//------------------------------// // A Day With The Bashful Butterfly // Story: Dragonfire 🐲 Enter The Dragon Hero 🐲 // by Phantom-Dragon //------------------------------// First a Message From Jackie Chan This has been a Message From Jackie Chan It was a bright sunny day. Fluttershy had just left her cottage to an animal sanctuary, named Sweet Feather's Sanctuary, all the while carrying a saddlebag of animal foods. Upon arriving at the sanctuary, Fluttershy flapped her wings, gently coming in for a soft landing, “Come and get it!” Fluttershy called out to her animals, who all came running up to her, eager to receive their meals. While feeding the animals, some birds came chirping up to Fluttershy, “Oh, good morning little friends," Fluttershy smiled. "Your singing is oh so pretty," In response, the birds all flew around, as they continue their chirping. "Yes it is a very beautiful day, today. Certainly something worth singing about,” Fluttershy said in agreement with the birds. Before long, Fluttershy broke out, singing a lovely melody of her own. There's Music In The Treetops The animals all cheered, applauding when the buttercup pegasus came to the end of her song. "Oh, thank you," Fluttershy blushed. "You're too kind." "Bravo! Bravissimo! Encore!" a familiar voice called. Fluttershy yelped in surprise, as she jumped around, and sees no pony, "W-W-Who said that?" Fluttershy asked in fear. "Me! Down here!" The voice spoke again, to which Fluttershy complied, and saw it was only Spike, in dog form. "Oh, Spike!" Fluttershy smiled, as she happily picked him up for a hug. "I'm so glad you could come over today!" Fluttershy smiled. Spike returns the hug, as he morphs back in human form. "Like I’d pass up a chance to be with you?” He asked. Fluttershy smiled, as she too morphs into her human form, resting her chin on Spike’s soft hair, while holding him close to her chest. “And I’m always happy to see you again, my puppy!” She cooed, stroking his hair. Aside from enjoying the tender feel of the shy girl’s loving embrace, Spike blushed from Fluttershy’s choice of nickname(Or in this case, pet name) for him. ‘I should be in dog mode more often,’ he thought, in arousal. That is until his rational side kicked in. ‘Keep it together, Spike!’ He berated himself. ‘Now's not the time!’ After having enough smothering, Spike and Fluttershy broke apart. “So Fluttershy,” Spike began. “What other animal troubles do you need help on?” Looking around, Fluttershy scratches her chin in thought, “Well....” Spike was soon pushing a great big rain cloud, before he gave it a kick. In response, a huge shower of raindrops fell from the cloud, refilling a pond of water for some otters, ducks, geese, and swans to swim in. After the job was done, Spike flapped his wings, gently gliding to the ground for a landing. At the same time, a sifaka lemur just leapt by, after eating a garbanzo bean. Though it happened so fast, Spike could’ve sworn he heard the lemur screaming, “ZOBOOMAFOOOOOOOOO!!!!” Spike shrugged, as he flew off to continue his task on the animals’ care. He changed some paddings for the animals' resting place. Later, he coaxed some bees in order to get the honeys, which he later gave to a bear named Harry. Just then, several wolf pups arrived, tugging on the dragon's tail, while showing a chew toy. Before long, Spike, in dog form, was engaged in a tug-of-war, with the wolf pups. Summoning all their strengths together, the pups all pulled on the rope, pulling Spike off his feet. Then, seizing their chance, the pups all crowded around Spike, showering the boy-turned-dog with affections. “Wait! Stop! Wait!” Spike laughed, struggling to escape from the pups. Watching from the distance, Fluttershy was laughing in amusement, charmed at the sight of the playful pups, while looking lovingly at Spike. ‘How can someone so brave and strong, be so cute and beautiful?’ She thought lovingly. Then, a loud screech was heard, and Peewee came swooping in, rescuing Spike from the pups. “Oh! Peewee!” Spike greeted the bird, before he looked up, seeing the young phoenix was followed by two more big ones, just like him. “Oh, I see you’ve been catching up with your mother and father,” Peewee squawks in agreement, as he hops over and nuzzles lovingly with his parents. Soon, all three birds got around Spike, as they all embraced the boy together in a loving, and scorching, embrace. Peewee even gave the dog boy a tiny nip on his floppy green ear. “Ow! Hot!" Spike groaned, even when he morphed into dragon form. "Okay, okay. I love you guys too." It wasn't long, before the wolf pups all crowded around the boy and phoenixes, and they all continue their sloppy assault. Fluttershy giggled, seeing how Spike was keeping some of the baby animals entertained. Fluttershy took the chance to fly back to her cottage, to continue the rest of her daily chores. Fluttershy was singing herself a merry tune, while dusting the bookshelves. Fluttershy took the chance to read some books' titles, from the sides. Book of Imaginary Beings, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Fearsome Critters, etc. All of these books were gifts and memories she received, from Newt Chimera. Looking at these books, Fluttershy couldn't help but display a look of worry, and concern for her missing professor. "Professor Chimera," Fluttershy murmured. After she finished dusting, Fluttershy got out, what appeared to be, a purple laptop, given to her by Twilight. "Amazing what informations human technology can hold, in a single portable computer," Fluttershy said in amusement, as she began typing away. "Twilight really knows her stuff." The first thing Fluttershy did to try out the laptop was to google up some animals. To her delight, images and videos of animals have appeared. "Ooh, this is so amazing!" Fluttershy squealed, clicking on some videos, and reacted to every videos of animals. From laughing to funny cats to squealing in delight of a surprised kitty, Fluttershy was enjoying herself as she watches some animal videos, with captured moments of the animal stars displaying something cute and enjoyable to watch-all the while having looks of concerns when some of the animals did something that looked dangerous and painful. Fluttershy was surfing through YouTube, when the buttercup pegasus happened upon something. "Ooh, what's this?" Fluttershy clicked on a video title, "The Dog," Fluttershy read. "This must be about a dog. Ooh, I think I'll enjoy this one," With a smile, Fluttershy clicked on the video, eager to watch it. The Dog - INSPIRED Studio Once the movie was over, Fluttershy was speechless, shaking her head, trying to deny what she had seen. The pipe broke, and the waterfalls were poured, followed by the rising sound of sobs. Spike was out in the field, taking a nap with Peewee perching on his head, when his ears perked up to the sound of Fluttershy crying. Spike jolted awake, together with Peewee. The two boys hurried back into the cottage, just to see Fluttershy, in human form, crying tears into her hands. "Fluttershy?" Spike asked out of concern. "What is it? What's wrong?" Looking up, with her eyes stained red, Fluttershy rushed over and hugged Spike, "It was awful, Spike!" Fluttershy cried. "Awful!" With another cry, Fluttershy held Spike even closer. "What happened?" Spike asked. "Is one of your animals sick? Did Angel got lost? What is it?" Rather than answering, Fluttershy guided Spike to her laptop, and showed him what she had seen. "Oh," Spike said in understanding. "First time watching?" He turned to the heartbroken girl. "Mmm-hmm," Fluttershy confirmed, as she continues to cry harder. "Fluttershy, it's just a movie for awareness," Spike tried to reassure. "But it's still just awful!" Fluttershy cried. "The poor dog only wanted to help. But nobody understands him and....and...." Fluttershy cried another waterfall, as she wailed. "It's such a sad movie!" Fluttershy sniffled, as she continues, "It makes me wish I could save him! I could've translated for him! I wished Professor Chimera was here!" With that, Fluttershy wept even more, and even loudly. "Why does this have to happen to good animals like him?" As Fluttershy continue to wept, Spike looked at the shy girl, sadly. He looked back at the laptop. In truth, he understood the feeling very well. Spike looked over, to see a still sobbing Fluttershy. Scooting over, he wrapped his arms around her, and pulled her close for a comforting hug. "There, there, Fluttershy," Spike said. "It was just a movie." "But why?" Fluttershy sobbed. "Why would they make it? Why does it have to be so sad? Who could write such a sad movie?" "Well, not all stories end with a happy ending, Fluttershy," Spike answered. "Some can end sad. And they serve as a way to teach us, for some things that are out of our control." "So, what is this movie trying to teach then?" Fluttershy sobbed. "That all dogs that tried to help, all end up getting killed?" Spike shook his head, "No. It's to teach us that we need to be more sympathetic with animals and we should at least try to understand them, if there is a problem.” Spike paused, as he once more recalled a lesson he learned from Scorpan. “And above all, we should never let our anger take control. Because if we do, we'll end up doing something we'll later regret. And that will be very hard to live down with." Fluttershy began to calm down slightly, as Spike continues to speak. "I know it's sad, Fluttershy. But those are the lesson we have to learn in life." Recalling what his uncle had once taught him, Spike spoke, "I've had to learn this lesson many times, too." Fluttershy looked at Spike and asked, "You did?" Spike nodded, as he relays the past lesson to Fluttershy. Ten Years Ago It was a few months, after young Spike and Scorpan had escaped from Equestria, and went into hiding on Earth. It was during that time, when Spike was having a hard time, socializing, and above all, controlling his anger. Before he even met the Knights, young Spike would often get picked on by all the bigger kids in school. They'd teased him about his fangs, or height, and would call him names, or alienate him from their group. Therefore, in response, Spike would often lash out, striking his tormentors with all the martial art moves his uncle had taught him, which would later get him into trouble with his teachers, and the school principal. While sitting on the bleachers, with his uncle discussing with the principal, Spike would catch a glimpse of the fearful and hateful looks from his tormentors, and their parents. Finally, when Scorpan walked out, Spike turned his head, avoiding the stern and disapproving look on his uncle's face. "Spike," Scorpan spoke, clearly wanting his nephew to look up at him. "We're going to have a long talk about this, at home." "Yes uncle," Spike bowed his head, as he quietly followed Scorpan as they returned to their apartment. Scorpan and Spike were both sitting on the couch, "Spike, I'm very disappointed in you!" Scorpan began sternly. "I know," Spike replied softly. "You could've killed someone!" Scorpan replied. "You deliberately attacked your own classmates! And worse still, one of them was found tied up, in a swing set!" "But they were all laughing at me, and calling me names and stuff," Spike replied in his defense. "It hurts!" "In spirit perhaps," Scorpan replied. "But never in body," Spike looked up at Scorpan, confused, "Nephew. Whatever mean things those kids have said about you, doesn't give you the right to fight back with your fists." "I just wanted them to stop," Spike replied. "Then ignore them," Scorpan advised. "I've told you before, to just ignore their words. Let their hateful comments wash over you, like a river over stone. Remember Spike, it is you who let them make you mad. It was you who let your anger take control." "I had no choice," Spike frowned. Scorpan's stern gaze softened, as he stroke his mustache, "There's always a choice, in our action, Spike," Scorpan began. "A very powerful king learned this, a long time ago." "And who was that king?" Spike asked. "Genghis Khan," Scorpan answered. "Let me tell you a story, nephew." With that, Scorpan spent the rest of the afternoon, telling young Spike the story of Genghis Khan, and his pet hawk. Spike listened with interest, as Scorpan narrated the tales of Genghis Khan leading his powerful army against China, with his hawk flying at his side. Spike's awe suddenly turned to sadness, when Scorpan told him the part, where Genghis Khan killed his hawk, out of rage. "The hawk was trying to save him," Scorpan concluded. "But in the end, Genghis Khan had let his anger blind him from the truth. The sweetness of victory turned to ash." Scorpan looked, to see his nephew, now feeling ashamed of himself, as he looked at his hands. "I hope you have learned something, today nephew." "I do, uncle," Spike replied. "And I promise, I won't forget it." Present "And that's the lesson I learned," Spike answered. "Oh, Spike," Fluttershy whimpered, as she hugged the boy even tighter. "If only I had known-" "How could you?" Spike asked softly. "You and the others couldn't come to Earth for years, until my mom allowed it." "But to experience such dreadful event when you're all so young, and little. It must've been hard on you." Spike nodded in reply, "Tell me about it." He said, solemnly. "But, there is another lesson I just remembered," Spike spoke. "From mom." Fluttershy sniffled a bit, before she asks, "What's that?" "If you're really sad, then it's good to have a loved one's shoulder to cry on," With that, Spike pulled Fluttershy close, who gladly returned the embrace. And with that, all fearful thoughts of the Cerulean Hunters, poached animals, and such, are banished, replaced with the love she feels for Spike. "Thank you, Spike," Fluttershy cried. "I love you," She whispered. "Spike?" "Yes, Flutters?" "Would it be okay, that is if you don't mind. Can you turn into a puppy again?" Spike complied, as he morphs into his cute puppy form. "Puppy!" Fluttershy sobbed, as she held Spike closer, crying into his purple coat. Peewee was perching nearby, as he and Fluttershy's pet, Angel Bunny, were watching the heartwarming scene unfolding before them. Angel, despite being a tough bunny, couldn't hold his tears back, as he cries into Peewee's feathers, and blew his nose into the bird's wing. The disgusted bird slapped the bunny's face in response. Later Because I'm Shy (Feat. ChiChi) by Electrokaplosion After awhile, Fluttershy finally calms down as she and Spike went outside, breathing in the air of the day that is still young. "Feeling better, Fluttershy?" Spike asked, still in puppy form. "Mmm-hmm," Fluttershy said, as she dries her tears. "I'm okay." "Great! Because it's a nice day outside," Spike gestured to the amount of sun his mother was shining down on her kingdom. "Let's not waste my mom's day by spending indoors!" Fluttershy gave Spike a small smile, "Definitely," She agreed, as she joined the boy-turned-dog. The two were out running in a huge field of flowers, with flower petals flying off, and sailing through the breezes blown by the two friends. Spike was running as fast as he could, catching up to Fluttershy. Fluttershy giggled, seeing Spike chasing her, looking like a playful puppy, eagerly running after his owner. Fluttershy kept on galloping for a moment, as Spike, concentrating his powers into his feet, manages to catch up, dog form and all. Fluttershy turned her whole body around, morphing into her human form, holding her hands out for Spike to jump into. Spike complied, making a tremendous leap into Fluttershy's opened arm, as she welcomed him with another heartwarming embrace. Fluttershy looked, and sees the sun, shining behind Spike's head, illuminating his cute, puppy-like features. Fluttershy was captivated with Celestia's light on her son, before she was met with a series of loving kisses from Spike. "Spike! Stop! That tickles," Fluttershy giggled adorably. Later, Fluttershy and Spike came to a nearby pond, where Fluttershy was throwing some bread crumbs to feed the ducks, fishes, and turtles. Fluttershy was feeding the fishes, when she was splashed in the face. Turning to her left, Fluttershy could see Spike acting all innocent. Fluttershy didn't buy it, as she morphed into her anthro form, and picks up a handful of water. Reacting fast, Spike changes into a puffer fish, trying to escape from Fluttershy. Flapping her wings at the speed of a humming bird, Fluttershy hovered over the waters, as she makes quick grabs for Spike. The other faunas in the pond soon sided with Fluttershy, as they manage to corner the slippery boy-turned-fish, who was soon caught by the tail, and pulled out of the water, facing a triumphant Fluttershy. "Okay, you got me," Spike admitted, changing back in human form for Fluttershy to splash some water into Spike's face. After a moment of splashing and swimming, Spike and Fluttershy finally went back to shore where they dried up. Afterwards, the two were just lying out in the middle of an open field, gazing up at the clouds above them. "Doesn't this bring back some fun memories, Spike?" Fluttershy smiled. "Sure does," Spike replied in equal nostalgia. "Strange how for me, it still felt like only yesterday I was visiting you girls in Ponyville, having picnics, sharing our favorite past times, and watch the clouds all day." "Mmm hmm," Fluttershy said in agreement. "And back then, Rainbow Dash would shape the clouds into random objects, and have us playing guessing games at what they are." Spike nodded his head in equal nostalgia, "I remember this one time, she made a cloud looked like it was a sundae," He smiled. "And that made Pinkie Pie hungry for an actual sundae." Fluttershy giggled, "Definitely. And then we all joined her, and we all ate the ice cream together." Spike licked his lips, as he recalls the mixed flavors of chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, mint, grapes, and all sorts of ice cream flavors, mixed together in one huge package. "Can't believe I'd ever forget that entree of Pinkie," He sighed, looking back up at the sky. Fluttershy looked at Spike, and for a moment, her memories flashed to see the boy's head, wrapped in bandages. Fluttershy gasped, as she closed her eyes, and shook her head, dispelling the dark image away, before she looks again, to see Spike, exactly the way he is, looking at her with worry. "Are you okay?" Spike asked in concern. Fluttershy collected herself for a moment, before she scooped up the boy-turned-dog, and held him close, "I'm okay," Fluttershy replied. "As long as you're here." Knowing what Fluttershy was getting at, Spike reached his paw out, stroking her mane, hoping to calm her, "Spike?" Fluttershy began. "Yeah, Flutters?" Spike replied. "Don't ever stop being a sweet boy," Fluttershy nuzzled his cheek. “And don’t ever stop being a heroic dragon.” “Believe me, Fluttershy,” Spike grinned. “I’m not stopping. Not as long as I live.” “Mmmm,” Fluttershy sighs in content. “That’s good. Because I’d hate to see anything bad happen to you, my little puppy.” Fluttershy nuzzles lovingly close to Spike’s cheek. Spike returns the affection as he touches his nose together with Fluttershy’s, “Feelings mutual, my bashful butterfly.” Fluttershy was taken by surprise at the name, “Bashful butterfly,” she whispered. Realizing what slipped from his mouth, and fearing he might’ve said something insensitive, Spike blushed in embarrassment as he stutters, “S-S-Sorry! I don’t mean to insult you!! I meant beautiful butterfly! Not-“ "No, it’s okay," Fluttershy assured. "I like that name." She smiled. “Bashful butterfly. Though, what exactly did you mean by it?” “Well, I thought it suits you. Because well, your cutie marks are three butterflies. And granted, you are bashful. But you’re also gentle, loving, pretty, and sweet. Just a like a butterfly.” Fluttershy looked at Spike, lovestruck, “You think I’m pretty?” “Sure, I mean, why wouldn’t you be?" Fluttershy looked at Spike, getting closer to him. "Um, Fluttershy?” He asked, slightly frightened. “You think I’m pretty!” Fluttershy said, staring intensely at him, smiling from ear to ear. “Uh, now Fluttershy. Don’t look at me that way.” Spike slowly backed away. Then, in a burst of speed, Fluttershy lunges forward. Escape for Spike seems hopeless, when suddenly the writer suffers a fatal heart attack!! One quick recovery later! Later, both Spike and Fluttershy were back in human form, as Fluttershy was curled up in a ball, as she peacefully takes a nap. The very sight pulled Spike's heart string. Not wanting the girl to catch a cold, or anything, Spike magically produced his Cape of Compassion he's been carrying, in a secret pocket of his jacket, and drapes it over Fluttershy. Seeing how content Fluttershy was, underneath the makeshift blanket, Spike smiled as he takes a seat next to the sleeping girl. Looking to his right, he quickly took notice of a praying mantis. The said mantis was climbing on a twig, when a cicada appeared, blocking its path. Spike watched, as the bugs quickly went it all out against each other. Spike especially took notice of the mantis's quick steps and the moves it used to grabbing control of its opponent. Spike has heard a whole lot about the mantis, and its unique defensive technique. Despite it's small, and nimble structure, the mantis manages to overpower its opponent, whom it devours whole. This display of survival of the fittest triggered a flashback, as Spike recalled a memory of his time on Earth, in China, at the Shaolin Temple, where he learned the Kung Fu style of the praying mantis. As he recalls this memory, Spike, subconsciously, started to perform the movements of the said style. First, he began by moving his wrists, fingers, and joint, making small circles, inside and outside, as he did so. Then, picturing himself sparring with someone, Spike moved his hands in the movements, in which they looked as if they're grabbing someone's wrist and locked joints with them. Furthermore, Spike recalled deflecting someone's attack, and using their strength against them. Fluttershy slowly blinked her eyes open, as she woke up, and noticed Spike in the middle of his performance, on the Dalianquan of the Shanxi Praying Mantis(Gentle Praying Mantis), "Spike?" Fluttershy began. "Huh?" Spike snapped out of his trance. "Oh, Fluttershy, you're awake!" Fluttershy looked at Spike, questionable, "What are you doing?" "I was just practice the praying mantis style." Spike answered. "Sorry if it was too distracting for you." "No, it's fine, Spike," Fluttershy quickly reassured. "Though, where'd you learned it?" "From uncle Scorpan," Spike replied. "And a friend of his, during our trip to China, at the Shaolin temple. That's where I learned Kung Fu, and this style." Fluttershy was amazed, "There's a style based on the praying mantis?" "Not just the mantis. They've got styles for all sorts of animals," As a demonstration, Spike performed some moves, "Like eagle stance!" Spike answered, while performing the said stance. "Or Wing Chun! Style of the fighting crane and snake. And a personal favorite of Bruce Lee," With that, Spike did the style, impressing Fluttershy even further. "Or the monkey style!" With that, Spike demonstrates the moves of the said style, dropping to the ground, running on all four, flipping in the air like an acrobatic monkey, rolling on the ground, using a lot of kicks. "That's so amazing!" Fluttershy smiled, bedazzled by the animalistic styles Spike had demonstrated, human form and all. "Yeah," Spike answered. "Many Kung Fu moves were developed by copying animals." "That's so cool," Fluttershy smiled. "And creative." "I know, right?" Spike asked rhetorically. "Without animals, we wouldn't have Kung Fu today." Fluttershy couldn't help but blushing, and smile, as she held her hooves together, over her heart, "Such beautiful words," she sighed. "Teach me!" Fluttershy said eagerly. "Teach me the animal styles of Kung Fu!" Spike looked at the former bashful pony, "I don't know," Spike replied, earning a dismayed look from Fluttershy. "I mean, I don't want you to get hurt. Besides, you kinda already know the forms, since you're so good with animals." "Oh, I don't know," Fluttershy replied. "I mean, yes, I do know my animals. But I don't quite exactly know their styles, the way you do. Please, Spike?" the pegasus pleaded, giving him the puppy eyes. It wasn't long for Spike to find himself caving in, "How can I say 'no' to a face like that?" he asked rhetorically. 'And too bad there's no defense for the puppy eyes,' he thought. Celestia's sun was just over the horizon, when Spike was teaching Fluttershy the animal-based kung fu styles he learned from China. Surprisingly, Fluttershy was learning fast, "Monkey Plucks Two Peaches!" Spike said, doing the said move. "Flying Crane Kick!" Fluttershy shouted, as she leaps in the air, flapping her wings, and thrusted her leg out in a kick. "Snake snaps at crane's wing!" "Monkey steals the peach!" "Water beetle!" "Crouching tiger, hidden dragon!" "Dragon sweeps his tail!" Spike said, sweeping his leg on the ground, which Fluttershy evaded, spinning herself in mid-air. "Crocodile spins elegantly in the air!" Fluttershy shouted, before she landed back on the ground. "Puppy begs for mercy," Fluttershy said, putting on a cute pouty face that is sure to give any poor unfortunate souls a heart attack. "Frog bedazzled by Bashful Butterfly," Spike said. "Bashful Butterfly tickles Dragon Puppy!" Fluttershy giggled, putting her hands on the boy's stomach, and giving him a tickle assault. "Hey! No fair!" Spike said, laughing with Fluttershy continuing her ticklish assault on the boy, causing him to transform out of control, between a dragon, a dog, a fish, a penguin, a pony, etc. Then, unexpectedly, an evil grin appeared across Fluttershy's face, before she shouted, "Bashful butterfly drinks sweet dragon fruit!" Spike instantly ceased his laugh, as he blinks in bewilderment, "Wait, what?!" Before he could react, Fluttershy clamped her jaws with Spike's. Initially, Spike was surprised, his thoughts instantly turned blank at what was happening between him and Fluttershy, and he instantly morphs back in his human form, yet his dragon wings sprouted and became stiff, together with his dog tail that was wagging rapidly. Failing to fight back Fluttershy's, surprisingly, powerful love, Spike felt himself melting into the kiss, as he lets hormonal instincts take over, wraps his arms around Fluttershy's neck, deepening the kiss. Then, a flash of light occurs, together with a shower of sparkles, and Spike felt something soft, pressing on his chest, and a pair of arm was holding him close. Spike slowly peeked, to see Fluttershy had changed into her human form. After what felt like hours of making out, the two parted, "Whoa," Spike panted. "What was that?" Fluttershy hid her face behind a lock of her hair, "Just showing my love for you," Fluttershy blushed. "I'm sorry. Too soon?" "No, no," Spike reassured. "Just-wow, I didn't know you had it in you." Fluttershy smiled, "Well, ever since I first met you, I've been feeling less afraid to come out of my shell," She explained. "Even more so, considering you're the Dragon Prince. And that's saying a lot." "Oh yeah, that's right," Spike said, having remembered an important detail about Fluttershy, from the past. "If I recall correctly, you were afraid of dragons." "Mhm," Fluttershy nodded, before she quickly reassures, "But not you of course! I mean, I like you. Even your dragon friends, Dragon Lord Ember and Mina, and your old sensei, Mako." "It's okay," Spike said, showing no hard feelings. "I mean, I understand." Spike got close to Fluttershy's ears, as he whispers, "Sometimes, I'm even afraid of myself." "What? How could you be afraid of yourself?" Fluttershy asked. Spike scratched the back of his neck, "Well, as Stan Lee would say: 'With great powers, comes with great responsibilities,'" He said, reciting the famous writer's words of wisdom from Spiderman. "And like uncle said, I'm afraid of what my powers can do, and what would happen if I lose control of it. And I'm more afraid of what it could do to you, and everyone else I loved. I don't want to be like the dragons you have reasons to be afraid of." "Oh, Spike," Fluttershy once more hugged Spike close for comfort. "That will never happen." "How can you be so sure?" Fluttershy held her hand below Spike's chin, as she brought his face up to look at her with reassuring eyes, "Because I know you," Fluttershy replied. "And you're anything, but the dragons I'm afraid of." Fluttershy blushed, as she added, "And granted, you do make a cute puppy." Spike smirked, "Oh, just because I can turn into a dog, automatically makes me a special case, hm?" He asked, with a raised eyebrow. "Oh my, no," Fluttershy blushed. "I like you for whatever forms you take. I don't even mind if you show us your true dragon form," With that, Fluttershy nuzzled her cheek close to Spike's, as she added. "Because you'll always be a noble dragon to me, and every pony." With that, Fluttershy continued to hold Spike close. Spike returned the embrace, "And you'll always be anything than a bashful butterfly to me, Flutters." He said. "Spike?" Fluttershy began. "Can you-" Before Fluttershy could finish, Spike changes into a dog. "Um, actually, I was going to ask if you could turn into a dragon," Fluttershy admitted, to which Spike complied. There Spike stood, on all four, with his mother's lights glistening off of his purple scales, eyes blazing a fiery, yet gentle aura, and green whiskers flowing ever so gently to the breeze, blowing across his face. Fluttershy smiled, taking in the sight of her dragon friend before her, "So beautiful, and yet so brave," Fluttershy walked over, and wrapped her arms around his neck, as Spike returns the embrace, wrapping his wings over the girl, while gently placing his chin on her shoulder. "Dragon Prince hugs Bashful Butterfly," Spike said. "Bashful Butterfly pecks Dragon Prince," Fluttershy said, as she and Spike once more shared another kiss.