> Eternal
>  by Path_of_cloud
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Voices
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Author’s Notes: To truly get the most out of this very short, but what I consider to be very powerful (less is more kind of thing) chapter. Do NOT try to envision what is happening. Take a minute here and close your eyes…….. that’s what you should be imagining as you read, darkness. There will come a point when you should start imagining what’s happening, it will be extremely obvious, and it will make the whole experience much more pleasant if you read it correctly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Get a doctor quickly; this one’s seriously injured! Top priority!”

‘Damn ponies, don’t any of them know how to be quiet…ugh my head is killing me. For that matter, why the hell is it so dark?’

“Nurse, what’s wrong… IS THAT A DRAGON? Oh right, stupid question. What happened to him?”

‘A dragon? A dragon other than me… no… me. Fuck, everything is so fuzzy, so dizzying, so… painful. What happened to me, why can’t I remember? Ugh, another flash of pain, great.’

“The roof fell… he was trying to protect me. SAVE HIM, NOW!”

‘RARITY! I, I threw her out of the way she has to be okay… SHE HAS TO BE!’

“Ma’am, calm down; we'll do what we can. Nurse, go to storage and get the diamond tipped needles we'll need them to get through his thick scales, so we can take his blood and hook him up to a IV. Sadly however, I’m afraid we just don’t know enough about dragons… but it’ll be up to him to pull though”

‘OPEN YOU SON OF A BITCHES, OPEN! LET ME SEE HER!’

“What about his eye, can you fix it.”

‘I SAID OPPPPPPPPPPPEN!’

“Dragons are naturally resistant to magic, but as long as we focus our power it should be good as new. However, the scar will always remain.”

‘COME ON, OPEN!’

“Spike darling, please wake up. I need you Spike, don’t leave me. His eye its opening, oh thank Celestia.’

‘It’s to fuzzy, damn it! Come on focus, I need to see her. I need to know she’s okay; that she didn’t get hurt because I was too slow.’

“Spike come on; come back to us…….to me.”

‘It’s clearing up finally, but why is it so limited. She’s ok, oh thank Celestia she’s okay. But she’s crying, why is she crying, what could have hurt her… it was me. I’m the reason she’s in tears now, I was to slow, to weak. I couldn’t protect us both, couldn’t save us both. I have to let her know it’ll be okay, I need to… for her.’

“Spike can you hear us son; I need you to respond if you can. Come on.”

‘IT’S SO SIMPLE, SO EASY DAMN IT! WHY WON'T YOU JUST DO IT!’

“Spike please, don’t do this to me, don’t leave me alone. I need you.”

‘COME ON! “Rarity,” YES!’

“SPIKE!”

‘AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!’

“SPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!”

‘Shit, its going dar…………………..’

> Memories
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“SPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKE!” Rarity screamed as his one good eye closed, and his head fell to the side. She threw her front hooves around him and buried her head into his chest. “Please Spike, don’t leave me” she muttered, as she cried into his chest.

“Mmhumm. He’s only lost consciousness ma’am. While we'll have to bandage him up and fix his eye, he appears to be quiet stable,” said the doctor, a young blue unicorn with brown hair and heart with a cross through it for his cutie mark, as he pointed to a number of beeping machines and screens.

Rarity blushed a deep red, made all the more obvious due to her white coat. “Thank you, doctor……… I’m dreadfully sorry, but with all the excitement I never caught your name”

“Jolly Dreamer but everyone calls me J.D., and I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave for an hour or so. We need to run some tests. I suggest you use this time to inform anyone else close to him of his condition and what has happened to him. I don’t mean to stress the matter but dragons are a bit………… mysterious to us pony-folk, and it would be extremely helpful to gain as much medical information on him or his kind as we can” said the doctor, although he almost seemed nervous about the idea.

“An excellent idea indeed,” said Rarity, as she bent down and kissed Spike on the cheek. “When you wake up I’ll give you something much better”, she whispered into his ear.

This time it was the doctor’s turn to blush. “Well….. um….. yes, hurry along now don’t want to keep the news from anypony to long.”

Rarity left the hospital room, but not before she noticed that the doctor seemed to have nodded off into some kind of day dream. She trotted out of the hospital as fast as she could; Twilight needed to know what happened. The whole horrible accident and the events leading to it started to play through her head, as she ran to tell her friend the news.

A few days ago Spike had turned seventeen; he hardly resembled the young dragon that had come to Ponyville only four years ago instead he now stood at six hooves tall, a good hoof and a half above the average pony, and almost nine hooves from snout to tail. He had also grown a beautiful pair of amethyst wings, six hooves wide a piece, with emerald green folds. And his body had become extremely toned, with very dense but not overly large muscles. Most importantly though he was now only a year from being considered as an adult by pony standards and was now considered adolescence by dragon standards. 

For Rarity however, another year was too long to hold in her feeling for the gentledragon of her dreams, and she knew none of her friends would judge her for acting now. Rarity had fallen for Spike three years ago, a combination of his generosity in the fire ruby matter and how truly humbling it was when his love for her had caused him to gain control of his inner greed and end his rampage. She had known of his crush before that and, like every other pony, had simply played it off as childhood fancy, but in those moments she knew that it wasn’t a mere crush and that he truly loved her for who she was. Of course Rarity wasn’t against his newly found appeal, in fact she found the dangerousness of it all quite thrilling, but she loved him for who he was, who he had always been, and his newer form was nothing more than a very juicy cherry on top.

Rarity had planned on telling Spike about her feelings at his birthday party; another one of Pinkies’ best parties but after all the next party would always be her best, Rarity never understood how she managed to always out do herself. When she got to the party however, she decided against telling him, the party was too large and too many ponies wanted his attention. It simply would not do for how she wanted them to always remember the moment, when they both shared their true feelings for the other; no, she knew something more intimate, with only the two of them would be the best. And so Rarity started to hatch a plan, once Spike had been able to sneak away from the crowd for a breather, Rarity made her move.

“Hello, Spike,” said Rarity, approaching Spike from behind.

Spike jumped a bit, not expecting the visitor during his escape. He was happy for the interruption though; knowing instantly from the beauty held in the voice who it was. “Hello, Rarity trying to give me a heart attack are we?”

Rarity couldn’t help but giggle at the fact that she, a beautiful fashionista, had scared the large muscular dragon before her; however she quickly covered her mouth with her hoof to stop the unlady like outburst.

“Well if I had known me being scared would cause you to create such an adorable sound, I’d of been afraid more often.”

Rarity blushed the lightest pink, but thankfully it had been to dark out for Spike to notice. “Yes…. Well I wanted to congratulate you personally on you seventeenth birthday Spike, your growing into quite the fine gentledrake.”

Spike took the compliment with both a small blush and obvious increase in pride, neither of which he tried to hide from the beautiful mare in front of him. “That’s very generous of you Rarity. Thank you, you may have just made my night.”

“Spike, darling, I’m not quite through. I wanted to invite you to Carousal Boutique this Saturday evening, so I could give you your birthday gift, I do apologize, but I wasn’t able to give it to you tonight due to unforeseen complications.”

Spike was obviously taken back a bit by this information. “Rarity, you didn’t have to do that, just being here with you on this night or any other is gift enough for me. What time would you like me to come over?”

Rarity felt a small knot in her stomach. After what Spike had said, she felt even surer then she had before, “Five would be just perfect darling.”

“I’ll be at your door by four forty-five; after all a gentledrake never leaves a lady waiting,” Spike said lowering himself into bow.

“Indeed, but I won’t be letting you in until five,” replied Rarity mischievously. “Now come, I think we’ve stolen enough time from the world”, ‘although I wish we could steal just a little more’ Rarity thought to herself, “and you have lots of guests still. Wouldn’t want to keep anypony waiting to talk to the birthday boy.”

“No, I suppose not,” sighed Spike sadly, and with that the two of them walked back to the party together, practically leaning against one another. 

To Rarity it felt like Saturday had taken a short lifetime to come. She had planned everything down to the last nanosecond; every last detail was to be fabulous and perfect. Her mane and tail were to be done in her everyday style simple, elegant, and beautiful. She had a new dress that she had very carefully crafted without Spike ever noticing, no small feat considering how much of his time he spent helping her. It was black with onyxes embedded into it, causing it to glitter in the light. It fell down her side and back and was cut at the sides, so that her cutie mark and hind legs were framed by the dress, very tasteful but very sexy. And to top it all off, the fire ruby necklace Spike had given her right before his birthday all those years ago. She could just see Spike’s jaw drop when he saw her in it, but she planned on waiting till she shared her little secret to put it on, so as not to stupefy him beyond hearing the single most important thing she hoped he would ever hear. Rarity had already prepared the dinner the two of them would share on their first of what she prayed would be many dates; a fabulous new salad recipe she had picked up on her last trip to Canterlot which she was assured by the chef could be complemented nicely with gem shavings for dragons, having served it to visiting dragon dignitaries himself, along with a sweet dry white wine from the personal cellars of the Alicorn Princesses, a gift from her last birthday, that was being chilled as she stepped into her shower.

As she stepped out of the shower, she looked over at her clock 4:45 on the dot; looking out the window she saw exactly what she expected, a handsome young dragon waiting outside her door. What she hadn't expected was the beautiful bouquet of flowers he was carrying. She hurried down the stairs and opened the door with her magic.

“Spike, darling, come in.”

“Hello Rarity, I know it’s for my birthday, but I brought you some flowerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…….” Spike held the word completely mesmerized by Rarity’s beauty; in her haste to open the door. She had yet to dry off, her coat glistened from the steam coming off of it, and her hair fell straight instead of its normal styled look.

“Spike, it is not polite to stare at a lady,” Rarity said attempting to scold him, but the blush growing on her face gave away how much she enjoyed having his eyes focused on her, running up and down her body.

“rrrrrs. Sorry Rarity, sometimes you’re just to stunning for me to control myself. Do you have a vase I can put these?” replied a rather reddened Spike.

“Of course darling,” she responded, as she levitated over a white vase with a purple diamond pattern running up its side. “Now if you don’t mind, you are indeed early, and I need to finish getting ready. Feel free to make yourself at home.” She pointed to a new red luxury couch; it was considerably bigger than her old one, large enough that a dragon slightly bigger then Spike would be able to lie down comfortably and wide enough that a dragon Spike’s size and a pony could lay next to each other on it.

“Take your time,” Spike said, laying himself down on the new couch, he seemed quite comfortable on it and a bit taken back by the fact it had been added in without his knowledge.

A mere ten minutes later Rarity descended the stairs, looking as beautiful as she always did. Spike was still a bit stunned just from looking at her though. No matter how many times he saw her like this, he always seemed to treat it as if she was even more beautiful than the last time.

“Beautiful,” he whispered to himself.

“What was that darling?” asked a perfectly aware Rarity.

“I, I was saying that you looked very nice today,” he recovered.

“Trust me darling, you haven’t seen anything yet,” a sultry mischief easily spreading over her face. “In fact I think it’s time we discuss why I invited you over here………..”

Suddenly everything began to shake violently.

“RARRRRRRRRRRRITY!” screamed Spike, lunging forward from the couch. He quickly, but gently, grabbed Rarity and softly threw her into the couch, as a large section of the second floor fell where Rarity had been standing moments ago. Where Spike was standing now, and she would always remember the look on his face not of fear but of happiness, pride, love, and content as he said six words, “I will always love you, Rarity.” And Spikes world went black.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Rarity screamed as a surge of magic, which would humble even Twilight; shoot from her body levitating the mass of flooring off of her dragon. Underneath where the pile of wood and nails had been moments ago, laid a bleeding Spike. His whole body was covered in cuts and bruises, his wings had giant holes in them where boards had pierced the thin webbing, but worse of all his right eye had a long jacked scar where a nail had ripped down the side of his face…. his eye was bleeding, he was blind. Rarity knew his tough scales and leathery hide had saved his life, and that she would have been painfully crushed to death if he hadn’t saved her, but it didn’t make it easier and she still blamed herself. And in that moment her love for him soared, her magic once again increased to a never before known level as she teleported herself and Spike straight into the lobby of Ponyville General. She had reflected on her new found magical ability for less than a nanosecond, as the nurses and orderlies carefully hoisted Spike on to a stretcher. She was by his side instantaneously as the head nurse, Nurse Redheart, begun issuing orders and calling for a doctor.

She was just outside Twilight’s and Spike’s home, a library magically carved into a still living tree, as the memories faded back to reality. She knocked on the door.

“Hello Rarity, where’s Spike I thought he was going over to see you?” answered the lilac bookworm

“Twilight darling, we need to talk, there's been an accident.”

“Of course Rarity, come inside quickly,” a visibly shaken Twilight responded, no doubt running through the hundreds of possibilities of what could be wrong. 

Rarity walked in as the door glowed with a lilac aura and magically shut behind her.
	
> Hearts
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Spike felt something warm snuggling against him, and the smell of vanilla began pleasing his nose. He was comfortable, more then he’d been in his entire life, yet he knew it couldn’t last. He’d been in so much pain before but now it felt as if the warmth spread across his chest had carried it all away. The same warmth had left nothing but the softest touch and the unbelievable comfort he was now feeling. Regrettably, he opened his eyes and let the light of the day fill his vision. 

It took a minute for his eyes to adjust. The first thing he did once they had was to look down on to his chest for the source of his comfort. There, snuggled against him, slept the mare of his dream. She was so peaceful, so beautiful, and so perfect in every way. She didn’t have any makeup on, and still she made the most beautiful models look ugly. She was also very obviously exhausted, and the small bags under her eyes shined truth on the matter, she hadn’t slept in days most likely. Spike couldn’t bring himself to wake her up, and so he slowly, gently ran his clawed fingers through her flattened mane, fixing stray strands as he went, and across her beautiful white body.

Time lost all meaning as Spike laid there next to his love. The door creaked opened and in walked Twilight. She nearly shouted out to him, but he had quickly put his free claw up to his mouth and silenced his sister. He pointed to the sleeping mare on his chest, and gestured for Twilight to come sit next to him.

“Hey Twi, how’s life?” whispered Spike.

“Better now,” replied Twilight.

“I always had that effect the moment I walked into the room,” he quietly chuckled.

Twilight punched his shoulder gently. “Dummy, what were you thinking getting yourself hurt like that?”

“Oh you know the usual, save Rarity, become a hero, and win her heart for my bravery…… seems to be working so far.” He pointed once again to the sleeping beauty on his chest. “Still I could have done without the pain. Note to self: next time save the day without getting a floor dropped on top of you or another similar painful experience.” A wide toothy smile spreading across his face

“Your such a ham, you know that,” Twilight joked, still being careful to remain quiet.

“Maybe, but you have to admit its part of my charm,” he joked.

“Perhaps,” she replied.

“So in all seriousness, how long was I out?” he asked.

“It’s been five days since the accident.”

“Wow that long huh. Speaking of, what caused the shaking that made the floor collapse?” he asked solemnly; remembering the accident.

“Ponyville experienced a rather large earthquake.”

“An earthquake in Ponyville, how could that happen?” he said cutting her off.

“I was getting there before someone so rudely interrupted. The Diamond Dogs had one of their main tunnels collapse.”

“None of them were hurt, I hope. What about the rest of Ponyille, was anyone else seriously injured?”  a pleading look in his eyes praying no one else had been hurt. In the last three years him and Rarity had made a deal with the Diamond Dogs. Whenever Rarity needed gems, she would use her locator spell to find them, and they would use their manpower to quickly dig them up. The gems got split fifty, fifty and was vastly more productive then either one group could manage alone.

“There were a few minor injuries on both ends but just scratches, scrapes, and bruises. No, only you, in all your amazingness, actually managed to get seriously hurt.” She arched her hooves in the air to emphasize her point.

“I am pretty amazing.”

Rarity snuggled further into Spike’s chest, as if agreeing with him, letting out the most adorable little moan.

“She’s been by your side since the accident. The only time she left was to tell me about what happened; then she ran right back. I teleported around and told the rest of the gang, and then came to check on you myself.” Twilight looked at her friend, a smile softly coming across her lips.

“She probably blames herself. It wasn’t her fault; I did it because I wanted to,” a touch of pain invading his voice.

“I’m sure she knows that Spike. She’s been so afraid that something would happen to you though. Me, Fluttershy, Dash, Pinkie, and A.J. have been checking in on the two of you every few hours. We’ve been bringing her meals and taking care of Opal for her. She had contractors in here a few days ago; apparently she’s not only having the floor fixed but having the whole boutique earthquake proofed.  You know you really scared her,” compassion dripping from her words.

“I know. The guilt from it might haunt me my whole life. I can’t believe I put her through this,” his distress riddled his face.

“Spike you saved her life; at the risk of your own I might add. I couldn't be prouder of you,” a sad but comforting smile attempted to free him of his guilt.

“I know but I should have done more.”

“You did everything you could. Now I won’t hear any more of this, and I know she won’t have any of it either. Once a day, when one of us was here with you and her, she would take a shower in the little bathroom over there. She left the door open so she’d know if you woke up or something changed. She said that she had to look her best for you, when you woke up. Her hero, she claimed, and she was right Spike,” Twilight hesitated.

“Twilight?” a concerned Spike asked.

“She became really defensive and a bit possessive of you as well. She refused to leave when they came to do any tests, and she wouldn't let the nurses give you a sponge bath, she insisted on doing it herself,” a very embarrassed Twilight finished.

Spikes face turned the darkest shade of red Twilight had ever seen as he stuttered to find something to say. He gave up and instead he just lovingly stared down at Rarity. For the first time since he woke up he had stopped stroking her coat; in response she arched her back into his claw. He continued his hand on its slow path along her body.

“I’m sure she just thought I’d prefer if a friend did something so……. personal, instead of a stranger. She felt indebted to me for saving her, and I don’t want that. I don’t want her to pretend to love me more then she really does, merely because I saved her life. I want her to be happy. It’s all I’ve ever wanted for her; even if it doesn’t involve me,” his face was strong, a soldier accepting his fate, but his voice betrayed him

“Spike this is the first time she’s slept in days; can’t you see that she-”

“Enough Twilight.” He sighed, “Could you give us a few minutes alone? I need to wake her, and I’d like to talk to her alone. Also, if you could soundproof the room. You know how dramatic she can be.”

“Of course Spike, but don’t count yourself out yet.” Before Spike could argue Twilight walked out of the room and shut the door behind her. A light lilac aura shrouded the room and disappeared.

Spike took one last look at Rarity, and with a sigh of regret, slowly started shaking her awake. “Come on sleeping beauty, it’s time to wake up”

“Well hello, my prince charming,” she yawned still obviously wrestling with consciousness.

“Afternoon Rarity.” Spike had failed to notice the sun going down while he talked to Twilight, but the glow it cast on the room and its inhabitants had made him realize how much time had passed since he woke up.

Rarity seemed to snap back to reality in a second. “SPIKE!” She threw her forehooves around his neck and buried her head in the nape of his neck.

Spike went to talk but noticed the cold wet drops hitting his neck. He drew her in tighter with his arms, as he strongly held her against him. “Please don’t cry Rarity. I’ve already made you cry enough in one week for a lifetime.”

“Spike I’m not crying. I’m just so happy that you’re okay, that the tears won’t stop.” She lifted her head up, and put her face directly in front of his. “I was so afraid that you’d never get the gift I had for you.”

Spike was stupefied. A gift, she had been worried about him not getting a gift! Here he was in a hospital, blaming himself-

Spike would never finish that thought. Instead his mind melted away to nothing as a pair of beautiful furry lips pressed against his tough scaly ones, sending wave after wave of electricity down his spine. Time seemed to stop as he pushed his lips back into hers returning the kiss, sending the electricity down her spine this time. Eventually, regrettably they both had to breathe and ended the kiss.

“Best gift ever!” Claimed Spike as a dreamy grin spread across his face.

Rarity giggled like a school filly. “That was only part of the gift; I had an entire date planned for the two of us. Then that floor fell on top of you, when you tried to save me, and- Spike I need you to promise me you won’t do something like that ever again, please?”

Spike looked into her eyes, they were pleading, and he almost told her exactly what she wanted to hear. It would have been so easy too. “I’m sorry Rarity, but I can’t do that. I can’t promise to never protect you no matter what the cost. Nothing could ever change my mind; I’d throw myself under that floor again, no matter how many times you gave me the opportunity not to. I can’t imagine living in a world without you. After all what good would the world be, without the pony I love being in it?”

“What good would the world be, without the dragon I love being in it?” She exclaimed.

“I know, and that’s why instead of the promise you want me to make, I’ll make you a different one. I promise to become stronger, I promise to become faster, and I promise to become better than I’ve ever imagined so that I can protect both of us, but I also promise to always put your safety ahead of my own.”

“You’re so difficult, you know that.”

“I know, but that’s one of the things you love about me.”

“Yes it is. That and so much more.” She snuggled into his chest.

“Want to take a little nap? I’m feeling a bit tired myself.”

“Aren’t you feeling a bit confident?”

“I….I just meant-“

“I know and it sounds heavenly. Sleeping on the warmest and most comfortable pillow in the whole world.”  She nuzzled further into him.

“You should try having you as a blanket. I doubt there's anything in the universe that can compare.” He glided his hand over her coat once again. “Just let me send Twi a letter so she knows what’s going on in here and so she can cancel her soundproofing spell.”

“Make it quick,” sleep invading her words.

Spike grabbed the notepad and pen on the table next to the bed and ripped a piece off. He quickly scribbled some words on it, than with a small gentle breath lit it on fire and sent it on its way to Twilight.

He then wrapped his arms around the barely conscious mare and kissed her cheek. “Goodnight Rarity, I love you.”

“Goodnight darling, I love you too.”

Outside the door, immersed in one of her books, sat Twilight as a note materialized in front of her. She quickly caught it with her magic and started reading it.

Dear Twilight,

Rarity and I had a little heart to heart talk. As usual you and your big beautiful brain were right. Thanks for catching me up and trying to talk some sense into my thick skull. Rarity and I are going to take a little nap so feel free to end the soundproofing spell. I must be the luckiest guy in the world, not only do I have the mare of my dreams but also the greatest sister anyone could ever ask for. Thanks Twi, I really appreciate everything, and I know I don’t say it enough but I really do love you.

Love your not so little anymore brother,

Spike.
	
	
> Moments
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Spike stood at the reception desk, signing papers. He’d been kept in the hospital for a week after waking up, and was happy to finally be leaving. As he signed the last release form, the door to the hospital opened and in walked Rarity, wearing a white and blue striped scarf.

“Spike, are you ready to go?”

“Sure am, just finished up. So what’s the plan for my first day out of this white prison?” 

“I have a few errands to run, and I was hoping you would join me.”

“I’d love to.” 

They walked out the door and started through town. It was lightly snowing; winter had arrived while Spike was in the hospital. He found it funny how the world had kept going even with his absence. He glanced over at Rarity, she looked beautiful her white coat complimented by the slow falling snow. Spike felt the world knew how beautiful she was and was working to try and keep up. Ironic how it only made her shine brighter. 

Rarity suddenly looked over at Spike, realizing he’d been staring he spoke up, “Where to first?”

“Sweet Apple Acres, I need to pick up a few things from Applejack. Enough about that though, how are you feeling?”

“I’m great, out of the hospital, walking around town with the mare I love; what could be better?”

“You know what I meant” Rarity blushed, she still couldn’t believe how well things were going. “How are you wings and your eye?”

"My eye feels fine. According to the doctors, the magic managed to reconnect all the synapses. As for my wings”, Spike opened his wings all the way for Rarity to look over, “the film has completely healed, and I’m good to fly.”

“I’m glad. When the doctor’s explained your injuries, they were so unsure about your dragon anatomy and biology that they didn’t know if your wings would ever heal. I still can’t believe those beams ripped through them like that.” Rarity’s concern over Spike injuries remained evident on her face.

“I shouldn't have scared you like that.”

“Spike stop blaming yourself, you saved my life, and I won’t have you kicking yourself because I’m worried about you.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t be.” She snuggled up against him, enjoying his inner warmth and touch, as they walked on in silence.

His mind wandered as they enjoyed each other company in quiet; she’d been so supportive through the whole thing. When they had woken up after their talk the doctors had been in a fit about not being informed of his change in condition. One had even blamed Rarity; needless to say the young fool now had a fear of a certain purple dragon. However even with all the insanity of the doctors rushing in and all the testing and prodding, Rarity had never left his side; she had even spent the night with Spike again. She’d gone back to the boutique in the morning but would return to spend the evening with Spike. She visited every day. The last two days were physical therapy, testing how he’d healed and strengthening his muscles and wings from their week long reprieve. Rarity was next to him for every second of it. Secretly he had pushed himself further to impress her, but the pain and screams from his body in protest meant nothing to him, compared to her smile and the love in her eyes.

“Spike, Spike, we’re here” an angel’s voice cut into his thoughts.

“What? Oh right, sorry Rarity, guess I started day dreaming.” Spike noted they were at the entrance to the barn.

“What about?”

“How lucky I am to have you,” he admitted, nuzzling her cheek. “Now let’s get in there, don’t want to keep Pinkie and the rest waiting.

“WHAT, how did you know?”

“A reason to celebrate is just an excuse for Pinkie to throw a party.”

“I suppose it is pretty obvious, huh?”

Spike swung the door open.

“SURPRISE!” shouted a barn full of Spike’s closest family and friends.

A pink ball of fluff appeared in front of him from nowhere, “Spike you look great. How do you like your party? I call it the super bestest dragon hero in all of Equestria gets out of the hospital surprise party! Cool name huh,” an endless chain of words flying out of her mouth.

“PINKIE!”

“Yes Spike?

Spike grabbed the party pony and hugged her close. “It’s fantastic. Thank you.”

“No problem, Spike.” She slid out of his grip, “Time to PARRRRRTY!”

“I swear that pony runs on pure sugar coated energy” stated an orange mare in a Stetson, coming over to welcome the guest of honor. “Look at ya, can hardly tell you were even hurt.”

A cyan Pegasus with a rainbow colored mane joined them, “Sure AJ, if you ignore that awesome looking scar over his eye. Always knew Rarity had a thing for bad boys, even if she claimed to be looking for a gentlestallion.”

“Don’t be rude Dash. You know Spike’s a gentledrake.” Applejack shoot Rainbow dash a look.

“He sure is, but I must admit his new scar does add character,” Rarity cooed.

“The fangs and claws weren’t enough character?” Twilight added in her two bits, as she came over and stand next to her little brother. 

“I said it added character; he’s always had character though,” Rarity replied, defending her point.

“Yea I’m amazing and awesome be it past, present, or future,” Spike stated, head up full of pride. Four hooves nailed his shoulder.

“Why are you guys beating up poor Spike,” a small voice came from a pink maned yellow Pegasus, who had been quietly sitting at a nearby table until now.

“We’re just playing, darling.”

“Spike just got out of the hospital, you should all be nice to him and help him out.”

“Yea,” Spike said, rubbing his shoulder.

A yellow hoof smacked the dragons shoulder, “not”.

They all laughed, including a certain pink party pony that had suddenly appeared on top of Spike. “Not that this isn’t fun, but come on it’s a party! Stop sitting around and talking, and get your flanks on the dance floor!”

The seven friends spent the party dancing, talking, and laughing just enjoying one another’s company and good health. Near the end of the party Spike had even convinced the self-proclaimed “D.J. Pink3” to play a slow romantic song.

Spike walked up to Rarity, bowed, and asked, “may I have this dance, milady?” 

“I’d be honored,” she stuck out her hoof ,and Spike took it gently in his claw. He led her on the dance floor. Spike rose to his hind legs and started waltzing with Rarity, they held each other close as they glided around the dance floor.

“Spike, when did you learn to dance?”

“Years ago, I was hoping it would impress you, I knew you loved ballroom dancing after all.”

“Well you didn’t need to do that to win me over. I am impressed though, this is very romantic.”

Spike spun her, “I think so to.” He dipped her down and kissed her, in front of all their friends. Their lips parted, and the music ended.

The party came to an end, just as the sun had set and night had blanketed the sky. It was still snowing as the guest began to leave.

“Rarity, I’ll take you home,” Spike said more then asked.

“Sure it’ll be nice to walk back with you.” 

“It would be, but I have something better in mind,” Spike smiled devilishly.

“Oh and what’s that?”

“Climb on to my back, and I’ll fly you to the boutique. I know how much you enjoyed flying during the best young flyers competition, you told me about a few dozen times. You also told me how your wings had been too weak to hold up against the sun. So let me be your wings, let me take you into the night sky, so that you can feel the wind through your mane and feel the pleasure of flight again.” Spike lowered himself down to let her onto his back.

“I don’t know, Spike. It seems a bit dangerous.” Rarity still harbored fear from her last plummet to a near death.

“I promised I’d always protect you. Trust me.”

“Always.” She climbed on to his back getting comfortable between his spikes. It never failed to amaze her, how warm he made her every time she came into contact with him.

Once Rarity was in place Spike spread his wings and took flight into the snowy sky. He broke through the clouds and into the night sky. Luna had painted the sky full of stars, each stroke of her brush holding immeasurable beauty and light. 

Rarity was holding tightly around Spike as she talked gently into his ear, “It’s beautiful. I never flew during the night, it’s so much more breathtaking then it is on the ground. And the cool night air through my mane feels simply divine.” 

“I know. I love flying during the night it’s so serene and magical. It reminds me of every moment I spend you.”

“Spike”, she felt touched as she held him closer. They shared the sky and the night between them as they flew to the boutique. 

Spike touched down and walked Rarity to the door, before stopping and letting her off.

“That was wonderful, Spike.” She had never done anything like that, but she hoped she would again soon.

“Let’s get inside its getting cold out here.” He smiled warmly at her.

“Well it’s not very gentledrakely of you to invite yourself into a ladies house, but I’ll forgive you this time.” She opened the door and reached for the light switch; however, Spike put his claw down over her hoof.

“Allow me Rarity”. Spike blew a thing wide stream of emerald green fire into the darkness. Candles throughout the room lit up into small green flames as his fire glided over them. Before Rarity was everything she had planned for their first date; two salads one with gem shavings and one without as well as the sweet dry white wine from the personal cellars of the Alicorn Princesses.

“Your outfit for the evening is upstairs in your room. I still haven’t seen it by the way; I’m very excited to see what you choose for our first date,” Spike spoke in refined matter, but still managed to give of a hint of mischievous intent.

“How did you do all this? I never even told you what I had planned or what I was going to wear,” Rarity had recovered from her shock, but remained amazed at the scene before her.

“You told Twilight though. She wouldn’t tell me, but she hadn’t been able to control herself from a little teasing about how dumbstruck I would have been. I realized that tonight would be perfect to make your dream date a reality. I gathered all of our friends together and we planned everything. The snow that created the romantic mood as we walked to the party was courtesy of Dash, the party Pinkie threw was to get you out of the house, and she was going to do it anyways, Applejack lent us the barn for the party, as well as making us a few appetizers for the date, Fluttershy made all the candles from wax given to her by her bees, and Twilight set everything up, since she was the only one who know all the specifics. She set up everything when you left your house this morning to get me and teleported back once the party ended to chill the wine and prepare the food.”

“Spike, this is, this the single nicest thing anyone has ever done for me” tears of joy flowed down her cheeks. Spike raised his claw and wiped them away for her.

“No time for crying. Go get ready for our date; I’ll be right here waiting for you.” He gently pushed her towards the stairs. Spike sat down on the floor and waited for his goddess.

A few minutes later Rarity came down the stairs, ready for their dinner. Spike’s jaw almost hit the floor; she looked stunning in her new dress. It was black with onyxes embedded into it, causing it to glitter in the light. It fell down her side and back, and was cut at the sides so that her cutie mark and hind legs were framed by the dress, very tasteful but very sexy. And to top it all off, she wore the fire ruby necklace Spike had given her before his birthday so long ago.

Rarity giggled at the look on Spike’s face as she spun around in her dress, “so how do I look?”

“There isn’t a word or sentence that describes how beautiful, stunning, and amazing you look. The dress is beautiful to.” Spike’s tone held confidence and resolve, as he stated this truth, his truth, to her.

Rarity blushed at the compliment and kissed his cheek. “Quite the charmer aren’t you,” Spike pulled out her chair and offered her the seat, “and a gentledrake.” Spike pushed the chair in gently and took the seat across from her.

“You have a way of bringing out the best in me," he confided to her.

Spike opened the wine with his claw, and poured them both a glass. They ate their meal and talked about the lives what was new, what had changed, and what had remained the same. Spike complimented Rarity occasionally and she in turn complimented him. None of it had seemed forced, and everything had gone perfectly. They finished their meals and drinks, and Spike volunteered to clean up the table. When Spike returned to the living room a few seconds later, he found that the candles had been moved to surround Rarity’s new couch; however, Rarity was nowhere in sight. He laid on the oversized couch taking the candles as a invitation. Rarity stepped out of the darkness and into the candle light; she climbed on to the couch and laid next to Spike, levitating two glasses and the bottle of wine over to them. They laid there cuddling, drinking their wine, and talking as the night continued on.

“Spike, it’s pretty late.”

“Sorry Rarity, I was enjoying your company so much that I must have lost track of time. I should get going, I’m sure you’d like to get some sleep,” Spike was saddened at the realization.

“Or you could spend the night here, with me,” Rarity blushed, as she gave Spike a kiss on the lips, pulling away playfully so that his lips chased after hers.

“Are you sure?” Spike asked suddenly feeling like the nervous young whelp from years ago.

“Well it’s up to you, darling.” Rarity wrapped her tail around his snout, letting him breath in her scent, before ascending her stairs, swaying her hips as she went.

Spike, mesmerized, followed after her, up the stairs, and into the darkness.

Eternal: Sex Scene <- mature audiences only.
	
> Surprises 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Rarity still couldn’t believe that it had been three years since Spike and her had started dating. It had been the best three years of her life, and she never wanted it to end. Since their first date Spike and her had begun spending more and more time together. Hardly a day went by they didn’t spend together anymore. Now that Spike’s size matched his age and mentality he had joined the girls in their adventures, proving he deserved to be there every time. It was wonderful, all the unique places they visited and the sights they saw. Spike had quite the knack for finding beautiful views and scenery for Rarity and him to share while the others sat around the campfire. It was truly magical, and she loved every second of it. Still even on normal days in Ponyville, like today, he found ways of making her life special.

Oddly enough though, Rarity hadn’t seen much of Spike the last two weeks. Twilight often answered the door when she went to see him at the library and delivered her messages to him. Sure, she still saw him occasionally, but the sudden change in frequency had started worrying her. She knew what Spike and her had was special, and the thought of him losing interest seemed absurd. Still, she couldn’t help but worry that something was wrong. When the heart shaped note and a single rose had appeared on her door yesterday asking her out for, “A night she’d never forget,” her own heart had skipped a few beats in joy. She doubted she’d forget about any of the time they’d spent together, but still, it was a bold proclamation from her love. She could tell that tonight was going to be truly special, and so she had created a new dress just for the occasion, a long, purple, ruffled, dress with ruby red accents. Realizing that Spike would be there shortly, Rarity began freshening up.

A knock rang out through the boutique. Rarity answered the door in her new dress with the Fire Ruby pendent gracing her neck; she only wore it on special occasions.  Spike stood outside her door in his tuxedo, bathing in the light of midday. He’d hardly grown in the last three years; his next growth spurt wouldn’t happen for around twenty more years.

“Hello, beautiful.” 

“Spike you know you don’t have to compliment me every time you see me,” Rarity said, developing a light blush.

“I’ll stop when it stops being true, but that day will never come,” he said, staring into her eyes.

Rarity stood there rubbing her right front leg against her left; she was amazed at how after all these years he still got to her with his compliments.

“We have a big night ahead of us, we should get going. Oh, and I love your new dress, it really accentuates your mane and the Fire Ruby necklace.” Spike leaned forward, a sign that he wanted Rarity to climb on to his back.

“Thank you, Spike. I made it just for tonight,” she replied, climbing onto his back.

“Hold on tight.”

“I would even if we weren’t going flying.” She nuzzled into him, basking in his warmth.

With a strong stroke of his wings Spike took off into the blue sky. Rarity had gotten use to flying with Spike over time, but she still revealed in the feeling of the wind on her face and the air through her coat. Naturally, she used a spell to keep her mane and tail in place. She looked down and noticed a large, grassy plateau overlooking a small meadow. Spike began his descent landing cleanly on the plateau without so much as a sound.

“We’re here, milady,” Spike said, sweeping his hand over a previously set up picnic near the edge of the plateau facing the meadow. He lowered himself down allowing her to dismount as comfortably as possible.

Rarity looked over the picnic area: it had a small blanket, a three pronged candle holder sat in the middle, next to it a bucket of ice chilled a bottle of wine, a straw weave basket sat off to the side, but the most surprising addition was Rarity’s large luxury couch.

“Spike, how did you get my couch here?”

“It’s your spare; Sweetie Belle helped me get it out of storage. I know how you hate laying on the dirt after all.”

“Oh, that was very thoughtful of you.” 

Spike walked up behind her and nuzzled her cheek. “Anything for you.”

Spike laid out the food, gemstones for him and a small plate of vegetable lasagna for Rarity. He then poured Rarity and him a glass of cider from a bottle he had pulled from the basket. They sat together, Spike on the ground and Rarity on the pillow from her couch, enjoying their meal and making small talk. As they finished, the sun began descending over the horizon. Spike laid down on the couch.

“Rarity, come watch the sunset with me,” he beckoned, patting the couch in front of him.

“Of course, darling.” 

Rarity gently laid down against Spike. He brought his arm around her holding her firmly but lovingly. They watched the breath taking sunset as it descended over the plateau and beyond the horizon, allowing night to blanket the land. The stars and moon came out creating a beautiful painting in the sky, and in the far distance the lights from Ponyville could be seen. The two lovers basked in the serenity of the night.

“Rarity, I want to show you something.”

Rarity felt this was the moment she’d been waiting for all night, whatever Spike’s true intention they were about to be revealed. She allowed him to lead her to the edge of the plateau.

“Look down at the meadow”

Rarity did as she was told but, “I don’t see anything.”

Spike blew a green stream of fire catching a small spot in the meadow. Suddenly two trails of emerald fire etched their way into a heart. As the flames came together closing the heart, they dipped downward into it creating a simple message in emerald flames. Rarity stood there with tears in her eyes as she read it. Rarity, will you marry me?

Rarity turned towards Spike to find him on one knee holding out a jewelry box towards her. Inside the box sat a golden hoof band with a twenty carat Forest Emerald cut in the shape of a flame and inlaid with three blue diamonds.

Rarity jumped on Spike knocking him to the ground.

“YES, YES, YES, YES,” she shouted, between assaulting him with short quick kisses. 

He brought his head forward and captured her mouth against his in one long passionate kiss. As they parted, Rarity nuzzled into Spike’s chest. They laid there against one another in silence for a few minutes.

“Rarity, how about we open that Champagne, and celebrate?”

“Sounds lovely.”

Rarity, albeit it somewhat reluctantly, got off of Spike allowing him to get up. Spike shoot three small match head sized flames at the candles igniting them and casting an emerald glow around them. 

“So Spike how did you get your fire to do that?”

“Twilight created a flammable liquid a few years back, it burns out quickly so the meadow should be okay.” Sure enough the fire was extinguished leaving only a small portion of the meadow charred in the shape of the message.

Spike opened the Champagne and poured each of them a glass. 

“To a long and happy life with my love,” Rarity said, raising her glass for a toast.

“To a dream come true.” Spike tapped their glasses together, and they drank the precious liquid holding their ambitions.

As the night moved on Spike decided it was time to head back to Ponyville, he once again allowed Rarity access to his back and took off. Rarity stared at the stars, her heart filled with seemed like endless happiness. Still, something was bothering her.

“Spike what have you been doing for the last two weeks? I’ve hardly seen you at all.”

“Sorry about that. I was hunting the gems and gold for your band; then I spent the rest of the time crafting the band, cutting the Forest Emerald, and inlaying the diamonds. It came out quite beautifully I think.”

“It’s perfect, just like you.”

“I missed seeing you every second though.”

“Me too,” Rarity bent down and kissed his cheek, “but now we have all the time in the world together.”

Spike landed in front of the boutique and walked Rarity to the door. He opened it to the impending darkness within.

“SURPRISE!” a melody of voices shouted.

The boutique sprang to life as the lights came on revealing all of their friends, Sweetie Belle, and the rest of the CMC. The room was filled with streamers and balloons but the most notable change of décor was a large banner with “Happy engagement party Spike and Rarity!” written across it, surrounded by small painted hearts.

Rarity and Spike were in shock. 

“Spike, did you plan this?”

“I had no idea. The only person I even told was Twilight.”

Suddenly a pinky blur appeared between them. “And then when you guys left earlier Twilight told us. I was all like wow we got throw them a super awesome engagement party cause they're two of our very best friends and they’re getting married. So I got out the party cannon, broke into the boutique, and set everything up!”

“Sorry about this you two, I just wanted everyone to be able to congratulate you. I didn’t expect Pinkie to go all out, in hindsight I really should of though,” Twilight said, a small grin and blush gracing her face.

“Sis, I’m so happy for you. You finally got your fairy tale ending complete with your own prince charming.” Sweetie Belle hugged her sister, something that was much easier now that they were the same size.

“Thank you, Sweetie. I really am one lucky mare to have all these good friends, an adorable and caring little sister, and a drake who makes every day brighter just be being in it.”

“I think I’m the lucky one,” Spike said nuzzling against her cheek.

“Ugh, mushy stuff. PILE ON THE LOVE BIRDS!” Rainbow Dash shouted embracing her friends.

The rest of the gang piled into one big group hug with Spike and Rarity in the middle.

“I reckon we should let um breath now,” Applejack said, letting go of her friends. “You two really do deserve each other.”

“I agree with big sis, you’re just so cute together,” Apple Bloom chimed in.

“I’m with Rainbow Dash to much mushy stuff, but I am happy for you two,” a certain dark orange mare with a purple mane remarked.

“Ah shush, Scootaloo,” Apple Bloom reprimanded. 

“I wish you two the best. I just hope poor Opal and Peewee can get along together.”

“Oh, I’m sure they’ll be fine Fluttershy, darling.”
'
Spike cleared his throat and spoke up, “attention everyone thanks for being here for Rarity and me. NOW LET'S PARTY!”

Sweetie Belle headed towards the karaoke machine to show everyone how she got her cutie mark. Twilight trotted over to the betrothed.

“So my little brother and best friend are getting married. I couldn’t be happier for either of you. However, I think you should write the princesses a letter on the matter.”

“Worry not darling, we intended to do just that; we’re even going to ask them to preside over the wedding”. 

Spike reached into a drawer, “Yea Twi, I got the quill and parchment right here. I bet Celestia will be thrilled to hear we’re getting married. She’s practically my mother after all.”

Spike and Rarity quickly wrote the letter, eager for the response.

Dear Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,

Spike and Rarity here, we wanted to share some wonderful news. Tonight Spike asked me to marry him, and she said yes! We were hoping you two would do us the honor of presiding over the ceremony. Also, we’re having a surprise engagement party, courtesy of Pinkie Pie, if either or both of you would like to come by and congratulate us in person and join in the festivities.

Your loyal subjects,

Spike and Rarity.

With a gentle blast of fire, Spike sent the letter on its way. He then offered his claw to Rarity and led her to the dance floor to take part in Sweetie Belle's performance. Her sister’s natural talent filled the room with a slow love song as she walked up with her dragon.

Before they began dancing though, a flash of white light filled the room and at its center stood Princess Celestia.

“YOU TWO CAN NOT GET MARRIED!”

Everyone froze.
	
> Revelations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	From behind the white Alicorn, a midnight blue Alicorn, equal in majesty and height, stepped out.

“Tia, I believe you may have overreacted.”

“Oh, um, quite right, Luna. Sorry everyone,” apologized the elder sister.

The tension in the room slowly defused at the appearance of the younger of the two goddesses.

Rainbow Dash, who had been standing next to Applejack the whole time, leaned over and whispered into her friends ear, “I think we’re about to see if Rarity can banish a sun goddess to the Sun.”

“I reckon so.”

Almost as if on cue, Rarity recovered from her shock, her previously overjoyed face taking a turn into angry and malicious.

“Who do you think are, telling us what we can do? We finally find happiness with one another and Spike asks me to spend the rest of our lives together, and you just come in here and think you can tell us no!” Venom dripped from Rarity’s words as she walked towards the princess. The goddess of the sun, co-ruler of Equestria, she who stood against Discord, banished her corrupted sister to the moon, and challenged the Queen of the Changelings, began backing down.

“It’s not like that Rari-”

“Did I say, I was done? Oh, no. You hypocrite! You preach love and tolerance and go on and on about wanting your subjects to be happy, but as soon as one of them has a chance too, you just flash in here and tell them no, they can’t get married cause one of them is a dragon and the others a Unicorn,” Rarity had worked herself into a frenzy, as Celestia found the wall with the royal flank.

“RARITY! ENOUGH!” Spike shouted, grabbing his love from behind in a warm and strong embrace.

“But why?” The previously angry Unicorn now sounded on the verge of tears, heartbreak resonating through her causing her to shake in Spike’s arms. 

“I’m sure she has her reason,” Spike turned and looked at Celestia, “and it better be a damn good one,” he finished, flashing his fangs and focusing the rage in his eyes right into the eyes of the pony he thought of as his mother.

Celestia seemed to be at a loss for words.

“She has her reasons,” Luna spoke up. She had been standing next the punch bowl with a cup of Gummy’s favorite held in her magic. She seemed slightly amused at watching her older sister get a verbal lashing from the scorned lovers. Luna began explaining for her distraught sister, “Equestria has no laws against marriage between sapient beings of different species. It is rare notably, but not unheard of.”

“Then what’s the problem?” Twilight spoke up, her natural curiosity kicking in.

“Celestia explain to our friends and family why these two cannot currently get married,” Luna instructed, giving her sister a chance to redeem herself.

“Um, right. You see my little po-,” an aggravated glance from Spike cut her off, she had interrupted one of the happiest days of their lives she would treat them as equal and not talk down to them. “My friends… my family, Draconia, the nation ruled over by the Broodmother, ruler of the sky, and the King of Dragons, master of the earth, has laws against dragons marrying outside their species. It is not an act of bigotry though. You see dragons are extremely magical creatures, but unlike ponies their magic is more natural. It is tied directly into their emotions. A dragon’s greed, sorrow, and rage can bring destruction and misery if not properly controlled. On the other hoof, their happiness, love, and laughter can bring great fortune and feats of magic beyond understanding. It is therefore a source of great concern for the dragon nation that another species would attempt to trick a dragon into falling in love with them, as a way of abusing their natural magic. Equally important is if the dragon should discover the truth and their unleashed emotions be wrought upon this world.”

“But we’re not like that!” Rarity defended, slightly insulted at the very notion.

“I know. However, dragons are immortal beings, much like me and Luna,” Celestia motioned to her sister, “and as such even if your love is real, the loss of you to time could be too great for the dragon. You see, dragon emotions are so strong that once they find a true mate they will never find another. The cynical or depressed state that leaves a dragon in is extremely dangerous.”

The realization of losing Rarity forever seemed to hit Spike harder than any building ever could. But he would not be deterred, a fire blazing in his eyes as he met Celestia’s gaze. “I would rather be happy living with her for as long as I can, then spend even one moment wishing for what could have been.”

Celestia’s face shone of pride at her surrogate son’s words. “The dragons would agree with you. They are not heartless monsters after all. When they created the law, they also created a loop hole. If you two can prove that your love is pure and unweaning in light of adversity and the future to the dragon council they will allow your marriage, as well as give you an extremely generous gift. Before you ask, the Dragon Council rules alongside the Queen and King in the interest of the clans, though it is rare for the council or the king and queen to get involved in most matters. Also, I am forbidden to inform you of your reward for passing their trials, and trials they will be. The specifics are strongly protected, but I know that they are very difficult and very trying. It is not unheard of for one to perish during them, go insane, or despise the one they once claimed to love so strongly. I would normally advise against this course of action; however, I know you two would just do it anyway. I will be sending the council an official notice of your arrival and of your proposal. You will need to leave in two days’ time; you have until then to attend to any business or preparations you wish.” Celestia took a breath having finished her official announcement. 

“Well said sister.” Luna raised her mug and prompted a toast, “however, I believe we should spend tonight together as friends and family. We may wish this night to last eternal, but tomorrow brings a new dawn and the beginning of a difficult trial for our young lovers. They will need our support in the coming trials, and while we cannot join them, we can spend tonight reminding them that we will always be by their sides, just as they will always be in our hearts.  Now let us drink, and revel in old memories as we make new ones together.” 

Everyone raised their glasses and mugs and yelled, “CHEERS!”

Celestia walked outside the boutique. Spike and Rarity followed after her.

“Celestia, I wish to apologize for my behavior,” Rarity started.

Celestia stood, her back to the two, “no need Rarity. I was so concerned about the whole thing that I over reacted a bit. If anyone should apologize it’s me. But instead of focusing on the negative details, we need to discuss the happy ones. The trials ahead of you both will be very difficult, and it is moments like these, surrounded by your family and friends, and in your love for one another, that you will find the strength to overcome them.” Celestia turned to face them, tears rolling down her face, a large warm smile, and eyes that screamed of love and happiness. “It is not every day my son proposes to such a fantastic mare after all.”

“Mom, you’re embarrassing me,” Spike pretended to whine, as he blushed. 

Celestia’s smile grew as she heard the sentiment Spike had not used since he was a young hatchling.

“It’s not every day the greatest drake in the world proposes to me either,” Rarity reminded Celestia, as she snuggled against Spike.

Spike quickly draped his arm over his mare, as she leaned against her dragon. They felt as if any challenge would be trivial in the wake of their love.

“Let’s head back inside. I’m sure everyone would like to join in on these new memories that Luna promised all of them,” Celestia suggested, knowing that the two could spend the rest of the night as they were. Still she knew that tonight was best spent surrounded by those who cared deeply for them and their happiness. 

And with that the trio walked back into the party, to join their loved ones. The party would last all night, but like all nights, it would end, and the sun would rise on a new tomorrow.
	
> Farewells
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Night blanketed the upstairs bedroom of the local librarian, a lilac Unicorn. And in her bed she tossed and turned, attempting to find some peace so that sleep could take her in its gentle embrace. However, reality was cruel, and neither peace, nor sleep was to be found here. Deciding that a cup of tea might soothe her restless mind and anxiety, she got out of her bed. With a soft glow of her horn, she cast a small light across the room, and headed to the door.

In her descent to the lower floor, where the kitchen lay, she noticed a warm emerald glow coming from an adjacent room. The room had once been a spare wing of the library where uncirculated books were stored and a small reading area and fireplace could be found, but now, it housed her assistant and younger brother who had grown too old to share a room with her. She admitted to herself in that moment, that she missed the soft purrs of his snoring lulling her to sleep. Still, the fact remained that she wasn’t the only one who the dark void had refused to take tonight. Forsaking her tea, she headed towards the small room and gently opened the door.

Inside on the floor, facing a fire made of his own flames, laid a purple dragon with green spikes. Without turning around, he addressed his intruder, “Hello, Twilight. Couldn’t sleep either, huh?”

“No,” she admitted, walking towards the fireplace. “It’s funny, I’m utterly exhausted, and yet, I just can’t fall asleep. Mind if I lay with you?”

“You know you don’t have to ask,” he said, allowing her to place herself on the floor beside him.

They stayed together quietly watching the flames dance as if alive.

“So, Spike-”

“I’m afraid, Twilight,” he interrupted, keeping his eyes on the fire.

“… So am I. How could I not be? My brother and his fiancé, my best friend, have to go on this dangerous journey to some far off land, and for what? To prove to some group of dragons, who have never met them, that their love is genuine. And the worst part is, that there is nothing I can do to help them,” Twilight’s frustration shone through in her words as she tried not to scream them out. The day’s disappointment rang true within her. She had used her time with the Princess, as they prepared for the farewells tomorrow would bring, to question them up and down on these trials. However, the information she gleamed was little and most of it useless to helping those closest to her. The Princesses either didn’t know or were sworn to secrecy on every matter she asked it seemed. She had steeled herself to the resignation that she couldn’t go with them, but she intended to help through her secret weapon, research. And all it had achieved was to drive the stake of uselessness further into her, and as it buried itself in her, she felt more and more worthless. It just wasn’t fair.

“What if I fail her? Is it even right to risk her life, our lives, on something like marriage? We could spend our days together as if we were married, even if we weren’t. I love her, and isn’t that enough? But if I really love her, is it so wrong to want it to be official?”

“I don’t know,” she said, depressed and lowering her head into her front legs.

“It’s fine.”

“No, Spike. I mean, I don’t know what it’s like to… love someone. Not like you and Rarity do.”

Spike was gentle with his voice, “Twilight-”

“Spike, do you remember when we first moved to Ponyville?”

“Of course.”

“You took one look Rarity and you were in love just like that. I can’t even imagine knowing from a mere glance that you love someone. I don’t even know what love is, at least not romantically.”

Spike broke out laughing. 

Twilight had expected sympathy, encouragement, even pity, but this was… cruel. Here she had laid her heart out in the open, and Spike had just laughed at her.

Spike’s laughter died down as he used a claw to wipe away a tear from his eye. “I didn’t love Rarity as first sight. I obsessed over her, crushed on her. She was so beautiful and perfect like some kind of goddess. I was instantly taken from my senses, but that isn’t love. It wasn’t until you and her became friends that I started spending time with her. I saw her generosity, her creativity, her passion, and her resolve. I saw her obsessing, her dramatizing, her vanity, and her flaws. Rarity is no goddess, she’s just Rarity. And while I might not always agree with her, I love her for everything she is, for who she it. That’s what love is Twilight. It’s not some perfect dream; it’s better, because it’s real. A great catch like you will find that flawed somebody, who you love anyways, one day. And if they don’t treat you right, I’ll barbeque them.”

Twilight smiled coyly before starting, “It seems to me you had your answers all along.”

“Yea, I guess, I did.”

“Thanks for believing in me, Spike.”

“Thanks for listening… But I’m still scared.”

“I know. You should talk about it with Rarity. I’m sure she has her own fears and concerns as well. You two need to lean on each other to get through this.”

“Still as smart as ever. I’m going to miss you."

“Me too.”

Spike looked down, a look of uncertainty gracing his face. “Do you think we could stay like this tonight?”

Twilight snuggled against her brother before responding, “Love to.”

Spike draped his wing over his sister and blew the fire out. Much like when they were kids, the two found comfort in having the other close. In moments their insomnia lifted, and they feel into a deep comfortable sleep on the floor in front of the fireplace. 

Across town, in a certain boutique, a similar scene played out. Two white mares, one with purple mane, the other with pink and lavender, laid in an oversized bed. The purple maned one held her younger sister against her, as the younger’s back nuzzled into her.

“Goodnight, Sweetie Belle. I love you,” the eldest sister whispered.

“Love you too, Rarity,” Sweetie Belle murmured as sleep took her, thankful that she asked to spend the night.

The world turned around them as they all slept in what would inevitably be Spike and Rarity’s last night in Ponyville for a while. And it was with some resentment, that Celestia and Luna continued their eternal cycle. Day enveloped night, as light chased darkness from the land, in the never ending flow of time.

Inside the library Spike, Rarity, Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Celestia, Luna, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo stood huddled around one another. 

Sweetie Belle wrapped her forelegs around her sister and spoke gently into her ear, “Be safe, okay?” 

“I promise,” Rarity replied, hugging her back.

Sweetie Belle reluctantly let go and stepped away. She looked at Spike. “Take care of her.”

“I intend to.”

“And take care of yourself. She loves you, and as far as I’m concerned, that already makes you family.”

Spike grabbed the young mare and gave her a hug. “That means a lot, Sweetie. It really does.”

Managing to escape the admittedly impressive arms of her hopefully soon to be brother-in-law, she headed back to her friends consoling in them.

“Reckon it’s my turn,” Applejack announced, stepping forward into the circle. She gave new meaning to the term bear hug as she grabbed two of her closest friends and squeezed the life out of them. “I’m gonna miss you two round here. And as a temporary parting gift, take my favorite lasso. It’s been enchanted by Twilight herself so it won’t ever break. Now remember, it’s only a temporary gift, and I want it back soon as you two come back ready to be hitched.” She released her friends allowing them to breathe for the first time since she started, and she pulled out the lasso, holding it in her mouth.

“We’ll return it as soon as we get back. I promise, darling.”

Spike gratefully accepted the gift and stored it in his courier’s sack, a backpack like sling that looped around his body from his right shoulder to his left hip. Similar to the saddle bags the ponies used but more balanced when taking to two legs. As an added bonus the sack could be shifted to his stomach allowing him to use his back to carry things, mainly Rarity. It had been a hoofmade gift from Rarity a few years back, and had proven its worth in many of their missions.

“I’ll be back to help on the farm before you know it A.J.”

A.J. took her place back within the circle allowing the next friend to take their turn. And Dash gladly stepped forward to fill the void.

“Can’t believe you two get to go on an epic adventure, and I’m stuck here,” Rainbow Dash pouted.

The sound of A.J. facehoofing could be heard throughout the library.

“But since I can’t come with you, I got you something to help out instead.” She pulled three vials filled with liquid rainbow from under her wings. “It’s hard to come by liquid rainbow with all its powerful magical qualities and what not, but being a Wonderbolt I managed to snag a few bottles from the factory,” Dash bragged, happily admitting to exploiting her freshly gained position. However, circumstances as they were no one reprimanded her not even the Princesses. “This stuff is really potent so be careful.” She handed the vials to Spike, who had them quickly levitated away by Rarity. Who then gave him a, not on your life look.

Spike, more than a little embarrassed about not being trusted to hold the supposedly volatile concoction in front of his closest friends and family, asked, “So, what does it do?”

“Depends how you use it. You’ll find a note attached to one of the vials with the seven possible uses. The most common and well known is spreading it in the air to create a rainbow. Another use is lighting it on fire, it explodes in a giant flash of rainbow light. It’s not very powerful explosive wise, but it will daze or stun anyone who has the displeasure of seeing it,” Rainbow Dash announced with an evil maniacal smile. Obviously, one of her pranks had tested this particular use.

“So be careful, got it,” Spike replied.

Pinkie chimed in, “Don’t drink it though! It tastes horrible.” She gave a quick disgusted look, complete with a gag reflex interpretation.

“Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight,” Dash commented.

Rainbow Dash gave Rarity a quick hug and offered Spike a hoofbump before flying back to her spot.

Pinkie Pie hoped up this round, her normal giant smile adorning her face. “So many gifts, it’s like a birthday party! Except it’s not a birthday party it’s a going away for a little while but we’ll be back as soon as the dragon council says we can get married party! And then we can have a, Spike and Rarity got permission and came back home party! And then a bachelorette party, a bachelor party, a wedding party, all these parties! I can’t wait! I have to start planning right away!”

Spike was having a hard time not laughing; Rarity on the other hand, seemed a little bemused with Pinkie’s antics. 

Pinkie appeared between them, and even with a circle full of people watching her, no one had any idea how. She brought her hoof in front of her and motioned across the horizon. “Parties everywhere,” she said sagely. “And of course when you guys get the okay to get married you can use these new handheld party cannons I created to party with them!” Pinkie produced, from not even Celestia knew where, two devices that could only be described as a hand cannon mixed with a party popper.

“Darling, I don’t think these dragons will-”

Spike interrupted, “Thanks Pinkie. I bet the dragons will be thrilled to get a chance to party,” he sounded very truthful, to everyone’s surprise.

“You know me, always bringing the smiles!” She hoped back into her spot and waved her goodbye.

Spike knew he’d find the party cannons in his bag. How they got there, well, he’d probably never really know.

Fluttershy floated softly into the center, awkward silence followed.

Rarity feeling as uncomfortable as everyone else, except Fluttershy, broke the silence, “Thank you for taking care of Opal while we’re away.”

“And Peewee,” Spike added, the phoenix popping out of the back of Fluttershy’s mane at the mention of his name. He had made something of a nest in her long hair and was enjoying the comforts.

“Oh, it’s nothing. I’m just happy I could help. Speaking of helping.” As if on Fluttershy’s cue, Peewee brought forth a medium sized medical kit from her mane. “Along with your normal bandages, sterilizer, and gauss wraps, there are a number of healing herbs along with a pestle and mortar for grinding them if you need to. I placed instruction on identifying the herbs, what to use them for, and how to administer them in the case.”

Spike immediately understood how irreplaceable such a medical kit was on a journey such as this. He knew from his injuries years before that the right tools and medicine made all the difference. Without a moment’s hesitation he placed it in Rarity’s saddle bag. If the need arose or they were separated, it would be better for her to have it.

Fluttershy gave them both a small hug and floated back to her spot in the group.

Twilight, Celestia, and Luna entered together into the middle.

Twilight started, “I’m going to miss you two so much.”

She was quickly sandwiched in a hug between Spike and Rarity.

“We’re going to miss you too, darling.”

“I’ll make sure to write every day,” Spike added.

After few seconds, the three separated. Celestia put a reassuring hoof on Twilight's shoulder to help ease her number one student's sorrow. 

“I made these for you both.” She levitated two small glowing diamond necklaces. “These necklaces are enchanted to protect you from harm, but be careful. They don’t work against minor injury, and once the magic is used up they’re useless. Also, they only work for a week before the magic flows out of them.”

“I know this spell!” Rarity exclaimed. “It takes almost a month of pouring your magic into to work. That’s why it’s so uncommon, a month of magic for a week of protections is usually a bad trade. How did you manage to make two? You only found out two days ago.”

“I made them yesterday with Celestia and Luna helping me. Being the Element of Magic has it’s perks, and having two all-powerful Princesses around doesn’t hurt either.”

Rarity looked over the three. For the first time realizing that they all looked very exhausted. She opened her mouth to thank them.

“Don’t even think about thanking us. Just come home safe.” Twilight gave them both one final hug before returning to her spot, leaving the Sun and Moon behind.

“Guess it’s our turn now, sister,” Luna started.

“It appears so.”

“I’ll be going first then. Rarity, I would like to present to you, from the royal vault of magical artifacts secretly hidden under the castle, The Cloak of the Night!” Luna announced proudly, as Celestia face hoofed at her sister’s faux pas on the vault. Luna’s eyes glowed as a bright light summoned a long pure black cloak with silver trim. 

“It’s beautiful!” Rarity exclaimed.

“This cloak gives you laser vision!” Luna declared.

“Really!” Rainbow Dash chimed in.

“Pfft, no,” Luna grinned at her small prank. “It does however shroud the wearer in the darkness of the night allowing them to move unnoticed at night, in the shadows, or the dark in general. I made it many centuries ago to pull pranks on the royal flank here. Remember that time I put your hoof in the water while you were asleep.” Luna’s eyes lit up in happy memory. Everyone else was starting to see why Celestia might have been so quick to banish her to the moon.

Celestia’s face was almost entirely red instead of its usual white. “You’re such a kidder Luna, telling them made up stories,” Celestia said, chuckling nervously and in such a way that it was abruptly apparent to all gathered the story was not made up.

“Your turn, Tia,” Luna announced, gently placing the cloak over Rarity and resetting her saddle bag.

“Spike, it is my honor to present to you a symbol of dragon tradition.” 

Celestia summoned a long thin box in front of them. She lifted the lid revealing a gold and black scabbard. She proceeded to lift out of the box with her magic and drew the sword. Two emerald green Dao Swords were held flat in front of Spike. Adorning each of the two hilts were four gems, each in the shape and color of cutie marks. One hilt held the gems for Celestia, Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie. The other had Luna’s, Rarity’s, Fluttershy’s, and Rainbow Dash’s on it. Spike took the sword from Celestia’s magic in awe at the beauty and craftsmanship of the fine weaponry; he also took note of the weight. 

“The swords are rarely used for fighting, most dragons preferring their claws and fangs, and are instead more often held as the beginning of one’s true hoard. Often given as proof of overcoming their Greed growth, they are decorated with the symbol of their clan. I waited to give you yours as I felt that you would be more likely to use them as intended then as symbol of your pride, and as such I wanted to see what type of sword would fit you best. These Dao Swords are not two separate swords, but are in fact two halves of the same sword. They are an excellent representation of harmony, and while you carry them you represent the pride and honor of Equestria and the Elements of Harmony. I know you will do us proud.”

The weight the sword carried now seemed much heavier to Spike. Spike knew Celestia’s decision in the dual blade was most likely made in heed of Spike’s ambidextrous skills, something Twilight had trained him in to prevent claw cramps ironically. Still, Spike felt the responsibility such a gift held.

“I cannot thank you enough Celestia,” Spike claimed, awe struck still by the blades and what they represented.

“The dragons use their unique magic to enchant the blades. You will have to have them finished there. Worry not though, I have already informed them of the need, and they will do it as soon as you arrive.” 

Celestia gently nuzzled Spike and gave Rarity a hug. Luna, being the incorrigible prankster she was, nuzzled Rarity and hugged Spike. She gently laughed at Rarity’s embarrassed face as she and her sister took their places next to Twilight.

“You will need to be going soon if you are to make it to Draconia in only two days.” Celestia levitated a map over with their route traced out before continuing, “I look forward to your return.”

Rarity placed the map in her saddle bag.

Spike bent down and allowing her to climb on and lay down against his scales. He prepared to take off.

“Spike, remember what we talked about last night,” Twilight reminded him in a, don’t you dare forget voice.

“What’s she talking about, darling?” Rarity asked, clearly confused by the serious tone Twilight had taken.

“I’ll tell you tonight, Rarity. And Twilight, I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Good to hear! Hurry back so we can have a wedding.”

Spike took off toward the Everfree Forest, but not before turning back so Rarity and he could wave farewell to their friends and family, who all waved back.	
> Intentions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	A soft emerald glow from the nearby fire shrouded the two lovers. Rarity was leaning against Spike, wrapped in his wing as it fended off the cold night breeze. It wasn’t long before a soft purr like snoring feel against the dragon’s chest and sang to his ears. He lay with her for a few minutes enjoying the peace. Before long though, he gingerly got up, making sure not to disturb her any more than necessary. His hands gripped the sheath of his new swords, and he walked a short distance into the woods before finding a clearing.

With the sheath snuggly fitted on his back, the blades came free effortlessly with the flick of his wrists. The moonlight illuminated the surface of each sword as he turned them over gently, getting a feel for their weight and design. He swung the blades experimentally. He took his stance, memories flooding back to him. With a deep breath and exhaled, he began his deadly dance with the weapons, a simple practice of form. In his mind he could see the air being sliced as his body became one with the new extensions. Extensions of himself, that was how his master had explained the proper way to use a weapon. He could see his old friend now, their blades striking one another in a symphony of metal on metal. However the unicorn in his mind was frowning at him.

The blades flew together, always parallel of one another, never crossing or moving alone. “I know. All I had to do was tell her how I felt, but I didn’t want to look weak in front of her. Is it so wrong of me to want her to believe she can lean on me for strength? How can I tell her I’m terrified of what these trials might do to us? To her? I can’t even be honest to the mare I love, how am I supposed to prove myself to a council of ancient and powerful dragons? You and Twilight would kick my flank if you were here, Master… but maybe then, it wouldn’t seem so daunting. I know I need to talk to her, to stop running away from my fears. Here, I thought the part of hiding my feelings from her had ended.” The moonlight shone around the dragon as it reflected off the swords moving ceaselessly along an invisible path only Spike knew. “A coward, that’s all I am, but no more. I’ll tell her everything; I’ll find a way. To be the drake she deserves, I’d do anything.”

A shadow among the tress spoke softly, “Spike, when will you stop saying things like that.”

“Rarity!” The blades almost fell from his hands, but years of practice had kept his grip true. 

The mare in question stepped out from the tree line. “The one and only. Now Spike, it was sweet before, but for Celestia’s sake, stop pretending you need to change for me. I love you just the way you are, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” She shook her head gently at her loves behavior, but it did little to hide her smile. “I’m afraid too, but this is something we need to do. I know it’s hard to accept, but somethings are worth the risk. Wouldn’t you agree, darling?”

Spike had to resist the urge to smack himself in the head. “Of course. It’s just… I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Well get over it. We came this far, and we love one another. So we are doing this. And that is final.”

And once again, Rarity had shattered the prison he built around his feeling with her simple unarguable statement. “You always get your way, so I suppose, I can’t really argue.”

“Oh, you know it. While we’re at it, I can’t believe you left me alone in the middle of the woods.” Rarity seemed a tad angry as she starred daggers into Spike’s soul.

He sheathed the swords and nervously rubbed the back of his head. “I thought you were asleep.”

“How could I possibly remain asleep with my warm, scaly pillow gone?”

Spike blushed a little. “Um… magic?”

With a roll of her eyes, she examined the dragon in front of her. His chest was rising and falling, a clear sign of his moonlit work out, but his speech seemed unaffected by his body’s attempts to regain air. “I think not. Where did you learn to use swords like that? It was amazing, and very beautiful, if I do say so.”

“I never told you? Do you remember when I used to leave Ponyville occasionally on royal business?”

A perfectly manicured hoof tapped her chin as she thought back. “Indeed. I never really understood why, though.”

Noticing Rarity shiver, Spike decided to finish their conversation back at the campsite with the fire. Before she had a chance to object, she was lifted into the air and carried back to the camp site. Spike smiled as she cuddled into him ready to hear his explanation. “Celestia is basically my mother. As far as I’m aware, I’m the closest thing she’s ever had to a child. So in a way, I am a prince in all but title; whereas, Prince Blueblood is a prince in only title. I was trained in calligraphy, culinary, art, ballet, a number of instruments, singing, personally tutored by Celestia, and swordplay. My trips to Canterlot were for lessons. I had so many teachers and instructors,” Spike chuckled softly, “the best of the best. Among the Canterlot elite I was jokingly dubbed Prince Spike. I think Celestia wanted something a little quieter than the royal life style for me. Honestly, I believe that’s why I was assigned as Twilight assistant. She is wise; being Twilight’s assistant is probably the best thing that ever happened to me. It provided freedom from a social hierarchy that had nothing but plans for me. Of course, every once in a while I would use my ties to pull string here and there. Like when I got Hoity Toity to come see your fashion show. I got a tad off-topic; my point was that during that time of my life, I was trained by my Master, one of Celestia’s finest, in swordplay. It was one of my favorites. Deep down, I wonder if Celestia had me trained in the art for the day she’d bestow this… right of draconic passage, upon me.”

Rarity nuzzled further into Spike’s scales. “Always knew I’d marry a prince. Try not to think about it too much. We have enough to worry about as it is.”

Cold, wet drops fell upon his chest. He wrapped himself around her protectively, holding her in his embrace. “We’ll be back with Sweetie Bell, Twilight, and everyone else before you know it. Your parents will even be back in town to congratulate us on our engagement. And after all of that, you can start making the most fabulous wedding dress and the most dashing tuxedo any one has ever seen for our ceremony. Your father will walk you down the aisle, Celestia and Luna will preside over it, and Sweetie, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack will be right up there with us. It’ll be everything you could imagine and more.

Spike wasn’t sure how, but he knew Rarity was smiling against his chest. “Promise?”

With a firm but gentle squeeze he replied, “Promise.” He gently placed a kiss on her forehead as he cuddled together with her. 

In mere moments the night took the two as they settled into a deep sleep entwined in one another. 

Birds chirped happily as morning came upon the pair. Somewhere in the night Rarity had managed to ascend onto Spike’s stomach, while Spike, had managed to roll over onto his back.

“Morning, beautiful.”

“Five more minutes, Spike.”

He brushed a lock of hair from her now unkempt mane out of the way. “You can sleep while we’re flying.”

“Don’t wanna.”

Spike chuckled; Rarity must have been tired to be slurring her words. “Okay, just five more minutes, though.”

Spike lay with her on top of him watching her sleep as he admired her. Even without the makeup, the fake eyelashes, and her mane done, she was still absolutely beautiful. Half an hour must have passed by the time he awoke her. He had always been a softy when it came to his mare.

Rarity was much more attentive this time around and without saying a word quickly started gathering everything in a panic worried that she had made them late. Celestia had arranged an escort to meet them and guide them to the Dragon Council. A lady did not keep someone waiting after all.

They quickly took off into the sky, scared, but ready to face the future together.

Within a few hours they landed just outside Draconia in a predestinated field.

“Well, well, if isn’t Spike. Figured it would be you I was sent to escort when I got the news.” A slightly larger than teenage, red dragon stepped out from the shadows of the forest.

Spike quickly positioned himself in front of Rarity and growled. “Garble!”

“Jeez, Spike, a little jumpy? You haven’t even introduced me to your fiancé. The white one, huh? Not a bad choice, not a lot of ponies would threaten to rip a teenage dragon to shreds.” Garble took a moment to rub his chin in thought before continuing towards the couple.

“Rarity, Garble; Garble, Rarity. Now what do you want?” Spike’s hands tensed, ready to grab the swords any second now.

“Weren’t you listening? I’m here to show you the way to the Council. What’s with the hostility? Minus the whole phoenix egg thing, I’ve been nothing but nice to you.”

“Big minus.” He snarled, his fangs showing for all their worth.

Garble flashed the younger dragon a bemused look. “Come on now, Spike, I was more than willing to let you prove yourself. I could have just told you off and ignored you. Think about it, how many opportunities were you given to show your stuff? A simple initiation to welcome you into the group, that’s all. You have a lot of guts, always liked that about you.”

Spike’s guard dropped a bit as he rationalized the older dragon’s points.

“Hell, I even understand why you did what you did, the stupidity of youth on my part. Believe it or not, I’m quite reasonable. Father says it’s important for a leader to see their own faults before others’.”

Rarity softly whispered into the drakes ear, “Spike, darling, I think we should trust him. I don’t necessary like it, but I don’t see another guide here waiting for us either.”

“Fine, but try anything, and I’ll show you just how much I’ve matured since last time.” His hands fell onto the hilts of his swords to emphasize his point.

“Fair enough.”

Garble lifted into the air followed closely by Spike and Rarity. They kept their eyes on their guide, ready to act if he attempted to pull something.

“Spike, Rarity, I hope you don’t mind if I offer some advice before we get there.”

“Oh?” Rarity asked, her interest piqued.

Garble allowed himself a moment to choose his words. “Well… I think you shouldn’t go through with this. I know it might sound like me being a jerk, but I’ve heard stories about these judgments. Most of them don’t end well.”

“And what would make you an expert on the matter?” Rarity asked, genuinely curious.

“Didn’t you wonder how I got assigned to pick you up?” Garble shouted against the wind.

Spike speed up to get closer to Garble so that it would be easier to talk. “It crossed my mind.” 

“My father represents our clan at the council. It’s why the other younger dragons look to me for leadership. You could say it’s in my blood,” Garble announced proudly.

Rarity answered somewhat smugly from Spike’s back, “I see. It’s nothing personal, but we’ll be ignoring your advice. This is something we agreed that we needed to do, and we won’t be run off.”

Spike wasn’t sure, but he could have sworn he saw Garble smile. “Very well. Looks like we’re here.”

The trio landed outside a huge mountain cave a few miles from their meeting point.

Garble stuck out his hand. “I wish the two of you the best of luck.”

Purple and red claws met in a handshake. “Thanks.”

Garble flew off, but not before shouting one last piece of advice, “Don’t let the old man scare you; he’s a big softy at heart."

Rarity and Spike walked side by side into the cave, ready to face the unknown together.
> Acquaintances
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	As Spike and Rarity walked through the cave, Rarity suddenly stopped. “Spike, darling, I think we should put on a united front for this council.”

“Sure thing, Rarity. Any specific way you expect us to do that?”

Rarity, ignoring what sounded like a hint of sarcasm in Spike’s voice, levitated her engagement band from her bag and put it on. “And for you, something I had planned on giving you last night, but with all the excitement I got a little… distracted.” A small jewelry box floated out from the bag. Rarity held it before Spike and lifted the lid with her magic, wanting to see the look on his face. She wasn’t disappointed as Spike’s stared bewitched and wide eyed at the box's secret. Held within was a large ring of solid gold embedded with three masterfully cut sapphires in the shape of diamonds, a perfect match to his mare’s Cutie Mark.

“It’s beautiful, not as beautiful as you of course, but really amazingly beautiful all the same. How did you get this done in so little time?”

“Well, you didn’t think you were the only one who with jewel crafting know-how did you? And unlike yours, I already knew the perfect gem and where to get it for mine.”

Spike took another look at the ring when hit him. “Is this-“

“The first gem I ever gave you. Twilight knew where you kept it. Now you can keep it with you all the time, a constant reminder of our love.”

Spike nuzzled his mare lovingly. “You’re the best, you know that?”

“And don’t you forget it.”

Spike placed the ring on his finger and admired Rarity’s craftsmanship one more time. “So what did you with the rest of the gem?”

She moved her mouth to his ear frill and whispered suggestively, “Let’s just say when this is all over, I have the perfect lingerie to celebrate with.”

A primal deep throat growl escaped Spike’s mouth. “The best.”

Turning around so that Spike couldn’t see, Rarity smirked quite proud of herself. “Come on, Spike, best not to keep these dragon elders waiting.”

“Of course, milady.” Spike rushed to his fiancé’s side, nuzzled her cheek playfully, and walked together with her to face their future.

The future, as it would happen, led to large, dark chamber where four other paths opened up and a roof so high it couldn’t be seen. The shadows started shifting causing Spike to jump in from of Rarity defensively. A fire of the purest crimson shot out and flew around the room creating an awe inspiring whirlwind of red flame, that came to an abrupt end leaving a seemingly uncountable number of torchers lit. In the middle of a cave system, day had been created, and with it the revealing of six beings. A full grown white dragon with teal spikes, a green dragon with yellow spikes, a sky blue dragoness with white spikes, but the last three were the true shockers. Rarity gasped as she recognized a red dragon with salmon spikes and a yellow underbelly. The final two came as a pair, not unfamiliar to Spike and Rarity themselves, a dark blue teenage dragon slightly larger than Spike with black spikes and on his back dreamily lay a young, green, Pegasus mare with a long, cascading, orange mane and three flames on her flank.

Rarity introduced herself and Spike, “I am Lady Rarity, and this is my gentledrake Spike, a pleasure to make your acquaintances.” 

The white dragon began, “Hello little ones, I am Niveus. I represent the Gifted Breath Clan. We are innate at using less natural forms of our magical breath. All dragons have the same potential abilities but much like ponies, our talents are unique. This is where the clans come in.”

At this point the red dragon took over. “The clans allow us to organize and keep track of those talents so that they may be properly nurtured to their abilities. Some dragons belong to more than one clan. Friendly competition and rivalry is common among the clans, but we are one race. I am Aduro, elder of the Fire Clan, and you have met my son Garble already. How did you like the show, not too much?”

Rarity was quick to jump in at the given chance, “It was beautiful, a masterful display if I dare say. But I was wondering, are you perchance the same dragon that I met on a mountain outside Ponyville?”

“I am indeed. It was a personal favor to Celestia; she has a way of setting things up like that. I believe her goal was to teach you all a lesson, give you experience, or test you… perhaps all three; she wasn’t exactly forward on the matter. I believe I have you two to thank for teaching Garble a lesson as well.”

“Something like that.” Spike managed through his teeth.

“Enough, Aduro.” The dragoness clearly agitated at the other elders loss of focus looked gently upon the pair. “Hello, Spike and Rarity, I am Arcanea, Mistress of the Mystic Clan.” She snapped her fingers and began to scale down to their size. “That’s better. Celestia letter said there was a sword I needed to enchant for you.”

Spike carefully handed over his blade. “Take good care of it, it means a lot to me.”

“Of course, I’ll finish them tonight and personally deliver them to your bed chambers in the morning.”

He bowed before the elder. “Thank you.”

The dragoness placed the sheathe on her back. “I’ve taken enough time. Fulcio, you’re up.”

The green dragon grinned from ear to ear. “Gladly, sweet heart.” 

Arcanea shot him a bemused look. “I’ll kill you.”

“Playful aren’t we. Anyways, I’m Fulcio; I represent the Clan of Strength. Won’t find a fiercer more powerful fighter than one of mine, nor could you hope for a better worker, or more skillful fliers. Even those Wonderbolts the ponies are so proud of would fawn over the aerial feats some of my clan can do.”

Silence filled the room, and Rarity was the first to break it, “And what about you two, don’t plan on keeping a lady and her gentledrake waiting forever now do you.”

The sleepiness disappeared from the Pegasus in an instant as her snapped up to meet Rarity eye to eye. “You’ve got some spunk to talk like that to the two of us, especially since we hold your proposal in our hoofs, and in his case claws. I like that. I am Backdraft, and this is my husband-”

“Adamo, and the two of us are here in the interest of the Kirin Clan. The dragons and ponies who pass the trials you are about to partake in are welcomed into our clan, as well as their children. Dragons and Kirin in our clan always belong to other clans as well, but it is through the Kirin Clan that the mates of dragons are allowed voices in the council. There will be six trials one from each clan once a day. You have already passed today’s trial which was simply to make it to the council beside what you had heard. The rest will not be so easy. At the end of every day the clan whose trial you have passed will be testing and training you in their clan’s specialty since you were born to ponies and have no formal training. It will also offer you the chance to learn about our culture and ask any thing you wish of the elders.”

Spike stood tall as he asked something he had wished to know his entire life. “I want to know if any of you are aware of who my parents are, or how I came to wait to be hatched in Canterlot?”

A white claw tapped the ground, “We were informed you might have questions pertaining to your origin. We are looking into it but at this moment we have yet to come across anything conclusive. For all our clans, elders, and monarchy, dragons are still largely secluded beings preferring a cave in the middle of nowhere to staying around one another. We have our best on the matter, but for now your questions answer eludes us, little one.”

The young drake seemed to deflate as the realization that even the most prominent of his kind lacked the knowledge he seeked. “I see.”

Luckily for him, Rarity was not about to let her dragon mope around. Instead she kissed his cheek and told him what he needed to hear, “Don’t give up hope, my Spikey-Wikey. There’s still time, and I’m sure they’ll find something. They just haven’t had enough time to look, yet.”

“I love you.” Spike brightened up just a bit thanks to his mare’s kind words.

“I love you, too.”

Arcanea allowed the pair their moment before moving on. “It has been a long trip, and I’m sure you two would be delighted to get some shut eye in a real bed before your first trial tomorrow. Backdraft and Adamo will be showing you to your chambers.”

The blue teenage dragon started walking down the corridor behind him as the mare on his back shouted out, “What are you two waiting for?”

Rarity and Spike quickly fell in line behind them. Rarity was quick to start up a conversation, “I’m surprised two as young as you are on the Dragon Elder Council.”

Backdraft just laughed. “Dragon and pony couples are on the rarer side. The clans circulate new blood every thousand years or so to keep new ideas and opinions coming in.”

Spike simply nodded before asking the question on his mind, “So… you two have done the trials before, right?”

Turning his head to answer the question face to face without stopping, Adamo replied, “Indeed, and to answer your next question, they are extremely difficult. If you can survive and your relationship survives your love will be much stronger than perhaps you ever imagined.”

Rarity looked around her at the cave as she pondered the day’s events. “This is all so much to take in.”

Adamo nodded his head in understanding. “It is, but you’ll do fine… we hope.”

In an attempt to change the mood, Spike went straight for a personal question, “Tells us, how did you two meet?”

Rarity gasped, but in such a overdramatic way that it was obviously a joke. “Spike, you little gossip you. What kind of nosy drake did I get engaged to.”

The pair in front broke into laughter, barely managing to keep moving through the fit of giggles. Backdraft regained her composure first. “You two are just precious. As far as your question goes, these flames on my backside aren’t just for decoration. My special talent is manipulating fire with air currents. As a filly, I grew up on the border of Equestria and Draconia and we were told stories of dragons like they were monsters. Tales to scare fillies from wandering to far, but I was a bullheaded, rambunctious, little thing. And so as fate would have it, I walked into the woods on a dare for the sake of my pride. In the end however, I got lost and ended up cold, hungry, and alone in the woods. Somehow, I managed to fall asleep to the sound of my stomach rumbling and the shaking of my body. That morning I woke up to a wall of blue scales and a wing draped over me keeping me warm.”

Adamo picked up the story. “She screamed so loud it nearly deafened me. After managing to convince her that I wasn’t going to eat her, she quickly gobbled up some of the fruit I had quickly gathered when I found her the night before. I had planned on taking the little trouble maker home then and there, but she talked me into taking her to my cave first. From then on, she would visit me every few days and we would talk. During that time, she would watch me breath fire; she was hopelessly obsessed with it.”

“It’s black!”

“Yes, yes it is. One day she flew into my cave full force and the flame followed after her in the wind. It was breath taking to watch her manipulate the fire into whatever shape she flew. She was lucky she didn’t get burned as inexperienced as she was, but for her accidental feat of daring aerial tricks she earned her Cutie Mark. She was so excited that she kissed me then and there. Before long, we found ourselves where you are today.” 

Rarity’s eyes shone as she listened to the fairy tale romance, “How romantic. You two must have been adorable.”

Adamo stopped in front of a door.  “Here we are, your room. We had a bed of gold coins and a very nice mattress placed within since we weren’t certain which you preferred being raised by ponies and all.”

The green mare smiled mischievously. “If you’ve never tried sleeping on a bed of gold coins, I suggest it heavily. It’s heavenly.”

A pair of white, furry ears perked up at the idea. “That does sound like fun, Spike. Shall we try it?”

“Why not? Thank you for escorting us and quenching our curiosity.”

“Anytime,” the pair answered in unison. Backdraft added on at the end, “And perhaps you can tell us how you two met next time.” Before they could receive an answer they wandered off into the hall.

Spike and Rarity walked into their room and curled up together on a small but spread out pile of golden coins. Within in seconds they were out cold, but the touch of the other kept them warm throughout the night.
	
> Sacrifices
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Morning, beautiful.” A claw brushed a lock of hair off of Rarity’s face.

“Spikey, what time is it?”

“Just before noon.  Adamo came by just a minute ago to wake us. It seems our journey tired us out more than I thought.” He looked towards the door, as if staring at something far away. “We have an hour to get ready before our trial.”

“You’re worried. I’m… I’m really afraid. What if we fail; we won’t be able to get married and I might never see Sweetie Belle, my parents, or the girls again, and neither will you.” Her head fell against his side, seeking warmth from her love.

Spike wrapped his neck around her. “I know, I know,” great determination in his voice, “what we have is real and strong enough to take care of any obstacle in its way.” His tone softened, as he locked eyes with her. “Now that’s enough of that, how did you sleep?”

Wiping a tear from her eyes, Rarity surprised the dragon with a kiss. “It was strange. I expected sleeping on a pile of gold coins to be hard and painful really, but the metal in the coins seemed to conduct heat from you. Then they spread around me, enveloping me, and it was so warm and comfortable. I think we might have to get a pile at home to sleep on those cold nights… I still love my bed though.”

Trying and failing to stop his laughter, Spike rolled onto his back cracking up and dragging Rarity with him, so she was on his stomach wrapped in her dragon’s arms. “Nice to see some things never change. So… what do you want to do with the last of our hour?”

Rarity slipped out of his hold. “Makeup!”

Spike rolled over and watched her start on the process, a little disappointed, but still happy as he watched the mare he loved put on the makeup he never felt she needed. As for himself, his preparation involved grabbing a delivery from their room’s other visitor that morning and strapping it to his back over his sling. 

The Council watched as the young couple walked into the center of the large room. Arcanea smiled as she saw the sword hilted on Spike’s back. She had gone over the specifics with him and was interested to see how the drake would handle himself with the enchanted weapon. However, it was Fulcio who addressed them, “Spike, Rarity, todays challenge is mine. I won in it in a little friendly poker match with the others. I offered to trade it with Arcanea for a kiss, but she’s playing hard to-” A white crescent surge of energy narrowly avoided the dragon’s neck. “See. Anyways, Aduro will be assisting me with my trial. If you would be so kind?”

Flames enveloped the room in deep crimson as the ground started to crack. Instinctively, Spike jumped in front of Rarity as skeletal ponies and dragons began to force their way out of the ground, fire burning in the their eyes.

“Your test is to survive all those who have failed before you and lost their lives in the process.”

Spike shouted above the roaring flames, old nightmares of zombie ponies resurfacing, “What purpose does this serve? How does this prove our love?”

The elder looked upon the pair, fangs bared as if itching to jump in and join the melee. “It’s simple. Dragon emotions are very dangerous, especially sorrow and rage, and you two must prove your ability to survive as to prevent such catastrophe. Only by working together can you expect to clench victory. Now, show me your strength and the strength of your love. Oh, and you can forfeit at any time... as long as you’re okay with conceding your marriage that is. One final thing, these are simply animated bodies, they have no soul, like puppets; I suggest you don’t hold back.” The dragon roared signaling the start of the trial.

Rarity peaked over Spike. “This seems a little uncouth.”

Raising himself to two feet and with a swift movement, he drew the Dao Swords. “Just stay behind me; I got,” Rarity sprang from behind Spike, bucking the nearest pony skeleton in the jaw and sending its head flying, “this.”

“Uncouth it may be, but a lady has to be able to protect herself and the things that matter to her. It’s not like I haven’t faced down a manticore, teenage dragons, changelings, and any other number of other enemies with force before.”

Strangely, in this battlefield of undead, Spike couldn’t help but find her really sexy at that moment. “Right, together then.” Spike exhaled onto his blades, igniting them in emerald flames, one of the benefits of the new enchantments. With a roar, he unleashed a torrent of flames on the legion of undead and sprang into combat, blades slicing and dicing. Rarity was beside him, punching, kicking, bucking, and magically tearing apart anything that came within her reach. As Spike began pushing them further back, Rarity took to firing small rocks with deadly precision and aim. Together the two created an elegant, beautiful, and dangerous dance of steel, fur, emerald flames, and teal magic.

Above them the council watched the display.

Niveus seemed particularly interested in the style and technique shown. “Quite impressive. It seems that these young ones are no strangers to dangerous situations, rather rare in these peaceful times. Shame they’ll be overwhelmed any minute now.”

The lone dragoness smiled deviously at the white dragon. “Care to make a wager on that, Niveus. The drake shows an impressive learning curve; it won’t be long until he unleashes more of the blades abilities. As for the unicorn,” Arcanea’s eyes glowed a bright white, “she has a large untapped amount of magical energy, and the drake’s source is quite impressive too. Odd Celestia never saw fit to nurture it. Even so, I suspect when they’re cornered that they will become quite whelmed.”

“I’ll take that bet, but, if I win, I want a kiss.” Fulcio raised his eyebrow suggestively.

“It’s like you want me to eviscerate you.”

“Guess that’s a no. Shame, I would have treasured a kiss from such a beautiful and talented dragoness.”

Arcanea hid her blush poorly. “I-I’ll kill you.”

He smiled jubilantly, pleased with flustering her. “If you say so, probably for the best. Look at them go. The drake would fit well in my clan, with a little more muscle, but his prowess in combat speaks for itself. And that unicorn, I would have thought her as delicate as a flower, but she’s quite…”

“Scrappy,” Backdraft offered.

“Yes, but it’s more than that.” He watched as Rarity jumped into the air over Spike and kicked as she came down, shattering a nearby skeleton. “The style, technique, and precision, it seems she was trained in one of those martial arts the ponies created, quite the series student too. Aduro, make it more challenging, we’ll need to push this further than usual for these two.”

The red dragon’s maw opened and the air in front of it wavered as a flame so hot that it was transparent descended into the frenzy.

Spike had managed to cut through three at once, a pony and two dragons, with one fluid arching movement. “This is a little… morbid, and just a tad exhausting.”

“I agree, darling. We need to find a way to end this before it becomes too much.” She looked around for something to aid them before looking back at Spike; that’s when it hit her. “Spike, we can fly up out of their reach and burn them from above with your fire breath.”

“Brilliant, and Twilight thinks she’s the genius,” Spike chuckled at his own joke while Rarity contemplated smacking him over the head. Luckily for Spike, she had always found his quips cute. 

He hilted the swords back in their scabbard and created a wall of fire in front of him. Getting down on all four, he spread his wings and let Rarity get in position. Once she was secure he took the air, incinerating everything below him. The plan seemed to be working perfectly, until a giant skeletal dragon erupted from the ground and launched itself into the air.

“Rarity, I don’t think I have enough firepower to take that thing out.”

“Maybe I do.” Her horn glowed brightly as she focused on the abomination. Wither het teeth clenched an her eyes squeezed shut in concentration, the teal aura of her magic began to envelope it’s body. In a very unladylike scream, she ripped the beast apart, separating all the bones from each other in one move. In one final push of telekinetic power, she threw the large bones into the remaining undead, crushing them. Breathing heavily, she fell flat on Spike’s back. “I think… that will do it.”

Pillars of flame and monstrous roars filled the cavern as five silhouetted dragons appeared from within the infernos. “Celestia, no.”

With her energy pushed to its limit, Rarity slid from Spike’s back and fell. Tapping into the last of her reserves she pulled Applejack’s lasso from her pack and shot one end towards Spike, tying it around his waist. The other end she held in mouth as tightly as she could, as her consciousness started slipping away.

He could not do it, he just could not do it! Rarity was barely hanging from the makeshift lifeline and five full grown bone dragons were about to attack them. There was nothing he could do; he had expended most of his power fighting and flying around. He swallowed his sorrow and did the only thing he could, to save Rarity. “We forfeit! Stop the trial! Do you hear me, STOP THE BUCKING TRIAL!?”

In an instant everything was gone, even the holes the damned creatures had come from. He gently laid Rarity on the ground before sweeping her into his arms. “I’m sorry, Rarity.” His claw gently caressed her face. “I couldn’t let you die.”

Rarity stirred in his arms, wrapping her hoof around his neck. “You saved us, Spike, don’t apologize.” A small trickle of tears rolled down her cheeks. “They can’t stop us from being together, even if we can’t get married. Now, put me back on my hooves.” Spike gently set her down as instructed, letting her lean on him.

The large green dragon landed softly in front of them. “An impressive show, you two certainly have a lot of passion. I was worried you might not forfeit before things got out of hand.”

“You sound happy,” Rarity’s voice dripped with venom.

“I am.” The elder received two death glares, but before Rarity had a chance to reprimand him, loudly, he explained, “You have shown great strength, physical, magical, mental, and of heart. You fought together with everything you had and took it as far as could, and, in the end, you sacrificed why you came here to protect the one you love. You have passed the Trial of Strength, congratulations.” Clearing his throat, he shouted, “I, Fulcio, Elder of the Clan of Strength, give my blessing for Spike and Rarity to be wed.” A bright yellow flame shot from his mouth, igniting a previously un-seeable torch next to his platform.

Spike and Rarity embraced one another, and Rarity saw fit to kiss Spike right there. “We did it!”

Aduro smiled down at them. “Indeed, you did. And, I would like to add, that what you fought were not the dead but a simple illusion created by me using my flames to manipulate light around magically conjured ethereal of Arcanea’s. Raising the dead is not within our power; plus, it is just all kinds of creepy.”

“Well, I owe you a lesson, Spike, but I think that today isn’t the best time to learn about dragon battle tactics and combat. You seem a bit exhausted, no idea why.” A blue fist landed squarely into his chest.

“Don’t be an idiot.”

Fulcio coughed, “Love you too”

“What did I just say?”

He put his claw to his mouth, blocking Arcanea, “She digs me.” This time he was slapped in the back of his head.

“I can still hear you, idiot.”

“Enough you two!” Niveus landed with a thump. “I’m sure our guests would like to go take a nap to recover. We’ll have dinner delivered to your room.”

“Thank you.” Spike lifted Rarity onto his back and started his way to their bed.

“I can walk!” She whined.

“I know, but you’ve earned a ride. Can’t wait to tell Twilight about that little magical burst of yours; she’ll be so excited. You know how she is about magic.”

“You’re going to embarrass me! It wasn’t that impressive.” She pouted; he could always tell, even when he could not see her.

“If you say so.” They made it to their room and collapsed on the bed, choosing to escape the hardness of the coins for the moment.
	
> Understandings
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	A white hoof reached out in its owner’s sleep, searching for the scaled purple pillow she had fallen asleep with. When it failed to find its target, the sleeping Unicorn began to rouse from her slumber. Her eyes still filled with sleep, she looked for her dragon love without getting up, turning her head this way and that, rolling over here and there. The sound of metal clashing finally entered her mind as she shook the tiredness away and stood up.

Rarity headed towards the sound, drawn on by curiosity, as she headed out the door of their room. Rounding the corner into the large space area the made up the council room, she found the source of the noise. 

Spike and Fulcio, who had clearly reduced his size to keep it fair, were in an epic duel as blade met claw with the resounding clash reverberating through the halls. Sparks flew from the contact as the two twisted and swiped at each other. An elegant and beautifully haunting dance as the two warriors ebbed and flowed. Rarity watched in awe as Fulcio’s wings spread open and he ascended to the platforms in one mighty flap. Without missing a beat, Spike sprang forward, his own wings unfurling and throwing him at his opponent. The green dragon’s maw opened spewing yellow flame at the oncoming drake. Spike’s wings shot out in front of him like a makeshift shield, but his forward momentum kept him moving forward. Jumping up, Fulcio dodged the smaller dragon, who nailed the wall instead, hard. Before Spike could even shake his daze, Fulcio’s tail wrapped around his sparing partner’s leg, whipping it out from under him and sending Spike to his back. In an instant, Fulcio’s claws pinned each of the younger dragon’s limbs and his fangs surrounded his victim’s neck, claiming his victory.

Getting off of Spike, he offered his hand to help him up. “You do show potential, young one. It seems that haven been raised by ponies you don’t quite consider your fangs, tail, or fire breath as much as most dragons.”

“I guess not,” Spike sounded downtrodden.

“Don’t feel bad. I’m the Elder of the Clan of Strength; did you really expect to win?”

“I had hoped to…”

“Good, never go down without a fight and always aim for victory. With a little more draconic training and your refined skills from the ponies, you could beat me… in say, five-thousand years… maybe.”

Laughter filled the arena as Spike took the elder’s hand. “Give me a hundred years and I’ll win for sure.”

“We’ll see, whelp, I don’t forget so easily.” His voice rose considerably, “And as for the young maiden you put the extra bit of show on for, why don’t you join me and the boy here in an hour for breakfast. I’d love the chance to get to talk to both of you. Who knows, maybe you two can help me with a certain, playful dragoness.” He sent a wink Rarity’s way.

She was not surprised to have been found out, over the years she had come to realize just how good a dragon’s senses were. “I would be honored to join you two. As for your lady problems, nothing like some good gossip and setting ponies- err, dragons up. Ta-ta! Moi, has to get ready.”

Hanging his head, Spike whispered, “I can’t believe I lost in front of her.”

Fulcio put his hand on the drake’s shoulder. “She doesn’t seem to think any less of you. You choose a good one, bit of a firecracker too, it seems.”

Spike retrieved his swords and took his stance. “You have no idea. Now, en garde!

It only took almost the entire hour to bathe, style her hair, and do her make up, but to Rarity it was always worth it. She took a look in the mirror; the mare staring back at her seemed older than she remembered. The stress this was putting on her was killing her complexion, and the first test had not helped at all. It was a miracle her coat had not gotten burned and singed with all that fire, but if that was what it took to be with Spike, so be it! She would sacrifice her mane and coat forever to be with him; though, she really hoped that would not be necessary.

She got up and headed out to meet Spike and Fulcio. At some point, Spike must have stopped by for she found a note with instructions on where to meet them. Interestingly enough, she found her way further into the cave system. The halls often had gem clusters here and there reflecting light and crafting a strangely mesmerizing show with the refraction. As she rounded the bend, she gasped. The tunnel opened up into a giant, beautiful, underground city. Her eyes roamed all over the marvelous stone pillars and shops that seemed to fill the enormous cavern. Dragon architect was so elegant and incredible, obviously a reflection of their fine taste in treasures. The most amazing thing was a diamond cluster the size of a full-grown dragon that hung from the ceiling. Beams of light came off of it creating an artificial day, but she had no idea where the source of light itself was.

Giddy as a school filly, she rushed to meet the two dragons, admiring the strange city as she strode down its streets. She passed a number of dragons, occasionally receiving a curious glance before it was shrugged off and they returned to their business. Here she was an oddity… like Spike had been his entire life among ponies. There had been ponies that ran from Spike upon seeing him, until his situation was explained and his friendliness guaranteed. The dragons only saw her as a pony, considering the Kirin Clan, only a little uncommon and in no way concerning. Spike had been seen as a threat… a monster… he had always shrugged it off but she had seen the hurt in his eyes it caused. Maybe she was an outsider here, but she was shown as much respect as any of the dragons showed each other, even receiving the occasional hello or good morning. The dragons were surprisingly considerate and welcoming of her presence… something she feared the ponies would never fully be of Spike. Before she could dwell further on her thoughts, she noticed Spike waving her over to what appeared to be a café, Fulcio next to him.

“Good morning, beautiful.”

She blushed slightly as she trotted up to the table. “Such a charmer.” 

There were tables of many sizes, obviously for dragons in different stages of their growths, and each appeared to be made out of solid, black granite. Theirs was the smallest sized but each one was a masterpiece. Her attention turned to the other dragon. “This city is simply marvelous. It’s like a giant work of art from the design to the execution.”

Fulcio smiled. “It pleases me to hear that. You see, many members of the Council of Elders actually took part in building the city. Niveus was one of the main architects. The Gifted Breath Clan is known for their creativity, and Niveus especially has an eye for the grand and breathtaking, ironically. That diamond above was all his idea, and he’ll never let us forget it. Aduro was one of the stone cutters; his team would use precise, superheated fire to carve the raw blocks of stone out of the mountains.”

Before he could finish a light blue dragoness walked up, about Spike’s size. “Welcome, here are your menus, two dragon and one pony. Feel free to take your time and just motion or call for me.”

“Thanks, Sapph. Tell Garble I said hi.”

“Of course, Uncle.” She hurried off to help other customers as the two gawked at Fulcio.

“They’re a cute pair. Continuing with my story-”

“Wait! Is that the dragoness Garble talked about at the migration?”

“Probably, now if we can get back to-”

This time Rarity interrupted. “She’s so beautiful.  I bet her scales shine in the sunlight.”

“Yes, yes they do. Now if you’re done-

“Wow. Garble doesn’t fail to impress. She seems nice… I bet that’s why he’s mellowed out!”

“Indeed, Darling.”

“CAN I FINISH THE DAMN STORY?” All eyes were on the green dragon. “Sorry, everyone.” He looked at the two sharing a table with him. “Apparently, patience does not come with age, my apologies.”

Rarity was the first to recover, a shamed expression on her face. “No apologies needed, we were being rude interrupting like that. It was most unladylike and ungentledrakely. Please, continue.”

“Where was I…? Oh, yes! The city project was where I first met Arcanea. She was part of the teleportation chain for the minerals and I was digging out the cavern with the rest of my crew. She could make a full grown dragon cry; I was stricken instantly.” He stopped his story and waved his niece over, letting everyone order. “When we started building the structures I saw her more and more… Occasionally making up excuses just to visit her, they were good times. I watched her and her mystics use a protection spell on the diamond above us as the Fire Clan melted holes through the mountain to let the light in. Rarely have so many dragons come together for a single goal. Even though we tend to be a secluded race, this city stands as a symbol of our unity. There are relatively few dragons that live here, but there are quite a few who come to shop and visit. Not like the migration but still more than you can find anywhere else usually.” He finished his reminiscing full of pride at the great feat.

The food had come just as the story completed.

Rarity was quite pleased when the salad she ordered arrived, partly expecting it to be filled with gems but finding none, along with a glass of lemonade. “How long ago was that?”

The green dragon placed his claw on his chin in deep thought. “I think… five thousand years, maybe.”

Her hoof pounded against her chest as she tried to stop from choking. “Five thousand years!?!”

Nonchalantly sipping his own drink, a ruby ice tea, Fulcio waved it off dismissively. “It’s not like we can all do it in a few years. Us older dragons prefer it slower.”

Spike was quick with a quip, “Can’t get her to give you the time of day.”

“Not for the life of me.”

“Yeah, I know how that is. I mean, try to save her from diamond dogs, help out all the time at her store, give her a gem the size of your head, and nothing works till you rampage around town destroy it.”

For his behavior Spike received, the look.

“I’m just playing.” He chuckled nervously.

Rarity shook her head with mock disappointment. “Well, perhaps she is just waiting for you to ask her out seriously. You two are quite the… rambunctious pair, and a little seriousness could be just what she needs to see that you’re genuinely interested in being her drake.”

“I suppose… Enough about my relationship issues; is there anything I can help you two with?”

Finishing his meal, Spike turned to Fulcio. “Could you tell me more about the clans?”

“And how whelps are raised?” Rarity added.

“Excellent questions! And they even meet up nicely. You see, once a whelp is around six they’re taught about the world around them, general knowledge. Some are taught by their reclusive parents and others are brought to this city or one of few others to learn from a teacher. I believe this would be comprisable to school in pony society. Once a drake or dragoness is in their teenage years, decided by when they have their greed growth, they are tested in the ways of the four clans by us elders. Depending how they score, they are moved into the clan that fits them best. They are taught by some of the clans greatest members to master their skills. Often, an adolescent dragon will come to live within something of a clan group during this time of their lives, returning to their parents from time to time.”

“Like Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns during the high school years, it becomes a boarding school.”

“I’ll take your word on it. Once a dragon is considered skilled enough, they become a full member of the clan. This can take ten to a hundred years. At this point, if one shows enough talent, they can seek admittance into another clan and repeat the process. It is quite rare for a dragon to be of one clan, even among the elders. Niveus is of the Gifted Breath first and the Fire Clan second. I am of the Fire Clan myself as well as the Strength. Arcanea is a master of the mystic arts and the Gifted Breath styles. Only Aduro is of a single clan among the elders, and the old drake could easily gain admittance into any of the four clans. According to him, by staying of one clan he feels obligated only to them, dragonkind as a whole, and his majesties. Hogwash if you ask me. And finally, Adamo is obviously in the… unique, Kirin Clan, but before that he was a Fire Clan drake and a brother of mine in the Clan of Strength. Eventually, most dragons move away, start their own horde, and come around rarely, but some stay and live here. You’d be wise to remember that all dragons are connected in here,” he placed his hand on his chest, “by our eternal flame.”

Spike placed a claw over his own fire and solemnly whispered, “I see.”

Getting up suddenly, Fulcio began walking away. “I’ve taken enough of your time with an old dragons rambling and nostalgia; go enjoy the city before the next challenge. Do yourselves a favor and take in as much as you can; after all, your next trial was created by the drake who lead the design for it. Any insight is useful. Oh, and as thank for hearing me out and talking romance with me I’ll let your questions be a freebie, you can ask another for your reward.” And with that, he was gone.

It hit Spike, “Wait, did he just walk off without paying?”

Thankfully, Sapph, as Fulcio had called her, was standing behind the old dragon’s seat. “The Elders have their own tabs and agreements with most of the owners around here. Rest assured, your meal has been taken care of.”

Slowly and with a sly smile on his face, Spike started, “So you’re the one Garble has a thing for.”

The dragoness’s face lit up, becoming a dark almost purple blue. “I-I have to go deal with other customers thanks-for-coming!” Quick as a whip, she was gone.

Rarity had to hide her laugh behind her hoof. “That wasn’t very nice, Spike.”

He got up and offered her his claw. “Maybe not, but it was funny.”

She took it, appreciating the gentledragon gesture, and started leading the way down the street, Spike close beside her. “Okay, I’ll give you that, but try to behave. We are guests in this amazing city, after all.”

“Eeyup.”

“And stop impersonating Big Mac.”

“I just miss them… I guess this is what being away from your family feels like.”

Rarity looked around, feeling butterflies in her stomach. Her loving drakefriend had never really known any family outside their friends. Yet, here they were, in a city of dragons that were all connected to on another in some way. “Say, Spike, what would you think of vacationing here sometimes?”

She saw him grin that big, goofy grin of his. “I think I’d like that… Once we get past the whole deadly trials traumatization thing, of course. Twilight would love this place, Dash would challenge the Strength Clan’s flyers to races, Pinkie would be thrilled to meet so many new dragon’s, Applejack… she’d find something to do I’m sure, and Fluttershy- She would probably have a heart attack being surrounded by this many dragons.”

She could not help but giggle softly. “Well I meant just the two of us, but I think you’re right, we should bring the other girls along next time.”

“Right! And of course after this we’re honeymooning somewhere with a nice beach and a lot of sun! Oh, and delicious-tasting, fruity drinks.”

She snuggled up to him and sensually whispered into his ear. “As long as you don’t plan on leaving the room much.”

“Have I told you how much I love you yet?”

It was corny and in response to a sexual comment, but it still made her heart race and her body warm up. “Yes, but don’t ever stop.”

And the betrothed couple started their exploration of the magnificent city of dragons.
	
> Creations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Once again, the Council of Elders had convened within the stone chamber. Spike and Rarity walked in, stretching their necks upward to view those who had been entrusted to judge their love. Where one would expect stone cold faces they were instead met by a kind warm smile, a terrible flirt waving playfully at another, a cold killer stare aimed far from them, the proud and stoic perceptive eye of an artist, and a cuddling pair with high expectations of them.

The white dragon stood tall, drawing himself as the focal point of the room. “Young ones, I, Niveus, of the Gifted Breath Clan, will provide the next trial. Create for me a masterpiece that shows how strong your bond is. You have until the witching hour and may use any material you can get your hands and hooves on. Any questions?”

Quick to break in, Spike voiced his curiosity, “I thought these trials were supposed to be more dangerous than the last? Creating something seems less deadly than fighting an army of undead, even an illusionary one.”

The elder dragon smirked. “We picked the order by gambling, but, if you prefer, I can always flash freeze you two if you fail.”

Spike’s blood froze a bit, not from his fellow dragon’s comment, but because of the glare Rarity shot at him. “N-No, I’m good.”

Having relayed her feelings on Spike’s need to put his scaly foot in his mouth, Rarity focused back on the elder. “This is more than just wanting us to create something beautiful, you’re seeing how well we work together, how we decide on what to create, and how we divvy up the work to best compliment both our individual talents to make something more than the sum of both, correct?”

“Very perceptive, young unicorn. The two most artistically talented could create something beautiful and fail because they clash, but two of the least talented could create something unique and pass because of their special bond. For many, knowing that would change how they approach this challenge.”

She moved closer to Spike and sat beside him, snuggling a bit into his side. “Not at all, I just appreciate the depth one can gain from art.”

The old dragon’s lips curled up, pleased to have a kindred spirit before him. “Indeed. Now, you may begin.”

To each of the elders’ surprise, Spike curled around Rarity from behind leaving her front unobstructed, her tail subconsciously swishing back and forth against him.

“You heard me say-”

Spike lifted his claw to his lip silencing Niveus. “She’s getting into ‘The Zone.’”

Seeing little other option, one by one over the course of the next hour each of the council members followed Spike example and laid down, getting comfortable. Ten minutes after Niveus himself had roosted Rarity’s head snapped up and her eyes shone like diamonds. “I’ve got it! Spike, I’ll be right back, clear a space for us to work!” and with that, she trotted off down the tunnel.

The other dragons and the one pony left in the room jolted up staring wide-eyed at the quickly retreating white form.

Fulcio was the first to recover, “Well, that was random.” For his comment he received a deadpanned stared from a certain blue dragoness.

“Young dragon,” slowly Niveus’es head turned back towards Spike, “explain something to me.”

Amethyst wings unfurled he turned his back to them. “Sure.” With one powerful flap he cleared the immediate area of any dust or small debris and proceeded to use his tail to sweep any leftover rocks away.

“Usually when I issue this test the engaged couple discuss, sometimes even fight, about what they’re going to do; instead, you laid down and she did whatever that was. In all my years, I’ve never seen anything like that.”

His job finished, Spike addressed the older dragon, “She has this great artistic nature and mind. Sometimes she goes wild and nearly destroys the entire boutique.” He chuckled a bit. “I trust her to come up with something amazing; after all, she’s never disappointed before. Although, just between us, some of the hats she makes are a bit flamboyant. There should be a limit on how many and how large feathers can be on a hat.”

Fulcio and Adamo were trying to contain their laughter; Backdraft however let it out in without restraint. It was at this moment that Rarity appeared sporting red work glasses and her saddle bag. “What’s so funny?”

Adamo was quick to swallow his laughter. “Oh, just another one of Fulcio’s attempts to woo Arcanea biting him in the haunches.”

“Hey!” the two dragons yelled in unison.

A soft, comforting, and sincere smile was sent Fulcio’s way. “Well, I’m sure it was very sweet,” her gaze moved to the other couple in the room, “and you two ought to be ashamed giving him such a hard time.” 

Backdraft, finally coming down from her giggle fit, looked over at Fulcio. “We’re so sorry for our behavior.”

Positive that Rarity couldn’t see him, Spike quickly mouthed, ‘Thank you,’ to Adamo and Backdraft.

Honestly, Rarity was almost tempted to believe all dragons were childlike in nature, and only the behavior of Arcanea, Niveus, and Aduro spoke otherwise. “Well, now that that’s over, we can get back to the task at hoof. Niveus, would you mind being a dear and creating a large block of ice for us, about ten feet tall and six feet wide, with you ice breath?”

“I would be honored.” The great white dragon’s chest expanded as he took in an impressive amount of air before a light blue beam shot from his great maw. Where it touched the ground ice began to form and in almost no time at all a block exactly as Rarity requested had been created.

“Perfect! Now, Spike, be a dear and-” Without allowing her to finish Spike placed his Dao Swords beside her. “You really are the best assistant. I hope you don’t mind me using them as impromptu chisels.”

“Of course not.”

“Alright then,” a piece of parchment floated up in front of them held in a teal aura, “here’s what I’m thinking.”

“This is amazing, but,” his claw toughed the page and gently traced a line, “the wings are a little too wide here, it’ll throw off the movement of the piece.”

“You’re right! How could I have missed that, you really are the best assistant ever, Spikey. Now,” her hair magically pulled back as a few pins flew from her saddle bag, reforming her mane into a bun, “let’s make this masterpiece.”

The council watched in amazement and awe as the dragon and pony attacked the ice. Blasts of fire flew from Spike’s mouth melting entire areas of ice with impressive precession as Rarity’s magic used the elegant blades to cut and chisel at the freshly re-proportioned spots. The emerald flame and teal aura’s light bathed the room, as the two of them seemed to glide and flow with each other, a beautiful and strange dance of creation. They continued, the blasts of fire becoming less frequent and being replaced with claws gingerly and skillfully carving in details. At the same time, Spike’s tail would move into the saddle bag and pull out gems and hold them for Rarity. Dragon skin could feel the hardness of materials, allowing them to know what gems they had dug out of the ground without having to see them. Thanks to the natural adaptation and years of working and becoming attuned with Rarity, the two of them never missed a beat. In their trance like state no words were needed, though the occasional small smile could be seen shared between one another.

As time moved forward the block of ice began to show a dragon’s wings and a ponies head. As the ice continued to be chiseled and melted the form of a large dragon came into view with its tail touching what appeared to be the sun. The magnificent creature had a joyous smile on its face as it glided towards it target. The pony had been transformed into an alicorn with a flowing mane that the dragon’s front claws appeared to be running through. She too was laughing, full of merriment as she ran playfully from the dragon. Before long, the final touches were placed on the ice sculpture and Spike collapsed, Rarity falling on him comically, holding him in her embrace lightly.

Niveus looked upon the display. In all his years he had hardly seen such workmanship and such harmony between any working together. He had thought the dragons building the city a well-oiled machine, but these two young ones had put them to shame. “An interesting piece, would you mind telling me about it?”

The first to regain her breath and stand back up was Rarity, poking her hoof daintily against the lazy dragon at her hooves. “Spike was raised by Princess Celestia. As a dragon among ponies Spike always felt different, especially as a child; however, Celestia told him stories of a Dragon and an Alicorn Princess playing together in their younger days. Spike shared those stories with me, and I could imagine nothing better to display before you but one of my loves favorites, the day the two first met and played tag together. Celestia refers to it as the moment she knew dragons and ponies could coexist in harmony.”

“I see. A decision well made.”

Spike sat up. “But that’s not all. Rarity, why don’t you show them what the gems were for?”

Strolling up to the impressive statue, Rarity’s horn lit up. A diamond almost impossible to see in the ice lit up. The light shot out of the diamond cascading through the statue and hitting more gems as it went. In seconds the entire thing gained color, from the rich royal purple hue of the dragon’s scales to the multicolored mane of Celestia herself. “I hope you don’t mind, but I incorporated the idea behind the gem in your magnificent city.”

Everyone in the room seemed entranced by the spectacle. Each elder stood at the edge of their pedestals looking down, craning their necks as far as they could to get the best view. Niveus gilded softly to the floor below and inspected the piece. A deep blue fire sprang from his maw, coating the entire at once, to Rarity and Spike’s horror, but as the flames stopped the sculpture stood unharmed. “Arcanea, lock the magic into place, please.”

The dragoness formed arcane circles in the air with her claws, chanting in a voice that could hardly be called a whisper. Her eyes became white flames as her hand thrust forward; a blue rune with strange white draconic symbols encompassed the masterpiece, and then disappeared. “It is done.” She saw the awestruck and confused look of their guests. “Allow me to explain. Niveus poured some of his magic breath into the ice to prevent it from melting, and my magic spell locked his magic inside indefinitely. No amount of heat, time, or force stronger than Niveus’ and my magic combined will be able to destroy what you two have crafted this day.”

Rarity’s eyes lit up. “That’s amazing! I wonder if there’s a way to do something similar with my dresses.”

“I would not suggest trying to find one. This sort of magic is very taxing. There are few who could use it without collapsing on the spot, and even then its success would not be guaranteed. Niveus and I are very powerful, but even we will enjoy a rather exhausted sleep this night.”

“A shame,” Rarity bowed before the two dragons, “and an honor that you would go to such lengths for something Spike and I created.”

Niveus, for the first time since the statues lighting, looked at the two creators, a smile adorning his old face. “I have seen many things in my long lifetime, but this is one of the most beautiful and wonderful. I was even more gifted and honored to see the skill, trust, and harmony its makers displayed in creating it. The dragon with Celestia is our king. This is one of his favorite moments as well, and I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see it reflected like this. You two have shown the souls of artists, and the harmony of two attuned far beyond the normal. You have passed my test with flying colors. And if you would allow me one request, I would ask that you allow us to display this piece for all of our kind to see,” he bowed before them, “please?”

Spike and Rarity smiled softly at one another. He spoke for the two of them, “It would be our honor.”

After congratulations from all of the Elders, Spike and Rarity headed off happily to see more of the city and find dinner, an impromptu date, as it were. The six remaining souls regarded their departure and faced each other in a circle. Niveus was the first to say what they were all thinking, “Those two might be the key to creating a new future between dragons and ponies.”
> Stories
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It really was amazing and beautiful, this magnificent city of dragons that laid before her. The view from below was nothing compared to the sight up here, and the company could not be beat. She snuggled further into her knight in shining scales back as they flew over the city, a personal request from her. “This is amazing, Spike.” She looked up at the beautiful crystal light source, the pride of the city and their last trials administrator, Niveus. “I feel as if I could touch it.”

“I feel as if I could eat it.” For his comment Spike received a soft bonk on the nose.

“Now, none of that. You are not allowed to eat the prized possession of your kind’s greatest city, understood mister.”

He looked back flashing a goofy smile, it always made her heart swoon a little and he knew it. “I was just kidding, Rarity. Pretty sure Niveus would turn me into a Spikecicale if I so much as licked it anyways.” He pretended his face was frozen in an odd and funny position, reminiscent of Discord’s after they petrified him.

The mare laughed, though she was sure Spike was right about the Elder’s choice in action if he dared ‘taste’ the massive gem. “Speaking of, as nice as our meal and this flight have been, a truly coveted memory to look back upon in our years together to come when we pass all these trials, I believe we should be meeting Niveus for that lesson on how he changes his breath magic and your question.”

“Our question.”

“Hmm?” She looked at him oddly

“It’s our question, Rarity, not just mine. We did this together, you should have a say in it too.” He landed at the passage to the Council of Elder’s craned his neck back and nuzzled her. “We’re in this together.”

She returned the nuzzle lovingly. “Yes we are my amazing dragon, but this is your chance to learn all those questions you’ve spent so many years wondering. I seem to remember you going across Equestria to get answers before.”

His voice was soft but his words were unwavering, “I am Spike, Savior of the Crystal Empire, trusted advisor to Princess Celestia and Luna, fellow prankster of Discord the Lord of Chaos, best friend of the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony, goof ball extraordinaire, lover of naps, food, and gems, and partner of the most beautiful and generous creature to have ever existed, Rarity. I know who I am, and yes I am a dragon, but what I am does not define me.”

She wrapped her hooves around him. “Yes, you are all of those things and more, but you deserve to know your culture and your people.”

“And we will, but as a future member of a dragon clan, you should know the things you want to know about dragons too, love.”

He always seemed to consider others best interests, or at the least tried too more often than not. Though he would claim it as something he learned from her, even in his younger years when they had just met he has always been ever mindful of any chance to help others. That was one of the reasons she loved him, a truly gentle and caring soul. Instead of furthering their conversation she leaned up and kissed him on the cheek, before flicking the tip of her tail against his snout and dashing off giggling playfully.

“Oh, you are mine my little pony,” he laughed out as he chased her down the hallway.

Panting a little, only as much as was lady like after all, Rarity reached the Council Room first intent on straightening herself up before meeting their host but her plan was for naught as Spike tackled her, flipping midair so that she landed on top of her but pinning her to him no less effectively.

“Got ya!”

A strong chuckle filled the room echoing off the caves wall. They both looked up, snapped from their moment, just as their muzzles were about to close in on one another’s, to see the white Dragon Elder. “Ah, to be young and in love, truly a magical experience. It is nice to see both of you. I had begun to wonder if the city’s magnificence had spirited you away.”

Quickly jumping off, face red and hot all the way to her ears, Rarity faced Niveus using her magic to straighten herself up. Spike on the other hand just kind of rolled over and took his place beside his mate. Both bowed their heads respectively.

“No need for any of that.” He stood up and stretched before bounding down to them in one graceful leap. “We are here to train you, young dragon, and to answer the question you have earned.”

His maw opened shooting forth a beam of blue beam that bean to freeze the ground it hit and form a decent size block of ice. Spike had seen this only one other time from the elder dragon but still it intrigued him, born from years of assisting Equestria’s most studious pony. His fire breath and the messaging spell were all he had ever really done with his dragon’s breath for, and he had never really considered that there was more he could do with it. The idea excited him, to say the least.

“Alright, young one, the key to unlocking your ice powers, the next of the elemental breaths after fire, is to take an air of complete calm. Fire comes from your passion, and there are many forms of passion: Rage, love, lust, and even greed are but a few. For dragons such powerful passion is part of our very beings and nature. We are creatures of powerful emotion. Much like ice is fire’s opposite so too is how we call upon it. You must learn to calm your mind, your feelings, and your very being to the point that you yourself are like ice, precise, calculating, and hard. Focus all of that into your being and release it in your breath, pour it out from your very soul.”

Spike let everything wash over him, placing his claw on his chest before moving it forward slowly and exhaling. He repeated the process over, each time calming him further. His mouth felt cold, but he paid it no mind as he took Cadence and Twilight’s methods to mind.

Watching as her dragon performed Twilight’s ritual, the one that likely stopped her friend from accidently destroying Equestria in one of her moments, Rarity gasped quietly as she saw Spike’s breath turn into a green cloud exactly like that of any other ponies or dragons breath during a cold day, minus the green part. She watched as his eyes opened an uncommon intensity in them as he eyed the ground before shooting out his own beam of green from his mouth. The sight would have been quite impressive, if not for the fact that for all his effort he hardly managed an ice cube. Perhaps a bit cold, no pun intended she assured herself, but she could not help but think that maybe Spike’s new skill could at least help keep her drink cold during the summer months.

Niveus watched the dragon curiously as he performed the odd ceremony, but the fruits of younger dragon’s labor were obvious as he saw the condensed breathe begin to form. What amazed the older dragon was that Spike seemed to be creating the frosty effect without consciously trying too. He would need to learn more of the process but he believed that this method may help teach the next generation of dragons in their ice training. He continued his observation, and, before long, he witnessed his first glimpse of Spike’s true potential as his eyes flashed open and the ice beam sprang forth. Most dragons were lucky to create snowflakes their first time tapping into the elemental power of ice, but to form solid ice was nearly unheard of. He, himself, was among one of only ten dragons who had managed such a feat, eleven now it seemed. “Well done. Well done indeed!”

Spike looked at the tiny piece of ice feeling defeated. For all his preparation and effort, he had managed enough to cool Rarity’s drink. When the Elder of the Gifted Breath seemed so happy, so excited with what Spike believed to be a truly meager showing it was easy to understanding his confusion. “Um, thanks but I mean,” he picked up the shard of ice between his claws on one hand, “this doesn’t seem all that praise worthy.”

“Quite the opposite, for your first time this is extremely impressive. Let us continue your training. I have more to show you to help you begin to master your new skill. Once you have, you’ll be able to summon ice effortlessly.”

Rarity watched with amusement and amazement as the training progressed. Niveus had mastered his ability to such a level that he was able to make a copy of himself with nothing but his breath. Shapes, beings, topiary, and a whole flurry of impressive and creative ice sculptures formed at the dragon’s will. Spike worked hard to try and follow the elder’s example, but after hours of work, he had only managed to advance to a small cylinder of ice.

“Very good, Spike, I’ll have to make sure you get further training from what I suspect will be your future clan members and myself. You have quite the talent. For now though, I think it best we end our session here so that you may rest and I may answer your question. Have you two decided on what you would like to ask?”

“All you Rares, I’m out of breath anyways.” He gave her smile and curled his way around protectively and lovingly.

The warmth the dragon radiated around her was manafique so comfortable and relaxing she couldn’t help herself as her legs lowered her into her lovers embrace. “I believe a question Spike and I would like to ask is: What is the Dragon Royalty like? You mentioned the story was about the King, but aside from that retelling we know nothing about him. As future members of the Dragon Clans I think it would do us well to know more of him and his mate.”

Niveus’es brow furrowed as he thought over centuries and centuries of experience with the two he had long since come to call friend as well as ruler. It seemed a daunting task to put so much into an answer that did not take weeks or months, but he found that what mattered most were not stories, but the character of his king and queen. “For starters, the King is massive muscular with scales of earthly brown and spikes of purest green. The earth itself obeys his command, for never has one creature been so attuned with it. He is older than any dragon can claim to remember and is believed to be born of the earth itself, the first dragon. His very being radiates strength, command, and patience, but to those who get to know him there is much more. Take the story you two so masterfully sculpted. He has this way of looking at life, so full of energy and hope that one would think him a much younger drake. Most would be baffled to see the King of Dragons running around laughing and playing and yet at the same time it is a scene that feels very natural. He is old and wise, yet he is childish and playful.” Niveus looked over at Rarity as he continued. “I believe you particularly would appreciate the generosity and kindness with which he has ruled, though in my opinion this is largely due to the Queen’s influence on him.

She is beautiful in a way that words fail to describe. Rich purple scales, blue spines, and light blue underbelly scales that make her blend in with the sky itself when she flies all adorned her lithe and slender body. It without doubt that she was made to fly as the very air itself bends to her every whimsical delight. If the king is born of the earth, than she must be born of the sky. Normally she is breath of fresh air, reinvigorating all around her with her mere presence, but if anything threatens her home or subjects she becomes like the greatest of storms. Much like the king there is playfulness that is infectious to all around her. She is nurturing and kind, and in what can only be considered against dragon nature itself selfless and giving. There is nothing she would not do for her subjects, but furthermore, there is no length she would not go to in order to help any who needed her.”

He focused on the two of them together, and the old dragon felt something uniquely right yet familiar to only two others. “When I was a much, much younger dragon the only place a dragon called home was their own den. There was no council, no allegiances, not even friends among our kind. I met the king before he had ever risen to the title, though I believe he was always born to be king and therefore always was. He had amassed a hoard unlike any other and he was notorious for protecting it rather mercilessly. None could challenge him, and those who did were proven fools for trying. I was ambitious, and I was a fool. I got my tail handed to me off course but even after a rather sound thrashing I returned to try again and again. I must admit he probably should have finished me and I knew he could have, but I was drawn back time and time again. Funny thing, when you face the most powerful creature on the planet time and time again, you begin to become quite powerful yourself. We went from enemies to rivals. Our fights became less drastic and more the two of us trying to show each other up. At the time the concept alone was unheard of, a sense of comradery and competitiveness for fun. His tongue was as sharp as his teeth and often when conversing with others even when just to threaten them his preferred method was sarcasm.

We were out one day hunting to prove who the greater dragon was, and I was determined to win at least once, but fate cared little for our competition. I found him when our agreed upon time was over, sunset, not with a massive pile of gold and jewels as I had expected, but with her. She was… beautiful, radiant, absolutely mind shattering, and he was trying everything he could to impress her. Flexing his muscles and tail, spreading his wings, trying to sweet talk her, offering her treasure, there seemed no length he wouldn’t go, and she blew him off time and time again. He swore to her and all the world that she would be his. Rushing through the woods I caught up to him from my hiding spot behind the rocks, he hardly seemed phased by my intrusion. He ranted about her, raved about how he would show her his worth, and went on about being with her. When we returned to his cave he gathered all his treasure, even corralled me into helping him get the incredible lot of it back to where he met her. I tried to talk him out of it; called him many names, but nothing would phase his devotion to his one goal: her. Piles of jewels, gold, and treasure filled the valley before her. He offered everything he had just to be with her, truly more than any dragoness could ever dream of, let alone turning it down… but that is exactly what she did. She told him she had no need for all of his spoils, and that if she he had hoped to woe her with them and the offer to make it hers that he may as well have been every other dragon. I was flabbergasted or a dragon to have no interest in treasure… such a thing was unheard of. Still he was persistent, and something about him seemed to peak her curiosity. Taking a single gem, she flew off and he was fast behind her and me behind him. What I saw next was the first act of generosity I had ever seen. She came upon a small dragon and his den. He was far too young to be on his own and in the world we lived in; he should not have lived at all. Reaching out she held the gem before him his stomach rumbling. Hesitant to take it, but hunger quickly defeated logic as he gingerly took it from her before shoving it into his mouth, hardly chewing before swallowing.

I admit, I did not get it at the time. She seemed crazy, even turned around and went on about how this was far better than some giant hoard to only fulfill ones greed. It was hard to believe she was even a dragon, and I began to doubt it regardless of the obvious. The king though he simply rushed off, I thought to leave the crazy dragoness behind, but he returned moments later one of his biggest gems in claw. He too gave it to the young dragon, who once again happily accepted. There was a smile, a warmth to him I had never seen, that began to spread over his face. He flew off bringing more back this time as the dragoness watched on amused and pleased with the sight before her. My mind could not yet comprehend what was happening, but over the course of the next few days I watched him give every piece of his hoard to dragons in need. When the last piece was gone, a kiss was placed on his lips. The queen’s generosity had encouraged the king’s own. I had not realized at the time that he and I were the first friends among dragons, nor the impact that giving his hoard away would have on all the other dragons whose lives he had touched. Soon though, the two of them would have a following, the first clan. What started as a few dragons under their guidance and leadership would eventually expand to all dragons. I consider it the honor of thousands of lifetimes to have been beside them to witness it all: The Rise of the Dragons.

Niveus stood, looking down at them and smiled. “Dragons’ have a saying, ‘The right mate brings out more than just the best in us.’ I wonder if you two bring out more than just the best in each other… though I am beginning to very much believe so.” With that the elder dragon stood up and bowed his heads to his guests before flying up and taking his leave through his alcove.

Rarity and Spike shared a sweet kiss and started on their way back to their own room, thoughts of what they had learned filling their heads and hearts.