"Spi...Spike is that you?" Twilight asked as she looked at the purple and green spiked dragon that stood on all fours with wings that lay across his back like a cape. None of his pudgy baby fat could be seen. He was now sleek, toned and muscular, with his snout extended out and looked more like a dragon.
Spike opened his eyes and gave himself a shake much like a dog getting out a bath. After stretching his now bigger wings, he looked at Twilight and the others and said, "The one and only Twi," with a toothy grin.
"Awesome!" Rainbow said in excitement. "Look at those new wings. I bet you can go a lot faster now."
"Hmmm, I gotta agree with Rainbow, Spike. I bet you could buck my whole farm with ease now." Applejack said with a giggle.
As a party cannon went off startling everyone, Pinkie Pie started to bounce around cheering and said, "We got to have a Spike's a big dragon now party!!!"
Giggling Spike said, "Maybe later, Pinkie," before he noticed Fluttershy cowering on the floor. He looked over at her and said, "I know you don't like big scary dragons, Shy, but I'm still me. The same Spike I was before. I could never hurt you. I promise."
Hearing the same gentle all be it deeper voice Fluttershy stopped shaking and looked at him and said, "I know, Spike. I guess I just need to get used to how big you are now," she said with a weak but warm smile, which made Spike feel more at ease.
"I'd say, you look magnificent, darling. I love the way your wings drape over your back." Rarity said as she looked at him like she was in a trance with a tint of red in her cheeks before realizing the other girls were looking at her with grins on their faces and hearing Rainbow Dash and Applejack snickering. She quickly snapped out of the trance she was in, cleared her throat and said, "You look very handsome, Spike."
Hearing and seeing the way Rarity was looking at him made Spike go red in the face as he looked at the floor and said, "Thanks, Rarity." He lifted his head back up to give her a smile and said, "That means a lot coming from you."
After the talking and compliments from all the others died down, Lilith cleared her throat to get Spike's attention as her and the other old rulers sat there waiting for Spike to look at them. But instead of turning to look at them, Spike walked over to a vase with some dragon lilies in them, picked one up and gave it a sniff. He then used his new sharper claws to cut the stem and said, "These were always my favourite flowers." As he turned around and walked over to Lilith and the others, he sat in front of Lilith and placed the flower in her hair before saying, "But did you really have to call them dragon lilies? My little filly Lilly"
As Lilith held his claw with her hoof and pressed her cheek to the palm of his claw. Tears began to flow down her cheeks as she said, "I had to. Even though you wanted the creatures of this world to forget about you, I thought at least this way apart of you would always remain with us and you know I hate it when you call me that, I haven't been a filly in forever, father." She said with a giggle.
This made Spike remove his claw from her face and turn away from her and the others. A bit taken aback by his sudden action, Lilith asked, "What's wrong, father?"
"Please don't call me that anymore. I don't have the right to be called your father." Spike said as he looked down to the floor.
"Wh...what do you mean you don't have the right?" Lilith said as she sat there with a worried and confused look on her face.
Spike took a deep breath to try and calm himself down before he said, "What kind of father abandons his children when they needed him? I just left a letter. I didn't even get to see my grandchildren be born or hold them as babies," He said now looking at a confused looking Celestia and Luna before saying, "I'm nothing more that a disgrace of a dragon."
Lilith flung her hoofs around Spike's neck from behind and hugged him as tight as she could before she said with tears in her eyes, "Don't you ever say that ever again! Sure we were worried and confused when you left and it didn't stop us from trying to find you, but as time went on we realised that everything you ever did was for us and the creatures of this world; to keep us all safe. You kept your word like a true dragon and because of you the six races are at peace. Yes, there may have been some bumps in the road, but you only have to look at your friends here today to see just how far we have all come because of you."
Lilith turned him around to look at her and said, "A true leader is someone who never wished to be one. But at the same time is someone who gives their all to make the world a little bit better no matter how hard or how long it takes. That is you in a nutshell. That is why we always held our heads up with pride and faced any adversity that came head on. You were, are, and always will be our father. Nothing could ever change that."
Spike smiled with tears in his eyes and pulled her into a hug asking, "How did you get so smart, my little one?"
Lilith just giggled returning the hug and said, "I had a good teacher. The best even."
Hearing Lilith say that made Spike giggle as he held her in his arms he looked over at the other five, "You lot are being unusually quiet. What's the matter? To old to give your old drake a hug after so long?" he said with a grin.
After he said that, the other five pounced on him like a pack of timberwolves about to catch their prey. As they all sat there in a group hug crying like newborns, one of Spike's wings began to get bigger and wrapped itself around them all until the crying stopped and his wing went back to it's new normal size.
"No matter how big or old they get, kids will be kids." Spike said with a giggle.
Spike breaks the hug and gives them a quick wink before turning around to look at Twilight and the others.
"Right, down to business. Oh, but before that, I got to admit, Twi, you seem to be taking all this really well. Truth be told, I thought you would be going twily-nanas about all this," Spike said as he chuckled looking at Twilight's puzzled looking face.
"I'll admit, this is a lot to take in Spike, but whatever happens I'm here for you all ways." Twilight said as she smiled at him.
"Yeah, I guess it is a lot to take in, but that's not what I meant. I mean I thought you would be freaking out at the fact that the pony you idolized as a filly and who became your mentor was actually your great-niece. I mean how weird is that?" Spike said with a little giggle.
Hearing this, Twilight's head started going back and forth between looking at Spike and the six rulers and Princess Celestia repeatedly with her head going faster and faster between the two. It finally came to a stop when Lilith gave her a wave of her hoof, smiled and said, "Hi, Auntie Twilight."
"Wh..what!!! Bu...but how?" is all Twilight could say.
"And there it is," Spike said as he and the six rulers burst into laughter. He then said, "Well, Twi it's quite simple really. You are my sister and Lilith is one of my children which makes Celestia and Luna my grandchildren. Therefore, that makes them your great-nieces. I mean how simple can I make it? You're normally a lot smarter than this. Guess you're not on your A-game today," he said in a sarcastic tone as he shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head.
Leaving Twilight's mind blown, Spike then walked over and sat in front of Celestia and Luna.
"Celestia, Luna. I'm sure all this must be a shock, but I hope that the fact that a dragon is your grandfather doesn't bother you," Spike said with a bit of a worrying smile on his face.
Both Luna and Celestia hugged Spike. After breaking the hug, Luna said, "Not at all. We never had a grandparent before," she said with a slight giggle before asking, "So what do we call you, grand dad? Gramps? Or just Spike?" she said now giggling a bit louder.
"You can call me whatever you like. It makes no difference to me. Though I always liked the idea of Grandpa Spike myself," Spike said as he giggled along with Luna.
Celestia smiles at Spike as tears begin to form in the corner of her eyes as she said, "It seems we were family before either of us even knew it, Grandpa Spike." As she begins to laugh along with them.
"But there's still something I don't understand," Twilight said now back to her normal self making Spike turn to look at her before she continued to ask, "Just how is it that you went from an adult dragon from all that time ago back to being an egg and hatched by me?"
Spike smiled at his sister before saying, "A very good question, Twi. I'd expect nothing less from you. The answer is a simple one yet at the same time quite a complicated one." As Twilight looked at him waiting for him to explain, Spike said, "Hmmm, but I'd rather talk about this somewhere a little more homely."
As he said that his eyes glowed green and a green flame surrounded everyone before they had a chance to do or say anything in a flash of green light that made them close their eyes. Before anyone knew what was happening, they opened their eyes and found themselves standing in the throne room of the Castle of Friendship next to the Cutie Map, with Spike and the six rulers on the other side of the table.
"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! You just used magic to teleport us all here, didn't you Spike," Twilight said jumping up and down excitedly like a filly that just got her Cutie Mark as she looked at Spike.
Spike nodded and with a grin said, "Yep. Turns out the reason I was able to understand all those lessons about magic back in school was because I already knew it and I just couldn't use it at the time."
"Wha...what!?! Tha...that's not possible. Ember, tell me this isn't happening."
Everyone turned round to look at the now shocked looks on Garble and Ember's faces before Twilight said, "What's the matter, you two? Why's it such a big deal that Spike used magic to teleport us here?"
This snapped Ember back to reality as she looked at Twilight and said, "You don't understand, Twilight. Dragons aren't like unicorns or other creatures. While we do have magic, for the most part it's internal, some maybe stronger, while others could be better flyers, heck there are even some that can use more than just fire breath, like ice, water or lightning but even that is very rare. I always thought Spike being able to send stuff by fire breath was bizarre and just put it down to the fact he grew up with ponies. No dragon can use magic like teleport, it's just not possible."
"No normal dragon," Scintilla said making everyone look at her before she went on to say, "But Pops here ain't no normal dragon, he's an enchanted dragon."
"No!!! It can't be. Every dragon knows that enchanted dragons aren't real, they're just made up stories parents tell hatchlings to help sleep at night," Garble said while looking at Spike.
"Every story has to start somewhere, Garble," Spike said as he looks back at Garble. "I am the last of the enchanted dragons. We were extremely rare even back then. In fact, my father was the only other enchanted dragon I had ever seen myself. After his death, I secluded myself in the forest and didn't care what happened to the outside world until six little creatures found their way inside and into my heart," Spike said now smiling at the six sitting beside him. "The rest of the story you already know."
"Now to answer your earlier questions, Twi about how it is I came to be an egg and hatched by you, the simple answer is magic, though magic like that would normally come with a price. You see after Grogar's defeat, we all were living happily and creatures were thriving. Life was good, but when I learnt that Lilith was going to be a mother, I knew I had to do something. The thought of Grogar coming back and hurting the children- my grandchildren was too horrifying to even consider."
"What! You knew? But how? I made sure that no one would find out." Lilith said with tears forming in her eyes as she looked at Spike.
Spike gave Lilith a little smile and said, "I have my ways, little one," before turning to face everyone else to continue where he left off. "So knowing they would be coming to see me, I put in motion a plan to insure that the creatures of this world would be ultimately safe from harm and keep the peace we had fought so hard to gain. I knew that if I were to see them again or tried to explain my plan that my resolve would falter. So I left a letter asking them to promise to remove anything to do with Grogar and to build a chamber in Lilith's castle for them to pass on their story to those that opened the door, knowing that when the time was right I would be there to reclaim my former self. Of course I had to get them to remove any mention of myself as well since I was the one to defeat Grogar and if anyone found out about me, they would find out about him too."
"But why not just let creatures know about Grogar and about yourself? It was history, there was no need to hide all this," Celestia said looking a bit sad as she looked at Spike.
"Because I wanted nothing more than the creatures of this world to live happily and to their hearts content. They had suffered enough at the hooves of Grogar. They had earned their freedom and deserved to be happy. It wasn't fair to the generations to come to have to worry when or if he would return. Now like Scintilla said earlier, no creature truly lives forever, not even me. But taking inspiration from the phoenixes, I used my magic to seal away the castle and my own memories and powers- leaving myself just enough to give a very happy little colt his mission to pass on the box to my children when they came and to teleport away. Then I reverted back into an egg to be reborn when the time was right, planting a message in my subconscious to make sure I would be there when the door to the chamber would be opened."
"Wait a minute there, Spike, I don't get it. If you were gonna use magic to go back to being an egg, then why didn't ya just keep all ya memories and abilities? I reckon it would of been a mite easier than having to wait till now." Applejack asked curiously.
"A few reasons, AJ. The first and most obviously being, who in their right mind would believe anything a new born baby dragon would say about something no one had any idea of ever happening. That and the fact a newly hatched baby talking right off the bat would be enough to freak anyone out," Spike said with a giggle. "The other was, the price I had to pay. Although I called it a rebirth, it wasn't really even though I would of been hatched again. Unlike the phoenix that rises from the ashes with their memories, I would lose all mine along with all my magic and abilities, effectively being a blank slate and having to start all over again. That would of defeated the whole purpose of this plan if that happened, so I found a way around it by sealing my memories and magic away. It was more like suspended animation. It was also one of the reasons I never grew bigger than a baby dragon. Well...apart from that one time, because I was subconsciously holding myself back from doing so with the seal, as it wasn't time."
"Suspended ani- what?" Rainbow asked confused.
"To put simply, it means to go to sleep for a very long time, Rainbow," Twilight said before asking Spike one last question. "How did you know that someone would be able to hatch you Spike?"
Hearing Twilight ask this question made him give her a soft warm, almost sad smile, before he said, "I had faith that when the time was right I would hatch."
"I must admit, there has been a lot to take in all in one day," Queen Novo said before saying, "But I think now that we have all learnt the truth, it's time we got to work on making sure Grogar does not return."
Spike nodded and said, "Yeah, good point, Novo," before his eyes glowed green and he said, "But it's too late for that, I can sense that he's already returned and knowing him he will be building up his army of gargoyles."
"What the Hay!?! I can't move," Gilda shouted before all the others started trying to move and coming to the same conclusion as her.
"Spike!?! what have you done!?!" Twilight said as she looked at Spike with confusion.
"Nothing much. It's just a little paralysing spell to make sure none of you try to follow me. It will wear off after I leave the room," Spike said as he looked at his sister. "You and the girls have come so far and done so much for everyone, Twi, I couldn't be more proud to call myself your little brother," he said with a giggle before saying, "But there is still one lesson you must learn. Right now, it's time to put the final part of my plan into action." As he looks to the six old rulers and smiled at them and said, "The greatest thing I ever achieved was having the honor of being your father, you laid the foundation for peace and harmony for the generations that followed."
As Twilight and her friends tried desperately to break free and stop him with shouts of "No, don't do this alone," and "Spike, let us help," Spike started to walk slowly towards the door, Celestia shouted, "Spike!!! As a Princess of Equestria, I order you to release us all immediately!"
This made Spike stop and turn around to look at her with a smile as a green glow went around his chest, when the light died, in its place was a gold piece of armor, engraved on it was a heart with a crown on top of it. Spike giggled and said, "Sorry, Celestia. Although I never considered myself one, I think I'll make an exception in this case," as he smiled at her, he said "King trumps princess."
With that, he turns back around and began to walk towards the door again.
This time it was Lilith that shouted out, saying, "You don't need to do this father! You've done enough! You've done enough!!! Please, we can find another way! Father!!!" With tears rolling down her face. She realised that all her siblings were crying just as much if not more when she heard Scintilla speak up.
"Father!!! GO!" This shocked everyone into silence as she continued to say, "You go and show that monster what it means to mess with the treasure of the greatest dragon that ever lived!!!"
Next Ulysses shouted out, "Give him one for me, father!"
Followed in unison by Mist and Mirage shouting out, "Us too!"
Grover shouted out, "You have got to be the most stubborn creature I have even known." He said with a chuckle, while tears streamed down his face, before he said, "Forget one, you better give him two from me father!"
Lilith took a breath and with a smile, shouted out, "Go kick his ass, Daddy!!!" while still crying.
This made Spike giggle as he held out his arm and gave them a thumbs up and said, "Daddy, really. How long has it been since you called me that? I never could say no to you, my little ones." As he opened the door Spike looked over his shoulder one last time to see all his friends and family still shouting out. When his eyes focused on Rarity crying and shouting out "Don't go!" Before she realised he was looking at her and stopped.
"It seems this was my true secret. One so well kept that not even I knew about it." He smiled at her and walked through the door, closing it behind him.
"It may of been extremely short lived but at least I had my wish come true, I love you, Rarity and I always will." He thought as his eyes glowed green and he teleported out of the castle.
As soon as Spike left the paralysing spell wore off and the girls immediately charged towards the door after him only to have Rainbow hit a green wall and slide down to the floor.
************
Spike reappeared at Hollow Shades, hearing Gorgar laughing in the distance. "Well, time to put an end to this once and for all," Spike took off and made his way towards the evil laughter.
************
Meanwhile, back at the Castle of Friendship as Applejack helped Rainbow Dash up, she asked, "You ok, RD?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, AJ. Thanks," Rainbow replied as she and everyone else looked around them they could see a light green bubble now surrounding them all. "What the hay is this Twilight?," Rainbow said as she tried kicking the green bubble.
"It looks like some sort of protection spell to me. One sec," Twilight said as her horn lit up and then died down. "What!?! I don't understand. That should of worked."
Fluttershy asked, "What should of worked, Twilight?"
"I tried to dispel the barrier, but it didn't work." Twilight said as she tried again.
"Let me see if I can teleport out of here," said Celestia as her horn lit up and nothing happened. "It appears we can't use our magic, Twilight."
"Let me try something," Luna said as her horn lit up to no avail. "Hmmm. Now that I think about it, trying to shoot a magic blast at it wasn't the best idea any way."
"What?! Luna if that had worked you could have hurt someone," Celestia said a bit annoyed.
"True, I guess we're lucky it didn't then," Luna said looking at her sister.
Just then the Cutie Map lit up and shon a pillar of white light. Appearing in the light was Hollow Shades and then it showed Grogar surrounded by a small army of gargoyles. As he stood there laughing, he said, "It seems this world has changed a great deal since I last walked upon it. No matter. As soon as my army has grown big enough, I shall once again have those wretched creatures bow to their emperor. And although I do not know how he did it, the fact that dragon still lives brings me great joy. For it is I that should be the one to end his missible life after imprisoning me in Limbo for all this time and taking what's mine."
"Wait, What?" Twilight said as everyone looked at her. "Why is Grogar at Hollow Shades? And how was he imprisoned in Limbo? If he was as strong as you all said he was, then opening up the portal should of been easy for him! We all saw the portal to Limbo ourselves when we stopped the Pony of Shadows with the help of the Pillars of Old Equestria. Why didn't he come through then?"
"Because he couldn't, Twilight Sparkle," Lilith said as everyone looked at her. "You see much like when you defeated your enemies and they were sent to Tartarus, they were locked up. When our father fought Grogar on that day, he didn't just send him to Limbo, he placed a seal on him imprisoning him there. But like all things, the seal would not last forever. Father knew this and that's why he left us, to ensure that he would be there to stop him when it did. As for why he's at Hollow Shades, that is simply because though it goes by that name now, that was where Castle Tambelion stood back in our time."
Everyone looked at the pillar of light as Grogar started laughing again and said, "So you finally come, dragon. I was getting bored waiting for you," as Spike landed a bit ways from Grogar and his army.
"As a friend of mine would say, it's important to make the right entrance," Spike said as he stared at Grogar.
"Foolish creature, I should of killed you long ago, just like I did your father," Grogar said as he glared back at Spike.
Hearing Grogar say that made Spike roar, "You coward! If you didn't use the children as a shield my father would have beaten you."
"Hahaha, that's rich coming from you! Where were you on that day while your father and others fought? Oh, that's right, you were just a baby dragon hiding away like the coward you are. I showed you kindness by allowing you to live in those woods for all those years. You should of just stayed there, but no. Like your father you had to get involved."
Spike growled at Grogar and said, "You didn't allow anything! I chose to live in those woods. All you ever did was hurt creatures for your own amusement and when you threatened the lives of the children I knew I had to stop you."
"Oh come on, It's always about the children with you. I mean really, get a life!" Grogar snickered as he stared at Spike.
"Hmmm, well my children have asked me to come kick your ass and I don't plan to disappoint them," Spike said as he bared his fangs at Grogar.
"Hmmm, it appears my time in Limbo has left me in a weak state, but it seems I'm not the only one who is weaker since we last met," Grogar said with an evil grin.
Spike grinned and said, "Maybe so, but I've still got more than enough to kick your ass," as he dug his claws into the ground ready to attack.
"Wait! What's the rush? I mean it's been such a long time since we last saw each other. I could do with some entertainment." As Grogar's eyes glowed red, his gargoyle army now held swords and spears. "You want me so bad, dragon? All you have to do is beat my army. But be careful. Those are diamond coated blades perfect for slicing through those scales of yours like butter. HAHAHA!!!"
Spike stood there and growled as Grogar continued to laugh.
As everyone was watching the scene play out, Fluttershy worryingly asked, "What does Grogar mean Spike is weaker than before? As she looks at the pillar of light.
"I don't kno-." Just then Twilight starts to shake as tears start to form in her eyes. "No, No! It couldn't be. That's impossible and yet it all makes sense if you think about it. Tell me this is all just a bad dream."
Everyone stopped to look at her and the girls asked, "What? Twilight, what have you figured out?"
As she turned to look at her friends, Twilight said, "We've all been lied to from the very beginning. Everything we ever knew was a lie."
"Wha...what do you mean Twilight? I don't understand," Rarity asked confused as she looked at her friend, who started to cry.
Twilight looked at her friends and said, "You were all here, you all heard the story too." Twilight turned to look at the six old rulers, took a breath to try and calm down and asked, "What did Spike give that little colt on the day he left and what was the colt's name?"
Everyone was confused why Twilight would ask such questions as they all looked at the old rulers. None of the old rulers answered or even looked at Twilight, until she slammed her hoof down and in the Royal Canterlot voice, shouted, "What did Spike give that little colt and what was the colt's name!?!"
Seeing Twilight act this way surprised everyone, until Lilith said, "Father did what father always does. He kept his word to keep us all safe." As Lilith looked at Twilight and took a breath, she said, "The colts name was Starswirl and father gave him the seed of hope for a brighter tomorrow."
Hearing this, Twilight collapsed to the floor and started to cry as all her friends went over to calm her down and hug her. Rainbow said, "I don't get it. What's the big deal if Spike knew Starswirl and gave him something?"
Twilight looked at her friend and said "Don't you see, Rainbow? We and even the Pillars of Old Equestria all thought that they created the Tree of Harmony and by extension the Elements of Harmony that we are the bearers of. But that's just a lie."
"What!?!" Pinkie says as she slaps her hooves on her cheeks in shock. "But even the Pillars said themselves that they put the tree there in hopes that it would grow into something good,"
Twilight shook her head and said, "No, Pinkie. What they said was they planted a seed," Twilight looked at Fluttershy and asked, "Tell me, Fluttershy; we all know you love your garden. What does a flower need to grow?"
A bit confused why Twilight would ask such a question when she obviously knew the answer, Fluttershy said, "Water and sunshine. Why, Twilight?"
Twilight took a breath and said, "Because that's what the Pillars were. They poured their power into that seed like you would water your flowers. It's true they helped it grow by doing that, but at its core the Tree of Harmony was made by Spike. You heard it all yourselves. Spike said 'to insure that the creatures of this world would be ultimately safe from harm and to keep the peace.' I always thought that I hatched Spike the day we all got our Cutie Marks, but I was wrong about that too."
As Twilight stood back up while everyone apart from the six rulers looked shocked about what she was saying. She went on and said, "We all got our Cutie Marks the day Spike hatched because we were chosen by him- or at least his powers, to be his replacements. That's why when I became a princess the Tree gave me this castle: his castle." Twilight looked at the six old rulers and said, "You said it yourselves: your father made a table and placed thrones around it for you all to rule together and found a way for you all to stay in touch and as family." Twilight pointed at the table and said, "He made the Cutie Map, didn't he? And these thrones were yours weren't they!!!"
"It seems you figured out Fathers plan. Everything you just said is 100% true, Twilight. We had no idea any of this was going to happen until we read that letter. Father always was one for planning. He used to say that no one can know what the future will bring, all we can do is try our best to be prepared to face it when the time came," Lilith said as she looked at everyone.
"I don't get it, why does Spike being the one who created the tree matter and why did you call us his replacements, Twilight?" AJ asked more confused than ever.
Twilight looked at her friend and said, "Cuz that's what we are. Spike said it himself; no one lives forever. Spike must of created the seed by putting his magic inside, knowing that one day creatures would come along that would embody the Elements of friendship. To help keep the peace and harmony for the creatures of this world after he was gone. That's what Grogar meant by Spike being weaker; it's because we have his power."
"Wait, if what you say is true and you six were chosen to carry on his will to protect the creatures and harmony of this world, then just how is it that Tia and I were able to wield the Elements before you? I mean you said Spike hatched after you were chosen. So why were we able to use them?" Luna asked.
"Hmmm, have you not been listening to anything we have said little one?" Ulysses asked as he looked at Luna. "The most important thing to our father is his family and the safety of the creatures of this world. Do you really think that after everything you heard today that our father would turn his back on a creature in need, especially his own grandchildren? Though I'm guessing the fact that you and Celestia wore the key to father's seal must of helped."
"Father believed that Kindness, Laughter, Honesty, Loyalty and Generosity. Inshort, the Magic of Friendship were the true foundations to keeping harmony amongst the creatures of this world," Mirage said as she looked at everyone. "After all, it was the creatures willingness and courage to fight for their families and friends that led us all to stand against Grogar in the first place. After we read the letter father had left for us, we asked Starswirl what father had said to him. He told us that father gave him the seed and that one day when the time was right, it would grow into something magical that would help the creatures of this world be safe and free."
"That's just like our father; he never once put himself first. Everything he's ever done has always been for the benefit of others," Grover said with a sad smile. "Just once I wanted him to think of himself for a change, but that's just not who he is. Stupid dragon hasn't got a selfish bone in his body," Grover said as fresh tears begin to roll down his cheeks.
"I know! I know!" Pinkie said as she hopped up and down. "Why don't we just give Spikey his power back? You know, like when Twilight gave Celestia and Luna their alicorn magic back, after the whole Tirek thing," she said giggling.
"Aww yeah, smart thinking Pinkie," Rainbow said as she gave her friend a hoof five.
"Thanks, Dashy," Pinkie happily replied before saying, "I'm surprised you didn't think of that, Twilight," she said as she giggled.
"I did, Pinkie," Twilight said before sighing. "The only problem with that plan is that we need to be next to him to do it and at the moment we're all trapped in here with no way out, but that doesn't mean I'm giving up. There's got to be a way to get out, there just has to be."
"Nothing you do will work inside this bubble," Ember said as everyone looked at her. "Remember I told you before that dragons magic is more internal. This is the only magic every dragon can use. It's called the Dragon Barrier. It is a dragons ultimate defence. We use this spell on our greatest, most rarest treasures to make sure no creature can steal them while we are away from our hoards. No magic will work inside here and nothing can destroy it. The only way the barrier will end is when the one that put it up dispels it or..." Ember took a slow breath and said, "Or until they die. That's the reason why when dragons used to fight over hoards. It's to the death in the first place because otherwise the Dragon Barrier would still be there."
Suddenly, everyone looks back to the pillar of light as they hear a roar and see Spike charging at the army of gargoyles and hearing Grogar laughing as he says, "Yes, that's it. Come running to your death. After you fall this world will be mine once again, HAHAHA!!!!"
"NO!!! I won't allow it," Rarity screams as she lights up her horn and starts banging her hooves against the barrier. "You can all sit here and wait if you want, but I'm going to save Spike. Do you hear me you stupid dragon? I'm coming to save you!!! Now let me out!!!" As tears began to stream down her face. The barrier begins to fluctuate, to everyone's surprise.
"Ra...Rarity! what did you just do?" Twilight asked as she ran over to her friend.
"I...I don't know, I didn't do anything, honest," Rarity answered flabbergasted.
"I don't believe it. Ember did you see that!" Garble said shocked at what he saw, while Ember just nodded her head, as the six old rulers just giggled and snickered.
Ember cleared her throat and said, "I knew there was something different about you when I first got here. I just never thought it would be this."
"Wha...what? I don't understand," Rarity said worryingly as she looked at Ember.
"Rarity, before I tell you, I need to ask you a few questions. It might be embarrassing, but I need you to be honest because if I'm right, then you may be the key to getting out of here. Do you understand?"
Rarity gulped and slowly nodded and said, "Yes. Anything to go help Spike."
Ember smiled warmly at her and said, "It's ok Rarity. It's nothing bad. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Ok, here's the first one: you've known Spike for awhile, right? In that time has he ever gave you anything that you treasure? Something important to you?
Rarity nodded her head and said, "Yes, it was on his first birthday in Ponyville. I had just gone over to borrow a book when Spike showed me this magnificent Fire Ruby he had spent months preparing for his birthday dinner. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life."
As she starts to go a bit red remembering that moment, she looked at Ember and said, "He was such a sweetheart. He didn't hesitate for a moment when he saw me looking at it and offered it to me. To this day I still have it as a reminder of his generosity. In fact, I made it into a necklace. Why do you ask?"
Ember just smiled at her and said, "Remember I told you I would tell you after you answered all my questions. So my next question is have you ever given Spike something that he treasures?"
Rainbow just scoffs at that and shouts out, "He treasures every thing she gives him. He'd treasure her rubbish if she let him."
"Rainbow!" shouted Twilight, as all the girls glared at her while Pinkie just giggled. Rainbow Dash folded her arms, annoyed at being scolded.
Rarity looked back at Ember and said, "Though Rainbow Dash may of been exaggerating a tad bit there, I have given Spike some things he liked over the years like a bow tie with gems on it or that cute little suite I made him for our first Grand Galloping Gala," she said as she giggled before she stopped and took a breath. "Though I just learnt most recently that Spike had kept a Sapphire I had given him on our very first gem hunt together. He even fashioned it into a necklace much like I did with the Fire Ruby," she giggled and said, "He even said that he got the inspiration to do so from seeing what I did with the Fire Ruby."
Ember giggled and nodded her head before she said, "Seems like something he'd do. Now here comes the embarrassing part and just remember why you're doing it. Does Spike have feelings for you? More importantly do you have feelings for him?"
"Wha...what?! I don't see how any of these silly questions have anything to do with getting out of here," Rarity said as she started to go red.
"Rarity, please remember what I said. This is important," Ember said looking seriously at her.
Rarity looked at her and said, "Yes, I've known Spike has had a crush on me for a long time."
Just then Pinkie screams out, "WHATTT!?! You knew about Spike's crush on you?" She then spins around and looks at Twilight and said, "Did you tell her, Twi? Cuz if you did, that means you broke a Pinkie promise and nopony breaks a Pinkie promise!"
Twilight jumps onto her back hooves and starts waving her front hooves at Pinkie and said, "NO!!! I didn't say anything Pinkie, I promised, remember?" As a bead of sweat runs down her face remembering just how scary she got when Pinkie thought Applejack broke the Pinkie promise.
Rarity looked over at her friends and said, "No one said anything, Pinkie. Spike's never been the best at hiding his feelings when it comes to me. It's obvious to anyone that knows him."
Pinkie turned back to look at Rarity and said, "Oh, ok then." With a smile as Twilight goes back down to all fours and breathed a sigh of relief.
Ember laughed and said, "You're right about that, but you never answered the other part of the question Rarity. Do you have feelings for him?"
Rarity looked at the floor and said, "Yes," barely loud enough for everyone to hear.
"What!?!" Is all she heard from here friends as she looked back up.
"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! oh my gosh! This is great!" Pinkie exclaims as she bounced round the room. "Just think of all the parties I get to throw now!"
"I'm not in to all that romance stuff, but still this is awesome!" Rainbow said looking at Rarity.
"Well I'll be," is all Applejack said as she smiled at the now red faced mare.
"Congratulations, Rarity. Oh, and of course I'm going to have to congratulate Spike as well," Fluttershy said with the warmest of smiles.
"Rarity, I couldn't be happier for you both," Twilight said as she smiled at her.
"Wait! You don't understand. I haven't told him yet. I haven't had the chance to tell him. Please, you have to promise not to say anything. Not until I have had a chance to talk to him," Rarity said a bit panicky.
All the girls just smiled and giggled at her and gave her the Pinkie promise which made Rarity relax a bit. That's when Ember said, "That's great and all, Rarity, but there are still a few more questions I need to ask and these are the most important ones."
Ember cleared her throat and with a bit of a red tint coming over her cheeks she asked, "Have you ever kissed him and has he ever kissed you?"
This made Rarity go as bright as Big Mac and she said, "Look, I've answered all these questions, but I do not see what that has to do with getting out of here. To be perfectly honest with you, it is none of yours or any creatures business what I may have or have not done regarding myself or Spike."
Ember stood there for a moment then said, "Look, normally I would agree with you on the matter, but right now I need you to be honest and just tell me. Have you ever kissed him? And has he ever kissed you? I promise it will all make sense after you answer these questions."
Rarity closed her eyes tight and just said "Yes! Ok, we kissed! In fact, it happened just last night! Are you happy now!"
Hearing the gasp from her friends, Rarity opened her eyes and looked to see Twilight staring back at her. Starting to worry, Rarity said, "Look Twilight, it wasn't planned or anything. It's just last night was so magical and he was such a gentledrake that I got caught up in it all." As tears began to form in her eyes she said, "I haven't even had the chance to talk to him about it. I don't even know what he's thinking or even if he still likes me now."
As tears began to come down her face, Twilight walked over to her and started to giggle as she pulled Rarity into a hug and said, "Oh, Rarity, you don't have to worry about that. There's no way that idiot little brother of mine could ever not like you. You are one of my best friends and I love you." As a tear rolls down her face Twilight said, "But please, Rarity, take care of him. He's the only little brother I have."
"Oh, Twilight I will, I promise," Rarity said as she ends the hug. Looking back at Ember Rarity said, "Ok, is that it or is there more you would like to know? Maybe my dress size!?!"
Ember chuckled and said, "I don't need to know that, but thanks for offering. This is the last question, I promise. When you kissed Spike, how did it feel? And did he kiss you back right after?"
Looking a bit confused now Rarity said, "I don't know. It felt warm. No, more like hot but not in a bad way. Honestly, as I was kissing him, all I could think about was how much love I felt. It was like he was mine and I was his, it jus-"
"Felt right," Ember said cutting her off with a smile, as Rarity just nodded.
"And yes, to answer the other part of your question, he kissed me back right after," Rarity said proudly. "Now could you be so kind as to explain why you had to ask me all these questions and how this is going to help us get out of here."
After Rarity said that the six old rulers started laughing, Ember turned to look at them, folded her arms and grind at them, "You wanna tell her or should I?" She said with a light chuckle.
"Oh no, I would never deprive the Dragon Lord of such an honor," Scintilla said while snickering along with the other five rulers.
"Will somepony tell me what's going on!!!" Rarity demanded as she slammed down her hoof.
Ember sighed as she looked at Rarity and said, "When I told you before that the Dragon Barrier could only be taken down either by the caster or them dying, there is one exception to this rule: a dragon's mate. It seems even though Spike never had his memories of his past life, he still performed the ritual or rather you both did. You see in dragon culture, a dragoness would gift a dragon with something to show she was interested in him. Did Spike seem- shall we say, more eager after you gave him the sapphire?"
"I wouldn't say more eager. He's always been a great friend, though he would spend more time with me after I gave him the sapphire and would even let me use him as a pincushion from time to time. He's always been such a helpful drake," Rarity said with a smile. "But I didn't give him the sapphire to show interest in him. It was a thank you gift for helping me. The truth is back then I just saw him as a friend."
"And yet you said it yourself, he still has it. You may of given it to him as a thank you and I'm sure Spike knows that, but the fact Spike liked you. Subconsciously, his dragon instinct saw it differently. To top it off, when you expected the Fire Ruby from him, you acknowledged his interest in you. Spike said earlier that he's never grown apart from one time. I'm guessing that was around the time he gave you the Fire Ruby?"
Rarity nodded her head and said, "Yes, it was around his birthday and he started to take things from ponies and got bigger until he was a gaint dragon. Poor dear was so upset after. It was the first time he had a greed growth spurt."
"That wasn't a greed growth spurt - though it does look similar, so I could see why you all thought that. That was his dragon instinct kicking in. You see once a dragoness accepts the gift from the dragon, he will go around collecting things for her to add to her hoard. In the process, he will grow to show the dragoness his strength. Once the dragoness is happy with his collection and strength, she will show off the gift he gave her as acknowledgment of his hard work. The dragon would then go back to normal. After they become more familiar and comfortable with one another, the dragoness will kiss the dragon to show her readiness to move on to the next stage. If the dragon kisses back, it shows he's also ready to move on."
"What!?! You mean to tell me that when he grew big, it was all to show me that he was a strong dragon? What would have happened if he didn't see the Fire Ruby?" Rarity exclaimed a bit shocked at finding out this new bit of info. "And what do you mean by move on to the next stage?"
"Let's just say it's lucky he did. I guess that's why I thought something was different about you before and why I could sense a change in you. I just didn't know what it was as I've never heard of it happening with other creatures. It's clear to me now after seeing the way the barrier reacted to you though," Ember said before going red in the face. "As for the next sta-" Just then Lilith cut Ember off.
"It was quite common, back in our day though," Lilith said with a chuckle.
"So what? After this ritual, Rarity and Spike are dating now? It's a bit weird to me having to go through a ritual like this just to date someone," Rainbow said as she looked at the six rulers, making them burst into laughter.
"No, no, little one, you don't understand. The ritual isn't for dating," Scintilla said still giggling. "I guess the closest thing to a dragons ritual you have would be called marriage or life partner and the next stage that Ember was talking about was that they were both ready to be intimate with each other, kind of like a honeymoon." Scintilla said still giggling as she wiped a tear from her eye.
"WHAATTTT!?!?!?! Everyone screams in surprise, before Rarity starts panicking and running around shouting, "How can we be married?! We...we've only been on one date, for Celestia's sake!!! An...and intimate...honeymoon!?!"
As her friends try to calm her down with Twilight even getting her to do a breathing exercise, Ember just shrugged her shoulders and said, "Hey, it's not all bad. There are some perks. He will never hurt you, he will love you unconditionally and you will share a bond that no other creature could ever come between. But right now though, we need you to take down this barrier so we can go help Spike."
"Wha...yes, yes you're right. All this can wait. Tell me what I have to do," Rarity said as she gets a determined look on her face. "It seems we have a lot to talk about after all this is over Spike."
"Just close your eyes and think about all the time you've spent with him, about how you feel about him," Scintilla said as she watches Rarity close her eyes and sees a warm smile come on to her face before she said, "And about that kiss." Now with a smile of her own as she sees Rarity's cheeks go a light pink. "Now just will the barrier to be gone."
As everyone stares at Rarity in silence, her horn lights up. The next thing they know, the barrier disappears to everyone's delight.
Rarity opens her eyes as Twilight said, "Great work, Rarity. I knew you could do it. Now it's just a matter of getting to Hollow Shades and helping Spike."
"I could teleport us all, but I fear doing so would leave me drained of a lot of power and I fear we may need all the power we can get to face Grogar," Celestia said with a worried look.
"We can teleport you all there using what little magic we have left," Lilith said as everyone turns to look at her and the other rulers. "This is where we must part ways. Our time here is almost up. Our mission to pass on our story is complete. Now it is your turn to pass on your own stories to those that follow." She said with a warm smile before looking at Luna and Celestia. "I know it has not been easy for you, but I am so proud of you, my children. Never forget that."
As Luna and Celestia run up and hug Lilith with fresh tears in their eyes, "Please don't leave us again, mother," Luna said as she hugged Lilith as tight as she could. Celestia then said, "Mother please don't go. We need you."
This made Lilith giggle as she broke the hug and said, "Oh, my little ones, you may not be able to see me, but I am always by your side and you are never truly alone. You have only to look to your friends in your time of need and each other. Not to mention you have a grandfather that would quite literally do anything to keep you safe," Lilith said with another giggle. "Now all of you gather up."
As everyone gathered together the pillar of white light disappeared and the Cutie Marks on the six thrones began to glow and shot out a different color light that hit Spike's throne, as a white light shone on it. When the light faded, a new throne appeared where Spike's throne stood at the same size as the others. Engraved on it was a crown on top a heart. The six rulers smiled and made a circle around everyone and started to glow.
"Thorax, you have been doing a fine job leading the Changelings, have more confidence in yourself," Mirage said with a smile.
"Novo, you have done well keeping the Hippogriffs safe, but do not hide away. Spend time with those you love and your friends, for time in this world is short. Live life and be happy," Mist said while looking at her.
"Griffons are more than just selfish. The fact that you stand here with your friends is all the proof I need. You will do many great things for the Griffons Gilda, of that I'm sure," Grover said with a smile, making Gilda go a little pink in the cheeks.
"Rutherford, you don't need to pretend to be something you are not. Just be yourself. You have made some great friends that will always be ready to stand by you if you should ever need them." Ulysses said as he watched Prince Rutherford nod his head in understanding.
"Dragon Lord Ember, you are far stronger than you know. But know that it's not because you are Dragon Lord, but because you have the courage to follow your heart. Do not hide your feelings from the other dragons, instead embrace them. Do that and they'll follow you till the end and there is no doubt in my mind you will become a great Dragon Lord, if not the best," Scintilla said with a little giggle.
"Well I guess it's my turn to say something," Lilith said as she looked at her daughters and the other ponies. "Truth is, I have nothing to say but keep doing what you're doing. It will all work out in the end." She said with a smile before saying, "Remember, as soon as you leave here you will be in the thick of it. Stay together and watch each others backs. That is your true strength and the key to victory. Grogar stands alone, but when you are together there is nothing you can not do. If there is only one thing we could ask it is of you, Princess of Friendship and Elements of Harmony. Save our father. That stupid, kind-hearted dragon of ours has done so much for all of us. He's carried this burden far too long alone."
With tears in her eyes, Lilith said, "We ask this not as rulers but as his children. Make sure his plan doesn't come to completion. This is something only you can do." She then looked at Rarity and said, "This is something only our mother could do. Love him enough for all of us," Lilith said with a smile as tears rolled down her cheeks. "Father always said he would only take a mate if it was the perfect one for him, and as you may have gathered, our father is nothing if not patient," she said with a giggle.
Before Rarity had a chance to say anything, Twilight wrapped a wing around her and said, "I give you my word as his sister and your auntie. That little brother of mine will be just fine. I promise," Twilight said with a smile.
The rulers laguhed as they started to fade away like ghosts. The teleport spell got brighter to the point where everyone had to close their eyes. The last thing they heard was the rulers saying, "Dad made some great friends. We've even got an auntie and a mother now, but damn if he didn't make us wait so long," As they laughed.
************
Meanwhile, at Hollow Shades, Spike was fighting his way through the gargoyle army as Grogar laguhed and said, "What's the matter, dragon? Getting tired already?"
Spike smashed a few gargoyles in front of him to dust as more took their place before he said, "Tired? I haven't even gotten started yet."
Spike shot a flame of fire out his mouth, destroying a good number of gargoyles as he grind at Grogar. Just then, a gargoyle jumped from behind with his blade out ready to strike. But before Spike had a chance to do anything, the gargoyle got blasted to bits by a light blue aura and a rainbow blur went round him, clearing any gargoyle that was close to dust. The other gargoyles back up a bit and hold their attack, taken aback.
"Friends of yours, dragon?" Grogar asked with a grin.
"Wha..." As Spike turned around and saw a while light dying down, all his friends were standing there. "Bu...but ho...how did you?" Spike then looked over at Rarity, whose head was pointed at the ground with her horn still lit after blasting the gargoyle to bits, as she looked up at him with red cheeks. "Rari-"
Spike was cut off by Twilight walking up to him and slapping him around the face with tears in her eyes as she said, "I know what you're planning to do, Spike. Do you really think I would allow you to throw away your life for us?"
As Spike rubbed his cheek, he looked at the crying mare in front of him and said, "So you figured it all out. I shouldn't be surprised. If anyone could, it would of been you. But if you know what my plan is, then you should of known not to come. This is something I have to do- something only I can do. You and the others were meant to stay there and continue spreading friendship after I was gone."
"If you ask me, it's you that needs a lesson in friendship right now, partner," Applejack said as everyone gathered to Spike and Twilight's side. "Do you really think we were just gonna sit by and do nothing when our friend needed us?"
"Yeah, that's so not cool, dragon boy," Rainbow said as she glared at him.
Pinkie bounced up and down on the spot and said with a giggle, "Just think of all the parties we'll have to have after all this is over." She stopped bouncing and her hair deflated a bit before she looked at him with a sad smile and said, "Do you really think we could be happy if you left us?"
Before Spike had a chance to say anything, Fluttershy flung her arms around him and with tears in her eyes said, "Spike, you don't have to do this alone. We're here for you. Let us help."
Spike returned the hug and after sighing broke it and said, "Hmmm, I should of known better than to try and keep you all away from this. When there's a friend in need, you always come to the rescue. That's just who you are," He said with a smile before looking at Rarity. "So I take it the fact you're all standing here is because of you taking down the barrier?"
Rarity nodded and said, "Yes, it was quite the surprise when I learned I could do such a thing, but not as surprising as finding out why I could," She said with a red face as she looked at the dragon standing in front of her.
Spike went red and started to scratch his cheek, "I...I'm sorry, Rarity. You have to believe me, if I had known what I was doing back then I wou-"
Spike was cut off as Rarity put a hoof to his lips and said, "Now is not the time to discuss such matters. First let us deal with the problem at hoof and then we can talk. Maybe over dinner?" She said with a smile.
This made Spike giggle as he said, "Right, you got a point. Besides, dinner with you sounds like a great idea. It's a date," He said with a smile.
"Spike, I have a plan," Twilight said as she looked at her brother. "I want you to have the power of the Elements of Harmony, your power back. With that you shou-"
Spike placed a claw on Twilight's shoulder cutting her off and shook his head with a smile before he said, "No, Twilight. That power belongs to you and the others now. You said you come to help and so I think we should do this together. I only ask you this: when the time is right, I want you to shoot that power at me at full power. No holding back do you understand?"
"Bu...but Spike," Is all Twilight could say as Spike gave her a warm smile and said, "You and the others were chosen for a reason, Twi. Your kindness, honesty, laughter, loyalty, generosity, the magic of friendship has saved this world and all that live on it so many times. It is needed in this world and right now I need my big sis to help me end a nightmare that has gone on far too long, if you can make a path for me, I will fight Grogar while you all take care of the gargoyles. I know what I'm asking is a lot, but I'm asking anyway. Please, my sister, will you do this for me?"
"Ok, Spike, when you give the signal we'll be ready. We'll give it our all no matter what. I promise," Twilight said as she hugged him tight.
"Thanks, Twi, I can always count on you," Spike said with a smile as he breaks the hug and turned around to Grogar and said, "Thanks for waiting. It's time to end this."
Grogar giggled and said, "Not at all. After all I've waited this long, what's a few minutes more? Besides, I want to see the look on your face as you take your last breath knowing you have failed. I see the reason you are so weak is because you gave them six your power. Shame. If you had come at full strength, you may of been able to stop me." With an evil grin Grogar said, "That kind heart of yours will will be your undoing."
As it starts to get dark and rain starts to pour down, Spike looked at Grogar and said, "Hmmm, I thought you would have learned from our last encounter. They are what gives me strength. Unlike you who stands alone, I have friends I can lean on in my time of need. But I wouldn't expect a creature like you to understand something like that. Everyone, stay together and watch each others backs."
As everyone stands ready, they all look to Spike as he said, "For our friends! For our families!" And with a mighty roar that shook the very earth, they all charged forward as he screams, "FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW!!!!"
As Celestia, Luna, Thorax, and Novo start blasting gargoyles to ruble from behind the group. Gilda, Rutherford, Ember and Garble start smashing gargoyles coming from the sides. As Garble hears giggling coming from the front of the group, he looks over to see the six girls smiling and laughing as they smash gargoyles and he asked, "What's wrong with these ponies? Don't they understand the situation we're in? We're fighting for our lives here, how are they able to smile and laugh at a time like this?"
As a gargoyle jumps up to attack him a golden blast turns the gargoyle to dust as Celestia stands there and looked at Garble she said, "We ponies are not as weak as you think. We do not like to fight or hurt others, but when the time comes to fight we fight with everything we have for our friends, families, and the ones we love. You asked how they are able to fight with smiles on their faces, that is simply because they believe in one another. When they fight, they fight as one. They smile and laugh because when they are together there is nothing they can not do, when they fight. They do so without fear because they have each other. They cover for each other's weaknesses that is the strength of the Elements of Harmony."
Garble stands there in shock and disbelief at what he was seeing, "These ponies I thought were weak and useless were in fact strong. Maybe they're even too strong," He thought as he watched as Rainbow Dash smashed a gargoyle and shout out 'That's 20', only to look at Applejack as she smashed two more gargoyles and said '22, for me', with a smirk. He then looked at Pinkie Pie sitting on top of her canon giggling as she screamed out, 'It's party time' as the canon goes off destroying a few gargoyles. The blast was strong enough to knock her onto her back and a few gargoyles saw their chance. As they pounced to get her, Fluttershy screams out, 'Nopony hurts my friends! NO PONY!!!' As the yellow Pegasus smashes the gargoyles to dust and helps her friend up. A few gargoyles stepped back not wanting to mess with the scary looking pony.
"Ok Rarity let's make a path for Spike," Twilight said as her horn lit up. As Rarity does the same, both of them let out a blast of magic smashing any gargoyle in it's way to dust, making a path right to Grogar who was just standing there with a smile as Spike charged forward.
"Grogar!!!" Spike shouted as he swung his left claw down only to be knocked back on to his hind legs by a red protection bubble surrounding Grogar. Thinking quickly Spike swung his right claw at the bubble as little electric sparks could be seen coming off his claw. This smashed the bubble making Grogar jump back as Spike landed on all fours, with a grin.
Grogar smiled and as his eyes glowed red he shot a black magical blast straight at Spike. Spike knowing full well that if he moved the blast would go straight at the gargoyles and he's friends that were fighting, flapped his wings to step to the side and shot out an ice blast from his mouth that changed the direction of Grogar's blast away from the group that was fighting.
As Grogar watched the blast travel off and hit some land away from the group that was fighting, making an explosion, he said, "Hmmm, nice to know you didn't give all your power up," He said with a grin as he looked back to where Spike was only to notice he was gone.
Just then Spike flew down next to him, taking advantage of the fact Grogar looked away to swipe at Grogar with his left claw which now had ice blades on them. Grogar ducked barely avoiding the attack and jumped forward trying to ram Spike with his horns. But as Grogar did, Spike spun on one leg dodging the attack and used the momentum of the spin to hit Grogar with his tale, knocking Grogar away.
As Grogar slid across the floor he slammed his hooves down to stop himself. As he stood with blood trickling down the corner of his mouth, Grogar wiped it away, the grin he wore was now replaced with anger as he said, "Though I have thought of nothing else but how to make you suffer for so long, it occurs to me that we are both lacking the power we once had. So I think the best way to make you suffer is to end your life now with the knowledge that after your death I will gain back my power and reclaim this world as my own."
As he said this, his eyes glowed red as a black aura surrounded his body and he floated into the air. Spike flew up to be level with Grogar as his eyes shone green. As a green aura surrounded his body, Spike said, "You will never rule. I'll make sure of that."
As they both flew at each other, they crashed into each other making the very earth shake as they connected, bouncing off one another they charged at each other again and again. Each time they do, the earth shook as they screamed each others names until they stopped and stared at each other, both taking big gulps of air as they did. Spike clenched his fist knowing that this would be the last attack and they flew at each other one last time. This time, when they connected, the blast from the impact was so great that it destroyed most of the gargoyles and sent Twilight and the others flying back and to the ground.
As Grogar and Spike seperated, Grogar noticed that Garble was a bit further away from the others and saw a gargoyle coming up behind him as he was getting up off the floor. The gargoyle was about to stab him from behind when Grogar grins. Spike seeing the grin realised that Grogar was no longer looking at him and looked to see what was happening, only to see what Grogar was looking at. Just then Grogar used his magic to take the place of the gargoyle. Now standing in its place holding the sword and about to stab Garble from behind with an evil grin, Spike shouted at Garble, "Garble look out behind you!!!
Garble hearing Spike turned around only to see Grogar standing there with an evil grin as the blade got closer to him. Realizing that he can't do anything, Garble clenched his eyes closed and waited for what was to come. As he did, he heard screams of "No!"s and "Spike!" As Garble opened his eyes, he realized that he was not hurt. In fact, he was nowhere near Grogar, as he looked over all he saw was Spike standing where Garble was, on his hind legs with a sword in his chest, the armor he wore, did nothing to stop the diamond tipped blade from going in.
As Grogar stood there smiling, he said, "I told you, dragon, that your kind heart would be your undoing." As Spike's armor disappeared and Spike coughed up blood. Grogar pulled the blade out as he laughed. Spike fell forward as he did he dug his claws into Grogar's shoulders, making him flinch at the sudden pain.
As Spike leaned forwards to be face to face with Grogar, he said, "And I told you, they are my strength," Spike smiled and then shouted, "Twi, do it now!!!" As Spike said that a rainbow came and hit Spike from behind, as he said, "Your overconfidence, on the other hoof is your undoing. Dodge this!!!
Suddenly, a look of fear came over Grogar as a multicolored rainbow flame came out of spikes mouth and hit him at point blank range. The blast was so strong it knocked him away from Spike as Grogar screamed in pain and agony until the screaming stopped and the flame disappeared, leaving no trace of Grogar. As the remaining gargoyles turned to rubble and dust without their master, Spike fell onto his back and smiled up into the rainy sky and said "It's finally over," as he coughed.
Twilight ran over to Spike and starts casting her healing magic as she stands over him crying, "You're gonna be ok, Spike. Your gonna be ok." As Twilight stands there Celestia, Luna and Novo stand next to her casting healing magic of their own.
Rarity runs over and holds Spike, getting blood over her white fur as she said, "Spike! You can't leave me! Not now! We still have so much to do! So much to talk about!" as she cuddles into him while crying.
As Garble stands there unsure of what to do, he sees all of the girls gathered around Spike crying and shouts out, "Why?! Why did you do that?! I never asked you to do something like that for me! I hate you! I didn't want to be saved by you!"
Some of the girls turn around to scold him but stopped as they see tears start to come down his face.
Spike coughs and said, "Garble, you have so much potential. If only you could drop the attitude, you could be something great." Spike coughs again and said, "I did it because before I got my memories back I knew nothing about dragons and when we first met. You took me in and made me a part of the gang."
As a tear comes down Spike's cheek, he said, "I was so happy I finally had dragon friends. Someone to teach me all about dragons. You made me a rookie," Spike said as he smiled. "Though the outcome of our first meeting didn't turn out great, along with a few other times we met, I always hoped we could be friends again."
Hearing what Spike said made Garble start to cry even harder as Ember put a claw on his shoulder as she stood by him, crying herself. As they watched Twilight and the others trying to heal him. Ember said, "I swear by my honor as Dragon Lord, every dragon shall know the name Spike, the greatest dragon that ever was, I swear it," as she continued to cry.
"Wh...why isn't this working!" Twilight said as all the magic seemed to be doing is slowing down the blood coming out of his chest and not actually healing him.
Spike looked at his sisters tear stained face and smiled before saying, "Did you forget that dragons are more resistant to magic, Twi?" he giggled. "It's time to stop now. I came here planning to stop Grogar knowing that this outcome was more than likely going to happen. I told you before that there was still one lesson you had to learn. Well this is it, Princess of Friendship. The last lesson you need to learn is knowing when it's time to let go and say goodbye to a friend. I've done my job. I've protected my treasure till the end, like a true dragon. Now it's your turn. I need you to promise me no matter what that you and the girls will take care of things; to keep the peace."
"NO! Don't talk like that Spike you're gonna be ok," Twilight said as she starts to sob.
"Promise me, Twi, please," Spike said with a warm smile as he looked at his sister.
"I...I pro...I promise Spike," Twilight said as her horn stopped glowing and the others took a step back, as she continued to cry.
"Thanks, now I can go knowing everythings gonna be fine," Spike said with a smile before turning to look at Rarity who was still holding him as she cried. "You know, I had it all planned out. I was gonna pass on my magic, stop Grogar and leave this world with a smile knowing that those that took my place would carry on my work. The only thing I didn't plan for, was you." As Spike raised his claw and cupped her cheek as she sobbed. "I spent my whole life watching others being happy, I even got to see my children grown into amazing creatures." Spike starts to cough as he said, "But then there was you, Rarity. Thank you. Because of you I had my one and only selfish wish come true. I got to marry the creature of my dreams. I love you." As Spike's claw starts to fall away from Rarity's face and his eyes start to close, he spoke his final words with a smile, "I finally said it."
As the rain continued to pour down and everyone burst into tears Rarity clung to his body and screamed, "NOO!!!! Don't leave me! You can't leave me! Wake up! I need you! I...I... I never had the chance to say I love you back!"
As she sits there clinging to his body, her tears falling down her face and onto him, she said, "She lied to me. She said that it was the most magical thing in the world. Even better than the Magic of Friendship. But all it is, is pain."
As Rarity closes her eyes tight she and the others continued to cry as the wound on Spike's body begins to heal as Rarity's tears hit it.
As the rain begins to stop and the sun begins to shine through the clouds, Spike gasped for air. Everyone looked on in shock as the now dead dragon was alive once again as he lifts his head up and looks at Rarity he said, "Wow, would you look at that. I'm alive. Thought I was a goner there for a minute," He said with a toothy smile as Rarity pushed him to the floor still crying.
As everyone was still in shock at the sight of what they were seeing and Rarity now on top of Spike, she looked at him and said, "I love you too, Spike," before giving him a passionate kiss.
He happily returned the kiss before Twilight asked, "Bu...but how? I thought dragons were more resistant to magic. That's why our magic didn't work. Just what is going on?"
Rarity tightly holds Spike as he sits up and wraps a wing round her and looks at Twilight.
"They are, Twi, but after me and Rarity completed the dragon ritual, we became mates," Spike said with a red face while Rarity rubs her cheek against his. "And the simple answer is it was the love Rarity and I share for each other that healed me. It's the same sort of magic that Shinning Armor and Cadence used to stop the Changeling invasion. You see, a dragon will only ever have one mate. They love and trust that creature so much that they are the only ones they will let near their greatest treasure, which is why Rarity was able to take down the barrier in the first place."
Spike looks at Rarity with a sad smile and said, "Rarity, can you ever forgive me? I completed the dragon ritual with you without even knowing what I was doing. I forced you into this without your consent or knowledge."
Rarity placed her hoof on Spike's cheek and smiled after giving him a quick peck before she said, "Spike, after everything that has transpired her today, the one thing I am certain of is that I love you. Do you remember what I told you about my mother giving everything up for my father?"
Spike nodded with a smile and Rarity said, "Well, it's the same for me. I'm willing to take the risk; to give it all up to have you by my side. No other creature will do. You are my prince charming. My very own knight in shinning scales." Rarity let out a little giggle, then said, "Everything else is just silly little details we can work out later. After all we have all the time in the world. Though I do believe being married so soon is a bit sudden. It is my understanding that we now need to get to know each other on a more intimate level, no?"
Spike's face turned bright red while Rarity gave him a seductive look.
"Ra...Rar...Rarity!" Was all Spike could say as the white mare pured and kissed him on the cheek as everyone around them started to go red in the face before Rarity giggled and said, "But there will be plenty of time for all this. After all, a lady must take her time even if we are married by dragon custom. I still expect to go on more dates and when the time is right I still plan on having my own wedding, I mean a girl has to get a chance to show off her love after all, wouldn't you agree my Spikey-wikey?
Spike just gave her that same goofy look she loved so much as he nodded his head before she pounced on him again and before giving him another passionate kiss said, "MINE!" As they were both locked in a passionate kiss and Spike wrapped his arms around his mare, both forgot the world around them until they heard someone clearing their throat, making them both snap back into reality and sit up to see everyone looking at them.
"Jeez, you two, you maybe married now, but get a room," Rainbow said before bursting into a fit of giggles as all their friends joined in on the laughter looking at the two red faced creatures cuddled next to each other.
Twilight sat there with a warm smile on her face as she looked at her brother and said, "Spike, we need to talk. It seems we all learned a lot today, but we also learned that the Elements are yours and even the castle. I thin-"
"Let me stop you right there, Twi," Spike said cutting her off. "The Elements of Harmony are yours. I put my power into that seed in the hopes that it would grow into a force for peace and harmony for all and it has," Spike said with a smile. "I never intended to have that power back, Twilight, That's why I never hatched until you were all chosen. That power belongs to you six and has since that day, I had planned to fight Grogar alone and to leave this world, knowing the creatures would be kept safe after I had gone. As for the castle, well what's a princess without a castle?" Spike said as he giggled.
Twilight giggled along with Spike and said, "Ok, Spike. You win. If that is what you want."
Celestia stepped forward and said, "That still leaves one question unanswered, Spike. You are the one true king and rightful ruler of Equestria." As Celestia, Luna, Rutherford, Thorax, Novo and Ember all bow to him, Celestia continued as everyone else started to bow. "Will you take your rightful place and rule over Equestria, as our king?"
Spike sighed and said, "First of all, stop bowing. I never liked the idea of others bowing to me," as he stood up on his hind legs now towering over everyone, he looked at Rarity and asked, "What do you think? Queen Rarity has a nice sound to it, don't you think?"
Rarity stood up and put a hoof to her chin, lost in thought as she smiled at her dragon and saw the smirk on his face before saying, "Hmmm, Queen Rarity does sound absolutely divine, if you ask me. However, I much prefer Rarity the fashionista, Element of Generosity and lover of the number one assistant to the Princess of Friendship," as she rubbed herself against his side.
"Well, there you have it," Spike said with a giggle. "Besides, I like my life the way it is now: great friends, great family and the mare of my dreams. What more could a dragon ask for? You have all been doing a fine job as rulers, so why stop now? But if you should ever need a helping claw, you know where to find me. After all, I'm not called the number one assistant for nothing," as he picked up Rarity and cradled her in his arms and gave Rarity a peck on the cheek which made her giggle.
"Bu...but you're the king, Spike," Novo said before Spike started to flap his wings.
Now in the air and holding Rarity in his arms, Spike said, "Yeah, no. I've never really been the ruling type. Not my thing. I'm more of the helping out kind. That being said, I do have one request. Tell no creature what took place here today and never tell anyone what you have learned, it will be kind of like our little secret," He said with a giggle.
"WHAT!?! But everyone should know what you have done for them; what you have done for all of us, Spike." Luna said as she looked up at him.
"Surely you of all ponies can imagine what it would be like for me; everyone always bowing and wanting me to answer all their questions and so forth. Just being the number one assistant to an obsessed perfectionist, is a 24/7 job. I wouldn't be able to do my job if this got out." Spike said as he let out a laugh.
"Wha...HEY!" Twilight shouted up as their friends giggled in understanding at what Spike meant before Celestia looked up and said, "We understand, Spike and we will keep this to ourselves. We promise." As everybody nods in agreement.
Celestia then said, "However, I would ask for one condition to keeping this secret and that is that you come visit Canterlot castle more often and when we are alone you allow us to call you Grampa Spike," She said with a giggle.
Spike laughed and said, "I wouldn't have it any other way, my little one," as he smiled at her before saying, "You should all come to Ponyville more often as well. I could tell you some great stories about Lilith and the others."
Spike looked down at Garble and said, "And that goes for you as well, Garble. You think you have an attitude? You should hear what Scintilla was like growing up. She was a claw full that's for sure." As Spike smiled down at the red dragon, he said, "I'd like to visit the Dragon Lands more as well. Maybe we could go lava diving sometime?"
Garble smirked and shouted up, "Yeah who knows? Maybe next time you can do a cannon ball instead of a belly flop." This made Spike and Garble burst into laughter as Spike said, "Yeah, who knows."
Spike looked at Rarity as she wrapped her hooves around his neck and said with a smile, "I don't know about you lot, but I'm starved and I do believe there was talk of dinner after all this was over. I've kept my lady waiting long enough," as he kissed her before starting to fly off towards Ponyville, he shouted out, "Twi, I'll be home late tonight. Me and Rarity have a lot to talk about."
As everyone stood there laughing and with smiles on their faces, watching Spike and Rarity fly off, Twilight shouted out, "Wait!!! What are we gonna tell everypony about Spike's new size!"
As everyone stopped laughing, all they heard was Rarity laughing as she shouted back, "Details, darling! Silly little details!"
THE END