//------------------------------// // The Robot's Lesson // Story: A Dragon and his Robot Friend // by Wildcard25 //------------------------------// As the sun rose over the land, its light peaked in through Spike's window. The little dragon rubbed his eyes, before opening them. He looked and saw no sign of his robot friend that he brought online last night. “Dragotron?” Spike asked, before sitting straight up in bed, “Dragotron?!” he quickly got out of bed and looked outside his room, “Oh, don't tell me I lost him already.” he groaned, before running down the hall. Suddenly he pulled to a halt before sniffing the air, “Mm, something smells good,” he follows the scent into the kitchen. Upon entering he saw Dragotron was mixing batter into a big bowl, “Dragotron?” The robot dragon took notice of Spike and spoke, “Ah, good morning, Spike. I trust you slept well?” “Like a baby,” Spike admitted, “But what're you doing?” “I thought you and every pony could use a good breakfast this morning. So I'm making pancakes. Would you care to help me?” Spike smiled at those words, “You know it.” and so Spike joined in with both creator and creation working together. Soon, every pony was awake and upon entering the dining room, they saw Spike and Dragotron setting plates pancakes down before every seat. “Mm, that smells delicious.” Pinkie licked her lips. “Now this is a fine way to start the morning.” Applejack agreed, as she took a seat followed by the others. “Spike, did you make all this?” Cadence asked, while sitting Flurry in her high chair. “Dragotron and I did.” Spike answered. “It was a team effort.” Dragotron said, as he and Spike stood side by side. Starlight spoke with a smile, “Only one night and already you two are bonding.” Twilight took a bite and smiled, “Mm, delicious. Dragotron how did you know to cook so well?” “It is part of my programming, and last night I did plenty of binge reading which included cook books as well.” the robot dragon replied. “Well, you certainly surpassed my expectations.” Rarity complimented him. “Thank you. After all isn't this what friends do together?” “Yeah, it is.” Spike replied. Even though he had no tone, the girls could still tell Spike was still bitter about being left out in so much fun between them in the past. But not wanting to spoil the mood just ate what was served. “I hope there's seconds.” Celestia said. “There's enough for seconds and thirds.” Dragotron assured the princess. “Yeah, but I don't wanna fill up so early. After all, you and I got plans for today.” Spike told his friend. “What kind of plans?” Fluttershy asked. Spike replied, “I'm showing Dragotron around Ponyville to help him get used to his new surroundings.” “Yes. It will do me plenty of good to get out and see the town.” Dragotron admitted. “Well, you definitely have a lot to see here in Ponyville.” Twilight assured him. “Based off the history I read about this town, I believe you.” “As long as its the just the good parts.” Rainbow nudged Applejack. “I am also aware of the troubles this town has dealt with on numerous occasions. Mainly beast and monster sightings.” “Well, hopefully we won't be dealing with anything like that today.” Spike said, as they continued eating. Afterward, Spike and Dragotron left the castle and headed for town. As they walked, several pony bystanders were surprised at what was accompanying Spike. Thankfully no pony burst out into screaming which relieved Spike. Spike looked up at Dragotron and spoke, “I'm sorry if their staring is making you uncomfortable.” “It is all right. After all, surprise and confusion are natural reactions when seeing something not many are accustomed to seeing.” the robot said in understanding. Suddenly the two were stopped by the pony besties Lyra and Bonbon. The mint green unicorn spoke up, “Spike, who is this?” “A new friend of mine.” Spike answered, as the robot waved to the two. “Hello. I am Dragotron. I am delighted to meet you both.” “Same,” Bonbon replied, “I'm Bonbon and this is Lyra.” “Hi.” the unicorn greeted. “You sure don't look like an average dragon.” Bonbon noted. “That is because I am a robot, built by Spike here.” “You built him, Spike?” Lyra asked the young dragon. “I sure did. Of course I did have help.” “How nice of you to remember to credit me, Spike.” came the Doc who trotted over. “Like I'd forget.” he asked rhetorically. Doc looked Dragotron over in amaze, “Marvelous, simply marvelous.” “You are Dr. Whooves, correct?” Dragotron asked. “Indeed I am.” “You are the one who helped Spike with my creation. I thank you for that.” “It was my greatest pleasure. And now you stand before us as a symbol of our combined work.” The Doc said. Spike nodded and spoke, “I'm showing Dragotron around Ponyville to help him get used to his surroundings.” “A logical thing to do.” The Doc confirmed. “Well, we better get going.” Spike said, as the two pressed on. “It was lovely to meet you three.” Dragotron said, as he and Spike walked on. And so they walked with Spike pointing out all the places in town, “That's Sugarcube Corner. Finest place to get something sweet. I know it doesn't mean much to you since you don't require edible nourishment.” “That's ok. I'm glad to know this place. Now I know where to go in case you need something sweet to eat.” Dragotron said making Spike smile. They stopped before Rarity's place, as Spike continued, “This is Carousel Boutique. It's where Rarity lives and works as a fashion designer.” “I've read up on some magazine articles featuring her and several of her designs. She certainly does know so much about style.” “That she does.” Spike agreed, while thinking about Rarity. Though he was bitter about how much Rarity took advantage of him and his attentiveness, he still knew Rarity genuinely cared for him which he always felt appreciative of. Dragotron looked at Spike and through his vision saw Spike's body temperature was rising, “Spike, your body temperature is starting to increase. And your heart rate is beating faster than normal. These are clearly signs you are feeling what they call love. And this just started the moment we were talking about Rarity. I deduce you have deep feelings for her.” Spike did a double take about Dragotron's analyzing before turning away in embarrassment, “Come on, let's keep up with the tour!” he went on ahead, as Dragotron followed with a small smirk on his face. The two continued around Ponyville with the tour, until they stopped before the remains of the Golden Oaks Library.” “This is the Golden Oaks Library.” Dragotron said. “Yeah. Or what's left of it.” Spike sighed. “This was the first place you and Twilight lived when you two moved to Ponyville.” Dragotron recalled from his research. “Yeah. Until Tirek destroyed it.” Spike sighed. “Both you and Twilight must've had a lot of good memories of this place.” Dragotron said. “We sure did, for as long as I can remember I've just lived in Canterlot helping Twilight with her studies. Then we moved here and so much happened since then.” Spike reminisced. “And yet you still remained at Twilight's side.” the robot noted. “I had to. There are so many times Twilight would be lost without me to bring her back to reality. Sure she overreacts a lot, but she's always felt appreciative to me, even when she realizes she puts too much pressure on me.” Spike looked down remembering the good times with Twilight despite how he was more focused on the bad things as of late. “Spike?” Dragotron asked, as he looked down at him. “Dragotron, if I'm being honest. I don't wanna be so mad at Twilight and the girls now,” Spike confessed, “I know last night I chewed them out for how they neglected me, and yet they are the only family I have. And honestly I'd rather have that than none at all.” “Last night you mainly listed off the bad parts of your friends and how you stand with them. Thinking more about the better times will help improve your mental state.” Dragotron suggested. Spike listening to his robot thought about his friends remembering the better times. Sure Twilight was more focused on reading and studying before they moved to Ponyville, but when she really needed a break, Spike was there to help her see reason to take one. There was one time when he tried to convince Twilight to take a break but she kept on saying later, until Twilight finally snapped at Spike harshly causing him to just walk out. Eventually she realized it was wrong of her to snap at Spike and apologized to him deciding she'd study later and just spend time with him. (See MLP Fan Comic Maybe Later Spike). Even before that it was her who hatched him and raised him like he was her own, be it good times or bad times she was always there for him even when he didn't see it. When Spike thought of Rarity he realized there were many times it looked like Rarity took advantage of Spike for her own benefit, and yet he still wanted to be with her and show he's more mature than any stallion she ever knew and hoped she would eventually see he's not just a little dragon with some crush. Spike may have butted heads with Rainbow Dash before especially with how she hurt his feelings with her racial insult about dragons, but still knew her loyalty wasn't limited to just her pony friends. When Spike was on his journey during the dragon migration she was deeply concerned about him getting hurt and was willing to follow him with Twilight and Rarity, she was even willing to fight Garble and his buddies when they threatened to hurt Spike and the phoenix egg he rescued. She even had his back when they retrieved Flash Magnus' Shield from Garble when Spike had to compete for it. As Spike thought of Pinkie, he knew while Pinkie may have neglected to invite him to certain parties or introduce him to Maud along side the others, he still appreciated she would throw him fun birthday parties since he moved to Ponyville. And would always have a gem encrusted cupcake waiting for him whenever he'd go to Sugarcube Corner to pick something up for him and Twilight together. When he thought about Applejack he remembered how she saved him from Timberwolves, and knew she did it because she really cared about him. Even though there were times he'd offer to help out only to be rejected he realized after his whole sudden devotion to helping her and how poorly a job he had done around Sweet Apple Acres gave her plenty of reason to avoid asking him. Which now that he thought about it made him wonder why he was suddenly so bad at helping when all other times he's helped out he had been the best assistant to do anything for any pony. Finally when he thought of Fluttershy he thought of when they first met and how much she really wanted to know more about him while any other pony they met that day were more interested in getting to know Twilight. Sure they hadn't spent too much time afterward but he knew she never bad mouthed him or said anything truly hurtful to him ever. Spike looked up at Dragotron as the epiphany hit him hard, “I don't wanna be mad at the girls, Dragotron, no matter how much I feel they neglected me before.” “And what is your next course of action upon this realization?” Dragotron inquired. Spike looked determined, “I'm gonna talk to them.” “A wise choice.” Dragotron nodded. Spike hurried back with Dragotron following him. Back at the castle, the girls were in the lounge room relaxing and engaging in their own pastimes with Twilight reading with Starlight, Rarity laying on a fainting couch, Pinkie and Fluttershy sharing snacks, and Applejack and Rainbow were relaxing. Suddenly the doors flung open startling them as they saw Spike standing in the doorway looking sad while Dragotron stood behind him. “Spike?” Twilight asked, as she got off the couch, “What's wrong?” Spike didn't say anything, he just ran to Twilight and embraced her sobbing on her shoulder. This took the girls by surprise, especially Twilight, “Spike, what's wrong?” she asked in concern. “Twilight. I'm so sorry!” Spike sobbed. “You're sorry? For what?” Twilight asked in confusion. “For what I said about you last night. What I said about all of you!” Spike continued to pour his feelings out, “I was just so mad at you all I said things I shouldn't have.” Twilight hugged Spike and calmed him down, “Oh, Spike. I'm the one that should be sorry.” “We all should.” Applejack added, as they gathered closer. Spike looked at the girls who smiled sadly at him, “Spike, you had every right to be mad at us. You do so much for me and all of us, and we never truly show you how grateful we should be.” “Leaving you out on so many extra super special fun times is a lousy way to thank you.” Pinkie said feeling equally sad. “And I've spent more time with Twilight and every pony else I've neglected to actually spend real time with you.” Starlight voiced her own shame. “I know it's asking a lot, but could you ever forgive us?” Fluttershy asked hopefully. Spike smiled, as he opened his arms up further, “Get in here all of you.” the girls smiled, as they piled in and joined their hug. “Spike, we promise you from now on we're going make sure to include you more.” Rainbow promised. “Absolutely.” Rarity agreed. “You really mean it?” Spike asked. “We Pinkie Promise,” Pinkie said, as she and the girls performed the seal, “Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye!” “Thank you, girls,” Spike smiled, “And if it's not too much trouble. Think you can all help me in educating Dragotron in more of Equestria?” Twilight smiled and nodded, “We would all be delighted.” Applejack looked at the robot dragon, “Get in here, partner.” Dragotron approached and crouched down joining the group in their hug, “This display of affection feels so welcoming.” he admitted. “It sure is.” Spike agreed. As they hugged, Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Shining, and Flurry entered, “Is every pony...” Celestia began, as they stopped to see the group hugging. “Looks like we walked in on something private.” Shining teased, only for Cadence to nudge him. “I take it you all made up?” Cadence asked. “We sure did.” Twilight confirmed. “And I learned it wasn't right for me to try and shut the girls out of my life by creating a robot friend. I want them to join in in sharing that joy.” Spike explained, as he looked at Dragotron who had Pinkie Pie still hugging him. “And I too desire to make more friends.” Dragotron said. Celestia nodded, “You will find no better group of friends to learn along side then this bunch.” “And that's a fact.” Luna agreed, as the group laughed. That night in Spike's room, Spike was in his bed, as Twilight served him some hot cocoa with extra marshmallows, “There you go, Spike. This will help you sleep.” “Thanks, Twilight.” Spike yawned. “It's the least I can do.” Twilight replied, as the two hugged, “Goodnight, Spike.” “Night, Twilight.” Spike said, as he took a sip of his cocoa. “Goodnight, Dragotron.” Twilight told the robot. “Goodnight, Twilight.” he said, as she left Spike's room. Spike looked to his robot friend, “Dragotron, thanks for helping me get over my anger.” “It was my pleasure.” “Heh, it's amazing. I built you to be a friend. Turns out you were already enough of a friend to help me mend my ways with my other friends.” “I am glad to be of service.” “Well, goodnight, buddy.” Spike said, as he finished his drink. “Goodnight.” Dragotron said, as he went into recharge mode.