Family Is Love

by Phantom-Dragon


Little Gutsy

After finding the little minotaur infant, whom they named “Gutsy,” the first creature both dragon and griffon agreed to seek help from is Fluttershy.

Fluttershy is famous for her unnatural kindness and quiet demeanor, as well as her knowledge of animals and creatures known to pony kinds. If anyone knows a thing or two about raising a minotaur, then it’s her.

That, and because Fluttershy, herself, had a run-in with a minotaur, by the name Iron Will. So that's another reason to seek advice from her.

Speaking of whom, it was almost sundown. Fluttershy was at her cottage, feeding her chickens, when Spike and Gabby arrived for a visit.

"Fluttershy!" Spike called out, with Gabby and little Gutsy in tow.

"Oh, hi Spike!" Fluttershy waved to the dragon and griffin. "Hello Gabby. What brings you two here?"

"We were on a date," Spike explained.

"But then we found this poor kid, and we came to ask you for some advice," Gabby explained, holding up the baby minotaur, little Gutsy to Fluttershy.

"Aw, he's so adorable!" Fluttershy cooed, squealing at the sight of the minotaur. "Can I hold him?"

"Sure!" Gabby smiled, holding the young minotaur for Fluttershy to cradle.

As expected, the little minotaur took an instant liking to Fluttershy and willing snuggled up close to Fluttershy, enjoying the warmth and softness of her hold.

"Aw, what a sweetie," Fluttershy cooed, rubbing her nose against the minotaur's.

"I knew he'd like you," Spike smiled.

"How do you do that, Fluttershy?" Gabby asked. "How do you get animals and every baby creatures to like you, right away?"

"I...I don't know," Fluttershy replied. "It just sorta...happens."

"Well, whatever it is, we could definitely use your help, Fluttershy," Spike began.

"Help?" Fluttershy replied, with a look of curiosity. "With what? If you don't mind my asking."

"You see, Gabby and I," Spike began. "We've been discussing about what we should do with little Gutsy here. That's his name, by the way," The dragon winked at the last part to Fluttershy.

"We've tried to find his family," Gabby added. "But we had no luck. So we agreed..."

"...to take him into custody," Spike finished.

Fluttershy could hardly believe her ears, "Are you saying..."

Spike and Gabby turned to exchange knowing glances, before they nodded and said together, "We're adopting him!"

Fluttershy had a look of surprise, before it widened into an elated smile, "That's wonderful!" She said. "Oh, I...I...I can hardly believe it. You two are doing such a kind act, taking in an orphan child, like this. Does Twilight know about it?"

"No," Spike shook his head. "At least, not yet," Getting back on topic, Spike continued, "Anyway, the reason we came to you Fluttershy is, you're the kindest pony to every other creatures and ponies we know."

"That, and I remember how much the CMCs would go on and on about how you were their favorite foalsitter, once," Gabby added.

"So, we were hoping you might know all there is to taking care of a minotaur, or even a child one at that."

"Oh my," Fluttershy gasped, as she gently sets Gutsy down on the grasses. "To be honest, I don't know a whole lot about minotaurs, besides Iron Will. Besides being one of the strongest, if not, the loudest of magical creatures, I...I don't know their exact diets, or their needs. I think you're better off asking Iron Will for advice."

Spike, however, remembering the negative comments he's heard about Iron Will, from Fluttershy and Twilight, not to mention the bad influence he had on the students of Twilight's School of Friendship, knew better. See Season 8 Episode A Matter of Principals.

"I think we're better off asking you for advice, Fluttershy," Spike restated his option. "Can you at least help us with how we can take care of him?"

"Yeah, not like a minotaur," Gabby added. "But like how you would raise any child."

"Oh, that's an easy one," Fluttershy smiled. "First, he needs a lot of love and attention. Second, make sure he is well fed. Maybe give him lots of milk, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And as I recall, Iron Will does like to eat some oats, now and then, so perhaps a bowl of warm mashed oats is good for little Gutsy. And lastly, just love him, like how you would for any child."

"I can give him lots of love and attention!" Gabby chirped. "Before I was even a Cutie Mark Crusader, I've always been giving some love and cheers to other griffins in Griffonstone, whether they liked it or not. Though, looking back on them, I guess there were some boundaries I should consider," Looking down at Gutsy, Gabby nuzzled the little minotaur with her beak, "But, if I'm going to be a mom, then I'll give him the best love and support any mother would give for their child."

Spike smiled as he wrapped an arm around Gabby, reassuring her, "I'm sure you'd make a wonderful mother, Gabby. And Gutsy will be lucky to have you."

"Aw, thanks Spike," Gabby smiled, kissing her special dragon, on the cheek. "And I think you'll make a great father."

Spike cringed at the comment, "I hope so," He chuckled nervously. 'Hopefully, a better dragon dad than a certain fat guy, who tricked me, when I was a kid...'

"Well," Fluttershy giggled. "Then I guess you two will be the best parents Gutsy could ever have."

Just then, a small, audible yawn was heard, drawing the friends' attention to the little minotaur, whose tired eyes drooped shut, as he curled himself up into a ball and fell asleep. The adults finally noticed that night has fallen, with Princess Luna's moon and stars decorating the sky.

"Oh my, I didn't realize it was so late!" Fluttershy gasped. "I need to check on every one of my animal friends, in my sanctuary, and cottage. It's pass their bedtime. And you should all get some sleep as well!"

Gabby yawned and stretched her wings, "Welp, I'd better get back to Griffonstone," With a flap of her wings, Gabby took to the air.

"Hey, Gabby!" Spike called. "What about me and Gutsy? What am I supposed to do with him?"

"I think he should stay with you and Princess Twilight, for the night, Spike," Gabby called. "Tell Princess Twilight I said hi! See you tomorrow!"

Spike looked back at Fluttershy, just in time for the kind pegasus to retreat into her house, leaving him alone with the baby.

"I guess you're staying with me, tonight then," Spike said to Little Gutsy, as he spread his wings, and they flew off towards Canterlot.


Even after all these years, it amazed Spike how, once upon a time, he and Twilight once lived in Canterlot, with their family, Twilight's parents, and brother, Shining Armor, along Princess Cadence, and Twilight's former classmates, Moon Dancer, Twinkleshine, Lemon Heart, Minuette, and Lyra Heartstrings.

Then one day, they moved to Ponyville, where both he and Twilight befriended the very ponies who would change their lives forever.

And now, here they are, living in Canterlot Castle, the former home of their ruler and mentor, Princess Celestia, and her sister, Princess Luna.

"You're going to love it here, Gutsy," Spike smiled to his adopted minotaur son. "I know I did."

"Spike, there you are!" Twilight called, as she walked around a corner, up to her dragon advisor. "Where've you been? I was...Oh!" She exclaimed, upon taking notice of the bundle in Spike's caring arms. "Who is this?"

"Twilight, meet Gutsy," Spike held out the young minotaur. "I'm going to adopt him."