It has been a month since the Crusaders and Spike entered the pods, late in the afternoon of the final day the pods burst open as the Crusades and Spike laid in a pool of green slime. Spike and Scootaloo were holding on to each other tight as they slowly woke up to see the mane six and Thorax staring at them in awe.
"Good morning, your transformations are complete," Thorax said as Twilight approached Spike to get a good look at him.
Spike was now a changeling with a purple exoskeleton and solid green eyes. Twilight lifted a hand to Spike and gently caressed his cheek, he felt hard to the touch but still warm. Spike blushed as she stroked him. "Twilight, you're embarrassing me." He said before bringing her into a hug. "It's ok, I'm still the same Spike, I just look different is all." He said as he hugged Twilight tightly.
Apple Bloom broke the silence as her sister hugged her. " It's not over yet, we've decided to stay here, at least for now." Apple Bloom said as she hugged her sister tightly, knowing what she's giving up, she let out a tear.
"We don't know when or if Chrysalis will attack but now we're ready, all we need to do is train the four of you." Thorax said as he told his subjects to bring them armor. "There is someone I'd like you to meet though, you'll also be trying to help her out." Thorax continued as he motions to someone. A young female came out, about the age of the CMC or maybe half their age.
"I-I remember you." Spike said as he saw her. "You were the one watching us as we transformed" Spike contained.
"This is Ocellus, she's really interested in learning about friendship, but relies too much on what's written about it."
Spike smiled smugly and gently nudged Twilight. "Kinda like someone else I know."
Twilight just coyly smiled and ruffled Spike's head. "Really? Who would that be?" She jokingly asked?
"Anyway, I was hoping you four could help." Thorax continued as Spike and the CMC gave a nod that they'll help.
Months go by as Spike and the CMC help young Ocellus try to make friends within the hive, though besides her family, she spends most of her time with the Crusaders and Spike, after they are done training of course. "Ocellus, you know ya really gotta try and make more friends right?" Apple Bloom asked her.
"I know, but I think you and the others are enough." Ocellus said as she hugs Apple Bloom.
"But you can never have too many friends." Apple Bloom tried to convince her to try but to no avail.
That night Spike and the CMC talk about the progress, but also the lack of progress Ocellus is making, King Thorax is there to also discuss. While discussing Spike brings up how he and Twilight have been writing to each other and reads one of the letters aloud.
Dear Spike, I'm glad that everything is going well for you at the changeling kingdom, though I really miss having you around. I've read your letters about Ocellus and it seems like she really needs a push to get out of her comfort zone, I think I have the perfect solution, I plan on opening a school of friendship for all creatures big and small, I honestly think this place will help her make friends outside of her circle and to not rely on what's in books, so she can experience how different friendships works. She can always sign up at any time. The school will be open next week so I hope to see her there. Love, Twilight.
"So, what do you think?" Spike asked the rest of the small consul.
A moment of silence swept through the room until Thorax broke it. "If you all and Twilight think this is the best course of action, then I support it, you have my full gratitude for trying to help Ocellus.
A week passed and Thorax escorted Ocellus to the School Of Friendship. Ocellus showed a little resistance saying that she wants to stay at the hive, but Thorax told her this would be good for the hive and for her.
Upon returning to the hive Thorax saw Spike and the Crusaders training, they've mastered changing forms quickly, so all that was left was combat training, Pharynx was harsh and rough, but also kind when needed. He thought to himself that this could work, he looked up in the sky to see a black cloud moving, but soon sounded an alarm.