//------------------------------//
// Humility is Noble 
// Story: Trial by Kinship 
// by Metool Bard 
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When the posse returned to the buffalo camp, the sun had just begun to set over the horizon.  They were greeted by the loud cheers and stomping hooves of the buffalo.  Little Strongheart immediately ran up to Chief Thunderhooves, and the two nuzzled each other.

"It is good to see you safe, Little Strongheart," said Chief Thunderhooves, looking over the freed dragons. "I take it the mission was a success."

"That ain't all, Chief," said Needles. "Them poachers are never gonna bother the Mild West ever again.  We took 'em all down."

"Is that right?" said Chief Thundrhooves. "Well, I say this calls for celebration!  Let the Dragon Dance Festival recommence!"

Cheers echoed throughout the desert as things started to get back on track.

"Hey, wait!" Flint roared, his voice drowned out by the din. "We still have to talk payment!"

Needles chuckled. "Let it go, Flint.  We can have 'em settle the bill later."

"Um, question," said Steel, raising his claw. "What're we gonna do with the antlion thing?"

Needles looked over at the antlion, which stared back at her.  She then cast her eyes downward and bit her lip.

"It's, kinda my fault that you're homeless, big fella," she said. "And I'm sorry."

Flint raised a single finger and glared at Needles. "I don't like where this is going."

Needles sighed. "Yeah, well.  I don't care if you don't like it.  I still feel responsible for hurtin' this fella, and I wanna make it up to him."

"To be honest, I don't think it was your fault, Needles," said Trigger. "Ocard is the one who hurt it, not you."

Needles shook her head. "No.  It wouldn't be right of me to just blame Ocard.  I was the one who lost control and woke that guy up.  I need to take my lumps here."

She then turned to the antlion and smiled. "Which is why I think this guy should stay with us."

Flint palmed his face. "Yep, knew it."

"Oh, don't be so difficult," said Steel. "He actually turned out to be quite helpful, didn't he?"

"Yeah, only after we fed it apple pie," Flint huffed. "Still can't believe that worked, though."

Braeburn laughed. "I'm tellin' ya, there ain't a critter alive who can resist a good ole fashioned apple pie freshly baked in Appleloosa."

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh concurred.

Toro scratched his head. "I'm not against the idea, but how are we supposed to feed it, Señorita Needles?"

Needles shrugged. "As far as I know, antlions ain't that picky.  He'll eat anythin' we set before him.  Ain't that right, big guy?"

The antlion rasped and snapped its mandibles.

"He agrees and is thankful for your generosity."

Needles looked forward as she saw Ocard floating over to the group.

"You can actually understand him?" asked Steel.

"Well, no.  I just wanted my symbiotic partner to know that she made the right decision," said Ocard.

"That's Needles to you, buddy," Needles growled.

Ocard sighed. "Fine.  Needles.  You know, most Dragon Magi have the common courtesy of introducing themselves when they first summon their fire elementals."

"Well, I ain't most Dragon Magi," said Needles plainly. "I was a coward and a drifter for a long time.  I never knew you even existed until today because I didn't think I could live up to my responsibilities."

"And how do you feel now?" inquired Ocard.

Needles fiddled with the handle of her parasol. "Well, neutral, I guess.  I know I can't let fear rule my life.  I have the strength to stay on this path and finish my Dragon Mage trainin'.  The problem is, well, I'm still kinda scared.  There's a lot of stuff that I just don't know, and some decisions just feel too hard to make."

Ocard's eyes closed. "Fascinating.  Your draconic nature doesn't seem to be your concern at all."

"Why would it be?" said Needles. "I like the feelin' I get when I help others.  It ain't an easy path to walk, but I feel it's worthwhile."

Ocard nodded. "Well, I'm at a loss for words.  I mean, my duty is to make sure you stay on this path, but you seem to be dedicated to that already."

"Yeah, but I don't know how to do it right," said Needles. "Which is why I'd appreciate it if you stuck around and became a Dragoon like us."

Ocard blinked. "You say that as if I have a choice in the matter, which I don't.  I'm bound to you for life."

"And from what I can tell, you're not happy about it 'cause I'm just some rube who didn't figure out this stuff until today," said Needles, crossing her arms. "Well, you're gonna have to get used to it, Ocard.  If you're gonna be my spirit guide, well, that's somethin' I really need right now."

Ocard sighed. "Again, I don't have a choice here.  Nevertheless, I feel like we did get off on the wrong foot.  I'd be honored to tutor you in the ways of the Dragon Mage, Lady Needles.  Just, don't forget to summon me whenever you need to, alright?"

"Deal," said Needles with a smile. "Welcome to the team."

Ocard nodded and yawned.  Without another word, it flew right into Needles's mouth and disappeared into her body.

"Gotta say, I'm impressed, Needles," said Spike. "You really are on the right path."

Needles turned around and smirked. "Couldn't have done it without you and Mr. Macintosh.  It's time I started makin' decisions without bein' afraid of makin' a wrong choice."  She then turned to the Dragoons. "Which is why I'm relyin' on each and every one of you to help me."

"Of course, Señorita Needles," said Toro. "Although I want to suggest something."

"Oh?"

"If we cross paths with Isabelle again, I don't want to just capture her and turn her in," said Toro somberly. "She won't learn that way.  I want her to join us."

"What?!  After she tried to kill us?!" Flint bellowed. "Are you out of your mind?!"

"Maybe," said Toro, sniffing the air. "But she's still my little sister, and I say we should set her straight."

Needles let out a short chuckle. "Nice to see you finally give your opinion for once, Toro."

The Dragoons all shared a laugh.  As they continued to talk amongst themselves, Spike waddled off and found a rock to sit on.  He watched as the other dragons danced with the buffalo by the light of roaring bonfires.  He continued starring at the display for a good long while before a large shadow blotted out the setting sun.

"Is something troubling you, young one?"

Spike looked up to see that Nova had settled right beside him.  He sighed.

"Eh, it's nothing," Spike said with a shrug. "I get it.  I'm not like other dragons.  I don't try to be greedy, I don't hurt people that don't deserve it, and I'm the number one assistant to a pony princess.  I've come to terms with all that."

"But something else is on your mind," said Nova sagely.

Spike let out another sigh. "The least those guys could do is say 'thank you.'  I mean, I didn't have to go on this big adventure to save them, but I did anyway 'cause it felt wrong not to go.  And all I heard them do was doubt me.  Don't get me wrong; it wasn't nearly as bad as the first time I tried to get along with other dragons.  But it still kinda stings, y'know?"

Nova nodded. "I understand, young one.  It's difficult not to be appreciated for your efforts.  In fact, I've been in that position a few times myself.  The important thing to remember is that gratitude and praise are not your end goals.  Sometimes, you just have to do the right thing because you know it's right."

Spike chuckled. "Well, duh.  I know that already.  I wouldn't have gone on this whole adventure if I let stuff like that hold me back.  Noble dragons don't give up so easily."

"I see," said Nova.  She then knelt down and extended her claw. "Well, for what it's worth, I'm grateful for your help.  Thank you, young one."

"Uh, no prob," said Spike, grabbing Nova's pinky with his hand. "Oh, and my name is Spike, by the way."

"Of course," said Nova.  She then sighed. "It's funny.  I've talked to many dragons, both within and outside of my clan.  This is the first time that talking to a dragon outside of the Dragon Magi has been this, pleasant."

"Yeah, well.  I wish all dragons were like you and Needles," said Spike. "Then I wouldn't have to feel like a stranger around my own kind."

"Believe me, I know the feeling," said Nova whimsically. "Well, I'd best get something to eat.  You should enjoy the festival yourself, Spike.  I feel that you've earned it."

With that, she flew off towards the other dragons.  As Spike watched her go, he heard footsteps coming behind him.

"Way to go, Spike!"

Before Spike could turn around, Little Strongheart bound in and gave him a big hug.

"Wh-whoa!" Spike grunted. "Wh-what's up?"

"The Dragoons just told me everything," said Little Strongheart, beaming radiantly at Spike. "I knew it was a good idea to have you teach them your Noble Dragon Code.  They seem so much happier now.  Heck, even Flint has gotten some of his old charm back."

"Just FYI, LS, we still need to talk about our payment for getting rid of the poachers," said Flint.,

Little Strongheart rolled her eyes. "Emphasis on 'some.'"

Spike snickered. "Well, I think they still have a long way to go, but at least they're on the right track now."

"And we're very grateful for that," said Needles, extending her claw. "Spike, I can't thank you enough for what you've done for us.  Not only did you set us straight, but even when we gave you a hard time, you never gave up."

Spike blushed and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Well, that's because noble dragons never give up no matter what."

"Doesn't make us any less thankful," said Needles, taking her claw in Spike's and shaking it. "I'm really glad to have gotten to meet you, Spike.  And I hope you enjoy the rest of the festival."

She then released Spike and turned to Trigger. "Speakin' of which, Trigger.  Would you like to dance?"

Trigger did a double take. "Wh-what?  Y-you want me to dance with you?"

"Sure, why not?" said Needles. "Don't you wanna dance with me?"

"Well, yes.  O-of course, my dear sweet Needles," said Trigger, nervously wringing his claws. "I-I just was not p-prepared for this.  Ehheh...  Ehheh..."

Needles giggled. "Anyone ever tell ya that you get all cute when you get flustered?"

"Um, no.  Ehheh..."

"Well, I'm tellin' you now."

Trigger's face flushed bright red. "Y-you really think I'm cute?  You're not just teasing me?  Oh my, this is simply remarkable!  Needles actually likes me!  Ehheh...  Ehheh..."

"Hey, Romeo!" Spike called out. "It's not nice to keep a lady waiting."

"O-oh!  Y-yes, of course."

Trigger then took his claw in Needles's, and the two moseyed off to the bonfires where the buffalo and dragons were dancing.  Spike sniggered and looked over at Little Strongheart, Big Macintosh, and Braeburn.

"Y'know, it feels good to actually make a difference like this," said he.

"I'm sure it does, Spike," said Braeburn. "Though I have to say, I'm sorry your vacation was ruined by those poachers."

Spike smirked. "Eh, don't worry about it.  I get into stuff like this all the time.  Seeing as I hang out with the saviors of Equestria, it kinda comes with the territory."

"Even so, I do feel bad for inviting you out here just so that you could help the Dragoons," said Little Strongheart. "You probably didn't want to spend your vacation doing that."

"Don't sweat it, Little Strongheart," said Spike. "I'm glad I met dragons who actually respect me despite my background.  And even if those other guys didn't appreciate what I sacrificed for them, at least the Dragoons do.  Besides, this vacation ain't over yet."

Big Macintosh snickered. "That's just like you, Spike.  Always the optimist."

"Hey, in my line of work, I have to be," said Spike, giving Big Macintosh a fist bump. "Now, I'm gonna go grab some grub and make the most of this festival."

"I'm all for that!" said Braeburn.

"Same here," Little Strongheart agreed.

"Eeyup," Big Macintosh concurred.

With that, the four of them joined the festivities.  They saw a ring of dragons and buffalo standing in a circle and cheering.  Once they made their way through the crowd, they saw Needles and Trigger in the center of the crowd, dancing beneath the stars.  Trigger stumbled more than a few times, but Needles didn't seem to mind.  Spike breathed out a laugh as he took a handful of topaz from a nearby bowl and watched the two go at it.

Those two really do look cute together, he thought. Man, I cannot wait to tell Twilight about all this when I get home.  This might not be the most relaxing vacation I've ever had, but it sure has become something special.  And for me, well, that's good enough.


The End