The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and it’s yet another beautiful quiet day in Ponyville as we see Rarity walking through town with a bounce in her step and a smile on her face, happily greeting ponies as she passes them by. As she makes her way through town and comes to the castle, she can’t help but be excited. “Today’s the day Spike comes back from the Dragon Lands. Having Spike teach me how to send him letters so we could stay in touch was a great idea.” Rarity thought to herself as she walks into the castle with a smile and calls out, “Twilight, I just popped in for a visit. Where are you?”
“I’m in the dining room. Come on in, Rarity,” Twilight shouts down the corridor. As Rarity makes her way through the castle and comes to a dining room, she walks in to see Twilight sitting there with a smile on her face as she says, “Wow, Rarity, good timing. I just made some tea. Would you like some?”
As Rarity giggled, she made her way over to the table and takes a seat as she said, “Why, tea sounds lovely, Twilight. Thank you.” As Rarity watches Twilight pour her a cup and then takes a sip, Rarity asks, “So, how’ve things been, Twilight?”
Twilight puts her cup down and shrugs her shoulders, “Not too bad. It’s been quiet. Even more so since Spike’s been gone for his trip to the Dragon Lands.” A bit of a sad smile comes on to Twilights face as she said, “Being in this castle for the last 2 weeks mostly by myself has been a bit lonely, to be honest with you.”
“Oh, Twilight,” Rarity said with a sympathetic smile as she looked at her friend.
Twilight smiled and said, “It’s great he’s been writing to me and stuff and it’s not like I haven’t gotten used to not having him around at night with him splitting his nights here at the castle with me and staying at yours. It’s just even when he’s at yours for the night, I know he’s around the corner if I need him and having him still turn up to work in the morning, is great. But 2 weeks without seeing him? I won’t lie. It hasn’t been easy.” As Twilight looks at Rarity, she giggled and said, “But listen to me go on. I’m sure you can relate to how I’m feeling.”
Rarity let out a little giggle and said, “Indeed. Not seeing him for the last couple of weeks hasn’t been easy. I always seem to struggle to get to sleep at night now a days when I haven’t got my Spikey-wikey to cuddle up to at night. Having him split his nights between us so he could get used to sleeping at my place was a great idea. I know it was a way for him and you to adjust to the idea of not being here at night with you, and I’m truly grateful for what you have done. I’ve missed him terribly over the last couple of weeks. I can’t even begin to imagine how hard it must be for you. You’ve been together since he hatched, after all.” Rarity let out a small sigh before saying, “Over the years, I’ve known you both and I thought I’d come to understand just how close you were to one another and I knew that when I told him how I truly felt things were going to change. That’s why after everything that happened I wanted to take it slow so we could all adjust. But I guess being thrown in at the deep end and starting out our relationship being married hasn’t helped. The truth is the more I learn about Spike’s past at Canterlot, the more I truly understood just how important his bond with you is to him. To both of you. I’m sorry for being selfish and coming in between you. How must it look for somepony who claims to be your friend to come in and take him away from you?”
Twilight smiled and said, “Stop that. You didn’t take him from me. He chose to be with you because he loves you, Rarity. As your friend and his sister, I couldn’t be happier for you both. I really mean that. Sure, not having him all to myself is a big change for me and him, but change is a fact of life. You can’t stop it and although it’s not like it was, I still see him every day,” as Twilight giggled she said, “Besides, it’s not like I’ve spent the last 2 weeks sitting around doing nothing, waiting for him to come home. I’ve been going back and forth to Canterlot with all my research about dragons that Spike told me about.” A slight blush appeared on Twilight's face as she said, “And Blueblood’s been helping me sort it all. In fact, now that I think about it, he’s been coming over to the castle to help me out a lot since Spike’s been gone. I guess Spike must have asked him to keep an eye on me or something. You know how Spike gets if I miss a meal.”
Rarity burst out laughing at hearing that and after getting a funny look from Twilight, she cleared her throat and with a slight giggle in her voice said, “Yes. I’m sure that’s the reason he’s been helping you.”
After a moment of Twilight thinking what Rarity meant by that, she decided to shrug it off and asked with a giggle, “So how’s the new shop doing? I bet it’s been pretty popular.”
After taking another drink from her cup, Rarity said, “Yes, quite. I think opening a new shop in the Crystal Empire was the right call. The new manger, Scarlett Gem, is such a sweetheart. Though a bit excitable at times. In that regard she reminds me a bit of Pinkie. Having Spikey there to do the grand opening went down a treat, if not a bit too much. I think every pony in the Crystal Empire was there. Though I must admit having my grand opening become the day that the Crystal Empire decided to name it Spike day is something I’ll always remember. Oh, Twilight, you should of seen it. The celebration was on par with the Summer Sun Celebration.” As Rarity giggled she said, “You should have seen Spike. He looked so shy waving at all the ponies from the balcony of the castle. Even more so when they made him sit on a float at the head of the parade. But you know Spike. He didn’t want to disappoint anypony.”
As Rarity smiled, she said, “Though the reenactment of him defeating king Sombra was completely inaccurate, I mean, I don’t remember Spike and King Sombra going head to head in an all out one-on-one fight to save the Crystal Empire, but the children loved it, especially little Flurry Heart. It was kind of Shining Armor and Cadance to let us spend the night at the castle as well. I say that, but the way Cadance put it, we didn’t have much of a choice. She said that if we tried to spend the night anywhere else in the Empire, we would be hounded all night by ponies wanting to see Spike.” Rarity said as she giggled before she sighed and said, “I still wish Spikey would have taken me to the Dragon Lands with him. I mean, I know not every dragon likes ponies, but things are different now since Ember is in charge.”
“Mmm, I know what you mean. I even offered to go with him.” As Twilight giggled, she said, “Well, more like begged, but he said no. He wanted to go alone. Guess that’s why he gave me all that information about dragons to research while he was gone. I mean, ponies still don’t know much about dragon culture after all.”
Hearing Twilight say that, Rarity grinned and said, “You don’t have to tell me. I married a dragon without even knowing it. remember?”
As Twilight and Rarity both burst out laughing, Twilight said, “That’s true.” Twilight got a smirk on her face as she looked at Rarity and said, “I’ve been going over everything I’ve learnt so far about dragons. For instance, did you know that when a dragon takes a mate outside of his or her own species, something in their biology changes so they are able to breed with their chosen mate?” As Twilight said that, she couldn’t help but smile as she saw Rarity go bright red and start to get flustered. Not being able to stop herself, Twilight continued, “In fact, when a dragon has a child outside of his or her own species, that child is known as a Qilin. According to Spike, it was quite common back in the old days, and he said that it wouldn’t surprise him if there weren’t some Qilin still out there somewhere in the world today.” As Twilight leans her arm on the table and rests her head in her hoof, she grinned at Rarity and said, “I wonder how long I’ll have to wait before I get to meet one.”
“Twi- Twilight Sparkle, I’ll have you know that me and Spike are not at that stage in our relationship. So whatever you are thinking, you better stop right now!” Rarity shouts as she glared at her friend, while still having red cheeks. As Rarity takes a sip from her cup and places it back down on the table to give herself time to regain her posture, she looked at Twilight and said, “When Spike spends the night with me, it really is just to be near one another. I don’t know how to explain it, but having him hold me as we sleep somehow calms and relaxes me in a way I’ve never been before. It’s like I know nothing could ever hurt me while I’m in his arms, I feel completely safe and at peace.”
As Twilight gave Rarity a warm smile she said, “That sounds nice. I’m glad you found each other, Rarity.”
As Rarity looks at Twilight, she gets a slight grin on her face and thinks to herself, “It’s payback time for winding me up about children, Twilight Sparkle,” before she says, “Oh, Twilight, don’t you fret. I’m sure you’ll find your prince charming one day,” As Rarity sees a slight red tint come onto Twilights cheeks, she goes in for the kill. “You’re a smart mare. Who knows? Your white knight may be closer than you realize if you take the time to look.”
Just as Twilight was about to say something, they heard a voice shout out through the castle. “Hey, I’m home.” Hearing that, they both shot out their chairs and race out of the room, looking for the creature they both wanted to see. As they raced down the corridor, they saw the throne room door open and ran inside to see Spike taking his bag off and turning around to see them.
Before Spike had time to say anything, Rarity tackled Spike to the ground and started kissing him over and over as she said, “Oh, Spikey. I’ve missed you so much.”
As Spike sat up and held Rarity, he giggled and said, “I guess it’s true. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder,” before passionately kissing her and saying, “I’ve missed you more than you know, my love. Don’t worry. I’m back now.”As he looked over at Twilight standing by the door, he raised an eye and said, “Wow. I mean, I know I’ve only been gone for 2 weeks and all, but I don’t even get a ‘Hi, little brother’ when I get back?” As he and Rarity both stood up, Spike continued to say, “What, haven’t you missed me?”
Hearing him say that, Twilight ran at him and pulled him into a tight hug before saying, “Of course, I’ve missed you, idiot little brother. Welcome home, Spike.”
Spike giggled and hugged back as he said, “Good, cuz I’ve missed you too, Twi.” As he broke the hug and started smiling, he said, “It’s great to be home.” Hearing him say that made the two mares smile and giggle.
They all sat on their thrones and Twilight brought some fresh tea in for them to enjoy and as Spike takes a sip and breathes in the aroma of the tea, he said, “The Dragon Lands were fun to visit, but they don’t have a good cup of tea.”
Rarity and Twilight smile at him before Rarity said with a bit of a sad look, “I really wish you would of let us come with you, Spike. I know you can handle yourself, but I don’t like the idea of you going off by yourself and I would of liked to have seen the Dragon Lands myself.”
“Yeah, Spike. I would have loved the chance to see some dragon culture up close instead of just going over these notes you left me,” Twilight said.
Spike just laughed and said, “Yeah, sorry girls. Maybe next time. I just wanted to go and see it by myself. I promise the next time I go, you are more than welcome to come with me, ok?”
Twilight flops back in her throne and folds her arms and had a look on her face that resembled a child being told that they couldn’t have any sweets until they had all their dinner, as she said, “Fine, but I’m going to hold you to that promise.”
This made Spike and Rarity laugh, before Rarity asked, “So, Spikey, how was it? What sorts of things did you get up to?”
A warm smile came onto Spike's face as he said, “Well, like I said in my letters, I didn’t really do much, but Ember was kind enough to let me sleep at her place while I was there and I actually got to see Garble again. In fact, he surprised me a bit with something he said.”
As the two mares listened curiously, Spike took a sip of tea and said, “Garble invited me out to go gorge-surfing and lava diving with his friends, so, of course, I jumped at the chance. The only problem with that is his friends hadn’t seen me since my change. So when I got there, they were all taken aback at first and that’s when Clump made a joke about never seeing or hearing of a baby dragon growing so fast before. He said that I must have been older than I looked when I first met them and it was probably because I was hatched by pony magic and raised by ponies that it took me this long to grow.”
Spike smiled a bit as he continued, “Luckily for me, Garble's friends aren’t the smartest bunch around, because if they were, they would know it’s impossible to grow so fast over night like that. But then he said, 'Now that you've grown up a bit, you've finally come back where you belong, you can forget about those weak pathetic ponies,’ as he and the others began to laugh.”
Spike smiled and said, “I was about to say something, when Garble stepped forward and said, ‘Don’t do that,’ as Clump and the others stopped laughing, Clump said, ‘What? Don’t tell me after your little visit to the ponies, you actually think they’re cool now. What happened to you, Garble? Did they zap ya with some friendship love? Hahaha.’ I could see Garble clenching his claws and thought he was going to smack Clump, but instead he calmed himself down and said, ‘I was wrong. I’ve always thought that ponies were weak, pathetic, and not worth a dragons time, but think about it for a minute. Those weak ponies we make fun of have fought some of the most dangerous creatures around. Discord, Lord of Chaos, a Changeling army and an invasion from the Storm king. There’s probably more we don’t even know about. Heck, two of their princesses control the sun and the moon.’”
As Spike took another sip from his cup, he said, “As I stood there watching Garble stare down one of his friends, he said, ‘You want to know what I saw when I was there? I saw ponies standing side by side with Dragons, Changelings, Hippogriffs, Yaks and griffons. Against impossible odds, they fought to protect not only what was theirs, but for all, us included.’ As I watched Garble look down at his claws, he said, ‘While we dragons show off and boast about how strong we are, the ponies don’t because they don’t need to. They are far stronger than any of you realize, so you don’t have to like them but they deserve to be shown some respect. Not to mention that Spike here was raised by said ponies and I’m sure he doesn’t want to hear dragons making fun of his family. After all, we all know how dragons get when someone makes fun of their family and Spike is more than strong enough to shut us up if he wants. He was just raised not to show off, so best keep that in mind the next time you call his family weak and pathetic. You got that?’”
As Spike giggled he said, “After that, Clump said he was only joking and not to take it seriously before quickly flying into the air and saying if we were going to go play, we should do it before it gets too dark. As the others flew off, I thanked Garble and made a passing remark about how he seems a bit wiser since we last met. At which point he just flew off after the others, but I could have swore I saw him grin and blush a bit.”
“Oh my. To think that Garble would say such things about us. It seems his time with us did, in fact, mature him a bit,” Rarity said as she let out a little giggle.
Spike smiled and said, “Yeah. Ember even said that he doesn’t do as many mean things anymore and actually tries to help out more. In fact, she wants him to begin training to become one of her guards. She said that with the right training, he could even become her right claw dragon.”
“Oh wow. That’s a big responsibility from what I read in all those notes you left me, Spike.” Twilight said with a smile.
Spike giggled and said, “Yep. It’s kind of like a royal advisor. He’s got a long way to go, but I think he can do it.”
“I’m sure he can,” Twilight said with a warm smile before saying, “So you spent 2 weeks at the Dragon Lands just playing around?”
Spike laughed and said, “Na. I did some other stuff too. Like helping watch over the eggs for hatching season, it seems that it’s a role given to every Dragon Lord. Ember said it's one of the oldest customs they follow. It was a rule set up by my little Scintilla. Ember said it’s so every Dragon Lord understands they are protecting the future dreams and hopes of those yet to come and that for a Dragon Lord there can be no greater treasure than that.”
Rarity smiled warmly at Spike and said, “It seems Dragon Lord Scintilla did indeed learn a many great things from you, Spikey.”
As Spike smiled back at Rarity, he said, “So it would seem. There was one other thing that happened while I was at the Dragon Lands. Ember asked me to go with her to meet the oldest dragon. Apparently, her time on this world was close to an end and Ember had made it a point to go visit her whenever she could.” As a bit of a sad smile came onto his face, he said, “Of course, I went. When I got there she could barely lift her head, let alone stand.”
Spike took a breath and had a sip of his tea before saying, “She seemed like such a nice old dragon.” As he let out a giggle, he said, “She even made a joke about having such a handsome dragon coming to visit her. As we talked, she told me that up until she retired it was her job to watch over the little hatchlings while the other dragons were out looking for food. A bit like a dragon daycare. She said it was her greatest pride and joy in life as she wasn’t lucky enough to be able to have eggs of her own.” Spike took another sip from his cup and said, “Then she chuckled and said, ‘Tell me, have you ever heard of the legend of the enchanted dragon?’ I didn’t know what to say so I just shook my head and she said, ‘My grandfather said that his grandfather saw him once as a hatchling and that the enchanted dragon was the strongest and most powerful dragon to ever live. This may sound strange to a dragon nowadays, but my grandfather said he ruled over all, not with fear or power but with love and kindness and the creatures loved him for it. So very much. You may think this is just some ramblings of a senile old dragon, but to this day, I believe he was real. My grandfather told me that his grandfather said one day the enchanted dragon was just gone, but that when the world needed him, he would return and unite us all again.’”
As Spike cleared his throat, he continued, “The old dragon then looked at Ember and said, ‘Do you know why you are called Dragon Lord and not Queen or King?’ As both Ember and I both just stood there, the old dragon smiled and said, ‘My grandfather said that his grandfather told him long ago, that the First Dragon Lord Scintilla was known as Queen of the Dragons. But when the enchanted dragon disappeared, she refused to ever wear the crown again and said that she would take up the title of Dragon Lord to honor the enchanted dragon as there could only ever be one true king. My Grandfather said that his grandfather told him that Dragon Lord Scintilla was strong, kind and loving just like the enchanted dragon. All qualities I see in you, Dragon Lord Ember. It makes this old dragon happy to know that she got to see a dragon like you become Dragon Lord.’”
As a warm smile came onto Spike's face, he said, “I couldn’t help but shed a tear of joy that some dragon still talked about how kind my little Scintilla was after all this time. Even though they made it a rule to never talk about me after I had gone, some dragon remembered and passed it on. Of course, the old dragon saw me with tears in my eyes and asked what was wrong.” As Spike looked at Rarity and Twilight, he said, “So I told her who I was and who Scintilla was to me.” Just as Twilight looked like she was going to say something, Spike said, “I know I wasn’t going to tell anyone, but she had believed what her grandfather had told her all her life; she had believed in me, she had a right to know who I really was. After I told her and even though Ember told her not to, the old dragon tried to stand and said, ‘I may be old, Dragon Lord Ember, but not even you will stop me from doing this,’ as she stood up, unsteady on her legs and bowed to me. She said, ‘I knew all those stories my grandfather told me were real,’ after she lay back down with a smile on her face and chuckled she said, ‘Now I can go see my family again and tell my grandfather that I got to meet the legendary enchanted dragon. He’s going to be so jealous.’ After that, she said she was tired and asked if I would stay with her till she fell asleep, so I did. I stayed with her until she finally went to sleep and never woke up. The last words she spoke were a simple thank you, and she looked so peaceful with a smile on her face.”
Spike clenched his claw as tight as he could and had tears in his eyes as he said, “Darn enchanted dragon. What’s so legendary about me? All I did was save my children.”
Rarity placed her hoof on Spike’s claw and looked at him with a sad smile as she said, “You are kind and caring, and you didn’t just fight for yourself or your children but for everyone. That kindness was passed down by those you helped and made the world we all live in today. A world where an old dragon was able to pass on, knowing she wasn’t alone and was cared for. That heart of yours. It's what makes you special and why so many love you, me most of all.”
As tears start to pour down Spike's cheeks he pulls Rarity into a hug as he cried and said, “Thank you.” After a few minutes he broke the hug and gave Rarity a kiss on the cheek as he smiled at her, she smiled warmly back as she sat back down and Spike looked at Twilight and said, “Sorry. I guess I got a bit carried away there.”
Twilight shook her head and gave Spike a warm, caring smile as she said, “No, you didn’t. It's fine, Spike.”
Spike scratched his cheek and said, “I’m just going to go freshen up a bit. I’ll be right back, ok?” As the two mares smiled at him, he got up and walked out of the throne room.
As Twilight starts pouring some more tea for everyone, the throne room door opens and Starswirl the Bearded comes in. Surprised by the unannounced visitor, Twilight ran over to greet him as she asked, “Starswirl, what an unexpected surprise. What brings you here?”
As Starswirl smiled at the princess, he said, “Hello, Twilight. Sorry for just dropping by like this. As you know, I’ve been traveling around the realm and was on my way back to Canterlot, but I thought I’d pop in on the way through to see how things are going. I hope that’s ok with you.”
Twilight grinned from ear to ear and said, “Of course. Come right in. We were just having some tea. Won’t you join us? You remember Rarity, right?”
As Starswirl started to walk into the room, he saw Rarity smiling at him and said, “Yes. Rarity the Element of Generosity if I remember right. How ar-“ Just then, Starswirl just stopped in his tracks and stood there with his mouth open, as the girls looked at him confused and worried. Just as Twilight was about to ask if he was ok, Starswirl ran straight to Spike's throne and said, “It can’t be. How is this here?” as he turned around to look at Twilight he asked, “Just what is going on here? Do you have any idea who’s throne this is?”
Just as Twilight was about to say something, Spike walked back in and said, “Yeah, it’s mine. Hope that’s ok with you.”
As Starswirl stood there shocked for a moment at seeing Spike walk into the room. He slowly started to walk over to Spike as he said, “It ca- it’s impos-,” until he stood right in front of Spike with tears starting to form in his eyes and said, “Am I dreaming? Is it really you? Have you come back to us?”
Spike smiled warmly at Starswirl and said, “Hello, little one. It’s good to see you again. While I’m at it, thank you for completing that mission I gave you. It really helped a lot.”
As tears started pouring down Starswirl's face, he smiled and said, “I can’t believe it. It’s really you.” Starswirl bowed down and said, “Your majesty,” as he looked up at Spike.
Spike stood there with an eye raised at Starswirl and said, “I know it’s been awhile and you’re older now, but I’m pretty sure you remember I don’t like it when creatures do that.”
Starswirl shot up and laughed, as he said, “Forgive me. I guess I was caught up in the moment,” before spinning around and looking at Twilight and saying, “Do you know who this is? This is Spike, the greatest hero who ever lived,” excitedly like a little colt who just read a comic for the first time.
Twilight giggled and said, “Of course, I know who that is. He is my little brother after all.”
Starswirl looked at Twilight confused when she said that, as Rarity giggled and started pouring him some tea, she said, “You better come have some tea. It seems there are some things we need to fill you in on, Starswirl.”
After Spike and the girls told Starswirl the whole story, he leaned back in his chair and said, “Wow. I mean, just wow. I didn’t know about Grogar or any of that other stuff as I was born after all that happened. But the kids of that time knew of the kings and queens and, of course, that Spike was the great hero that saved us all. We were never really told who he saved us from. Only that it was a great evil and he was also a king but hated to be treated like one. Naturally, when I returned, I recognized the castle straight away. There wasn’t a creature alive back then that didn’t know of this castle in my younger days. I also noticed your baby dragon had the same color scales and name. I just didn’t think that they were one and the same. To be honest, I was so busy dealing with the Pony of Shadows I never really gave it much thought. I always thought you named him after our king. But now looking back on it, that would have been impossible since after he left, all mention of him was forgotten over time.”
“Hmmm, you make a good point, Starswirl,” Twilight said as she rubbed her chin, before looking at Spike and saying, “Just how is it I gave you the same name when I named you?”
As Spike chuckled, he said, “That’s easy. I planted a subtle suggestion into my power, knowing that when I hatched I would be around one of the creatures who inherited my power. It just seemed easier that way than having a different name and then having to go back to being called Spike after I regained my memory.”
Starswirl looked at Spike and said, “The day you gave me that seed I knew it would be important. It seems you were right,” as Starswirl looked at Twilight and smiled before sighing and saying, “As a colt I wanted nothing more than to be like you; a hero who helped creatures. After you disappeared I knew this world would still need someone to keep it safe, so I worked hard every day to master my spells. After some time, I made some great friends, who also wanted to help keep this world safe and we worked together to fight for all in your place as its protectors. Queen Lilith even appointed me as her daughter’s teacher in magic.”
As Starswirl gave Spike a sad looking smile, he said, “Looking back on it all now, it’s so easy to see I allowed my ego and pride to blind me to my friends suffering. It was my foolish pride that created the Pony of Shadows and almost destroyed this world. Using what little knowledge I was able to remember from the stories I heard about Spike as a colt, I created a spell to send the Pony of Shadows to limbo. I knew the cost would be great, but I planted that seed, remembering the words you spoke to me on that day I met you as a little colt. You said ‘It would one day grow into something magical that would help the creatures of this world be safe and free.’ With those words ringing in my ears, we planted that seed with hope and set out to make our final stand.”
As Starswirl looked around the table at the others with a sad smile and said, “Some hero I turned out to be. I let the fact that everyone saw me as a hero blind me to my friends pain, and when he needed me most I pushed him away.”
“You made a mistake. Nobody’s perfect. Not even me.” Spike said as he looked at Starswirl before saying, “The important thing is you’ve learnt from it and won’t make the same mistake again. You shouldn’t let that take away all the good you’ve done. It is because of all that good work that I’m sitting here today. You say you wanted to be like me when you were younger. Well, I know a pony that when she was younger was so taken in and inspired by all those wonderful spells you came up with and all the good you did. She threw herself into studying to become just like her hero,” As Spike puts his arm on the table and rests his head in his claws, he grinned at Twilight and continued to say, “And to this day still claims to be his number one fan. Isn’t that right, Sis?”
Twilight jumps up and starts shouting, “Can you blame me? Starswirl the Bearded is one of the greatest ponies to ever live. He created some of the greatest spells known and they are still being used today. That’s not even including the fact that he personally taught the prince-“
Twilight was cut off by Spike and Rarity laughing and went red after seeing Starswirl smiling at her and sat back down embarrassed as Spike said, “See what I mean? You are a hero. You inspired those that followed to do great things.”
Rarity leaned over and kissed Spike on the cheek, as she said, “Just like a certain dragon I know.” Before leaning back and smiling at Spike, as he looked at her with a loving smile.
Starswirl chuckled as he looked at Spike and said, “When you put it like that, it makes me feel a little bit better. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it so we don’t repeat the same mistakes. I guess as time went on, creatures just started to drift apart from one another. Over time, the story of all the creatures coming together and working as one became nothing but a fairy tale until it was forgotten, just like how they forgot about you. That is until six ponies came together and showed us all just how powerful the magic of friendship truly is. Just look at all the wonderful things you’ve done. You’ve not only saved Equestria a number of times, but brought Dragons, Changelings, Yaks, Ponies, Griffons and Hippogriffs closer together. To be able to get to see such a world with my own eyes brings me great joy and pride to know I was able to play a small part in it and to be able to call myself your friend is the greatest of honors. Thank you, princess,” Starswirl said as he lowered his head to Twilight.
As Twilight started going red in the face, she waved her hooves around nervously and said, “Please, don’t bow to me, Starswirl. You are one of the greatest ponies to ever live. Just being able to call you my friend is the greatest honor I could ask for.”
As Spike and Rarity began to laugh at Twilight's antics. Starswirl chuckled and said, “It would seem the princess doesn’t like it when others bow to her also. In that regard, it seems you two are the same. But then you are siblings after all.”
As they all started to laugh, Starswirl said, “With that, I think I should take my leave, I want to go pay my former students a visit and see how they are doing.”
Twilight looked over at Starswirl and asked, “Do you have to leave already?”
As Starswirl got out of his chair, he nodded and said with a smile, “The realm has changed so much since my time, there is still much more of it I wish to see and I still have a lot more to learn about friendship.” After saying his goodbyes and Twilight offering to see him out, they started to walk out of the throne room before Starswirl stopped and turned to look at Spike as he said, “I promise not to tell anyone your secret, Spike. However, if you will allow me to, could I inform the other pillars and Stygian.”
As Spike smiled at Starswirl and nodded his head, he said, “Sure. Just as long as you make sure to tell them not to tell anyone else. I kind of like the life I have now. Last thing I need is for everyone to start bothering me about what happened in the past.”
Starswirl nodded with a smile and waved a final goodbye before he left the room. As Spike sat there with a smile on his face, he looked at Rarity and asked, “Rarity, have you eaten yet?”
“Hmmm, I had a small breakfast this morning before coming over, but apart from that, no.” Rarity said as she finished her tea.
As Spike smiled at her, he said, “Well, if you’re not too busy today, how does a picnic in the park sound?”
Rarity’s face lit up at the idea of a picnic in the park and said, “That sounds like a wonderful idea, darling. Oh, but I’d like to freshen up a bit first.”
As Spike chuckled he said, “Ok. Why don’t you head home now and freshen up and meet me at the park in about an hour? Say by that tree on the hill. I should have everything ready by then.”
Rarity hopped out her chair and kissed Spike on the cheek before quickly starting to dash out the room, saying, “Only an hour. I need to hurry up. I’ll see you then, my Spikey-wikey,” before disappearing out the throne room.
After chuckling to himself a bit, Spike sat there and finished his tea, when Twilight walked back in and sat down before saying, “I just saw Rarity running off like a mad mare. She said something about a picnic in the park.”
As Spike giggled he said, “Yeah, we’re going to have a quiet picnic in the park by that tree on the hill. You wanna join us?”
Twilight giggled and shook her head as she said, “Na. I’ve still got all these notes I want to go over, but thank you for the invitation. You go and enjoy yourself with Rarity. You haven't seen her for 2 weeks after all."
As Spike got up out of his throne, he said, “You sure?." Seeing Twilight give a nod of her head as she smiled, Spike said, "Well, ok then. I need to go get ready."
************
As Spike sat in the park watching the ponies around him play, he couldn’t help smile. “Such a beautiful day. I know I’ve only been gone for 2 weeks, but I really have missed this place,” he thought to himself before spotting Rarity trotting up to him with a smile on her face and the Fire Ruby around her neck.
Rarity kissed Spike on the cheek and giggled a bit as she said, “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long, my Spikey-wikey.”
Spike laughed as he said, “Not at all. You’re fashionably late as always, my love. Please have a seat. I hope you don’t mind. I didn’t really have a lot of time so I just made some sandwiches and brought some cupcakes from Sugarcube Corner.”
As Spike started to lay some sandwiches on some plates, Rarity said, “Not at all. A nice light lunch is just what I need on a lovely day such as this. I didn’t really have much time to get ready myself, but I wanted to wear this,” Rarity said as she held the Fire Ruby in her hoof, before saying, “I hope you don’t mind.”
As Spike sat down besides Rarity, he giggled and said, “Mind? Why would I mind? It’s yours. And besides, I always love it when you wear it.”
Rarity couldn’t help but giggle slightly as she bit into a sandwich and saw the look on Spike’s face. He had the same look he’d always given her. That goofy look she loved so much.
They both sat under the tree in the cool summer breeze enjoying their food and each other’s company as Rarity filled Spike in on what had been going on in the weeks he was away. After some time had passed and the sandwiches were gone, Spike passed Rarity a cupcake. As he did, she asked, “So, Spike, what else did you get up to in the Dragon Lands?” Curious to hear what he’d been up to.”
Spike smiled and said, “Hmmm. I got to have a lava bath. Now don’t get me wrong, I love my bubble baths, but there’s nothing like a good lava bath to really get you relaxed. If the Pony Spa had one of them, I don’t think I’d ever leave.” As he and Rarity laughed, he continued by saying, “Apart from that, I spent most of my time working.”
“Working?” Rarity asked confused, as she looked at Spike.
He nodded and said, “Yeah. It’s actually the reason why I wanted to go to the Dragon Lands alone.” As he reached into the picnic basket, he said, “I needed some time to work on this without anypony finding out.” As he pulled out a little box and said, “I know this may not be the most romantic of places, but I don’t want to wait anymore,” As Spike opened the box in front of Rarity, revealing a ring with a ruby in the shape of a flame that had three little sapphires in the shape of Rarity’s Cuite Mark inside it. He said, “Rarity Belle, would you make me the happiest dragon in the world and marry me.”
Nothing, no screaming or jumping up and down. Not even a yes, just silence. Spike started to panic and said, “I mean, I know we’re already technically married by dragon standards, but I want everyone to know just how much I love you.” Still Rarity said nothing. Spike started to get really nervous and said, “Besides, it occurred to me that I never really got you a ring, right? Can’t get married without one.” He giggled nervously before slowly moving closer to Rarity’s face and saying, "Rar-“
Just then Rarity pounced on Spike knocking him onto his back and as she lay on top of him. With tears in her eyes, she said, “Yes! A million times yes! How could there be any other answer?” before passionately kissing him on the lips.
After awhile, they broke their kiss and sat up. Rarity used her magic to take the ring out the box and marveled at its beauty as she said, “So this was the reason you didn’t want anyone to come with you to the Dragon Lands.”
Spike smiled and said, “Yeah. I wanted it to be a surprise. Took a bit longer than I wanted it to, though. I got the idea of using a Fire Ruby and a Sapphire from our necklaces. I thought what better thing to go with your necklace than a Fire Ruby ring with sapphires shaped in the style of your Cuite Mark? Was it too much?”
Rarity shook her head repeatedly and said “No. It’s perfect. Will you put it on me, please?”
As Spike smiled and took the ring, placing it on Rarity’s horn,” she couldn’t stop smiling as she asked, “How do I look, Mr. The Dragon?” As she giggled.
Spike couldn’t help but stare, lost in Rarity’s beauty as he looked at her standing in front of him with the Fire Ruby necklace and now the Fire Ruby ring on her horn, accompanied by the biggest smile on her face. He cleared his throat before saying, “I’ve never seen a creature so perfect in all my life.”
Rarity giggled and sat down beside Spike, as she kissed him and snuggled up next to him before she said, “We should probably tell our friends, but for now let’s just stay her for a bit and enjoy the quiet, if only for a bit longer.”
Spike wrapped a wing around Rarity, kissed her and smiled as he looked out to the other ponies in the park enjoying their day, unaware of what just happened before he giggled and said, “Yeah. There’s no rush. Let’s just enjoy the moment.”