//------------------------------// // What is Justice? // Story: Dragon of Steel // by SuperPinkBrony12 //------------------------------// (The Present Day) Spike awoke with the rays of Celestia's sun shining down on his face. As he yawned, and got out of bed, he had no reason to suspect today was going to be any different from the countless other days of his life. And for a while, that was the case. Spike enjoyed a peaceful pancake breakfast with Twilight, the very mare who had hatched and raised him. All the while, the two discussed local events of interest. "It sure feels nice to be back in Ponyville, after all that time spent in Canterlot helping to promote Rarity's new business," Twilight sighed happily "Who would've thought that smiling and waving could be so exhausting?" "I'm just glad that Rarity got the chance to live out her dream, and didn't have to close up shop," Spike commented "Still not too sure if I'd have kept Sassy Saddles around if I were her." "Spike, Sassy learned her lesson, and apologized for her behavior! Rarity was being the bigger mare, by not making an issue out of it." Twilight scolded. "I'm sorry. I know Sassy Saddles meant well, but it just burns me up how she got off the hook for almost ruining Rarity's dream," Spike told Twilight, a rare hint of anger reflected in his eyes "I mean, when Suri Polomare took advantage of Rarity's generosity, she was punished. And when I let my greed get the best of me, karma made sure I got what I deserved. So the fact that somepony like Sassy could do so many bad things, and get off with a slap on the wrist, it really makes me angry! I know the world as I know it isn't perfect, but I always thought that ponies were inherently good. And that they stroved to punish those who did bad things. If ponies like Sassy and The Flim Flam Brothers can get away with bad behavior, then why does Equestria even have laws?" Twilight was quite surprised by Spike's sudden outburst, and for a moment, she just stood there with a shocked look on her face. Her eyes darted every which way, as she racked her brain for an answer that would please Spike. But, just as she was about to give up, and admit that she didn't have a good answer for that question, inspiration struck her. "It's specifically because most ponies are still good, and the rules are there to prevent ponies like Sassy or The Flim Flam Brothers from becoming a majority. They also exisit, so that if ponies do bad things, they can hopefully feel regret for them, and come back to the light. Just like what happeend with Sassy Saddles." "Guess that makes sense," Spike said with a shrug "And I'm sorry about the outburst. I'm not really sure what came over me back there, but it felt like something inside me just snapped." "This isn't the first time this has happened to you, Spike," Twilight said with concern "You were constantly one of the biggest arguers against Discord's redemption, until he proved himself. And you got really mad when I told you about Starlight Glimmer, you specifically said I shouldn't have been so merciful towards her. You said I should've captured her and brought her to Celestia to face proper justice." "Like I said, it just really makes me angry how so many ponies, and even non ponies, can get away with wrong doing. Part of why I like those comic books so much, is because in the end, I know that the good guys always win. And that the bad guys always face consequences for their actions," Spike replied "I'm not sure why it is that I feel so strongly about these sort of things. I just do." "Well, I think we've discussed the idea of justice, and right and wrong, quite enough," Twilight said with a light chuckle, before changing the subject "Let's just enjoy this delicious pancake breakfast. Then we can go see how Rarity is doing." Twilight and Spike ate the rest of their breakfast in silence, neither one of them saying or discussing anything more about good and bad. But just after Spike had helped Twilight to put the dishes away, it happened! With a familiar belch, Spike shot out a scroll. Twilight picked it up with her magic, unfolded it, and read it out loud: Dear Spike, I know this may seem sudden, but I require your presence, and the presence of Twilight, in Canterlot at once! There is something I wish to share with you. Something that will shed light on your past. Please make arrangements to visit me as soon as possible! What I have to share with you, is something that may very well change your life forever! Sincerely, Princess Celestia P.S. I apologize for the vaugness of this letter. But what I intend to share with you, is something that I have not shared with anyone else. I will explain everything when you arrive. Almost as soon as Twilight had finished reading, a sense of excitement and also nervousness shot through Spike like never before. Princess Celestia wanted to see HIM, and the information she wanted to share sounded extremely important. Perhaps even life changing! "Could it be releated to my past, and why even Twilight didn't know where I came from?" Spike thought to himself, as he and Twilight began to make preparations to travel to Canterlot.