//------------------------------//
// Afterparty 2: Aftermath 
// Story: Another Hatchling 
// by Tatsurou 
//------------------------------//

	As the party continued, Spike eventually made his way away from the center of the party, allowing everyone to celebrate without him for a time.  He felt he had a lot to think about, and preferred to sort it out on his own, without deadening anyone else's celebratory moods.  Unfortunately, with most of the town still being rebuilt, there weren't that many spots for someone of Spike's size to slink away without being noticed, even when he could change that size at will.  Eventually, Spike settled on heading into the Everfree, making his way towards the ship.  He idly wondered if some meditation would help him sort through his emotions.

"Didn't think you were the sort to ditch your own party."

Spike sighed as he glanced over his shoulder at the chocolate brown face of the one following him.  "Never thought you were one to leave any party until the last note played, Uncle Tony."

Anthony chuckled as he stepped up beside Spike.  "Well, most of the reason I stick with parties like that is for the ladies, know what I'm saying?"  He gave Spike a playful punch on the shoulder.  "Unfortunately, all the ladies who I'd consider my type back there either have their eye on you or are your Mom, and I'm not her type."

Spike managed a chuckle.  "I have to wonder, after all this time, what Mom's type even is."

Anthony shook his head.  "Boy, that's not something I'd even begin to try and figure out.  Your Mom's a mystery wrapped in an enigma, bundled up in a genetically engineered six foot untouchable perfect goddess.  And as far as I can imagine, she's gonna stay untouchable for a long time."

Spike rolled his eyes.  "Somehow, I doubt you followed me out here to talk about Mom."

Anthony nodded.  "True enough.  I actually wanted to ask ya something about what ya said to Ridley when you were fighting him."

Spike sighed softly.  He was pretty sure he knew exactly where this was going.  "Yeah?  What did you want to know?"

Anthony was silent for a time.  "...do you regret giving him enough energy to make it off BSL?" he asked carefully.

Spike raised an eyebrow.  "You...don't seem surprised to learn I did that."

"Wasn't that hard to put together," Anthony replied easily.  "I know how you think, Ankle Biter.  You probably were thinking he might see that act of mercy and generosity and change his ways or something, right?"

Spike chuckled softly to himself.  "I don't think I actually gave it that much thought when I did it.  I just...couldn't let him die like that.  It was as simple as that.  When I did it...I didn't give any thought for what he might do afterwards."

Anthony nodded thoughtfully.  "So, having seen what he did with it...do you regret it?"

Spike frowned as he thought about it, thinking about everything Ridley had done with the energy he had given him, knowing he was at least partially responsible for it since his actions made it possible for Ridley to do them.  He then thought about what it would have been like to have left him to die, or killed him in cold blood when he was helpless, his only other two options there.  "...no," he said finally.  "I don't regret staying true to myself, whatever the consequences."

Anthony nodded to himself.  "Then I suppose you just have to live with those consequences, then."

"That's all anyone can do," Spike agreed, staring up into the branches.  "I doubt anything else is a viable action-"

"Tell me friends, what is a hoof?" Zecora asked as she stepped out of the foliage.  "In Ponyville and Everfree, so much is-"  She froze as she caught sight of Spike, her eyes widening as she took in Spike's altered physique.  "...woof," she concluded.

"Seriously, Zecora?" Spike demanded as Anthony fell back against a tree, laughing hysterically.  "Anthony, what's so funny?"  This demand only made Anthony laugh harder.





Twilight looked up at Samus as the pair sat together, each of them taking a drink of some strong cider as the party continued around them.  "So...Ridley's gone for good now," she observed idly.

"Finally," Samus grunted out in relief.  "And good riddance to him, too."

Twilight managed a smile at that.  "How does it feel to finally put that to rest?" she asked curiously.

Samus thought about it for a while.  "Odd," she finally admitted.  "On the one hand, I'm pleased to finally see the end of him, and relieved I'll never have to worry about him showing up again.  On the other hand, knowing I might encounter him again at any time was a push to keep myself at my peak, and keep growing stronger.  On the other hand..."  After a brief pause, she chuckled.  "I've run out of hands."

Twilight giggled to herself.  "That's why I prefer counting on the hooves," she joked, wiggling all four hooves playfully.

Smirking, Samus took another swig.  "So, yeah, my feelings on that situation are complicated to say the least."

Twilight nodded understandingly.  "So...what's next for you?" she asked curiously.  "I mean, there's probably not much in the way of adventure here..."

"Then it's a good thing I've had my fill of adventure," Samus stated bluntly.  "I didn't just come here to bring Spike home.  I was hoping to make a home here myself, if I could.  Figured a world that produced him would produce more than enough excitement to keep me from growing bored in retirement."

Twilight chuckled.  "Yeah, I suppose it would.  Especially here in Ponyville."

"Friendly locals are certainly a plus," Samus murmured thoughtfully.

Twilight rubbed her chin.  "You know, there's plenty of room in my castle," she observed idly.  "It'd probably be good for Spike to...have his whole family together."

Samus smirked, her eyes bemused.  "And I'd be readily available for you to barrage with your endless questions about me and the galaxies beyond, right?"

"W-well, okay maybe my motives aren't entirely altruistic," Twilight admitted with a blushing stammer, apparently having drunk a bit too much already.  Understandable, given recent events.  "But surely you've got your own share of questions?"

"Can't deny that," Samus admitted.  "Alright, I'll take you up on your offer."  Reaching out, she playfully mussed Twilight's mane, chuckling as she flailed her hooves over it.  I've heard of worse reasons to start a relationship than 'for our kid', she mused silently.





Twilight groaned, a hoof going to her head as a lance of morning sunlight came through the window to land right on her eye.  She had a terrible headache, and other symptoms she instantly recognized as the mother of all hangovers.  She started to shift, trying to find a more comfortable spot, but a soft arm held her in place as a warm body shifted, blocking the sun.

Twilight sighed in relief, willing to give no more thought to it...until she realized someone was in bed with her.  Her eyes instantly popped open, taking in a mess of blonde hair, a heart shaped human face smiling softly...and far more bare flesh than she ever expected to see under the covers.  Knowing she had to say or do something right now, she opened her mouth.  However, all that came out was, "...woof."

At that moment, a few books were knocked off her bookshelf as Pinkie Pie popped out from behind them.  "Ha!  She said it!  She said it!" Pinkie squealed out.

"Pinkie, if you don't keep it down, I will use your tongue to turn you into a tetherball," Samus growled out, pulling Twilight closer to her as she tried to curl up for tighter sleep.  This caused Twilight to let out a startled squeak.

As the door opened, Spike stepped in carrying a platter with black coffee and aspirin.  He glanced between his two mothers, then muttered in a monotone voice, "Well, that escalated quickly..."








Fin