//------------------------------// // Spike Learns the Truth // Story: The Pony King // by Darth Redbeard //------------------------------//         As Snips and Snails were crying over Spike most likely leaving, Spike and Sweetie Belle were walking near another waterfall as Luna’s moon shone down on them. The two were laughing at the memories of all the stunts they did when they were young.         “And then Scootaloo tripped and landed right on top of Rumble with her lips touching his,” Sweetie Belle said, recounting the tale of when they tried to get their cutie marks in dancing. They were unsuccessful, but they got a good laugh at what happened to Scootaloo.         “I wish I was there to see that,” Spike replied, holding his sides from laughing too hard. “That would’ve been good to see Rumble’s face as well.”         “Yeah,” Sweetie continued. “He was frozen in place for a few minutes. He didn’t even flinch when Apple Bloom shoved him.” Sweetie took a deep breath before asking Spike what she wanted to ask ever since she found him again.         “Spike, why did you run away?” she asked. “You were alive all this time yet you never came back home.” Spike looked away. He was afraid that question would come up, but he wasn’t prepared to answer it.         “I couldn’t return home, Sweetie,” Spike answered. “I can’t explain it. I just couldn’t go home.”         “Was it because of your dad?” Sweetie asked. Spike’s eyes were wide open as Sweetie finished. “It was, wasn’t it? What happened?” Even though she already knew, she wanted to get the answer from him.         “I was running from some timberwolves when dad came down and tried to fight them off,” Spike began. “I hid behind a rock and watched as he was beaten by them.” Spike fell to the ground, sobbing from the memory. “It’s all my fault. I killed my dad. That’s why I couldn’t return.”         Sweetie watched as he continued to cry. She knew that he should be told what happened, but for now, he needed to let his tears go. From what she had seen, he had held them in for too long and needed to let them go. She wrapped her hooves around him, pulling him closer to her.         Spike stiffened as he felt Sweetie wrap her front legs around him. He didn’t know what to do, but he kept crying, even as Sweetie rubbed his back, trying to calm him down. After a few more minutes, Spike had finally settled down and tried to get up to leave, but Sweetie continued to hold him, keeping him from going anywhere.         “Sweetie, just let me leave,” Spike said. “I’m a murderer. I don’t even deserve to be here with you.”         “That’s where you’re wrong, Spike,” Sweetie replied. She knew that she had to tell him what she heard or he would continue to run away from her. “From everypony.” she mentally corrected herself. “I need to tell you something I heard when I was running away from Ponyville.”         For the next hour, Sweetie told Spike everything that had happened under Blueblood’s reign. From Celestia and Luna being banished from Canterlot, to a few days ago when she ran away from Blueblood wanting to make Sweetie Belle his wife.         “He’s way too old for me,” she said. “He only wants to do this to get back at Rarity.”         “That sounds like Blueblood,” Spike commented.         “When I was hiding from the Diamond Dogs,” Sweetie said, finally getting to the part that Spike really needed to hear. “I overheard them talking. Blueblood was behind the entire thing. He tricked you into going into the Everfree that day. He had the Diamond Dogs disturb the timber wolves and got them to chase you. It was Blueblood that’s responsible for your dad's death.”         No sooner did those words leave Sweetie’s mouth, that Spike stood there in shock. All this time, it was not him that had killed his dad, but Blueblood and his friends.         “She’s right, Spike,” a voice said as it neared the two of them. They turned and saw Celestia and Luna with two other alicorns. “We overheard what they said as well. Blueblood has ruined Equestria.”         “You need to return to the throne, Spike,” Luna continued. “Only you can bring peace to Equestria.”         Spike however, was staring at the other two strangers, not sure of what to make of them. Celestia noticed and decided to explain.         “These two pulled a prank on Luna so she got back at them this way,” she said. Her horn glowed as the two alicorns were once again earth ponies.         “Thanks,” they said at the same time. “Luna is right,” Hope said. “Only you and Sweetie Belle can bring peace back to Equestria.” “What can I do?” Spike asked. “I’m not my mother. My spells are weak. I can’t fight like my dad could.” “You’re right,” Darth said. “You’re not your parents. You’re Spike. The future King of Equestria.” He walked towards the open meadow before turning back. “Follow me.” He disappeared in the trees as Hope followed. Celestia and Luna nodded to Spike and Sweetie as they followed. They arrived at a pond as Spike walked over to them. “Look in the pond,” Hope said. Spike did as he was told and only saw his reflection. “What’s the point of just seeing my reflection?” he asked. “Look harder,” Celestia said as Spike looked once more, this time, Darth placed a hoof in the water as ripples appeared. Soon, Spike saw his father’s face for the first time in years. “You may not be your father,” Luna said. “But he does live in you.” Fog soon appeared on the other side of the pond as a familiar pony began to take shape. “Dad?” Spike’s eyes were wide open as he saw the pony. “Were you expecting Attila the Stallion?” Flash asked. Spike laughed, remembering the joke from years ago. “It’s good to finally talk to you again, Spike.” “It’s good to see you again too, dad,” Spike wanted to run over and hug his dad, but he knew it was a spirit. “Have you ever appeared to mom?” “No, I haven’t,” Flash replied. “You’re the one I needed to contact for years. By the looks of it, Sweetie Belle was able to find you.” “Yeah,” Spike replied. “She helped me realize that Blueblood was responsible for what happened.” “Yet you’re still conflicted,” Flash noted. Spike sighed, “I’m worried about what others will say,” Spike began. “Blueblood will just say I murdered you and get ponies on his side. Mom will even hate me for running away.” “Spike,” Celestia interrupted. “Twilight was worried about you the entire time she believed you died. Shining and Cadance were told of your survival. You’ll be fine. I promise.” “You sure?” Spike asked. The four nodded as Sweetie walked up beside him. “I’ll be by your side the entire time,” she said before kissing Spike on the lips. As soon as their lips touched, a bright light enveloped Spike as he began to lift into the air. The light spun around, speeding up as it lowered Spike down. When he was back on the ground, his horn began to glow as he lifted a nearby boulder. “My magic is back!” Spike exclaimed. He stretched his wings and began to fly around, laughing as he felt the wind blow in his face. “Looks like the spell Blueblood had placed on him is finally over,” Flash said. Spike landed next to Sweetie, happy for the first time in years. “If my kiss did that,” Sweetie mentioned. “I should’ve kissed you years ago.” “Are you ready to face Blueblood?” Luna asked. “Yes,” Spike answered. When Spike turned to talk to Flash, he was gone. In his place was writing that said ‘Remember who you are’. “Let’s go,” Celestia said. Just as they were leaving, Snips and Snails walked up to them. “Are you leaving?” Snails asked. Spike nodded. “Then we’re coming with you.” “Why?” Spike asked. “You’re our friend,” Snips answered. “If your home is important to you, then we’re with you to the end.” “Thanks guys,” Spike said. The eight continued on to their trip to Canterlot, determined to finally defeat Blueblood.