//------------------------------//
// Summer Begins 
// Story: Rockabye Dragon 
// by L Drkheart 
//------------------------------//

“Hey, mom… is Cady going to be okay? She’s been like that for the last week…” Celestia innerly sighed at the question, she too was worried for her adopted niece. It had been her own guilt taken form that had attempted to harm Cadence and Spike and she had left them to deal with it. Cadence taking a life, even an artificial one, was something that Celestia had hoped that the young mare would never have to face but now she saw herself as a failure as a princess and even worse, a killer. In her depression she hid away in her room, sobs were heard from outside hurt the hearts of every guard and servant that had to pass the room. 
Shining Armor had promised that he wouldn’t leave her side, spending the first ten hours in front of her door talking and trying to get her to answer him. He ended up falling asleep in front of her door. That night, Blueblood had gotten up to get some warm milk and was on his way back to his room when he saw Cadence open her door and wake Shining. The sleepy stallion hugged her tightly, whispering sweet words in her ear as she clung to him desperately. After a minute, she sniffled and headed back into her room, lightly pulling Shining with her.  
“Of course dear… she just needs time to think some things over. Shining is with her anyway so trust him to get her back to her normal self, you, on the other hand, have something else to focus on.” 
“I do?”
“Yes, the Summer Sun Celebration is tonight in Canterlot and I decided that, given recent events, you do deserve a bit more freedom. At least while I’m with you.” Spike’s eyes widened in shock and they sparkled as he clamped his claws together and leaned forward on his toes.
“You really mean it!?! I’ll get to see the festival?!” Celestia smiled gently and nodded as he began to cheer and hop.
“But I have several conditions.” The dragon stopped his celebration, something had told him this would be the case so he wasn’t really surprised. “First, you are not to take this off.” She used her magic to pull out an ancient-looking cloak that was blue with yellow stars and light blue moons, bells all attached to it. 
“Aww but mom that thing doesn’t look like it’s been in fashion since you were my age.” Celestia giggled before using some magic on the cloak and giving it to Spike. 
“That was because it belonged to Starswirl the Bearded, he was never one for style if I’m honest. Wearing it should give turn you into a young colt, but should it get knocked off and the enchantment will fail. Second, I want you near me okay? The crowds can get very crazy and I don’t want to lose you among them, if you were to say your mother was the princess then it would lead to many questions. Third, I want you to enjoy yourself my little sunshine.” Spike ran and hugged her tightly.
“I love you, mom…”
“And I you little one now try it on.” Spike nodded and slipped the cloak around his neck, clamping it on and suddenly he fell on all fours, suddenly finding his legs unable to support his body. He rubbed his head and groaned but gasped looking at his hand or rather his hoof. He was a small purple pegasus colt with a long messy green mane that spiked out at random places. “Awe my little boy is so adorable!” Celestia scooped up her son and rubbed her cheek against his. 
“Mom! Sheesh, you really know how to embarrass me you know that?” He blushed and playfully pushed her face from his.
“It’s a parent thing~” She stuck her tongue out and then booped his nose with hers making him release a tiny sneeze where an ember came from his mouth. “Hmm seems like the enchantment kept your insides the same.”
“It feels so strange not having fingers…” He wobbled around on his hooves, carefully taking each step to not fall. Celestia watched him, giving him pointers and soon he was trotting at a reasonable pace. “I’m ready to face the night!” The princess smiled biting his tail as he tried to run out but pulled him back and placed him on her back. 
“Not so quick mister, rule two remember? Stick with me.”
“What if somepony questions us?”
“You are Emerald Spikes, the son of one of the castle maids and I graciously offered to take you to see the festival.”
“Emerald Spikes?”
“Fitting isn’t it?” Spike playfully rolled his eyes and the two set out of the castle into the city which was bursting with life and strange sights in every direction. Spike had never seen so many ponies before like this. He pointed at everything, happily fluttering in place on his mother’s back. The crowds would separate and bow before the princess who only bowed her head back and asked them to continue on with their nights. She couldn’t help the large smile seeing her son so filled with joy and wonder as they walked and she began to trot and play at some of the booths with him. Spike couldn’t help laughing when his mother tried aiming a ball at a tower of bottles only to end up hitting the booth owner to whom she apologized profusely. 
Spike smiled showing his mom a face paint of her cutie mark on his cheek and she got a similar one of a green flame on her cheek. The two took several pictures together making funny faces and weird poses that made them laugh. They marveled at the tricks of a famous local magician, who ended the show with the help of his daughter by blowing up a series of fireworks that made the shape of Celestia’s cutie mark. They stopped to try some sunflower seeds and rainbow pudding, something they regreted when they went on a ride that spun them faster and faster and Spike nearly made a pony resemble his friend Rainbow Dash. To help ease his stomach, Celestia stopped at an apple stand with no vender. 
“Hello? Mind if I buy an Apple?” 
“Hmm? Oh yes sorry about that, one moment please! Come on sweet pea, we’ll go play some games after this last sale promise.” A mare popped up from behind the stand and smiled tiredly. She had a very pale orange coat, orange mane, and brilliant turquoise eyes. “Well, I’ll be, Princess Celestia! It’s an honor ma’am, oh I’m Pear Butter but friends call me Buttercup. What can I do for you?”
“Ma, Ah want to see the dancers.” A little voice came from behind the mare and she smiled, bending a bit to let a filly jump onto her back. The filly had a much more orange coat than her mother and was blonde. Her green eyes saw the princess and widened in awe. “I-It’s the princess!”
“Hello little one, what’s your name?” 
“A-Applejack ma’am.”
“Are you enjoying the festival?” Applejack’s eyes shined and she smiled nodding, one tooth was missing giving the filly a crooked but cute smile. 
“Oh yeah! Ah haven’t been able to run round much but everything is so pretty.”
“Have you sold a lot of apples?” Applejack looked away while rubbing her hoof against her mother’s back. 
“Well, ma makes all the sales…” Celestia thought for a moment before smiling and nudging Spike who had been watching a series of dancers doing some kind of sun dance that even Celestia found strange. 
“How about this Ms. Applejack, this little guy is a pretty picky eater, so how about you two find the best apple you can and you sell it to him? If your mother lets you of course.”  
“M-Mom! I-I’m not picky!” Spike blushed and pouted a bit. Applejack looked at her mother eagerly and Pear smiled giving her a nod. Applejack hopped over to the Spike and pulled him with her behind the stand where several baskets of apples laid. 
“Thank you Princess.”
“My pleasure Miss Butter.  If you don’t mind me saying, you look quite tired.”
“Well being pregnant will do to some mares heh.” 
“You’re pregnant? I must say, I couldn’t really tell.” 
“Yes, you can take my husband’s mother for that. She keeps me on a steady diet, taking all my strength to hold back running to some of the local sweet shops around here. I heard Donut Joes is one of the best.”
“Do you live in Canterlot?”
“No, Ponyville is my home. I just came to sell some things during the festival and thought my daughter would like to see a bit of the big city. She doesn’t seem to be really content back on the ol farm.”
“Children do tend to enjoy new sights.” The two parents looked at the children as they were sifting through the apples, Celestia’s previous statement being proven true as Spike was looking at every perfectly fine apple and tossing them away, Applejack quick to put a basket on her head to catch each one. She was telling him about her life back on the farm and how her and her brother play a game similar to that.
“How long?”
“Pardon?” Pear giggled a bit and nudged the princess a bit. 
“How long have you had him?”
“I-I believe you got it all wrong! He’s my umm ninth maid’s son! She had to work and he wanted to see the festival so I agreed to take him!” Pear gave the princess a look, raising her eyebrow suspiciously.
“Princess, I think someone like you would give the night off to your staff so they could go off and have fun. You care that much for your subjects after all.” Celestia stared at the mare and sighed. 
“...I’m used to nobles just letting matters drop if I say so…” Pear patted the princess’s leg and giggled again.
“Sorry us farmers are a stubborn bunch. So how long?”
“He’ll be turning six soon. How did you know?”
“My little Applejack is seven and Lil Mac just turned eleven. Well, I was a bit unsure until you started watching him play, it was your eyes. They had so much more life and they lost the regal careful look and took on something I saw in myself so many times. Love I suppose, a parent’s love for the things we care for most.” Celestia saw that love in Pear’s eyes as she stared at her daughter, clapping her hooves as Applejack stopped Spike and the two stared at the biggest and most mouthwatering apple in his hooves. They cheered and he gave it to Applejack who began to mimic her mother and sold Spike the apple, giving him a moment to ask the princess for money. The princess used magic to slice the apple in half for the two children.
“Has he left the castle before? He seems pretty hyper to see Canterlot even with you living here.”
“Well… I don’t let him leave… for his own safety.” Pear gave the princess a kind hoof and smiled sadly. 
“It’s our job to protect them, to mold them into the right kind of pony but only they can say where their path leads. If my daughter decides to try this city life I’ll have no right to take that chance from her. I know you fear for your boy but give him the chance and he may just prove to you just how strong he can be.”
“But what if he falls?”
“That’s just a part of growing up I guess. Falling and losing hurts but you will always have those you love, I’m proof of that.”
“Thank you.”
“Anytime princess. Come on AJ let’s go see those clothes you were looking at earlier.”
“Okay ma! See ya Emerald! Rarity’s gonna be real jealous when Ah tell ‘er I met the princess!”
“Bye!” The two new friends shared a smile and wave as they rushed to their respective parents and separated. “She was nice.”
“And you said you wouldn’t get a fillyfriend~”
“Mom!!” The two wandered the festival a bit more until a few royal guards came up to the princess and said that she needed to start preparing for the raising of the sun. She nodded and began to walk with them, Spike sitting on her back when she saw Twilight Velvet nearby. Her family were trusted members of the princess’s own little family with them being the relatives of Shining and employers of Cadence. She approached the mare who was laughing and watching a ride, her husband was freaking out a bit while their daughter was laughing. 
“Enjoying yourself Mrs. Velvet?”
“Immensely so princess. How are you?”
“Been having more fun than I have in a long time, I was hoping I could ask for you a favor?”
“Anything! I’m happy to help.” 
“Well, I have to prepare for the raising of the sun but I have a certain little one here I was hoping you would watch for me?” Velvet looked at the colt a bit confused before she noticed the color scheme and realized who it was. 
“I see. I’d be honored to watch him for you.” 
“Thank you, Emerald would you mind staying with Mrs. Velvet? She’s the mother of Shining.” Spike’s ears perked up at that and jumped down off her back, rushing to Velvet’s side.
“You’re Shiny’s mommy?!” Celestia smiled and bowed her head to Velvet as the mare giggled and started to answer the colt’s questions about her son. The two were talking and sharing stories as Night Light wobbled off the ride with a bouncy purple filly next to him. 
“That was a fun ride Mommy!”
“Yeaaaah… tons of fun…” Velvet smiled and nuzzled her husband. “Who’s this little guy?” Velvet whispered into Night’s ear and he nodded, smiling at the colt and messing up his mane. “Hey there little guy, I’m Night Light. I’m Shining’s Father.”
“Ooo are you a soldier too?” Night chuckled a bit at the idea and opened his mouth but the filly beat him to it.
“Nopes! My daddy is an astronaut.
“Astronomer dear.”
“That too! He studies stars.” Spike looked up at the sky a bit, being reminded of the Doc back at the castle before remembering his manner teachings. He bowed his head to both the adults and then to the filly. 
“I’m S-S umm Emerald! Emerald Spikes thank you for taking care of me for my mommy.” The adults bowed their heads back but the filly looked confused.
“I’m Twilight Sparkle, you’re a bit weird you know that? Also I like your cape, it looks like the ones in the old book my daddy shows me sometimes.” The two children began to get to know each other as another show of the dancers began. Spike hopped onto Night’s back as Twilight jumped on Velvet’s and they cheered the dancers. They were hidden in costumes and masks, only their tails could be seen and all were painted the same color. “Mommy what kind of dances are they doing?”
“I don’t know sweetie, they sure ain’t from Canterlot.” The group watched the dancers and then many people turned, whispers broke out with the four catching a name. Cadence. They turned to see Cadence had left the castle and was walking with Shining by her side, Velvet and Night rushed to their son’s side. Eager to hear from him and to be next to the mare they come to see like a daughter. Twilight and Spike jumped down and started to follow when Twilight stopped. 
“What’s wrong Twi?”
“I want to ask those dancers something.” She rushed to talk to one with Spike looking between her and the others, deciding to go with Twilight so she isn’t alone. The two caught up with the last dancer as they were entering a tent. “Umm mister? I was hoping to ask you-”
“Hey back off kid!” He lightly pushed her away from the tent and Twilight pouted. 
“How rude. Come on Emerald, let’s go back. Em?” The colt was staring at the tent, trembling a bit. “What’s wrong?”
“I know that voice…” It was the voice of the masked pony from the Wonderbolts show. He was sure of it! If that pony was here, he may be up to no good again! Spike frowned and snuck into the tent with Twilight following close behind. 
“What are we doing? We can get in trouble!” She whispered but Spike shushed her. 
“I think these are bad ponies, I just want to see them.” The two peeked out from beside a crate and saw the dancers in a circle.
“Is the coast clear? The time of the raising of the sun is coming soon. Our plan must be put into motion just as the princess does her magic or we may be detected. The crystal must be placed perfectly if we are to make the princess look responsible.” Spike covered Twilight’s mouth just as she was about to gasp. “That is all, we must take our places. Legacy, you are to start the attack.” One of the group removed their mask and Spike gritted his teeth at seeing the unicorn that had attacked him before.
“Yes sir!” 
“Good, the rest of you with me. May the Emperor be with you.” The circle broke with most leaving the tent. Spike knew that whatever they were planning it would endanger his mother, he couldn’t allow that. He turned to Twilight and uncovered her mouth, whispering to her quickly. 
“Twilight, can you use magic?” 
“Not well, I never had to use it unless I was eating really…” Spike bit his lip and nodded.
“Okay, I need you to go find Shiny. Tell him where I am.”
“I’m not leaving you alone here.”
“I’m not asking, now go.” Twilight frowned wanting to argue but they could hear the sound of hoofsteps outside as crowds were heading for the princess’s display. Twilight knew they were running out of time and ran out. Spike sighed and took a deep breath before looking out at the unicorn who was busy working with a large lens made of crystal. Whatever the plan was that these villains had, it had to do with that lens, he would have to steal it. He snuck around and looked around the mostly empty tent, noticing the unicorn’s forgotten mask and costume he tried on the rather large and heavy wooden mask. ‘This is an awful plan…’ He shook the thought away before he ran as fast as he could at the distracted unicorn who heard the hoofsteps a second too late as he was slammed into and pushed back before he stopped himself and used his magic to zap the mask away. 
“That hurt you- the crystal!” He turned and used his magic to bring the lens over, it was fine other than a few scratches. “Good, now as for you!” Spike groaned and shook his head before remembering some of Applejack's stories, he stood and reared back a leg. 
“APPLE FAMILY BUCK!” He shouted as he kicked the mask with all strength that he had but the unicorn stopped it with his magic, giving Spike a few moments to run off and hide. 
“I don’t know who you think you are, but this is getting boring!” The unicorn began to destroy everything with blasts of magic, causing Spike to run, duck, and jump to dodge the strikes. Spike hid and breathed heavily behind some crates. He looked around and noticed the crystal lens was nearby enveloped in magic and he could see the unicorn’s reflection staring back at him. “Got ya.” Spike screamed as a blast hit him in the back and he was sent rolling across the ground, his cloak unclamping and covering him as his body reverted to its dragon form. “You think don’t know what you’re messing with kid, the Children of Grogar will not be stopped by the likes of you.”
“I… I-I won’t let you hurt my MAMA!!” The unicorn was shocked when the cloak was thrown aside and the dragon he fought before was there, emerald flames coming from his mouth.”
“Y-you again?!” Spike roared and let out a stream of flames at the unicorn who rolled to the side and blasted at him. Spike ran while shooting balls of fire out, hitting the tent and beginning to burn it. “You won’t stand in our way again!” The unicorn tried to keep his distance as Spike was moving closer but found himself blocked by the flames at his back. The dragon had caused a commotion, guards would be here soon if he didn’t leave now and that would compromise the plan.
The unicorn’s thoughts were interrupted as Spike jumped at the lens with a claw outstretched, trying to shatter it but the unicorn moved it just in time to save it and earn a scratch across his own eye. A scream rang out as the unicorn dropped the lens and held a hoof over his own eyes, blood leaking down his face. Spike stared in shock at his own shaking claw, tips red with blood. 
“I-I…” Spike was suddenly hit in the chest with magic, knocking him back. His consciousness went in and out. He coughed in pain and felt his sight failing him as a shadow appeared before it left. His head fell to the side and for a moment he could swear he saw his mother’s sun rising before all went dark.
.   .   .
Cadence raced from tent to tent, Spike was in danger and had been busy worrying about herself. They were all searching for Twilight and Spike when the filly ran up breathing heavily. She was able to wheeze out that Emerald was in a tent with a bad unicorn. Cadence asked Shining to stay with his family just in case Twilight had been seen and to report to the other guards and the princess as soon as he could. She looked around the empty streets, most of the city went to see Celestia raise the sun. 
“SPIKE!” She shouted and flew there hoping for an answer but nothing came. “No...“
“Cadence!” She turned to see Blueblood running to her side, wheezing. “I… I heard from S-Shiny… I really need to run more… Have you found him?”
“No… I don’t know what to do Blue…” Blueblood used his magic to gently pull her down and hugged her.
“You saved him before, this time I’m here to help and Shiny will get the others soon. We’ll find him, we always do.” The two shared a smile and then Blueblood noticed something, a cloud of smoke. “Spike…” Cadence began to race to the fire while Blueblood ran. She arrived just as Spike was blasted in the chest by an injured unicorn. 
“NO!” She checked on him and found he was fainting, his scales having protected him. She turned angrily as the unicorn could see he wasn’t gonna escape now. He quickly used his magic and lifted the crystal lens, running outside the tent and slotting it onto a stand before blasting it to make sure it couldn’t be moved. He smirked before the Princess of Love landed a solid punch in his jaw which knocked him to the ground. He held his bleeding eye and jaw, chuckling at her. 
“Too late Princess… In moments, Celestia will raise the sun and burn for it…” Cadence looked at the lens and tried to pull it off but couldn’t. She decided that she had to destroy it. She took a deep breath before storing magic in her horn and shouting as she unleashed it at the crystal. It cracked under the power but held.
“Come on! Just a bit more!!” 
“Looks like you could use some help!” Cadence opened an eye to see Blueblood beside her. He powered his horn and added his power to hers making the lens begin to crack more and more. Just as the sun was rising in front of them, a third blast came and the lens shattered completely. The two turned to see Shining nearby, holding Spike on his back. 
.   .   .
The unicorn, named Lost Legacy, was arrested and the princess commended the three on their actions. If that lens had been there when she rose the sun, it would have burned the crowd with strong rays of sunlight. They may have saved lives. She asked Cadence and Blueblood to take Spike back to the castle before he was seen and watched them leave. She told Shining Armor to tell his mother that she shouldn’t worry about letting Spike leave especially since it was because she was just worried about them. With the princess now mostly alone, she turned to the captain of her guards and adopted a serious tone. 
“This has gone on far enough, I am reactivating the S.M.I.L.E. The closer we get to her return it seems ancient dangers are also coming back. We need ponies on the inside.” The captain nodded promising to get her a list of recruits for a new line of agents.