mind.” Rainbow replied.
“And formidable.” Rarity added.
“Impressive is what I say.” Nova added. “I’m getting everything.”
“And, super duper scary.” Pinkie added as she coward on the ground covering her head with her forelegs.
It was then Spike gave Pinkie a cup cake. “Yeah, us dragons are definitely a force to be wreckoned with.” He was wearing a pink and white apron pushing a cart around with some snacks on them. He then passed a cookie to Applejack.
Rainbow laid on her back holding her belly with her forelegs laughing. “Yeah right Spike. That’s one of the scariest aprons I’ve ever seen.” She started laughing again along with Applejack and Pinkie.
Spike looked offended as he tried to defend himself. “What’s wrong with wearing an apron. You won’t be laughing when you spill blue berry juice all over your scales….feathers.” He quickly corrected himself. “That’s one tough stain.”
“One tough stain against one...lame dragon.” Rainbow said before laughing again.
Spike frowned at this.
“All right Rainbow that’s enough.” Nova said. “Let’s not go picking on him. He’s not like other dragons. It’s not fair to be comparing him to them.”
“Exactly Nova.” Rarity said walking up to Spike. “Our Spike doesn’t look a thing like those other dragons.”
“Or act like them.” Twilight added.
“My little Spiky Wiky is perfect just the way he is.” Rarity said giving Spike’s top spine a couple of flicks.
“I don’t...act like other dragons?” Spike asked.
“Of course not. But why would you want to?” Nova said. “Spike, those dragons are mean and nasty, but you’re nice. There’s nothing wrong with that.” He gave a smile.
“Yes, you have something those aweful dragons can only dream of.” Rarity said.
“What’s that?” Spike asked.
“The cutest little chubby cheeks.” Rarity said in a kind of baby tone squeezing Spike’s cheeks.
“Oh boy.” Nova sighed. “Not really helping here Rarity.”
“Oh pish Nova, you have to admit he’s cute too.” Rarity said looking to him.
“I don’t think Spike want’s to be called cute.” Nova replied.
Spike started looking concerned. “Cute? Dragons aren’t supposed to be cute. Right?” He asked blushing.
“Oh, you are just turning a delightful shade of red, it is most becoming.” Rarity pointed out.
The girls all looked to Spike with a smile.
“Okay, time out! Spike, can I talk to you alone please.” Nova said cutting in. He turned off his hover camera and put it away before leading Spike out of the trench and away from the girls. “Okay Spike, look. You may not like being called cute, but that’s just how Rarity sees you. So what if you aren’t like other dragons. I say that’s a good thing or you wouldn’t have the life you do now. You are happy here with Twilight and the others aren’t you?”
“Well...yeah but….” Spike started.
“But...this is making you curious about your own kind?” Nova asked with a solemn look.
“You can tell?”
“I felt the same way kind of when I was younger after I lost my home and was floating in my ship with just my baby brother with me. It took me a while to learn how to even work the ship. And the whole time I wondered about my own race. I didn’t get to learn much about them. Holidays, celebrations, rituals. I did eventually get to learn through the ship’s computer, but still...it’s not the same as having those like you showing you that kind of thing.” Nova paused. “Just...try not to let the comments like cute and such get to you.”
“Yeah...I’ll try.” Spike replied.
Later that night, Spike was laying awake in his bed asking himself question after question. “What am I? Where am I from? What am I supposed to be?”
Twilight said up with a groan in annoyance. “For the last time Spike I don’t know! You were given to me as an egg. I don’t know who found you or where you were found.”
“That’s it? That’s all you know?” Spike asked rolling on his side.
Nova, who was not in his pony guise at the time, cut in. “Spike, I’m sorry but this is one of those times an answer can’t exactly be found. You just have to accept that no pony really knows where you came from.”
“But it doesn’t tell me about who I am.” Spike got out of bed and walked up to a mirror. “I need answers. I feel like I’m looking at a….a complete stranger.” Spike then curled up on the floor crying.
Nova and Twilight got out of bed looking concerned and went up to him. “Oh Spike. Why don’t we do some late night research?” Twilight suggested. “See what we can find out.”
“I’m sure we’ll find something on dragons.” Nova added.
Spike looked up with a smile. They then headed down stairs to begin.
It took all night to look through every book Twilight had and nothing in them about dragons. Twilight and Nova were at the basse of a mountain of books going through each one to try and find something. “Nothing, nothing here either.” Twilight said as she flipped through the last of her books.
“Nothing at all about dragons?” Spike asked as he was sitting at the top of the pile of books..
“Sorry Spike, I’m afraid not.” Nova stated frowning.
“Apparently dragons are too scary and mean to study up close.” Twilight pointed out.
“Great, now what am I going to do?” Spike asked sliding down.
“I’m sorry Spike, I wish we could help.” Nova said.
“That settles it then. The only thing left to do is join the dragon migration.” Spike said as he stood proudly.
“WHAT!?” Twilight exclaimed.
“Spike, you can’t be serious!” Nova added.
“I’m sorry but I’ve made up my mind. This could be my only chance to find out who I am or anything about where I came from.” Spike said.
It was then Rarity and Rainbow burst in. “Hey guys!” Rainbow greeted.
“Good Morning!” Rarity cheered at the same time.
“WHA!” Spike shrieked before jumping into the pile out of fright.
“We just wanted to see if we could treat you to breakfast.” Rarity offered.
“Now may not be a good time.” Nova said as he then looked to Spike who had recovered and was packing up a few things in a red polkadotted cloth.
“What’s going on?” Rainbow asked.
“I’m leaving. I’m going to join the great dragon migration.” Spike said.
“WHAT!?” Rarity and Rainbow exclaimed.
Rainbow walked up to Spike. “Spike, that’s crazy. I know your a dragon, but those dragons are big, mean and scary.”
Spike set some food in the bag. “And I’m small and weak...and I like to wear aprons.” He said tossing an apron aside that he had set on the cloth. “See, this is why I need to spend time with other dragons.”
“All I’m saying is you could get hurt.” Rainbow stated.
Rarity walked up joining Rainbow. “Darling, this time I REALLY must agree with Rainbow Dash. I wouldn’t want any of those dragons to hurt one little scale on your cutsy wutsy head.”
“Spike, please, think about this. Those dragons are vicious. They might roast you or something if they don’t see you as one of them.” Nova pointed out.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve made up my mind.” Spike said as he tied the cloth to a stick with the items he packed and headed for the door.
Rarity started to panic. “Do something! Stop him before it’s too late!” She said to Rainbow.
Rainbow Dash quickly rushed to Spike and grabbed his bag with her teeth to try and pull him back. “Hey! Give it back!” Spike exclaimed.
Twilight teleported between them, then teleported them to stop them. “Hold it!” Spike and Rainbow fell on their backs in grunts. She then lifted the stick and bag with her magic then floated it over to Spike.
“Really?” Spike asked.
“Twilight?” Nova asked.
“Don’t tell me you think he should go!” Rainbow exclaimed.
“Yes Spike. I couldn’t answer your questions. My books couldn’t either. I understand why you want to look else where. I truly believe you need to go on this quest.” Twilight said. “And we have no right to stop you.” She looked to Rainbow and Rarity.
“She has a point Spike. It seems the only way you’re going to get answers is by going to where your own kind is. Just try to be careful and stay safe, all right?” Nova said.
Spike smiled. “I will. Thanks Twilight. Nova.”
“Well then, I guess this is good bye Spike.” Twilight gave Spike a hug.
“We’ll be looking forward to when you come back.” Nova added joining in the hug.
“Yeah, we hope your trip…” Rainbow started.
“Quest.” Twilight corrected.
“Quest answers some of your pesky ‘who am I?’ questions.” Rainbow said.
“Thanks Rainbow, I know it will.” Spike said before he turned and started off.
The group stood outside waving as Spike walked off. “Good bye Spikey Wikey!” Rarity called.
“Go get em big guy!” Rainbow added.
“Take care!” Nova also added.
“We believe in you!” Twilight also called.
While keeping rather oddly big grins on their faces, Rarity whispered to Twilight. “We’re following him right?”
“Of course.” Twilight answered.
“Definitely.” Nova added.
And so Spike began his long journey to follow the great dragon migration. By river, sheep and by foot, Spike carried on through snow and rain. Finally, he arrived at the destination all dragons went to. A dead area of mountains and volcanoes and lava. Spike panted as he climbed up the hill and peeked over to see a number of fully grown dragons either flying about or laying on the ground. One of them seemed to notice him and breathed fire at him. Spike ducked just in time, letting the flames burn a rock and nearly melted it. Spike looked around and down where he saw a group of smaller younger dragons. Older than him still. “All right, teen dragons. Now that’s more my speed.” Spike said as he slid down.
It was then another dragon started coming up over the same ridge. Only this one was a bit odd looking with spaced out eyes and a few gems embedded in it’s scales. It also had a pair of small blue wings. “I’m telling you we’ll never pass for a real dragon.” Rainbow’s voice whispered from inside.
“Oh, pish posh, this costume is fabulous. One of my best works yet.” Rarity’s voice replied.
Twilight’s voice then hushed them. “We’ll never pass for a real dragon if they hear three voices coming from one dragon.”
There was only room for three ponies in the costume. Nova was following them and using an invisibility spell to hide himself, though the girls knew he came along too. “Just try to keep your voices down and blend in. If things get hairy, I’ll teleport us all out.” Nova whispered. “Let’s just try to keep an eye on Spike.”
“There he is, let’s go!” Twilight said. They started to walk but practically tumbled down the slope. Twilight was practically standing on Rainbow’s head in the costume as she was at the head of the fake dragon, Rainbow making up the wings for the dragon and Rarity at the back with the tail.
Nova slid down after them.
Spike came up to the group of teen dragons as two of them were wrestling and the others were cheering. One was mostly red with an orange underbelly and fins. The other was rather robust and short with blue horns and brown scales. The red one got the brown one in a headlock. Spike went up to them and cut in. “Um, scuse me?” The two stopped and looked to Spike. “Hi, I’m spike.” The dragons all just stared at him for a moment.
Another male dragon with dark purple scales and blond hair that covered his eyes stepped up. “You sure your name is Spike and not shrimp?” He laughed which got the others laughing.
“No, it’s Spike!” Spike replied almost in a panic. “I-I mean I’m sure about that.”
The brown dragon poked Spike. “You look more like a pee wee to me.” This made them laugh again.
The red dragon seemed to come to Spike’s defense. “Come on guys, seriously. Leave him alone. He might fly away.” He then picked Spike up by his tail. “That is, if he had any wings.” The then dropped Spike as they all laughed again.
The brown chubby dragon looked to Spike. “Did you have to ride on your mommy’s back during the migration?”
“Well...no actually.” Spike replied.
“He looks like he just hatched.” Said the dark blue blond haired dragon. “I bet he still sucks his thumb at night.”
“No, I haven’t sucked my claw in months.” Spike said trying to defend himself.
They laughed again. The red one leaned down closer to Spike. “If you weren’t just hatched, then how come we’ve never seen you around before?”
As the taunting went on while Spike communed with the other dragons, Nova was feeling a bit angry at the dragons for making fun of Spike. But he wasn’t sure what he could do against them. “Twilight, are you sure we can’t help him out somehow?” Nova asked.
“I don’t see how. If we jump in, we could blow our cover.” Twilight replied.
Nova thought carefully about what to do when an idea struck him. He was about to try something he had never done before. “I’ll be right back.” Nova went off and ducked behind a rock where he dropped his cloaking magic. “Okay, focus...concentrate. Dragon...be a dragon.” Nova closed his eyes and lit up his antennae. Then, in a flash of yellow magic, Nova had changed himself into a dragon. A teen looking one too with green scales, an orange underbelly and spines and yellow eyes with a pair of horns on his head and wings. “It worked.” He looked himself over and tested out his new bipedal form. “All right, let’s see if I can help him out this way at least.”
Nova stepped out from behind the rock. “Yo Spike, there you are little bro!”
“Bro?!” Spike asked looking in the direction of the new dragon.
“What the...who are you?” The red dragon asked.
“Spike, man I was worried about you.”
“Uh...do I know you?” Spike asked.
Nova leaned down and whispered to Spike. “It’s me, Nova.”
“Nova?” Spike asked. “What...what are you doing here?”
“Relax. I’m not going to take you back. Just...think of me as your big brother to help you out some. Don’t worry, I won’t get in the way much. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” Nova stated. He then looked to the dragons. “So yeah, me and Spike are from Ponyville and live with ponies, you got a problem with that?”
“Only that ponies are sissy lame little things.” The red dragon replied.
“Say what you want, but we’re happy with the home we got living with the ponies. At least we aren’t constantly being made fun of by some jerk like you.” Nova said.
The red dragon snarled. “What did you say?”
“You heard me.” Nova said back glaring.
“Whoa, whoa, come on now guys. Can’t we be civil about this?” Spike asked nervously.
“Tell you what, you want to prove you’re real dragons and not prissy like some pony, how about a little test then?” The red one asked.
“Gladly. Me and my little brother will pass your tests easy.” Nova said. He then leaned down and whispered to Spike. “I believe in you Spike. I know whatever these tests are you’ll pass. I’ll be right by your side.”
“Um, well thanks Nova.” Spike said giving a small smile.
“To prove you’re real dragons, we’re going to start off with a belching contest.” The red dragon stated. “It’ll start in a few minutes so get ready.”
“I’ll be right back Spike, there’s...something I need to take care of.” Nova said before he took off to give Spike a chance to reply. He went behind a rock and teleported next to the three mares in the dragon costume making himself invisible. “Twilight.” He whispered.
“Nova, that was brilliant. I didn’t know you could do that.” Twilight replied.
“Neither did I. Good thing it worked.” Nova replied.
“That was awesome.” Rainbow exclaimed in a whisper.
“At least one of us can be by Spike’s side to look out for him.” Rarity said.
“Don’t worry, I got his back. But I’ll try not to get in the way too much. He still should get to learn about his own kind. I better get back.” Nova went off again and came back to Spike in his dragon transformation.
“Where’d you go?”
“Bathroom.” Nova quickly responded. “Um...I think it’s about time for that belching contest. All you Spike. You can do this.”
The dragons began their belching contest. One by one, they went and the flaming belches got bigger and bigger. Then it was Spike’s turn. Spike let out a small belching coughing up a letter. The red dragon picked it up and started reading it a little before stopping. “Hah! Get this guys! Spike is pen pals with a namby pamby pony princess!” He then crumbled it up and tossed the letter into a pool of lava.
Twilight gasped at this. “How could he throw that letter away? It could have been something important!”
“Excuse me, that princess happens to be the one that’s responsible for raising the sun and setting it every day. You really want to make fun of an alicorn with that much power?” Nova said with a light glare.
The red dragon just waved it off. “Maybe tail wrestling is more your speed.” He said to Spike.
The next event had dragons grabbing each other’s tails with their own and pulling with all their might to knock the other down. One pair started and ended rather quickly with a victor.
“No sweat. We can do this.” Nova said stepping up with Spike. “Me and Spike tail wrestle all the time. Don’t let his small size fool you. He may be small, but he’s actually pretty good. Beats me all the time.”
“I do?” Spike asked.
“Sure. I give it my all each time and he always wins.” Nova said.
“Nice try, but I don’t think so.” The red dragon said.
“I’ll take him on.” Twilight said in a deep voice in the costume.
“Who’s that?” The red dragon asked.
“I think he’s related to Kragle.” The blond haired dragon responded. They looked off to the side to see another dragon that looked just like the costume the mares were in. It scratched itself with two of it’s legs almost like a dog before letting out a small roar that was more like a bird’s caw.
Rarity tried using her back hoof to lift the tail to meet Spikes. Once they did, Spike began pulling once they got the signal to begin. The girls waited a moment before dropping to the ground to give Spike the win.
The red dragon held Spike up by the tail. “Spike’s the winner!” He cheered as the other dragons cheered. Spike was then dropped roughly. “Not bad Spike, maybe you are a dragon after all.”
“Maybe I am.” Spike said with a smile.
“Nice one little brother. I knew you could do it.” Nova said helping Spike up.
“Now for you.” The red one said looking to Nova. “Let’s see what you got.”
“No problem.” Nova replied. He was paired with the brown dragon. Their tails entwined and the signal was given. Nova managed to win and pulled his opponent down. The dragons cheered again.
“Huh, guess you’re not too bad after all.” Said the red dragon. “But now let’s see how you do with another game.” He said looking to both Nova and Spike. “KING OF THE HOARD!” He exclaimed climbing to the top of a pile of gems. The other dragons began climbing and trying to knock each other down. The red one kept beating them back.
“Come on Spike, you got this.” Nova encouraged.
“Okay...here goes.” Spike said.
“I got your back.” Nova then added as he started climbing with spike. Nova was managing to puch back other dragons who tried to go for him or Spike.
Spike managed to reach the top and, without noticing, his head spike poked the red dragon in the bottom and made him fall. “WHOA!” He cried as he fell down the pile.
“I won?” Spike asked as Nova joined him. “I won! I’m king of the hoowhoa!” Spike exclaimed as he slipped but Nova managed to catch him and helped him back up.
“Whoa, watch your step now.” Nova said. Spike gave a smile to Nova.
They then slid back down as the red dragon had his arms crossed. “Not bad you two. Now for the final test. Lava diving.”
“What?” Nova asked silently growing a bit fearful. He wasn’t sure if his dragon disguise made him immune to lava as this was the first time he tried it.
“Whoever can make the biggest splash wins.” The red pointed out as he led everyone to a cliff that overlooked a pool of lava. Most of the dragons jumped in. The fat brown one made the biggest splash.
“Oh quasars.” Nova said to himself.
“Nova, you okay?” Spike asked.
“I don’t think I can do this. I don’t know if my dragon disguise can help me survive this.” Nova stated.
“Come on you wimps! What’s the matter? Scared!?” The red dragon called up.
“Nova, can’t you just cast some kind of protective spell around yourself?” Spike asked.
“Well...yeah. All right.” Nova did so producing a subtle shield around himself. “Here goes.” He then jumped and fell, making a sizeable splash in the pool. He popped up just fine. He sighed in relief looking himself over. Then analyzed the lava and his disguise to find he would indeed be fine without the shield so he dropped it without being noticed.
Spike gulped but puffed out his chest. “Here goes.” He then jumped and fell, landing belly first in the lava. The dragons cringed at this. “Spike!” Nova exclaimed in concern and went over to him just as he popped up and spat out lava from his mouth. “You okay?”
“Uh, I think so.” Spike replied.
“Spike, dude, that was…” The red dragon started.
“I know, aweful.” Spike replied frowning.
“No dude, that was awesome. It takes a lot of guts to do a belly flop like that.”
“Really?” Spike asked.
“I name Spike the winner!” Garble exclaimed and held Spike up by the arm.
After that, the dragons held an impromptu ceremony to welcome Spike and Nova as official dragons. But mainly Spike. “Spike, for you belly flopping so hard, and your victory in king of the hoard and tail wrestling, you have proven to be a true dragon. I hereby name you junior dragon.” The red dragon teen said as he tapped spike on the shoulder with his tail. Spike smiled big. “Now, let’s party dragon style!” He exclaimed and they all started dancing and scarfing down jewels. Nova of course didn’t eat the jewels.
Nova pulled Spike aside. “Well Spike, you seen enough yet? These dragons may have accepted you but they were such jerks. Do you really want to hang out with these guys?”
“Aw, they were just messin with me. Hazing the new guy.” Spike said waving it off.
“Spike, what about Twilight, and your home in Ponyville. Don’t tell me you’re considering staying here.” Nova asked in concern.
Spike hesitated. “Well….”
“Hey Spike, you and Nova ready for some real dragon fun now?” Garble asked.
“Real dragon fun?” Nova asked.
“It’ll be great, we’re going to raid a pheonix nest.” Said the brown chubby dragon.
“It’ll be great.” The blond haired dragon said.
“Um...I don’t know.” Spike said.
“Then let’s go!” The red one exclaimed as the trio took to the air.
Spike looked to his back. “Uh, I guess I’ll have to miss out since I can’t fly and all. So I’ll see you guys later!”
“Dude, get your brother to carry you!” The red dragon yelled back.
“We should at least see what this is about….right?” Spike asked.
Nova rolled his eyes and picked up Spike before flapping his wings to follow the trio.
The group eventually entered the nearby woods just as night fell and hid behind some bushes near where a phoenix nest could be seen. “All right Spike, you create a diversion while we go after the nest.” The red dragon stated.
“You want...me to distract them?” Spike asked.
“Go on Spike.” The brown fat one encouraged.
“Hold on, what exactly is the plan here?” Nova asked.
“Heh, you’ll see soon enough.” The red one said.
Nova didn’t like the sound of this.
“Go on!” The red one pushed Spike out towards the Nest.
Spike approached it and called up. “Um...excuse me, mister and misses phoenix!? I was wondering if I could talk to you! I had a couple of questions!” He called up to the two phoenix’s. They merely glanced down at Spike.
“We haven’t got all day Spike.” The red one said in a bit of irritation as he gave Spike a rock.
Nova face palmed at this.
“Hey, bird brains! Come and get me!” He tossed the rock and hit the male phoenix on the head. It and the female looked up angrily and started chasing Spike. “YAAHAHA!”
“Spike!” Nova went after him to make sure he would be okay. “Hold on! I’m coming!” Nova managed to get ahead of them and pulled Spike to the side and teleported them out of sight. He had them hidden in a nearby bush. “Still think this was a good idea? I know you wanted to find out about your own kind but come on.”
“Yeah...maybe you’re right.” Spike said frowning. It was then panicked chirping was heard and the phoenix parents flew back to the nest.
“Now what?” Nova asked. He and Spike went back following the parents to see the dragons about to grab some baby phoenix’s. The parents swooped in just in time and flew their babies off. The dragons gave chase but the father created a blinding light that caused them to crash into a tree so hard, their heads poked out the other side.
Spike noticed an egg was left behind on the ground and picked it up. “Whoa.”
“Serves them right.” Nova said. “But it looks like one was left behind.”
The trio made it back to Spike and Nova. “Ugh, they got away. Hey…” The red one said then smiled seeing the egg. “You got an egg?”
“Uh…” Spike started.
“Way to go Spike. This raid wasn’t a total loss after all.” The red one said. “Now smash it.”
“WHAT?!” Nova exclaimed.
“Smash the egg?” Spike asked.
“Yeah, throw it on the ground as hard as you can.” The blond dragon said. They then started chanting. “Smash it, smash it, smash it!”
“Spike, don’t! You know this is wrong!” Nova said.
Spike raised the egg like he was about to smash it, but stopped. “NO!” He then held it to the side protectively. “It’s just a defenseless little egg...just like I was. I”m not going to smash it.”
“What did you say?” The red dragon said as they started snarling at Spike.
“He said no.” Nova said standing firmly.
The red dragon looked up at Nova with a snarl. He then raised his brow and looked past Nova.
Nova raised a brow at this and looked behind him to see Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow in the dragon costume behind them. They then tossed it to reveal themselves.
“Don’t you even THINK about hurting our little Spikey Wikey!” Rarity said.
“You hurt him and you’ll have to deal with me!” Rainbow said trying to look tough as she threw her front hooves around like she was boxing.
“That’s right.” Twilight said.
“Yeah!” Spike cheered. “You guys better back off or you’ll see just what us ponies can do.” Spike said confidently.
“Oh yeah? What?” The red one said threateningly with a growl. This made the girls nervous.
Nova glared. “Or else...this.” He then changed and made himself into a full sized adult dragon dwarfing the other three. The girls and Spike gasped while the trio of teen dragons stared in a mix of awe and fear. Nova snarled at them with a guteral growl. “This is your ONLY warning.” Nova started. “Leave and go back to your mommas or I will roast you if you try and hurt my friends.”
The trio gulped and took off like a shot back home.
Nova waited till they were out of sight and finally changed back to his own alien Equinian form. He gave a heavy sigh. “Phew, so glad to be my own self again.”
The girls and Spike tackled Nova in a group hug. He smiled and hugged them back.
Once they settled, Spike began with saying what he learned. “I’m sorry if I worried you all. I know now that where you came from isn’t what determines who you are. It’s the family you grow up with and the friends you have that make you who you are. I’ll be sure to remember that from now on.”
“We’re glad to hear it Spike.” Twilight said.
“And Nova, thanks for sticking by me and helping me out back there.” Spike said looking to Nova.
“Hey, what are big brother’s for?” Nova said with a wink. They shared a small chuckle after that and they all began heading home.