//------------------------------//
// A Cold Shoulder 
// Story: Finding Your Place 
// by Jake The Army Guy 
//------------------------------//


Finding Your Place



by



Jake The Army Guy



Chapter Two: A Cold Shoulder


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A thick blanket of silence fell over the group as they left the train station, and nopony seemed to want to be the one to break it. Several times Twilight tried to break the oppressive stillness, but one look at Spike’s grimace kept her lips sealed. The only sounds were Spike's plodding footfalls and the occasional gasp from an onlooker as the trio made their way to the castle. Cadance had left the group to take the foals back home. She said it was nap time, but Spike was pretty sure it was to get them away from the "scary dagon." 

Shining looked up at Spike and sighed; the massive dragon looked downright tiny with his broad shoulders slumped and his head hung low. "Hey, Spike, if you're uncomfortable, we can walk faster."

"No, we can't, not unless you want me to start carving trenches in the street. Stupid pavement," he muttered. 

Shining looked down, and sure enough Spike's steps were ginger and careful, landing on the heels of his claws, his talons flexed high. 

"Besides, it's, uh, not safe for me to move very fast." Shining arched his eyebrow, and Spike sighed. "Last week in Ponyville I turned a corner too fast and clobbered a pony in the head with my tail."

"Whoa. Were they okay?"

Spike waved his claw dismissively. "Eh, it was Snails, we never noticed a difference."

They walked in stillness for a few more minutes. They turned a final corner, coming to a long, straight road: Rodeo Drive, the cultural high-point of Canterlot. High-priced shops lined the street, expansive windows showcasing expensive designer clothing. Carriages sped to and fro, pulled by burly stallions dressed in sleek racing clothes, blurring by hooficure salons and high-priced farriers. At the end of the road, Canterlot Palace loomed, pearl and gold gates leading to the heart of Equestrian government. The hustle and bustle exemplified the extreme extravagance of Canterlot. 

The hustle and bustle screeched to a halt—literally in the case of one buggy—when Spike came into view. Jaws dropped along with bags of overpriced goods as he began his slow, awkward walk down the road. A pair of elderly mares opens their mouths as if to scream, but they were silenced by the sight of the uniformed General walking next to him, more specifically the icy death glare he shot them. 

Shining turned back to Spike with a shaky smile. "So, uh..." his eyes darted around a bit, "you've only had your wings for five months and you still made the flight to Canterlot on your own? Heh, Rainbow must be a real good teacher!"

Spike snorted, sending a plume of smoke skyward. “You’re kidding, right? Rainbow is the worst teacher in the history of everything!”

Twilight scoffed. “Oh, come on, Spike. She wasn’t that bad!”

Spike shot her a very nonplussed glare. "You’re right, she wasn’t bad. She was evil! She drilled me night and day, constantly screaming and blowing that Celestia-forsaken whistle in my ear! After three days of training with her, I couldn’t even unfurl my wings!”

Shining raised an eyebrow at that. "You know, most ponies would be grateful to have a former Wonderbolt teach them how to fly."

"A very cranky, very pregnant, very hormonal former Wonderbolt. One minute she's praising my progress, the next she's walking away, claiming I'm hopeless!"

"Spike, cut her some slack," Twilight chided. "Halfway through her first pregnancy, it's expected that she would be a bit... moody. Besides, she always came back, eventually."

He snorted. “Yeah, only because Macintosh would promise to...” He trailed off, a slight shudder coursing through him.

On his other side, Shining looked between the two. “Promised to what?”

Spike looked down at him. “Uh, have you eaten today?” Shining nodded. “Then you don’t want to know.”

Shining halted mid-step for a second, then shook his head and resumed his pace. 

“Okay, so your flight teacher isn’t in the best shape to be effective, but,” Twilight said with a sly grin, “your magic teacher is pretty good, right?”

As Spike jerked to a halt, Shining once more shot a confused glance to Twilight. “Magic? Wait, since when can Spike do magic?"

“Since always. Remember all those scrolls you have me burp up?”

Shining blushed. “Oh, heh, right. But, you mean he can do more now?”

"Yes!” Twilight’s eyes gleamed, her grin threatening to overtake her face. “You see, when,” she shuddered briefly, “he poured so much magic into Spike's thaumatic ganglia, the resulting overload that caused his rapid growth also stimulated his Hoofinberg gland, causing his nervous system to prematurely connect with his internal thaumatic reserves, thus activating his latent magical abilities!" She panted quietly, her eyes beaming. 

Shining blinked several times, then looked to Spike, who sighed. "When Parchment aged me, the massive amount of magic jump-started my inherent dragon magic, so now I can use active magic." He looked away, his right hind claw tapping at the pavement. "Well, in theory..."

"Spike, you’ve shown lots of, uh, potential! You just need to give it time." 

Shining scratched his head. "So, what kind of magic can he do? Or, is he supposed to be able to do?"

"Well," Twilight said, "according to the only reference guide we have on dragons, Drakenwyrms, like Spike, are 'dragons of both Earth and sky.' I think this means that he has access to all kinds of elemental magics." She gasped, her eyes lighting up. "Spike, show Shining what you learned!"

Spike gave her a sheepish chuckle, his eyes darting around the street. "Uh, that's okay, Twi. I'll show him later."

She hopped in front of him, and expectant smile on her face. "Oh, come on, Show him!"

"Twilight, we're in the middle of the street."

"Show him!"

"Come on, Twi! It can wait until we—"

"Show him, show him, show him!" Twilight was bouncing on her hooves. 

"Okay, okay! Jeez..."

Shining chuckled at Twilight's antics. "Well, now I can't wait to see!"

Spike groaned and reared back onto his hind legs, raising his right claw to his face. He took a deep breath and extending his index finger, staring intently at it. 

For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a dull green glow emanated from the tip of his claw. Spike's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing to slits as he focused. His breathing was loud and harried, a slight tremble coursing through him. 

A low thrumming sound filled the air, and Shining winced and took a hesitant step back, the building energy causing an uncomfortable tremor in his horn. Spike was grunting and straining now, focused with deadly intent on the growing point of light on his claw. 

Ponies that had gathered in hesitant awe at the huge dragon were now backing away from the building magical maelstrom. Servants and bus colts abandoned their charges and dove for cover. A pair of young looking unicorns held each other tightly, shielding their eyes from the swirling magic. A burly stallion in a hoofservant's suit let out a extremely high-pitched shriek and dove behind the decrepit old mare he'd been escorting. 

In the street, Spike was now grunting loudly. The gathering magic formed a shimmering aura around his claw, dancing like heat waves off concrete. Then finally, with a deafening groan, Spike released the swirling miasma of arcane energy. 

bzzt

A grand total of two sparks, maybe three depending on the angle it was viewed from, didn't spew so much as fall from his claw. Shining looked, and on the very tip of his outstretched claw was a single, tiny flame, maybe the size of a match, flickering gently in the light breeze. 

A combination sigh of relief and groan of disappointment came from ponies popping up their hiding places. Most shared brief glances of shame and amusement before resuming thief shopping. The burly stallion slowly peeked his head out from behind his employer. "Is it safe now?" he asked in a deep baritone. 

In the street, Spike opened his eyes and sighed, then threw a venomous glare at the red-faced Shining. "Oh, shut up."

"What? It—snkt—It's... cute."

Twilight's beaming grin faded. "Now, Shining, he hasn't been practicing very long! For somepony of his experience, that's a very... decent size."

Spike groaned as Shining collapsed to his knees. "Oh, Goddesses, Twi, stop helping me!"

"No, no Twi, it's—hehehe—it's just a bit surprising. All that magical build up, and—and... pfft!" He clutched his aching sides, another fit of wild giggles overtaking him. 

Twilight didn't notice, having fallen into full-on scholar mode, her brow scrunched and her lips tight. "You're right. He has access to massive stores of thaumatic energy, I can feel it in my horn when he taps into it, but for some reason, when he tries to cast a spell, it just falls apart." She groaned. "I've tried every technique I know to break the dam, but nothing works."

"May—Maybe you should try a f-f-foal's focusing ring! Heheheee!"

"Hmm." Twilight appraised Spike. "That might not be a ba—"

"Can we just go?!" Spike slapped his tail down, causing windows of the nearby shops to rattle. 

"I thought it was a very respectable flame, sir," said a voice from beneath him. 

Spike looked down. "Thanks." He turned back to the front, but quickly jerked his head back down. With a loud yelp, Spike fell back to his haunches, his eyes bulging from his skull. Standing right next to his right hind leg was an earth pony in a Royal Guard uniform, grinning like a madmare. "Who the hay are you?!"

The earth pony beamed up at him. "I'm your Royal escort!"

"My what?!"

"And may I just say that it's an absolute honor to be guarding the seneschal of Her Majesty's personal student!"

"Oh, quit kissing up!"

Spike's head whirled to his other side to find a mirror image of the first Guard, save for the horn atop his head and the deep scowl that creased his face. "Buh?!"

"I'm not kissing up, I'm being polite."

Spike spun back to the earth pony. "Okay, wha—"

"There's being polite, then there's bucking for a promotion."

Spike spun again. "Look, that's eno—"

"Look, don't get mad at me ju—"

"Guys!" Another tail slap, another cacophony of rattling windows, and both stallions flinched, staring up at the smoke-spewing dragon who glared back at them. "Who are you two?" 

The two ponies zipped in front of Spike, standing at attention and snapping a salute. 

"I'm Heckel," the unicorn said through a deep frown. 

"I'm Jeckel!" the earth pony said through a wide grin. 

"We're your bodyguards."

"We're twins!" 

Spike's right eye twitched several times, then he looked over his shoulder to Shining. "Uh... what?"

Shining coughed, trying to regain his composure. "N-new policy. All guests of the Crown will have a Guard escort at all times they are off the Castle grounds."

Spike let out a loud bark of laughter. "And what, you don't think I can handle myself?"

"No, but not everypony can, so there you go."

"Well, I think it's ridiculous!" Twilight stomped next to Shining. "I'm a grown mare, a professor! I don't need some foalsitter watching over me while I read Gore Bridle!"

"I agree, ma'am."

Twilight turned to the new voice, and was met by a vision: standing a hair taller and a good deal broader than her brother, a jaw line of granite, a shimmering ocean in his eyes, blonde locks flowing breezily from beneath his helmet, uniform pressed with muscle, but not bulging. 

"Such thought-provoking works as The Second Equestrian Revolution are meant to be enjoyed in the company of a roaring fire and a fine sherry, wouldn't you agree?" His voice was thick and rich, like honeyed milk, a medium basso that caused a pleasant rattle in Twilight's bones. 

"You... You read Gore Bridle?"

"But, of course! He and Christopher Hitchpost are among the most philosophical minds of the modern era."

"I'm... I'm uh—"

He chuckled, a warm sound like the pealing of a monastery bell. "Twilight Sparkle, of course. I know of you from my aunt and uncle, who run the local confectionary in Ponyville."

"A-A-And you are?"

"Oh, a thousand pardons.  I am First Lieutenant Beef Cake, your fidèle serviteur for the duration of your stay." He reached down and took Twilight's hoof in his, leaning in to place a dainty kiss on the proffered limb. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Twilight gulped, then turned to Shining and Spike, who both stared at her. "Heh, not the worst idea..."

Spike leaned down to Shining. "Cadance's idea?"

"Heh, something like that," he said with wry grin.

Spike groaned. "Can we please just go?" He rubbed his arm sheepishly, his eyes cast down.

Twilight snapped out of her daze and glanced around. The crowd from before was slowly coming back, fearful gazes glued on Spike. "Yeah, let's go." With that, the trio and their new guards made their way down the road. 

The further they walked, the more the elegant shops tapered off, replaced by large trees tressed up with fine ribbons. Rodeo Drive led, like the pegasi runways of old, directly to the castle. The Palace of the Heavens, formerly the Palace of the Sun, loomed before them, illuminated by the afternoon sun at their backs. The unicorn architect who designed it placed it so that it would have a perfect view of the rising sun. Most ponies thought it made for beautiful symbolism. The ponies who lived and worked at the palace thought it made it impossible to sleep in. Rumors the Her Majesty had paid the architect to place it that way as a prank on her wait staff were never confirmed. 

Beyond all that, the palace gleamed like a precious stone, the sunlight from behind them giving it an otherworldly grace. Massive towers of ivory gilded with gold reached for the heavens, large jewels on their tips winking to distant travelers. Ornate domes gave hints of Saddle Arabian influence, impossibly detailed murals of the day and night sky painted with immeasurable care. Higher still, tiny black dots could barely be seen, pegasi guards slowly circling in search of any who would harm the crown. 

The group approach the front gate, a large gap in the immense ivory wall surrounding the castle barre with thick wrought iron. The two unicorns stationed there snapped sharp salutes to Shining as he neared. He returned the gesture, and their horns lit up, the gate behind them shimmering with magic before rising slowly. 

Twilight and Shining stepped through the gate, nodding at the guards when they passed. They made it several steps beyond when a loud thunk and a groan came from behind them. Turning around, they saw Spike struggling to squeeze through, his wings tight to his sides, the pile of luggage abandoned outside. 

Shining glanced at Twilight, then approached the gate. "Hey, Spike, you can just climb over the wall, it's okay."

"No, it's not. I'm fine." He spoke through gritted teeth, his face contorted in effort.  He sucked in loudly, and surged forward. The guards at the gate slowly backed away when the stone around the gate began to creak and moan. 

"Spike, really—"

"I said—" he grasped the wall on each side, his talons digging deep into the stone— "I'm... fine!" He sailed through the gate, several chunks of wall with him. Grunting, he shook the dust off his shoulders and made to walk off, but soon jerked to a halt. "Ah, crap, the luggage!"

"I got it, sir!" Jeckel appeared in the gate, the massive stack of bags perched perilously on his back. He shook with effort, sweat beading on his red face, but his wide smile remained. "Whe—where would y-y-you like them, s-sir?"

With an annoyed groan, Heckel lit his horn and relieved some of the burden from his brother. 

Twilight just stared at Spike as he stormed off indifferently. She turned back to the guards at the gate, who were both glaring at her. She answered with a bad imitation of a grin. “Eh-heh-heh, uh, sorry.” The guards huffed and turned back to the gate, slowly levitating the broken pieces back to their place, as Twilight turned to follow Spike.

The massive courtyard spread out before them, a patchwork of expensive imported cobblestone pathways and luxurious, lovingly-tended grass. Even Spike's massive frame was dwarfed by the expansive yard. 

A spring formed in Twilight's step as they crossed the yard. "You know, I already miss all our friends," she slowly craned her head around, taking in the panorama surrounding her, "but it feels good to be back here, right Spike?"

When she received no answer, she turned around. Spike had stopped at some point and was facing the gate, a strangely blank look on his face as he stared at something in the distance. 

"Spike?"

When he didn't answer, she lightly tapped his claw. "Spike."

He quickly shook his head, as if snapping out of a trance, then looked down at her. "Hm?"

"What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing. I just," he cast a brief glance back through the gate, "uh, I feel like I forgot something."

"Oh? Well, did you pack your comic collection?"

"Yeah."

"The scarf Rarity made you?"

"Of course."

"Your old blankie?"

Spike jerked. "Not so loud!" he hissed, darting his head toward Shining briefly before leaning in to Twilight. "Yes."

Twilight frowned. "Well, then what did you forget?"

Spike's left claw drummed on the ground quietly. "Meh, you're probably right. I just... I can't shake the feeling." He shook his head and turned towards the castle. "I'll be fine, lets just go."

She made to protest, but Spike was already walking away. She let out a quiet sigh then followed. 

Once Twilight had caught up, Shining spoke. “Well, once you two get settled, dinner will be ready whenever you want. Twiley, I had the chefs make some of that stew you love.”

She smiled. “Oh, that vegetable and bread stew that we had last time we visited the Crystal Empire?”

Shining nodded, then turned to Spike. “And for you, Spike, we got Twiley’s letter about your, uh, special dietary needs. Four crates of apples and a few sacks of potatoes are available whenever you want them.”

“Oh, yay, more applesauce.”

Shining quirked an eyebrow, then looked to Twilight, who grinned sheepishly. “Uh, he’s been having a bit of a problem with his fine motor control.”

 "Uh, okay. Anyway, Princess Celestia said its no problem at all for you to stay in your old room is until your quarters on campus are ready."

"Great! I'm actually a bit excited to stay at the castle again."

Spike snorted. "I'm just glad I don't have to sleep in the yard behind the library anymore. Cobblestone ain't exactly the most comfortable bedding in the world."

At this, Shining's steps faltered. "Uh, actually..."

Spike stopped abruptly. "What?"

Shining chewed his lip a bit. "Well, Spike, the thing is—"

"Spit it out, Shining."

He sighed, his body deflating just a tad. "The only place on the castle grounds big enough for you to sleep comfortably is the Guard's old drill pad, on the other side of the castle. It, uh... it's pavement."

Spikes tail slammed down. "What? What about here? There's plenty of open space here, and its soft grass!"

"But this is the entrance to the castle, the Royal Courtyard.”

Spike’s eyes narrowed. “And?”

“And, well, we just can’t have you... well, look!” He gestured behind them.

Arching his eyebrow, Spike turned around to where Shining had indicated, and blanched: deep claw-shaped divots pocked the garden from the gate to where they stood. Looking down, Spike saw large tufts of grass and clumps of dirt dangling from all four of his claws. “I—I’m, I’m...”

Twilight eased up next to him. “Spike, it’s o—”

“I’m gonna go to Joe’s. Maybe get a glazed or two.” With that, he gingerly spun around and resumed his awkward gait to the gate, doing his best to avoid the potholes he’d already made.

“Spike, I’m not too sure that’s a good idea. Maybe you should just—”

“I’m going to Joe’s.” He glared at the two guards next to him. “You two coming?”

Jeckel snapped a salute. “Yes, sir, right away, sir!” Heckel grumbled and followed suit.

Twilight watched him walk away, when a tap on the shoulder brought her attention back to front. Shining nodded towards the castle, and Twilight sighed as the two made their way across the courtyard, Lieutenant Cake following several meters behind.

Shining was the first to break the awkward silence. “Hey, Twiley. I don’t want to appear too insensitive, but it’s been—"

crack

"Oh, come on!"

They both turned to see a pair of seething guards standing before a damaged gate. Shining shook his head. "Like I said, it's been almost six months since Spike... well, you know, but he still acts like he’s never moved in his new body.”

“Well, in Ponyville it was never an issue. It’s a much more open city, nowhere near as many tight streets.” They stepped onto the cobblestone walkway leading towards the castle proper, flanked on both sides by ornate shrubberies. “Most of the roads there are just grass, and there’s so much ambient earth pony magic that whatever divots his claws make fix themselves after a few days.”

Shining jerked to a halt just short of the door to the palace. “Wait, really?”

“Yes, really.” She narrowed her eyes. “Didn’t you read my last publication, ‘The Effects of Ambient Thaumatic Energy Due To Concentrated Mono-Special Population?’ “

“I, uh—I may have skimmed it.” His shaky grin faltered under her withering stare. When she huffed and walked into the castle, he quickly caught up. “Okay, there’s that, but what about the reactions of the ponies on the street? He acted like nopony has ever freaked out."

“They didn’t,” she said with a flick of her tail. “Everypony in Ponyville knows Spike. Sure, there were a few gasps and some minor problems, but for the most part they all accepted him once they realized who it was.” She slowly turned to him. “I’m worried about him, Shiny.”

He arched an eyebrow. “Why? You just said he didn’t have any problems with it until now.”

“No, it’s not just that. He’s... I don’t know, something just feels off about him. It’s nothing he’s said or done, specifically, but his attitude. Right after, you know, he was all smiles, so happy to be alive and not having to sleep for hundred years.” As she spoke, her right foreleg pawed at the plush rug they stood on. “But lately, he’s been getting more quiet and withdrawn. Whenever I ask him, he just deflects.”

“Well, he is a dragon, Twiley.” He raised a hoof when she shot him a cold glare. “What I mean is dragons are solitary creatures, you know this. You said that him being aged kick-started his magic, so maybe it kick-started his dragon instinct to be alone. Just give him time, okay?”

Twilight took a deep breath, but let it out quietly. “Okay.”

“Good. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go ruin the career of a certain Major.”

Twilight’s eyes widened slightly. “Shiny, is that really necessary? I mean, yeah he’s a bit of a nincompoop, but ruin his career?”

Shining looked at her with an even gaze. “He knowingly disobeyed a standing order, and in doing so assaulted a member of the Royal Family.”

“Well, I guess s—wait, Royal Family?”

“Well, yeah. I mean, you called him, ‘your little brother,’ I’m your big brother, so...” Shining rolled his eyes at the warm grin spreading across Twilight’s face. “Oh, come on, Twiley, you know how I feel about the little guy.”

“True,” she said, “but have you ever told him?”

Shining balked. “Of course not! We’re guys.” They both laughed, then Shining nodded  towards Lieutenant Cake. “If you need anything, just ask the lieutenant, okay?”

“Will do.”

Shining nodded and turned to leave, but paused. Quickly spinning back around, he brought Twilight into a fierce hug. “I’m really glad you’re back in town, Twiley.”

She nuzzled back into him. “I’m glad to be back, BBBFF.”

The siblings released each other, and with a final wink, Shining made his way down the hall towards the Royal Guard wing.

“‘What strange creatures brothers are,’ eh, Madam Sparkle?”

Only a single peep of tittering laughter escaped Twilight when the hunky stallion quoted one of her favorite authors. “Indeed, Lieutenant.”


* * *


Spike gently made his way down a very familiar road. The shops that lined it were nowhere near as gaudy and upscale as those on Rodeo Drive, and considerably less care went into the landscaping, cobblestone replacing pavement in the street and intermittent shrubs instead of ornate planter boxes. Still, he did his best to avoid damaging the road as he walked past middle-class tailor shops and bargain retailers. A tiny part of his mind told him to just walk normally, that the rude ponies gasping and gawking at him deserved a pothole or two. He sighed, cursing his good nature, and continued on.

Flanking either side of him, the twins were dutifully protecting their charge. Heckel would merely glare at anypony who stared too long, lighting his horn in a show of force. Jeckel, on the other claw, was a bit more vocal.

“What are you looking at?! He charged towards a colt and his mother on the sidewalk. “What’s the matter, never seen a giant purple dragon walking down the street before? Move on!” He reared up and slammed his hooves down, causing the two ponies to yelp and canter away. With a nod and a sharp exhalation, he turned and returned to his post next to Spike, beaming up at him with his ever present grin.

“Uh, Heckel—”

“Jeckel.”

“Yeah, whatever. Look, I’m trying to avoid too much attention. So could you, you know, maybe not assault anypony who looks at me?”

Jeckel quirked an eyebrow. “But... you’re a giant dragon.”

Spike opened his mouth, but all that came out was a small surge of smoke. “Nevermind.” He turned his head back to the front, but paused. “Um, do you always smile like that?”

Jeckel raise his hoof to his mouth, feeling it over. “Well, yes. How else would I smile?”

“Perhaps not like a pony with severe mental issues?” grumbled Heckel.

Spike shook his head. “Well, could you, maybe... not smile all the time? You’re kinda creeping me out.”

“Oh, sure thing, sir!” He cleared his throat, then forced the corners of his mouth down, achieving a look not so much like a frown, more like somepony who suffered from chronic constipation. "Hat retter, shir?"

Spike rolled his eyes. “Good thing we’re here. I could use some sprinkles,” he muttered.

Ahead of them, Spike’s goal stood proudly at the very dead end of the road: Donut “Pony” Joe’s Den of Donuts. Spike could already feel rivulets of near-boiling drool escape his maw as he quickened his pace, sending more pronounced shudders through the street. In his mind, he was already awash in a sea of sprinkles, surrounded by luscious Long-Johns, crispy churros, mouth-watering malasadas, and mounds of marshmallows floating in hot chocolate. The worries of the day melted away, but as they neared, Spike’s steps began to falter.

Jeckel noticed his charge’s slowing. “Shumhin wrong, shir?” he asked, his words muffled by the pronounced frown he still wore.

“I don’t know.” He came to a stop a few meters away from the door. “This is usually Joe’s rush hour, but... well, the place looks deserted.”

Jeckel’s fake frown faltered. “Ha! Deserted, that’s a good one!”

“Oh, shut up!” Heckel hissed.

Ignoring the two, Spike looked in the windows of the shop, his confusion growing. The lights were on, several tables had half-eaten donuts and still-steaming mugs of cocoa, but there wasn’t a pony in sight.

He was about to turn around when the front doors opened and a burly stallion wearing a stained apron stepped out. His adam’s apple visibly moved as he gulped, approaching the hulking dragon. “Uh, can I—I help youse, sir?”

Spike grinned down at him, “Hey, Joe! Looking good.”

Joe stiffened when he saw the maw of fangs, but soon narrowed his eyes, studying the dragon. His eyes roamed for several seconds, before going wide. “S... Spikey?” The dragon nodded, and Joe visibly relaxed, though his jaw remained slack. “Jeez, kid, what happened to ya’s?”

Spike self-consciously ran his claw through his head spines. “Heh, growth spurt. Anyway, me and Twilight just got back to town, and I’m starving. What do you have ready?”

“Uh, well,” Joe stammered, his eyes darting away, “I, uh... I don’t really have anything ready. Maybe if youse could come back a bit later?” He offered a shaky smile.

Spike arched an eyebrow. “What are you talking about? I can see so—”

“Is it gone yet?”

Joe stiffened. The voice from behind him and been barely a whisper, but the look on Spike’s face said his sensitive draconic hearing had picked it up. His lips pursed, Spike snaked his long neck around Joe and took a closer look in the window. Through narrowed eyes, he could now see several forms hunched over underneath tables and behind the bar. Nervous eyes gazed at him, lips trembling with fear, ears splayed against heads, tails flicked like mad; all things that Spike had seen far too often over the past month.

He drew his head back. “Joe, what is this?”

Joe chewed his lip for a moment. “Look, kid, ya know I think of ya as a loyal customer, but right now—”

“Quit stalling and get rid of it!” hissed a snooty voice from inside the shop.

“Don't worry, sir, I’ll handle this!” Joe hissed over his shoulder before turning back to Spike, whose jaw was hanging open.

“Joe, please tell me you’re kidding.”

“Spike, let me explain.”

“Explain what?” He slammed his fist on the ground, shaking the windows and earning a series of whimpers from inside the shop. “For Celestia’s sake, Joe, it’s me, it’s Spike! You’ve known me for years! How many nights have I spent here with Twilight? How many times did I make you try cooking with gemstones?”

Joe opened his mouth, but the snooty voice from behind him piped up again. “Mister Cruller, if you cannot keep... beasts such as this out of your establishment, then I shall be forced to take my investments elsewhere!”

Joe turned his head once more, but said nothing, turning back to Spike with a look of exasperation. “Now, Spikey, look. If ya come back after closing time, I’ll make up something real special for ya. That ruby cruller ya like so much, free of charge. It’s just now—” his eyes darted back towards the ponies cowering in his shop— “it’s rush hour, and...”

“And you can’t have the terrifying dragon scaring your customers away, I get it.” Spike spun around, his massive tail slicing through the air just about Joe’s mane.

“Hey, Spike, I didn’t say that!”

Spike cast one final glance over his shoulder. “It’s okay, Joe,” he spat. “You didn’t have to. Come on, guys.”

Heckel and Jeckel both resumed their positions next to Spike as he stomped back down the street, no longer caring about the deep ruts his claws dug.


* * *


Twilight slowly paced on the plush carpet of the main entrance to the castle, pensively chewing on her bottom lip, her tail flicking furiously behind her. She had done her best to take her mind off Spike—rechecked her lesson plans for her first class next week, organized her closet a few times, double-checked her recheck of her lesson plans for next week—but it had done little good. Even the taste of her dinner stew was muted by her worry over her best friend.

She was just about to head back to her room when a pair of familiar voices rang out.

“I still say we should have stayed with him. He looked like her needed somepony to talk to!”

“He looked like a giant, pissed off dragon! Not exactly something that I want to ‘hang out’ with.”

Twilight turned to see Heckel and Jeckel approaching from one of the side doors. She rushed over to them. “Excuse me, sirs, but where is Spike?”

The two shared a measured glance, before Jeckel clear his throat. “Uh, he’s back at the drill pad. Said he wanted to eat in peace.”

She studied the twins, her eyes darting back and forth between them. “Did something happen out there?”

“Ma’am, I suggest you just ask him,” Heckel said before easing past her. 

She watched the two leave, still bickering at each other, then turned and walked out the door, her steps worried and rushed.

Despite the long distance, Twilight made the journey to the far end of the castle grounds very quickly, her concern for her friend/charge/number-one assistant driving her steps. When she finally came to the back of the old Royal Guard complex, she heard grunting and could smell brimstone in the air. Her face fell; having lived with a dragon for so long, she knew what that combination of senses meant.

She rounded the final corner, revealing Spike laying down next to the thick, ten hoof tall wall that surrounded the castle. A large, naked bulb set atop a large pole cast cold, bluish light down on the smooth surface that was once used for soldiers practicing drill and ceremony. Old, disused barracks lined the yard, windows shuttered and wild weeds growing out from underneath the wooden steps at their fronts. 

Spike sat with his tail to Twilight, a collection of barrels next to him. As she slowly approached, he would intermittently mutter something and let loose a snort of black smoke, then reach at something in front of him. Twilight gently moved in next to him to observe.

A barrel of apples lay in front of him, upturned with its contents splayed out on the ground. Slowly, Spike reached one of his massive claws to an apple. A deep look of focused consumed his face, and he took the apple in between his index finger and thumb. He made to lift it, but the instant it left the ground, his razor-sharp talons crushed the apple, sending a spray of juice and pulp across the floor. He growled and loosed another plume before throwing the shredded remains away, adding it to the large pile of destroyed fruit to his left.

Twilight eased closer. “Spike?”

“I got this, Twilight.” He reached for another apple, but it met the same fate as all the others, its pulpy remains staining the ground.

“Spike, let me help.”

“I said, I got this!” Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, let it out slowly, then reached for another apple.

Twilight held her breath as his claws connected with the apple. His eyes were narrowed, his jaw clenched. With painstaking patience, he lifted the apple off the ground, bringing it to his face. A smile just started to creep onto his lips. “I di—”

splat

Twilight said nothing, though her feelings were written plainly on her face. 

Spike simply stared at the ruined apple, his claw trembling. “Damn it.”

Twilight placed a hoof on his arm. “Spike, it’s...” Her words trailed off when she felt a deep shudder run through his body.

“Damn it, damn it, damn it!” 

Spike lashed out. Instinctively, Twilight teleported away. She rematerialized across the field just in time to see the barrels and crates of produce slam into one of the unused buildings lining the par, destroying the wall they impacted. Spike let out an ear-splitting roar and slammed his fists down, leaving a pair of massive craters and shaking the earth so hard that Twilight lost her balance and fell to her knees.

She shot back up. “Spike, please, calm down.”

“Why?” As he spun to face her, his massive tail slammed into the barracks, reducing the dilapidated structure to splinters. “Oh, right, can’t have a rampaging dragon on the castle grounds, now can we?” With another furious roar, he lashed out his arm, obliterating another of the abandoned buildings. Twilight had to take a measured step back; his eyes burned with rage, smoke poured from his nostrils and green flames licked out from his clenched jaw. In that moment, her number one assistant seemed downright hellish.

The sound of hoof falls caught Twilight’s ear. Looking past Spike, a small gaggle of guards were galloping towards them. Twilight’s horn lit and a shimmering purple wall appeared in front of them, halting their progress. She shook her head, her harsh gaze all but screaming, I’ll handle this, stay away. The guards seemed to understand. That, or they weren’t interested in approaching a raging dragon.

Minor problem solved, Twilight set her shoulders, lit her horn again, and turned to face the major problem. “Spike, you need to relax.”

Spike let out a loud laugh, sending an inky swirl of smoke skyward. “Oh, what’s wrong, Twilight? Afraid I’ll ‘raze the whole of Canterlot?’ “ He spun again, facing the castle wall, and raised his clenched fist.

Right as he swung, a lavender mist surrounded it, jerking its movements to a halt. Spike gritted his teeth and pushed against the magic, but Twilight dug her hooves into the dirt and held him fast.

“Stop... it... Spike!” Sweat poured from her forehead, her horn blazed and sparked, but it was a losing battle. Spike roared again, and her horn flared out, releasing him. Unimpeded, his massive fist slammed into the stone wall with a deafening crack, sending rock and dust flying.

When the dust finally settled, Spike stood in front of a large hole in the thick wall, panting and huffing. Slowly, the fire in his eyes died down, his muscles relaxing. His eyes widened, darting between his clenched fist and what he had just done. With a dull whump, he fell to his belly, his angry breathing growing more and more harried, deep gulping breaths making his muscled form shake and quiver.

Wordlessly, Twilight made her way to him, laying back down in front of his head with her legs tucked beneath her. She gently leaned in and nuzzled against his cheek, his smooth scales radiating warmth.

The two sat there for a long while, Spike trying to control his breathing, and Twilight offering wordless comfort. Finally, Spike broke the silence.

“I nev—” he chewed his bottom lips, his long tongue snaking out and licking his lips— “I never planned for it, you know? For after my hundred year sleep. I never made plans for what I would do when I woke up. Every time I tried to think that far ahead, all I could see was,” his eyes momentarily drifted to Twilight, “tombstones.”

Twilight’s body tensed, but she said nothing.

“So, I just planned for my life to continue the way it was, hoping some miracle would come along and I wouldn’t have to. Heh, I guess it did, but now...”

He said nothing for a minute, eyes darting back and forth. “Look, the whole reason I wanted to stay was,” he tapped his claw against the ground, scanning his mind for the right words, “I mean, I understand my biology. I knew it would have to happen sooner or later, but...” A slight tremor passed through him. “The reason I wanted to stay was because I wanted to stay with you! With my friends, with the Princesses.” He snorted. “Heck, even Shining, for as big a jerk he can be sometimes. But now, I... I can’t even fit inside your homes anymore!”

“Spike, you know that’s not an issue, there’s plenty of open space in Equestria.”

“That’s not the point, Twi!” His head raised up, looking to the starry sky. “I—I mean... aw jeez, Twi. Look, don’t for a second think that I regret my life. Being raised by the Princess, then living with you, it was awesome, even the really bad stuff. But, lately I... I realize that all the things I wanted and where I saw myself going are things for ponies! And now, I’m—I’m too big!”

His voice cracked slightly as he continued. “It’s like every day the world around me is shrinking just a little bit, and it’s only gonna get worse. I mean, you remember what that book said: Drakenwyrms grow every year until we die. Well, if it’s bad now, what about when I’m five thousand years old? I won't even be able to fit in the castle! Or... or what if I live some freaky long time? What if I live to be ten thousand?! I’ll,” his massive frame deflated, his shoulders slumped, “I’ll be bigger than Canterlot.

“And what am I supposed to do? Do what a dragon does? Find some cave far away from everypony, hoard gems and be alone for the rest of my life? Well, there's a problem: I'm not really a dragon, am I? I mean—I mean I am, but I'm not. That life, all alone, being greedy and hating and," he shuddered, "hunting animals to eat.  I don’t want that!” His tail slammed down, sending a plume of dust in the air. "I want to stay here, with ponies.”

He took a deep breath, laying his head down on the ground. When he spoke, the deep basso was gone from his voice, replaced by a tiny squeak that seemed very out of place coming from his massive body. “I just... I had this picture, this vision of what my life would look like, and now it’s... it’s broken. My life is broken.”

Twilight opened her mouth, but her voice failed. Any words she could think of were hollow, so she simply continued to gently stroke his arm, hating the sick feeling building in her gut. All her years studying friendship, all the lessons she’d learned on how to comfort friends, and here she was, unable to think of anything to help one of the oldest friends she had.

A thought jumped to her mind. “Spike,” she whispered, but the words were lost under his gulping breaths. She reached a hoof to his cheek, gently guiding his head up to meet hers. Offering only a warm smile, her horn lit up. Behind her, large chunks of the destroyed wall began to float back into place. A large cloud of gray dust swirled and flowed around them, coalescing back into solid rock. Within moments, the wall was solid once more.

Spike let out a quiet snort of laughter, turning his head away, revealing a single boiling tear running down his face. “Twilight?” he whimpered.

“Yes, Spike?”

"Wo—" Spike shuddered for a moment, then inhaled deeply before continuing, "would you stay with me tonight?" He clenched his eyes shut and swallowed the lump in his throat. "Just for tonight, please?"

Twilight said nothing. She got up and moved to his right side, laying down and snuggling up against his large body. He draped his wing over her, creating a living blanket for her, with just her head sticking out. Twilight sighed; the pleasant heat from his belly took the bite out of the night air.

Spike’s whimpering breaths slowly calmed, eventually morphing into contented snores as he drifted into peaceful sleep. Twilight’s eyelids grew heavy, but as they fluttered close, her mind was already racing, ideas forming.