Spike has never really felt as loved by his family as most creatures were his age growing up, but even he knows just how much his mother loves him. And knows she'll do whatever it takes to protect him, even if he's not her flesh and blood.
All her life she wanted children, now that she’s finally given what she desired for so long she’s never letting go of him and though they may not interact much in the public eye, they love each other with all their heart and will get through anything life throws at them. As mother and son.
Chapters are not connected unless otherwise specified, the romance tag is for both Spike and Celestia being involved with other creatures but each other, naturally. No Spike/Rarity and Celestia/Twilight, so don’t even ask but I’m willing to pair Celestia and Spike with anyone else, even their own genders.
Enjoy.
Very special thank you to my editor SpikeSupreme13, I have no idea what he did but I trust him, you're awesome brother.
Canterlot City usually had a calm but sophisticated air about it, exuberating in the sense that it was overflowing with the latest gossip, fashion, scattered tidbits of tips and advice, and the natural superiority that the upper class flaunted constantly over the middle and especially lower class of their peers.
But the lone monarch that raised the sun and moon each day and night for over a thousand years after imprisoning her sister in the moon itself cared nothing about her city, her subjects, or even her nation that she watched over for that matter.
For laying in her incredibly lavished bedroom in a crude but effective crib was a lone baby dragon, empty-minded in doing nothing but sucking on his tail, staring at her with wide, emerald colored eyes, and slobbering on a small but manageable pillow she had requested while having the most innocent, carefree smile she had ever witnessed in her extremely long life.
Almost instinctively the act alone caused her to give a sincere, loving grin the likes of which she hasn't done since she was a small filly with her sister. The drake had absolutely no idea what so many lives would do just to be given five sacred minutes with their sovereign, and he alone was given an entire five hours.
“Your majesty, I must implore you that the night court is urgently seeking an audience with you, and there is still the matter of Prance wishing to hear your terms of the negotiation for using a tenth of North Luna Ocean for trade exports with Vanhoover and Zebrica and-”
“Shouldn't he be given a name?” Celestia interrupted her most loyal advisor, Bella Script, as the unicorn mare’s mouth dropped open in surprise, completely speechless.
A fourth presence shifted uncomfortably in place, as the Princess’s personal unicorn doctor stood obediently, but thoroughly confused at the scene before him, skeptical that the alicorn mare was even paying the least bit of attention to the very important duties required of royalty and ruling a nation.
“Your highness, I believe that such a task should fall to the one who hatched him, like your new student Twilight Sparkle, don’t you agree?” Life Saver spoke slowly, praying to the gods above that she would listen to reason and leave such frivolous chores of taking care of the new resident of the castle to the underlings.
“I like the name Ember. Hmmm….no, no….how about Jade? No, that certainly wouldn't do, it’s a boy. Flame? No, that’s just awful.” Persistent to give the creature before her a name, she didn’t even hear what Life Saver had said so he was forced to repeat himself, louder this time.
Once he had managed to get her attention, an act that caused her to blink in confusion as if seeing both of them in the room with her for the first time, she smiled sheepishly and answered them in turn.
“Bella, tell the nobles that wish for my assistance to come back tomorrow, bright and early. Leave the documents on my desk and I’ll sign them later tonight and have the night staff go home early. Also, ask one of the staff in the kitchen to prepare a bottle of warm milk before sending them home for the night as well, thank you.
“Life Saver, as prior per your question, young Twilight didn’t even notice she has left the poor dragon on the ground after she had gotten her Cutie Mark. So I told her parents to send her over tomorrow afternoon. She is a filly, so she wouldn't understand the responsibility of taking care of a newborn and I would not expect her to, as the whole reason for the egg in the first place was to see if it would hatch, thus completing her exam. She may have hatched him, but she’ll never be seen as his mother, perhaps in time something similar to an older sister.” Celestia paused and looked once more as the poor infant before turning her head and continuing the conversation.
“I am well aware that we test a group of colts and fillies each year and respectfully send the hatched eggs over to the Dragonlands, as is in the agreement we made with them so we don’t subject our species with the dangerous and barbaric nature of greed, rage and brutal lifestyle that is the dragons, and all manners of races fear them...but…” She couldn't continue, already ashamed of herself for not delivering the hatchling to the world’s most dangerous predators on neutral grounds by her most trusted guards as promised, allowing her to look once more at the small creature.
Something had stopped her when she had never been prevented from doing such an act that she had saw to since she had been given the crown and throne of her race, but even now she didn’t know what it was and if she was being honest with herself...she didn’t care.
“Princess...the ramifications of keeping the dragon within the castle or even Equestria itself when it-”
“He.” Celestia corrected automatically, making Bella fluster in embarrassment and with a twig of annoyance.
“He, your highness could be dire. It may even ignite a war with them, and I do not need to remind you that they enjoy bloodshed and would relish in the opportunity to-”
“I’m quite aware of the consequences for not holding up to our end of the bargain, Bella, thank you….” The ruler spoke, knowing full well what would happen if she did not send the young reptile over to be raised by his own species, but again it felt as if a large hole in her heart that she had lost when she had banished her sister was slowly being pieced back together each time she merely looked into the young dragon’s eyes, while he mindlessly gummed at the tip of his tail.
Unconsciously she leaned a little further into the crib and a small portion of her mane spilled in front of the child. In an instant, he was distracted by the new object and reached out his tiny claws to grasp the slowly waving hair in his slobbered covered talons and cooed, looking directly into her eyes with not a care in the world.
As he chewed at the tip of her mane, an idea sparked in her mind, and their fates were forever sealed.
“What if I were to adopt him?” Celestia questioned as she looked at Life Saver with a glint in her eye that he had never seen before today. The stallion sputtered incoherently for a few seconds, completely flabbergasted that such a question would even be uttered from the Alicorn who held countless lives in her capable hooves.
“A...adopt him?!” The male nearly screeched, almost upsetting the poor drake and forcing Celestia to gently rub his belly with the tip of her left forehoof, and as an afterthought, removed the limb and placed her solid gold, hoof-crusted horse shoe on the ground and continued her action, watching as his eyes with beginning to close.
“I apologize my lady, but the mere process of drawing up a birth certificate is impossible since he had no actual birth of date, and I doubt dragons even celebrate birthdays-”
“Well then I suppose he will be the first of his kind now, don’t we?” She countered with a tint of anger in her tone, stopping his rambling completely in it’s tracks.
“If you were to draw up a form and I signed it, then by Equestrian law, he would be my son, wouldn't he?” She asked slowly, as if Life Saver was a foal. He should have felt offended, but in all honestly, being insulted was the least of his concerns.
“I….I suppose if I were to type up a form and you did indeed place your signature as well as an imprint of his foot then...yes. He would, by our nation’s law be considered a citizen of Equestria and...your son, your highness.” He answered with a bow, chewing at the bottom on his lip at such a ridiculous idea of the Princess actually adopting a baby dragon; it was simply insane and unheard of.
“But Princess, what of the dragon scouts waiting on the edge of the border? They are expecting one of their own to be carried to them.” Bella Script asked softly, the poor mare looking like she was about to faint from shock alone.
“Bella, how much money do I have in my personal vault?” Celestia questioned, knowing by their nature dragons were greedy to a fault as she ignored the question directed at her without hesitation.
“Currently one hundred million bits, your highness.” The unicorn replied on mere reflex.
“Tell the guards to have the money collected and delivered to the neutral grounds, tonight. All of it.” Celestia ordered without even batting an eye.
“All of it?!” The two subjects screamed, the sound echoing throughout the spacious room, again forcing Celestia to shield the poor, now completely asleep drake from the verbal onslaught without a moment to spare.
“All. Of. It!!” She repeated, putting heavy emphasis on each word. As expected, both of them collapsed to their knees in absolute shock, with Bella looking as if she was on the verge of hyperventilating.
“B….but-”
“Do it, now! Life Saver, type up a birth certificate and have it sent to me immediately, understood?” Princess Celestia spoke with such authority that the two unicorns bowed as low as their bodies permitted and rushed to do as ordered right before Life Saver paused in the threshold, causing Bella to crash into him and fall to the ground before getting up and rushing out of the room as if she never even fell.
“Princess if you would be so kind to provide a name for...him.” He asked gently as if expecting to spontaneously combust at any moment.
She had lost count of how many times she had looked at him, at the one who would in a few hours legally be her adopted child...she never had children before and the mere realization brought tears to her eyes as she carefully pondered over each name she could come up with before finally deciding on one that just...clicked.
The mere fact that the sun was shining meant that his mother was wishing him luck; Of course that also could have been that it was the sun and the clouds were cleared from the sky...and that he had written a detailed letter explaining that he wanted to ask a certain filly out on a date to her.
It took nearly an hour of arguing with her by dragon mail that he didn’t want royal guards to show up with his own personal carriage, or a large bouquet of flowers freshly picked from the Crystal Mountains, or even a five star meal prepared by only the finest of chefs that even a rare group of high class nobles could afford the bits to.
He was a prince, and even though he technically wouldn’t be recognized by Equestria as royalty until he turned eighteen, that didn’t stop him from getting whatever he asked his mother or aunt for...with in reason and secrecy of course.
Besides, Spike may have had a bit of an ego when it came to his missions, or chores, or even dodging enemies and such, but he made sure to never, ever accidentally reveal that he was royalty, as it was highly the most important thing Celestia had drilled into him, as her long list of enemies may find out and use such a detail to their advantage.
“I’m a bit surprised I never realized I even had feelings for Sweetie Belle...but I guess after I looked past her beauty, I noticed that we have quite a bit in common…and I have got to stop talking to myself.” Spike mumbled out loud and facepalmed himself as he walked closer to Rarity’s home and clothes establishment, The Carousel Boutique.
Taking in a deep breath, he exhaled slowly and raised a claw to knock on the beautifully crafted door right before he felt a familiar sensation in the pit of his stomach.
“Oh no!” He exclaimed in a panic as he burped out a royal scroll, no doubt sent from his mother, as simultaneously, Sweetie Belle opened the door to the shop and was blasted directly in the face with a fresh piece of paper.
“Oh gods! I’m so, so sorry Sweetie Belle. I...I was just about to-” He tried to sincerely apologize before the filly in question merely lifted a hoof to shut him up.
“Nothing is ever simple with you, is it Spike?” She questioned as she removed the parchment with a bemused expression as he could only chuckle awkwardly in response.
“So what’s up? You here to see Rarity? You do know she had to go to Canterlot to visit my parents, don’t you?” Sweetie Belle said, more than a little confused as to why he had came to the shop which clearly had a closed sign hanging on the door.
“Um...no, actually. I came to see you, but...if she is there, then what are you doing here alone?” He questioned making the filly chuckle with a shake of her head.
“I’m not here alone; Fluttershy is watching me for the week. I have a key to the house and I told her that I needed to grab a few things before I went back up to the cottage. Rarity wanted to make sure I didn’t miss any school this week because I’ve been sick for some time, and I’m just now recovering.” She responded as he rubbed the back of his neck with a claw, embarrassed that he didn’t even know she was sick, what with being in the library with Twilight for so long that it became a habit to miss a few days.
“Sorry Sweetie Belle, I guess I’ve been cooped up in the library longer than I thought.” He spoke nervously as she only dismissed his apology with a wave of her hoof.
“It’s alright; you’re just now getting used to being around me and my friends, and it’s going to take some time before you’re fully caught up in our lives.” She responded with an award winning smile.
Instantly, Spike’s neves shot through his body and he started to become tongue tied on what he actually was going to say to her as Sweetie Belle finally picked up the scroll lying on the ground they seemed to have forgotten in the midst of their conversation.
Without permission from the drake before her, she opened it and read the professionally magic written words on the paper.
“Good luck?” Sweetie Belle spoke out loud, confused on why it only had two words when it was being sent from a princess and was not even directed to anypony or dragon, in Spike’s case, in peticular.
Without hesatation, Spike snachted the paper from her hooves and turned away, inhaling deeply before reducing it to ashes in mere seconds, leaving a bewildered filly to stare in surprise with what she just witnessed.
You...you just burned a letter from the Princess, you’re going to get in so much trouble!” She shrieked in horror as Spike resisted the urge to roll his eyes at being given any sort of serious punishment from the ruler that would fight an army alone for him if he was ever stupid enough to get dragon-napped.
Part of him really wanted to just casually say that he was a prince and that Celestia was his mom, but as much as he really wanted to tell somepony who was not family, he knew that it was to much of a risk.
So he simply played it as cool as he could.
“The Princess must have sent a scroll that I’ve gotten earlier by mistake. It happens sometimes.” He lied smoothly to the young mare who could only nod and flashed another smile his way.
“So did you need something? I think Fluttershy might be getting worried I haven’t returned yet.” She asked slowly and a bit awkwardly as she turned around to the still opened door, placing a small saddle-bag with coloring books and the like on her back before turning back to the drake, who coughed into the palm of his claw before finally gathering what remaining scraps of courage he had left.
“Uh, r...right….Sweetie Belle...would you go on a date with me?”
An enchanting, mesmerizing blanket of snow rained down heavily from the clouds onto Canterlot City, making a certain dragon bury himself even deeper in the mountains of clothing adorned on him and expel a large cloud of frost into the air.
He really, really hated the cold. Dragons by nature couldn't stand it, and something he remembered his mom telling him was that it may have been because his kind had upset the Windigos centuries ago, or perhaps because they naturally radiated heat and the enemy of heat was the cold. How ironic that the soon-to-be ruler of Equestria could be taken down perhaps even permanently by a single season.
He really should have taken up his mother’s offer to be given a carriage to visit his second family, the Sparkles, instead of opting to walk; What in the name of Aunt Luna’s stars was he thinking?!
Maybe he really was getting stubborn after hanging around Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo for so many years, or maybe he didn’t want to send two guards out in the freezing cold to walk a few blocks while he was nice and comfy inside the vehicle, not that they would have minded. Whatever the case, he was really starting to regret it.
Due to the enormous wool hat obscuring his vision, he didn’t even notice that he had ran smack dab into a building and groaned loudly in annoyance from being halted in his tracks more than being in physical pain.
He noticed the building, and like all of Canterlot, it was beautifully designed and no doubt held important ponies inside, whether because it was of the cold or because it was a famous music establishment didn’t matter, but if he had to guess, it may have been the former.
Slowly he moved closer to the entrance and pulling open the doors, surprised to see it wasn't closed, entered inside intent on warming up for a time before he continued on his long, perilous journey to his second family’s home...all three blocks of it.
As he walked farther into the building, he couldn't help but notice a beautiful melody being played slowly all the way down the hall and picked up his pace to understand where the sound resonded from, eager to know just who could be playing such incredible music.
When he opened the double doors, not even realizing just how large this place was, he noticed a lone gray colored mare on stage, eyes closed in concentration as she effortlessly ran the bow held in her hooves very slowly down, playing a note that made her give a small frown, as if not satisfied that she performed that note.
But even still, she held the large instrument, a cello he remembered his mother telling him, tight in her hooves and continued to play. The sight was so dazzling and unique that he had to hear more and found a seat closer to the mare before him, who was unaware she had an audience.
For ten minutes, Spike watched with wonder and amazement as she carefully played to her heart’s content before she finally relaxed, took a large breath, and opened her eyes, only to shriek in surprise as to see Spike in front of her who had his breath taken away by her amethyst colored eyes, so captivating to the drake he didn’t keep his eyes off of them until an extra bow struck him between the eyes.
“Damn it, that hurt!” He howled, a few licks of green flames spewing from his maw and he held his injured head and turned his attention to the attacker before him who looked genuinely surprised that he was not tearing her in half.
“Y...you talk? That is rather interesting. Forgive me, I did not realize dragons were capable of speech and to be honest, you are the first one I have seen, so by instinct alone-”
“You’re fine, I'm sorry for startling you, I was...just...trying to get away from the cold. Spike the dragon.” He introduced himself as he stood and walked closer to the stage, holding out a large claw to the mare who looked at the appendage as though she had never seen such a thing, which was true, but she quickly composed herself and returned the greeting.
“Octavia Melody, at your service. Wait...did you say cold? As in the weather?: She questioned making the reptile nod grimly.
“I’m afraid it’s snowing pretty bad out there, which was the whole reason I came here.” He half lied, as he would have been fine with any building to warm him up for a bit, which was rather redundant since he was a dragon and all, but he was impressed by her skill and beauty so he chose to stay.
“Um...how long have you been here?” He asked slowly as she ran a hoof through her mane, obviously frustrated with herself from losing track of time.
“I’ve been here nearly all day, I wasn't even aware that we were having a snow day, musicians don’t like being disturbed in practice. I wish I had taken the time to at least gather a coat, and no, that was not a pun to the one currently covering my body.” She spoke to herself, but still looked to the drake who couldn't help but let out an immature snicker at the unintended joke.
Clearing his throat and trying to appear more suave for the mare before, him he looked at her rather seriously before rubbing his spines with a tint of red covering his scales.
“I...I know it’s not exactly appropriate, and we barely know each other, but since you have no current clothing to brace against the cold and I’m well...a dragon. Maybe I can...walk you home?” He asked, though it was a bold request for his part, it was obvious that he was not used to much interaction physically with the opposite sex, and she felt a bit bad for making him feel so embarrassed.
In truth it was a sound idea, but she felt compelled to offer something in exchange for his help, but when she relayed her reward, he declined with a shake of his head and a warm, gentle smile on his face.
“My mom taught me manners on helping a lady in need. You don’t owe me anything, Miss Melody.” He laughed with a blush.
“Please, call me Octavia. Very well then, if you’re absolutely sure, then allow me to gather my things, as we’re not far from my apartment, I promise. Thank you, Spike.” She answered in kind as he laughed and helped her to gather her things.
As the two slowly walked towards the dreading blizzed, they spoke of what interested them, finding out that they both had a thing for classical music and ice cream, as well as ancient museums and antiques.
As the traveled through the snow, Octavia spoke with great excitement and passion about an up and coming music concert she was going to perform in, which was the whole reason for her extra practice, as well as her job at a local flower store not giving her as much hours as she needed, making Spike take a mental note in giving a word to his mother about that.
She apologized that it was more then likely he would not be able to to attend as the concert was held for only the highest of pony elite, as he had to feigned disappointment, wanting nothing more than to scoff but held his tongue.
Faster than either of them could have noticed, apparently they had arrived at her apartment, making the earth pony sigh loudly as a large cloud of fog flowed from the breath.
“It seems we are here; are you sure you don’t wish to come in for a cup of tea, Spike?” She asked softly, taking the cello case from him onto her back as he could only smile and shake his head, but knew that such an action was not a valid answer.
“No, maybe another time. I’m just glad to assist you, though next time I would suggest a winter coat.” They both laughed as she turned around to walk up the steps before something made her stop as she slowly turned around, trotted up to him, and standing as high as her hooves would allow, kissed his left cheek making the drake blush.
“I may not owe you anything, Mr. Dragon but that does not mean I can’t show my gratitude, perhaps we can get to know each other another time; How does Saturday at four in the music stage work for you?” She asked softly as he could do nothing more than smile.
“Perfect.” He answered, making her smile. With that answer satisfying her, Octavia turned around and went inside the building to relax for the night.
He was freezing from the top of his spines to the tip of his tail physically, but by the gods, he would be damned if his heart wasn't a roaring fire inside, as today was an incredible day for him, even if he was going to severely regret it in the morning.
To say Golden Oaks Library was a disheveled mess was an understatement, and the one currently causing all the destruction and nearly torn all of the pages of his older sister’s precious books was none other than her number one assistant, Spike.
As he searched high and low for any book he could find to help him in his dilemma, he wasn’t even aware of the owner opening the entrance with four bags filled to the brim with groceries held firmly in her violet colored magical hue as they dropped to the ground. Twilight herself was practically paralyzed from the horrifying sight before her, and immediately, the next emotion she emoted was understandably in the form of rage.
“Spike the dragon!” She bellowed to the rooftop, or rather to the top of the tree, which echoed out onto the streets and caused any pony within close proximity to flee for their very lives, as they knew that this was going to get ugly.
By mere reflex, he turned and let out a large spew of emerald colored fire, nearly missing the books around him by a few inches and completely panicked, thinking that his mother had caught him doing something he wasn’t supposed to again and was about to turn around and be on his knees, begging for mercy from the ruler of the nation’s wrath, but stopped and sighed in relief when he saw that it was just an angry Twilight, again.
“Don’t be relieved to see me, Spike! Do you have any idea what you’ve just done?!” She cried out and stamped her right forehoof on the wooden floors of the library, ready to once again scold him when she looked around and saw the objects that Spike was recently trying to find, advice books, tips, and ideas on how to tell if a pony, or dragon in Spike’s case, was in love with the same gender.
All traces of anger previously vanished from her expression as she looked to stare into the eyes of Spike himself, who could do nothing more than wring his tail in utter humiliation and shame.
Twilight sincerely didn’t have anything to say on the matter, and words could not even begin to describe the surprise etched on her features.
Though she was a studious mare at heart, Twilight knew when to back off of certain, uncomfortable subjects...most of the time.
With her hindquarters hitting the floorboards, she could only sit and blink, slack jawed of any coherent response as to what her little brother was suffering at the moment.
“Does the Princess know?” She asked after a very long, pregnant pause, to which she visibly saw all traces of tension leave Spike’s body.
“No, what could I even say to her? “Hi mom, love your mane today, oh by the way, I’m gay?” She would die from a heart attack, and then if by some miracle Aunt Luna doesn't take the throne, I'll be forced to rule Equestria eight years earlier than I’m even supposed to. Besides, would she really want a gay dragon as her son? To be honest, I don’t even know if I’m completely gay.” He stated and followed Twilight’s example to sit on the floor, with Twilight herself having no real clue on how to help him with his predicament, but she would give it the good ol try.
“I thought you liked Scootaloo?” She questioned, only making the small drake before her feel worse in the sense that she was right.
“You’re not helping as much as I expected you know. Twi, I don’t understand. How can I go from being head over tails for Rarity, and simply in a year, lose all my romantic interest in her, and not only like a filly, but a colt at the same time? I’m so damn confused!” He nearly shouted as Twilight frowned at his poor choice of words.
“Language, Spike. You don’t want your mother to wash your mouth out with soap again, do you?” She asked making him shiver and rapidly shake his head before she continued.
“As for your question, I think it’s because you’re now thirteen. You’re starting to just now be more attracted to fillies and/or rather colts around your age, and I think we’ve both known for quite some time that Rarity never really had any romantic attraction to you. To be honest, I’m glad you’re finally starting to get over her.” She spoke softly before standing up from her spot, her legs starting to cramp up, and with her horn glowing with magic, levitated Spike towards the couch and placed him down as she walked behind and sat next to him.
“But since you are at the age where you find both genders attractive in the romantic sense, it just means you’re going to have to figure out exactly which team you want to play for, as Rainbow Dash would say. Also the term you’re looking for is bi-sexual. You’re going to have to carefully look over their personalities and the things you share in common with them, to decide which one would ultimately make you happy...in your teenage years at least.” She finished and wrapped her right forehoof around him, nuzzling his face and booped his nose in affection.
As Spike seriously considered her words, Twilight herself couldn't help but be curious on the colt who had managed to capture his attention as he pondered over what she said to himself before merely glancing her way, noticing that she was almost about to burst with questions.
“It’s Rumble.” He answered in kind, to which she looked rather pleased and softly encouraged him again with a simple smile and nod of her head before she stood up from the couch and walked to the middle of the library to put the food away and re-organize the books, yet again questioning to herself just what was it that had Spike wanting to date Pegasi.
While Spike himself contemplated the ramifications of choosing either the young mare to be or the colt shiftly changing into a stallion, he did as Twilight suggested and wonder just what they both had in common with himself.
It was obvious that Scootaloo was attracted to him, with the way her punches to his arms were not as hard as in the past, or how she always sat closer to him at SugarCube Corner or even how she invited him to a lot of social events and parties that went throughout Ponyville, and also how she scoffed and rolled her eyes at his lame jokes, as her way of showing affection to him, he was sure of it.
Though she never did anything extreme like put on makeup or a frilly dress like her more feminine filly friends would, unless it was for a special occasion, she wanted to be seen as different from the usual girly fillies, and that’s what he liked about her so much; she was different, and she was never afraid of expressing it.
Not to mention that she liked getting dirty at times with the rest of the colts and him, though he was aware that she did put on eyeshadow recently, but if he had to guess, it was more for her benefit rather than his own.
She was brash, blunt, stubborn, had a bit of an anger problem, and wasn't seen as what most would call...a genuine female or ladylike in the regular sense; But while most ponies simply saw an awesome friend, he saw a pony he felt a romantic attraction to.
Plus, there was the added threat that when Scootaloo told Rainbow Dash her growing affections for Spike himself, the grown mare swore she would break his legs if he ever broke her heart, which he had a feeling she would keep, ignoring the fact that she would most likely be thrown into the dungeon for a long, long time for injuring royalty, not that she knew that.
And yet, even still he felt a unique, sincere connection of chemistry towards Rumble and he had no idea where it even stemmed from. He usually hung out with Snips, Snails, the former Cutie Mark Crusaders, Twist, Berry Pinch, Pipsqueak, iconically enough Diamond Tiara and Sliver Spoon, Button Mash, Archer, Dinky Doo, and of course Rumble.
Every time they interacted, he felt his heart race and his palms sweat, which should have been impossible since his species was not supposed to sweat. He admired Rumble in his speed, endurance, strength, confidence and dreams and aspirations.
He knew Rumble wanted to be in the Equestrian Air Force when he got older, a faction which handled worldwide problems beyond Equestria, just as he knew Scootaloo unlike her adopted sister Rainbow Dash, wanted to join the Royal Guard instead of the Wonderbolts, a promise Spike said he would make to her when they got older by his Dragon Code.
Though by the time she would be eligible to join the Guard, he would most likely be king of Equestria and would easily be able to give her a spot of his own merit.
He knew the both of them by all the times they spent time together; However what he didn’t know is if Rumble felt the same way towards him, or if he just saw him as nothing more than a friend; It was really starting to get under Spike’s scales with unease.
“Uh, why is this so hard?!” He shouted out to himself in outrage, embarrassed that he really liked both Pegasi and that one of them was a colt, which by society's standards was wrong, but not illegal, and he just didn’t seem too really care.
“Maybe you should ask the Princess what she thinks, and take the two along so you could make a decision easier, if the colt you like sees you in that way of course.” A voice suddenly chirped beside Spike, making him scream in dismay as he looked and saw Pinkie Pie with a natural, bright grin on her face.
“How...how long have you been standing there?!” He cried out in shock as she merely giggled.
“Silly, I overheard your conversation with Twilight; I’m sorry, but I couldn’t resist. Plus I also noticed that it’s pretty obvious Scootaloo really likes you when you guys are in SugarCube Corner, and from the way you look at Rumble that you like him. Though I can’t say if he likes you back.” She responded with a half hearted smile of an apology.
“It is kind of shoved in your face with Scoots, huh? But with Rumble, I honestly don’t know; At least if I knew his feelings, it might make me actually choose, but probably not, and I really don’t want to break their hearts if I chose one over the other.” He sighed loudly, but then almost immediately had a large smile as he thought over Pinkie’s idea.
“Pinkie Pie, you’re a genius!” He exclaimed and nearly bowled Pinkie over by his enthusiasm to rush out the door in an attempt to collect the ones he desired.
“Well I do have some moments of wisdom, but I wouldn't necessarily say that I’m a genius.” She shouted back to the retreating dragon before giggling to herself and grabbing a random cupcake out of her mane, taking a bite with joy plastered on her face before remembering that she came here to ask for Twilight’s help with Pumpkin and Pound Cake, if she was available.
Meanwhile Spike was nearly out of breath by the time he knocked on Scootaloo’s door, what with her house being close to the Everfree Forest, and with a bewildered Rumble tagging along, not knowing that the dragon had to resist the urge to hold his hoof.
When Scootaloo answered, she practically beamed and slightly giggled at the sight of Spike before she quickly calmed down and acted like her normal self, while also being sure to acknowledge Rumble’s presence.
“What’s up, Scales?” She smoothly said to the drake and casually tried to lean against the doorway as if she didn’t almost squeal and swoon at the sight of him.
“Yo, Scoots. Hey um...I was wondering if you two would think of accompanying me to Canterlot for a few hours?” Spike asked shyly, used to her nickname for him since that’s all she seemed to call him by lately, never saying his real name unless she was angry or serious as the two friends looked at him a bit confused by the request.
“Canterlot? Um...I, I mean I guess I could ask my mom if it would be ok. It won’t be dark out until later on, but I’m not really sure I have the bits for the trip to be honest.” Scootaloo replied in disappointment, to which Spike smugly answered that if she was given permission he would be sure to pay for both of them before he turned his attention to Rumble who noticed Scootaloo blushing behind Spike, who had no clue whatsoever of her action.
“Well...I mean me, Button Mash, Archer, Snips and Snails were going to go to the arcade in a bit, but I’m sure since it’s so important to you, they won’t mind if I miss it this once; But I got to ask Thunderlane first.” He chuckled awkwardly noticing Spike had a large smile on his face as behind him Scootaloo nodded but he could tell from knowing her so long it was half hearted.
“Awesome, so you two go ask your respectful guardians and then meet me in front of the train station in ten minutes. If you don’t show, then I’ll know you can’t come and just go on my own, that cool with you two?” He asked them both who nodded, as Scootaloo quietly shut her door to talk to her mom as Rumble and Spike ran back to town.
Spike ran to the train station to wait for the two of them, seeing if they decided or rather were allowed to show up, a single ruby as payment for all three of them in his left claw that he quickly got from his room, as he sat on the bench and patiently waited.
Right on the dot the two of them showed up, Spike almost missing that Scootaloo wore eyeshadow again and he swore he could see the faintest hint of blush and what he assumed was lip gloss on her, and while he couldn't deny she looked beautiful he had to be honest with himself and admit it didn’t really seem like she was the type for it all, like the time in which he had a feeling she clearly agreed to after she punched him hard in the chest when he tried to compliment her.
This was the filly he had a crush on, right? Because she damn sure hit like a stallion. Speaking of which, the other object of his crush had on a dark gray scarf and a pair of goggles, though as for the reason why completely eluded Spike, and even Rumble shrugged and answered that it just seemed cool when Spike asked.
Scootaloo snickering behind her hoof as the trio went on their way without a hitch, the dragon already telling Twilight ahead of time that he was going to see his mom which she accepted without even looking up for the book before her, again.
As they rode from Ponyville to Canterlot, they made wild accusations on rather interesting questions, such as who would win between Discord and Sombra without magic, and Scootaloo and Rumble were screaming at Spike’s response that the dark king had absolutely no chance against a god and high hoofed each other as he admitted defeat and rolled his eyes in submission.
Also who exactly created them, making the young minds get more and more irritated with each other at the complex, religious talk and overlapping each other before they all just gave up and played a game of Eye Spy and after nearly ten minutes went back to their questions when Rumble asked what he assumed was an innocent train of thought, no pun intended.
“Whatever happened to your crush on Rarity, Spike?” He asked, the drake almost gagged on the cinnamon roll he had ordered from the food cart before coughing with assistance from Scootaloo.
After a few seconds of catching his breath, he finally answered, being careful to avoid both their eyes as he explained.
“I suppose I just...stopped chasing her.” He answered truthfully, and sighed loudly with a roll of his eyes. Once he saw that they required a more thorough answer from the one who once would have basically committed murder to save the older unicorn, he in turn continued his thought.
“You guys remember when Sweetie Belle had that small crush on me before she started to really connect more with Button Mash, who then got her into video games and simply stopped paying as much attention to me?” He asked, as the two nodded, remembering that at the time Sweetie Belle was a little bit obsessed over the reptile before it slowly faded.
Scootaloo was listening to Spike with rapid attention as she grabbed a few more pieces of candy corn from her small bag, paid by Spike of course, and Rumble sipped more of his carmel oats shake and looked directly into the dragon’s eyes, not wanting to miss a moment of this fascinating tale.
“Well, think of it like that but a bit more...intense. We all know how she abused her power over me; I’m not stupid, but I guess at the time I really didn’t care. and I was used as a pincushion for Discord’s sake! At the heat of my...passion, I suppose you could call it, I just wanted her to love me.” He answered truthfully, a bit ashamed at how easily he fell for her charms and could get him to do almost anything without a word of protest.
“So what happened?” Scootaloo mumbled through a mouthful of food, causing the depressed dragon to chuckle sincerely at her awful manner; It seemed Rainbow taught her well and he liked that about her.
“I….I…” If he was completely honest with himself, he didn’t know what it was that made him fall out of’ ‘love’ with the Element of Generosity; Maybe it was because he started to be around with fillies and colts his own age, or maybe because he knew deep down in his heart, that they would never be anything more than friends. It wasn’t just the age gap between them, it was the simple and eluded fact that they didn’t have as much in common as Spike hoped.
Which was why he didn’t encourage Sweetie Belle’s advances, as he truly liked her, but just not in that way, though it seemed now that it didn’t crush the poor filly completely, much to his relief, and he was happy that she was with Button Mash.
As he couldn't really give a clear answer to Scootaloo’s question, the train finally slowed down to it’s destination, and the three disembarked, admiring the sights around them for a time and even managing to visit Twilight’s parents before they strolled towards Spike’s home to visit his mother as Pinkie Pie had told him.
Coming closer to the large, steel gates of the castle surrounded by guards, they were naturally forced to stop by the two watching the entrance, not even noticing Spike in the back behind Scootaloo and Rumble for a minute or two.
“Halt, the Princess has an important meeting today and can not be granted any audience without authorized approval, which I doubt you young ones have.” The guard mare started firmly, a spear held in her left forehoof tightly to make her and the stallion who had the same weapon look more intimidating, which succeeded.
“It’s alright Armor Heart, they’re with me. Hello, Bronze Heart how’s the new foal your wife gave birth to been doing?” Spike greeted the two siblings whose expression softened seeing their young prince appear before them after quite some time.
“Prince Spike, it’s great to see you again, my lord. My daughter is doing well, keeping me up at night, but she and Summer Heart are doing really well. Thank you for asking.” The stallion to their right, Bronze Heart replied with a salute, as Scootaloo and Rumble gawked in shock at what they just heard.
“Prince Spike?!” They almost screeched, causing Spike to swear to himself mentally at the guard’s slip up. No creature but family was actually supposed to know he was Celestia’s son until he was much older… and he had a feeling this was going to really complicate things and his original plan.
“Guys, I swear to you that I will tell you both all about it later, on my Dragon Code, but please, please, please; For now don’t say anything!” He angrily whispered to them in a very serious tone as they instantly understood the gravity of the situation, looking around them for eavesdropping eyes and ears and nodded slowly, Pinkie promising they would not say a word until they were completely alone and even did the gestures.
Without a word, noticing how angry their king to be was at them, or rather Bronze Heart, the guards opened the gates and allowed all of them inside the castle where he greeted many servants, guards, and even managed to sneak a few snacks from the kitchen staff, though he knew that he need only to ask.
At the sight of guests with the prince, all of those he saw greeted him just like anyone else, excited and interested in what he had to say as he introduced his friends before they traveled on to Spike’s main goal. By second nature and under Princess Celestia’s orders, they too were instructed never to reveal who he actually was by accident.
He wanted to speak to his mother alone so he sent his friends away to freely explore his home under the watchful supervision of the much older ponies as he walked to the throne room and smiled at the guards watching over it it who bowed making him embarrassed by the act. “I apologize, Prince Spike. The Princess is currently in a rather important meeting with the ambassador of Griffonstone. Unless it’s an emergency, I’m afraid we can’t let anyone interrupt them, not even you or Princess Luna, my lord.” The guard to Spike’s left stated in a serious but truly apologetic tone making the drake sigh.
He would be lying if he said he wasn't use to it. Luckily it didn’t happen all the time that he was banned from certain meetings, the really serious ones he knew not to interrupt. It at least gave him a chance to talk with his friends some more as well as think of how to reveal to his mom that he was bi-sexual.
Thanking them out of habit, Spike turned around to wander the halls in search of his two current crushes just before the doors to the throne room slammed open and out stormed a very angry looking female Griffon decorated in an assortment of jewels and clothes completely unfamiliar with him, as she accidently smacked him in the face with her tail while walking through, making the guards react so fast to protect their prince that if it wasn’t for Spike holding up a single claw it would have no doubt ignited an interspecies war.
Waiting until she was completely out of sight, he calmly ordered them to make sure she didn’t run into his friends after telling them to look for a colt and filly pegasus which they obeyed without hesitation and galloped to their new task before he, after taking a deep breath, started his long walk to the one who raised him since he hatched.
Nervously he approached the throne that his mother sat at and watched as she was rubbing the side of her head with the tip of her forehooves, her eyes closed and easily looking at though she may scream at the slightest sound before her eyes snapped open and she let out an audible sigh of relief at seeing Spike before her.
“It’s such a joy to see you, Spike. If I had to deal with that selfish Griffon for another second, then I fear what would have been the repercussions for my actions to our nation. What troubles you, dear? You seem nervous.” Celestia spoke with a warm smile that almost literally warmed the room and instantly caused Spike to relax as he was hoisted up by her magic to her left side.
After a hug which went on longer than usual, most likely due to the the fact that his mother needed emotional support at the moment, Spike took another deep breath and finally, because he had never kept anything from her before, explained everything.
After five minutes of talking, Celestia could only give a small smile to the poor dragon who looked at though he wanted to die and kissed his forehead.
“You’re my son, Spike the dragon. No matter who you chose to love, whether a pony or other species, even male or female I will always love you. Twilight was right to make you question just who it was who held your heart just as it was good thinking Pinkie Pie suggested me to you. Though you know you could have simply written to me.” She teased as they laughed and she hugged him again before getting serious once more for she knew by the look on his face he was still having trouble choosing.
“Spike...who do you think of more when you think of the two?” She asked slowly as he replied Rumble without even a second’s hesitation making the Alicorn grin before she continued.
“And which one do you feel more comfortable around and could really see yourself being with?” She asked softly as he really thought about it.
“I really like Scootaloo, and don’t want to see her hurt...but...I love Rumble a lot more, or at least think I do at my age. Besides, I think I secretly knew all along it was Rumble. Even if he doesn't feel the same way when I confess to him, I know Scoots and I can be happy, it would just take a bit more time.” He answered honestly as immediately he knew what he had to do, no more delaying the inevitable.
Standing up with a sense of purpose and determination Celestia hasn't seen in him since he told the tale of how King Sombra was defeated, he hugged her and thanked her one last time before he raced out of the throne room, quickly asking the guards who returned to their post where Rumble was and chased after him as Celestia herself could only smile, proud she raised such a passionate child.
He found Rumble in the mess hall eagerly talking to the guards on break who was more then happy to talk to such an excited colt about their mission, weapons and public information first hoof.
Steeling his nerves, Spike turned to a guard and asked politely if she could send everyone away so he could talk to his friend alone.
With a crisp salute, the guard barked at the top of her lungs for all guards and even kitchen staff to leave the area under orders of their prince to which all of them obeyed without a moment’s pause, leaving the normally large and loud area completely deserted, save for Spike, Rumble, and a few chefs quickly turning off stoves and kitchen equipment so as not to burn the dinner or ruin the kitchen before they too vanished.
In hindsight, Spike realized he should have just quietly asked Rumble if they could speak alone instead of sending nearly everyone away, as a place that was filled with laughter, hoof wrestling and jokes, was gone, and in it’s spot was a very nervous thirteen year old dragon and an extremely confused pegasi colt. Perhaps he had gone overboard with his request.
Not able to focus on his guilt at the moment and making a mental note to apologize to all of them, for he knew he was going to get in trouble for this later, Spike walked and sat down at the table Rumble occupied across from him.
An awkward silence stretched out for what felt to the dragon was an eternity as Rumble looked down at the medium sized bowl of banana pudding in his hooves and coughed nervously.
“That...um, was quite an exit, Spike.” He finally spoke with a small smile as the dragon before him could only facepalm at how stupid such a plan was and how none of the other ponies deserved it.
“I’m sorry, Rumble. I just wanted to talk to you in private. I have something serious I wanted to say and-”
“You’re in love with me.” Rumble finished with an emotionless expression making the prince completely shocked at how he could have possibly known of his feelings.
“D-did you know all along?” He finally had the guts to ask, as the pegasus could only chuckle with a shake of his head.
“I’ve known you for quite a while Spike, and it’s taken me quite a long time to come to terms with my own feelings.” Rumble admitted sheepishly before taking a quick bite of his snack, most likely to think carefully of his words, and to distract both of them.
“I...I didn’t even know you were gay, Rumble. I honestly didn’t even figure what I’d do if you shot me down.” Spike said sincerely as Rumble only swallowed his food and wiped his mouth with a napkin next to him before he responded.
“First of all, like you I’m not gay; I’m acually bi-sexual, and the fact that you practically want to run with your heart out to Scoots is evidence you don’t just like colts Spike.” Rumble spoke bluntly as the reptile blushed before he continued.
“I don’t know if you noticed, Spike but I kind of also have a thing for Apple Bloom, but she doesn't know that I also like to play for the other team, as Rainbow Dash would say.” He grinned as Spike rolled his eyes.
“Why does everypony keep saying that?” He asked as Rumble just shrugged.
“Probably because it’s true.” He responded as they both gave a hearty laugh, hearing the exact phrase Rumble said in Rainbow’s voice before they began to get serious again.
“Like Scootaloo, Apple Bloom really likes me, but just like you, I haven’t given her an answer yet. Spike, I’ll be honest with you, I do like you, and I can see myself being in a relationship with you, but my brother doesn't know I’m bi and truth be told, I don’t know what his reaction would be if I suddenly told him that I’m dating a male dragon….A prince to be exact.” He emphasised softly before taking another bite, signalling it was Spike’s turn to speak who fumbled with his words around in his head before finally saying something.
“It isn’t right to make these fillies wait on us just because we’re having trouble coming to grip with our feelings for each other, and I can’t really say “I love you Rumble” because we are a bit too young to know what love is, but if you’re willing to give me a chance...then we can make it work to the best of our ability.” He answered seriously, causing the pegasus to look at him with a spoon of pudding in his mouth, making Spike chuckle behind a claw at the sight as Rumble swallowed and removed the utensil.
“And if we don’t work out in the long run?” He pondered out loud as Spike could only sigh loudly before speaking from his heart.
“Then at least we know we tried. Besides, I have a feeling even if we didn’t work out, Scoots and Bloom would be there to comfort us, and if they are still single and head over tails for us, as much as they try to hide it, we may find ourselves better off. With luck hopefully. We can still be their friends.” He replied with a smile as Rumble only nodded.
“All I’m asking is that we at least give it a shot, the worst thing that could happen since we are so young is that we break up after a few months if we don’t sincerely click like we thought we did, and at least this way, we can both appreciate the comfort of a male like we have been wondering about for a while, right? So….what do you say?” Spike whispered the last words to the male who should by society's outlook be considered a brother, yet in his eyes was the object of his affection...half of it at least and he was fine with that.
“O...ok, Spike. We’ll give it a shot; if worse comes to worse, at least we’ll still remain friends after we give each other some space. Of course we may just still have two fillies waiting for our answer and finally getting a response, but first…..give me a few days, as it will take some time to tell me brother and allow him to hopefully calm down, and the same with Apple Bloom, who once she knows we’re dating, you may want to stay away from a bit. She gets really angry when secrets are kept from her, like her older sister.” Rumble replied seriously, making the drake nod with a smile.
“So...do we um...kiss on it?” Spike finally asked nervously, wringing his tail again as Rumble only smirked.
“One day at a time, Prince Spike.” He laughed loudly causing the dragon to roll his eyes in amusement.
Neither males noticing a single white Alicorn looking into the mess hall with a smile on her face, happy for her child.
“Thank you for shopping at Barnyard Bargains, please come again.” Diamond Tiara's gentle, yet tired tone of voice spoke to the customer as she hoofed over a plastic bag filled with the unicorn’s items and smiled while the pony took the bag in his magic with a smile and trotted out of the store.
With a loud sigh, Diamond Tiara wiped the sweat off her brow and picked up the clipboard on the counter, intent on doing inventory once more before she took her break.
It was a great business move to open up another Barnyard Bargains in Canterlot and with Diamond Tiara finally eighteen years old, it meant she was able to be a manager in the shop, having trained under her parents own guidance as well as several ponies who have worked there for years.
Her attitude had severely changed from when she was a filly. She was now taller, stronger, and much more approachable, including even being friends with those she used to despise as a child.
The hours of running her own store were long, and she was often more tired than most at the end of the day, but being in a management position meant she had to multitask in order to keep up with the usually busy store. Diamond knew that it would be ludicrous for her father to fire her, since she was the sole heir to the Rich inheritance, though she strived to simply be just like any other pony.
A loud thump made the earth pony lose concentration with the items on the list as she turned her head and immediately craned her head upwards to see the creature tower above her at a height a little taller than an Alicorn.
“S-Spike, I mean, Prince Spike.” She stammered nervously at the dragon who only chuckled and waved a claw lazily in response.
“Please, Diamond. We’re old friends, there’s no need to be so formal with me.” He laughed softly as she could only give an uncertain smile at such a casual greeting.
The day Spike, Twilight’s number one assistant and little adopted brother, had turned eighteen it had been a celebration that lasted for three whole days, naturally catered by Pinkie Pie as well as with help from Princess Celestia's royal chefs. Not only was it a grand festival to behold, but it was also the day the princess announced publically to the entire world that Spike was her adopted son and was eligible for the Equestrian throne.
In a time span of three years, Spike the dragon would be the first dragon in history as well as the first king in over one thousand years to rule Equestria. Apparently, both princesses were in need of a very long vacation, and both agreed that their nation was in safe claws with their young prince.
Prince Blueblood simply did not have Spike’s photographic memory or patience to take the throne himself, as he was more occupied with throwing social events and spending time in the company of beautiful mares, not that Spike could blame his cousin.
The only real threat to Spike was Discord, but the chaos god had assured him that he had no need to corrupt Equestria again, at least in this century.
Spike had a feeling that he would be trouble in the centuries to come, but for now, he was merely content with just trying to gather all the knowledge he could, and the gods themselves knew that there was a lot of it.
Turning back to the lone watermelon Spike attempted to purchase, he decided to strike up a conversation before he had to return to his studies and hoped the young mare had time on her hooves, even if the store was currently empty at the moment.
“How’s everything been going for you, Diamond?” Spike asked quickly, hoping to cut off any attempt at her bowing to him, and he really hated that.
It was underserved in his mind, and he still didn’t feel comfortable with it as the mare herself could only sigh and ring up his fruit.
“Running an entire store myself is exhausting, but I make more bits than I’m supposed to, and my co workers are nice. I guess it’s rather lonely with Silver Spoon in Baltimare helping her grandfather; His health is increasing, but not as much as she hoped, and I’m worried he’s going to pass soon.” She answered softly and took his bits from his large talon before continuing.
“How’s Apple Bloom doing in Zebrica with Zecora? She’s coming back soon right? I knew even when we were kids you two were close.” She questioned the drake who could only rub his right arm with a claw sadden by the news he had to tell her.
“Her potion making skills are going amazing, but she has to stay another two years due to a tribe disagreement, apparently there has been talk of a war amongst the other tribes and she wants to help out as best as she can. I know Bloom, and she can handle herself...but...” He trailed off at the unsettling notion of losing the earth pony he was in love with.
When Zecora had approached the Apple family with the proposition of making the young mare a brilliant alchemist to be trained under professionals that Zecora herself had been trained under, the earth pony was ecstatic and was more than willing to try something new, but leaving for an entirely different country meant she wouldn’t be with her family or Spike for a long, long time.
The two kept in touch, and she wrote to him by letter, stating how she wished she could have been there for his coronation, but he knew things were getting more and more difficult; he just hoped she was ok over there.
He was a dragon, and he had all the time of the world, but he eventually received the letter that Apple Bloom had to break off their relationship from lack of physical intimacy and the hardships happening over where she was at. She just couldn't do it anymore and it broke Spike’s heart when she broke it off, but he made a dragon oath that he would wait for her, and his species took their oaths very seriously.
Besides, with him now being the legal age to drink and gamble, the booze took away the pain...most of the time.
“I’m sorry Spike, I didn’t know. I hope nothing serious happens over there...why don’t you see her yourself?” She questioned sadly as he only shook his large head in anger, baring his fangs as he curled his claws and tightened them into fist.
“Because the zebras over there want nothing to do with dragons due to a war one hundred years ago; It’s illegal for a dragon to be on Zebrica soil. I guess they are still pissed at my species...makes me wonder what will happen to Equestria when I’m given the throne and they find out a dragon is going to be handling their negotiations.” He growled, an unnerving sound that made Diamond’s fur stand on edge before he grabbed the watermelon in one claw and tore off a huge chunk of it, not even being bother to peel it before he swallowed.
Diamond could only swallow her saliva in reply, a bit afraid of the once small dragon before her as he could only sigh loudly, clearly becoming depressed at the thought of his former lover and acting as though he already had the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders.
He guessed this must be like how his mother feels practically all the time.
He thanked her and turned to leave before she cleared her throat and politely called out to him as he paused by the door, as his claw was on the handle while the other one held his half eaten watermelon.
“I...I was just thinking that since you clearly have a lot on your mind…...maybe if you weren’t busy we could...go do something…” She spoke, already losing confidence in her words as she turned her head, half expecting him to say no or to come up with some sort of excuse.
“You know what Diamond, that sounds like a great idea. It’s been a few years since we actually sat down and talked. Sure, I’d love that. My studies won’t be done until seven though, so how about eight? If you’re off by then?” He answered with a grin, making her blush and only nod excitedly before he laughed and waved good bye, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
If she was being completely honest with herself, she knew that the two of them had very little in common. In fact, if it wasn't for his status as a prince, and with herself being redeemed from a life of bullying, she doubt she would have spoken about a ‘date’ at all.
Still, she wanted to help the heartbroken dragon and was resolved to do just that, and if he saw her in a romantic light, then perhaps they could actually be closer in time.
Not wanting to spoil a well deserved evening, Diamond Tiara quickly got everything in her store that needed to be done before clocking out and rushing to her mansion to prepare for her ‘date’.
Randolph had unfortunately passed away a few weeks after Diamond had turned seventeen, and though she had cried rather hard for the faithful and caring butler, she and her family promised his descendants that they would always be well taken care of.
In the lovable earth pony’s place though were those that took care of Diamond’s mansion very well, though she be lying to herself if she said she did not miss Randolph.
After an hour of preparing herself to look stunning, as her mother had drilled in her head time and time again, the young mare simply waited for the dragon to appear and sure enough, punctual as ever, he showed near her doorstep after ringing the bell, which Diamond answered herself.
He appeared with a rather moderate amount of roses making the young mare blush before being polite enough to eat one of the flowers, which were simply amazing, no doubt picked fresh from Canterlot Garden.
The two took a stroll through the private gardens of Canterlot Castle, one of the perks of being royalty, she had no doubt, as Spike told her of each flower and special tree they came across, and she listened carefully to his words. He sounded pleased to teach her knowledge he doubted she knew.
She picked on the cues of his body language that his heart was not in it, and the two barely talked much, or rather, she herself did not speak much as they slowly came to the end of the garden.
Diamond honestly didn’t know what to say that wouldn't be awkward or be taken out of context, and the date so far was not bad; She has had worst, but she knew from the start the two had no real chemistry to make a romantic relationship work and if she was being honest with herself.
She didn’t want to be his second choice while he waited for the mare he really loved to come back from a foreign country, and she felt like perhaps it was the ideal time to let him know.
“Spike,” She called out slowly as he swiveled and lowered his head to glance in her eyes before she went on. “I...I don’t think it’s going to work out between us.” She stated honestly and could both hear his sigh of relief and and visible tension leave his body as he let out a hearty chuckle which she imitated awkwardly.
“Thank you, DT. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings if you really felt something for me, I have to say this is a load off my back. But..I’m sorry I had to waste your time.” He responded, making her give a more sincere laugh as she shook her head.
“Come on now, I was the one who wanted to go out,” She spoke with a grin before hitting his side with her flank. “I’m just glad we both chose to not go any farther, while I’m sure bedding a dragon would be one hell of an achievement, I think it’s more suited for the mare who holds your heart.”
Spike could only snicker at her word of choice before rolling his eyes and bending down to give her a meaningful but brief hug.
“I know you’ll find your special somepony someday.” He spoke seriously as she smiled and returned the hug in earnest.
“I think I may see if Carrot Crunch is still interested in me. We bonded pretty well as we got older...I’m sorry Apple Bloom is not here for you, but she’s an Apple...they’re stronger than I used to give them credit for.” She smirked before she saw his ear fins drop slowly, his expression becoming depressed again.
“Hey, let’s get you out of that funk, we’ll go get dinner...my treat.” Diamond offered as he opened his mouth to protest before she shook her head, her mind set on the manner.
“If you don’t agree then we won’t go get donuts for dessert.” She cut him off before he could utter one word as his maw shut instantly, Spike never could resist a donut, as he was as bad as his mother when it came to sweets.
As the two friends walked back through the large garden, they came upon the presence of Princess Celestia herself making Diamond bow as Spike himself did so out of habit.
“Hello my little pony, taken in by my son’s charms are you not? He is rather dashing.” The Alicorn of the sun teased, ignoring Spike’s loud groan of protest as the young mare herself could only giggle in response before answering her ruler.
“Actually Princess, Spike and I were merely enjoying a nice stroll together, if that is alright?” Diamond asked, to which the old Alicorn could only nod her head with a smile.
“Of course, Diamond Tiara. Spike, when you and your friend are finished with your affairs for the night, Luna was wondering if you would like to join her for night court, to ask for your input during her subject’s requests?” Celestia questioned the young reptile, who could only give a small sigh before he finally nodded.
“Yeah, I’ll do what I can. Would you like to join us for dinner, mom?” Spike replied as she could only shake her head slowly.
“Oh no, I wouldn’t want to impose-”
“It’s no trouble, Princess. In fact I insist. Besides, I have never actually had a chance to dine with a princess, if you’ll pardon my manners.” Diamond gently interrupted before bowing once more as Celestia herself could only giggle in response.
“Well then, I suppose I have not had supper yet, and I am rather hungry…..very well. First allow me to change into something less...formal.”
The ruler of Equestria said before lighting her horn with it’s golden magic and shifting her form into that of a normal sized unicorn, her mane and tail less shorter and fully pink, no lower blowing in the wind of an invisible breeze and her eyes a more bolder shade of purple while her Cutie Mark changed into a mere red rose.
“Shall we be off, young ones?” Celestia spoke softly, reaching eye level with Diamond Tiara as Spike could only give his mother a hug before picking both of them up, setting them on his back and racing into the night with ease, their cries of laughter echoing throughout the area, a blessed night if there ever were one.
Spike really should have known when to keep his mouth shut.
This was evident by the fact of a hoof smashing into his jaw, the tormenter clearly angry at his choice of words, her eyes narrowed, wings flared out due to her aggressive state and had a furious expression to match.
That was the first time he should have not spoken.
“Say it again, I bucking dare you to say it again and I promise you. Twilight will have to find a new number one assistant.” Scootaloo snarled, her nostrils flared as she took a large inhale of breath then exhaled.
“I-I didn’t mean for it to come out that way, Scoots. I was just saying-”
“You don‘t just ask some pony if their parents are dead just because they were an orphan, you bucking lizard!” She shouted, her teeth grinding together in rage before Spike himself felt something snap deep within him.
“What the hell did you just call me?!” He growled, a very harsh, cruel sound from deep in his throat that caused the young mare to take a small step back, feeling as though she really messed up.
But like Spike himself, she didn’t have a filter for her mouth. They could have been a perfect match, a really blunt, and uncouth as Rarity would say match but if the horse shoe fits…
“Read my lips, Scales...You. Are. A. Bucking. Sad. Piece. Of. Lizard. Ass.” She enunciated to him like he was still a hatchling, ignoring his body language because she had no doubt he felt the urge to tear her in half for the racist remark.
All she could think was that if she was going down, she’d be damn sure to take the dragon with her. But she doubted he would ever strike her, it wasn’t in his nature like in the rest of his kind...how ironic.
The years have been rather….kind to the fillies and colts of Ponyville, including the lone drake that grew up with them, after Starlight Glimmer had been ‘redeemed’ whatever in Tartarus that meant for the unicorn, Spike and the others had gotten older, as every creature did over time.
Spike had naturally gotten taller, reaching the height of a full grown pony, not that such a height was mean very much but at least now he could look Twilight and everypony else except for his mother, Aunt Luna, cousin Cadence, Queen Chrysalis and Discord in the eye.
His spines had grown larger, curved and sharper as well as his tail and even ear fins and due to years of hard work he was actually starting to develop some muscles, though he wouldn't be able to be given wings from his mom until he turned eighteen.
If Scootaloo was being honest with herself, he was starting to look rather intimidating though it was clear he didn’t mean to be, it could have been worse...he could have transformed into his greed form all over again, which still gave her nightmares, not that anypony but Luna herself knew that.
His attitude on the other hoof, well that was trained with years of being around his older sister who was nearly obvlious to most things, his snarky tone and with a combination of both Scootaloo and her adopted sister, Rainbow Dash the drake had basically become a ‘badass’ though his mouth was sure to cause some problems down the line.
And even still he had managed to salvage his nerdy, intelligent intellect with it and though it caused her to roll her eyes sometimes she had to admit it was a bit of a turn on, when he could remember to shut up that is.
Scootaloo herself, like most of her friends have also aged pretty well, her wings were a bit smaller then usual but she was sure they would grow in time, her legs were muscled and powerful from working out with Bulk Biceps, Rainbow Dash and surprisingly Fluttershy at times.
When body piercings were introduced, with no surprised by the Flim and Flam brothers everyone kept expecting her to be the first to experience them, so after saving the bits and wanting them all to finally shut the buck up, along with getting Dash to sign because she had to be eighteen when she was only sixteen, she obliged.
Now having both ears, her right nostril and tongue having silver, metal rings or a small purple stud in her tongue dangling from a few spots on her face and in her mouth.
They wanted her to have the look of a bad teen, she was more than happy to represent for the look, not that she’s gone to jail or anything….yet.
With Scootaloo it was only a matter of time before she got in real trouble and surprisingly, Spike was always the one to steer her away from going down what would have been a really dark and unforgivable path.
When Sweetie Belle had been offered a record contract and a tour across Equestria and their guardians allowed them alcohol as long as they were supervised, Spike had been the one to keep Scootaloo from smashing Vinyl Scratch's very expensive equipment, which would have cost the Pegasus and dragon thousands of bits...or rather Celestia if Spike was being honest when the young mare was in her drunken haze.
When Apple Bloom had been given the opportunity to go to Zebrica with Zecora for a year, Spike had been the one to hold and hug her before she fell asleep in his arms, bawling her eyes out that everyone was leaving her, a sincere side that he doubted anyone but Rainbow Dash saw from the tough tom-filly. Of course after which, she threatened to rip his scales off slowly and painfully if he ever told anypony, as she did have an image to keep after all.
Archer, her only blood related relative they knew of besides her mom had moved to Fillydelphia because it was her hometown and she was old enough to live on her own. Snips and Snails were still there, but she never really got along with them. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon, though not as cruel as they used to be, she still never really felt comfortable around.
She felt like a black sheep, only among those who she should consider friends. She got along with everypony sure enough, naturally being able to make others feel at ease around her, but she was not as close with them, not that she really cared or anything...at least that’s what she told herself.
It was strange, having so many friends she grew up with and not connecting with them like she did with Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Spike. With the girls, they were practically family, but with Spike...she felt something even now and it felt...unique.
She wasn’t stupid of course; she has had colt and even filly friends before, as she was bi-sexual as Twilight explained….and explained, those were three hours of her life she was never getting back.
But with Spike it felt...real, serious and...it made her scared.
The mares in her adopted family were strong boned, and they didn’t go racing with their hearts out like most females. The males, or in some cases as she was told by Rainbow Dash, females, had to prove their worth if they wanted to catch the attention of a Dash; it was just tradition.
It made her question what it was she even saw in the dragon, as she had seen him when he was happy, sad, wise and of course, angry.
She had been there, along with Princess Celestia herself, with the dragon at three in the morning in a donut shop in Canterlot of all places as the dragon sobbed and complained about how he could never be good enough for Rarity, who had broken his heart that night when they were fourteen.
Or when he had got into such an argument with Twilight that he left the castle in a fit of rage and slept in the former Cutie Mark Crusaders clubhouse for three days and she kept him company, nearly getting into a fight with Rainbow Dash to come home when she refused and wanted to stay with her friend when they were fifthteen.
She was there when he melted the large chunk of ice that would have killed everyone, including himself at the Equestrian Games in the Crystal Empire years ago, and even fought a chimera that tried to kill Apple Bloom who was knocked unconscious alongside him when they had gotten lost walking from Zecora’s late at night. She still had the scars on her right hip, left rear hoof and muzzle to prove it.
That day was the first Spike had ever been forced to take a life, and he cried for hours in his room as she, Twilight and Celestia comforted him, and he still felt guilty and had nightmares over that for a year, but knew how grateful Apple Bloom was for saving her life.
She was even there when Apple Bloom confessed to her that she had actually fallen in love with Spike and encouraged her advances, slamming her hoof into his jaw when Apple Bloom came to her’s and Apple Bloom’s family crying that he rejected her because he was in love with somepony else.
It took her quite some time to realize that he was in love with her and honestly even now she didn’t know how to feel about it. He never verbally said anything, but from the way he always acted or spoke to her, she picked up on what his heart desired soon enough.
The question was if she even really felt the same, she didn’t know but she knew she liked him...perhaps it was her turn to show him.
Which led the two to their current predicament, when Spike asked a very personal question that just sent a rush of anger through her.
Spike’s claws were embedded so deep into his palms that they should have sliced them open long ago, but knowing his scales were nearly as hard as diamond he had no worry for cutting himself any time soon.
“All I asked was if your parents were around, I knew you were an orphan before you were adopted by Dash’s family, I never accused them of being dead, Scoots. I don’t know where you even got that idea from.” He said slowly, black smoke trailing from his nostrils in anger as he had to force himself to calm down before he did or said something he would regret.
Scootaloo for her part could only scoff, rolling her eyes before she gently took a tightly rolled up Diseased Stallion cigarette from her right ear, placing it in her mouth and produced a match hidden in her tail with a hoof and stuck it on Spike’s scales before lighting the nicotine while the dragon looked at her, shocked and confused.
“Since we did you start smoking?!” He nearly shouted in outrage as the mare before him only gave him a bemused look and shook her head.
“You don’t know everything about me, Scales. A girl’s gotta have some secrets to herself, and if you are thinking of lecturing me, let me remind you that there was a reason I was late for Dinky Doo’s birthday party yesterday, thanks to Twilight, and why I could not be there at Sugarcube Corner with our friends last week, thanks to my sister. I don’t need one from you, alright?” She replied back, taking another drag of the tobacco before blowing the smoke directly in Spike’s face who didn’t even bother to wave it away as he glared at her.
“You could have at least told me; I’m your best friend. I don’t have anything against it since we can legally buy and smoke them at our age, but……...we both know the risk…” He trailed off as she raised an eyebrow before smirking at him.
“What do you really think about me smoking, Spike?” She questioned as she saw his tail swing around to land in his claws as he nervously started to wring it, an obvious sign that he was stressed or uncomfortable.
“To be honest with you, I find it kind of...well...sexy.” He stuttered, his eyes glancing everywhere but her own as she chuckled.
“You like bad mares huh, Scales?” She spoke watching as he twisted and tightened the grip on his tail, knowing he barely felt any pain from the act as he could only give an uneasy cough in response.
Rolling her eyes again, she put out the half finished cigarette on the ground, intent on finishing it later and catching his attention with a whistle.
“So what’s with the obviously stupid question about my past anyway, Fire Breath?” Scootaloo spoke seriously, placing the refried tobacco in her right ear as she sat on the ground. They were near the bowling alley, about to go in to play a round or two, not that Scootaloo’s skills had improved even with time before the drake had asked her the question that caused their fight.
Finally releasing his tail Spike sighed loudly, as he glanced at the dirt beneath him before finally looking into her eyes.
“It’s just...I never seen or even met your parents is all, and back when you were obsessed with Rainbow Dash I just figured you were...homeless.” He ended meekly, the silence that stretched out after he spoke was starting to become awkward, and the brash teenage mare felt herself starting to become annoyed again.
“Fine, if you really want to know so badly...I never knew my dad, my mom had me at about our age, she was an alcoholic who spent more time preferring to hit the bottle and work on her routine.” She paused as she saw Spike raise an eyebrow in confusion before she continued.
“She was a professional mime, and to be honest she wasn’t to bad at her job-”
“Wait, was she that unicorn mime that I saw in the telescope in Canterlot years ago? I didn’t know that was your mom.” He interrupted as she scoffed.
“Yeah, that’s her. I guess we have unicorns in our family or some shit. My cousin Archer is an earth pony, remember?” She replied as he nodded, knowing and being rather good friends with Archer herself before she moved.
“Anyway, when I turned thirteen she comes into our house, drunk off her ass and starts screaming at me over shit I can’t remember. I flew to Dash’s house and told her everything, mom must have used a cloudwalking spell in her drunken fit because she finds out where I’ve gone and bangs on the door to come out. A fight ensued with Dash and my mom in which I’m embarrassed to say Rainbow lost. I got dragged back home and locked into my room for the night.” Scootaloo paused, feeling tears on the edge of her eyes before she wiped them away with a hoof and went on.
“After that, Rainbow and her parents from Cloudsdale come with a police pony and arrest my mom on foal neglect. Then……. after a very long, verbal war and ending up in court, Rainbow and her parents win custody over me, and I watched as my mom with a sneer signed the paperwork...I never told anyone that, Spike. Not even Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle. Thanks for digging up some bucked up memories for me, lizard.” Scootaloo spat with an angered glare as his ear fins dropped in shame.
“I didn’t mean to-”
“Then you shouldn’t have stuck your snout where it doesn't belong!” She screamed back as tears began to run down her face.
“How was I supposed to know you had a really bucked up life, Scootaloo! If you only would have told me-”
“I didn’t tell you because it was none of your business, how about I go shouting to everypony that Princess Celestia is your mom?!” She snorted angrily as his eyes narrowed and saw his maw opened, showing his large fangs.
“That’s different, if anyone but family knew that then-”
“Stop making bucking excuses, Spike!” Scootaloo cut him off as he now visibly had smoke once again trailing from his nose.
“You’re starting to really piss me off, Scootaloo!” He growled as she finally got nose to nose with him, mirroring his angered expression perfectly.
“And what the buck are you going to do about it, Scales?!” She whispered dangerously into his face as he had had enough.
Forty five minutes later
“What the buck just happened?!” Spike exclaimed in astonishment, his claws gripping his large blue blanket on his bed which he had gotten the day he finally grew out of his basket as he looked in shock at his best friend who was lighting her other half of the cigarette with a quick yank of his tail, careful not to burn herself as she shook her head, ignoring the fact that they were covered in their sexual juices.
“Jeez, Spike. I know I’m not Rarity but I figure by now you would know what sex is. Sorry I’m such a bad lay and you can’t even remembered what occurred. Give me a break it was my first time.” She scoffed, ignoring the hysterical interaction as he tried to wrap his brain around the fact that he actually slept with his best friend and secret crush, not that it wasn’t obvious to everyone but him, the Sparkle family had a way of not seeing the full picture.
“I was your first partner?!” He shouted then immediately regretted it as he felt rather then saw a familiar hoof smash into his nose.
This was the second time he knew he should not have spoken.
“Buck you, Spike!” Scootaloo yelled as he rubbed his nose, he wanted to retort that technically he did buck her, but had a feeling that verbalizing that obvious action won't go over well with the young mare.
“I-I’m sorry, I’m just surprised is all. I didn’t even know you liked me in that way.” He responded sincerely as she chuckled, taking another drag of her cigarette.
“Yeah well...now you know. To be honest I was still debating whether or not I actually wanted to be with you, but...here we are.” She replied giving a casual wave of her hoof at the stained sheets they laid on as Spike held his claws over his face in remorse.
“You’re my first time to you know.” He spoke through his claws as she guffawed with a spat of no shit from her mouth making him remove his claws to look into her eyes as she was still smoking.
“This wasn’t how I pictured my first time, just so you know. Why didn’t we go out on a date or something before coming to...this?” He questioned as she could only shrug then sighed loudly once she saw he wasn’t going to take such a lazy answer from her.
“I didn’t want to drag out our feelings for each other through the cliched romantic gestures of dating, dressing up, not that you would ever see in me in a dress again unless it’s for a special occasion, and the gods help you if you try to put makeup on me and all that wimpy, tippytoe bullshit. I’m a Dash. We like charging head long into our feelings, plus you made quite an impression on me over the years so I’d figure...eh, why not?” She spoke honestly as Spike’s mouth dropped open in shock.
“That’s your excuse for kissing me roughly on the mouth and basically dragging me to the castle as we did all those...lewd things to each other?!” He sputtered angrily as she chuckled, putting out her cigarette out on his scales making him flinch, not from the pain but the action itself as she tossed it into a nearby wastebasket.
“Yep.” She answered simply like it solved all their problems and making the dragon feel ashamed for what he felt like was taking advantage of her.
“I...I didn’t rape you did I?” He wondered seriously making the pegasus give him another bemused look.
“If you did you wouldn’t be alive to have this conversation with me, that’s for damn sure, and Equestria would be down a prince.” She answered with a bored tone before finally hopping off the bed and stretching her body like a cat, her bones and wings as they flared out cracking as she sighed in relief.
“By the way thanks for putting it in the wrong hole……..twice; I was definitely ready for that.” She spoke sarcastically to the drake who could only blush, mortified that he did such an action on accident.
“I’m going to take a shower, give you time to run some thoughts through your head.” Scootaloo laughed before giving him a quick peck on the lips and trotting towards the door of the castle.
“Wait...does this mean...we’re a couple?” Spike called out making her freeze before she sighed again and turned her head to look at him.
“If you haven’t figured that out by now, then you have to be the stupidest dragon I know...even if you’re the only dragon I know.” She replied as an afterthought and hiked her tail up allowing him to see her most intimate parts again with a seductive grin.
“But I never even met your parents, I mean Dash’s parents...isn’t that a requirement to dating?” He asked as she gave a scowl and rolled her eyes once more.
“That usually doesn't happen until later in the dating process, we been dating for…” She quickly glanced at the clock near his bedside shelf. “An hour, I guess. But since you insist, after I’m done with my shower I’ll ask Dash if she wants to see the folks up in Cloudsdale, it’s been a minute since we saw them anyway, but you have to ask Twilight to perform a cloudwalking spell on you if you want to join us, Scales.” She answered back before dropping her tail and after opening the door, walked out to leave the drake alone with his thoughts.
As she wandered off to remove the liquids from her body, Spike placed his claws over his face once more, snorting a black cloud of smoke from his nose before groaning loudly and looking at the stains that covered his bed sheets, with a huff he rolled off the bed and removed the sheets, making sure to put them in the laundry basket to be washed later, which he questioned why he even had since he normally never even wore clothes.
After spraying his room with a chemical in a bottle to get rid of the odor and quickly racing to another part of the castle to take a very fast shower, which they installed after an awkward encounter with Twilight.
He walked down the hallway to enter into a room that was entirely filled with books and spotted a sleeping Alicorn sitting at a crystal made desk and chair drooling onto another one of her ‘precious’ books as he rolled his eyes and casually said to himself that she finally needed to get laid.
Shivering at the thought of his adopted sister getting rutted by a random stallion or mare...or worse one of her friends like Rarity, the teenaged dragon by pony standards with practiced ease awoke the mare who hatched him when she was just a filly.
At that moment a streak of red appeared in his vision as Peewee landed near where Twilight was waking up and smacking her lips, Spike giving his own pet phoenix a slow rub on the head and grinned as he chirped in reply, from what his mother told him, phoenixes were the oldest living thing in the world and were extremely loyal to those lucky enough to befriend them.
The years had made the young male very agile, taller and full grown, looking like Philomena in every way but gender, Spike had no doubt that if he got the two together they would become mates and make it hard to really tell which of the two was his or his mother’s.
When he was old enough to leave the nest, Peewee came back to Spike and was warmly accepted among his family as one of their own, practically everyone in Ponyville always saw the two together unless Peewee was hunting or asleep and the only one he had yet to meet was Philomena.
Twilight let out an enormous yawn and absentmindedly scratched one side of her face before turning to look at both Spike and Peewee who chirped in greeting making her chuckle and yawn again.
“Morning, Spike, Peewee.” She spoke slowly, no doubt still trying to wake up as Owlowiscious came flying in and landed on Twilight’s back making the mare give yet another greeting to her own pet right before Scootaloo entered with two mugs of steaming hot coffee held by the handles in the tip of her wings.
“Sup, Twi?” The pegasus called out as she gently placed one of the mugs, brown in color on Twilight’s desk who took hold of it in her magic, inhaling the aroma deeply with a loud sigh before turning back to Scootaloo with a confused glance.
“Um, hello...Scootaloo. I didn’t realize you were here. What time is it?” Twilight groaned, carefully taking a sip of the hot liquid as Scootaloo sat on the ground and took the coffee in her hooves before mirroring Twilight.
“About four in the evening I think.” Scootaloo replied, carefully petting Peewee who nuzzled his head into her wing as she had to politely lean away from him so she didn’t catch on fire.
“Ugh, that late? Maybe I should listen to Fluttershy and stop staying up so late, I’m getting old.” The older mare grunted making the two beside her chuckle.
“Or maybe you should take Rarity’s advice for once and actually go on a date, get out and do something besides read and study. Word on the street is that Thunderlane is attracted to you.” Spike said with a grin as Twilight could only scowl in reply, taking another sip of her morning or rather evening wake up god.
“I know, I know. Everypony has been nearly yelling at me to go out and meet someone since all of my friends found their special somepony but me. Fluttershy and Discord, Rarity and Trenderhoof, who I’m surprised Rarity even took back after the way he treated her, Applejack and Trouble Shoes, even Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie got together...I don’t know.” The Alicorn groaned loudly and placed her chin on the table, covering her face with her hooves.
Owlowiscious gave his usual one worded answer and ran his wing over his owner’s shoulder in sympathy before lifting into the air with his wings and flew off, no doubt to hunt for dinner as Spike placed a talon on his adopted sister’s back.
“It’s not the end of the world, Twi...again. Though come to think of it, it’s not like all of the world was affected by any of your enemies, Equestria is only one nation. it’s not like-”
Spike’s rambling was interrupted by a sudden cough and glare from Scootaloo as he gave a nervous laugh and went back to his point.
“What I’m trying to say is that you have a lot of time before you find somepony you’re attracted to...he or she doesn't even need to be a pony, you know.” He laughed as Twilight could only grimace and turn her head to glare at him.
“Well it’s not like I’m trying to date Ahuizotl, or a centaur like Lord Tirek or a Diamond Dog or even a chimera.” She spat bitterly not noticing Spike and Scootaloo give a shiver of fear simultaneously.
While she truly wouldn't mind dating a sapient non-pony, she seemed to have a run of bad luck with others who were not of her own species, perhaps she just had not found the right one to have common interest with and match her intellect.
Spike could only sigh as Scootaloo took a bigger swallow of her coffee feeling awkward, Twilight herself taking another sip while Peewee began to preen his feathers.
“So I take it that’s a no for Thunderlane then?” Scootaloo bluntly asked as the grown mare next to her sighed again with a shake of her head.
“It’s not that, I just want to have things in common with those I date, pony or otherwise. I know Thunderlane, it’s not even the fact that he is a pegasus that bothers me, because I’m an Alicorn, it’s the fact that we don’t share similar interest. To be honest I’ve always been slightly attracted to Zecora but just never had the courage to say anything to her before she left, see I can like non-ponies.” Twilight clarified with a nod and a small smile.
“Yeah you kind of missed your chance with that one huh? That has to suck.” Scootaloo responded glancing into her coffee mug as Twilight glared at her.
“And yet I don’t see you dating anyone anytime soon, Miss Dash.” The Alicorn retorted and quickly caught the sudden shift of Scootaloo’s eyes to Spike’s own as Twilight’s own widen in surprise.
“Ha! Finally, I knew it was only a matter of time. Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Roseluck, Luna and Shining Armor owe me, Cadence, Fluttershy and Celestia twenty bits!” She shouted in jubilance, waving her forehooves in the air as she laughed.
“You betted on us dating?” Spike exclaimed in shock making Scootaloo smirk before she frowned.
“Damn it, that means I owe Silver Spoon, Dinky, Archer and Apple Bloom money. Why didn’t I remember that I betted against asking you out?” She grumbled looking at Spike as though all of this was his fault.
“You betted against us?!” He shouted with his claws on the side of his face in irritation as the pegasus merely shrugged.
“This was a long time ago before I even liked you in that way, Scales. Think of it this way, at least you got the mare of your dreams...if Rarity is fully out of the picture at least.” She answered taking another large swallow of her coffee, basically ignoring the angered drake, like she usually did anyway.
“I told you again and again that I’m over her, you were there when-”
“Yeah, yeah. You were crying like a foal, your mom spent nearly one hundred bits in donuts and I drank so much coffee I flew off one of tables and broke one of my legs. That was a fun night. Still feel bad Joe had to experience it though.” She interrupted lazily while Twilight looked at her and blinked, confused.
“I don’t remember you breaking your leg, Scootaloo.” She said slowly as the young mare only grunted with a roll of her eyes before finishing her coffee, Twilight herself taking another sip of her own as Peewee got bored and flew out of sight.
“Hello! Can we get back to the two of you betting on our love?” Spike growled making the two of them look at the fuming drake.
“Woah, woah. Cool your tits there, Armored Mailbox. Who said anything about love? This isn’t some bucking romance novel or a movie, dude. We accepted our feeling for each other, we been dating for,” Quickly she looked at a clock conveniently hung above her. “Not even an hour and a half. Not like we’re getting married or anything, we’re just testing the waters right now, alright?” Scootaloo spat, annoyed at her best friend turned...buck buddy as he was beginning to spew embers from his mouth in rage.
“You can’t even make up your mind on if you love me or not!” He yelled as she could only shrug.
“I’m a mare, we’re indecisive like that.” She responded as Twilight could only nod her head in agreement.
“Don’t agree with her!” Spike growled pointing a shaking clawed finger in Twilight's face who moved it out of the way slowly with a hoof.
“Well she’s right. You been around mares long enough to know that we have difficulty making up our minds on serious situations, we over analyze. I’m sorry we can't all be one track minded and easy going like you males.” She argued back as Spike facepalmed.
“Why do you think it took Apple Bloom so long to say something to you before you shot her in the heart with a crossbow?” Scootaloo spat bitterly as Spike could only curl his claws into fist and mutter something incoherent under his breath before speaking out loud.
“Because I didn’t see Apple Bloom in a romantic light. I care for her, she’s one of my best friends but I was in love with you, Scootaloo!” He argued as the pegasus could only turn to Twilight and talk as if he never even spoken.
“What is it with males and thinking just because we want to be with them that we’re in love with them? Do they not know the difference between dating to find if we’re compatible and actually being in love with them?” She questioned as Twilight could only shake her head and finish her coffee.
“Apparently not, Scoots. It’s a girl thing, Spike, one of the many things we doubt even with your long life span that you’ll understand. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to use the restroom, coffee always goes straight through me.” Twilight replied as she finally got off from the chair, stretched her body and wings like Scootaloo did with a yawn and trotted very quickly to the bathroom.
With only the two of them, Spike then turned to his ‘mate’ with his arms folded across his chest and an annoyed look on his face, his tail even lashing behind him as Scootaloo gathered both empty mugs in her wings to return them to the kitchen and glanced at Spike with an eyebrow raised.
“You need something?” She asked calmly, trying to hide the smirk on her face as she knew he was going to try to get her into another fight.
“Why do you always love causing disaster and mayhem?” He asked with a calm tone as she gave him a bemused look.
“I helped release the god of chaos when I was a filly simply by arguing with my friends. Even after all these years we just seem to have a strange knack for disrupting things. Like we’re a magnet for shit about to go down.” She responded with a hearty laugh and walked away, leaving the dragon stunned enough that he didn’t have a real reply, he had to admit she had a point.
Smacking his face with a claw he didn’t notice Peewee had came back until he landed on his left shoulder as he looked at the phoenix with a loud sigh.
“Will we ever understand girls?” He asked as the grown male only chirped with a shake of his head.
Growling, Spike trailed after Scootaloo and was surprised to find she was not in the kitchen before going into the throne room on instinct, knowing that she and himself liked reading under the tree chandelier and finding her reading the brand new edition to the Power Pony comics he got from his mother, perks of being a prince that was not even released to the public yet while eating a chocolate chip muffin he had saved for later while sitting on his own throne that had magically changed size to accumulate his larger form.
“Hey, those are mine!” He whined as though he was still a child as she merely looked up at him with an eyebrow raised before taking another bite of the large muffin.
“I saved you half.” She responded with a mouth full of food and slided the remaining piece over to him while he took a seat in Twilight’s throne, grumbling to himself at the small size on his rear and quickly shoved the rest of the baked dough in his mouth as Peewee flew to lay on the center of the Cutie map and started to doze off.
He folded his arms and waited for her to finish in silence, knowing she was as fast as a reader himself when it came to comic books, soon enough she wordlessly hoofed him the the printed, colored book as he eagerly took it but not before giving her a quick kiss on the lips making her giggle with a roll of her eyes and standing up to go get a small glass of water.
He was already halfway done with the series he was surprised still went on, thankfully no longer dragging him inside the issue by magic as Scootaloo returned with the glass in her left forehoof as she sat down and looked at the map before her carefully, even if she had seen it over a dozen time, she still liked to familiarize herself with the towns and cities of her nation, even beyond to other countries like Prance, Zebrica, and the Dragonlands.
A wave of sorrow overtook her emotions as she looked at Zebrica, wondering how Apple Bloom and Zecora were faring before looking at Vanhoover and hoping that Sweetie Belle was becoming more successful in her singing career with Countess Coloratura who even after losing that asshole of a manager so many years ago, got back on her hooves and performed from her heart, earning her way back to the top along with Sweetie Belle thanks to the magic of friendship.
Sappy, but true she supposed as she heard Spike clear his throat and felt his claw on her right shoulder making her snap out of memory lane to look into her dragonfriend’s eyes...well at least she didn’t shout that she loved him like some crappy romance movie.
“So we heading out or what?” She questioned as he chuckled with a roll of his eyes as he folded his arms.
“Still got to wait for Twi to perform that cloudwalking spell on me remember?” He spoke as she could only groan loudly before grabbing his left claw again and kissing it as an afterthought as she placed her head on the crystal table with her hooves over it mumbling for him to hurry the buck up already as he scoffed then with a smirk went to find his older sister...again.
He found Twilight naturally surrounded by her books in one of the rooms that held a quarter of their books, if he had to guess it was more for serious arts of study as she has been meaning to advance both Sweetie Belle and Dinky Doo, Derpy Hooves little sister who were studying under Twilight herself.
It wasn’t due to the fact that they wanted to be under her wing like Starlight Glimmer, but rather because they were both very behind on their studies and had hoped to get into Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns after both Sweetie Belle got back from her tour and Dinky finished high school.
Her left ear went up upon hearing a noise behind her as she turned and saw her little brother come towards her, as she smiled while he told her of his request making her smile wider and much more...alarming.
It took nearly thirty minutes for her to cast the spell, twenty nine of those minutes with her going on a very, very long winded speech about the history of the cloudwalking spell, the length of time it would last for non pegasus and hopefully Spike himself and what to do in the event of it somehow failing or not working properly, in which Spike assured his sister twice that he was sure a dragon without wings falling from the skies would no doubt be noticed and helped as she calmly nodded her head and cast the spell.
Quickly Spike hugged her, thanked her and raced out the door, knowing now that non ponies only had about two hours, give or take before the spell wore off and he wasted no time, completely ignoring Twilight’s next lecture about how to act when around your stallion or marefriend’s parents for the first time as it took nearly ten minutes for Twilight to realize she was talking to nothing more than air, making her huff in annoyance.
Spike didn’t hesitate as he grabbed both Scootaloo, who had fallen asleep from waiting and Peewee who was yawning and shaking his head to wake up as the drake sprinted out of the castle.
Throwing her into the air like a javelin, he quickly told Scootaloo they needed to hurry as she after a few seconds of falling managed to straighten herself out and rush to get her sister who yawned upon being rudely woken up and questioned just why they had to see their parents now and why both Spike and Peewee were coming along.
“Quick run down, Spike and I are dating-,” Scootaloo was interrupted by Rainbow Dash doing a hoof pump with an ecstatic face in the air before she frowned and silently cursed as Scootaloo continued. “He has a cloudwalking spell but it will only last for two hours with non ponies and I promised him that we would meet mom and dad.” She finished and sighed out loud as Rainbow Dash could only look at her with confusion.
“Um, Scoots, hate to burst your bubble but mom and dad are in Prance on vacation for a month, remember?” She answered slowly as Scootaloo looked at her in horror before she facehoofed herself.
“Damn it, how could I forget that?!” She whispered angrily to herself as Rainbow Dash could only give an apologetic grin.
“Sorry, sis. Maybe when they come back. But it’s probably best not to do this at the last minute, you know how mom hates unannounced visitors.” She replied before yawning loudly and looking down at Spike with half lidded eyes.
“Hey, um...I’m sure my mom wouldn't mind if we visited her. After all I would like one of our parents to find out about us before our sisters ratted us out.” Spike called out to them, glad that nopony was in earshot at the moment as Rainbow’s eyes snapped out.
“You found your parents?!” She exclaimed with a large smile and starry eyes as she imagined meeting hulking, vicious monstrous beast that looked similar to Spike but were absolute monsters...though she didn’t want to say it out loud because she didn’t want to sound racist.
“Uh...well...no, not my biological parents at least but I mean my adopted-.” He stopped suddenly, perhaps it wasn’t the best idea to involve Rainbow Dash in on this since she didn't really have a great track record with keeping a secret, not to mention the fact that if she blabbed to others that Spike was Celestia’s son and that she knew a prince...it wouldn't end well.
Even after all these years Twilight’s friends didn’t know that they were interacting with the future king of Equestria and Scootaloo only found out on accident when he slipped up.
Choosing to switch tactics, he decided to go with plan B, as much as he did want to see his mom, even meet his own real parents it just wasn’t time to let anypony other than family know the truth.
“Yeah like I said my adopted parents. You know, Shining Armor’s, my sister’s and mine?” He spoke instead making both Pegasi look at him befuddled, Scootaloo narrowing her eyes in suspicion but didn’t correct him as Rainbow Dash rubbed the back of her head with a hoof.
“Um, wouldn't it make more sense to have Twilight with us for this. They are her parents after all.” Rainbow Dash questioned after an awkward pause as Spike nearly facepalmed himself, seeing his ‘adopted’ parents without Twilight was like visiting Pinkie’s own family without Pinkie herself, it would be very, very forced and amateurish not to mention rude.
“R-right, yeah that’s what I meant. You two wait here with Peewee and I’ll go uh, grab her.” He spoke, forgetting that Peewee was still in his right claw as he released him, luckily he didn’t managed to hurt him as the phoenix lifted up into the air and landed on the cloud his two friends sat on which immediately heated up to a warm temperature that made the two of them very drowsy, giving Spike ample time to race to his home to foalnap his sister.
Spike practically shattered the doors upon entrance as he ran through the numerous halls, thankful to the gods that his species had photographic memory as he found her drinking from a glass of iced tea with lemon which was her favorite as he reached his claws out to simply grab her and run around out the door but was stopped as she noticed him out of her peripheral vision from her right eye and turned towards him.
The glass being levitated in her magic as she swallowed her drink, giving him a quizzical look as she stared at the razor sharp claw tips literally inches from her face as she took a few steps back.
“C-can I help you, Spike?” She questioned, a small part of her in the back of her mind being a bit afraid, Celestia had warned her that dragons as they got older got...dangerous.
She prayed to the gods it wasn’t happening now, she’d never forgive herself if she had to hurt him or worse, the princess would never forgive her if she...shaking her she got rid of that thought immediately and took a deep breath before she exhaled.
Twilight Sparkle knew for a fact she could fight, trained under both Celestia, a few of her best guards and armed with powerful even a few rare lethal spells if she ever had to go that route though she would try to keep from ever doing such unless it was life or death.
But Spike was a dragon...they were on a completely different level than ponies, other than Alicorns, shivering at the thought of her own race without the Alicorn race to protect them she shook her head, ignoring that if she ever had to fight Spike she had a feeling...only one would live.
Instead she focused on what he was saying, not even noticing his tail was in his claws and she was catching mere snippets of what he was saying catching that he mentioned her parents, his own mother and visiting them before blinking and listening to him.
“Twilight? Did you hear what I said?” He asked slowly as she gave a very fake smile and nodded which Spike didn’t notice since he was nervous.
“Visit mom and dad, that sounds fun. I haven’t seen them in a while and I’m sure they would like the visit, we’ll go see them for a while and you go with Scootaloo and see Celestia and Luna while I distract Rainbow...hopefully mom doesn't ask if I’m dating anypony or even worse...Dash herself.” She shivered at the thought as Spike’s mouth dropped in surprise that she somehow knew that Scootaloo knew his secret.
“Scootaloo simply had to tell somepony or she would have exploded, her words not mine...but you’re very lucky Spike. I wanted to tell Celestia but I felt like it wasn’t my business and that you needed to work it out with them yourself. I didn’t say anything to you since I can’t fight your battles for you anymore, you’re old enough to deal with your own issues.” She stated slowly as he looked at her like she was insane before crossing his arms, his nose blowing a thin line of black smoke.
“You coming Blabbermouth or not?” He asked as she sighed before nodding then quickly putting her books away while making sure Owlowiscious was able to get out of the castle as she turned and looked up at him.
“I’m sure the town will be fine if we visit the family for a few days, are you ready?” She asked as he smiled, a little angry with his sister but at least she was honest and she was right, it was time he stood on his own two feet.
Side by side the two siblings went towards their friends, or in Spike’s case mate and after Spike made sure twice to have the bits to pay for them with a dark blue pouch tied to his tail as the three of them smiled and they went towards the train.
“This is going to be fun.” Scootaloo shouted excitedly as Spike rubbed the back of his head with a claw before he kissed her lips to which she rolled her eyes.
“Oh...it will definitely be something to remember.” He answered as she slapped his head with her tail before giving him a quick kiss as Peewee landed on his left shoulder with a chirp and Spike looked behind him at Twilight and Rainbow Dash who were talking in hushed voices with sly smiles towards the new couple.
Spike just knew it won’t not be easy, this was not a movie, book or video game but he knew deep in his heart and through many future fights and hardships that he loved Scootaloo Dash...he just hoped his family did as well.
Princess Celestia was a very patient mare, loving and caring, yet firm when it was necessary and had done many things she was not proud of after her parents passed. She, alongside her sister, had fought all sorts of creatures threatening their kingdom, such as the Changeling army, Lord Tirek, King Sombra, and even Discord, the god of chaos himself.
She had witness many, many things in her very long life of one thousand and twenty one years, and yet she forced herself to hold back a verbal sigh and had to keep her own hooves from slamming into her face, silently wondering if it would be worth it, just this once, to release Discord from his stone prison.
This day had to be one of the most single awkward things in her entire life, and considering everything she had been through, that meant a lot.
She was no goddess as many of her little ponies thought, she was no demigod either. She just came from a race that lived for a total of eight thousand years, until disease or fatal wounds struck, combining pegasi, earth pony and unicorns respectfully and even still, other races lived far longer, such as dragons and phoenixes and gods such as Discord.
Tartarus, even Philomena was older than both her and Luna combined, a family pet given to her by her father, and yet it didn’t matter to Celestia that Philomena was older.
Breathing very slowly and taking a small cup of tea with mint and lemon grasped in her magic, she brought it to her lips and took a small sip to disperse the extremely awkward silence in the dining room with her son and her sister, the Alicorn of the moon, the mare of dreams and co-ruler of Equestria, the one who was once Nightmare Moon herself and banished for the simple notion of jealousy.
Spike the dragon was only twelve years old, he was very intelligent, corny with lame jokes at times, had insecure issues about himself, and knew very little of his own race. He was handsome, even though he was young and had photographic memory, and on some days, he could become selfish and greedy and was playful and engaging with other. Heck, he even had an ancient dragon code which he took very seriously, as was told by Celestia herself .
He was a member of the royal family, Celestia’s own adopted child, prince to Equestria and when he turned twenty one, he would become king to the nation itself.
Responsibility, learning numerous languages, customs, races and many, many, many request from the ponies he would one day lead would one day be the norm for him along with facing very dangerous enemies such as his family had done before him in order to protect his kingdom, but at this moment, Celestia wanted nothing more than for him to be a normal dragon and to keep a careful eye over his older adopted sister, Twilight Sparkle.
And as such with being a kid the very first words out of his mouth upon looking at his aunt for the first time was “So you’re not going to go insane again and kill us all or something, right?”.
“Spike the dragon!” Celestia screamed at the small drake who was currently eating a large chocolate chip muffin with his mouth full as the cobalt Alicorn blushed as she covered her face with her wing, ignoring the steaming hot tea in front of her before removing her wing and clearing her throat.
“Tis alright, dear sister. We do not expect to be forgiven so quickly after all we have done during our return.” Luna stuttered slowly, looking around the large, hoof crafted ancient room nervously to keep her eyes away from the small dragon across from her.
As Celestia glared at Spike for his rude comment, the dragon only smiled at her sheepishly with his claw rubbing the back of his head, worried that his mother would get up and spank his butt, nervously waving his tail under the table as Celestia kept her gaze for a few seconds more before she sighed loudly, already wanting to see if she could secretly get her hooves on alcohol.
“So...you are our nephew, young Spike? We would have never thought our sister could have accepted a dragon as-”
“Oh, Spike is not my flesh and blood. Merely adopted, hatched by a young student of mine but when I first laid eyes on him, I knew I could not give him to the Dragonlands like we’ve done before our...fight.” Celestia corrected looking at her sister who turned her head, confusion etched on her face.
“But we have been hatching eggs and giving them to the Dragonlands for centuries, even before we were given the crowns to keep from-”
“That will be explained another time, dear sister. I’d rather not speak of this in front of Spike.” Celestia interrupted, sharpy making the young Alicorn blink then glance at the young reptile drowning a large glass of milk in his short claws as Luna could only look back at her sister and nod slowly.
The two Alicorns were silent watching Spike drink until the glass was empty and he put it down on the enormous, beautifully detailed table, panting loudly as he did nothing but breathe then without even questioning what his family was talking about, grabbed the rest of his muffin and threw it into his mouth.
Other than the loud, obnoxious chewing and breathing it became even more awkward between the two sisters who sipped their tea until it was empty, before Celestia lifted her head and summoned a unicorn servant who refilled their cups without a word, grabbing Spike’s empty plate and glass in his magic without a word before trotting away.
Smacking his lips, Spike settled comfortably in the chair that towered him in height as he laid his claws on his stomach and yawned.
“Awesome, another member of the family. I can’t wait to get to know you Aunt…” He paused as he let out another large, razor sharp filled teeth yawn and slowly blinked.
“Luna...maybe you could tell me a story and we can go star gazing and eat ice cream, and you can see Canterlot, and...and-” He cut himself off as he closed his eyes and fell asleep, right in the middle of his own conversion and before two royal Alicorns and seven servants, a few including Celestia smiled as they watched him snore before finally nodding to one of her guards who gently took the baby dragon in a glow of white magic who carried him over to both princesses making Celestia kiss his forehead softly as Luna with a moment of hesitation kissed his cheek before Spike was carried to Celestia’s bedroom, out of sight to them.
Luna sighed loudly, glancing down at her tea nervously rubbing her foreleg with a hoof before looking up at her older sister who had a large, exhausted smile on her face before she asked a earth pony servant over and whispered into her ear, making the mare nod and trotting away as Celestia let out a loud sigh.
“Sister...perhaps it’s finally time we reconcile.” She spoke softly as the mare came back and brought a large bottle of wine in between her teeth carefully, setting it between the two of them along with wine glasses as Luna laughed and gave her a small smile.
“For once Tia, that’s something we can agree with.” She spoke confidently and Celestia opened the bottle, pouring the alcohol to a quarter of the brim as the two took a single glass in both their respective magic and clanked it together, finally after one thousand years apart, the two sisters connected more than they ever had before.
The wind outside of Canterlot was frigid, brisk and nipping at many ponies fur as they traveled along their destination, clouds above were a dark gray, stormy and brutal when combining with the wind as the pegasi were forced to allow nature to take it’s course, a streak of lightning followed by a loud boom of thunder made many jump, including the professional scribe and advisor to Princess Celestia herself, Bella Script.
The unicorn mare felt herself shake in fear, her voice dry and eyes dotted to pinpricks as she prayed to the gods for it to end before she took a cautious step towards the ruler of the nation, Celestia herself who laid in her bed, wrapping her two year old son in a beautiful silk sea green blanket as the drake took absolutely no notice of her to play with his very rare and expensive Wonderbolts action figure in his claws as Celestia herself was bawling.
Large, heart wrenching streaks of tears ran down her face as she sobbed, making the dragon in her hooves look her way with wide, emerald green eyes before holding up the figurine in front of her snout as she gave him a small smile and kissed his nose before he turned his attention back to the toy held in his tiny grip.
Taking in a large breath, she released it very shakily before letting out an even larger whimper, her bare hooves stroking the reptile’s head as he didn’t even look at her, too busy trying to play with the plastic wings of the pegasus, having no clue what many collectors would do just to get their hooves on such an item.
“P-princess, forgive me if I seem out of line, but do you really think this is the best course of action for Prince Spike?” Bella spoke nervously, her heart squeezing at the sight as Celestia could only let out another sob, her body shaking as she ran her right forehoof over Spike’s cheek who finally looked at her again and let out an unintelligible babble of words neither mares could understand before he bit at the toy’s tail making Celestia let out a hollow chuckle.
“I’ve lived a long, barbarous life in all my years of having the crown and throne, Bella. This is the first in I don’t even know how long that we’ve ever had true peace. But I’ve made so many enemies, and I have far too much work with my sister gone to watch over him...I….if it was up to me, I would give anything just to take Spike and live free of...everything. But I can't do that, too many lives depend on me and Equestria would fall to ruin if an Alicorn does not step up.” Celestia replied, her voice cracked and hoarse as she turned her head and continued.
“You would do anything to save your daughters, isn’t that right, Bella?” She asked as the unicorn nodded firmly without hesitation.
“As I would do for my son, if my enemies or the nobles ever…” She paused, to terrified to think of what would happen to Spike if any of her old, very powerful foes got ahold of him or if the court of nobles found out that they would one day be ruled by a dragon and try to exile or worse even execute him if her little ponies never accepted his reign and the mere thought caused her to shudder.
“No, this has to be done...if I spoil him and keep him in the castle, he might grow up and act as so many with wealth and arrogance do, thinking less of them due to his title and the fact that he is not even their own species. I will not allow him to grow up with such a mindset.” The Alicorn of the sun stated coldly, tightening her grip on the dragon who let out a whine of discomfort rather than pain making her ashamed of herself as she let go, her ears sprayed on her head before she took another deep breath and talked to Bella Script once more.
“I...he needs to learn about the ponies and truly connect with them, both rich and poor. I want him to have a wealth of knowledge and humbleness, a thirst for the sights and races of all kinds, to experience life with his own two claws rather than being trapped in a castle among politics and rules and...nobles.” She said softly, the last word nearly coming out with disgust and anger before she closed her eyes and weeped once more, opening them to see Spike scratching at the toy’s nose with a claw, fascinated at something she couldn't see making her chuckle a more sincere laugh.
“But princess...what if he’s shunned or picked on for his race or what if the ponies-” She stopped as Celestia’s head suddenly snapped towards her, her eyes glowing bright yellow as the unicorn had to keep herself from screaming, never seeing the princess so angry before in all her days of serving the royal family.
“Then there will be grave consequences if he is ever hurt, I will strip a noble of their gold and fame, I will lock any pony who dares put their hooves on my son in the dungeon for the rest of their days and if his life is taken I will kill that pony with my bare hooves and exile their family from the country!” Celestia shouted, nearly using her Royal We that she hasn’t used for over five hundred years as the pony before her almost peed herself.
The shouting caused Spike to hiccup and cry, forcing Celestia to turn her attention quickly, her eyes dimming from the flow of magic as she tried to shush the crying reptile, wrapping her hooves around his body as he cried into her chest, making the Alicorn let out a loud sigh of regret.
“I’m so sorry, Bella Script. I didn’t mean to yell, it’s just...I would do anything to keep him from harm, I would give my life without a second thought. This is all new to me and I know I’m just being overprotective.” Celestia said slowly, wiping her face with a hoof as Spike’s cries continued for a few seconds before finally stopping as he fell asleep in her warm fur.
With her horn lit with magic, Celestia took Spike wrapped in his blanket off the bed as she stood up, her joints and back popping in response to the hours she laid with him as she stepped off her bed and stood before her oldest and most loyal advisor, Bella Script’s family has served her for over two hundred years and Celestia has always made sure to take care of them as the unicorn bowed before her, Spike held in the air by his mother’s magic.
“It is alright, princess. You are new to parenting, being worried and raising them the best you can is part of the job description, blood or not.” Bella giggled making the monarch laugh alongside her before her expression changed and she looked once more at the drake held in her aura, bringing him to eye level as she tried to hold back the flood of tears once more threatening to spill.
“I don’t want him to go.” Celestia confessed in a whisper as Bella’s ears and tail dropped and she did something she had never done before in all her years of serving, touched Celestia’s side with a hoof as the new mother didn’t even respond.
“The Sparkles will take very good care of him, princess. They have been interviewed three times and their files have been looked over by only the best in the country, plus it would not raise any suspicion with others that he is raised by the one who hatched him, resembling something of an older sister when she gets older, I’m sure. No harm with come to him in their care, we’ll have those who know his true heritage keep an eye on him, I swear on my duty as both your advisor and friend.” Bella answered softly, a genuine smile on her lips as Celestia looked down at her and frowned before finally nodding.
“I wish to meet them.” She spoke suddenly making the unicorn’s eyes widen in surprise.
“Well I’m sure I can have them escorted to-”
“No, I wish to meet them in their home, get to know them more personally before I…” She paused, swallowing the saliva in her throat as she took another deep breath as Bella could only bow in response.
“Of course, Princess Celestia. I’ll have a carriage with guards be ready to escort you in the morning.” She answered before Celestia shook her head.
“No, it will raise questions and cause to many prying eyes and ears their way if I show up at their door in the day time, this needs to be done with finesse and at night. I’ll leave myself, in disguise tonight so that with luck they won’t be assaulted about how or why they suddenly have a dragon in their home, and also so I...I” She choked up, tears in the edge of her eyes as she quickly shook her head and kept them at bay, centuries of ruling the nation made her keep a strong face.
“So that you don’t change your mind, very well princess...I’ll inform a guard who will not give away his presence to tell the Sparkles of your arrival.” Bella Script answered before bowing deeply then after standing, galloped out the door to speak to a guard who would be discreet.
After she was gone, Celestia very gently put the sleeping dragon on her bed, and closed her eyes as she performed a spell that hasn’t be used in centuries on herself, as her form diminished drastically to that of a normal pony, her wings vanished in a very powerful cloaking spell and her mane and tail changed from green, blue and pink to pure pink, even her cutie mark temporality changing to that of a single rose as she opened her eyes and quickly trotted towards a full length mirror admiring her new body.
She had forgotten just what it looked and felt like to be a regular pony, as she realized that even as a normal pony she was breathtaking, with a grimace and quickly making sure with a flash of her horn to change the color of her iris to pink as she smiled and nodded before turning away from the mirror and making sure Spike was comfortable, she grabbed him in her magic, annoyed that even she couldn’t change the color of her magic and stepped towards the door, intent on venturing out before Bella Script opened the door and paused in shock.
“P-princess?” She questioned nervously as the young unicorn before her nodded, making Bella amazed at just how beautiful even as a unicorn the ancient ruler looked before she shook her head and turned around leading Celestia and Spike around the castle as they paused near the front gates, the guards not even doing a double take at the unicorn with a bundled up dragon following the scribe, but bowing all the same.
As they stopped, both Celestia and Bella Script performed a double reinforced barrier spell on the drake so he didn’t get rained on as Celestia brought Spike closer to them and with a nod from the princess, Bella ran a gentle hoof over the sleeping dragon’s face, a lone tear falling down her face as she sighed loudly.
“Farewell, Prince Spike. I swear you will be watched closely and I look forward for my children and I to serve you when you’re of age.” She whispered with a sigh as Celestia took one last look at her and with a nod and smile, left her home, stepping into the rain without even bothering to keep herself safe knowing it would be many years before Spike would return a heir to the Equestrian throne.
Celestia trotted along the streets of her hometown that she has known since she was a filly, she knew nearly every twist and turn and yet she would be lying if she didn’t admit she was forced to backtrack or had gotten lost once or twice upon looking for the Sparkles residence, to distracted on making sure Spike got to someplace warm and had even forgotten to perform a spell to shield herself from the rain, either not caring or getting frustrated with not being able to find a simple house.
It had taken nearly twenty minutes to find it, but once she did she let out a sigh of relief, ignoring when a few ponies still out in the pouring rain told her to seek shelter as she had to resist rolling her eyes and hid Spike carefully in an invisible spell.
She took a deep breath as she came up to the wooden door, raising a hoof to knock before she paused and thought seriously about this decision.
Would it truly be so bad if she simply took Spike and walked away from her throne, her crown, subjects and kingdom? She could be Sunny Skies and they could board a train to parts unknown, Spike could be raised among the poor and rich like she wanted and she could be a hard working mother, providing for her child, watching him grow up and maybe, just maybe finding a stallion of even mare of her own.
They could have their own house, answer to no one and be away from all the burdens that Celestia has dealt with for so long, she could have the normal life she had always fantasized about it in dreams and maybe even give Spike a little brother or sister he could watch over.
And then watch as that very same colt or filly died from old age, as the kingdom fell to ruin and scrapes maybe even war, greed, rage, despair….hopelessness.
Celestia took a very deep breath before she exhaled and shook her head slowly, once more banishing the thoughts of a simple, boring life to the deepest corners of her mind.
Alicorns protected their subjects and home, she remembered her mother telling her and her sister once.
As easy as it would be to walk away, right now with nothing to her name but her son and her magic it wouldn't be fair to her little ponies in her care, to those who looked to her to take charge and keep them from the terrifying and dark threats that plagued Equestria and the greedy snobs who looked down on those less fortunate than them.
No, there was a reason she was chosen to wear the crown and be the leader of ponies, it was her blessing and her curse, the life of working in the lower class would be something she would never accomplish with her own two hooves, in this or any lifetime as long as she was Celestia, the alicorn of the sun.
With another loud sigh and looking at the drake who was invisible to all but her, Celestia knew that this is what needed to be done, for both their sakes...but what she would give to the gods if she could be like any other mother.
With a heavy heart and a half hearted knock on the wooden barrier, Celestia knew that she would never get such an opportunity again and watched once more as such a fate was ripped away from her hooves as the door opened.
When Twilight Velvet opened the door she was surprised that it took the princess so long to arrive, the tea and biscuits she had prepared were cold and stale and Night Light was just telling her that perhaps Celestia had changed her mind and that they should head to bed.
About to follow her husband up, Twilight Sparkle falling asleep in her brother’s lap as the young unicorn was nearly nodding off himself, the children's book in his right hoof dropping to the floor as he tried to keep his eyes open before he shook his head at the sound of the knock, his energy and excitement at actually meeting the princess coming back full force as he leivated his baby sister in his magic up in the air and stood by his dumbfounded father and confused mother as a very beautiful unicorn mare who with a simple glow of her horn revealed herself to be Princess Celestia herself along with washing the rain away from her body as it took all of Shining Armor’s willpower not to shriek like a filly as she walked into the room.
Without hesitation the family minus the sleeping filly bowed, as Celestia smiled and took off the cloaking spell that had been placed on Spike as well as the double reinforced barrier spell and placed him comfortably in her hooves, sitting down in a chair much to small for her rump but she ignored her own discomfort as Spike shifted in his sleep, the toy in his claws dropping to the floor, making Shining Armor’s eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets as he glanced at the toy.
“Is that the limited edition Wind Rider action figure, no way! There are only five of these ever made! Do you know how much money this toy is worth?!” He cried, ecstatic to actually see something so amazing in front of him as his father cleared his throat and he blushed.
“I-I mean, excuse me, Princess. Sorry for being so rude.” The teenaged colt spoke embarrassed as Celestia only shook her head with a smile.
“It is alright, my little pony. I would be excited to if I was near a toy I liked. You know, I might be able to get my hooves on another one if you promise to keep your grades up and watch over your sister and new brother.” She whispered into his left ear with a wink as his eyes lit up with the prospect of an early Hearth Warming present and he nodded eagerly before saluting and vowing to do just that, bowing before her again.
“Having a baby brother as a dragon is going to be awesome.” He replied, gently rubbing his left forehoof down Spike’s head before turning around and giving his mother and father a hug, wishing them good night and that he loved them as he took his little sister upstairs with him in a glow of magic without a word, getting ready for bed.
Celestia smiled after the enthusiastic colt before she sighed, hoping that the young male kept his promise as the mare before her shifted uncomfortably and her husband gulped audibly making Celestia chuckled quietly to herself, forgetting how quickly her subjects basically became blubbering masses in her presence.
“Twilight Velvet and Night Light, I presume?” Celestia questioned slowly, knowing full well their names, occupations and children, but reading them from a files, trice in Celestia’s case and meeting them in the flesh were two entirely different situations.
Night Light cleared his throat once more as he answered with a stutter and hesitation to his tone.
“Yes, your highness. Our daughter Twilight almost ran into you when jumping for joy when her Cutie Mark appeared. Heh, she’s only seven years old but we always knew she had a knack for magic, just like us though of a different...magnitude I suppose, for a filly at least.” He cut himself off to keep from rambling in embarrassment as his wife stepped in.
“What Night means to say, Princess-”
“Please, just Celestia is fine.” The alicorn interrupted as both ponies eyes widen before they smiled and visibly relaxed.
“Very well, um...Celestia, you may call me Velvet and my husband likes to be called Night, for close friends and family. I suppose this in a sense makes us family, or the very least close friends?” Twilight Velvet asked nervously as Celestia only smiled and nodded making her give a sigh of relief before she continued.
“We understand as parents that separating anyone from their child can be very, very hard. We would do anything to make sure our children is safe, as I hope any parent would. We will never try to steal Spike away from you or to-”
“I understand from the files I’ve read that you are an author, Velvet and you work in an administrative office in the school for gifted unicorns, Night, is that correct?” Celestia interrupted casually, she didn’t want to be rude, but with the thoughts she had ten minutes ago, she wanted to make absolutely sure with her own eyes that these two could be trusted, plus she didn’t want to think of being replaced anytime soon or at all, the urge to simply take Spike and run to who knows where still in the back of her mind.
Twilight Velvet was caught off guard by the question, looking at her husband before she looked back and nodded.
“Um, yes. I’ve been interested in writing stories about adventures since I was Shining Armor’s age. Though I’m a published author I don’t do it for the fame or money, I do it because I wish to bring my love of writing to all colts and fillies in Equestria, though I do have a few adult novels for a change of pace I’m working on. Must be why Twilight enjoys reading so much. Night Light should be up for a promotion in a few months, and with our combined income we should have more than enough to take Spike in and provide for him.” Twilight Velvet answered with a large, uneasy grin as Celestia raised an eyebrow, skeptically wondering if the two of them could raise three children before she mentally shook her head, trying to be more positive and knowing that in the end she had no choice if she wanted to keep Spike in her life.
“Twilight is prone to be more into studying and reading rather than playing with friends or enjoying nature despite our efforts to get her to try, and Shining is just entering into middle school so he’s trying to balance new workloads and friends as well as caring for Twilight when I’m off on tour or Night Light is at work, but we have a new babysitter that sent out an ad a few months ago when we went to see Shining Armor’s flugelhorn recital, she watches over Twilight when we are busy with our work, her name is Cadance and-”
“Cadance? Her real name would not happen to be Princess Mi Amore Cadenza would it?” Celestia asked as Night Light nodded, she was intrigued at the knowledge that her niece had taking up a job foalsitting, she was glad she had taken the intuitive and gotten a job unlike Blueblood who lazed about in the castle.
“Yes, we were surprised that a princess would want to watch over a simple foal, but Twilight and her really seem to hit it off unlike her last two foal sitters and Shining even seems to have a bit of a crush on her, it’s good to know our kids are in safe hooves, do you know her?” Night Light asked as Celestia nodded with a sincere smile on her face.
“She’s my niece, adopted like Spike and Prince Blueblood. It seems your family has more connections to royalty then most have. I’m relieved that Spike will be watched over carefully when she’s around, they are cousins after all.” She giggled at the thought of Spike and Twilight getting into trouble as they got older and Cadance trying to resolve everything while trying not to go crazy, she’ll have her hooves full for sure when Spike gets older.
Both Night Light and Twilight Velvet looked at each other, stunned at their luck of having two members of the royal family in their home and were a bit worried about what others would think of their fortune.
“Well it seems Twilight will be in good hooves then, being trained under you and watched over by Cadance. But what of the matter with Spike?” Twilight Velvet asked softly as Celestia carefully levitated Spike in a glow of magic onto a couch pillow since her forehooves were getting sore, making sure he would not wake up or fall off before turning back and answering.
“Spike will grow up among normal ponies, your family and learn alongside those not surrounded in wealth or entitlement, when he comes of age, I’ll meet with him personally and reveal to him that I’m his mother and his destiny as a prince and future king, unless he has a desire when he gets older to follow another path of course. He’ll be watched over carefully by the Royal Guard and study with your daughter when he gets older, maybe something of an assistant and even little brother in time.” She paused to breath as Night Light nearly held up a hoof as if he was in class before shaking his head and asking a question.
“Does this mean we’ll be his second adopted parents?” He questioned as Celestia smiled and nodded.
“Only if you want to be.” She added hastily as Twilight Velvet scratched her head.
“But doesn't that mean that Cadance and Blueblood will be family to us as well?” She wondered before Celestia shook her head.
“You may look at Spike as a son in time but he won’t be, Spike is connected to Cadence, Blueblood, myself and you, maybe even my sister, Luna if she ever returns but legally he is mine though I understand your confusion.” Celestia answered calmly with a smile allowing the two to visibly sigh before she became serious, making the two on edge at the shift of the Princess’s sudden mood change.
“I trust you two don’t partake in any...illegal activities?” She spoke slowly, her eyes narrowing to mere slits as the two grown herbivores before her rapidly shook their heads.
“N-no, Princess. When we were younger and before the kids were born we...well, weren't really innocent. I drank a lot and Velvet smoked but since having our children we haven’t touched a bottle or cigarette in years. Don’t even have them in our house, I’ll admit once in awhile I’ll get the urge-”
“Then let me make this perfectly clear and say this only once...if there is an incident and I ever find out that my son has been harmed by either one of you then I will personally send you to prison to rot for the rest of your lives as your children will be sentenced to an orphanage, never to see their parents again. Am I understood?” Celestia whispered darkly, her eyes glowing with golden magic for a few seconds before disappearing as both Night Light and Twilight Velvet shivered in horror before nodding taking her words very serious and making a mental note to never buy even a bottle of wine until all three kids were out of their house.
After that very realistic threat it became awkward as both Twilight Velvet and Celestia took a sip of the cold tea in front of them, completely ignoring the bitter texture and lack of heat while Night Light nibbled on a stale biscuit, Celestia felt guilty and sincerely wanted to apologize to them but she had to let them know just how important Spike was to her. None of them looking the other in the eye after such words before Twilight Velvet finally gathered her courage and spoke.
“It’s perfectly natural to be scared for their future, Celestia. We would never blame you for being so defensive, after all we would do the same with Shiny and Twi, but you’ll never have to keep that promise because we will never hurt Spike or any foal, we don’t even believe in spanking them, though we got into fights with our own parents about that, believe me. It’s ok to be nervous about your son, but I swear to you...he is in good hooves.” Twilight Velvet spoke honestly and with a soft smile making Celestia give a loud sigh and slowly nodded her head.
Calmly Celestia looked slowly over to Spike, and with surprise felt a lone tear run down her right eye as she sniffed then turned away, embarrassed as she closed her eyes in shame.
“He’s all I have.” She admitted quietly as the two before her frowned, deeply saddened that they were taking a child away from his mother, on instinct Twilight Velvet rose from her seat and with a moment of hesitation gently wrapped her hooves around the Alicorn’s stomach making the mare’s eyes open in shock that somepony actually touched her without her permission but she ignored class for once and returned the hug to the much smaller pony, once more crying as the unicorn ignored the tears falling onto her back.
“We’ll never replace you, Celestia. I swear.” Twilight Velvet promised as the Alicorn suddenly cleared her throat, attempting to save face while the older mare released her and took a few steps back to give her space.
“I-if that is all, then I suppose he is in safe hooves. Please, don’t hesitate to write or come to me personally if you have any questions or are in need of anything.” She spoke more professionally taking a shuddering breath.
“Does this mean we can pay off our mortgage?” Night Light joked making the two give a sincere laugh as Celestia shook her head with a smile.
“That would be rather suspicious to your friends and co-workers wouldn't it? Best not to arouse that many eyes and ears, don’t you agree?” The Alicorn questioned making the two before her smile and nod.
“Please, don’t ever hesitate to stop by. You’re always welcome in our home, Celestia.” Twilight Velvet said softly with a bow making the monarch grin.
“Thank you, that means a lot. I’ll have my guards keep an eye on your family and in the event you can’t reach me then be sure to send a message to my scribe, Bella Script. She’ll make sure to give a letter to my phoenix, Philomena who will search for me in the event of an emergency, phoenixes are the fastest creatures in the world after all, in the sky at least.” Celestia giggled before turning to the sleeping drake and bending down, kissed his left cheek gently.
“Goodbye...my son.” She whispered before turning to the ones who would take over from here on until Spike grew older and with a sad, almost painful smile nodded before she lit her horn with magic, changed once more into her alter ego and without another word, walked to the front door and upon opening it resisted to urge to look back once more as she disappeared out of sight and out of the lives of the Sparkle family, until another time
Prince Blueblood didn’t know whether to laugh or get angry, his emotions conflicting with what had just came out of his aunt Celestia’s mouth as he looked at both her and his cousin, Cadance in shock.
“This has to be some sort of joke, right? You can’t be serious.” He spoke with a hint of disdain as he looked at the little dragon who held a nervous smile in front of him nearly making Blueblood himself facehoof.
“I assure you, nephew that this is no joke. Like Cadance and yourself, Spike is taken under my wing. I adopted him as my son, which in turn makes him your cousin. You’re all family now.” Celestia replied as she sent a warm, loving smile to Spike who could only giggle in response, as she slowly wrapped one of her large wings over half his body making him laugh harder.
Blueblood shut his eyes, attempting more than once to try to wake up from this nightmare he was no doubt in, the gods couldn't be this cruel could they?
“Aunt Tia...he is a dragon.” Blueblood stated very slowly as Celestia sighed loudly, she could already tell this was going to be a long day but was determined not to let Blueblood’s negative attitude get to her.
“Yes, I’m quite aware of that. The scales, fire breath and claws really helped to show he is indeed not a pony. Did you also know he eats gems and could speak?” Celestia said sarcastically causing Cadance to giggle loudly behind her hoof as Blueblood had to resist rolling his eyes.
“What I mean to say is why a dragon out of thousands of other orphans? The fact that he is in the castle is already an issue since his species is not fond of us but adopting him as your son? Making him a prince? What’s next, is he going to take your place upon the throne?” He argued a bit irritated that this was even being remotely considered.
“Dragons, like Alicorns live a very long time, Blueblood. I have no intention of raising a young pony in my stead only to watch them...pass before my eyes. Spike will actually be able to keep up with my lifespan, maybe even beyond that. But more to the point is that when he hatched I just could not...give him away as I have done so many others. He was special and like it or not he is staying here, this is his home as much as it is your own.” She answered calmly, though both Blueblood and Cadance knew that she was trying to keep her temper in check as Blueblood flinched from her tone.
“As for his royal title, none but you two, Bella Script and the Sparkles will know of it until he turns eighteen years old and yes...one day he will be given the crown should he want it. Blueblood, I made my brother a promise to always watch over his family and I intend to do exactly that. You took no issues with Cadance, so I hope in time you’ll take none with Spike. But should any harm ever come to him.” She let the threat hang in the air as the two ponies before her shivered making them both nod seriously then looking at the drake beneath them who had his tail in his claws and was wringing it rather firmly, trying to keep his eyes away from any of them as Blueblood sighed once more.
“Very well, Aunt Tia...I take no pleasure in it but I suppose watching over him won’t be as bad as I’m thinking. But I will take matters into my own hooves of training him on how to act like true royalty.” Blueblood spoke confidently making Cadance roll her eyes as Celestia tried to keep herself from laughing. Clearing her throat she nodded with a smile on her face before wrapping a hoof over Spike’s shoulders and hugging him firmly.
“I trust you will, Blue. Now, I have other matters to attend to, so I hope I can trust you three to play nice while I’m gone?” She asked looking at both of the older ponies, Cadance eagerly nodding with a large grin as Blueblood with a moment of hesitation agreed.
“Wonderful. I’ll be off now, Spike be a good dear and listen to your cousins. If you behave today you’ll get a ruby and sapphire gemstone ice cream for dessert tonight.” Celestia whispered to the child who beamed with joy at hearing the treat as he answered in kind, making her laugh before she kissed his forehead and with a smile and nod left the three to their own devices.
“I remember you, you watched over Twilight and me when we were younger.” Spike spoke suddenly, nearly giving Blueblood a heart attack over the high pitched voice and causing Cadance to jump in surprise as the drake pointed at the young Alicorn who smiled and chuckled.
“Yes I did, little dragon. I’m your cousin Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, but you can call me Cadance and this is your cousin Prince Blueblood, we call him Blue though because he’s always in a sour mood.” She giggled, hiding her laughter behind her hoof once more as he groaned with a shake of his head.
“I thought I told you to stop calling me that, I’m a member of the royal family and demand to be treated with respect.” He spat angrily making Cadance laugh harder before Spike joined in on the fun, even though he didn’t really know what was so funny.
“We all are, Blue. We just don’t take it as seriously as you do. I keep telling him he needs to lighten up, all those frowns are going to cause wrinkles if he keeps it up.” She whispered to Spike making the two of them laugh even harder and in turn making the older unicorn more upset.
“I can hear you, you know? And I’ll have you know I laugh and smile all the time, you just are never around, see.” He insisted before giving a obviously painful looking smile which made both Spike and Cadance absolutely lose it and laugh so hard them were on the ground trying to hold back tears from their teasing.
Blueblood really tried to keep his own hoof from connecting with his face as he frowned then sighed loudly, clearly annoyed.
“At any rate, you’re Spike the dragon. Correct?” He questioned allowing Spike to nod once they had calmed down, Cadance wiping away tears that were brimming at the edge of her eyes as they finally stood up, breathing hard in an attempt to catch their breath.
“Splendid, now that we have all been properly introduced, I’ll be on my way. I have much to do today. I’m sure Caddy won’t mind watching you for the remainder of the day-”
“But mom said you two would spend time with me so we could get to know each other.” Spike interrupted, saddened by the fact that one member of the only family he had was trying to be rid of him already.
Blueblood desperately wanted to lose himself in the company of more intelligent and worldly ponies with splendor and class, but he supposed that a few hours of his time with his new cousin couldn't be all bad. Plus he had Cadance to talk to if anything.
“How old are you, young reptile?” He asked softly, trying to appeal to Spike’s young mind and was shocked when Spike’s suddenly angrily growled at them causing them to jump, even for his age the dark sound coming from his throat made the ponies before him shiver.
“Mommy says that calling a dragon...that word is very insulting and has been known to get many in trouble with them, please don’t call me it again. And I’m nine.” Spike answered slowly before he took a very deep breath and exhaled, Cadance wrapping a hoof around him in comfort as she glared at Blueblood for the no doubt racist remark.
“My apologies, Spike. I didn’t know. It won’t happen again. At any case I suppose the three of us could find something to do for awhile before I have to return to business.” Blueblood spoke sincerely, feeling genuinely bad for making the young child look so hurt and upset as Spike wiped his left eye from the tears trying to escape with a claw and nodded excitedly.
“We can go get some donuts, I have a friend who makes the best kind in town, maybe even Equestria.” Spike responded, animated at the prospect of his favorite treat causing Cadance to laugh beside him, finally removing her hoof.
“That sounds like a fun idea, Spike. I can certainly use a donut. What do you say, Blue?” She said eagerly looking at the prime and proper stallion unicorn who grimaced before he sighed and nodded.
“I suppose nothing is wrong with having one piece of fried, fattening dough or two. Very well, Prince Spike. Lead the way.” Blueblood agreed as Spike jumped for joy, turning around and didn’t ever bother to see if the ponies behind him were following as he rushed out the door.
“That was a nice thing of you to do, Blueblood. I’ll admit it will take a bit of time to get used to him, but take it from me. He really is a good kid, you’ll see.” Cadance suddenly spoke as he looked at her seeing as she gave him a smile making the young stallion only sigh.
“Before today I would have never thought that Auntie Tia would even want any children due to her lifespan. But the young drake seemed to have proved me wrong. Perhaps our new little...cousin won’t be as bad as I’m making him out to be.” Blueblood stated honestly making the Alicorn of Love gasp in surprise.
“Blue...did you just give someone a compliment?” She teased as he rolled his eyes.
“This conversation never happened, by the way. Come on, let’s catch up to him before he ends up spending more bits than he’s worth.” He answered with a grunt, Cadance laughing loudly with a shake of her head as she followed the normally high strung unicorn out of the castle.
Maybe having a new member of the family wouldn't be so terrible after all, for any of them.
The sophisticated and normally vibrant city of Canterlot with it’s hearsay, wealth and entitlement was as silent as a crypt, except for the occasional drunk, homeless or working a graveyard shift pony every other living and sane soul in the capital was dead asleep since it was three in the morning.
The sky overwhelmed with the Alicorn of the moon’s night which held countless dots of bright stars and the planet in question suspended in the air, where it belonged as the mare herself traveled from dream to dream of her beloved subjects, banishing the nightmares that plagued their minds and encouraging the fantasy they could only imagine, both innocent and raunchy, even ignoring the more violent and twisted ones for now before she would go off to the land of slumber herself, thankful that her night court was over for a time.
A lone figure caught the attention of the two lone, heavily armored guards of the skeleton crew, the female pegasus and male griffin beside her gripping their spears more firmly in their hoof and claw, respectfully as their eyes narrowed, trying to make sense of the one coming towards them, intent of giving their lives if they had to in order to protect their Princesses.
It was thanks to the words of Spike the dragon himself that both Celestia and Luna allowed sapient non-ponies to join the Royal Guard, along with females of any race, there were even a few Changelings of either gender given to them in a gesture of friendship by King Thorex and to smooth over the rifts caused by the disgraced queen, Chrysalis in their ranks.
As such, the seventeen year old dragon approached the home that he had been raised in, his rather tall height and muscled form made the pony’s companion take a step back, not knowing the reptile’s origin like she and nearly every pony guard did as she calmed him down with a wing on his shoulder as Spike stood in front of the gate, his head downcast, his face cascading with tears and his entire body shaking from the force of his crying.
“Spike?” The pegasus questioned the flightless drake before her as he only gave a loud hiccup in response.
Neither guard spoke another word as they glanced at each other before the griffon tapped his spear loudly on the ground twice, the noise causing the male Changeling watching over the entrance to jolt awake in panic before he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes with a hoof, yawning and cranked open the large metal bars with his magic while the dragon could only mutter a heart hearted thank you and dragged himself towards the castle.
Unless it was an emergency, Celestia hated nothing more than to be woken up from her beauty sleep. It had been a very long, tiring day of appeasing the nobles, approving or declining documents that improved her country, benefited those within and attempting to nearly avoid war, bankruptcy or even rumors of dangerous enemies that may or may not have been coming to the edge of her and her sister’s borders but all of this Celestia had dealt with for such a long time that it had become the theme to sharing the crown with her sister, it was all her race had done for millennials and something she was sure would happened long after she died or the kingdom burned to the ground.
So when she had been forced awake by her loyal scribe, Bella Script who still wore her own pajamas and looked half asleep herself as the Alicorn of the sun cracked one, extraordinary exhausted violet colored eye open to gaze upon her subject, she had hoped that it was because the castle was on fire but was instead told that her own son urgently wanted to talk to her.
Had it been absolutely anyone else, Twilight Sparkle, her sister even Discord, especially Discord she would have simply closed her eye and dealt with it in the morning like she always had, even her own sister understood that sleep was something Celestia took very, very seriously and she would not trade it for anything considering everything she went through day in and day out until Luna took over.
Anything that was except for Spike, with a groan so loud it shook Bella herself awake she lifted half her body up with her left forehoof and then very slowly did the same with her right, an enormous yawn escaping from her muzzle as she smacked her lips and huffed before she crawled out from underneath her covers and the safety of her own warm and extremely enticing bed that begged her to come back and join the realm of those unconscious as she ignored it and placed a single hoof onto the cold stone floor, nothing in the world would ever stand between a mother when her child needed her, Celestia was no exception.
Completely ignoring her royal attire, she eased her hooves into her pink bunny slippers and with another large yawn thanked Bella, telling her to return to bed and that she would see her in the morning before she opened the door to her bedroom and walked down one of the hallways.
Knowing by instinct where Spike would be, not surprised in the least when she found him in the kitchen sitting in a large wooden chair made especially for him but she was surprised to see Pony Joe, who looked like he might fall asleep at any moment in the castle taking out a fresh tray of six extra sprinkled strawberry and chocolate covered donuts from one of the ovens as he took them from the tray and placed them on a glass plate which then was placed in front of Spike along with a large glass of milk on the wooden table.
The drake sincerely thanked him as he wiped the tears from his eyes with both claws and told him he would pay him trice what he normally did for the favor later in the morning as the unicorn stallion chuckled before he yawned, putting a hoof on his left arm, not able to reach his shoulder due to Spike’s height which stood about a head taller than an Alicorn.
“Anytime my old friend, I’ll see you later. Have a good night and I expect to hear everything when I see you.” Pony Joe spoke softly making the dragon nod slowly before the baker turned and noticed the princess, without a word he bowed, turned off the oven, put the tray in the sink and left.
As Spike reached for one of the strawberry covered donuts, his favorite, Celestia herself yawned once more, shaking her head to try to pay attention before she took Spike’s glass in her yellow magic aura and took a sizable drink before placing it back near him, then she walked over and sat down in the seat across from him, ignoring the rather small size and shook her head once more before blinking her eyes, she was still very tired.
She looked over to the young dragon, seeing as he only nibbled on his pasty instead of taking large bites, his eyes only looking at the table before him, tears still running down his face before she used her magic to grab a napkin and wipe them away without hesitation.
“Spike.” She called out intent on getting his attention and finding out what was wrong with her son as he didn’t answer, not even acknowledging her making her frown then try again.
“Spike.” She called out louder as he did nothing more then blink making her rather irritated that he would not answer before she tried once last time, becoming fed up with him not being responsive.
“Spike the dragon!” She spoke angrily, finally gaining his attention as his eyes snapped from the table and looked at his mother, fearful for a moment since no one but her called him that, except for Twilight, her mother or Luna when they were serious or angry.
They did nothing more than stare at one another for a few seconds as Celestia sighed loudly, if it was anyone but him she wouldn't dare have such a conversion so early while the dragon hiccupped once more and finally put his fried breakfast down on the plate in front of him.
“How did you get up here so early in the morning? The trains stopped running hours ago.” She questioned, wondering if Twilight used her teleportation magic or if he even asked a pegasus friend for aid, knowing that if he did they most definitely would not be to happy with it and she doubt he would use the hot air balloon since he didn’t know how to operate it.
“I walked.” He replied simply, his voice hoarse and cracked from the force of his crying, Celestia’s eyes widen in shock and anger at his words, she sputtered for a few seconds before closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
“You walked? Spike, the train alone is an hour from Ponyville to here, pegasus flight another hour, even a phoenix would be at least thirty minutes with full speed. You walked from Ponyville to Canterlot for about three hours, give or take? Why did you do that?! You know if you had only sent a letter I would have-”
“I needed time to think.” He answered sluggishly, cutting off her angry ranting and not wanting to feel even worse than he already was.
She stared long and hard at him, her eyes narrowing to slits as she looked up at him. She was both a mix of upset and worried that he would be so reckless and foolhardy, this wasn’t like him and she knew if he was being so careless then something was really disturbing him, she only had to find out what it was before she could help him.
“Please, Spike. Don’t ever do that again, for my sake. If you ever need to talk then at the very least I would send some guards and a carriage towards you, I don’t want you to worry me like that, Twilight is probably worried sick and Luna if she doesn't know is probably searching for your dreams. You can’t scare us like that, Spike. You mean to much to us, do you understand?” She asked, still angry that he had done this as he nodded, taking his half chewed donut in a claw and took a bite before responding with his mouth full.
“Yes ma’am.” He responded sincerely, she gave a loud sigh in response before yawning again and taking a large swallow of his milk using her hoof instead of her magic this time.
“Now tell me...what is wrong, my son? I haven’t seen you this depressed since you had nightmares about losing the Crystal Empire to Sombra, and that was years ago. I’m still thankful to Luna that she helped you with them, I never felt so helpless before, a mother not even able to comfort her own child. I felt disgusted with myself for weeks.” She questioned him, rambling a bit since she knew it was the only way to help him in times like this as he finally finished his treat, chewing slowly before swallowing as he answered.
“I...I finally worked up the nerve. I wanted to be the appropriate age, or if anything be close to it before I asked her out. She….she said she only saw me as a friend, couldn't fathom us being together romantically since I was like a kid brother to her rather than-” He cut himself off as he cried harshly, the memory still fresh as he sobbed into his claws, surprising Celestia that he still had anything left and knowing instantly the one he spoke off, her heart squeezing out for the crying reptile as a mother, and disappointed in the one who rejected him as a ruler.
Rarity.
Ever since he first laid eyes on her he was smitten, the fact that his greed form had stopped because of her, the fact that he chased after Diamond Dogs when she was kidnapped years ago without a second’s hesitation and that he went above and beyond to both protect and serve her like one would do a queen or to save her like a knight in order to win her heart when he was nothing more than a teenager showed that, even after all this time.
He had done so many things for her, bent over backwards for her, risked life and limb for her and even at one point gave her a Dragon’s Oath, which he species took very seriously to win her heart at any cost for her had finally come to fruition when he deemed himself the necessary age, both mentally and physically even though he still could not date her for one more year but at least he gave her the option, and took the leap of faith that he prayed to the gods would work in his favor.
But the gods either ignored him, or Discord must have treated his affection as nothing more than a cruel prank because his reward was rejection, his heart metaphorically smashed into tiny, glass pieces and his mindset tarnished into a deep depression the likes of which Celestia had never witnessed before today.
As a mother, she was furious at how the older unicorn could unmercey treat her baby, she had half a mind to teleport to the fashion designer’s home and scream vile, harsh words of rage upon her at how she had tore her son’s heart apart like paper and burn her shop, all three of them to the ground so that the pony had nothing to her name.
But she knew that was a bit extreme, no matter how angry she felt and as both a monarch and a mare herself she was not new to breaking the hearts of those who had fallen in love with her in time. Celestia knew first hoof the lengths that love would take someone, be they pony or not, she had fallen for others herself, even if her lifespan saw to it that it was not meant to be.
Starswirl, Discord, even Chrysalis herself when she was much younger but as it was with all things, it was not meant to be for her.
Even though her own life had no pony or creature to come home to, she was fine with it, a little lonely she could not help but think admittedly, but she had her sister, her subjects, some friends who didn’t treat her as royalty and most importantly...she had her son.
Nothing in the world meant more to her then Spike, and she would go to any length, any at all to insure his safety and wellbeing.
Including mending his broken heart the way only a mother could.
“Spike,” She whispered softly to him as the drake stopped looking at his claws to glance down at the one who raised him as if he was her own flesh and blood, maybe even more so in some cases. “What Rarity did to you was….harsh, yes. But you have to see this from her point of view, she watched you grow up into the dragon you are today. The age gap, while not meaning much in the long run for dragons, is important to some ponies. Maybe not to Discord and Pinkie Pie, but you’re not a god. You’re an incredibly smart, handsome, and wise teenager but you are still just a teenager. Trust me when I say this, the right one will come. You just have to wait, and for the two of us...time is all we have.” She spoke calmly and slowly, maybe more seriously than she meant to but she needed to make him understand her words and take them to heart.
In response, he blinked then sighed loudly and slowly nodded.
It wasn’t what he wanted to hear but he knew if anything, it was what he needed to hear. And who better to tell him of such then his own mother.
“Will my heart ever heal?” He questioned himself but looking and seeing Celestia’s reaction, he nearly slapped himself with his own claw as he realized he had spoken out loud.
“Time heals all wounds, it’s not just a saying you know. It will be...difficult, I won't lie. But eventually yes, you will get over her and see her as nothing more than a friend, even if in your heart, you’ll want something more. You never forget your first love, as they say. I know I haven’t.” She answered as he looked at her quizzically making her chuckle then blush.
“Tale for another time, Spike. But from what I’ve been hearing from a pretty birdie is that somepony else already has her eyes on you.” She teased with smirk as he coughed the donut that had lodged in his throat with a fist to his chest in surprise, thankful when it went down more smoothly and gasped like a fish out of water in embarrassment.
“Twilight’s exaggerating is all. Nothing’s going on with Dinky Doo and I.” He blushed heavily, his eyes roaming to and fro so to not look at his mother’s knowing grin.
“I’ve been told you have more than one pair of eyes on you as of late.” She spoke as he finally slapped his face with a claw, growling under his breathe that he was going to kill his sister as the Alicorn of the sun chuckled.
“It’s just a crush, mom. Nothing more...honestly I don’t think I’m in the right mindset for dating right now anyway. I’m trying to focus on my music, try to keep Twi from going crazy again and work on my cooking skills, by the way am I still able to come help in your kitchen on Friday?” He asked, his eyes shining at the thought of working with the best chefs in the country as Celestia nodded, taking another large sip from Spike’s milk and finally a chocolate donut in her own magic aura.
“Of course, I’ve informed Chef Zaith that you’ll be working from the bottom up, as all who enter do. Just because you’re my son does not mean you get special privileges when working among those of a lesser class, I’ve taught you better then that.” She answered with a smile as he rolled his eyes, reaching for another donut while Celestia took a large bite of her own.
“So dishes then, huh?” He asked making her snort before chewing and finally swallowing.
“Can’t get much lower than that in the kitchen, now can you? So tell me how your music is going? I’ve been told you been practicing with Pinkie Pie’s cousin, Octavia Melody I believe and that you’re going to do a live show soon.” She questioned as he grumbled under his breathe that his sister had such a big mouth before answering.
“I’m ah...doing alright. Not so great to keep up in front of ponies myself just yet, the time helping Pinkie Pie to stop that ‘war’ in Appleloosa didn’t count, at least not really. But I’m hoping soon I can do it by myself. Are you and Aunt Luna going to come?” He asked, Celestia noting the fear in his eyes as she reached a hoof towards one of his claws which he gripped without hesitation.
“Wouldn't miss it for the world, my little scales.” She spoke sincerely as he groaned loudly.
“Mom, I’m almost an adult, you don’t have to baby me anymore. Besides that nickname is so embarrassing.” He whined as she snickered with a hoof covering her snout.
“Doesn't matter how big or old you get, you’ll always be my baby boy. And I’ll always love you.” Celestia said warmly making him smile before he frowned, a serious expression on his face making him look down to the table then back into his mother’s eyes.
“Even if I became a monster like the rest of my kind?” He questioned darkly making her frown.
Removing her hoof she unfurled her wings and flapped them into the air to reach his face, looking deeply into his eyes as she answered.
“You’ll never be a monster, Spike the dragon. And nothing in this world will ever, ever stop me from loving you. You remember that. Do you understand me, young drake? She asked as he nodded, sheepishly with a claw rubbing the back of his neck as she finally sat down, but not before kissing his forehead as he whined once more in response.
Making her laugh loudly as they talked more of things much more pleasant, spending the rest of the time talking about their days and having fun enjoy each other’s company which seemed like a long time since they’ve actually had time to be with each other.
With Spike’s situation dealt with for the time being and Celestia clearly no longer going to sleep from the hours they’ve talked, she sent him to her room to sleep, ordering for him not to come out until he was well rested and ignoring his protests, she finished off the donuts, drank the last of his milk and cleaned up both the table and even dishes herself.
For once since she didn’t even know how long, Celestia didn’t mind being tired as she yawned loudly then went to shower, retrieve her royal attire and start the day, naturally beginning with rising the sun as she saw Luna trot slowly from the restroom, surprise etched on her face before wishing her good morning and returning to her room to sleep as Celestia herself walked to her throne room, knowing it would be at least an hour before the day officially started for her as she smiled brightly, intent on getting some documents finished before the day begun.
If there was one creature in the world Celestia would always make time for, good or bad...it was Spike.
Spike the dragon couldn't have picked a worse day to have gotten sick.
First was the fact that it was his best friend Dinky Doo's birthday party and her older sister Derpy Hooves had accidently gotten a bouquet of Dragon Sneeze flowers which he was not only highly allergic to but when his friend showed him the flowers, unaware of his allergies he sneezed and blew an enormous orange flame onto all her presents on accident.
Naturally the gifts disintegrated on contact and he tried to apologize, being forced to run out of SugarCube Corner as he kept spewing flames everywhere until he was far away from the bakery, feeling ashamed of himself and the horror he had caused to one of his closest friends.
The fact that he had accidentally set his new issue of Power Ponies that he had gotten from his mother on fire when he had stubbed his toe rushing to his room to read it and that he had fallen off of a high ladder when he went to put away a book, only surviving serious injuries due to his scales with a headache once assaulting him in response was not making his day any better.
As most of his friends, nearly all of the colts and fillies in Ponyville, though he was only really truly close to a few, such as Rumble, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Dinky and Pipsqueak ran out of bakery to see if Spike was alright, he let out a huge amount of fire upon sneezing again, forcing all of them to take a step back in fear as Spike with tears in his eyes and apologizing again and again ran back home to the Castle of Friendship.
He really hated Dragon Sneeze flowers, they clogged up his sinuses and he felt his headache returning back with a vengeance, his body felt weak and sluggish and he belched out black smoke, trying to hold back blowing any more flames and hopefully vomit.
Twilight was busy with Mayor Mare looking over a law to decrease taxes by a few bits which would certainly help the town of Ponyville as a whole and Starlight and Trixie had gone with Big Mac and Apple Bloom to visit Our Town in response to seeing how Starlight's old friends were doing and so that Big Macintosh could see his marefriend, Sugar Belle.
Spike was alone in the large castle and with Owlowiscious no doubt asleep until nighttime and Peewee visiting his parents and siblings for the week, Spike felt more isolated now than ever.
Despite some of his friends banging on the castle gates to try to get him to come out and talk to them, Spike yelling back that he wasn't feeling well and didn't want to hurt them as more tears cascaded down his face and he sniffed loudly before hearing his friends tell him that that would see him later and hoped that he got well.
Spike for his part didn't answer, he made a mental note to ask everyone at the party what they had gotten Dinky so that he could buy the gifts and have those who came write on the cards that the presents had, which gift came from who, money was no real problem since Spike was secretly Princess Celestia's son and was a prince in his own right, though he certainly didn't feel powerful or mighty right now as he wobbly took a few steps into the long hallway.
He was breathing hard and sweating, which was ironic since he was fireproof, his vision felt blurry and his chest hurt, how long had those Dragon Sneeze flowers been in the room?
He didn't remember his sickness ever being this bad before, he shook his head to try to clear his eyesight which did nothing and weakly called out to the only one he knew could help him at this moment, he just hoped he wasn't dimension hopping with Pinkie Pie again.
"D-Discord." Spike whispered as he took a few more steps, his talons dragging on the crystal floor as he called out once more, louder this time.
"Discord?" He asked loudly to no avail as he tried once more with all the air in his lungs, on the verge of collapsing.
"Discord!" He screamed, the sound echoing throughout the half the castle and causing Spike himself to stumble slowly digging his claws harder into the crystals as he saw blackness tint his vision for a few seconds before looking up at an enormous red and black vortex that suddenly appeared above Spike, the entire body of the god of chaos slithering out of the tornado as he looked upon Spike with a terrified expression on his face before reaching an eagle claw out to him, as that was all Spike remembered before his vision turned completely black and he fainted.
In the pristine city of Canterlot, Princess Celestia had just finished an important document that relied on aiding the Yaks with necessary food and medicine in exchange for a few dozen of their race entering into the Royal Guard, it was an important moment to allow more than just ponies to be part of service to Equestria and Celestia felt proud of Pinkie Pie for suggesting the agreement.
She got up and was ready to go to lunch when Discord appeared in front of her in a flash of light, making her frown at his sudden intrusion before she gasped in horror and fear seeing that he held a sick looking Spike in his eagle talon and lion paw, Discord's own face obviously worried and he looked shaken as Celestia wasted not even a second to take Spike in her hooves and screamed at one of the guards to get a medic.
Once Spike was placed in a freshly made bed, four doctors didn't hesitate to look over him thoroughly, as Celestia was pacing outside of the medical wing rather rapidly, telling her loyal advisor to cancel everything on her plate for today even the important meetings, giving the excuse that she had a family emergency to deal with, she only hoped Cadance would be willing to play sick once more for her cousin so that Spike wouldn't be found out if any were to ask.
Discord was biting the nails on his fingers so fast he was chewing through both his lion claw and eagle talon, feeling no pain whatsoever as they waited to hear the results of the young drake, a guard waiting on standby to awake Princess Luna in a moment's notice should the situation turn dire and another to fetch Blueblood while Philomena awaited to fly off to the Crystal Empire to bring Shining Armor and Cadance, tears sliding down Celestia's face as she hiccupped and kept walking to and fro.
In hindsight this all seemed a bit much for sneezing violently and having what the doctors described as a fever, a rather high one on account of Spike shivering and being so weak but Celestia wanted to be absolutely sure to reach all her family should worse come to worse, a royal carriage was outside with two of the fastest pegasus the Royal Guard had to pick up Twilight and even two more guards awaiting orders to go retrieve Night Light and Twilight Velvet in an instant which all was very silly and extreme and would had made the guards upset, even angry if they were not duty bound once the doctors had came out and said that Spike would live.
To say Princess Celestia was relieved to hear those words would be an understatement, she practically collapsed on the floor when she heard that her son was going to be ok, Discord grabbing her just in time before she pulled him tight in her grip and sobbed on his shoulder as he tried to hold back a grimace, he knew she was overreacting as he himself wouldn't know what to do if it was Pinkie or his own daughter, Screwball in Spike's position.
After they made sure with the doctor to see if it was alright to visit Spike, Celestia nearly bowled over her guards as she rushed to his bedside, his eyes open and he was breathing rather heavy but he was alive and she made a mental note to order that all Dragon Sneeze trees and flowers be torn from the roots and burned so nothing like this could ever happen to her poor baby again.
"Hey m-mom, what are you doing in Twi's castle?" he asked sleepily as she gave a small smile and slowly, after removing her left front horseshoe, petted the spines on the top of his head making him smile, just like he always enjoyed.
"You're not in Twilight's castle, my little scales. You're in mine. You had a very bad reaction to a bundle of Dragon Sneeze flowers and had to be taken care of by Life Saver and a few other doctors, but you're fine. Everything is alright now." She responded as he only groaned softly, sniffing before asking for a drink of water making the co-ruler of Equestria stand up and teleport to kitchen to fetch the glass for him and came back to his side, being very careful with her magic as she helped him drink.
After a few seconds he had nearly finished half the glass before she levitated it off his lips and he tried to catch his breath.
"I didn't mean to scare you, mom." He said after a few seconds causing her to frown before she placed the glass next to a small table to her left side and slowly wrapped her front hooves around his chest.
"I'll always worry for you, Spike. No matter what it is you go through, you're the most important thing in my life and you'll always come first for me, my little scales." She whispered making him mutter a soft 'I love you to, mom.' before weakly wrapping his arms around her neck and hugging her as they embraced each other for a few minutes before Spike felt a drop of water splash on his shoulder.
Quietly he caught her eyes before reaching up and wiping away the tear making it her turn to sniff and remove herself slowly from the hug, her other eye already having a tear slid down her cheek as she turned away, embarrassed.
"I don't know what I'd do without you." She whispered as she sobbed, gritting her teeth at showing a side only her sister and Spike saw on very rare occasions.
Immediately Spike placed his right claw on his mother's shoulder and gave a sincere smile with all the strength he could muster.
"I'm not going anywhere mom, you don't ever have to worry about that. Equestria is my home and I still have so much to learn before being king, don't I?" He asked with a grin causing her to let out a half hearted chuckle before wrapping him up in another hug, they stayed that way for a few minutes as she suddenly started to hum.
It was slow, calming and was the one thing that always made them both completely relax, an old melody that Celestia's mother taught her when Celestia was Spike's age and it never left her, even after all these years the only other one to know about it was Luna and she wanted Spike to remember it for as long as he could, silently wishing that her parents could see their grandson and honestly wishing she had the ability to go back in time.
She had entertained the idea once or two when Spike was younger but she knew it was dangerous and that the only one who could truly do such a feat was Discord, who had told her very seriously that he would never tempt with Fate again, not after last time.
So with no other option she settled for hoping her parents were in the heavens and were looking down and protecting them as she prayed that that they would one day see Spike with their own eyes and that they loved him almost as much as she did.
As the slow, relaxing song came to a close she very carefully removed her hooves from around Spike's stomach to find that he was just barely awake, no doubt going to fall asleep any second as he had tears running down his cheeks which she wiped away gently with her hoof before noticing that she was once again crying.
"I messed up Dinky's birthday party, I need to make it up to her after burning her presents." He whispered making her smile with a small shake of her head that even when he was sick, he still cared about the wellbeing of others, she had truly raised him well.
"Shhh...get some sleep, my little scales, I'll take care of it." She spoke with a smile as he gave her a very exhausted smile and closed his eyes.
"I love you, mom." He muttered, those being his last words before he fell into a deep sleep as she kissed his forehead.
"And I love you, my little scales. Very, very much." She responded in kind before taking a washcloth to the right of her on the desk and performing a water spell that soaked the towel as she levitated it onto his forehead before she nuzzled his cheek and without a word, left the room intent on making him some soup herself for him to eat later.
As she walked down the halls to the kitchen she was surprised to see Discord hugging Pinkie and Screwball tightly to his chest as they all silently cried and left them to their devices, a powerful if not emotional family they were as she had a smile on her face the whole time.
Summoning a guard, she asked him to fly to Ponyville and deliver a letter to Twilight to tell her of where Spike was and what happened so she wouldn't worry and had him take nearly ten thousand bits to give to those who bought Spike's friend her gifts as well as give her and her sister four thousand of it for themselves from her own personal vault, feeling as though it was only fair for what had happened as it no doubt ruined the young unicorn's special day.
As Celestia got a medium sized pan out and started to make Spike's soup as well as a small pan for her own, despite the protest of her chefs she could not help feel as though she, for once was finally the mother she always dreamed of being and it made her sigh with relief.
Perhaps, just this once the gods were smiling on the mare who always wanted a child of her own, and now through astounding odds, had one.
Armor Heart, a normal brown coated, and blue eyed earth pony mare, made to look the same as the other male guards in her squad under an illusion spell and her younger brother Bronze Heart, a blue furred, brown eyed unicorn with the same powerful illusion spell yawned loudly as her brother sighed heavily, clearly bored out of their minds.
They stood in silence as they held their long, sharp spears in their hooves and watched carefully for anything that could disrupt the flow of the boring routine, but were on careful alert if their charge, Prince Spike the dragon needed anything.
He was visiting his family from Ponyville for three days before going back to his older sister, Princess Twilight Sparkle and was fortunate that his cousins, Prince Blueblood and Princess Mi Amore Cadenza as well as her husband, Prince Shining Armor was taking a long needed break as Sunburst, the Royal Crystaller was watching over Spike's first cousin, Princess Flurry Heart.
Spike had been in his room doing what they suspected was nothing but reading his comic books, awaiting dinner and they didn't wish to disturb him under any circumstance unless they had to as they both sighed and tried to keep from falling asleep.
All of the sudden, Spike's door to his royal chambers opened, making them stand at attention with a crisp salute before they turned and saw Spike holding two rather large squirt guns in his claws, passing one to each of them as they stared at them in confusion, placing their spears on the ground before Spike ran back into his room and held two miniature water crossbows in each claw as he looked at them and gave a predatory grin.
"You two want to have some fun?" He asked with a rather cruel chuckle as they glanced at each other, smiled and nodded.
This was going to be fun.
They should have argued to their prince that what they were about to do could very well border on treason, that they could be strip of their positions or even kicked off the Royal Guard indefinitely or worse imprisoned but they knew in the back of their minds that Spike would protect them if it came down to that.
And he was smart, quickly telling them that he would deal the final blow to his cousins, aunt and even his own mother so that they wouldn't get in trouble...besides, technically they were following orders, sure it might have been the orders of a thirteen year old but he was still a member of the royal family.
It was of little comfort to Bronze Heart who nervously held his water gun in his magic as he followed closely behind the little dragon who was stealthy moving along the walls, trying not to get detected, ignoring the small drips of water from not tightening the little caps that held the liquid in the guns as it fell to the carpet, a sinister smile on Spike's face as he pressed his back to the stone and slowly peered an eye over the corner that lead to Cadance's room.
Bronze Heart looked behind him to his sister who had the regular stoic face of the guards but could tell by her eyes and the way she professionally held the gun in her hooves that she was taking this way too seriously, just like their young prince.
"I don't get paid enough for this." The stallion thought to himself with a scowl and shake of his head before Spike signaled them closer to him which they obeyed without question.
Like their brother and sisters in arms, two stallion guards known as Line Streak and Stone Spear watched for any intruders or call from the Princess, Line Streak let out a yawn as Stone Spear rolled his eyes, neither noticing the young drake who pressed his back against the wall and ordered his guards closer to him.
"Neutralize them." Spike whispered in a tone that left no argument and was deadly serious as Armor Heart saluted as though she had just been ordered to take out a king from a neighboring country and had no issue or guilt whatsoever for following orders making Bronze Heart swallowed the saliva in his throat at Spike's questioning stare before hesitantly following his sister's movement and cast an invisibility spell over himself before slowly moving over to the other side of the hallway, being very careful not to get noticed and pressing his back to the stone behind him, trying to control his breathing and thundering heart rate.
He was so going to get fired for this.
With the expert precision of a marksmare, Armor Heart lowered her water gun in her hooves, taking account for the weight and accuracy and silently pressed the trigger as a stream of water  blasted Stone Spear in the chest, catching him by complete surprise and his partner nearly shouting out for reinforcements that they were under attack before feeling the barrel of a plastic toy under his chin as Bronze Heart dropped his invisibility spell, giving him a sheepish smile.
"Sorry, orders from Prince Spike, you two are down. Don't move and slowly open the door to Princess Mi Amora Cadenza chamber, we'll explain everything at dinner after it's all over." Armor Heart spoke in a cold, calculating whisper as she walked calmly towards them and pressed the barrel into Stone Spear's chest forcing him to nod slowly, terrified of the mare before him while Bronze Heart gave the signal to their prince.
Spike carefully stepped towards them, his crossbows held in his claws as Cadance's door open without a sound and he slipped in unnoticed while the four guards awaited to hear what would happen in the coming minutes.
Cadance's ears perked up swearing she heard something as she looked behind her to see the door to her room open and close just as fast as it opened, narrowing her eyes to see if something had entered into her space and even into the shadows seeing nothing, not noticing her cousin who had his eyes tightly closed and was masterfully controlling his breathing while Cadance stood up from her desk, her magazine on all the latest fashions in Equestria forgotten as she walked to see if any of the guards posted by her door had noticed the disturbance.
When she opened the doors leading to her old room, she was shocked to see her aunt Celestia's guards aiming plastic toy water guns at the grown stallions, one of them acting as though she was staring down an enemy of Equestria and the other looking ashamed at what he was doing but not moving from his spot.
She was just about to question in anger what was going on before she felt a familiar weight on her back, twin barrels aimed at the back of her head and what she hoped was water pelting her fur slowly as she growled, her eyes narrowing.
"Spike the dragon if you mess up my mane, I will throw you out a window, punishment be damned. It took me hours to finally get all the gunk spewed from my daughter out of it." She spat slowly, almost venomously at her cousin as Spike pondered her threat for a few seconds, seeing her horn light up making him smirk.
Before he pressed the triggers and sprayed the back of her head and neck with two powerful jets of water.
The screams of rage and disbelief followed by many, many things shattering, smashing and breaking along with a blood curling shriek caused all the soldiers present to flinch as Spike was violently thrown harshly into the carpeted floor out of her room causing all the guards to jump and freeze before the princess of the Crystal Empire stomped out and held her cousin in her magic, the look on her face making him stop smiling as Cadance was visibly panting, crushing him tighter in her magic.
"Sometimes I bucking hate you and your childish antics, Spike! I wish you learned to grow up! You're not a little kid anymore." She screamed into his face before dropping him, turning around and stomping back into her room, closing her doors with an enormous boom as the drake very slowly got up, brushing the glass and dust off his scales, obviously trying to hide the hurtful words his cousin yelled at him as he picked up his crossbows, wiped the corner of his eyes and looked at his guards with a shaken, nervous smile and thumbs up.
"C-commander neutralize. L-let's continue on to the next, soldier's." Spike ordered in a hesitant, uncertain voice that made it clear to all present that the young drake was trying to be strong and keep his sense of fun and adventure as all even Armor Heart looked at him remorsefully.
"My lord, maybe it's best if-"
"Please?" Spike begged, cutting off Line Streak's voice of reason as both Armor Heart and Bronze Heart glanced at each other in worry and heartache for the kid before sighing loudly and saluting their prince.
"One Commander neutralized, Prince Spike. Orders?" They both asked simultaneously seeing Spike's eyes shine once more as he visibly fist pumped before clearing his throat, trying to act professional and failing to let out a giggle seeing how dedicated his soldiers were, at least in his eyes.
"Right, next we deal with Commander Blueblood, follow me." He commanded with a small cheer and rushing down the hallway, forgetting his earlier stealth approach as Cadance's guards looked at Spike's own with a small, amused smile.
"He's a good kid. Hopefully you'll both get a raise or even a promotion for keeping him happy. If you don't get fired that is." Stone Spear commented making Armor Heart roll her eyes as her brother chuckled nervously and follow their charge.
Spike would have nearly been spotted by the guards protecting Blueblood if Bronze Heart hadn't pulled him back at the last second, giving the unicorn a smile in thanks as he nodded his head, Spike once more looked carefully over the corner and didn't see any guards posted, confusing him.
"Where is everypony?" He asked out loud as Armor Heart quickly reminded the dragon that his cousin was attending a dinner party with Fancy Pants, Fleur Dis Lee, Photo Finish and Sapphire Shores among others that Spike didn't bother to remember the names of as he nodded sadly, being certain that Blueblood might have actually wanted to join him in his fun unlike Cadance before sighing loudly, his water crossbows at his sides.
"Oh, well then maybe next time. I guess we are moving on to the Warmares." He spoke confidently obviously speaking of his aunt and mother, respectively making both of the highly trained ponies next to him glance at each other in fear, it was one thing to mess with Spike's cousins, but the rulers of Equestria themselves might have been stretching it.
Still, they resolved to help cheer the little drake up from the harsh words that Cadance had spoken and as long as they didn't attack the Princesses themselves, there would be no real repercussions...they sincerely hoped.
The thestral guards were posted earlier then usual, Spike suspected this was because his aunt Luna was being cautious and didn't want to be caught off guard by Chrysalis with the warped queen still being unaccounted for and the bat ponies, as they were also known as were extremely shape eyed and nocturnal, making them perfect for dealing with unsuspecting visitors, they had other talents that Luna explained she would tell her nephew when he was older so he didn't pay much attention to it for now, but it did pose a problem.
Bat ponies were easily able to see pass invisibly spells and were much more agile and combat trained than half of his mother's regular posted guards, he wanted his guards to have fun and at the same time he wanted to take out his aunt quickly.
Tapping his chin with one of his water crossbows he pondered a way to take out his aunt's soldiers quickly and effectively as though he was a professional military strategist before throwing caution to the wind, he was still a kid and dinner was going to be done soon after all.
"For Equestria!" He bellowed as he dived into a roll and swiftly aiming his water crossbows at the assailants who barely had time to stare in shock, let alone block the water with their wings he blasted them with a gentle yet firm spray of water and frowned, wings counted as shields and since he didn't hit any other part of their body, his attack failed.
They lowered their wings, annoyance clearly on their faces about to speak rather harshly to the young prince before they were caught off guard and blasted directly in the face by Spike's loyal two twined army who swiftly crossed over to them and speaking that they were down and to not speak a word while opening the door for the drake.
Rather harsh whispering could be heard from Luna's guards and telling Spike's own that it would not be wise to wake the Princess from her sleep as the four argued back in forth, none of them spotting the lone dragon who slowly opened the door and peered inside with a evil smirk on his face.
He had arrived at one of the warmares base of operations, her room a bit too dark to get a clear vision of before his eyes adjusted and immediately went into his natural night vision, seeing the layout of the room perfectly and even more so the sleeping mare lying underneath the covers as he tiptoed very slowly to the bed, as he hopped up, making sure both his crossbows were in this claws he had a dark grin donned on his face as he moved like a snail to the lone pony in the room.
Her royal attire was gone and she was facing him, obviously in a very deep sleep making him have a twinge of guilt before shoving it to the back of his mind, he would no doubt get in so much trouble for this later but this was war and he had to do what was necessary.
He brought a single crossbow up and pointed right between her eyes, ignoring the whispering of one of her guards trying to get his attention as he focused on the task at claw, his finger on the trigger and an almost psychotic grin on his face as he lightly pressed down, the fabled Alicorn of the Night was going down even if it was a cheap tactic.
"Spike the dragon if you spray me, you'll be grounded for a month." Luna muttered in a very tired voice causing him to freeze, right from the final stretch, his mouth hung open in shock as he considered his options, he had to take her down, it was an extremely important milestone to his game and yet, he really didn't want to be grounded.
"Let me sleep Spike, we'll play when you are asleep yourself, nephew, I promise." She sighed loudly before turning over and drifting back to her realm as Spike gulped the saliva down his throat at how she even knew about his presence when she didn't even open her eyes.
It's official, Aunt Luna was truly terrifying sometimes.
"Nope, totally not worth it." Spike thought as he turned around completely and hopped off the bed, careful not to make a sound as he walked through the doors and turning around, closing them himself before he faced the four guards, they looked completely surprised and on edge seeing Spike's look of terror as he didn't even bother acknowledging them and simply walked towards the throne room, part of him losing the will to finish his game even with his aunt's promise to play with him when he went to sleep.
Saluting the bat ponies, since nearly all of Celestia's guards had a great deal of respect for them and promising to buy them both a mug of hard cider on them, Armor Heart and Bronze Heart trotted after their charge, giving her toy to her brother since it hurt to walk on three hooves with it for him to carry in his magic as he rolled his eyes but didn't complain as they caught up to Spike who merely glanced up at the guards blocking his mother's throne room.
Spike didn't even bother being silent or spraying them as they looked at him, all the older ponies could tell he was getting tired and wasn't as excited as he used to be as he asked Bronze Heart if he could perform a powerful invisible spell over them who nodded, lit his horn then cloaked them in the best spell he could before the guards snickered loudly then opened the door without a word.
Princess Celestia, the Alicorn of the sun, the Solar Mare, the Harbinger of Light, the co-ruler of Equestria and the adopted mother of one Spike the dragon was tired, it had been a long Day Court with listening to the pleads of nobles and those lucky enough to gain an audience with her.
She had allowed all into her count with the proper respect and listened to their woes or air their grievances with a comforting ear, she was patient and kind, it was a rare thing for her patience to be tested and yet it happened on certain occasions.
She still had many documents that needed to be dealt with and even more that needed to be looked over with a careful eye and judged accordingly, but that could wait until after dinner which she was exciting to admit to herself was happening with her family.
She felt a burst of pride over the accomplishments so many of her family members achieved and could not deny that she was giddy to eat alongside them all so long after being apart for some time, barring Luna due to her night time duties of course and Flurry Heart and Twilight Sparkle because they were still in the Crystal Empire and Ponyville, respectfully.
The foal being taking care of under the watchful eye of Sunburst and her niece's royal guards, plus Starlight Glimmer who was visiting her dear friend and Twilight was busy with her own duties in Ponyville and was working with Zecora, a well known Zebra shamare to learn more about the history of Zebrica, but that was ok, at least Twilight Velvet and Night Light were joining them.
It was better than just being Celestia and Luna eating by themselves again and that was all Celestia could hope for.
As Celestia let out a loud, visible yawn in boredom, hoping for the Day Court to end already so she could eat and her royal advisor, Bella Script went to check on the status of dinner and the rest of the family Celestia looked over her large throne room and could swear she saw a near invisible shift near the door as they opened, her eyes narrowing to concentrate with a faint glow of her magic aura as her eyes instantly spotted the three members attempting to sneak into the large area undetected.
Gritting her teeth together to keep from giggling and to not give away the three intruders presence she made a mental note to have all the Solar Guards be re educated in invisibly spells and other forms of powerful magic as she watched with a small smile as the guards protecting Spike very carefully moved with the grace of a professional assassin to her guards near the entrance as she had to hold herself back from letting out a squeal of glee at the adorable drake crawling on all four as he slowly positioned himself to the guards near her throne as she waited with bated breath as he lifted his twin crossbows to the unsuspecting male's chest.
"Now!" Spike ordered with a sharp scream as his guards didn't hesitate to fire their toys at the two guards in front of them, being blasted with ice cold water as they screamed in shock and nearly ran their spears through their comrades.
The ones near Celestia's throne jumping in surprise from the sudden voice before them and were quickly doused with water from the pinpoint accuracy of their prince, not even lifting their spears as they suddenly saw the spell removed in front of their eyes and Spike quickly aiming his weapons straight to his mother who smirked as she unfurled her wings and lifted into the air with an elegant dodge of a barrel roll.
She was faster then he gave her credit for, as he snarled and opened fire at the one thousand year old mare who was quick to maneuver out of the way and take cover behind a pillar making her giggle.
"My, my, little scales. That was a rather impressive tactic. I'll have to remember to have you properly trained in the Royal Guards when you are older. But don't you know it's rude to get a mare's mane wet. Haven't I taught you to show more class to a lady, Spike?" Celestia teased as she looked to the front entrance and quickly grabbed both of the water guns that Spike's guards held in their hooves and magic, respectfully in a strong glow of her own magic who didn't even bother resisting and spraying them both who dropped to the ground without a sound as she held them up and blindly shot at the young drake who had to roll to dodge missing the liquid by inches before he copied her and slammed his back into his own pillar on the other side of the room.
"Yeah mom, you did. But you also taught me that it was important to catch your enemy by surprise, had to get the jump on you somehow, didn't I?" Spike shouted back with a grin, he had a feeling his mother would be up for some fun after the long day she had as he quickly looked passed the pillar and shot at where he thought she was as he laughed, causing her to giggle.
"So I did. I'm a bit surprised Blueblood or Cadance didn't follow you, being the awe inspiring dragon that defeated King Sombra himself. I was sure you would have taken over half my guards by now to reach them." She chuckled with a soft hearted tone as she swiftly turned in the air and with a powerful flap of her wings, sailed over to the next pillar and firing six shots at the stone where she swear she saw Spike dash to as the drake cowered, nervous and analyzing just when and how to get a shot off to take her down.
"Blueblood is at a party and Cadance...doesn't want to play." Spike answered quickly, not wanting to elaborate on the matter making Celestia frown hearing a sad tone that he tried to cover up with a quick peek out and firing three shots which he missed by a mile, not even being aware that she moved.
"Spike, what's wrong?" She asked, hearing with her sharp ears as he gave a growl and tried to play it off and roll from the pillar he hid behind, firing more shots than he meant at all three large stones, not releasing his water level was getting dangerously low.
"Nothing, it's just...none of the family wants to play anymore." He answered as he slid quickly to the next pillar, barely dodging as Celestia shot back at him.
"If it's not ruling the country, or looking over Flurry Heart, attending parties or catering to so many other ponies and other races, it's always something else. We barely see each other as a family unless it's a holiday or important event for Equestria. Everything is changing so fast and I...I just want things to go back to how they used to be." He screamed out loud, taking his frustration out on each of the three pillars in front of him, wanting to get at least one hit in as Celestia frowned and felt her ears drop in shame.
"You mean before your Aunt Luna, or your cousin Flurry Heart? Before your sister became an Alicorn or the Crystal Empire came back and worshipped you as a hero?" She asked slowly as Spike had to keep his tears at bay, his voice choking up as he swallowed the saliva in his throat before replying in a small voice that Celestia barely heard in the silence of the throne room.
"I...I didn't mean it like that. I just thought that maybe-"
"Spike, with time comes change. You know this. Just because each of us, including yourself is given their own duties and responsibilities, does not mean we will never come together as a family. You know that all you need to do is sleep for your aunt to come to you and talk with her. To send a letter to your cousins and come to Canterlot and the Crystal Empire to be with them and hear what is going on in their lives. And you know that simply need to write to me and ask if you ever want to see me, this castle will always be your home, Spike the dragon. You'll never be turned away." Celestia spoke to him loudly, she didn't see Spike's face as tears fell from his eyes as he wiped them away quickly before she continued, neither one noticing the nods that the guards gave at her words.
"Plus you have many, many friends in Canterlot, Ponyville, the Dragonlands and among the Changeling Kingdom. You're never alone Spike because you chose to allow your caring, friendly nature to accept all who will listen to you, regardless of race or what they have done in the past. I'm sure even though none of us can do this water fight completely with our busy schedules that your friends in Ponyville and maybe even King Thorax and his species would relish the challenge and it would bring ponies and Changelings closer together if you tried." Celestia finished with a smile to herself as Spike's mood immediately picked up on the idea.
That sounded like an amazing idea, with permission from their parents, guardians and his old friend, they could have a fight that would last for hours, if not a day or two, he could already see grown adults like Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Discord joining in the fight, along with an enormous campfire and roasting marshmallows and telling stories, if he was lucky he might even get to spend some one on one time with Sweetie Belle.
With a blush he giggled to himself at the thought before smiling and remembering he still had to finish his game with his mom and eat dinner before getting that huge idea ready, knowing that a lot of time and preparation had to follow, not to mention that his friends had to have the day off before everything could go off without a hitch, more or less...with Discord though it was sure to be insane.
Spike quickly rolled onto the next pillar as he shot two squirts of water at Celestia's tail who dodged at the last second making him frown before he heard a sudden rush of air as he looked up and saw in horror in shock his own mother above him, aiming his crossbows quickly as he fired and she quickly blocked with her wings before descending to the ground as he tried to give his best intimidating impression and with no other choice pulled the triggers at the mare before him.
Only to find that the jets of water that normally came forth released a very small stream that didn't even make it an inch more to Celestia's coat as she stood in front of him, dying down rather quickly as he realized in shame and humiliation that he, as hard as he tired had lost as he dropped to his knees in defeat, awaiting his punishment as he closed his eyes and felt the barrel of one of her water guns pressed against his forehead as he waited for it to end.
And waited.
But it never came, and despite a drop of water dripping on his snout, the toy was removed and replaced by a gentle, motherly kiss as Celestia wrapped both her hooves and wings around him, nuzzling his left cheek as she bent down making them both smile and laugh.
"That was the most fun I had since I was a filly with Luna. Thank you, Spike." She spoke sincerely making the young reptile grin and blush in embarrassment.
"Thank you for going along with it, mom. I'd thought you be too busy to be honest." He replied as she kissed his forehead again.
"I'll always have time for you, Spike. Remember that. Now come I'm sure-"
"What in Tartarus is going on here?!" A loud, screech of rage interrupted as both mother and son looked from behind the pillar they were behind to see a shocked and bewildered Shining Armor staring at his former guards all completely wet and chuckling to themselves as Spike and Celestia smiled at each other right before Spike's stomach growled loudly making him hold his head in his claws as Celestia let out a full bellied laugh.
They walked to meet both Shining Armor and Bella Script who had come with a letter addressed to Spike from Cadance apologizing for her behavior and saying she would speak to him more at dinner as Celestia rested both her wings on the back of Spike and Shining, the dragon going into elaborate, exaggerated detail of his victory and ultimate defeat over his family making his older brother pay close attention with a smirk and making the Alicorn laugh loudly once again as they walked through the halls to the dining room.
Celestia telling her advisor to give Spike's guards a raise for keeping her son company and complying with his orders without hesitation, just as any loyal soldier would as they saw Blueblood interacting with Twilight Velvet, Night Light, Cadance and a half awake Luna who wanted a snack before going back to bed.
The co ruler of Equestria sighed softly and with a large smile on her face she looked at each of them in turn, glad to have such a loving and united, if not crazy family but she knew that even with everything they would go through in the future, blood or not.
Rumble was pissed, it wasn't enough that he and so many of his friends had traveled all the way from Ponyville to Las Pegasus on train which took six hours or that he and the others couldn't afford to stay in the expensive hotels without half of their bits being drained in three days but now the new sleazy owners of the adult casino wouldn't even let them in without a 'fee' which he swore was not there when a few other rich stallions and mares had entered before them.
"We shouldn't have to pay twenty bits a pony just to enter the building." The eighteen year old pegasus yelled at the late thirty year old unicorns in front of him, narrowing his eyes and gritting his teeth in rage at the treatment they were suffering.
"Then you should just move on, little pegasus. I bet if you pool your resources together, you and your friends might just have enough to make it back to your beds, this establishment is for high class elites, which I highly doubt you or the ponies behind you come from." Flim argued back with a smirk, his brother Flam had a nasty sneer as he looked at the rather large group of barely legal adults behind Rumble.
"Come on, Rumble. It's not worth the hassle to try to argue with a couple of snakes like these two, don't think Ah've forgotten what you two done to Mah farm or Granny Smith either. If you won't let us in, we'll find some place that will take our bits." Apple Bloom spoke with a huff and attempted to drag her mate away from throwing himself at the conniving twins and groaned when he tried to stand his ground.
"We may not be royalty, but we know someone who is. Spike!" Rumble shouted as the crowd quickly parted to allow a large familiar purple dragon who towered above them all walking on four legs, the size of a two story house with wings that rivaled an Alicorn on his back which held a tipsy Rainbow Dash, Berry Pinch, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Screwball who was eating a large pretzel in her hooves as the drake was eating a funnel cake wrapped around his tail which he quickly finished then burped as he glared at the older unicorns before him.
"My friends have been waiting for nearly thirty minutes to just reach the line. I go to get some food for the gang and I see Rumble arguing with you, they might be low on bits by the time they get into the casino, lucky they are not paying, I am. So Flim and Flam, we can settle this the easy way, or the hard way." Spike's voice had changed drastically over the years, resembling something of terrifying and confident nature which made the brothers nearly step back in fear.
"P-prince Spike, it's an honor to be in your presence-"
"Save it, Flam. I was there when you pulled all your devious tricks like the con ponies that you are, and I heard about what Fluttershy and Applejack went through when they were here years ago. Gladmane, wasn't it? You two are on my list of ponies to take down and throw in jail the second I become king, along with Lighting Dust, Suri Polomare, Svengallop, Gladmane and quite a slew of others who messed with my friends and ruined the lives of ponies around you. I may not be able to do much now, but I got photographic memory so I suggest you let us in and then find a nice rock to crawl under and wait until the day I come for you." Spike all but roared, his nose blowing out thin, streams of black smoke and his eyes holding nothing but malice making the brothers sweat under the harsh gaze.
"Yeah, what he said. All hail the king of the world!" Rainbow Dash shouted in an obvious drunken state, a bottle of hard apple cider wrapped around her left wing as she grinned and started chugging the liquid inside, nearly sliding off his back as she held onto his middle spike at the center of his spine with her forehooves.
"How many has she had? We just got set up at the hotel guys!" The eighteen year old drake questioned with an annoyed expression turning to look at any of his friends who shrugged or had no response before Sweetie Belle popped up from his largest, sharpest spike at the base of his neck, she had a bottle of whisky in her right forehoof as she pointed at the reptile accusingly, her left forehoof not even pointing at his face as she was clearly drunk with a quarter of the bottle left.
"You think we don't -hic- know that she has had her fourth bottle of cider already? She just wanted to -hic- get a head start on the competition and we agreed, not all of us can burn through alcohol with magical flames in our...b-b-bellies, dragon boy-" She cut herself to barf on the left side of his leg as he groaned and shook his head in disgust, watching as she hiccupped again and took another sip of the glass in her hoof as he shook his leg trying in vain to get the vomit off of him while his friends protested.
Spike face clawed himself before glancing at many of his friends who he grew up with, now the legal age of eighteen to drink and gamble and saw a few of them wanting to desperately get as drunk as the two mares on his back, Berry Pinch already chugging a beer can in her hoof and Screwball was nearly finishing her pretzel, Scootaloo asking for a cigarette from one of the stallions behind her as she sat on the base of his long, wide tail.
"Scoots, I don't think we can smoke inside, but I could be wrong. Berry we get free alcohol when we gamble so hurry up and finish that, and for the last bucking time and I'm only going to say this one more time...it's not a competition to see who can drink me under the table. You'll die if you try to keep up with me from alcohol poisoning, literally. And I rather not have to come back home carrying an enormous casket with half my friends inside." Spike growled angrily as most of the ponies behind him muttered something under their breath, others pawing at the dirt with their hooves and none looking him in the eyes.
Spike sighed loudly with a roll of his eyes before turning back to the Flim, Flam brothers and raising a eyebrow with a shake of his head.
"Obviously my friends and I are eager to have some fun, some more then others, and since I'm paying for it with a very large allowance from my mother because it's my birthday I'll pay the fine if you're really that greedy." He spat baring his fangs making one of the unicorns shiver at the sight as the other shook his head with a large, obviously fake grin on his muzzle.
"Nonsense, we were, uh, clearly joking and didn't even know these ponies were friends with the Prince of Equestria. Of course you can enter, free of charge, we'll even let you all try a slot on us, Prince Spike. You all have fun and enjoy your stay in Las Pegasus." Flim said as he laughed nervously before he and his brother moved aside to let the dragon and former colts and fillies of Ponyville into the casino making Rumble give a devilish smirk in victory and giving Spike a hoof bump who answered it with the tip of his tail curled up as they wandered inside.
"Don't worry, we'll try not to go to crazy." Spike shouted back with a wink at Rumble who laughed loudly as Apple Bloom rolled her eyes with a grin beside him.
Princess Celestia liked to think that with all her wisdom of experience, knowledge and the normally endless amount of patience she held over her nearly two thousand year life span that she was a kind, gentle and forgiving mare.
It only took three days and a hoard of eighteen year old stallions and mares along with a lone dragon to deplete her generosity to near zero, as she took a long, shuddering breath to keep herself in check and rubbed the side of her head with the tips of her forehooves with her eyes close to try to gain even a scrape of the nature she had pride herself in being after she had taken the crown and throne of Equestria.
Just one very small push was all that was left before she knew she would no doubt scream in her ancient royal We which she hadn't had to use in over five hundred years to knock her off the microscopic razor thin wire she was balanced on to keep her from bursting into flames and more importantly to keep at bay the darkness that was Daybreaker.
"Ten million bits." It was not a question as she took another deep breath and opened her eyes to glare at the dragon she had raised as if he was her own flesh and blood and loved more than life itself and the rainbow styled pegasus next to him who tried very, very hard to keep from trembling in terror at the sight of her ruler, if one were to look closely they could see the mare attempting to keep herself from urinating on the carpet she sat on, swallowing the large amount of saliva in her throat which felt as dry as a desert at this point in time.
"I gave you fifty thousand to go out and explore the mature scenes of Las Pegasus with your friends for a week as a gift for your birthday and you caused ten million bits in property damage, that's including the bodily harm you did to over a quarter of the cops, as well as mine and your aunt's guards during the time in your drunken fit, guards which helped raised you, I might add. Bella Script?" Celestia spoke emotionless as her loyal advisor turned from the right side of Celestia's throne and bowed with a nervous quiver in her voice as she answered in kind.
"Find the bartender who supplied the six barrels of Moonshine to my son and have them fired, more importantly I want you to personally make sure Moonshine is never brought into Las Pegasus again, is that understood?" She asked in a harsh tone as the unicorn nodded and said she would do as ordered.
"Mom-"
"You could have died, Spike the dragon! Even dragons are not immune to the effects of the extremely potent substance after more than one barrel. Your friends could have died had they drank more than two glasses and then-" Celestia had to stop herself from her ranting, feeling a massive headache come on as she saw the tip of her tail catch on fire before she stamped it out with a hoof and took another deep breath.
"After what I witnessed when I had to be taken from a very important meeting with King Thorax, I have decided that you are not in fact ready to rule Equestria. Maybe in another forty years once you are properly mature-"
"You said I was ready-"
"You're clearly not! A king puts his subjects before himself, always and he rules with strength, heart, intuition and intelligence which at this moment, Spike the dragon you do not have!" Celestia screeched, her entire mane and tail exploded into flames making the mare beside her and the guards before her throne panic before she calmly lit her horn and performed a spell that made ice cold water splash over her body and shook herself, ignoring the heat spell that her advisor was performing on her and the look of horror and fear Rainbow Dash held as she closed her eyes and took one last long, deep breath.
"Your friends are in jail for two weeks because of what has transpired. The only reason miss Dash is not among them is because of her services to Equestria and the only reason you are not with them is because I would rather die than put you with the criminals who occupy those walls, no matter how furious I am with you at the moment, Spike. You are my son and despite your flaws I will not treat you as the monster so many others claim you are." Celestia's voice was harsh, and as Spike looked up at his adopted mother he felt a sincere pang of guilt as at that moment she looked very fragile and incredibly tired in his eyes, nearly a broken mare at this point.
"You're going to be working in Las Pegasus to repair the damage that you done alongside your friends after they are released which should take how long, Mrs. Script?" Celestia asked looking over the mare who cut off her flow of magic hoping her ruler was completely dry before answering that it should take an estimate of six months, at most.
Celestia nodded her head in thanks before looking back and continuing her line of thought.
"Upon which Miss Rainbow Dash will be temporarily replaced from the Wonderbolts until the community service that all of you will attend is finished and the total sum will be taken from your personal vault, Spike in payment to replace what has been...demolished." Celestia ignored Rainbow's cry of shock and anger and Spike placing his head in his claws in shame, blowing a small stream of emerald fire from his nostrils as she kept talking.
"All of you will be given magical element resistance shock collars that can not be removed even by unicorns, only an Alicorn which will alert the guards if you have even one drop of alcohol during your punishment and you will be thrown into prison in solitary confinement for one week then released to get back to work, except for you Spike who will be fined one thousand bits for every drop you consume. I hope you all intend to go cold turkey after this." She finished calmly, her face not giving one trace of emotion after she spoke.
Though Raibow's mouth opened to speak no sound came out as she held her head into her hooves and cried, Spike removing his own claws from his face to wrapped his tail around her body as she used it to sob even harder, truly breaking down for what they had done.
"Screwball was pardoned from jail because she is Discord's daughter and once he and Pinkie come back from their dimension hopping in three days I will explain her punishment, I doubt even the god of chaos, no matter how amusing he may find it would disagree with her punishment and she'll be given a special collar so she can not use her chaos magic. Pinkie Pie is going to be furious when she learns what her child has done. At any rate, for now you two will be put on town arrest until your friends are released and you are sent to Las Pegasus, where you will live until everything is restored. Dismissed." Celestia said in a tone that left no room for argument.
Rainbow pushed the tail that had comforted her away and galloped out of the throne room as if her life depended on it, clearly not giving a damn who saw her cry as Spike brought his tail back and held it in his claws, nervously wringing it before slowly bringing his eyes up to look at his mother, his voice small and hesitant as he attempted to speak.
"Mom-"
"Spike, I love you with all of my heart. No matter what you do in your life I will always be by your side, but right now...I don't want to even look at you. Go back to Ponyville, Spike and really think about what you have done. I'll send you a letter in a few days once I had time to calm down. And inform Rainbow Dash that she'll be working Weather Duty in Ponyville until your friends are free, she will not be given her management position back and neither of you are to leave until I say it's time. If either of you do leave she will be arrested and put in jail for two weeks and you will be grounded for a year, doing nothing but royal duties with your family. No comics, radio, movies, video games, board games, card games or even donuts. Do you understand me, Spike the dragon?" She asked in a very serious tone, he could tell that she was at her wits end and was about to break if he tried to talk back.
So for once with no smart remark or joke he nodded seriously and turned around walking out of the throne room with utter shame at what he had done and feeling like absolute trash for making his own mother so angry.
"I love you." He heard her call out slowly and with remorse as he turned his head back and saw tears slid down her face making his heart break even more.
"I love you to, mom." He responded with a small smile which she didn't return as he turned back and walked out of the room, knowing that there was nothing more to say on the matter as he sighed deeply.
When Spike and Rainbow Dash had reached the train station of Ponyville in complete and utter silence, Rainbow was quick to get up and walk out, Spike let out a loud sigh and waited a moment to give her space before stepping off the train himself and was only mildly surprised to see Rainbow and Applejack in a heated argument, as Soarin stood off to the side not wanting to interrupt the two angry mares unless things got physical.
Noticing Spike, he nodded who returned the greeting and trotted over to him, a tired and frustrated expression on his face.
"We been waiting here for you two to get back, naturally the whole town heard what happened. You and Rainbow have so much explaining to do, but I can see that you're tired and honestly I just want to go a day without fighting with Applejack which has been nearly nonstop since Apple Bloom got arrested. Big Mac and Granny Smith along with Sugar Belle went down to see her in the Canterlot dungeon, we were just about to leave ourselves but AJ wanted to talk to Dash before we did." Soarin spoke, trying to give a smile but it came off as forced to Spike.
Spike was just about to reply when he saw Rainbow Dash turned around and stomp towards them, her face enraged and wings fanned out as though she wanted nothing more than to fly away, ignoring Applejack's shouts for her to come back and explain herself as she walked right up to Soarin with a crisp salute, which they could both clearly see was half hearted.
"Soarin, it's great to see you again. You might want to talk to your wife, I've had a hell of a day and I was really, really close to punching her in the face. I'm seriously not in the mood to talk to anypony, so I'll see you later. Come over to my house in a few days when shit dies down, Spike. We can play cards or something." She said in a mixture of both anger and exhaustion before flapping her wings and speeding off as she normally did when upset.
"Everyone's just really angry, I can't blame them but we did really stupid things when we were drunk and now we are paying the price, I'm guessing you heard about Rainbow not being in the Wonderbolts for a while?" Spike asked as Soarin nodded.
"Spitfire is furious over what happened. We might have to find a replacement until Dash comes back but just between you and me, with how much negative press Dash had gained over the last three days, we may have to hold a vote with the veteran members on if we even want her back. On top of finding a replacement-"
"How about Thunderlane? It may be only temporary for a few months but I'll bet you he's been waiting for a chance to shine and he is a reserved Wonderbolt, and I'm sure he and Rarity would appreciate the opportunity to get his name out there and his wife could gain great press." Spike interrupted softly as Soarin rubbed his chin with a hoof in thought before a grin was plastered on his muzzle.
"You know what, Spike? That's a great idea. This way it will give Thunderlane a real chance as you said and if we did unfortunately lose Dash after the meeting, we would have a replacement who knew what they were doing, smart thinking. I'll talk it over with Spitfire to see what she thinks before we make a decision, thanks." He responded as the drake could only grin, glad to help a friend out should worse come to worse.
Soarin sighed loudly as he heard Applejack shout his name before nodding to Spike who could only give a small smile in reply before turning around and heading home, trying to ignore the angry yelling of the couple behind him and the glares of disappointment and rage from the parents or guardians of his friends who were behind bars because of him with a loud groan and a snort of green fire.
The next few days were going to be a nightmare for sure.
*Ponyville, Rainbow Dash's house: Three days later*
Rainbow Dash wanted to bang her head against a wall but resisted the urge and looked over the cards in her hoof, glaring at the drake who sat across from her on a magical chair that kept him from going through her house, she had to mold and change the layout of her home a bit but she didn't mind, and having Spike as company was more fun than she'd admit, a pitcher of water sat in between them as she groaned.
Taking a sip from her glass, she nearly growled and slapped a card down with a nervous smile making Spike grin darkly.
"Hit me." He uttered as she snorted before doing as she was told, holding back a wave of rage as she saw Spike was up to seventeen as the dragon glanced over to the recent unoccupied seat with a bored expression.
"Fluttershy's not coming back, is she?" He asked as she could only shrug.
"I doubt it, either she's helping out an animal at home or Braeburn is visiting again, otherwise she would still be with us and you know how she gets when her stallion friend is in town." She answered as he could only sigh loudly.
"Want to listen to the radio or something then? Blackjack is not all that much fun with only two players." He spoke as she rolled her eyes, and nodded about to get up before they both jumped hearing Pinkie Pie scream from below them.
"Screwball Anne Pie don't you dare walk away from me when I'm talking to you!" The pegasus and dragon nearly froze, not wanting to interrupt but not knowing what to do as it was clear both Screwball and her mother stopped right below Rainbow's cloud house.
"I'm a grown mare now, mom. I don't care what some self entitled snobby princess says, I'm not going to-" Screwball's shouting was suddenly cut off making the two confused as Rainbow went to see if the two either walked out of hearing range quickly or were whispering to not disturb Dash herself, maybe realizing that she didn't want to listen to a heated confrontation but to her surprise as she looked out her window to the ground below it was clear that Pinkie and her daughter were still in a vicious argument and more than likely were not being considerate of the pegasus above as she slowly backed away awkwardly from her window.
Taking her seat she shrugged at the dragon's confused glance before picking up another card in her hoof, not even remembering what they were playing as she shrieked seeing an image of Discord with comically large cotton stuffed in between his ears, his arms crossed and folded on his chest as she quickly tossed it away.
"Sorry you two, private conversation. So what we are playing?" The god of chaos questioned as he literally jumped out of the print and sat in Fluttershy's seat, with a snap of his fingers holding his own cards in between his lion paw and eagle talon.
"We were playing Blackjack but Fluttershy had to leave early to run some errands and we were going to do something else but Pinkie and Screwball distracted us." Spike answered as he reshuffled the deck, taking Discord's cards from him with a claw and passing them out to fully play the game again.
"Everything alright?" Rainbow Dash asked taking her glass of water in a forehoof and taking a drink while Discord grimaced.
"Pinkie and I just got back from a relaxing vacation only to find our daughter getting into some serious trouble, it made me laugh at how much chaos she caused but Pinkie was angrier then I've seen in a long time and the two have been at it nearly all day." Discord spoke with a groan, melting into a puddle before reforming as the last of his card came near him, an ice pack on his head.
"Sorry we made things so bad." Spike winced, guilt tugging at his heart at causing the normally loving and cheerful family to get into what was basically a shouting match with each other.
"It's alright. Truth be told Screwball's been getting bored of Ponyville for a while, maybe it's time she visited another part of the world for a few months or so and see what else life has to offer, as long as she remembers to write of course. You know how much Pinkie hates when somepony leaves and they don't remember to write her." Discord added with a shudder which was the very same action that Rainbow Dash did as she remembered her friend waiting for what she heard was days in front of a mailbox for a single letter.
"So what are we playing?" Rainbow Dash asked making the two males glance at each other in puzzlement.
"I thought you were choosing?" Spike said with a scratch of his head as Rainbow opened her mouth about to answer before they heard a solid knock on the front door, how such happened was still a mystery to Spike making Rainbow stand up from her seat and rush over to open it.
"Hey Dash, sorry I'm late. Cloudchaser and I were going over the prices of how much to sell our house for with Mayor Mare because we'll be moving soon and we just got everything done, she'll be over in a little bit. I'm excited to start our last poker game. Oh, hello Discord, Spike. Didn't know you two would be joining us tonight. Where's Fluttershy? And do you know Pinkie and Screwball are screaming at each other underneath your house?" Flitter asked softly, glancing at the dragon and god with a wave of her hoof and a small smile.
"Shy seemed to have some errands to run, yeah that's the whole reason Discord is here. I'd thought it'd be fun for Spike to join us and hold up a sec, you two are moving, why?" Rainbow Dash questioned her friend with a befuddled look of disappointment causing Flitter to give a sheepish smile.
"Our grandmother in Vanhoofer is really sick and our parents want us to be with them to spend time with her before she...anyway, we'll be back in about a year or two and you know we'll be sure to write to you and Fluttershy. We have a lot of friends here we don't want to just cut ties with and never speak to again and with phoenix mail, we can write and reply to each other in two days rather than a week." She responded with a nervous chuckle as Rainbow Dash sighed, ignoring Pinkie and Screwball who were still screaming and shut her door before she flew back to take her seat, Flitter sitting next to her as Spike dealt her some cards and Discord snapped his fingers to give her a glass of water with a bendy straw.
"Yeah it's thanks to Spike and Peewee that phoenix mail even exist, if not for them we would have been waiting forever for the mail to come over long distances, rather than only a few days, smart thinking, Scales." Dash replied with a wink as the dragon blushed with a chuckle.
"I just wanted to give Peewee's siblings, parents and the other phoenixes that were around something to do and help out Equestria in turn. They get out more and get free food and time to interact with other ponies and the ponies get their long distance mail much faster than normal, seems like a win-win in both cases." Spike replied with a grin as Discord tapped the table, signaling for another card.
Obliging, Spike gave him one more and looked at Flitter's annoyed expression at her cards, Rainbow Dash biting her lip and Discord sighing.
"You two remember anything that happened over the last three days? I managed to get some memories from Screwball's point of view but I was laughing so hard that I couldn't continue and Pinkie got annoyed with me which made Screwball snap at her then it just went downhill from there." Discord asked with a sneer before grumbling at his cards.
"I can't speak for Spike, since he drank six barrels of Moonshine and was basically extremely drunk all three days with a hangover but Twilight did cast a memory spell on me yesterday and we did some really, really bucked up shit. Apparently Apple Bloom and Rumble got married." Rainbow Dash commented off hoof causing Spike to do a spit take on the water he was currently drinking.
"How the buck did I miss that? Wait...I was wondering why Rumble had a tail ring on and Apple Bloom had a enchanted feather on her neck after they got dragged off. That explains the glare of rage Thunderlane gave me yesterday when I went to talk to him and Rarity and his snarky comments about being best male." Spike said with a groan before putting down his cards on the table and placing his claws over his face.
"Yep, we were all there but were absolutely trashed. You kept saying over and over that you're paying, even though we didn't have any bits on us anyway. On the second night it got even worse with Shady Daze, Pipsqueak and Scootaloo having to go to the hospital to get their stomachs pumped and we broke them out and stole like ten wheelchairs, you ate a quarter of a roller coaster on a dare for some stupid reason and we burned down a church. It was bad." She spoke with a snicker, Flitter raising an eyebrow in disbelief.
"Ok, now I know you're just making stuff up." She remarked, her eyes narrowing as she looked at her friend.
"Oh I can guarantee she is not. From Screwball's perspective, that was only night one. Night two and three is where things get oh so very juicy." Discord defended with a large, dark grin as Flitter gasped and Spike had to finish his water just to have something to do to keep the very hazy memories away.
"According to Twilight, Spike saved my life. One of the Flim, Flam brothers tried to stab me with a knife because we wrecked their casino to Tartarus on the last night, burned about half of him, though I can't remember which one. Far as I know he's alive though so Spike obviously didn't kill him. That's when the cops and guards came and we caused a massive drunk riot. Ever seen Button Mash body slam a guard in full armor? It was insane. It took twenty guards to take Spike down and another twenty to take Screwball. It took four for me, but damn it if I didn't fight like my life depended on it." She answered with a chuckle and shake of her head, noticing that everyone was waiting for her to continue.
"Right so then that's when Celestia shows up, I guess we were running on liquid courage because Spike somehow managed to make all of us chant buck the royal guards over and over again. The looks on their faces were priceless. The last thing I heard was the princess scream over the noise "Spike the dragon!" and then everything went black. Keep in mind that Twi was only able to get about fifty percent of my drunk memories back, the rest we'll never know unless Discord wants to take a crack at it." Rainbow Dash laughed loudly as Discord shook his head with a smile.
"I doubt my sides could take it, Rainbow Crash. Maybe another day when you all come back from restoring Las Pegasus and we can all share a good laugh." He replied, Flitter giggled as Spike snorted in laughter, the game clearly forgotten.
Flitter was about to speak when they heard another knock on the door, Rainbow Dash went to answer it, seeing Flitter's sister, Cloudchaser look very panicked and also noticing that Pinkie and Screwball were no longer yelling at each other as she let the distressed mare in without a word who dashed into the kitchen.
"Flitter, we got to go now. I just got a letter from a phoenix that grandma had a really bad fit and it's not looking good." Cloudchaser said desperately as Flitter stood up from her seat immediately, her eyes widening in fear.
"But they said she would be good until next week, and we won't make it in time by train-"
"Allow me to teleport you, ladies." Discord interrupted with a sincere smile as both sisters looked at him in surprise.
"Really Discord you would do that? Thank you so, so much. We owe you one." Flitter spoke, flying over to hug the draconequus before turning and hugging Spike with a kiss on the cheek who blushed at the contact and finishing off with Rainbow Dash with a big hug, her sister doing the same minus the kiss to Spike.
"We'll write to you tomorrow and have our stuff sent over in a few days, we promise, give Fluttershy and Thunderlane a hug for us and tell them we'll write them soon." Cloudchaser said quickly as tears rolled down her face and she nodded to Discord who snapped his fingers, they were gone in a flash of light.
"Damn, poor girls having to go through that after they just got back." Rainbow Dash spoke with a sad shake of her head as both males in front of her nodded.
"Well I best be going. Pinkie is summoning me, I can tell it's going to be another one of those long, boring heart to heart talks. Hopefully this time we can have that soda fight to lighten the mood, until next game, Dash, Spike. This was a lot of fun." Discord said after a few moments of silence before snapping his fingers and disappearing, leaving the two alone.
With nothing more to do, Spike reached over to put away the cards as Rainbow pawed at the floor with a hoof, a slight blush on her cheeks.
"You know Spike, I didn't exactly tell the truth about the events I remembered." She said suddenly, nearly making Spike stumble in shock before whipping around in confusion.
"What do you mean?" He asked as she took a deep breath to explain.
"Well...everything I told you, Discord and Flitter was only about forty five percent of what I remembered. There is a bit...more, then I didn't want them to know about." She responded as he quickly turned around and placed the glasses and pitcher of water in the sink before flapping his wings a bit to reach his chair and sat down.
"Oh yeah? Like what? Did I wear a dress or fight a mannequin or something?" He questioned making her snicker before she flew over and sat across from him again.
"Uh...no, at least I don't think so. As funny as hell as that would have been though it's a bit...well...I guess we made a bet on the second night from what Twi told me. We did shots and naturally you won, that's not to say I didn't try my best." She said defensively with a wave of her hooves.
"Anyway, I guess the bet was that if I won, you would dance on a stripper pole. Believe me a lot of the mares with us were happy about that. And if you won..." She blushed before taking a deep breath and continuing as Spike raised an eyebrow and leaned in farther to hear her.
"You get to kiss me." She whispered as her face nearly resembled fire at this point, Spike almost falling out of his chair at what he heard, not that the fall would kill him if he did drop like a stone from her house.
"I...wait, what? I swear-"
"Why didn't you ever tell me you liked me in that way, Spike?" She asked, suddenly serious as her eyes narrowed slightly and she looked on over at the dragon who swallowed the large amount of saliva in his throat.
"W-what was I supposed to say Dash, I was seventeen. My wings had just kicked in. Rarity turned down my offer to be more than friends before she started dating Thunderlane and even though I always admired you and how talented you were, even if you were arrogant at times, I felt like it was just a silly crush. You were off with the Wonderbolts so much you could not teach me to fly and if I was not going to learn from one of the best, I didn't care to fly. I did my best to get over it and I thought I had but..." He didn't continue, looking away in shame and embarrassment.
"But now you're a grown adult and it's clear you still like me, right? Never bothered to ask for my feelings on the matter?" She questioned making him place his claws over his face in shame.
"No, I'm sorry. I honestly thought-"
"Because I would have given you the chance if you would have had the balls to ask me out." She spoke quietly with an embarrassed cough making him look at her in surprise.
"Seriously?" He wondered as she slowly nodded with a small smirk.
"Dating a dragon and being the one to train said dragon to fly? That's one hell of a deal to miss. Plus you're a prince so naturally you're loaded, not that I honestly care about that. I'm no gold digger. I would have waited until you turned eighteen before we could have really done anything of course but yeah. I would have been all for it. If you would have only asked." She answered with a wink making the drake before her give a large smile.
"So uh...is the offer still on the table?" He asked before she stood up and reached over, kissing his lips softly.
"That's for winning the bet. You won't get anymore until you can prove to me that you're boyfriend material but to answer your question, yes. We can't just jump into each other's bones on the first date, I'm not that kind of mare. But we can teach you how to fly, and talk to each other more once we start doing community service, we'll have a lot of time to learn if we click or not after all. For now though, we'll chat tomorrow. I got work in the morning and I'm sure you're eager to learn about what you did on our trip with Twilight" She laughed with a grin as the drake slowly nodded and reached out with a claw to hold her hoof.
She blew him a raspberry in response and took her hoof away.
"Slow your roll there, Scales. Just because I'm fast paced with other shit doesn't mean I don't like taking dating slow and serious. You got to earn the right to hold my hoof and maybe if you are lucky, I'll give you another kiss...maybe." She laughed with a wink which made Spike shake his head with a roll of his eyes.
Of course he just had to fall in love with a dominant mare.
Spike was sweating profusely as he slammed his back into the tree with a loud groan nearly hurting his wings, his tail ached from using it for so long to help Applejack and the family with Zap apple season as he questioned to himself why he even bothered in the first place, wiping the sweat off his forehead as he turned his head to the left and saw Applejack slamming her back hooves into the tree with enough force to knock it over but she was aware of her strength, he remembered she told him that she was able to kick a large boulder on the hunt for Rockhoof’s shovel when he was younger.
He glanced at the older mare’s extremely powerful and rather sexy looking hind hooves, the thought to touch her bare ass and giving it a squeeze coming to the forefront of his mind and sent a shock through his spine as he remembered the time he almost kissed her while thinking about Rarity, he snorted smoke out of his nose with a roll of his eyes at how innocent and naïve he once was years ago and how stupid he felt pinning after the unicorn.
Spike placed a claw to the side of him as he used the tree to slowly stand up, his eyes not leaving the orange earth pony who once used him as a lighter to aid in her family reunion as he smiled, remembering at one time that Capper Dapperpaws had used him as a flamethrower to push back the Storm King’s army.
Rather stupid in hindsight but he had to admit it felt good to be useful during a critical time in Equestria. He wondered how Rarity’s date with the walking, smooth as silk talking cat went as he made a mental note to ask her about it and to see how both of his friends were doing but before he did anything, he had to finish the task he had been given, why did he agree to this again?
Shaking his head, Spike picked up the basket, his much larger if more intimidating size allowing him to carry the basket filled with the special rainbow colored apples in his right claw with ease as he slid it over to the next tree, coincidentally standing right behind the cowpony as his heart raced and he curled his claws, multiple thoughts racing through his head with how to ask out the mare of his affection as he nervously and unknowingly scratched at the bark in front of him with his left claw as his right softly tapped his hip while he gathered the courage to say one word to the hard working pony.
He opened his mouth as he finally had some semblance of words to say with confidence before a bright orange and red flash caught his eye as he looked and saw Peewee flying above him who chirped at his master before gliding down to land on his right shoulder making the drake give a soft and caring stroke of his hand to the immortal bird, at least he thinks that phenoxies are immortal, he would have to ask his mother, the gods know Discord would not give him a straight answer.
“You tell Peewee to mind where he’s flying, Spike, you hear? Don’t want him setting my trees on fire now, ok sugar?” Applejack’s playful if a bit tired voice nearly caused Spike to freeze as he turned his head to the earth pony and opened his mouth, his plan basically shot with a crossbow as all he could do was nod in embarrassment.
“Having trouble with matters of the heart, Spike?” A voice whispered to the left of him as he turned and saw a miniature Discord laying on his shoulder with Rainbow Dash’s sunglasses on, eating a Zap apple in his lion claw that Spike was damn sure was not ripped yet as Spike scowled.
“Shouldn't you be helping Fluttershy, Sugar Belle and Apple Bloom on the other side of the orchard.” He spat with annoyance as the god merely took off the glasses with his eagle talon and gave the drake a blank expression.
“I can do both.” Discord argued before calmly throwing the rest of the apple in his mouth and slowly transformed his body into a snake that wrapped around Spike’s neck as he continued.
“Besides, helping you to become a permanent member of the Apple family is much more...devious.” He whispered as Spike ignored the urge to throw Discord off of him and merely looked into his red eyes.
“Don’t let Twilight see you in that form, she’s still terrified of snakes. And how exactly do you plan on-”
“You going to get a move on anytime today, Sugarcube? We’re burning daylight and still got a few more hours left.” Applejack asked the drake who looked over towards her in almost paralyzing fear before he cleared his throat and seeing out the corner of his eye that Discord had vanished he quickly brought his tail back and with as much force as he could, he slammed against the base of the tree, thankful when the apples came raining down into the empty basket he quickly grabbed it and gave an uneasy smile to the mare who raised an eyebrow but quickly went back to work as Spike released a breath he did not know he was holding in.
He felt Peewee flap his wings to land onto the ground and peck at a Zap apple that had rolled away before Spike breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thank Celestia.” He whispered to himself as he grabbed both full to the brim baskets and lifting them up on his shoulders, went towards the barn to store them and grab two more to continue with his work.
“You’re welcome, my little scales.” A familiar voice spoke as he turned his head to the left and saw his mother on his shoulder with a halo above her crown and tiny angel wings spread out on her back as her original wings were nowhere to be seen, small enough to sit as she did exactly that as it took Spike every ounce of his strength not to scream in terror.
“M-mom? How did? What are you? Why are you-”
“She finished all her work for the day and wanted to help you with your...situation. Took a bit of convincing but I’m good at that, don’t worry, her real body is back in Canterlot, this is just a small bit of mental power.” Discord’s voice spoke from Spike’s right shoulder as he glanced over and saw the Draconequus in miniature form again but this time he had black horns that stood up where his antlers would be, his tail was red and long, shaped like a spade at the end, his goatee was pure black and he had a pitch fork in his lion claw.
“It’s true, my body is asleep but my mental thoughts are with you, my son. Though did you really have to leave me on my bed in such an undignified pose, Discord? And is the halo and angel wings necessary, you know I already have my own pair of wings.” Celestia asked as she crossed her hooves and glared at her old enemy who merely twirled the pitch fork in his fingers and winked.
“Oh you’ll be fine and yes, absolutely, I’ve been wanting to do a gag like this for ten thousand years, don’t worry, no one can see or hear us, not even Twilight. Now focus, Spike you don’t want to piss off your crush, now do you?” Discord’s voice spoke to the dragon who was debating between slowly removing his mother and slapping off Discord or punching himself in the face until he knocked himself out as he shook his head and walked back towards the trees where Applejack was still hard at work.
He could hear the two bicker about things long since past as he worked, stopping to pet Peewee who gave a chirp before flying back to town to rest as Spike spotted Pinkie Pie standing on her hind legs and shaking the trees to remove the apples, it was a poor job but she was humming to herself and smiling as they fell into the basket slowly before she picked it up with her teeth once it was full and dragged it towards the next, getting an empty basket to repeat the process.
Discord leaned on Spike’s neck and gave a loud, loving sigh as he watched the earth pony work with a large if not lustful grin on his face.
“That mare’s going to be the death of me I tell you, one that I would be happy to die for if given the chance.” He muttered out loud as Spike and Celestia rolled their eyes.
“Ironic you’re helping me try to win Applejack’s heart when you can’t even win Pinkie’s.” Spike whispered to them as Discord rolled his eyes fast enough to nearly make Spike dizzy before flicking his head with a finger which made his eyes stop spinning.
“One miracle at a time, mortal. You missed a few by the way.” He answered pointing at the apples that Spike somehow did indeed miss as the dragon brought his tail back once more and slammed it into the tree, allowing the remaining apples to fall with grace.
Celestia clapped her front hooves together with a large, beaming proud smile while Discord gagged.
“My little boy is growing up to be so strong.” She spoke making Spike blush with a chuckle.
“It’s nothing, mom. Just how dragons do.” He whispered before clearing his throat to save face.
“So, uh...any advice on how to talk to her?” He asked as he picked up the full baskets to store them, seeing Pinkie bounce past him with the same amount on her back as he grinned.
“Well...let’s see what common interests you share with Applejack. You’re both amazing at baking-”
“Oh I’ll say.” Discord interrupted popping one of Spike’s brownies that he had made three days ago into his mouth with a rather disturbing moan causing both Spike and Celestia to shiver.
“You both deeply care about your families, while you can be dishonest at times, you always know how to do the right thing. Um...let’s see...you’re both very hard working, she tolerates your jokes which is a blessing in itself.” She teased as Discord laughed while Spike rolled his eyes.
“Neither of you need nor care much for fancy things and...umm…Discord do you have anything to add? By the way, mister, we are going to talk about your obsession with older mares when you come to visit over the weekend.” She finished as she glared at Spike who could only give a bashful grin in return.
“Why are you asking me? I’m the evil side, I’m supposed to push Spike towards all the naughty and twisted sides of the conversion, like this for example.” Discord whistled as he pulled out a comically large picture from his tail that showed Applejack in a very lewd pose making Spike loudly swallow the spit in his throat as he nearly tripped over the full baskets.
“Discord!” Celestia screeched, flying up to shield Spike’s eyes with her body in horror and doing her best to avert her eyes of one of her subjects as she glared at the god who made the picture disappear while he laughed so hard tears were sliding down his face.
“You two should have seen your face, ahhhh…can’t believe Soarin let such a fine piece of ass go, don’t you agree, Spike?” He teased elbowing him in the neck before Celestia finally flew back to his other shoulder as the drake felt he needed a very long and cold shower later but did his best to ignore it and get back to his job.
“So we don’t have a ton in common, there is nothing wrong with that, right?” Spike asked as he looked anywhere he could once he saw Applejack walking back him with her back full of apples to store as he walked up to another tree with two empty baskets once more.
“Well...yes and no. While it's true that there is nothing really wrong with not having much in common, it’s something that would help if you were to date later down the road.” Celestia answered making Spike sigh before picking up the full basket and walking over to the next.
“But let’s focus on the negatives because it’s what I’m good at. You’re lazy, she’s competitive, like to a terrifying degree if what she and Rainbow Dash do is anything to go off of. You’re spoiled rotten thanks to Sunbutt and your family, she’s all work and barely any play. You’re arrogant, she’s stubborn, the good news is that both of you are as boring as watching paint dry. Also I doubt she’s much of a reader and while not necessarily reading, you love comic books. Although if you can get her into Ogres and Oubliettes I’ll take back everything I said.” He spoke with an almost pleading voice as Celestia rolled her eyes.
“You just want her to play with us.” Spike growled, rather annoyed.
“We need more players.” Discord muttered pathetically as he kicked at imaginary dust on Spike’s shoulder.
Spike paused for a minute to slap a claw to his forehead as he groaned.
“You know this isn't helping me as much as I thought it would.” Spike whispered to them once he saw Pinkie Pie finally coming back with two empty baskets.
“Well of course not, little scales. It’s because you’re forgetting the most important rule of advice.” Discord answered rather lazily as Spike looked between the two of them.
“Which is?” He nearly screamed after they both became silent before looking at each other and turning back to the distressed drake.
“We’re not you.” They replied in unison as Spike could do nothing more than blink in complete and utter confusion.
“What?” He asked in puzzlement.
“The importance of advice is to aid the one having trouble and helping them make a choice.” Celestia spoke softly as Discord nodded rather seriously.
“The reality is that it’s up to you to choose if you think having a relationship with Applejack is worth it and if you feel you two would work, regardless of whether she says yes or not.” Discord replied.
“We can’t make that choice for you, Spike. That’s up to you, all we can do is talk, be there for you and of course love you.” Celestia finished as she slowly flew up and gave Spike’s cheek a small peck with a motherly grin.
“Good luck.” Discord said with a salute as Spike stared at them both in confusion.
“Spike, you did a really great job. Ah’m proud of you for taking the time to help me and the family out. What do you say we go grab the girls and Discord and go grab a bite to eat, my treat?” Applejack’s voice once again snapped him out of his thoughts as he turned around to look at the mare who was taking off her hat and wiping her forehead with a hoof.
He smiled before turning around to at least say goodbye to his mother and Discord but they were no longer on his shoulders as he quickly turned back around to face the earth pony.
“That sounds like a great idea, Applejack, thank you.” He spoke with a smile which she returned before she started to walk back to the barn to meet with the other girls.
“H-hey, Jackie.” Spike called out, his heart nearly in his throat as he slowly swallowed it back down and tried to gain what confidence he had left, even more so to call her by a nickname that she hadn't heard in a long time as she turned back around in confusion.
“I-I was wondering if you wanted to go see a movie next week, you know if you have the time.” He asked calmly, giving a very nervous if not sincere smile as he awaited her answer.
Applejack tilted her head in confusion before turning it back as she smirked.
“I’d like that, Spike. But I’m picking the movie.” She said with a chuckle as Spike felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off his chest.
“Deal. Hope you like popcorn.” He laughed before they walked side by side towards the barn, Spike remembering at the last second to get the two remaining baskets and saw both Celestia and Discord still in their tiny forms look up and wink at him as he smiled.
“Thanks.” He whispered before picking up the two full baskets and walking back to Applejack as the two talked about funny moments in the past together.
Spike was so happy he felt as though he could walk on air.
