> Spike´s Cutie Mark > by CaioCoia > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1. The Nightmare and the Purpose! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Luna walked in the dark, with three fillies beside her. "I still can’t believe I’m doing this for you," said Luna searching for doors amongst the darkness. "Actually, why am I even doing this?" "Because we needed to see what our friends are dreaming right now! And you told us you could help if we would have done some favors for you. And we did!" Sweetie Belle said, giggling as she walked. "I also want to see what Rainbow Dash is dreaming about. Maybe all of her dreams are awesome, like her!" Scootaloo said, walking on the other side of Luna. "Scootaloo, you know Rainbow Dash’s dreams are personal. Plus, maybe you won’t want to see some of the things she dreams about," Luna pleaded, in an attempt to convince them to change their minds. "Eeenope. Yah told us you would let us see the dreams of whomever we want! And ah want to see what Applejack was hiding from me this week. She was blushing a lot and ah won’t give up ‘till ah can see what ‘t was all about!" Apple Bloom stomped hard on the floor, making Luna sigh in resignation.. "Okay, but remember, you must not interfere in the dreams of others. If we are caught, they will eject us from their dreams until the next morning. Do you understand?” Luna asked, finally finding the door she was searching for in the darkness. All three foals nodded. As soon as Luna opened the door, she was surprised by loud, simultaneous screams. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS, GO!" the trio screamed, running through the doorway and scanning the different types of doors present in the corridor beyond. "Oh, there’s Applejack’s door! Let’s go!" Apple Bloom ran to her target and opened a big door bearing the emblem of the Element of Honesty. Looking at the strange scene, Apple Bloom opened her mouth in shock. Before her, Applejack, Soarin and Thunderlane sat in a fancy restaurant. Applejack was flirting with the two stallions, a blush on her face, and they were both whispering in her ears, making her giggle and lick her lips with desire. "Ah can’t believe this! Mah sister, and these two stallions?!" Apple Bloom blushed, thinking about what they were whispering to her sister. She looked for her two friends, and saw that their reaction was the same as hers. "But isn’t Soarin Rainbow Dash’s special somepony?" Scootaloo asked, confused after viewing the scene. "Yes, but this is her dream, Scoot. Maybe she likes a lot of stallions, and she doesn’t want to tell anypony," Sweetie Belle concluded their thoughts. "And we will never remember seeing this, okay?!" Apple Bloom ordered, trying to get her friends to forget. "But Apple..." "AH SAID NEVER!" Apple Bloom cried, closing the door with a slam. “How was Applejack’s dream?” Luna asked with a frown on her face. “Was it worth seeing?” "No it wasn’t," Apple Bloom grumbled, walking away. She looked for another door. "There’s Rainbow Dash’s door. Let’s go see what she’s dreaming." "Yeah let’s go, maybe it’s something awesome, like fighting monsters, winning races, or flying away to space! Let’s go!" Scootaloo was the first of the three to open the door and go inside. She wasn’t wrong. Rainbow Dash was fighting with several Changelings and racing with the Wonderbolts at the same time. "Wow, isn’t she awesome?!" Scootaloo was captivated by her hero in action. "Meh," Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle said, as if it was nothing. "Why are you so bored?!" Scootaloo protested. "She’s doing this all at the same time!" Luna passed through the doorway and saw Rainbow Dash doing what she always does in her dreams. "Meh," Luna said, making the Cutie Mark Crusaders stop to discuss. "Even you, Luna?" Scootaloo couldn’t believe Luna said the same sentence. "I saw this dream many times Scootaloo, this doesn’t surprise me. Let’s get out here. This is boring," Luna responded her argument with a fact. Scootaloo exited the door without saying anything. Sweetie Belle looked at some doors and the other two pointed at one with some diamonds on the door. "Hey Sweetie, look, it’s your sister’s door!" Apple Bloom pointed to the door and began walking there. "I don’t want to see what happens there." Sweetie gave up the idea to see her sister dreams, making the other two Crusaders and even Luna surprised with her statement. "Why not?" Luna asked with curiosity. "Because I don’t want see her, with ideas for dresses, or see her wishes of look of stallions to make her like a princess, every day is the same thing. She needs something to do in her life without those two things. It stinks." Sweetie Belle was tired of being Rarity’s sister and seeing the same thing everyday. "I want to see something different, like that door. Maybe it’s Twilight’s door. It’s a purple one and has a lot of books in the front." Everypony looked to the door and walked toward it. Luna remembered what door it was. "Sweetie, that door isn’t..." As she spoke, the Cutie Mark Crusaders entered the door. The door opened to a normal day. Twilight, Rarity, Spike, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were sitting in their thrones and talking about the day. And after this, the Cutie Map made all of their cutie marks move to one place on the table. "AWESOME! Finally, a new mission. Let’s go girls," Rainbow Dash exclaimed glad the talking part was over. She left the room with all the speed she could muster. "Yes, darlings, our conversation was good, but I think it’s time to have some adventures," Rarity agreed with Rainbow Dash and left her throne. "Don’t leave me here! I need some action too." Applejack got off her throne and ran out of the room. "It’s party time!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed, holding a cupcake in her hoof and ran to the door with them. "Oh, my. Maybe this time we will do this faster. Angel will be upset with me if I will get late to his lunch again." Fluttershy flew to the the door with grace and caution. "Spike, take care of the castle while we’re gone. See ya!" Twilight looked at Spike one more time before leaving the door. "Okay..." Spike said with a weak smile. The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at one another. They were anxious to see the friendship mission the girls were going on. "Woah! We will see the mission of friendship Twilight talked about for the first time ever! Let’s go follow them to see what will happen." Scootaloo was excited and ran for the door, but when she got near it, the door slammed shut with a powerful force. All other doors were closed with the same force. "What happened?!" Sweetie Belle was looking for an open door, but as she did, the palace was getting dark, and they heard a voice. A familiar voice. "You let them go again." "What should I do? Tell them not to go because I want to go, too? That’s ridiculous," Spike said to the voice. The voice was the same as Spike’s. The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked to Spike in surprise because of his response. "You always let them, Spike. You know they will never let you go with them" the voice said. "How do you know that?! I will go if I want to someday," Spike said with a confident tone. "Come on Spike! You know that’s a lie. Your whole life has no purpose, Spike. You are a JOKE. A JOKE, SPIKE. That's all you’ll ever be." The voice taunted Spike, making him livid. "I know my purpose! And it’s to make my friends happy, like they always are!" "That’s another lie, Spike. You don’t want to stay here and you know that isn’t how friendship works. You always help them, make breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, food, clean, write for them. YOU ARE A SLAVE, SPIKE. A SLAVE!" The voice screamed, making the Cutie Mark Crusaders back down with fear. Apple Bloom saw Luna beside her. "Luna, stop this! The voice is givin’ Spike a nightmare!"Apple Bloom cried. Luna lowered her head in shame. "I can’t." Her answer made the three foals perplexed, uncertain of what to say. "But Luna, this is his nightmare, why can’t you stop this nightmare?!" Sweetie Belle asked, needing an answer. "Because this isn’t only a nightmare, this is his memory. He has been having the same nightmare for several weeks, and I tried everything to make this nightmare stop... But nothing worked." Luna watched in lost hope as Spike cried on the floor. "I have a purpose, I believe in my friends. I know I have a purpose," Spike was crying and saying to himself in an attempt to become positive, to no avail. Apple Bloom didn’t want to stay to see the rest of the nightmare. "Cutie Mark Crusaders. Meeting, right now," Apple Bloom said with a serious expression on her face. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle walked over to Apple Bloom. After several moments of whispering, Luna became curious to know what they were talking about. Soon, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo looked to Luna with pleasant smiles on their faces. "Luna, we will end this nightmare," Apple Bloom said with a determined grin on her face. "What?! When----I mean, how?!" Luna asked in shock. “I have tried for weeks to end it, and have failed with every attempt. How will you three foals end a nightmare the Princess of the Night cannot?” "Cutie Mark Crusaders! This might be the hardest thing we’ll ever face, but…" Apple Bloom looked to her friends with a big smile. She took a deep breath. "OPERATION SPIKE’S CUTIE MARK IS A GO!" they screamed with enthusiasm. Luna’s jaw dropped in disbelief. "Girls, Spike cannot have a Cutie Mark," Luna tried to make them think about what they were about to do. "Dragons don’t have…” She sighed before continuing her explanation. “A dragon cannot have a Cutie Mark, any dragon was capable to take one!" "Yeah, we know that," Sweetie Belle said, proud of her knowledge. "But just because we haven’t seen any dragons with Cutie Marks doesn’t mean they can’t get them! Spike is no ordinary dragon. He was raised by ponies! He could be the first ever dragon in Equestria to get a Cutie Mark because of it!” After listening closely to Sweetie Belle’s explanation, Luna didn’t know what to say. They knew the risks, but they wanted to help Spike find his purpose. "If you need something of me, anything, just call me in your dreams. I will do my best to find something to help you. This is a wonderful thing for you girls to do for Spike. Make him feel better." Luna couldn't help but smile, satisfied with this plan. "Don't worry, Princess Luna. We’ve been helping foals to find the meaning behind their Cutie Marks for a while now. That’s our purpose, to help other blank flanks!” Scootaloo said with a wide grin. "Luna, early tomorrow we will help Spike, because I never want to see him have this nightmare again," Apple Bloom said, looking at Spike, who was still crying on the floor. "I believe in you. Thank you for making this decision. Spike will be in good hooves," Luna said, opening the door of the dream and walking out. The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at Spike one last time before they left his dream. Tomorrow was going to be a long day... > Chapter 2: A New Day > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Waking up in his basket, Spike looked around his room, hoping it had all been a dream. However, after noticing that neither Twilight nor Starlight was there, he remembered he truly was alone. "Okay Spike, it's a new day. Twilight and the others went on a friendship mission, and Starlight is in the Crystal Empire visiting Sunburst and practicing the lessons Twilight has taught her. It's just you and your comics.” He picked up one of his comic books and began to read when a thought captured his attention. "Man, I read this comic yesterday! I need something to do before I get bored," he murmured, giving up on reading his comics. He was alone in the palace and he walked past every door in the main corridor. "Starlight was right. Every room in this castle needs a sign to identify it… Maybe I will do something like that one day." Spike entered the throne room and took a seat on his throne. The emptiness of his friend’s thrones weighed on him heavily. Spike sighed with disgust and sadness. "Do I mean anything to them? Maybe my nightmare was right, and I don't have a purpose." Spike was about to cry before loud pounds emanated from the door. "We have visitors? I can’t imagine who. Maybe Twilight forgot the key again?” Spike hopped down from his throne and walked in the corridor to the door. The knocking was becoming more forceful and quick. "Coming," cried Spike as he drew closer to the door. "It can't be her. Twilight is an alicorn and could just teleport in here. It must be another visitor,” he reasoned before opening the door. Spike opened the door and was surprised to see Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle standing in front of him. "Girls, what are you doing here?" Spike asked, surprised. "Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity went on an adventure with Twilight and the other girls, don’t you know?" "We know Spike. We came here to see you," Apple Bloom said in response. "Really? Why do you want to see me?" Spike asked the girls, curious but nonetheless happy somepony wanted to see him. "Your Cutie Mark!" Scootaloo answered his question with a simple grin. "Sorry?" asked Spike, a little confused. "We want to see your Cutie Mark, Spike. We want to help you to find your own meaning and special talent," Sweetie Belle said, pointing to Spike’s rump. Spike blinked and stood in silence. After some seconds, he opened his mouth. "Why, when and how?! It’s impossible! Dragons can’t get cutie marks!" Spike said, trying wrap his head around what the CMC wanted to do. "Dragons can’t get cutie marks yet," corrected Apple Bloom, proud of her idea. "We will help you to find your destiny, Spike. We know you don't want to stay here alone forever." "How do you know that?" Spike demanded, trying to hide his feelings about the subject. "It doesn’t matter. We are here to find your purpose with your own. And we are the Cutie Mark Crusaders! It's our thing to help the little foals and big stallions with blank flanks" said Sweetie Belle, pushing Spike off his back, making him walk a little. "I don't think that will work," Spike said with disbelief and tried to go back to the door. "Come on, Spike. We found our cutie marks. And we always helped and worked to help the others. Believe in us please," Sweetie Belle countered and pushed him harder, this time making him leave the door. "Okay, you win. But let me close the doors." Spike sighed with disgust but with a small smile on his face. "Maybe they will not find my cutie mark, if I can even get one. But it’s better than staying here and leaving me with my thoughts", he thought to himself. After closing and locking the palace door, he looked at the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They looked anxious to get a move on. "Okay, let's go," Spike said, walking with them to the Ponyville. After some time, Spike knew he was going to regret it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Guys. I don't know if this will be something for me to get my cutie mark." Spike said after he looked down. They were on a cliff on a nearby mountain. The ground was 100 feet down. A bungee jumping cord was secured around his leg. Spoke wore a green helmet and goggles. "Don't look at me. This was Scootaloo's idea," said Sweetie Belle, using the same equipment. "Don't worry my friends. This gonna be awesome. And Spike, we will give you the honor to be the first one to do this." Scootaloo was happy and anxious, given the fact that this might have been Spike's first time bungee jumping. Spike gulped. “R-Really?” he asked nervously, a twinge of fear on his face. "Yeah. Just jump and all your problems will be solved," Scootaloo said with one hoof on his shoulder. "I don't know, Scoot, my feet aren't responding," Spike said with a weak smile. "Don't worry, we'll do it for you," said Scootaloo before pushing him for his fall. Spike started screaming at the top of his lungs when his feet left the cliff. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle ran over to the edge to see if Spike was okay. "Scootaloo, what's your problem?!" Apple Bloom turned to Scootaloo with an angry face. "What? He needed a little help, and I said he will be fine," Scootaloo said . After some seconds the screaming became weaker. They looked for him on the edge and saw Spike flying into the air. "Please, somepony help meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!" Spike yelled. The CMC caught a glimpse of the terrified look on his face before falling again. "Look what you did to him, Scoot! He's scared!" said Sweetie Belle, looking to Scootaloo. "Don't worry, everypony is like this during the first time, almost never a serious accident occurs during bungee jumping," Scootaloo explained, seeing Spike come back from the fall. "Please girls, help me! I don't want to do this anymorrrrrrrrrrrrre!" he said quickly with despair in his voice before falling once again. "WHAT?!" The other two screamed at the same time. "He said he doesn't want to do this anymore. Duh," Scootaloo answered their question, making a joking face. "Don’t do that. Did you said bungee jumping can lead to a serious accident?!" Sweetie Belle asked with fear on her face. "Yeah. That was a long time ago. But now everything will be fine. Look at Spike! He seems to understand bungee jumping now." Scootaloo was looking when Spike bounced up again with a tired face. "Yeah, this isn't something horrible when you fall a few times," Spike said as he fell again. "See? It's nothing to be worried about," Scootaloo said and started to prepare herself to jump. Scootaloo jumped down to have fun. Apple Bloom looked to Sweetie Belle with a grin. "Yeah. Maybe he will enjoy this in the future. Let's see if after this he gets a bungee jumping cutie mark." said Apple Bloom, jumping down. "Don’t leave me behind!" Sweetie Belle jumped, joining her friends. After a few jumps they finished their bungee jumping session. They took their gear off and headed back to Ponyville. "Sorry you didn't get a bungee jumping cutie mark, Spike," said Scootaloo with her head down. "Oh, Scootaloo, don't worry. I actually liked doing it. At first I thought I would die, but after a few times it became something fun to do. I liked," said Spike, consoling her. "Yeah, it was amazing do. We will make something like that. Another day for another filly," said Sweetie Belle excited. "You are the most liked this playing right?!" Scootaloo asked to her, making her blush a little. "Yeah. That's make a good sensation.!" Said Sweetie Belle happy. "So what we do now?" Spike asked, looking to them. "I was thinking we can do skydiving next. What do you think?" Scootaloo didn't want to give up. "I guess I'm okay with skydiving. Let’s go." Spike was excited to do something new thing but when he looked to his left he stopped. "What happened, Spike?" Sweetie Belle asked when Spike had a serious face on. "There," he said, pointing to a little foal, who was crying alone and screaming for his mother. "MOMMY! WHERE ARE YOU?!" "We need to help him," Spike said, running to him. The CMC nodded and started to run to him. The foal was crying in the floor, when he looked to Spike. They had the same height. After noticing this, he looked to the CMC in front of him. They smiled reassuringly. "Hey, what's going on buddy?" Spike looked at him with worry. "My mother. I was walking with her, but after some minutes she disappeared. And I can't found her." The little foal was sniffing. He rubbed his tears away. "Alright, I know what to do,” Spike said. “Come with me. I’ll lead you to the mayor, while I’ll go looking for your mother. I promise I'll find her." He said it with confidence, making the foal smile. "You’ll really do that? Thank you!" The foal was happy with Spike's promise. They started to walk to the Town Hall. As they walked, the foal looked to Spike. "Do you think they will help me?" The foal asked to him in fear. "Of course. When I was younger, I got lost a few times when I was on my own. But I learned one extremely important thing." Spike look to the Town Hall with a smile. "And what is it?" asked all the foals by his side. "If you get lost in a town, look for the police station or the town hall, and talk with somepony who’ll help you. They will know what to do. They will help find your mother." Spike walked to the door remembering the time he got lost when he was younger. "Really! Do you think my mother will find me soon?" the little foal asked with hope in his eyes. "Of course. Right, girls?" Spike looked to the CMC, and they nodded with smiles on their faces. When Spike opened the door, there were several ponies talking with a mare, who seemed to be crying. Mayor Mare was consoling her. The foal looked at the mare and started to cry. "MOM!" He yelled and ran over to her. "Dust Mane, finally! I was worried about you. I didn't know what to do when you got lost. Thank Celestia you came to me!" The mare hugged Dust Mane with force and kissed his head many times, crying a lot. "They helped me! He says the best place to go if you get lost is to come here. He brought me here. He gave me his word that he will found you. AND HE FOUND YOU! Thanks, Spike!" Dust pointed to Spike, making him blush. "Thank you, Spike. You helped me find my son. That's honorable for your part, especially since you gave your word to help him. And you helped us to found each other. I will be eternally grateful." The mare kissed Spike’s cheek, making him blush a lot. "It’s the right thing to do," Spike said with a grin and went to the door with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "See you later, Dust. It was nice to meet you." "See ya, Spike!" the foal said, hugging his mother again. Spike closed the door behind them and went away. > Chapter 3: Getting Sidetracked > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike rode in a hot air balloon in the sky. As they flew over a river, Spike put on his equipment. "Are ya sure yer not scared?" Apple Bloom asked him with worry. "Yeah. I was scared when I jumped down during bungee jumping. But now, I feel like jumping without hesitation, and something in me is telling me to jump." Spike adjusted his goggles. "Yeah! That's what I hear in my head, too! Finally someone who thinks like me.” Scootaloo was glad to see Spike with the same thoughts as her. "I will go first, okay?" Spike asked with confidence. The CMC nodded and Spike jumped off the balloon. The sensation was incredible. He felt light, like he was flying away. He could see Ponyville from here. And looking down at the river, he knew it was time to open the parachute. But he couldn’t remember how. "Girls! I FORGOT HOW TO OPEN THE PARACHUTE!" Spike yelled with a terrified tone. "Oh my Celestia. Spike! PULL THE CORD!" Scootaloo screamed down at Spike. "WHAT?!" Spike screamed. Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle looked over the edge. "PULL THE CORD!" the Cutie Mark Crusaders screamed together, making him look for the cord. Spike finally found the cord, but when he was going to pull, he landed in the river with all the force of gravity. The CMC looked away. "OUCH!" They said in unison. "I hope he will be alright." Apple Bloom said nervously. "I don't know. That's gotta hurt a lot." Scootaloo said, but they looked to her with bloodshot eyes, making her feel awful. "I don't know if I want to do this," Sweetie Belle said with doubt. But something was pulling and making the balloon shake. "Whats going on?" Scootaloo asked. "Something is coming here!" Apple Bloom said with hope. After a few seconds, Spike rose from the water with bloodshot eyes, looking at the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Do... do you wanna try again?" Scootaloo said, fear in her voice. Spike didn’t responded. He was soaking wet. After spitting a lot of water from his mouth like a fountain, he replied: "Sure. Why not?" The CMC became relieved and giggled. After skydiving, Spike didn’t get his cutie mark of skydiving, but they were hopeful for him in the next activity. "Okay Scootaloo, we have to stop these dangerous things. I don't think Spike will get his cutie mark doing something extreme like that," Sweetie Belle said, looking to Spike. "Oh yeah, my Cutie Mark. I forgot that’s why I’ve been doing this. I feel like I’m having fun with you guys," Spike said, nodding with them. "But…I think Spike will find his cutie mark if he tries something like this." Sweetie Belle pointed to a restaurant. There was a single pony, looking down, as if he had given up searching for waiters and waitresses. "Waiter? I don't think so, Sweetie." Spike looked to her. "You need to try, Spike!" Sweetie Belle started to push him to the restaurant. "Okay, I will do this, but if I will go, you will go with me, too," Spike said, making them feel a little uncomfortable. After they nodded with a little hesitation, they went to the restaurant. A yellow unicorn with a fancy suit was standing in the doorway. "How can I help you?" The stallion looked down at them. "We came to help you! We want to be your waiter and waitresses," Spike told him with determination in his voice. "You? I can't believe this! How do you think you will help my restaurant? You are only a dragon and they are foals. You can't legally work here," the stallion said with disbelief. "We didn’t come here to take a job. We came because you need our help. And I can’t let somepony have no help. Even stallions like you," Spike retorted. "You have determination, and I like it. You can help me if you want. But I don't think they will help me like you will." The stallion looked to the CMC with disgust in his eyes. "Hey! If I’m in, they’re in! And if they’re out, I’m out!" Spike said angrily, due to the stallion’s ignorance "You’re loyal to them, aren’t you? You are an interesting dragon. Okay, you win. They can help us. But I’ll give you some advice. This is a fancy restaurant, don't you dare mess this up." The stallion grinned with his argument, afterwards, going inside. "What a jerk," said Scootaloo, looking to Spike. "That’s okay. Actually, many fancy stallions are like that," Spike said, as if this was the most normal thing to do. "But you didn't need to do this for us, Spike. We know you will be fine doing this alone. We don’t know anything fancy, and I think we will be awful," Apple Bloom said in disbelief. "It’s okay, Apple Bloom. I know how to do these fancy things. And I don’t let you down, I will be here. I told you. If I will do it, you will do it with me," Spike said, entering the restaurant. "Maybe Spike will get a fancy cutie mark. I will go with him!" Sweetie Belle was excited to see how it will end. "Let’s rock and roll!" Scootaloo entered through the doorway. "Hey, don’t leave me behind again!" Apple Bloom followed. After some instructions from the stallion on how to attend the clients, he entered the kitchen and started to cook. "Is he the chef?" Apple Bloom asked with surprise. "Oh, now I understand him. Okay girls, let’s do this. If you need help, ask me. I will show you how to do a lot of things." Spike whispered some instructions about how they would work. "Okay, I think it’ll work. Let’s go!" Sweetie Belle said without hesitation. Scootaloo grinned, seeing Apple Bloom smile. "Yeah. It will work," Apple Bloom said after opening the restaurant. Some fancy people entered the restaurant, and were being welcomed by the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Welcome to the Fancy Party Night. We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders and we are the managers of this place. Our waiter is waiting for you." The chef looked to Spike with disbelief, and Spike make a signal of OK with his claws. The fancy stallions and mares was surprised with their greeting. Too young and too responsible? Did it even exist? They thought. But after being settled at their tables, Spike was there with speed and saluted the customers. "Welcome to the Fancy Party Night. I will be your waiter until the end, my name is Spike Draconian Draconell, but call me Spike the Dragon, and I will be glad to receive your order. How can I help you?" The customers were enchanted with his presentation. He was educated, wearing a little suit, giving a serene smile. They loved him. "I want the special of the day. I would like to know what is in it," a stallion asked Spike. He only sniffed and closed his eyes, then answered the customer’s question. "Comes with herb, alfalfa, lettuces, olive and a sweet tea," Spike replied without hesitation, making the chef’s jaw drop. How did he know that? I didn't tell him what was on the menu, he thought to himself. And when he looked to the CMC, they were administering the place exactly how to get work. "But how?" He looked to Apple Bloom and she was looking to Spike. And Spike was making some gestures. She nodded. After a few hours, they were all exhausted and tired. Spike didn’t want to stay up, so he got down to rest a little. The chef walked into the room, looking to the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They were tired. "Sorry, I underestimated you. I though that will be a disaster. But all of you made me think I was wrong. You, dragon! You are determined, loyal, and have the courtesy of a prince. You and the girls administered this place better than I will ever do in my life. Can you forgive me for my insolence?" The chef kneeled in front of the dragon and the Cutie Mark Crusaders. "Sure, by chef to chef. I know how the pressure is. And I think if you have some humility, we will be great friends. What's your name?" Spike asked. "Golden Ring," he said, standing in front of Spike. "It’s a honor to meet you somedragon like you," Golden Ring told him with a smile on his face. "Likewise!" Spike said, looking to his friends with a good smile. "Spike, you must be honored by yourself. You made great things in little time. I will never forget what you did for me. Even you, Cutie Mark Crusaders. You helped me with all the customers. I’m glad to have meet you all," Golden Ring said, taking his chef hat off and giving to Spike. "Use it with honor, Spike. You deserve it." "I will!" Spike said, putting on the hat. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were standing near the door, waiting Spike. After leaving the restaurant, they began walking on the streets of Ponyville, going back home. "I can't believe it. After doing that job, Spike still doesn't having a Cutie Mark. Wait, that’s it!" They looked to Sweetie Belle with a grin on her face. "Spike, tonight we will do many things in the boutique. We will find your talent in two things at the same time." "And what is it?" Spike asked. "Architecture and costume maker!" Sweetie Belle said with a smile on her face. "That doesn't make sense. How will I be good in two things in the same night?" Spike asked, confused. Apple Bloom smiled and nodded to Sweetie Belle. "Because I know Architecture and Sweetie knows how to make some things for the costume," Apple Bloom answered with her hoof on his shoulder. "To the boutique!” Sweetie Belle yelled. Spike smiled. He knew that it wouldn’t work. But seeing their smiles, it made him believe in himself and try something to find his own purpose. His own Cutie Mark. "Alright. Let's go," he said, walking with them. After walking the streets, they were close to the boutique when Spike tripped over a bag. "What…?" After opening the bag he saw 100 bits, 3 gems, one ruby, one sapphire and another emerald. The most precious thing inside was a golden ring with a big diamond. "Woah, that’s awesome!" Scootaloo was looking inside the bag. "You found it Spike, you deserve." Spike didn't respond. He was suddenly serious. He looked away, looking for somepony. After this, he grinned and ran. "Spike, where are you going?" Scootaloo asked, running with him. Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom ran with them. Spike was holding the bag and ran, pointing to the front. When they looked where he was pointing, there was somepony looking down, desperate to find something. Spike stood in front of him. The stallion’s head lifted to see Spike. They didn't say anything. But the stallion broke the silence. "Who are you?" "Spike the dragon. And you?" "Black Wings." The pegasus opened his wings. "Nice to meet you," Spike said. "Likewise." Black Wings nodded to him. Spike took the bag and gave to Black Wings. "I think this is yours." "You found it!" Black Wings caught the bag with a giant smile on his face. Scootaloo saw what happened and walked over to Spike. "Why did you give the bag to him?!" Scootaloo demanded in disbelief. Black Wings heard her question and looked to Scootaloo with rage, making her step back. Seconds of silence later, Black Wings nodded. "She’s right, why did you give it to me? Tell me the truth, didn't you want what’s inside here?" Black Wings asked with sadness and disbelief. "I have to admit, I wanted to take it, but I remembered what would happen if I let my greed take over. I almost destroyed Ponyville! But after what I saw what was in this bag… this something really important to you, right?" Spike asked, looking to him with a serious face. Black Wings beamed. "You’re right. The 100 bits and the gems will be for the restaurant me and my special mare will eat at. And the golden ring is the one I will use to ask her to marry me." His answer made the Cutie Mark Crusaders open their mouths and Spike smile. "I knew it!" Spike said with a grin on his face. "I thought this when my first thought was to take it for me. But this made me feel like doing the right thing. And the right thing to do is to be just and give it to the pony who was looking for it." "Your mouth says honesty and your eyes seek justice. Spike, you are the best dragon in the millions who even saw me. Because before I saw you and what did you did for me, I didn't think any other stallion would do it, but after talking to you and seeing your empathy, I will do something like this to you in the future. I hope the mare you love will be very lovely to you because you deserve." Black Wings said, spreading his wings. "How did you know that?" Spike asked, blushing. "Because everypony and dragon has somepony to love, my friend. Remember that." Black Wings winked at him and flew away. "Woah, Spike, I can't believe you knew this!" Sweetie Belle said to Spike. "That’s normal, like he said, everypony and dragon has someone to love. I think today I made many friends," Spike said, walking to them. "Alright, let’s enter the boutique to help Spike!" Scootaloo said, entering the Boutique after Sweetie Belle opened the door. After walking inside, Spike drew with Apple Bloom in one hour and helped Sweetie Belle to make some costumes in another hour. Spike drew 5 houses, 3 boutiques and 2 stores, and made a dragon, cowboy, astronaut, princess and a ninja costume. Scootaloo wasn’t enjoying this because she was the ponyquin to wear the costumes. She liked to be the dragon, but she hated to be the princess. After the laughs the many costumes and draws. The Cutie Mark Crusaders looked at Spike’s rump. It was still blank. "I can't believe it. Spike, you did a great job in these two things, but you didn’t get your cutie mark?" Sweetie Belle asked in disbelief. "Yeah, maybe I will try something different. Or maybe I will not receive my Cutie Mark, girls," Spike said with sadness. "Oh no you don't! I will make sure you will have your cutie mark or my name isn't Apple Bloom! Come with me, it's my time to choose the next activity." Apple Bloom pushed him to the door. "What are we gonna do now?" Spike asked, trying to hold back. "We will hunt beatles," Apple Bloom said, pushing him harder. "What?!" They all screamed. > Final chapter- The New Purpose > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the middle of night they were at Sweet Apple Acres, hunting beetles. "Apple Bloom, I can't believe you brought us to here to hunt beetles," Spike said with disbelief. "Trust me, when will you find your first beetle, you will never want try another thing!" Apple Bloom said this like she was excited. "I don’t know, Apple Bloom, maybe tomorrow will be awesome to do this, but now it’s dark and I want to sleep,” said Scootaloo. "Yeah, let's go to sleep and tomorrow we’ll try again,” said Sweetie Belle. "Say something Spike." "I believe in you, Apple Bloom," Spike said, making the others open their mouths. "Right, better we separate and look away. Scoots, ya go with me, and Sweetie, you and Spike will be there. Let's find these beetles!" Apple Bloom was smiling. "Alright," said the others girls as they separated. After minutes looking away, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo found their beetles and caught them. Scootaloo enjoyed it a little after she caught one. And when they were going to the see the others, something in front of them made them stop. After some minutes looking away, Spike and Sweetie Belle were looking in the trees, as if they found something. "Spike, why did you agree with Apple Bloom to find this beetles?" asked Sweetie Belle, tired. "Because she was the last one to offer something for me to try. She would be upset if I didn’t agree with her. And maybe these things will be strange, but I liked everything we did today," Spike said, looking to Sweetie Belle. "You are a good friend, Spike!" Sweetie Belle said with joy. "Look, I found it." Spike pointed at the shining beetle. "Wow, Apple Bloom was right, they are better in the night, looks like gems in the trees." Spike started to climb the tree. "Be careful, Spike," cautioned Sweetie Belle, looking to him. He was getting closer to the beetle when he heard screams from Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. "GIRLS!" Sweetie Belle screamed with despair. "Spike, they need our help!" Spike didn't respond, he only broke a branch and took it with him. "Let’s go!" He said, running to the screams. After miles of running, they saw Apple Bloom and Scootaloo trying to dodge a Timberwolf. "HELP!" Apple Bloom screamed with all her voice. Sweetie Belle tried to do something, but Spike ran to the Timberwolf, breathing fire on the branch. He pointed it at the Timberwolf. The Timberwolf attacked Spike, but he used the burning branch and hit him in the heat. The Timberwolf stepped back after his attack. After this, Spike breathed fire on the grass and made a line. "Don't you dare cross this line, or I will show you what I am capable of." Spike breathed more fire, making the Timberwolf run away. When the Timberwolf left, Spike walked over to Applebloom and Sweetie Belle. "Are you alright?" He asked with worry on his face. "I’m okay. But Spike, you saved our lives. And you make an awesome pose. Like a hero or knight!" Scootaloo was admiring him. "I’m with Scootaloo, Spike, you are our hero, and how you did you do that?" Apple Bloom pointed to the burning branch, but as soon as she did, the branch burned to ash. "Oh, I am a dragon, so I am a fireproof. And when you were in danger, I took the first thing I saw and put it on fire," he replied. "You can become a Royal Guard someday, Spike. Ponyville needs somedragon like you. We don’t have much security here," said Apple Bloom, hugging him. Scootaloo hugged him too. Sweetie Belle still had her mouth opened, but joined the group hug. But after the hug, she saw something more incredible. "Girls, why do I feel like my rump is on fire?!" Spike asked in panic, looking to his back. And a green little fire was burning on Spike’s flank. "Ouch, ouch, ouch!" Spike was feeling so much pain on his butt. But he saw the green fire was shining a lot, and it was on his whole body. "That is…" Sweetie Belle said. "It’s must be…" Scootaloo said. “It is!” Apple Bloom exclaimed. “SPIKE’S GETTIN’ HIS CUTIE MARK!” The shining stopped, and Spike saw an emblem on his flank. It was of an opened book with a burning green fire growing and a sword in the book. "Woah," the CMC said, looking to Spike. Spike didn’t believe it. He had a cutie mark, and an awesome cutie mark. He didn’t stop looking at it. Neither did the Cutie Mark Crusaders. After several of minutes looking, the CMC screamed, “YOU DID IT, SPIKE!” "No, we did it! We have to have a party!" Spike said, proud of themselves. "But first, we need to rest and do this tomorrow.” "TO THE PALACE!” the CMC screamed. "Wait, the palace? Why?!" Spike asked. "We want to wake up and get a head start on the party!” replied Apple Bloom. “Now let’s go!” The CMC started pushing him. "Well, I can’t fight this. Let’s go." After getting to the palace, Spike prepared a few beds for his friends. And before he went to sleep, he wrote one message. Dear Princess Celestia, Today has been the best day of my life! I thought it would be impossible for me to get a cutie mark. But my friends showed me I was wrong. I will tell you tomorrow. I GOT A CUTIE MARK, PRINCESS! PLEASE CALL EVERYPONY! Yours with a Cutie Mark, Spike After sending the message to Princess Celestia and climbing into bed, he soon fell asleep. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple Bloom was dreaming about all that happened in that day. She was dreaming she was playing with Bungee Jump, when she saw Princess Luna flying there. "Princess Luna, what are you doing here?" asked Apple Bloom as she fell. "Hello, Apple Bloom. I am here to talk to you about what happened with Spike today." Luna was worried but she was showing a smile. Apple Bloom giggled and stopped falling in her dream. "Okay, but we need to enter Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Discord, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Starlight, Shining Armor and even Princess Celestia’s dreams first," Apple Bloom said with a big smile on her face. "What? Why?" Princess Luna was curious about what Apple Bloom wanted. "Because before he slept, he made me promise to him, I’ll bring everypony to him. Let's go, Princess!" Apple Bloom said anxiously. Princess Luna didn’t say anything, but smiled and went to gather everypony. After some dreams later, everypony was in the hallway, whispering about why they were there. The Cutie Mark Crusaders asked for silence. "Alright, everypony is here. Princess Luna, open the door to Spike’s dream, please," Scootaloo said, looking to Luna. After Luna opened the door, they saw a large room with many chairs and Spike sitting in front of a screen. Spike looked up with a good smile. "Hey, everyone! I was waiting for you all! Come on! Come inside!" Spike said, clapping his claws. Everyone walked in and sat in their chairs. As soon as they sat down, they each were holding a bucket of popcorn. Looking to the screen, a giant picture of Spike’s cutie mark appeared, shocking the entire room. The words, “One of the Best Days of My Life” appeared on the screen. And after the cutie mark, the screen showed Spike’s nightmare from the night before, the morning he wakes up, and when he was bored before the door knocked and he saw the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Everything in the movie was showing them what happened. The bungee jumping, the skydiving, him making new friends, and his fight with the Timberwolf. Everypony cried, laughed, and were excited about his adventure in one day. They looked to his cutie mark. "Here is my cutie mark." Spike showed his cutie mark to the room, proud of himself. Everypony got up to congratulate him. Spike didn’t look back and Princess Celestia pulled him into a powerful hug. "My baby dragon has his own cutie mark! I’m proud of you, Spike." Celestia said with a big smile and letting some tears out of her eyes. "Thanks, Princess Celestia, but this hug is squeezing me into two. Please take it easy." After his comment Celestia let him go and look in his cutie mark. "You have a pretty cutie mark, Spike. Do you know what your cutie mark is?" Celestia asked with a smile. "I don't know,” Spike admitted. He narrowed his eyes at the cutie mark. “Hey, waitaminute. How did I get this cutie mark? What did I do to get it?” “I think it looks like a cutie mark for a Royal Guard!” pipped up Scootaloo. She gasped. “Could Spike be a member of the Royal Guard?!” "I don't think so," said Luna, hugging Spike and congratulating him. "The cutie marks of the Royal Guards have shields.” "Because it isn’t a Royal Guard cutie mark." Shining Armor appeared, looking to the princesses and Spike. "Hi, little bro, congrats on fighting off that Timberwolf.” "Thanks big bro, but do you know what my cutie mark is?" Spike asked him. "Of course I know. Remember the times when we were young and Twilight’s dad told us some stories? Remember the story of the two brothers?" asked Shining Armor with a smile. "How could I forget, we always…oh…" Spike understood what was going on. "So I’m…” "That’s right, Spike! Congratulations to being the first Knight of Equestria!" Shining armor said loudly, everypony turning to Spike. "Knight?!" Celestia and Luna exchanged glances. "Yes,” Shining Armor said. “A long time ago there were two kinds of warriors: The Knights and the Royal Guards. The Royal Guards have a shield as a part of their cutie mark, and they serve and protect royalty. But the Knights have a sword as a part of their cutie mark, and they serve to protect and honor citizens, friends, and their loved ones. The Knights seized to exist years ago, and becoming one is no easy task. You need seven characteristics to be worthy of becoming a Knight," Shining said, looking to everypony. "What are they?” everypony, including Discord, asked. "Courtesy, kindness, honor, honesty, courage, loyalty, and justice" answered Shining Armor. "And after what we watched here, Spike has proven he carries all seven of these characteristics in his heart. You are Knight Spike. And one thing about the Knights, there is only one sentence to describe the relationship between them and the Royal Guards.” “And what is it?” Spike asked, looking to Shining Armor “‘They may be of different factions, but they are of the same family,’” Shining Armor said with a proud smile. "SPIKE DESERVES A PARTY!" Pinkie Pie screamed with excitement. "We’ll have the party tomorrow. We’ll even invite Spike’s new friends!" Celestia hugged Spike again. "I am a knight. I can’t believe it!" Spike said with disbelief in his voice. "We can!” said Twilight, beaming. “You’ve always had it in you, Spike. You just didn’t look hard enough.” “So, Spike, what kind of Knight are you going to be?” asking Shining Armor. "I don’t know,” admitted Spike. “You said I will live to protect and help my friends. Maybe being the Knight of Friendship is enough for me," Spike said, looking to Twilight, the Princess of friendship. "You make me proud of you, little bro. Because of your new Knight status, I’m going to have to train you with a sword, teach you the basics of being a Knight, and teach you the Knight Code. I’ll have to visit often, but it’ll be worth it, wait till you see,” Shining Armor said. "Really? Thanks, Shining!" Spike said, hugging Shining Armor. After some planning, the party was to be set for tomorrow. Discord gave Spike a hug and a sword, but it would only be with him in his dreams. The Mane Six all squished him into a big group hug, congratulating Spike’s achievement. Starlight managed to hug him when he got out of the group hug. "Congratulations, Spike! This must be really exciting for you!" she said, looking at him with pride. "Thanks,” Spike said. “It really is! I never knew something like this could ever happen to me. Hey, when are you coming back home?” "Tomorrow morning. Now that you have your cutie mark? I’m eager to get back home as soon as possible!” Starlight said. After this, she disappeared, along with Discord and Shining Armor. "Where did they go?" Spike asked Princess Luna. "They went back to their dreams. They need some time to rest after knowing what’s happened, Spike. Even you," Luna said with a smile and pointed to the Mane Six. "I’m so sorry we made you so sad! We didn’t know you missed us that much!" Fluttershy apologized with a melancholy expression. "Don't worry, Fluttershy! I’m a Knight now, and I’ve got a cutie mark!” Spike said, cheering her up. "Put awesome in there!” said Rainbow Dash. “You’re some kind of legend, Spike. You will use some sword in the future, save a lot of ponies, and be awesome!" Rainbow Dash was excited about the idea of Spike being a knight. "Yeah, but it’ll be pretty hard. I need to learn and understand a lot of things about being a Knight," Spike pointed out. "But don’t you worry ‘bout it, Sugarcube!” said Applejack. “Ya got us by your side. And if we need you, you’re always there to help! Now’s our time to help you!” "Thanks, everypony." Spike looked to them and hugged them again. After this, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Applejack disappeared, leaving three more Elements of Harmony. "Spike! YOU DID IT!" Pinkie Pie bear-hugged him. Spike did his best to breathe. "I’ll organize the party, of course! Even though I’m going to be there late. But I’ll have Princess Celestia help and you’re going to have the greatest party EVER!” "Thanks, Pinkie! I know it’ll be amazing!" Spike said, escaping the hug. When he looked up, Pinkie was gone He turned and saw Rarity, beaming. "My knight!" Rarity said, smothering Spike into a hug.”Oh, Spike, I’m so proud of you!” "My lady!" Spike said and raised her hoof to kiss it. There was a pause of silence, and they burst out laughing. After a few seconds of chuckling, Rarity gasped. "Darling, you’re going to need armor! But not to worry, I’ll have the best armor made for you! It’ll be quite stylish and of course, it’ll have gemstones---It’s going to be absolutely fabulous!" she said, looking to him, as if imagining him with armor. "You will protect everypony and keep yourself fabulous at the same time!" "I can’t be surprised that you want to make me armor," Spike said, looking to her. "Tomorrow, I’ll start designing your armor! I’ll see you tomorrow, Spikey!" Rarity said, giving him a kiss on his check. Spike blushed and fell back onto the floor. Rarity giggled and disappeared, leaving Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and Twilight the only others left. Twilight’s head was dropping. Spike walked over to her. “Twilight?” he asked. “Are you okay?” "I’m sorry, Spike. I didn’t even think about how you felt when the girls and I go on missions. I didn’t think you’d be lonely. How long are we gone?” Twilight asked him. "Not too long, Twilight. But you don’t have to worry anymore! Once I start training and learning about being a Knight, I can go on missions with you! Like I said, I’m going to be the Knight of Friendship so I can watch over and protect my friends!" Spike said to Twilight, proud of himself. Twilight managed to smiled. "Yeah, you’re right, Spike. When we get back home, I’m going to find all the training books and books about knightship that I can find!." Twilight said, proud of him. "We don't have a Royal Guard, but we have you. I couldn’t be more prouder than you." "I love you, Twi." Spike hugged her and watched as she disappeared. After this, Spike looked to the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who were talking to Princess Luna and Princess Celestia. "What are you talking about?" Spike asked with curiosity in his voice. "The princess are thanking us for helping you find your cutie mark," Apple Bloom replied with a smile on her face. "It was a pretty hard mission, but we pulled through in the end!” Sweetie Belle said, looking to Spike with a hopeful smile. "Yeah, we didn’t give up! We did everything to help you find your cutie mark, and now you’re a Knight! Give us a call whenever you need somepony to train you!" Scootaloo said, smiling at him. "Yeah, I will do that. Thanks for making this the most awesome day of my life! I’ve actually got a purpose in life now!" Spike said to them with a sincere smile on his face. "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!" the Cutie Mark Crusaders screamed, soon disappearing. Spike turned to the princesses. "Alright, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Thanks for getting everypony here! I’m really glad you two came and saw what happened." “Spike, when you wrote to me, I wanted to raise the sun again to see you. But I remembered you were tired and needed to sleep. But thankfully, my sister saw fit to reach out to me in my dream,” Princess Celestia said. She smiled. “Especially since I wouldn’t have been able to wait all night.” Princess Luna smiled. “It does pay off to control dreams,” she said. “Now, now, Luna, don’t get too big-headed,” Celestia said. Luna smirked. “Only if Spike doesn’t,” she said. “Well, I must be off,” Princess Celestia said, giving one final hug to Spike. “I’ll see you both in the morning.” She smiled at Spike. “Congratulations, Spike. I’m very proud of you.” And then Celestia disappeared back to her dream. Luna smiled at Spike. “You deserve a special dream tonight, after today’s activities,” she said. “Tell you what. I’ll help you with a dream for tonight, anything. What dream do you have in mind for tonight?” Spike whispered something in her ear. "Oh, you really are excited about this, aren’t you? Okay, here we go," Luna said, her horn glowing. And suddenly, Spike was wearing armor and holding a sword. He sat in a chair in Twilight’s room. Twilight was sleeping soundly. “Sweet dreams, Spike,” Luna said, smiling once more. Then she disappeared. Spike fought to stay awake. He waited for danger, locking the door. Waited…waited… "Finally, I will be living my dream," Spike said as he put on his helmet. "Long live Knight Spike," he said to himself before falling asleep.