Time had passed yet again in the land of Equestria. Three years since Spike and Rarity had their first kiss, eight years since the two of them had actually met. Spike now towered above any normal pony. The couple had made their move to Canterlot about two years ago. Celestia had a path to the caverns beneath the town carved out and requested furnishings to be placed within. It made a lovely home for the dragon and unicorn with all the crystals abound, and plenty of space for Spike in his normal size, as well as the hoard of gems that he and Rarity had accumulated. It was a humble hoard at the moment, but definitely dragon worthy.
For business, an elaborate building in the center of town was erected, almost identical in design to the original Carousel Boutique. Spike adopted a smaller size when in public, similar to his size three years back, but slightly taller and more muscular. On top of wearing his wings as a cloak, Spike had taken to wearing a white tuxedo jacket embedded with diamonds and the fire ruby that the Pie sisters had made for him. Back in Ponyville, Rarity had left the old Carousel Boutique in Applebloom's care, since she had discovered her talent for design.
While they owned a bed, the two hardly used it, as Rarity woke up in Spike's arms and on top of his chest. He was sleeping on top of his hoard, as comfy as any dragon would be. While snoozing on an especially comfy patch of emeralds and rubies, Spike opened an eye, seeing himself reflected in a crystal overhead. He turned his head down and saw Rarity, sleeping above his heart with a smile on her face as his claws covered her like a scaly blanket. He felt a smile spread across his face as well. With his index claw, he brushed a lock of her mane behind her ear, and was returned with a content sigh from the snoozing unicorn.
"Well this is truly a heartwarming scene to see." Spike turned his head to the entrance of his cave and saw the large, flowing mane of Princess Celestia. She stood in the center of a long, tall, golden hall with silver columns lining the way.
Spike spoke quietly, not wanting to wake his lover. "Good morning Princess. What brings you to our quarters this early?"
Celestia simply replied "He's awakened."
Spike nodded. "When are we needed?"
"We head for the volcano at noon, our meeting is scheduled at one." Celestia replied with a warm smile.
Spike nodded. "We'll be ready."
Celestia nodded in confirmation, turning to walk back so she could prepare as well. Spike returned his attention to Rarity, watching her rise and fall with each breath. Her sleeping image calmed him greatly, keeping his lips curved upwards. Watching her sleep like this, Spike's heart felt like it was glowing, and he was more than sure his face was. Time had been more than kind to her, enhancing her beauty with her maturity, defining her body and shining her mane. He laid there, staring at her for a few moments before she began to stir. Her eyes opened with a flutter, like butterfly wings, and her smile only grew from there. "Good morning, beautiful." He welcomed her.
"And a good morning to you too my love." Rarity replied before giving the cutest little ladylike yawn.
Spike gave a deep chuckle that bounced Rarity up and down ever so lightly. "The princess told us that we're going to meet the dragons today. She told us to get ready."
Rarity was still not quite awake, and she rubbed at her eyes. "That's nice Spikey..." She laid her head back down on his chest. It was odd for Spike, since the beginning of their relationship, he'd always looked at Rarity as the older, more mature and wise one out of them both. Over the past year however, Spike's own intellect and wisdom had shot beyond that of an elderly college professor, so while in years Rarity was older and more mature, Spike was able to hold himself a bit higher in most life encounters. It was truly strange to be on the other side like this, but it gave Spike a deeper appreciation for the unicorn pony. He could look at her now and think that she was adorable as well as beautiful. Rarity had adapted to the change in a much different way. She was much more relaxed than she used to be, as she finally had somebody she could fall back on, unwind with and speak on a sophisticated and refined manner. Normally such a big change would tear a bond apart, but it seemed rather that it had brought these two closer together. Where Spike relied on Rarity and acted merely as an assistant, Rarity could now rely on Spike, as an equal and a partner.
Spike pulled Rarity ever so lightly closer to his chest and pressed his snout against her muzzle, hugging her gently like she was some precious, fragile doll. Since he had grown to this size, he felt he had a commitment to care for and protect her. He had never treated anything with such care and grace, he truly cherished and treasured her. She shined brighter than any dull diamond or sub-par sapphire.
After a few more minutes had passed Rarity stirred again, looking like she was still quite sleepy. "I suppose we'd best get ready then. Must look our best and what not." She spoke with a sigh as Spike lifted his claws from her and extended his arm over to her vanity. She walked down the limb and made herself comfy in his palm. As she did her makeup, Spike allowed her to use his digits for hanging jewelery or to place other pieces upon like a table. Once she was almost done, she stepped off his claw and requested his assistance. Spike assumed his public size and stepped behind her. "Could you please help me with this?" She said the words she said every morning as she levitated the fire ruby necklace in front of Spike's claws. He grabbed the jewelery and latched it around her neck. She turned around and floated Spike's necklace onto his throat as well, latching it herself in the blue aura of magic. "There we go." She looked up at his face to see him smile, and returned the expression, standing on her back hooves to hug him around the neck. Spike flared his wings and wrapped them around her, enclosing the two of them. "You look marvelous...as always."
Spike merely widened his smile and replied "I'll believe a gorgeous mare's opinion." They remained in their embrace for a while. This was how things had sort have become. They needed little words anymore to express their feelings, rather long periods of physical contact let them speak all they needed to say on a much more intimate level. "Alright love. We've got to meet with the others now." He returned his wings to their cloaking position, and pulled away, holding her hooves and placing them on the ground gently.
The two of them walked side by side. Aside from their matching necklaces, they hadn't worn anything for the event. After passing through the castle, they found themselves standing in the throne room in front of the two princesses, and another guest.
The guest was rather majestic looking, with black scales coating her body, especially around her chest and front legs. Her eyes had faintly green feathers surrounding them. Her tail was long and scaly, similar to Spike's own. Her front claws were reptilian, while her back legs were that of a lion. "Long time no see." She said.
"It's wonderful to see you again Willow." Rarity walked over to the hybrid and they exchanged a hug. Spike stepped over and did the same. The couple never talked much to the creature, as she preferred to spend most of her time alone, flying through the air and adding to her ever growing hoard, though they all had grown to be good friends in the past three years.
"I'm very sorry to interrupt you three, but we really ought to be going. We don't want to be late." Celestia said kindly. "Spike, would you be kind enough to show us the way?"
Spike nodded as they all walked outside. He Returned to his normal size and let Rarity climb up his arm and onto his back. The dragon spread his wings, being mimicked by the gryphon and princesses, they all took off, leaving the ground behind as they flew off towards the mountains in the distance. Rarity held her forehooves around Spike's neck, hugging him tight so as not to fall, yet also as an embrace. She felt perfectly safe with her dragon lover, and knew he wouldn't let her fall, and even if she would, he'd catch her and save her.
By flight, it only took the group about an hour to get to the volcano. Spike and Rarity were familiar with the setting, and it looked much like it did eight years ago. Dragons were primarily very independent creatures, though there were certain family oriented groups like this one, that would raise their young until they were ready to head out by themselves. Spike was able to recognize some familiar looking dragons, some of them were the teenagers he hung out with before.
As they landed, they were met with hungry glares and growls. One dragon took a step closer to them, and Spike let out a snarl, Willow following his example. Celestia let loose in a demanding voice "WE ARE EXPECTED BY YOUR CHIEFTAN. STAND DOWN!" She startled everyone around, aside from Luna.
"Thy use of the royal Canterlot voice was always superior to ours, sister." Luna complimented casually. The dragons stepped back, tails between their legs and heads hung low. "We doubt that even we could manage such intimidation against these beasts."
Suddenly the party felt a rumble. From one of the larger magma pools, a figure rose, lava dripping from it's form as he let out a massive yawn. As the molten rock returned to the pool, the party was able to make out a large adult red dragon who stepped out. He was taller than Spike was, and strikingly familiar to the purple dragon as well. As the red dragon stepped before the five of them, he seemed to pay close attention to Spike. The two dragons studied one another hard for a moment or two.
The red dragon was the first one to confirm their suspicions. "Spike? Little Spike?! No way!"
That pretty much confirmed it for Spike, he'd recognize that voice anywhere. "Garble?"
"Yeah! How's it been buddy? It's been a while!" Rarity jumped off Spike's back and the red dragon pulled Spike in for a hug and a noogie."All our pals have still been talking about you since you left!"
"Wha- really?" Spike pulled away, surprised. "But I thought that I was girly and a wimp?"
"Well you were, but come on. We were kids, and we were stupid." Garble looked over towards Celestia and Luna. "Our old chief didn't realize it, but the ponies are actually a very powerful race. Lucky for these guys, I'm leader now."
"No way!" Spike felt oddly proud of what he was now interpreting as a friend. "So you're the one we're talking to about the alliance today huh?"
"Yup!" Garble took a notice of Rarity. "Ahhh, I see. you're the dragon that we heard about. The one with the uh, 'romantic relationship' with a pony eh?" He gave a bit of a chuckle before his eyes fell on Willow. "And this must be the legendary daughter of Nortune eh?" He spoke with a tone of respect, then let out a snort towards all the other dragons, indicating that they must show the proper respect and bow. The lesser dragons obeyed and lowered their heads to this legendary figure.
"It is an honor to meet thee, Chieftan Garble." Luna said. "We mean not to interrupt, but would it not be wise to begin the discussion of our alliance?"
"Yeah, I guess you got a point there. Well, I can tell you personally, I'd be more than happy to accept an alliance with the ponies. But we should discuss and determine exactly what that entails for us. Plus, I've gotta convince the others here that it's a good idea." Garble said as he pointed a thumb to the still hungry looking dragons. He turned to address the beasts. "Listen up! These five are under our protection. If I see you still looking at them that way..." He snapped a claw, as two large dragons stepped up to his sides. "There will be punishment. Indeed, you should look to them as you would a dear friend, for these are our friends." He spoke with a stern and commanding voice. He turned back to the princesses. "Anyways, let's get some privacy to talk about specifics."
The group followed Garble and his two guards to a large cavern in the side of the volcano. They all spent a good long while discussing terms on their races' alliance. There were the obvious pieces they went over, such as the dragons not eating ponies anymore. However, there were other terms that were a bit more difficult to negotiate on, such as trade. While independent dragons fended for themselves, there were often times that the tribe would run out of food. Rarity explained that she would be able to handle that with a team of unicorns, in fact, this would open up new jobs for unicorns as well. In return, Garble settled that the dragons would offer their services, magical or otherwise, as dragon power would be greatly helpful for the ponies. Treasure and food for service sounded like a good deal to all those who were involved.
"Alright. This all sounds very well and good to me. Hell, maybe in a few generations we'll have ponies and dragons living amongst one another like brother and sister, just like little Spike here and his lady eh?" Garble chuckled. Spike gave a light blush as Rarity nuzzled at his arm.
"Indeed." Celestia Smiled. "That is the end goal after all."
"Oh? Do tell princess." Garble inquired, genuinely curious.
"Unity." Spike jumped in. "It sounds real cheesy, but it's become something that I'd really like to see happen as well. Celestia and Luna have a dream, to unite all creatures under their skies as allies, friends."
Garble looked on, interest across his face. "What Spike says is true." Celestia recovered. "In all our years of life, we've seen chaos and anger spread. But when we noticed the beautiful bond between a dragon and a mare, we were reminded of our dear friend Willow, and how her father was thought to be one of the cruelest creatures in existence. If it is possible for two creatures to push away their physical differences, then why couldn't the world join them?"
"You're asking a lot here." Garble said. "Not many creatures agree with such philosophy. A bunch of my kind out there would gladly rip up a griffon, pony or troll for a quick meal, and you're saying that you wish to see a world where they would feed them before feeding on them."
Willow finally took a chance to say something. "It is a lot to ask. I know, but for every gryphon and dragon that shunned me, there were at least three more who accepted me, mostly due to the bond between my mother and father. Nobody would have thought two creatures as greedy as them would ever settle down and raise a daughter. But they did. Dad could have easily eaten mom, but he didn't, he gave her a chance. If the creatures on this world gave one another a chance to sit and talk to one another, we may end up with more stories like my parents."
"'Tis as the lady Willow says. Many of pony-kind nowadays fear the changeling army, yet it need not be so. For in our days, we have seen the shapeshifters act independently, and kindly to many creatures. In our travels as well, we hath witnessed them seeking comfort in villages, disguised, but happy. We wish to see a world where they need not hide their nature." Luna added on.
Garble stared hard. He let out a sigh. "I can't say I imagine seeing that." He spoke while he shook his head. "But... then I remember you." He said looking at Spike. "A dragon, who refused to harm another creature, who stood for a race that wasn't his own, calling them his family. And I look at you now, probably a better dragon than half of the tribe out there." Spike looked down at Rarity, whose eyes looked back up at his, sparkling with pride for him. Garble closed his eyes for a moment."I still say, I can't imagine seeing that... not in my lifetime at least. But it doesn't sound impossible to happen after that." He opened his eyes once more. "I'll do everything in my power to convince the others that this is a good idea. You have the support of the dragon tribe. We'll be the first to join you on this whole 'quest for unity' junk. We'll spread word to the other dragons that ponies aren't to be seen as food anymore. The message should be global within a year, though I advise some caution is still considered, as there will be rogues out in the world." He returned his gaze to Willow. "And we'll expect your return with the gryphon council to discuss an alliance there as well."
"But of course." Willow said with a bow of her head. "You may expect us within the week, after we discuss a neutral ground to meet."
"Right, the whole griffon's mistrust thing." Garble stood. "I think that about does it. Just produce the treaty and I'll sign."
On the flight back to Canterlot, Spike reflected on the new Garble he had just witnessed. In his youth, the red dragon had been snarky, ill mannered, and crude, but he had taken the leader role as if he were born for it. Nowadays, he still held some of his mannerisms, but the leader in him had pretty much drowned out the other bits. He still joked, still poked a bit of fun at Spike, but he was much better mannered, and... Just less of a total dick overall. And he seemed to thank Spike for that. The purple dragon couldn't help but feel like he had deeply affected the chief in their youth, and in turn, solidified this treaty. A smile spread on his face.
"Spike..." Rarity piped up from the dragon's back. He turned his head slightly to acknowledge that he was listening to her. "I can't say just how proud of you I truly am. I mean, every time I think you've proven yourself to be the most amazing creature I've ever met, you only push that belief further...I admire you, and I'm so undeserving of someone as great as you dear..." Spike's heart warmed, but he felt upset at that last bit.
"Rarity, don't say that. You're brilliant, and I love you." He raised a claw to his back to stroke her head. "I'd be nothing without you." He heard her start to interject before placing his claw to her lips. "Everything I've done, I've done for you. Hell, if it wasn't for you, I might have destroyed Ponyville eight years ago. But I didn't, because you were there, and you made me...happy. And you still do Rarity." He spoke with his heart, not his voice. He looked ahead, the others were a decent pace ahead of them, they couldn't hear. "And..." He placed a claw over his heart. "I have something to give you...when we return home."
Back in their cave, Spike sat, holding Rariy up to his face in one claw. "There's a ritual...that dragons can perform...should they find a creature they care for. Between dragons, it's an exchange, though there's not much point in you returning the favor." Spike held his free claw over his chest like he had. "Rarity... this is no longer mine...You had taken it from me years ago. And now, I want you to have it, actually have it." Rarity looked at Spike in awe as he set her down and peeled away at the scales on his chest, revealing his beating heart. "We have the ability to share our hearts with another. In the past it has been used to cure the sick and dying. Should we truly care for the one receiving, it is also a marital ceremony."
Rarity's eyes sparkled with tears building, watching the dragon's heart pumping faster. It wasn't eerie, rather the organ was quite beautiful to behold, large, powerful and vital. "Spike, I..."
He simply nodded. "I'm asking you if you want to marry me Rarity." He closed up the cavity in his chest and brought his head down to eye level with his lover.
Rarity felt tears dribble down her cheeks. Her own heart was close to bursting with joy. She smiled and walked over to the large dragon, rubbing her face against his large nose, and hugging it. "Absolutely...Nothing would make me happier, my dearest Spikey Wikey..."
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