//------------------------------// // Spike & Gem // Story: A Home for fallen stars // by K_moonshard //------------------------------// Twilight and Keba, Spike and Gem went their separate ways. After being informed to meet back at the castle in 3 hours. It took all of 3 min before Spike regretted splitting up. While from the over view on the hill it looked like a straight shot to the lake. Upon entering Star town it became more apparent that the town was like a maze of homes, stores and combinations of the two. It didn’t take long for them the get lost. “Um” Spike tried to get the attention of some one. Anyone who could help them find their way, but something seemed off. “Excuse me!” on this particular street a majority of griffons and ponies could be seen and they were all giving spike and Gem that same look. Spike could not place it but Gem knew that look all well. “Daddy, I don’t think they want us here.” At this point Gem was near cowering behind her father’s leg. These days spike found it less intimidating to walk on all fours. So Gem was basically under him hiding. “Look were new here and are just trying to get to the lake. Could someone just help us?” No one made a move at this point one could have sworn the street and everyone on it was frozen it time. “We came here with this Moonshard guy.” A few of the bystanders looked at each other like they were about to speak but didn’t. “Spike?” A familiar voice came from what appeared to be a coffee shop. “Uh? Yeah.” “Haya spike! I was wondering when you were going to get here.” “Braeburn!? What are you doing here?” “Daddy that’s the guy from Appaloosa.” “Yes honey he’s an old friend of ours and Aunt-Applejack’s cousin. But Braeburn what are you doing in Star town?” “Well shucks ah live here, well most of the time. Me and ….” Braeburn was interrupted by a buck tapping him on the shoulder. “Do you know there two?” “Oh yes, Spike and Twilight must have come thru the gate with keba. Look see that the little Drackony with him. That’s their daughter.” The mood changed drastically with Braeburn vouching for them. “Oh! So you’re just new to town. Now it make since well welcome, welcome to cherry boom café. Come in try our signature cherry coffee. First drinks on the house. My names Joe.” Waving them in Spike lead Gem into the café and sat with Braeburn. “So how about a cherry coffee with crushed rubies on top and a strawberry milk for the little one. “Shure. Thank you” “Daddy I want sapphires on mine too.” Spike looked at Joe as to say (“If you don’t mind.”) “Not a problem little one. I’ll be right back with that and welcome to Star Town.” Joe walked off to get there drinks. “So Spike are you going to introduce me to this little gem here?” “Yes, this is Gem Song my daughter and her mom’s not Twilight. It’s my wife Sweetie Bell she’s still in Pony Ville.” “Oh wow, one already and another on the way and this is your first time to Star Town. That’s impressive you two must really love each other a lot.” Braeburn said as if he was praising him for some great feet. “Well yes we do but what does that have to do with us having two kids?” His expression changed all together from joy to confusion. “Wait you really don’t know do you?” “Know what?” “Haya Gem. If it’s ok with your daddy, could you go see what’s taking that old Joe so long with our drinks.” “Can I daddy?” “Go on sweetie but stay where I can see you.” Gem jumped up out of her seat to go find Joe. “So, what don’t I know?” “Look I don’t want you getting paranoid. Especially with a child on the way.” The way he was speaking did not help to calm spike. If anything it had the opposite effect. “Look the chances of a child being conceived by two different species are 1 in 5000 and if by some chance you are able to conceive. The chance of the child being not being still born is less than 1%.” The weight of what he was saying came down on spike like a pile of bricks. Speechless was an understatement as to how he was feeling right now. “This is basic knowledge for those who live here. Now I don’t know the science behind it all. What I do know is that outside of here it the closer you are to absolute true love. The chances increase exponentially.” Gem came up happy as ever with Joe in tow. “Daddy, daddy look they look so good.” Stopped abruptly at the edge of the table. She could see the look of shock on her father’s face. “What’s wrong daddy?” Spike all of jumped up and grabbed Gem in the biggest bear hug he could manage without hurting her. “What wrong daddy?” “Nothing Sweetie, I just so lucky to have a daughter like you. I love you so much.” “I love you too daddy.” (“That smile could melt ice and flood the world.”) Spike thought to himself. “Flood, lake! Oh yeah the lake. Braeburn can you take us to the lake. We wanted to meet the water dragons that live here?” “Well heck yeah ah can. Although it’s still early so most of Em won’t be awake yet.” “Early? It’s the middle of the night.” “Oh your guide didn’t tell you?” “Tell us what?” Spike took a sip of his coffee. (“This is good.”) “It’s always night here.” Nothing short of a comical spit take later. “What how is that possible?” “Daddy it’s because that’s how the original founders wanted it.” Gem continued to drink her strawberry milk. Both Spike and Braeburn looked at her questionable. It took just a second for Gem to notice. “Princess Luna told me.” “Well shucks there you have it. I’ll tell you what why don’t we go see Little Strong Heart. I’m sure she would love to see you.” “Little Strong Heart is here too?” “Well yeah she’s my wife.” 1 hour, several stops including a gift shop that was all too eager to welcome the little Drakony later. Spike, Gem and Braeburn were finally on a completely residential street. “Our house is at the end of this block. Heart’s should be up and moving by now.” “She doesn’t wake up with you?” Spike asked “I help export our crops to Appaloosa. So I have gotten used to being awake for 18 hours at a time. She spends more nights then not, here. She is also trying her hardest to get pregnant so she spends a lot of time relaxing and eating as many raw Star Drops as she can.” “What are Star Drops?” “Well they used to be sunflowers. But they were grown here with star dust fertilizer.” “And what is star dust?” “Well star dust is….” Braeburn looked confused for a min. “You know I’m not sure. Bags of it is brought from the castle almost daily. What I do know is its put into almost everything here and it’s what’s gives us our luminescent glow.” “Glow? What are you…?” Then Spike looked at Braeburn. Really looked at him. If you weren’t looking for it you would miss it every time. Braeburn and now that he thought about it everyone he had seen up to this point had a faint glow like moon light reflecting off the ocean. “Oh wow, so that how everyone knew we weren’t from here?” “Well that’s one of the reasons. Used to be in the old days fouks would welcome new comers with open arms.” His expression changed from joy to pain like someone flicked a light switch. “But with recent events everyone’s scared.” “What happened?” “2 years ago the gate used to be open to all who knew where to find it. But.” He looked to be on the verge of tears now. “A year and a half ago. A pony half dead and dehydrated was lost it the desert. One of the caravans coming back found him and brought him here. To save him, to spare you the details he hurt a lot of us. While we have been safe ever since the gate was locked what he did has not been forgotten. By some more than others.” “Oh, wow I had no idea. I am so Sorry.” “It’s times past. Ah’m just happy hearts wasn’t living in town at that point. Speaking of here we are.” The house they approached was simple in design. Stone wall straw roof and a simple lay out. “Gem sweetie why don’t you go knock on the door see she’s awake.” “Ok” Spike grabbed Braeburn to back him up a little. “One last thing, if you don’t mind me asking. What was that ponies name?” He almost looked pained to say his name. “His name was Purebred.” After some snacks and catching up. Spike, Gem and Braeburn headed to the lake to meet the dragons who lived there. Spike was surprised to see Little Strong Heart. She was not so little and more fully grown now she filled out well. But as per her routine as her put it she wanted to stay home. On the way out she had made it a point to tell Braebun to get back Aasap. “hahaha, I told you she really wants to get pregnant.” “Yeah I think we got that.” Spike said flatly. Trying to relay how little he wanted to in vision that. “So now we are heading to the lake?” “Yes. They should be up by now if only a few.” “And I’m going to see flame in person.” Gem was so excited to see her friend. Outside of dreams and today she never known others like her. When Luna first introduced Flame charge to Gem. She was a little scared other than her father, Ember and 4/12th of discord. She had never seen any other predators before. ******(FlashBack)****** This is where Princess Luna and Gem would often use as a back drop for their meet ups. The Pony Ville School playground during the day a place she was forced to play alone but at night. Her favorite place in the world. “Princess what are we going to do tonight?” The 6 year old Gem loves seeing Princess Luna. Every night she came to stop the nightmares and play with her. “Can you tell me more about your castle? Or the, what was that word you used…hydra, hybin, hymen?” Lunas face could have been mistaken for a cherry on that last one. “Hybrids young one. And on I’ve got to tell you there are some things that need my attention there. So I won’t be able to come as often anymore.” Gem was on the verge of tears at the news. “But you’re my only friend. No one else plays with me.” It was heart breaking to see the little Drakony like this. She wished with all might that she could just tell Spike and Sweetie bell to come to Star Town. So she could be happy when she’s awake too. But she couldn’t risk it yet. How would Calestia take finding out and now this business with some pony named Purebred. No she could not risk the safety of all her children and the loss of her home. “Now, Now Little one we would not leave you alone. We want to introduce you to someone.” Luna looked to the school. “You can come out now.” The school door opened and what came true, Gem had never seen before or expected. Hiding behind Luna she looked at the young boy or so she thought he was a boy. He had a light brown coat but no mane. His tale was long and thin with a red and yellow tuff at the end. Gem thought it was cute it looked like a little flame. He had paws in the rear and what looked like chicken feet in front. His wings were sharper than any Pegasus she had ever seen. But what scared her was his muzzle. He was smiling so she could see rows of sharp teeth. His eyes were big and yellow as the sun. “Princess I thought I was going to meet someone here?” “You are, she appears to be a little shy at the moment. Come on out little one there is nothing to be afraid of he is a friend.” While still not making eye contact gem came from behind Luna and sat down next to her. “Gem, this is flame Charge. Flame Charge this is Gem she lives in Pony Ville.” “Hi Gem, I’m Flame Charge.” No Response. “Do you want to play a game?” She shifted slightly. “Hey you are a hybrid like me. That’s cool.” Gem finally lifted her head to look at Flame. “Yeah, my mom is a wolf and my dad is a griffon. What about you?” “My dad’s a dragon and my mom’s a pony.” “Oh so you’re a Drakony, that’s so cool!” “Really?” “Yeah there’s not a lot of drakony’s in Star town.” “You live in Star town? What’s it like there?” “What’s it like in Pony Ville?” “You first.” Luna cut in before this went on and on. “I think you two will be just fine. Now look when you’re both asleep the school will be the link to between of your dreams. I have other things to attend too. Have fun.” From That night on they played every other night. Talked about their day what they learned at school that day. Over time became the best of friends. *******(End Flashback)******* “Here we are.” Braeburn said as he, Spike and Gem stood at the edge of a beach. That would have been empty if not for them and maybe 7 others on the beach seaming to wait for something. “Great we made it just in time.” Spike was about to ask, in time for what? Before he could a rumbling could be heard from the lake. The water started to ripple and from the lake and what could only be described as a small town in and of itself rose from the water. “What is that?” “That’s The Lakebed district. Home of the water dragons and their families.” An unfamiliar voice caused them all to jump. But only Gem jumped toward the boy. “FLAMIE!” She tacked the boy to the ground in a hug. Spike thought was reserved for him. “You made it. You’re really here.” Gem looked like she was about to kiss the boy on the cheek. “ehem” Spike cleared his thought causing them to jump apart. “Gem, Why don’t you introduce us to your ………. Friend. “Oh, sorry sir you must be Gem’s dad. My name is Flame Charge I’m her bo…”He was quickly silenced with a claw around his mouth from a now cherry red faced Gem. “FRIEND! This is my friend Flami…. Flame Charge I call him Flamie because were best friends.” Gem was wearing the biggest please believe me grin as a single bead of sweat rolled down her face. Flame looked confused at Gem. “Right. What she said.” When he looked back at spike. He could have sworn his heart stopped for a good minute. Spike looked at the pair with the most (you’re joking right) deadpan look on his face. “Well I am glad to see my daughter has such a small, I mean fragile my bad.” He smiled showing all his teeth at once. “I am glad to see my daughter has such a good and honest friend.” He said in the Iciest voice he could muster. This was one of those moments Flame was so glad he used the bathroom before going out. “Yes sir” barley able to get a word out. Because he was still starring at Spike’s teeth. “Um, Like I was saying this is Lakebed district. I could give you a tour if you’d like.” “No that won’t be…” “That would be great.” Braeburn interrupted. “You’re going to need a guide and I need to get home. Flame was it? Look you’re going to have to clear them with fouks around there. They haven’t been here long enough to get our shine.” “How is this boy going to help? He looks too young to find his way around his bed room let alone a town.” Spike said. “Um sir I don’t mean to interrupt but. When Gem and I started da…ooph” He was cut off by a kick to the ribs by the Drakony standing next to him. “I mean when we became friends. I wanted to know more about her and water dragon culture. So I spent a lot of time here.” “Ugh fine. But no funny business. Just take us to the library or wherever we can learn about their history. Then you can go. We are only going to be here a short time then were heading back to the castle.” Spike said a matter-o-factly. “Great so you know your way back to the castle.” Spike knew he didn’t have any way around that. So instead of a response he just turned and huffed. “Well Ah’ll be on my way. I’ll see you two around and it was nice to meet you too Flame.” Braeburn waved and went on his way home. Spike nodded and headed in to the city. Before realizing he did not know where he where he was going. “Well lead the way boy.” “How about we just go straight for the library that’s about the best place to learn about water dragon’s history. Or we could ask the locals.” “The Library will be fine.” As they made their way thru the Lake bottom district. Fame informed them that it was a relatively straight shot to the library. So while they walked Spike was awe struck by the culture he never knew about. Buildings made of coral, wingless dragons of all sizes. Spike couldn’t help but talk to almost everyone he passed by. Admittedly everyone here was a lot more welcoming than others in the castle town. With Spike in his own little world. Gem and Flame could talk with a little more freedom. As they walked trying to hide from Spike. They had their tails intertwined drawing the attention of some of the stalls they past. With vendors yelling thing like “you go girl” and “Is that the girl you were talking about Flame? You were right she’s a looker.” If he could he would have died from embarrassment. But trying to act strong he held strong with a smile on his face. “So why didn’t you tell me you were coming? I would have prepared something?” “I would have, but when I found out I was so excited I couldn’t sleep and when I did you weren’t asleep yet. So I couldn’t and besides isn’t this more fun?” “Fun is one way of putting it. A happy heart attack is another.” They shared a laugh. “But really I was on my way to school when my uncle caught me and told me you were here. I thought he was joking at first. But your grandmother was all the convincing needed. Needless to say I am beyond happy you’re here but why are you here?” Gems expression shifted dramatically. “Can you keep a secret? Not like a little one like a huge mega world changing secret? Just for a little while?” “For you anything. But we are going to have to tell your dad about us dating at some point you know.” Gem pretty much froze mid step. “I know but maybe not this time round. He has enough to take in right now. But as for why we are here well.” She got up close to flame’s ear and whispered. “WHAT!” flame yelled in a panic. Gem jumped on him before he could freak out and draw attention to himself. It didn’t really help the only one who didn’t notice the pair was Spike who was talking to a candy vender. “Shush, you can’t tell anyone.” Gem said with pleading in her eyes. “But.” He looked into her eyes and knew he couldn’t say no. “So what are you here to do?” “I think we’re here to get something. I don’t really know I was too excited to see you I forgot.” “Gem Check this out they have chocolate dipped pearls. This place is amazing.” Seeing Gem on top of Flame was way too much for spike to handle. “GEM WHAT ARE YOU DOING!” Gem Jumped up but stood her ground next to flame as he got up. Spike was about to start yelling at him. When he noticed Flame wasn’t scared. More so he look hurt and sad. “What happed?” “I told Falmie why were are here.” Spike looked at Gem. Then back at Flame. When he grabbed him he snapped back to reality. Realizing Gems father had him in his claws he started to struggle to get free. When he couldn’t he started expecting pain so he braced himself but it never came. Instead Spike was hugging him and whispered in his ear. “Don’t worry kid Luna’s going to be ok. We are going to make sure of that. But she needs you to be strong and so do we. So can you do that? Can you be strong?” Spike put him down and He nodded. “Good, so how far are we from the library?” Flame looked up then around him and pointed at a large building with (Library) on the front gate. “Good, I’ll go there. Gem why don’t you and your boyfriend go get some candy. But get back within an hour we still have to get to the castle. “Boyfriend what, what boyfriend I told you were just good friends.” Spike and Flame both looked at her flatly. Tossing her a small bag of bits. It looks like they use bits here as well. Go have fun.” “Thanks dad.” As she grabbed Flame and charged off in just the general direction of away. “Ah to be young. Well time to get my read on.” Spike caught himself. “Oh wow, I sound like Twilight. I wonder how she’s handling this place. ******(On the other side of town)******* In the basement of an abandoned store house. “Ahh-chew” “Shush Twilight or he’s going to find us.” Nova said The crate they were hiding in was ripped open. “Found you.”