(Takes place immediately after the events of "Molt Down", so obviously it will contain some spoilers. Proofread and edited by yodajax10.)
Having completed his molting phase, Spike's scales now come with a pair of wings that allow him to fly. But Smolder soon blabs to Twilight that her fellow dragon is having trouble mastering his new wings, and needs to learn how.
Fortunately, Twilight decides to sign Spike up for flying lessons with Rainbow Dash, much like when she was learning how to master her wings. And after a bit of pleading, Rainbow agrees.
But what will happen when Twilight decides to get in on the lessons as well? And more importantly, will Spike be able to master his new wings without constantly crash landing? Plus, what reason does Twilight have for getting involved?
A Molt Down story that doesn't have Scootaloo?
I'm in!
8951234 I'm not entirely surprised the fandom thought of Scootaloo after "Molt Down", as it does seem odd to give Spike wings before Scootaloo's flying has truly been addressed ("Flight to the Finish" left it open, and since then it hasn't been brought up at all).
There's still others he has yet to tell you know.
8951282 I assume they'll all learn soon enough, it's not like he's gonna keep his new wings a secret.
Oooh, shots fired, Gallus!
This was a cute read, and welcome break from the Scootaloo focus a lot of other fics have centered on (I mean, I get it, Scoots is overdue for her turn in the sky, but c'mon, there's other things to explore about this too, guys
).
I liked the idea of Spike learning about flying from Rainbow Dash, just like Twilight did. It's a natural progression of Rainbow Dash mentoring somepony to fly. Smoulder's appearance, giving a fellow dragon's perspective on his new wings, was a nice touch and feels like a good extension of her role from the episode.
And apologies, but I don't like the mother/son dynamic you have for Twilight and Spike. It doesn't feel as natural to me as a big sister/little brother dynamic, and it feels a little too forced as a result.
A very good Twilight/Spike mother/son fanfic. I like this.
Splendid work on this one-shot. Even though I respectfully subscribe more to the big sister/little brother family dynamic between Twilight and Spike, I CAN strongly respect the beliefs of those that prefer the mother/son dynamic. Anyway, VERY good job on the characterizations, exchanges and general wrap-up. I particularly liked Twilight's flashbacks and the family-type playful banter between Twilight and Spike.
And, yeah, I STILL think "the Molt Down" is EASILY the THIRD-best Spike-focus episode of the series (though considering the best and second best are "Gauntlet of Fire" and "The Times Are A-Changeling" [both of which are REALLY good OVERALL episodes in addition to being the best Spike-focused episodes], third-best is nothing to be ashamed of).
And, yeah, this makes a great 100th story for you as well. :-D And I'll definitely be looking forward to more of your work.
I can see Spike getting the hang of flying much quicker than Twilight did, since his species has evolved to do it naturally, unlike hers. I still kinda think it was a little too quick though.
Uuuummmm. Orc? Was she playing O&O with discord? hahaha,
That was a sreally enjoyable read, I liked the bonding time you gave them, it's nice seeing them together having fun.
Wait, has Rainbow actually improved on her teaching skills since she taught Twilight how to fly?
And now, we suffer another long and torturous wait for another Spike episode.....starring his "father."
8953778 That's what the monster bird was called in the episode.
8954510
The bird is called a Roc. If I recall, the Adventures of Sinbad the sailor had the adventure and his crew obtain Roc eggs for food and they were attacked by the Roc parents, especially the mother Roc.
Awww!
With four flyers on the team, having them travel by air instead of walking or taking the train is possible.
They can pull the other three in one of those sky chariot things or just take turns towing Pinkie's balloon.