> I'm your son too
>  by Synthetic Soul
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a normal day in the Ponyville Library for Spike. As usual, Twilight was out doing things while Spike was stuck inside the tree house doing his chores. He didn’t mind though. He WAS her assistant after all, the best assistant in the world, as she would often point out. Right now, Spike was just finishing his sweeping. He brushed the last bit of dust into the dustpan. Once all the dirty dust was in the pan, he walked over to the trashcan, and poured it in. Spike put away his cleaning materials, and observed the room. It was spotless, well except for the large pile of books on the floor that Twilight had made during last nights study session.

“Perfect,” said Spike with satisfaction. “Now to get to work on those books.” Spike walked over to the pile, and began organizing the books, by title, and by genre. About halfway through his task, his attention was brought to the front door as it opened. Spike turned to face the pony entering, and was glad to see it was the familiar Alicorn returning from her outing.

“Hey Twilight!” greeted Spike with a wave.

“Hi Spike!” said Twilight with an unusual amount of enthusiasm. “Take a break from those chores, I’ve got some great news!” Now intrigued, Spike put the book in his hand onto the shelf and turned to face his caretaker.

“What is it Twilight?” asked Spike.

“Guess!” replied Twilight.

“Uh, OK. Um, did you invent a new spell?”

“No,” replied Twilight, sporting an insanely large smile that would put Pinkie Pie to shame.

“Um, did you win an award for your experiments in-“ Spike was interrupted by Twilight pushing her hoof to his mouth.

“Spike, shush! That’s supposed to be a secret. Hush hush, remember?” 

“Oh, right,” replied Spike. “Alright, I give up. What is the surprise?”

“Alright…Me and Flash…”

“WHAT, you and Flash what!” cried Spike.

“We’re…”

“Sweet Celestia, get on with it, I’m dying with suspense over here!” 

“We’re having a foal!” Spikes eyes widened in surprise.

“Whoa,” said Spike as he stumbled back with a hand to his head. After a few seconds to recover from this most unsuspected news, Spike looked up to Twilight, who was looking quite happy over the news. “Wait, but you two didn’t’ get married did you?”

“Oh, Spike! We live in a new day and age, where ponies don’t need to get married in order to have a child.” Me and Flash will tie the knot when we’re ready.”

“Well, that’s great news Twilight! Do you know if it’s going to be a filly or a colt yet?”

“Not yet, that will take at least 16 weeks for us to know.”

“That’s great Twi! I’ll help you in any way I can!” said an excited Spike.

“I know you will, that’s why you’re my number one assistant!”






Spikes Journal, May 4, 1004 A.N.M

Dear diary Dear Manly journal,

Today, Twilight told me some great news! She’s having a baby! This is great; it will be like having a little brother or sister! Somepony to play with, somepony I can teach things too, and to play pranks with! I mean, I know Twilight isn’t my mom, but in a way, she kind of is. I mean, she is the one hatched me, and she is the one who basically raised me. I mean, she had Princess Celestia, and her parents to help, but she is the one I looked up to for guidance and love. I don’t know if she feels the same way though. Well, I’ll be there for her no matter what.






   Spikes Journal, May 6, 1004 A.N.M
Dear journal,
Today, me and Twilight  Twilight and I went out to lunch with Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack. We had a great time. It was really great, well except I could tell Twilight missed Flash. He got stationed at some outpost for who knows long. Luckily Twilight was able to send a message to him telling him about the baby. We’ll find out his response soon. 

But anyway, back to the celebration. We had a great lunch. The others all kind of freaked out when they found out. Applejack offered Apple Bloom's old baby stuff, Rarity insisted on designing clothes for the little guy, or girl. Fluttershy offered to foalsit, and Pinkie Pie insisted in throwing a party. Rainbow Dash was concerned with whether or not the foal is going to have wings or not.  But, what’re you going to do? 

Well, it’s been a long day. I’m going to hit the sack. Goodnight journal.






Spikes Journal, June 14, 1004 A.N.M

Well, Flash is still stationed away. Twilight sent a message to her family telling them of her pregnancy. Cadence was really excited. Twi’s parents found it funny that Twilight was having a child before Shining and Cadence. Shining promised that he would use his connections to try and get Flash home in time for the birthing, but the Royal Guard is kind of spread thin. It might take some time though. The family, I mean Twilights family plan on coming into town in time for the birthing.

Well, that’s all for know. I’ll write again as soon as something happens.





 Spikes Journal, September 19, 1004 A.N.M

Dear Journal,
Today was…well I’m not really sure. There’s some good news, and some bad news. No, not bad news, terrible news! We got a message from the Royal Guard. Flash…well, Flash won’t be coming home. It’s terrible. His unit went to go and investigate this disturbance, and it turned out to be a camping group of Changelings in Equestrian territory. The Changelings attacked. There were causalities on both sides. Unfortunately, Flash was one of them.

Twilights taking it pretty hard. She’s freaking out, about how she can’t raise her child without Flash. I mean, I know how the pressures of having a baby can take their toile on her. But, she seems to be forgetting that she does have some experience in childcare; I mean she raised me without a father, and I turned out all right, didn’t I?

As for Flash, well, we never really got that close. I mean he was a cool guy and all, and I regret his passing, but you know, we just never really hit it off. Still, it’s a terrible thing that he’s gone.

All this talk about sad stuff, I completely forgot about the good news. We found out the gender of the baby! It’s a boy! And what’s cooler, he’s going to be an Alicorn, just like Twilight! It’s great; it’s going to be like having a little brother! I’ll teach him guy stuff, like hoofball, and um…well…huh; I guess I need to find more guy activities. Geez, I need more guy friends. 

Well, that's all for now






Spikes Journal, February 14, 1005 A.N.M

TWILIGHT JUST WENT INTO LABOR! The girls and I were all gathered around in the library! I was bringing them some drinks, because I’m the best assistant ever, and Twilight just went into labor! Oh boy, this is it! I’m waiting in the waiting room. Oh Celestia, I’m so nervous. Why am I nervous, it’s not my kid? I guess I’m just nervous for Twilight. I really hope the kid is healthy. Well, it’s about 12 o’clock at night right now. I guess I should get some rest. I’ll write back in this journal when the baby is born. Goodnight journal!


> Chapter 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike sat on his chair in the hospital waiting room, twirling his thumbs, with nervousness. He worried that something might go wrong. The baby might not get enough oxygen during birth. He could have some sort of defect, or worse be still born! 

Spike tried to redirect his thoughts toward the positive. These were skilled doctors, and they knew what they were doing. The chances were in the favor of the baby being born perfectly healthy. He then started thinking about all the fun stuff he would do with Twilight's son. They would pull pranks, play hoof ball, and he would finally have somepony to do guy stuff with!

Spike looked around the waiting room. Twilight’s parents were present, as well as Shining and Cadence. Twilight’s friends, and even Princess Celestia were there. Spike also noticed a few other ponies from around town were present, most likely for different reasons.

As the hours rolled by, Spike continued to stare at his hands. As much as he tried to redirect his mind, he still felt worry. He just wanted everything to work out ok.

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, a doctor clad in scrubs walked out of the double doors. He removed his facemask, and then cleared his throat.

“Friends and family of Twilight Sparkle?” The entire group redirected their attention to the doctor.

“There’s somepony who wants to meet you.” He opened the door, and held it open for the group, who filed through the doors. The doctor then led the group down the hall, into Twilight's room. It was rather cramped, but they were able to fit. All eyes directed toward Twilight, holding a blue green bundle close to her breast. Twilight looked exhausted, yet relieved. She had a warm smile on her face. She looked up from the bundle, to look at the group.

“Hi everypony. Care to meet my new little bundle of joy?” She turned the bundle to reveal the Alicorn foal. His fur was lavender, just like Twilight's. His mane was royal blue like flash’s, but it was styled more like Rainbow Dash’s. He was sleeping soundly, his chest rising and falling steadily. The entire group (Minus Rainbow Dash) awed at the sight.  

Pinkie Pie began hopping up and down in excitement. “Ooo, this is so super duper exciting! I have to throw the most fantastic party ever! We’ll have cake, and streamers, and punch, and party games, and music and everything! And we’ll invite the entire town!”

“I think just a small party for those in the room would be enough, if you don’t mind Pinkie,” said Twilight in a soft tone of voice.

“Oh, ok. BUT it will be a fantastic party nonetheless!” replied Pinkie. 

Spike made his way through the group to Twilight's bedside, and stood on his tiptoes in order to see the baby better. “Can I hold him Twilight?” The new mother looked hesitant. Being a new mother, she was nervous about letting somepony else touch him. But she’d read up on this, and knew that this was merely a hormonal thing, causing her to be a bit over protected. She knew she could trust Spike. 

“Well, ok Spike, but I need you to wash your claws first.” Spike nodded, and went over to the sink and scrubbed his claws clean. Once he did that, he returned to Twilight's bedside. Twilight then carefully handed the infant over, not using her magic do to the exhaustion of childbirth. 

Spike took the foal in his arms, and cradled him carefully. Spike was majorly relieved that the child was healthy, and that nothing had gone wrong. He looked down at the baby, and smiled. There was a new member to his family! He finally had a younger sibling to hang out with! He was so excited!

“So Twilight, what have you decided to name him?” asked Princess Celestia.

“Well, as soon as I saw his mane, I new what his name was going to be. I decided to call him Skylight Sentinel,” said Twilight. 

“That’s a cool name!” said Rainbow Dash. 

“Thanks,” replied Twilight. The group talked for a bit, passing the baby around, so everypony had a chance to see him. Once everypony had a chance to hold him, they returned Skylight to his mother. Twilight cradled her child, and gave him a kiss on the forehead. “I love you more than anypony Skylight. You’re my whole world.”

When that was heard by Spike, he felt a twinge in his heart, though he barely let it show. ‘She doesn’t mean that she loves him more than me does she?...No, no, it’s probably just hormones. I’m sure all moms say that, even if they already have another child.’ Spike did his best not to take it personally.





Once Twilight and Skylight were released from the hospital, the entire group returned to the library for a celebration. Twilight sat on her couch, next to her parents, while the group conversed, ate confections, and played a few games. 

“I can’t believe I’m finally a grandparent,” said Twilight's mother. “Makes me feel old actually, but still I’m glad for you Twilight.”

“Me too,” replied Twilight. While the ponies conversed, the only dragon in the room was serving drinks and such. ‘Huh…you’d think I’d get to join in the party, instead of just serving drinks…then again, I am the only one to do this, Twilight is exhausted, and everypony else is a guest. I guess I don’t mind.’ Once the drinks had been served, Spike put the tray he was carrying down, and joined the party.

All throughout the party, Spike heard everypony talking about how much of a blessing the baby was, and how lucky Twilight was to have him. It got Spike thinking. He wondered if anypony made this big a deal when he was hatched. Did they throw a party for him too? He never saw any pictures of such a thing. Was his hatching not as important?

That thought hurt Spike, it made him feel sad. But this was no time to feel sorry for himself. This was a happy day. So, Spike decided not to let it show.  He didn’t want to ruin the party, so he put on a mask, and pretended nothing was bothering him. He then decided that this was a happy day, and he was going to be happy! After all, he was sure that by tomorrow morning, after a good sleep, he’d feel all-better.


> Chapter 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was a bright and sunny day, the perfect day for a picnic. And Spike couldn’t be happier. Today was just him and Twilight. They had agreed to spend the day together. Spike had been given the day off from his chores, and Twilight was treating him to a relaxing day. They had gone to the spa, she’d gotten him some gems to snack on, and now they were having a relaxing picnic in the park. It was perfect.

Spike was munching on a daisy sandwich with his eyes closed, when he felt a disturbance. Spike opened his eyes, and looked to the sky, to see its regular blue turning grey, with dark clouds appearing. Spike turned to Twilight and spoke.

“What’s going on Twilight? I thought the weather was scheduled to be bright skies for the whole day?” But when Spike spoke, Twilight didn’t answer. She didn’t even look at him. 

“Uh, Twilight? Did you hear me?” Still she did not answer. Spike stood up, and walked over to her, and attempted to gently nudge her, but to his surprise, when he attempted to touch her, his claw passed right through her.

“What in the?” Spike reeled back in surprise. Then, Spike heard the sound of an infant crying. It was loud like thunder, it echoed throughout the area. Spike turned back around, only to find that Twilight was now gone. Spikes eyes widened as it started to rain, and the sound of crying got louder.

Spike put his hands against his ears in attempt to dull the noise, but the crying did not die down. But now, Spike could hear a new sound. It sounded like the voice of Twilight.

“I love you more than anypony Skylight. You’re my whole world.” The words kept ringing in Spikes ears, over and over again, to the point where Spike couldn’t take it anymore. He let out a scream, as loud as he could.





Spike jolted awake, in a cold sweat, breathing heavy. Spike breathed in and out for a few moments, before calming himself down. Spike then noticed that he could still hear the sound of a baby crying. Spike looked around, and noticed that the crib, and Twilights bed were both empty. He also noticed that the sky was still dark, meaning that it was still nighttime. 

Spike removed his blanket, and got up out of bed. Spike could hear that the crying sound was coming from downstairs, so he made his way down. As he made his way down the stairs, he saw Twilight sitting on the couch, with Skylight cradled in her hoofs. She was levitating a bottle of milk to the infant’s mouth. When Spike made it to the bottom of the steps, Twilight turned her attention to him.

“Spike? What are you doing up? Did the baby wake you?”

“Uh, yeah. So I decided to come see how you were doing.”

“Oh, we’re both fine. Little Skylight was just hungry.”

“Oh, Ok.”

“Is something wrong? You sound kinda…I dunno, sad?”

“No, I’m fine, just tired.” Lied Spike.

“Well, you should probably get back to bed. We should be able to sleep through the night now that he’s taken care of.”

“Right. See you in the morning,” said Spike as he turned around and made his way back up the stairs.”

“See you in the morning,” replied Twilight. Spike made his way up the stairs, and back to his bed. He got back under the covers, and closed his eyes, attempting to go back to sleep. Within a few minutes, he was out.





Spike awoke some time later, just as the sun was rising. Like every morning, it was time to make breakfast for himself and Twilight. The young dragon got out of bed, and looked to where Twilight was supposed to be sleeping, to see that her bed was empty. He also looked to the foals crib, and noticed that it was also empty.

It was then that Spike heard the melodic voice of Twilight coming from downstairs. Spike made his way down the stairs, and once again saw Twilight sitting on the couch, rocking her child, while singing him a lullaby. Once she saw Spike, she smiled and spoke to him.

“Morning Spike! Déjà vu, huh?”

“Yeah, morning Twi,” said Spike as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Spike made his way towards the couch where Twilight stood. When he was but a few feet away, he heard a loud grumble.

“Sound’s like someone’s hungry,” said Spike.

“Yes, I am,” giggled Twilight, her cheeks blushing red.

“Oh, well in that case, I’ll get breakfast started,” said Spike as he made his way towards the kitchen.

“Thanks Spike. You know, I don’t tell you this enough, but I really do appreciate all that you do for me. You’re a really great friend.” That brought a smile to Spikes face, as he made his way into the kitchen.

“No problem Twi!” But as Spike made his way into the kitchen, his smile faded. The last words Twilight spoke echoed in his head. 

“You’re a really great friend.” That brought a little pain to his heart, but once again, he tried not to think to deep into it. So, he pushed it to the back of his mind, and started to work on breakfast. He turned on the burners, and went to the fridge, and got out some eggs. He then brought them back to the stove, and placed a pan over the fire. Once it reached sufficient heat, he broke the eggs, and started cooking. 

As Spike worked, his previous feeling of hurt returned. Did Twilight really see him as only a friend? She’s the one who taught him what was right and wrong. She hatched him, she gave him life. He depended on her the same way Skylight does. But apparently she doesn’t feel that way about him. 

As Spike worked on cooking breakfast, another thought came to his mind.

“Did she ever sing like that for me?”

> Chapter 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Breakfast did not fail to live up to Spikes reputation as a cook. As Twilight put it, it was delicious as usual. Scrambled eggs, and Prench toast, a delight to the taste buds. After breakfast, Spike began his job of cleaning the plates, and the kitchen, doing the dishes and such. A few moments after he began, he heard the sound of Twilight getting up from her seat.

“Well Spike, Skylight and I are heading over to Rarity’s. She said she has a special surprise for him.” The mention of Rarity’s name caused Spike to swoon, his heart filling with joy.

“Oh, can I come too?” asked the young drake.

“Sorry Spike, but I need you to stay here, in case somepony comes to check out a book. Besides, you have to finish cleaning the kitchen.”

“Oh…all right then,” said Spike in a downtrodden tone that Twilight didn’t pick up on. Twilight levitated her baby into a carrier that she had purchased, and strapped to herself. 

“Alright, I’ll see you later Spike!” called Twilight as she made her way out the door. Once she was gone, Spike turned back to his dishes, and resumed cleaning.

‘Once again, she goes off to have fun, while I’m stuck cleaning up,’ he thought as he scrubbed a particular dish. Once he dried it, he nearly slammed it back on its rack. ‘Chores, chores, chores. All I ever do are chores. I bet I’ll even be doing chores when Skylight is older. Then I’ll be doing work for both of them!’ His cleaning be came harder, and more violent ‘I’m just a kid; you think I want to spend all day doing work for her? And I’d rather be banished to the moon then play servant to that kid.’ 

Once Spike was done, he hopped off the stool he was standing on, and walked back into the main room of the library. His mood soured as more thoughts about his servitude made their way into his head. He recognized these thoughts, only this time; he had a harder time dismissing them. He knew he was just thinking these things because he was angry, but that didn’t make them untrue. He did everything for Twilight, and she always asked for more. She probably wouldn’t give Skylight any jobs to do either; she’d pamper him like the prince he was, while leaving him to do the dirty work.

Spike shut his eyes, and took some deep breaths. He needed some time to himself, to do something he wanted to do. That’s all he needed. He was about to head to the door when he remembered that he needed to stay in the library in case somepony came to check out a book. But he really did need to get some fresh air, to clear his head. He looked to the door, then back to the library, then back to the door, then back to the library. After some thought, Spike decided that he would leave for maybe ten minutes, just walking around, maybe get a snack from Sugarcube Corner. Making up his mind, he left the library, locking the door behind him.





Twilight and her baby arrived at the Carousel Boutique, ready to see Rarity's surprise. The Princess used her magic to open the door, and stepped inside. As expected, Rarity was not in the main room, most likely off in her workroom, designing, or finishing an outfit. Twilight looked to the bell that was positioned on the counter, and rung it.

“Just a minute!” came the singsong voice of the fashionista. After a few moments, Twilight could hear the clip clop of Rarity’s hooves on the floor. As soon as she came into view, her eyes widened and glistened with joy as she saw her friend and her child. “Ah, Twilight, it is so good to see you!” Rarity rushed over to Twilight, and gave her a gentle hug, careful not to squeeze the foal to hard. She then lowered her self to his eye level, and cooed.	

“And how are you doing little Skylight?” The infant giggled in response, reaching out for the alabaster mare, who in response, nuzzled the baby. Skylight then latched onto a lock of Rarity’s mane, and started pulling.

“Ah ah ah darling, no touching my mane,” said Rarity, as she gently pulled away from the foal. In response the colt started getting fussy, upset that his plaything had been taken away from him.

“Oh dear, there is no need to get upset. Especially after you see what I have made for you!” Rarity led the mother and son into the living room, where she had the purple Alicorn take a seat. “I’ll be right back darling,” she said, as she left the room, leaving the two alone. Twilight took the baby out of her carrier, and started bouncing him.

Soon, Rarity returned with a small box levitating in her magic. She handed it over to Twilight, who took it in her magic.

“Ooh, what do we have here.” Twilight opened the box to find a beautiful onesie made to fit the child. The top half was sky blue, showing off beautifully depicted clouds, along with a depiction of the sun. But as it descended to the bottom half, the colors carefully morphed to depict the night sky, full of stars, along with a beautiful full moon.

“Rarity, this, this is amazing!” gasped Twilight.

“I had a feeling you might like it,” said Rarity with a wink.

Twilight then carefully dressed Skylight in the outfit made by Rarity. Once he was dressed, the two mares awed at the sight. 

“He looks so precious,” complimented Rarity.

“I can’t thank you enough for this Rarity,” said the Alicorn.

“Oh, think nothing of it! After all, what are friends for?” As soon as she said that, a small rumbling noise made itself known. Shortly after, the young child started to cry.

“Oh, it looks like somepony’s hungry,” said Twilight. “ I better take him home, and feed him.”

“Oh, it’s a shame that we weren’t able to talk for longer, but I understand,” replied Rarity. Twilight got up, and placed her child back in his carrier, and then made her way towards the door.  “You know, the six of us should get together sometime, just us girls.”

“I’d love to,” said Twilight. “Only, I don’t have anypony to watch Skylight.”

“Well, couldn’t Spike watch him? He is pretty responsible.”

“You know, you’re right Rarity. He IS responsible, especially since the baby came. He’s done all his chores, and never complains. I really should do something nice for him.”

“That sounds like a lovely idea darling! I’m sure whatever you have planned would be wonderful!”

“Well, I better get going. Thanks again Rarity, I love the outfit. I’ll see you later,” said Twilight as she made her way out the door.

“Ta-ta darling!” 





Twilight had a nice peaceful walk back to the library, well as peaceful as you could with a fussy baby. By the time she reached her home, his whimpers had become full blown crying. 

“I know, I know,” said Twilight, as she used her magic to open the door. Only, instead of opening, the door remained closed, the doorknob refusing to turn.

“Hm? Why is the door locked?” she said to herself. She had left it unlocked so that anypony who wanted to check out a book could just come right in. “Spike must have locked it,” she mused. She used her hoof to knock on the door. “Spike! Spike, it’s me, I need you to let me in!” She waited, to no response. So she knocked again. “Spike! Spike, let me in, Skylight is hungry!’ Still no response. Twilight grunted in frustration, and then used her magic to cast a spell. The purpose of this spell was to scan for the presence of her dragon assistant. The spell revealed nopony’s presence in side the library.

‘I told him to stay in the library,’ thought a frustrated Twilight. It was the reason she had left her key inside. Skylights crying had escalated into wailing. Twilight started thinking of a way to get inside. She could teleport, but newborns could get really sick teleporting. They needed to be at least a few months old before that could be attempted. She could set him down on the ground, teleport inside, and open the door from the inside, but that would involve leaving her child alone, on the ground, outside. That was something she DID NOT want to do. But as the infant cried due to hunger, Twilight realized she had no choice. 

Carefully putting the baby on the ground, she stepped away from him by a few feet, and cast her spell, teleporting inside the library. Once she was inside, she quickly opened the door and brought her baby inside. She closed the door, and trotted to get one of her baby bottles. ‘Spike, you are in so much trouble.’





Spike made his way towards the library, licking an ice-cream cone. Cookies and cream, with gems sprinkled on it, it was his favorite. Spike felt as though his batteries where recharged. He’d cleared his head, and was now ready to continue with his duties. As he reached the door, he pulled out his key, and was about to unlock the door, when it opened, to reveal an angry looking Twilight.

“Oh, uh, hi Twilight!” greeted Spike. The mare just gave him a stern look, and replied; “Get inside.” Spike did as he was told, and came inside.

“Where have you been?” questioned Twilight.

“Oh, well you see, I needed a little bit of a breather, so I went out to get some fresh air.”

“I told you to stay here,” said Twilight.

“Yeah, I know, but-"

Spike, you know I didn’t have my key with me, and when I had to get back inside to feed Skylight, I had to set him on the dirty ground, and teleport inside to open the door.

“Oh, oh my gosh, is he okay?"

“Thank Celestia!” yelled Twilight. “You know he could have been abducted? I had to leave him on the dirty ground, with who knows how many germs! Spike, you outright disobeyed me!”

“I’m, I’m sorry Twilight,” said Spike, with tears coming to his eyes.

“I thought you were more responsible than this. No more comic books or desert for the rest of the week,” said an angry Twilight, as she levitated the cone from his hand, and put it in the garbage.

“Hey, I paid for that!” yelled Spike.

“Go to your room, now.”

“But Twilight-"

“I said now Spike!” Spike stopped talking, and reluctantly went to the room that he and Twilight shared. That night, he went to bed sad and angry. And it was all because of that baby.

> Chapter 5.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Happy Birthday dear Skylight! Happy Birthday too you!”

“And many mooooorrreee!” sang Pinkie Pie, followed by the cheers of everypony in the room. 

“Blow out the candle sweetie!” said Twilight, as she gave her child a hug. The young child just stared at the flickering little flame, mesmerized, before he dug a hoof into the cake in front of him, lobbing a chunk of cake and frosting into his mouth.

Everypony in the room laughed at the child’s antics, before Twilight levitated a napkin to the baby’s face, and whiped the colt clean of the frosting. She then levitated the cake onto the table next to his high chair.

“Alright, who want’s an end piece?” questioned the purple mare as she turned to face the group, with the cutter in her magic. 

“Oh, I-“ said Spike before Pinkies louder voice overtook his.

“Ooh ooh, I do, I do!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie while hopping in the air, and waving her fore hoof. Spike lowered his arm before retreating the back of the group. No pony noticed. While Twilight distributed cake among the guests, Spike looked over to the stack of present left for Skylight. He had received gifts not only from the mane six, but also from Twilights parents, Cadence and Shining Armor, Luna, Celestia, CMC, and Spike himself. Even Flash’s parents had sent gifts, though they couldn’t make it to the party themselves. 

All in all, the colt’s hoard was far larger than the presents of his last two birthdays combined. He turned back to observe that the group was still gathered around the baby and cake, paying him no mind. It would probably be a little while until the presents would be opened. Spike decided to head upstairs to his room, and read a comic. The new issue of Power Ponies was out, and he wanted to read it.

Spike made his way up the Library, and walked over to Twilight’s bed. He reached down underneath, and pulled out the latest issue of Power Ponies out from under it. He then made his way to his basket, and got comfortable, before he began reading.

But…try as he might, he couldn’t focus. It had been a year since Skylights birth, and the incident that caused Twilight to ground him for the rest of the week. Though it had faded, the memory still clung to him, engraved into his mind like a scar. He could think and focus on other things, but it was always there in the back of his mind, nagging at him.

More and more of his time now seemed to revolve around doing chores for Twilight, and less about what he wanted to do. Twilight spent less time actually doing things with Spike, and more time telling him what to do. And what she asked, he did, without raising any argument. Perhaps he was becoming more submissive, realizing his role not as Twilights friend, or family member, but rather her employee. Except he wasn’t paid, so perhaps that made him an indentured servant. 

Skylight was now old enough, that when Twilight was out doing Princess duties or hanging out with friends, it was Spikes responsibility to watch the child. Though Spike would never admit it, not even to himself, he had started to resent the colt. A part of him knew that he was just a baby, and that when he was older, he would be able to do things for himself. But another part of Spike wondered if that when the Prince was older, would he view Spike as a friend or a brother? Or would he see Spike as a servant?

After failing to progress past the first page of his book, Spike decided that it was time to return to the party, before his absence was noticed. He returned the comic back under the bed where it belonged, and made his way down the steps. He saw the group finishing off the last pieces of cake. Leaving none…for him. ‘Did anypony even notice I wasn’t there?’ As the group was conversing, Spike made his way back into the group next to the gifts, and sat down. It appeared to him that he made it back without anypony noticing.

“Alright everypony, who’s ready to open presents!” called Twilight.

“Ooh, ooh I am! What did you guys get me?” questioned Pinkie Pie, only to be playfully smacked upside the head by Rainbow Dash. Everyone in the room chuckled, even Pinkie, who barely even felt it. Twilight used her magic to lift Skylight out from his highchair, and set him on the floor in front of her. All the guests gathered around in a circle, and sat down on the floor. Twilight looked to Spike, and gave him a warm expression.

“Ah, Spike, could you hand us the presents?” questioned the Princess.

“Yeah, sure,” said Spike. He reached into the pile, and pulled out a bright green package, with blue ribbon. The tag read that it was from Applejack. He walked it over to Twilight, who took it in her magic and set it in front of the child. As Spike returned to the pile, Twilight nudged the kid.

“Go on Skylight, open it!” The foal leaned forward on the box with his fore hooves, but didn’t actually tear the paper. Twilight giggled, and used her magic to tear at the wrapping paper. She opened the box, to reveal a toy tool set.

“Ooh,” said Twilight as she levitated the box set so everypony could see it. 

“Ah hope he likes it,” said Applejack. “Big Mac had one like that when he was young.”

“Thank you very much Applejack. Say thank you Skylight!” said Twilight who manipulated the colt to make it appear as if he was grateful. Twilight set the box aside, as Spike brought over the next present, which was decorated with pink wrapping paper, and yellow string. This one was from Cadence and Shining Armor.

Once it was set in front of the mother and son, she used her magic to open it, similar to how she had done with the last one. Past the wrapping paper, was a brown cardboard box, taped closed. She used her magic to lift the tape off, and opened it to reveal a child sized royal guard outfit, complete with a little plastic sword.

“I know he’s not quite big enough for it yet, but hopefully he’ll enjoy it when he’s older,” said Shining armor, with an arm around his wife.

“Now Shining Armor, you wouldn’t be trying to get somepony to follow in your hoof steps, would you?” questioned Twilight playfully. Shining armor chuckled in reply.

“Well, I’d be a liar if I said it didn’t cross my mind, but whatever he decides to do will be fine with. Either way, I hope he’ll have fun with it.”

“Well thank you Shining!”

The rest of the present unwrapping proceeded rather quickly. Skylight had quite the haul from his friends and family. He received a Wonderbolts blanket from Rainbow Dash, an easy bake oven from Pinkie, an outfit from Rarity, and a stuffed bear from Fluttershy. Celestia and Luna had given him an old storybook from the castle library, although Twilight seemed more excited about the book than her son was. Twilight’s parents had gotten the colt a toy train, and Spike himself had gotten him a comic book. It was a pretty common one, but he figured that when the kid was old enough, the book would be worth quite a bit. The CMC had worked together, to make a Cutie Mark Crusaders cape for the colt. It was their way of pre-accepting him into their group.

Finally, came Twilights present. She handed Skylight over to her mother, while she left the room to retrieve Skylights present. She returned moments later with a small purple box in her magical grasp. She sat down, and set the box down, taking Skylight back in her arms. She then held the box in front of her child, and lifted the lid off the box. Everypony in the room gasped as the object was lifted.

In Twilights magical grasp was a beautiful pendant necklace, with a silver chain. The pendant itself was a depiction of her and Flash’s cutie marks. The background was composed of the shield in Flash’s cutie mark, and above that was a gem shaped like the star in Twilights mark. The light of Twilights magic caused it to shine and glimmer.
“It’s beautiful!” exclaimed Rarity. Everypony in the room looked to the pendant, before Twilight put it back in the box. She then turned Skylight so that he was face to face with her.

“You’re not quite big enough to wear it yet, but you will be soon. This is a present from your father and I. It’s our new family heirloom. As long as you have this, we’ll always be with you,” said Twilight as she nuzzled her child. Everypony in the room smiled at that. Well, except one. Spike suddenly felt a heat rush in his head, and a upset feeling in his stomach. He got up, and made his way towards the stairs.

“Spike? Are you feeling okay?” questioned Twilight.

“Yeah, I just, I’m feeling a bit sick. I think I need to use the bathroom.

“Oh, alright. Come back when you can.”

“Will do,” said Spike. He made his way upstairs, and into the bathroom. As soon as he was in, he shut the door behind him. He got up on the stool in front of the mirror and sink, and ran the water. He splashed a little on his face, and looked in the mirror. Then, upsetting thoughts wormed their way into his head.

All his life, Spike had only received birthday gifts from Twilight. Celestia would occasionally get him something, but since he moved to Ponyville, that had stopped. He had started getting presents from the rest of Twilights friends, and he had enjoyed them. But he’d never gotten presents from Twilights parents, or Shining Armor and Cadence. 

‘Maybe I’m not important enough to them. Maybe they don’t think I’m as important as Skylight.’ Maybe Twilights parents, and brother didn’t view him as a member of their family. But what hurt the most was Twilight. Every year, he had gotten the same thing from her, a book. But she had gotten Skylight something meaningful, something that showed her love for him. It made Spike feel sick. He shut his eyes, and tried to direct his mind elsewhere, and make this horrible feeling go away.

	“Face it, they don’t care about you.”


	

> Chapter 6
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Face it, they don’t care about you.”

As soon as the unfamiliar voice registered in Spikes ears, the young dragon spun around as fast as he could to confront the intruder. But when he faced behind him, he was surprised to find that nopony was there. His eyes widened in alarm, he quickly rushed over to the bathtub, and pulled open the shower curtain, thinking the source of the mysterious voice was located in the tub. But it was empty.

“He he he. Nope, I’m not in there.”

Spike whirled around again, facing the emptiness of the bathroom. Hearing the voice sent chills up his spine. The voice was deep, and malevolent, like a demon whispering in his ear.

“Who…who’s there?”

“Look a little closer…”

Spike turned his head left and right, but didn’t see anyone or anything. That was, until out of the corner of his peripheral, he saw something strange. He turned to face the mirror, noticing that the small bit of his body that reflected in the mirror was shown to be somewhat distorted. Spike slowly walked towards the sink, to get a better view of himself. When he did, the sight caused his pupils to constrict, and his breath caught in his throat.

What Spike saw in the mirror was not him, at least…not entirely. It looked enough like him, but was different. The Spike in the mirror had purple scales, though they were darker than normal. His spines and frills were also darker, as well as sharper, ending in menacing points. His eyes were much the less the same, though they held a level of malice, that the normal Spike would be incapable of.

Spike stared at the dark copy, eyes wide. The copy looked at Spike with a menacing smirk, showing a sharp fang hanging out of his mouth. Spike raised a shaky hand, watching his reflection. The image copied his movements, as he slowly moved his hand towards the mirror. He hesitated for a moment, before he pressed his hand on the mirror.

“Boo!” startled, Spike quickly retracted his hand, and held it to his heart. He nearly fell over, but luckily was able to reorient himself. Spike held on to the counter with his other hand, before pulling himself back to his original position. Spike quickly glanced back at the door to the bathroom. He turned, and ran to the door, and opened it, checking the outside hallway, to see if anypony was nearby. 

When he saw that he was alone, he shut the door, and returned to the mirror. He looked at the reflection Spike, who still held a menacing expression on his face, a confident smirk. Spike’s eyes quickly glanced down to se that the reflection was leaning on his version of the sink, while rapping the claw tips of his right hand on the counter. Spike swallowed the lump forming in his throat, nerving up the courage to speak.

“Who…what are you?”

“Do you really not know?”

“No, no I don’t. What are you, some sort of spell, a demon?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m you, you idiot.”

“What? That…that doesn’t make sense,” said Spike, keeping the volume in his voice low, so as not to draw attention. 

“Oh, I am you. A part of you, one that’s smart enough to see the truth, the truth that you keep denying.”

“Truth? What truth?”

“That Twilight doesn’t care about you. That she’s not your mother, and she never will be. And any part of you that she actually did care about has been replaced by that baby.”

“That’s not true!” exclaimed Spike, quietly.

“And that’s exactly why I’m here. To show you that it IS true.”

“But it’s not true! And even if it were, why would you want to do that? What’s in it for you?”

“It’s my job. I’m a part of your psyche, a part that longs for the truth to be revealed. And you shouldn’t think of this as something I’m doing for myself. It’s something I’m doing for YOU.”

“You think that’s going to help me? How could that POSSIBLY help me?”

“It’s not healthy to live in denial Spike. To lie to yourself. If you had faced the truth sooner, I might not have needed to be. He he. Too late now.”

“You can’t be in my head! I’m not crazy!”

“No, no you’re not. I’m only here to benefit you. No you’re not crazy…let’s call it…enlightened." Spike closed his eyes tight, and tried to soak in what the duplicate was saying.

“How do I know you’re really in my head?”

“I know all your secrets Spike. I know you’ve been feeling neglected, without voicing it. And think about it, you know that every thing I’ve been saying is exactly what you’ve been thinking since the baby was born.” Spike tried to deny it, but he couldn’t. This duplicate was speaking all the feelings he had been feeling…even if he was harsher and more extreme with what he’d been saying. But Spike still didn’t want to admit that he was going crazy. So he changed the subject.

“Well…maybe I have been feeling neglected. But you’re wrong! Twilight does love me!”

“Oh really? Well then tell me, when was the last time she said that she loved you?”

“Well…” Spike searched his mind for the last time Twilight had uttered those words, but he had trouble recalling the memories he was searching for. He was about to give up, when it came to him.

“Oh, it was after the incident with Owlicious! She told me she loved me when we got home!” gloated Spike, with his eyes closed, with a smug look on his face.

“And just how long ago was that?” Spikes smug look fell into a frown, as he processed the question.

“Well, I guess it’s been…a while.”

“It was one or two years ago Spike.” The young dragon’s eyes fell to the ground, as he just stared at the floor, processing his doppelgangers words. It HAD been over a year. Spike felt an ache in his heart, but still fought the sadness that was building up inside him.

“She doesn’t need to say it…I know it’s true.”

“She may have felt some sentiment towards you, but it’s since been replaced with her feelings for her baby. He’s her flesh and blood. And you…you aren’t even the same species.”

“Shut up,” muttered Spike.

“When was the last time she even treated you as a friend, instead of a servant to bark orders to?”

“Please…stop….” said Spike, tears beginning to form in eyes, which were shut tight.

“You know I’m right.”

“So what if you are? What do you expect me to do? How does creating a riff between me and Twilight solve anything?”

“I just want to see you break out of your shackles, and be free. Stop being her servant, be a man!”

“But I’d be lost without her. She’s my guide…she’s my family.”

“Her actual family doesn’t seem to think so.”

“What?”

“Look at all the ponies who gathered together for Skylight’s birthday. The Princesses, Twilights parents, her brother and his wife, her friends, and even those little fillies, they all came to celebrate the little brats birth. When’s the last time that many ponies have gathered around for you?” Spike didn’t respond. Instead he just sniffed, whipping his eyes with his arms.

“The truth finally soaks in,” said the clone.

“So what do you want me to do now?”

“You do whatever you want. I just want you to stop lying to yourself, and accept the truth. What you do with it is your choice.”

“So does this mean you’ll leave me alone now?”

“Oh don’t be silly, I’ll always be with you. Making sure you don’t forget what you’ve learned today. I’d personally recommend you leave this library, leave Ponyville, and seek out your own life, find people you can truly develop a relationship with. I’d leave this house of pretenders, and never look back.”

“I don’t…I don’t want to leave. I love Twilight. I…I don’t want to leave…” Spikes voice died down to a whisper.

“Well, I’ve said my peace for now. I’ll let you return to the party. Have fun, if you can. And by the way, I wouldn’t tell anypony about me if I were you. They might send you to the bonkers barn. He he.”  Spike didn’t respond, just looking down at the floor, before shutting his eyes. 

“You’ll hear from me again. Oh, it just occurred to me that I never formally introduced myself. You may call me…”

“Clarity”

> Chapter 7.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	About three months had passed since Skylights birthday, and for Spike, things hadn’t improved much. He was still playing the part of a glorified servant, doing chores for Twilight, as well as helping with the baby that he was starting to resent. Clarity still persisted inside Spikes mind, using its words to erode Spikes sense of happiness and self worth.  It was always there, making sure Spike never got back into a positive mindset. Spike had learned to deal with it as best he could, but ever since Spike had first spoken to Clarity, he’d had this dark empty feeling in his stomach, one that rarely went away.

When Spike wasn’t working, he was sleeping. At first it helped. When he was asleep, he was in a peaceful black void, where there was neither worry, nor fear. It had become his favorite hobby, more than comic book reading, and the other activities he had used to enjoy. That was, until he started dreaming. Clarity had found a way into his dreams, and used that time to preach his philosophy to Spike, showing him memories of how Spike was treated as a servant, instead of a family member, or even a friend. Spike now had nothing to look forward to, no release from the depressing continuum that had become his life.

It started out as a normal day for Spike. He had woken up early in the morning, as he was now accustomed to. In fact, he now only slept the bare minimum that his body required. He had prepared his breakfast, as the sky was still dark, and once he finished, he got started to work on his chore list. 

Spike worked until the sun started to rise. When that happened, he took a break to go to the kitchen, to start Twilights breakfast. When he was done with that, he would return to his chore list.

Just as Spike finished frying up some scrambled eggs, he heard a loud yawn coming form his right. He turned his head to see Twilight walking towards him, holding a hoof to her mouth. She let it down, and rubbed the sleep from her eyes before addressing the young dragon.

“Morning Spike, how’d you sleep?” she asked.

“Fine,” replied the assistant.

“That’s good,” said Twilight, as she made her way towards the table, taking a seat. It was just then that Spike finished preparing her meal. He slid the food onto a plate, and placed it on the table in front of Twilight.

“Thanks Spike!” said Twilight, as she started digging in.

“Mhm,” replied Spike as he hung up his apron, and started heading back to the library section of the home.

“Aren’t you going to eat?” questioned the princess.

“No, I already had breakfast.”

“How long have you been up?”

“About an hour,” lied Spike. The truth was, he’d been up much, much longer. Twilight seemed satisfied, and continued eating. While she did this, Spike returned to the task he was on before he had taken a break to prepare Twilights breakfast.

“If she cared about you, she would’ve noticed that you haven’t been sleeping in anymore,” whispered Clarity. Instead of replying verbally, Spike merely considered its words, but didn’t respond otherwise. He merely grabbed the feather duster off the center pedestal, and started dusting. This was the last task he had to complete.

A short time later, Spike had finished dusting the library, and returned his cleaning supplies to where they belonged. Spike then used his hands to arch his back, causing a cracking sound to be heard. He then cracked his knuckles, before letting out a content sigh. As he did this, Twilight came walking into the room.

“So Spike, what are you doing today?”

“Well, I just finished my chores for the day, so I was going to head out into town for a while.”

“You finished your chores already?” exclaimed Twilight with surprise. 

“Yeah.”

“All of them?”

“Yep.”

“Wow, I’m impressed Spike! You sure have been doing amazing work lately!”

“Thanks Twilight,” replied Spike.

“Sure. Alright, have fun, just be back within a few hours, I might need your help with something later.”

“Yeah, sure.” Twilight made her way upstairs, probably to check on her child, while Spike made his way towards the door. He stepped out of the library to meet the warm embrace of the morning sun.

“If she bothered thinking about you at all, she would realize that it’s impossible for you to finish your chores in the time she thinks you do. But she doesn’t, because she doesn’t care.”

Spike grimaced, his head jerking to the side in a quick spastic motion, before he reset himself, and started walking. Though he said that he was going to be hanging around town, he actually was going to a completely different place. A place where he could be alone.

Spike made his way through town, unnoticed by most. He didn’t see any of Twilights friends as he walked, which was fine with him. They were her friends anyway, not his. After all, it’s not like they ever spent time with him, unless they needed something. So Spike made his way out of town, past the fields, towards the outskirts of town. He stopped when he was about forty feet away from the Everfree Forest. He turned his body and head, and scanned the area for anypony that might see him. When he was satisfied that nopony was watching him, he turned back towards the forest, and entered it.

He used to fear this place, but recently, it had become a safe haven for him, as long as he didn’t journey to deep. He felt more at home here, than he did at the library. The dark, and depressing forest seemed to match how he felt on the inside. Spike made his way through the forest; gathering sticks and leaves as he walked, making his way towards his usual spot. 

After a few minutes, he came to a small clearing in the forest. In this clearing, was a small little pond, and a dead tree trunk lying on its side. Spike made his way to that little spot. He set the rummage he had gathered on the ground, and sat on the tree. He picked up one of the sticks from the pile, and held it up in front of him. He looked around one more time, to make sure nopony was near, and when he was sure, he turned back to the stick. He opened his mouth, and let out a small burst of flame onto the stick, causing it to catch fire.

He just spent a few minutes watching the fire, as it slowly burned the stick. He just stared at the flickering little flame. When it came about two inches down, he grabbed one of the leaves from the pile, and touched it to the stick, causing it to catch fire as well. He would watch it burn, and once it was reduced to ashes, he’d pick up another leaf, and repeat the process. 

This was Spike's hobby. He had taken comfort in just watching things burn, gazing as the tiny flames consumed them. Of course, if one of these fires were to lose control, he had the pond nearby to stop the fire from spreading. He didn’t want to burn anything down; he just wanted to watch these tiny little flames consume dead leaves and sticks. When he did this, he was able to lose himself, forget that horrible feeling in his gut, forget about Clarity, and just focus on watching the little flame.

Of course, Spike did this in the Everfree, where he was sure nopony would find him. They might confuse him with a pyromaniac, which he knew he wasn’t. He didn’t want to burn down forests or houses of course, he was satisfied with this little bit that he was doing.

It went like this for an hour or so. Spike was about to light another stick, when he felt something in his gut. He knew that feeling well. Acting quickly, he tossed the stick into the pond, and opened his mouth, belching out a scroll. Catching with his hand, he looked at it to see it was a letter from the Princess.

‘Hm. Guess I have to go back,' thought the young drake. Hopping off the log, he turned and made his way out of the forest, towards Ponyville. He made sure to exit at a spot that was farther away from Fluttershy’s cottage, or the town, and then made his way towards town. He started jogging, and navigated his way through town as fast as he could, without wearing himself out. 

When he finally came to the library, he opened the door, and entered the building. When he did, he saw Skylight sitting on the floor, playing with some blocks, while Twilight sat on a couch reading. The Princess looked up from her book to see Spike enter the library.

“Hey Spike, how was your personal time?”

“It was fine. I came back, because I got a letter from Princess Celestia,” said Spike as he held up the scroll.

“Ooh,” said Twilight, as she set her book down on the couch, and stood up. She used her magic to take the scroll from Spike’s hand, and unrolled the scroll. Clearing her throat, she began to read the letter aloud.

“Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle,

It is with great pride that I announce that you are cordially invited to the Crystal Empire to aid in a diplomatic meeting between the rulers of 
Equestria, and the foreign dignitaries of the nation of Maretonia. Both Luna and I will be there, along with Princess Cadence.

These talks will hopefully help our two nations come to a greater understanding of each other, as well as improving trade. The meetings will be in two days. We hope to see you soon Princess Twilight, you and your friends as well.

Gracefully yours, Princess Celestia"

Twilight lowered the scroll, her eyes slightly widened.

“Oh my gosh! My first diplomatic act as a Princess! This is so wonderful!” exclaimed Twilight, as she dropped the scroll. Hearing the name of his favorite Empire, gave Spike a boost of emotion, and excitement. 

“Wow Twilight, that’s great Twilight! I can’t wait to go to the Empire again! When do we leave?” Twilight stopped her joyous reaction, and replaced it with a look of embarrassment. 

“Well, actually Spike, I was hoping you could stay here, and look over Skylight and the library.”

“W-what?”

“It’s just that, with the diplomatic meetings and such, I won’t have much time to take care of the little guy, so I was hoping you could stay here and foal sit for a few days."

“O-oh…”

“You don’t mind do you?”

“Of course you mind! Speak up for yourself! Demand that you go to the empire!”

“Couldn’t I watch him AT the Crystal Empire?”

“Well, if we did that, you’d probably be to busy to actually enjoy the trip. It would just be easier this way.” With a dejected sigh, Spike consented to Twilights request.

“Yeah, sure Twi. I can handle things here.”

“Worthless!”

“Thanks Spike! And don’t worry; when I get back, maybe we can see about going back on a vacation, just the three of us!”

“That sounds…great.”

“Good, I’m glad you understand. I’m going to go get the girls,” said Twilight, picking up Skylight in her magic, and making her way out the door. As soon as it shut, Spike shut his eyes, and held a hand to his head.

“Ouch. That’s got to hurt.”

 

> Chapter 8.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Whhhaaaahhhhh!”

The sound of Skylights crying drilled into Spikes ears, rousing him from slumber. Blinking his eyes open, and sitting up from the couch he was lying on, he covered his mouth as he yawned, before stepping down onto the wooden floor.

“Celestia, not again,” mumbled the dragon, as he shambled his way towards the crib, which housed the noisy foal. Throughout the night, Spike had been repeatedly awoken by the child’s cries, causing him to lose his much required sleep. After feeding the colt a few hours ago, Spike had flopped down on the couch, and tried to take as long a nap as he could. 

With the sun now in the sky, Spike knew he had to stay up for the rest of the day now. With the sound of Skylights wails ringing in his ears, Spike begrudgingly made his way to the crib, and looked down at the foal.

“What is it now?” questioned Spike. The only response he received was more crying. Letting out a deep sigh, Spike reached down into the crib, and picked up the colt. Holding him in front of him, the first thing Spike noticed was a smell coming from him, along with a slightly saggy diaper. Spike let out a breath through his nose, while rolling his eyes, before taking the baby over to the changing table.

Spike went about changing the diaper, and once he was finished, he disposed of the garbage, and carried the foal into the kitchen. After he secured the kid into his booster seat, Spike went about making the two of them breakfast.

“If it’s any consolation, I think you make a wonderful nurse maid,” mocked Clarity. Spike merely grunted in response, not possessing the energy to produce a retort. 

Spike went over to the cabinet, and pulled out a box of cereal. He then went to another part of the kitchen, and produced two bowls, two spoons, and a carton of milk. He then proceeded to pour two bowls of cereal, one for himself, the other for the foal. Though the grumbling in his stomach was persistent, Spike knew he had to feed Skylight first. Grabbing onto a spoon, Spike began feeding the Alicorn breakfast. Once he finished, Spike turned to his bowl, and started eating his own breakfast.

After finishing his last bite of cereal, Spike put the bowls away in the sink to wash later. He removed Skylight from his high chair, and carried him back to the main room. He set Skylight back into his crib, before turning and making his way to the table in front of the couch. He picked up a scroll and unrolled it, to see Twilights list of instructions and chores. Looking at the list with complete apathy, Spike looked to see his next task. He then rolled the scroll back up, and went to do his next chore. Grabbing a feather duster, Spike set about dusting the library. 

It was about a half hour later, when the door to the library opened, and in came Twilight, albeit a bit less chipper than usual. Spike looked over his shoulder to see the Alicorn Princess enter the library, shutting the door behind her.

“Oh, hey Twilight. Welcome back,” greeted Spike.

“Hi Spike,” replied Twilight, with a slightly depressed tone. She made her way to the crib, and picked up her son, embracing him in a hug.

“Something wrong? You sound a bit out of it,” questioned Spike. 

“Funny, she hasn’t asked you that question since that little brat showed up.” Twilight loosened her hug, and sat down on her haunches. 

“It’s just, I’m starting to feel like my title as princess is just that, a title. Celestia has yet to give me a real job to do. All I seem to do is smile and wave, never actually getting to DO anything."

	“Oh you poor mistreated thing.”

“I’m sorry to hear that Twilight,” said Spike.

“You’ll never get this though. There’s some new villain running around, stealing pony’s magic. Guess who the Princess’s want to track him down?”

“Uh…you?”

“Nope.”

“Shining Armor?”

“Nu uh.”

“…uhhh….I give up.”

“They chose Discord,” said Twilight. If Spike had had anything in his mouth, he would have choked. He nearly fell off the ladder he was standing on, but luckily, he had a good grip.

“Discord? As in, Discord, Discord?”

“Surprised? So was I,” replied Twilight. Spike stepped down off of the ladder, and made his way towards the two ponies.

“Well Twilight, I’d say that they chose Discord to find this new guy, because they value you, and know how important you are. I mean, you’re a princess. Princesses don’t track down criminals. That’s probably why Celestia had you and your friends save Equestria, instead of doing it herself.” 

“Wait…are you saying that she just now started to value my safety now that I’m a princess?” questioned Twilight.

“What? NO, no, sorry, I guess…no, that’s…just forget it, I probably didn’t word that right,” said Spike, flustered. Twilight offered a chuckle in response.

“No, it’s ok Spike, I think I get what you’re saying. And thanks, I feel a bit better,” said Twilight with a smile. Twilight rocked her child for a moment, before setting him down. “I think I’m going to go to the Castle of the two sisters, and do a bit of reading. I want to see if I can find any information on that chest near the Tree of Harmony.”

“Oh, well, do you need me to come help you?” asked Spike, hopeful for something else to do. 

“Oh that’s ok Spike, no need to trouble yourself. I’m probably going to get the girls to come with me. You probably want some time to yourself don’t you?”

“Well, I guess that could be kinda nice.”

“Alright, I’ll head to the castle. I’ll see you in a little bit,” said Twilight, as she made her way out the door.  She left the library, and shut the door behind her, leaving Spike alone.

“Wow…I finally have some time to relax…that was…pretty thoughtful of her.”

	“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Whaaahhhh!”

Spike face palmed.

	

	

> Chapter 9.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Spike held Skylight in his arms, rocking the child to sleep as best he could. The foals constant crying drilled into Spikes ears, so much so that he couldn’t even hear himself think. It took a while, but he was finally able to lull the child to sleep. His cries dying down, Spike laid him down in his crib. Letting out a sigh of relief, Spike wiped his forehead, before slumping to the ground. He sat like that for several minutes, before getting back up.

“Well, now I can finally have some time to myself! Time to go read that new comic I got!” Spike jogged away from the crib, and made his way up the stairs, to his room. He went to the spot where he kept his comics, and pulled out the newest edition of Power Ponies. Setting himself down in his basket, he began to read the Power Ponies newest adventure.

About halfway through the story, Spike was thoroughly engaged in his reading, really enjoying the story. The young dragon was about to turn the page, when he felt a familiar building up in his stomach. Setting his comic down, he let out a burp, allowing a bound scroll to materialize in the air. He reached out and caught it. Observing it for a second, Spike stood up from his bed, and walked to the center of the room.

“A letter from the Princess?” questioned Spike. His first thought was to set it down, and wait for Twilight to return to read it. Spike was about to do so, when a second thought emerged. 

‘What if it’s important? Maybe it has something to do with that new villain?’

If it was important, then Spike would need to get it to Twilight as soon as possible.  Spike decided that he would need to read the letter himself to decide. Using his claw to cut the ribbon seal, he then unrolled the letter, and read its contents.

Dear Princess Twilight,

An urgent matter has come up in regards to the capture of Tirek. I request that you come to Canterlot immediately, for this is a matter that must be discussed by all four Alicorns.

Sincerely yours, Princess Celestia

Spike lowered the letter, a look of worry on his face. This sounded important. Making his up mind, turned and ran down the stairway, heading to the front door. He scampered across the floor, to the door. He gripped the knob, and was about to turn it, when a familiar voice made itself known.

‘Forgetting something?’

“What could I possibly be forgetting?” questioned Spike, before he heard sounds of the baby sleeping. He turned his head to see the foal, sleeping soundly in its crib.

“Dang it!” Releasing his grip on the handle, he made his way back towards the crib, and looked down at the child. “I need to get this letter to Twilight, but I can’t leave Skylight alone!” Spike walked a few steps away from the crib, and racked his brain, trying to think of a solution to this problem.

“Let’s see…I just leave him here all alone…I also can’t bring him with me to the castle, if something happened to him in the Everfree, Twilight would kill me!”  contemplated Spike as he paced back and forth, his hands behind his back.

‘This is quite the predicament. If you take the letter to Twilight, you’ll be in trouble for leaving the kid alone. You don’t take the letter to Twilight; she’ll probably drill into you for not letting her know that she’s needed in Canterlot. He he, it sucks to be you.’

“Shut up!” snapped Spike, trying to think.

‘I could drop Skylight off at somepony else’s, and have them watch him.’

Spike tried to think of any other options. The only other thing he could think of, would be to have somepony else deliver the letter, but he knew that wouldn’t work. Ponies were terrified of the Everfree, and besides, this letter was too important to trust with anypony else. Spike made up his mind. Spike made his way to the crib, and picked up the still snoozing foal. The child was slightly roused, but quickly fall back to sleep. With the letter in hand, Spike made his way out the door. 

Spike knew that Twilight had taken the girls with her to the castle; meaning that having one of them watch the baby was out of the question. So who else could watch Skylight? The only other ponies he could think of were the Cakes. Next to Twilights friends, the Cakes where probably Twilight’s next closest friends. And they had children of their own, which meant that they were probably the most prepared to take care of a baby. Making up his mind, he made his way towards Sugar Cube Corner.

A few minutes later, Spike made it to the bakery. Opening the door, he stepped in, with the baby in tow. The bell opened, alerting the proprietors to his entrance. Spike walked up to the counter, soon to be greeted by Mrs. Cake, as she made her way up to the counter.

“Welcome to Sugar Cube Corner, how can I- Oh, hello Spike!” greeted the baker.

“Hi Mrs. Cake,” replied Spike. Mrs. Cake was about to ask Spike what brought him here, when she took notice of the foal in his arms.

“Oh, and hello to you too Skylight!  How are you today?” cooed the mare. The question roused Skylight from his nap, causing him to open his eyes and look towards the baker.

“Ooh, so cute,” complimented Mrs. Cake. “So, what brings you two here today?”

“Well, actually, I was hoping you could do me a favor,” said Spike.

“And what’s that dearie?” 

“I just got this important message from Princess Celestia, and I need to give it to Twilight, but she’s at the Castle of the Two Sisters. I don’t think it would be a good idea to bring Skylight with me. I was hoping you or Mr. Cake could watch him, until I get back."

“Hm…well, I suppose we could put him in the crib with Pumpkin and Pound Cake, and check up on them every so often.”

“Really? Thanks Mrs. Cake! That would really help me out!”

“Oh, its no trouble Spike,” said the mare with a wave of her hoof. Walking around the display case, Spike handed the child over to the mare. 

“Thanks a lot Mrs. Cake! I’ll be back as soon as I can!” said Spike, who then made his way out the door.





Spike made his way through the Everfree, navigating for about half an hour, before he came to the castle, the scroll griped in his hand. Spike started making his way towards the castle. But as he got closer, he caught a movement from the corner of his eye. Looking to his right, he saw the underground cavern that housed the tree of harmony. Down, gathered around it, were Twilight, and her friends. Taking notice of this, Spike changed his course, and went down the steps.

Coming to the ground, he started jogging towards the group, calling out to his caretaker.

“Twilight! Twilight!” called the young dragon, running as fast as his little legs could take him. Surprised, Twilight and the girls turned around, and faced the young drake.

“Spike?! What are you doing here?” questioned the Alicorn.

“You got a letter from Princess Celestia,” replied Spike.

“A letter…wait, where’s Skylight!”

“I left him with the Cakes,” said Spike, coming to a stop in front of Twilight.

“The Cakes? Spike, you were supposed to watch him, not the Cakes!”

“I-yeah, I know, but this letter is Important! It’s an urgent message from Celestia!” Twilight wordlessly took the letter from Spike and began reading. Her expression changing from one of slight anger, to surprise and concern. 

“What’ it say?” questioned Pinkie.

“It says that I’m needed in Canterlot at once,” said Twilight, lowering the note.

“What about?” asked Applejack.

“I’m not sure, but it sounds like something went wrong with the capture of this new villain.” Twilight dropped the letter, and started walking forward. “I’m sorry girls, but I have to leave for Canterlot right now! I’ll see you all later!” Flapping her wings, Twilight took to the sky, leaving her friends, and Spike down below.

“Gee, I wonder what’s going on,” questioned Rainbow Dash.

“I’m not sure but, I have a bad feeling about this,” said Pinkie Pie.

‘You know something…so do I.’
 


> Chapter 10. 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was early morning by the time Twilight returned home, yet the sun was still absent from the sky, keeping Ponyville in a blanket of darkness. Spike, who was rocking Skylight, after yet again another midnight awakening, heard the slow creaking of the door to the library open. In sneaked Twilight, trying to make as little noise as possible. Spike turned and looked at her. His eyes were heavy, and there were dark circles under his eyes. Yet he still looked to his guardian, and offered her a muttered greeting.

“Oh…hi Twifight-I mean Twilight. How is it that was the Princesses meeting,” questioned Spike, his words mixed and jumbled thanks to his lack of sleep. Twilight, who wasn’t expecting anyone to be up, jolted, and turned to look at her charge.

“Oh, Spike, you scared me!” taking a moment to collect herself, Twilight put a hoof to her chest. A few seconds later, she was collected. “Sorry Spike, I wasn’t expecting anyone to be up.” Noticing Spike holding Skylight, Twilight made her way over the dragon, and scooped the baby from his arms. She greeted the child with a warm nuzzle, and cooing to him. The baby gave out a yawn, and snuggled deeper into his mother’s fur. Twilight then turned her attention to the young dragon.

“I’m sorry Spike, what was your question?” 

“The Princess’s…how-how was it?” asked Spike.

“Oh, it was fine!” answered Twilight, with a unsure emphasis on the word ‘fine’.

“Oh, ok,” said the drowsy drake. “I’m…I’ma go back to slurp-sleep now,” said Spike, now making his way back to his bed.

“Alright Spike,” replied Twilight.

“See you in the morning,” said Twilight.

“See you in the morning Spike…. wait, morning” exclaimed Twilight with surprise. But after that, Spike had already plopped down into his bead, and snuggled into the covers. In an instant, his mind started to drift into sleep. Just as he was about to lose consciousness, a bright light flared in his eyes, causing them to open wide. Looking to the window, Spike saw that the sun was now high in the sky.

	‘Oh God D-‘





It was around noon, and Spike was as awake as he could be. After the sun had risen, Spike attempted to get a few extra hours of sleep. But unfortunately, an explosion could be heard, along with the shattering of wood. Startled awake, Spike jumped out of his bed. The sound of crying could also be heard, with the awakening of the Alicorn foal. Biting onto his index finger, Spike let out a muffled scream of frustration. 

Taking a moment to rub the sleep from his eyes, Spike made his way downstairs. Looking towards the direction of the main door, Spike saw that the library’s wooden door had exploded off its hinges. And Twilight was no where to be seen.

“I am NOT fixing that,” grumbled Spike through grit teeth.

	‘You SO are.’

The sound of Skylights crying continued to fill the air. Letting out an exasperated sigh, Spike made his way over to the crib. Lifting the child out of the crib, Spike started attempting to calm the foal. It took several minutes, but eventually he was able to get Skylight to stop crying. 

Spike then made his way over to the kitchen, and set the colt down in his high chair. He then began the process of making breakfast. As he did, he started thinking.

‘Once again, Twilight takes off, leaving me alone with all the work.’

‘Probably off on some adventure, while you’re stuck babysitting her little brat.’

Spike continued his work until he was finished preparing the food. For both Skylight and Spike himself, he had prepared two bowls of oatmeal. Moving over, and sitting next to the child, Spike began eating his own breakfast, while also feeding Skylight.

The day went on as such, Spike taking care of the library, and his caretaker’s child, while the stress slowly grew. He’d balance his normal chores, while also tending to the foal, getting little time to recuperate. It was hours into his day, when he heard the sound of voices calling him.

“Spike? Spike, ya’ here?” recognizing it as the voice of Applejack, Spike made his way over to the entrance, where the door used to be. It was then that Spike saw all five of Twilight’s friends, making their way into the library through the hole.

“Oh, hey girls. What are you all doing here?” 

“Hiya Spike,” said Applejack, looking back to the door. “Uh, what happened to y’ur door?”

“I think Twilight blew it up, but I’m not sure.”

“Oh. Well speaking of Twilight, she asked us to go around town, and warn ponies to stay inside. She said that Tirek might still be a threat. We were wondering if ya could help us out,” explained Applejack.

	‘More chores.’

‘At least they asked, instead of telling me.’

“Um, yeah, sure. Just let me get Skylight.” The girls nodded, and Spike then made his way back inside to get the baby. Picking him up from his crib, Spike made his way back to the gathered mares. The group then made their way out of the library, heading out to complete their task.

And so, for about an hour, the five mares, and one dragon traveled around the town, alerting the townsfolk to the possible danger. Spikes would knock on the doors of ponies homes, which would be opened by ponies, who would offer him a greeting, and then start cooing at the foal. They’d ask Spike what brought him by, and he would explain that a powerful and dangerous villain was roaming about. The ponies would take on a look of concern, before bidding Spike and Skylight farewell. And so it went, over and over, basically following this pattern. 

Once everypony had been warned, Spike and the mane six gathered together in the open town. Applejack was the first to speak.

“Alright y’all, I think we’ve warned everypony to stay inside.”

“I’m sure Discord will catch Tirek, and this will all be over soon,” said Fluttershy.

“I bet he takes his sweeeet time,” replied Rainbow Dash.

“Or perhaps these things just take time.” Everyone turned their heads to see a familiar tall lanky draconequus standing in front of them. Fluttershy rushed into him, offering an enthusiastic hug, which Discord returned.

“You’re back!” exclaimed Fluttershy. “Did you bring the cucumber sandwiches?”

“I did!” replied Discord, using his magic to materialize a plate of the little sandwiches on a platter. Spike made his way further into the group, still holding onto the foal. “I imagine they’ll be your last decent meal in quite some time.” In a flash of magic, the entire group, minus Discord, was now trapped in an iron cage. Spike nearly dropped the baby out of surprise, but was able to keep his grip. All the ponies let out cries of outrage. 

Out of the corner of his eye, Spike saw a large black and red object moving towards them. Turning his head, he saw something he’d never seen before. A large creature, even taller than discord. Its lower body seemed to be that of a pony, while his upper half looked similar to a minotaur.

‘This must be Tirek.’ 

The centaur made his way over to Discord and the cage.

“You gathered up all of them?”

“And their little dragon too!,” replied Discord with joy. But his eyes took on a look of concern when he saw the baby in Spikes arms. “And…the baby?” Tirek looked over to see his new prisoners, and noticed the foal in Spikes arms.

“Baby?” questioned Tirek. He looked over to see Spike, and the foal in his arms. “Hold on a moment,” said Tirek, with a raised eyebrow. He then lifted the roof off the cage. Looking in Spikes direction, the glow of magic could be seen enveloping Skylight. Spike tightened his grip on the foal, causing both to be lifted into the air. Tirek grabbed Spike and Skylight, and separated them physically with his hands. 

“Hey, let go of him!” cried Spike. Tirek ignored Spike, and then carelessly tossed him back into the cage. Spike hit the floor with a thud, causing him to let out a cry of pain, followed by his wind being nocked out of him. Despite Spike being the one injured, all five mares turned their attention to Tirek, with the young colt in his grip.

“Let go of him!”

“He’s just a foal!”

Ignoring them, Tirek further examined Skylight. When he saw both a pair of wings, and a horn, his eyes widened in surprise.

“An Alicorn foal?” questioned the centaur. He examined the baby once more, before turning to face Discord.

“Did you know about this?” accused Tirek.

“Well, yes, but I didn’t think it mattered,” replied Discord. "After all, what threat could an infant pose?”

“None, but another Alicorn, means more Alicorn magic for ME! And you didn’t tell me of this?”

“Well like I said, I didn’t think it was that big a deal,” said Discord, getting nervous. Tirek glared at Discord for a few more moments, before turning back to the Alicorn foal in his hands, who was crying loudly.

“What a putrid little creature,” said Tirek. “Unlike it, I will put its magic to good use!” 

“Wait, you’re not going to-“ uttered Discord, only to be stopped in his tracks when Tirek opened his mouth. A stream of magical energy poured out of Skylights horn, being sucked into Tireks body. After a few seconds, the crying had ceased. Instead, the only sound coming from the child was whimpering. Satisfied, Tirek looked to the foal in his hand. He then literally dropped the child back in the cage. Acting on instinct, Spike leaped towards Skylight, catching him just in time. 

Spike looked down at the baby. His colors had dulled, and his eyes were gray. He looked dazed and confused. Spike tightened his grip on the child, holding him tight, and turning his gaze towards Tirek.

“You’re a monster!” yelled Spike, filled with rage at how the youngling had its magic harvested.

“Tartarus is filled with monsters. I am merely the product of my environment,” said Tirek, turning to face the cage once more. “Now for the rest of you.” Tirek used his magic to lift the cage into the air. Then, opening his mouth, he started to drain all of their magic. 

Having his own magic drained, Spike could understand why Skylight didn’t have the energy to cry anymore. It felt as if his very soul was being vomited out of his mouth, painfully. What remaining energy he had was sapped away, stolen by the centaur. 

Once Tirek was finished feasting, the cage lowered back onto the ground. Everyone in the cage was lying on the floor, tired and deprived of their willpower.

“H-how could y-you do this t-to us? I…I thought we were friends,” muttered Fluttershy, just loud enough to hear. Discord, who was somewhat frazzled after seeing a small infant drained of his magic right in front of him, shook it off, and regained his previous confidence.

“Oh we were, but Tirek offered me something so much more valuable than mere friendship.” He then turned his attention back to Tirek. “Well, now with them as our hostages, Twilight will be here soon to attempt to rescue them. And once you steal her magic, nopony in Equestria will be able to stand against us!” claimed Discord, with his fist clenched in victory.

“Us? Who said anything about US?” said Tirek, as he used his magic to lift Discord into the air.

“What? But, you did!” replied Discord, becoming alarmed.

“You helped me grow strong. You’ve provided the means for which I can obtain Princess Twilights magic! And now you are no longer of any interest to me.” With that, Tirek opened his mouth and inhaled the chaos magic strait from Discords mouth. Spike watched as the absorbed magic caused Tirek to grow in size once more, in order to make room for the newly acquired power. Once he was finished, he dropped Discord on the ground. Satisfied, Tirek started walking away from the group.

The collapsed Discord attempted to pick himself up of the ground, gripping an amulet around his neck. 

“But you said this was a sign of your gratitude and loyalty. A gift from someone close to you!”

“From my brother who betrayed me. It’s as worthless as he is.” And with that Tirek walked away from the group, leaving them magicless, and helpless to do anything to stop him. 

Spike watched and listened as Discord questioned his betrayal, though he didn’t listen to what they were saying.

‘I can’t believe Discord would betray us like this.’

‘It seems like your entire life is just one big screw over. You are once again powerless to save anypony. But perhaps Twilight will be able to save you lot.’

Spike didn’t have the energy to argue with Clarity, so instead he just held Skylight close, hoping that Twilight would be able to save them soon.
	
	
	

> Chapter 11.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Spike’s eyes scanned the location that he now found himself in. Trapped in a magic bubble, along with Discord, Skylight, and Twilight’s friend, Spike found that the group was confined in a realm of pitch-black darkness. There was no light source anywhere, and yet, he could see all the other prisoners of Tirek clear as day.

Spike looked over to the bubble that the young foal was trapped in, and saw the child just lying there, with a glazed over look on his eyes, and a little bit of drool seeping from his mouth.

Spike turned his gaze back towards the group, specifically seeking out Discord. His eyes connected with the body of the draconequus, though the spirit of chaos wasn’t even looking at Spike. He was just staring at the bottom of his bubble, with a defeated, helpless look on his face. The others weren’t looking that good either.

“Ah can’t believe you’d do this Discord,” came Applejacks voice in an accusing tone, breaking the silence. Discords head remained motionless, though his eyes did travel to view the mare.

“We were willin’ to forgive you for all tha damage you’ve done to Equestria in the past, we offered you friendship, and you just betray us like that!”

“I…I’m sorry,” replied Discord, his voice low, and defeated.

“Yeah, well you should be!” yelled Rainbow Dash. “What kind of pony just stabs their friends in the back like that?” Instead of responding, Discord just turned his head to the side, letting out a breath through his nose.

“Friend…a friend you say?”

“What?” questioned Rarity.

“You call me your friend, yet aside from Fluttershy, I haven’t really felt like friends with any of you. Anytime I show up just to say high, you all act like I’m around to cause trouble. I know the only reason that we’re “friends” is because Celestia told you, and that’s only because she thought my magic was useful.”

“Are you trying to JUSTIFY what you did?” shouted Rainbow Dash.

“NO! It’s just that…Tirek didn’t just offer me the freedom to do whatever I wanted. He offered me the chance to be myself again.”

“What do you mean?” questioned Applejack.

“Our friendship is just Celestia’s way of keeping me from causing chaos. For me, chaos isn’t just something I enjoy, it’s a part of me. For me, not causing chaos is like…it’s like…like Pinkie Pie not throwing parties, or Rainbow Dash without her wings. I just wanted to feel like myself again.”

“Well that’s all well and good, but you took this too far!” shouted Rarity. “You’ve possibly doomed all of Equestria, and betrayed the only friends you’ve had, including Fluttershy!”

Discord looked down, feeling increasing amounts of shame.

“And not only that, but you let Tirek drain Skylight! He’s just a foal, and you let Tirek suck out his soul!” screamed Rainbow.

“I…I didn’t know he was there,” said Discord, almost to himself.

‘Hmm….it seems nopony cares that you too, where drained of their magic. You’re a baby too, and yet the only reason they are outraged is because the baby was wronged. Your suffering doesn’t mean anything to them.’ 

Spike listened to Clarity’s words. Normally it would make him feel sad, but without his magic, the essence of his soul, he felt even worse. The voice was louder, and clearer, and it’s words sunk deeper, making Spike wish he could just dissipate out of reality. It took all his willpower not to cry, and even then, he could feel tears pushing through.

As Spike just sat there, being tormented by the voice in his head, Discord had gone quiet, no longer responding the others anger towards him. They stopped speaking to him, and then the group just sat there, in silence.

It could have been a few minutes, maybe a few hours, Spike couldn’t tell. But eventually something happened. The eight of them were teleported out of the black abyss, into the outside world. They appeared around the red centaur himself, in a charred, barren battlefield. 

“They’re release, for all the Alicorn magic in Equestria!” stated Tirek. This drew everyponies attention to who he was addressing, which to their surprise, was Twilight Sparkle. 

Twilight let out a gasp of surprise, while the ponies inside the bubbles started pawing at the edges, calling out to the Alicorn Princess.

“What’s it going to be, Princess?” questioned Tirek.

“Don’t do it Twilight!” called Rainbow.

“We aren’t worth it!” shouted Fluttershy.

	‘No, you’re not.’

Twilight scanned the bubbles with her eyes, and looked at the faces of her friends. Her eyes met Spikes for a second, before they locked onto her son.

“Skylight!” cried Twilight. Her concern turned to rage, and she returned her attention to Tirek. “I knew you were low down, but stealing a babies magic? That’s just despicable! Release my son and my friends right NOW!”

‘Hehe, it’s like you’re invisible. Like a ghost, dead to all those around you.'

“Please stop,” muttered Spike, quietly.

“If you want their safe release, then give me the Alicorn magic!” asserted Tirek. Twilight looked ready to kill the Centaur, stepping forward, beginning to charge her horn. “One more step, and I’ll kill them instantly.” Taking this in, Twilight retreated back to her previous position. “Give me the Alicorn magic, and I’ll let them go.” Twilight took a few moments to think, before turning her attention back to Tirek.

“Fine…I’ll give you my magic.”

“Excellent,” said Tirek. He snapped his fingers, and seven of the eight bubbles fell to the ground. As soon as they touched down, Twilight sprinted towards the group. She ran right to the group, and scooped up Skylight in her arms, hugging him tightly. Her friends gathered around her, while Spike just lay there. He felt so tired, yet he was able to lift himself up somewhat to gaze over at Twilight.

“Oh Skylight,” said Twilight, nuzzling her child. “I can’t believe this happened to you. But it’s ok now, I’m here, mommy’s here.” After a few moments of Twilight comforting her son, Tirek broke the silence.

“Now, I believe you owe me something.”

“Not yet. You haven’t released all my friends yet.” Arching his eyebrow, Tirek turned his head to observe Discord.

“Him? You want him free? After he betrayed you?”

“Release him,” stated Twilight firmly.

“Hmph. Very well,” said Tirek, snapping his fingers. The bubble around Discord fell to the ground, popping on impact. Discord used his arms to lift himself up. After a moment, he spoke to Twilight.

“Thank you Twilight,” said Discord sadly. “I’m sorry.” Twilight looked him in the eyes, before turning back to Tirek.

“Your turn,” said the Centaur, as he started to drain the magic from her body. The stream of magical energy traveled through Tirek’s mouth, into his body. Once he was done, Twilight collapsed to the ground. Tirek, now possessing all the Alicorn magic in Equestria increased in size, a magical glow surrounding his body.

Twilight, still holding her baby as safely as she could, hoisted herself up, as her friends rushed to comfort her.

“Are you okay?” questioned Pinkie Pie.

“I’m…I’m ok…I think.” Just then, Discord stepped forward towards the group of mares.

“Tirek tricked me into believing he could offer me something more valuable than friendship,” said the Draconequus, his head lowering. “But there is nothing worth more, I know that now. He lied when he said that this medallion was given as a sign of gratitude and loyalty. But when I say it is a sign of our true friendship, I am telling the truth,” said Discord, as he placed the medallion around Twilights neck. A rainbow shined across the medallion, returning the color to Twilights eyes.

“You think that might be the last one we need?” questioned Applejack.

“We have to get to the chest,” said Twilight with determination. “Tirek has gone too far. Not only did he hurt my friends, but he hurt my family as well,” said Twilight, stroking Starlight’s mane. “He made this personal. Come on, lets’ go,” said Twilight. She then galloped away, with the girls, and Discord following. But what nopony noticed, was that Spike was still lying there on the ground.

“Tw-twilight,” called Spike weakly, while reaching out to her with one arm. Not having the strength to keep it up, Spike collapsed on the ground. “She…she left me,” said Spike, with his eyes beginning to tear up.

‘You can no longer deny the truth I have been telling you. She doesn’t care about you. You aren’t her family, you aren’t even her friend. All she cared about was that Tirek hurt the baby, not you. You mean nothing to her.’

“You’re…you’re right,” said Spike. His sadness was overwhelming. It threatened to drown him in his sorrow. “You’ve always been right. And you know what?” said Spike, hosting himself up, his sadness turning to anger.

“I don’t love her either.”

	
	

> Chapter 12.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Spike walked along the charred ground that now lead to the town of Ponyville. As he walked, his arms stayed stationary at his sides, his fists clenching and unclenching. It had been a few minutes since he picked himself up, after being abandoned by Twilight and her friends. They’d gone off to unlock that chest under the Tree of Harmony, and hope that it would help them defeat Tirek. Spike? He was going home.

Once Spike entered the town, he made a beeline for the library. He was going to go strait to his room, pack his things, and leave. Of course, he’d leave a note for Twilight, telling her he was leaving. Or rather, it would be a resignation notice. After all, he wasn’t Twilight’s son, he was her assistant. He’d quit his “job” and then leave. He’d travel, find a place where he would be happy, maybe make a family of his own. A REAL family, not a fake one like he had with Twilight. 

As Spike walked through the town, he noticed nopony else was outside. The town looked deserted. The other ponies where all probably hiding in their homes, either that or they ditched town. It didn’t matter to Spike though, since this was the last time he was going to see the place.

As Spike thought about what he was going to do, he found that he was nearing the library. It was just around the corner. But just as he turned, and the library came into view, Spikes eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. 

“The…the l-library,” said Spike, in a hush whisper. The library…it was gone, obliterated, there was almost nothing left! Just ash, and scorched earth. Spike stood there, motionless, as tears slowly came to his eyes. “My…my home…it’s gone,” said Spike, with much sadness in his tone.

‘It appears you truly have nothing now.’

“Shut up!” screamed Spike, his sadness turning to rage. He’d had enough of this voice rubbing salt in his wounds. He balled his right fist, and drove it strait into the side of his head. His vision flashed white for a brief second, before he fell to his knees.

‘Ha ha ha! Did you think that would shut me up? Fool, everything you try to do to me, only hurts yourself.’

Spike rubbed the side of his head with his palm. Clarity was right. Spike hadn’t realized it until now, but he really hated Clarity. It was like having a bully, who you couldn’t stand up to, who follows you everywhere you go. And worst of all, everything he says, Spike knows is true, which cuts even deeper. There was nothing Spike could do to stop him. He was helpless.

‘So, now what shall you do?’

“I’m leaving,” answered Spike, as he turned to leave. He made it ten feet, before he heard a familiar ‘whooing’ coming from the air behind him. He turned around, and saw none other than Owlicious flying down to him. Spike held his arm out, and allowed the owl to perch on him.

“Oh, hey Owlicious,” greeted Spike. The bird replied with a familiar whoo. 

‘You know, I bet Twilight even loves this animal more than you.’

“Shut up!” retorted Spike. Owlicious whood once again, tilting his head to the side. Spike turned back to the bird holding up his other arm to assure the owl. “Sorry Owlicious, that wasn’t directed at you,” said Spike. He stood there for a second, before a though came to him. “Hey, Owlicious, if I gave you a note could you bring it to Twilight for me?” The bird nodded in reply, whooing once again.

“Thanks,” said Spike. He then reached behind him, taking out a scroll of parchment, and a quill. He began writing out his last words to Twilight. It took a few minutes for him to get the right words down, but eventually he got everything down that he needed to. He then handed the scroll to the bird, who took it in one of his claws.

“Goodbye Owlicious,” said Spike, stroking the bird’s feathers with his finger. The bird gave a confused whoo, before Spike bounced his arm, sending the owl on its way. Owlicious took off into the sky, leaving Spike alone. Spike stood there, watching the bird fly away. He then turned reluctantly, and started walking.

‘So…where are we going?’

“Away from here. I don’t know where,” said Spike as he walked. He made his way out of town, heading to the outskirts. After minutes of walking, he halted in front of the Everfree forest. He looked at the dark and ominous forest, but his look was one of determination, not fear.

	‘You’re going into the Everfree? Do I didn’t realize you had a death wish.’ 

“Twilight won’t think to look for me in there,” explained the young dragon.

‘Then proceed.’ 

Spike was about to, when he heard the sound of powerful magic being used. He turned his head, and saw a strange orb of energy high in the sky, firing rainbow beams at Tirek. Spike stopped to admire the display.

“He. I guess Twilight found a way to defeat Tirek after all. She never fails,” said Spike with a sad smile.

‘Except with you.’ 

Spike’s smile turned into a frown. He redirected his gaze towards the forest, with an angry expression. Then he started walking, entering the forest, and leaving Ponyville, and his old life behind.  



	

Twilight, with her son riding her back and her friends in tow and the three princesses, entered the newly appeared crystal castle. It was beautiful, carved of purple gemstone that matched Twilight’s fur. It was amazing how this castle was created in her image. Twilight couldn’t help but wonder if this was a coincidence, or if it was destiny. 

“You’ve been wondering what you are meant to do as a princess. Do you know now?” asked Celestia as she walked behind Twilight.

“As a Princess, I believe I have the power to spread the magic of friendship across Equestria. That is the role I am meant to have in our world. The role I choose to have!” replied Twilight, with joyful confidence. She then teleported to her friends, and gave them a group hug. “But I didn’t defeat Tirek alone! It took all of us to unlock the chest!”

“Then it is unlikely you are to take on this task alone,” said Celestia as she used her magic to open a set of giant double doors. The group gasped as they saw the room on the other side. A beautiful throne room with six gemstone thrones, encircling a golden circle. 

“You are now Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship,” announced Celestia. 

There were seven thrones in a circle, each one with an engraving of one of the element bearer’s cutie mark. And next to Twilights was a smaller one. Each of the Elements took their respective thrones. Twilight approached hers, and noticed a smaller one next to it. This one was blank, devoid of any mark that could identify the owner. But somehow, Twilight knew whose it was. 

“I guess this one is for you Skylight,” said Twilight as she nuzzled her child. She then set the baby on the throne, letting him sit on his own. Twilight then sat next to him, on her own throne.

“Wow, these are awesome!” cheered Rainbow Dash, as she admired her seat.

“And it looks like little Skylight gets one as well,” said Rarity. The baby giggled in response. Twilight turned her head as she heard the clopping of hooves, and saw her mentor approach her. 

“I am so proud of you Twilight. It seems you’re always realize a new destiny. First you became the bearer of magic, then a princess, and now you have your own castle. You’ve done amazing things Twilight, and I know that this is just the beginning for you,” said Twilight as she nuzzled her student.

“Thank you Princess! I promise, I won’t let you down!” 

“I know you won’t” replied Celestia as she broke away from the embrace. “Now, if you’ll all excuse me, I have to return to Canterlot. And I suspect Discord has returned there, and is waiting for me to return, and speak with him.”

“I understand Celestia. And tell Discord…thanks. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t have defeated Tirek. And I wouldn’t have this castle.”

“It seems he’s learned a valuable lesson from this. He might just be changed for the better because of this.”

“I hope so,” replied Twilight. Celestia, Luna, and Cadence said their final goodbyes, and the three Princesses left, leaving Twilight with her friends and family. 

Twilight spent the rest of the day enjoying the presence of her friends, as they celebrated their latest achievement. This was one of the best days of Twilights’ life. And nothing could make it otherwise.  





The moon hung in the sky when the party ended, and Twilight’s friends had returned home. Twilight walked down the crystal hallway, with her child in her grasp, making her way to the room she had claimed as her own. She opened the door, and entered, placing her baby in his crib, and kissing him goodnight. She then stood back up, and admired her room.

“This castle really is great. It’s so big too! I bet Spike could have his own room!” This thought brought the young drake to the forefront of Twilights mind.

“Hm…I wonder where Spike is anyway?” questioned the Alicorn. She left her room, and entered the hallway. “Spike!” she called out. When she received no answer, she started traversing the halls, searching for her faithful assistant. “Spike! Spike!” called Twilight as she searched. She spent the next ten minutes trying to find the dragon, but it yielded no results.

“Where is he? He is in the castle isn’t he?” thought Twilight. She thought for a moment, reaching back into her memories. As she remembered the day, she recalled not seeing Spike in quite a while. In fact, she didn’t see him at the party. 

“But he was there when we beat Tirek, right?” Once again, Twilight thought back, but noticed that she didn’t see Spike when she unlocked the chest either. 

“Wait, Spike had to have been there. He was there when I gave my magic to Tirek." Twilight knew that much. He would’ve followed her and her friends to the tree, wouldn’t he? Did he not follow? Twilight thought about it, and she soon realized that…she left him. He didn’t follow them to the tree, and therefore didn’t see them defeat Tirek. Did he not come to the castle? He had to have seen it, it was huge! Maybe he was still out in Ponyville. After all, where else would he be? 

Figuring that Skylight would be all right for a few minutes, Twilight exited her castle, and headed towards Ponyville to search for her friend. 

She was a short distance from the castle, when she heard the sound of her pet, Owlicious approaching through the air. She stopped, and looked to see the owl flying towards her. And when she looked closer, she saw that he had a scroll in his talons. 

“Owlicious, I’m so glad your ok!” greeted Twilight, as she hugged the bird. She then retracted from the hug, and looked at the scroll in the birds grasp. “What’s this?” questioned Twilight. She took the scroll in her magic, and unfurled it, and began reading. The first thing she noticed was the handwriting; it was a perfect match for Spikes. Curious, Twilight began to read.



Dear Twilight,

It has been a wonderful experience working for you for all these years. It was your tutelage that allowed me to become as educated as I am, and I’ve learned a lot under you. 

But, I have decided I want to take a different path in life. Being your assistant was great, but I feel there is more to life than just working in a library. So, I have decided to resign from my position as your assistant, and see the world for myself. I want to make friends, maybe find a family for myself, and make a new home for myself.

I hope you understand, and I hope that you are able to find a new assistant who can aid you as well, or even better than I did.

I wish you well Twilight. You were a great employer.

Best Regards, 
Spike



Twilight lowered the letter, her face revealing nothing but concern and confusion. She didn’t understand, this sounded nothing like Spike. It was so…formal. Like he was quitting his job, instead of announcing he was running away. And what did he mean when he said he wanted to make friends, and find a family? He has friends here, and she is his family! This didn’t make sense to Twilight, and if she didn’t know any better, she’d think someone else wrote this. But this was definitely Spike’s handwriting, she knew it for sure. 

“Why would he run away?” questioned Twilight.  She didn’t understand. What would cause Spike to do this? Twilight didn’t know, but she had to find out. “I need to find Spike,” said Twilight with determination. She put the letter away, and was about to leave for her search, when she remembered the infant back in her castle. 

“But first, I need to find a sitter for Skylight,” said Twilight, running back into the castle. She’d drop him off, and THEN find Spike. 
	
> Chapter 13.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Twilight frantically galloped through Ponyville with her son riding on her back, being held with her magic to keep him from falling.

‘Gotta think, gotta think. Who can watch Skylight? Who’s closest…the Cakes!’

With her location in mind, Twilight began sprinting towards Sugarcube Corner. Many ponies noticed her frantic pace, and asked why she was in such a hurry, but Twilight had no time to respond. She had to find Spike. Twilight had no idea where he planned on going, so she needed to find him before he got too far.

Seeing her destination directly ahead of her, she quickened her pace. When she reached the establishment, she threw opened the door, and entered. A few ponies were sitting at tables, eating various sweets. Twilight paid them no mind, instead trotting up to the counter, where Mrs. Cake was situated.

“Twilight dear, what’s the matter? It looks like you came here in quite a hurry!” questioned the baker.

“Sorry Mrs. Cake, I can’t really talk much, I’m having an emergency. I was wondering if you could please, please, please watch over Skylight for me?” asked Twilight, with panic in her voice.

“Oh, well of course dear,” said Mrs. Cake, taking the foal from Twilight. “Just what kind of emergency are we talking about?”

“Spike ran away!”

“WHAT!” everyone in the room turned their heads to see Pinkie Pie standing on the stairs, her jaw hanging open. In the blink of an eye, she was right in front of Twilight.

“Why did he run away? Did you have a fight? Did he leave in a desperate attempt to save all those he knows and loves from a long forgotten enemy who seeks to destroy all he holds dear? WHAT HAPPENED?” 

“Pinkie, calm down, give the mare some room to breath,” said Mrs. Cake, stepping in between the two. Quickly making sure the mare was calm(er), she addressed Twilight.

“Now Twilight, I’m sure he hasn’t gotten far. Kids run away sometimes, but they never go very far.”

“He ran away once before, and nearly got himself eaten by a fully grown dragon. I don’t want to take any chances.”

“Wait, he nearly got eaten by another dragon? Isn’t that cannibalism? I thought most dragons were against that?” questioned Pinkie, putting a hoof to her chin in thought. 

“I…I don’t know, that isn’t important right now,” said Twilight, steering the conversation back on track.

“Do you know why he left?” questioned Mrs. Cake.

“I don’t, I mean not really. He just left me this really formal note. It didn’t even sound like an ‘I’m running away’ note. It sounded like he was quitting his job! I don’t know what it’s about, but I have to find him!”

“That does sound strange. Well don’t worry dear, I’ll take care of Skylight for a while if that’s what you need,” assured Mrs. Cake.

“Thanks Mrs. Cake,” said Twilight gratefully, before turning towards Pinkie. “Pinkie, do you think you and the girls could help me search for him?”

“Sure thing Twilight!” affirmed Pinkie with a military salute.

“Alright good. I’ll keep looking, you go get the others.” Pinkie nodded in understanding, and then the two mares galloped out of the building.

‘Spike’ thought Twilight. ‘I don’t know what’s bothering you, but I promise once I find you, we’ll fix it together!’ And with that, she continued her search, running to find the baby dragon.





‘So just why ARE we in the Everfree? I thought you said you wanted to find your own friends and family?’

“I do,” said Spike as he trudged through the dark forest. “I plan to cut right though the forest, and come out the other side. There should be another city somewhere in that direction. Besides, the Everfree is the last place she’d look for me.”

‘Isn’t this the first place she looked the last time you ran off?’

“Exactly! Twilight wouldn’t think I’d make the same mistake twice! By doing that, I’m throwing her off!”

‘Doing the same thing over again, and excepting a different result…isn’t that the definition of insanity?’

“I’m not crazy! Besides, I know that if I find a large pile of gems, it probably belongs to another dragon.”

Clarity didn’t respond. Without his distraction, Spike continued his trek. He continued his walk for quite some time, before the inevitable darkening of the sky began. The young dragon looked up to the sky to see it making its transition from blue to purple. The moon rose high, and the stars began to glow.

“Looks like I better find a place to stay for the night,” said Spike to himself. He started searching the land for any place that would provide safety from the nocturnal predators that called the Everfree their home. After about ten minutes of searching, he found a small cave.

“This should do,” said Spike. 

‘Last time you said that, you nearly got eaten.’

“Yeah, I know. But this cave is way too small for a giant dragon to live in. All I need to do is make sure there are no other predators inside, and then I’ll be all good to go!”

‘And how are you going to do that?’ 

Taking a moment to look around, Spike’s eyes became drawn to a medium sized stick lying on the ground.

‘That’ll do,’ thought Spike. He walked over to the stick and picked it up. Holding it in front of his face, he blew a small flame onto it, lighting it up like a torch. Gripping it in his hand, he made his way to the cave, and entered. He walked about ten feet deep into the cave when he came to a dead end. After making sure there were no other entrances, Spike was satisfied, and made his way back to the entrance.

“Alright, the cave is safe. Now I just need to build a fire.” Spike began gathering sticks and other shrubbery in his arms. Once he had a decent sized bundle, he made his way deeper into the cave, deep enough that the fire’s light wouldn’t attract predators from afar. 

Spike began piling the sticks and leaves on the ground, propping them up so they would burn just right. When he was satisfied, he blew a small flame on the bonfire. It ignited instantly, and lit up the small little area that Spike was occupying, as well as providing warmth. 

Spike sat down a few feet away from the fire, and once he got comfortable, he laid down on his side. He lay there, getting comfortable, and waiting for sleep to take him. As he did this, his mind started to wander.

“I wonder what Twilight’s doing right now…” questioned Spike to himself.

‘She probably hasn’t even noticed you’re gone.’

Spike let out a sigh in response. 

“Yeah, you’re probably right.” Slowly, his eyes began to get heavier, and sleep began to take him. ‘Even if she did notice, she probably doesn’t even care.’





Twilight huffed and puffed as she landed on the ground on the outskirts of town. She had been flying nonstop, searching all over Ponyville, and the areas around it for Spike. Unfortunately, her search had been fruitless. She sat down, lowering her head.

“Oh Spike…where did you go?” she questioned to herself.

“Twilight!” Hearing the sound of her name being called, Twilight turned around to see her friends galloping towards her. She turned around to face the group.

“Did you find him?” questioned Twilight, her voice desperate.

“Sorry Twilight,” replied Rainbow Dash. “We searched in the Whitetail Woods, we checked in the direction of the Badlands, and the Dragon Territory, the way to Canterlot, we even checked the next town over. We couldn’t find him.”

“B-but then where could he be?” asked Twilight.

“What other places are left?” questioned Applejack.

“Well, I suppose that would just leave the Everfree,” stated Rarity. 

“Don’t be silly, Spike knows not to go in there without one of us! He’s gotten into way to many dangerous situations in the forest to just waltz back in!”

“Well, are there any other options?” questioned Fluttershy.

“Well…no, not that I can think of. But he wouldn’t go in there again, he knows better.”

“But he’d also know that’s why we wouldn’t think to search for him there, and besides, it seems like the last option left,” said Rarity. Twilight took a moment to consider her friends words, before her eyes widened. 

“Oh no…Spike!”

Twilight turned around in the blink of an eye and started running towards the Everfree forest. But without warning, a sharp pain made itself known in her rear. She stopped, and turned to see that Applejack had her teeth clamped on her tail.

“Applejack let me go! We have to go find Spike!”

“Now hold on there partner,” said Applejack through grit teeth. She then released her hold on the other mare, and began to speak.

“Now listen Twi, Ah know we need to find Spike as soon as possible, but you’ve been searching all day. Ya need your sleep. Besides, it’s night time, and all the dangerous predators will be out at night.”

“That’s why we need to find him NOW!” responded Twilight.

“Ah hear ya Twi, but that’s exactly why we SHOULDN’T go out into the forest at night, shouting Spikes name and such. Since he ran away, he probably wouldn’t want us to find him, plus our yellin’ could attract predators, which could find him before we do. Spikes got a good head on his shoulders; he knows how to stay safe. We’ll get up bright and early in the morning to search for him. You have my word.”

Twilight face took on a look of pondering as she considered Applejack’s words. 

“Well…I really…I guess you’re right Applejack,” said Twilight in a defeated tone of voice. After a few moments, the mare spoke up again. “Alright girls, let’s meet in front of the castle tomorrow at sunrise. Does that sound alright?”

The girls all nodded and hummed in agreement. The mares offered Twilight a few words of comfort, before returning to their respective homes. Twilight went the same route as Pinkie, making her way to Sugarcube Corner to pick up Skylight. While they walked, they discussed what had happened today.

“I still can’t believe Spike ran away again. What did I do wrong?” questioned Twilight with her head hanging low.

“Come on Twilight, I’m sure it’s just a big misunderstanding or something! We’ll find Spike, and talk this thing out, and then we’ll have a big ol’ party to celebrate!”

“I hope so Pinkie,” said Twilight, her spirits raising some. “I just can’t help but wonder what made him wan to leave in the first place. I thought things were going good between us.”

“You know him better than any of us, Twilight. Don’t worry, we’ve had problems like this before, but we always solved them! I’m sure this won’t be any different!” 

Twilight offered Pinkie Pie a warm smile in gratitude. 

“Thanks Pinkie. You always know how to cheer a pony up.” The two embraced in a warm hug. When they disengaged, they found themselves in front of Sugarcube Corner. 

The two walked inside, and into the establishments living quarters to find Mr. And Mrs. Cake watching Skylight play with the twins. The two mares bid each other goodbye. Pinkie went up to her room, and Twilight went over to the Cakes to thank them for watching her son. She picked up the foal, and put him on her back. She then began her journey home.

Twilight’s walk through Ponyville was quiet and peaceful. When she reached her castle, the mare and her son entered their home, and made their way up to her room. 

“Spike didn’t even get to see the castle yet. He was going to get his own room and everything…. I hope he’s doing ok.”

When she came to her room, she opened the door and entered. She carefully laid her child down in his crib, and then walked to her bed, flopping down on top of the covers.

‘I hate to admit it, but Applejack was right. I am tired.’

Twilight closed her eyes, and tried to put her thoughts at ease. Slowly, she drifted towards slumber, the peaceful silence of the castle helping to lull her to sleep.

Then, just as she was about to lose consciousness, she heard the sound of crying pierce the air.

‘Sweet Celestia, not now!’

	
	


	


	
	

> Chapter 14.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The sun shown through the windows, reflecting off the beautiful crystalline structure of Twilight’s new castle. The mare sat in front of a table, surrounded by her five friends, with her little prince on her lap. It was a beautiful day, and a day like this deserved to be spent with friends. The seven ponies where enjoying a nice brunch, the center table filled with all of their favorite foods. As they enjoyed their food, the mares engaged in friendly chitchat, discussing their days so far.

“And so I was like, darling, that color doesn’t suit your coat, it would simply look dreadful!” explained Rarity, in explanation of dealing with a customer from yesterday.

“So what happened?” questioned Fluttershy.

“Oh, well I convinced her to go with the purple dress instead, and I must say, it looked far better on her!” Twilight nodded her head, and used her magic to levitate a cucumber sandwich off a platter into her mouth, only to find that they were all gone.

“Oh, looks like we need more sandwich’s. I’ll take care of this!” Twilight used her magic to levitate a little bell off the table, and rang in the air. “Oh Spiiiiiike!”

In no time at all, the young dragon, clad in a maid’s apron, ran into the room. His eyes were thick and baggy, appearing to be from a lack of proper rest. His coloration was slightly off, dulled and less vivid. Spike made his way towards Twilight, and stopped a few feet away from her, fumbling with his hands nervously.

“Y-yes Twilight? What can I get you?”

Twilight cleared her throat loudly.

“Oh, I mean, Miss twilight, I’m sorry. What can I get you ma’am?”

“That’s better! Now, we need more cucumber sandwich’s, chop chop!” 

“Yes ma’am,” said Spike with a bow, before running off to the other room to retrieve what he was told. Within a few seconds, he had returned, with the sandwiches resting on a silver platter. He replaced the empty platter with the new one. 

“Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Yes, in fact I think that Skylight needs to be changed,” said Twilight as she levitated the baby into Spikes arms.

“Yes Miss Twilight, right away ma’am!” replied Spike, who then turned and exited the room.

“And if he’s not spotless when you return him, you will not be allowed any dinner tonight!” called Twilight. Spike affirmed that he heard her, and continued on his way. When he was gone, Twilight turned back to face her friends.

“Man, that’s so awesome! I wish I had my own whipping boy,” said Rainbow Dash.

“Yes, he can be quite useful,” affirmed Rarity. Twilight nodded.

“I’d be more than happy to loan him to you,” said Twilight. “After all, it’s not like he has anything better to do.”

“You’d really let me borrow him?” asked Rainbow.

“Of course! After all, I am the Princess of Friendship. What kind of friend is unwilling to share her things with her friends!”

“Thanks Twilight!”

“No problem Rainbow,” replied Twilight. Soon after, Spike returned with the baby.

“Here you are miss Twilight!” said Spike as he handed the baby to his mother.

“Ah good, you’re back.” Twilight took her child from the dragon’s arms, and levitated him onto her lap. “Spike, my friends and I wish to be entertained. Dance for us!”

“Y-yes, of course Miss!” Spike took a few steps back, and began swaying to and fro, and dancing as best as his tired body could manage. After a few moments, laughter started to erupt. First it came from Pinkie, but it was soon followed by Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight. They all laughed at the sight of Spike doing as his mistress had commanded. The laughter grew and grew, until it eventually filled the entire room, echoing off the walls, and reverberating everywhere. It was loud, and mocking.

‘He’s so pathetic!’

‘Dance slave, dance!’

‘This is awesome!’

‘HE’LL NEVER BE ONE OF US!’





Twilight awoke with a start, and an audible gasp. She jerked her body upwards, opening her eyes instantly. Her breathing was heavy, and she could feel dampness on her fur. Raising her hoof to her face, she felt under her eye, and found that there were tears trailing from them. Twilight blinked her eyes as she processed this.

‘W-was that a dream? Yes, of course it was…but why did I have it?’

Twilight thought back to the nightmare she had. Most nightmares would feature one’s self as the victim, not the villain. But for Twilight, she was the antagonist. But why though? In her dream, she treated Spike like dirt, like a slave. But Spike wasn’t a slave, he was a friend! So then, why did she have that dream? What was its source?

‘It’s probably just the stress of dealing with him being gone. I’ll find him, bring him home, and everything will go back to normal.’

Twilight looked out the window of her room to see that the sun had risen.

‘Morning already? I’m still so tired…’

And it was true. Twilight had been awake nearly all night long, having to wake up to tend to Skylight. Feeding him, changing him, rocking him to sleep, it was all so exhausting.

‘I’m not used to this. Why is this the first time that taking care of Skylight has been so exhausting?’

Twilight put her mind to work on this, as she made her way out of bed. When she got to her hooves, she carefully and silently walked over to the crib looking down at the sleeping foal.

	‘Now that I think about it, Spike has always been there to help me. In fact, he did a lot more than just help. He was always there to take care of Skylight when I couldn’t.’

Twilight started to think about this. The more she thought about it, the more she remembered Spike did. He took care of her baby when she went out to spend time with her friends, when she went on trips, basically whenever she had something she’d rather be doing.

‘I…I really haven’t been there that much for Skylight,’ thought Twilight as she looked sadly at her child. ‘I…I’ve…I’ve been giving Spike more and more responsibilities. I forgot that he needs some time to himself as well. I haven’t been much of a friend to him.’ Twilight continued to look at her child for a few more seconds.

“I’m sorry Spike…I’ve been putting to much work onto your plate without thinking about how it affected you. Once I find you, I’ll make this right. Because you are, and always will be, my friend!” stated Twilight firmly, yet quietly as to not wake her child. Twilight was determined, determined to find her friend, and bring him home! And nothing was going to stop her!





The rising sun poured into the confines of the cave, casting its light onto Spike’s eyes. As he slowly opened his eyes, he sat up, letting out a yawn, and stretching his body. He blinked a few times, and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He looked down at the bonfire he had lit the previous night, to see it extinguished. Spike scratched his side, before standing up.

“You know, even though I slept on a cave floor, that was the best sleep I’ve had in months!”

‘It should be. It’s the first time you’ve slept without that little cretin to wake you up.’

“He…he’s not that bad. He’s just a baby after all.”

‘Yes, but given a few years, he’d grow to be just another self entitled Pony Prince, ordering you around to no end.’

“Yeah…I guess you’re right.” Spike stood there, still for a moment, before walking to the front of the cave. “Well, I guess we’d better get going.” With that, Spike exited the cave, and started walking. 

Spike walked for a few minutes, before he felt a grumbling in his stomach. He pressed a claw to his stomach, feeling the effects of not having breakfast (or dinner).

“Man, I’m pretty hungry,” said the drake to himself.

‘Too bad you didn’t possess the foresight to pack any food.’

“It’s not like I could! The library was destroyed, and if I didn’t have money to buy any supplies!”

‘Well, you’d better find some food soon, unless you want to starve.’

“I know.” Spike thought for a few moments, wondering what he could eat. Luckily, through Twilight’s intensive studying habits, he knew a little bit about wilderness survival through books.

“I think I could find some berries somewhere, maybe some fruit.”

‘Or you could hunt something.’

“Hunt? You m-mean, like, kill something?”

'Obviously.'

“N-no, I couldn’t! I can’t kill another creature!”

‘Would you rather starve?’

“M-maybe I would!”

‘You’re being ridiculous.’

“I’m not going to kill anything!”

‘You’re a dragon. Dragons are predators.’

“The answer is no!”

‘Fine, be that way. Well then, you better get to work on finding those berries.’

Spike hmpf’d as a response, and continued his trek. After minutes of walking and searching, he finally found something. A plant, with little red berries growing from it.

“Ah ha!” said Spike as he charged his way towards the plant, intent on filling his gut. He stopped in front of it and reached out to pluck one of the berries.

	‘How do you know those are safe to eat?’

“I recognize them from a survival book. They’re called raspberries.” Spike picked the berry, and tossed it into his mouth. Chewing it, Spike relished the taste.

“Oh man, these are so good!” exclaimed Spike, as he began shoving the berries into his mouth.

‘Anything taste’s good when your hungry enough.’

Ignoring the voice, Spike continued to shovel the berries into his mouth. He ate every berry off the vines. Once the plant was stripped clean, Spike looked around for more but found none. He was disappointed, but he would be able to make do with what he had eaten. Ready to leave, Spike left the berry vines, and resumed his journey.

Spike walked for what felt like hours, before he felt he needed to take a break. He sat on the ground, and rested himself against a tree. He sat there for a while, just relaxing, until he heard something. It was faint, but if he listened hard enough he could hear it.

“Spike!”

Spike listened more intently, trying to make out it was.

“Spike!”

It was his name being called. And it was getting closer. Jolting to his feet, Spike’s heart skipped a beat as he realized what the sound was. He could hear his name being called, and that could only mean one thing; ponies were searching for him.

‘They’re calling my name! They came to find me!’

‘Then you need to hide!’

‘But, they’re looking for me. That means…doesn’t that mean Twilight wants me back? That she cares?’

‘They’re probably just looking for you to drag you back to your enslavement. Twilight probably wants you back because it’s cheaper than paying a new assistant.’

Spikes hopes were dashed right then and there. Realizing that Clarity was probably right, Spike turned and looked the way he was heading.

‘You should find someplace to hide, and quick!’


Spike stood there for a moment, thinking, before he finally conceded to Clarity’s way of thinking.

‘You’re right.’ Spike turned and dashed, looking for a place to hide.

‘I won’t go back to being her slave. I won’t!

> Chapter 15.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike dashed through the forest floor as fast as his small legs could carry him. He could hear the shouts in the distance, calling his name. And so he ran, his feet crunching the dried leaves and sticks beneath him.

‘You can’t outrun them. You need to hide.’

‘Right.’

Spike looked around him for a place to take refuge. There were tree’s everywhere, but hiding behind them would not make a decent hiding place for very long. Then, as he ran, he saw a group of bushes clumped together. It looked like a good place to take refuge.

Spike made a mad dash for the bushes, and as soon as he reached them, he dived in, covering himself in the leaves. His breath was ragged from the running. Spike was not accustomed to exercise, and thus even a short sprint proved to be exhausting.

As he tried to bring his breathing under control, and quiet himself, he heard the sound of wind whipping at high speeds. Looking up, but keeping himself hidden, Spike saw a rainbow blur fly by overhead, above the trees.

“Spiiike!” called the Pegasus mare.

‘It’s going to be difficult to go unnoticed with that flier in the sky. Pegasi have eyes like hawks, and she has the speed to catch you. You need to tread lightly.’

‘Ok.’

Spike was about to exit his cover, when he heard the sound of his name being called. He trained his eyes towards the source of the voices, to see four mares nearing his location. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Twilight. Spike narrowed his eyes at the ponies, putting his hands over his mouth to muffle his breathing.

“Spiiike! Spike, where are you!” called Twilight.

‘As if I’d ever answer you.’ 

From the sky above came Rainbow Dash, descending down to meet Twilight.

“Any luck?” questioned the Alicorn. The blue Pegasus merely shook her head.

“Not yet.” Twilight let out a sigh before speaking again.

“Alright girls, let’s fan out, we can cover more ground that way!” said the princess. The others nodded, and went separate ways.

Spike remained in his bushes, waiting for the search party to spread far enough that his movement wouldn’t be heard. It took a few minutes, but eventually, they seemed to be a decent distance away. 

Spike stuck his head up out of the bushes and scanned the area. When he saw no sign of the ponies searching for him, he let out a sigh of relief, and exited his cover.

‘Get moving, before they come back.’

Spike picked a direction, and ran. He glanced down every few seconds to make sure he didn’t step on any twigs, in an attempt to keep his noise level down. He kept his ears open, to listen for the mares. The sounds of their voices were getting quieter, leading Spike to believe that he was going the right way. He turned his head back as he ran to scan for any pursuers. 

‘I think we’re good!’

‘We’re forgetting something…’ 

Spike was about to question what that was, when he felt his body collide with something solid, and furry. The force of the impact knocked him onto the ground as he heard a feminine ‘oomph!’ Spike looked up to see none other than Pinkie Pie standing before him. She turned her body to look at what had collided with her.

“Spike?” said the mare, almost sounding confused. But once her brain processed what she was seeing, her eyes widened. 

“Spike!” She then raised a hoof to her mouth, calling out to the others. “HEY EVERYPONY, I FOUND SPIKE!”

‘Darn it!’ cursed Spike internally.

‘Great going, now you got us caught!’

‘What do I do?’

‘Get away from her, by any means necessary!’

Spike quickly got to his feet, and sprinted around Pinkie, in a desperate attempt to get away. Before he got more than two feet, he felt something wrap around his left arm. He looked back to see Pinkie Pie holding on to his claw with her hoof, a concerned look on her face.

“Wait, Spike, we’ve been looking all over for you!”

“Let go,” stated Spike, aggression entering his tone.

“Spike, listen, I don’t know what’s wrong but-“

“Let Go,” said Spike once again, this time through grit teeth.

“Spike, I don’t know what’s wrong, but we want to help! I’m sure if we just…” Pinkie’s voice died down in Spikes ears, his hearing becoming consumed by the voice in his head. 

‘MAKE HER LET GO! MAKE HER!’

Clarity’s voice rang throughout Spikes head, consuming his sense of hearing, echoing with power. For a split second, Spikes vision flashed red. He felt his free arm swing. 

“LET GO!”

When his vision returned to normal, and his hearing returned, he saw Pinkie had let go of him. She had a shocked look on her face as she stared her hoof. There were four thin, small claw marks on her fur. Tiny, miniscule amounts of blood were coming from them, the amount equated to a paper cut. But still, it was there. Spike’s eyes widened as he looked down at his claws, the tips each dotted with red liquid.

‘You have your opening. Now GO!’

Spike looked up to Pinkie Pie, who now had a hurt look on her face.

“S-spike?” 

Spike took on a look of determination. He turned around and ran as fast as he could, away from the pink mare.

“Wait! Spike, come back!” called Pinkie in the distance. Spike paid her no mind, he just ran, as fast as he could.

The sound of hooves treading on the ground could be heard. Spike looked over his shoulder to see that he was being pursued not just by Pinkie, but Rarity and Fluttershy as well. He turned his head back, and pushed his body, trying to gain purchase over his pursuers. Over the noise of his breathing, and the running, Spike could hear the sound of rushing water. 

A few yards further, and Spike could see a clearing, with a rushing river. He continued to run towards it. When he made it to the river, he saw that it was actually running over a cliff, cascading down at least a hundred feet into a lake below. Spike saw a few stones in the river, a perfect path to cross. Spike was going to traverse across the river, but a pain in his side flared, along with pain in his lungs due to heavy exertion. 

Unable to go any further, Spike collapsed to the ground. He took in deep, labored breaths, while trying to massage his side, to make the stitch go away.

‘Get up! You have to keep going!’

“I…I just…need…a minute…” panted Spike, quietly to himself.

‘You don’t have a minute! You have to get going no- darn, it’s too late. They’re here.’

Spike looked up to see the ponies gathering in front of him. Pinkie, Rarity, and Fluttershy stood in front of him. Then, out of the forest came Applejack, and Rainbow Dash landed from the sky. As Spike stood himself up, getting control of his breathing, he saw Twilight make her way out of the forest, to the front of the group.

Their eyes locked. Twilight’s eyes spoke words of caring and compassion. Spike’s held contempt.

“Spike…” said Twilight. She then ran forward, grabbing Spike in a tight hug. “Spike, I was so worri-“ but she didn’t get to finish, as Spike wormed his way out of the hug, and shoved Twilight back.

“Don’t touch me!” cried Spike as he stepped back, away from Twilight.

“S-spike? I-I was worried sick about you!”

“I’m sure,” replied Spike, rolling his eyes sarcastically.

“S-spike, what is this about? What’s wrong? I-I don’t know what’s the matter, but if you just tell me, I’m sure we can work through it!”

“You…don’t know?” questioned Spike, his head hanging down. “You don’t Know?” said Spike, louder this time. He sounded like he was about to have a laughing fit, his right eye twitching, and an almost manic grin on his face. He stood there, clenching his fists over and over. Suddenly, his head jerked, causing a cracking sound, which caused all the ponies to wince. 

Spike recomposed himself.

“You don’t know, of course you don’t know! You don’t pay attention! You never pay attention!”  Twilight took a step back, looking like she had just been slapped. 

“Spike, what’s wrong? You can tell me,” pleaded the princess.

“If I have to explain it to you, then it’s a waste time,” grumbled Spike as he turned his head and crossed his arms.

“Please Spike! I’ll…I’ll listen!”

“You know, for such a smart mare, you can be incredibly thoughtless. You’re always running off with your friends to have all sorts of adventures, and you just leave me behind! And now with that…BABY of yours that I have to take care of, I’m at my wits end! I wake up in the dead of night to rock him, change him, and feed him! I have to do everything!”

Twilight stood there, silent. She knew he was speaking the truth, she had realized it after Spike had ran away. She left him to take the brunt of the workload, and she hadn’t been fair to him. It was time to make this right.

“You’re right Spike,” conceded Twilight, swallowing. “I haven’t been there for Skylight as much as I should have.”

‘It’s still all about him,’ thought Spike.

“I’ve been giving you too much work to do. I realize that now. Spike, I promise that from now on, I’ll do more on my own. I’ll take care of Skylight, and I won’t have you do every little thing I need, and I’ll give you time to yourself!”

“AND?” questioned Spike.

“A-and?” Twilight didn’t know what else the young drake could want. She looked confused, no idea what else he needed.

Seeing Twilight’s confusion, Spike snorted through his nostrils and turned to face the river.

“Wait!” called Twilight. She used her magic to lift Spike into the air, and bring him to where he was.

“Put me down!” demanded the dragon. Twilight did as he asked, and placed him down on his feet, facing her and the group.

“Spike...? What else is there?” 

Spike didn’t answer. He merely shut his eyes and let out a deep breath, before crossing his arms once more. He stood there for several moments, before finally speaking.

“Twilight, what are we?”

“What?” asked the Alicorn, confused.

“What am I to you?”

“Spike…you’re my friend, you know that!”

Spike opened his eyes and glared at Twilight.

“Just friends?”

“What else would we be? Wait…you’re not…. you’re not in love with me are you?” Spikes eyes widened, and he made gagging noises with his mouth.

“Celestia’s sake Twilight, no! Jeez, you’re so dense!”

“What do you mean Spike? If that’s not it, then what do you want us to be, if not friends?”

“FAMILY!’ screamed Spike. A rush of heat went to his head, knowing that all the cards were now on the table, and he couldn’t unsay those words.

“Family?” questioned Twilight.

“Twilight,” addresses Spike, his voice softening. “For as long as I can remember, you’ve always been there. Every time I was feeling lonely, you were there. You taught me everything I know. You fed me when I was a baby, you played with me. You were my role model, and my teacher…. Twilight, I never saw you as a friend…. I always saw you as…as….”

“A mother?” finished Twilight for him. Holding back tears, Spike nodded his head. “Spike…I’m not your mom,” said Twilight gently.

“But you hatched me…”

“Spike…I was just a filly then. I mean sure, I hatched you, but I didn’t give birth to you.” Tears were now flowing form Spikes eyes. He sniffled, and wiped his eyes with his hand.

“And that’s why I left. I knew you felt that way. After Tirek stole our magic, you rushed to check on Skylight, and completely forgot about me! That’s when I realized the truth about our relationship! I’m nothing to you, just an assistant. I’d stay if I had a reason to other than to do your chores, but-.”  Spike looked to Twilight, his eyes now stern and serious. “You have a family now Twilight. And if I’m not part of it, then I’m going to go find one of my own.”

“Spike,” pleaded Twilight, taking a step towards Spike.

“No Twilight! I’m done!” stated Spike, as he turned and started walking towards the river. He stopped just at the edge. “Goodbye.” He started hopping across the stones that crossed the river.

“Wait Spike!” Spike didn’t listen; he just kept crossing the river. Twilight was about to call out to him again, when suddenly Spike slipped on one of the wet stones. He lost his footing, falling into the rushing river.

“Spike!” called Twilight, galloping forward. Spike bobbed to the surface as the water flowed, bringing his body towards the edge of the cliff. Twilight, followed by the other five mares ran to catch up to him. Spike struggled to swim against the current, but he wasn’t able to make it. Just as the mares were a few feet away from him, Spike was tossed over the edge. The young dragons screams filled the air. The mares stood at the edge, eyes wide as they watched in horror as Spike plummeted.

“Don’t worry Twilight, I’ll-“ but before Rainbow could finish, Twilight had already dived over the edge. She tucked her wings in, and narrowed her body, racing as fast as she could to get to Spike before he plummeted to his death. As she descended, thoughts flashed in her mind. She saw moments from her life, moments with her and Spike together. She saw her hatching him, and how happy she was on that day.

“Is he really mine?”

“Of course Twilight. You did hatch him after all.”

She remembered feeding Spike his baby food, helping him walk, and reading stories to him. She saw herself in her bed, with Spike curled up against her.

“And then the wolf said, I’ll huff, and I’ll puff, and I’ll blow your house in!”

Tears came to her eyes, as memory after memory came to her mind, all of her and Spike. 

‘I can’t let him go! I need to save him!’

Twilight fell, faster and faster, getting closer to Spike, but still not close enough to catch him. Terror griped her heart at the thought of loosing Spike.

‘He’s been with me since the beginning. He relied on me, he looked up to me. I can’t live without him!’

The surface of the lake was rapidly approaching. Twilight reached out with her hoof, reaching for Spike. Spike did the same with his claw.

‘I…I care about him, now more than ever. I’ve never been this scared to loose somepony before. I see now, that even though we aren’t biologically related,’

Spike was twenty feet above the ground.

‘We ARE family. And I care for him.'

Ten feet.

‘I care for him, as if he was a…a,’

Five feet.

‘A son!’

At that moment, Twilight’s hoof gripped Spikes claw. She yanked him close to her body, and hugged him tight, spreading her wings to slow the fall. As soon as her feathery appendages spread wide, she began to glide, mere feet above the surface of the lake. She flew past the lake, towards dry land. Realizing that she was going to be making a crash landing, Twilight tucked her wings in at the last second and turned her body so that Spike was above her, allowing her back to take the full front of the landing. She skidded into ground, leaving torn up dirt in her wake. 

Finally skidding to a stop, Twilight let out a grunt. Her grip on Spike weakened, and the drake tumbled a few feet away from her. Twilight grit her eyes shut. Her Alicorn body was strong, but she still felt the feeling of the ground grinding away on her back. Aside from that though, she felt fine. She slowly lifter herself up from her position, and looked over to see Spike, laying face first in the dirt.

“S-spike? Are you ok?” For a few seconds, the dragon said nothing. Twilight started to worry again, when suddenly the dragon let out a moan. The drake lifted his head, and used his hands to push himself up.

“Y-yeah, I think so.”

Taking Spike completely by surprise, Twilight leaped towards him, wrapping her hooves around him in the tightest hug he’d ever experienced. Spike was about to protest when he felt something wet sliding onto his shoulder.

“S-spike…I was so worried about you!”

She was crying.	

“You were?” 

“Of course!” Twilight cried, as she separated from the hug, looking Spike in the eye with her hoofs on his shoulder. “Spike, I care about you! When you left that note, all I could think about was finding you, and bringing you back! I-I know that I’ve been inattentive lately, but I do care about you. But I see now how you’d think I didn’t. When Tirek stole our magic, I only thought about Skylight. But Spike, I swear to you that I DO care about you.  

“But just as a friend, right?” asked Spike.

“Spike…I…I’ve never really considered myself a mother until Skylight was born.”

Spike frowned at this.

“I guess I never thought of myself as a mother to you because you’ve been around since I was a little filly. I never really stopped to consider just what kind of effect our relationship would have on you. But you’re right Spike. I may not have given birth to you, but I did bring you to life. I hatched you, with MY magic. And that…that formed a special bond between us.”

“Really?” asked Spike, his hope rising.

“Yes Spike. I’ve always thought of you as a friend, but you’re right. You’re more than a friend, you’re family. I raised you. When I saw you fall, I was scared, terrified of losing you! Just as terrified as if it were Skylight’s life in danger. If that doesn’t make me your mother, than I don’t know what does. And I’m willing to be one to you.”

Twilight offered Spike a motherly smile.

“If that’s what you want that is.”

‘This…this is what I’ve wanted for so long.’

The silence hung in the air between the two beings. Twilight was beginning to think that Spike had changed his mind, or that he didn’t accept her apology. But then, he dove forward, and hugged her tightly.

“Of course it’s what I want,” said Spike, as he cried into Twilights fur. He broke down completely, sobbing away. Twilight held him tight, rubbing his back with her hoof.

“I-I’m sorry…for all this, I just…I let my emotions get the better of me, and I never let them out! I’m sorry I did all this!”

Twilight gently shushed him, as she would to her own biological child.

“It’s ok Spike. I should have paid more attention to what was going on with you. I should been more mindful of how I was behaving. I can see why you’d feel the way you did, and why you’d leave. But I promise Spike; things are going to be different between us. It’ll be better. I love you Spike.”

“I love you too…mom,” The two sat there, in their embrace, until a silence was interrupted.

“Awww!” Twilight and Spike looked over to see the five other mares standing there, watching them. Pinkie Pie had tears in her eyes, as did Rarity and Fluttershy. Applejack had a smile on her face, while Rainbow just looked confused.

“Um…are we missing something?” questioned the Pegasus. Twilight just chuckled, resting a single fore leg around Spike. 

“It’s a long story. But in short, we’ve realized that we’re not just friends, we’re family.”

The mares looked between themselves, before finally joining in on the hug. They all gathered around Twilight and her new son, creating a group embrace. The group just sat there for several moments, before the silence was broken.

“You know what this means don’t you?” asked Pinkie Pie.

“What?” questioned Twilight.

“A party!” 





The party was a small one, the six mares plus the dragon all gathered around in Twilight’s new Castle. Additional guests included Twilights parents, her brother and sister in law, Celestia, Luna, and the Cake’s. Twilight presented Spike as the newest addition to the family. Her parents, brother and sister were all overjoyed at the news. Celestia told Twilight it was about time that she and Spike made this relationship official, and promised Twilight that she would draft up adoption papers for her to sign, in a relatively simple process. 

The festivities were in full swing. Pinkie had done a real good job, providing the food, decorations, and games. And it made Spike feel… guilty. Spike hesitantly made his way towards Pinkie, and tapped her to get her attention. She turned to look at him, a smile on her face.

“Hey Spike? What’s up?” Spike looked at her hoof, wrapped in a bandage.

“Listen Pinkie,” said Spike hesitantly. “I’m really sorry I scratched you. I don’t know what came over me.” Spike had considered coming clean about Clarity, but as much as he wanted to tell everyone about the voice, at the same time he couldn’t. There was a primal emotion deep inside him, one that urged him to keep his secret. So he did. 

Pinkie stood there for a moment, before her gaze softened, and she put her foreleg around Spike.

“Hey, don’t worry Spike. These things happen. I’m sure you didn’t mean it!”

“Yeah, but, I…if there’s anything I can do to make it up to you-,”

“Spike, you know I don’t hold grudges! It was a stressful time for everypony. Just, don’t do it again, ok?”

“Yeah, I promise!” said Spike.

Pinkie immediately pulled Spike into a full hug. And for Spike, he felt a weight lifted off his shoulders.

Halfway into the party, Twilight told Spike she would be right back. He nodded, and she left the room. A minute later, Twilight returned, with Skylight in her grasp. Spike wasn’t sure what was going to happen at first felt a little bit of hostility towards the baby, until Twilight sat in front of him, and turned Skylight to look directly at Spike.

“Skylight, I want you to meet your new older brother, Spike!”

The foal looked at Spike with his big eyes, before raising his hoof, and waving Spike. He then reached out with both hooves, reaching for the dragon.

“I think he wants to greet you properly,” said Twilight. She levitated the colt over to Spike, who took him in his arms. The baby gave Spike a friendly hug, which Spike returned. At that moment, the last bits of resentment Spike felt in his heart disappeared. The whole party turned to see the two, giving collective ‘awws’ at the sight.

“Sp-si-si” mumbled the child.

‘Is he trying to say my name?’ thought Spike. ‘He’s not quite there yet, but he’ll get there with practice.’ It was then that Spike realized that this was the first time he’d actually hugged Skylight. He felt…warm. Then it dawned on Spike. He wasn’t just gaining a mother; he was gaining an entirely new family. A pair of grandparents, and uncle, and aunt, and… a brother. And for the first time, in a long time, Spike was truly happy. Everything was perfect.





The party had ended, and everyone had gone home. Twilight was now walking through the halls of the crystal castle, giving Spike the grand tour.

“So you really got this place after defeating Tirek?” asked Spike.

“That’s right! It’s all ours!”

“Wow.” Spike took a moment to stop and observe the castle.

“And you said this place is made out of crystals?”

“Yep!”

“Hmm” said Spike, taking on a mischievous grin. “I wonder what it tastes like?”

“Don’t even think about it buster!” replied Twilight in a playful tone. The two laughed, and then continued on their way. Twilight led Spike to a large door. She opened it, and the two stepped inside. 

“And this, is your room!”

“My…MY room?”

“That’s right Spike! It’s all yours!” Spike stepped observed his new room. It was big, and it had its own bed. Why, with a little decoration, it would feel just like home.

“Do you like it? If you don’t, we can always find a different one.”

“No no, its…perfect,” said Spike. He turned towards Twilight, and wrapped her in a hug. Twilight smiled, and returned the gesture.

“Thank you,” thanked Spike.

“Your welcome,” replied Twilight with a warm smile. The two stood there for a few moments, before they finally broke away.

“Well…you’ve had a long day. Get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning, ok?”

“Yeah, ok.” Twilight turned and left the room. Just before she exited, she looked over her shoulder at Spike. “Goodnight Spike.”

“Goodnight Twi-…mom.” The two smiled at each other, and then Twilight left Spike alone. Spike stood there, smiling. Today may have started out rough, but it had ended with everything working out for the best. 

Spike let out a tired yawn, before shutting off the lights, and making his way to his new bed. He climbed on into it, and got himself comfortable under the covers. He let out a content sigh, before shutting his eyes.

‘Everything has worked out. I have a new family, one that cares for me. Everything is perfect. And the best part, is that now I don’t have to deal with Clarity anymore.’

‘Oh, dear Spike, whoever said that?’ Spike’s eyes shot open, his heart stopping as his blood went cold.

‘No…’

‘That’s right Spike. I’m not going anywhere.’